NFL Draft 2024: Mock Draft 1.0, picks 1-16

The NFL season is concluding rapidly, with the final four teams ready to battle it out for the chance to reach the Super Bowl in Las Vegas. For many, it’s a chance to look ahead to the 2024 NFL draft to see what their side may do.

The Bears are in the ultimate ‘stick-or-twist’ position, with Justin Fields starting to show why he was a first-round talent, or the chance to take a potentially generational talent in Caleb Williams. We’ve gone with Williams as we aren’t going to predict trades in this mock, which we think is probably the most likely outcome. As Bucky Brooks from NFL.com says, the Bears can "usher in a new era with a young -- and cheap -- franchise quarterback. "

Maye has shot to the number one ranked QB for some draft experts, making this a dream scenario for the Commanders and whoever their new head coach is. Maye is a stud.

Given how desperately the Pats need a QB, taking Daniels at three is a no-brainer. By draft night, we could see there being a real debate between Daniels and Maye for ‘QB2’.

As it stands, the top-four selections all essentially make themselves, with the QBs gone and the Cardinals staying put with Kyler Murray, grabbing one of the best wide receiver prospects in recent years just makes sense.

The Chargers’ wideouts are getting up there in age and cost. It may not be the best strategy to go WR in the first round twice in a row, but given Odunze’s talent, this pick makes sense. Bucky Brooks of NFL.com has the Chargers take Brock Bowers here, but for us, we think the Chargers need to get some speed on the outside first.

The Giants took Evan Neal in the top 10 just two years ago so perhaps wide receiver makes more sense here but Alt is tailor-made to play tackle in the NFL and shores up what has been a leaky o-line.

Fashanu is on par with Alt as a prospect and would immediately become a huge part of the Titans’ rebuild. Will Levis deserves a shot as a starter, so give him the tools to make it work in the NFL.

There will be some debate about who the best pass rusher in the draft is, with Dallas Turner and Jared Verse both in the conversation. Regardless, the Falcons need an EDGE rusher, and Verse is the prototypical power rusher that seems so in vogue. Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports has the Falcons taking Michael Penix Jr. here, but that feels far too high for us.

The Bears are going to go all in on offense with their top picks, taking Nabers to pair with Williams. Nabers is as explosive as they come and would pair well with D.J. Moore.

Latham has the size and athletic ability to be a bookend tackle for years to come, something the Jets haven’t had in years. The priority needs to be protecting an aging Aaron Rodgers in the pocket, something Latham should be able to do immediately.

Danielle Hunter is a free agent come the spring, and there are no guarantees he will return. Even if he does adding a pass-rusher across the line from him is no bad thing.

The Broncos need a long-term solution at the quarterback position, and whilst we don’t know if McCarthy is that guy, it could make sense to take him with this pick and try to mold him in Sean Payton’s scheme.

Nix and McCarthy make up the second-tier of QB prospects, with Pro Football Focus ranking them 5th and 6th respectively, but both have a chance to be NFL starters if they end up in the right situation. Aiden O’Connell played well in 2023 but he isn’t the guy to lead the Raiders to glory, Nix offers them a potential upgrade.

The Saints’ defense was good for most of 2023 but they lacked pressure from their EDGE rushers. Latu is a sack specialist and would be an immediate upgrade.

This is part mock draft, part wish as we do want to see the Colts become the most explosive offense in the league under Shane Steichen. Adding a weapon like Bowers to complement Anthony Richardson and the Colts’ run game is too tempting to pass up here. CBS Sports has the Colts taking LSU's Brian Thomas Jr. here, which is a nice pick, in our mock, Bowers has fallen this far that the Colts would be stupid to pass on him.

The Seahawks traded for Leonard Williams in mid-season to add some much-needed bulk to their defensive interior, now they have a chance to double-down by taking the best DT prospect in the draft in Murphy.