2024 NFL Draft: Full First-Round Mock Draft

After months of speculation, rumours and debates, the 2024 NFL Draft is finally upon us. With Roger Goodell set to take the stage at 1am BST tonight, Decyfr presents our full first-round mock draft.

1 – Chicago Bears – *Via Carolina Panthers* – Caleb Williams – QB – USC

This one is simple. The Chicago Bears land arguably the best quarterback prospect in recent memory, as Williams joins a revamped offense in Chicago to give Bears fans an unfamiliar air of optimism – courtesy of this generational talent.

2 – Washington Commanders – Jayden Daniels – QB – LSU

In almost any other draft class, Daniels would be a shoo-in as the No. 1 overall pick. An elite playmaker with unparalleled leadership, the Washington Commanders land the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner as their new QB1.

3 – Minnesota Vikings – *Via New England Patriots* – Drake Maye – QB – North Carolina

When the Minnesota Vikings followed their decision to move on from Kirk Cousins with a trade for another first-round pick in this year’s draft, a move into the top 10 seemed nailed-on. With enormous potential, Maye joins a stacked roster in addition to being presented the opportunity to develop behind Sam Darnold, before inevitably taking over as Minnesota’s signal-caller.

4 – Arizona Cardinals – Marvin Harrison Jr. – WR – Ohio State

Despite numerous trade offers, the Arizona Cardinals decide to stand their ground at No. 4 – selecting the best wide receiver prospect since Ja’Marr Chase to be their new offensive superstar.

5 – Los Angeles Chargers – Malik Nabers – WR – LSU

At the start of the 2024 offseason, the Los Angeles Chargers were considerably over the cap. As a result, the Chargers were forced to part with star wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams – leaving a gaping hole at receiver. Malik Nabers immediately steps in as the best WR on the roster and a dangerous weapon for Justin Herbert.

6 – New York Giants – J.J. McCarthy – QB – Michigan

Despite signing quarterback Daniel Jones to a four-year deal worth up to $160 million, the contract has an exit clause that can be activated following the 2024 season. Selecting McCarthy gives New York a rising star, and with Jones still around, the Giants needn’t rush the 2023 National Championship-winning quarterback into the starting lineup in year one.

7 – Tennessee Titans – Joe Alt – OT – Notre Dame

Under-the-radar, the Tennessee Titans have had a particularly strong offseason – signing Calvin Ridley and Tony Pollard to aid sophomore quarterback Will Levis. As the best tackle in the class and a day-one starter, Alt fortifies Levis’ blind side – allowing new head coach Brian Callahan to effectively implement his new offense in Tennessee. 

8 – Atlanta Falcons – Dallas Turner – EDGE – Alabama

The Atlanta Falcons have longed for an elite pass rusher for several years. In fact, the Falcons have failed to boast a single player with 10+ sacks in a season since Vic Beasley in 2016. In Dallas Turner, Atlanta secures the best edge rusher in the draft – posing a true threat to all opposing QBs.

9 – New Orleans Saints – *Via Chicago Bears* – Rome Odunze – WR – Washington

The New Orleans Saints make an unexpected trade into the top 10 to lock down their long-term replacement for Michael Thomas. Paired with Chris Olave, Odunze gives Derek Carr a fighting chance in 2024.

10 – New York Jets – Brock Bowers – TE – Georgia

It’s no secret that the New York Jets are all-in this season. If healthy, this Jets roster has the makings of true contenders in the AFC – particularly with the addition of Brock Bowers – arguably the most pro-ready player in the draft. 

11 – New England Patriots – *Via Minnesota Vikings*  – Taliese Fuaga – OT – Oregon State

After trading with the Vikings, the New England Patriots steal one of this year’s best lineman. With an ability to dominate at both tackle and guard, Fuaga has the necessary versatility to fix an underwhelming offense at the Patriots.

12 – Philadelphia Eagles – *Via Denver Broncos* – Terrion Arnold – CB – Alabama

Having acquired Zach Wilson from the New York Jets, the Denver Broncos opt to trade back and acquire one, if not both, of the Philadelphia Eagles’ second-round picks in 2024. Meanwhile, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman – known for drafting a year ahead of need – gets his pick of the litter at cornerback, recognising the limited longevity of aging starters Darius Slay and James Bradberry. As a first-team All-American and All-SEC, Arnold could evolve into one of the NFL’s best corners.

13 – Las Vegas Raiders – Olumuyiwa Fashanu – OT – Penn State

Whether it be Aidan O’Connell, Gardner Minshew or a rookie under center in 2024, the Las Vegas Raiders need to ensure their QB1 stays upright if they’re to capitalise on the talents of Davante Adams out wide. Deemed a top-10 pick by many experts, Fashanu is one of the best tackles in the draft and an absolute steal at 13.

14 – Chicago Bears – *Via New Orleans Saints* – Jared Verse – EDGE – Florida State

Bears fans rejoice as Chicago snap-up Jared Verse at 14. With 18 sacks and 29 tackles for loss over his two years with the Seminoles, Verse was seen as a potential top-10 pick and a perfect fit in Chicago. Alongside Montez Sweat, Verse fills a key hole on the defensive side of the ball for the Bears as they look to exceed expectations in 2024.

15 – Indianapolis Colts – Quinyon Mitchell – CB – Toledo

The Indianapolis Colts emphasised keeping talent in the building this offseason – re-signing 10 players, including slot cornerback Kenny Moore II. With Mitchell, Moore gets a trustworthy playmaker alongside him in the secondary.

16 – Seattle Seahawks – Troy Fautanu – OT – Washington

Viewed as one of the strongest offensive lineman in the draft, many would consider Fautanu a bargain at 16. The 2023 Morris Trophy-winning tackle joins Charles Cross to protect an aging Geno Smith and a still-developing Sam Howell at quarterback. 

17 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Nate Wiggins – CB – Clemson

Motivated by their collapse in the latter half of 2023, the Jacksonville Jaguars take a young cornerback with an incredibly high upside to lead their defense into next season. With a sub-4.3″ 40, the All-ACC corner immediately addresses a pressing need in Jacksonville.

18 – Cincinnati Bengals – Byron Murphy II – DT – Texas

The Cincinnati Bengals finally end their search for a long-term answer at defensive tackle. With three-time Pro Bowler Trey Hendrickson having requested a trade, Murphy becomes a necessary insurance policy on the defensive line with the potential to quickly develop into a game-changing DT, thanks to his rare combination of strength, balance and power.

19 – Los Angeles Rams – Laiatu Latu – EDGE – UCLA

Aaron Donald’s shoes are impossible to fill. However, at No. 19, Latu is undoubtedly the best pass-rusher left on the board and has all the tools to torment opposing quarterbacks from Week 1. Assuming the neck injury that Latu sustained in college doesn’t come back to haunt him, his lofty comparisons to former Defensive Player of the Year, T.J. Watt, could prove accurate.

20 – Pittsburgh Steelers – Amarius Mims – OT – Georgia

Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan worked wonders this offseason – as they transformed the Pittsburgh Steelers’ QB room – bringing in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. While both quarterbacks are by no means short on talent, they have struggled under pressure in recent years. As a result, an elite tackle to pair with Broderick Jones gives the Steelers the best chance to succeed in 2024 and beyond.

21 – Miami Dolphins – JC Latham – OT – Alabama

This is a steal for the Miami Dolphins at 21, as they come away with a former five-star recruit to solidify a depleted offensive line. Latham arrives in Miami as a day-one starter, with all the makings of becoming the franchise’s star left tackle for the next decade.

22 – Denver Broncos – *Via Philadelphia Eagles* – Michael Penix Jr. – QB – Washington

Having acquired at least one pick in the second round of this year’s draft from the Eagles, Sean Payton brings in yet another quarterback to compete for the starting spot – as Michael Penix Jr. is taken at 22. With an impeccable deep-ball and elite mobility, Penix Jr. was considered a top-five pick prior to getting injured. Under Payton’s tutelage, the 2023 Maxwell Award winner could be on his way to becoming a Broncos legend.

23 – New England Patriots – *Via Minnesota Vikings* – Bo Nix – QB – Oregon

The New England Patriots come away from day one of the draft with both their left tackle and quarterback of the future – adding Bo Nix at 23 after having selected Taliese Fuaga at 11. The former five-star recruit developed tremendously throughout his college career – being named the PAC-12 Offensive Player of the Year in his final season. With Jacoby Brissett currently QB1 in New England, Nix would be able to learn the ropes under Brissett’s guidance before stepping up in year two.

24 – Dallas Cowboys – Tyler Guyton – OT – Oklahoma 

After 13 seasons, the Dallas Cowboys lost eight-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Tyron Smith to free agency this offseason. With Dak Prescott going into a contract year, the Cowboys have a lot riding on their ability to protect the QB. Selecting Guyton gives them a big-bodied lineman, with experience dominating at either tackle spot.

25 – Green Bay Packers – Cooper DeJean – CB – Iowa

Capable of playing both corner and safety, Cooper DeJean’s elite athleticism makes him the ideal prospect to address a massive need for the Green Bay Packers. Alongside Xavier McKinney and Jaire Alexander, DeJean has all the tools to significantly bolster Green Bay’s secondary. Plus, as reigning Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year, DeJean could take over punt return duties as well.

26 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Kool-Aid McKinstry – CB – Alabama

With Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum currently the projected starters in Tampa Bay, McKinstry steps in as the most talented cornerback on the roster. A steal at No. 26, the 2023 first-team All-American gives the Buccaneers an elite CB1.

27 – Arizona Cardinals – *Via Houston Texans*  – Chop Robinson – EDGE – Penn State

The Arizona Cardinals have been in desperate need of an improved pass rush since J.J. Watt retired. Owing to his elite athleticism, Chop Robinson has seen comparisons to defensive superstars Micah Parsons and Myles Garrett – making this selection the perfect end to a solid first round for Arizona.

28 – Buffalo Bills – Brian Thomas Jr. – WR – LSU

Having lost both Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, the Buffalo Bills sorely lack fire power in the receiver room. Thomas Jr. comes to Buffalo as WR1 from the get-go. With a frightening blend of size, length and speed, Thomas Jr.’s arrival means Josh Allen has a new best friend for the upcoming season.

29 – Detroit Lions – Adonai Mitchell – WR – Texas

After coming so close to the Super Bowl in 2023, the Detroit Lions add a dynamic wide receiver to pair with first-team All-Pro Amon-Ra St. Brown and speedster Jameson Williams. At 6’2”, 205 lbs – Mitchell’s physical prowess and contested-catch ability could be the final offensive piece to the Lions’ puzzle.

30 – Baltimore Ravens – Graham Barton – OL – Duke

Despite being listed as a center, Barton played at an incredibly high level at left tackle during his college career – providing him with an unmatched level of versatility. Without starters John Simpson and Morgan Moses, the Baltimore Ravens are in need of an offensive lineman capable of quickly getting to the second level, to support their league-leading run game. Despite weighing in at 313 lbs, Barton’s speed makes him the perfect man for the job.

31 – San Francisco 49ers – Keon Coleman – WR – Florida State

Despite boasting one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, the saga that has been Brandon Aiyuk’s contract negotiations means the 49ers are in great need of a safety net at wide receiver. Coleman provides top-tier depth with the ability to develop into a solid WR2, thanks in part to his outstanding speed, showcased in the Gauntlet drill during the combine.

32 – Kansas City Chiefs – Xavier Worthy – WR – Texas

They might have won a second-straight Super Bowl but the wide receiver room was undoubtedly the weak link for the Kansas City Chiefs last season – leading the league in dropped catches with 44. Xavier Worthy brings consistent ball-tracking, smooth route-running and record-breaking speed to the reigning Super Bowl champions  – as they eye the NFL’s first-ever three-peat in 2024.

With anticipation reaching fever pitch ahead of tonight’s showpiece spectacle, the Chicago Bears are now on the clock.