Seven-round 2024 NFL mock draft: Six edge rushers, five trades, five QBs in wild Round 1 (2024)

Published: Apr 19, 2024 at 12:07 PM

Chad Reuter

Draft Analyst

Pick

1

Chicago Bears

(via CAR)

Caleb Williams

USC · QB · Junior

This pick has seemed like a lock since the moment Williams was granted special eligibility for the 2024 NFL Draft. He has a rare ability to make plays from inside and outside the pocket, and as his game matures, I expect him to become one of the top five quarterbacks in the league -- something this franchise hasn't had since the AFL-NFL merger.

Pick

2

Washington Commanders

Jayden Daniels

LSU · QB · Senior

Daniels' maturation as a quarterback this past year should land him in Washington. His performance with the Tigers in 2023 provided a tremendous boost to his draft stock, helping him to separate from the pack and project as a future starter. While his electric running style definitely turned heads last season, it was his improvement operating within the pocket -- especially over the second half of the season -- that really impressed. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury will love working with Daniels.

Pick

3

New England Patriots

Drake Maye

North Carolina · QB · Sophom*ore (RS)

The Patriots have taken a back seat to Josh Allen and the Bills in the AFC East since Tom Brady's departure in 2020. So you can't blame New England if it might want a physical, strong-armed passer like Maye, who can emulate the game of Buffalo's Pro Bowl passer. Like Allen coming out of Wyoming, one of the biggest knocks on Maye is his inconsistency. I think offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt would embrace an opportunity to help the young man maximize his talents.

Pick

5

Los Angeles Chargers

Marvin Harrison Jr.

Ohio State · WR · Junior

Harrison's ability to stretch defenses vertically will make the Chargers' run game (and the team's other receivers) more effective. He'll be a downfield factor who will thrive on play action, as well as a strong target in the middle of the field who can take the ball the distance.

Pick

7

Tennessee Titans

See Also

Dallas Cowboys Earn Spots on 2023 NFL Top 100 ListDaniel Jeremiah's top 150 prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft class2024 NFL Draft: Pro execs, scouts, coaches rank and evaluate the top 20 prospects in this QB class2023 NFL Draft: 5 best mid-round fits for the Dallas Cowboys | NFL Draft | PFF

Joe Alt

Notre Dame · OT · Junior

Tennessee tried filling Taylor Lewan's left tackle spot with multiple players last season, but no one was able to lock down the starting job for 2024. Alt's strength, size, technique and athleticism solidifies the position for at least the next five years (and hopefully more).

Pick

8

Atlanta Falcons

Quinyon Mitchell

Toledo · CB · Senior

Atlanta could select an edge rusher like Dallas Turner or Jared Verse here, but look out for a surprise pick in Mitchell, whose athletic profile and production may entice the Falcons. New head coach Raheem Morris, a former safety at Hofstra with years of NFL experience coaching secondaries, knows defensive backs. It would be easy to see him taking a liking to the lockdown performer.

Pick

10

New York Jets

JC Latham

Alabama · OT · Junior

Yes, the Jets signed veteran left tackle Tyron Smith and traded for right tackle Morgan Moses this offseason. But both are 33 years old, coming off injuries and only under contract through next season. Latham's ability to get movement in the run game, and widen his base against edge rushers in pass pro, could make him the top lineman from this class three years down the line.

Pick

11

Minnesota Vikings

Bo Nix

Oregon · QB · Senior

Nix's ability to find targets at all three levels, move in and outside the pocket, and direct an offense are quite reminiscent of former Vikings starter Kirk Cousins.

Pick

12

Denver Broncos

Dallas Turner

Alabama · Edge · Junior

Instead of taking a QB here, such as Michael Penix Jr., Denver opts to lock up a top defender. Turner's speed and length instantly upgrade a mediocre Broncos pass rush. I could see Denver using him as a designated pass rusher in Year 1, at least until he gets stronger and his body matures. But the sky's the limit for the former Alabama star.

Pick

13

Las Vegas Raiders

Malik Nabers

LSU · WR · Junior

Nabers' quickness in his routes, strong hands and speed make him a top-10 talent and he reminds me a lot of former LSU receiver Odell Beckham Jr. -- who was selected 12th overall by the Giants 10 years ago. I have the Raiders trading up for Michael Penix Jr. in Round 2 to compete with Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew for the starting QB job, but Vegas could sneak into the back end of the first to snag a QB whose rookie contract would include the team-friendly fifth-year option.

Pick

14

New Orleans Saints

Taliese Fuaga

Oregon State · OT · Senior

Ryan Ramcyzk's future is unclear given his serious knee issues, so bringing in Fuaga to handle bookend duties makes sense. If the veteran is able to go, Fuaga could move inside or get his shot at left tackle, like former Saints starter Andrus Peat.

Pick

17

Jacksonville Jaguars

Terrion Arnold

Alabama · CB · Sophom*ore (RS)

Arnold's a tough-minded corner who played multiple spots in the Alabama secondary. With Darious Williams no longer in Jacksonville, Arnold should win a job outside and move into the slot when matchups require.

Pick

18

Cincinnati Bengals

Brian Thomas Jr.

LSU · WR · Junior

Tee Higgins recently told reporters that he expects to play in Cincinnati this season after all, seemingly squashing the trade request he issued in March shortly after receiving the franchise tag. If he and the Bengals are unable to work out a long-term deal before July's deadline for tagged players, which could be tough to manage with Cincinnati also needing to pay Ja'Marr Chase, Higgins could be on a new team by this time next year. Adding yet another dynamic LSU playmaker to this offense could therefore pay dividends in the short- and long-term.

Pick

21

Miami Dolphins

Olumuyiwa Fashanu

Penn State · OT · Junior (RS)

If there's a run on quarterbacks and receivers with the first 20 selections, one of the top offensive tackles could still be available for Miami at No. 21. Fashanu is similar to Christian Darrisaw (No. 23 overall in 2021) and Andre Dillard (No. 22 in 2019) when they were entering the league in that he's a bit raw in his technique and did not dominate in his final collegiate season as expected. Fashanu has the upside, though, to become an excellent starter.

Pick

23

Minnesota Vikings

(via CLE through HOU)

Laiatu Latu

UCLA · Edge · Senior

Latu was an ultra-productive player for the Bruins the last two seasons and would add another piece to a revamped Vikings defensive front. His relentless nature and quickness in space make him an ideal NFL starter on the edge, but his injury history could keep him on the board until late in the first round.

Pick

24

Dallas Cowboys

Junior Colson

Michigan · LB · Junior

The Cowboys appreciate Colson's toughness (played through much of Michigan's season with a broken hand), physicality and three-down skill set. They make him the newest addition to their defense.

Pick

26

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Chop Robinson

Penn State · Edge · Junior

Robinson's speed and bend off the edge will help fill the void created by Shaq Barrett's departure. Although he recorded just 9.5 sacks over the past two seasons at Penn State, he has the skills to hit that total on an annual basis in the pros.

Pick

27

Arizona Cardinals

(via HOU)

Cooper DeJean

Iowa · DB · Junior

DeJean's rock-solid workout earlier this month, where he displayed very good athleticism for a player five months removed from a fractured leg, likely cemented him as a first-rounder. DeJean can line up outside and at nickel, and could even play safety if needed.

Pick

28

Buffalo Bills

Marshawn Kneeland

Western Michigan · Edge · Senior

The two most recent times two MAC players were selected in the first round: Ben Roethlisberger and Jason Babin in 2004; Khalil Mack and Jimmie Ward in 2014. And now 2024, as Kneeland joins Quinyon Mitchell as a Day 1 pick. In Kneeland, Buffalo adds a productive, athletic edge defender to chase the top AFC quarterbacks.

Pick

29

Detroit Lions

Darius Robinson

Missouri · Edge · Senior

The long-time Lions fan joins his hometown team to give Aidan Hutchinson some help on the edge. Robinson lined up in multiple places during his career at Missouri, showcasing a versatility you can expect defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to utilize, as well.

Pick

30

Baltimore Ravens

Tyler Guyton

Oklahoma · OT · Junior (RS)

Baltimore traded starting right tackle Morgan Moses to the Jets in March, so bringing in Guyton to compete with Daniel Faalele makes a ton of sense. Guyton also played a bit of left tackle at Oklahoma, so he could back up 2025 free agent Ronnie Stanley if the veteran loses time to injury again.