GUEST CONTRIBUTOR: HUNTER SILVAN

Draft day has finally arrived! Allow me to remind everyone of my philosophy regarding mock drafts: they serve as a reflection tool for the future just as much as a prediction of what will transpire on draft night. This year there are so many questions heading into it. Where will the “big three” wide receivers land? Which teams will trade up for a signal caller? When will the first defensive player come off the board? 

After months of reports, rumors, and speculation, we will finally get our answers.  Through hours of analysis and around thirty tossed-out mock draft drafts, I give you the 2024 version of my annual NFL mock draft.

1. Chicago Bears (via CAR) – Caleb Williams, QB, Southern California

Many nimwits allow off-the-field semantics—such as painted nails and a pink phone—to cloud their judgment and evaluation of players on the field. News flash: that $%#@! doesn’t matter! Williams’s explosive playmaking and ability to extend plays are among the best of them. The Bears have built a great situation for him to come into and the future looks bright in Chicago. 

2. Washington Commanders – Jayden Daniels, QB, Louisiana State

This pick has remained a toss-up between Daniels and Drake Maye. Today, Daniels seems to be the consensus choice. The hiring of Kliff Kingsbury and the signing of Marcus Mariota also hint at that outcome. However, the Commanders have remained mum about their plans. Daniels’ arm talent plus playmaking on the ground is an unsolvable equation. Some question his weight but adding some pounds under NFL training shouldn’t be an issue. 

Mock Trade: Giants make surprising move for quarterback, Pats stay in the top 10

We have our first surprise, and trade, of this year’s draft. The popular belief is that New England will be taking whichever quarterback the board leaves them, but it makes more sense to move down. In this case, the Patriots can remain in contention for an elite prospect—potentially the quarterback upper management seems to desire—by trading down to No. 6 while picking up extra day two and three selections. 

3. New York Giants (via NE) – Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Consider this Brian Daboll trading up for his Josh Allen. Maye isn’t the most polished quarterback in the class, but his size and upside are undeniable. In Buffalo, Daboll molded Allen beyond everyone’s expectations as the offensive coordinator. This move allows him to do the same for his team, with his quarterback. It would cost them too much to cut Jones this offseason, so perhaps Maye can sit for a year—or until Jones gets benched—and take the reins in 2025. 

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

I’m not sure there’s a pick in this draft that makes more sense. The last time we saw Kyler Murray with an elite receiver, Arizona sat atop the NFC at 8-0 while he was the favorite to win Most Valuable Player. They cannot pass up an opportunity to draft a generational receiver. Anyone who says Maserati Marv is the best player in the draft would hear a pin drop in a room full of naysayers.

5. Los Angeles Chargers – J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama

After seeing mock drafts with trade-downs, wide receiver selections, and Joe Alt speculation, this is a surprise to many. But the pick itself isn’t egregious. Latham is an outstanding power run blocker with the ability to play outside and inside. The Alabama star is the prototypical Jim Harbaugh lineman and fits his system to a tee. 

6. New England Patriots (via NYG) – J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

Based on reports, the organization is torn on which direction to move. Quarterback is a necessity but the roster isn’t fit for a rookie to come in and have success, hence the trade-down. But with McCarthy falling into their lap and rumors that upper management wants the Michigan signal caller, it makes sense. I don’t believe McCarthy showed enough to warrant a top-10 pick, but desperate times call for desperate measures. 

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

Perhaps the Chargers nab Alt at No. 5 and the Titans are left with a different prospect, but I think offensive tackle will be the pick regardless. Building an offense around Will Levis is the focal point of this offseason for Tennesee and if the cards fall this way, they’ll get the most league-ready tackle in the class. Alt has All-Pro potential written all over him.

8. Atlanta Falcons – Malik Nabers, WR, Louisiana State

The Falcons finally picked up a coherent quarterback, but Cousins is aging and coming off a major injury. The new regime might want to take the draft’s first defender here, but adding Nabers due to the mystique of Cousins’ health and mobility is a great idea. Plus, Nabers at No. 8 is far too good to pass up. His talent is very similar to his LSU predecessor, Ja’Marr Chase.

Mock Trade: Bears find trade partner, Raiders move up for best passer in the draft

It’s been out for a while that the Bears are looking to trade out of this pick. With other quarterback-needy teams looming, the Raiders jump four spots to draft who I think is the second or third-best signal caller in the class. Las Vegas built a solid foundation, but you can’t win without a quarterback. 

9. Las Vegas Raiders (via CHI) – Michael Penix Jr, QB, Washington

The injury concerns are understandable, but I believe they’re overstated. He’s played over 2,000 snaps since his last ACL tear and shown he’s the best passer in the nation during that time. We’ve seen more physically abused players—such as Frank Gore, who tore his ACL twice in college—recover from the same injuries. There’s simply not a better thrower of the football in this draft than Penix. 

10. New York Jets – Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

Some say the responsible pick for the Jets would be drafting an offensive lineman. But their offseason acquisitions suggest they are all-in on competing for a Super Bowl next season. Odunze is the last of the “big three” wide receivers, not to be mistaken, he’s an equal to his counterparts. Mike Williams is most likely a one-year rental, so pairing Odunze with Garrett Wilson for the foreseeable future is a good move. 

11. Minnesota Vikings – Byron Murphy II, DL, Texas

For the first time in NFL history, the first defensive player selected is taken outside of the top 10. Aaron Donald and Chris Jones have turned the interior defensive line into a premiere position. Murphy’s pressure didn’t translate into sacks at Texas, but there’s no doubt he was a disrupter. The Vikings could take Bo Nix here, but instead, they pick who I believe is the best defensive player in the draft.

Mock Trade: Eagles fly up the board for elite CB, Broncos gain needed draft capital

Philadelphia doesn’t have a lot of holes on the roster, but defensive back is one of them. James Bradberry has been disappointing and Darius Slay doesn’t have very many years left. Howie Roseman is an aggressive general manager, and if the team doesn’t take advantage of this window it might close. Denver doesn’t have a lot of picks this year and with Minnesota leaving Nix on the board, they should feel more comfortable moving down to take him later. 

12. Philadelphia Eagles (via DEN) – Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

Terrion Arnold is the big-name cornerback in this class, and rightfully so, but Mitchell is the most athletic and well-rounded. Some are concerned with the talent of his opponents in the Mid-American Conference, however, Sauce Gardner disproved that theory. If the talent is there, it’s there, and Mitchell has tons of it. 

13. Chicago Bears (via LV) – Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama

Turner has been a consensus top-10 pick since the start of the draft process, but the abundance of offensive talent will cause great defenders to slide. Chicago traded for Montez Sweat this offseason and needs a pass rusher opposite of him to steer away double- and triple-teams. Turner is considered the cream of the crop this year with freakish speed and athleticism. 

14. New Orleans Saints – Olu Fashanu, OT, Pennsylvania State

Trevor Penning hasn’t panned out and Ryan Ramczyk’s future is in question due to complications with his knee injury. The Saints offense sputtered last season and if either of the two tackles regress, it could be disastrous. Fashanu needs some help with his footwork and focus on being more instinctive, but he’s a technician with loads of potential.  

15. Indianapolis Colts – Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

Bowers is a victim of positional value. His versatility is game-changing and his movement for a player that size is mind-numbing. The Colts re-signed Michael Pittman this offseason, so let’s give Anthony Richardson a security blanket underneath. Bowers is also a great blocker in the run game, which will aid both Richardson and star running back Jonathan Taylor. 

16. Seattle Seahawks – Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

Turner is the better prospect with more pure talent, but I’d bet on Verse developing into the better player. At Florida State, he showed flashes of Von Miller’s speed and technique with the motor and relentlessness of Maxx Crosby. Seattle needs to add to the pass rush and getting a top-10 player at No. 16 is a steal. 

17. Jacksonville Jaguars – Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

Jacksonville seems stuck in neutral since drafting Trevor Lawrence and has been passed up by Houston in just one season. If they want a chance to take back the division, they’re going to have to find ways to stop the receiving corp of Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, and Tank Dell—drafting Arnold is a start. 

18. Cincinnati Bengals – Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

It’s time for the Bengals to use some high-end draft capital on the offensive line. Plug-and-play signings are no longer working and for the second time in four years, Joe Burrow’s season has ended early. Fuaga can be a cornerstone tackle on either side and will allow the team to turn their focus elsewhere. 

19. Los Angeles Rams – Chop Robinson, EDGE, Pennsylvania State

This is a compliment, not a diss—Robinson is a lesser version of Micah Parsons. What that means is that Robinson is an equally athletic, less polished version of Parsons coming into the league. Aaron Donald retired and left a void along the defensive line. For a defense that depends on pressure, it needs to be addressed immediately. 

20. Pittsburgh Steelers – Brian Thomas Jr, WR, Louisiana State

Pittsburgh traded Diontae Johnson to the Panthers earlier this offseason which thinned out the receiver room. Pittsburgh is a strong draft night trade candidate for 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk, but there isn’t enough information to make that prediction. Thomas showed shades of A.J. Brown in his game and placing him opposite to George Pickens would be nightmarish. 

21. Miami Dolphins – Jer’Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois

Surfacing reports say the Dolphins are interested in Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy and despite his talent, that would be an ill-advised choice. If Miami stays at No. 21, the selection has to be along the offensive or defensive line. The team lost Christian Wilkins to the Raiders in free agency which creates a massive hole in the defense. Newton is a great talent up the middle to fill the void. 

22. Denver Broncos (via PHI) – Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

Unless someone unexpectedly trades ahead of the Broncos, Nix to Denver is inevitable. His pro comparison throughout the entire process has been Drew Brees, who I’d argue fit Sean Payton’s system pretty well. Nix is accurate and decisive with a cerebral football IQ. He doesn’t have the strongest arm but Brees didn’t either and it worked out. This is the quarterback Sean Payton is searching for to run his offense. 

23. Minnesota Vikings (via HOU) – Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

If the Vikings hold on to their picks and are unable to draft a quarterback, they have to build the defense. After getting Murphy to replace Danielle Hunter’s pass rush presence, Minnesota turns to the defensive backfield. The secondary has struggled for years, and Wiggins will provide some security. 

24. Dallas Cowboys – Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington

Jerry Jones claims that he’s all-in this offseason, but his version of all-in seems to be running it back with the same players and hoping for a different outcome. Maybe it will work, but it hasn’t for the last 25+ years (sorry Cowboys fans). The team needs help along the offensive line after losing both tackles. Fautanu can play multiple positions and offer the Cowboys some flexibility. 

25. Green Bay Packers – Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M

Linebacker isn’t a position we usually see in the first round, but the Packers need a field general to lead the defense. Cooper is an outstanding athlete with a knack for finding the ball and punishing ball carriers. He needs to balance his passion and intensity with more discipline and under NFL coaching and film study that can be easily developed. Cooper is one of my favorite players in the class and a great addition to Green Bay’s defense. 

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Laiatu Latu, EDGE, California-Los Angeles

Latu is an unbelievable player with an insane amount of production last season at UCLA although his injury history could be concerning. After the Penix prediction this may seem hypocritical, but teams are typically more concerned with neck injuries, especially ones that cause medical retirement such as Latu’s. However, I don’t believe it will be an issue for him as a professional and the Buccaneers might get the steal of the draft. 

27. Arizona Cardinals (via HOU) – Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

Similar to Minnesota, the Cardinals’ secondary has been bull junk since the departures of Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu. Buddha Baker is a Pro Bowl safety and it’s time that Arizona pairs him with a talented cornerback to recreate the Peterson and Mathieu duo. McKinstry was very highly touted at Alabama and if it weren’t for a foot injury, he might’ve been a top 15 choice. 

28. Buffalo Bills – Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

One thing comes to mind when seeing the name Xavier Worthy: speed. It shouldn’t be a deterrent, people must realize that there’s much more to his game than just that. Worthy is a great route runner whose speed opens up the field for his teammates. He needs to add weight to combat press coverage and add to his contested catch ability, but his speed with Josh Allen’s arm could wreak havoc. 

29. Detroit Lions – Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

This pick is based purely on recent draft history. The Lions are known for scouting the Midwest and finding high-motor players that fit their system. Detroit also needs help in the secondary and DeJean’s versatility could open up a lot for defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. The team plays zone more than the average NFL defense which is where DeJean thrives. 

30. Baltimore Ravens – Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri

Like many contending teams that hold the 30th pick, the Ravens don’t have a lot of holes to fill. They could elect to draft a receiver… again, that just doesn’t fit their draft philosophy. The outside pass rushers currently employed are over the hill in age, and Robinson was the focal point of an elite SEC defense at Missouri. 

31. San Francisco 49ers – Graham Barton, IOL, Duke

Barton could go much earlier in the first round, or fall into day two depending on if teams view his versatility as an advantage or a “jack of all trades, master of none” situation. If the 49ers trade Aiyuk on draft night, this pick will likely be a receiver, other than that the only hole to fill in along the offensive line. 

32. Kansas City Chiefs – Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

Patrick Mahomes lifted his team back to the top despite the offense’s shortcomings, but the Chiefs never want to go through a regular season like that again. Marquise Brown was a great signing and once Rashee Rice’s situation is handled he will return to being a focal point. However, the Chiefs still lack security in the receiver room. Mitchell is very well-rounded with great hands. His size complements the playstyles of Brown and Rice, finally giving Kansas City’s receiver room some depth and reliability.