Final Mock!
Finally the 2024 NFL Draft has arrived and the Final Mock Edition for this year's draft class is here!
4-24-2024
See this mock featured on related NFL Draft Scout site..
As of Thursday, April 25, 8 p.m. ET, the NFL Draft will finally be underway.
After months of speculation it is time to go all-in on the final predictions on how the first round is going to play out. Before this deep dive, I must take a moment of personal reflection on the journey to writing this article. I spent many draft weekends in the living room with relatives watching the picks and seeing the faces of disappointment of Eli Manning selected by the Chargers, before being traded for Philip Rivers. I even witnessed the fall of Aaron Rodgers and told Uncle Ray, he is not being picked until Green Bay makes itsr selection. I also remember working as a line cook and having my kitchen manager, Scott, ask me who the next pick was going to be, and even he was in disbelief that the Lions used three first round picks on consecutive years to take on wide receivers during the Matt Millen era. Eventually I had these discussions with a fantasy football league mate Phil and he mentioned to me that there are mock draft competitions, I should enter one.
Through an “ask”, I found myself competing in the King of the Hill Mock Draft Challenge hosted by Robby Esch through thehuddlereport.com. This challenge awards 2 points for the correct team and player combo, or 1 point for having a player selected in the first round regardless of the team that selects them. In 2020, I scored a 38, 2021 (43), 2022 (40), and last season a (39). This brings my 4 years average to a 40.5 and ranks me in the top 25 of all mock draft invitees ever scored in the challenge. This year could impact that rating as I finally get my 5 year average compared to the best of the best in the mock draft world.
This is my story of being a small town kid, turned school counselor by day and mock drafter by night and it all started from a simple “ask”. This “ask” has led me to being able to write this article for Frank Cooney, and soon will lead me to viewing the draft live and in person in the city of Detroit an hour south of my home town of Brown City, MI as a member of the media!
As we embark on the opening ceremonies of the 2024 NFL Draft, Commissioner Roger Goodell will start announcing the names of prospects that will be “asked” to be the new face of the franchise. They too share their personal stories and their personal journeys to becoming one of the 257 players selected into the 2024 draft class.
Let's get the first 32 out of the way here in my final predictions for 2024.
There is plenty of reading and critiquing to be had so please share your thoughts by following me on X (formally known as Twitter) @jeremy_bissett
1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Click for Chicago Bears 7-round mock
As for Caleb Williams, he is considered by many the prize prospect of this draft, drawing comparisons to Patrick Mahomes, though he likely will find it difficult to live up to those lofty expectations at the beginning of his career. He also brings with him a bit of a “diva” reputation after football-related incidents in 2023 had some questioning his discipline and leadership. With the acquisitions of D'andre Swift and Keenan Allen to pair with DJ Moore, “Da Bears” are already providing him with more weapons than they armed Fields with in the three seasons he was there.
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Click for Washington Commanders 7-round mock.
This new development comes from a LSU head coach Brian Kelly interview where he ends it by saying, "He's gonna get the ball out to his playmakers and make plays...FOR WASHINGTON." Considering the success that new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has had with developing quarterbacks — Kyler Murray, Patrick Mahomes, Baker Mayfield, among others — Daniels will be welcomed to D.C. with open arms with this selection.
3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Click for New England Patriots 7-round mock
Drake Maye. Maye possesses the prototypical size and strength of an NFL quarterback. He may also get some time to develop behind a seasoned veteran in Jacoby Brissett. This route has paved the way for several successful NFL quarterbacks over the years and the most ideal fit for the organization and player.
4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Click for Arizona Cardinals 7-round mock
5. Los Angeles Chargers: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Click for Los Angeles Chargers 7-round mock.
Check out the 7-round mock to see just how many former Wolverines will join coach Harbaugh in L.A. after the draft weekend is over!
6. New York Giants: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Click for New York Giants 7-round mock
7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Click for Tennessee Titans 7-round mock
8. Atlanta Falcons: Laiatu Latu, DE, UCLA
Click for Atlanta Falcons 7-round mock.
Many draft experts are predicting that Dallas Turner is the selection here. However, with Raheem Morris spending time in Los Angeles as the defensive coordinator of the Rams. He’s had a chance to keep his eye on this young buck in his backyard.
Furthermore, the Falcon's new defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, has ties to Latu during his time as his head coach for the Washington Huskies. He was also the one to make the initial announced that Latu had to medically retire from football due to his neck injuries sustained while playing for him.
We have a heart warming story brewing in the ATL when this reunion comes full circle. Sorry not sorry Coach Penn, in this addition of Draft Day, we do indeed run after school specials here!
9. Arizona Cardinals (Projected trade w/ Chicago): Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama
Click for Arizona Cardinals 7 round mock.
In the world that often now seems defined and driven by social media memes, this is what a GM's reaction should be to a draft prospect's Combine workout. After taking their new No. 1 wide receiver with the No. 4 overall pick, the Cardinals would be more than willing to spend some of their draft capital to move up to get Turner.
10. Philadelphia Eagles (Projected trade with Jets): Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Click for Philadelphia Eagles 7-round mock.
Click for Minnesota Vikings 7-round mock.
Click for Denver Broncos 7-round mock.
I bet the Broncos see their first pick putting the "Verse" in "versatility—the ex-Florida State edge player can play with his hand in the dirt or standing up. He can begin to fix the edge position that has been voided by the ghosts of Von Miller and Bradley Chubb.
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Click for Las Vegas Raiders 7 round mock.
The Raiders have been making strides to continue strengthening the defense by signing DT Christian Wilkins. However, on the offensive side of the ball, QB Jimmy Garrapolo is gone, replaced by for Colt Gardner Minshew. They also saw RB Josh Jacobs land in Green Bay, and offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor sign with the New York Giants. These moves mean that, in this mock, there's a lot of room and reason for the Raiders to go defense with this pick. However, based on their need for a right tackle, Fuagu fits the bill.
Fuaga has established himself as one of the premier run-blockers in this draft class. With nearly 1,600 snaps in his collegiate career, he already possesses the veteran mentality needed to step in to be a Day-1 starter for the Raiders.
Click the link to their seven round mock draft to see who Fuaga will be protecting as a potential future star QB is selected late in the draft process.
14. New Orleans Saints: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Click for New Orleans Saints 7-round mock.
However, after watching Jared Verse go just before them to Denver. The Saints will need to address their offensive line woes that have been equivalently cursed by some Voodoo in recent years. Fashanu, can replace Penning at left tackle and have an immediate impact in stabilizing the offensive line for the Saints as a day one starter.
15. Indianapolis Colts: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Click for Indianapolis Colts 7-round mock.
16. Seattle Seahawks (Projected trade w/ Green Bay): Troy Fautanu, IOL, Washington
Click for Seattle Seahawks 7-round mock.
The selection of Fautanu will bring some scrappy, tenacious energy to the Seahawks' offensive line, especially if they move him inside to one of the guard positions. He is a great run blocker and shows nimble feet and powerful hand placement in pass protection. Because of his size and Pacific Northwest collegiate background, Fautanu might remind some of Detroit's Pro Bowl tackle Penei Sewell; Seattle would be overjoyed if he plays anywhere near Sewell's level.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Click for Jacksonville Jaguars 7-round mock.
The lanky and long Wiggins showcased his recovery speed at the Combine, and established himself as one of the more physically talented corners in this draft class. However, NFL evaluators might find fault with his lack of toughness in run support, a trait that likely puts his stock down below the other cornerbacks selected before him.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Click for Cincinnati Bengals 7-round mock.
Armaris Mims' physical stature alone can intimidate. However, the real morale buster for defenders who engage him is his athleticism, strength and lateral movement, especially in pass protection. This is exactly what the Bengals need to preserve Burrows and ensure a well-balanced offensive attack.
19. Buffalo Bills (Projected trade w/ Los Angeles Rams): Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Click for Buffalo Bills 7-round mock.
Arguably the “Bills Mafia” may have just gotten the heist of the first round by having Thomas Jr. fall to them here with this selection. If Josh Allen influenced the selection of Dalton Kincaid last season, he will definitely be sending another text of approval to GM Brandon Beane to pull this move off.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon
Click for Pittsburgh Steelers 7-round mock.
21. Miami Dolphins: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
Click for Miami Dolphins 7-round mock.
Newton established himself with a great career playing for the Fighting Illini. He was a two-time All-American selection and is coming off a 2023 season where he earned Big Ten defensive Player of the Year. He has the skillset to be a disruptive force both in stopping the run and rushing the quarterback.
22. New York Jets (Projected trade w/ Philadelphia Eagles): Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Click for New York Jets 7-round mock.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Chop Robinson, DE, Penn State
Click for Minnesota Vikings 7-round mock
24. Dallas Cowboys: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Click for Dallas Cowboys 7-round mock.
25. Green Bay Packers: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
Click for Green Bay Packer 7-round mock.
Dejean’s recent draft workouts indicate he still possesses the versatility and dynamic athleticism that made him a potential first-round draftee prior to sustaining an injury that ended his collegiate career at Iowa. He is strongly considered to be the best run defender from the cornerback position in this draft and also brings speed and big play capabilities to special teams as well.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Graham Barton, IOL, Duke
Click for Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7-round mock.
27. Chicago Bears: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Click for Chicago Bears 7-round mock
After transferring from TCU, Guyton emerged in 2022–23 as a stellar pass blocker. In those two seasons, playing right tackle, he logged almost a thousand snaps but allowed just one sack and 11 quarterback hurries
28. Los Angeles Rams (Projected trade w/ Buffalo): Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Click for Los Angeles Rams 7-round mock.
Based on his stats in college — six sacks and a remarkable 34 QB pressures — Murphy could very well be a commendable replacement for Donald and bolster the Rams' pass defense.
29. Detroit Lions: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Click for Detroit Lions 7-round mock.
Lions fans have been teased by both Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell in recent weeks that a trade of this pick may be imminent if a player they like is not available with this selection. However, I have to believe Kool-Aid is one of these players they will be targeting with this selection.
If they do indeed go the trade route. Holmes is able to work his magic to get a second-round pick this year from the Las Vegas Raiders (No. 44) and maybe swing for the fence and get their 2025 first-round selection as well, so they can make the selection of Michael Penix. You can bet your ass the Lions faithful in the draft crowd will cheer their Lionhearts out throughout the night and into day two gleefully!
Make sure to click the link to view the diamond in the rough Brad Holmes finds in the sixth round.
30. Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Morgan, OG, Arizona
Click for Baltimore Ravens 7-round mock.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Darius Robinson, DE/DT, Missouri
Click for San Francisco 49ers 7-round mock.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
Click for Kansas City Chiefs 7-round mock.
However, off-field troubles now facing second-year receiver Rashee Rice could shift the focus of this selection. With the Buffalo Bills making the move to take Brian Thomas Jr., it allows Adonai Mitchell to fall to the Chiefs in this scenario. If there is one thing about Mitchell, he wants the damn ball in his hands often! That's exactly what Patrick Mahomes will want to have in a wide receiver as most of his passes last season went through the hands of his receivers more times than he is used to his career.