2024 NFL Mock Draft Round 1 - Final Predictions from All 32 Teams

There's a buzz around New England snagging a QB with their pick, but let's not pencil that in just yet. The Patriots' war room is turning every quarterback prospect this side of the Mississippi over for a closer look, and draft night might still bring some curveballs. What if their top QB choice isn't on the board when they're on the clock? Could we see a trade-down? While I’m not saying a trade is a foregone conclusion, it’s definitely in the cards. Whoever does make the call from this spot, bet your bottom dollar it’s likely for a quarterback and Minnesota's been itching to come up. With nothing imminent on the horizon trade-wise, Maye goes to the Pats for the sake of this exercise.

Too many are sweating the small stuff with Drake Maye. Here’s the scoop: the prototypical pocket QB is going the way of the dodo. Today’s NFL belongs to the ones who can improvise, keep plays alive, and sling it on the run. pic.twitter.com/tOq5R5vaww

— Kyle Lindemann (@LuckIsMadeFF) April 22, 2024

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

The Cardinals are sitting pretty at the number four spot. Sure, there's chatter about GM Monti Ossenfort possibly trading down, but with a talent like Harrison Jr. on the board and a whopping eleven picks in their pocket, why roll the dice? Arizona’s got seven picks in the top 104 alone—they're like the high rollers of this draft game. Betting against them passing up a legacy talent like Harrison Jr., whose dad’s a Hall of Famer? It looks like the Cards might just play their hand exactly where they are.

5. Los Angeles Chargers - JC Latham - OT, Alabama

There's been quite the buzz about top-drafting teams trading back this year, but with the talent roster looking as dazzling as a Hollywood premiere, it's not the year to move down. Those teams in the top 10 are gripping their picks tight unless someone swoops in with a blockbuster offer they just can't turn down. Over in Chargers' camp, there’s fresh leadership at the helm, yet they brought back quarterbacks coach Shane Day, clearly on star QB Justin Herbert's say-so. But at the end of the day, the Chargers offense goes through Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman, and I'm willing to bet they're content on doing it their way.

6. New York Giants - Malik Nabers - WR, LSU

The Giants find themselves in a tight spot, no doubt about it. After opening up the wallet for Daniel Jones last year, their 2023 season turned out to be a bust. With Darren Waller eyeing the twilight of his career and Saquon Barkley now suiting up for the Eagles, the offensive cupboard’s looking a bit bare. Their current wide receiver corps—Wan'Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, Isaiah Hodgins, and Darius Slayton—are hardly the sort that keeps defensive coordinators up at night. Snagging a top-drawer WR1 like Odunze could be just the jolt the Giants' offense needs, offering Daniel Jones a shot at recapturing that fleeting 2022 sparkle.

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

The Titans are at a critical junction with QB Will Levis, navigating through a roster that’s had more holes than Swiss cheese, courtesy of an O-line that’s as shaky as a fiddler on a rickety roof. But here comes Joe Alt, son of the legend who once guarded Joe Montana's back. This young titan of a tackle is built more like a Greek god than a lineman, standing a towering 6-foot-8 and tipping the scales at 321 pounds. Remember the glory days when the Titans were trench royalty? If they're serious about giving Levis a fighting chance, it's high time they fortify those front lines. Joe Alt could just be the cornerstone they need to start building a formidable fortress upfront alongside offensive guard Peter Skoronski.

8. Atlanta Falcons - Dallas Turner - OLB/Edge - Alabama

Atlanta's dreams of snagging an extra 2024 second-rounder fizzled out when the Jaguars decided to re-up with WR Calvin Ridley, leaving the Falcons clutching a 2024 third instead. But it's not all doom and gloom; their offensive lineup looks locked and loaded with the recent snag of QB Kirk Cousins. The ATL defense has been stout but lacking a pure difference-maker up front for a while now. Enter Dallas Turner, who might not have the bulk you’d expect at 6-foot-2 and 247 lbs, but don't let his size fool you. The guy tore up the NFL Combine, posting a blazing 4.49 forty and a 1.54 10-yard split. Turner isn't just fast; he's a hurricane on the field, racking up 55 pressures and bagging 11 sacks last season, per PFF's tally. With those numbers, he might just be too tempting for the Falcons to pass up, even if it means staying put,

9. New Orleans Saints (from CHI) - Olu Fashanu - OT, Penn State

TRADE ALERT. Saints receive: 9, 75. Bears receive: 14, 45, 150

Head Coach Dennis Allen dropped the bomb that RT Ryan Ramczyk might be sidelined for the entire 2024 season, adding another twist to the Saints' already tightrope-taut financial balancing act. GM Mickey Loomis continues to perform financial escapology with the cap space, wriggling through loopholes like a cap wizard. Despite the number-crunching acrobatics, the Saints are going all-in, recommitting to QB Derek Carr and giving Coach Allen another go at the helm. Left tackle Trevor Penning hasn't quite lived up to his first-round billing and might slide into the guard spot, clearing the stage for Fashanu. Here comes Fashanu, a colossus in cleats who boasts a pristine record of no sacks allowed in college, according to PFF.

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

The Jets, riding high on the Aaron Rodgers hype wave, hit turbulent waters when Rodgers' season sunk due to a devastating Achilles injury in the very first game. Now, with their finances tightly tied to Rodgers through 2025, the Jets are fully invested. The strategy? Load up on weapons and bank on Rodgers conjuring some of that old MVP magic. Odunze is an immediate plug-and-play receiver in what is likely a make-or-break type of season for the Jets in 2024.

Rome Odunze's route running is next level 😤

📺: 2024 #NFLDraft – Thursday 8 pm ET on NFL Network/ESPN/ABC
📱: Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/2pPDv1mw1R

— NFL (@NFL) April 24, 2024

NFL Draft Picks #11-21 - Will There Be Some Defense?

11. Minnesota Vikings - QB - J.J. McCarthy, Michigan

The Vikings are sitting at a crossroads with QB Kirk Cousins now in Atlanta. At just 21, McCarthy stands tall with a cannon for an arm and the kind of agility that would leave a cat envious, dripping with that indefinable star quality. Sure, there's chatter about his lack of raw production, but he embodies the intangibles and potential that could make front-office dreams a reality.

Lowest % of uncatchable passes, 10+ yards, potential first-round picks (2022-23 seasons):

JJ McCarthy 29.6%
Bo Nix 29.8
Drake Maye 29.8
Jayden Daniels 30.5
Caleb Williams 36.9
Michael Penix Jr. 39.5

— Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) April 22, 2024

12. Philadelphia Eagles (from Denver) - CB - Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo

TRADE ALERT. Eagles receive: 12, 207. Broncos receive 22, 50, and 171.

The Broncos are feeling the pinch without a second-round pick, thanks to their split with QB Russell Wilson. With the draft's top quarterbacks already snatched up, it seems a wise play for Denver to trade down and amass some additional picks. There's been some buzz about the Broncos peering up the draft board into the top three, though the cost would be steep. This move up the board is not typically in the playbook for someone like Eagles GM Howie Roseman. Yet, with Darius Slay at 33 and James Bradberry pushing 30, Philadelphia's secondary is desperate for a youth infusion.

13. Las Vegas Raiders - Taliese Fuaga - OT, Oregon State

The Raiders are practically popping champagne at the chance to land a much-needed offensive lineman in this glittering draft class. With the quarterback elite already off the board and no dire needs shouting for attention, they've coolly snagged the top talent lingering on their draft board. Enter Fuaga, a behemoth from Oregon whose college stint was a highlight reel of trench dominance. This guy isn’t just a blocker; he’s got the versatility to kick inside and crush it at guard, bringing a whole new level of dynamism to the Raiders' front line.

14. Chicago Bears (from New Orleans) - Byron Murphy II - DT, Texas

The Bears are sitting on a slim stack of draft picks this year, holding only four: 1, 9, 75, and 122. The smart play? Trading back to beef up their draft capital, but let's talk needs—specifically on defense. Meet Murphy, the Bears' new pocket-sized powerhouse on the D-line. Don't be misled by his stature at 6-foot and 297 pounds; this guy punches way above his weight class. With a 2023 stat line boasting 45 total pressures and 6 sacks, according to PFF, he's proof that the Bears have a thing for dynamite in a smaller package

15. Indianapolis Colts - Brock Bowers - TE, Georgia

Calling Bowers just a tight end is doing him a disservice. This guy's just a complete weapon you can build your entire offense around. With over 63% of his college snaps out wide or in the slot, Bowers is far from your traditional, in-line tight end. Head coach Shane Steichen couldn't ask for a better blend of grit and grind in the run game, plus Bowers is a bona fide security blanket for QB Anthony Richardson For the past three seasons, he's dominated college football as the premier tight end, boasting stats like 14.5 yards per catch and a staggering 2.64 yards per routes run. Plugging him into the Colts' lineup? That's not just a smart move; it's a grand slam.

Brock Bowers is a generational talent.

You simply don’t find players who embarrass SEC defenses like this.

He should be a top 5 pick, but he may not even go top 10.

The team that gets him will be a perennial offensive juggernaut. He’s just that good. pic.twitter.com/BWmSOjn0mJ

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) April 24, 2024

16. Seattle Seahawks - Laiatu Latu - Edge, UCLA

The Seahawks could use some more pass rush off the edge and a player like Latu could thrive in new head coach Mike MacDonald's system. Here comes Latu, flashing stats that'll make any scout's heart skip a beat—64 total pressures and a whopping 11 sacks last season. The chatter around this guy is reaching a crescendo, hinting that he might just be the first edge rusher to swagger across the draft stage this year. Latu's not just knocking on the door; he's ready to kick it down and make his grand entrance.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars - Terrion Arnold - CB, Alabama

In a division where you're locked in a showdown with C.J. Stroud for potentially the next decade, fortifying your secondary isn’t just wise—it’s critical. Arnold's hitting the draft scene with some serious buzz pegged as possibly the best corner out there. His 2023 highlight reel? It's stacked with five interceptions and 12 passes swatted down—this guy does more than just cover; he's a tank in the run game too. His 4.50 forty-yard dash time at the Combine might not have dropped jaws, but Arnold's football smarts are off the charts. He's not just draft-day clay waiting to be shaped; Arnold comes battle-ready with instincts sharp enough to cut. Are the Jaguars, looking for a plug-and-play defender? They've got their man in Arnold, ready to roll from the get-go.

18. Cincinnati Bengals - Troy Fautanu - OT/OG, Washington

The Bengals just scored big, and it’s not your average draft pick celebration—it’s full-on cartwheels in the war room! With the hot-shot QBs already off the board and no dire needs screaming for attention, Cincinnati played it cool and snagged the best gem available. Fautanu crushed his college years, earning the title of top offensive lineman in the Pac-12 from those who battle in the trenches alongside him. Not just a tackle, this guy's versatile enough to kick inside and crush it as a guard. That’s the kind of spicy flexibility that’s going to jazz up the Bengals' offense

19. Los Angeles Rams - Jared Verse - DE/Edge, Florida State

The Rams are grappling with the colossal void left by DT Aaron Donald hanging up his cleats—a titan in the trenches if there ever was one. His retirement has left some massive shoes to fill, and sure enough, the Rams have been throwing money at the O-line in free agency, a clear signal they might be shifting their first-round draft focus to shoring up their defense. Enter Verse, a dynamo with a motor that just won't quit. His blend of raw power and ceaseless energy is just the kind of spice the Rams need to rekindle their Super Bowl dreams while Matthew Stafford is still slinging magic under center.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers - Graham Barton, OT/OG/OC, Duke

The Steelers are unapologetically old school at the draft table, grabbing the best player available without batting an eye at the supposed modern draft analytics. After shoring up guard Broderick Jones in the first round of last year's draft, the Steelers double down with Baorton. Even though he lined up as a left tackle in college, is being eyed by scouts more as an interior force, even taking snaps at center during the Senior Bowl. It’s rare to find a lineman with the chops to handle any slot on the line, but Barton’s that guy. His ability to adapt and excel across all positions makes him a priceless asset, injecting some much-needed versatility into the Steelers’ offensive line strategy.

NFL Draft Picks #21-32 - Who Else Goes off the Board?

21. Miami Dolphins - Jer'Zhan Newton - DT, Illinois

The Dolphins are diving deep into the tackle talent pool, snagging Newton as they make their move in the draft. After being unable to keep star DT Christian Wilkins, Miami has a glaring hole here. Newton may have had a quiet NFL Combine, nursing a little knock, but don’t let that fool you—his 2023 was nothing short of spectacular, racking up 43 total pressures and bagging 8 sacks, according to the number crunchers over at PFF. Scooping up an interior defensive lineman who can hustle the quarterback like Newton can? That’s a rare find, my friends. Typically, guys like that demand a king’s ransom on the free agency market.

22. Detroit Lions (from DEN) - Nate Wiggins - CB, Clemson

TRADE ALERT. Lions receive 22. Broncos receive 29, 73.

The Lions need help in the secondary badly. Snagging a cover corner like Wiggins seems like a no-brainer. He's a feisty player who clocked in at 4.28 at the NFL Combine. The only real knock on Wiggins is his size at 6-foot-1 and just 173 pounds, but he plays bigger and is such a smooth, fluid player that he helps their secondary in so many ways.

23. Washington Commanders (from CLE through HOU/MIN) - Amarius Mims - OT, Georgia

TRADE ALERT. Commanders receive 23, 129. Vikings receive 36, 67, 100.

Washington's jumping on the tackle train before it runs out, snagging Mims as they sail through the draft. He's a young gun, not overflowing with experience but bursting with athletic prowess that could turn heads. Despite battling injuries in 2023, whispers from the 2022 Peach Bowl, where he faced off against Ohio State's ruthless edge rushers, keep echoing 'elite potential.' With a treasure chest of picks, the Commanders snagging Mims to shield Jayden Daniels' blindside? That’s not just smart; it's a no-brainer for securing their QB's future. Times have changed in the nation's capital.

24. Dallas Cowboys - Tyler Guyton - OT, Oklahoma

The Cowboys' playoff dreams took a harsh hit with that Wild Card shocker against the Packers. Big D has always had a thing for stacking the O-line, kind of how Texas can't get enough of its oil—both are indispensable. But time’s marching on, and those once-youthful linemen are heading towards their career sunsets, especially with Tyron Smith packing his bags this offseason. With big paydays on the horizon for stars like QB Dak Prescott and WR CeeDee Lamb, Dallas is on the prowl for some new blood in the trenches. Cue Guyton, the Oklahoma standout who's been tearing up the draft charts. Still green but brimming with top-shelf potential, he’s set to inject some much-needed vigor into that Cowboy line.

25. Green Bay Packers - Cooper DeJean - CB, Iowa

Green Bay might still be riding high from their 2023 playbook, having smoothly transitioned the QB torch to Jordan Love and not skipping a beat on the field. They hit the jackpot with trades involving Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers, and now they're practically drafting from a position of luxury. GM Brian Gutekunst is known for his conservative draft strategy, often bolstering the trenches with his early picks. But enter DeJean, a defensive Swiss Army knife too tantalizing to overlook. Cornerback, slot master, safety—does it even matter? The dude’s a jack-of-all-trades, turning any zone he patrols into his highlight reel. Green Bay has a knack for spotting elite talent, and DeJean fits their mold perfectly—a genuine game-changer.

26. Las Vegas Raiders (from Tampa Bay) Michael Penix - QB, Washington

TRADE ALERT. Raiders receive: 26, 220. Buccaneers receive 44, 77, 112.

It's no secret that Raiders owner Mark Davis has been chomping at the bit for the team to find its new franchise quarterback. In a division with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert, it only makes too much sense. Penix had an incredible senior season at Washington and led them to the national title game, leading some to believe he should have won the Heisman. Can't help but think this trade would have John Madden and Ken Stabler smiling down from above.

"I don't think the medicals with Michael Penix are as much of an issue as people thought they would be.

The teams that I've talked to feel pretty good about where he's at and he's got a clean bill of health for a lot of teams"@AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/uEzBCmUEXz

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 22, 2024

27. Arizona Cardinals (from Houston) - Chop Robinson - Edge, Penn State

28. Buffalo Bills - Brian Thomas Jr. - WR, LSU

Brandon Beane, the GM of the Bills is at a pivotal point in his team-building process as several high-priced veterans like Stefon Diggs were sent packing this offseason. Picking up an athletic dynamo like Thomas? That’s just smart football. He’s a field-stretcher who can zoom downfield, giving QB Josh Allen the perfect target to flaunt his rocket arm. For the Bills, it’s about giving their franchise QB an important weapon on a cost-controlled, rookie contract to ensure the playbook’s as explosive as their ambitions.

Brian Thomas Jr falling to the #Bills at 28 seems to be trending...

Yes please.#BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/PpQBf6EXjW

— Thomas DeLaus (@TheThomasDeLaus) April 25, 2024

29. Carolina Panthers (from Detroit through DET) - Xavier Worthy - WR, Texas

TRADE ALERT. Panthers receive: 29. Broncos receive 33, 101.

Worthy's record-breaking NFL Combine performance with a 4.21 in the forty-yard dash was too great for a team not to want to roll the dice on him in Round 1. Last season was nothing short of a trainwreck for the Panthers, leaving the fan base with a bitter taste. But here's the deal: they've bet the farm on QB Bryce Young, and now it's all about doubling down and forging ahead. In the grand chess game of football, you've got to make moves with the pieces you've got. For Carolina, the savvy play is crystal clear: beef up that offensive line or snag a game-changing wide receiver. It's time to give Young the tools he needs to shine. McConkey, along with recently acquired Diontae Johnson, gives him a fighting chance. Now, let's just hope they can get something out of Jonathan Mingo.

30. Baltimore Ravens - Jordan Morgan - OT, Arizona

Year after year, this is the Ravens’ M.O.: They cool their heels, watch as the draft board unfolds, and scoop up a gem who slides down to them—only for him to blossom into a bona fide Pro Bowler. Enter Morgan, more than your typical tackle—this dude can glide inside and dominate at guard, too. With their draft pick in hand, the Ravens could throw a curveball and pick anyone. But beefing up their O-line? That’s classic Ravens, sticking faithfully to a proven formula. It’s all about bolstering those trenches and maintaining the stout, physical brand of football that Coach Harbaugh champions.

31. San Francisco 49ers - Jackson Powers-Johnson - OG/OC, Oregon

As the 49ers bid farewell to Mike McGlinchey, who rode off into the free agency sunset before last season, and with Trent Williams nudging towards the seasoned age of 35, Shanahan's schematics remain a heartfelt ode to the run game, always scouting for agile giants to fortify the front lines. Enter JPJ—more than your garden-variety offensive lineman, this dude has the versatility to slide inside and dominate as a guard. With their draft selection, the 49ers are in a prime spot to pull a surprise, but shoring up the O-line? That's playing to their strengths, sticking to a tried-and-true strategy. It’s all about maintaining those powerful trenches, ensuring Shanahan’s run-centric playbook continues to orchestrate its rugged symphony.

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

The Chiefs can sit back and take the best available player here. Mitchell had a rocky start with injuries back in his Georgia days but flipped the script when he transferred to Texas for the 2023 season, becoming a key player in their playoff charge and snagging a Big 12 title. This guy is a lightning bolt on the field—blazing a 4.35 in the 40, standing a sturdy 6-foot-2, and weighing in at 205 pounds. He’s the kind of deep threat that can stretch defenses, which would brilliantly open up the field for WR Rashee Rice and TE Travis Kelce to do some serious damage underneath

Conclusion

Just two sleeps left, folks until the NFL Draft lights up the night! This isn't your garden-variety draft—no, sir—it's a feast of offensive talents where fantasy leagues are won and new legends are inked into NFL lore. Can you sense that charge in the air? That's the crackle of unbridled potential, the aroma of fresh talent about to sizzle on the professional gridiron.

As the countdown drops to this spectacle of the sport, why sit on our hands? Let's dive deep into the hype, spar over the prospects, and perhaps gear up to greet the future titans of the turf. The 2024 NFL Draft isn't merely an event; it's the curtain-raiser to the next saga in football's epic tale. Are you strapped in for what could be the wildest draft ride yet? Because the first few picks are about to strike a match that'll set the whole NFL universe ablaze!

If any picks in this mock draft grind your gears, let's duke it out on Twitter/X and hash it out. And remember, RotoBaller is your non-stop sanctuary for all things NFL. Here’s to squeezing every last drop of football excitement and launching into a spectacular new season! Rounds 2-3 of the final mock draft of the 2024 season can be found here! As always, thanks for reading.

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