- The Arizona Cardinals get both Caleb Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr.: After obtaining the Houston Texans’ 2024 first-round pick, Arizona has both of the top-two picks in this 2024 mock.
- The Indianapolis Colts get a new franchise left tackle: Indianapolis grabs Joe Alt at No. 3, who looks like the best offensive tackle prospect since Penei Sewell.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers get their Tom Brady replacement: The Buccaneers pick Drake Maye No. 5, who could push Williams for QB1 in 2024.
Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
Now that the 2023 NFL Draft has come and gone, it’s time to take a breather before looking ahead to 2024.
Just kidding.
Here’s our way-too-early 2024 NFL mock draft. The draft order is based on Super Bowl 58 odds.
Editor's note: The draft order was last updated on 4/29 at 5:30 PM EST
1. Arizona Cardinals (via HOU): QB Caleb Williams, USC
By trading the third overall pick in the 2023 draft to the Texans, the Cardinals obtained Houston’s first-round pick in 2024. If the Texans end up as the worst team in the league like the oddsmakers predict, that trade could have landed Arizona one of the best quarterback prospects in recent memory.
Williams won the Heisman Trophy this past season and could become head coach Lincoln Riley’s third signal-caller to both win the stiff-arm trophy and go first overall, joining Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield. The junior thrives outside of structure, leading all FBS quarterbacks in passing yards (707), passing touchdowns (seven) and big-time throws (10). Get ready for all of the Patrick Mahomes comparisons.
2. Arizona Cardinals: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
As of now, the Cardinals are the favorites to own both of the top-two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. If that happens, they’d join the 1992 Indianapolis Colts as the only teams to pick twice to start the draft.
With DeAndre Hopkins likely on his way out, Arizona could give Williams his new X-receiver in Harrison Jr. Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison’s son could be one of the best wide receiver prospects in the PFF era. He’s a freak athlete at 6-foot-4, 205 pounds and was both the highest-graded and most valuable receiver in the country this past season, according to PFF’s wins above average metric.
I tore my ACL watching Marvin Harrison Jr. do this pic.twitter.com/4DHelh7VxZ
— Max Chadwick (@Chad_Maxwick) November 13, 2022
3. Indianapolis Colts: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
The Colts have their quarterback of the future in Anthony Richardson, now it’s time to build around him. Alt led all tackles in the country in overall grade (91.4) and run-blocking grade (91.0). He was also sixth among Power Five ones in pressure rate allowed (2.1%). He has a massive frame at 6-foot-8, 315 pounds and told me he has over a seven-foot wingspan. Alt looks like the best offensive tackle prospect since Penei Sewell.
Joe Alt is the favorite for the Outland ???? and looks like the best offensive tackle prospect since Penei Sewell.
That’s not what’s on his mind though.
“We’re coming for that Joe Moore Award.”
My conversation with @NDFootball @JoeAlt7 for @PFF ☘️https://t.co/n7L0wafrqk
— Max Chadwick (@Chad_Maxwick) March 16, 2023
4. Tennessee Titans: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
Bowers has been the best tight end in college football from the minute he stepped onto Georgia’s campus. As a true freshman, he was both the highest-graded and most valuable tight end in the country according to our wins above-average metric. This past season, he was once again the most valuable tight end and led them all in receiving yards (942), yards after the catch (479) and receiving yards after contact (274).
With another elite season, he could become the best tight end in the PFF College era.
Brock Bowers has a very good chance at surpassing Kyle Pitts as a prospect.
Was the best tight end in the country as a true freshman and looks the same as a sophomore.
In a generational TE room at Georgia, he’s clearly the generational talent.pic.twitter.com/Fq1pnLIDrw
— Max Chadwick (@Chad_Maxwick) September 18, 2022
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
The Buccaneers find their new franchise quarterback in Maye, who was the most valuable player in college football last season according to our wins above average metric. His 45 big-time throws were 10 more than the next-closest FBS quarterback and he tied for second among all quarterbacks with 56 combined rushing first downs/touchdowns.=
Every Drake Maye game features at least one ridiculous throw pic.twitter.com/9KeHgzQrwT
— Aaron Freeman (@falcfans) January 20, 2023
6. Washington Commanders: OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State
Fashanu was a projected first-rounder in the 2023 NFL Draft but opted to return to get his master’s degree. Not only does he excel in the classroom, but he also excels in pass protection. His 84.7 pass-blocking grade was sixth among Power Five tackles, and he didn’t surrender a sack and only allowed one hit on 281 pass-blocking snaps.
????NEW EPISODE????
Now that 2023 NFL Draft is wrapping up, it’s time to learn one of the top names in 2024.
My FULL interview with projected Top-???? pick, Olu Fashanu! (@olu_fashanu)https://t.co/Gqv3LRMXCB pic.twitter.com/shCTUicmeA
— Max Chadwick (@Chad_Maxwick) April 29, 2023
7. Los Angeles Rams: CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
As of now, this would be the first first-round pick the Rams have had since selecting Jared Goff No. 1 in 2016.
After trading away Jalen Ramsey, the Rams need to find their next No. 1 corner. McKinstry can fill that role. He was a first-team All-American for PFF this past season, and his 18 forced incompletions tied for second among all corners in the country. He also led all Power Five players with 332 punt return yards.
Kool-Aid McKinstry has been playing at All-American level this season. He leads the SEC with 11 pass breakups. pic.twitter.com/63KNWwOaCu
— Kendell Hollowell (@KHollowell_) October 28, 2022
8. Green Bay Packers: WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
The Packers have now gone 21 straight drafts without taking a wide receiver or tight end in the first round. That ends here with Egbuka, who was the second-most valuable Power Five receiver last season according to PFF’s wins above average metric. The only one more valuable was his teammate, Marvin Harrison Jr.
Among returning Power Five receivers, only Harrison tallied more receiving yards and touchdowns than Egbuka. He’s a smooth receiver who should be one of the top weapons immediately for new quarterback Jordan Love.
This is an @emeka_egbuka appreciation post. ????#WinningWednesday x @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/FIeiDR9QAD
— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) January 18, 2023
9. Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State
Like Fashanu, Verse would’ve likely been a first-round selection in 2023 had he declared. Instead, he enters next season as a projected top-10 pick in 2024. The former Albany edge dominated in his first season at the FBS level, as his 24.4% pass-rush win rate was fourth among Power Five edge defenders while his 10 tackles for loss/no gain tied for sixth.
#FloridaState Edge Jared Verse #5 terrorized the LSU backfield all night. Officially had 2.0 sacks but his impact was greater than that.
The Albany transfer is quickly establishing himself as one of the most disruptive pass rushers in CFB. pic.twitter.com/L1kRBmkZwm
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) September 5, 2022
10. Pittsburgh Steelers: LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson
The son of former All-Pro linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Sr., the sophomore linebacker has lived up to his father’s name and then some.
The younger Trotter excels on passing plays, as he was the only Power Five linebacker with 80-plus grades as a pass-rusher and in coverage. Trotter was second in that same group in both passer rating allowed (42.9) and open target rate allowed (47.6%).
Jeremiah Trotter Jr with a pick6 off Spencer Rattler???? pic.twitter.com/NqMgvUjtWD
— RanDynasty (@ran_dynasty) November 26, 2022
11. Seattle Seahawks: DI Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois
In an exclusive interview with PFF, Newton revealed that he returned to Illinois partly because he wanted to be a first-round pick. He was the most valuable Power Five interior defensive lineman this past season and led that same group with 59 pressures. His 13 tackles for loss/no-gain were tied for the most among FBS interior defensive linemen as well.
“I made it when I’m one of the greatest ever.” @IlliniFootball’s Jer’Zhan Newton is already one of the best defensive players in the country, but he’s coming for so much more.
My full conversation with @Johnny5Newton for @PFF ⬇️https://t.co/miItKBsfCN
— Max Chadwick (@Chad_Maxwick) February 14, 2023
12. New England Patriots: OT JC Latham, Alabama
Latham was an elite pass-protector at right tackle for Alabama this past season as a sophomore. He earned an 84.5 pass-blocking grade on true pass sets, fourth among all tackles in the country. On 486 pass-blocking snaps, he only allowed one hit and didn’t give up a sack.
Mad luv pic.twitter.com/VFwe3uq75G
— JC “TK” Latham (@TKJaayy) April 20, 2023
13. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington
Jimmy Garoppolo isn’t the long-term answer for the Raiders. Penix led the Power Five this past season with 4,641 passing yards while his 1.3% turnover-worthy play rate was the fifth-lowest in the country.
This was a BEAUTY ????
Penix finds Polk for the @UW_Football TD ???? pic.twitter.com/PddGjtdkW6
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 13, 2022
14. Chicago Bears: EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama
The Bears took two interior defensive linemen on Day 2, now they need to find some juice along the edge. Turner has been overshadowed by Will Anderson Jr. the last two years, but he’s a star in his own right. Since 2021, Turner’s 14 sacks are tied for the second-most among returning Power Five edge defenders.
Dallas turner pic.twitter.com/2XACLLyKbR
— bama vids (@timeoop) October 3, 2022
15. Chicago Bears (via CAR): CB Kalen King, Penn State
Even on a team with Joey Porter Jr., King was the true star in Penn State’s secondary. He led all corners in the country with a 93.3 grade and 18.3 passer rating allowed in single-coverage. King’s 15 forced incompletions in single-coverage were tied for third as well.
Strapped UP! ✈️????
Kalen King: '22 Season Highlights ????????#WeAre | @KalenKing21__ pic.twitter.com/QFyjBjUS58
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) January 19, 2023
16. Denver Broncos: CB Cooper DeJean, Iowa Hawkeyes
After taking Riley Moss in the third round of this year’s draft, the Broncos select another Iowa defensive back here. DeJean is the most versatile corner in college football. He can excel both in coverage and as a run-defender either on the outside or as a slot corner. DeJean was the only corner in the country with 85-plus grades both in coverage and in run defense. His five interceptions tied for fourth among Power Five corners while his 15 run-defense stops tied for the most among all FBS ones.
COOPER DEJEAN CROSS COUNTRY PICK 6! pic.twitter.com/7ol7nLY35N
— Heavens! (@HeavensFX) September 24, 2022
17. Houston Texans (via CLE): DI Leonard Taylor, Miami (FL) Hurricanes
This past season, Taylor lived up to his top-10 recruit billing coming out of high school. His 19.5% pass-rush win rate and 16.2% pressure rate trailed only Calijah Kancey among Power Five interior defensive linemen. With an increased workload, Taylor could rise even higher than this.
Leonard Taylor does this on only his second snap of the night.
Straight violence. @AllHurricanes pic.twitter.com/ChKu5wnALP
— Luke Chaney (@luke_chaney4) September 29, 2022
18. Los Angeles Chargers: TE Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas
Even after selecting Quentin Johnston, the Chargers could stand to add some pass-catchers. Sanders is a freak athlete at 6-foot-4, 242 pounds, and his 32 combined receiving first downs/touchdowns in 2022 trailed only Dalton Kincaid, Michael Mayer and Brock Bowers among Power Five tight ends.
Meet my #1 ranked tight end in the BIG 12 for 2023 and top 5 nationally, Ja’Tavion Sanders of the Texas Longhorns.
54 receptions | 613 receiving yards | 5 receiving touchdowns | Averaged 11.4 YPC.@Jatavionsanders pic.twitter.com/qhsJzX4o69
— CFBLIVE247 (@CFBLive247_) January 24, 2023
19. New York Giants: EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State
Robinson dominated in his first year with the Nittany Lions after transferring in from Maryland. He led all Power Five edge defenders in overall grade (90.6) and pass-rushing grade (92.4) this past season. Robinson’s 23.6% pass-rush win rate was sixth among that same group.
CHOP ROBINSON continues to make his mark as he strip sacks TJ Finley to end the half #WeAre | @chopyoungbull
— White Out Weekly (@whiteoutweekly) September 17, 2022
20. New Orleans Saints: EDGE J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State
Tuimoloau had one of the greatest games you’ll ever see against Penn State. In that contest, he recorded two sacks, two interceptions (one of which he returned for a touchdown), a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, a tackle for loss, a batted pass and three pressures. He needs to be more consistent, earning just a 67.0 grade in the other 12 games. Still, his physical tools are worth betting on in the top 20.
J.T. Tuimoloau had one of the best defensive performances in Ohio State history.pic.twitter.com/cklFjGjnon
— Mr. Ohio (@MrOH1O) October 30, 2022
21. Minnesota Vikings: QB Quinn Ewers, Texas
Ewers disappointed in his first season as a starter after being one of the highest-rated quarterback recruits ever. He still flashed his ridiculous arm talent, as his 6.6% big-time throw rate ranked sixth among Power Five quarterbacks. The issue is his decision-making and accuracy. Ewers’ 65.2% adjusted completion rate was the eighth-worst in the Power Five. If he can rein it in, Ewers can join Caleb Williams and Drake Maye at the top of the draft.
Texas is BACK*
(*once Quinn Ewers is)
He had an elite 90.2 @PFF grade against #1 Alabama, who has arguably the best defense in college football.
On just 15 dropbacks, Ewers had three big-time throws.
Believe the hype.pic.twitter.com/pzKoR67JvI
— Max Chadwick (@Chad_Maxwick) September 12, 2022
22. Miami Dolphins: OT Graham Barton, Duke
Barton was the only Power Five tackle who posted 85-plus grades as both a pass and run blocker last season. His 17 big-time blocks (PFF’s highest-graded blocks) were five more than any other tackle in the country. He’ll boost a Dolphins offensive line that needs to do everything it can to protect Tua Tagovailoa.
All-ACC first team for @grahambarton53 ???? pic.twitter.com/UfIE65UezO
— Duke Football (@DukeFOOTBALL) November 29, 2022
23. Jacksonville Jaguars: CB Denzel Burke, Ohio State
As a true freshman, Burke started at outside corner for Ohio State and only allowed a 48.4% completion rate while forcing 10 incompletions and not allowing any touchdowns.
He regressed as a sophomore, allowing a 110.2 passer rating when targeted. He’s a physical press corner at 6-foot-1, 190 pounds and could go much higher than this with a bounceback junior campaign.
???? DENZEL BURKE PICK SIX ????
Two TDs in 40 seconds for @OhioStateFB ????
(via @CFBONFOX)
— 247Sports (@247Sports) October 2, 2021
24. Baltimore Ravens: DI Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State
Hall only played 266 snaps this past season as a part of Ohio State’s defensive tackle rotation. He flashed on those snaps though, with an 80.3 grade and six sacks on those snaps. After losing Calais Campbell, the Ravens could use another player on the interior of their defensive line.
Michael Hall Jr. is DISRUPTIVE in the pocket ???? @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/3DnBRoxGqm
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 4, 2022
25. Detroit Lions: DI Maason Smith, LSU
Smith played all of eight snaps last season before tearing his ACL. At 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds, he played mostly along the edge for LSU in his freshman year, showing how incredible of an athlete he is. In 2021, he had four sacks on 198 pass-rushing snaps.
Maason Smith — a name you'll be hearing A LOT this seasonpic.twitter.com/9nkMc682Cq
— College Football Network (@CFN365) April 26, 2023
26. Dallas Cowboys: OL Cooper Beebe, Kansas State
Beebe spent the last two seasons at offensive tackle before moving inside to left guard in 2022.
Over the last two seasons, the junior’s 94.0 pass-blocking grade leads all offensive linemen in the country, as he hasn’t allowed a sack over the course of his 770 pass-blocking snaps since 2021. He’s also the most valuable returning interior offensive lineman in the country over those two years according to PFF’s wins above average metric.
ok Cooper Beebe (LG #50) ok pic.twitter.com/vxmyhrIJGp
— cristian (@Cristianspfc_) January 27, 2023
27. Green Bay Packers (via NYJ): S Kamren Kinchens, Miami (FL)
The Packers acquire the Jets’ first-round pick if Aaron Rodgers plays 65% of the snaps in 2023. Unless disaster strikes for New York, this will be Green Bay’s pick.
Kinchens led all safeties in the country with a 90.0 grade and a 90.7 coverage grade. Kinchens’ six interceptions were also tied for the most in the Power Five.
Respect All American Kam Kinchens @KKinchens5 #GoCanes pic.twitter.com/54KCXUJi19
— Florida Boy Corey ????????????☀️ (@floridaboycorey) December 30, 2022
28. Cincinnati Bengals: S Calen Bullock, USC Trojans
After losing Jessie Bates III, the Bengals can stand to address the safety position even after taking Daxton Hill in 2022, who can line up at slot corner. Bullock was a first-team All-American for PFF this past season and was the third-most valuable one in the country according to PFF’s wins above average metric. His five interceptions tied for fifth among all FBS safeties. He can be the new center fielder in Cincinnati’s defense.
Calen Bullock records his fifth interception of the season while knocking over a referee. Huge turnover for #USC.
Trojans at Notre Dame's 24-yard line, leading 31-21 with 4:56 left. pic.twitter.com/Q3fK9LZM2A
— Trevor Booth (@TrevorMBooth) November 27, 2022
29. San Francisco 49ers: OT Jonah Monheim, USC Trojans
After losing Mike McGlinchey, the 49ers need a new right tackle. Monheim plays there for USC and was the second-most valuable tackle in the country, only trailing Joe Alt. Monheim totaled the most pass-blocking snaps in the country without allowing a sack or hit (570).
Fight On ✌️ pic.twitter.com/PBGiam44sY
— Jonah Monheim (@JonahMonheim) December 1, 2022
30. Buffalo Bills: OT Kingsley Suamataia, BYU
A former five-star recruit in 2021, Suamataia transferred to BYU from Oregon this past season and flashed his elite tools at right tackle. He earned an impressive 80.9 pass-blocking grade in 2022.
Kingsley Sumataia really impressed me as a redshirt freshman.
Didn’t allow any sacks and looked strong as a run-blocker. Should be BYU’s left tackle next season with Blake Freeland gone.
RT #78 with dominant block here pic.twitter.com/AIEVNKYnbx
— Max Chadwick (@Chad_Maxwick) February 26, 2023
31. Philadelphia Eagles: WR Xavier Worthy, Texas
It was a relatively down year for Worthy, whose 70.1 receiving grade in 2022 was more than 10 points lower than what he posted in 2021 as a true freshman. Despite seeing 10 more targets this past season, the sophomore recorded 224 fewer receiving yards and four fewer touchdowns than his dominant 2021 year.
He became much more of a downfield receiver this past season, with his average depth of target being 17.6 yards, which ranked seventh highest in the Power Five. That dwarfs his 13.4-yard figure from 2021, which was 69th in the same group. By making him more of a downfield threat, Texas took away one of Worthy’s best attributes: his ability after the catch. As a true freshman, Worthy’s 526 yards after the catch were the 10th most in the Power Five. He fell to 41st this year with only 324 yards after the catch.
XAVIER WORTHY IS VERY FAST.
(Via ESPN) pic.twitter.com/b7sIbCv5go
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) October 9, 2021
32. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Rome Odunze, Washington
Outside of the Ohio State duo, Odunze is the most productive returning Power Five receiver.
The junior’s 605 yards against single coverage trailed only Marvin Harrison Jr. among that group. He’s also the third-most valuable returning Power Five receiver, according to PFF’s wins above average metric.
FILTHY work by Rome Odunze ???? pic.twitter.com/7cmRoYdgAV
— The Transfer Portal CFB (@TPortalCFB) November 27, 2022
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