Countdown to Draft Day, Updated First Round
Countdown to Draft Day, Updated First Round: Plus 7-round mocks for all 32 Teams
After a frenzied free-agent period saw big NFL names change teams at a rather furious rate, the perspectrive on who should draft whom and when underwent a change.
High-profile players such as Derrick Henry, Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Keenan Allen will don new uniforms in 2024. Other seismic news saw long-time NFL standouts Jason Kelce and Aaron Donald announce their retirements.
All of these moves impact how teams will approach the 2024 Draft, held in Detroit (April 25–26). So too will the results of the Indy Combine in February, where NFL front offices took to evaluating great athletes doing activities that had, at best, a tenuous connection to playing actual football. By the numbers, 321 players were invited to participate in the NFL Combine. The upcoming draft has 257 draft slots to fill, yet only 32 of these players will hear their names called by Commissioner Roger Goodell on Day 1, when the first round of the 2024 draft takes place.
The final countdown to the draft festivities are quickly approaching. It's only a matter of time until fans will gather in their living rooms, bars, and maybe even join the crowd in the city of Detroit to watch how the draft is going to unfold. Until then, we are going to have to continue to cook up these mock drafts, throw some noodles to the wall, and see which ones stick.
In this latest version, mock draft insanity has been breached. Not only is the first round updated, but also there is a seven-round mock for all 32 teams. After reading your teams first round selection, click the helmet and it will take you to your favorite teams seven-round mock draft as well..
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
During the Combine GM Ryan Poles said, “I want to do right by Justin Fields…” In a way he kept his word by trading Fields to the Steelers, but at what expense to the Bears organization? Poles is clearly rolling the dice that he is going to hit on his selection here. However, as we have seen in past drafts, these moves are most likely to crap out in the end. It's amazing the Bears had five picks and Justin Fields on their roster when free agency started and now they have only four picks left after a slew of trades to bring in Keenan Allen, Ryan Bates, and Dan Feeney. Because of this, it is still not completely out of the question they will be looking to trade this No. 1 selection for more draft picks.
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.
The Washington Commanders have made short work at reconfiguring their current roster. They have been extremely active in the free agent market, and also paved the way of moving on from one Carolina Tar Heel in trading Sam Howell to the Seahawks, to selecting a new Tarheel in Drake Maye...ahhhhhh, as Lee Corso would say, "Not sooo fast my friends!"
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. Minnesota Vikings (Projected trade w/ New England): Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Click for Minnesota Vikings 7-round mock
After the first two picks are etched in stone. This is where the true draft begins. The New England Patriots can either take a quarterback for themselves, draft Marvin Harrison Jr., or find a trade partner that is willing to give up their future, so that the Patriots can build for theirs.
The concensus is the Vikings are primed to make the move and the player of choice will be 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 Sam Darnold. 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
The Arizona Cardinal’s are in desperate need at the wide receiver position and find an immediate star in the making by having Harrison Jr. fall into their laps. As with that of Caleb Williams, the presence of Harrison Jr. in the NFL is eagerly awaited. The ex-Buckeyes standout has great size, speed, and the HOF pedigree of his father Marvin Harrison Sr. He is a big-bodied receiver who can move the chains, be a red-zone presence and make plays as a blocker. He is an automatic No. 1 receiver for Kyler Murray and will be looking to strike fear into opposing defensive backs as a starter from Day 1.
5. New England Patriots (Projected trade w/ Los Angeles Chargers): J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Click for New England Patriots 7-round mock
There are several University of Michigan connections that go into this scenario. New head coach Jared Mayo played for the University of Michigan. The Patriots dynasty was built upon the shoulders of a former University of Michigan quarterback, Tom Brady. Hence the do-si-do, trade down and back up again with another former University of Michigan quarterback/head coach in Jim Harbaugh.
By trading down out of the No. 3 selection the Patriots would be projected to gain the No. 11 and No. 23 selections in this year's draft, plus additional future compensation. In this scenario they would be trading the No. 11 and No. 34 to get their new “Michigan Man” to be the quarterback of their team. They get to keep No. 23 to address their need for an offensive playmaker, so keep reading!
The selection of McCarthy by the Patriots makes more sense than him going to the Vikings. In New England, McCarthy would be in a system that more closely resembles the one he took charge of in Ann Arbor. The Patriots already have a solid run game and defense. They just need a quarterback to manage the game better than Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe did over the past few seasons.
Make sure to click the link to see how the Patriots plan to build their offense around their new signal-caller.
6. New York Giants: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Click for New York Giants 7-round mock
The last time the New York Giants had two wide receivers break the 1,000-yard mark was during the 2011 season (Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz). The last time they had a single player break the 1,000 yard mark was in 2018 (OBJ again). During the time frame between then and now, no receiver for the Giants has even recorded more than 751 yards in a season! Pairing the speed of last-year's pick Jalin Hyatt with another wide receiver can only increase their chances of boosting their abysmal pass offense. However, a change at the quarterback position may be needed as well, even though extending Daniel Jones probably means they're committed to the 2019 first-round pick for at least this upcoming season. For those wondering why Odunze over Nabers, click the helmet to see who they take in the secon-round to be their, heir apparent to Daniel Jones.
Click the link to see just how many formal Washington Huskies end up on the Giants roster!
7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Click for Tennessee Titans 7-round mock
During Brian Callahan’s tenure as offensive coordinator in Cincinnati. He was able to witness how much an inadequate offensive line can impact the health and abilities of one of the elite quarterbacks in the league, Joe Burrow. He will want to learn from that experience and make this selection to solidify his offensive line to protect his second-year quarterback Will Levis. At 6-9, 321 pounds, Alt provides an immediate protector of Levis’ blind side. He also comes with an NFL pedigree as his father is in the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Honor after spending 13 years with their organization. As if that wasn’t enough he also has an older brother, Mark Alt, who is a professional hockey player!
8. Atlanta Falcons: Laiatu Latu, DE, UCLA
Click for Atlanta Falcons 7-round mock
The Atlanta Falcons spent a lot of resources on the defensive side of the ball last offseason during free agency. However, lackluster play at the quarterback position hampered the defense game in and game out in 2023. Now that the Falcons landed veteran QB Kirk Cousins, the offense figures to improve significantly. The front office can again turn its attention back to defense with this selection.
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. Chicago Bears: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Click for Chicago Bears 7-round mock
The question with this selection will be whether or not Ryan Poles decides to trade down to collect more draft picks, considering they only have four selections in this year’s draft. The other thought process here is to take the quality player in Fashanu to protect their new face of the franchise Caleb Williams. In this scenario they elect to stay put and take the massive Nittany Lion left tackle with this selection.
However, click the link, they may find some extra picks later on, when you view their full seven-rounder.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars (Projected trade w/ New York Jets): Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Click for Jacksonville Jaguars 7 round mock
With Calvin Ridley now in Tennessee, the Jaguars will be in search of another big play receiver to replace him. Nabers is being viewed by some as possibly a better prospect than Marvin Harrision Jr. in this draft. However, there have been some questionable off the field situations that have deemed the player to be “high maintenance” and possibly not a good fit in a big city market. If there is truth to these concerns then it fully puts a team like the Jacksonville Jaguars in the front running to make a move for him in this scenario.
11. Los Angeles Chargers (Projected trade w/ New England): Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Click for Los Angeles Chargers 7 round mock.
The LSU Tigers WR duo go back to back in this draft scenario. With the departures of both Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, there is a glaring need for the Chargers to pick a playmaking dynamo at the WR spot. Hopefully, Jim Harbaugh and the new regime can be more creative in getting last year's first-round selection, Quentin Johnston, more actively involved in the game plan moving forward. If they do, the Chargers could bolt into one of the most explosive offenses in the league in a very short time.
12. Arizona Cardinals (Projected trade w/ Denver): Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama
Click for Arizona Cardinals 7 round mock.
The thought here is that the Broncos do have an obvious need for a quarterback in this class. However, with the top four already selected, sitting here at 12 is just too high to take Bo Nix, in my opinion. So why not find a trade partner that has not only an additional first-round pick this year, but also a top-three selection in the second round as well. This is exactly what the Cardinals have to make this a logical move for both teams.
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.
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Click for Las Vegas Raiders 7 round mock.
Yes, new head coach Antonio Pierce has close ties to Jayden Daniels and it would make sense for them to at least try to make a move to get him in this draft. However, the thought of mortgaging the future of the franchise to create a package that any team in the top three picks to consider would be astronomical.
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: Jared Verse, DE, Florida State
Click for New Orleans Saints 7 round mock.
There seems to be some Voodoo affecting the most recent Saints defensive end selections from past drafts. Their productivity has dropped considerably in the last few seasons and showed up in a bad way last year. The team finished with the 4th worst sack total in the league. While high profile draft selections like Payton Turner and Isaiah Foskey missed considerable amounts of time due to injuries.
I bet the Saints 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. Verse would be a great change up to the prototypical defensive ends the Saints have become accustomed to targeting to no avail.
15. Indianapolis Colts: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Click for Indianapolis Colts 7 round mock.
The Indianapolis Colts find themselves in a division filled with young gunslingers — C.J. Stroud (Houston), Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville), and Will Levis (Tennessee) — and they will be looking to counter that air power by bringing in a talented corner to play opposite their 2023 second-round pick, Julius Brents. That the aging Kenny Moore is set to enter free agency only intensifies the need to upgrade the cornerback spot.
It’s only fitting that Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell’s stock has been on a rocket-like trajectory as we get closer to the draft. The former Toledo star is drawing comparisons to last year's top-five selection Devon Witherspoon. Making him a steal if the Colts are able to land him with this selection.
16. Green Bay Packers (Projected trade w/ Seattle): JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Click for Green Bay Packer 7 round mock.
With multiple picks in the second and third rounds of this draft, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Packers be movers and shakers in the early stages of the draft, while their division rivals the Vikings try to solidify their franchise QB at the top of the draft. The Packers will be looking to continue to add protection for QB Jordan Love with this selection. This team finally got out from under David Bakhtiari's contract and will look to move up the draft board to select the best available lineman. Not only will Latham be able to protect Love, but he will also provide running lanes for newly acquired RB Josh Jacobs.
17. New York Jets (Projected trade w/ Jacksonville Jaguars): Graham Barton, IOL, Duke
Click for New York Jets 7 round mock.
Barton is a versatile player who would fit well in most offenses. Although he did spend the past three years at left tackle, Barton, because he has shorter arms, is projected to move to guard in the NFL. What he lacks in length, Barton makes up for in technique and tenacity as a run blocker. In pass protection, he stands his ground, displaying quick feet when engaging a defender, and his agility to get out in space in the screen game leaves opposing defensive backs in a no-win situation. He is the immediate solution to the glaring hole that the Jets have at their RG position as they continue to revamp their offensive line this offseason.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
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Sitting in the middle of the first round, the Bengals have to come to a major decision here. Do they find a replacement on the defensive line for D.J. Reader, who signed with the Detroit Lions this off season? Do they address wide receiver with what many believe is an impending departure of Tee Higgins? Or do they continue to provide Joe Burrows and this offense much needed offensive line help? Through the process of elimination, the decision here is to protect the face of the franchise and continue to fortify the wall tasked with securing Burrows' well-being.
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. Los Angeles Rams: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Click for Los Angeles Rams 7-round mock.
After years of ridding themselves of draft picks in order to bring in veteran players, the Rams need to take the opposite approach this offseason. They could go in a number of directions with this pick, but the retirement of eventual HOF defensive tackle Aaron Donald may force their hand.
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.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon
Click for Pittsburgh Steelers 7 round mock.
The Steelers enter the draft with two undrafted free agents in Anderson Hardy and Ryan McCollum at the center position. Powers-Johnson possesses all the character traits that fits the “Steel City” mode, and the Steelers made it a point of emphasis to send their offensive line coach, Pat Meyer to his Pro Day workouts. Possessing a blue-collar work ethic and fierce competitive fire, Johnson can dominate in both pass protection and run blocking. Whether it be Russell Wilson or Justin Fields taking snaps from him, either should have immediate confidence that Jackson-Powers will anchor the middle of the line.
21. Miami Dolphins: Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
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As do the Rams, the Miami Dolphins find themselves this offseason having lost a stalwart interior defensive lineman, when Christian Wilkins signed a four-year, $110 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.
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. Philadelphia Eagles: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
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The Eagles have seen two mainstays of their team retire this offseason in DT Fletcher Cox and center Jason Kelce. Both leave a legacy not only as great players but also as respected leaders of their respective units. While the Eagles could address either defensive or offensive lines with this selection, they instead address their secondary. Both Darius Slay and James Bradberry began to show their age last season, and the Eagles pass defense paid the price as a result. Arnold will bring youth and depth to the secondary and will be able to learn from these two seasoned veterans until he is ready to become a starter.
23. New England Patriots (Projected trade w/ Minnesota): Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
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In this scenario the Patriots pass on Drake Maye by essentially trading him to the Minnesota Vikings. They still get a QB in J.J. McCarthy early and gain additional picks to fill other needs in the process. One of those needs is protecting their new signal-caller with a solid run game and reliable tight ends. As the long-held belief goes, tight ends are typically a young quarterback's best friend.
The accolades that Brock Bowers brings with him from his collegiate days sets a high bar to maintain. Leaving some to question if will he be able to translate his college success to the NFL? Taking Bowers means the Patriots find themselves with a dynamic TE tandem of Hunter Henry and Bowers to assist in McCarthy's development.
24. Dallas Cowboys:Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
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The Cowboys came into the offseason over the salary cap, which played a role in them losing long-time left tackle Tyron Smith, who signed as a free agent with the New York Jets. While Jerry Jones might want to address Dallas' cornerback situation, the need to fill the void caused by Smith's departure will make it difficult to pass on the Sooners' Guyton, with this selection.
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.
25. Seattle Seahawks (Projected trade w/ Green Bay): Troy Fautanu, IOL, Washington
Click for Seattle Seahawks 7-round mock.
Call this a cover my ass pick in the first round. Regardless if they decide to stay at No. 16 or trade down. Fautanu is a player the Seahawks will be targeting in this first round.
In recent drafts, the Seahawks parlayed picks they received from Denver in the Russell Wilson deal into some promising young talent. They have two fine bookends on their offensive line in tackles Charles Cross — who was drafted with a first-round pick acquired in the Wilson trade to Denver — and Abraham Lucas, a third-round selection in 2022.
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.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
Click for Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7-round mock.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kept their core group of guys on the offensive side of the ball together when they re-signed Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans. However, they did trade cornerback Carlton Davis to the Detroit Lions and might be looking to replace him with this selection.
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.
27. Denver Broncos (Projected trade w/ Arizona): Chop Robinson, DE, Penn State
Click for Denver Broncos 7-round mock.
The Broncos elected to eat the remaining $85 million of the Russell Wilson contract when they released him in March. They also traded Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns for peanuts, getting from Cleveland a fifth- and sixth-round pick in the upcoming draft. With Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci as their only active quarterbacks under contract, Bo Nix has to be the selection here, right? By finding a trade partner in Arizona, they receive a top-3 pick in the second round by trading down.
Chop Robinson had himself a showing at the Combine. He demonstrated great speed (4.48) in the 40-yard dash and explosiveness in his broad jump (10’8”). He’s drawn comparisons to Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons, making him a more valuable selection than Bo Nix with this pick.
28. Buffalo Bills: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
Click for Buffalo Bills 7-round mock.
With Gabe Davis signing a new contract to play for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Stephon Diggs being traded to the Texans. The Bills proceeded to counter those moves by signing Curtis Samuel, KJ Hamler, and Mack Hollins as potential replacements. But none of these veteran receivers possess the skill set that Adonai Mitchell brings to Josh Allen and this offense.
Mitchell has all the measurables to be a dominant wide receiver in the NFL. His 4.3 speed gets him downfield in a hurry, or he can box out defenders with his 6-2, 205-pound frame, which should make him a red-zone threat.
29. Detroit Lions: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Click for Detroit Lions 7-round mock.
The Detroit Lions saw an immediate impact from their 2023 rookie class, the production of which played such a pivotal role in getting this team to the NFL Championship Game. If there's one thing we learned from Detroit's draft strategy is that the Lions do not necessarily take the best player available but rather the best available player at a position of need. Will that position be the interior offensive line or cornerback?
Make sure to click the link to view the diamond in the rough Brad Holmes finds in the sixth round.
30. Baltimore Ravens: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Click for Baltimore Ravens 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.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Darius Robinson, DE/DT, Missouri
Click for San Francisco 49ers 7-round mock.
Continuing his quest west, Robinson has come a long way from his roots in Canton, MI. His workouts at the Combine proved he is a viable option to be a first-round selection. His versatility to play on the outside or inside might be what the 49ers need considering — Javon Kinlaw (Jets) , Chase Young (Saints), Randy Gregory (Buccaneers) and Clelin Ferrell (Commanders) — have been lost this offseason from all along the defensive front.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
Click for Kansas City Chiefs 7-round mock.
The Chiefs have had several changes to both sides of the ball that they need to address in this year's draft. Although they have retained their All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones by signing him to a massive five-year $158.75 million contract extension. This move likely paved the way to moving on from L’Jarius Sneed, who was dealt to the Tennessee Titans soon afterwards. That decision alone makes cornerback a possible pick here.
However, off-field troubles now facing second-year receiver Rashee Rice could shift the focus of this selection. By posting a blistering 4.21 40-yard dash at the Combine, Worthy is in keeping with the Chiefs history, going back to Tyreek Hill, of stocking the receiver position with plenty of blur. Towards the end of last season, Rice was breaking out as a rookie star; now Kansas City hopes Worthy will do the same for them in 2024.