2024 NFL first-round mock draft: Five QBs in Round 1

Despite some struggles during 2023, Williams remains the likely first-overall draft choice as a generational quarterback prospect. While his total production declined from his 2022 Heisman season with fewer pass attempts, Williams improved with 9.4 yards per pass attempt and 11 rushing touchdowns. The Bears will reset the quarterback contract clock by drafting Williams after trading Justin Fields.

Daniels’ emergence puts him squarely in the top-five conversation after his brilliant year won him the Heisman Trophy. He’s flashed impeccable accuracy and become a proven playmaker in the LSU offense, completing over 72% of his passes and rushing for more than 1,100 yards. New Washington coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has experience with dynamic quarterbacks after coaching Kyler Murray in Arizona.

New England has moved on from former first-round pick Mac Jones, and Maye has far more raw talent. Maye showed off his dynamic ability over the last two seasons, including 24 touchdown passes and nine rushing touchdowns in 2023. He has the size and arm strength of a top overall pick.

Harrison Jr. continued establishing himself as a generational wide receiver prospect, gaining over 18 yards per reception with more than 1,200 receiving yards in 2023. He’s a perfect fit in Arizona, potentially replacing Marquise Brown.

Nabers was a fringe first-round prospect before blowing the roof off the SEC in 2023 with over 1,500 yards and 14 touchdowns. LA has a desperate need after losing Mike Williams and Keenan Allen.

Daniel Jones remains under contract, but his injuries and poor play make quarterback a consideration for the Giants. McCarthy was an accurate and efficient passer at Michigan, completing more than 72% of his passes last season and showing a strong arm.

Tennessee’s effort to address tackle last season with Andre Dillard was a failure, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them draft a first-round lineman for the second straight season. Alt has the pedigree as the son of former first-round tackle John Alt, and plenty of size at 6-foot-7.

The Falcons could get younger on the defensive line after sporting an older line last season. Turner is coming off an outstanding season, recording 10 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss for Bama.

Chicago has an impressive wideout tandem with DJ Moore and Keenan Allen but has little behind them. Odunze brings size and elite speed as a great deep threat, with 17.9 yards per reception heading into the National Championship.

Bowers is a great receiving threat for any offense, though his draft stock might be down slightly after missing time in 2023 with an ankle injury. He’s been given Gronk-like comparisons for his dominant receiving ability and size, and could be a great outlet for Aaron Rodgers.

While it’s possible Minnesota will move up to draft a quarterback, they also have a need on the offensive line. Latham could plug in at guard immediately or play tackle.

Denver has a need at quarterback, though they also need help on the offensive line. Fuaga is a potential long-term keeper who could play the interior in the short term.

Now full-time head coach Antonio Pierce is a former linebacker who will likely look to rebuild the Raiders defense. Arnold showed a nose for the ball in 2023, with five interceptions and 63 tackles.

While New Orleans has three former first-round picks on the offensive line, the opportunity for offensive line help in this draft could be too good to pass up. Fashanu has the potential to be a brick wall and has performed well at Penn State.

Indy has seen a revolving door at cornerback recently and has a major need heading into the draft. Mitchell has become a potential first-round corner prospect after back-to-back excellent seasons.

Seattle needs offensive line help and might not need to look far. Fautanu has proven himself an elite tackle for the Huskies this season, and could also fill-in as an interior lineman.

Despite the addition of Gabe Davis, Jacksonville has a void to fill at wideout after losing Calvin Ridley. Thomas has elite physical traits at 6-foot-5 with a 4.33 second 40 time and had an incredible 17 receiving touchdowns in 2023.

Cincinnati added Sheldon Rankins to the interior this offseason but could be looking at a young defensive line asset as they get older in that area. Murphy is a great fit after recording five sacks at Texas last season.

The shocking retirement of future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald puts defensive line at the top of LA’s needs. Verse recorded nine sacks in back-to-back seasons for the Seminoles. 

Pittsburgh addressed its secondary this offseason by adding DeShon Elliott and Donte Jackson, but it could certainly use more secondary help. DeJean remains a fine first-round prospect despite some injury issues in 2023, showing an eye for the ball with seven picks over the last two years.

Miami’s front seven is a bit messy after losing Christian Wilkins and Raekwon Davis, among others. Latu has established himself as one of the top edge rushers in the class after recording 23.5 sacks over the last two seasons.

The offensive line has been a strength in Philly for the last several years, and the team would like to keep it that way. Mims is mauling 6-foot-7 tackle prospect who could help on the interior until Lane Johnson calls it quits at right tackle.

It’s clear the Vikings are going to address quarterback somehow in the draft after losing Kirk Cousins. While there are questions about Nix’s physical tools, there’s no questioning the production at Oregon. He finished third in the Heisman voting last season after throwing for over 4,500 yards with 45/3 TD/INT, and is also very capable with his feet.

The Cowboys have a major need at tackle after losing tackle Tyron Smith. Guyton is an excellent option, after showing dominance for the Sooners over the last two seasons.

Green Bay’s offensive line is seemingly a constant work in progress, and that remains the case this offseason after moving on from David Bakhtiari. Barton proved himself more than stable at Duke, and could play the left side or move inside.

Cornerback is a major need in Tampa Bay after the team lost Carlton Davis. Wiggins has ample size and showed takeaway ability with two picks in 10 games in 2023 for Clemson.

Arizona didn’t adequately replace the losses of J.J. Watt and Zach Allen last season. Robinson fits the mold as long, projectable edge rusher and ran a sub-4.5 40.

Mitchell has elite physical tools at 6-foot-2 with a sub-4.4 40-yard dash. After a breakout season for the Longhorns in which he caught 55 passes for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns, he could be the perfect replacement for Stefon Diggs.

Detroit already added Marcus Davenport and DJ Reader, and more support for Aidan Hutchinson could transform an average Lions defense into an elite one. Robinson is a massive rusher at 6-foot-5, 290 pounds who is coming off a breakout season with 8.5 sacks in 12 games for the Tigers.

Baltimore needs more cornerback depth, and could also be looking at a long-term Marlon Humphrey replacement, McKinstry had 22 passes defensed over the last two seasons for the Crimson Tide.

San Francisco seemingly revamps their defensive line each offseason, but could lose a long-term interior pass rusher after losing Arik Armstead. Newton is a potentially dominant interior rusher after recording 7.5 sacks for the Illini in 2023.

While KC signed Hollywood Brown in the offseason, wideout questions remain, especially given Rashee Rice’s legal trouble. Worthy is quite the potential deep threat after running a record-breaking 4.21-second 40 at the Combine, and he also accumulated over 1,000 yards receiving at Texas last season.