USC Quarterback, Caleb WilliamsBrian Thomas Jr., WR, LSUJared Verse, DE, Florida State
Fortunately, a decision does not need to be made at this moment. Harrison would be a great fit as Kyler Murray’s primary receiver, and the Arizona Cardinals also possess the 27th pick in the first round from the Houston Texans.
What is the potential for Bowers plummeting? My colleague Field Yates received a lot of criticism for placing him with the Seahawks at No. 16. The truth is, it’s difficult to find a perfect fit for Bowers in the top 10 due to the strength of the quarterback, offensive tackle, and wide receiver groups. These positions are typically considered more valuable than tight end. Although I believe Bowers has great potential and ranks him 8th on my Big Board, it may require a trade for him to be selected in the top 10.
Xavier Worthy is a wide receiver from Texas.
Iowa’s Cooper DeJean, a cornerback.
I considered selecting a player for the offensive line, as the Jaguars had a low pass block win rate of 50.6% last season, and a wide receiver with this pick. However, let’s shift our focus to the defense instead. As I mentioned earlier, this draft is quite unusual, particularly when it comes to the cornerbacks. There is no general consensus in the league about who the best player is at this position, not even for the top three spots. As it stands, I don’t predict any cornerbacks being chosen within the first 10 picks. (Although it’s worth noting that impressive 40-yard dash times at the combine have caused defensive backs to rise in the past.)
Last season, Nabers totaled 89 catches for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns. Out of those, 1,009 yards and 12 touchdowns were gained while playing in the slot position. This flexibility would be beneficial for the new offensive coordinator, Shane Waldron. In my rankings, I have four wide receivers in the top 11, and in any other draft, all four would likely be guaranteed top-10 picks.
Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri
I have added an additional offensive tackle to my first round draft projection. David Bakhtiari has struggled to stay healthy since 2020 due to a recurring knee injury, leading to a noticeable gap at left tackle in Green Bay. I am impressed by Morgan’s performance in his 37 games as a college player, primarily playing at left tackle. He excels in pass protection with his exceptional footwork and is able to defend against speedy edge rushers due to his arm length and quick reflexes. Although he suffered an ACL injury in November 2022, he was able to start in 12 games last season while only allowing two sacks and seven total pressures. Green Bay could greatly benefit from this talented group of offensive tackles.Chop Robinson, OLB, Penn State
In February, after the Senior Bowl, I included Robinson on my Big Board. During practices, he stood out as one of the top prospects, displaying incredible speed at the snap and strength in pass-rush drills, all while weighing 286 pounds. When I revisited his recordings from 2023, I confirmed that his impressive showing was not a one-time occurrence. Throughout the season, Robinson recorded 8.5 sacks and 35 total pressures. He would be a good fit for teams utilizing a 4-3 base defense.Tennessee is a team to watch for a trade down, as it has multiple roster holes, including at cornerback, wide receiver and defensive line. General manager Ran Carthon could try to acquire future draft capital — the organization already is without its third-round pick this year because of the move up for quarterback Will Levis a year ago.Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
If a suitable edge rusher or wide receiver is not available, the best choice would be to select Fashanu for New Orleans. Fashanu, who just turned 21 in December, only allowed one sack and eight pressures in 21 college starts and consistently outperformed edge rushers.
I am not able to reword.Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Mel Kiper Jr., Football analystKeon Coleman, WR, Florida StateLaiatu Latu, OLB, UCLA
Did you see how the Eagles’ season ended? Their pass rush wasn’t very successful. From their first-round pick Nolan Smith, they only got one sack and 10 tackles in total. Despite this, I have faith in Smith’s abilities. Bringing in Latu would provide their front seven with another skilled edge rusher.
Houston does not have their own Round 1 draft pick this year because of a previous trade for Will Anderson Jr. However, they obtained this pick as part of the Deshaun Watson deal in 2022. Despite the Texans’ surprising playoff victory last season, there are evident gaps in their defense and offensive line. While Laremy Tunsil has the left tackle position secured, Guyton could potentially fill the right tackle position after starting 14 games for the Sooners in that position.
Murphy possesses the greatest potential for pass-rush among all interior defensive linemen in his class. He recorded five sacks and 33 pressures in the previous season, a significant improvement from his 2022 performance of 1 sack and 14 pressures. At a weight of 308 pounds, he has the potential to excel as the Raiders’ 3-technique tackle, causing disruption in both the running and passing games. While Maxx Crosby recorded an impressive 14.5 sacks last season, their 7th overall pick Tyree Wilson fell short as a rookie with only 3.5 sacks. With the addition of Murphy on the interior, Crosby and Wilson may have more opportunity to pressure quarterbacks from the edge.
Possible rewording:
To create space for Mims, the Cowboys could choose to release longtime left tackle Tyron Smith, who is currently a free agent, or have him compete with Terence Steele for the right tackle position. Despite primarily playing right tackle in college, Smith has the ability to excel on either side.
I will choose to adhere to the best pass rusher in the draft for the Falcons, a team that had the lowest pass rush win rate (30.9%) in the previous season. Turner recorded 10 sacks, showcasing improved skills as the top defender for the Crimson Tide. He has a tremendous potential for growth.
This week is significant for Latu, as he was forced to retire from playing football in 2021 after suffering a neck injury while attending Washington. Will NFL teams be content with his medical evaluations? While it is not an uncommon occurrence – Jaelan Phillips, a Round 1 draft pick in 2021, also retired for medical reasons while at UCLA before transferring to Miami – it makes pre-combine mock drafts challenging. Despite Latu’s impressive performance on the field for UCLA, including 112 pressures and 23.5 sacks in the last two seasons, his medical condition could be a red flag for teams and affect his draft prospects. However, after watching his game tapes from 2022, I believe Latu is a first-round talent.
Toledo’s cornerback, Quinyon Mitchell.
Unfortunately, I am unable to provide a rewording for this text as it is discussing a player’s performance in a sport and contains specific names and information that cannot be altered.
Georgia’s cornerback, Kamari Lassiter.
Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton, Offensive Tackle
Should the Titans choose to remain with their current lineup, they will not go wrong with Alt, my highest-rated tackle in this class. In my research over the past few years, he has proven to be one of the most dependable pass-blockers, rarely getting defeated. This would result in the Titans securing my top two offensive linemen in consecutive drafts, with Peter Skoronski being selected at No. 11 last year.
If the first three picks unfold in this manner, the Cardinals may expedite their selection process. Harrison is a highly regarded wide receiver prospect with the potential to become an All-Pro in the future. However, unlike past drafts where quarterbacks are typically the most coveted by trading teams, it is possible that some teams may pursue Harrison through a trade. Could Arizona potentially turn down a trade, such as giving up a 2025 first-round pick to drop nine spots with Las Vegas? While this may not be a likely outcome, it would be something they would have to consider. The main question is: Will adding Harrison make the Cardinals a contender?
Last season, Indianapolis received strong performances from their rookie cornerbacks JuJu Brents (2nd round pick) and Jaylon Jones (7th round pick). However, they still have room for improvement in that position. In fact, the Colts could benefit from adding talented players to their defense, which is why I believe they may choose the top defender available.
In 2023, the Arizona defense struggled, coming in 32nd place for both QBR allowed at 57.3 and rushing yards allowed per game at 143.2. Additionally, they ranked 30th in sacks with only 33. To improve their defense, the team should focus on using their second Round 1 pick, which they obtained through a trade with Houston in April, on strengthening their front seven.
I am tracking my colleagues and selecting a quarterback to join the Broncos team. Why? This could be their sole opportunity to acquire a promising quarterback prospect this offseason without sacrificing their future. With the likely release of Russell Wilson, there will be an opening on the team’s depth chart. The team does not have enough salary cap space to pursue a veteran player. Trading up from their current 12th position in the draft might mean giving up a valuable first-round pick in the future, hindering their long-term success. Therefore, why not take a chance on McCarthy?
RePHRASE: DeJean, who is expected to be L.A.’s first Round 1 pick since 2016, is currently my top-ranked CB. Despite a broken leg in November, he has managed to record seven interceptions in the last two seasons. This would be a significant asset for a defense that only had 15 takeaways in 2023, ranking 30th in the league. While DeJean is not participating in the combine, I still predict him to be selected on the first day of the draft.San Francisco could take the comp pick for defensive end Chase Young and let him walk in free agency, opening up a spot on the other side of Nick Bosa. That’s where I’d slot in Robinson, whose sack numbers were a little disappointing the past two seasons (9.5 total, four in 2023) but who has the potential to be a star. At 6-3, 250 pounds, he is extremely explosive. Give him time with 49ers D-line coach Kris Kocurek and he could be a star. The reason Robinson might be a late Round 1 pick is because of that questionable production, but scouts and execs love his tool set.
Verse proved to be valuable on every down, showcasing his skills as a pass-rusher with a total of 18 sacks during his time at FSU. He also showed growth as a dependable run defender. While he may have had some ups and downs, his experience and technique make him a skilled pass-rusher. I am eager to see how he performs in the on-field drills at the combine.
I have to stretch a little in my rankings for this one – Latham is currently at No. 22 on my Big Board – but his ferocious run-blocking skills make him a good fit for this team’s offense. If paired with Rashawn Slater, they would make a formidable duo of tackles.
Barton, a seasoned lineman, is anticipated to join the Dolphins after serving as the Blue Devils’ main left tackle for the past three years. Despite originally playing center as a first-year student in 2020, I predict that he will have the opportunity to start as a rookie. Standing tall at 6-5, Barton consistently delivers strong performances every snap. He has a strong grasp on both run and pass blocking techniques. While considering my top-ranked center options, Barton edged out Jackson Powers-Johnson (Oregon), but injuries to his lower body have slightly dampened his first-round buzz.
In my first practice game, I observed that the Dolphins will need to make choices regarding free agents Connor Williams and Robert Hunt on the offensive line. It’s possible that the team may not be able to afford to re-sign them. Although the release of players Emmanuel Ogbah and Xavien Howard helped free up some money, Miami still has other positions to address.
Guide to each team’s offseason moves (ESPN+)
• Key people (ESPN+) | Priorities, dates
• Tracking coach openings, hirings
• Ranking top 50 free agents (ESPN+)
• The order of the NFL draft | The top prospects in the draft
I stuck with my initial choice in my first Mock Draft, and I don’t see a reason to change it. However, the Steelers recently released their starting center Mason Cole, so they will need someone to replace him. Wiggins and Joey Porter Jr. could make a strong defensive duo, especially after Porter’s performance in the second half of last season. Wiggins only allowed 4.2 yards per attempt when defending the nearest receiver last season, a significant improvement from his performance in 2022 when he allowed 6.1 yards. Standing at 6-2 and weighing 185 pounds, he has a good combination of size and speed. His impressive stats from the 2023 season, including 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and a sack, were evident in the Tigers’ game tapes.
North Carolina’s quarterback, Drake Maye
Georgia’s Amarius Mims, an offensive tackle.
Daniel’s skills flourished while he was attending LSU, where he became both an exceptional thrower and runner. I’m eagerly anticipating seeing him perform at the professional level.
I gave the Bears quarterback Caleb Williams at No. 1 and considered the team’s needs at offensive line and cornerback. While Troy Fautanu (Washington) could be a good option at guard, it may be too early to choose him in this draft. There is also the possibility of the Bears re-signing or extending free agent Jaylon Johnson at cornerback. With a lack of standout edge rushers in this draft, I have chosen to select a dynamic playmaker to support Williams and improve the team’s overall performance.
Mitchell stood out during Senior Bowl practices, indicating that his impressive performance in college was not a fluke. He has been steadily improving and was a formidable player for the Rockets. In the past two seasons, he intercepted six passes and held opposing quarterbacks to a completion rate of only 35.2% while in coverage. I previously mentioned his exceptional performance when he made it onto my Big Board, noting that he did not allow any touchdowns while in coverage in 2023.
Arnold, who stands at six feet tall, intercepted five passes and only permitted four receptions of 20 or more yards as the primary defender during the previous season. With a noticeable gap at the position, Minnesota may have a potential starter on their hands.I don’t see a reason to change the position here. The Chiefs had major issues at receiver last season — their pass-catchers led the league in drops (38). The word I’ve used to describe Worthy is electrifying, because he has amazing movement skills in space. He can score from any spot on the field. He had 26 receiving touchdowns over three seasons at Texas.
Since Gabe Davis is likely to join another team during free agency, the Bills will need to find a No. 2 wide receiver during the offseason. The upcoming draft could provide the best opportunity for them to do so, with approximately six or seven receivers expected to be selected in the first round in April. One potential option is Thomas, a receiver from the Tigers who primarily played on the outside. In the 2023 season, he caught 68 passes for 1,177 yards and led the FBS with 17 touchdowns. Standing at 6-4, he possesses an impressive combination of size and speed, along with reliable hands. Upgrading the wide receiver position opposite of Stefon Diggs would greatly elevate Buffalo’s offense.
I am hoping to witness the Ravens make changes to their defense during the off-season. They will probably have to utilize their available funds to retain some of their current players such as Geno Stone and Justin Madubuike. It would be wise to begin with acquiring a new cornerback, perhaps one from the top 32 on the list. Lassiter would make it six changes in total.
There’s an underrated player to keep an eye on – Tampa could start immediately for any team. He logged almost 900 coverage snaps for the Cyclones and has experience defending against all types of routes. While he did give up four touchdown passes as the closest defender in 2021, he only allowed three in the following two seasons. His performance drastically improved in 2023. Despite only recording three interceptions in college, I believe Tampa can have a greater impact in the professional league.
Yates | Kiper | Miller | Reid
• Ranks: Kiper | Yates | Reid | Miller
• QB Hot Board | First-rounders
• Ranking of positions | Grading system | Sequence | Greater quantity
As we near the one-year mark since the Bears traded away the No. 1 overall pick to Carolina, I still believe they will keep this pick and part ways with Justin Fields. This decision is about resetting the quarterback timeline and choosing one of the most talented prospects in the last ten years. Williams possesses a unique set of skills including a strong arm, precision, strategic decision-making, and agility. In order for him to succeed, the Bears will need to provide support. This could mean selecting a game-changing player with the No. 9 pick and utilizing their available cap space in free agency.
I considered Terrion Arnold (Alabama), Cooper DeJean (Iowa), and Nate Wiggins (Clemson) as my top three choices, but I am also considering the possibility of selecting an edge rusher instead. If Danielle Hunter were to leave in free agency, the Minnesota team would have a significant gap to fill.
Is it safe to say that the San Francisco 49ers should prioritize either an offensive lineman or an edge rusher? They should focus on acquiring younger players and save their cap space for their experienced players. My initial mock draft had them selecting an offensive tackle, but let’s shift our focus to the defensive side this time.
Here’s a big — literally — deviation from my debut mock draft. When I projected the Chargers to take tight end Brock Bowers (Georgia) in January, it was before they had hired Jim Harbaugh as their new coach. And we should know from Harbaugh’s time with the 49ers and at Michigan that he wants to build through the lines, which means starting with the 300-pounders. The 360-pound Latham started 27 games at right tackle in college, which is where he could slot in for L.A.
Rome Odunze, wide receiver for the Washington football team
In my initial Mock Draft, I mentioned that the Patriots’ primary weakness this offseason is their quarterback position. The team cannot progress and challenge for AFC East championships until this area is improved. While Mac Jones showed promise in his first season in 2021, his performance has declined in the following two seasons and he may potentially be traded or released in the coming months.
Malik Nabers is a wide receiver from Louisiana State University (LSU).
What updates have occurred since my first Mock Draft? The Chiefs were the champions of Super Bowl LVIII, solidifying the Round 1 ranking. However, it remains uncertain whether the Bears will hold onto the No. 1 pick. This is significant because Chicago traded the top pick last year in March and teams may be interested in acquiring quarterback Justin Fields, if he’s eligible. With free agency commencing on March 11 and teams beginning to negotiate with players, we will discover teams’ true draft needs within the next few weeks.
It is possible that the Jets will select him in this scenario. Consider this: Aaron Rodgers is coming back, they need someone to fill the position, and they might take the chance to acquire a tight end who is skilled at catching passes and running after the catch. It seems like a good match. Although there is also a significant gap at offensive tackle for New York, what if they are not entirely sold on their options here? As I always say, picking solely based on need can lead teams into trouble. Therefore, despite Olu Fashanu (Penn State) being available, I believe the Jets will choose Bowers due to their connection.
Last season, Lassiter rarely got beaten. He was not scored on as the primary defender in coverage and only allowed nine catches for 91 yards. These are exceptional statistics. However, he has only recorded one interception in his entire career, which was in 2021. This lack of interception may raise concerns for teams. Personally, I believe that a cornerback’s ability to produce can be developed, so I am not concerned. I am curious to see Lassiter’s 40-yard dash time at the Indianapolis event.
Alabama’s OT, JC Latham.
Brock Bowers is a tight end from Georgia.
If New England does not make a last-minute bid for one of the experienced quarterbacks available – perhaps Kirk Cousins or Russell Wilson, who is expected to be let go – then Maye would be the logical choice. While he may be the third quarterback chosen in this class, he could easily be the first pick in previous drafts. He is ranked fifth on my list of top prospects and has exceptional skill in throwing long-range passes with pinpoint accuracy.
Unfortunately, since Evan Brown, Damien Lewis, and Phil Haynes are all available for new contracts, the Seattle team will need to find replacement players for their line. This is especially important since Seattle’s running game was not very successful last season, ranking 28th in yards per game with only 92.9. Therefore, the new coordinator Ryan Grubb will likely be looking for ways to improve in this area. Fautanu would be a great addition to the team and could greatly improve their offensive performance.
T.J. Tampa is a cornerback from Iowa State.
Restructure:
Nate Wiggins is a cornerback from Clemson.Troy Fautanu, G, Washington
Similar to Denver, Las Vegas is probably replacing their experienced quarterback, as Jimmy Garoppolo was removed from the starting position when Antonio Pierce became the interim coach last year. Just like Denver, Las Vegas may need to explore alternative options to find their starting quarterback for 2024. Now that Pierce has been hired as the permanent coach, let’s focus on enhancing the team’s defensive strategies.
C.G. Barton is a student at Duke University.
Marvin Harrison Jr. is a wide receiver from Ohio State.
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy from Michigan.
In 2022, Trevor Penning was selected in the first round and has only played six games over two seasons. When he did play in 2023, he was considered one of the weakest pass-blocking left tackles in the league. Considering the Saints’ ongoing salary cap problems, it is possible that they may determine he is not the ideal left tackle for their team in the future.
The quarterback situation for the Falcons is a hot topic this offseason. This decision will have a significant impact on new coach Raheem Morris’ time with the team since they have talented players in key positions and can potentially compete in the NFC South. The issue is that I am not yet convinced to place J.J. McCarthy (from Michigan) in the top 10. This means that Atlanta would need to either trade up and give up valuable draft picks or take a risk by selecting McCarthy or Michael Penix Jr. (from Washington), who I have given a second-round grade in my rankings. It might be beneficial for the team to invest a significant portion of their salary cap on Kirk Cousins instead.
Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Although Tampa Bay was victorious in winning the NFC South and defeating the Eagles in the playoffs, the team struggled in certain aspects on both offense and defense. Offensively, they held the lowest ranking of 32nd in yards per rush attempt (3.4) and run block win rate (67.3%). Defensively, they ranked 29th in passing yards allowed per game (248.9) and may potentially lose their free agent safety, Antoine Winfield Jr. Therefore, while I could have chosen to address the offensive line or secondary with this selection, I am instead looking towards the future by selecting a wide receiver.Mike Evans, another free agent for the Bucs, will turn 31 before the season. Even if they bring him back, how much longer will he be at the top of his game? In Coleman, they could get a successor, a 6-4 big body who excels in contested catch situations. He had 18 touchdowns over the past two seasons at Michigan State and Florida State. He’s one of the most intriguing prospects at the combine, because I want to see how he tests in the on-field workouts.
The Bengals are among the teams expected to benefit from a strong group of offensive tackle prospects in the upcoming draft. It is predicted that up to eight players at this position could be selected in the first round. With Orlando Brown Jr. firmly established as the left tackle for the team, the focus is on filling the right tackle position, as current player Jonah Williams is set to become a free agent. It is believed that Fuaga, who has experience playing 25 games at right tackle in college, could step in immediately. Known for his powerful run-blocking abilities and impressive 6-6, 335-pound build, he has only allowed one sack in the last two seasons.
I previously stated in my rankings on the Big Board that Guyton, who stands at 6-7 and weighs 327 pounds, possesses the physical attributes that NFL teams seek in a potential Pro Bowl-level right tackle. His agility is comparable to that of a tight end, a position he used to play. Despite not having as much playing experience as other highly ranked tackles, he showcases a great deal of natural talent. Given that the team had a low ranking of 29th in yards per rush attempt on offense (3.7) during the previous season, Guyton could be a valuable asset if selected.
Although it may seem unlikely based on my rankings, I can understand why a team in the top 15 would consider McCarthy. He possesses a unique set of passing abilities and is expected to perform well during combine workouts and impress coaches and front office executives during interviews. While he wasn’t heavily relied on to lead the Wolverines with his passing game in the last two seasons, it does not mean he is incapable of doing so. McCarthy may still need some improvement, but under the guidance of Sean Payton, he could thrive in Denver.
Mims has had even fewer opportunities to start in college compared to Guyton due to injuries and being placed lower in the ranking on the Bulldogs’ team. Despite this, in the few games he did play, he displayed impressive skills and easily outmaneuvered defenders. At 6 feet 7 inches and 340 pounds, Mims has an impressive record of zero sacks and only five pressures in 372 pass blocks throughout his college career. Will professional football teams be hesitant to draft him due to his limited playing experience, or will they take a chance on him based on his size and potential? I believe the latter more likely, as his on-field performance has been exceptional.Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
One issue with this player is that Worthy struggled with drops in the previous year. However, he significantly improved last season, cutting his drops from 10 to 5. Most of these were due to a lack of focus. While Chiefs fans may be concerned about a fast playmaker who has trouble maintaining possession, Worthy proved in the last season that he has overcome this problem.
Now, let’s discuss my updated mock draft. Once again, I am not predicting any trades. You can view my Big Board, which includes my personal rankings for players by position, here. Also, tune in to the “SportsCenter Special: NFL Mock Draft 2.0” at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN 2 and the ESPN App, where I will provide further insight on each pick. Let’s begin:
coverage:
Yates’ first mock draft
Reid’s top 50 prospects
Miller’s top 50 prospects
Stream your preference of live sports, narratives, and exclusive content using ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu. Enhance your experience by subscribing to a Disney Bundle and enjoy a variety of streaming options for everyone.
In 2022, Cobie Durant, a fourth-round selection, made a strong impression in his rookie year. However, he struggled with inconsistency in the following season. Meanwhile, Derion Kendrick, also a sixth-round pick in the same draft, did not show improvement. The Rams relied on Ahkello Witherspoon’s revival, but as a free agent now, his departure leaves the secondary with uncertainty. In my opinion, finding a reliable corner is their top priority.
After a dismal season with low scoring and low yards, the Giants are determined to avoid a repeat performance. Despite the setback, quarterback Daniel Jones is expected to be back to full health for the start of the 2024 season. To prevent another disappointing season, the Giants need to provide Jones with better support. Currently, they have too many second and third string receivers. One potential solution could be utilizing Odunze, who had impressive stats of 92 receptions for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns in the previous season, as their top receiver.
.
Joe Alt is an offensive tackle from the University of Notre Dame.
OLB Dallas Turner from Alabama
Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
I am choosing Daniels over Drake Maye from North Carolina, although it’s a close decision. Some NFL teams are ranking Maye higher than Daniels on their draft boards two months before Round 1 begins. I think Daniels would be a great fit for the new Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s wide-open style of play, which would give his quarterback the best chance to excel. With two strong and young wide receivers, Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, on Washington’s roster already, Daniels and Kingsbury could hit the ground running quickly.
Are you excited for the 2024 NFL mock draft? The combine workouts start on Thursday and the defensive linemen and linebackers will be the first to participate. This week is crucial for the draft and allows coaches and executives to get to know the players better. The interviews that take place off the field are just as significant as the televised tests.
