Welcome to the final edition of the 2024 NFL mock draft series by Sports View 360, where we break down the projected selections for all 32 teams. The anticipation peaks as the draft draws near, with teams eagerly vying to secure their future franchise players. Once again, the quarterback market emerges as a focal point of attention, with several teams needing a signal-caller to lead their offense. In this ultimate mock draft edition, we anticipate five quarterbacks to be selected in the first round, highlighting the intense demand for quarterback talent in the league. Notably, three quarterbacks are projected to be taken within the first three picks, underscoring the position’s significance in shaping the draft’s trajectory.
Caleb Williams, QB USC (1): The Bears have long been searching for a franchise quarterback to lead their team to success. Caleb Williams from USC presents an exciting opportunity to fill that void. With his exceptional arm talent, mobility, and playmaking ability, Williams has the potential to transform the Bears’ offense and elevate the team to new heights. His impressive college career showcased his ability to thrive in pressure situations, making him an ideal candidate to lead the Bears into a new era of competitiveness. (Bears)
Jayden Daniels, QB LSU (2): Like the Bears, the Washington Commanders have struggled to find stability at the quarterback position for years. Jayden Daniels from LSU offers a solution to this longstanding issue. Known for his poise, leadership, and decision-making skills, Daniels brings a level of maturity and talent that the Commanders desperately need. With his ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground, Daniels has the potential to rejuvenate the Commanders’ offense and bring newfound success to the franchise. (Commanders)
Drake Maye, QB North Carolina (3) With the third pick, the New England Patriots usher in a new era under head coach Jarrod Mayo by selecting quarterback Drake Maye out of North Carolina. The Patriots have openly admitted that they are open for business regarding trading their top pick, but we believe they will be inclined to stay put and select a quarterback. (Patriots)
Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State WR (4): The Arizona Cardinals strategically moved to bolster their passing game by selecting Marvin Harrison Jr. With Kyler Murray at quarterback, they sought to provide him with another dynamic weapon in the receiving corps. Harrison Jr., known for his route-running ability, hands, and athleticism, perfectly complements the Cardinals’ offensive scheme. His presence on the field will open opportunities for Murray and add versatility and depth to the Cardinals’ passing attack, making them even more formidable in the NFC West. (Cardinals)
Malik Nabers, WR LSU (5): Following the departure of their starting receivers, the Los Angeles Chargers wasted no time addressing their need for playmakers in the passing game. With the fifth overall pick, they selected Malik Nabers from LSU. Nabers impressed scouts with his speed, agility, and knack for making big plays at LSU. Projected to be an immediate contributor, Nabers adds a dynamic element to the Chargers’ offense and provides quarterback Justin Herbert with a reliable target downfield. His addition strengthens the Chargers’ receiving corps and enhances their chances of success in the AFC West. (Chargers)
Rome Udonze, Washington WR (6): Despite speculation of the Giants drafting a quarterback, they opted to give Daniel Jones another opportunity to lead their offense. With the sixth pick, they addressed a pressing need at wide receiver by selecting Rome Udonze from Washington. Udonze brings a unique skill set to the Giants’ offense, offering speed, agility, and playmaking ability. His addition provides Jones with a reliable target and adds a dynamic element to the Giants’ passing attack, lacking in recent years. (Giants)
Joe Alt, Notre Dame OT (7): The first offensive tackle comes off the board at seven when the Tennessee Titans select Joe Alt out of Notre Dame. Alt has been touted as the best offensive tackle in this year’s draft class. Adding him to the Titans’ current landscape is another bright spot in their impressive offseason. (Titans)
Dallas Turner, Alabama EDGE (8): Following a series of impressive offseason moves, including signing Kirk Cousins and adding depth at wide receiver, the Atlanta Falcons turned their attention to the defensive side of the ball with the eighth pick. They selected Dallas Turner, an edge rusher from Alabama, to bolster their pass rush. Turner’s explosive speed off the edge and relentless pursuit of the quarterback make him a perfect fit for the Falcons’ defensive scheme. His addition adds another dimension to an already formidable Falcons defense, making them even more formidable in the NFC South. (Falcons)
Byron Murphy, Texas DT (9): The Chicago Bears continued their offseason overhaul by selecting Byron Murphy from UCLA with the ninth overall pick. With critical additions on offense, including a top quarterback prospect, the Bears turned their attention to bolstering their defense. Latu, an edge rusher with a relentless motor and disruptive playmaking ability, adds depth and talent to the Bears’ defensive front. (Bears)
Brock Bowers, Georgia (10): Honestly, the Jets can take one of the best offensive linemen remaining with their first-round pick, but instead, we believe they will add a reliable weapon on offense for Aaron Rodgers. Georgia tight end Brock Bowers fits what the Jets seek on the offensive side. He’s a game-changing talent who can instantly impact the New York offense. (Jets)
J.J. McCarthy QB (11): The Giants passing on a chance to select a quarterback with the seventh pick allowed the Vikings to stay put at 11 and choose J.J. McCarthy out of Michigan. With Sam Darnold as the projected starter in 2024, McCarthy will not have the pressure of playing right away. He became one of Michigan’s more successful quarterbacks under center when he took over in 2021. McCarthy went 27-1 as the Michigan starter and led the program to its first national title since 1998. (Vikings)
Laiatu Latu, UCLA EDGE (12): We believe the starting QB role solely belongs to Jared Stidham, and the Denver Broncos will go in a different direction with the 12th pick. They selected one of the best pass rushers on the board in UCLA’s Laiatu Latu. (Broncos)
Michael Penix Jr., Washington QB (13): Despite signing Gardner Minshew as a potential starter, the Las Vegas Raiders recognize the need for a long-term solution at quarterback. With the 13th pick, they target Michael Penix Jr., a talented quarterback from Washington. Penix Jr. possesses the arm talent, athleticism, and leadership skills needed to thrive in the NFL. His addition to the Raiders’ quarterback room gives them a promising young signal-caller to lead their offense and compete in the challenging AFC West division. (Raiders)
Troy Fautanu, Washington (OT) 14: Facing uncertainty on the offensive line, the New Orleans Saints prioritize bolstering their protection by selecting Troy Fautanu from Washington with the 14th overall pick. With concerns surrounding Ryan Ramczyk’s health and Trevor Penning’s underperformance, Fautanu offers a solution to the Saints’ offensive line woes. Regarded as one of the top tackle prospects in the draft, Fautanu brings a combination of size, technique, and versatility to the Saints’ line, immediately shoring up their pass protection and run blocking. His arrival signals the beginning of the Saints’ efforts to rebuild and strengthen their offensive front, ensuring continued success for their offense in the future. (Saints)
Brian Thomas, LSU (WR) 15: The Colts recently re-signed wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to a long-term contract, but there’s room to add another playmaker on the outside. Adding LSU’s Brian Thomas gives the Colts an explosive weapon that can take the top off of defenses and can add another dynamic to an already potent offense. (Colts)
Picks 16-25
Picks 16 through 25 mark a pivotal stretch in the draft, where teams focus on bolstering the trenches on both sides of the ball. As the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, and Seattle Seahawks come on the clock, expect to witness a significant run-on talent in the trenches. These teams are known for prioritizing the foundational aspects of football, recognizing the importance of dominating the line of scrimmage to control the game’s flow. They aim to add the best available talents at offensive and defensive line positions with their selections, solidifying their rosters and fortifying their team identities.
16. Johnny Newton, Illinois (DT) Seahawks
17. Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo (CB) Jaguars
18. Olu Fashanu, (Penn State) OT Bengals
19. Jared Verse, (Florida State) EDGE Rams
20. Talliese Fuaga, (Oregon State) OT Steelers
21. Amarius Mims, (Georgia) OT Dolphins
22. Terrion Arnold, (Alabama) CB Eagles
23. Christian Hayes, (UConn) OG Vikings
24. JC Latham, (Alabama) OT Cowboys
25. Cooper DeJean, (Iowa) SAFETY Packers
Picks 26-32
As we enter the final stretch of the first round with picks 26 through 32, several teams want to address critical needs and solidify their rosters for the upcoming season. The Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and Baltimore Ravens are among those turning their attention to the wide receiver position. After the recent departure of Stefon Diggs, traded to the Houston Texans, the Bills are in search of a prospect who can step in and contribute immediately, providing a reliable target for quarterback Josh Allen. Meanwhile, the Chiefs and Ravens aim to add depth and playmaking ability to their receiving corps, enhancing their offensive firepower.
In a strategic move, the San Francisco 49ers opt to stay put and select one of the projected top prospects at the offensive tackle position. With Trent Williams aging, albeit still performing at an elite level, the 49ers recognize the importance of securing a dominant tackle to complement Williams and fortify their offensive line. By addressing this crucial need, the 49ers aim to provide protection for their quarterback and create opportunities for their dynamic playmakers to thrive on the field.
26. Chop Robinson, (Penn State) EDGE Buccaneers
27. Darius Robinson, (Missouri) EDGE Cardinals
28. Adonai Mitchell, (Texas) WR Bills
29. Adisa Isaac, (Penn State) EDGE Lions
30. Keon Coleman, (Florida State) WR Ravens
31. Tyler Guyton, (Oklahoma) OT 49ers
32. Xavier Worthy, (Texas) WR Chiefs
