In a compelling NFL.com 2024 mock draft, the Green Bay Packers discover an impressive QB from the Big…
Are you anticipating the NFL Draft in 2024 already? Caleb Williams of USC will be selected first overall by the Bears in lieu of Justin Fields, according to Union-Tribune draft analyst Eddie Brown.
A customary greeting for the new year, but also a glimpse into what some NFL teams might be considering at quarterback as we start to near the end of 2023.
This week, the Broncos and Commanders both benched their starters, which could mean that things are about to change.
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The Patriots may have eliminated themselves from consideration for one of the best quarterback prospects in the draft by winning two of their last three games. This allowed Washington to pass them for the remaining signal-caller available, either Drake Maye or Caleb Williams.
The Browns-Jets game from Thursday night is not included in this update. There are still two weeks left in the NFL regular season, so things could change, but the top of the draft will be decided soon enough.
Till then, I hope you have a happy and prosperous 2024.
SAMPLE PREAMBLE
This is an attempt to determine which teams, based on the current draft order as provided by NFL.com, the best players available in this season’s draft class would suit up with. The closer draft day draws nearer, the more I’ll try to align teams’ actual draft choices with my assessment of what they should do.
According to The Huddle Report, I was the third-most accurate NFL draft predictor in print last season. Out of 172, I’m tied for first place overall for the last five years.
Since the NFL doesn’t have a summer off, the draft has evolved into the Super Bowl of the league’s second season. This mock draft is intended to inform and possibly even amuse fans. It helps you kill time, at the absolute least.
To continue the conversation, please follow me at @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This is a revised version of my NFL Mock Draft for 2024:
First round: 1. Caleb Williams, QB, USC Jr., Chicago from Carolina (2-12).
Bears general manager Ryan Poles may choose to trade this pick for a king’s ransom or select Marvin Harrison Jr., a player with generational potential, in order to further develop Justin Fields. However, common sense indicates that Chicago will want to have their own franchise quarterback if they hire new coaches. Williams, who is exceptional off the field, is expected to follow Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield as the third quarterback in Trojans coach Lincoln Riley’s history to win the Heisman Trophy and be selected first overall. Needs #1: OL, WR, and Edge
2. Arizona (3-11) — Ohio State junior wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
Would General Manager Monti Ossenfort pick Maye here instead of Kyler Murray? Maybe, but I believe the Cardinals remain committed to Murray, and Ossenfort wouldn’t be upset if the top overall prospect in the draft could solve one of his team’s biggest needs. Harrison would most likely be produced by the computer if we were to “Weird Science” a wide receiver. The unanimous All-American is a route runner with Hall of Fame NFL pedigree (6-foot-4, 205 pounds), prototypical size, strong hands, and athleticism. He is the son of Colts legend Marvin Harrison. Calvin Johnson was the last wide receiver selected in the top three in 2007. Priority needs are G, CB, and WR.
3. Drake Maye, quarterback, North Carolina, sophomore, Washington (4–10).
Sam Howell will probably face competition in the quarterback room the following season as there will almost definitely be a front office and coaching change following this season. Some will wonder if Williams is truly the best quarterback in this draft class given Maye’s prototypical size (6-foot-4, 230 pounds), exceptional arm talent, and running prowess. Warning: Although I really like Maye, Williams is the best quarterback in this draft class. Priority needs: OL, DB, Edge
4. Jayden Daniels, senior quarterback at LSU, and New England (3-11).
The Patriots and Bill Belichick have not fared well in the post-Tom Brady era. If Belichick decides not to resign as head coach, this may be his first draft from inside the Top-5. Daniels broke Joe Burrow’s NCAA passing efficiency record with a rating of 208 as a senior, capping an incredible season in Baton Rouge. Along with 3,812 passing yards, 40 passing touchdowns, and just four interceptions, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner was also productive. For good measure, he added 10 touchdowns on the ground and 1,134 rushing yards. primary needs: TE, OL, and QB
5. Malik Nabers, WR, LSU, Jr., New York Giants (5-9).
Before the draft, the G-Men will undoubtedly be discussed among the top teams in terms of quarterbacks, but if they choose to give Daniel Jones another chance, they will need to find him a legitimate No. 1 receiver. In addition to having excellent body control and route running, Nabers is a fear of the open field and an elite player after the catch. Goals: WR, RB, and DL
Olu Fashanu of the Los Angeles Chargers (5-9) and Penn St., Jr.
constructing a superior offensive line to safeguard the franchise The new general manager’s first priority needs to be QB Justin Herbert. If Fashanu had declared for the previous season, he probably would have been in the first-round discussion. Although his run game still needs work, he is already a superb pass-protector and has a good chance of ranking in the Top 5. Priority needs: T, RB, and CB
7. Joe Alt, T., Notre Dame, Jr., Tennessee (5-8).
It appears that Will Levis will be the Titans’ starting quarterback in 2024, so GM Ran Carthon’s next task will be to improve Levis’ protection. One of two blue chip tackle prospects in this class, the massive Irish tackle (6-8, 315) had another successful season in South Bend, earning multiple All-American honors. Most needed: OL, CB, and WR
8. Chicago (5-9) — Keon Coleman, WR, Florida St., Jr.
The Bears will need to find him another explosive receiver to pair with DJ Moore, regardless of who they have behind center. Coleman, a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award, possesses unusual strength, speed, and size (6-4, 215) in receivers. Needs #1: OL, WR, and Edge
9. T. Alabama, Jr. and JC Latham of the New York Jets (5-8).
If general manager Joe Douglas wants 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers to play more than four plays in 2024, then protecting him has to be his top priority. Super-sized (6-6, 360) tackle Latham possesses exceptional strength and mobility. Priority needs are S, OL, and WR.
