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Mike Tannenbaum, ESPN
Determination-makers for each NFL franchise are working across the clock to prepare for April’s 2024 NFL draft. I keep in mind the method nicely, with expertise as a normal supervisor and government vp with the Dolphins (2015-18) and Jets (2006-12). And for a fourth yr in a row, I used to be feeling nostalgic and wished to take a run in any respect 32 first-round picks — how I might make every choice.
What follows is not a conventional mock draft. Whereas draft analysts goal to venture what they imagine will occur primarily based on what they’re hearing — my colleague Mel Kiper Jr. simply unveiled his newest set of predictions final week — I am as a substitute placing myself into the overall supervisor chair for every group with a first-rounder and making my very own picks. So it isn’t essentially what I am anticipating to occur however slightly how I might personally method every Day 1 choice. That is all primarily based off my very own evaluations, preferences, philosophies and rationale.
I’ve one thing new this yr, too — I made one commerce, which I justify as a result of I might do it from each groups’ views. So let’s soar in with my GM picks for the primary 32 picks, beginning with a no brainer for Bears GM Ryan Poles at No. 1. And you’ll want to try my “SportsCenter” particular on Tuesday at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
Extra on the NFL draft (
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All of our mock drafts | Position rankings
Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Williams has uncommon expertise and playmaking capacity, and the trade of Justin Fields to Pittsburgh clears the street for him to come back to Chicago. With a supporting forged of Keenan Allen, Cole Kmet, DJ Moore, D’Andre Swift and Gerald Everett, Williams is ready up for fast growth as a professional and fast success. The sacks (83 over three school seasons) and fumbles (16) are regarding, however I imagine Williams’ fundamentals within the pocket (climbing as a substitute of escaping backwards) will enhance. He averaged over 9 yards per cross try in every of his three school seasons (one at Oklahoma) and threw 93 TD passes.
Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Maye has splendid dimension at 6-foot-4 and 223 kilos and exhibits actually good pocket motion. He could make all of the throws and has a very good launch, executing with accuracy and anticipation. I used to be impressed with what he was capable of accomplish final season after shedding receiver Josh Downs to the NFL, throwing for 3,608 yards. His traits remind me of Justin Herbert. And giving Maye an offense that has Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. ought to assist him be productive in Yr 1.
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Daniels is coming off an enormous last season at LSU, throwing 40 landing passes, enhancing his completion charge to 72.2%, avoiding turnovers with solely 4 interceptions and dashing for 1,134 yards and 10 extra scores. I’ve issues about his construct — he was listed at 6-foot-4, 210 kilos at LSU did not weigh in on the mix — and he wants so as to add weight to face up to the trials of an NFL season. However I actually like the concept of Jacoby Brissett already being in New England, which might enable the Pats to let Daniels develop; there is no rush or rule that claims he has to play proper out of the gate.
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Look, QB availability is essential in right this moment’s NFL — 66 passers began at the least one recreation final season — and Kyler Murray hasn’t performed a full season since 2020. I actually like McCarthy’s long-term upside. The 21-year-old averaged 9 yards per try and accomplished 72.3% of his throws final season, and he bulked as much as 219 kilos on the mix. Briefly, I feel he is a greater, youthful and extra sturdy quarterback than Murray proper now, and I am not passing up this opportunity.
You would possibly level to Murray’s contract (which incorporates $35.3 million assured for 2024 and $29.9 million assured for 2025), however groups routinely eat substantial useless cash nowadays for a greater alternative on the place. And in addition to, I feel the Cardinals might get a first-round decide again in alternate for him — keep tuned there, I might need one thing up my sleeve.
Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
The Chargers gave up 43 sacks final season, Thirteenth-most within the NFL. So regardless of the highest receivers all being on the board and a evident want there after trading Keenan Allen and cutting Mike Williams, I am selecting to as a substitute defend quarterback Justin Herbert. Alt is 6-foot-9 with nice motion traits, and he gave up simply six sacks over 2,142 snaps in school. Fortifying the offensive line is the inspiration of any Jim Harbaugh group, and that is very true after Herbert missed 4 video games final season on account of a fractured finger. The WR class is deep, so I am taking my OT1 now and worrying concerning the pass-catchers on Day 2.
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
4 QBs are already off the board, so the Giants want to consider getting the offense some playmakers for Daniel Jones. New York averaged 14 offensive factors per recreation final season (twenty ninth within the NFL), and Darius Slayton was its main receiver with 770 yards. You may be screaming for Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. right here, however this WR1 race is actually shut, and I am truly giving Nabers the sting due to his pace. Nabers averaged 15.9 yards per reception for his profession and scored 14 TDs final season. He is essentially the most dynamic prospect within the class, each as a route runner and after-the-catch playmaker. The Giants’ offense desperately wants that type of affect participant.
JC Latham, OT, Alabama
The Titans signed Lloyd Cushenberry at heart however reduce deal with Andre Dillard. In addition they gave up 64 sacks, tied for fourth-most within the NFL. So I am focusing on Latham right here; he gave up two profession sacks over 41 video games (27 begins) at Alabama. He takes too many penalties (17 over the previous two seasons), however OL coach Invoice Callahan would absolutely handle that in his rookie minicamp. I might hold Latham on the correct facet the place his 6-foot-6, 342-pound dimension and energy ought to enable him to thrive.
Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
This one is simple. With Kirk Cousins answering the quarterback query, the Falcons can draft the perfect pass-rusher on this class after they’d 42 sacks final season (tied for twenty first). He had an unimaginable exercise on the mix, measuring in at 6-foot-3 and 247 kilos, working a 4.46-second 40-yard sprint and leaping 40.5 inches within the vertical and 10-foot-7 within the broad. Turner had 22.5 sacks over three seasons at Alabama, and I like his motion expertise. He may even play in house when obligatory. Turner could be extremely productive proper out of the gate in Raheem Morris’ scheme.
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Chicago simply traded for Keenan Allen and has a extremely strong set of playmakers, however how are you going to cross up Harrison at No. 9? He jogs my memory of Larry Fitzgerald — he is wonderful in contested catch conditions, has nice arms and will get out and in of his breaks easily regardless of being 6-foot-3 and 209 kilos. He simply had his second straight season with 14 TDs and over 1,200 receiving yards (1,211). What higher technique to put Caleb Williams ready to achieve success than loading up his supporting forged?
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Marvin Harrison Jr. makes historical past in 3-TD recreation in opposition to Michigan State
Marvin Harrison Jr. turns into first Ohio State participant to have a number of 1,000 receiving yard seasons after his efficiency in opposition to Michigan State.
Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
The Jets signed left deal with Tyron Smith to a one-year deal, however given his age/sturdiness issues, Fashanu could be a really obligatory insurance coverage coverage and future constructing block. At 6-foot-6 and 312 kilos, Fashanu has wonderful ft and motion expertise for his body. He performed 1,306 snaps throughout his Penn State profession and solely gave up one sack. He has perennial All-Professional potential if his approach continues to develop, giving the Jets a shutdown left deal with for years to come back. (New York additionally traded for Morgan Moses, however he is a match on the correct facet and is a 2025 free agent.)
Mock projected commerce: Vikings handle their QB difficulty
Cardinals get: No. 11
Vikings get: QB Kyler Murray and No. 66 (third spherical)
I drafted J.J. McCarthy at No. 4 to take over underneath heart for Arizona, so Murray turns into a commerce candidate and Minnesota continues to be looking for QB solutions after lacking out on the highest 4 passers within the class. I do not love the scheme match for Oregon’s Bo Nix in Minnesota, and it is too early for Washington’s Michael Penix Jr.
So here is my proposition to clear some cap house for the Playing cards, formally begin the McCarthy period in Arizona and repair the Vikings’ QB difficulty. In my thoughts, the No. 11 decide for Murray straight up is just too wealthy, and No. 23 — Minnesota’s different first-rounder — by itself will not be sufficient. So I am attaching that third-rounder to the No. 11 decide to stage this out. It is just like what the Cardinals did in the course of the 2022 draft, once they traded their first-round pick (No. 23) to Baltimore for receiver Marquise Brown and a third-rounder.
From the Vikings’ standpoint, every thing I stated earlier about Murray’s sturdiness nonetheless issues, however he is cheaper and youthful than Kirk Cousins would have been to re-sign and provides them an opportunity to compete this season slightly than rebuild.
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Mitchell had an impressive mix, working a 4.33 within the 40, leaping 38 inches within the vert and posting a 10-foot-2 broad soar. I used to be additionally impressed along with his Senior Bowl apply week. Mitchell has standout man-to-man expertise and the best 6-foot-1 dimension to play outdoors nook. His ball manufacturing is elite, with 39 cross breakups and 6 interceptions over his time in school. Arizona signed Sean Murphy-Bunting, however this group struggled on protection (particularly in opposition to the cross) final season and wishes extra. The Playing cards gave up a staggering 7.6 yards per cross try (twenty seventh). Pairing Mitchell with Murphy-Bunting would make for a much-needed improve to the Cardinals’ secondary.
Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Clearly Denver is in transition at QB after releasing Russell Wilson. Nix’s 77.4% completion charge led the nation in 2023, and he threw 45 TD passes to a few interceptions. He has the accuracy and anticipation to reach Sean Payton’s offense. The massive concern could be the arm energy. His deep balls fluttered at occasions on the Senior Bowl, and that matches what I see on tape. It might restrict his ceiling, however it’s additionally one thing that Payton can work round and develop.
Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
The Raiders struggled on offense final season, and it begins up entrance. Dropping deal with Jermaine Eluemunor to the Giants leaves a gap, so I really like the concept of bringing in 6-foot-6, 324-pound Fuaga. He has began 25 video games (40 whole video games of play) and solely given up one sack, and he brings the type of bodily edge that coach Antonio Pierce needs in Las Vegas. With Kolton Miller at left deal with, I might hold Fuaga on the correct facet.
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Offensive line may be the larger place of want, however this worth for Odunze is simply too good. He is out there at this level solely as a result of I’ve had 5 QBs come off the board, pushing down an awesome participant. It is a break for the Saints, who want one other younger WR to enrich Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Odunze is one in every of my favourite prospects within the class — he ran a 4.45 40 at 6-foot-3 and 212 kilos in Indy and performs even greater and sooner than that. I really like his physicality on the catch level and talent to interrupt tackles within the open subject. He had 92 catches for 1,640 yards and 13 scores final season and will develop right into a frontline No. 1 WR. I see quite a lot of Terrell Owens in his recreation.
Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Whereas Gus Bradley’s scheme depends primarily on zone protection, the Colts nonetheless want to have the ability to play man to man — and Arnold would give the Colts a real CB1. Kenny Moore II is superb within the slot however Indy wants a playmaker outdoors. Arnold performs sooner than his 4.5-second time within the 40-yard sprint, and he had 12 cross breakups and 5 interceptions final season as Alabama’s finest nook.
Troy Fautanu, G, Washington
Seattle has executed of excellent job addressing the deal with place in recent times, drafting Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas. However on the inside, the group has misplaced guard Damien Lewis and heart Evan Brown. Fautanu is a plug-and-play Day 1 starter at guard. He has nice 6-foot-4, 317-pound dimension, strong size, quickness, toughness and place flexibility. He performed largely deal with at Washington, however I like him inside.
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Calvin Ridley went to the Titans, and whereas the Jaguars added Gabe Davis to a receiver room that features Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, they want a real No. 1 goal. Thomas has the 6-foot-3 dimension and 4.33 pace to be a difference-maker. He had an unimaginable 2023 season with 68 catches, 1,177 yards and 17 TDs. Trevor Lawrence shall be ecstatic with this decide.
Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
The Bengals want a proper deal with with Joe Burrow getting back from his right wrist injury and final yr’s starter (Jonah Williams) joining the Cardinals. The Trent Brown signing helps, however it’s a one-year deal, and he missed six video games on account of damage final season. So how about Mims? He has a 6-foot-8, 340-pound body, and his 1.78-second 10-yard cut up in his 40-yard sprint exhibits his acceleration. Nonetheless, Mims has performed solely 774 snaps (comparatively inexperienced for an offensive line prospect) and must be faster on his ft.
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
This makes six quarterbacks within the first 19 picks however contemplate the larger image for the Rams. Matthew Stafford is 36 years previous and Jimmy Garoppolo is not a long-term choice. L.A. has a very good base to its roster, and Penix’s recreation is well-suited for Sean McVay’s offense, due to his arm energy and accuracy from the pocket. He did not miss a recreation over two years at Washington, although Penix had knee and shoulder accidents at Indiana that should be vetted. He’ll even be 24 when he enters the league.
However I simply love the manufacturing and deep-ball placement; he threw 67 TD passes and solely 19 picks over the previous two seasons, and his 4,903 passing yards led the nation in 2023. Aaron Donald’s current retirement means defensive deal with may very well be an choice, however I see nice worth to find a long-term resolution for when Stafford is not the man.
Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
The Steelers have dramatically overhauled their QB position with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, however additionally they just lately traded Diontae Johnson and will use a standout receiver reverse George Pickens. Mitchell had a standout season at Texas after transferring from Georgia, averaging 15.4 yards per catch and scoring 11 TDs. He can fly at 6-foot-2, working a 4.34 on the mix, and I actually like this match.
Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
This decide might go in quite a lot of methods, however with heart Connor Williams nonetheless an unsigned free agent coming off a torn ACL and Robert Hunt leaving for a big-money deal in Carolina, there’s a weak point on the inside of the offensive line (even with the addition of Aaron Brewer). Retaining a agency pocket for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is vital for the Dolphins’ success. JPJ had an awesome week on the Senior Bowl and an amazing exercise on the mix, the place he confirmed wonderful motion expertise for a 6-foot-3, 328-pound participant. Powers-Johnson began 17 video games in school and did not hand over a single sack.
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
May you think about a personnel grouping of Bowers, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert with a wholesome Jalen Hurts underneath heart? Bowers had 2,538 receiving yards and 26 receiving TDs over three seasons, and he would give coach Nick Sirianni and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore matchup benefits. He has to enhance his blocking, however I imagine that can occur in time. I additionally thought of a defensive again right here — Philly’s again seven stays a priority even with the additions of Devin White and C.J. Gardner-Johnson — however Bowers is simply too good to skip over this late in Spherical 1.
Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
Minnesota did an awesome job of addressing their edges in free company (Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel), and now I’ve the Vikings touchdown an explosive inside pass-rusher who had 18 sacks and 95 pressures over 45 video games at Illinois. He is coming off a foot damage and is undersized for the place at 6-foot-2 and 304 kilos, however his versatility and manufacturing is coveted on NFL defenses. Minnesota might additionally contemplate a cornerback right here, like Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry or Clemson’s Nate Wiggins.
Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Dallas drafted an even bigger defensive deal with in Mazi Smith final yr, however Murphy brings extra of an inside pass-rush part. He can anchor with a robust decrease physique, despite the fact that he is 6-foot-1 and 297 kilos. He had 59 pressures in 39 video games at Texas (5 sacks in 2023), and he can shut on the QB shortly — he ran a powerful 4.87 within the 40 on the mix.
Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
With longtime Packers left deal with David Bakhtiari moving on and guard Jon Runyan signing with the Giants, Inexperienced Bay has to handle quarterback Jordan Love‘s safety. Guyton’s clean motion expertise remind me of D’Brickashaw Ferguson, whom I drafted in 2006 whereas with the Jets. Guyton is a plug-and-play man from Day 1 at left deal with, after beginning 14 video games over the previous two seasons at Oklahoma since transferring from TCU. He allowed just one sack in that point.
Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
Coach Todd Bowles loves versatility on the again finish, and that is precisely what DeJean brings to the desk. Cornerback Carlton Davis III left for Detroit and security Antoine Winfield Jr. could also be on the town for just one yr on the franchise tag. DeJean had seven interceptions over his last two seasons at Iowa and is an impressive punt returner. Whereas I might begin him at nook, he ultimately might evolve right into a terrific security due to his 6-foot-1 dimension, physicality and vary.
Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
That is Arizona’s third decide in Spherical 1 due to my Kyler Murray transfer, however the group continues to be searching for a receiver. Michael Wilson, a 2023 third-rounder with 38 catches in his rookie season, is the Playing cards’ WR1 in the mean time. McConkey checks each field for them, although. On the Senior Bowl, he was uncoverable. On the mix, he ran a 4.39 within the 40 and recorded a 10-foot-4 broad soar. On the tape, he has large route-running capacity. And whereas he would in all probability begin within the slot, I feel he may win outdoors. McConkey battled an ankle injury final season however averaged 14.2 yards per catch and had 14 touchdowns over his profession.
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Ladd McConkey takes one 41 yards for a Georgia TD
Carson Beck hits Ladd McConkey for a 41-yard Georgia landing to tie it up.
Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
Gabe Davis left in free agency, and Stefon Diggs has just one yr left of assured cash. So I am completely taking a protracted take a look at the receiver class right here to construct extra round quarterback Josh Allen. Whereas Worthy’s 4.21-second run in the 40-yard dash will get the headlines and a focus, do not sleep on his manufacturing: 197 catches and 26 TDs over three years. He is additionally a extremely good kick and punt returner. Worthy is undersized at 165 kilos however may very well be a home-run hitter from the beginning of his professional profession, particularly with Allen throwing him deep balls.
Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Latu has nice get-off pace and fundamentals. He had 23.5 sacks in his two seasons with UCLA, and the largest query about him at this level shall be medical-related. Latu suffered a neck damage at Washington that pressured him to medically retire in 2020 earlier than transferring and returning to the sector two years later. However the talent and manufacturing are completely there. Even with the current addition of Marcus Davenport on a one-year deal, the Lions might use one other pass-rusher reverse Aidan Hutchinson.
Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
I actually wish to get the Ravens one other edge rusher of their entrance seven. Kyle Van Noy had 9 sacks final season, whereas Jadeveon Clowney had 9.5, however each are nonetheless on the free agent market. The depth is not sturdy right here. Verse had an awesome mix (4.58-second run within the 40 at 254 kilos and a standout exhibiting in drills) and 18 sacks in two years with the Seminoles. His fashion of play would match nicely with the Ravens.
Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
Fiske transferred to Florida State from Western Michigan and had an impressive season; he performs with an unimaginable motor and has nice approach. I like his first-step quickness and use of arms to separate from blocks. Fiske dominated on the Senior Bowl and adopted that up with a wild 4.78 within the 40 at 292 kilos on the mix. The 49ers changed Chase Young, Arik Armstead and Javon Kinlaw with Maliek Collins, Yetur Gross-Matos and Leonard Floyd, however I am nonetheless engaged on this unit.
Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
The defending Tremendous Bowl champs might use a younger ascending offensive deal with, particularly since Donovan Smith is a free agent and Jawaan Taylor struggled with penalties final season. Morgan has prototypical dimension at 6-foot-5 and 311 kilos, shows the footspeed to reflect and redirect and comes with helpful expertise (37 begins underneath his belt). However his arms are a bit brief at 32⅞ inches, and he must get stronger in his decrease physique.
