Official 2024 NFL Mock Draft: FINAL EDITION
Hayden Shapiro
The time has finally come. The NFL Draft kicks off this Thursday, and after a long journey, here’s my final mock draft. This past year has been huge for me and I want to thank you all for checking out each and every edition of my predictions. In this version, the final one, we see a plethora of trades, guys falling and rising, and most importantly, some really interesting picks. I tried to shake some things up, but this mock is really centered around what I think the teams will do. With that being said, sit back, grab a soda, maybe some popcorn, and enjoy. My final 2024 NFL Mock Draft starts now.
1 CHI: Caleb Williams, QB USC
I have some movement in this mock, but it’s not going to start here. The Bears may as well just send in their pick now because Williams is up there with the best QB prospects we’ve ever seen and he’s going into the best possible situation for a rookie signal-caller. The Bears built up this offense for a new quarterback. Adding guys like D’Andre Swift and Keenan Allen bolster this unit and ease the transition for the USC product. He’s got a deep threat in DJ Moore, a veteran option in Keenan Allen, and still have the ninth pick. This team’s retooling and offseason has been unbelievable. They handled the Justin Fields situation perfectly, opening up a spot for the ex-Heisman winner to win games, and quickly, in the Windy City.
2 WSH: Jayden Daniels, QB LSU
This is where the draft really starts. Does Washington go along with the hype and take McCarthy? Are they intrigued by Maye’s accuracy and confidence? Or do the Commanders give Kliff Kingsbury something he’s more than used to; a mobile QB who can throw darts down the field and extend plays with his legs. I think the fit in Washington for Daniels is so perfect and it allows them to utilize new addition Austin Ekeler in the pass-game, where he excels, and finally gives Terry Mclaurin a consistent quarterback. Daniels will shine with this vertical zone run heavy offense, very similar to the system that’s run at LSU. The Bayou Boy is destined for success; especially with a bonafide mastermind calling plays along with the firepower around him from the jump.
3 NE: J.J. McCarthy. QB Michigan
J.J, McCarthy is a winner. His arm talent is undeniable, and although there are question marks, he has all the tools, bare bones if you wish, to be a star in the league. The Patriots just seem like a perfect fit to the naked eye, but even going more in-depth, this pick makes sense. New England runs the ball more than anyone else in their division. Backs like Rhamondre Stevenson and newly acquired Swiss army knife, Curtis Samuel, allow the Pats to be a ground-game first team. This style of offense is so similar to the one at Michigan, where McCarthy went 15–0 with a National Championship to top it off. His pump fakes and misdirection combined with the best play-action tools in the class just make McCarthy to Foxborough so, so intriguing.
4 ARI: Marvin Harrison Jr, WR Ohio St
Plain and simple: Arizona stays put and grabs the best wideout in the class. I get why people mock trades here at four, but I think the fact that the Cardinals already possess two first rounders negates the value just a tad if they were to move down. MHJ has the best body control of any WR prospect I’ve ever seen, and his hands are so strong, allowing him to come down with contested catches and outs on the sideline. The Arizona wide receiver room desperately needs help and taking Harrison Jr here bolsters the unit right away. His presence will be felt from week one.
5 MIN (TRADE w/ LAC): Drake Maye, QB UNC
Drake Maye has all the tools to succeed in this league. He is very accurate over the middle and is sneakily athletic which helps him very much so in the red zone. With that being said, there are a lot of question marks. He was very inconsistent in his last year at UNC, and he doesn’t have one singular trait that jumps off the board. Although he might be a bit of a wild card, Minnesota trades up, giving the Chargers 11 and 23, to snag their QB of the future. There is no better situation Maye could be thrown into. A plethora of weapons including Justin Jefferson, TJ Hockenson, and Aaron Jones will ease the adjustment to the big leagues. He can sit for a bit behind Sam Darnold, but I could also see a QB competition in camp where he earns the starting gig.
6 NYG: Rome Odunze, WR Washington
Look — the Giants need help, and they need it in a lot of places. None more desperately than wide receiver. Odunze is a big-framed target who does damage after the catch but holds the ability to bring down deep balls + contested catches because of his strong hands and size. Not only is Odunze a great route runner, but he also sees the field so well. He’s patient with the football, allowing his blockers to pave a path for him. The ex-Washington husky reminds me a lot of Cooper Kupp. He would be an automatic starter in New York and gives Daniel Jones a true WR1, something he hasn’t had in quite some time. Odunze is going to be what they had hoped they were getting with Kenny Golladay.
7 TEN: Joe Alt, OT Notre Dame
Alt is a reliable blind-side blocker who moves his feet extraordinarily well for his size and plays with such heavy hands and a strong base. Tennessee hasn’t found a reliable LT option since Taylor Lewan’s premature retirement; and Alt is going to be the franchise tackle they are looking for. He is quick enough to keep up with smaller rushers while still possessing the power and strength to put up with more powerful edges.
8 ATL: Dallas Turner, EDGE Alabama
Turner’s 83-inch wingspan allows him to swim past tackles and make plays in the backfield. He has such a high motor and has an impact on what seems like every single play. The Alabama product adds to a needy EDGE room and gives new HC Raheem Morris a fiery pass rusher who can be utilized in multiple packages and play on every down.
9 CHI: Byron Murphy II, DT Texas
Murphy II has risen up draft boards more than anyone ever since the new calendar year and all the hype is valid. The dude rushes the passer with urgency and power but is big enough to clog holes and shoot gaps in the run game. Chicago has a plethora of options with this selection, and I think Murphy II is the most pro-ready defender out of all the ones left.
10 NYJ: Brock Bowers, TE Georgia
This would just be so much fun. Bowers makes his presence felt primarily after the catch, bouncing off of tacklers and using his deceptive speed to burn past defensive backs. Bowers can quite literally play anywhere on the field and he’s a phenomenal run-blocker, too. I really like this fit as Bowers is ready to start and the Jets have a tight super bowl window with an aging Aaron Rodgers and two tackles on the wrong side of 30.
11 LAC (TRADE w/ MIN): Malik Nabers, WR LSU
Nabers falling this far is improbable, but it could certainly happen. Teams around the league have expressed concern with his character and devotion to the game. With that being said, Nabers is one heck of a football player. He is so explosive after the catch, can line up anywhere, and is a dangerous threat in the red zone. The fit with the Chargers would be perfect as they already have some size on the outside in Quentin Johnston, and adding Nabers gives you that shift, strong, after the catch player you need next to some length. He would step in right away as Herbert’s go-to-guy and has the tools to play the slot and on the perimeter.
12 IND (TRADE w/ DEN): Terrion Arnold, CB Alabama
Denver definitely wants to move back. I get the sense they want a QB, but don’t feel comfortable reaching all the way from 12 to get one. The Colts also want to make sure they get their guy as they become legit playoff contenders in the AFC. This trade works for both parties as Denver gains draft capital and Indy gets Terrion Arnold at 12. Arnold is a physical corner who is so sticky in man-coverage but isn’t flagged for it. He is phenomenal in press and knocks receivers off of their routes consistently. The ex-Alabama star would fit seamlessly into this Colts secondary alongside Juju Brents and future HOFer Kenny Moore II, whom they just re-signed to a record deal. Arnold’s a true boundary corner and could start right away at Lucas Oil Stadium.
13 LV: Taliese Fuaga, OT Oregon St
Fuaga is a mean, run-blocking machine. The dude plays recklessly and with so, so much power. He’s supported by an extraordinarily strong base and extremely heavy hands. He slots directly into RT for Las Vegas, a position of need that’ll be filled with their first pick, whether they go Mims, Latham, or Fuaga.
14 NO: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT Penn St
Fashanu has all the experience you want from a rookie left tackle. He was a great starter for quite some time in Happy Valley and steps right into this Saints offensive line as their starting blind-side blocker. He uses power in his game but is quick enough with his feet to keep up with bigger and faster edge rushers. BONUS: The guy didn’t allow a SINGLE sack during his time with the Nittany Lions, per PFF.
15 PIT (TRADE w/ DEN via IND): Brian Thomas Jr, WR LSU
It’s another trade down for Denver! This time with the Steelers; a WR needy team who moves up to get, in my opinion, the most underrated prospect of round one. Thomas Jr brings length, size, and speed to the table. His 40-time shocked me to say the least and he is so dangerous in the red zone. Russell Wilson throwing balls to George Pickens and Brian Thomas Jr? Yes, please. The guy isn’t your typical X-wideout. He’s got a diverse route tree and can-do damage inside + outside the numbers. Love this pick, love this trade up, and love this fit.
16 SEA: Jared Verse, EDGE Florida St
Verse could very well be the first EDGE off of the board, but in this version, the final mock of 2024, he slips to 16 and Seattle jumps all over him. He uses sheer power and brute strength to stop the run while maintaining his twitchy, versatile traits when pressuring the quarterback. He’s had quite the journey before the pros, but it all ends up fine as he lands in Seattle.
17 JAX: Quinyon Mitchell, CB Toledo
Mitchell is one of the most, if not the most, polished defenders in the class. His instincts are outstanding, and he excels in zone-coverage, where he can jump routes and force PBUs. Along with his zone ability, he has the speed to play man against faster and even bigger wideouts due to his length and straight-line speed. Jacksonville surprisingly cut Darius Williams, a move I’m still questioning, but they fill that void on the outside with the ex-Toledo Rocket here at 17.
18 CIN: Troy Fautanu, OT/G Washington
The widest “range” of where a player may be selected might have to go to Fautanu. He could go as high as five to Los Angeles, and he could fall to Cincinnati here at 18 which I have happening in this mock. He can play both tackle and guard, pass and run block, and he excels at stopping rushing linebackers. He gives Joe Burrow some much needed protection wherever Cincy decides to play him.
19 LAR: Laiatu Latu, EDGE UCLA
I’m going to say it again, but Latu is a pass-rush technician. He is the most polished rusher in the class, but injury concerns and a lackluster combine led to his fall here in round one. With that being said, he goes to a Rams team who needs another rusher to pair with rookie standout Byron Young. Aaron Donald’s retirement leaves this defense scrambling for options, but they did a very good job addressing the secondary in free agency, allowing them to go EDGE here at 19. Kobie Turner looked nothing short of spectacular in his rookie season, as well as Byron Young. This quick, little “revamp” of the defense would be a huge success if they were able to land Latu here at 19.
20 DEN (TRADE w/ PIT via IND): Michael Penix Jr, QB Washington
Finally, Denver sticks and picks. They traded down from 12 to 15, then 15 to 20, where they ultimately go with Michael Penix Jr. I am probably the highest writer in the draft community on Penix Jr. I simply see so few flaws in his game, unlike Bo Nix who has question marks all over for me. Penix Jr throws the prettiest deep ball of the class and gives his wideouts room to run. His arm strength is undeniable. The injury woes are there, but I think the value of him at 20 and the way he fits Sean Payton’s vertical-heavy offense is too good to pass-up on.
21 KC (TRADE w/ MIA): Chop Robinson, EDGE Penn St
Kansas City is not only known for winning super bowls, but during the draft they always move up to get their guy. We’ve seen it with Mahomes and Trent McDuffie recently, and it’s happening again here in 2024. They give up 32 and their 3rd this year for 21, all to land Chop Robinson out of Penn State. Chop has the quickest first step out of any defender in this class and his high motor allows him to have an impact on every single play. When watching Penn State games, it feels like his name is called on every defensive snap because he’s simply so reckless in the run and pass game. He can put on some weight and play in multiple packages for KC.
22 PHI: JC Latham, OT Alabama
Latham’s another one of those guys who could go pretty much anywhere in the first round, but in this mock he ends up an Eagle. An aging Lane Johnson forces Philly to look towards the future as they go with JC here at 22. He’s got an extremely strong base and very heavy hands. Also, there could not be a better player to learn from than Lane Johnson. Love this pick for Philly and I also like the fit for Latham, as he doesn't have to start week one, gives depth to an injury prone line, and solidifies the tackle spot down the road.
23 LAC (TRADE w/ MIN): Amarius Mims, OT Georgia
After trading down from five, the Chargers hold picks 11 and 23. With 11 they went wideout, so they address right tackle here at 23. Mims is a powerful run blocker and mauler in the trenches. He does only have eight starts to his name, but the talent is undeniable along with his mammoth frame. Love this fit and he can slot in and play RT off the bat for the powder-blues.
24 DAL: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C Oregon
Tyler Biadasz leaving actually might be for the better because it gives Dallas the chance to take a player, who in my opinion, is a top-tier center prospect. Powers-Johnson uses his quick feet and long arms to pull-block extremely well. He is a menace in the run game but holds all the tools to succeed in pass-pro as well.
25 GB: Cooper DeJean, DB Iowa
DeJean’s pro-day was spectacular. He ran a great time for him in the 40 and his bench reps were really, really good. He can line up all over the field, including in the box. He adds some much-needed versatility in Green Bay and also gives them a more than capable return-man. A defensive back trio of Jaire Alexander, newly acquired Xavier McKinney, and Cooper DeJean would be a nightmare to gameplan for.
26 TB: Nate Wiggins, CB Clemson
Nate Wiggins has all the tools to succeed in the league. He can absolutely fly, and he uses his speed/instinct combo to disrupt passes down the field. The fear I have with him is his extremely light frame. He needs to put on some muscle because if he happens to be matched up with a bigger WR, he’s toast.
27 ARI: Johnny Newton, DT Illinois
Perfect fit for this defense, Newton plays with his rear end on fire, plowing through guards as well as using his hands very, very well to rush the passer. He’s got a unique skill set for his size, more often than not using finesse and quickness to beat his mark. The Fighting Illini alum is a game-wrecker and will bolster this Cardinals defensive front from day one.
28 BUF: Adonai Mitchell, WR Texas
Buffalo could very well trade up for a wideout, but here Adonai Mitchell falls right into their lap. Mitchell is dangerous down the field and a certified red zone threat. After losing both Gabe Davis and Stefon Diggs this offseason, the Bills need help badly on the outside. Mitchell gives them a combination of size and speed. He’ll be the number one target for Josh Allen in a very pass-heavy offense right away.
29 DET: Darius Robinson, EDGE/DT Mizzou
This is one of the picks that hasn’t changed much throughout my mocks. Robinson is so versatile; he can play with his hand in the dirt or on the edge. The ex-Mizzou star gives Detroit some much needed run defense and clogs up blockers, ultimately allowing Aidan Hutchinson to put even more pressure on the QB.
30 BAL: Keon Coleman, WR Florida St
Coleman’s speed won’t shock you, but the guy has hands like glue and a huge frame. He is a pure possession wide receiver and gives Lamar Jackson a great red zone target.
31 SF: Tyler Guyton, OT Oklahoma
Guyton is massive and raw. There’s no better position for him to go into then San Francisco. He can sit behind future HOFer Trent Williams and even compete for the starting RT job.
32 MIA (TRADE w/ KC): Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB Alabama
Miami trades down, gets some draft capital, and still ends up getting a certified stud at 32. Losing Xavien Howard is big, but McKinstry will fill the void fantastically. He excels in zone and is extremely physical on his mark. He has fluid hips and great ball skills. My worries are penalties and top-end speed, but McKinstry has all the traits you want from a zone corner.