2024 NFL Mock Draft: Scott Smith's 1.0
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2024 NFL Mock Draft:Scott Smith's 1.0
1. Chicago Bears - Caleb Williams (QB, USC)
Justin Fields has had his moments and made improvements as a QB. For front-office employees, however, self-preservation is rule number one. Drafting Caleb Williams likely resets the clock for the front office as they get a player that some scouts consider a generational talent. Trading Fields will net assets that allow the Bears to build around a QB on a rookie contract. Philosophically, when it comes to team building, this is the move to make.
DRAFT NEEDS: QB, WR, EDGE, OT, IOL
2. Washington Commanders - Drake Maye (QB, UNC)
New ownership, a new era, and a new staff point to this pick being a new QB. This team needs an identity after suffering through years of disorganization. While Sam Howell didn’t play horribly, Eric Bienemy’s system did little to help his development. The connections between newly hired OC Kliff Kingsbury and Caleb Williams are obvious, but it’s hard to envision Washington and Chicago settling on compensation to swap picks. Drake Maye is the consolation prize, and Kingsbury’s connections to Maye’s former coach, Phil Longo, likely give him the nod over Jayden Daniels.
DRAFT NEEDS: QB, OT, EDGE, LB, IOL
3. New England Patriots - Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Ohio St.)
The Patriots have three avenues of approach for this pick. Pick whichever QB drops. Trade the pick to a QB-needy team. Or…in this case, go with the player most scouts think is the cleanest prospect in the draft. Under this scenario, the Patriots take Marvin Harrison Jr., which leaves them in need of a QB. The possibility of pairing Harrison with Justin Fields could be too much to pass up and the type of move that could kickstart their rebuild in the post-Bellichick era.
DRAFT NEEDS: QB, WR, OT, EDGE, TE
4. New York Giants - Jayden Daniels (QB, LSU)
Under this scenario, the Cardinals' phones will be busy with teams calling to move up. The Cardinals may not want to move too far down, and the Giants fit the bill as a potential trade partner. Daniel Jones got $81 million guaranteed, and while the Giants are stuck with him in 2024, there is an opportunity to walk away after the season. With Saquon Barkley another year older and seeking a large contract or free agency, it would be wise for the Giants to add an identity to this offense should the opportunity present itself. Jayden Daniels is more dynamic than Daniel Jones, and some scouts think his passing is further along than what Lamar Jackson was coming into the draft. Don’t be surprised if the Giants make a move up for a QB.
DRAFT NEEDS: WR, EDGE, CB, OT, DL
5. Los Angeles Chargers - Olu Fashanu (OT, Penn St.)
Jim Harbaugh is now calling the shots in Los Angeles, and his main goal will be to add pieces that will allow Justin Herbert to take the next step in his development. This is likely the ceiling for a player like Brock Bowers, but it is hard to slot him this high due to positional value. Adding a WR or offensive lineman would bring the most immediate help to the Chargers’ offense. Harbaugh adds a player he is familiar with from his Big 10 days. Fashanu has all the physical traits to be a dominant blocker at the next level. Joe Alt would also be in consideration here, but scouts tend to think he is more of a finished prospect than Fashanu.
DRAFT NEEDS: TE, WR, OT, CB, DL
6. Arizona Cardinals - Malik Nabers (WR, LSU)
The Cardinals are probably hoping that Marvin Harrison Jr. makes it to them at the fourth spot. Under these circumstances, that didn’t happen. Moving down two spots, collecting some extra draft capital, and nabbing the next best WR in the draft is a win in this case. Nabers comps well to previous LSU WR Justin Jefferson. Their stats at LSU were similar, and Nabers excels a bit more with yards after catch in comparison to Jefferson, who was better down the field in contested situations.
DRAFT NEEDS: WR, OT, QB, IOL, EDGE
7. Tennessee Titans - Joe Alt (OT, Notre Dame)
The Titans are going through an identity crisis. Gone are Derrick Henry and Mike Vrabel. Owner Amy Adams Strunk sided with her GM and seemingly thinks they have a building block in Will Levis. Brian Callahan will now be tasked with Levis’s development and surrounding him with the talent needed to succeed. The Andre Dillard deal didn’t pan out, and RT Chris Hubbard is set to hit free agency. The Titans could also use more talent in the receiving corps, but protecting Levis takes priority here. Joe Alt is a polishes prospect at tackle who has been near the top of his position group for years. Adding a polished rookie like Alt will fill a hole the Titans have had for years.
DRAFT NEEDS: OT, WR, CB, EDGE, TE
8. Atlanta Falcons - Dallas Turner (EDGE, Alabama)
Terry Fontenot’s QB decisions likely added to the firing of Arthur Smith. With Smith gone, that places the spotlight squarely on Fontenot. The Falcons are in a precarious position that would likely require an overpay to move up to get one of the top-3 QBs in this draft. Taking a stab at the next group of QBs is a move that would probably take a year or two to reap rewards. With Fontenot on the hot seat, I would expect him to address the QB situation via trade or free agency. The Falcons have been linked to both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson thus far in the offseason. With young offensive weapons on the roster, going the veteran route makes the most sense. That shifts the focus to the defensive side of the ball, where Bud Dupree and Calais Campbell are set to become free agents. Dallas Turner is projected as the top defensive player in this draft and would become an immediate starter for the Falcons.
DRAFT NEEDS: EDGE, QB, WR, CB, DL
9. Chicago Bears - Rome Odunze (WR, Washington)
Adding a WR the caliber of Odunze to go with D.J. Moore would give Caleb Williams solid weapons to start his career. Other needs Chicago has on defense would be better addressed through free agency. Add in the likelihood of adding additional assets from trading Justin Fields, and this could be an ideal start for the Bears. The way the draft board is shaping up directly aligns with some of Chicago’s needs, and their fans would be excited with a start like this.
DRAFT NEEDS: QB, WR, EDGE, OT, IOL
10. New York Jets - J.C. Latham (OT, Alabama)
The 2023 season was a disaster for the Jets. The biggest issue was the offensive line play. Alijah Vera-Tucker’s versatility has been on full display as he has had to move outside and play tackle. Mekhi Becton has been an unreliable disaster with health issues. Drafting a tackle here and addressing the line via free agency would allow Ver-Tucker to move back inside to his more natural position. J.C. Latham is a massive tackle out of Alabama that would add stability to an offensive line in flux. With Aaron Rodgers set to return in 2024, this is a position the Jets must address.
DRAFT NEEDS: OT, WR, TE, QB, IOL
11. Minnesota Vikings - J.J. McCarthy (QB, Michigan)
It’s hard to see the Vikings moving on from Kirk Cousins, but rumors are swirling that neither side is on the same page as far as numbers. McCarthy has probably had the biggest rise thus far through the draft process. His performance this week at the combine will go far toward solidifying his position in the draft. With weapons like Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson entering the prime of their careers, the Vikings can not afford to ignore the most important position on the field. The Vikings also have some needs at EDGE on defense and would be able to address those concerns should they work something out with Cousins.
DRAFT NEEDS: QB, EDGE, CB, DL, WR
12. Denver Broncos - Bo Nix (QB, Oregon)
Denver is in a bit of a no-win situation at QB. The Russell Wilson trade has been a disaster, and Sean Payton feels handicapped by the situation. The Broncos are weak on draft capital due to the trade and unlikely to be in a position to move up for any of the top QBs. Drafting Bo Nix here may seem like a reach, but it’s the position the Broncos find themselves in.
DRAFT NEEDS: QB, EDGE, CB, DL, WR
13. Las Vegas Raiders - Terrion Arnold (DB, Alabama)
The Raiders are another team that finds themselves out of range for a QB. The pivot is to address some needs on defense. With top QBs like Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert in the division, a player like Terrion Arnold would help on the back end defensively. Amik Robertson is set to hit free agency, opening up a need at corner. Arnold has elite athleticism and ball skills that project well at the next level.
DRAFT NEEDS: CB, QB, OT, DL, EDGE
14. New Orleans Saints - Taliese Fuaga (OT, Oregon St.)
The Saints have the worst cap situation in the NFL. This week at the combine will be spent trying to renegotiate contracts and move money around. The Saints are in dire need of addressing the offensive line. Trevor Penning has been a bust thus far and has not been able to break through at either tackle or guard. Ryan Ramczyk is said to be contemplating retirement due to a degenerative knee, and Andrus Peat is set to become a free agent. Fuaga projects as an immediate starter at either RT or guard and would help in the transition to new OC Klint Kubiak.
DRAFT NEEDS: OT, EDGE, WR, DL, TE
15. Indianapolis Colts - Brock Bowers (TE, Georgia)
Bowers has the talent to warrant being drafted much higher. Unfortunately, he plays a position that is somewhat devalued. Most of the teams at the top of the draft either don’t need a TE or have other priorities. Chris Ballard is a sharp GM, and the Colts have a young enough roster to take on the best player available approach here.
DRAFT NEEDS: CB, WR, EDGE, TE, DL
16. Seattle Seahawks - Jared Verse (EDGE, Florida St.)
A changing of the guard looks to bring a new era in Seattle. Mike Macdonald transformed the Ravens' defense into a top unit. Adding a versatile edge rusher like Verse would be the first step toward molding the Seahawks' defense into his vision. Verse is an explosive athlete with the ability to bend around the corner and consistently force pressure. Seattle will likely look to target the defensive line in this spot, and the draft board will give them options.
DRAFT NEEDS: EDGE, DL, OT, IOL, QB
17. Jacksonville Jaguars - Quinyon Mitchell (DB, Toledo)
Mitchell is a ball-hawking DB that scouts believe is among the top prospects in this draft. Mitchell has the ability to develop into a shutdown corner at the NFL level. The Jaguars need to infuse talent at the DB position. EDGE could be a priority as well, with free agency looming for Josh Allen.
DRAFT NEEDS: CB, WR, EDGE, OT, IOL
18. Cincinnati Bengals - Jer’Zhan Newton (DL, Illinois)
Many projections have Cincinnati addressing their offensive line. While getting better protection for Joe Burrow certainly makes sense. Adding an interior force along the defensive line next to edge rushers Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson could bring their defense to a new level.
DRAFT NEEDS: OT, WR, TE, DL, CB
19. Los Angeles Rams - Laiatu Latu (EDGE, UCLA)
The Rams having a first-round pick is a new thing. Trying to project how they approach this pick will be tricky to prognosticate due to their recent history. The Rams have drafted well in the middle rounds and have a track record of identifying talent that fits their system. Latu is a talented edge rusher who will have an important week in Indianapolis, specifically when it comes to medical checks. If things check out Latu could go higher. If not, he could slide out of the first round.
DRAFT NEEDS: CB, EDGE, OT, QB, IOL
20. Pittsburgh Steelers - Jackson Powers-Johnson (IOL, Oregon)
The Steelers have a lot to figure out at QB. Kenny Pickett has not developed as much as the front office had hoped. Rumors have linked Pittsburgh as a possible landing destination for Russell Wilson. Adding the best interior offensive lineman in the draft would help the running game and the passing game alike and go a long way toward establishing consistency on the offensive side of the ball.
DRAFT NEEDS: CB, OT, IOL, WR, QB
21. Miami Dolphins - Troy Fautanu (OT, Washington)
The Dolphins have an offensive line that is in flux. Three starters are set to hit free agency, and LT Terron Armstead is considering retirement after years of injuries adding up. Armstead is said to be expected to make a decision about his future early in the off-season so that the front office will have a clear path to attack. Fautanu is a physical blocker who would bring toughness to a team that has had difficulty closing out games against winning teams.
DRAFT NEEDS: OT, IOL, EDGE, DL, CB
22. Philadelphia Eagles - Nate Wiggins (DB, Clemson)
Nate Wiggins is in consideration to be the top DB selected in this draft. The Eagle struggled defensively in the secondary last year. Adding secondary help should be a priority is the offseason and would go a long way in helping take pressure off the offense. Wiggins has solid size and will need to have a solid 40 time to secure his position in the first round. If he runs well, he could get selected higher.
DRAFT NEEDS: CB, OT, WR, S, LB
23. Houston Texans - Byron Murphy (DL, Texas)
The Texans surprised many last year with an improved defense and superb play from rookie QB C.J. Stroud. Houston has a clear path forward behind the leadership of DeMeco Ryans. Adding a local product to the defensive line would help open things up for Will Anderson and allow the Texans' defense to become more disruptive.
DRAFT NEEDS: WR, EDGE, DL, CB, OT
24. Dallas Cowboys - Jalen Guyton (OT, Oklahoma)
Tyron Smith has long manned the left side of the Dallas offensive line at an elite level. That era is coming to an end, and OT seems like a top priority going into this draft. The first round offers a number of solid prospects, and the Jones family has done an exceptional job at hitting on linemen in the first round. Adding Guyton to play LT would allow Tyler Smith to remain at guard and allow the offensive line to remain a strong unit for the Cowboys.
DRAFT NEEDS: OT, CB, IOL, WR, DL
25. Green Bay Packers - Amarius Mims (OT, Georgia)
David Bakhtiari is a candidate to be released. His inability to stay healthy has been a problem for the Packers, as they have had to play musical chairs along the offensive line. With question marks about Jordan Love largely answered, the Packers should move to protect their QB. Mims checks all the boxes as an OT. He has had high-level play at Georgia in the SEC, and his projected ceiling would make him a solid selection here.
DRAFT NEEDS: CB, OT, S, IOL, RB
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Keon Coleman (WR, Florida St.)
The Buccaneers have maintained that they want Mike Evans to retire in Tampa. When business meets loyalty, it’s not always a marriage made to last. Evans's age makes it difficult to commit the big money that his production last year would command. Evans has been among the most productive WRs since entering the NFL. If he hits free agency, replacing him with Coleman could be an option. Coleman is a tall, physical WR who would fit the Tampa offense well.
DRAFT NEEDS: EDGE, WR, CB, QB, IOL
27. Arizona Cardinals - Chop Robinson (Edge, Penn State)
This is the Cardinals' second selection in the first round. If they are able to grab a WR early, I would expect them to address edge rusher here. Chop Robinson has an explosive first step and would bring a dimension that the Arizona defense is currently missing.
DRAFT NEEDS: WR, EDGE, CB, OT, DL
28. Buffalo Bills - Brian Thomas Jr. (WR, LSU)
Buffalo has one of the best offenses in the NFL. Stefon Diggs is another year older, and Gabe Davis disappears at times. This offense gives off a weird vibe that something isn’t clicking to get them over the hump. There have been rumblings behind the scenes that Diggs isn’t happy, and adding another WR to the mix could be insurance if that is the case. Thomas was overshadowed a bit by Malik Nabers at LSU, but some scouts believe he has higher upside at the next level. If Buffalo goes a different route, I would expect them to address the defensive line.
DRAFT NEEDS: WR, DL, EDGE, CB, S
29. Detroit Lions - Bralen Trice (EDGE, Washington)
Ben Johnson made the surprising decision to return to Detroit for another season after having a successful year in 2023. With the offense in good hands, adding talent to the defense could help Detroit reach the next level. Adding an edge rusher opposite Aiden Hutchinson could put stress on opposing offenses, thus giving Detroit more breathing room. Trice has a relentless motor that fits the identity Dan Campbell has built in Detroit. I fully expect the Lions to make a defensive selection in the first round.
DRAFT NEEDS: CB, EDGE, DL, WR, IOL
30. Baltimore Ravens - Kool-Aid McKinstry (DB, Alabama)
Baltimore had a knack for sticking to their evaluations and allowing the draft to come to them. In most cases, they end up with talented players that other teams let slip. That’s the case here as McKinstry falls into their lap. Scouts are split on McKinstry’s profile. Some believe he is the top DB in the draft, while others don’t have a first-round grade on him. Here, Baltimore adds another talent to an already dominant defense.
DRAFT NEEDS: WR, CB, EDGE, OT, DL
31. San Fransisco 49ers - Graham Barton (IOL, Duke)
Barton is a rising prospect along the offensive line that has the ability to play multiple positions. Barton is scheme versatile, which will make him among the more coveted prospects in the back half of the first round. Kyle Shanahan should fall in love with a player like Barton and would have no problems finding a spot to utilize him.
DRAFT NEEDS: OT, CB, IOL, EDGE, WR
32. Kansas City Chiefs - Troy Franklin (WR, Oregon)
The Chiefs are champions again, but the team was much more dependent on their defense than in years past. Travis Kelce is a year older, and Rashee Rice had a solid rookie campaign, but the offense needs more weapons. Kadarius Toney has been a bust on the field and a cancer off of it. Marquez Valdez-Scantling is set to be released after a season littered with inconsistency and untimely drops. Franklin would give Mahomes another weapon in a deep threat that can open up the field.
DRAFT NEEDS: WR, DL, OT, CB, EDGE
