DOM'S NFL MOCK DRAFT 2024
1. Chicago Bears: (via CAR)
Caleb Williams- QB, USC
I know it. You know it. Caleb knows it.
2. Washington Commanders:
Jayden Daniels- QB, LSU
The Commanders really have a lot of options with the number two pick. Assuming the go with a QB they could take JJ McCarthy or Drake Maye from UNC, but I think they have their eyes set elsewhere. Jayden Daniels threw for 3,812 yards and 40 TD's this past season and added 1,134 yards on the ground as well. The 2024 Heisman trophy winner reminds me a lot of another Heisman quarterback drafted second overall by Washington back in 2012. History repeats itself, so the pick here is Daniels.
3. Minnesota Vikings: MOCK TRADE with NE
J.J. McCarthy- QB, Michigan
If I know one thing about this draft its that somebody is going to trade up for a QB. And all eyes are on JJ McCarthy, the only question is who makes the call. With 2 first round selections at their disposal, I think the Kirk Cousinsless Minnesota Vikings are the ones to pick up the phone. They likely want to jump the Giants who could also be in the market for a guy like McCarthy, and with Arizona and Los Angeles looking to get the top two wide outs, New England seems more likely to move down. It feels almost inevitable that McCarthy lands with the Vikings and this makes the most sense.
4. Arizona Cardinals:
Marvin Harrison Jr.- WR, Ohio State
Since the departure of DeAndre Hopkins the Cardinals offense has felt like they are missing a true WR1. Marvin Harrison Jr. is an absolute stud and his talents should translate immediately to the next level, giving Kyler Murray someone to throw it up to. I feel a JaMarr Chase esque rookie season out of Maserati Marv.
5. Los Angeles Chargers:
Malik Nabers- WR, LSU
In most draft classes without a hall of famer's son, Nabers would be the first wide receiver off the board. His ability to separate from defenders and elite level speed is truly remarkable. With the Chargers losing both Mike Williams and Keenan Allen this offseason they need a number one guy. Although it was at the college level, Nabers had more touchdowns than both of them combined in 2023.
6. New York Giants:
Drake Maye- QB, North Carolina
As per usual, the Giants have a lot of holes to fill, specifically on the offensive side of the ball. As much as I'd like to get a weapon on the outside, I think the top two guys would be gone by this point leaving a QB available at six. With Daniel Jones' injuries continuing to be an issue and the contract looking worse and worse by the day, it seems like it may be time to move on. That doesn't mean I want them to trade away the future to move up to #1, but if a guy like Maye is still there at six you take him. Maye followed up his impressive freshman season with 3.608 yards and 24 TDs in 2023 and although that may seem average, when you turn on the tape you can see this kid is talented. With the Giants not going anywhere soon, it's worth it to take a shot on someone who some people see as the best QB in the class. If the G-Men can't get him at 6 don't be surprised if they try to move up to 3.
7. Tennessee Titans
Joe Alt- OT, Notre Dame
Alt is a 6’ 9’’, 321 lb brick wall. In addition to being the tallest, he's also the most skilled tackle in the draft. He allowed just four sacks and 24 pressures in his three collegiate seasons. And since Taylor Lewan left Tennessee they have been needing someone to hold down the left side of their offensive line, and Alt is just the guy to do that.
8. Atlanta Falcons:
Dallas Turner- Edge, Alabama
Turner is the next great Alabama pass rusher to make his way into the NFL. He had 22.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles while playing for the Crimson Tide. These numbers may not seem too impressive for an 8th overall pick, but when watching Alabama games he jumps off the screen. He has a crazy fast jump off the ball and is even faster getting past o-lineman and to the QB.
9. Chicago Bears:
For months I had this pick being Jared Verse out of Florida State, but as we inch closer to draft night I get the feeling that Chicago wants to surround Caleb Williams with as much wide receiver talent as possible. The best available at 9 would likely be Odunze, who was a huge part of Washington's offensive success in 2023. He finished the year with a very impressive 92 catches, 1,640 yards, and 13 TDs. Plus as I am writing this Caleb just tweeted "Oh sh*t yall I just saw Rome Odunze on my flight to Detroit!! Big fan! 😂". Williams hasn't exactly been keeping things on the down low throughout this process, he knows he is going at number 1 and it wouldn't surprise me if he knows who is going at 9.
10. New York Jets:
Brock Bowers- TE, Georgia
Bowers could very well be the best overall player in this year's draft and the best TE coming out of the draft since Kyle Pitts. With that said, taking Pitts that high has not exactly faired well for Atlanta, I feel most front offices recognize that causing him to fall a bit and land in NY. This is a perfect for the Jets who could use both another offensive lineman and another weapon. Bowers is a combination of both with excellent blocking ability and great hands. Plus with the Jets losing CJ Uzomah, they could use another tight end. This just makes sense.
11. New England Patriots: MOCK TRADE with MIN
Michael Penix Jr.- QB, Washington
With the Mac Jones experience coming to an end in New England they have an even more glaring hole at quarterback. If they do choose to trade the third overall selection to stack picks, that would tell me they like one of the QBs further down the list. The QB would likely be Michael Penix Jr. Penix led Washington all the way to the National Title game last season and threw for 4,903 and 36 touchdown passes. Although he is not treated as so, Penix's stats can go up against any other QB in the draft. If the Pats can overlooked his injury history, this could be their guy. My prediction is Penix will either be a Raider or Patriot by the end of the night.
12. Denver Broncos:
Bo Nix- QB, Oregon
Bo Nix threw for 4,508 yards (second in college football) 45 TDs (first in college football), and only 3 interceptions this season. You'd think he'd be a little higher on the board but I've always been a little skeptical about him. Since his days at Auburn he's had a tendency to put the ball in harms way. Not necessarily interceptions, but not making all the right reads, and trying to force it to receivers. With that said the numbers don't lie and those numbers should make him a first round pick.
13. Las Vegas Raiders:
JC Latham- OT, Alabama
With Maye, Daniels, and Penix off the board here I think the Raiders will be forced to address other needs aside from quarterback. Assuming they don't trade up or reach for a QB, one position of need is their tackle position. After losing two offensive tackles during free agency they could use another starter. JC Latham only let up 2 sacks and 26 pressures in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, and is right up there next to Joe Alt for best tackle in this class.
14. New Orleans Saints:
Taliese Fuaga- OT, Oregon State
This pick may come as a bit of a surprise considering the big names New Orleans has at the tackle positions, but with Trevor Penning's struggles last season and injuries continuing to be an issue for Ryan Ramczyk, they could use another guy. The 6' 6"- 320 pounder did not let up a sack in 2023 and was only penalized 8 times. He could immediately contribute to the Saints o-line adding some much needed depth.
15. Indianapolis Colts:
Quinyon Mitchell- CB, Toledo
Since showing out at the combine with a 4.33 40 yard dash, a 38’’ vertical jump, and a 10’ 2’’ foot broad jump, Mitchell has been flying up draft boards. Without Stephon Gilmore last year, corner was a clear need for the Colts all season. I think they buy into the hype and take Mitchell with their first round selection.
16. Seattle Seahawks:
Troy Fautanu- OL, Washington
This draft is filled with offensive line talent Fautanu is just the next guy on the list. He allowed just 2 QB hits and 2 sacks in 2023. He also shot himself up draft boards after his performance at the combine. He ran a 5.01 sec 40 yard dash at 317 pounds, and scored an 87 on his athleticism score which ranked second amongst o-lineman. After hitting on their left tackle in 2022 with Charles Cross, it's time to address the opposite side of the line.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars:
Brian Thomas Jr.- WR, LSU
Calvin Ridley is in Tennessee, this takes away 8 TDs and 1,000 yards of production from Jacksonville's offense. Even with the signing of Gabe Davis, they are still lacking a number one wide receiver and Brian Thomas should fill that role. Although he was second fiddle at LSU, he still put up 1,177 yards and 17 touchdowns. Jacksonville is a golden opportunity for Thomas to produce immediately and show what he can do when being a number one option.
18. Cincinnati Bengals:
Byron Murphy II- DT, Texas
Murphy is an absolute force on the defensive line. Although he only had 5 sacks, he was absolutely dominant in 2023 and one of my favorite players to watch. The Bengals lacked a run blocker on the interior defensive line last year and Murphy eats running backs for breakfast.
19. Los Angeles Rams:
Laiatu Latu- Edge, UCLA
Latu is one of the more interesting players in this year's draft class, he has been getting a lot of attention since the combine where he graded highests amongst edge rushers. On the field, Latu had 10.5 sacks in 2022 and 13 in 2023. Not only is he good at getting to the QB but he has a tendency to force fumbles as well. Aaron Donald has huge shoes to fill and this is a good place to start.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers:
Graham Barton- OL, Duke
Barton started 39 games at Duke with 5 of those starts at center and the other 34 at left tackle. He is very strong and is an excellent blocker and is also quite quick for an offensive lineman. The Steelers need offensive lineman help badly, and I think Barton is the perfect choice. He can play different positions along the line based on the team needs, and this team could use a tackle and a center.
21. Miami Dolphins:
Jared Verse- Edge, Florida State
Call it bias, but I truly think Jared Verse could be the best edge rusher in this class. Yet considering how high other team's are on other edge rushers like Turner and Latu, I feel there is a good possibility he falls. At FSU, he had 18 sacks in two seasons. In addition to that he also demolished the combine, running a 4.58 40-yard dash and putting up 31 bench press reps. He's just an absolute monster of the edge, and Miami doesn't have a real edge rusher on their current roster. The Dolphins should run this pick in if Verse does fall all the way to 21.
22. Philadelphia Eagles:
Cooper DeJean- CB, Iowa
Philly's secondary really struggled last season. A large part of this was James Bradberry who underperformed in 2023, after a phenomenal 2022 during the Eagle's Super Bowl run. DeJean can provide the boost that the Eagles need. He is a true ball hawk, and even led the FBS in pick-sixes in 2022. He also has a great ability to break up passes, which contributed to his ability to play both safety and corner during his time at Iowa.
23. New England Patriots: MOCK TRADE with MIN
Xavier Worthy- WR, Texas
After taking their QB with the 11th pick, now they have to find a guy for him to throw to. The Pats had the 30th ranked offense in 2023 and big reason for that was a lack of explosive weapons, and Worthy is just that. Worthy broke the record for fastest 40 yard dash ever, running a 4.21 at this year's combine. That speed with his precise route running make him a a great receiving prospect. His touchdown numbers were a bit down this season but, similar to the situation at LSU, Texas has another first round recover who took away some of those targets. That won't be the case in New England where he would immediately become a focal point of their offense.
24. Dallas Cowboys:
Amarius Mims- OT, Georgia
Tyron Smith is now a Jet, meaning the Cowboys need to look for a new left tackle. And who better than someone who let up zero sacks and zero QB hits in his entire tenure. With other guys like Fuaga and Latham flying up the board I then Mims may be the odd man out. He has a similar frame to Smith and should start right away with the experience he has.
25. Green Bay Packers:
Kool-Aid McKinstry - CB, Alabama
Green Bay filled their hole at safety during free agency with the signing of Xavier McKinney, and should now look to get another corner alongside Jaire Alexander. McKinstry is the perfect sidekick for Alexander who is a ball hawk. I saw this because Kool-Aid is less focused on the interceptions, and more so on pass break ups and tackling. Bringing in a guy like that should boost their secondary even more so, making it one of the league's best.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Chop Robinson- Edge, Penn State
Robinson is an explosive pass rusher who seems to be involved on every play. He also ran a 4.48 second 40 yard dash at the combine, yet there is still skepticism over drafting him higher in the first round. This skepticism comes with his lack of production stat wise. He had just 4 sacks and 15 tackles this last year. The Bucs were already shaky at edge last season but things got even shakier in the offseason when Shaquil Barrett signed with the Dolphins earlier this offseason. I feel that with proper coaching he can produce at a higher level in the pros.
27. Arizona Cardinals: (via HOU)
Nate Wiggins- CB, Clemson
After solving the wide receiver issues with taking Marvin Harrison Jr, the Cards should look to the opposite side of the football with their second first round pick. The past few seasons the Cardinals have had issues at the cornerback position. Wiggins had 22 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 2 picks, and 6 pass deflections. He showed out at the combine with a 4.28 second 40 yard dash, which ranked fastest amongst corners. With receivers like Kupp, Nacua, Metcalf, Samuel, and Aiyuk all in division getting a guy like Wiggins to slow them down will be crucial.
28. Buffalo Bills:
Adonai Mitchell- WR, Texas
Stefon Diggs accounted for 107 catches, 1,183 yards, and 8 touchdowns. All of that is gone now. And not only is Diggs' time in Buffalo over, but so is Gabe Davis'. This leaves a lot of targets uncalled for. In Mitchell's first year in a prominent role at Texas, he caught 55 passes for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns, showing flashes of the star he can become. He won't replace Diggs production right away but I believe that given the right opportunity he can become one of the draft's best wide outs.
29. Detroit Lions:
Jer'Zhan Newton- DT, Illinois
Newton is another guy who has gotten a lot of hype the last few weeks. Like last year with Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell, I foresee the Lions buying into the hype. They could use help on the interior defensive line and lacka true runstopper. And not only can Newton stop the run but he can pressure the quarterback too.
30. Baltimore Ravens:
Jordan Morgan- OT, Arizona
Letting up just 3 sacks in 2 seasons is always impressive. Even with that impressive statline Jordan Morgan is being mocked high for the draft. He played at Arizona, who does not get a lot of national attention, which I feel is a big factor in this. Morgan can really fall anywhere from 13 to 30. But he fits the Ravens needs perfectly and if he's there at 30 I think the Ravens will jump on him.
31. San Francisco 49ers:
Troy Franklin- WR, Oregon
Troy Franklin is one of the more underrated receivers in this year's class, and with BrandoN Aiyuk future in San Fran in jeopardy I think he could be a vile replacement. Franklin actually reminds me a little of Aiyuk when he came out of Arizona State. Franklin's speed with the ball and overall quickness, combined with his 39" vertical make him a unique receiver who I think could really be special, especially in Kyle Shanahan's offense.
32. Kansas City Chiefs:
Ladd McConkey- WR, Georgia
McConkey is a tough receiver with great quickness and even better hands. Although he may not have the same level of recognition as certain other prospects, McConkey's has a lot of potential for growth in an Andy Reid led offense. With an already below average receiving core and last year's second rounder, Rashee Rice, facing legal trouble, the Chiefs should look to take a receiver and McConkey would be a great fit.
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