USC

Prospect Ranking: 3

As of now, Caleb Williams appears to be a lock at No. 1 overall. Justin Fields deserves a second opportunity elsewhere, but there is virtually no chance the Bears pass on a generational prospect for a quarterback who has developed little as a passer. Expect Fields to land somewhere like Atlanta, Pittsburgh or Denver - the former being heavily rumored.

As my 3rd ranked prospect, there is no denying that Caleb Williams has stellar arm talent, pocket evasion and running ability. He's also very creative when ad-libbing. However, Williams is a true boom-or-bust prospect. For someone heralded as a can’t miss, generational college quarterback, Caleb Williams really concerns me as a complete package. He struggled immensely on script at times, and had a couple of really ugly games in 2023. He also has an odd personality, with rumblings of ego/maturity issues from various people, which whilst not damning, are more concerning at the quarterback position as de facto franchise leaders. Williams is a lock to go 1st overall, and has the skill-set of a perennial Pro Bowler, but it would not shock me if Caleb Williams was to bust and be outplayed by both Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels.

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Alternative Option:

None.

LSU

Prospect Ranking: 4

There are a lot of reports that the Commanders are going to try and trade up for the hometown kid - Caleb Williams - but that doesn’t seem feasible to me. The draft starts here, as it’s almost a coin-flip as to whether Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye will end up as QB2. I like both prospects, but I personally am a bigger fan of Jayden Daniels and my gut feeling is that he will slightly rise, and Maye will slightly fall.

Daniels has incredible athleticism and is a true dual-threat QB, throws a beautiful catchable ball and protects the ball well whilst aggressively pushing the ball down-field. He needs development, and doesn’t have elite arm talent, but Daniels comfortably had the best tape of all QB’s in 2023 (admittedly with the best protection and weapons, but the same could be said for Joe Burrow coming out). It’ll be interesting to see if Charlie can get any inside information on how Washington views these quarterbacks.

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Alternative Option:

Drake Maye (QB, North Carolina) - Maye is a very good quarterback prospect in his own right. Washington couldn’t go wrong with either. Some may argue Maye fits Kingsbury’s air-raid offense better than Daniels.

North Carolina

Prospect Ranking: 5

Based on Charlie’s combine report, I’d be shocked if the Patriots pass on a QB even if they are “left” with QB 3, and take Marvin Harrison Jr. like the media predicts. Just logically, the Patriots desperately need a new franchise QB after Mac Jones woeful regression. There are 3 premium prospects available, who Charlie reports the Patriots all like as top-3 options, but rank as follows - #1 Williams, #2 Daniels, #3 Maye. However, the report suggested they still really like Maye and would be comfortable with any in the top-3. As per the above, I slightly prefer Daniels, but of the two, Maye has better arm talent and is your “prototypical QB”. Various team sources have compared Maye to Goff. Maye does not have the mobility of the quarterback taken before or after him, but in the middle of the field Maye is clinical. He’s accurate, smart with the football and has high quality field vision. Whichever QB it is, it’ll be a QB going to New England. I’m not buying into any rumors they’d seriously consider taking MHJ or trading down from No. 3 unless Charlie reports it.

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Alternative Option:

Jayden Daniels (QB, LSU) - Most have Maye at No. 2, Daniel at No. 3. Calling my shot, I think the narrative will flip by the draft. Either way, the Patriots get to start anew.

Ohio State

Prospect Ranking: 1

This card won’t take long to get to the podium if the draft starts QB-QB-QB. Marvin Harrison Jr. is one of the most elite WR prospects in recent memory with virtually no flaws to his game, and is my No. 1 prospect in this class irrespective of position. Size, ball skills, speed, route running, instincts, football pedigree - MHJ has it all. This pick is virtually done, in my opinion.

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Alternative Option:

Trade Down - The only potential spanner in the works is if a top-3 team does not take a QB, which I feel is immensely unlikely. I think the Cardinals would be more likely to trade down than take a Plan B here.

Georgia

Prospect Ranking: 8

Based on the hiring of Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman, I think WR becomes unlikely here. They do not value WR’s as highly as other offensive schemes, and very much love the utility of tight ends. Harbaugh philosophically also prioritizes both sides of the trenches. This is a deep OL and WR class, so they have options to make line improvements later in the draft. Meanwhile, an elite receiving tight end prospect is available in a terrible TE class. I’m 50/50 at this stage between Joe Alt and Brock Bowers, but considering all these factors, I will stick with Bowers (for now) at No. 5.

Bowers is not an elite blocker, but is willing and competent as one. Moreover, he is a de-facto receiver 1 type tight end for a team who needs more youthful weapons for Justin Herbert and a pure TE upgrade. Regarding positional value, I would take Joe Alt (Notre Dame OT) instead, but would be fine with Brock Bowers for this offense. An elite receiving tight end is pretty crucial in the modern NFL and an underrated commodity. The national championship tight ends were George Kittle, Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews and Sam LaPorta. Outside of TJ Hockenson, they are the best 4 TE's in the league and helped transform those offenses.

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Alternative Option(s):

Joe Alt (OT, Notre Dame) - Harbaugh has a reputation for prioritizing the trenches. I like this philosophy, and would probably draft Joe Alt if I was the Chargers GM.

LSU

Prospect Ranking: 2

The Giants clearly need a new quarterback option, but irrespective of what they do, Daniel Jones will be on the New York Giants in 2024 anyway. Between their pick of two WR1-caliber prospects in Nabers and Odunze versus QB4 would be an immense reach here, I think the Giants would opt to finally draft their future No. 1 wide-out. Someone like Bo Nix could be available at No. 39, and someone like Michael Penix Jr. or Spencer Rattler could be worth kicking the tires on in Round 3. Forcing JJ McCarthy here would be a huge mistake.

Malik Nabers is my 2nd prospect in this entire draft class behind only Marvin Harrison Jr., and is a top-5 draft prospect for me who will likely slide due to the way the top-5 appears destined to pan out. He has very few flaws and is versatile both as an X receiver and in the slot. He is quick, a good route runner, has great hands, lethal downfield and is a true playmaker. Some teams reportedly have elite grades on Naber, as well as Harrison Jr., and Charlie recently confirmed in a hot press that nearly every team he spoke with has Nabers slightly ahead of Odunze

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Alternative Option(s):

Rome Odunze (WR, Washington) - Evan Neal isn’t good, but I don’t think the Giants would take Joe Alt this high. Odunze is a prospect some in the media prefer to Nabers. Personally, I think Nabers is closer to MHJ than Odunze is to Nabers, but Odunze wouldn’t be heavily criticized as he’s a top-10 talent in his own right.

Notre Dame

Prospect Ranking: 6

The Titans seem destined to go OT-WR or WR-OT in Rounds 1 and 2. The question is; which order? The draft is very deep at both positions. New head coach Brian Callahan was part of the Bengals coaching staff that passed on Penei Sewell for Ja’Marr Chase, and has been quoted to saying he has a personal preference for players who can do damage with the ball in their hands over blockers. Equally, his father - famed OL guru Bill Callahan - has joined him in Tennessee. The Titans’ OL was an utter disaster in 2023 save for promising rookie Peter Skoronski and possibly Aaron Brewer, who is a free agent. They need multiple OL upgrades, and with the WR depth also being very strong (they pick at No. 38), I’d definitely take OT1 over WR3.

This is an elite OL class with 7 tackles I have 1st round grades on (this excludes Troy Fautanu, Graham Barton and Jackson Powers-Johnson as interior prospects). There is little consensus past OT1, but Joe Alt appears to have cemented himself as the leader in the clubhouse - he’s also the bonafide best left tackle specifically, as my next 3 tackles in order (Mims, Fuaga and Guyton) are more right side guys who can play left tackle, but are better openside projections. Alt has elite size, and although has some natural stiffness is still a nimble-footed tackle. He has very good tape, stellar technique and can play either tackle position. Alt has perennial Pro Bowl potential and feels like a great fit here.

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Alternative Option(s):

Rome Odunze (WR, Washington) - Treylon Burks is a bust, and DeAndre Hopkins isn’t long for this team. The Titans may decide that Odunze is worth passing on OL for until Round 2.

Alabama

Prospect Ranking: 7

According to Tony Pauline, Justin Fields is close to being traded to Atlanta. I’m not usually a fan for trading for non-special QB prospects, but the Falcons came close to winning their putrid division with Arthur Smith and Desmond Ridder. Fields would give the Falcons 2-year window of more competent quarterbacking, a fresh start for Fields, and the ability to utilize the No. 8 pick on a big area of need. Under Ossenfort, the Falcons have drafted 3 freakish athletic talents - Kyle Pitts, Drake London and Bijan Robinson. They follow piste this year, although on the defensive side of the ball.

In terms of pure tape, I slightly prefer Laiatu Latu as EDGE 1. However, Turner is a ridiculous athlete and played extremely well post-Will Anderson this past season. He then destroyed the combine, and is reportedly a high character individual too. The Falcons’ pass rush has been a weakness for close to a decade, and with the defensively-minded Raheem Morris under the helm, this would be an excellent pick that would fit their high-traits, high-character mold they’ve adopted under this new regime.

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Alternative Option(s):

Quinyon Mitchell (CB, Toledo) - I am 90% sure this pick is Dallas Turner, but I really like Mitchell as well. Although I think this would be his absolute ceiling, he feels like the type of cornerback the Falcons would like. This is a bit of a long-shot, but an interesting wildcard - especially if they trade down.

Washington

Prospect Ranking: 9

The Bears need another edge rusher alongside Montez Sweat, and another receiver alongside DJ Moore. Both positions have little depth on the roster; the Bears also do not own a 2nd round pick (Sweat), so it’ll be interesting to see what they do. Charlie’s reporting matches this logic, with the Bears reportedly targeting WR or DE as their targeted positions. The Bears’ free agency period is going to be very telling. As things stand, I have Rome Odunze as BPA, and there are a plethora of good FA edge rushers in this year’s free agency class. My gut feeling is Ryan Poles will pair Williams with another bonafide receiver as a priority.

Odunze has been a consistently exceptional receiver for the Washington Huskies these past 2 seasons, and would have likely graded out as a late-1st rounder this year past. He ended up going back to Washington and playing himself into top-10 consideration. He isn’t the quickest prospect, and doesn’t possess the elite movement of Harrison Jr. or Nabers, but ran quicker than expected at the combine. Moreover, he has exquisite body control, is a contested catch monster and is a gritty, competitive player. Odunze is the type of receiver you’d want in a dog-fight, and would be a quality pick for Chicago

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Alternative Option(s):

Dallas Turner (EDGE, Alabama) - Turner is the heavy favorite to be the first defensive prospect taken, and I think he’ll either be a Falcon at No. 8 or Bear at No. 9. If the Falcons do something surprising at No. 8, it would be very interesting to see if the Bears take Rome Odunze or Dallas Turner.

Oregon State

Prospect Ranking: 14

The Jets seem to be all in on an Offensive Tackle in the 2024 draft per Charlie Campbell, and it makes sense. They are in “win now” mode with Aaron Rodgers, and their OL has struggled for years. Duane Brown will surely retire, and Mekhi Becton - once a promising rookie - has completely fallen off the wagon, playing terribly in 2023 and now a free agent. This offensive line group is very interesting past Alt, as I am personally very high on prospects Tyler Guyton and Amarius Mims, but other prospects like Taliese Fuaga, Olu Fashanu and JC Latham with more “plug and play” ability could go ahead of them. As Charlie reported, both have boom-bust potential. This pick reflects this “win-now” ethos, with Douglas not being burned by a developmental prospect again.

I have been warming up to Taliese Fuaga as a top-16 pick in recent weeks. I thought he was a bit overrated in the slot by Daniel Jeremiah and others, and was skeptical of reports by Rich Cimini that Fuaga is the “apple of Douglas’ eye”. However, Fuaga has arguably the best OT tape outside of Joe Alt this year, and is a true plug-and-play RT. His rise reminds me of Darnell Wright’s in that regard. The Jets need as sure of a sure thing as is possible from this pick, and I think Taliese Fuaga is that prospect.

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Alternative Option:

Amarius Mims (OT, Georgia) - Based on pure upside, Mims is my OT2. I think he could be an incredible NFL player. I understand the sample size concerns, and durability must be on the Jets’ mind too. However, Mims is incredibly talented and looked really good with the tape he did put out in 2023.

Texas

Prospect Ranking: 15

Unless the Vikings do not re-sign Kirk Cousins, I am locking this fit in now. The Vikings need several defensive upgrades, with so many departing free agents like Danielle Hunter, DJ Wonnum and Marcus Davenport on the edge, and a terrible interior defensive line with just 1 player under contract. Based on my big board, I have Byron Murphy II higher than Jared Verse, in a rarer, more coveted spot as an interior lineman with pass rushing upside.

Murphy has elevated his stock consistently this pre-draft cycle, and had an incredible workout which has more or less locked him in as DT 1. He’s a dangerous interior pass rushing threat who is a touch undersized, but not dangerously so. He is strong, super athletic and is immovable with his anchor. He reportedly interviewed well with teams, and is covered by several teams in the top-16. Pauline has linked the Vikings to Murphy several times, and the fit makes so much sense.

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Alternative Option:

JJ McCarthy (QB, Michigan) - I have McCarthy 26th on my big board, but there are too many teams who could justify a QB in the 11-20 range. He’d be a forgivable reach here, as without Cousins the Vikings would be utterly desperate. I think he’s a roughly equivalent prospect to Will Levis, and although I think top-5 picks were insane (I mocked him No. 23 to Minnesota), I think No. 34 was too low for him. McCarthy will probably go somewhere in between, with this being his ceiling, and his floor likely being someone like Tampa Bay at No. 26.

Michigan

Prospect Ranking: 26

It’s a foregone conclusion that the Broncos will part ways with Russell Wilson, and the Broncos would - in turn - have a gaping need at quarterback. I still believe that any QB not named Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels would be a reach in the top-20. However, the tide seems to be turning in favor of McCarthy or Nix - potentially both - going in the 1st round. Both McCarthy and Nix are adept game manager quarterbacks (which shouldn’t be seen as a criticism) who could be a good fit for Sean Payton and his offense. Some teams reportedly have starting grades on McCarthy and Nix, whilst others are less bullish and are split on 1st - 3rd grades for him. For me, McCarthy wins due to his physical skill-set and projection. He has great arm talent, and had some nice tape despite being in a very run-heavy offense. I think McCarthy will settle as a top-20 selection, and Bo Nix as a 2nd rounder by the draft.

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Alternative Option:

Terrion Arnold (CB, Alabama) - If the Broncos cobble together a free agency plan, I think Arnold is the most likely non-QB to end up in Denver. This is very much trending to be a signal caller at this point, though.

Penn State

Prospect Ranking: 19

The Raiders are always a bit of an unknown in the draft, and that unknown will be compounded given yet another new regime will take the helm for the 2024 NFL Draft. Although they have huge needs at quarterback, defensive tackle and potentially wide receiver (if Davante Adams is traded), the Raiders also have holes on their OL. They have generally over-performed their personnel, but pre-free agency, they only have 4 OL under contract and only Kolton Miller is a true franchise option. New General Manager Tom Telesco poured resources into the Chargers OL his last 2-3 years there, and the Raiders would be prime candidates to take an Offensive Lineman in the 1st round in 2024, given the Day 2 depth at cornerback.

Charlie was one of the first to report that Olu Fashanu was not seen as the elite LT prospect like the media has perpetuated; sure enough, the media has in recent weeks (post Daniel Jermeiah’s 1.0 big board) started dropping Fashanu a bit. Although I think Fashanu was indeed overrated, as he did not play as well as in 2023,
I still like him a lot. He’s a very safe prospect to turn into a good starter and has the ability to play LT or RT in the NFL. He’s reportedly a very high character individual, and god knows the Las Vegas Raiders could use some of those. I’d personally take Amarius Mims or Tyler Guyton, but believe that - as of now - Fashanu is likely to still go ahead of either/or prospect.

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Alternative Option:

Amarius Mims (OT, Georgia) - As per pick No. 10, Mims would be an excellent choice here.

UCLA

Prospect Ranking: 12

Charlie’s report on the Saints was interesting. Many have started mocking trackles, but the report seemed to imply that the Saints do not view Trevor Penning as a lost cause yet. This pick could easily be Amarius Mims, Tyler Guyton or JC Latham - especially if Ryan Ramczcyk retires - but presuming he stays, the Saints may be best getting some Day 2 - 3 OL insurance and utilizing this spot for an EDGE rusher considering how weak the depth at the position is. The Saints’ only sure thing at defensive end is Cameron Jordan, who is a year or two away from retirement. Payton Turner is a bust, and whilst I like Carl Granderson, they will need a long-term dancing partner for him. It remains to be seen if Isaiah Foskey can be anything more than a rotational piece.

Based on tape alone, Laiatu Latu is the most polished edge rusher of this class, and is a lethal quarterback hunter. He has decent athleticism, if not as exceptional as other edge rushers in this class, but has a full arsenal of moves he can win with. Latu was famously forced to medically retire from Washington before joining UCLA, and the medical component will be critical for NFL teams - especially the Saints, who have had bad luck with injuries along their defensive front - but is the consensus EDGE 2 behind Dallas Turner as per Charlie Campbell.

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Alternative Option:

Tyler Guyton (OT, Oklahoma) - It’ll be boring to list Mims again, so let's go with another tackle - Tyler Guyton. I’m a big fan of Guyton, and he has a lot of upside to start at RT and maybe one day move to LT. He reportedly interviewed well with teams, although his 40 time was perplexingly disappointing at the combine.

Toledo

Prospect Ranking: 13

Mock drafts on the eve of free agency are always difficult, and none more-so is that the case than for the COlts. If the Colts keep PIttman Jr., then their starting trio of Pittman, Downs and Pierce (who although coming off a down year has a lot of talent) is locked in. If he walks, then I think the Colts will aim for a WR early. I will presume Pittman Jr. is franchise tagged and/or extended, and will instead mock them as a cornerback. Although I have Terrion Arnold as my CB1, I have Mitchell just behind him. Arnold is more polished, but Mitchell is a more prototypical Chris Ballard pick with a RAS 1.0+ higher and better size.

Mitchell has ascended quickly in recent weeks, going from borderline 1st rounder to top-20 mainstay. I think he has an outside chance to go as CB1, as although Terrion Arnold is safer and has outstanding tape, Mitchell has more natural cover ability and athleticism. Mitchell is stellar in coverage, has terrific ball skills and a willing run defender whose floor at this point is probably the Steelers at No. 20.

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Alternative Option:

Brian Thomas Jr. (WR, LSU) - I’m a big fan of Brian Thomas Jr. He could slide, as this receiver class is incredibly deep and there aren’t a lot of fits in the teens for the LSU receiver. If Pittman walks, though, then I will perennially mock Brian Thomas Jr. to Indianapolis. He feels fitting with their drafting M.O., but presently find it hard to see them picking Thomas Jr. and extending Pittman.

Washington

Prospect Ranking: 18

Charlie Campbell has reported that OL is the likely focus for the Seahawks in R1, with Fautanu, Fuaga and Mims being their top targets. Any would be quality selections. I have Mims higher than Fautanu, but I think the latter is a plug and play guard who can contribute immediately for an IOL that really struggled in 2023. It’s also of note that the Seahawks have signed his college-OC Ryan Grubb as their new OC ,so schematically Fautanu would fit in quickly.

Fautanu is a player who has risen in 2023 after an incredible season for Washington. He played LT in college, but profiles better inside in the pros due to arm length limitations. Fautanu could absolutely hang as an NFL tackle, but could project as an All-Pro caliber guard, which is where he’d play in Seattle.

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Alternative Option:

Amarius Mims (OT, Georgia) - Charlie listed Fuaga, Fautanu and Mims as the Seahawks targets based on team sources he’s spoken with.