OakNole

published on 4/10/2024


⇐ My Mock Drafts   |  View All Mocks

Round 1

Picks 1-16
1. Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC

No comment.


2. Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

Been mocking this one for a long time, since I felt that the new GM would not pick another UNC QB.


3. Vikings: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

TRADE.
After Washington confirms their pick, NE and MINN settle a trade, with NE getting pick 11, 23, and a mid round pick next year.


4. Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

No comment - obvious pick.


5. Chargers: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

After trading their top two WRs, LAC is locked in on picking at least two WRs.


6. Giants: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

Next year's QB crop will be much better than people think.

The Giants give Jones another year, and pick a WR to help him, and, if Plan A fails, help another QB picked later in this draft or Ewers/Sanders/Ward/Allar/Weigman/Beck.


7. Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

Seems to be the concensus.


8. Falcons: Laiatu Latu, DE, UCLA

In the long term, Latu is the #3 DE on the board, but he is also the most NFL ready. The Falcons want to make a decent run this year and next, and should win their division. HC Morris probably values established technique over potential.


9. Bears: Jared Verse, DE, Florida State

Verse is probably #2 DE, long term, but is more well-rounded than Turner.


10. Jets: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

A potential steal for the Jets, Bowers falls right into their hands.


11. Patriots: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

When NE made their trade, there was no guarantee that McCarthy would fall to them. But with Brissett there as a placeholder, they could build their team for next year's rookie QB. As it happens, Plan A pans out quite nicely.


12. Dolphins: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

TRADE; The Dolphins send Tua to the Broncos, where he is a much better fit. While Penix goes a bit early, he has the deep ball arm that fits the Dolphin's scheme better, and there would be no guarantee that the Raiders would not take him next pick.

Win/win, as the Broncos deny the Raiders Penix, and get their "Drew Brees."


13. Raiders: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

As it turns out, the Raiders are content with their QB situation. O'Connell threw 8 TDs with 1 Int in his last 4 games. Minshew is a serviceable starter. The need is CB, and Mitchell fits the Raiders.


14. Saints: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

The Saints get a steal with the best, out-of-the box pass protector.


15. Colts: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

Personally, Thomas is one of my bust picks. A lot of his production last year was garbage time or against weak opponents, and he benefitted by having a Heisman QB throw to him with Nabers getting the attention. All their stats were pumped up by a defense that was so porous, the offense ended up getting an extra possession or two a game.

Nevertheless, the Colts need a WR to go with AR15.


16. Seahawks: Troy Fautanu, G/OT, Washington

The Seahawks need a OT who can also play guard. There are several to choose from, but Fautanu is local and moves like a 300lbs water bug.


Picks 1-16