Offense is the figurehead of the 2024 draft class, with about half of the league’s teams expecting to start a new quarterback by week 1. This mock draft will include the first half of round 1 with trades, albeit less than the unpredictable shifting when teams enter the war room on Thursday, April 25. 

1) Chicago Bears (from Carolina): Caleb Williams, QB, USC

Williams is the unanimous favorite at No. 1 since the Bears dealt quarterback Justin Fields to the Steelers in March. No need to rethink it now.

2) Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

The Heisman winner has risen above Drake Maye in the class’ quarterback hierarchy. Washington gets the best dual-threat talent in the 2024 class at No. 2.

3) New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, UNC

Despite circulating trade rumors, the Patriots stay put and draft Maye as their hopeful face of the future. 

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

The Cardinals pick up a potentially generational talent to replace future hall of fame receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Marvin Harrison Sr. played 13 seasons for the Colts, ending his career with 14,580 receiving yards, 128 touchdowns and a Super Bowl XLI ring. 

5) Los Angeles Chargers: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

The departures of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams have left a void in the Chargers receiving corps. Nabers was Daniels’ best target at LSU, finishing his career as LSU’s all-time receiving yards leader. 

6) New York Giants: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

McCarthy is selected earlier than expected, but recent rumors have signified the Giants’ desire to move on from quarterback Daniel Jones. McCarthy has NFL-level accuracy but could sit behind Jones while he gets up to professional speed. 

7) Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

Quarterback Will Levis was a success for the Titans in a season of change. New coaching begins the retooling by adding the best prospect by size, athleticism and technique in Alt. 

8) Atlanta Falcons: Byron Murphy, DL, Texas

Murphy is a plug-and-play talent across the defensive line. The Falcons have taken plenty of offensive talent in recent drafts, allowing them to address their defense this year.

9) New Orleans Saints (from Chicago): Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

In the first projected trade, New Orleans moves up from No. 14 to secure a blindside blocker with a dominating 6’6” 317 pound frame. Last year’s pick, Trevor Penning, was less successful than hoped and will likely shift down the line.

10) New York Jets: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

Bowers is the most anticipated tight end prospect in years for his power, bulk and versatility on the end. He provides an alternative option to the Jets receiving corps and a sixth pass protector and run blocker. 

11) Minnesota Vikings: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

Minnesota loses out on a top quarterback and could deal this pick while still having pick No. 23 in the back pocket. Instead, they select one of the best and quickest defensive backs in the class.

12) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Denver): Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

The Jaguars get aggressive to not miss out on a top man-to-man cornerback as they try to get back into the playoffs. Arnold is a physical defender who the Jaguars will need if they plan to keep up with the Houston Texans’ offense.

13) Las Vegas Raiders: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

The Raiders could trust Aidan O’Connell to be a solid starter, but Penix’s NCAA-leading passing numbers and national championship run is too attractive to pass up at No. 13.

14) Chicago Bears (from New Orleans): Dallas Turner, DE, Alabama

Chicago predicts Turner to fall further, so they add some draft capital in a trade with the Saints and add the Alabama speed rusher. 

15) Indianapolis Colts: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

The Colts are lucky to land Odunze at 15, improving the receiving core for quarterback Anthony Richardson’s return from a shoulder injury.

16) Seattle Seahawks: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

Latu’s rushing technique and large size have led a steady rise up draft boards, so the Seahawks get an NFL-ready defensive end to lead the line.