By The 2024 NFL draft is just one week away, and it’ll showcase the next great class of rookies as they transition into the pro stage of their football career.
The Chicago Bears will be the first team on the clock (thanks to the Carolina Panthers), but they shouldn’t be for too long. They’re going to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams, which has been all but a guarantee for the past few weeks. Chicago also has the No. 9 pick in the draft.
But how will the rest of the first round fall?
As always, all eyes will be on the quarterbacks, where the expectation is someone will trade up to land one after QBs go 1-2-3 at the top of the draft. In my latest first-round mock draft, there are some big trades that shake up the first round, starting with the Minnesota Vikings making a move to land their QB of the future. The Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars also trade up to land some impact players.
Our latest first-round forecast just one week out from the NFL draft:
Oct 28, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) gestures after scoring a touchdown against the California Golden Bears during the third quarter at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Caleb Williams is the guy. It would be a complete shock if the Chicago Bears took anyone else with the number one overall pick.
Nov 18, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Heisman Trophy candidate LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) warms up before their game against the Georgia State Panthers at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Dobbins-USA TODAY Sports
The Washington Commanders select Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick. They are getting a quarterback that they believe in.
Nov 25, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10) throws a pass against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the first half at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Drake Maye falls to third overall where he will be selected by the New England Patriots. Following the career of Tom Brady, Mac Jones wasn’t able to assume the role permanently. Now, they move onto Maye.
December 31, 2022; Glendale, Ariz; USA; Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy (9) throws a pass during the pregame before the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium.
Ncaa Fiesta Bowl Game
TRADE!
The Minnesota Vikings trade up No. 4 with the Arizona Cardinals from No. 11. With this selection, the Vikings land their QB in J.J. McCarthy. With Williams and McCarthy going to the Bears/Vikings, Jared Goff and Jordan Love round out what they hope is a great division of quarterbacks.
– Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Some folks think that Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. is the best player at his position in the draft. The Los Angeles Chargers would love if he fell to No. 5 and pair him with quarterback Justin Herbert.
Dec 2, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner (15) celebrates after a sack in the second quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Giants improve their defense by selecting Alabama defender Dallas Turner. Their pass rush would improve by pairing Turner with Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Jan 1, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Joe Alt (76) against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Tennessee Titans select Joe Alt at No. 7. This is yet another lineman for them to develop while they try to figure some other things out.
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 30: Olumuyiwa Fashanu #74 of the Penn State Nittany Lions in action against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Ryan Field on September 30, 2023 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Falcons have been known to draft skill players on offense in the first round lately. This time, they land tackle Olu Fashanu to try and help Kirk Cousins stay on his feet.
Malik Nabers 8 as the LSU Tigers take on Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, November 25, 2023.
The Chicago Bears take Malik Nabers with the ninth overall pick. That has the star LSU receiver joining forces with DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Cole Kmet, Gerald Everett, and D’Andre Swift on a star-studded offense.
Oct 28, 2023; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Oregon State Beavers offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga #75 walks off the field against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary BonDurant-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Rodgers needs to stay on his feet this season. Oregon State tackle Tailiese Fuaga might have the recipe needed to make sure it happens. He would be a great addition for them at 10th overall.
Georgia tight end Brock Bowers (19) scores a touchdown during the second half of a NCAA college football game against Ole Miss in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. Georgia won 52-17.
After trading back from No. 4 to No. 11, Arizona lands Georgia’s Brock Bowers, who’s the best tight end in the draft and it isn’t close.
Oct 14, 2023; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end Jared Verse (5) against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports
TRADE!
The Denver Broncos mock-trade their pick to the Seattle Seahawks. Trading up from No. 16, the Seahawks bolster their pass rush by adding Florida State stud Jared Verse.
Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) warms up before playing against the Texas Longhorns in the 2024 Sugar Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
TRADE!
The Las Vegas Raiders trade back with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who jump up to land Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze, who fell outside the top 10. With Odunze falling this far and Calvin Ridley leaving town for a division rival, the Jags had to do something.
Sep 23, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Terrion Arnold (3) carries the ball after an interception against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half of a football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
The New Orleans Saints bolster their secondary with the addition of Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold at 14th overall.
Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Indianapolis Colts also make a move in the secondary with the selection of Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell with the 15th overall pick.
Sep 9, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Laiatu Latu (15) battles against San Diego State Aztecs tight end Mark Redman (81) during the first half at Snapdragon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
After trading back with the Seahawks, the Broncos landed additional draft capital and UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu at 16th overall.
Sep 4, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman JC Latham (65) blocks against the Miami Hurricanes at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
After trading back with the Jaguars, the Raiders bolster their offensive line with Alabama tackle JC Latham at 17th overall.
Oct 28, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman Tyler Guyton (60) at the line of scrimmage against the Kansas Jayhawks during the game at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
The Cincinnati Bengals need help on the offensive line, so they select Oklahoma tackle Tyler Guyton at 18th overall.
Nov 18, 2023; Ames, Iowa, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Byron Murphy II (90) celebrates sacking the Iowa State Cyclones quarterback during the game at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron E. Martinez-USA TODAY Sports
To try and fill the massive hole left by the retired Aaron Donald, the Los Angeles Rams select Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II at No. 19.
Brian Thomas Jr 11 runs the ball as the LSU Tigers take on Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, November 25, 2023.
TRADE!
Wouldn’t this be a shocker? The back-to-back Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs can get a little bit risky with their drafting knowing they have Patrick Mahomes. In this mock trade, they move up with the Pittsburgh Steelers to No. 20 to select LSU wideout Brian Thomas Jr.
Dec 1, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Washington Huskies offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (55) celebrates after the Huskies scored against the Oregon Ducks during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Dolphins are always looking to protect Tua Tagovailoa, so drafting Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu at 21st overall is a great idea.
Nov 11, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils offensive lineman Graham Barton (62) before the game at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
The Philadelphia Eagles will never replace Jason Kelce, but they need someone to play center in the long term. They select Graham Barton to try and be that guy with their 22nd overall pick.
Nov 25, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) smiles after breaking up a pass to South Carolina wide receiver Nyck Harbor (8) during the fourth quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Clemson won 16-7. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings traded up to select a quarterback earlier in this mock. Now, they boost their secondary with Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins at 23rd overall.
Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Amarius Mims (65) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Dallas Cowboys land Georgia tackle Amarius Mims with the 24th overall pick, and he’ll help them in their quest to improve.
Oct 21, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Cooper DeJean (3) looks on during the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
The Green Bay Packers select Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean with the 25th overall pick. He would help their secondary right away.
Penn State defensive end Chop Robinson (44) celebrates after sacking Massachusetts quarterback Taisun Phommachanh in the first half of a NCAA football game Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in State College, Pa. The Nittany Lions won, 63-0.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are getting a little bit older on defense. Adding someone like Penn State’s Chop Robinson at 26th overall would go a long way.
Dec 31, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) reacts after a defensive play against the Kansas State Wildcats during the second half in the 2022 Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports
The Arizona Cardinals previously acquired the No. 27 pick from the Houston Texans. Here, they use it on Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry.
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (5) catches the ball for an first down against Kansas State Wildcats cornerback Jacob Parrish (10) in the. First quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, November. 4, 2023, in Austin, Texas.
The Buffalo Bills are one of the best teams in the NFL, but they can’t get past the Chiefs. Now, they need to replace star Stefon Diggs, who is out of the picture. They attempt to do it with Texas wideout Adonai Mitchell with the 28th overall pick.
Sep 30, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive back Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (2) tackles Vanderbilt Commodores tight end Justin Ball (84) after a made catch during the first half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Lions know that they are going to have a target on their back in 2024. That is why they will boost up their defense and select Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw with the 29th overall pick.
Nov 25, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats offensive lineman Jordan Morgan (77) against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Ravens will have an even more elite running game with Lamar Jackson at quarterback and Derrick Henry at running back. Drafting a solid offensive lineman like Jordan Morgan at 30th overall will make it easier to create lanes.
Oct 14, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) celebrates after the Ducks scored a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
The San Francisco 49ers may have the best roster in the NFL. Unfortunately, they haven’t been able to get over Patrick Mahomes even though they’ve come close. With No. 31, 49ers can go a bunch of different ways to improve their depth but it might be smart to think about the future of the offensive line which is what smart NFL franchises do. Drafting someone like Jackson Powers-Johnson would be very smart.
Sep 10, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver Xavier Worthy (8) catches a pass and lands out of bounds in the end zone against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
After trading back with the Chiefs, the Steelers land Texas wideout Xavier Worthy, who broke records at the combine. He’s very fast and should be good for either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields. Getting a good receiver like this and adding more draft picks is very smart for Pittsburgh.
