HAHAHAHAHA! TEST TEST TEST
The intersection of one set of playoffs ending and another beginning ahead of Super Bowl 58 is the ideal time to check in with updated first-round projections.
Here's Sporting News' latest mock draft for the first 18 picks in the order, based on how the selections settled in Week 18:
NFL DRAFT: Big board of top 100 players overall, rankings by position
NFL Mock Draft 2024
1. Chicago Bears (from Panthers)
- Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State (6-3, 202 pounds)
The Bears might think about moving on from Justin Fields as their franchise QB despite his strong play down the stretch. They also could look to deal this pick for the second consecutive offseason to get a haul in return. But if they stay and stick with a rising Fields, it would be awesome to pair him with Harrison, after seeing the huge impact of getting D.J. Moore.
2. Washington Commanders (4-13)
- Caleb Williams, QB, USC (6-1, 218 pounds)
The Commanders can bring the Washington, D.C., native home and get a desired franchise QB option for their looming new coaching staff after they hit the wall with overwhelmed Sam Howell. Williams, despite some disappointment to end his Trojans career, remains the complete dual-threat dynamo and worthy team leader.
3. New England Patriots (4-13)
- Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina (6-5, 220 pounds)
The Patriots have already waved the white flag on Mac Jones, who didn't work out at all as a pocket passer. Here they can go for the much bigger arm and athletic upside of Maye, who is a much better version of Howell, his Tar Heels predecessor.
4. Arizona Cardinals (4-13)
- Rome Odunze, WR, Washington (6-3, 201 pounds)
The Cardinals won't be re-signing Marquise Brown and need a true No. 1 target as they don't have another such option to complement go-tight end Trey McBride for Kyler Murray. Odunze is the ideal replacement as an explosive size-speed vertical threat.
5. Los Angeles Chargers (5-12)
- Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama (6-4, 240 pounds)
The Chargers need to be concerned that Khalil Mack will be 33 in February and Joey Bosa, who's 28, simply cannot stay healthy to provide the needed impact. Going for Turner as a developing cornerstone makes sense as he has lot of former teammate Will Anderson Jr.'s game in him.
