The 2023 NFL Draft is over, making it a great time to conduct The Sporting News' first of many mock drafts for the 2024 NFL Draft. Although the quarterbacks and rest of the current top prospects are hot now, it won't be long before the talk heats up regarding the best players available for next April 25 in Detroit.
There's no question the Class of '24 comes out throwing fire with two players labeled as surefire superstars, Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and USC quarterback Caleb Williams. Barring injury and major dropoff from elite play, they will be the 1-2 punch dominating the conversation.
Beyond them, however, what kind of high-level help may be available, based on initial talent evaluations? Here are The Sporting News' way-too-early predictions for picks 1-32, reversing the Super Bowl 58 odds (per Bet MGM) and alternating the would-be playoff teams to project the first-round order:
BIG BOARD: Ranking the top 50 prospects in 2024 NFL Draft
NFL Mock Draft 2024
1. Arizona Cardinals (from Texans)
- Caleb Williams, QB, USC (6-1, 218 pounds)
Would the Cardinals try to deal Kyler Murray to get out of his contract by next year with their new front office and coaching staff? It's possible if he has another disappointing season, now coming off a major knee injury. Either that way or another team trading up, Williams isn't slipping out of the top two as next year's clear-cut most dynamic overall QB prospect. Like Murray, he's a Heisman winner who has a history at Oklahoma and is now working with former Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury.
2. Arizona Cardinals
- Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State (6-3, 202 pounds)
It's not just the Hall of Fame name. Harrison has the massive game to match, literally, with his size, speed and strength to dominate as a No. 1 receiver. The Cardinals, after possibly positioned to also get Williams in 2024, should want to pair him with a long-time top go-to guy.
3. Indianapolis Colts
- Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame (6-7, 316 pounds)
Alt has a chance to be the NFL's next great pass protector with such nimble feet for his monstrous frame. He also can push bodies out of the way in the running game. With some questions about Bernhard Raimann and Braden Smith, the Colts should be in the market to better protect 2023 first-rounder Anthony Richardson.
4. Tennessee Titans (6-5, 220 pounds)
- Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia (6-4, 240 pounds)
The Titans added Will Levis, Peter Skoronski and Tyjae Spears to remix their offense in the 2023 draft but they need new playmakers and tight end still is a weakness, given Day 3 rookie Josh Whyle is a bit of a developmental athlete. Bowers is a dominant, prolific mismatch-creating target who can truly be a "new Gronk."
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama (6-4, 240 pounds)
Should Todd Bowles remain the Bucs' coach for 2024, it will be imperative he lands a fresh lead pass-rushing and havoc-wreaking disruptor for outside in the 3-4. Turner is set up for a massive year to boost his already dynamic production as next in line after Will Anderson Jr.
6. Washington Commanders
- Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State (6-4, 248 pounds)
The Commanders would like to start seeing big-time returns from Chase Young again, but he's unsigned for 2024 along with fellow starting 4-3 end Montez Sweat. Verse continued his big-time sack production in transferring from Albany and made a wise choice to return to the Seminoles for a second season to built on his all-around havoc-wreaking skills.
7. New England Patriots
- Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas (6-4, 249 pounds)
The Patriots are working hard to make the right tight end combination work for their passing and blocking games now with Bill O'Brien back as the offensive coordinator. With Mike Gesicki and Hunter Henry signed only through 2023, they should be in the market for for a new No. 1. Sanders isn't much of a dropoff from Bowers as a receiving target.
MORE: Ranking college football's top 10 QBs for the 2024 NFL Draft
8. Los Angeles Rams
- Kool Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama (6-1, 195 pounds)
The Rams parted ways with Jalen Ramsey (trade to Dolphins) and although they tried to restock their cornerbacks some, without a first-rounder, it was difficult to land a similar ace shutdown talent with great ballhawking skills. McKinstry qualifies as just that.
9. Atlanta Falcons
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Michael Hall, DT, Ohio State (6-3, 290 pounds)
The Falcons need to start to think about a starting disruptive replacement for two-time Pro Bowler Grady Jarrett, who will turn 30 during the '23 draft. Hall is a solid run stopper with some special inside pass-rush juice he can further develop back in school.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers
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Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson (6-1, 210 pounds)
The Steelers tried to solve part of their second-level issues with former Commanders starter Cole Holcomb, but neading more help on the second leve beyond rookie Nick Herbig, it would be hard to pass on Trotter. Trotter has some of his father's skills in his ability to fly around and make plays with an upfield style to stuff the run and rush the passer with big stats to show for it.
11. Seattle Seahawks
- Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado (6-2, 215 pounds)
The Seahawks did re-sign Geno Smith but he will turn 33 soon and his deal is good through only the 2025 season. Sanders would be an intriguing stash should he choose to come out after his first season under his father playing for the Buffaloes. He has the arm and accuracy to put it all together as a near-future NFL starter.
12. Green Bay Packers
- Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State (6-6, 321 pounds)
The Packers failed to get some offensive tackle depth behind aging and oft-injured David Bakhtiari on the left side in 2023 and they also have issues on the right side. Fashanu would give Jordan Love a lockdown pass protector for the long term.
13. Chicago Bears (from Panthers)
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Javon Bullard, S, Georgia (5-11, 180 pounds)
The Bears have venerable Eddie Jackson leading them at safety. He's still playing well but he will turn 30 near the end of this season. Bullard is a dynamic upfield player who racks up tackles with good pass-rush moves for his position He also has a nose for interceptions in coverage.
14. New York Giants
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Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State (6-0, 189 pounds)
Burke will be right there behind McKinstry with his playmaking upside for the NFL with some stronger technique in coverage. The Giants need to think about this position more after drafting Deonte Banks in 2023 with Adoree' Jackson headed to free agency next year.
15. Las Vegas Raiders
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Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina (6-5, 220 pounds)
The Raiders will be thinking more of the successor to Jimmy Garoppolo in the 2024 draft as Aidan O'Connell is more of a pure backup to develop. Maye has standout accuracy and athleticism plus efficient production to think he can thrive well in Josh McDaniels' system.
16. Denver Broncos
- Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State (6-1, 205 pounds)
The Broncos have thought about a wide receiver shakeup this offseason from Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy and they may not extend the latter after drafting Marvin Mims. Egbuka would make it three years in a row two dynamic Buckeyes wideouts went in the first round. He compares well to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Chris Olave behind Harrison.
17. Houston Texans (from Browns)
- Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU (6-6, 230 pounds)
The Texans have left tackle on lock for a few more seasons with Laremy Tunsil but they should pass on re-signing Tytus Howard for the right side. Suamatala has a strong frame for run blocking but also is a reliable pass protector.
18. Baltimore Ravens
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Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas (6-1, 163 pounds)
Worthy has burst on the scene in a high-upside passing game and should continue to get better all-around as a receiver as he keeps wowing with explosive plays. The Ravens are facing a free-agent exodus at wideout in 2024 and will need more support for Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers.
19. Minnesota Vikings
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Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State (6-4, 240 pounds)
The Vikings need to think about boosting their pass rush again with Danielle Hunter set to become a free agent in 2024. Sawyer is an explosive athlete headed for a big breakout season getting to the QB in Columbus.
20. New Orleans Saints
- J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State (6-4, 272 pounds)
The Saints have been gutted in the pass rush in recent offseasons opposite future Hall of Famer Cameron Jordan. They made the position a priority for Dennis Allen in '23 with Isaiah Foskey but Jordan is unsigned as a looming 34-year-old next year. Tuimoloau is a high-effort stat-sheet stuffer who does everything well a la Jordan.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars
- Cooper Bebee, G, Kansas State (6-4, 322 pounds)
The Jaguars will need to address interior offensive line next year should they not bring back left guard Ben Bartch, who has struggled a bit. Bebee is a mighty run blocker but might be better as an inside protector for Trevor Lawrence.
22. Miami Dolphins
- Maason Smith, DT, LSU (6-5, 300 pounds)
The Dolphins will need to replenish their defensive front next year and Smith can do everything up front with a nice blend of power, relentlessness and technique.
23. Chicago Bears
- Tony Franklin, WR, Oregon (6-3, 178 pounds)
The Bears got D.J. Moore and drafted speedster Tyler Scott, but have free agent concerns elsewhere for Justin Fields at wideout next year. Franklin is a tough, strong route-runner with some big-play flair, both in stretching the field and getting downfield quickly after the catch.
24. Los Angeles Chargers
- TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State (5-10, 214 pounds)
Henderson is a game-breaking power runner with some special and explosive receiving skills to ensure he can be a three-down workhorse. The Chargers should think about him as a potential replacement for pending free agent Austin Ekeler after not drafting a back in 2023.
25. Detroit Lions
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Andrew Mukuba, S, Clemson (6-0, 185 pounds)
The Lions signed C.J. Gardner-Johnson for only one season and rookie Brian Branch will need help in 2024. Mukuba will fill the bill as an absolute playmaker, either working in coverage downfield or in run support upfield.
26. New York Jets
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Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson (6-4, 295 pounds)
The Jets have some free-agent issues that could affect their interior defensive line depth next year. Orhorhoro's quickness into the backfield to blow up pass and run plays should appeal in the scheme.
27. Dallas Cowboys
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Calen Bullock, S, USC (6-3, 190 pounds)
The Cowboys will likely need a replacement for Jayron Kearse in 2024. Bullock offers a lot for his size, with the speed, quickness, footwork and nose for making big plays on the ball.
28. Cincinnati Bengals
- Rome Odunze, WR, Washington (6-3, 201 pounds)
The Bengals might be able to work out a deal to keep Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase together, but they are bound to lose Tyler Boyd and need more options than late-round rookies Charlie Jones and Andrei Iosivas. Odunze has the body to be a big-play big slot with his speed, quickness, toughness and elusiveness, especially in a short-to-intermediate area.
29. San Francisco 49ers
- Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State (6-3, 318 pounds)
The 49ers also need to think about tapping into a strong defensive tackle class early to address depth. Williams packs a lot of strength and power in a compact frame. He is relentless physically and can explode to his target.
30. Buffalo Bills
- Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington (6-4, 256 pounds)
The Bills need to revamp the pass rush with Von Miller turning 36 next year. Trice doesn't give up as a pass rusher with his great combination of strength and relentlessness.
31. Philadelphia Eagles
- Sedrick Van Pran, C, Georgia (6-4, 310 pounds)
If the Eagles are fine with Cam Jurgens at guard to replace Isaac Seumalo, they should be thinking about 35-year-old Jason Kelce's successor at center. Van Pran is a highly athletic anchor who doesn't give up on his blocks. Plus, he's a Bulldog, so that tracks.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
- Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia (6-0, 180 pounds)
Speaking of Bulldogs, the Chiefs may not be able to re-sign L'Jarius Sneed so they can go after the ideal replacemen in Lassiter, a sound inside-outside cover man who uses his size and speed to make a lot of plays on the ball.
