An updated mock draft for the 2024 NFL draft was released today, and here is a look at the top five prospects for the first five picks.
No. 1 Chicago Bears (from CAR)- Caleb Williams- USC QB
After Chicago Traded Justin Fields to Pittsburgh, the Bears are in the market for a new quarterback. In Williams' junior season with the Trojans, he recorded 3,633 passing yards and 30 TDs, leading USC to a 7-5 record. While the former Heisman winner did not finish his collegiate career with a CFP appearance, Williams hopes to become more victorious professionally with receivers such as DJ Moore and many draft picks.
No. 2 Washington Commanders- Jayden Daniels- LSU QB
With Caleb Williams likely taken by the Bears at No. 1 overall, the Commanders will select from the remaining quarterback prospects, leaving LSU QB Jayden Daniels as the next highest QB on the draft board. Sam Howell's trade to Seattle increased their picks in the fourth and sixth rounds to third and fifth round selections, respectively, which may help them acquire an offensive tackle, receiver, or tight end, however the Commanders must draft a QB in the first round.
No. 3 New England Patriots- Drake Maye- UNC QB
With Bailey Zappe projecting as an NFL backup and Mac Jones currently in Jacksonville, the Patriots will probably select a third quarterback with their first pick. After Williams and Daniels, Drake Maye is the next highest quarterback on the draft board. He finished his 2023 campaign with 3,608 passing yards and 24 TDs, leading UNC to an 8-5 record.
No. 4 Arizona Cardinals- Marvin Harrison Jr.- Ohio State WR
Arizona must pursue a wide receiver in the first round after losing Marquise Brown to the Kansas City Chiefs during free agency. Harrison was a standout wide receiver at Ohio State. The 6’4” WR from Philadelphia recorded 67 receptions for 1,211 yards and 14 TDs in the 2023 season and received the Fred Biletnikoff Award for the most outstanding wide receiver in college football. Arizona needs to surround Kyler Murray with elite wide receivers if they hope to improve their 4-13 record from the previous season.
No. 5 Minnesota Vikings (from LAC)- J.J. McCarthy- Michigan QB
With the loss of Kirk Cousins at quarterback, Minnesota is highly expected to draft a quarterback with their No. 5 pick, leaving Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy as the next viable option. The 2024 College Football Champion threw for 2,991 yards and 22 TDs, only throwing four interceptions in his junior campaign. Minnesota hopes to fill the gap in their quarterback room and bring in a talented young quarterback to throw to start WR Justin Jefferson.
