We’re just days away from the start of NFL free agency, and while team needs are sure to change in some significant ways as a result of upcoming veteran additions, it’s still fun to take a look at how the first round of the 2024 NFL draft could turn out.
This year’s class is loaded with talent on offense, to the point where we could easily go without a defensive prospect until after the top 10 picks are already off the board. It’s a great year to need a top quarterback, wide receiver, or offensive lineman, and there’s even an elite tight end prospect at the top of the class.
There are some promising edge rushers and defensive line prospects, as well as a fairly deep corner class. There might not be any linebackers or safeties worthy of the first round, but there are some gems who could be had on Day 2 and beyond.
Keeping all that in mind, here’s one way the first round of this year’s draft could turn out:
While it’s still possible they could keep Justin Fields and trade this pick, it seems more likely that Fields gets dealt and the Bears reset at quarterback with a rare prospect in Williams.
Washington gets to choose between two elite prospects here, and while Jayden Daniels is worthy of this spot, we’ll give the nod to Maye.
Regardless of which top QB prospect falls to this spot, that player will be a massive upgrade for the Pats, and should be the easy pick here.
Kyler Murray needs a true No. 1 receiver, and Harrison is arguably the best overall player in the entire draft, regardless of position.
Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are expensive and getting older, which could lead the Chargers to pair Nabers with 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston.
Quarterback is a possibility here, but if the Giants want to give Daniel Jones another year, they could help him out with an elite pass-catcher in Odunze.
The Titans need a franchise left tackle to protect Will Levis’ blind side, and Alt (whose dad was a Pro Bowl tackle) has the polish to play at a Pro Bowl level from Day 1.
If the Falcons address the quarterback situation with a veteran (via trade or free agency), they’ll be free to spend their top draft pick on the dynamic edge rusher they desperately need.
After grabbing their new franchise quarterback, the Bears give Caleb Williams an explosive pass-catcher with a rare size/speed combo to pair with D.J. Moore.
If Aaron Rodgers wants to avoid another serious injury next year, the Jets need to make big upgrades to the offensive line, starting with a high-upside left tackle.
Even if Kirk Cousins is re-signed, the Vikings would be wise to still take their quarterback of the future in McCarthy, and let him learn behind the veteran before taking over.
If the Broncos can’t sign a quality starter in free agency, they could be forced to reach for a second-tier quarterback prospect here, hoping Nix’s experience can make an immediate impact.
The desperate run on quarterbacks continues, as the Raiders grab the last of this year’s passers worthy of a first-round pick in Penix, who just got a clean bill of health at the combine.
The Saints desperately need to improve the protection around Derek Carr, and Fuaga was one of the most dominant tackles in all of college football last season.
There are some talented pass rushers worth considering here, but if an elite prospect like Bowers is still on the board, it might be too much for the Colts to pass up.
Fautanu was a dominant tackle for the Huskies, but the Seahawks desperately need help along the interior, and this crosstown prospect might be an even better fit there.
We finally have a corner off the board, as the Jags grab one of this year’s fastest-rising prospects in the entire class after Mitchell dominated both the Senior Bowl and the combine.
Protecting Joe Burrow needs to be the Bengals’ top priority, and Latham brings a rare blend of size, athleticism and power that would make him an upgrade over Jonah Williams.
This defense has missed impact edge defenders like Von Miller and Leonard Floyd, so they grab a polished and pro-ready rusher to line up next to Aaron Donald.
Offensive line would make sense here, but if the board falls this way, the Steelers could opt for impressive value and steal one of this year’s most complete corner prospects.
Letting Christian Wilkins walk in free agency will leave the Dolphins in need of a fearsome interior presence for the defensive line, and Newton would be the perfect fit.
Philly needs more youth and upside among their edge-rushing group, and while Robinson isn’t the best run defender, he might be the most explosive pass rusher in this draft.
Will Anderson Jr. is a dominant pass rusher off the edge, but Houston’s defense needs a player like Murphy who can make a similar impact along the interior.
It looks like longtime starter Tyron Smith is moving on, so the Cowboys will need to find a long-term solution at left tackle, and Mims has limitless upside with his size and physical tools.
Green Bay needs help at both corner and safety, so a versatile playmaker like DeJean would be an ideal fit, given his ability to line up anywhere in the secondary.
The Bucs have missed Ryan Jensen’s dominant presence and punishing playing style at the heart of the offensive line, and Powers-Johnson would be a worthy successor.
The Cards need a true shutdown corner, and in this scenario, they’re able to land a high-upside prospect with ideal size, length and athleticism for the position.
After breaking the 40-yard dash record at the combine, Worthy’s elite speed could be taken full advantage of by Josh Allen’s big arm, giving the Bills another big-play receiver.
The Lions’ secondary needs a boost at corner after injuries exposed their lack of depth last season, and Wiggins brings elite speed and playmaking ability to the position.
A pure value pick for the Ravens, who haven’t been afraid to invest in top prospects with injury concerns in the past, as they bank on the high upside of Latu’s dominant play.
The perfect match of need and value, San Francisco fills their gaping hole at right tackle with an experienced blocker who brings rare athleticism for his size.
Patrick Mahomes needs more reliable playmakers in the passing game, and Mitchell brings tons of speed, as well as a blend of height and leaping ability that makes him dangerous in the red zone.