With the NFL Draft just three months away, it is everyone’s favorite time of year – mock draft season. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. (subscription required) released his first mock draft for 2024, making his prediction as to how the first round will go (subscription required). While most understand that the draft is still far enough away for countless things to change, as a fan, it is fun to speculate.
Before Kiper’s first mock draft, many thought that the first few picks were a given barring any trades. It has been highly speculated that the first two quarterbacks taken off the board would be USC’s Caleb Williams and North Carolina’s Drake Maye. However, it appears that Kiper has a different opinion.
New 2024 mock draft is here. My first stab at predicting the top 32 picks. https://t.co/bMrNhPhRC6
— Mel Kiper Jr. (@MelKiperESPN) January 23, 2024
In his first mock draft, Kiper has the Washington Commanders selecting LSU’s Jayden Daniels over Maye. The Tigers quarterback had an outstanding season, finishing with 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns, and the Heisman Trophy.
Maye, who finished 2023 with 3,608 yards and 24 touchdowns was becoming the favorite quarterback to be taken after Williams. While Kiper is not always correct, this should be a sign for Commanders fans everywhere to hold off on ordering a Drake Maye jersey for 2024 until the actual draft.