I know this is the mock that many of you were waiting for; the mock where I control all 32 teams and play out a mock draft. We are opening with a one-round mock prior to the combine, and I will likely add a second and final one closer to the NFL Draft. Let’s go to work.

Round One

1) Chicago Bears (from Panthers): Drake Maye, QB North Carolina- In my opinion, the top quarterback in terms of being ready to play right away in this class is Drake Maye. Caleb Williams may have more upside, but I would rather see him sit immediately. He makes some poor reads and relies a little too much on his gifted ability, a la Patrick Mahomes out of Texas Tech. These top quarterbacks are all so close together that teams should make their picks based on who is the best fit for what they need right now.

The Bears need someone to play right away. Williams could do that, but I think his potential will be reached if he sits right away. On the other hand, Maye is ready to roll right now. He has a great feel for how to move in the pocket, he stretches the defense with an elite deep ball, and he creates plays outside of the pocket as well. Maye can have a positive impact on the Bears from day one, which is why I would select him first.

2) Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB LSU- Similar to Maye, I would pick Daniels over Williams as well because I think he is more polished than Caleb Williams. Daniels is an elite playmaker outside the pocket, he fits the ball into tight windows with great arm strength and elite anticipation, and he is incredibly technical as a thrower. Much like Maye, I also love Daniels’s ability to move throughout the pocket. I think Daniels and Maye have elite upside, and their ability to play right away makes them more valuable to the teams at the top than Caleb Williams.

3) New England Patriots: Caleb Williams, QB USC- Now in my opinion, the PERFECT situation for Caleb Williams is winding up on a team where he can sit for an entire season, or at least a majority of it. Williams is a world-class talent; he makes off-platform throws with ease, he rips throws into finite windows because of elite arm talent, and he’s a terrific athlete both inside and outside of the pocket.

However, Williams has some weaknesses that would become glaring if he played right away. He is not a great reader of the field, which is why he tends to zone in on one read and force some throws. My main concern is that he’s always looking for the big play, and he struggles to take the checkdown. That skill is vital at the next level, and it’s also the same thing that plagued Patrick Mahomes coming out of college. Mahomes got the opportunity to sit, and learning the finer points of QB play in a “redshirt,” year has turned him into the star he is today. Williams has that kind of upside if he sits right away.

New England seems very committed to punting the 2024 season based on their approach to the offseason thus far. If that is the case, I cannot think of a better spot for Williams than a team that will sit him until they put more talent around him.

4) Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR Ohio State- The layup of the early picks should be Arizona taking the best receiver on the board. If it happens to be Marvin Harrison Jr., that’s even better. “Maserati Marv,” is the most hyped receiver prospect since AJ Green, and with good reason. He’s physical in his routes, he’s clean in and out of his cuts, and he’s a 50/50 monster. On top of that, he also makes plays with the ball in his hands. Harrison Jr is the complete package and a “WR1,” from day one.

5) Los Angeles Chargers: Joe Alt, OT Notre Dame- My top tackle is Olu Fashanu, but Alt is a better fit for the Chargers than Fashanu is. If they are going to stick with Rashawn Slater on the left side, Alt’s freakish athleticism for his stature makes him an easy transition to right tackle. If they choose to move Slater to the right side, Alt was an absolute stud at left tackle for the Fighting Irish. He’s quick out of his stance at 6’8, he’s light on his feet, and his vertical set is flawless in pass protection. Alt’s versatility makes him the easy selection for the Chargers.

6) New York Giants: Rome Odunze, WR Washington- As mentioned in my Prediction Mock 2.0, if the Giants cannot find a number-one receiver this offseason, they need to clean house. Odunze is the smoothest route runner of the big three, but it’s his ability to snag balls in traffic that makes him a star prospect. He catches everything with his hands first and attacks balls thrown at him rather than letting the ball get close to his body. He also can put his hands up late on 50/50 throws so the defense can’t read the throw. Some think he’s the best receiver in this class, and it’s easy to see why when you put on the tape.

7) Tennessee Titans: Olu Fashanu, OT Penn State- If Will Levis is who the Titans are rolling with, then protecting his blindside is their number one priority at this pick. Fashanu was practically flawless in pass protection in his last two years at Penn State. Some are hung up on his lower body flexibility, but he slides incredibly well and cuts off edge rushers looking to bend and run the arch to the quarterback. I’m also not concerned about him walling off players in the run game instead of finishing with elite power. To me, he’s a prototypical left tackle at the next level, and those just do not come around often.

8) Atlanta Falcons: Laiatu Latu, EDGE UCLA- Assuming his medicals check out, Latu is the runaway top edge player on my board. Not only does he have the most production of all the pass rushers, but he also has the most complete move-set. He uses his hands to set up tackles, and he can dip and rip past them. He’s got a cross-chop, a spin move, frankly, if you name a pass-rush move, Latu probably has it in the bag. The Falcons’ pass rush sucked last year, so this is an easy pick given the way the board fell.

Now, let’s address the giant elephant in the room. “Jordan, you didn’t give the Falcons a quarterback, what are you doing?”

First off, I think eighth overall is way too high for any of the other three quarterbacks. Second, should the Falcons trade for Justin Fields, I think eight is too much to give up. I would rather see them sign a veteran, or use their second-round selection to trade for a QB in some way; be that moving up in the draft or flipping it for Fields.

9) *TRADE* Buffalo Bills (from Bears): Malik Nabers, WR LSU- If Stefon Diggs and the Buffalo Bills are breaking up this offseason, this deal writes itself. Buffalo can use Diggs and their back-end first-rounder to move into the top 10 for an elite playmaker on a rookie deal.

From the Bears’ perspective, they are resetting the clock on paying a quarterback in this mock by picking Maye first overall. This allows them to trade for a star player like Diggs at a position of need.

This is my favorite move of this mock, which means it has a zero percent chance of happening in real life.

The Trade: The Buffalo Bills trade the 28th overall pick and Stefon Diggs to the Chicago Bears for the ninth overall selection.

10) New York Jets: Taliese Fuaga, OT Oregon State– I know Jets fans are going to look for a trade of Davante Adams at this spot, and it is possible. However, I don’t see the Jets giving up 10 just for Adams, and I don’t see the Raiders swapping 10 and 13 in an Adams deal. Given the complications of the process, it is more likely that the Jets address wide receiver in free agency.

With that established, that means the 10th overall selection must be offensive line. Fuaga is a prototypical right tackle at the next level. He strikes with power and accurately in pass protection, and when he gains leverage on opposing defensive players, it’s game over.

11) Minnesota Vikings: Dallas Turner, EDGE Alabama- Whether the Vikings re-up Danielle Hunter on a short-term deal or let him walk, a pass rusher is a definitive need for them. Turner may not have an elite ceiling, but his floor is high. He understands how to use his length and athleticism to his advantage as a pass rusher, and it helps him bend around the edge. He also has a quick first step and a high motor.

Editor’s Note: The Vikings will likely keep Kirk Cousins, which is why this pick is not a quarterback. If they do not, Bo Nix would make a lot of sense here, and could be the move in future mocks.

12) Denver Broncos: Bo Nix, QB Oregon- This is a little high for Nix based on my personal board, but I am going to make an exception because the fit is perfect. Nix’s skill set fits Sean Payton perfectly. The ball comes out of his hands fast, he’s incredibly accurate in the short to intermediate window, and he has good touch on his throws. In a west coast offense predicated on timing, Nix should be extremely successful.

13) Las Vegas Raiders: Troy Fautanu, OL Washington- The Raiders desperately need offensive line help. Fautanu can play multiple spots up front, but I love the idea of him playing guard at the next level. He has terrific footwork, he redirects well, and he possesses a sneaky amount of power in his strikes. Zack Martin made this transition from quality collegiate left tackle to elite NFL guard famous, and Fautanu has the ability to follow in his footsteps.

14) New Orleans Saints: Brock Bowers, TE Georgia- Adding a playmaker to pair with Chris Olave has to be priority number one for the Saints this offseason. Bowers is an elite tight-end prospect; he’s a threat with the ball in his hands, he blocks incredibly well, and he’s one of the most fluid route runners in the draft for any pass catcher. Bowers is a steal outside of the top 10; he will be a playmaker for years to come.

15) Indianapolis Colts: Terrion Arnold, CB Alabama- This is back-to-back steals in this draft because Arnold also has no business being on the board right now. He pulled away from his teammate, Kool-Aid McKinstry, on many people’s draft boards because of his elite ball skills and straight-line speed. For me, it’s his ability to excel in off-coverage that separates him from McKinstry. He’s so quick out of his backpedal that he can thrive in multiple systems. Arnold also has elite ball skills. He has the makings of a bonafide stud at the next level.

16) *TRADE* Kansas City Chiefs (from Seahawks): Brian Thomas Jr., WR LSU- The Chiefs’ pursuit of a three-peat could come down to their ability to add to their receiving corps. It almost cost them multiple times this season. Fortunately, this receiving class is loaded, allowing them to pair a young receiver on a rookie deal with the expensive contract of Patrick Mahomes.

Brian Thomas Jr is the “best of the rest,” in this class by far. He’s also a perfect fit for the Chiefs because he’s a fluid mover as a route runner and elite with the ball in his hands. He can also take the top off of the defense.

The Trade: The Kansas City Chiefs trade the #32, #133, and a 2025 1st-round pick to the Seattle Seahawks for the 16th overall selection.

17) Jacksonville Jaguars: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB Alabama- I have said this in both of my prediction mocks thus far; McKinstry will be the biggest riser of the top-tier players. He’s sticky in press-man coverage, he’s fluid when flipping his hips, and he’s solid in off-coverage. The one question is his athleticism because people question his ability to make up ground at the next level. When he tests well in Indianapolis, he is going to fly up draft boards.

18) Cincinnati Bengals: JC Latham, OT Alabama- The Bengals need a right tackle with Jonah Williams hitting free agency, and Latham is a prototypical right tackle at the next level. He gains leverage with powerful strikes and a sturdy lower body. I question his ability to stay with elite athletes off the edge at the next level, but if he gets his hands on edge players before they can flatten their rush, it’s game over.

19) Los Angeles Rams: Cooper DeJean, CB Iowa- NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah said he sees elite safety ability in DeJean, which is part of the reason I love this fit. If DeJean tests as an elite athlete for the safety position, his ball skills, his ability to close in off-coverage, and his skills as a tackler playing downhill make him a really intriguing player. However, I think he’s capable of just being an elite corner in a zone-heavy defense like the Rams have.

20) Pittsburgh Steelers: Amarius Mims, OT Georgia- Mims is the type of tackle I am normally not a fan of. His footwork in his kickslide is okay, which leaves him vulnerable to elite athletes off the edge as a bigger tackle. However, the reason I am making an exception for Mims is because he excels in the jump set. When he attacks defenders, his lower body tends to get set faster, allowing him to get his hands on defenders and bury them. In Pittsburgh’s offensive scheme, he would be a perfect match.

21) Miami Dolphins: Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL Oregon- The interior offensive line of the Dolphins is getting gutted this offseason. If they need one or two entering the draft, I love the idea of them jumping on Jackson Powers-Johnson in round one. If you have followed my mocks in the past, you know I love offensive linemen who have played multiple positions in college. It shows the intelligence necessary to play at the next level. Powers-Johnson shows that intelligence in pass protection by double-teaming the correct player, picking up blitzers and he stays on balance against power rushers.

22) Philadelphia Eagles: Jared Verse, EDGE Florida State- If the Eagles are going to let Hasson Reddick go via trade, replacing him with Jared Verse would be the perfect scenario. Verse’s get-off is outstanding, which allows him to dictate as a pass rusher. He can use his power to collapse the pocket, but he also uses his hands to chop down and beat tackles to the inside. If he tests well athletically, I think Verse could be the top edge taken in April.

23) Houston Texans: Adonai Mitchell, WR Texas- Tank Dell proved last season that he can be a weapon in the slot. When Dell went down, Nico Collins stepped up and proved to be a quality option. To take their offense to the next level, they need a true number-one receiver. I expect them to be in the mix for Stefon Diggs if he’s moved, but if they miss, Adonai Mitchell would be a perfect fit in the back end of round one.

Mitchell is a red zone machine, he’s a monster on 50/50 throws, and he’s a quality route runner for a big-body receiver. This is a perfect fit, and definitely one that you could see on draft day in a few months.

24) Dallas Cowboys: Jordan Morgan, OT Arizona- Keep an eye on Dallas moving up the board to nab a left tackle in this draft. Tyron Smith is unlikely to return to Dallas, making left tackle the biggest need of the offseason. Morgan is an interesting evaluation because he’s susceptible to power rushers, but his athleticism makes him elite in pass protection against athletic edge rushers. If he can add some weight to his frame, he can be a top-tier tackle at the next level.

25) *TRADE* Los Angeles Chargers (from Packers): Byron Murphy II, IDL Texas- Murphy’s quick twitch ability is something I have talked about in my prediction mocks so far. The one area I disagree with pundits on is the concern about him having ideal size. Athletes up front who possess power and multiple moves have proven to be successful regardless of their stature. Murphy is that kind of player. The Chargers move up to land a defensive difference-maker.

The Trade: The Los Angeles Chargers trade the #37, #69, and #139 to the Green Bay Packers for the #25 and #204.

26) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Junior Colson, ILB Michigan- It may not be the position of importance that it once was, but the elite defenses in this league have elite off-ball linebackers. This draft has a few elite linebackers, but my favorite is Junior Colson. During his time at Michigan, he showed the ability to read and react quickly in zone coverage, and he plays downhill with athleticism and poise. He’s a three-down linebacker at the next level, which the Bucs desperately need following the regression of Lavonte David and Devin White.

27) Arizona Cardinals (from Texans): Nate Wiggins, CB Clemson- Any cornerback that shows the ability to press and trail is going to be high on my personal board. Wiggins excels at both. I know some are going to be concerned about his unwillingness to tackle, but I always refer to Antonio Cromartie. Cro made a lot of “business decisions,” when tackling, but he had an incredibly productive pro career because he was an elite athlete and sticky in man coverage. Now, I understand that Cro is the exception, not the rule, but Wiggins is a really good athlete in his own right, and very worthy of a top 40 selection.

28) *TRADE* Chicago Bears (from Bills): Zak Zinter, IOL Michigan- Look, I could be wildly wrong on Zinter’s evaluation, but I’m willing to go down with the ship. I know he had a nasty leg injury, but broken bones heal. Zinter is elite in pass protection; he uses his hands to get into the chest of pass rushers and stand them up at the point of attack. He was a round-one player on my board before the injury, and if his medical checks out in April, I would take him in the 25-40 range.

The Trade: See Pick #9.

29) Detroit Lions: Quinyon Mitchell, CB Toledo- Mitchell is an interesting study because he was rarely challenged in 2023. His athleticism out of his break in off-coverage makes me think he can be an excellent cover-three corner at the next level. He’s able to trail receivers on go routes and he put up great numbers in 2022 when playing the ball. I’m not as high on him as others are, but he still projects as a quality starter at the next level.

30) Baltimore Ravens: Chop Robinson, EDGE Penn State- Tell me if you have seen this movie before; the Baltimore Ravens select an elite athlete with a really high motor, and they coach him into an incredibly productive pro. Chop Robinson has a great get-off, he can rush with power, and he can turn the corner around the edge. If I could scheme up a perfect scenario in the back end of this draft, it’s Chop Robinson going to Baltimore.

31) San Francisco 49ers: Ladd McConkey, WR Georgia- Brandon Aiyuk wants to be paid, and it seems like he may hit free agency after all. If so, the Niners are in a great spot in this draft to grab a receiver to replace him.

McConkey may not be this high on other people’s boards, but you cannot teach his understanding of route concepts. He also has YAC ability and terrific hands. In a Kyle Shanahan offense, McConkey would thrive.

32) *TRADE* Seattle Seahawks (from Chiefs): Michael Penix Jr., QB Washington- Seattle has some needs up front, but if I were GM John Schneider, I would be aggressive in free agency to fill those needs. With my round-one pick, I would be looking at Penix or JJ McCarthy to sit behind Geno Smith for a year or two.

Penix needs to clean up a lot of mechanical issues, and he has a tendency to go through progressions slowly. However, the tools are incredible. He throws a terrific 50/50 ball and a great deep ball, and he has a ton of power behind his throws. If given the chance to sit and learn for a year or two, Penix could be a quality starter at the next level.

The Trade: See pick #16.