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Natalie Miller

5 QBs go in the first 13 picks in 2024 NFL first round mock draft update

With the 2024 NFL Draft just around the corner, it’s time to make our final predictions on where the nation’s top college players will be playing in the near future. Here is Natalie Miller’s final NFL mock draft for 2024.

1. Chicago Bears (from CAR): Caleb Williams, QB, USC

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 02: Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans looks to pass against the Utah Utes during the first quarter in the Pac-12 Championship at Allegiant Stadium on December 02, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)

No shake-ups here. We’ve known the USC product was going to be the number one pick for seemingly months now, and for good reason. Caleb Williams is a generational talent who resets the clock for a sneaky talented Chicago Bears team.

2. Washington Commanders: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Nov 25, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10) throws a pass against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the first half at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

There has been some talk about Drake Maye maybe being overhyped by the media, but reality will set in on draft night as Washington sets their sights on the second-best quarterback in this class in the ultra-talented North Carolina signal caller. Finally a franchise quarterback for the much embattled clubhouse.

3. New England Patriots: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

Sep 3, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) gives a thumbs up during the first half against the Florida State Seminoles at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

The reigning Heisman winner is not a bad consolation prize for the quarterback-needy Patriots. Jayden Daniels is the most improved player in college football and played lights out all year to cement his status as one of the drafts top quarterbacks. A new era in Foxborough.

4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

Apr 15, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, United States; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) points a finger to the sky after a successful catch during the first quarter of the Ohio State Buckeyes spring game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday morning. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Scheller-The Columbus Dispatch

There have been rumblings for a trade down here to allow other teams to snag a quarterback, however, the Arizona Cardinals must land a top target for Kyler Murray to jumpstart their offense. Marvin Harrison Jr. is a do it all “X” receiver with elite bloodlines and even better play. Expect him to be their number one playmaker right away.

5. Los Angeles Chargers: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

Malik Nabers 8 as the LSU Tigers take on Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, November 25, 2023.

While the Chargers could use more offensive line help, the top three receivers in this class are clearly a valued commodity. Jim Harbaugh helps his new quarterback in a big way to help replenish a depleted receiving core with the super explosive Malik Nabers.

6. New York Giants: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

Sep 9, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) catches a touchdown pass against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane during the first quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The run on wide outs continues as the New York Giants add some much needed talent to their receiving room in Rome Odunze. While quarterback is an option here, New York has proven they can succeed with Daniel Jones and will try to give him one more year with a top weapon to boot.

7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

Jan 1, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Joe Alt (76) against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Tennessee Titans have a glaring hole at left tackle that is plugged right away with the drafts top tackle in Joe Alt. A reliable starter who has plenty of stability and room to grow, the Titans get their left tackle for the next decade.

8. (Projected trade) Denver Broncos (from ATL): J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) makes a throw against the TCU Horned Frogs in the first half of the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos absolutely cannot roll into 2024 without the answer at quarterback and they pay the price to move up a few spots in order to snag their leading man. J.J. McCarthy is a proven winner with plenty of physical tools to potentially develop into a starter in this league.

9. Chicago Bears: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama

Sep 23, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner (15) celebrates after sacking Mississippi Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart (2) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama defeated Mississippi 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears sit pretty after finding the top quarterback in this class and follow it up with its top defensive player in Alabama pass rusher Dallas Turner. The Chicago defense was turned up by the acquisition of Montez Sweat towards the end of last season and this gives them two studs who can get to the quarterback off either side.

10. New York Jets: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

Georgia tight end Brock Bowers (19) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of a NCAA college football game against Kentucky in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023.

The Jets have little issue holding tight and allowing one of the best prospects in the draft to fall into their lap. Brock Bowers has been the best offensive player on a loaded Georgia team for years and will quickly become a star tight end with the help of quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

11. Minnesota Vikings: Byron Murphy II, DL, Texas

Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Byron Murphy II (90) celebrates after a play during the second quarter in the 2024 Sugar Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

With the inability to move up for one of the top three quarterbacks the Minnesota Vikings stay put at eleven and take the best defensive player on the board to plug into the middle of their defense. Byron Murphy is a disruptive force who could dominate the next level early on in his career. Try not to confuse him with Byron Murphy Jr. who is already on the team.

12. Atlanta Falcons: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

Dec 2, 2023; Detroit, MI, USA; Toledo Rockets cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (27) breaks up a pass intended for Miami (OH) Redhawks wide receiver Gage Larvadain (10) in the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

With their quarterback situation solved the Falcons are happy to snag the draft’s top corner after a trade down. Quinyon Mitchell is a physical and productive presence who will bring some tenacity to the Atlanta secondary.

13. Las Vegas Raiders: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

Sep 23, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) participates in pregame warmups before a game against the California Golden Bears at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

While last years quarterback Aidan O’Connell did show some nice things last season the Raiders must make sure they find their answer at the position. Michael Penix Jr. has been one of the most productive quarterbacks in college over the past two seasons and will bring week one starting ability to a fairly talented Las Vegas roster.

14. New Orleans Saints: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

Penn State left tackle Olu Fashanu (74) gets set before a play against West Virginia at Beaver Stadium September 2, 2023, in State College.

The Saints must find better tackle play going into the 2024 season to help protect their expensive investment in Derek Carr. Olu Fashanu is a gifted physical talent who shows all the ability needed to play at either tackle spot and has enough room to develop into a top talent at the position.

15. Indianapolis Colts: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

Brian Thomas Jr (11) pick six and scores a touchdown as the LSU Tigers take on the the Army Black Knights in Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, October. 21, 2023.

The Colts need to stack as much talent around budding star quarterback Anthony Richardson as possible and they do so here with this pick. Brian Thomas Jr. is a big down the field threat who threatens a big play every single down.

16. Seattle Seahawks: Troy Fataunu, OL, Washington

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 23: Troy Fautanu #55 of the Washington Huskies in action against the California Golden Bears at Husky Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Even though Seattle has some solid young pieces across their offensive line they still need help on the interior and more depth at tackle. Troy Fautanu is a massive mauler who can play any position along the offensive line and should plug in at guard on day one for Seattle.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

Oct 1, 2022; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end Jared Verse (5) celebrates a sack during the first half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

The Travon Walker experiment in Jacksonville hasn’t exactly been a slam dunk success and the Jaguars need to find a proven player who can get after the quarterback to place opposite Josh Allen. You can never have too many pass rushers in this league and Jared Verse has the physicality and tenacity to be a menace in this league.

18. Cincinnati Bengals: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

Oct 8, 2022; Stanford, California, USA; Oregon State Beavers offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga (75) blocks during the first quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

The departure of Jonah Williams has put emphasis on the need of offensive line in Cincinnati to proect their star quarterback. Taliese Fuaga is a massive human who was hard to get past in college and will be reliable in the run and passing attacks of the Bengals as a plug-and-play starter.

19. Los Angeles Rams: Laitu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

Sep 16, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Laiatu Latu (15) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the North Carolina Central Eagles during the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Laiatu Latu would be the top pass rusher in his class were it not for his injury history, and given the fact the Rams are not afraid to take risks it could be a big risk/reward pick here for Les Snead’s first first round selection since Jared Goff.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

Sep 18, 2021; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman JC Latham (65) against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

It’s a double dip for a Pittsburgh Steeler team who spent their last first round pick on offensive tackle Broderick Jones. JC Latham will slide right into right tackle to help protect Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, and help the Steelers establish bookend tackles for years to come.

21. Miami Dolphins: Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri

Nov 5, 2022; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Darius Robinson (6) reacts after sacking the quarterback during the second quarter against the Kentucky Wildcats at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports

The Dolphins desperately need more help along their defensive line and snag the super talented Darius Robinson. With the ability to play multiple positions and develop into a menace of a pass rusher, Robinson should see the field in no time down in Miami.

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

Sep 16, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Cooper DeJean (3) returns a punt against the Western Michigan Broncos during the second quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Given the struggles in their secondary towards the end of last year the Philadelphia Eagles must address the position in this draft. While one of the Alabama corners would be tempting at this selection, Cooper DeJean is a rock solid athlete with plenty of versatility in the secondary. DeJean should be the day one starter at their nickel spot and can play anywhere else in the defensive back end.

23. Minnesota Vikings: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

Sep 23, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Terrion Arnold (3) carries the ball after an interception against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half of a football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

One of this drafts top defensive players tumbles a bit and lands in Minnesota to help shore up the lukewarm secondary. Terrion Arnold has all the ability and instincts to turn himself into a number one corner in the league.

24. (Projected trade) Buffalo Bills (from DAL): Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (5) catches a touchdown pass against Washington Huskies running back Ryder Bumgarner (25) during the fourth quarter in the 2024 Sugar Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The Bills get aggressive here and move up to secure the top available receiver. Adonai Mitchell is an explosive playmaker who is going to make a name for himself as a down the field game changer and help retain some offensive explosion for Josh Allen.

25. Green Bay Packers: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

Sep 16, 2023; Clemson, South Carolina; Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) returns an interception for a touchdown during the first quarter against Florida Atlantic at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY NETWORK

Green Bay needs to put a reliable player opposite Jaire Alexander and they get a corner that meets that criteria in Nate Wiggins. While he is a little light, Wiggins has the top end speed needed to be a reliable boundary corner for the Packers.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, AL – OCTOBER 22: Kool-Aid McKinstry #1 of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates a big defensive stop against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 22, 2022 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images)

Tampa Bay must address the hole left at the cornerback position after the Carlton Davis trade and do so here with the young and physical Kool-Aid McKinstry. This Buccaneers defense continues to reload and get younger in a vulnerable division that is ripe for the taking.

27. Arizona Cardinals: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Jan 9, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Amarius Mims (65) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the CFP national championship game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Cardinals could be motivated to move up for the ultra talented Amarius Mims, but in this scenario, they land him at 27. There aren’t many more players brimming with potential than Mims who should be able to plug and play at either tackle spot right away.

28. (Projected trade) Dallas Cowboys (from BUF): Jackson Powers-Johnson, OL, Oregon

Oct 14, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) celebrates after the Ducks scored a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Even after a trade down Dallas is able to find a talented stud to fill a hole in their offensive line. Jackson-Powers Johnson was one of the best offensive linemen in college football last season and projects well as a high level starting center at the next level.

29. Detroit Lions: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia

Dec 3, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Kamari Lassiter (3) breaks up a pass against LSU Tigers wide receiver Kyren Lacy (2) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions don’t truly have many holes on their roster but could always use more secondary help. Kamari Lassiter was an ultra productive corner for a top ranked Georgia defense and projects well as a starting boundary corner at the next level.

30. Baltimore Ravens: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

Oct 28, 2023; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman Tyler Guyton (60) at the line of scrimmage against the Kansas Jayhawks during the game at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The offensive tackle play in Baltimore was a bit lacking last season and Baltimore could stand to add some talent and depth at the position. Tyler Guyton is a massive human who fits perfectly into the Ravens’ smash mouth scheme.

31. San Francisco 49ers: Graham Barton, OL, Duke

Nov 27, 2021; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils offensive tackle Graham Barton (62) celebrates a point during the first half of the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Wallace Wade Stadium. at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers love versatility in their offense and there aren’t many players more versatile than Graham Barton in this class. The Duke offensive lineman can play any position along the offensive line and brings much welcomed depth to an already stacked unit.

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri

The ball is thrown past Tennessee wide receiver Squirrel White (10) while covered by Missouri defensive back Ennis Rakestraw, Jr. (2) during an NCAA college football game on Saturday, November 11, 2023 in Columbia, MO.

After shipping L’Jarius Sneed out to the Titans, the Kansas City Chiefs could use a corner to go opposite their star defensive player in Trent McDuffie. Ennis Rakestraw brings the meanness and physical aspect of the game that Kansas City appreciates and could be a day one starter for the world champs.

33. Carolina Panthers: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia

Dec 30, 2023; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Ladd McConkey (84) makes a catch and runs for touchdown against the Florida State Seminoles during the first half in the 2023 Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Even with the addition of Diontae Johnson the Carolina Panthers must surround Bryce Young with more receiving talent. Ladd McConkey is lightning in a jar who can put on a show whenever he touches the football and helps bring a bit of explosiveness to this unity.

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