2024 NFL first-round mock draft: Three QBs in the top 10

Kyler Murray is returning from an ACL injury, but his mediocre play last season before the injury was even more disturbing. While the Cardinals have him signed long-term, another disastrous season and the prospect of adding a generational talent in Williams could cause the franchise to reconsider matters. Williams is the favorite to win the Heisman again this year at USC. 

There’s a real chance Arizona could have the top two picks in next year’s draft with a rebuilding roster and the acquisition of Houston’s top pick. Harrison Jr. had a breakout year with 77 catches for 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2022, showing the route-running ability of his father with a 6-foot-3 frame.

Indy’s success in recent seasons was built on their offensive line, but it took a turn last year. It remains to be seen if 2022 draftee Bernhard Raimann is the answer at left tackle, but Fashanu has the potential to be a proven brickwall at Penn State.

The Bucs opted not to go to the well in the 2023 quarterback class, though that could pay off if they struggle this season with Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask under center. Maye had a breakout season as Sam Howell’s replacement at UNC with 4,321 yards passing and 38 touchdowns, plus nearly 700 yards on the ground. He’d be a great consolation prize if the Bucs cannot land Caleb Williams. 

Normally an area of strength of the Titans, the offensive line has seen significant turnover of late. The team used its top pick in 2023 on Peter Skoronski, but could need another pillar next offseason. Alt has the pedigree as the son of former first-round tackle John Alt, and plenty of size at 6-foot-7.

There are a lot of potential outcomes in 2023 and beyond for the former blue-chip college recruit Ewers. He’s battling for the starting job in Austin this season, facing generational recruit Arch Manning. If he can succeed, the upside is huge in the Texas offense after Ewers showed glimpses in 10 games last season. Washington is entrusting 2022 fifth-round pick Sam Howell to start this season, but Washington could turn to the deep 2023 quarterback class if he fails.

Verse had an excellent 2022 season for the Seminoles, with nine sacks and 17 tackles for loss. Atlanta has added multiple veterans to their front seven, but clearly need a youth movement up front.

Turner recorded 12.5 sacks over the last two seasons at Alabama, and has big shoes to fill with the loss of Will Anderson Jr. He has the potential to be a long-term replacement for veteran Cameron Heyward.

Chicago took two defensive tackles early in the 2023 draft, but their work might not be done at the position. Hall has upside as an elite interior pass rusher, with 4.5 sacks in limited work last season.

The Rams have little in the way of proven receivers beyond Cooper Kupp and Tyler Higbee. Bowers is listed at tight end, but he’s a mammoth athlete who has been almost indefensible in college. Bowers has over 1,800 yards receiving and 20 touchdowns through two seasons at Georgia.

The Pats offensive line has undergone some turnover recently, and it remains to be seen if Trent Brown will be on the team in 2024. Latham shows that potential to emerge as a top left tackle prospect this year.

The Bears have several impressive youngsters in the secondary, but could still use help at cornerback. McKinstry has good size and had 15 passes defensed for the Crimson Tide last season.

Multiple failed draft choices have put the Raiders in a bind at cornerback, turning to veteran Marcus Peters this year. While slightly undersized, King showed great potential for the Nittany Lions last season with three picks and 18 passes defensed.

Seattle added juice on the defensive line this year led by Dre’Mont Jones, but they could still get younger. Tuimoloau is set to take a step forward this season after recording 3.5 sacks and two picks last season.

The Giants didn’t use a top draft choice at wideout in the offseason and did little to address the position in free agency. In essence, they’ve kicked the can down the road in 2024, where a strong class awaits. Egbuka has been overshadowed by Marvin Harrison Jr., but the wide receiver also had over 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2022. He could join his teammate as a first-round pick next year.

Danielle Hunter could finally leave following this season, leaving an already leaky Vikings defense in a bind. Trice is on the radar after recording nine sacks last season.

Wideout has been a popular position in recent Packers drafts, though they’ve yet to use a first-round pick. The speedy Worthy could be ready to pop this year after recording a combined 122 catches over the last two years.

The Saints need a plan to replace star inside linebacker Demario Davis, and Trotter is a potential solution. Trotter was everywhere for the Tigers last season with 6.5 sacks and 89 tackles.

The additions of Ben Powers and Mike McGlinchey should help Denver’s offensive line, but they could still be shaky on the interior. The 6-foot-4 Jackson has elite potential at guard.

Houston drafted Derek Stingley Jr. in the first round last year, but still have a need at cornerback. Lassiter is set for more playing time this year after recording 38 tackles and four passes defensed last season.

Unfortunately, Tua Tagovailoa has struggled to stay healthy during his pro career, and last year’s head injuries are a red flag. Jefferson is set to wrap up a great career at Arkansas in 2023 after producing as their starter over the last two years. He’s a big quarterback with the ability to run over defensive players, as he’s done with over 600 yards rushing in the last two seasons, but Jefferson has also completed over 67% of his passes in consecutive years. 

Between Joey Bosa’s injury issues and Khalil Mack’s decline last season, the Chargers could take a look at pass rushers next year. Sawyer has a chance to be Ohio State’s next great pass rusher with additional opportunities in 2023 after recording 7.5 sacks over the last two years.

Jacksonville has addressed the front seven heavily in drafts during recent season, but could still use more size on the interior. Smith is set for a rebound season after a knee injury last year, and could put himself on the first-round radar as an elite athlete.

Detroit added Aidan Hutchinson in last year’s draft, but could still use more defensive talent. A massive 300-plus pound lineman, Taylor recorded three sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss last season.

It’s become apparent the Ravens can’t count on Marlon Humphrey, who suffered another injury in training camp. Burke has struggled to generate takeaways in two seasons with the Buckeyes but still has elite potential.

Green Bay could beef up their defensive line, including a succession plan for Kenny Clark. Newton is coming off a great year with 5.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss, and will be on the first-round radar if he improves again this year.

Dallas needs a long-term replacement for the oft-injured Tyron Smith. Nelson could be a plug-and-play tackle on either side. 

Cincinnati kept Tee Higgins around this year, but it remains to be seen if they can pay all of their weapons. Wilson could be a revelation in the Red Zone at 6-foot-7, and had an incredible 20.9 yards per catch last season for the Seminoles. 

The 49ers have seen major turnover on the offensive line recently, and it could bite them soon. Cohen goes into 2023 as one of the top interior line prospects in the college game after transferring from Alabama. 

While veterans Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer stuck around for 2023, it’s clear the Bills need to plan for the future. Mukuba is the next blue-chip defensive back to come out of the Tigers program. He’s already a first-round prospect after two strong seasons.

Wisconsin has been a factory for NFL offensive lineman in recent years, and Nelson is their next first-round prospect. He’s experienced at both guard and tackle, while the Eagles are aging across the line.

The loss of cornerback L’Jarius Sneed would be a huge blow to the Chiefs despite their success drafting the position last year. DeJean is coming off an excellent season, with five interceptions and 75 tackles.