With just one week until the 2024 NFL Draft, WGAL is here with a mock draft of the first round set to take place on Thursday, April 25, at 8 p.m. ET.Since this is the first edition, we will keep the draft order as listed with no trades. Pick 1- Chicago Bears (Caleb Willams, QB, USC) This pick is a no-brainer. Despite criticism surrounding Williams, he's the top quarterback prospect in the class, and the Bears are desperate for a true franchise quarterback. Pick 2- Washington Commanders (Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina) I was torn between Maye and Jayden Daniels at this spot for Washington, but the Commanders could be weary of drafting Daniels, who lacks prototypical size at the position. Whoever it may be, expect new head coach Dan Quinn to have a rookie quarterback under center in 2024.Pick 3- New England Patriots (Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU) The quarterback run continues with the Patriots at No. 3 overall. With the team moving on from head coach Bill Belichick, Jerod Mayo and staff will look to move forward without Mac Jones as the starter. Jayden Daniels is small-framed, but he is electric with the ball in his hands and will add a new dimension to the offense with his running ability.Pick 4- Arizona Cardinals (Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State) Another no-brainer selection at fourth overall, the Cardinals select the top overall prospect in this year's draft class in Marvin Harrison Jr. This is a perfect fit for the Cardinals, as their current wide receiver corps includes Greg Dortch, Zach Pascal and Michael Wilson. Harrison would plug in immediately as the No.1 wideout for Kyler Murray. Pick 5- Los Angeles Chargers (Malik Nabers, WR, LSU)Similarly to the Arizona Cardinals, the L.A. Chargers have to get help at the receiver position with the departures of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.Some consider Nabers to be the top pass catcher in this year's draft and has the skillset to become a true X receiver in the NFL. Pick 6- New York Giants (Romeo Odunze, WR, Washington)The Giants have been lacking a true threat at the wide receiver position ever since Odell Beckham Jr. departed following the 2018 season.Daniel Jones has been less than advertised, but a lack of weapons on offense has done him no favors. The Giants have to give him help to see if he truly has a future with the team. Pick 7- Tennessee Titans (Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame) The Titans had one of the worst offensive lines in the league in 2023. Left tackle Andre Dillard allowed 12 sacks, tied for first in the NFL. He was released back in March. Alt is the top offensive tackle in the class and immediately comes in as a day one starter to protect Will Levis' blindside. Pick 8- Atlanta Falcons (Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama) We finally see our first defensive player off the board, with the best pass rusher in Dallas Turner, heading to Atlanta.New head coach Raheem Morris is a defensive-minded coach and will be desperate to fix a pass rush that ranks dead last in pressure rate (23.7%) since 2016.Pick 9- Chicago Bears (Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State) With the top three wideouts off the board at this point, the Bears address the defensive side of the ball with the edge rusher Jared Verse. With two top-10 selections, I think it makes a ton of sense to add a premium talent on both sides of the ball. Verse and Montez Sweat could turn into a dominant one-two punch for the Bears. Pick 10- New York Jets (Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia) The Jets are running to the podium to turn in their selection of Brock Bowers. Considered to be a generational type of talent, Bowers is a perfect fit in New York's offensive scheme that should be much improved with Aaron Rodgers back in the fold. Pick 11- Minnesota Vikings (J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan) The Vikings could trade up to make sure they get their guy in McCarthy, but I think they can stand pat and still draft McCarthy, while holding on to pick No. 23. With Kirk Cousins now in Atlanta, Sam Darnold could serve as the bridge quarterback for McCarthy in year one. Pick 12- Denver Broncos (Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington) The Broncos could elect to go cornerback here, but I think head coach Sean Payton has to find his next franchise quarterback. The Broncos have started 12 quarterbacks since Peyton Manning won Super Bowl 50 and Penix Jr. is the top remaining quarterback on the board.Pick 13- Las Vegas Raiders (Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State) The Raiders have struggled along the offensive line for years, and they have their pick of the litter with multiple stud offensive linemen still on the board.Fuaga can play at tackle or guard, and his elite strength will make him a valuable asset, wherever that may be up front. Pick 14- New Orleans Saints (Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State) Offensive tackle is a glaring need for the Saints. Right tackle Ryan Ramczyk's status for 2024 is still up in the air and left tackle Trevor Penning was benched after six games. Fashanu has too much upside to take a pass on him at No. 14 and if he can get stronger, the Saints could have a cornerstone for years to come. Pick 15- Indianapolis Colts (Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo) At this point, the Colts get the steal of the draft.I strongly believe Mitchell is the top corner in this year's class, with his combination of speed, size, playmaking abilities and confidence as a true lockdown corner. With multiple teams in the division loading up at receiver in the offseason, the Colts need to add reinforcements to its secondary. Pick 16- Seattle Seahawks (Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington) The Seahawks love adding players in the trenches early in the draft and with a need on the offensive line, the local kid Fautanu makes too much sense. Ryan Grubb was Fautanu's offensive coordinator in Washington and now he's in the same role with Seattle. Look for him to play on the interior. Pick 17- Jacksonville Jaguars (Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama) The Jaguars have a big need at cornerback, and it's an easy decision to select Arnold out of Alabama. He has the ability to play inside or outside corner, but he'll jump in as the No. 1 cornerback in the Jags defense. Pick 18- Cincinnati Bengals (Byron Murphy II, DL, Texas) The Bengals could go in a variety of directions, but it will be hard to pass up on the top defensive tackle in the class. Murphy has the ability to rush the passer and hold his ground at the line of scrimmage in the run game. He would fit in nicely on an interior that features B.J. Hill and Sheldon Rankins. Pick 19- Los Angeles Rams (Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA) With the retirement of future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald, the Rams need to find more pass rush help and Latu is the best available in this spot.If his medical history holds up, his relentless motor and strength will cause fits for opposing offensive linemen. Pick 20- Pittsburgh Steelers (Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU)The Steelers traded away Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers leaving a big void at the wide receiver position. Newly acquired quarterback Russell Wilson will need some help and Brian Thomas Jr.'s ability to stretch the field will be a valuable asset alongside George Pickens. Pick 21- Miami Dolphins (Jer'Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois) The Miami Dolphins love acquiring talent along the trenches of the defensive line and that does not change here in the first round. With Christian Wilkins departed for the Las Vegas Raiders, Newton is a plug-and-play on the interior. At times, Newton single-handedly took over games for the Fighting Illini. Pick 22- Philadelphia Eagles (Graham Barton, OL, Duke) General manager Howie Roseman also loves drafting in the trenches during draft weekend and that doesn't change in 2024 with the recent retirement of Jason Kelce. The offensive line took a small step back in 2023 and Barton has the versatility to play all five positions. Pick 23- Minnesota Vikings (Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson) Like the Chicago Bears, the Vikings select a player from both sides of the ball with their two first-round draft selections. With a glaring need in the secondary, Wiggins was an easy selection as the top remaining option on the board.The Vikings ranked in the bottom half of the league in multiple passing defensive ranks in 2023.Pick 24- Dallas Cowboys (JC Latham, OT, Alabama) With Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz moving on in free agency, the Cowboys have to address the offensive line early.Latham's experience and talent makes him a day one starter at tackle for the Cowboys. He played at right tackle for the Crimson Tide, but Dallas could move him to left tackle with Smith gone. Pick 25- Green Bay Packers (Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia) The Packers have young, up and coming offensive skill players, but their offensive line needs some work. David Bakhtiari has had issues staying healthy for years and the team finds his replacement in behemoth Amarius Mims. Standing at 6-foot-8-inches and 340 pounds, he has the potential to be a star. Pick 26- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State) The Buccaneers have a need on the interior offensive line as well, but the need for pass rush is greater.Chop would immediately come in as a starter on the defensive line. His elite athleticism and speed will have Todd Bowles salivating over his potential. Pick 27- Arizona Cardinals (Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama) The Cardinals have so many holes across the roster, so they could go just about anywhere at No. 27, but McKinstry is a solid selection here. The Cards are lacking a true No.1 cornerback on the roster and in a division loaded with wide receiver talent, they have to shore up the back end of the defense. Pick 28- Buffalo Bills (Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas) Losing Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis has left Buffalo with a depleted wide receiver room. Mitchell will provide speed, size and playmaking abilities for superstar Josh Allen in an attempt to retool the offense.It was difficult not slotting Xavier Worthy here, but the Bills need a receiver with the size to be a true No.1. Pick 29- Detroit Lions (Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia) If you want a draft selection for the Lions that screams Dan Campbell, it's Zach Frazier. An absolute brute on the interior offensive line, Frazier imposes his will on defensive linemen and will help pave the way for a successful running game led by dynamic duo, David Montgomery and Jamyr Gibbs.Pick 30- Baltimore Ravens (Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan) There has been a steady rise in the draft process for the former national champion Sainristil and head coach John Harbaugh will have the inside scoop with his brother and current Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh coaching him at Michigan. With a need at slot corner, this is a perfect fit for both sides. Pick 31- San Francisco 49ers (Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma) Surprisingly, the 49ers have a decent number of holes to fill on their roster, but Tyler Guyton makes a ton of sense here. Guyton steps in as the starting right tackle opposite of perennial All-Pro Trent Williams. He has room for development, but he displays a similar nasty streak to Williams, which is perfect for the 49ers offensive scheme. Pick 32- Kansas City Chiefs (Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon) The wide receiver room was abysmal for the Chiefs in 2023 and while the team added Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown in the offseason, there is still a glaring need for additional resources. That's not even factoring in the legal issues surrounding Rashee Rice. Franklin is a tall receiver at 6-foot-3-inches and plays with good speed. He could gain a few pounds but could become a favorite target when Travis Kelce retires.
With just one week until the 2024 NFL Draft, WGAL is here with a mock draft of the first round set to take place on Thursday, April 25, at 8 p.m. ET.
Since this is the first edition, we will keep the draft order as listed with no trades.
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Pick 1- Chicago Bears (Caleb Willams, QB, USC)
This pick is a no-brainer. Despite criticism surrounding Williams, he's the top quarterback prospect in the class, and the Bears are desperate for a true franchise quarterback.
Pick 2- Washington Commanders (Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina)
I was torn between Maye and Jayden Daniels at this spot for Washington, but the Commanders could be weary of drafting Daniels, who lacks prototypical size at the position. Whoever it may be, expect new head coach Dan Quinn to have a rookie quarterback under center in 2024.
Pick 3- New England Patriots (Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU)
The quarterback run continues with the Patriots at No. 3 overall. With the team moving on from head coach Bill Belichick, Jerod Mayo and staff will look to move forward without Mac Jones as the starter.
Jayden Daniels is small-framed, but he is electric with the ball in his hands and will add a new dimension to the offense with his running ability.
Pick 4- Arizona Cardinals (Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State)
Another no-brainer selection at fourth overall, the Cardinals select the top overall prospect in this year's draft class in Marvin Harrison Jr.
This is a perfect fit for the Cardinals, as their current wide receiver corps includes Greg Dortch, Zach Pascal and Michael Wilson. Harrison would plug in immediately as the No.1 wideout for Kyler Murray.
Pick 5- Los Angeles Chargers (Malik Nabers, WR, LSU)
Similarly to the Arizona Cardinals, the L.A. Chargers have to get help at the receiver position with the departures of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.
Some consider Nabers to be the top pass catcher in this year's draft and has the skillset to become a true X receiver in the NFL.
Pick 6- New York Giants (Romeo Odunze, WR, Washington)
The Giants have been lacking a true threat at the wide receiver position ever since Odell Beckham Jr. departed following the 2018 season.
Daniel Jones has been less than advertised, but a lack of weapons on offense has done him no favors. The Giants have to give him help to see if he truly has a future with the team.
Pick 7- Tennessee Titans (Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame)
The Titans had one of the worst offensive lines in the league in 2023. Left tackle Andre Dillard allowed 12 sacks, tied for first in the NFL. He was released back in March.
Alt is the top offensive tackle in the class and immediately comes in as a day one starter to protect Will Levis' blindside.
Pick 8- Atlanta Falcons (Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama)
We finally see our first defensive player off the board, with the best pass rusher in Dallas Turner, heading to Atlanta.
New head coach Raheem Morris is a defensive-minded coach and will be desperate to fix a pass rush that ranks dead last in pressure rate (23.7%) since 2016.
Pick 9- Chicago Bears (Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State)
With the top three wideouts off the board at this point, the Bears address the defensive side of the ball with the edge rusher Jared Verse.
With two top-10 selections, I think it makes a ton of sense to add a premium talent on both sides of the ball. Verse and Montez Sweat could turn into a dominant one-two punch for the Bears.
Pick 10- New York Jets (Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia)
The Jets are running to the podium to turn in their selection of Brock Bowers.
Considered to be a generational type of talent, Bowers is a perfect fit in New York's offensive scheme that should be much improved with Aaron Rodgers back in the fold.
Pick 11- Minnesota Vikings (J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan)
The Vikings could trade up to make sure they get their guy in McCarthy, but I think they can stand pat and still draft McCarthy, while holding on to pick No. 23.
With Kirk Cousins now in Atlanta, Sam Darnold could serve as the bridge quarterback for McCarthy in year one.
Pick 12- Denver Broncos (Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington)
The Broncos could elect to go cornerback here, but I think head coach Sean Payton has to find his next franchise quarterback.
The Broncos have started 12 quarterbacks since Peyton Manning won Super Bowl 50 and Penix Jr. is the top remaining quarterback on the board.
Pick 13- Las Vegas Raiders (Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State)
The Raiders have struggled along the offensive line for years, and they have their pick of the litter with multiple stud offensive linemen still on the board.
Fuaga can play at tackle or guard, and his elite strength will make him a valuable asset, wherever that may be up front.
Pick 14- New Orleans Saints (Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State)
Offensive tackle is a glaring need for the Saints. Right tackle Ryan Ramczyk's status for 2024 is still up in the air and left tackle Trevor Penning was benched after six games.
Fashanu has too much upside to take a pass on him at No. 14 and if he can get stronger, the Saints could have a cornerstone for years to come.
Pick 15- Indianapolis Colts (Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo)
At this point, the Colts get the steal of the draft.
I strongly believe Mitchell is the top corner in this year's class, with his combination of speed, size, playmaking abilities and confidence as a true lockdown corner.
With multiple teams in the division loading up at receiver in the offseason, the Colts need to add reinforcements to its secondary.
Pick 16- Seattle Seahawks (Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington)
The Seahawks love adding players in the trenches early in the draft and with a need on the offensive line, the local kid Fautanu makes too much sense.
Ryan Grubb was Fautanu's offensive coordinator in Washington and now he's in the same role with Seattle. Look for him to play on the interior.
Pick 17- Jacksonville Jaguars (Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama)
The Jaguars have a big need at cornerback, and it's an easy decision to select Arnold out of Alabama.
He has the ability to play inside or outside corner, but he'll jump in as the No. 1 cornerback in the Jags defense.
Pick 18- Cincinnati Bengals (Byron Murphy II, DL, Texas)
The Bengals could go in a variety of directions, but it will be hard to pass up on the top defensive tackle in the class.
Murphy has the ability to rush the passer and hold his ground at the line of scrimmage in the run game. He would fit in nicely on an interior that features B.J. Hill and Sheldon Rankins.
Pick 19- Los Angeles Rams (Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA)
With the retirement of future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald, the Rams need to find more pass rush help and Latu is the best available in this spot.
If his medical history holds up, his relentless motor and strength will cause fits for opposing offensive linemen.
Pick 20- Pittsburgh Steelers (Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU)
The Steelers traded away Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers leaving a big void at the wide receiver position.
Newly acquired quarterback Russell Wilson will need some help and Brian Thomas Jr.'s ability to stretch the field will be a valuable asset alongside George Pickens.
Pick 21- Miami Dolphins (Jer'Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois)
The Miami Dolphins love acquiring talent along the trenches of the defensive line and that does not change here in the first round.
With Christian Wilkins departed for the Las Vegas Raiders, Newton is a plug-and-play on the interior. At times, Newton single-handedly took over games for the Fighting Illini.
Pick 22- Philadelphia Eagles (Graham Barton, OL, Duke)
General manager Howie Roseman also loves drafting in the trenches during draft weekend and that doesn't change in 2024 with the recent retirement of Jason Kelce.
The offensive line took a small step back in 2023 and Barton has the versatility to play all five positions.
Pick 23- Minnesota Vikings (Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson)
Like the Chicago Bears, the Vikings select a player from both sides of the ball with their two first-round draft selections.
With a glaring need in the secondary, Wiggins was an easy selection as the top remaining option on the board.
The Vikings ranked in the bottom half of the league in multiple passing defensive ranks in 2023.
Pick 24- Dallas Cowboys (JC Latham, OT, Alabama)
With Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz moving on in free agency, the Cowboys have to address the offensive line early.
Latham's experience and talent makes him a day one starter at tackle for the Cowboys. He played at right tackle for the Crimson Tide, but Dallas could move him to left tackle with Smith gone.
Pick 25- Green Bay Packers (Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia)
The Packers have young, up and coming offensive skill players, but their offensive line needs some work.
David Bakhtiari has had issues staying healthy for years and the team finds his replacement in behemoth Amarius Mims. Standing at 6-foot-8-inches and 340 pounds, he has the potential to be a star.
Pick 26- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State)
The Buccaneers have a need on the interior offensive line as well, but the need for pass rush is greater.
Chop would immediately come in as a starter on the defensive line. His elite athleticism and speed will have Todd Bowles salivating over his potential.
Pick 27- Arizona Cardinals (Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama)
The Cardinals have so many holes across the roster, so they could go just about anywhere at No. 27, but McKinstry is a solid selection here.
The Cards are lacking a true No.1 cornerback on the roster and in a division loaded with wide receiver talent, they have to shore up the back end of the defense.
Pick 28- Buffalo Bills (Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas)
Losing Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis has left Buffalo with a depleted wide receiver room.
Mitchell will provide speed, size and playmaking abilities for superstar Josh Allen in an attempt to retool the offense.
It was difficult not slotting Xavier Worthy here, but the Bills need a receiver with the size to be a true No.1.
Pick 29- Detroit Lions (Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia)
If you want a draft selection for the Lions that screams Dan Campbell, it's Zach Frazier.
An absolute brute on the interior offensive line, Frazier imposes his will on defensive linemen and will help pave the way for a successful running game led by dynamic duo, David Montgomery and Jamyr Gibbs.
Pick 30- Baltimore Ravens (Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan)
There has been a steady rise in the draft process for the former national champion Sainristil and head coach John Harbaugh will have the inside scoop with his brother and current Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh coaching him at Michigan.
With a need at slot corner, this is a perfect fit for both sides.
Pick 31- San Francisco 49ers (Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma)
Surprisingly, the 49ers have a decent number of holes to fill on their roster, but Tyler Guyton makes a ton of sense here.
Guyton steps in as the starting right tackle opposite of perennial All-Pro Trent Williams. He has room for development, but he displays a similar nasty streak to Williams, which is perfect for the 49ers offensive scheme.
Pick 32- Kansas City Chiefs (Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon)
The wide receiver room was abysmal for the Chiefs in 2023 and while the team added Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown in the offseason, there is still a glaring need for additional resources. That's not even factoring in the legal issues surrounding Rashee Rice.
Franklin is a tall receiver at 6-foot-3-inches and plays with good speed. He could gain a few pounds but could become a favorite target when Travis Kelce retires.
