Bleeding Green Nation
Good morning and happy draft day! Basically anything can happen tonight. The 2024 NFL Draft class has a lot of talent in high value positions like quarterback, offensive tackle, cornerback, and wide receiver. The quantity of such quality talent will mean Day 1 of the draft can go in so many directions. Anyway, here is an educated guess on what will happen.
1. Chicago Bears (from Carolina): Caleb Williams, QB, Southern California
This has been the pick ever since Chicago shipped away Justin Fields. Caleb Williams is a blue chip prospect who will bring a ton of upside to an already loaded offense. Chicago, hopefully, finally gets their franchise quarterback.
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, Louisiana State
There has been chatter about Maye potentially going here, but I believe Brian Kelly’s slip up from the other week. It’s obvious why a team would like Jayden Daniels between his deep passing talent, his dangerous mobility, and his advanced intangibles. He’s a bit older for a quarterback prospect, making this pick risky, but he could be really effective in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense.
3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
New England finally gets a hard reset Post-Brady and Post-Belichick. Drake Maye has all the tools to be a special NFL quarterback and lands in a great place to grow as a passer.
4. TRADE Minnesota Vikings (from Arizona): JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan
It feels doubtful that the Vikings go into the season with Sam Darnold as their only legitimate option at quarterback. JJ McCarthy is a career winner with a nice arm and great athleticism. He is a bit raw, but landing in Kevin O’Connell’s offense and getting to throw to the Vikings many weapons could help his early development.
5. Los Angeles Chargers: Marvin Harrison Junior, WR, Ohio State
The Chargers offense around Justin Herbert right now is… not great. Marvin Harrison Junior makes a ton of sense to give Justin Herbert a day one game-changer at wide receiver.
6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, Louisiana State
It’s possible the Giants reach for a quarterback here, but it feels more likely they will add a true top receiver to their offense. Malik Nabers will instantly be the best pass catcher on the team.
7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
The Titans have signaled they are going to give Will Levis a real shot to prove himself in his second season. Joe Alt is a franchise tackle who can protect Levis and give him the best chance to lead Tennessee to legitimacy.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, ED, Alabama
The Falcons have one of the most talented young offenses in the NFL and I bet Raheem Morris wants to dedicate some resources to the other side of the ball. Dallas Turner’s athleticism is hard to ignore and gives him great upside as a pass rusher.
9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
The Bears already have an excellent wide receiver duo in DJ Moore and Keenan...
