The way-too-early 2024 NFL mock draft

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 brick wall 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 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.

The Titans have seen very mixed results drafting cornerbacks in recent years, but few of their recent draftees have McKinstry’s upside. He has good size and had 15 passes defensed for the Crimson Tide last season.

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. The potential is there for Washington if Sam Howell didn’t work out this year.

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. The Falcons opted to stick with Desmond Ridder for 2023 rather than draft a quarterback, but they have some great fallback options should the choice not work out.

Throughout their history, Pittsburgh’s successful defenses have been built on their pass rush. The team has to be thinking about a long-term replacement for Cameron Heyward, and Verse could be that player. He had an excellent 2022 season for the Seminoles, with nine sacks and 17 tackles for loss.

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.

With their many roster needs, the Rams didn’t select a long-term replacement for Matthew Stafford this year. That could change next year, especially if Stafford faces more injuries. Penix doesn’t resemble Stafford’s skillset, but he’s mobile in the pocket and has shown improved accuracy since transferring from Indiana to Washington.

The Patriots saw more changes on the offensive line this offseason, though they still need long-term answers at the tackle spots. Alt has the pedigree as the son of former first-round tackle John Alt, and plenty of size at 6-foot-7.

Finding a top edge rusher is no easy task, but Turner has that potential. He recorded 12.5 sacks over the last two seasons at Alabama, and has big shoes to fill with the loss of Will Anderson Jr. The Bears will be in search of a top edge rusher again next year.

Is Jimmy Garoppolo the answer in Vegas? If the Raiders struggle again this season, they will be looking at a deep quarterback class next year with Rattler now looking like a viable option. The former Oklahoma castoff really found his footing at South Carolina last season with over 3,000 yards passing and a 66% completion rate. With another step forward, he could enter the conversation as an early-round pick.

The middle of the first round is probably underselling one of the most impressive college tight ends in history. Through two seasons at Georgia, Bowers has over 1,800 yards receiving and 20 touchdowns, proving himself to be nearly impossible to cover. With Noah Fant’s lack of development, Seattle would probably have some interest.

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.

There was some speculation Minnesota would drive a quarterback early in 2023, but they’re clearly still confident in Kirk Cousins for another year. Next season’s class could be too strong to pass on, however. Nix really progressed since transferring from Auburn to Oregon, completed nearly 72% of his passes last season while showing good mobility.

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, and it could be time for the Packers to get younger in the secondary next year.

Alvin Kamara’s decline and off-field issues necessitated the Saints to sign Jamaal Williams and draft Kendre Miller this offseason. They could go one step further next year by drafting Corum. A short but powerful back, Corum had 1,463 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns in only 12 games last season.

If Sean Payton can’t fix Russell Wilson in 2023, the Broncos will have a critical choice to make. Wilson’s sunk cost will be tough to navigate unless they can find another prospect. Sanders is joining his father at Colorado this season after starring at Jackson State, and could become a first-round prospect if he proves he can handle tougher competition.

Houston found a great long-term pass rusher in Will Anderson Jr. this year, but DeMeco Ryans can never have enough formidable sackers. 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.

Miami signed David Long during the offseason, but could again be in the market for a linebacker next year. Trotter was everywhere for the Tigers with 6.5 sacks and 89 tackles.

Austin Ekeler’s contract situation could put the Chargers back in the market for a running back in 2024. Henderson is looking to rebound after missing time with a foot injury last year, but averaged 6.8 yards per carry in his first year with the Buckeyes.

After shoring up the offensive line and wideout this year, the Jags are likely to move back to defense in next year’s draft. Tuimoloau is set to take a step forward this season after recording 3.5 sacks and two picks last season.

Detroit’s secondary has been in shambles in recent seasons. They addressed that area via free agency and the draft this offseason, but could go one step further with Lassiter. He’s set for more playing time this year after recording 38 tackles and four passes defensed last season.

The additions of Marcus Williams and Kyle Hamilton made a difference for the Ravens secondary last year, but they could be in position for another developmental prospect next offseason. Bullard proved to be a playmaker last season for Georgia, with 3.5 sacks, two picks and seven tackles for loss.

The Packers have had success with later-round draft choices on the offensive line in recent seasons, but could approach a prospect with higher upside in next year’s draft. Cohen goes into 2023 as one of the top interior line prospects in the college game after transferring from Alabama.

Dallas saw mixed results from first-round pick Tyler Smith last season, and it’s unclear if he’s the long-term replacement for Tyron Smith at left tackle. Latham shows that potential to emerge as a top left tackle prospect this year.

Cincinnati was able to keep Tee Higgins around this year, but it remains to be seen if they will be able to 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 continue to revamp their defensive line, most recently signing Javon Hargrave, but they still have a need at defensive end. Trice is on the radar after recording nine sacks last season.

The Bills were able to retain veterans Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde for 2023, but the future of the position is still unclear. Bishop has been a leader for the Utes defense, most recently recording 83 tackles and one pick last season.

The Eagles have some long-term offensive line concerns with Lane Johnson and Jason Kelce nearing retirement. Nelson could be a plug-and-play tackle on the right side of the offensive line should Johnson call it quits after this season.

The Chiefs can never have enough weapons for Patrick Mahomes, and could start thinking about Travis Kelce’s long-term replacement next year. Sanders just scratched the surface last season with 54 catches for 613 yards and five touchdowns.