As anticipation builds for the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, football fans are eager to see which prospects will land where. Here’s a breakdown of the predicted picks for selections 1 through 16:
1. Chicago Bears
**Predicted Pick:** Caleb Williams, QB, USC
The Bears are poised to select Caleb Williams as their quarterback of the future, following the departure of Justin Fields. Williams’ talent is undeniable, though concerns linger regarding his behavior post-elimination from the college football playoffs.
2. Washington Commanders
**Predicted Pick:** Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
With a focus on rebuilding, the Commanders are expected to opt for Jayden Daniels, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, to lead their offense. However, in typical Commanders fashion, surprises are always a possibility.
3. New England Patriots
**Predicted Pick:** Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Potential trade discussions aside, the Patriots may secure Drake Maye if their desired options are off the table. Maye’s arrival could mark an upgrade for the team’s quarterback position.
4. Arizona Cardinals
**Predicted Pick:** Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
To support Kyler Murray, the Cardinals are likely eyeing Marvin Harrison Jr. as a prime target. Barring significant trade offers, Harrison Jr. could find himself in Arizona.
5. Los Angeles Chargers
**Predicted Pick:** J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Under the new leadership of Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers may surprise by selecting J.J. McCarthy to complement Justin Herbert. McCarthy’s recent success under Harbaugh’s coaching could influence this decision.
6. New York Giants
**Predicted Pick:** Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
In an effort to bolster Daniel Jones’ supporting cast, the Giants could opt for Malik Nabers as their top choice at wide receiver.
7. Tennessee Titans
**Predicted Pick:** Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Securing protection for their franchise quarterback appears to be the Titans’ priority, making Joe Alt a likely pick to fortify their offensive line.
8. Atlanta Falcons
**Predicted Pick:** Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
With offensive needs addressed, the Falcons may turn their attention to bolstering their defense with Dallas Turner, providing a boost to their pass rush.
9. Chicago Bears
**Predicted Pick:** Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
Addressing defensive deficiencies, the Bears could select Laiatu Latu to enhance their pass rush capabilities.
10. New York Jets
**Predicted Pick:** Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
In anticipation of Aaron Rodgers’ final year, the Jets may choose Brock Bowers to provide a valuable target at tight end.
11. Minnesota Vikings
**Predicted Pick:** Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
To complement their offense, the Vikings may select Rome Odunze to add depth to their receiving corps.
12. Denver Broncos
**Predicted Pick:** Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Despite recent acquisitions, the Broncos could opt for Bo Nix to solidify their quarterback position and provide depth behind Zach Wilson.
13. Las Vegas Raiders
**Predicted Pick:** Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Whether through trade or not, the Raiders may choose Taliese Fuaga to bolster their offensive line and support Gardner Minshew.
14. New Orleans Saints
**Predicted Pick:** Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
In need of offensive line reinforcement, the Saints could opt for Kingsley Suamataia to shore up protection for their quarterback.
15. Indianapolis Colts
**Predicted Pick:** Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
With a focus on defensive upgrades, the Colts may select Nate Wiggins to strengthen their secondary.
16. Seattle Seahawks
**Predicted Pick:** Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
To fulfill defensive needs, the Seahawks may opt for Jared Verse to bolster their pass rush under new defensive-minded head coach Mike Macdonald.
Stay tuned for updates as the draft unfolds, and let’s see how these predictions stack up against the actual selections!