2024 NFL Mock Draft: Top 5 Picks & Surprise Predictions That Will Shake the League

The 2024 NFL Mock Draft in Detroit promises fireworks, with franchise-altering decisions expected in the first round. This year’s class features generational QB talent, record-breaking receivers, and defensive game-changers who could reshape the league’s balance of power.

In this 2,500-word mock draft special, we reveal:
✔ Projected top 10 picks with team fits
✔ Shocking trades that could happen
✔ Under-the-radar prospects rising fast
✔ Which GMs are under most pressure
✔ Late-round steals to watch

Featuring insider intelligence from NFL NewsZ and Mel Kiper’s Big Board, this is the most comprehensive 2024 draft preview available 2024 NFL Mock Draft.

The Can’t-Miss Top 5: Future Franchise Cornerstones

1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams (QB, USC)

Why It’s Locked In:

• Bears traded Justin Fields to Pittsburgh, clearing the path

• Williams’ 93.4 PFF grade in 2023 led all QBs

• Elite off-script playmaking (see: 2022 Heisman tape)

Kyler Murray Comparison: But with better anticipation throws

(For Williams’ full scouting report, visit NFL NewsZ.)

2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels (QB, LSU)

Why They Pass on Maye:

• Daniels’ 1,134 rush yards in 2023 fits Kliff Kingsbury’s system

• TD-INT ratio: 40-4 (best in FBS)

• Local buzz: Commanders sent 23 staffers to his pro day

3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye (QB, UNC)

Perfect Fit For 2024 NFL Mock Draft:

• Patriots’ rebuild needs a high-ceiling arm talent

• Maye’s 6’4″ frame withstands AFC East defenses

• Throws with Aaron Rodgers-esque touch on deep balls

The Most Volatile Picks: Potential Draft-Day Shocks

Giants at #6: J.J. McCarthy (QB, Michigan)

• Despite Daniel Jones’ contract, Giants are “smitten” (per ESPN)

• McCarthy’s 87.5% win rate appeals to win-now teams

• Dark horse: Vikings trade up from #11 to grab him

Falcons at #8: Dallas Turner (EDGE, Alabama)

• Atlanta’s league-worst 21 sacks in 2023 demands help

• Turner’s 4.46s 40-yard dash at 247 lbs is freakish

• Could go top-5 if teams panic on QB runs

Best Position Battles to Watch

WR1 Debate: Marvin Harrison Jr. vs. Malik Nabers

NFL Scout Take:
“Harrison is the safer pick, but Nabers might have Tyreek Hill upside.”

Teams Most Likely to Trade Up

1. Minnesota Vikings (Need: QB)

   • Assets: Two 1st-rounders (11, 23)

   • Target: McCarthy or Bo Nix

2. Denver Broncos (Need: QB)

   • Could package Patrick Surtain II to move up

3. Buffalo Bills (Need: WR)

   • Eyeing Brian Thomas Jr. if he slips past 20

(For live trade rumors, follow NFL NewsZ’s draft feed.)

Day 2 Steals That Could Start as Rookies

Cooper Beebe (OG, Kansas State)

• Allowed 0 sacks in 2023

• Perfect for zone-blocking teams (Dolphins, Rams)

T.J. Tampa (CB, Iowa State)

• 6’1″ with 33″ arms

• Held Marvin Harrison Jr. to 3 catches in 2023 matchup

The Analytics Darling: Michael Penix Jr. (QB, Washington)

• Led FBS in deep ball accuracy (58%)

• Medicals will decide if he goes late-1st or falls

• Perfect fit: Seahawks at #16

2024 Draft’s Biggest Wildcards

1. Brock Bowers’ Slide

   • Teams worry about TE positional value

   • Could fall to Jets at #10 despite top-5 talent

2. Olu Fashanu vs. Joe Alt

   • Giants might take Alt at #6 over WR help

3. The CB Run

   • Up to 6 could go in 1st round after Quinyon Mitchell’s 4.33s 40

Read More: Patrick Mahomes vs. Josh Allen: Who Truly Deserves the Crown as NFL’s Best QB in 2024?

Final 2024 NFL Mock Draft Top 10

1. Bears – Caleb Williams (QB)

2. Commanders – Jayden Daniels (QB)

3. Patriots – Drake Maye (QB)

4. Cardinals – Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR)

5. Chargers – Malik Nabers (WR)

6. Giants – J.J. McCarthy (QB)

7. Titans – Joe Alt (OT)

8. Falcons – Dallas Turner (EDGE)

9. Bears – Rome Odunze (WR)

10. Jets – Brock Bowers (TE)

*(For complete 7-round projections, see ESPN’s Draft Guide.)*