First-round mock draft: Quarterback overload knocks top talent to Chiefs
In our first edition of a round one mock draft, we see a serious positional run on quarterbacks knock premiere talent all the way down the draft board.
By Grant Tuttle
Well, that did not sneak up on anyone. The 2024 NFL Draft is FINALLY almost here. In celebration of and preparation for the draft later this month, we will have a series of first-round mock drafts that change as draft boards become more and more clear. Today, we release our first edition!
In this mock, we take into consideration team needs and other offseason moves that have already been made. We take a look at every potential pick of the first round and discuss why we have each team taking their projected player.
Without further ado, the Chicago Bears are on the clock... (Enter ESPN draft theme music)
1. Chicago Bears (From Carolina Panthers)
SELECTION: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
This one is the easiest one of the draft. After the Bears were able to secure a mere conditional 6th round pick for Justin Fields, it was clear that not only did the Bears believe it was time to move on, but everyone else in the NFL was convinced that the time for the Justin Fields experiment had passed. Now, Caleb Williams offers a skillset that the Bears have never had at the quarterback position in franchise history. Williams is mobile with tremendous arm talent. Unlike many of the first overall draft picks of the past, this one seems like a "can't miss."
2. Washington Commanders
SELECTION: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
This is a classic back-to-back quarterback situation at the top of the draft. This is not rare. In fact, it's happened in two of the last three years. Daniels offers Washington a stable option for new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury to develop a new offense with. Daniels is a great passer in the pocket and during his senior, Heisman Trophy-winning season, he showed that he also has some mobility to his game. The draft really begins at pick three, in my estimation.
3. New England Patriots
SELECTION: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Don't get this twisted. This is not a Mitch Trubisky situation. Drake Maye is young and has some of the most impressive arm talent in the draft. Whether that will translate to the NFL remains to be seen. With that in mind, Maye is a pick that could really pay off. At this moment in time, there is a serious debate going on over JJ McCarthy or Drake Maye. Right now, I would expect the Patriots, fresh off of a tenure with Mac Jones, to be in the market for the quarterback with the most athletic ability and highest ceiling. To me, that's clearly Drake Maye.
4. Arizona Cardinals
SELECTION: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
The Cardinals are in an excellent position to move down. If the board falls this way, there is absolutely no way that they decide to trade down. Marvin Harrison Jr. is the best player available in this draft that does not play the quarterback position. Right now, the Cardinals have a void of talent at the wide receiver position. As it stands today, their top three wide receivers are Michael Wilson, Greg Dortch, and Chris Moore. Harrison immediately makes them better in the passing game. If he lives up to the hype, the Cardinals will have gotten a future Hall of Famer.
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