NFL mock draft for 2024: Matt Miller projects the first pick
For most of the NFL, December Sundays mark the end of playoff hopes and dreams, and the beginning of draft season. However, those fan bases anticipating the 2024 NFL draft class ought to be thrilled about a group that includes several first-round quarterbacks (such as Caleb Williams and Drake Maye), a group of historically strong wide receiver and offensive tackle combinations, and a number of excellent pass-rushers and cornerbacks on the defensive end of the ball. Before declaring before the January deadline, a number of these top prospects for college football will be visible in action during bowl season.
Regarding the draft order, we employed ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) through the Sunday games of Week 14, which forecasts when each team might be selecting based on simulations of the remaining games of the season. This implies that the Bears will receive the first pick (through the Panthers, who have only won one game). This is one of three picks that have already been traded: the other two are Cleveland’s pick to Houston and Houston’s pick to Arizona. However, I did not project any more trades at this time.
Given how well Justin Fields has performed since returning from a right thumb injury a month ago, the Bears have a difficult decision to make at quarterback. However, over the course of three seasons, he has shown inconsistent play, and if Chicago were to receive one of the top two picks in the draft, it would probably select a quarterback. Williams’s availability also facilitates the call.
Williams, who will total 41 touchdowns in 2023, is a big play waiting to happen. The best overall prospect in the class, Fields has a game that combines excellent arm strength, mobility, poise, and field vision. The Bears simply cannot afford to pass on Fields for another season at quarterback. Restarting the clock at that location will have two benefits:
The Patriots, like Chicago, must start over at quarterback, especially since this offseason could be a complete overhaul for the entire team. This offseason, Mac Jones will also make a decision regarding his fifth-year option. After being benched in favor of Bailey Zappe, all indications point to a new quarterback in New England for 2024.
At 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, Maye is a strong thrower with the arm strength to stretch the field vertically and the mobility to pose a threat on the ground. His ball placement can be erratic at times, but he wasn’t helped much by his supporting group at North Carolina. Maye, a quarterback who is entering the draft, possesses the qualities of a genuine franchise quarterback.
Instead of changing at quarterback, I think the Cardinals will make the right choice in building around quarterback Kyler Murray and selecting a highly skilled receiver prospect to be his running partner in the draft. Since his comeback from an ACL tear, Murray has performed admirably, and the Cards have two expiring contracts with receivers, Greg Dortch and Marquise Brown.
At six feet four, Harrison possesses exceptional body control and the fastest hands of any receiver in the draft class. He is a true magician. He possesses the elite body control and effortless route running ability to establish himself as one of the NFL’s top players at the position in a short amount of time. According to ESPN Stats & Information research, he would be the 10th receiver to be selected this high in history.
Is Daniels overachieving at this point, even after his outstanding 2023 Heisman-winning campaign? Perhaps, but in an attempt to find the right player, teams will overdraft at quarterback, and Daniels’ vertical passing skills and dual-threat ability are highly intriguing. Although Daniels has scored 50 touchdowns this season, he should be selected in the first round due to his improved pocket presence and the best deep ball in college football.
Despite the Giants’ financial commitment to Daniel Jones, his performance has fallen short of expectations, and New York can let him go through a trade. With an ACL tear ending his season, his 38.4 QBR ranks 25th in the NFL. Daniels leads the FBS in scoring this season with 95.7. Of course,
Sam Howell, the Commanders’ starting quarterback in his first season, has probably shown enough promise to allow the team to build around him for at least another year. But with Howell on pace to break the single-season record for sacks taken (58 in 13 games), they will be unable to maintain this offensive line as it currently stands.
Smooth-moving left tackle Fashanu has given up just one sack during the Penn State season. Although the 20-year-old junior is still growing, he has potential similar to that of Laremy Tunsil.
