DETROIT — The 2024 NFL Draft is right around the corner.
Top prospects from across the nation and representing a multitude of NCAA teams are set to have their NFL dreams come true.
This year, experts are predicting as many as five quarterbacks could be selected in the first round, and a deep class of wide receivers is expected to star overall.
Our FOX43 Sports team of Evan Brooks and Cale Ahearn have cooked up their own mock draft.
Here's where we think these draft-eligible phenoms will land in the first round:
Evan's Pick:
1. Chicago Bears - QB Caleb Williams, USC
After moving on from Justin Fields, the Bears get one of the highest upside QB's, maybe ever, in Caleb Williams. He can do it all from a talent standpoint and the team has made solid moves to prepare for his arrival. When "franchise" QB is thrown around, Williams is the epitome of what Bears fans are looking for.
Cale's Pick:
1. Chicago Bears - QB Caleb Williams, USC
Chicago is looking to land its franchise QB after moving on from Justin Fields earlier in the offseason. Williams has been the top ranked passer in this class for over a year now, and if his brand of playmaking translates to the NFL, the Bears could have the player they've been searching for.
Evan's Pick:
2. Washington Commanders - QB Drake Maye, UNC
There has been plenty of smoke around LSU's Jayden Daniels, but this is a longer rebuild for Washington and Maye is a long term project. He is athletic, has a rocket arm and his upside is high enough to take a gamble on rather then the older Daniels.
Cale's Pick:
2. Washington Commanders - QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
It's all about team preference here with the second pick.
I believe Daniels' athleticism separates him from Drake Maye, and may be part of the reason the Commanders end of choosing him.
Evan's Pick:
3. New England Patriots - QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
I think the Patriots take whoever the Commanders don't. Daniels would bring excitement to a team and offense that desperately needs it and solve the QB problem the Pats have had since Tom Brady left. Daniels could be a plug and play QB who understands pro concepts that raises the floor of the Pats offense and could even reach another level.
Cale's Pick:
3. New England Patriots - QB Drake Maye, UNC
I think the Patriots are taking a quarterback here, no matter who is on the board.
Maye is more the pocket passer type when compared to Daniels, and that's the style New England has centered its offense around for the past 20 years.
I expect it to continue here.
Evan's Pick:
4. Arizona Cardinals - WR Marvin Harrison, Jr., Ohio State
The Cardinals need playmakers and MHJ is one of the best in years. He is a do-it-all WR that can line up anywhere and make plays. He comes from a good lineage as well with a Hall-of-Fame father. Harrison could quickly be one of the best players in NFL with his high ceiling as a true WR1.
Cale's Pick:
4. Arizona Cardinals - WR Marvin Harrison, Jr., Ohio State
QB Kyler Murray needs a weapon after WR Marquise Brown left via free agency and WR Rondale Moore was traded.
Harrison, Jr. would immediately become the team's top receiving threat.
Evan's Pick:
5. (TRADE: Chargers trade picks with Minnesota Vikings)
Minnesota Vikings - QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
The run on QB's continues here. After losing Kirk Cousins, the Vikings make a big move to get J.J. McCarthy. He's a proven winner in college with enough upside as a passer to take a chance. He is athletic and will have playmakers to make his job easy on the outside and with Aaron Jones at RB.
Cale's Pick:
(TRADE: Chargers trade picks with Minnesota Vikings)
5. Minnesota Vikings - QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
Here's where I think things get crazy.
Minnesota has already made a previous trade to acquire a second first round pick from the Houston Texans.
I believe they will use their two first round picks, and other assets, to acquire the fifth overall pick to select a quarterback: J.J. McCarthy.
Since the National Championship Game, McCarthy has flown up draft boards, and coach Kevin O'Connell is certainly looking for his franchise passer.
Only time will tell if his slight frame will hold up in the NFL.
Evan's Pick:
6. New York Giants - WR Malik Nabers, LSU
The Giants need playmakers for Daniel Jones and grab Nabers, who could be an instant star at WR. He is fast, physical, and a pristine route runner that the Giants have lacked for a while. He has the ability to get open quickly and gives the G-Men a star on the outside that could make noise quickly.
Cale's Pick:
6. New York Giants - WR, Rome Odunze, Washington
It's a toss up for which receiver comes first off the board, but I lean towards Odunze due to his combination of size and playmaking ability downfield.
He totaled nearly 2,800 yards and 20 touchdowns in the past two seasons at Washington, showing his consistency as a playmaker.
The Giants need a receiver who can be their top option in the worst way.
Evan's Pick:
7. Tennessee Titans - OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
The Titans need protection around their young QB Will Levis. Adding a stud tackle is the perfect pick for the Titans to see if Levis can be the long term answer. Alt can help sure up an offensive line that needs talent in a plug and play role.
Cale's Pick:
7. Tennessee Titans - OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
The Titans are continuing to build an offense centered around QB Will Levis.
Adding Alt, whose father also played in the NFL, is another step towards solidifying that offensive line and allowing the team more time for its playmakers to get open.
Evan's Pick:
8. Atlanta Falcons - DL Dallas Turner, Alabama
The Falcons need a big time rusher on the edge. Turner is athletic and has all the upside to be a high level pass rusher in the NFL. After the big move for Cousins in the offseason, Turner comes in with his high motor as a day one edge for Atlanta.
Cale's Pick:
8. Atlanta Falcons - EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama
The Falcons have been searching for a top pass rush option for what feels like forever.
I believe the team will look to add to the top edge rusher on the board in Turner.
Evan's Pick:
9. Chicago Bears - WR Rome Odunze, Washington
The Bears go back to the offensive side after taking Caleb Williams. Odunze rounds out the WR core with Keenan Allen and D.J. Moore. He is an explosive athlete that gets open quickly and catches everything. Williams could come in and potentially take the Bears to a level on offense they haven't seen in a while with another big time WR in Odunze.
Cale's Pick:
9. Chicago Bears - WR Malik Nabers, LSU
After selecting QB Caleb Williams with the top pick, I believe the Bears will look to add a top receiver option in Nabers.
Adding this combo to an offense that already had WR D.J. Moore could set the Bears up for success in 2024 and beyond.
Evan's Pick:
10. New York Jets - OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon St.
The Jets need to protect QB Aaron Rodgers at all costs. Tyron Smith was a solid addition, but more needs to be added. Fuaga can come in and learn from a long time vet, in addition to being a plug-and-play lineman. The Jets' OL was not great last year and Fuaga can add immediate help.
Cale's Pick:
10. New York Jets - TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
The Jets could look to add an offensive lineman here, but I believe it comes down to QB Aaron Rodgers' preference here, and I think that a playmaker over the middle of the field like Bowers will be too much for the team to pass up.
If Bowers and Rodgers remain healthy, the Jets offense could really open up in 2024.
Evan's Pick:
(TRADE: Vikings trade pick to Chargers)
11. Los Angeles Chargers - OT J.C. Latham, Alabama
The trade back allows the Chargers to pick up some extra draft capital and address the offensive line. Jim Harbaugh is known for running the ball and so is new OC Greg Roman. They pick Latham who can dominate in the run and pass game.
Cale's Pick:
(TRADE: Vikings trade pick to Chargers)
11. Los Angeles Chargers - OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
With a new general manager and a new head coach in Jim Harbaugh in tow, the Chargers can afford to trade back in the first round and acquire a few assets, as they have a few holes to fill.
One of them is along the offensive line, and the team has no greater asset than QB Justin Herbert.
I believe the team adds Fuaga here in an attempt to protect Herbert and build a new running game in LA.
Evan's Pick:
12. Denver Broncos - CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
I'm sure the Broncos want a QB here, but they opt to wait until later and take the talented Mitchell who blew up the pre-draft process. He plays opposite PS2 to give Denver two shutdown corners that thrive in man coverage.
Cale's Pick:
12. Denver Broncos - QB Bo Nix, Oregon
After moving on from QB Russell Wilson, head coach Sean Payton will be looking for his franchise passer.
I believe that Nix, one of the most experienced quarterbacks to ever play college football, will be too much for Payton to pass up on here at No. 12.
Evan's Pick:
13. Las Vegas Raiders - QB - Michael Penix Jr,. Washington
The Raiders ultimately decide to go QB here. They take Penix, Jr. who is a precession passer with timing and accuracy. I'm sure they would love to move up for Daniels, but Penix, Jr. comes right in ready to play and give the Raiders a new start at the games most important position.
Cale's Pick:
13. Las Vegas Raiders - QB Michael Penix, Jr., Washington
After seeing the other top four quarterbacks fly off the board and failing to be able to make a trade up, I believe the Raiders add Penix, Jr. here, a little higher than some experts have him going in this draft.
Penix, Jr.'s injury history makes him an unknown, making it a true boom-or-bust pick here for Las Vegas.
Evan's Pick:
14. New Orleans Saints - OT Olu Fashanu, Penn St.
Fashanu is a high level tackle prospect that can immediately give a boost to the Saints' offensive line. He could be the next in a long line of good tackles for New Orleans. Fashanu is strong in pass blocking and solid in run blocking as the Saints continue to build.
Cale's Pick:
14. New Orleans Saints - EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State
Franchise icon Cameron Jordan is entering his final seasons along the team's defensive line.
Adding a top prospect edge option to learn from Jordan in his last year's would benefit the franchise not only in 2024, but in the future, as well.
Verse could immediately give New Orleans an intimidating pass rush combination.
Evan's Pick:
15. Indianapolis Colts - TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
Bowers is one of the best tight end prospects to enter the NFL. He has seemingly been talked about forever and he falls to the Colts who scoop him up. He gives their young QB a solid target who can make plays after the catch and could have a huge year as a rookie.
Cale's Pick:
15. Indianapolis Colts - CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
Mitchell made his mark at the Senior Bowl, and now has a chance to be the first cornerback selected in this year's draft.
I believe the Colts won't pass up the opportunity to add a potential top tier playmaker to their secondary.
Evan's Pick:
16. Seattle Seahawks - OG Troy Fautanu, Washington
The Seahawks have steadily tried to build their line and add one more first rounder in Fautanu to the mix. He is a guy who has shot up draft boards and has familiarity with former Washington OC Ryan Grubb. Fautanu fills a need and should have a smoother transition to the NFL if he goes to Seattle.
Cale's Pick:
16. Seattle Seahawks - EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA
The Seahawks are another team in a constant need of pass rush help, and are likely very familiar with Latu's game, having played all of his high school and college ball on the West Coast.
I think Seattle will take this chance to add to its defensive line.
Evan's Pick:
17. Jacksonville Jaguars - DT Byron Murphy II, Texas
After losing WR Calvin Ridley, a pass catcher could be the pick, but instead the Jags address the trenches, and add a game wrecker in Byron Murphy II. He had strong hands with pass rushing upside that is too good for the Jags to pass on here.
Cale's Pick:
17. Jacksonville Jaguars - CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama
Arnold is projected by most to be the top corner selected in this year's draft, so the Jaguars would probably be thrilled for the chance to add a potential shutdown corner in the middle of the first round.
I can't see Arnold lasting past Jacksonville.
Evan's Pick:
18. Cincinnati Bengals - DT Johnny Newton, Illinois
The Bengals address the middle of their defense with a high motor and high ceiling DT in Johnny Newton. He should immediately come in and make plays for a Bengals' defense that might be a piece or two away. Newton is one of the safest bets in the draft in a division where defense comes first.
Cale's Pick:
18. Cincinnati Bengals - OT Troy Fautanu, Washington
Fautanu has flown up draft boards after an impressive 2024 NFL Combine performance, in which he demonstrated tremendous strength.
He is someone experts are projecting with the ability to play either guard or tackle, and that versatility makes him only more valuable.
The Bengals need to protect QB Joe Burrow, and adding this long term piece along the offensive line is a great way to keep their top player on the field.
Evan's Pick:
19. Los Angeles Rams - CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson
The Rams finally have a first round pick and go defense with a rising prospect in Nate Wiggins. His size is a concern, but he had the speed and ball skills to make plays in the Rams defense and could eventually turn into a true number CB1.
Cale's Pick:
19. Los Angeles Rams - DL Byron Murphy II, Texas
Exit: Aaron Donald.
Enter: Byron Murphy.
No, Murphy will not be Aaron Donald. However, he has demonstrated his consistency by being a disruptive force in the middle of the Texas defensive line for three seasons, and the Rams will be seeking the same type of presence without their future Hall-of-Famer in the fold.
Evan's Pick:
20. Pittsburgh Steelers - OL Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
The Steelers continue to address the OL with versatile lineman Jackson-Powers Johnson. His stock has risen since the Senior Bowl and he would sure up the interior of the Steelers line for whichever QB is under center. Powers-Johnson is a high floor prospect that is a plug-and-play center or guard.
Cale's Pick:
20. Pittsburgh Steelers - T J.C. Latham, Alabama
The Steelers are a piece away from having the team's offensive line becoming a strength, and possibly one of the better units in the NFL.
Adding Latham to play one of the team's tackle spots will only benefit whatever quarterback the team chooses to start in 2024 and beyond.
I believe Latham starts a run of offensive lineman in the first round.
Evan's Pick:
21. Miami Dolphins - OL Graham Barton, Duke
The Dolphins' OL took a hit this offseason especially with the departure of Marcus Hunt. Barton is the perfect replacement for him and is great in space. He is a natural mover athletically and has risen quickly in the draft process with his acumen and what he shows on film.
Cale's Pick:
21. Miami Dolphins - T Amarius Mims, Georgia
The Dolphins have the speed and skill players to have an explosive offense, but need to continue to strengthen its offensive line to match.
There are a few different ways Miami could go here, but I believe they will add an SEC-proven tackle in Mims to their line.
Evan's Pick:
22. Philadelphia Eagles - CB Cooper DeJean, Iowa
The Eagles could go any direction here, but their secondary takes the versatile DeJean out of Iowa. He has the movement skills to hold up on the outside at corner and could quickly become a ball hawk. The Eagles' secondary needs some youth, and DeJean brings the skills and intensity to eventually take over full time at CB with still some talented DBs to learn from.
Cale's Pick:
(TRADE: Eagles swap picks with Packers)
22. Green Bay Packers - T Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State
My feel here is that the Eagles will have missed the player that was Plan A for their 2024 Draft, and will take this opportunity to trade back, and pick up some assets for the future.
I believe the Packers would look to make the jump past the Cowboys, who will likely be looking to add an offensive lineman as well.
Most experts have Fashanu gone by this point in the draft, adding more incentive for the Packers to jump up and grab their guy.
Evan's Pick:
23. Minnesota Vikings - DL Jared Verse, FSU
The Viking get their QB and now they address the DL. Verse is a high motor player with lots of talent to be unlocked. After the big move for Greenard earlier in the offseason, the team adds Verse to the mix to give the pass rush another boost.
Cale's Pick:
(TRADE: Chargers receive pick from Vikings)
23. Los Angeles Chargers - WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas
With the second of the picks the Chargers will acquire from the Vikings, I think they will look to add a wide receiver weapon for QB Justin Herbert.
After transferring to Texas for the 2023 season, Mitchell proved himself to be a big play threat, and ran a 4.3 second 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Combine.
I think his speed and playmaking potential make him a fit for the Chargers at this spot.
Evan's Pick:
24. Dallas Cowboys - OL Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma
The Oklahoma pipeline of offensive lineman speaks for itself. The Cowboys have been great at identifying OL talent and Guyton has plenty. With Tyron Smith moving on, Guyton could be next in line to eventually take over at LT. He has good feet and a massive frame to lockdown on the edge for Dallas.
Cale's Pick:
24. Dallas Cowboys - OL Graham Barton, Duke
Dallas could afford to add at nearly any spot along its offensive line, leading to the selection of Barton here.
The team can line Barton up at either guard spot as it continues to rebuild its next iteration of a strong offensive line.
Evan's Pick:
25. Green Bay Packers - OL Amarius Mims, Georgia
The Packers have a young and ascending team on their hands. Jordan Love gets a new protector up front with Mims. He is great in space and has played in the best conference in college as the Packers continue to build their OL.
Cale's Pick:
(TRADE: Eagles receive pick from Packers)
25. Philadelphia Eagles - OL Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
The Eagles love to add lineman in the first round of the draft.
Philadelphia does have some uncertainty as to when T Lane Johnson will retire, and have a few potential options to replace him at the spot.
In the case that any of those moves would mean kicking someone out from guard to tackle, it would mean an opening for Powers-Johnson.
For now, it gives Philadelphia another long term developmental piece for its offensive line.
Evan's Pick:
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - DL Laiatu Latu, UCLA
A high motor and highly productive edge rusher comes down to Tampa. With Shaq Barrett moving on the Bucs replace him with a high level prospect in Latu. The only concern is his health, but if all checks out ,he could be a difference maker early for a team that needs help rushing the passer.
Cale's Pick:
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - EDGE Demeioun 'Chop' Robinson, Penn State
With the loss of EDGE rusher Shaq Barrett, Tampa Bay will be looking to add an impact pass rusher via the draft.
At this point, Robinson is the best option on the board, and a fit for the Buccaneers.
Evan's Pick:
27. Arizona Cardinals - DL Demeioun 'Chop' Robinson, Penn State
"Chop" blew up after his explosive combine. He specializes in getting after the passer and adds to a Cardinals' d-line that needs talent. He is just the type of player to be disruptive enough for the Cards and add to that young defense.
Cale's Pick:
27. Arizona Cardinals - CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson
After adding to their receiver corps with the team's first pick, I believe they will flip to the opposite side of the field and add the draft's fastest corner in Wiggins.
Led by a defensive-minded head coach in Jonathan Gannon, he will surely look to add to Arizona's secondary in the draft.
Evan's Pick:
28. Buffalo Bills - WR Brian Thomas JR, LSU
After losing Gabe Davis and Stefon Diggs, the Bills bring in LSU star Brian Thomas Jr. He is a big target that can do it all at the receiver position. He has strong hands and is fast enough to take the top off the defense. Thomas Jr. could be a plug-and-play go to WR 1 for Bills fans.
Cale's Pick:
28. Buffalo Bills - WR Brian Thomas, Jr., LSU
After losing multiple receivers this offseason, it feels like a solid bet that the Bills will look to add one in the draft.
This is farther than most experts have Thomas, Jr. landing, and I believe Buffalo will be more than happy to end his draft slip here.
Evan's Pick:
29. Detroit Lions - CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
The Lions already brought in Carlton Davis and now add the talented but inconsistent Kool-Aid McKinistry. He has the high recruit pedigree and made plays in Alabama's defense. He can use his range and quick feet to mirror WRs as he learns the NFL game for the Lions.
Cale's Pick:
29. Detroit Lions - DL Jer'zhan Newton, Illinois
The Lions have made it a priority to build along the team's offensive and defensive lines in recent years.
After hitting a home run with EDGE rusher Aidan Hutchinson two years ago, I believe the team will look to pair him with Newton on the interior to create an even more fearsome pass rush for Detroit.
Evan's Pick:
30. Baltimore Ravens - DL Darius Robinson, Missouri
The Ravens address the trenches with another riser in Darius Robinson. He can come in and sure up the edge opposite Justin Madubuike and get after the QB. The Ravens pass rush adds a dynamic player with a lot of upsides to a defense that has lost a few pieces.
Cale's Pick:
30. Baltimore Ravens - T Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma
Many mock drafts have the Ravens selecting a wide receiver in the first round for the third time in the last few years.
I don't believe Baltimore will want to sink that many first round picks into its receivers, and will look to add one later in the draft.
Plus, there is no better way to protect QB Lamar Jackson than to add along the team's offensive line.
Evan's Pick:
31. San Francisco 49ers - OT Kinglsey Suamataia, BYU
SF is getting a little big older in the trenches, so enter Suamataia, who brings some youth to the tackle position after a stellar year at BYU. He had strong hands and good feet and can learn from one of the best in the game in Trent Williams.
Cale's Pick:
31. San Francisco 49ers - CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
The team could look to add a receiver here, but I think the allure of adding a possible top defensive back option in McKinstry will be too much for the team to pass up.
San Francisco could land a potential steal here at the bottom of the first round.
Evan's Pick:
32. Kansas City Chiefs - WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas
The Chiefs round out the first round with a big time target at WR. Mitchell has the size and speed to make plays for KC, especially after the Rashee Rice situation. Mitchell enters a very good situation in KC with Patrick Mahomes at QB and Andy Reid coaching and could hit the ground running as a rookie.
Cale's Pick:
32. Kansas City Chiefs - WR Xavier Worthy, Texas
The team added WR Marquise Brown in free agency, but then WR Rashee Rice was charged in connection to a crash in Dallas, and his future with the Chiefs and in the NFL is murky at this point.
With a chance that Rice may not suit up for the team in 2024 and beyond, I think the Chiefs will look to add Worthy, who could be a dynamic playmaker both in the passing and return game for the Chiefs.