2024 NFL Mock Draft: Early Top 50 prospect watch list

Way-too-early mock drafts are popping up everywhere in the post-draft aftermath, but I say it’s never too early! The prospects listed below in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft are all early favorites to find their way onto the big boards of prognosticators over the coming months.

Additional prospects who just missed the cut and the ‘best of the rest’ quarterbacks that you should be paying attention to are listed at the end of the mock draft.

2024 NFL Mock Draft: Kicking off with a franchise-altering trade!

TRADE! As in 2023, we have a trade up to the number one spot as the Arizona Cardinals move back. In this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, the Commanders and their new owners decide to make a splash to kickstart a new era.

Williams is currently the de facto number one QB in the 2024 class, drawing comparisons to Patrick Mahomes. Whether he can hit such lofty projections remains to be seen, but the USC signal caller certainly has the arm and natural playmaking ability required to mount a serious case.

The Cardinals stick with their pick at number two (acquired in the Houston trade) and select one of the greatest receiving prospects of the past decade. A prototypical height and weight combo, with the shifty explosion required underneath, Harrison Jr. is special.

If Tampa is picking this high, the Baker Mayfield experiment has failed. Expect that previous sentence to become a reality and in 12 months the Bucs become besotted with the high-upside athletic traits of North Carolina’s Drake Maye. Maye has a live arm and is a genuine rushing threat as evidenced by his seven touchdowns and 698 yards in 2022. He does have a lot of misses and his accuracy is questionable at this point, but the ‘wow’ plays are impressive and hint at much more to come this year.

The Colts’ offensive line started to perform better down the stretch last year but it still does not have a cornerstone left tackle, despite a decent rookie year from Bernhard Rainmann. The team drafted Blake Freeland this year, but his realistic ceiling is that of a swing tackle and so Indy jump at the chance to draft the surest thing in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft to protect Anthony Richardson for years to come.

A close second to Alt in the tackle prospects is Olu Fashanu. Fashanu could have been a top-five pick had he declared this year and has a sensational profile packed with power, burst off the snap and silky movement skills that enable him to mirror rushers effortlessly.

Desmond Ridder is not the answer in Atlanta. Travis is an exciting prospect who received PFF’s highest grade among returning quarterbacks for next season.

He is a mobile presence, can create outside structure, and can evade pressure well. Travis has nice zip to his passes and can fire the ball into tight windows. He is able to deliver the ball from varied release angles and shows good touch and accuracy. With another leap this year, Travis should vault himself into the upper echelon of quarterback prospects.

L.A. is bereft of blue-chip talent and Bralen Trice addresses a position of need that will be paper thin heading into 2024. Nine sacks and 12 TFL last year hint at what Trice could become. Testing will be key for Trice’s ceiling, but he plays with real explosiveness, converts speed to power, and has a non-stop motor. He has length, pliability, and excellent hands and will be the edge name on everyone’s lips during the upcoming season.

Verse was a popular first-round prospect for this year’s draft before he opted to go back to school. Great frame, quick off the snap, and real power, Verse is in contention for the best edge prospect in college football and will almost certainly be a top-five pick if he continues on his current trajectory. The Cardinals add a second high floor, young leader to add to a new core.

It is not clear whether Mac Jones’ face is ever going to truly fit in Foxborough, so here is the future face of the franchise. Pratt has a quick release with nice zip and accuracy on his throws to the short and intermediate areas of the field. He is a legitimate dual-threat QB, recording 478 yards rushing in 2022 with ten scores. He looks after the ball, recording a turnover worthy play on only 1.7% of his snaps last year. Effective throwing on the run, where he does not lose accuracy.

It will be interesting to see if he can put the offense on his back this year after losing Tyjae Spears, and questions need to be answered about his true arm strength and accuracy in the deep game. Regardless, Pratt is a name to watch and has a higher upside than many of the other names currently being bandied about.

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A real bendy and explosive athlete, Turner has an opportunity to be the man on the Crimson Tide defense this year. Does not have quite the same naturally impressive frame as the two edge defenders taken before him in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, but he does possess excellent length and twitch. Chicago gets a defensive weapon.

Sensational power and tenacity in the run game with excellent pass-blocking ability, Latham would be an incredible pick for the Steelers who need a legitimate long-term solution at right tackle.

6.5 sacks with 13.5 TFL, 89 overall tackles, and two interceptions paint the picture of an excellent all-round middle linebacker. Trotter Jr. is at home in coverage as he is rushing the passer and Green Bay has several free agents at the second level of their defense in 2024. Here is an excellent replacement and future leader for the unit.

The most impressive tight end prospect remaining in college football after an impressive 2023 class leaves behind a barren landscape at the position. Bowers is more than a tight end, and after taking a defensive weapon with their first pick, the Bears opt to flip to the offense with their second pick. Bowers is as dynamic as a wide receiver with the ball in his hands, has extremely sure mitts in the passing game, and even takes handoffs in the running game, with 109 yards rushing and three scores in 2022. Is the first tight end off the board in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft and it would be a major upset if he is not taken with such reverence in real life, too.

Currently a raw athlete playing multiple spots at the second level, Carter has not truly found his best position yet. This defensive ball of clay will appeal to the Seahawks though, and with the linebacking corps in a state of flux, Carter presents a unique opportunity for Seattle to mold into an heir apparent for Bobby Wagner. Carter lined up at outside linebacker, MIKE, and slot corner last year and has the physical ability to do it all. He will be an exciting riser this year and may end up being more highly coveted than his teammate Trotter Jr., who was taken two spots ahead of him in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft.

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The first corner off the board in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft, King follows 2023 draftee Joey Porter Jr. as a player to be taken with a high-round pick from the Penn State secondary. King though, is the better corner and possesses the higher ceiling of the pair. He has decent length but is far twitchier and fluid in coverage, and is a natural playmaker. King will add some real quality to a Raiders unit needing an injection of talent.

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Foster is a powerful tackle prospect who will be bidding for a first round grade this year. He plays with an excellent, punishing mentality and has good balance. He is not quite the finished article and his footwork sometimes can be muddled, but he is an excellent choice at this juncture for the Texans and would be a day one starter at right tackle, becoming a long-term bookend to Laremy Tunsil.

Tuimoloau is a blizzard of activity from the LEO position and has intriguing tools. Having said that, the production has not yet lived up to the potential (barring the performance highlighted in the tweet below), and that could dictate when he is picked. If he can live up to the raw talent, then a first round grade is not out of the question.

The current clubhouse favorite to be drafted as the first cornerback next year, McKinstry finds a home in Minnesota in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft. McKinstry is excellent in all phases of the game and is a versatile defensive back, equally adept in both man and zone coverage. He has an NFL-level physique and reads the game exceptionally well performing as an above-average run defender.

With the drive and will to succeed that Newton possesses, he could hear his name called much earlier than this, but he lands in the lap of the New Orleans Saints in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft. Newton had 14 TFL last year and 5.5 sacks, but he is just scratching at the surface of what he could become as an interior terror. Shades of Calijah Kancey in terms of how he could rise with a productive 2023 season.

The second wide receiver off the board in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft may be a bit of a surprise, but Odunze has legitimate WR1 potential at the next level. He has an ideal size at 6’3 and 201 pounds and is perhaps the most well-rounded receiving prospect behind Harrison Jr. in the class. He is a vertical threat, is effective in contested catch situations, and has the speed and shiftiness required to play underneath. Furthermore, Odunze has an impressive ability to create after the catch and plays with great body control. There is not much that he cannot do and with a monster season on the horizon, should hear his name called in round one when all is said and done.

PFF’s highest-graded safety in coverage last season (90.7 grade), Kinchens will be appealing to teams looking for a true free safety or nickel back to add to their roster. Six interceptions in 2022 highlight a real playmaker and it is not just in coverage where Kinchens excels. He is a willing contributor in the run game and plays with a hard-hitting mentality. One to watch.

Miami needs to keep building its offensive line despite the high picks that they have used on it in recent years. This is not a case of chasing good money after bad, for the o-line is the one position where repeat investment is a worthwhile strategy and the Dolphins must protect Tua at any cost. Fisher is a hulking right tackle prospect and is a surprisingly nimble mover for a 320+ pound man. There is a real mean streak with him and if he can continue to work on maximizing his natural athletic traits, then his pass blocking should reap the rewards.

Bullock is the second safety/nickel prospect to leave the board in round one of this 2024 NFL Mock Draft. The USC prospect is another instinctive playmaker, recording five interceptions in 2022. A great tackler in the open field, Bullock has real acceleration and recognizes plays developing faster than most. Would provide the Chargers with real talent on the back end.

Orhorhoro has a powerful, long, dense frame and is a physical disruptor in the backfield. He is a prototypical three-technique and is sometimes overshadowed by the bigger names on the Clemson defense. Nevertheless, he has an opportunity this year to elevate his profile and production and in turn, see his draft value skyrocket. If he can fulfill his potential, then the back end of round one is his floor.

Another interior defensive lineman who has the opportunity to seriously raise his stock as we head into the 2023 season. Hall Jr. does not quite have the natural physical prowess of Orhorhoro, but he is a thickly built, powerful specimen with a stout anchor who is tough to move. The test this year is to see whether he can be a more consistent presence in the backfield despite an apparent lack of length and burst off the snap. If he can emerge as a true penetrative force, watch out!

Egbuka finds a home in Dallas as a potential long-term replacement for Michael Gallup. The less heralded of the two Ohio State wideouts should not be discounted in next year’s draft and is a premium talent in his own right. He is a sharp and smooth route runner and plays with excellent body control both throughout the catch and when slicing through traffic with the ball in his hands. Creates easy separation and is a surefire WR2 at the next level.

Barton started his career at Duke as a center and this could be due to a lack of length. Despite this perception, Barton moved to the blind side and excelled in 2021 and 2022 thanks to his excellent mobility, movement, and powers of recovery in space. A fantastic run blocker thanks to his powerful and thick legs, stout base, and desire to play through the whistle, Barton is a high-floor player who is a solid investment at the back end of round one.

A seventh offensive tackle leaves the board to San Francisco in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft. The former guard moved to tackle in 2021 and was outstanding in pass protection against speedy and fluid QB hunters. Able to match their movements and react seamlessly in space. Has easy power thanks to his explosive qualities, but will not overwhelm with pure strength. If he can develop this aspect of his game and become a real people mover, he will be assured of a first round grade.

300-pound defensive tackle with the requisite athleticism to be a penetrative force on the interior as well as an above average run defender. The Bills have a number of players such as Ed Oliver, Jordan Phillips, A.J. Epenesa, and Shaq Lawson who are approaching unrestricted free agency, as well as the contracts of DaQuan Jones and Tim Settle that will need addressing. Poona Ford has been signed, but they must keep adding with an eye to the future. Taylor would be the perfect start.

Beebe has experience at left tackle, but he does not have the length or top end athleticism to stick there. Instead, his thick build and explosive power suit perfectly well inside. His experience on the edge certainly does help when he has to move, as he has his head on a swivel at all times and can move with light feet without sacrificing any power. High floor and another who will be coveted for his versatility and ability to play tackle in a pinch.

As usual, there will be many onlookers and analysts who project running back to the Eagles here. Braelon Allen would certainly be a sound pick with so many runners who are currently on the roster out of contract next year, but a true third receiver is the pick in this 2024 NFL Mock Draft. Troy Franklin would be a terrific compliment to A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, offering a dangerous option underneath and drawing attention away from the two aforementioned pass catchers. Franklin is said to run in the 4.3s and is a threat to take it to the house at any time. Jalen Hurts continues to be showered with an embarrassment of riches.

A high school wide receiver and title-winning quarterback, DeJean is a special athlete and multi-sport competitor. The original plan was for DeJean to play safety at Iowa, but ended up as a starting corner. He excelled as a ball-hawking playmaker, showing off high-level instincts for the position whilst playing with the control and discipline of someone far more experienced at the position. DeJean displays the mindset of a wide receiver when the ball is in the air and has the burst and quick twitch to match all but the absolute elite athletes he comes up against. Could excel on the outside, in the slot, or at safety at the NFL level and this versatility will be treasured by evaluators come next April, especially the Chiefs who took some below-average DBs this year.

2024 NFL Mock Draft: Just missed the cut. Additional first round watch list by position.

Braelon Allen, Running Back – Wisconsin

Raheim Sanders, Running Back – Arkansas

TreVeyon Henderson, Running Back – Ohio State

Xavier Worthy, Wide Receiver – Texas

Jalen McMillan, Wide Receiver – Washington

Ja’Tavion Sanders, Tight End – Texas

Kingsley Suamataia, Offensive Tackle – BYU

Jordan Morgan, Offensive Tackle – Arizona

Tate Ratledge, Interior Offensive Lineman – Georgia

Donovan Jackson, Interior Offensive Lineman – Ohio State

Laiatu Latu, Edge Defender – UCLA

Chop Robinson, Edge Defender – Penn State

Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Edge Defender – Washington

Maason Smith, Defensive Interior – LSU

D.J. James, Cornerback – Auburn

Denzel Burke, Cornerback – Ohio State

Andrew Mukuba, Safety – Clemson

Rod Moore, Safety – Michigan

2024 NFL Mock Draft: Quarterbacks to keep an eye on

Quinn Ewers, Quarterback – Texas

Michael Penix Jr., Quarterback – Washington

Joe Milton III, Quarterback – Tennessee

Spencer Rattler, Quarterback – South Carolina

J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback – Michigan

Cameron Ward, Quarterback – Washington State

Tyler Van Dyke, Quarterback – Miami

Bo Nix, Quarterback – Oregon

K.J. Jefferson, Quarterback – Arkansas

Let me know your thoughts and tell me who YOU have in your 2024 NFL Mock Draft on Twitter: @BenAMatthews.