Yates' New NFL Mock Draft: Predicting All 32 First-Round Picks -- And Two QB Landing Spots
The National Football League (NFL) draft is one of the most highly anticipated events in the sporting calendar. It's a time when teams look to the future, selecting the best collegiate players to bolster their rosters. In the latest mock draft from ESPN analyst Field Yates, we delve into the potential first-round picks, with a particular focus on two key quarterback landing spots. Yates' predictions provide a fascinating insight into the strategies and needs of each team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
The Chicago Bears have been searching for a franchise quarterback for years, and Caleb Williams from the University of Southern California might just be their answer. Williams is a dynamic playmaker with a strong arm and the ability to extend plays with his legs. In his last college season, he threw for 4,500 yards and 42 touchdowns, showing poise and precision in high-pressure situations. Yates suggests that the Bears, who have struggled with consistency at the quarterback position, see Williams as the cornerstone of their future success.
2. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
The Cardinals are in need of a game-changing wide receiver, and Marvin Harrison Jr. fits the bill perfectly. Standing at 6'4", Harrison combines size, speed, and a keen ability to make contested catches. In 2023, he recorded 85 receptions for 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns, solidifying his status as the top receiver in the draft. With DeAndre Hopkins' future uncertain in Arizona, Yates predicts the Cardinals will look to Harrison to rejuvenate their receiving corps.
3. Denver Broncos: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
With Russell Wilson's tenure in Denver not meeting expectations, the Broncos are in the market for a new quarterback. Drake Maye from North Carolina is seen as a perfect fit. Maye possesses a rare blend of arm strength, accuracy, and mobility, which he demonstrated by throwing for 4,000 yards and 35 touchdowns in his final college season. Yates believes that the Broncos will seize the opportunity to draft Maye, viewing him as the long-term solution under center.
4. Indianapolis Colts: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
The Colts are focusing on their offensive line, and Penn State's Olu Fashanu is high on their radar. Known for his exceptional pass-blocking skills and athleticism, Fashanu has the potential to be a stalwart left tackle in the NFL. In 2023, he allowed only two sacks in 13 games, showcasing his reliability and technique. Yates anticipates that securing Fashanu will be a priority for the Colts as they look to protect their quarterback and improve their offensive output.
5. New England Patriots: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
New England has always valued versatility and skill at the tight end position, and Brock Bowers from Georgia is a prime candidate. Bowers is a dynamic athlete who excels both as a receiver and a blocker. In his last collegiate season, he amassed 900 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, earning All-American honors. Yates suggests that the Patriots will look to Bowers to add a new dimension to their offense, reminiscent of the impact Rob Gronkowski once had.
6. Washington Commanders: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
The Commanders are in need of a lockdown cornerback, and Kelee Ringo from Georgia fits the profile. Known for his physical style of play and excellent ball skills, Ringo intercepted four passes and deflected 11 more in 2023. Yates sees Ringo as a perfect fit for Washington's defense, providing them with the ability to shut down opposing receivers in a division loaded with receiving talent.
7. Detroit Lions: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
The Lions continue to build their defense under head coach Dan Campbell, and Jalen Carter is an ideal addition. Carter is a disruptive force on the defensive line, known for his ability to penetrate the backfield and stop the run. In 2023, he recorded 10 sacks and 20 tackles for loss, demonstrating his impact on the game. Yates predicts that the Lions will prioritize Carter to strengthen their defensive front.
8. Las Vegas Raiders: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
The Raiders are focusing on solidifying their offensive line, and Paris Johnson Jr. from Ohio State is a key target. Johnson is a versatile lineman with the ability to play both tackle and guard. In 2023, he was instrumental in Ohio State's high-powered offense, allowing only three sacks all season. Yates believes that Johnson will provide the Raiders with the stability they need to protect their quarterback and enhance their ground game.
9. Atlanta Falcons: Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
The Falcons are looking to bolster their pass rush, and Will Anderson Jr. from Alabama is a standout prospect. Anderson is a dominant edge rusher who recorded 15 sacks in 2023, showcasing his speed and power off the line. Yates predicts that Anderson will be a perfect fit for Atlanta, providing them with a much-needed presence to disrupt opposing quarterbacks.
10. New York Giants: Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
The Giants are in search of a playmaker at the wide receiver position, and Quentin Johnston from TCU is an ideal candidate. Johnston is a big-bodied receiver with excellent hands and the ability to stretch the field. In his final collegiate season, he caught 75 passes for 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns, earning All-Conference honors. Yates suggests that Johnston will give the Giants' offense the explosive element they have been missing.
11. Miami Dolphins: Isaiah Foskey, EDGE, Notre Dame
The Dolphins are focused on enhancing their defensive front, and Isaiah Foskey from Notre Dame is a prime target. Foskey is a relentless pass rusher who recorded 12 sacks and 18 tackles for loss in 2023. Yates believes that Foskey will fit perfectly into Miami's defensive scheme, providing them with a disruptive presence off the edge.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Peter Skoronski, OT, Northwestern
The Vikings are prioritizing their offensive line, and Peter Skoronski from Northwestern is high on their list. Skoronski is a technically sound tackle known for his pass protection skills. In 2023, he allowed only one sack in 12 games, showcasing his consistency and reliability. Yates predicts that the Vikings will look to Skoronski to solidify their offensive line and protect their quarterback.
13. Carolina Panthers: Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
The Panthers are focused on improving their pass rush, and Myles Murphy from Clemson is a standout prospect. Murphy is a powerful edge rusher who recorded 13 sacks and 16 tackles for loss in 2023. Yates anticipates that Murphy will be a perfect fit for Carolina, providing them with the ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and disrupt the run game.
14. New Orleans Saints: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
The Saints are in need of a dynamic playmaker at wide receiver, and Jordan Addison from USC is an ideal candidate. Addison is a versatile receiver known for his route-running and ability to make plays after the catch. In his final collegiate season, he caught 80 passes for 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns. Yates suggests that Addison will add a new dimension to the Saints' offense, complementing their existing talent.
15. Baltimore Ravens: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
The Ravens are focused on strengthening their defensive line, and Bryan Bresee from Clemson is a key target. Bresee is a disruptive force in the middle, known for his ability to stop the run and pressure the quarterback. In 2023, he recorded 8 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. Yates believes that Bresee will be a perfect fit for Baltimore's aggressive defense, providing them with a stout presence up front.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
The Steelers are in search of a versatile tight end, and Michael Mayer from Notre Dame is an ideal candidate. Mayer is a well-rounded player known for his blocking and receiving abilities. In 2023, he caught 70 passes for 900 yards and 9 touchdowns, earning All-American honors. Yates predicts that Mayer will give Pittsburgh's offense a reliable target in the passing game and enhance their blocking schemes.
17. Los Angeles Chargers: Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon
The Chargers are focused on improving their linebacking corps, and Noah Sewell from Oregon is a standout prospect. Sewell is a physical linebacker known for his tackling and ability to cover sideline-to-sideline. In 2023, he recorded 120 tackles and 4 sacks. Yates suggests that Sewell will be a perfect fit for Los Angeles, providing them with a versatile and athletic presence in the middle of their defense.
18. Philadelphia Eagles: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
The Eagles are in need of a cornerback, and Cam Smith from South Carolina fits the profile. Smith is a physical corner with excellent ball skills, recording 3 interceptions and 12 pass breakups in 2023. Yates believes that Smith will be a perfect fit for Philadelphia's defense, providing them with the ability to shut down opposing receivers and create turnovers.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
The Buccaneers are focusing on their offensive line, and Broderick Jones from Georgia is a key target. Jones is an athletic tackle known for his run-blocking and pass protection skills. In 2023, he allowed only two sacks in 14 games. Yates predicts that Jones will provide Tampa Bay with the stability they need to protect their quarterback and enhance their ground game.
20. Seattle Seahawks: BJ Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
The Seahawks are looking to bolster their pass rush, and BJ Ojulari from LSU is a standout prospect. Ojulari is a dynamic edge rusher who recorded 11 sacks and 17 tackles for loss in 2023. Yates anticipates that Ojulari will be a perfect fit for Seattle, providing them with a disruptive presence off the edge and the ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
21. Tennessee Titans: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
The Titans are in search of a playmaker at wide receiver, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba from Ohio State is an ideal candidate. Smith-Njigba is a versatile receiver known for his route-running and ability to make plays after the catch. In his final collegiate season, he caught 78 passes for 1,250 yards and 10 touchdowns. Yates suggests that Smith-Njigba will add a new dimension to Tennessee's offense, complementing their existing talent.
22. New York Jets: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
The Jets are focused on improving their linebacking corps, and Trenton Simpson from Clemson is a standout prospect. Simpson is a physical linebacker known for his tackling and ability to cover sideline-to-sideline. In 2023, he recorded 110 tackles and 3 sacks. Yates suggests that Simpson will be a perfect fit for New York, providing them with a versatile and athletic presence in the middle of their defense.
23. Green Bay Packers: Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
The Packers are in need of a safety, and Antonio Johnson from Texas A&M fits the profile. Johnson is a physical safety with excellent ball skills, recording 4 interceptions and 10 pass breakups in 2023. Yates believes that Johnson will be a perfect fit for Green Bay's defense, providing them with the ability to shut down opposing receivers and create turnovers.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Zion Nelson, OT, Miami
The Cowboys are focusing on their offensive line, and Zion Nelson from Miami is a key target. Nelson is an athletic tackle known for his run-blocking and pass protection skills. In 2023, he allowed only one sack in 13 games. Yates predicts that Nelson will provide Dallas with the stability they need to protect their quarterback and enhance their ground game.
25. Kansas City Chiefs: Zach Harrison, EDGE, Ohio State
The Chiefs are looking to bolster their pass rush, and Zach Harrison from Ohio State is a standout prospect. Harrison is a dynamic edge rusher who recorded 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss in 2023. Yates anticipates that Harrison will be a perfect fit for Kansas City, providing them with a disruptive presence off the edge and the ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars: Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah
The Jaguars are in need of a cornerback, and Clark Phillips III from Utah fits the profile. Phillips is a physical corner with excellent ball skills, recording 5 interceptions and 14 pass breakups in 2023. Yates believes that Phillips will be a perfect fit for Jacksonville's defense, providing them with the ability to shut down opposing receivers and create turnovers.
27. Buffalo Bills: Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
The Bills are focused on enhancing their defensive front, and Nolan Smith from Georgia is a prime target. Smith is a relentless pass rusher who recorded 9 sacks and 16 tackles for loss in 2023. Yates believes that Smith will fit perfectly into Buffalo's defensive scheme, providing them with a disruptive presence off the edge.
28. Cincinnati Bengals: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
The Bengals are in search of a dynamic running back, and Jahmyr Gibbs from Alabama is an ideal candidate. Gibbs is a versatile back known for his speed and ability to catch passes out of the backfield. In his final collegiate season, he rushed for 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns while also catching 40 passes for 400 yards. Yates suggests that Gibbs will add a new dimension to Cincinnati's offense, providing them with a reliable dual-threat option.
29. San Francisco 49ers: Brian Branch, S, Alabama
The 49ers are in need of a safety, and Brian Branch from Alabama fits the profile. Branch is a physical safety with excellent ball skills, recording 3 interceptions and 11 pass breakups in 2023. Yates believes that Branch will be a perfect fit for San Francisco's defense, providing them with the ability to shut down opposing receivers and create turnovers.
30. Los Angeles Rams: Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
The Rams are focusing on their offensive line, and Darnell Wright from Tennessee is a key target. Wright is an athletic tackle known for his run-blocking and pass protection skills. In 2023, he allowed only two sacks in 14 games. Yates predicts that Wright will provide Los Angeles with the stability they need to protect their quarterback and enhance their ground game.
31. Cleveland Browns: Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
The Browns are focused on strengthening their defensive line, and Siaki Ika from Baylor is a key target. Ika is a disruptive force in the middle, known for his ability to stop the run and pressure the quarterback. In 2023, he recorded 6 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. Yates believes that Ika will be a perfect fit for Cleveland's aggressive defense, providing them with a stout presence up front.
32. Detroit Lions (via trade): Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
In an intriguing twist, the Lions make a trade to secure the final pick of the first round, selecting Hendon Hooker from Tennessee. Hooker is a dual-threat quarterback known for his leadership and playmaking ability. In his final collegiate season, he threw for 3,800 yards and 32 touchdowns while also rushing for 600 yards and 8 touchdowns. Yates suggests that the Lions see Hooker as a developmental prospect with the potential to take over as the franchise quarterback in the future.
Field Yates' latest mock draft offers a captivating glimpse into the strategic considerations and potential moves teams might make as they prepare for the 2024 NFL Draft. With an emphasis on addressing key positional needs and acquiring top-tier talent, this draft promises to shape the league for years to come. As always, the unpredictability of the draft ensures that surprises and excitement await both fans and teams alike. Field Yates' insights into the draft can be further explored in Yates' NFL Mock Draft, which predicts all 32 first-round picks and their quarterback destinations.