Wes Langley's 2024 NFL Mock Draft: Debut

Round 1 Picks 1-16

Wes makes the case for J.J. McCarthy sneaking into the top 5. This NFL mock draft is based on the NFL standings heading into week 5 of the 2023 NFL Season.

Wes Langley follow @DraftUtopiaWes Last Updated: October 6, 2023.

1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
   
   
   Caleb Williams could be the first person to repeat as Heisman winner since Archie Griffin. His skill set is very comparable to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Caleb Williams is special and he is going to be a game-changer for the Chicago Bears.
   
   
   
   Here is a film cut of USC quarterback Caleb Williams VS San Jose State. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Chicago Bears: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
   
   
   Marvin Harrison Jr. could be a WR1 in the league today with his combination of size, speed, and skill. Last season, he recorded more than 1,200 receiving yards and a nation-leading 36 explosvie plays of 15 yards more more.
   
   
   
   Here is a film cut of Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. VS Notre Dame. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Las Vegas Raiders: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
   
   
   Maye is the easy next choice at quarterback after Caleb Williams. He recorded elite passing grades in each of the past two seasons with an incredible 45 big-time throws in 2022.
   
   
   
   Here is a film cut of North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye VS South Carolina. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Denver Broncos: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
   
   
   The Broncos might be tempted by a quarterback if they're picking in the top five, but I'll let you Google Russell Wilson's dead cap hit if they chose to move on from him. The next best move would be to acquire the class'top pass-rusher. The 6-5, 265-pund Laiatu Latu posted a pass-rush win rate of above 20% in each of the past two seasons.
   
   
   
   
   
5. Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
   
   
   The Minnesota Vikings move on from Kirk Cousins. J.J. McCarthy is a blue chip quarterback. I know Draft Utopia has a top 10 grade on McCarthy, but he's the clear cut QB3 right now behind Williams and Maye. It is possible that McCarthy supplants Maye as QB2 by the end of the season which is why Minnesota cannot pass on him at 5.
   
   
   
6. New York Jets: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
   
   
   New York gets a blindside for Aaron Rodgers. Olu Fashanu is a blue chip left tackle prospect. If he can do what Joe Alt failed to do and beat Ohio State in Columbus, he will probably be the first left tackle drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft.
   
   
   
   
   
7. New England Patriots: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
   
   
   New England needs to replace Mac Jones who peaked after his rookie year. Bo Nix showcased a super quick release against Colorado which looked similar to Tom Brady's quick release. I don't think Nix has Brady's football IQ or dedication, but his release is similar to TB12.
   
   
   
8. Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
   
   
   Cincinnati replaces Jonah Williams at right tackle with a blue chip offensive tackle prospect. Joe Alt plays with more nastiness than Jonah Williams and would be used in a similar role as Paris Johnson Jr. Both Olu Fashanu and Joe Alt would have gone ahead of Paris Johnson Jr. last year and both left tackle prospects go in the top 10. Joe Alt could end up moving to right tackle as a bookend in the NFL similar to former Notre Dame left tackle Mike McGlinchey.
   
   
   
   Here is a film cut of Notre Dame's offensive line VS Ohio State. You can watch that film cut in the clip below.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
9. Arizona Cardinals: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
   
   
   Brock Bowers is a special tight end. He might be the one player in the 2024 NFL Draft that can revive Kyler Murray's career outside of Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Arizona can either keep Zach Ertz as the backup and have Trey McBride as a third string tight end. The other option is buying out Ertz to save cap space in 2024 since Ertz is a UFA in 2025.
   
   
   
10. New York Giants: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
    
    
    New York gets Daniel Jones a number one target to throw to at wide receiver. Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman dominated in his two games against LSU and Clemson making him an ideal player for the New York Giants at 10.
    
    
    
    
    
11. Green Bay Packers: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
    
    
    Rasheed Walker cannot continue as Green Bay's blindside. David Bahktiari cannot stay healthy at left tackle either. Amarius Mims is a first year starter, but he subbed in during 14 of Georgia's 15 games in 2022. Amarius Mims is a massive massive man at 6-7 340 pounds.
    
    
    
12. New Orleans Saints: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
    
    
    Payton Turner looks like a bust. Carl Granderson has gotten off to a strong start which warranted an extension, but Cameron Jordan is gonna slow down at some point. Chop Robinson would essentially be the successor to Cameron Jordan in New Orleans.
    
    
    
    
    
13. Arizona Cardinals: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
    
    
    Arizona needs a number one and number two corner. Kool-Aid McKinstry was up and down against Texas, but he's easily the top cornerback in the 2024 NFL Draft. With Arizona needing multiple upgrades at cornerback, I'm not sure he's a player that the Arizona Cardinals have the luxury to pass on at 13.
    
    
    
14. Houston Texans: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
    
    
    The Houston Texans use this pick to get a number one target for C.J. Stroud. Malik Nabers is a great route runner with the speed and athletic traits you covet. If he could reduce his drops and improve his catch concentration he could be a top 10 pick because his catch radius is incredible.
    
    
    
    
    
15. Los Angeles Chargers: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
    
    
    The Los Angeles Chargers need a number one cornerback. Cooper DeJean has the versatility to play cornerback, strong safety, and free safety. DeJean can be the Chargers number one cornerback after leading the Hawkeyes with 5 interceptions, or can be plugged in at safety as a day 1 starter next to veteran safety Derwin James.
    
    
    
16. Washington Commanders: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
    
    
    Washington needs to fix this offensive line if the Commanders go for need over value at 16. Sam Howell is taking too many hits. JC Latham is the top offensive tackle on the board at this point in the first round.