The college football regular season is complete and the draft order is starting to take shape, making it a perfect time to unveil my first mock draft of the 2024 NFL Draft process.

Understandably, most readers will be interested in which quarterbacks made the mock and which teams they’re connected to. But the real storyline of this first mock draft is in the trenches, as nine offensive tackles made the cut. All 32 teams could use more help at that position — some more than others — and this will be a great draft to address it early.

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Plenty will change between now and April, but this is still an interesting exercise at this point in the draft calendar. The picks don’t reflect my personal rankings or what I would do, but rather this projection strictly goes by what I think teams would do if the draft was tomorrow.

This mock reflects the updated draft order and does not include any trades. (I also included the first picks on Day 2 for teams that currently don’t have a first-round selection.)

Justin Fields will be under a microscope the final month of the season as the Bears consider their quarterback options. One question that will help them make a decision: Is the front office prepared to give Fields an extension with $100-plus million in guarantees? Because that is eventually what it will take. If the answer is no, then Chicago is better off turning the page and reinvesting in the position with a promising rookie on a significantly cheaper deal.

Regardless, Fields playing well down the stretch would be nothing but a positive for the Bears. If they do opt to move on, a strong finish from Fields would strengthen the trade compensation offered by Atlanta, Minnesota or whichever team looks to kick the tires on the talented quarterback.

The next step in this “choose your own adventure” epic: Which quarterback should be the pick at No. 1? It is much too early in the process to answer with any conviction (the Bears don’t know, so we sure as heck don’t know). I’ve heard from some Bears fans uninterested in drafting Drake Maye, “another North Carolina quarterback” (Chicago took Mitchell Trubisky out of North Carolina in 2017), and from others who don’t want Caleb Williams because he is “an indecisive passer like Fields.”

Both reasons are understandably jaded based on the Bears’ last two first-round quarterbacks, but Williams and Maye are much more than those arguments suggest. Despite Maye being higher in my personal rankings, I still believe Williams is the favorite to be the top pick.

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Another embattled quarterback under an organizational microscope: Kyler Murray, as he returns from last season’s injury. Neither Arizona general manager Monti Ossenfort nor head coach Jonathan Gannon drafted Murray or signed him to his lucrative extension, which creates plenty of unknowns for this franchise. But we do know that a trade of Murray is unlikely — who’d trade for that contract? — and cutting him would be easier to stomach a year from now.

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In this scenario, I have them keeping Murray (and his hefty contract) for at least one more season.

Last year, the Cardinals drafted an Ohio State offensive tackle in the top 10, and they go back to Columbus for one of the best wide receiver prospects of the last few decades. This pick would come on the 20-year anniversary of Arizona selecting Larry Fitzgerald at No. 3 in 2004, which is interesting because Harrison reminds me of a leaner version of Fitzgerald.

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With their quarterback situation in shambles, the Patriots have a bottom-five offense.

In his 24 years as head coach in New England, Bill Belichick has never drafted in the top five, but this season is certainly trending in that direction. That’s the bad news. The good news? This is a great draft for a quarterback-needy team to own an early pick. Maye is a young player and not without his faults, but he has promising talent and more big-time throws on his tape than any other passer in this class.

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When you draft in the top five, the goal is to find an organizational cornerstone that also addresses a pressing need. This class offers a pair of outstanding offensive tackles who are not only blue-chip prospects but would also give Chicago a much-needed upgrade at a key position.

A standout pass protector and run blocker, Alt has a massive body with coordinated feet and rare recovery skills, which will have him ready to start as a 21-year-old rookie.

When ranking the Commanders’ greatest needs, offensive tackle isn’t at the very top. But the position hasn’t been a strength, and it would be tough to see the organization passing on a cornerstone left tackle — something it hasn’t had since Trent Williams.

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Though he needs to continue developing as a run blocker, Fashanu, who played his high school ball 10 miles from FedEx Field, is outstanding in pass protection with his body movements, angle awareness and ability to sit down versus power.

Over the past month, I think Nabers separated himself for several teams as WR2 in this draft. The only FBS pass catcher with 1,500-plus receiving yards in 2023, he also leads the country with 34 receptions of 20-plus yards. The only other college receiver with that many explosive catches over the last five years? Another LSU receiver, Ja’Marr Chase, who had 34 in 2019.

The Giants obviously still have high hopes for Jalin Hyatt and Wan’Dale Robinson, but adding Nabers gives the offense a legitimate No. 1 threat.

One of the best catches you'll see. The best receiver in football.

Give that man the Biletnikoff @whyguard13

— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) November 25, 2023

Offensively and defensively, the Buccaneers are a middle-of-the-road team, and they’ll have several interesting roster decisions to make this offseason. For one, Tampa Bay will be in the mix to select this draft’s QB3, and Daniels could be it. He has a dynamic skill set to create explosive plays with his arm and legs.

At the beginning of the season, I wouldn’t have guessed that Daniels would appear in the top 10 of my first mock draft. But in studying his tape and seeing his continual improvements, you start to run out of reasons why he doesn’t belong. I think several teams slotted in the top 10 will think the same way.

8. New York Jets: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

Assuming the Jets are all in with Aaron Rodgers for the 2024 season, the team’s first-round pick likely will be an offensive player who can contribute from Day 1. Whether you line him up at tight end, wide receiver or a hybrid position, Bowers can be a difference-maker and quickly emerge as one of the Jets’ go-to weapons.

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The Chargers feel broken with impending changes on the horizon. Regardless, the organization needs to do more to protect Justin Herbert, and Trey Pipkins III hasn’t been good enough at right tackle. Latham is one of the strongest players in college football and also shows the movements to hold up in space.

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With Will Levis likely penciled in as the Titans’ 2024 starting quarterback, the front office can focus this offseason on building up the offensive line, adding more weapons and strengthening the defense.

There are greater needs on the roster, but the pass rush has been wildly inconsistent this season (when the Titans aren’t playing the Panthers). Turner is a freak-show talent — both against the run and while rushing the passer — and continues to get better.

Even before the Raiders cut Marcus Peters, the cornerback position was a significant area of need.

Although he needs to continue getting stronger, Wiggins has an outstanding combination of speed and length with the sudden feet to stay attached to receivers. The Raiders also will be an obvious candidate to trade up for one of the quarterbacks in this class.

The Saints love to draft flashy new toys, and Coleman comes batteries included and fully assembled. At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, he is a large target, but there is nothing lumbering about the way he moves. He is at his best winning at the catch point and can create explosive plays — New Orleans currently ranks 24th in the NFL in plays of 20-plus yards.

The population of Keon County continues to grow#NoleFamily | #KeepCLIMBing

— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) November 12, 2023

The Packers’ cornerback situation has been in flux, making it a position the organization might look to upgrade this offseason. Green Bay prioritizes athletic traits and competitiveness, which is why Arnold is the pick here, despite some undisciplined tendencies. Arnold will be ranked higher on some draft boards than his Alabama teammate Kool-Aid McKinstry.

Latu doesn’t have ideal length, and I don’t expect him to test off the charts, but some rushers just know how to get after the quarterback — Latu ranks No. 1 in college football with 64 pressures. A pass-rush duo of Latu and Byron Young would be a great foundation for the Rams’ defense.

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Bengals fans will be understandably dejected if Tee Higgins departs this offseason, but drafting Odunze as a replacement might be the best-case scenario among the realistic options. At 6-3, 217 with 4.4 speed, the Washington pass catcher can create his own spacing mid-route and is also one of the best contested-catch receivers in college football.

ROME ODUNZE IS UNSTOPPABLE@UW_Football is back on top 🍎🔥

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 25, 2023

The Bills’ starting offensive tackles, Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown, are only under contract for one more season, so the front office might look to draft and develop at the position before it becomes an immediate need.

Mims is still very raw, but he has the traits to grow into one of the best players from this draft class.

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17. Arizona Cardinals (from HOU): Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State

The Cardinals’ pass rush has been better than expected this season, but the team leader in pressures is linebacker Dennis Gardeck and there is room on the depth chart for upgrades.

With his get-off, play strength and character, Verse is an ideal fit for what Gannon is trying to build in Arizona.

Three years ago, Patrick Surtain II fell into the Broncos’ laps and since has grown to be one of the top corners in the league. McKinstry took over Surtain’s starting role in Tuscaloosa, and three years later, a talented Alabama corner might once again fall to Denver in the first round.

19. Atlanta Falcons: Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State

A player with a wide projection range, Robinson’s body of work says third round, but his ceiling and flashes point to Round 1. The Falcons’ pass rush has ranked near the bottom of the league for far too long, and Robinson’s explosiveness off the edge is a potential answer to that problem.

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With his lack of size, Newton isn’t a consensus first-round pick — some teams believe he is more of a second-rounder. But given his disruptive nature while playing a high number of snaps, he offers a ton of value, especially in a lackluster defensive tackle class.

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General manager Chris Ballard loves trench players with big-time traits and Guyton fits the bill. At 6-6, 320, he moves like a tight end but has the aggressive mentality of an offensive lineman. Investing in protection for Anthony Richardson would be a smart move, and Guyton has the talent to compete for starting right tackle snaps as a rookie.

McCarthy is a polarizing prospect. He has all the tools, and NFL coaches will love the intangibles, but evaluators want to see him put the offense on his back and take over games. It’s not that he can’t, it’s that he hasn’t really needed to given Michigan’s play style and schedule.

General manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll see Seattle as a win-now team, but at some point, they will invest in a young quarterback to develop.

The way things are going with Diontae Johnson, his time in Pittsburgh might be limited. The Steelers have as good a track record drafting receivers outside the first round as anyone, but it would be tough to pass on Thomas, who has outstanding size (6-4, 205), speed and tracking skills.

WR Brian Thomas Jr. had a career-best 150 yards vs. UF, but my favorite play wasn't one of his 6 catches.

Starts bottom of the screen and then out-races everyone downfield to throw a key block. Big-time speed and effort for a 6-4 athlete.

LSU Film Room:

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) November 15, 2023

The Texans have a few building blocks in the secondary, but they struggle to get off the field on third downs and are vulnerable in the back end (Houston ranks bottom five in net yards allowed per pass attempt). Head coach DeMeco Ryans is going to love DeJean’s athleticism, tackling skills and defensive versatility.

Miami has a few question marks on its offensive line, especially with Terron Armstead missing more games in 2023 than he has played. A college left tackle, Fautanu has the play style and aesthetics of a guard but the feet and arm length that can keep him at tackle. Regardless, his positional flexibility provides immediate depth for the Dolphins.

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A college left tackle, Barton is going to move inside in the NFL and projects well at either guard or center. The Cowboys might need help at both spots with Tyler Biadasz a pending free agent and the future uncertain for Tyron Smith. This pick assumes Tyler Smith would replace Tyron Smith at left tackle, thus creating a need at left guard.

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The Lions rank near the bottom of the NFL in pressure rate and sacks, and they must continue to build on the defensive line. Tuimoloau isn’t going to win the corner with pure speed, but he has heavy hands and diversifies his attack with leverage and timing to affect the backfield.

Similar in ways to his former Ohio State teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Egbuka is quarterback-friendly with his ability to find space in coverage. Dropping him into the mix as a “Z” receiver alongside Calvin Ridley and Christian Kirk would provide a boost to Trevor Lawrence and create problems for defenses.

Donovan Smith is barely a short-term option at left tackle for the Chiefs, and he’s definitely not a long-term solution. Paul isn’t yet a polished player, but he has the length and competitive athleticism to overwhelm defenders once he makes contact.

With his firm hands and finishing mentality, Fuaga is the best run-blocking lineman I have studied this draft cycle, especially with his ability in zone. His feet get tied up when he gets too upright in pass protection (see: his 2023 Washington tape), but he can keep speed wide of the pocket and help answer the 49ers’ struggles at right tackle.

Mitchell, who currently ranks No. 2 in the FBS with 17 passes defended, offers size (6-1, 200), speed (4.39 40-yard dash) and a composed play style downfield. He has been targeted 59 times this season and is allowing only 42.4 percent completions with zero penalties.

#Toledo CB Quinyon Mitchell is one of the new names on the updated top-50. Has size (6-0 1/2, 200), speed (verified 4.3) and NFL talent. Also leads the FBS in PBU (13).@CoachCandle has his squad 8-1 and Mitchell is a big part of that.

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) November 2, 2023

Educated guess: Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland is going to be lovestruck once he gets eyes on Suamataia’s tape. Yes, the BYU left tackle is young and will need time, but Philadelphia drafts with long-term plans in mind. Suamataia has the talent to provide depth as a rookie and the upside to be an impact starter down the road.

Round 2

Carolina Panthers: Jordan Morgan, OT/G, Arizona

With a roster in bad shape and no first-round selection, the Panthers will have added pressure not to strike out with this pick. Carolina needs help all over the field but especially on the offensive line, and Morgan would give them a versatile option. He can be a plug-and-play guard while also providing insurance at left tackle — something Carolina might need if Ikem Ekwonu continues to struggle.

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With Shelby Harris, Maurice Hurst and Jordan Elliott set to be free agents this offseason, the Browns might be looking at defensive tackle with their first pick in April. Williams has been a disruptive force for the Buckeyes in 2023 — equally effective stuffing the run and putting pressure on the pocket.

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(Illustration: John Bradford / The Athletic;
photos: Sean M. Haffey, Rich Schultz, Grant Halverson / Getty Images)

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