2024 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper makes big changes in updated mock draft, five QBs in first round predictions

ESPN’s Mel Kiper made some big changes across his updated NFL Mock Draft, including five quarterbacks in the first 32 picks.

Heck, we don’t even get out of the top 15 before five signal callers are taken. It’s going to be another loaded year at QB and wide receiver, but don’t forget about the other studs.

Without further ado, let’s dive into Kiper’s third mock draft as we move along into the spring.

1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB – USC

This has been the general consensus for a lot of mock drafts and nothing changes here. Williams is the top quarterback in the draft and a chance for the Bears to hit the reset button. Kiper makes no change here.

With this selection, gone is former first round pick Justin Fields, who was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and in comes Williams. It’s hard to envision a scenario where the Bears pick a different QB.

2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB – LSU

Kiper hasn’t moved off of Daniels to the Commanders in quite a while. The Heisman Trophy winner fits well here, especially with the new staff.

Kliff Kingsbury is the new OC and with his offense, Daniels could thrive as a dual threat quarterback. Here’s your new face of the franchise Commanders fans!

3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB – North Carolina

Maye will be the next man up as the third signal caller taken in this draft. The Patriots have to reset completely with a new head coach and a new quarterback.

Maye has the size, the arm and potential to be an elite quarterback. Now it’s just up to the right staff to make that possible in the NFL.,

4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR – Ohio State

Harrison Jr. is by far the best wide receiver in this class. With Kyler Murray under center and needing weapons, Harrison Jr. is an obvious pick.

You have to give Murray a legitimate No. 1 pass catcher and Harrison Jr. could turn into one of the best playmakers in the league right away. It’s hard to find an evaluation where you don’t see Harrison Jr. near the top of draft boards.

5. Los Angeles Chargers: Malik Nabers, WR – LSU

The Chargers have multiple options here, but since they essentially cleaned house with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, LA needs a WR. Enter Nabers.

If the Chargers can’t get Harrison Jr., then take this man. Nabers was dominant at LSU while reeling in passes from Daniels. Now, he gets Justin Herbert.

6. New York Giants: Rome Odunze, WR – Washington

So with three quarterbacks gone, it looks like Kiper opts to have the Giants add an offensive weapon. Daniel Jones needs more guys to throw to.

Well, Odunze certainly helps. Whether it’s him or Malik Nabers, Odunze is considered the next-best pass catcher behind Harrison Jr.

7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT – Notre Dame

So here’s where Alt ends up within the first round of the NFL Draft. He’s been a popular selection around this section anyway.

The Titans get a good one though. Alt should be able to protect whoever is taking snaps behind center next season as a day-one starter and be a franchise piece for the next decade.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, OLB – Alabama

Dallas Turner was a menace for the Crimson Tide over the course of his college career. He seemingly just fits Atlanta right? He logged 10 sacks last year and 22.5 for his career and put up 32.5 tackles for loss.

Raheem Morris might hit a home run with this type of pick in the 2024 draft. Davis seems to think so as well. The Falcons could get an instant pass-rushing starter here. Kiper made no changes here. In fact, Turner has been pegged to Atlanta all offseason.

9. Chicago Bears: Jared Verse, DE – Florida State

Here’s a bit of a change as the Bears get their franchise quarterback with the first pick and then an elite pass rusher. Verse is an immediate plug and play for Chicago.

This team is steadoi;ly improving before our eyes at the most important position, across the defense and even getting some offensive weapons. Verse would be the latest addition for a fun, young and exciting team.

10. New York Jets: Brock Bowers, TE – Georgia

More weapons for the Jets! Bowers can do it all as a pass catcher and blocker and is an elite tight end prospect. Aaron Rodgers is going to have fun with this new weapon.

Bowers is as pro-ready as a prospect can get. At this point, it’d be a crime for him to fall out of the top 10 in this year’s draft.

Mel Kiper’s Picks No. 11 through 32

11. Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy, QB – Michigan
12. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix, QB – Oregon
13. Las Vegas Raiders: JC Latham, OT – Alabama
14. New Orleans Saints: Olu Fashanu, OT – Penn State
15. Indianapolis Colts: Quinyon Mitchell, CB – Toledo
16. Seattle Seahawks: Troy Fautanu, G – Washington
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: Terrion Arnold, CB – Alabama
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Taliese Fuaga, OT – Oregon State
19. Los Angeles Chargers: Byron Murphy II, DT – Texas
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Brian Thomas Jr., WR – LSU
21. Miami Dolphins: Graham Barton, OL – Duke
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Nate Wiggins, CB – Clemson
23. Minnesota Vikings: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
24. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Guyton, OT – Oklahoma
25. Green Bay Packers: Laiatu Latu, OLB – UCLA
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Xavier Worthy, WR – Texas
27. Arizona Cardinals: Chop Robinson, OLB – Penn State
28. Buffalo Bills: TJ Tampa, CB – Iowa State
29. Detroit Lions: Xavier Legette, WR – South Carolina
30. Baltimore Ravens: Amarius Mims, OT – Georgia
31. San Francisco 49ers: Roger Rosengarten, OT – Washington
32. Kansas City Chiefs: AD Mitchell, WR – Texas

With another updated mock in the books, we are that much closer to the actual draft in Detroit. It’s scheduled for April 25th through 27th.