Mel Kiper releases mock draft 2.0, predictions for all 32 first round picks

ESPN’s Mel Kiper released his NFL Mock Draft 2.0 with some changes and predictions for all 32 first round picks in the 2024 draft.

There are some things that are the same of course, but he changed up some of the order and others teams get new players. Throw 1.0 into the garbage and get ready for a new mock draft!

Let’s dive into Kiper’s brand spanking new Mock Draft 2.0 as get ready to turn the calendar to March.

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.

With this selection, gone is former first round pick Justin Fields and in comes Williams. It’s hard to envision a scenario where this doesn’t happen at this point. Kiper’s had this one since his mocks became official for the 2024 draft.

2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB – LSU

Kiper is sticking to his guns here and putting Daniels in the QB2 spot in this draft. The Heisman Trophy winner will be the new face of the Washington Commanders. Or heck, if they’re renamed, again, to the Washington (insert nickname).

Daniels is a true dual threat and only got better as he progressed in college. If this happens, the dual-threat gets a chance to work with Kliff Kingsbury. He didn’t work out as a head coach but he’s got quite the creative offensive mind.

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

The next quarterback off the board is Maye. He was the QB2 for so long, but Daniels’ breakout year pushed him above the Tar Heels signal caller. There are some who love this QB and others who say it’s a whole lot of smoke and mirrors. We shall see.

It seems like the Patriots need a reset at QB and Maye is the guy to do it. New head coach Jarod Mayo will usher in a new era in New England and Maye is the prototypical guy to build around for years to come.

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

Harrison Jr. is by far the best wide receiver in this class. If the Cardinals stick with Kyler Murray, which according to their Twitter account they will, and don’t attempt to get one of the top QBs in this draft, Harrison Jr. is an obvious pick.

You have to give Murray a legitimate No. 1 pass catcher. Harrison Jr. could turn into one of the best playmakers in the league right away.

5. Los Angeles Chargers: JC Latham, OT – Alabama

Our first big change of Kiper’s mock draft this time around. Kiper moved Latham up to the top tackle in the class!

There’s been tons of conversation about Joe Alt or Olu Fashanu, but Latham skyrocketed up the board now. He’lll be needed for protection of Justin Herbert and this is a logical first pick for Jim Harbaugh.

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

Speaking of wide receivers, Odunze is the next man up and the Giants got him. Regardless of who’s under center for the Giants next year, they need a top-end wide receiver.

Odunze could start right away and make an impact. He aided Michael Penix Jr. to new heights with the Huskies and can run every single route. It’s tough to say no to back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons including 1,640 last year with 13 touchdowns.

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.
This time though, he’s the second offensive tackle off the board but the Titans get a good one. Whoever is taking snaps behind center next season, Alt should be able to protect him as a day one starter.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, EDGE – 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. Kiper seems to think so as well. The Falcons could get an instant pass-rushing starter here.

9. Chicago Bears: Malik Nabers, WR – LSU

The Bears get a quarterback and now they get a wide receiver within the first 10 picks. It’s a pretty good haul on paper isn’t it?

Nabers was part of an explosive LSU offense in 2023 led by Daniels. But Nabers was one of his favorite targets and he certainly made opposing defensive backs look pretty silly.

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

Here is a bit of a change in this mock draft as Kiper teased this during his mini mock draft earlier this week. Rather than drafting an offensive lineman to project Aaron Rodgers, Kiper likes the Jets to take Bowers.

Bowers is the best tight end in the class and it’s not even close. In fact, he’s one of the best weapons in the entire draft class. It would bring quite the excitement to the Jets’ offense, but they’ll still need to protect Rodgers.

Mel Kiper Mock Draft 2.0 picks No. 11 through 32

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

The NFL Draft is scheduled for April 25th through 27th in Detroit. Fans can attend in person or watch live on ESPN.