We are about a week away from the NFL draft kicking off in the city of Detroit. A time of year where teams look to improve, or even change the course of their franchise for years to come. This draft class includes a lot of intriguing quarterback prospects with a lot of teams at the top of the draft board in need of one. Wide receiver will also be a hot position within the top ten amongst teams. Here’s my prediction on how the first round will shape out.
Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, Quarterback, USC
Caleb Williams has been the surefire number one pick since the season came to an end. The Bears will look to break a long drought without a franchise quarterback. Williams will enter an ideal situation with two premier receivers in D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen. This won’t be your typical rookie quarterback season, as the Bears are in “win now” mode and will be looking for Williams to be ready to go from the jump.
Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, Quarterback, LSU
The Commanders are in need of a quarterback and I like the fit of Jayden Daniels in Washington. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner has phenomenal arm talent and ball placement while being a major threat with his legs. Daniels skill set fits right in with Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsburys’ scheme. It could be similar to what he did with Kyler Murray when he coached the Arizona Cardinals.
New England Patriots: Drake Maye, Quarterback, North Carolina
The Patriots need a fresh start at the quarterback position after Mac Jones’ poor play the past couple of seasons. Drake Maye is a solid pocket passer who possesses great ball placement to his receivers. This team is far from win-now mode. I think it’s the perfect time for them to pick up a young quarterback and let him develop under veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
Trade: Denver Broncos via the Arizona Cardinals, J.J. McCarthey, Quarterback, Michigan
Amongst the NFL draft world, it’s a strong possibility the Cardinals trade the number four pick to a team that’s in need of a quarterback. I think that team ends up being the Denver Broncos. Head coach Sean Payton doesn’t have a starting caliber quarterback on his roster right now, and I think they will be aggressive and get their guy. J.J. McCarthy is a solid college quarterback and National Champion at Michigan. He’s a smooth passer in the pocket and can use his legs to escape pressure. Under Payton in Denver, he could turn out to be a solid quarterback for the Broncos.
Los Angeles Chargers: Marvin Harrison Jr., Wide receiver, Ohio State
Marvin Harrison has been the consensus top receiver in this draft class dating back to last year. He’s very dynamic and solid in contested catch situations. With the Chargers losing both of their top receivers this offseason in Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, it makes sense to pick Harrison here. Justin Herbert needs to throw the ball to somebody.
New York Giants: Rome Odunze, Wide receiver, Washington
The Giants have been struggling to find a true top wide receiver under quarterback Daniel Jones. Rome Odunze has the chance to fill that hole for them. He’s very strong in contested catch situations and overall has great playmaking ability. The Giants could end up going quarterback here, but I think they roll with Daniel Jones and Drew Lock going into the season.
Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, Offensive tackle, Notre Dame
I think the Titans continue to build their offensive line to protect second-year quarterback Will Levis. During the 2022 and 2023 season at Notre Dame, Joe Alt only allowed one sack. He’s considered by many the top tackle in this draft. He’s not the flashiest pick, but a safe one.
Atlanta Falcons: Laiatu Latu, Edge rusher, UCLA
The Falcons bolster their pass rush with one of the best edge rushers in the draft class. Laiatu Latu has a quick jump off the ball and great technique when going against opposing tackles. The Atlanta offense is set after signing veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, Latu will look to be the missing piece on defense for the Falcons.
Chicago Bears: Malik Nabers, Wide receiver, LSU
While the Bears already have two solid receivers in D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen, it doesn’t hurt to add more. Malik Nabers is super explosive and a dynamic playmaker wthe ball is in his hands. I see this more as a look into the future move for the Bears, as Allen only has one year left on his contract. If an extension doesn’t get done, Nabers can step in and perform.
New York Jets: Taliese Fuaga, Offensive tackle, Oregon State
With Aaron Rodgers coming back from a season ending injury, I think the Jets take no chances and make sure their star quarterback is protected. Taliese Fuaga is a smooth blocker in pass protection while also being a force in the run game. The Jets need to be all in on getting their offensive line right and Fuaga
