2024 NFL Mock Draft: Mel Kiper's First Round Picks

A sneak preview of the first 2024 NFL Mock Draft as Mel Kiper revealed his first round picks, along with their scouting reports

Although there are still two action-packed weekend of the NFL schedule with Championship Sunday and the Super Bowl still to come, it's time to get our first look at what the 2024 NFL Draft could look like as the most elite college football players are coming available for franchises to get a closer look at this offseason.

To that end, NFL Mock Drafter extraordinaire Mel Kiper, Jr. revealed his initial mock of the 2024 offseason. What do his selections look like as we come out of the Divisional Round? Here's your look at Kiper's first-round selections.

1. Bears

The pick: Caleb Williams, QB, USC

Kiper: "Taking Williams resets the Bears' quarterback clock, which matters in an age when having a quarterback on a rookie contract means teams can build a better roster around them."

Scouting report: "With his brilliant flair for the game, Williams embodies a lot of the things folks love about the modern quarterback. Whether he’s sidestepping pass rushers in the pocket, ripping a deep hole shot or pulling the ball down to convert with his legs, Williams has illustrated a level of versatility that surely will offer something for everyone." — Athlon

2. Commanders

The pick: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

Kiper: "The reigning Heisman Trophy winner improved so much in 2023, throwing 40 touchdown passes to just four interceptions while going up against a tough SEC schedule."

Scouting report: "The first thing that pops about Daniels is the physical attributes. From the arm strength, to the speed, to the short-area agility, this is a plus, plus athlete. He’s electric at times, and capable of making undisciplined defenders pay for their sins as both a rusher and passer. Defenses will need to be wary of playing man coverage on third-down pressure looks, or else run the risk of him breaking contain of the pocket and gaining huge yards." — Athlon

3. Patriots

The pick: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Kiper: "He's an outstanding deep-ball thrower in a 6-foot-4 frame. He takes care of the football and has some dual-threat ability. There's a ton to like in his potential."

Scouting report: "If you dig the long ball, grinding the tape on Maye should be your new favorite pastime. He offers easy gas, good touch vertically and has shown a very good ability to pace the football into holes against zone downfield. He routinely beats the safety on seams and go-routes on the outside. I have enjoyed the moments when he’s put throws on the back shoulder up the field when the windows get especially tight." — Athlon

4. Cardinals

The pick: Marvin Harrison, Jr., WR, Ohio State

Kiper: "Harrison is one of the best receiver prospects of the past decade, a 6-foot-4 speedster who can run every route and break tackles after the catch."

Scouting report: "Harrison Jr. dwarfs cornerbacks at the catch point and has made a slew of high-difficulty receptions on back shoulder throws and jump balls when his quarterback has needed to win with timing and ball placement. Those 50/50 balls aren’t 50/50 when you’re competing with Harrison Jr. Additionally, there’s an overwhelming combination of linear speed and short area agility that creates challenges for defenders who look to cap his routes or play him in phase from the hip." — Athlon

5. Chargers

The pick: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

Kiper: "Bowers... is spectacular after the catch... He had 26 touchdown catches over three college seasons, showing a stellar ability to stretch the seams."

Scouting report: "As a receiver, Bowers showcases very good ball tacking skills and the needed adjustments to contort himself to the football and high point opportunities above the rim. His hands are reliable and he does well to maximize his catch radius and win the catch point. Bowers will use his frame to bully defenders before the catch and then is capable of steamrolling defenders after the catch while also showing a surprising second gear to pull away in space." — Athlon

6. Giants

The pick: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

Kiper: "He's coming off an 89-catch, 1,569-yard season catching passes from Jayden Daniels, and he has a rare combination of speed and route-running ability."

Scouting report: "Nabers has skied for a number of throws above the rim, and utilized an impressive level of concentration and reach to snare the ball and high-point it away from his frame. He’s shown this ability on back-shoulder throws and vertical shots down the field." — Athlon

7. Titans

The pick: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

Kiper: "Alt was the definition of a stalwart on the left side of Notre Dame's line, where he started 33 games. He gave up just two sacks over the past two seasons."

Scouting report: "Alt offers consistent punch power, very good lateral mobility and can reset the line of scrimmage on runs downhill. He’s a mauler and his size and athleticism will swallow up smaller defenders. Heaven help those taking on a double team." — Athlon

8. Falcons

The pick: Dallas Turner, OLB, Alabama

Kiper: "This is a front seven that needs an injection of youth. With Turner, they'd get the best edge defender in this class, a 242-pound outside linebacker who had 22.5 sacks over three college seasons."

Scouting report: "The first-step quickness, especially out of a 2-point stance, will win him quite a few reps immediately on the edge. Turner has a natural fluidity that pairs with the twitch that allows him to flatten or flash and redirect on the edge, attacking the football based on the action of the backfield." — Athlon

9. Bears

The pick: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

Kiper: "Odunze had 92 catches for 1,640 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Huskies in 2023. He played out wide and inside and ran every route in the receiving tree."

Scouting report: "Odunze is a silky smooth vertical receiver who offers upside as a big play target down the field. You can’t help but appreciate his ability to track down the football in the air and adjust to the ball; which complements his long strides to create vertical separation." — Athlon

10. Jets

The pick: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State

Kiper: "Fashanu has the physical traits and footwork of an elite lineman... He allowed one sack in 21 career starts... Hasn't come close to reaching his ceiling."

Scouting report: "When he’s properly fit on his run blocks, he can offer a mauling presence and easy power to soften the edge and create push up front. As a pass protector, his feet are super nimble in protection and he is capable of mirroring in space and utilizing his length to strike early and create a stun punch on rushers." — Athlon

You can see Mel Kiper's full mock draft here.

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