PFF releases updated 2024 NFL Mock Draft after Week 1 of college football

Pro Football Focus has released their updated 2024 NFL Mock Draft following an exciting Week 1 of college football.

While the top picks remains the same, and likely will throughout the entire season, it’ll be fascinating to watch the movement throughout the rest of the draft board. Caleb Williams is the top player in all of the sport, but the team that secures his services remains to be seen, as the NFL season is also getting underway this weekend.

Alas, much can change from now until April 2024. Nevertheless, Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus tried his hand at predicting the first round as it stands at the moment.

1. Arizona Cardinals: Caleb Williams (QB) | USC Trojans

Of course, it’s none other than Caleb Williams leading the charge at first overall. While the Cardinals have Kyler Murray at quarterback, they’d be foolish to pass up on the reigning Heisman winner’s services.

Entering the NFL, Williams figures to be one of the most lauded prospects in recent memory. He’s drawn comparisons to Patrick Mahomes, and could be a bonafide star in no time.

2. Arizona Cardinals (via Houston Texans): Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR) | Ohio State Buckeyes

This would be a dream scenario for the Cardinals, pairing the best quarterback in the draft with the best wide receiver in the draft. If Arizona can land both Williams and Harrison Jr., they’ll have fast-tracked their rebuild in grand fashion.

In the long line of Ohio State wide receivers who became top draft picks, Harrison Jr. looks to be the best of the bunch. He’d have a strong case to go first overall if not for Williams, but Arizona would gladly turn his card in at No. 2.

3. Indianapolis Colts: Olu Fashanu (OT) | Penn State Nittany Lions

After nabbing their franchise quarterback in 2023 with Anthony Richardson, it’s time to protect him moving forward. That’s why the Colts would looked towards Fashanu in 2024.

A steady climber throughout his collegiate career, the Penn State offensive lineman figures to be a stalwart at offensive tackle for a team in the NFL. Indianapolis won’t miss their chance to bring him to their franchise.

4. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt (OT) | Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Much like their AFC South rival, the Titans will need to protect their hopeful franchise quarterback in Will Levis. Their offensive line has gone through immense change over the last couple of seasons, but Alt would be an anchor.

He has a strong case to be the first offensive lineman taken, but Tennessee would be elated to get him in this position. As the AFC South rebuilds, the Titans would get a stud protecting their quarterback.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Drake Maye (QB) | North Carolina Tar Heels

When Tom Brady retired, no plan at quarterback was left in place for Tampa Bay. Faced with much uncertainty, it’s Baker Mayfield who’s taking the reigns for the Buccaneers.

If history tells us anything, it won’t be enough to stop Tampa Bay from looking quarterback in 2024. Drake Maye would be a home run for them, as many believe he could challenge Williams for the No. 1 pick if he has a Heisman-caliber season.

6. Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse (EDGE) | Florida State Seminoles

The Rams are looking to get back to the upper-echelon of NFL squads, and pairing Verse with Aaron Donald could propel them there. It hasn’t been pretty since winning the Super Bowl, but it may be worth it to land a stud like the Florida State defensive lineman.

Since joining the Seminoles, all Verse has done is become one of, if not the best pass rushers in the entire sport. In a tough NFC West, he would be just what Los Angeles needs to get back to the top.

7. Las Vegas Raiders: Bo Nix (QB) | Oregon Ducks

Many thought the Raiders would go quarterback last season, but Las Vegas opted to give Jimmy Garoppolo a chance to lead their franchise. If they’re picking this high in 2024, the experiment would’ve failed, and they’re fair to go with a quarterback.

Since joining Oregon, Nix has rebuilt his reputation completely. Many have pegged him as a Heisman candidate, and an 81-7 victory in Week 1 has only added fuel to the fire.

8. Chicago Bears: Laiatu Latu (EDGE) | UCLA Bruins

Last season, the Bears could’ve gone with a quarterback, but opted to take the draft haul and move backwards. Not many are expecting them to compete in 2023, but their foundation could begin to come together.

Adding Latu to the mix in the 2024 NFL Draft would be a home run. Since transferring to UCLA, he’s become arguably the best defender in the Pac-12, and will make some team very happy come time to go professional.

9. Washington Commanders: Brock Bowers (TE) | Georgia Bulldogs

Evidently, PFF believes Sam Howell will work out for the Commanders, as Washington will give him another weapon in the best tight end available. Bowers will give Kyle Pitts a run for his money, but PFF has him slotted going five slots below the former Florida star tight end.

Nevertheless, Bowers would be an instant star in the Washington offense. The Commanders have talent at the skill positions, so the middle of the field would be more than open for the Bulldogs pass-catcher.

10. Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix Jr. (QB) | Washington Huskies

Another quarterback goes in the top ten, with the Falcons selecting Penix Jr. out of Washington. Evidently, PFF doesn’t believe Desmond Ridder will do enough to solidify his spot in Atlanta moving forward.

While that’ll be disappointing to hear for Falcons fans in 2023, Penix is no small consolation prize. The Huskies quarterback is an exhilarating player to watch, and could be the next great dual-threat quarterback in the NFL.

PFF Updated 2024 NFL Mock Draft — Picks 11-32:

11. Green Bay Packers: Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB) | Alabama Crimson Tide
12. New England Patriots: Malik Nabers (WR) | LSU Tigers
13. Minnesota Vikings: Kalen King (CB) | Penn State Nittany Lions
14. Chicago Bears: Leonard Taylor III (DT) | Miami Hurricanes
15. Denver Broncos: Barrett Carter (LB) | Clemson Tigers
16. Houston Texans (via Cleveland Browns): Keon Coleman (WR) | Florida State Seminoles
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Cooper DeJean (DB) | Iowa Hawkeyes
18. New York Giants: Emeka Egbuka (WR) | Ohio State Buckeyes
19. New Orleans Saints: Chop Robinson (EDGE) | Penn State Nittany Lions
20. Seattle Seahawks: Jer’Zhan Newton (DL) | Illinois Fighting Illini
21. Jacksonville Jaguars: Graham Barton (OT) | Duke Blue Devils
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Kris Jenkins Jr. (DL) | Michigan Wolverines
23. Miami Dolphins: JC Latham (OT) | Alabama Crimson Tide
24. Detroit Lions: Bralen Trice (EDGE) | Washington Huskies
25. Baltimore Ravens: Amarius Mims (OT) | Georgia Bulldogs
26. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Morgan (OT) | Arizona Wildcats
27. Dallas Cowboys: Kamren Kinchens (S) | Miami Hurricanes
28. Buffalo Bills: Dallas Turner (EDGE) | Alabama Crimson Tide
29. San Francisco 49ers: Tyler Nubin (S) | Minnesota Golden Gophers
30. Cincinnati Bengals: Ja’Tavion Sanders (TE) | Texas Longhorns
31. Philadelphia Eagles: Maason Smith (DT) | LSU Tigers
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Adonai Mitchell (WR) | Texas Longhorns

As you can see, there’s a wealth of impressive talent that’ll be ripe for the choosing come April 2024. Which NFL teams are in the best position to draft them remains to be seen, but the best of the best in college football are already staking their claim.