This week’s first-round projections are concocted in the midst of March Madness, with the NCAA basketball tournament rolling through the first two rounds. This mock draft gets mad with no trades, even though several are bound to happen.
A handful of picks are unchanged, but there are also some pretty big shifts in the thinking with many of the projections. That includes the choice at No. 29 for Detroit.
As always, these projections represent choices the teams might make and not player rankings.
Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Not to be boring or repetitive, but this projection will not change between now and April 25th unless the Bears give us explicit reason to think otherwise.
Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
No change here either, as the Commanders still seemed poised to land the commander of the LSU offense and Heisman Trophy winner
New England Patriots: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Sure to be a polarizing choice, but McCarthy has only solidified himself as a top QB prospect. The Patriots kick off the post-Belichick era with a QB bang. I stripped out the trade from the last set of projections and came up with the same outcome.
Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Not working out at Ohio State’s pro day, after also skipping the scouitng combine, creates some drama around Harrison that probably doesn’t need to be there. It doesn’t change his dominant, complete game tape that sets Harrison apart from any wideout prospect since Calvin Johnson.
Los Angeles Chargers: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
The first change comes in part because the Chargers have also changed. Nabers can help fill the hole left by the departures of Mike Williams and Keenan Allen as the primary playmaker for Justin Herbert.
New York Giants: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Eschewing trades-and I do think Minnesota is trading up to land Maye-changes the Giants’ dynamic here. Adding Maye as Daniel Jones’ replacement would make for a fun time for those who cover the team.
Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
The Titans traded for CB L’Jarius Sneed, and that shifts the need focus back to the offensive line. New OL coach Bill Callahan landing the high-end Alt is something Titans fans should relish.
Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Turner’s increased bulk at Alabama’s pro day likely solidified him as the first defensive player off the board. He’d make an excellent fit for the Falcons, who need to amp up the pass rush.
Chicago Bears: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Another pick that doesn’t change from last week’s edition, in part because the Bears added WR Keenan Allen since then. Bowers can function as a tight end, a slot, a big wideout, an h-back, you name it.
New York Jets: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Odunze could be too talented to pass up for the Jets, even after adding Mike Williams to the wideout mix.
Minnesota Vikings: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Verse adds some length and youthful energy to the Vikings’ rebuilding defensive front. If they don’t trade up for a quarterback, of course…
Denver Broncos: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
The talented Mitchell might be too good for the Broncos to bypass here, even if they might have bigger needs.
Las Vegas Raiders: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Fuaga can start right away for a Raiders line that has to add multiple players to flesh out the depth chart. His pass protection might be the best in the draft on the right side.
New Orleans Saints: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Coleman brings a widebodied presence to the receiving corps with some big-play potential. He got the nod over a couple of different offensive linemen here.
Indianapolis Colts: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Unless the Colts can add a legit starting CB between now and the draft, they desperately need a corner upgrade. That’s Arnold, a high-end prospect with scheme versatility. No change from the last mock.
Seattle Seahawks: Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
The versatile Fautanu has starting potential at multiple spots, helping build up one of the NFL’s most promising young offensive lines.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
Robinson was a pressure creation machine in college and has the athletic profile to do it in the NFL, too. He brings a different kind of pass rush dynamic to the Jaguars defense.
Cincinnati Bengals: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
The biggest question here isn’t whether the Bengals will go offensive line; it’s which one they choose. In this scenario, the behemoth Latham can erase pass rushers. This is another pick that doesn’t change.
Los Angeles Rams: Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri
Robinson is one of those players that the NFL seems higher on than the draft media. He’s a promising fit for a Rams pass rush that needs a new way after Aaron Donald retired.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Brian Thomas, WR, LSU
The new-look quarterback room needs more size and reliability at receiver, and Thomas can handle that quite well.
Miami Dolphins: Byron Murphy, DT, Texas
The Dolphins signed two Lions castoffs last week and both project to get heavy minutes. That’s a spot where Murphy can step right in atop the depth chart and make a positive impact.
Philadelphia Eagles: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
With the Eagles, it’s safe to expect either a trade or a player who won’t be asked to do much as a rookie. Since there are no trades in this one, the nod goes to Fashanu. He’s a high-end athlete who could develop into a very good NFL starter for the Eagles down the line.
Minnesota Vikings: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
After passing at QB with their first pick, the Vikings land on the experienced, accurate Nix as the successor to Kirk Cousins.
Green Bay Packers: Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois
Newton brings an instant upgrade to the interior pass rush and overall team tenacity to a Packers team that doesn’t have any real starting opportunities open in ’24
Dallas Cowboys: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
You’re welcome, Cowboys fans…
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Graham Barton, OL, Duke
Barton can play any spot on the line, including a left guard spot that could use instant upgrading. High-ceiling, high-floor talent can help stabilize the emerging Bucs offensive line.
Arizona Cardinals: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
The Cardinals are in the process of overhauling their entire defensive front, and adding a polished, NFL-ready rusher like Latu can provide some stability and long-term promise. Another pick that has not changed from the last projection.
Buffalo Bills: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
The Bills are in a good position to determine whether the talented DeJean is better at safety or cornerback, as they have needs at either spot.
Detroit Lions: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
With Alabama’s pro day and McKinstry’s impressive performance in front of Lions GM Brad Holmes fresh on the mind, the playmaking cornerback earns the pick this time. It’s always tough to not choose Cooper Beebe…
Baltimore Ravens: MIke Sainristil, CB, Michigan
The Ravens are always good at drafting football players who happen to be really good athletes. That’s Sainristil, who showed at Michigan’s pro day he might be one of the best slot receivers in this draft aside from being a ready-made starting slot corner.
San Francisco 49ers: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Wiggins adds speed and youthful energy to a Niners secondary that is in need of both.
Kansas City Chiefs: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Mims could be the best tackle in this draft class in three years. That tantalizing upside will be hard for the OT-challenged world champs to pass with the final pick of the first round.
Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Not to be boring or repetitive, but this projection will not change between now and April 25th unless the Bears give us explicit reason to think otherwise.
Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
No change here either, as the Commanders still seemed poised to land the commander of the LSU offense and Heisman Trophy winner
New England Patriots: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Sure to be a polarizing choice, but McCarthy has only solidified himself as a top QB prospect. The Patriots kick off the post-Belichick era with a QB bang. I stripped out the trade from the last set of projections and came up with the same outcome.
Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Not working out at Ohio State’s pro day, after also skipping the scouitng combine, creates some drama around Harrison that probably doesn’t need to be there. It doesn’t change his dominant, complete game tape that sets Harrison apart from any wideout prospect since Calvin Johnson.
Los Angeles Chargers: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
The first change comes in part because the Chargers have also changed. Nabers can help fill the hole left by the departures of Mike Williams and Keenan Allen as the primary playmaker for Justin Herbert.
New York Giants: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Eschewing trades-and I do think Minnesota is trading up to land Maye-changes the Giants’ dynamic here. Adding Maye as Daniel Jones’ replacement would make for a fun time for those who cover the team.
Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
The Titans traded for CB L’Jarius Sneed, and that shifts the need focus back to the offensive line. New OL coach Bill Callahan landing the high-end Alt is something Titans fans should relish.
Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Turner’s increased bulk at Alabama’s pro day likely solidified him as the first defensive player off the board. He’d make an excellent fit for the Falcons, who need to amp up the pass rush.
Chicago Bears: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Another pick that doesn’t change from last week’s edition, in part because the Bears added WR Keenan Allen since then. Bowers can function as a tight end, a slot, a big wideout, an h-back, you name it.
New York Jets: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Odunze could be too talented to pass up for the Jets, even after adding Mike Williams to the wideout mix.
Minnesota Vikings: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Verse adds some length and youthful energy to the Vikings’ rebuilding defensive front. If they don’t trade up for a quarterback, of course…
Denver Broncos: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
The talented Mitchell might be too good for the Broncos to bypass here, even if they might have bigger needs.
Las Vegas Raiders: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Fuaga can start right away for a Raiders line that has to add multiple players to flesh out the depth chart. His pass protection might be the best in the draft on the right side.
New Orleans Saints: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Coleman brings a widebodied presence to the receiving corps with some big-play potential. He got the nod over a couple of different offensive linemen here.
Indianapolis Colts: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Unless the Colts can add a legit starting CB between now and the draft, they desperately need a corner upgrade. That’s Arnold, a high-end prospect with scheme versatility. No change from the last mock.
Seattle Seahawks: Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
The versatile Fautanu has starting potential at multiple spots, helping build up one of the NFL’s most promising young offensive lines.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
Robinson was a pressure creation machine in college and has the athletic profile to do it in the NFL, too. He brings a different kind of pass rush dynamic to the Jaguars defense.
Cincinnati Bengals: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
The biggest question here isn’t whether the Bengals will go offensive line; it’s which one they choose. In this scenario, the behemoth Latham can erase pass rushers. This is another pick that doesn’t change.
Los Angeles Rams: Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri
Robinson is one of those players that the NFL seems higher on than the draft media. He’s a promising fit for a Rams pass rush that needs a new way after Aaron Donald retired.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Brian Thomas, WR, LSU
The new-look quarterback room needs more size and reliability at receiver, and Thomas can handle that quite well.
Miami Dolphins: Byron Murphy, DT, Texas
The Dolphins signed two Lions castoffs last week and both project to get heavy minutes. That’s a spot where Murphy can step right in atop the depth chart and make a positive impact.
Philadelphia Eagles: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
With the Eagles, it’s safe to expect either a trade or a player who won’t be asked to do much as a rookie. Since there are no trades in this one, the nod goes to Fashanu. He’s a high-end athlete who could develop into a very good NFL starter for the Eagles down the line.
Minnesota Vikings: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
After passing at QB with their first pick, the Vikings land on the experienced, accurate Nix as the successor to Kirk Cousins.
Green Bay Packers: Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois
Newton brings an instant upgrade to the interior pass rush and overall team tenacity to a Packers team that doesn’t have any real starting opportunities open in ’24
Dallas Cowboys: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
You’re welcome, Cowboys fans…
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Graham Barton, OL, Duke
Barton can play any spot on the line, including a left guard spot that could use instant upgrading. High-ceiling, high-floor talent can help stabilize the emerging Bucs offensive line.
Arizona Cardinals: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
The Cardinals are in the process of overhauling their entire defensive front, and adding a polished, NFL-ready rusher like Latu can provide some stability and long-term promise. Another pick that has not changed from the last projection.
Buffalo Bills: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
The Bills are in a good position to determine whether the talented DeJean is better at safety or cornerback, as they have needs at either spot.
Detroit Lions: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
With Alabama’s pro day and McKinstry’s impressive performance in front of Lions GM Brad Holmes fresh on the mind, the playmaking cornerback earns the pick this time. It’s always tough to not choose Cooper Beebe…
Baltimore Ravens: MIke Sainristil, CB, Michigan
The Ravens are always good at drafting football players who happen to be really good athletes. That’s Sainristil, who showed at Michigan’s pro day he might be one of the best slot receivers in this draft aside from being a ready-made starting slot corner.
San Francisco 49ers: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Wiggins adds speed and youthful energy to a Niners secondary that is in need of both.
Kansas City Chiefs: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Mims could be the best tackle in this draft class in three years. That tantalizing upside will be hard for the OT-challenged world champs to pass with the final pick of the first round.
Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Not to be boring or repetitive, but this projection will not change between now and April 25th unless the Bears give us explicit reason to think otherwise.
Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
No change here either, as the Commanders still seemed poised to land the commander of the LSU offense and Heisman Trophy winner
New England Patriots: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Sure to be a polarizing choice, but McCarthy has only solidified himself as a top QB prospect. The Patriots kick off the post-Belichick era with a QB bang. I stripped out the trade from the last set of projections and came up with the same outcome.
Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Not working out at Ohio State’s pro day, after also skipping the scouitng combine, creates some drama around Harrison that probably doesn’t need to be there. It doesn’t change his dominant, complete game tape that sets Harrison apart from any wideout prospect since Calvin Johnson.
Los Angeles Chargers: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
The first change comes in part because the Chargers have also changed. Nabers can help fill the hole left by the departures of Mike Williams and Keenan Allen as the primary playmaker for Justin Herbert.
New York Giants: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Eschewing trades-and I do think Minnesota is trading up to land Maye-changes the Giants’ dynamic here. Adding Maye as Daniel Jones’ replacement would make for a fun time for those who cover the team.
Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
The Titans traded for CB L’Jarius Sneed, and that shifts the need focus back to the offensive line. New OL coach Bill Callahan landing the high-end Alt is something Titans fans should relish.
Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Turner’s increased bulk at Alabama’s pro day likely solidified him as the first defensive player off the board. He’d make an excellent fit for the Falcons, who need to amp up the pass rush.
Chicago Bears: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Another pick that doesn’t change from last week’s edition, in part because the Bears added WR Keenan Allen since then. Bowers can function as a tight end, a slot, a big wideout, an h-back, you name it.
New York Jets: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Odunze could be too talented to pass up for the Jets, even after adding Mike Williams to the wideout mix.
Minnesota Vikings: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
Verse adds some length and youthful energy to the Vikings’ rebuilding defensive front. If they don’t trade up for a quarterback, of course…
Denver Broncos: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
The talented Mitchell might be too good for the Broncos to bypass here, even if they might have bigger needs.
Las Vegas Raiders: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Fuaga can start right away for a Raiders line that has to add multiple players to flesh out the depth chart. His pass protection might be the best in the draft on the right side.
New Orleans Saints: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
Coleman brings a widebodied presence to the receiving corps with some big-play potential. He got the nod over a couple of different offensive linemen here.
Indianapolis Colts: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Unless the Colts can add a legit starting CB between now and the draft, they desperately need a corner upgrade. That’s Arnold, a high-end prospect with scheme versatility. No change from the last mock.
Seattle Seahawks: Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
The versatile Fautanu has starting potential at multiple spots, helping build up one of the NFL’s most promising young offensive lines.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
Robinson was a pressure creation machine in college and has the athletic profile to do it in the NFL, too. He brings a different kind of pass rush dynamic to the Jaguars defense.
Cincinnati Bengals: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
The biggest question here isn’t whether the Bengals will go offensive line; it’s which one they choose. In this scenario, the behemoth Latham can erase pass rushers. This is another pick that doesn’t change.
Los Angeles Rams: Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri
Robinson is one of those players that the NFL seems higher on than the draft media. He’s a promising fit for a Rams pass rush that needs a new way after Aaron Donald retired.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Brian Thomas, WR, LSU
The new-look quarterback room needs more size and reliability at receiver, and Thomas can handle that quite well.
Miami Dolphins: Byron Murphy, DT, Texas
The Dolphins signed two Lions castoffs last week and both project to get heavy minutes. That’s a spot where Murphy can step right in atop the depth chart and make a positive impact.
Philadelphia Eagles: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
With the Eagles, it’s safe to expect either a trade or a player who won’t be asked to do much as a rookie. Since there are no trades in this one, the nod goes to Fashanu. He’s a high-end athlete who could develop into a very good NFL starter for the Eagles down the line.
Minnesota Vikings: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
After passing at QB with their first pick, the Vikings land on the experienced, accurate Nix as the successor to Kirk Cousins.
Green Bay Packers: Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois
Newton brings an instant upgrade to the interior pass rush and overall team tenacity to a Packers team that doesn’t have any real starting opportunities open in ’24
Dallas Cowboys: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
You’re welcome, Cowboys fans…
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Graham Barton, OL, Duke
Barton can play any spot on the line, including a left guard spot that could use instant upgrading. High-ceiling, high-floor talent can help stabilize the emerging Bucs offensive line.
Arizona Cardinals: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA
The Cardinals are in the process of overhauling their entire defensive front, and adding a polished, NFL-ready rusher like Latu can provide some stability and long-term promise. Another pick that has not changed from the last projection.
Buffalo Bills: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
The Bills are in a good position to determine whether the talented DeJean is better at safety or cornerback, as they have needs at either spot.
Detroit Lions: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
With Alabama’s pro day and McKinstry’s impressive performance in front of Lions GM Brad Holmes fresh on the mind, the playmaking cornerback earns the pick this time. It’s always tough to not choose Cooper Beebe…
Baltimore Ravens: MIke Sainristil, CB, Michigan
The Ravens are always good at drafting football players who happen to be really good athletes. That’s Sainristil, who showed at Michigan’s pro day he might be one of the best slot receivers in this draft aside from being a ready-made starting slot corner.
San Francisco 49ers: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Wiggins adds speed and youthful energy to a Niners secondary that is in need of both.
Kansas City Chiefs: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Mims could be the best tackle in this draft class in three years. That tantalizing upside will be hard for the OT-challenged world champs to pass with the final pick of the first round.