The 2023 college football season kicks off this weekend with Week 0 action, but NFL scouts have already been working ahead on the 2024 draft class prospect list for months. Quarterbacks Caleb Williams (USC) and Drake Maye (North Carolina) headline a loaded group, and this could be one of the deepest offensive tackle classes in quite some time. There are plenty of high-end defenders and elite receivers at the top of the board, too.
How might Round 1 look by next April? I'm making an early prediction of all 32 first-round picks with my preseason mock draft. ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) projected the draft order, which starts with the Cardinals with the No. 1 pick.
Three teams have already traded their Day 1 selections, and I worked off the assumption the Jets will end up with the Packers' pick, too, based on conditions in the Aaron Rodgers deal. Here's how I see Round 1 at this point in the process:
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Reid's summer mock draft
1. Arizona Cardinals
Caleb Williams, QB, USC
If the Cardinals do end up at No. 1 -- which ESPN's FPI predicts -- that means things didn't go well for them this season. This is the worst roster in the NFL on paper, and the team is breaking in a new general manager and coach. There would of course be conversations about trading the pick for a massive bounty, given Kyler Murray is already in Arizona. But I could also see the Cards drafting Williams and trading Murray, especially if the 2019 top pick struggles in his return from a torn ACL in his right knee. It might be difficult with Murray's big contract, but if Arizona bottoms out this season, the new regime could opt to make a change.
Williams has already been called a generational prospect and the next Patrick Mahomes by some scouts. He finished fifth in the country in Total QBR last season (87.6), and no one threw more touchdown passes than his 42. Williams' dual-threat ability, creativity in and out of the pocket and 6-foot-1, 215-pound frame make him a natural fit with the rebuilding Cardinals -- as long as he actually does leave school early to declare for the draft.
2. Arizona Cardinals (via HOU)
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Thanks to the draft day trade with the Texans, the Cardinals could have a pair of early first-round picks next April -- and in this case, the first two on the board. It would allow the Cardinals to execute a massive offensive rebuild by following up the Caleb Williams pick with the best wide receiver prospect since Calvin Johnson (2007).
Harrison is 6-4, shows savvy and smooth route running, and is excellent at tracking and attacking the ball. He'd be the Cardinals' No. 1 receiver from the second he puts on a jersey, and the trio of Williams, Harrison and 2023 first-round tackle Paris Johnson Jr. would give Arizona solid young players at the three most important offensive positions. Harrison hauled in 77 balls for 1,263 yards and 14 TDs last season.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
If the Buccaneers are selecting in the top five next April, neither Baker Mayfield nor Kyle Trask did enough to cement the QB1 job long term. Given the low investment made in both of them, it stands to reason Tampa Bay would move on if given the chance to draft a premier prospect. Maye is built like Justin Herbert at 6-4 and 230 pounds and has high-end downfield passing ability and pocket mobility. He broke out in his first season as a starter for the Tar Heels in 2022, throwing 38 touchdown passes to seven interceptions.
Emeka Egbuka finds himself wide open on the play-action and C.J. Stroud passes to him with ease.
4. Indianapolis Colts
Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
With a young franchise quarterback already on roster (Anthony Richardson), the Colts would have tough decisions to make in the top five. This could be a trade back spot for a team trying to come up for the class' QB3, or the Colts could look to upgrade at left tackle if Bernhard Raimann doesn't develop in Year 2. But don't count out improving the pass rush. The Colts have thrown money and draft picks at pass-rushers but to date don't have a marquee player on the edge of the defense.
Turner has the first-step quickness and power to change that. The 6-4, 242-pound junior had four sacks in 2022 and is poised for a breakout. In fact, an area scout says Turner might be even better than former teammate Will Anderson Jr. as a draft prospect: "Turner has better length, he's taller, and he'll fill out his frame better."
5. Los Angeles Rams
Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Andrew Whitworth retiring is among the chief reasons the Rams struggled last season, but a top-five selection would provide a chance to address the left side of the offensive line. An evaluator from an AFC team with over 10 years of NFL experience told me this is the deepest tackle group he can remember, and Fashanu is graded as OT1 right now, showing great mobility and quickness. A first-year starter in 2022, Fashanu allowed zero sacks and just two pressures.
Yes, the Rams could try to position for one of the top quarterbacks, but fixing the left tackle spot with Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp still having solid years ahead of them makes the most sense for a long-term team build.
6. Tennessee Titans
Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State
The Titans have two young quarterbacks on the roster behind Ryan Tannehill in Will Levis and Malik Willis, so it's unlikely the front office would draft another, even with a top-10 pick. Instead, they could address the defensive line. Verse would likely have been a top-15 draft pick had he entered the 2023 draft; he returns for his senior season as one of the top defenders in the nation. His nine sacks and 31 pressures last season put him on the map, and at 6-4 and 260 pounds, he has the ideal build to play in coach Mike Vrabel's scheme.
7. Green Bay Packers
Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
We can assume based on the Packers' drafting history that this pick won't be a wide receiver, and we still don't know what they have in Jordan Love at quarterback. Regardless, this roster is in need of some level of rebuild, notably along the offensive line. Left tackle David Bakhtiari turns 32 this season and has just two years left on his contract. Alt could slide in perfectly given his experience in a pro-style offense at Notre Dame. He surrendered just one sack and five pressures last season, and at 6-8, 320 pounds, the 20-year-old could bring power to the Green Bay offense.
8. Washington Commanders
Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
The Commanders named second-year quarterback Sam Howell as their starter, but they also have a new owner and uncertainty surrounding the future of the front office and coaching staff. Howell showed promise in his one start in 2022 and could play his way into the job long-term. But Ewers, one of the highest-rated prep recruits of the past decade, has fantastic all-around ability at 6-2 and 200 pounds.
He missed a month of his 2022 season with a shoulder injury and has been uneven at times (15 touchdown passes to six interceptions last season), but he flashed command, accuracy and second-effort ability outside the pocket. Will he now take the next step under Steve Sarkisian and elevate the Texas program back to greatness before potentially being an answer under center for Washington?
9. Las Vegas Raiders
Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Like the Commanders, the Raiders are entering a pivotal year for the front office and coaching staff, and a disappointing season could turn into a teardown. Maybe they look for a quarterback if Jimmy Garoppolo doesn't meet expectations and/or preseason standout Aidan O'Connell, a rookie fourth-rounder, isn't seen as the long-term answer. But cornerback remains a weakness, as the franchise has been plagued with poor decisions on draft weekend at the position.
McKinstry is a smooth cover man with explosive closing speed when coming down to the ball. His 6-1, 195-pound frame allows him to lock down all types of receivers. And while he has just two interceptions over 27 games, McKinstry had 14 pass breakups last season alone. His combination of playmaking ability and length have him nearly cemented into the CB1 spot before the college season even starts.
10. Chicago Bears (via CAR)
JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State
This selection is part of the package the Panthers sent to Chicago for this year's No. 1 overall pick, and the Bears can use it to bolster the defensive line. They used Day 2 picks on defensive tackles Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens in April but still need help on the outside. They had only 20 sacks last season, last in the NFL.
At 6-4 and 270 pounds, Tuimoloau had 3.5 sacks, 27 pressures and two interceptions in his breakout 2022 season. "He doesn't look like [Nick or Joey] Bosa or Chase Young," said an area scout from an NFC team who has seen the best Big Ten pass-rushers of the past 15 years, "but he's the most talented defensive end [from that program] since those guys left Ohio State."
11. Chicago Bears
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
The Bears -- picking back to back here -- have DJ Moore, Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool at wide receiver, but a continuous effort to surround Justin Fields with more talent makes sense. Egbuka hauled in 74 passes last season while often being the No. 2 option behind Marvin Harrison Jr., but he showed in the College Football Playoff loss to Georgia (eight catches for 112 yards and a TD) that he can be a No. 1 option for most teams. He dropped just five passes on 105 targets all season and is a smooth-breaking route runner with explosive after-the-catch ability and power on a 6-1, 205-pound frame.
"He's good, not great," said an AFC area scout, "but he will be a really good NFL wide receiver because he does all the little things right and will only get better with time."
Check out some of the best touchdowns thrown by Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy.
12. New England Patriots
Patrick Paul, OT, Houston
The Patriots have taken a Band-Aid approach at offensive tackle in recent seasons, but considering how great the 2024 class appears, that should come to an end. Paul is an easy mover at left tackle despite a 6-7, 315-pound frame. He's able to pull and work in the screen game, and he still has the strength to absorb bull rushers at the line of scrimmage. I see ideal length, power and agility for a modern left tackle, and while Paul is still an emerging player who must work on his pad height and body lean, his potential is fantastic and could be harnessed in New England as he becomes a fixture on the blindside. Paul gave up just one sack in 2022, and that pass-protecting skill set should help quarterback Mac Jones.
13. Atlanta Falcons
Maason Smith, DT, LSU
Go back to the 2021 season, and you'll see Smith wrecking SEC offensive linemen en route to a four-sack, 12-pressure season -- as a true freshman acclimating to elite college football play. Smith tore his left ACL halfway into the first game of the 2022 season, and he should take a big step forward as a junior. The 6-6, 310-pounder has the length, power and three-down skills of a 3-4 defensive end, along with the mobility to be an impact pass-rusher.
"He jumps off the tape, and you see it at practice, too," one NFC scout said. "He has legitimate top-10 potential." Smith would be a building block for the Falcons' defense, which recorded a sack on 3.5% of opponent dropbacks last season (last in the NFL). Smith, however, won't play in the Tigers' opening game against Florida State, a source told ESPN's Pete Thamel on Wednesday.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers
JC Latham, OT, Alabama
The Steelers used a first-round pick in April on left tackle Broderick Jones to build up the offensive line, and they can finish the job in 2024 by drafting the best right tackle in college football. Latham has fantastic power at the point of attack and easily kicks out defensive ends and linebackers in space thanks to excellent agility and balance. The 6-6, 334-pounder is a premier run-blocker, but he'd also help keep Kenny Pickett upright long enough to deliver the ball to a host of targets.
15. New York Giants
Kalen King, CB, Penn State
The Giants had one of my favorite drafts in 2023, picking cornerback Deonte Banks (Round 1), center John Michael Schmitz Jr. (Round 2) and wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (Round 3). And the G-Men would be off to a great start in 2024 with this selection on Day 1. King opposite Banks would give New York two corners with good size, great speed and plenty of playmaking skills.
King had three interceptions, 15 pass breakups and allowed 4.8 yards per attempt in 2022. His technique and timing are that of an experienced, savvy cornerback, and his ability to locate and adjust his body to attack the ball will make him a high-level NFL starter.
16. Denver Broncos
Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
Vance Joseph's 3-4 base defense has arrived in Denver, and with it a need for standup pass-rushers. Robinson (6-3, 250 pounds) is an ideal player for that profile. He has impressive first-step speed and the quick footwork to split blockers and win around the edge. Robinson's 5.5 sacks and 32 pressures last season have scouts already raving about his potential. "The coaches swear he's a 4.4 or low-4.5 guy [in the 40-yard-dash] and that he's one of the hardest workers on the team," said one AFC scout.
If those suggested testing numbers hold up, Robinson's combination of production and potential will shoot him up draft boards next April, and he'd be perfect for a team seeking a young building block at outside linebacker.
17. Houston Texans (via CLE)
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
The Texans have enough talent at premier spots to take a flier on a player at a devalued position here -- especially if it's one of the most talented players in college football. Bowers is Georgia's No. 1 passing target and has at times even run the ball, scoring 24 total TDs over the past two years. At 6-4 and 230 pounds, he reminds me of George Kittle, and he had 63 catches for 942 yards and seven scores last season. With Dalton Schultz on a one-year deal, Bowers would be a good fit for quarterback C.J. Stroud in that Texans offense.
"He's so much fun to watch, but he's not that big, and he probably won't wow in testing like a Kyle Pitts," a front-office exec with an AFC team told me. "But my gosh, he's a football player. He'll be a Pro Bowler for a while."
18. Miami Dolphins
Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
The Dolphins don't have many glaring holes, so how about a vertical threat in the slot who has rumored 4.3 speed to pair with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle? The Dolphins could win a track meet with that group, and Worthy also provides quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with another outstanding after-the-catch playmaker. He has a slight frame at 6-1 and 172 pounds, but when the ball is in his hands, he makes defenses pay. Worthy has combined for 21 touchdowns in two years at Texas, and despite some drop issues late last season, he has amassed over 1,600 yards in those two years without consistent quarterback play.
An area scout from a team in the AFC who specializes in the Big 12 said he believes Worthy could be this year's Jahan Dotson -- a lean wideout with elite speed who rises up boards quickly.
19. Seattle Seahawks
Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State
Many thought Seattle could take a pass-rusher in Round 1 this year to begin building a new defensive front for coordinator Clint Hurtt's 3-4 scheme, but since the Seahawks opted to go a different direction, Sawyer might be an ideal fit in 2024. At 6-4 and 265 pounds, he has solid upper-body power and the short-area burst to excel in space or tight spaces as a rusher and run-defender. His 4.5 sacks in 2022 don't sound like a lot, but Sawyer will move into a full-time role in 2023, and a source at Ohio State expects a breakout season. "He's the one guy we have not getting a lot of Round 1 hype that I think will be by season's end. No one works harder," he said.
The Seahawks have potentially the league's best secondary, and the addition of a top-end pass-rusher could put the defense into elite territory once again.
20. New Orleans Saints
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
There was serious quarterback temptation at this spot, but if the Saints are in the playoffs, Derek Carr likely played well enough to keep the job. Instead, let's give the veteran another receiver to target. Chris Olave is one of the brightest young receivers in the game, but while Michael Thomas can be dominant when healthy, he has been far from it since 2019 and is entering his age-30 season. Adding Thomas' eventual replacement in the 6-3, 211-pound Odunze would keep the Saints' offense running smoothly.
Odunze caught 75 passes for 1,145 yards and seven scores in 2022 and opted to return to Washington for his senior year. He runs his routes with strength, excellent timing and great body control, and I could see him rising into WR2 territory (behind Marvin Harrison Jr.) by season's end.
21. Minnesota Vikings
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
The upcoming free agency of quarterback Kirk Cousins -- who is turning 36 next summer -- will force the Vikings into a hard decision early in the 2024 offseason. McCarthy showcased excellent dual-threat ability in 2022, throwing for 22 touchdowns to five interceptions and adding five more scores on the ground. The 6-3, 202-pound passer is a play-action master and excels on rollouts and moving pockets. That'd fit with Minnesota coach Kevin O'Connell just fine, and McCarthy would benefit from Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at wide receiver.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Calen Bullock, S, USC
The Chargers will likely be in "best player available" territory next April, which means Bullock in this scenario. He is a 6-3, 190-pound playmaker on the back end, grabbing five interceptions last season. "He's so much like Derwin James from a body-type standpoint, but as a player, he's closer to Minkah Fitzpatrick," said an NFC scout. Those comparisons are the highest a safety can get in today's game and are easy evidence as to why the Chargers would be wise to unleash Bullock on the quarterback-talented AFC West.
23. Green Bay Packers (via NYJ*)
Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
Let's just assume Aaron Rodgers plays 65% of the Jets' snaps this season, which means the Packers would have this second pick in Round 1. Green Bay doesn't have anyone like Carter, a three-down playmaker on defense, and while most project him as a weakside linebacker in the pros, he has the tools to line up off the ball or as a stack 'backer. He had 5.5 sacks, 73 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two interceptions and two forced fumbles last season. His instincts are top notch, and Carter has amazing short-area speed and surprising power for a 6-1, 225-pound linebacker. Scouts are already buzzing about him as a potential top-10 talent in the class.
24. Baltimore Ravens
Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
Versatility is the name of the game on defense these days, and DeJean can do it all. He has lined up at linebacker, cornerback and safety for the Hawkeyes while showing football instincts and playmaking ability. The 6-1, 207-pounder had five interceptions, 67 tackles and six pass breakups last season while becoming a leader in the very talented Iowa secondary. The Ravens don't have a true need in the secondary, though they also always seem to land talented playmakers in Round 1, and corner Rock Ya-Sin is on a one-year deal. DeJean would make an instant impact in Baltimore.
25. Detroit Lions
Leonard Taylor III, DT, Miami
The Lions have built what could be an amazing defensive line, with Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston both standing out as rookies. Now the focus goes to building the interior. Taylor, a 6-3, 305-pound 3-technique, flashed pass-rush upside (three sacks) and an ability to shoot gaps to make plays in the backfield (10 tackles for loss) last year for the Canes. Some scouts think he's ready to really explode as an interior presence in 2023.
"The quickness and toughness are there for him to be really, really special," said one AFC evaluator. Taylor's pass-rush potential and nastiness against the run would form a perfect fit in Detroit.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars
Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio State
The Jaguars didn't use a single top-100 selection on the defensive line in April, but with the interior being the primary weakness on their roster, Hall would make sense here. The 6-2, 284-pounder can fill a pass-rush role early in his career as he develops into a full-time player. Hall posted 4.5 sacks last season and put together tape that shows great pad leverage, the skills to shed blockers with his hands and an ability to anchor in the run game. He might not seem like a fit in Jacksonville, given his lack of size for the team's 3-4 scheme, but the Jags could certainly use his pass-rush traits. Their 35 sacks tied for 25th in the NFL last season.
27. Dallas Cowboys
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
When looking at the Cowboys' future needs and areas of weakness, wide receiver depth stands out. The explosive Nabers would be an perfect running mate for CeeDee Lamb. At 6 feet and 200 pounds, he averaged over 14 yards per catch last year (72 catches). Nabers had three scores, but his body control and quick feet as a route runner suggest higher totals are coming. In fact, I spoke to one scout who picked him as the breakout WR2 in the 2024 class. The Cowboys would be lucky to have him as the second option to Lamb, given both players' ability to make defenders miss in the open field.
28. Buffalo Bills
Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami
The Bills have been building their roster to beat Kansas City in the AFC, and while the secondary has been good, it could be better at defending the middle of the field. Kinchens has excellent deep range, the speed to cover the space between the hashes and solid open-field tackling ability. Most impressive were his six interceptions for the Canes, and the 5-11, 202-pounder is my top-ranked free safety prospect. Buffalo was able to keep Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer together for this season, but it will need a future answer if it wants to remain a Super Bowl contender.
29. San Francisco 49ers
Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
The loss of Mike McGlinchey in free agency hasn't been talked about enough, especially with the lack of proven talent outside of left tackle Trent Williams on that line. I see Mims rising up the board this season with more experience. The 6-7, 340-pound junior is a powerhouse run-defender with excellent movement skills. He's raw, having started just two games over two seasons, but the flashes were there.
"If he plays all season like he did in those games [in the College Football Playoff] last year ... he's a top-15 pick," said one NFC area scout. That might be a little rich right now, but the 49ers would have a star at right tackle, and Mims could learn from Williams to start his pro career.
30. Cincinnati Bengals
Josh Newton, CB, TCU
The cornerback position has been a notable weakness on the Bengals' roster, but Newton fits the bill of an NFL starter at 6 feet, 195 pounds. The senior had 10 pass breakups and three interceptions last season. He has shown the patience in coverage that coaches love and the length and speed to shut down passing windows. Newton, paired with 2023 second-rounder DJ Turner, could help get the Bengals back into the Super Bowl very quickly.
31. Philadelphia Eagles
Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
You might think our mock draft strategy for the Eagles is finding a Georgia defender to fall into their laps, but alas, there are no more Round 1-caliber Bulldogs left on the board. But that doesn't mean we're going away from their blueprint of building the trenches in the early rounds. Trice has ideal upfield quickness and burst to fit as the team's future replacement for Brandon Graham or Derek Barnett. This is a defense that uses a ton of bodies up front, and Trice's pass-rush tools would be valuable here. With nine sacks last season, he is among the most talented and productive pass-rushers returning to college. The 6-4, 267-pounder has the three-down skills the Eagles would love to have next to Jalen Carter for the long haul.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
It would be foolish to predict Travis Kelce will slow down as the No. 1 target for Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City, but he does turn 34 this season. The Chiefs might want to look ahead, given the importance of the safety valve in the offense. The 6-4, 243-pound Sanders looked great in 2022 with 54 catches, 613 yards and five touchdowns, and he also emerged as a valuable run-blocker. He's a handful to tackle in the open field and has shown excellent body positioning and spacial awareness to create openings over the middle. That sounds a lot like the mold that Kelce has set in Kansas City. No one should be expected to fill Kelce's shoes, but Sanders at least has a similar skill set.