ESPN NFL draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. predicts that the 2024 NFL draft will be quarterback-heavy, with top prospects like Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye projected to go in the first round. Check out the potential top picks and notable movements in Kiper’s second mock draft.

2024 NFL Draft: Top Quarterbacks Predicted in Mel Kiper Jr.’s Mock Draft

The 2024 NFL draft is shaping up to be one of the most quarterback-heavy drafts in recent memory, according to ESPN NFL draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. In his second mock draft, Kiper predicts that USC quarterback Caleb Williams will be the top pick, going to the Chicago Bears.

( Credit to: Bleacherreport )

Kiper’s top four picks remain unchanged from his previous mock draft. LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is projected to go second overall to the Washington Commanders, followed by North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye to the New England Patriots at No. 3, and Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Arizona Cardinals at No. 4.

Top 10 Picks in Kiper’s 2024 Mock Draft

The top 10 picks in Kiper’s 2024 mock draft are as follows:

Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USCWashington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSUNew England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, North CarolinaArizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio StateLos Angeles Chargers: JC Latham, OT, AlabamaNew York Giants: Rome Odunze, WR, WashingtonTennessee Titans: Joe Alt, OT, Notre DameAtlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, EDGE, AlabamaChicago Bears: Malik Nabers, WR, LSUNew York Jets: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

Rise of JC Latham and Quarterback Needs

One notable change in Kiper’s mock draft is the rise of Alabama offensive tackle JC Latham. In his first mock, Latham was not projected as a top-10 pick, but Kiper now believes he will be the first offensive lineman off the board, going to the Los Angeles Chargers at No. 5.

The 2024 draft class is stacked with talented quarterbacks, which aligns perfectly with teams in need of a franchise quarterback picking near the top of the first round. While some argue that the Bears should trade their top pick and stick with their current quarterback, Justin Fields, rumors have circulated about Chicago moving on from Fields and selecting Caleb Williams.

Fields has shown promise as a dual-threat quarterback, but he has yet to establish himself as a consistent winner and playoff contender. This uncertainty may prompt the Bears to choose Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner from USC, who has impressive stats and a strong arm.

The Washington Commanders and New England Patriots also have quarterback needs and are likely to consider Daniels and Maye, respectively. Daniels had a remarkable season at LSU, winning the Heisman Trophy and displaying his versatility as a passer and runner. Maye, on the other hand, is a more traditional pocket passer with solid numbers from North Carolina.

Notable Movements in Kiper’s Second Mock Draft

Kiper’s second mock draft also features other notable movements, including wide receivers Rome Odunze and Malik Nabers swapping positions. In his previous mock, Kiper had Nabers going to the Giants at No. 6 and Odunze to the Bears at No. 9. However, he has now reversed their positions.

Additionally, Georgia tight end Brock Bowers, who was initially projected as the fifth overall pick to the Chargers, has slipped down to the 10th overall pick to the New York Jets. This adjustment gives quarterback Aaron Rodgers another weapon to work with.

Conclusion

As the 2024 NFL draft approaches, it will be interesting to see how these predictions play out. With a strong class of quarterbacks and teams in need of a franchise signal-caller, the top picks are sure to have a significant impact on the league.