WalterFootball.com: 2024 NFL Mock Draft: First Round Continued

2024 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1 - Picks 17-32

Last update: Wednesday, March 4, 2021.
Next update: Occasionally. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

The order of this 2024 NFL Mock Draft is random. First-round picks from the 2021 NFL Mock Draft, 2022 NFL Mock Draft and 2023 NFL Mock Draft have been factored into the picks.

Because these prospects are entering college, I had our Senior College Football Recruiting Analyst Corey Long write the blurbs on each player. You can check out our College Football Recruiting Rankings via this link.

NFL Draft Recent Links:

2022 NFL Mock Draft (UPDATED 9/22): Round 1 /Picks 17-32 /Round 2
Other 2022 Mock Drafts: Charlie Campbell (9/17)

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Dallas Cowboys: Jack Sawyer, DE, Ohio State
2021 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 3/2): Rashawn Slater, OT/G/C
2022 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/24): Drake Jackson, DT
2023 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/17): Jordan Burch, DE/DT

The Cowboys will need to find a successor for DeMarcus Lawrence at this juncture, as he'll turn 32 prior to the 2024 NFL Draft.

Seeing the way Sawyer (6-5, 248) looks physically and the skill set that he possesses, it's easy to see the comparisons to former Buckeye standouts Joey Bosa and Nick Boca. Sawyer is one of those guys that seems like he could do anything on a football field and he even played some quarterback earlier in his high school days. On the defensive side, Sawyer is a refined prospect that trains hard and seems to pick up new tools on the regular. He can explode up the field and shows great bend to get around the edge. Sawyer seems to have an endless motor and will chase down plays across the field.

Washington Redskins: Zach Frazier, OG/OL, West Virginia
2021 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 3/2): Tyson Campbell, CB
2022 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/24): Jadon Haselwood, WR
2023 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/17): Turner Corcoran, OT

The Redskins may want to continue to upgrade their offensive line, especially with Brandon Scherff being in his mid-30s by the time the 2024 NFL Draft arrives.

Frazier (6-2, 299) was a prospect that West Virginia had to fight hard to keep in state and for good reason. He started games at multiple positions, settling in at left guard and being named to the All-Big XII honorable mention team and the ESPN.com Freshman All-America team. Frazier's size might get held against him with NFL scouts, but he might be the first center prospect off the board.
New England Patriots: Dorian Strong, CB, Virginia Tech
2021 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 3/2): Gregory Rousseau, DE
2022 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/24): Justyn Ross, WR
2023 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/17): Jermaine Burton, WR

The Patriots have some aging players in the secondary, so Bill Belichick may want to use an early pick on a cornerback in the near future.

Strong (6-0, 174) got thrown into the fire immediately and responded with a solid season. He played in all 10 games and finished with 22 tackles, five passes defended and an interception. Strong graded out as the top cornerback on the team according to Pro Football Focus and was named to the 247Sports True-Freshman All-American team. He is expected to be a full-time starter in 2021 and likely the No. 1 cornerback on the Hokies' roster.

Green Bay Packers: Xavian Sorey, OLB, Georgia
2021 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 3/2): Terrace Marshall Jr., WR
2022 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/24): Jalen Green, CB
2023 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/17): Rakim Jarrett, WR

The Packers could stand to upgrade their linebacking corps, which is one of the weaker spots on the roster.

Sorey (6-3, 212) has the athleticism and skill set of a safety with the length and potential size of an outside linebacker. He will add weight onto his frame and play as an outside linebacker. Sorey excels in coverage and shows great range and ball skills. He is a great athlete - a basketball player that can easily dunk the ball. Sorey is a sure tackler that makes a lot of things happen guarding the boundary. Despite that there is potential for Sorey to move inside and become a box defender or play off the ball. Sorey is like a piece of clay that can be molded into anything from an safety to an inside linebacker to a stand-up edge rusher.
New York Giants: Branden Jennings, LB, Maryland
2021 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 3/2): Jaylen Waddle, WR
2022 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/24): George Karlaftis, DE
2023 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/17): Nick Broeker, OT/G

The Giants have endured linebacker issues for years. Blake Martinez was a nice signing, but another talented player is needed at the position. He'll be a free agent by this time anyway.

Jennings (6-3, 230) was originally a legacy commitment to Florida State, following in the footsteps of his father Bradley Jennings, but he left the Seminoles' class for Michigan and eventually flipped from the Wolverines to Maryland. He is a blue-chip prospect that can play on the outside and in the middle. Jennings is a hard hitter and one of the most physical players in the 2021 recruiting class. He has solid range from sideline to sideline and can quickly diagnose the play and come in for the attack.

Indianapolis Colts: Sage Ryan, S, LSU
2021 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 3/2): Jaycee Horn, CB
2022 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/24): Charles Cross, OT
2023 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/17): Arik Gilbert, TE

It remains to be seen if Malik Hooker can remain healthy. If not, the Colts may use an early pick on a safety in the near future.

Ryan (5-11, 190) is another in the line of versatile defensive backs to come through LSU with the ability to play safety or cornerback and will likely end up doing both during the first couple of years in the program. I think safety might be better long term for Ryan with his ability to defend in the box and close in on the play. Ryan moves well. He has speed that can be used to rush the passer and he has the coverage instincts and fluidity to play cornerback. Ryan plays a physical game now and should be expected to be even more physical and tough as he adds size and strength. There seems to be at least one defensive back from LSU going in the first round of the NFL Draft annually. Ryan might be that guy in 2024.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B.J. Olujari, DE/OLB, LSU
2021 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 3/2): Daviyon Nixon, DT
2022 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/24): Ventrell Miller, LB
2023 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/17): C.J. Stroud, QB

Jason Pierre-Paul likely won't be on the roster at this juncture. Shaq Barrett may not be either. Here's a new edge rusher.

Olujari (6-2, 230) looks to be another one of the freshman building blocks for LSU, joining quarterback Max Johnson, wide receiver Kayshon Boutte and cornerback Eli Ricks. He was able to find a role coming off the edge and recorded 16 tackles, five tackles for loss, four sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery en route to being named to the Freshman All-SEC team. Olujari was rumored to be considering a transfer from LSU, but will return to the Tigers in 2021 and should be LSU's top returning pass rusher.

Los Angeles Chargers: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
2021 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 3/2): Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT
2022 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/24): Aidan Hutchinson, DE
2023 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/17): Sav'ell Smalls, OLB

Austin Ekeler can't handle a full workload, so the Charges may want to shop for a new running back in the coming years.

Henderson (5-11, 200) rated as the top running back in the 2021 class and has the vision, speed and explosive burst to live up to that billing. He can be a patience, smart runner that allows the play to develop for him. Henderson has some power and a good forward lean. He reads his blocks well and does a good job of not getting too far ahead of the play. Henderson is very agile and can also make plays in the passing game. He is a legitimate home run threat and will bring that dimension to any team as a running back. Henderson rushed for nearly 2,500 yards and 45 touchdowns as a junior.
Chicago Bears: Damon Payne, DT, Alabama
2021 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 3/2): Christian Darrisaw, OT
2022 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/24): George Pickens, WR
2023 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/17): Harry Miller, OG/OC

Akiem Hicks is a terrific player, but he likely won't be on the Bears' roster by 2024 because he'll be 35 at this time.

Payne (6-3, 300) is at the top of the line when it comes to defensive tackles in this class. He is a big, athletic body that moves well and has the strength expected of a top-end football prospect in the trenches. Payne has a very good burst off the snap with a solid array of the interior pass rush moves that allow him to get into the backfield quickly. His initial strike at the point of contract will get an offensive lineman's attention. He is an active body in the trenches, moving his hands and feet in sync to get past blockers and in on the play. Payne is great in pursuit and never takes himself out of the play. He looks like the next in a long line of NFL-quality defensive linemen at Alabama.

Cincinnati Bengals: Beaux Collins, WR, Clemson
2021 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 3/2): Penei Sewell, OT
2022 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/24): Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE/OLB
2023 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/17): Trenton Simpson, LB

The Bengals might be interested in another starting receiver to pair with Tee Higgins.

Collins (6-3, 188) is another top-end prospect that will play on the outside for Clemson. He has a great look with a ideal size for an outside pass catcher. Collins continues to show more physicality and toughness in his game and he projects as a difficult matchup for any defensive back. Collins is continuing to show more with his ability to run after the catch and challenge for the contested passes. He is one of the best route runners in the 2021 recruiting class and has the speed to get behind a defense vertically.
Baltimore Ravens: Marcus Tate, OG/OT, Clemson
2021 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 3/2): Alex Leatherwood, OT/G
2022 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/24): Chris Olave, WR
2023 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/17): Daxton Hill, S/CB

Here's more help for the Ravens' offensive line, which needs to be bolstered if Lamar Jackson is to revert to 2019 form.

Tate (6-5, 316) is a tremendous athlete that competed as a basketball player on the AAU circuit for several years. He has been a dominant blocker in high school over the past three seasons as a starter. His movement, especially lateral movement, is what separates him from even the other top tackles in the 2021 class. Tate's impressive footwork in one of the big reasons he can thwart off the best pass rushers he faces. He has plus-level strength and the ability to finish initial blocks and find additional action at the second level.

New Orleans Saints: Khari Coleman, EDGE/LB, TCU
2021 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 3/2): Trevon Moehrig, S
2022 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/24): John Metchie, WR
2023 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/17): Darnell Washington, TE

The Saints will need help on the edge once Cameron Jordan is no longer with the team. Jordan will turn 35 prior to the 2024 season.

Coleman (6-2, 224) was a late recruiting victory for the Horned Frogs coaching staff to close out their 2020 class and he rewarded their persistence by being an explosive presence on defense. Coleman had 33 tackles with 15 for losses and three sacks. Coleman will have to improve some of his linebacker skills and show that he's athletic enough to drop in coverage. But for now he is on NFL radars because he can get in the backfield and get to the quarterback.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
2021 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 3/2): Jackson Carman, OT
2022 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/24): Master Teague, RB
2023 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/17): Will Anderson, DE/OLB

The Steelers will need a replacement for Joe Haden in the near future, so an early pick could be used on a cornerback.

Forbes stepped on the field as a true freshman and had five interceptions to tie for the SEC lead. He proved that he was not only a ball hawk, but a playmaker as well but returning two of the interceptions for touchdowns. Forbes played in all ten games and got eight starts. He had 44 tackles and six passes defended. Forbes consistently graded out as the top performing cornerback for Mississippi State and was named to the Freshman All-SEC team.
Minnesota Vikings: Terrion Arnold, S, Alabama
2021 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 3/2): Jaelan Phillips, DE
2022 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/24): DeMarvin Leal, DE/DT
2023 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/17): Pierce Quick, OT

Viking fans may not want to hear this, but Harrison Smith will be 35 when the 2024 NFL Draft arrives, so a successor may have to be obtained at this time.

Arnold (6-0, 180) is a great athlete with a lot of explosive speed and twitch to make him an active defender. He can run extremely well and covers a lot of ground with his speed and ability to change directions. Arnold is listed as a safety but he also has the ability to play many snaps as a cornerback. Even though he isn't as big as he will become in college, Arnold isn't afraid to get his hands dirty and help with the run defense. He has plus-level ball skills and anticipation. Arnold is one of those players that always seems to excel under the development of Alabama's coaches because he is a natural competitor and has a built-in work ethic and desire to be better.
San Francisco 49ers: Lovasea Carroll, RB, Georgia
2021 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 3/2): Caleb Farley, CB
2022 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/24): Sevyn Banks, CB
2023 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/17): Trey Wedig, OT

The 49ers have spent heavily on running backs in the John Lynch regime, so I don't think they'd be opposed to spending a first-round pick on the position at some point.

Carroll (6-1, 190) looks the part and the IMG Academy recruit could be the next great running back to come out of the Georgia Bulldogs program. He is a great power/speed combo with a good frame that will likely carry 20-25 more pounds once he's in college. Carroll has god speed and looks faster than the 4.56 time that he's been recorded at in running the 40. He certainly has the speed to break a run tot he outside and Carroll is also good between the tackles and shows great burst getting through the line. Carroll can help in the passing game and shows the signs of being a potential three-down back.

Kansas City Chiefs: Nolan Rucci, OT Wisconsin
2021 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 3/2): Jalen Mayfield, OT
2022 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/24): D.J. Dale, DT
2023 NFL Mock Draft Pick (as of 2/17): Julian Fleming, WR

Two offensive tackles in four years makes sense, given Eric Fisher's injury status, Mitchell Schwartz's age (35 prior to the 2024 season) and Andy Reid's love for offensive linemen.

Rucci (6-8, 308) is going to be part of the offensive line machine at Wisconsin. His length is outstanding and when Rucci gets his hands on a defense lineman it's over. Rucci finishes his blocks with authority and despite his height, Rucci plays at a good pad level and knows how to play with leverage. His natural skills shine through and he knows how to play with his size. Rucci will only get better under the best offensive line coaching in the nation and should grade out as a high-end offensive tackle prospect for the NFL.