Kiper and Yates: Three-round mock draft
We're now days away from the 2024 NFL draft, as 13 prospects have accepted invitations to attend Round 1 in Detroit on April 25. We have a pretty good idea who the Bears are taking at No. 1, but the top picks could get wild after that, including potential trades up the board for quarterbacks.
We asked NFL draft analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates to predict every pick from Days 1 and 2 of the draft, going through all 100 picks through the end of Round 3. They took turns making selections, alternating from Kiper's pick at No. 1 until Yates' pick at No. 100. Kiper has the odd numbers; Yates has the evens. They even cooked up a few projected trades.
One important note for this mock: Kiper and Yates based their picks on a combination of what they think each team will do and what they would do if they were playing general manager for all 32 teams. They used their personal rankings -- here are Kiper's, and here are Yates' -- to guide them, along with the latest they're hearing from talking to sources around the league.
Time to dig into our new mock draft, featuring a top-five trade. And check out the "SportsCenter Special: Mel & Field's Three-Round Mock Draft" to see Kiper and Yates talk through their selections.
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Kiper's pick: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
This is a no-brainer pick. Williams is the best quarterback in this class, and the Bears need a franchise passer to build around.
Yates' pick: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
The Commanders can land their quarterback of the present and future here with Daniels, the most dynamic dual-threat signal-caller the draft has seen in a while. Daniels' calm demeanor in LSU's biggest moments last season gives me confidence he will make a smoother transition to the NFL than most rookie passers.
Kiper's pick: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
I don't see the Patriots trading back, even if they have needs at several other positions. Taking Maye secures their future at the NFL's most important position.
Yates' pick: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
While a trade down to stockpile picks was tempting, I ultimately wanted an immediate difference-maker at wide receiver here, and I gave the Cards the most pro-ready prospect in the class. Harrison fills Arizona's biggest need, and his consistency is too good to ignore. He led the FBS with 28 receiving touchdowns over the past two seasons.
Kiper: Because I have the odd-numbered picks in this three-round draft, I ended up with everything I needed to make this deal happen myself. So, here's what it would look like:
Vikings get: No. 5
Chargers get: Nos. 11 and 23 plus a first-round pick in 2025
The Vikings are going to have to move up if they want to guarantee getting the fourth quarterback off the board. The Chargers can pick up valuable capital in their mini-rebuild -- maybe more like a remodeling job -- under Jim Harbaugh.
Kiper's pick: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Did you expect a different quarterback here? Giving up that 2025 pick is going to hurt for Minnesota, but it would be worth it if the organization feels McCarthy can be the guy. There's some risk involved -- McCarthy was never asked to carry the load with his arm in college -- but his physical tools are appealing.
Yates' pick: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
A trade up was contemplated, but a prohibitive price made such a move less appealing, and Nabers' explosive traits would be such a welcome addition to the Giants' offense. His ability to stress defenses both vertically and after the catch makes him one of the best players in the class.
Check out the highlights that make Malik Nabers one of the best wide receivers in the 2024 NFL draft class.
Kiper's pick: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Sure, an offensive lineman in back-to-back drafts might be boring for Titans fans, but did you watch Tennessee's line last season? Alt is my top-ranked tackle, and he could step in on the left side on Day 1.
Yates' pick: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
It's no surprise Atlanta will attack the edge position in the draft, and Turner is a sudden, bendy rusher who had a terrific finish to his college career by winning SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.
Kiper's pick: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
I love this fit with Williams, though I thought about an offensive lineman or edge rusher too. Odunze could be a star. This is how Chicago can set up Williams to succeed as a rookie.
Yates' pick: Troy Fautanu, OT/G, Washington
I thought about Georgia tight end Brock Bowers here after the Jets added Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses in free agency, but I wound up landing on Fautanu because of his versatility to potentially play four different spots along the offensive line.
Kiper's pick: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Latham is a difference-maker in the run game, and he can move his feet with edge rushers in the pass game. He would slot in as the right tackle, where he started 27 games in college.
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Yates' pick: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
To take a quarterback or not? That's a dilemma I'm sure Denver is weighing heavily. Ultimately, it felt a little too soon for me, and Bowers is a special prospect. He would instantly upgrade the entire passing game, no matter who is throwing the ball.
Kiper's pick: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
That Bowers pick threw me off a bit, Field, and I have to leap at the chance to get my top-ranked cornerback. Mitchell has been off the charts during the pre-draft process, crushing the Senior Bowl and combine.
Yates' pick: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
New Orleans' offensive tackle situation is too murky to ignore, and Fashanu would be an ideal combination of need and value. The Saints can slot him in on either the right or left side, depending on Ryan Ramczyk's status and what they decide to do with Trevor Penning.
Kiper's pick: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Cornerback is the Colts' biggest need, so this is a good combo of need and best prospect available. This might be a spot to watch if Bowers falls, though.
Yates' pick: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Seattle needs to hammer the interior of the defensive line at some point early in the draft, and Murphy is the best defensive tackle in the class. He is explosive as a pass-rusher and he plays with power, torque and leverage in the running game.
Kiper's pick: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
There's a wide range on where Thomas could go off the board -- he might even fall to the end of Round 1 -- but he would be a great fit as a Calvin Ridley replacement in Jacksonville. Trevor Lawrence's completion rate on go balls would rise.
Yates' pick: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
This feels like a dream scenario for Cincinnati, which can continue to invest along the offensive line even after inking Trent Brown to a one-year deal. Fuaga epitomizes toughness on the field but also has nifty feet and agility to hold up as a pass-protector against speedy edge rushers.
Kiper's pick: Laiatu Latu, OLB, UCLA
Good pick, Field: Fuaga is my guy. For the Rams, especially with Murphy off the board, edge rusher is the way to go, and Latu is the most complete one in this class. L.A. hasn't had a first-round pick since 2016, so it wouldn't be surprising if Les Snead & Co. traded down here.
Yates' pick: Graham Barton, C/G, Duke
The Steelers still have a center need, and Barton is the best in the entire class. He played center as a true freshman for the Blue Devils before moving to left tackle for his final three seasons. His footwork, mobility and tenacity all stand out.
Kiper's pick: Jared Verse, DE, Florida State
I would have gone with Barton if he were available, but Verse is a stellar backup plan for Miami. He is a balanced pass-rusher who can set the edge in the run game.
Yates' pick: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Lane Johnson will be turning 34, so Philly might be motivated to add depth at the position -- something it did in advance of Jason Kelce's retirement, too. Mims has just 803 career snaps under his belt but exhibits all-world physical tools, and learning from legendary line coach Jeff Stoutland would be great for him.
Kiper's pick: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
Just check out the Chargers' depth chart and tell me they don't need a wide receiver. Worthy is not only extremely fast, but he's also a well-rounded pass-catcher who can beat cornerbacks on any kind of route.
Yates' pick: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
The Cowboys are staring at a left tackle hole and could move Tyler Smith there. But my sense is they'd be more likely to address that spot in the draft and keep Smith at left guard. Guyton's elite footwork suggests he can make a smooth transition to the left side in the pros.
Kiper's pick: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
Edge rusher, offensive tackle or cornerback? I like the value with DeJean, who is No. 21 overall on my Big Board. Some teams see him as a safety, but I think he can be a No. 1 corner.
Yates' pick: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
Tampa Bay has primary needs at edge rusher and on the interior offensive line. Robinson had modest college production (4.0 sacks in 2023), but his first-step quickness and effort level are undeniable. He'll be a more productive pro than college player.
ESPN analytics' Draft Day Predictor tool uses various factors to project the most likely picks and estimated ranges of where top prospects could fall. And new this year, you can now play GM and make your own picks -- and conduct trades -- to play out an NFL team's draft.Draft Day Predictor » | Simulator »
Kiper's pick: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Arizona would be thrilled to land a starting corner this late in Round 1. Wiggins has length, outstanding speed and smooth hips in coverage.
Yates' pick: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
I've got Buffalo earmarked as a team that could trade up. But in this scena
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