The NFL Scouting Combine is in full swing, igniting a flurry of speculation and predictions surrounding the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. According to early projections by NFL insider Jeff Howe of The Athletic, the top three picks in the draft are anticipated to be Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels.
Based on insights gathered from the combine, Howe’s initial mock draft places Williams as the first overall pick, expected to be selected by the Chicago Bears.
Following closely behind, Howe predicts Maye to be chosen by the Washington Commanders as the second overall pick, with Daniels rounding out the top three, likely to be drafted by the New England Patriots.
However, the draft landscape could shift further down the line, particularly with the Arizona Cardinals potentially open to trade offers for the fourth overall pick.
While Williams seems to be the consensus favorite for the top spot, there’s intrigue surrounding whether Maye or Daniels will be the second quarterback off the board. Despite being the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Maye faces competition from Daniels, according to Howe’s insights.
The latest consensus rankings from the NFL Mock Draft Database also align with Howe’s predictions, placing Williams at the forefront, followed by Maye. The Bears, in particular, are seen as a likely destination for Williams, while Maye’s future is speculated to lie with the Commanders.
In the case of the Commanders, a quarterback overhaul might be on the horizon, especially if they decide to part ways with Justin Fields. Sam Howell’s stint as QB1 showcased promise but also revealed areas for improvement, prompting speculation that the team might opt for a top-tier quarterback like Maye at the second overall pick.
Similarly, the Patriots find themselves in a quarterback quandary, with uncertainty surrounding Mac Jones’ performance following a standout rookie season. Daniels emerges as a potential candidate for New England, should they opt for a fresh start at the quarterback position.
Alternatively, the Patriots might explore trading down or selecting Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison as the top prospect in the draft. Nonetheless, the prevailing sentiment leans towards the Patriots selecting a quarterback, with Daniels as the favored choice, according to Howe.
The NFL Draft, scheduled to commence on April 25 in Detroit, promises to unveil the final outcomes of these speculations and predictions. Until then, the football world eagerly awaits to see how the draft unfolds and where these highly touted prospects will ultimately land.
