The NFL Combine is in the rearview mirror. It was a mixed bag, with some of the top players opting to not even be measured, let alone participate in the testing and positional drills. The franchise tag period has ended as well, with just two offensive skill position players being tagged. This sets up for free agency to shape many teams’ approach to the draft. Speaking of drafts, the Dynasty Nerds team is back with 1QB Rookie Mock 4.0.
1QB Rookie Mock Draft 4.0 – Round 1
1.01 Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, 6’3″ 202lbs
OSU
There is certainly some temptation to take my top QB with this pick given the deep quality at the WR position in this year’s class. However, I cannot pass on the chance to take the best prospect I have seen in some time. Marvin Harrison Jr. will be a foundation piece for both his NFL team and whatever dynasty manager selects him. When you are making the No.1 pick you must hit and this is both the safest and highest upside pick if the draft. As with the Superflex decision, do not over think this pick. Take the Maserati.
1.02 Malik Nabers, WR, 6’0″ 200lbs
LSU
The 2024 rookie class is flush with playmaking wide receivers and Malik Nabers is at the top of the list. The 2024 Biletnikoff runner up put up 89 receptions, 1569 yards, and 17 touchdowns. Nabers has the size, speed, and route running to contribute from day one.
Brian Thomas Jr.: Gonna beat you by 3-4 steps.
— Kyle Borgognoni (@kyle_borg) February 29, 2024
Malik Nabers: Hell, let's just do flips and stuff. pic.twitter.com/EC9CuKiH7H
1.03 Rome Odunze, WR, 6’3″ 212lbs
Washington
Rome Odunze is the WR3 in this year’s draft class, and he did nothing to hurt his draft stock at the combine. He doesn’t high track speed, but he has great in game speed especially for his size. At the combine Odunze ran a 4.45 40 yard dash. In game film he showed great hands, physicality, and also at contested catches. He has the possibility of being a top-10 in the NFL draft.
1.04 Brock Bowers, TE, 6’4″ 243lbs
Georgia
I don’t typically like taking a TE this high, even if it is someone with Bowers’ athletic profile. This is a tier break, and until we see where these WRs are drafted I have to take Brock Bowers here. He is a rare blend of size and athleticism. He is a YAC monster, so his landing spot may matter. If he can latch on with a great QB, the sky’s the limit.
1.05 Xavier Worthy, WR, 5’11” 165lbs
Texas
Hudson Card, in trouble, throws deep into the end zone to Xavier Worthy who catches on the tip drill for 44 yards and a TD
— Longhorn🤘Highlights (@LonghornClips) March 7, 2024
West Virginia Mountaineers
Oct 1, 2022 pic.twitter.com/Hfqka7b051
After running a 40-yard dash record 4.21 seconds, Xavier Worthy is going to be drafted sooner in the real NFL Draft and rookie drafts. There are concerns on drop rate, 5.4% over three seasons, and inconsistent play on tape, but speed is so valuable in the NFL.
1.06 Troy Franklin, WR, 6’2″ 176lbs
Oregon
Troy Franklin didn’t help improve his draft status with the NFL Combine, but he showed he is still one of the faster receivers in this draft class. For Franklin, it is all about what we see on film with this route running and ball-tracking ability. He is still going to flirt with round-one capital during the NFL draft and should be worth a mid-round pick in a 1QB league.
1.07 Brian Thomas Jr., WR, 6’3″ 209lbs
LSU
I was able to get my WR4 here with the 1.07. Brian Thomas Jr. is a great athlete with elite separation abilities. He reminds me some of Brandon Aiyuk. I’m excited to see Thomas’ landing spot next month.
1.08 Caleb Williams, QB, 6’1″ 214lbs
USC
Future SuperStar Quarterback Caleb Williams Highlights! #Bears #Commanders pic.twitter.com/dU1xSJiB6I
— Kevin (@TroIledByFields) March 3, 2024
This was a tough decision I really like AD Mitchell, but Caleb Williams ability to run and improvise makes too much sense here. I think Williams has the highest ceiling of all the QBs and the ability to land a potential top 5 player at a position is too valuable to pass up. If he has even a solid first season, he’s a more valuable trade asset then most others available.
1.09 Adonai Mitchell, WR, 6’2″ 205lbs
Texas
Adonai “AD” Mitchell is one of the biggest combine winners this year. While he has questions surrounding his college production, his 4.34 second, 40-yard dash time at 6’2” may have bought him a ticket into first round of the draft. He flourished alongside teammate and borderline first-round receiver Xavier Worthy, proving that even as a late bloomer he commanded a serious share of the offense. Mitchell boasts a strong talent to manipulate defenders through his routes, leading to big-play opportunities while not being limited to deep routes alone.
1.10 Jonathon Brooks, RB, 6’0″ 216lbs
Texas
There are now three first-round selections from Texas in our 4.0 Mock Draft, and Jonathon Brooks leads the running back class. While he didn’t participate in the NFL Combine due to injury, Brooks still looks to be the best RB in this year’s class, as his blend of receiving skills and being able to carry a full workload as a runner makes him an intriguing option at the next level.
1.11 Ladd McConkey, WR, 6’0″ 196lbs
Georgia
Tried to warn everyone that Ladd McConkey is not just the white slot receiver you see get drafted on day 3 every year. The 4.39 speed shows up on tape. He is a legit athlete with uncoverable wiggle pic.twitter.com/ewNInDaq5V
— Bryce Huff’s Agent (@TommyK_NFLDraft) March 3, 2024
Was tempted to take a running back with this pick, but there are a lot of sleepers at the position that I wouldn’t mind taking with my next pick so took a shot on Ladd instead. McConkey is perhaps the best route runner in the class and tested much better than I thought he would at the combine. I think he will be a steal in drafts if he falls this far and think he has the potential to be a high-end WR2 for many years to come in the NFL.
1.12 Trey Benson, WR, 6’0″ 216lbs
FSU
Trey Benson is one of my favorite backs in a messy running back class with no real standout. As a back with excellent size running a sub 4.4 forty only makes him more enticing. This might be the best RB free agent class in history. It may take a while for the cloudy running back market to reveal the best landing spots. This is the type of draft where the eighth running back taken could easily be the best of the group. I expect Benson to find a prominent early role no matter where he lands.
Ryan Wilhelm
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