NFL mock drafts are a dime a dozen except when one of two people do them. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah and The Athletic’s Dane Brugler do their mocks only a few times a year because of the information they gather to complete them. They are picks made with intel they gather from teams which makes them better at predicting landing spots.
Good news, Dane Brugler has dropped his first mock draft.
In his first mock draft, he has 11 players of fantasy relevance being drafted in the first round. Four quarterbacks, six wide receivers, and one tight end but no running backs. This 2024 running back group is going to be tough to sort through whereas the wide receivers and tight ends will be tough because of the depth.
Each player landing with a team has a certain fantasy impact on both themselves and the players currently on the roster. Starting with the quarterbacks, several land on teams with established starters. The NFL is a “what have you done for me recently” league and some passers have exacerbated their time.
Quarterbacks
Caleb Williams, CHI
Williams going to Chicago is a mixed bag, if we are being honest. It really depends on the head coach and play-caller that Chicago has in place to judge his ceiling. He does have a very high floor with the skill players around him and would make a lethal duo with DJ Moore. There is lots of fantasy potential for a lot of parties involved in the Bears offense if this plays out.
Drake Maye, NEP
Maye as a Patriot is a worst-case scenario because what is this Patriots’ roster? Bill Belichick, the coach, is the greatest ever. The general manager version should’ve been fired a decade ago. This roster has so many holes, and the skill players are a glaring one. This roster isn’t ready to provide success or build up a rookie passer, but we don’t have a say in the matter.
Jayden Daniels, TBB
Tampa Bay may be the best landing spot for a rookie quarterback heading into next season. Mike Evans, Raachad White, and a decent offensive line all paint this as a glorious picture for Daniels. His skill set could be explosive with those skill players and could be a fantasy points factory for all of them.
J.J. McCarthy, SEA
In the ultimate dynasty move possible, the Seahawks stashing McCarthy makes a lot of sense. Geno Smith is in the first year of a three-year deal that becomes very team-friendly next season. He is still playing extremely well, all things considered, but a change could happen at any time. McCarthy with Seattle’s pass catchers could be interesting, but I have my reservations about this landing spot.
Wide Receivers
Marvin Harrison Jr., ARZ
A dream landing spot production-wise for both Harrison and Kyler Murray. Both men need each other, Harrison, for the instant justification of the hype he is receiving, and Murray for having a true WR1. He would put up major numbers and could easily finish as the WR1 with Murray and the Cardinals offense.
Malik Nabers, NYG
The Giants quarterback situation remains murky at best, which makes this pick tough to grade. I like the idea of Nabers being with a creative play-caller such as Brian Daboll. I don’t like the quarterback situation. If this were to play out, it would call for a big caution sign and yellow tape to be placed around this pick.
Keon Coleman, NOS
Coleman could take the place of Michael Thomas in the Saints offense, but will the production carry over? I am iffy on Coleman as a prospect, but going to New Orleans would have me all the way out on him. This team’s offense is all over the place, and it seems Derek Carr can’t stay healthy while Jameis Winston is out there having fun in his place. I would stay away from any rookie drafted to New Orleans next Spring.
Rome Odunze, CIN
If the Bengals go wide receiver in round one that means that Tee Higgins left in free agency. Odunze would be one heck of a fun replacement for him and could be used in more ways than Higgins was. Odunze would thrive immediately with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase while putting up some decent numbers, enough to make him a high rookie pick.
Brian Thomas Jr., PIT
One of the more surprising names to see in the first round is Thomas. The LSU Tiger has proven to be a downfield threat who has the speed and route running to get open and get on top of the defense. In the Steelers offense, I would stay away from him or any receiver honestly. Until they get clear eyes on what Kenny Pickett really is, which is a liability.
Emeka Egbuka, JAX
Trevor Lawrence has shown he can win games, but the Jaguars offense remains a fantasy warning sign. Travis Etienne has shown he can be a top asset in that offense, but others have struggled. Calvin Ridley hasn’t been able to take off, Christian Kirk hasn’t had great numbers, and I would worry about Egbuka. I love him as a prospect and receiver, but in terms of production, this landing spot is not it.
Tight Ends
Brock Bowers, NYJ
This spot for Bowers and how fruitful it can be will really determine what type of Aaron Rodgers we see. Rodgers has never been one to target tight ends a lot. With many mouths to feed, such as Garrett Wilson and perhaps even Davante Adams, it could be slim pickings. He will be worth a high draft pick in tight-end premium leagues, of course, but outside of that, be careful.
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