NFL Draft | Caleb Williams…and the others

In 2030, we will retrospectively describe the 2024 NFL Draft as the most accomplished and talented crop of the last decade. This auction, by its depth, its abundance and its potential, promises to be spectacular and striking. Here’s what the top 10 player selection could look like on Thursday night.

1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, quarterback, USC

Williams’ selection at No. 1 is a no-brainer. Like that of Trevor Lawrence in 2021 or that of Baker Mayfield in 2018. Chicago even traded Justin Fields to make room for him. The 22-year-old quarterback is tough and smart. Observers talk about him as a more athletic and faster Patrick Mahomes.

2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, quarterback, LSU

No player has experienced such impressive progression as Daniels over the past year. With the Heisman Trophy winner, the Commanders would be taking a step in the right direction. Lots of university experience, fantastic precision, a destabilizing capacity for anticipation and above all 40 touchdown passes in 2023. With a quarter of his caliber, Washington could overcome a huge problem and finally rebuild by relying on a solid foundation.

3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye, quarterback, UNC

The Patriots rose to glory with Tom Brady, a smart but static quarterback. They tried to repeat the experience with Mac Jones. It would have been a resounding failure. It’s time to change course. At 6-foot-4, 223 pounds and just 21 years old, Maye throws missiles and runs like a thoroughbred. It’s a lofty comparison, but for his style of play, he finds himself somewhere between Josh Allen and Justin Herbert.

4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., receiver, Ohio State

If the Cardinals want to offer ammunition to their trusted quarterback, Kyler Murray, choosing Marvin Harrison Jr is essential. This is the best receiver of this vintage. This is a generational talent. A gem similar to Justin Jefferson or Ja’Marr Chase. Harrison Jr. stands out for the creativity and precision of his routes, he shines in all areas of the field and he makes the difference in the paying zone.

5. Los Angeles Chargers: Rome Odunze, receiver, Washington

The Chargers need to help Justin Herbert and it’s urgent. To allow their quarterback to finally reach his potential, they must choose a quality receiver. With Rome Odunze, we would get a little closer to the truth. He was the best receiver in the country after Harrison Jr. Leader in passing yards (1,640), Odunze is a tough guy, very skilled at making his way and creating space in tight spots.

6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers, receiver, LSU

The last time the Giants drafted sixth overall, they set their sights on Daniel Jones. Several contradictory information emanates from New York. Will the Giants advance? Will they draft another quarterback? The staff offered Jones $160 million last year. It would be surprising to see them pick another quarterback. Instead, they must help their current pivot. This is why Nabers, a nuclear bomb on two legs, explosive and master of long catches, would be a solution.

7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt, offensive lineman, Notre Dame

The Titans, who were thought to be helpless, did a colossal job during the off-season. To prosper, they must protect Will Levis, their future quarterback, at all costs. With a 6-foot-9, 321-pound left tackle like Joe Alt, they put the odds in their favor. The big guy from the University of Notre Dame has the leadership of a captain and the talent of a top prospect. He excels both in running and in aerial games.

8. Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner, defensive end, Alabama

The Falcons have rebuilt their offense well in recent years. We must now think about improving the defense. In a division in which quarterbacks are not very mobile, you have to bet on a quarterback hunter. Dallas Turner is the right horse. Big, heavy, athletic, fast and able to adapt quickly based on reads. He is less dominant on the outskirts, but in the trenches, the former Alabama player can do a lot of harm.

9. Chicago Bears: Taliese Fuaga, offensive lineman, Oregon State

The Bears drafted a franchise player first overall. Now we must protect it to ensure it has a viable future. Taliese Fuaga played a little more in the shadows than some players named before him at Oregon State, but he is efficient, reliable and never caught off guard at the line of scrimmage. No less than 324 pounds of pure power. He can be a little impatient at times, especially on ground plays, but he protects the player throwing the ball well and that’s the main thing.

10. New York Jets: Brock Bowers, tight end, Georgia

At one point last year, Bowers was identified as a potential draft pick. top 5. An ankle operation, however, made it difficult for him to maintain his rank. The fact remains that he is one of the most anticipated tight ends of the decade. And with their lack of depth on offense, the Jets would achieve what will be called a steal in a few years. He shares all the qualities that allowed TJ Hockenson or Sam LaPorta to quickly make their mark.