2024 NFL mock draft: Mel Kiper's predictions for Rounds 1-2 - ESPN

With 15 days until the 2024 NFL draft — Round 1 begins at 8 p.m. ET on April 25 on ESPN, ABC and ESPN+ — it's time to dig a little deeper. I'm going two full rounds in a new mock draft, filling roster holes for every team from pick No. 1 to No. 64. There isn't much drama for the Bears at the top of the board, but it could get chaotic quickly after that.

What's new in this mock draft? Well, I'm projecting three trades, all of which are for teams moving up for a quarterback. I think you'll find the deals I proposed intriguing. There are a few risers and fallers throughout the two rounds based on what I've heard in my discussions with NFL execs and coaches. I'm using my Big Board rankings as a guide, and I tried to note where I debated other positions and prospects.

With team needs mostly set after free agency, we have a good idea of the directions most teams will go, barring a megatrade in the next two weeks.

Let's dig into my predictions for the first 64 picks. Check out the "SportsCenter Special: NFL Mock Draft 4.0" on the ESPN App, and I'll be all over ESPN's shows through the end of the month. And, of course, if you're not listening to the «First Draft» podcast, are you actually an NFL draft fanatic?

Jump to the first pick for each team:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH

Caleb Williams, QB, USC

I don't think we need to spend much time debating the direction the Bears will go here. Justin Fields is gone, and Williams is the clear best quarterback in this class. With Keenan Allen, DJ Moore and Cole Kmet as his top three targets, he's going to have a chance to hit the ground running in a