10 bold 2024 NFL Draft predictions: Several records broken, QB prospect drops to Day 2

However, Bowers could help two teams—the Bears (No. 9) and Jets (No. 10)—with talented rosters and playoff aspirations.

A Jets offense built around Bowers, wide receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall could be the start of something special.

Likewise, a Chicago offense with Bowers, wideouts D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen and quarterback Caleb Williams could be the recipe for a Bears offensive explosion. 

Vikings stand pat, draft Oregon quarterback Bo Nix

Earlier this offseason, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell discussed the importance of getting the quarterback position right, as well as the traits necessary for a quarterback to thrive.

"Any NFL quarterback who is going to sustain a long career...has to be accurate," he noted.

Could O'Connell be talking about J.J. McCarthy, who completed 72.3 percent of his passes in 2023 and could be a top-four pick? Possibly. 

But he also might have had someone like Nix, who could be available as late as pick No. 23, in mind. During his super-senior season, the Oregon quarterback posted the highest completion percentage in NCAA history at 77.4 percent.

A record number of offensive players selected in Round 1

The record is 19 offensive players drafted on Day 1, and chances are strong that at least 20 will be picked this Thursday. Several teams' biggest need is either wide receiver or offensive line, and this year's class is ripe with talent at those positions. 

Michael Penix Jr. drops to Day 2

Legitimate concerns about Penix Jr. will cause him to fall to the second round. Reception Perception's Derrik Klassen and The Ringer's Benjamin Solak were both left unimpressed after deep dives on his game film.

Even for teams needing a quarterback, Penix might be too big of a risk to be picked on Thursday.

Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell will be the best defender selected in Round 1

Mitchell used the pre-draft process to show that his dominant career at Toledo wasn't the byproduct of competing against weaker competition. By the time the ascending prospect's rookie season is over, we'll be wondering why he wasn't selected earlier, regardless of how high he goes.

Texas A&M's Edgerrin Cooper is the first linebacker off the board

Linebacker-needy teams such as the Eagles and Texans have likely done their homework on Cooper, who we won't count out as a potential first-round selection. The former Aggies linebacker is in the mix for top linebacker in the top-heavy 2024 class along with NC State's Payton Wilson and Michigan's Junior Colson but leads the trio with seven top-30 visits, per CBS Sports.

A wide receiver trade shakes up the first-round

Wideouts, including San Francisco's Brandon Aiyuk and Cincinnati's Tee Higgins, have reportedly requested trades during the offseason, and we like the chances of one of them—or another receiver—being moved. 

Panthers trade down from No. 33 overall

General manager Dan Morgan recently discussed his team's options with the first pick on Day 2, which include trading the selection. The Panthers have several holes on their roster and a pair of early Round 2 picks (they also have No. 39 overall), making a trade down more likely.

Michigan breaks record for most players selected in a single NFL Draft

Georgia set the record with 15 players drafted in 2022, but the 2023 national champions will take the crown this year. The Wolverines have fewer projected first-round picks, but the middle rounds should be filled with former Michigan players, including linebacker Colson, running back Blake Corum, cornerback Mike Sainristil, wide receiver Roman Wilson and offensive lineman Zak Zinter.