Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
DETROIT, April 23, 2024 ~ 760 WJR “SportsWrap” host and former Detroit Lions tackle Lomas Brown took command in the mock draft room Monday to present his picks for the top five selections in this Thursday’s NFL Draft.
Find out here who he picked and why, with analysis on the strategies behind the choices, and a look at what some of the surprise alternatives might be.
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No. 1: Caleb Williams
University of Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams is widely expected to be the No. 1 pick when the Chicago Bears go on the clock Thursday. Under the direction of USC Head Coach Lincoln Riley, Williams earned several prestigious awards, including the 2022 Heisman Trophy that followed a university best 4,500-yard, 52 touchdown season. The Washington DC native has reportedly been groomed throughout his life for this moment by his father, Caleb Williams, whose controversial management of his son’s career might be an area of concern for any team considering the 22-year-old star.
PODCAST:
April 22, 2024 ~ Lomas’ picks are in! “SportsWrap” co-host Lomas Brown brings you his insights on who the hottest prospects of the NFL Draft will be. From the buzz around Caleb Williams to the strategic moves of the Cardinals and the Chargers, get the insider scoop on who Lomas projects is going where and why. Will Williams be the next big thing, or will Daniels sprint to stardom in Washington? Plus, hear why the Patriots might just snag a sleeper QB. Get the analysis, predictions, and football wisdom here!
Photo: Brad Penner ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
No. 2: Jayden Daniels
The laser arm precision of LSU’s Jayden Daniels might just be what Commanders need to improve from their 4-13 record in 2023. Daniels, a San Bernardino native, rose from his high school stardom to become the first true freshman to start at quarterback for Arizona State. He led the Sun Devils that year to a 20-14 victory in the 2019 Sun Bowl, where he was named MVP. In 2022, Daniels transferred to Louisiana State, where his outstanding performance earned him the Heisman Trophy, the Walter Camp Award, and was named AP College Football Player of the Year.
Photo: Bob Donnan ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
No. 3: Drake Maye
The youngest-ever head coach in the NFL appears to be in the market for a fresh new face at quarterback. When Coach Jerod Mayo’s Patriots make their No. 3 choice on Thursday, many mock drafters project that North Carolina native Drake Maye may be the name they call. The 21-year-old pocket maestro excelled at both football and basketball in his high school days, earning All-Conference and All-District honors. After redshirting in his first year at the University of North Carolina, Maye took the helm at quarterback, leading UNC to the ACC Championship Game and the Holiday Bowl. He was also named ACC Player of the Year and ACC Offensive Player of the Year for that season. Drake’s father, Mark Maye, also played quarterback for UNC, followed by brief stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Raleigh–Durham Skyhawks.
Photo: Clare Grant ~ USA Today Network
No. 4: Marvin Harrison Jr.
A wide receiver tops the list of needs for the Arizona Cardinals, and Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. might just be the catch they’re looking for. Marvin’s path to the NFL was inspired by his father, legendary Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Marvin Harrison. Marvin Jr. grew up in Philadelphia, where he helped lead his high school team at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School to three consecutive state championships. While at Ohio State, Harrison won the 2023 Fred Biletnikoff Award after turning in a 1,211 yard, 14 touchdown season. He also was named two-time unanimous All-American and was also named the Graham–George Offensive Player of the Year. After the 2023 season, Harrison decided to skip his senior year at Ohio State and instead declare for the NFL Draft.
Photo: Kirby Lee ~ USA TODAY SPORTS
#5: Joe Alt
Many observers believe that the first order of business for newly named Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh will be to improve the team’s offensive depth. One alternative in meeting that goal could be former Notre Dame offensive tackle, Joe Alt. The two-time All-American began his college career in 2021 as a true freshman, starting in all 13 games that season at left tackle. This past year, Alt was a finalist for the Outland Trophy, which recognizes the nation’s best offensive tackles. He was also named to the 2023 College Football All-American Team after his stellar performance helped the Fighting Irish achieve a 39.1 point per game average. At 6-foot, 8-inches, and 322-pounds, Alt is sure to be a formidable presence in the NFL.
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Stay with 760 WJR through the week for the latest on the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit, plus be sure to catch our coverage live from the epicenter of the action.
On Wednesday, August 24, don’t miss “SportsWrap with Lomas Brown and Anthony Bellino” live at 6 p.m. from the kick-off celebration at Gilly’s Detroit.
Then on Thursday, 760 WJR is live from 6 a.m. through 11 p.m. from inside the footprint of the NFL Draft. Don’t miss “’JR Mornings with Guy, Lloyd, and Jamie,” “All Talk with Jordan and Dietz,” “Focus with Paul W. Smith,” “’JR Afternoon with Chris Renwick,” and “The Mitch Albom Show,” followed by and extended special edition of “SportsWrap with Lomas Brown and Anthony Bellino.”
It’s all part of our 2024 NFL Draft coverage, exclusively from 760 WJR.
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