2024 NFL draft: Debating need, value for 32 Round 1 picks

Let's be clear: This isn't a mock draft. It isn't a projection of what each team will actually do in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. Instead, it's a look at which prospects might make sense -- and should still be on the board -- at each slot based on two very different draft room strategies: picking to fill a huge team need and picking based on "best player available."

Ideally, NFL teams try to marry the two concepts when making selections in Round 1 -- addressing a need without reaching is how teams win on draft night. But when each franchise is on the clock, decision-makers are weighing a lot of different things, and sometimes there's a value pick too good to pass up or a roster weakness too big to ignore. So for a second year in a row, we asked our NFL draft analysts to explore both sides of the table for all 32 first-round picks:

1. Jordan Reid named a prospect who would best fill every team's biggest (or in some cases, second-biggest) position need.

2. Matt Miller pointed to the prospect who would give each team maximum value and satisfy a "best player available" approach, while also factoring in positional value.

Repeat picks weren't allowed, so each selection was based on the current board for each analyst. The lower we get in Round 1, the more variety you'll see. Essentially, we tried to lay out a few options for every front office gearing up for a Day 1 pick.

See final rankings (ESPN+):
Miller | Reid

1. Chicago Bears (via CAR)

Reid's pick that fills a big need: Caleb Williams, QB, USC

After dealing Justin Fields to Pittsburgh, the Bears don't have a starting quarterback -- and their 44.5 QBR over the past five seasons ranks 27th in the NFL. Williams can be the new face of the franchise.

Miller's pick that gets best value: Caleb Williams, QB, USC

The Bears can match need with value here. Williams has been the wire-to-wire best player in the 2024 draft, and he should go first overall.

2. Washington Commanders