ESPN

● By Mike Tannenbaum

Accuracy: 24.52%223rd Place
Decision-makers for every NFL franchise are working around the clock to get ready for April's 2024 NFL draft. I remember the process well, with experience as a general manager and executive vice president with the Dolphins (2015-18) and Jets (2006-12). And for a fourth year in a row, I was feeling nostalgic and wanted to take a run at all 32 first-round picks -- how I would make each selection. What follows isn't a traditional mock draft. While draft analysts aim to project what they believe will happen based on what they're hearing -- my colleague Mel Kiper Jr. just unveiled his newest set of predictions last week -- I'm instead putting myself into the general manager chair for each team with a first-rounder and making my own picks. So it's not necessarily what I'm expecting to happen but rather how I'd personally approach each Day 1 selection. This is all based off my own evaluations, preferences, philosophies and rationale. I have something new this year, too -- I made one trade, which I justify because I would do it from both teams' perspectives. So let's jump in with my GM selections for the first 32 picks, starting with a no-brainer for Bears GM Ryan Poles at No. 1. And be sure to check out my 'SportsCenter' special on these picks.

Top Players Not Included

These players appear in the top 32 of our

Consensus Big Board

, but do not show up in this mock.