NFL Draft 2024: Highlighting Riskiest Mid-1st-Round Picks in Latest Expert Mocks

Every NFL franchise is afraid of potential busts in the draft, particularly players who get selected early and then go on to underperform. It can set a team back for multiple years.

Not every player taken in the opening round will end up as a superstar in the league. But, at the least, teams are hoping to acquire productive players who can become starters and be an integral piece of their offense or defense for many years to come.

The 32 NFL teams will all look to make the correct decisions during the 2024 NFL draft, which is set for April 25-27 in Detroit.

Here's a look at some first-round draft prospects who could be risky selections this year.

J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 08: Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) gives a thumbs up to the sideline during the CFP National Championship game Michigan Wolverines and Washington Huskies on January 8, 2024, at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

J.J. McCarthy helped Michigan win a national championship during the 2023 college football season, but his numbers over his three-year career with the Wolverines were never eye-popping. In 15 games this past season, he threw for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns and four interceptions.

It's clear McCarthy is no better than the fourth-best quarterback prospect in the class. USC's Caleb Williams, North Carolina's Drake Maye and LSU's Jayden Daniels should be the first three QBs to come off the board (and potentially as the first, second and third picks). But McCarthy may not have to wait long to hear his name called.

Some mock drafts have the Minnesota Vikings trading up to No. 4 with the Arizona Cardinals, while ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has the Vikings moving to No. 5 via a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers to land McCarthy. It's a move that could be made by a team hungry for a QB.

Still, it's a risky move. McCarthy likely wouldn't be getting drafted that high if there weren't so many teams looking for quarterbacks this year. So whichever franchise ends up with him will hope he can develop into a top-tier player down the line.

Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

Stacy Revere/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 02: Xavier Worthy #WO40 of Texas participates in the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 02, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Xavier Worthy is fast. There's no doubt about that. The former Texas wide receiver set an NFL Scouting Combine record with his 40-yard dash time of 4.21 seconds last month.

Although speed is important, it isn't everything. Just because Worthy is fast doesn't mean he will go on to have a long, successful NFL career. And he'll need to prove that he can keep up with the physicality of the league, as he's a bit undersized at 5-foot-11 and 165 pounds.

Kiper has the Chargers taking Worthy at No. 23, while NFL.com's Chad Reuter believes the former Longhorns standout could fall to the Kansas City Chiefs at No. 32. The later a team can land Worthy, the better, as it won't be as much of a risk to take him at those points.

If Worthy's skills match up with his speed, a team could get a steal with him. Or they could end up with a fast player who doesn't contribute much to an NFL offense.

Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 25: Nate Wiggins #2 of the Clemson Tigers plays against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)

Like Worthy, there could be some size concerns with Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins, who is 6-foot-1 and 173 pounds. It could be tough for him to play physical against some of the biggest, strongest wide receivers in the NFL.

Kiper projects the Philadelphia Eagles to take Wiggins at No. 22. That could be a good landing spot for the former Tigers standout, as he could learn from veterans Darius Slay and James Bradberry while getting acclimated to the league.

It's also possible Wiggins could go to a team like the Cardinals, who might be in range to select him at No. 27. They could use a boost in their secondary.

Wiggins has an impressive skill set. He'll just need to show he can make the adjustments to play at the next level, which comes with some risks.