The strength of this years draft would appear to be at Offensive Tackle and Wide Receiver. It’s entirely possible that half of the 1st round selections could comprise these positions.
At the top end though, it’s very much QB driven. The first 3 teams all have sufficient questions at QB to strongly suggest they’ll be looking at drafting their new passer with their first picks. There are also several other QB needy teams sat outside the top 10 who will need to offer a kings ransom to get into the top 3 or 4 or be left manoeuvring the first round in an attempt secure QB’s #5 and #6 earlier than many pundits would have these QB’s typically ranked.
My mock draft always assumes no trades, so I’ll be assuming each team assesses their needs as they hit the clock. And here goes, welcome to my 2024 mock draft.
1. 1) Chicago Bears
Chicago traded away the #1 pick last year, subsequently
posting a 7-10 season but ended the season strong, winning 5 of their last 8
games. They have Carolina to thank for entering the 2024 draft with the #1
overall pick again thanks to last years trade. The deal thus far has netted
them WR D.J Moore, the #9 2023 pick (traded to #10 for OT Darnell Wright), pick
#61 used to trade up for CB Tyrique Stevenson, the overall #1 pick here and a
2025 2nd round pick. The Bears Front Office are grateful to the
Panthers for their ineptitude.
Off-Season
Additions : WR Keenan Allen (t-LA Chargers), RB D’Andre Swift (Philadelphia),
SS Kevin Byard (Philadelphia), TE Gerald Everett (LA Chargers), OG Ryan Bates
(t-Buffalo), C Coleman Shelton (LA Rams), SS Jonathan Owens (Green Bay), OG
Matt Pryor (San Francisco), OT Jake Curhan (Seattle), LB Amen Ogbongbemiga (LA
Chargers)
Off-Season
Losses : QB Justin Fields (t-Pittsburgh), WR Darnell Mooney (Atlanta), DT
Justin Jones (Arizona), OG Dan Feeney (Minnesota), RB D’Onta Foreman
(Cleveland), QB Nathan Peterman (NO), OG Cody Whitehair (Las Vegas), WR Equanimeous
St.Brown (NO), FS Eddie Jackson (free agent), DE Yannick Ngakoue (free agent)
Needs : The Bears were active in free agency, providing additional
weapons on offense (Keenan Allen, DeAndre Swift, Gerald Everett) and clearly
signalling their draft intentions by dealing 2023 starter and former 1st
round pick Justin Fields to Pittsburgh. There is only one position where this
pick is spent.
The Player : QB Caleb Williams (USC)
The tape shows some mechanical recklessness
but at his best Williams can make all the throws. Whilst comparisons with Mahomes
are overly optimistic, he could become the best Bears QB in at least a
generation.
2. 2) Washington Commanders
A change of Ownership, change of GM and change of Coaching
Staff has Washington hitting full reset mode. The reset began midseason with
the team trading away star DL Montez Sweat for a 2nd round pick,
followed only days later by former #2 pick Chase Young heading to the 49ers for
a 3rd round pick. The off-season saw QB Sam Howell depart to Seattle
for more picks, leaving Washington with 9 selections in the 2024 draft.
Off-Season
Additions : DE Dorance Armstrong (Dallas), LB Frankie Luvu (Carolina), OC Tyler
Biadasz (Dallas), OG Nick Allegretti (KC), S Jeremy Chinn (Carolina), LB Bobby
Wagner (Seattle), RB Austin Ekeler (LA Chargers), DE Clelin Ferrell (SF), QB
Marcus Mariota (Philadelphia), K Brandon McManus (Jacksonville), DE Dante
Fowler Jr (Dallas), LB Mykal Walker (Pittsburgh), CB Noah Igbinoghene (Dallas),
CB Michael Davis (LA Chargers), CB James Pierre (Pittsburgh)
Off-Season
Losses : QB Sam Howell (t-Seattle), WR Curtis Samuel (Buffalo), CB Kendall
Fuller (Miami), RB Antonio Gibson (NE) S Kamren Curl (LA Rams), QB Jacoby
Brissett (NE), LB Cody Barton (Denver), K Joey Slye (Jacksonville), TE Logan
Thomas (free agent)
Needs : Outside of the obvious question at QB, the
Commanders also need to keep any passer upright and desperately need OT help. They
were active in free agency but lack a blue chip edge rusher.
Maye has arguably the highest floor of the 2024 QB class. He’s a reliable, big bodied QB (6’4, 230) with an excellent deep ball and a steady touch passer. He's also a dual threat with 16 rushing TD's over his 2-yr starting career at North Carolina.
There’s some comparisons to Justin Herbert due to his stature, but
he doesn’t
possess quite the same arm as the Chargers passer.
Some teams will have Jayden
Daniels ranked higher.
3. 3) New England Patriots
It’s still a shock to type that the Bill Belichick era is no
more in New England. The Patriots were pretty woeful last year though, particularly
on offense averaging a league worst 13.9 point per game. Things were so bad
that they abandoned the Mac Jones experience midseason with no viable
alternative on the roster. Jacoby Brissett was signed in the off-season but
whilst he’s serviceable, he’s surely a bridge QB at best.
Off-Season
Additions : RB Antonio Gibson (Washington), QB Jacoby Brissett (Washington), LB
Sione Takitaki (Cleveland), WR K.J Osborn (Minnesota), OT Chukwuma Okorafor
(Pittsburgh), TE Austin Hooper (Las Vegas), DT Armon Watts (Pittsburgh), OG
Nick Leverett (Tampa), S Jaylinn Hawkins (LA Chargers)
Off-Season
Losses : QB Mac Jones (t-Jacksonville), LB Mack Wilson (Arizona), OT Trenton
Brown (Cincinnati), TE Pharaoh Brown (Seattle), TE Mike Gesicki (Cincinnati),
CB Jalen Mills (NY Giants), LB Chris Board (Baltimore), WR DeVante Parker
(Philadelphia), WR Kendrick Bourne (free agent), RB Ezekiel Elliott (free
agent), CB J.C Jackson (free agent)
Needs : QB is the obvious need and sitting at #3 they’ll
have that opportunity if they wish. The roster has several holes though and I
would not rule a trade-down with a fellow QB needy team with less holes than
the Patriots. The other options are countless but they lack a true WR1 and a
stellar OT. It’s a good draft class for both positions.
The Player : QB Jayden Daniels (LSU)
A 5-yr starter with 3-yrs at Arizona State before transferring to LSU, Daniels went 37-18 during his college career, but it was his senior season that made everyone take notice.
The 2023 Heisman winner (3,812 pass yds, 40 TD’s, 4 int’s, 1,134 rush yds, 10 rush TD’s) was a big play threat as a passer or with the ball in hand last year. Daniels was certainly assisted by WR’s Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. Both of whom will be off the board in the first round this year too.Comparisons with Lamar Jackson and Justin Fields are common, but he wears #5 in tribute to his boyhood hero Donovan McNabb. His slender build (6'3 / 210) may cause some concerns whilst scrambling in the NFL, and whilst he’s arguably a better passer than Jackson
and Fields coming out of college, you’d really expect that after 55 starts in
college.
4. 4) Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are picking early here but have a lot more
optimism entering the 2024 draft than they would have done last year. The
roster has undergone significant overhaul with youth the key. At season end, 35
players on the 53-man roster had 3 years or less NFL experience. Kudos to 1st
year GM Monti Ossenfort and 1st year HC Jonathan Gannon for
re-setting the culture of the franchise.
Off-Season
Additions : DT Justin Jones (Chicago), OT Jonah Williams (Cincinnati), CB Sean
Bunting (Tennessee), DE Bilal Nichols (Las Vegas), LB Mack Wilson (NE), QB
Desmond Ridder (t-Atlanta), RB DeeJay Dallas (Seattle), OG Evan Brown (Seattle),
WR Chris Moore (Tennessee), DT Khyiris Tonga (Minnesota)
Off-Season
Losses : WR Marquise Brown (KC), WR Rondale Moore (t-Atlanta), DT Leki Fotu (NY
Jets), LB Ezekiel Turner (SF)
Needs : The Cardinals already own two 1st round
picks but could trade-down for more selections on a roster that needs more
talent. The obvious best player / need mix sitting at #4 would be WR. Marquise
Brown departed to KC in free agency and Rondale Moore was traded to Atlanta. It’s
convenient there are 3 WR’s this year who should go top 10. A blue-chip pass
rusher wouldn’t hurt either and the Cardinals look thin at CB too.
The Player : WR Marvin Harrison Jr (Ohio State)
Having a father who happends to be a Hall-of-Fame WR
probably helps matters, but Marvin Harrison Jr is arguably the top prospect in
this years class. Ohio State has been a WR factory the last few years. Garrett
Wilson (#10 overall in 2022 to NY Jets), Chris Olave (#11 in 2022 to New
Orleans) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (#20 in 2023 to Seattle) were all first-round
picks. Having posted consecutive 14 TD / 1,200+ receiving yard seasons and
without a noticeable weakness in his game, Harrison potentially could become the
best of the quartet.
5. 5) Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers posted a disappointing 5-12 season with the
nadir a 63-21 drubbing in Las Vegas. Out went HC Brandon Staley and GM Tom
Telesco, in came Joe Hortiz from the Ravens and a return to the NFL for Jim
Harbaugh. It will be intriguing to see how they overhaul a team regarded as underachievers
and how much they mould the team into a typical Harbaugh outfit. Gone already
are Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Gerald Everett. This offense
will look considerably different in 2024.
Off-Season
Additions : TE Will Dissly (Seattle), RB J.K Dobbins (Baltimore), RB Gus
Edwards (Baltimore), CB Kristian Fulton (Tennessee), LB Denzel Perryman
(Houston), LB Troy Dye (Minnesota), DE Poona Ford (Buffalo), OC Bradley Bozeman
(Carolina), TE Hayden Hurst (Carolina)
Off-Season
Losses : WR Keenan Allen (t-Chicago), WR Mike Williams (NY Jets), TE Gerald
Everett (Chicago), RB Austin Ekeler (Washington), LB Kenneth Murray
(Tennessee), DT Austin Johnson (Buffalo), CB Michael Davis (Washington), LB
Eric Kendricks (Dallas), LB Amen Ogbongbemiga (Chicago), OC Will Clapp
(Buffalo), WR Jalen Guyton (free agent)
Needs ; I’d expect the Chargers to initially focus on the
trenches. Harbaugh has consistently set his foundations from the O-line. However,
the clearout of the skill positions on offense leaves major questions all over
the pass catching corps. Maybe they hope 2023 1st round pick Quinton
Johnson improves from a fairly anonymous rooke season, but it would be a risk
entering the season expecting Johnson to show WR1 ability that was not evidenced
as a rookie. A strength of this draft is at WR, with Malik Nabers or Rome
Odunze potentially elite WR1’s for Justin Herbert. The pick at #5 could be an
invaluable trade asset. Don’t be surprised if QB needy teams try to leapfrog
the Giants here. The Chargers are surely open to obtaining additional picks
The Player : WR Malik Nabers (LSU)
In many other classes Nabers would be regarded as the top WR
prospect. Holding the LSU records for receptions and receiving yards, Nabers
enters the NFL on the back of an 89-1,569-14TD season. Nabers might not be the
biggest bodied receiver, but he’s a true playmaking separator and may be the
top WR on some teams boards. He’ll bring explosion to any offense.
6. 6) New York Giants
The Giants fell to 6-11 in Brian Daboll’s second season with
the team losing 7 games by 15 points or more. Injuries did not help with QB
Daniel Jones again ending the year on IR and bad blood between the coaching
staff festering all year long, finally bubbling over at the end of the season,
resulting in DC Wink Martindale bolting to Michigan.
Off-Season
Additions : LB Brian Burns (t-Carolina), OG Jon Runyan (Green Bay), RB Devin
Singletary (Houston), OT Jermaine Eluemunor (Las Vegas), QB Drew Lock
(Seattle), OG Austin Schlottmann (Minnesota), TE Chris Manhertz (Denver), CB
Jalen Mills (NE), WR Isaiah McKenzie (Indianapolis), OT Matt Nelson (Detroit),
OG Aaron Stinnie (Tampa), TE Jack Stoll (Philadelphia)
Off-Season
Losses : RB Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia), S Xavier McKinney (Green Bay), DE
A’Shawn Robinson (Carolina), OG Ben Bredeson (Tampa), QB Tyrod Taylor (NY
Jets), DE Jihad Ward (Minnesota), OT Matt Peart (Denver), K Cade York
(Cleveland), CB Adoree’ Jackson (free agent), WR Sterling Shepard (free agent),
RB Matt Breida (free agent)
Needs : How the Front Office view Daniel Jones will be
intriguing. They dished out a $160m 4-yr contract after Daboll’s first season
but he regressed last year and has not proved durable thus far. The cap out is
prohibitive this year ($69m), but there’s a possibility they could consider his
2025 replacement at #6. However, there’s not a stellar supporting cast around
him either. The Giants have lacked a true WR1 since Odell Beckham left town in
2019. Add TE Darren Waller’s potential retirement into the mix and this is a
team crying out for more playmakers.
The Player : WR Rome Odunze (Washington)
Odunze is a contested catch
specialist who seems to relish the battle. As the combine displayed, he’s a last off the practice field type. He’ll
provide leadership as well as talent.
7. 7) Tennessee Titans
The Titans will enter 2024 without Mike Vrabel, Ryan
Tannehill & Derrick Henry. Vrabel opened his coaching career with 4 winning
seasons including a trip to the AFC Championship game but posted a 13-21 record
in his last 2 years in Tennessee. Henry has jumped to the Ravens for a tilt at
the Super Bowl. The Titans are not going to be left wondering on 2nd
year QB Will Levis, who should be ably supported by DeAndre Hopkins and Calvin
Ridley in 2024. Tony Pollard also came over from the Cowboys and the Titans
traded for Chiefs L’Jarius Sneed to address a pressing concern at CB. The
biggest upgrade however, could be O-line coach Bill Callahan who moved from
Cincinnati to join his son in his first NFL HC job.
Off-Season
Additions : CB L’Jarius Sneed (t-KC), WR
Calvin Ridley (Jacksonville), OC Lloyd Cushenberry (Denver), CB Chidobe Awuzie
(Cincinnati), RB Tony Pollard (Dallas), LB Kenneth Murray (LA Chargers), DT
Sebastian Joseph (SF), QB Mason Rudolph (Pittsburgh), OG Saahdiq Charles
(Washington)
Off-Season
Losses : RB Derrick Henry (Baltimore), LB Azeez Al-Shaair (Houston), CB Sean
Bunting (Arizona), OC Aaron Brewer (Miami), DE Denico Autry (Houston), CB
Kristian Fulton (LA Chargers), WR Chris Moore (Arizona), S K’Von Wallace
(Seattle), DE Trevis Gipson (Jacksonville), QB Ryan Tannehill (free agent), OT
Andre Dillard (free agent), S Terrell Edmunds (free agent)
Needs : The O-line was arguably the worst in the NFL last
year. The OL coaching staff took a huge upgrade and OC Lloyd Cushenberry came
over from Denver but a premier OT would not hurt. If the Chargers don’t go OT
or trade-out at #5 they’d get their pick of the class sitting at #7.
His father John Alt is a former 1st round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs who went to 2 x Pro Bowls in 13 seasons and sits in the Chiefs Hall of Fame.
Alt is probably the most rounded OT prospect in the class, scheme
versatile with the pedigree to be a cornerstone Tackle for the team that
selects him.
At 6-8 / 321, his balance and movement skills belie his stature. He’s a
mountain that can move. In a good way.
8. 8) Atlanta Falcons
Arthur Smith paid the price for entering his 3rd
year without a proven entiry at QB and the Falcons quickly ensured the same
would not be true for Raheem Morris return to Flowery Branch. The $180m / 4-yr
contract given to Kirk Cousins on the opening day of free agency presumably
takes QB off the radar. It’s easy to argue the Falcons would have won the
division with merely passable QB play. Cousins is 35 and coming off an ACL
injury but is a huge upgrade.
Off-Season
Additions : QB Kirk Cousins (Minnesota), WR Darnell Mooney (Chicago), WR
Rondale Moore (t-Arizona), TE Charlie Woerner (SF), WR Ray-Ray McCloud (SF)
Off-Season
Losses : QB Desmond Ridder (t-Arizona), TE Jonnu Smith (Miami), RB Cordarrelle
Patterson (Pittsburgh), CB Jeff Okudah (Houston), OC Matt Hennessy
(Philadelphia), WR Van Jefferson (Pittsburgh), WR Mack Hollins (Buffalo), TE
MyCole Pruitt (Pittsburgh), DE Calais Campbell (free agent), LB Bud Dupree
(free agent), FB Keith Smith (free agent), WR Scotty Miller (free agent)
Needs : The needs of the offense were largely addressed in
free agency. If one of the top 3 WR’s remain maybe there is temptation through
sheer value, though the more pressing needs are defensive players. The Falcons
could use a CB opposite AJ Terrell, particularly as he enters a contract year.
However, the perennial need to bolster the pass rush still exists. They’ve not
had a consistent year-in year-out difference maker on the edge since John
Abraham departed in 2012. The pick would seem to be between DE Laiatu Latu, DT Byron
Murphy and the pick below . . .
A 2-year starter at Alabama, Turner posted 23.5 sacks in his 3-yr college career. A team captain at Alabama, he led the Tide in TFL’s last year as well as posting 11 sacks.
Explosive around the edge, he can be disruptive in multiple ways. He ran a 4.46/40 at the combine but has more tools than simply winning on speed alone. If he continues to progress he could become an impact edge.
He's the first defender off the board in my mock.
9. 9) Chicago Bears
Chicago are back on the clock, conscious they only have 3
more picks after this (only one on Day Two) it’s a possibly trade-down position.
Needs : With QB secured at #1 and free agency providing
additional weapons, the Bears would probably like to turn their attention to
the pass rush. Montez Sweat made a significant difference after his midseason
trade and an edge rusher or DT to complement Sweat would only further
strengthen the unit.
The Player : DE Jared Verse (Florida State)
Verse has come quite a distance from being a no-star recruit
beginning his college career at tiny Albany State. Verse converted from TE and
bulked up to play DE. After going 3-12 in his 2 years on the programme (with 14.5
sacks), Verse transferred to Florida State and immediately adjusted to the
level of play, leading the Seminoles in sacks in both 2022 & 2023. Showing
relentless power and energy, the only downside is Verse would be a 24-yr old
rookie.
10. 10) New York Jets
The Jets season fell away the second Aaron Rodgers ACL also
collapsed. Former #2 overall pick Zach Wilson failed to capitalize on yet another
opportunity and his Jet career is likely over. It must have been particularly galling
to have released Joe Flacco upon signing Rodgers only for Flacco to guide the
Browns to the playoffs as a midseason signing. A lot depends on how good Aaron
Rodgers remains at age 40. Tyrod Taylor was signed as insurance this offseason.
Robert Salah’s chair is fast heating up and all the Jets offseason moves to
date have re-enforced the win now mode. The Jets do have several reasons for
optimism. Their defense gave fits to Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts and Josh
Allen during 2023 and they have some true playmakers on offense in Breece Hall
and Garrett Wilson.
Off-Season
Additions : WR Mike Williams (LA Chargers), DE Haason Reddick (t-Philadelphia),
OT Tyron Smith (Dallas), OT Morgan Moses (t-Baltimore), OG John Simpson
(Baltimore), QB Tyrod Taylor (NY Giants), DT Javon Kinlaw (SF), DT Leki Fotu
(Arizona), CB Isaiah Oliver (SF)
Off-Season
Losses : DE Bryce Huff (Philadelphia), S Jordan Whitehead (Tampa), DT Quinton
Jefferson (Cleveland), CB Bryce Hall (Tampa), TE C.J Uzomah (Philadelphia), QB Zach
Wilson (t-Denver), DE Carl Lawson (free agent), OT Duane Brown (free agent), OT
Mekhi Becton (free agent)
Needs : Allen Lazard was a $44m / 4-yr signing the previous
offseason and delivered 23 catches. Mike Williams was signed as a 1-yr $15m
rental deal this offseason but is often injured. WR would certainly be in play
if any of the top trio of WR’s fall to #10. OL should still be a need, although
the Jets signed OG John Simpson from Baltimore and OT Tyron Smith from Dallas
in free agency and added OT Morgan Moses in a trade with Baltimore. Smith is
only on a 1-yr rental, and has durability questions. Moses too has missed time
in previous years. Whilst OL insurance is important I think the Jets will want
a 1st pick that contributes immediately.
The Player : TE Brock Bowers (Georgia)
Bowers can create mismatches with his size and speed. He’s unlikely to be utilized much as an in-like blocker but would be an immediate upgrade for a team such as the Jets who are in win-now mode.
The Jets have Tyler Conklin to do the dirty work whilst Bowers could fulfill a role similar to Dalton Kincaid did in Buffalo as a rookie last year, predominantly in the slot. He'd quickly become a favourite target of Aaron Rodgers.
11. 11) Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings started 1-4, lost Justin Jefferson for 7 games
and promptly went on a 5-game winning streak. The optimism all but fell away when
Kirk Cousins went down for the year in a road victory at Lambeau Field. Kevin
O’Connell turned to Joshua Dobbs with initial success which soon waned, reverting
to Nick Mullens, then rookie Jaren Hall and back to Mullens to close out the
year, the back-ups going a combined 3-6. Cousins was allowed to leave in free
agency with only Sam Darnold added. The defense was a positive under Brian
Flores blitz-happy scheme and the leading pass catchers of Jefferson, Jordan
Addison and TE TJ Hockenson all return. The biggest question mark is who
replaces Cousins behind Center?
Off-Season
Additions : DE Jonathan Greenard (Houston), LB Blake Cashman (Houston), LB
Andrew Van Ginkel (Miami), QB Sam Darnold (SF), RB Aaron Jones (Green Bay), CB
Shaquill Griffin (Carolina), DT Jerry Tillery (Las Vegas), OG Dan Feeney
(Chicago), DE Jihad Ward (NY Giants), WR Trent Sherfield (Buffalo), DE Jonah
Williams (LA Rams)
Off-Season
Losses : QB Kirk Cousins (Atlanta), DE Danielle Hunter (Houston), DE Marcus
Davenport (Detroit), DE D.J Wonnum (Carolina), LB Jordan Hicks (Cleveland), RB
Alexander Mattison (Las Vegas), WR K.J Osborn (NE), OG Austin Schlottmann (NY
Giants), OT Oli Udoh (NO), K Greg Joseph (Green Bay), DT Khyiris Tonga
(Arizona), LB Troy Dye (LA Chargers), RB Cam Akers (free agent)
Needs : QB is the obvious question mark. Sam Darnold did not
excel in previous spells for the Jets or Panthers and rode the bench in SF. The
Vikings have already completed a deal with the Texans to double their 1st
round picks. Do not be surprised if this is leverage to shoot up the draft
board for a QB. Outside of QB, the Vikings would benefit from upgrading the
talent on their O-line too.
The Player : QB J.J McCarthy (Michigan)
The National Championship winning QB may not last until #11
but looks a solid fit for any Shanahan style offense. The knock on McCarthy is
mainly that he wasn’t asked to carry the team in Harbaugh’s system but the NFL
may rate him higher than the average fan. He could be a good-fit in Minnesota,
with a strong supporting cast and a QB friendly HC in Kevin O’Connell.
12. 12) Denver Broncos
It was a strange first season in Denver for HC Sean Payton. The
Broncos opened the year 0-3 including a Wk3 trouncing that saw them surrender
70 points in Miami (the most points allowed by a team since 1966), mounted a
5-game midseason winning streak and closed the year with an underwhelming 2-4
finish that saw Russell Wilson benched and jettisoned in the offseason with
Denver eating $85m in dead cap across the next two years. They’re in a strange
position here. QB needy but no 2nd rd pick. It should be a move-up
or a move-down strategy.
Off-Season
Additions : S Brandon Jones (Miami), WR Josh Reynolds (Detroit), DE Malcolm
Roach (NO), LB Cody Barton (Washington), OT Matt Peart (NY Giants), QB Zach
Wilson (t-NY Jets)
Off-Season
Losses : OC Lloyd Cushenberry (Tennessee), QB Russell Wilson (Pittsburgh), WR
Jerry Jeudy (t-Cleveland), LB Josey Jewell (Carolina), DT Jonathan Harris
(Miami), TE Chris Manhertz (NY Giants), S Justin Simmons (free agent)
Needs : QB is the obvious question mark despite acquiring
Zach Wilson with a late round swap of picks. Sitting at #12 with no 2nd
round pick they may feel they don’t have enough chips to get high enough up the
board to get their guy, although they could feel that one of the second tier
QB’s would be an upgrade on Jarrett Stidham / Zach Wilson. Outside of a QB, the
pick is wide open. They could probably use more weapons on offense, Jerry Jeudy
was traded to Cleveland and TE Greg Dulcich durability is in question having
only played in 12 games over his first 2 seasons. On the defensive side of the
ball, additional help for Josh Allen on the DL would help or an upgrade at CB2
opposite All-Pro Pat Surtain.
The Player : QB Bo Nix (Oregon)
Whilst his selection at #12 would be higher than expected, can
the Broncos really enter 2024 with Jarrett Stidham or Ben DiNucci who total a
combined 5 NFL starts, or draft bust Zach Wilson who has not shown nearly
enough in New York? Taking advantage of the pandemic eligibility rules, Nix became
a 5-yr college starter (3 at Auburn, 2 at Oregon) passing for over 15,000 yards
in his college career. Whilst maybe not possessing elite traits, Nix broke
Marcus Mariota’s single season records for completions, pass yards and TD’s at
Oregon. He is mobile, protects the football and is ideally suited to running a
West Coast style offense. He could be a neat fit in a Sean Payton offense.
13. 13) Las Vegas Raiders
HC Josh McDaniels (9-16) was fired alongside GM Dave Zeigler
in a Halloween culling. The environment in Vegas appeared to change almost
overnight and interim HC Antonio Pierce was retained. The Raiders defense
finished 9th in points conceded and acquired arguably the best
defensive player available in free agency with DT Christian Wilkins coming over
from Miami. If the offense can play complementary football a run at the
playoffs is not beyond the realms of possibility.
Off-Season
Additions : DT Christian Wilkins (Miami), QB Gardner Minshew (Indianapolis), TE
Harrison Bryant (Cleveland), RB Alexander Mattison (Minnesota), OG Cody
Whitehair (Chicago)
Off-Season
Losses : RB Josh Jacobs (Green Bay), OT Jermaine Eluemunor (NY Giants), CB Amik
Robertson (Detroit), DE Bilal Nichols (Arizona), QB Jimmy Garoppolo (LA Rams),
TE Austin Hooper (NE), DT Jerry Tillery (Minnesota), OT Brandon Parker (SF), WR
Hunter Renfrow (free agent)
Needs : The Raiders lost a starting OT (Eluemonor) and CB (Robertson)
in free agency and did not address the departures with signings. Draft picks
are likely here. Aidan O’Connell proved to be a solid yet unspectacular option
at QB. Gardner Minshew was added as a presumably high-end reserve option. They
could make an addition here too.
The Player : OT J.C Latham (Alabama)
Latham comes into the draft on the back of 2-years as a
starter at RT for the Crimson Tide. Possibly the strongest O-lineman in the
class. With Kolton Miller manning LT, Latham would slot straight into his
natural RT role.
14. 14) New Orleans Saints
The Saints finished 9-8, missing out on the NFC South title
via a tiebreaker with the Buccs. They’ve now gone three consecutive seasons
without a playoff appearance in what has been a relatively weak division. There
is reason for promise, the Saints ended the season 4-1 as Derek Carr finally
seemed to find a groove with his receivers.
Off-Season
Additions : DE Chase Young (SF), WR Cedrick Wilson (Miami), LB Willie Gay Jr
(KC), OT Oli Udoh (Minnesota), QB Nathan Peterman (Chicago), WR Stanley Morgan
(Cincinnati), WR Equanimeous St.Brown (Chicago)
Off-Season
Losses : DE Malcolm Roach (Denver), QB Jameis Winston (Cleveland), CB Lonnie
Johnson (Houston), DT P.J Mustipher (Philadelphia), CB Isaac Yiadom (SF), LB
Zack Baun (Philadelphia), OG Andrus Peat (free agent), WR Michael Thomas (free
agent), S Marcus Maye (free agent), TE Jimmy Graham (free agent)
Needs : The OT position would be the clearest concern for
the Saints entering the draft. Former 1st round pick Trevor Penning hasn’t
lived up to his draft position and RT Ryan Ramczyk’s knee problems could be
career ending. Fortunately there’s depth in the OT draft class.
Fashanu enters the draft after his junior season, having started at LT for Penn State the last 2 years. Whilst his run blocking is a work in progress, Fashanu has the tools to become the best pass protector from the draft class.
He played all his snaps at LT in college. It would not surprise me to see Trevor Penning moved across to RT to accommodate Fashanu if the news on Ramczyk does not improve. If Ramczyk is good to go, Fashanu should eventually push Penning inside or to the bench.
15. 15) Indianapolis Colts
Rookie HC Shane Steichen demonstrated plenty of coaching
nous, leading the Colts to a finish above .500 with Gardner Minshew at the helm
for most of the season after losing rookie QB Anthony Richardson 4 games in and
star RB Jonathan Taylor also missing 7 games. Despite significant cap room, the
Colts had a noticeably quiet free agency period and again will turn to the
draft to bolster the roster.
Off-Season
Additions : DT Raekwon Davis (Miami), QB Joe Flacco (Cleveland)
Off-Season
Losses : QB Gardner Minshew (Las Vegas), RB Zack Moss (Cincinnati), WR Isaiah
McKenzie (NY Giants), LB Jake Martin (Chicago), CB Tony Brown (Cleveland)
Needs : WR Michael
Pittman was an impending free agent but thankfully re-signed. Rookie Josh Downs
also made the slot position his own as a rookie. However, the 2022 2nd
rounder Alec Pierce has underwhelmed and the bevy of freakishly athletic TE’s
output has not matched their physical traits. The Colts offense would benefit
from another playmaker at either position. The Colts secondary could use an
upgrade, particularly at the corner position where Kenny Moore II excelled and
was retained but more talent is required.
The Player : CB Quinyon Mitchell (Toledo)
Mitchell has ideal size/speed combination (6-0 / 195 and ran
a 4.33 at the combine). A 3-yr starter at Toledo, he demonstrated excellent
ball skills with 43 pass break-ups in the last 2 seasons. Whilst he may not
have gone up against elite WR’s week-to-week in the MAC, he should become a Day
One starter in the NFL.
16. 16) Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks missed out on the playoffs and Pete Carroll was
sidelined after 14 years (137-89) as HC in Seattle. Mike MacDonald was hired
from Baltimore hoping he can correct the 31st ranked defense against
the run and manage the expectations of a playoff run in Seattle.
Off-Season
Additions : S Rayshawn Jenkins (Jacksonville), OT George Fant (Houston), LB
Jerome Baker (Miami), LB Tyrel Dodson (Buffalo), QB Sam Howell (t-Washington), TE
Pharaoh Brown (New England), C Nick Harris (Cleveland), DT Johnathan Hankins
(Dallas), S K’Von Wallace (Tennessee), WR Laviska Shenault (Carolina), OG
Trmayne Anchrum (LA Rams)
Off-Season
Losses : OG Damien Lewis (Seattle), LB Jordyn Brooks (Miami), TE Colby
Parkinson (LA Rams), TE Will Dissly (LA Chargers), RB DeeJay Dallas (Arizona), LB
Bobby Wagner (Washington), QB Drew Lock (NY Giants), OC Evan Brown (Arizona), DE
Mario Edwards (Houston), LB Devin Bush (Cleveland), S Jamal Adams (free agent),
S Quandre Diggs (free agent)
Needs : The current projected 3 starters on the interior of
the O-line average less than 5 NFL starts each with none showing elite
potential to date. The run defense needs addressing urgently too and whilst aa
few signings were made in free agency at LB (Baker/Dodson) and DT (Hankins),
further investment is needed in the draft
The Player : OL Troy Fautanu (Washington)
Very much a need based pick, Fautanu has 5 position
verstaility along the O-line and whilst playing mainly at LT in college, his
more natural home may come on the interior which is a major need for the
Seahwaks as they enter the draft. There’s familiarity with Fautanu on the
coaching staff too, with Scott Huff (OL Coach) coming over from Washington this
offseason.
17. 17) Jacksonville Jaguars
Having made the playoffs in 2022 with a 6-1 record to end
the regular season, almost the opposite was true last year with the Jaguars running
out the season 1-5 to miss out on the postseason. HC Doug Pederson disposed of
10 coaches in the offseason, installing Ryan Nielsen as his new DC as he
strives to invoke consistency in the team.
Off-Season
Additions : DE Arik Armstead (SF), WR Gabriel Davis (Buffalo), S Darnell Savage
(Green Bay), OC Mitch Morse (Buffalo), CB Ronald Darby (Baltimore), QB Mac
Jones (t-New England), WR Devin Duvernay (Baltimore), TE Josiah Deguara (Green
Bay), DE Trevis Gipson (Tennessee), K Joey Slye (Washington)
Off-Season
Losses : WR Calvin Ridley (Tennessee), CB Darious Williams (LA Rams), S
Rayshawn Jenkins (Seattle), DE Foley Fatukasi (Houston), K Brandon McManus
(Washington), LB K’Lavon Chaisson (Carolina)
Needs : The secondary gave up too many big plays last year and
allowed 2 starters to leave in free agency. Darious Williams was the teams best
corner (leading the team with 19 passes defensed whilst picking off 4 passes) yet
was allowed to leave. Tyson Campbell missed half the season with injuries and
needs to bounce back. The O-line struggled last year but a midseason trade for
Ezra Cleveland and bringing over Mitch Morse from Buffalo should shore up the
interior, although OT could be a possibility. I would not discount a WR pick as
the group of Zay Jones, Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis is functional but won’t
scare any secondary. Despite Josh Allen (17.5) and Travon Walker (10) combining
for 27.5 sacks, the Jaguars also need more contributors in the pass rush rotation.
The Player : CB Terrion Arnold (Alabama)
A 2-yr starter at Alabama, Arnold is scheme versatile and
played outside and in the slot for the Crimson Tide. He finished the year with
5 picks and the consensus best Alabama CB, though Kool-Aid McKinstry could also
end up a 1st round pick. Arnold is good in coverage and a solid run
defender too. If his top-end speed was quicker (4.50 40-yd combine) he’d be
going higher than here.
18. 18) Cincinnati Bengals
It was an injury marred season for QB Joe Burrow and the
Bengals never really hit their straps. Despite a winning season (9-8) they
ended up last in the AFC North. The Bengals will hope that a return to health
for Burrow will allow them to push for playoff football again this year.
Off-Season
Additions : DT Sheldon Rankins (Houston), S Geno Stone (Baltimore), RB Zack
Moss (Indianapolis), OT Trenton Brown (New England), TE Mike Gesicki (New
England), S Vonn Bell (Carolina)
Off-Season
Losses : RB Joe Mixon (t-Houston), CB Chidobe Awuzie (Tennessee), OT Jonah
Williams (Arizona), DT D.J Reader (Detroit), S Nick Scott (Carolina), TE Irv
Smith (Kansas City), WR Stanley Morgan (New Orleans), WR Tyler Boyd (free
agent)
Needs : Regardless of whether Tee Higgins plays on the
franchise tag or is traded, the Bengals will still require an eventual
successor if a long-term deal fails to materialise. They have yet to re-sign
Tyler Boyd too, so doubts around WR2 & WR3 indicate at least one pick on a
pass catcher. A deal is yet to be in place for Ja’Marr Chase too who is
scheduled to hit free agency in 2025. The perfect pick here would be TE Brock
Bowers to replace and upgrade Boyd, but he might not be here at #18. However,
the Bengals success revolves around the health of Burrow and despite addressing
the line regularly they still gave up 50 sacks last season and 41 the year previous.
An upgrade to the trenches also makes a lot of sense.
The Player : WR Brian Thomas Jr (LSU)
The FBS leader in TD’s in 2023 with 17, Thomas (6-3) has
ideal height/speed combination (ran the best ‘20’ at the comine in 1.78). Despite
playing second fiddle to Malik Nabers, he still posted 1,177 receiving yards
last year. Nabers & Thomas becoming the first set of LSU receivers to do so
since Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson in 2019. In this mock, Thomas now gets
to work alongside Chase from his alma mater.
19. 19) Los Angeles Rams
After finishing the 2022 season with a 5-12 record and an
aging roster, little salary cap space and no 1st round pick, GM Les
Snead and HC Sean McVay did one heck of a job to steer the Rams back into the
playoffs again last year. The Rams won 7 of their last 8 regular season games
and departed the playoffs in a narrow 24-23 road loss in Detroit. Amazingly
this will be the Rams first pick in the 1st round of the draft since
2016. The roster was strengthened in free agency but no-one is going to replace
the retiring Aaron Donald.
Off-Season
Additions : OG Jonah Jackson (Detroit), CB Darious Williams (Jacksonville), CB
Tre’Davious White (Buffalo), TE Colby Parkinson (Seattle), S Kamren Curl
(Washington), QB Jimmy Garoppolo (Las Vegas)
Off-Season
Losses : DT Aaron Donald (retired), S Jordan Fuller (Carolina), OC Coleman
Shelton (Chicago), QB Carson Wentz (KC), DE Jonah Williams (Minnesota), OG
Tremayne Anchrum (Seattle), CB Akhello Witherspoon (free agent)
Needs : The secondary was perhaps the weak link on the
defense but 3 signings were made in free agency to fortify the unit. Two impressive
2023 3rd rounders (Byron Young & Kobie Turner) combined for 17
sacks last year, but more DL help would not hurt, particularly with no Aaron
Donald in the trenches for the first time in a decade. Either an Edge or DT is
a possibility. I think they’ll take the highest ranked DL on their board.
The Player : EDGE Laiatu Latu (UCLA)
The pick to the Rams keeps Latu in LA. Latu’s medicals
will be essential to his draft position. He had to medically retire from
football in 2021 due to a neck injury, only returning after seeing the same
specialist that operated on Peyton Manning’s neck injury. Due to this history and very much dependent on his medicals, his
position on each teams draft boards will vary wildly.
20. 20) Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers (10-7) again made the playoffs, stretching HC
Mike Tomlin’s run without a losing season to 17 years in charge in Pittsburgh. It
will be all change at QB, with all 3 QB’s who had starts in 2023 no longer on
the roster. Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and Kyle Allen provide 3 new faces in
the QB room as former Falcons HC Arthur Smith steps in as OC.
Off-Season
Additions : LB Patrick Queen (Baltimore), QB Russell Wilson (Denver), QB Justin
Fields (t-Chicago), QB Kyle Allen (Buffalo), CB Donte Jackson (t-Carolina), S
Deshon Elliott (Miami), RB Cordarrelle Patterson (Atlanta), WR Quez Watkins
(Philadelphia), WR Van Jefferson (Atlanta), P Cameron Johnston (Houston), TE
MyCole Pruitt (Atlanta), DE Dean Lowry (Minnesota),
Off-Season
Losses : WR Diontae Johnson (t-Carolina), QB Kenny Pickett (t-Philadelphia), QB
Mitchell Trubisky (Buffalo), QB Mason Rudolph (Tennessee), OT Chukwuma Okorafor
(New England), DT Armon Watts (New England), CB James Pierre (Washington), LB
Mykal Walker (Washington), WR Allen Robinson (free agent), CB Patrick Peterson
(free agent)
Needs : The defense is aging and whilst the Steelers have
not spent a 1st round pick on this side of the ball since 2019, some
youth along the DL and a CB to line-up opposite Joey Porter Jr would appear to
be essential going into 2024. An upgrade on the O-Line makes sense and the
trade of Diontae Johnson has the Steelers looking light of a WR2 with free
agency only really adding experienced depth.
The Player : OT Taliese Fuaga (Oregon State)
Some people regard Fuaga as the best run blocking lineman in
the draft. A 2-yr starter at RT for the Beavers, he was a team captain in 2023.
His skill-set should keep him at RT but he could move inside to Guard
effectively if required. Very much a value pick at #20.
21. 21) Miami Dolphins
Under HC Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins were the #1 offense in
the NFL but questions remain. The same team that put 70 points past Denver, 45
at Washington and 42 at home to Carolina failed to surpass 20 points against
all of the upper echelon NFL teams (Buffalo – twice, Philadelphia, Kansas City
– twice including playoffs and Baltimore).
Off-Season
Additions : LB Jordyn Brooks (Seattle), CB Kendall Fuller (Washington), TE LB
Shaquil Barrett (Tampa Bay), C Aaron Brewer (Tennessee), Jonnu Smith (Atlanta),
TE Jody Fortson (KC), S Jordan Poyer (Buffalo), S Siran Neal (Buffalo), OG Jack
Driscoll (Philadelphia), DT Jonathan Harris (Denver), DT Benito Jones
(Detroit), DT Neville Gallimore (Dallas), DT Trair Tart (Houston), LB Anthony
Walker Jr (Cleveland)
Off-Season
Losses : DT Christian Wilkins (Las Vegas), OG Robert Hunt (Carolina), LB Andrew
Van Ginkel (Minnesota), S Brandon Jones (Denver), DT Raekwon Davis
(Indianapolis), LB Jerome Baker (Seattle), S Deshon Elliott (Pittsburgh), WR
Cedrick Wilson (New Orleans), DE Emmanuel Ogbah (free agent), CB Xavien Howard
(free agent), WR Chase Claypool (free agent), C Connor Williams (free agent)
Needs : The Dolphins used 12 different O-line combinations
last year through a mix of injuries and performance. They allowed Robert Hunt
to depart via free agency and have not re-signed C Connor Williams to date,
signing undersized Center Aaron Brewer as Williams presumed replacement. Terron
Armstead made the Pro Bowl again but isn’t getting any younger. On the other
side of the trenches, the Dolphins lost Christian Wilkins and Raekwon Davis in
free agency and threw multiple signings at filling the gaps. They’ll also be
sweating on the return on Bradley Chubb (torn ACL) and Jaelen Phillips (torn
Achilles) who both ended 2023 on IR. More depth here is needed as insurance
although Shaq Barrett was signed as a stopgap.
The Player : OT Amarius Mims (Georgia)
Mims is probably the OT with the widest possible range of outcomes
in this years clss. He’s a man mountain at 6’7 / 340, with huge wingspan and
outstanding balance, natural skills for a superior pass blocker. The Dolphins
could view him as the successor to Terron Armstead. The downside is that Mims
only has 8 career starts and all of his college snaps were at RT. It’s a
projection, but if he develops and overcomes injuries (missed time on more than
one occasion with ankle injuries) he has the tools to become the best OT within
this class.
22. 22) Philadelphia Eagles
Despite losing both co-ordinators to HC roles and 5
defensive starters from 2022, the Eagles roared out to a 10-1 start in their
attempt to return to the Super Bowl. All was not well though and the Eagles
only won one more regular season game before a shellacking in the Wild Card
round in Tampa Bay 32-9. The freefall was particularly evident on the defense, with
turmoil both on and off the field. They regressed from the #2 ranked defense in
2022 to #26 (and 31st in 3rd down defense), switching DC
from Sean Desai to Matt Patricia in midseason. Patricia was unsurprisingly
replaced too in the offseason, replaced by Vic Fangio.
Off-Season
Additions : LB Bryce Huff (NY Jets), RB Saquon Barkley (NY Giants), S Chauncey
Gardner-Johnson (Detroit), LB Devin White (Tampa Bay), QB Kenny Pickett
(t-Pittsburgh), DT P.J Mustipher (New Orleans), C Matt Hennessy (Atlanta), LB
Zack Baun (New Orleans), LB Oren Burks (SF), WR DeVante Parker(New England), WR
Parris Campbell (NY Giants), TE C.J Uzomah (NY Jets), QB Will Grier (LA
Chargers)
Off-Season
Losses : DT Fletcher Cox (retired), C Jason Kelce (retired), LB Haason Reddick
(t-NY Jets), RB D’Andre Swift (Chicago), S Kevin Byard (Chicago), QB Marcus
Mariota (Washington), OG Jack Driscoll (Miami), OG Iosua Opeta (Tampa Bay), LB
Nicholas Morrow (Buffalo), WR Quez Watkins (Pittsburgh), WR Olamide Zaccheaus
(Washington), TE Jack Stoll (NY Giants), RB Boston Scott (free agent), RB
Rashaad Penny (free agent)
Needs : The Eagles look relatively set on offense following
free agency. Saquon Barkley is an immediate upgrade on the departed D’Andre
Swift with the rest of the signings on offense more for depth. The only
significant departure was Jason Kelce who will presumably be replaced by 2022 2nd
Rd pick Cam Jurgens. The Eagles have done extremely well in future proofing
their O-Line, so don’t be surprised to see a Day Two pick spent on OT. The
defense will likely take overall priority in the draft though, with particular
focus on the secondary.
The Player : CB Nate Wiggins (Clemson)
With 25 pass break-ups in 23 games at Clemson, his coverage skills can’t
be denied. With James Bradbury declining and Darius Slay aging, Wiggins makes a
lot of sense. The Eagles could also consider Cooper DeJean who isn’t as
athletically gifted but offers positional versatility and more boom in the
tackling department.
23. 23) Minnesota Vikings (via Cleveland)
With a QB mocked earlier (and the unlikely event this pick
isn’t part of a bargaining tool to move up the board) the Vikings get to take
their 2nd pick here.
The Player : DT Johnny Newton (Illinois)
A 3-yr starter at Illinois with 37 starts, Newton may be
undersized but has quickness, power and uses leverage and his hands to great
effect. He was rarely off the field in college, playing an average of 62 snaps
per game and never missing a game. With 17.5 career sacks in college and 103 QB
pressures during the last 2 years (leading all FBS interior linemen during that
span), Newton should become a plus level starter in the NFL.
24. 24) Dallas Cowboys
The old re-runs in Dallas follow the same script. A solid
regular season performance culminating in an early playoff defeat. Despite an
8-0 home record, they were still blown apart 48-32 in the AT&T as soon as
the playoffs commenced. HC Mike McCarthy was surprisingly retained and DC Dan
Quinn left for the HC job in Washington. The team has talent but a mental block
in the postseason. They also have a Front Office that continues to mismanage
player contracts. Dak Prescott returns on he final year of his contract with no
deal in place and a $55m cap hit (2nd highest in the NFL). They’ll
need to find money to sign Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons imminently. Consequently
it was a very quiet free agency period and only increases the importance of
these draft picks.
Off-Season
Additions : LB Eric Kendricks (LA Chargers)
Off-Season
Losses : DE Dorance Armstrong (Washington), C Tyler Biadasz (Washington), DE
Dante Fowler Jr (Washington), CB Noah Igbinoghene (Washington), RB Tony Pollard
(Tennessee), DT Johnathan Hankins (Seattle), OT Tyron Smith (NY Jets), DT
Neville Gallimore (Miami), OT La’el Collins (Buffalo), WR Michael Gallup (free
agent), CB Stephon Gilmore (free agent)
Needs : The O-line is aging and lost two starters in Tyron
Smith and Tyler Biadasz in free agency. The D-Line also lost two starters in
Dorance Armstrong and Johnathan Hankins together with some depth guys. They’ll
also need to address the RB positon on Day Two or Three and a replacement for
WR Brandin Cooks ready for 2025 would be sensible.
The Player : OC Graham Barton (Duke)
A 4-yr starter at Duke, Barton saw 34 starts at LT and 5 at
OC, both positions of need in Dallas. It is probably the latter position he
would be most suited to in the NFL or a move inside to Guard, although he’s not
taken snaps there he’d seem a positional fit. Barton would give the Dallas
O-line much needed youth and positional flexibility for them to decide if Tyler
Smith is a Guard or Tackle and whether or not Brock Hoffman can replace Biadasz
at Center.
25. 25) Green Bay Packers
The Packers won the NFC North with a so-so 9-8 record but it
was the development of QB Jordan Love during the season that gives the Packers
so much optimism entering 2024. Through weeks 1-8 the jury was still out on
Love, but from Wk9 onwards he posted a passer rating of 111.6 (2nd
in the NFL) as he found chemistry with his young WR’s. He ended the season
strong and managed a road playoff victory in Dallas in his first exposure to
the postseason and followed up with a solid performance in running the 49ers close
in San Francisco (24-21). The Packers fired DC Joe Barry in the offseason but
as is there way, were relatively quiet in free agency, but still managed to
upgrade the RB and Safety positions. Anders Carslon became the fall guy for
their playoff loss as Greg Joseph was signed to provide greater consistency in
the kicking game.
Off-Season
Additions : S Xavier McKinney (NY Giants), RB Josh Jacobs (Las Vegas), K Greg
Joseph (Minnesota)
Off-Season
Losses : OG Jon Runyan (NY Giants), RB Aaron Jones (Minnesota), S Darnell
Savage (Jacksonville), OT Josh Nijman (Carolina), S Jonathan Owens (Chicago),
TE Josh Deguara (Jacksonville), OT David Bakhtiari (free agent)
Needs : The release of the often injured David Bakhtiari
means that a successor at LT is a priority. Rasheed Walker filled in admirably
last season but protecting Jordan Love is imperative. The Packers continue to
languish as one of the leagues worst run defenses (28th in 2023) but
whilst they are sure to attempt to address in the draft, the secondary seems to
be the most pressing personnel need on defense. The two starting CB’s Jaire
Alexander and Eric Stokes both missed time with injuries last year (and a team
1-game suspension for Alexander too) with Stokes ending on IR twice. The two
starting Safeties (Darnell Savage and Jonathan Owens) also departed in free
agency and whilst Xavier McKinney was a great free agent signing they still
have a gap to fill here.
A 2-yr starter at Iowa, DeJean broke his fibula in November (practicing on offense) missing the end of the season and was unable to test at the combine.
His versatility isn’t limited to occasional snaps on offense. DeJean also acted as a gunner on special teams and returned punts in college. That’s before considering his versatility on defense.
DeJean can likely play
outside CB, Slot Corner or Safety. He is one of the best tackling DB’s in the class
and also returned 3 of his 7 interceptions for TD’s at Iowa. He could fit a
starting role at either Safety or CB for the Packers.
26. 26) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers surprised everybody by their progress in the
playoffs in their first year minus Tom Brady. Baker Mayfield was a surprising
success and OC Dave Canales received a lot of the credit and was rewarded with
his first HC position as he moved to divisional rivals Carolina. It will be
interesting to see if last year was just a one-off or can be sustained without
Canales.
Off-Season
Additions : S Jordan Whitehead (NY Jets), DE Randy Gregory (SF), OG Ben
Bredeson (NY Giants), CB Tavierre Thomas (Houston), OG Iosua Opeta
(Philadelphia), CB Bryce Hall (NY Jets)
Off-Season
Losses : CB Carlton Davis (t-Detroit), LB Shaquil Barrett (Miami), LB Devin
White (Philadelphia), OG Nick Leverett (New England), OG Aaron Stinnie (NY
Giants), WR David Moore (Carolina), WR Russell Gage (free agent)
Needs : The secondary was an obvious area of weakness (ranked
29th in 2023) although injuries were a mitigating factor. With
Carlton Davis traded to Detroit there is probably an even greater need now.
The Player : EDGE Chop Robinson (Penn State)
There is a bit of boom or bust about Chop Robinson. You have
to weigh up the explosive first step, the 4.48 40-yd speed, the ability to
disrupt plays (43% of his tackles the last 2 seasons were in the backfield)
against the fact he’s a 1-yr starter, slightly undersized and without the
production of the other edge rushers mentioned as potential 1st
round selections.
27. 27) Arizona Cardinals
The Player : DT Byron Murphy II (Texas)
Byron Murphy has the traits to be a disruptive force on the interior. Only a 1-yr starter at Texas, Murphy played in 39 games and improved each year.
He posted 45 QB pressures and 5 sacks in 2023, but the most fun stat
is that he also posted a rushing and receiving TD too. At 6-0, no-one is
getting under his pads easily and his quick twitch movements could see him as a
very effective D-lineman in the pros.
28. 28) Buffalo Bills
It was a strange old season in Buffalo. The offense
struggled to hit it’s straps and fired OC Ken Dorsey midseason. The defense
meanwhile was wracked with injuries early in the season and took it’s time to
gel. With Buffalo at 6-6 they were in serious risk of missing the playoffs but wins
over KC and Dallas and a 5-game win streak and last day victory over Miami
again saw them AFC East Champions. A victory over Pittsburgh in the wildcard
round was followed up by a home defeat, again to the Chiefs in the playoffs
27-24. There are salary cap challenges ahead for this roster.
Off-Season
Additions : WR Curtis Samuel (Washington), DT Austin Jphnspn (LA Chargers), S
Mike Edwards (KC), QB Mitchell Trubisky (Pittsburgh), OT La’el Collins
(Dallas), LB Nicholas Morrow (Philadelphia), C Will Clapp (LA Chargers), DE
DeShawn Wlliams (Carolina), DE Casey Toohill (Washington), WR Mack Hollins
(Atlanta)
Off-Season
Losses : WR Stefon Diggs (t-Houston), WR Gabriel Davis (Jacksonville), LB
Leonard Floyd (SF), C Mitch Morse (Jacksonville), OG Ryan Bates (t-Chicago), CB
Dane Jackson (Carolina), DT Tim Settle (Houston), LB Tyrel Dodson (Seattle), CB
Tre’Davious White (LA Rams), S Jordan Poyer (Miami), RB Nyheim Hines
(Cleveland), S Siran Neal (Miami), DE Poona Ford (LA Chargers), WR Trent
Sherfield (Minnesota), WR Deonte Harty (Baltimore), LB Christian Kirksey
(Cleveland), QB Kyle Allen (Pittsburgh), S Micah Hyde (free agent), DE Shaq
Lawson (free agent), DT Linval Joseph (free agent)
Needs : The Bills lost both WR1/WR2 this offseason and surely
need to provide Josh Allen with more explosive weapons than those currently on
the roster. Other likely areas to address are probably the secondary and
bolstering the D-Line.
The Player : WR Adonai Mitchell (Texas)
A need pick for Buffalo. Adi Mitchell posted 11 receiving
TD’s in 2023 and posted a 4.34 40-yd run at the combine to prove his deep
speed. There are some attitude concerns but that hasn’t put the Bills off other
WR’s with big-play abilities.
29. 29) Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions won their first divisional title in 30
years and by all accounts could and maybe should have reached the Super Bowl,
faltering 34-31 in San Francisco after racing to a 24-7 lead. The Dan Campbell
era has turned around the belief in this franchise.
Off-Season
Additions : DT D.J Reader (Cincinnati), CB Carlton Davis (t-Tampa), CB Amik
Robertson (Las Vegas), DE Marcus Davenport (Minnesota), OG Kevin Zeitler
(Baltimore)
Off-Season
Losses : OG Jonah Jackson (LA Rams), S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (Philadelphia),
WR Josh Reynolds (Denver), DT Benito Jones (Miami), OT Matt Nelson (NY Giants),
LB Anthony Pittman (Washington), OG Halapoulivaati Vaitai (free agent)
Needs : The Lions most pressing need is to improve their 27th
ranked pass defense. They know this only too well and wisely used free agency
to bring in veteran help to address the pass rush and coverage unit. Aidan
Hutchinson posted 11.5 sacks and 101 QB pressures despite consistent double
teams. This was 67 pressures more than the next Lion defender. Marcus Davenport
and DJ Reader were subsequently added. In the secondary, Amik Robertson was
signed in free agency and Carlton Davis added via a trade. This gives the Lions
a lot of flexibility ahead of the draft but I still feel these areas will be
added to in the draft also.
The Player : CB Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama)
McKinstry was the #1 ranked CB in the 2021 recruitment class
and went on to become a 3-yr starter for Alabama. He’s a well rounded CB, sure
tackler and the CB that both Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas called the best they
had faced in college. The knocks on McKinstry are the lack of high-level speed
(4.47 40yd at the comine) and very few interceptions (2 in 2,199 defensive
snaps in college). With a good football IQ and alpha attitude, he should see a
starting role at some point as a rookie.
30. 30) Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens posted the NFL’s best regular season record
(13-4) which included 10 victories against teams with winning records (an NFL record.
Lamar Jackson excelled in the new Todd Monken offense and the Ravens were again
the #1 rushing attack in the league, despite a revolving door at RB. DC Mike
McDonald (who departs to the HC role in Seattle) also led a formidable Ravens
defense who led the league in points conceded, number of sacks and number of
takeaways (a first in NFL history). The Ravens comfortably navigated to the AFC
Championship game with a 34-10 victory over the Texans only to fall to the
eventual Super Bowl champion Chiefs 17-10 in Baltimore.
Off-Season
Additions : RB Derrick Henry (Tennessee), OT Josh Jones (Houston), WR Deonte
Harty (Buffalo), LB Chris Board (New England), CB Ka’dar Hollman (Houston)
Off-Season
Losses : LB Patrick Queen (Pittsburgh), DE Jadeveon Clowney (Carolina), OT
Morgan Moses (t-NY Jets), OG Kevin Zeitler (Detroit), RB J.K Dobbins (LA
Chargers), RB Gus Edwards (LA Chargers), S Geno Stone (Cincinnati), OG John
Simpson (NY Jets), CB Ronald Darby (Jacksonville), WR Devin Duvernay
(Jacksonville), LB Del’Shawn Phillips (Houston), QB Tyler Huntley (Cleveland),
WR Odell Beckham (free agent)
Needs : The Ravens are renowned for following their draft
board and not chasing positional need. However, their roster needs fit well
with the strengths of this draft class. It’s no secret that the most pressing need
is on the O-Line. LT Ronnie Stanley’s injury issues show no signs of easing and
the Ravens allowed 3 other starters on the line to depart this offseason. The Ravens
also seem extremely light at WR behind Zay Flowers.
The Player : OT Tyler Guyton (Oklahoma)
Guyton (6’7 / 322) is a nimble, very athletic tackle with
long arms. He has the ideal toolset to become a leading OT in the pros.
However, with only 15 starts in college, he still has a steep learning curve to
work through in his rookie season.
31. 31) San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers season ultimately ended in failure, albeit an OT
loss 25-22 in the Super Bowl. It was the 2nd Super Bowl appearance
in 5 seasons for the 49ers, but they’ll hope to emulate the 2017 Patriots as
the only team in the last 50 years to lose a Super Bowl and return victorious
the following year.
Off-Season
Additions : LB Leonard Floyd (Buffalo), DE Yetur Gross-Matos (Carolina), DT
Maliek Collins (t-Houston), DT Jordan Elliott (Cleveland), QB Joshua Dobbs
(Minnesota), CB Isaac Yiadom (New Orleans), LB Ezekiel Turner (Arizona), OT
Brandon Parker (Las Vegas)
Off-Season
Losses : DE Arik Armstead (Jacksonville), DE Chase Young (New Orleans), DT
Javon Kinlaw (NY Jets), QB Sam Darnold (Minnesota), TE Charlier Woerner
(Atlanta), WR Ray-Ray McCloud (Atlanta), DT Sebastian Joseph (Tennessee), DE
Clelin Ferrell (Washington), DE Randy Gregory (Tampa Bay), CB Isaiah Oliver (NY
Jets), LB Oren Burks (Philadelphia), OG Matt Pryor (Chicago), CB Logan Ryan
(retired)
Needs : The 49ers had a relative clean-out on the D-Line and
have historically bolstered during the draft. They will also be mindful that LT
Trent Williams turns 36 during the summer and a successor will be needed
eventually. An upgrade could be sought at CB2 as Ambry Thomas was inconsistent
at times. Conscious that Brandon Aiyuk enters a contract year, perhaps
insurance will be sought at WR during the draft too.
The Player : EDGE Darius Robinson (Missouri)
A 3-yr starter, Robinson broke out in 2023 with 8.5 sacks
and 14 tackles for loss. A team captain for Missouri, Robinson was also voted top
performer at the Senior Bowl. With a powerful frame, Robinson will win with
strength and length more than speed. He’ll project as a base DE who will slide
inside in sub-packages.
32. 32) Kansas City Chiefs
It was a different Super Bowl winning season for the Chiefs,
led predominantly by their #2 ranked defense rather than the high powered
offense of previous seasons. However, the results were very familiar. The
Chiefs have now appeared in 4 of the last 5 Super Bowls and have won all but
one.
Off-Season
Additions : WR Marquise Brown (Arizona), QB Carson Wentz (LA Rams), TE Irv
Smith (Cincinnati),
Off-Season
Losses : CB L’Jarius Sneed (t-Tennessee), OL Nick Allegretti (Washington), LB
Willie Gay Jr (New Orleans), P Tommy Townsend (Houston), S Mike Edwards
(Buffalo), TE Jody Fortson (Miami), WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (free agent),
WR Mecole Hardman (free agent), OT Donovan Smith (free agent), QB Blaine
Gabbert (free agent), RB Jerick McKinnon (free agent)
Needs : This is a multi Super Bowl winning roster. The
Chiefs have consistently managed transition by being ahead of the game. In terms
of glaring needs, the signing of Marquise Brown shouldn’t distract from the
need to improve the WR corps. Rashee Rice had a solid rookie season but there
was little behind him last year and he faces a potential suspension following an
incident in Dallas this offseason.
Explosively fast, Worthy wowed the combine with a 4.21 time in the 40. A 3-yr starter at Texas, Worthy finished his college career 4th all-time for the Longhorns in receiving yardage (2,755 yards).
The knock on Worthy is obviously his size, at 5'11/165 there's concerns he may struggle to beat press coverage in the NFL and did not win many contested catches in college. His toughness shouldn't be understated though, he never missed a game in college.
The team fit will be important for Worthy, if a clever co-ordinator can scheme him open, his blazing speed will need to be respected.
