As training camp arrives, what new players will you be keeping an eye on? We all have fresh recruits with big dreams who we are excited about seeing in our teams’ colors. They just want to do their part too! I think the draft provided answers to some of the things we wondered about before and after free agency… but it also provided new sets of questions.
I want to take a hot sec to say RIP to Vikings 4th-round pick, Khyree Jackson. He had so much more life in front of him, and the death of him and his boys because of a drunk driver is a tragedy. Each life is precious, and as we project the exciting ways that these young players could impact the league, let us remember that each person we pass means something to someone else. Sonder, in effect… not to be confused with the toxic R&B group.
The below isn’t a list of the best players, or even the best fits from the 2024 NFL Draft… in fact some of these are listed because I think they are strange fits. This is simply a list of really interesting picks that will make me pay attention to fit/potential/team strategy all year long! From training camp to preseason action, to roster cuts on into the regular season.
ROUND 1 offense reaches a peak of supremacy never before seen
⁃ Caleb Williams, Bears QB – (Pick #1) Dynamic playmaking ability, dual-threat capabilities, a live arm, and a whacky, unique personality that people will either love, or love to hate? Sign me up 🍿 Williams is known as a highly driven individual and arrives in a city that has never known a prolific passer. Chicago has built a strong supporting cast for their new signal caller, something they can’t say that they fully did for Justin Fields (and something that last year’s #1 pick in Bryce Young did not have).
⁃ Joe Alt, Chargers OT – (Pick #5) This is so Harbaugh. They’re creating an impregnable wall in front of Justin Herbert, and switching the team’s identity from annually finesse, to freshly smash-mouth and power… yes, even in the powder blue. Will this be a better use of resources than replacing Mike Williams and Keenan Allen at wideout?
⁃ Malik Nabers, Giants WR – (Pick #6) This man has no regard for the Giants 😂 but he provides something they’ve needed: a confident and electric playmaker out wide. The G-Men have not had a receiver cross even the 800-yard mark since OBJ was traded. “‘Leek” plays passionately, and trains hard. Either Danny Dimes makes use of him, or Drew Lock will be given a shot. Now somebody get him a crash course in public relations.
⁃ Michael Penix Jr., Falcons QB – (Pick #8) Maybe the most shocking and unexpected pick in the entire draft… The Falcons PAID Kirk Cousins on a 4-year contract, then turned around and drafted a pinpoint, 24-year-old deep-ball QB in the top-10. Part of this could’ve been gamesmanship in keeping MPJ away from the division rival Saints… Tom Pelissero called this cheating on your wife on your honeymoon 😭 I’m weak lol. I see a lot of ridicule, but we’ll see who gets the last laugh. Sensational.
⁃ Bo Nix, Broncos QB – (Pick #12) Sean Payton took a Drew Brees / Tua Tagovailoa type of quick-strike, accurate distributer. He played in the most college games of any QB ever, so he may be expected to start right away. It felt like they HAD to make this move to secure the final immediately viable starting option in the draft, so we’ll see if that desperation pays off. He’ll say he won’t be, but Russell will be watching.
⁃ Byron Murphy II, Seahawks DT – (Pick #16) Six QB’s and a record 14 consecutive offensive players selected in the first 14 picks allowed a game-wrecker type with an incredible pass-rush win-rate to team up with Jarran Reed, Dre’Mont Jones, Jonathan Hankins and Leonard Williams 🤯 Murphy is a chosen chess piece at defensive tackle to help implement Mike Macdonald’s new defensive scheme, and should fit right in with some still promising young DB’s and pass rushers in Seattle. The Pete Carroll era used to load up on playmakers on the perimeter, but it seems that Mikey Mac. and his regime will focus more on the trenches (Seattle’s next pick was an offensive guard). The Hawks hope this kid (and his use of quickness and leverage) can help stop the bleeding in the run defense category…
⁃ Xavier Worthy, Chiefs WR – (Pick #28) The defending champs take the fastest player ever recorded at the NFL combine (4.21 40-yard dash), to conjoin his speed with Hollywood Brown, Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice (maybe). Having Andy Reid at play caller is a major plus. Can he be closer to Tyreek Hill than Mecole Hardman?
⁃ Ricky Pearsall, 49ers WR – (Pick #31) Somewhat of a surprise 1st-rounder, Pearsall is a tough route-runner with hands who would seem to be a great fit with Kyle Shanahan’s motion-heavy offense. I’m more excited, as a fan of a rival team, about what this could mean about Santa Clara losing either Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk 😈 If they find a way to keep all 3, this could make them much more dangerous on offense.
ROUND 2 the defense strikes back (Nickels and DT’s)
⁃ Jer’Zhan Newton, Commanders DT – (Pick #36) After Seattle drafted BMII, I will be keeping an eye on a team with a lot of Seattle roots (Dan Quinn, Ken Norton, Jr., Bobby Wagner) to see if we chose the right DT. Some analysts liked Newton better than Murphy, but health concerns may have caused Johnny to fall down the apple tree. Can he make an impact behind Payne, Allen and another 2nd-rounder in Mathis?
⁃ Cooper DeJean, Eagles CB – (Pick #40) A versatile and physical piece. You throw in Shipley later; it makes this draft interesting and legen-dairy. Along with Quinyon Mitchell in the 1st, Fangio has a restocked defensive secondary, after it became a laughingstock by the end of last year (Mahomes tossed 2 WIDE the HELL open TDs in the Super Bowl the prior year, and they started to get targeted and abused in fantasy this past year):
⁃ Jonathon Brooks, Panthers HB – (Pick #46) The Panthers and Bryce Young need all of the playmakers they can get their paws on after remaking the offensive line, and they become the first team to select a running back. J.B. could be the best ball carrier in this draft class (if he’s recovered from an ACL injury) and give the offense an element of toughness and vision on the ground to stabilize what was a hot mess in 2023.
⁃ Zach Frazier, Steelers C – (Pick #51) The Steelers have really reinforced their offensive line with guys that bring nasty streaks to the table. After taking the player that I wanted Seattle to take in Troy Fautanu, they added a tough and highly regarded center in Frazier. Roman Wilson in the 3rd was compared to Doug Baldwin, and eliminated my worries that Pittsburgh would try to trade for Tyler Lockett. A new offense is on the way.
⁃ Ben Sinnott, Commanders TE – (Pick #53) A massive tight end who can contribute blocking the run game, as well as refresh the arsenal through the air with great hands and tough yardage. I have a feeling we may see the rock get run a bit more in DC than last year, when Eric Bienemy was tossing it all over the yard with Sam Howell. Only Bowers and Reiman went before Sinnott among TE’s in this draft, and these were the only 3 selected in the first 3 rounds.
⁃ Michael Hall Jr., Browns DT – (Pick #54) Although he didn’t meet the minimum of 250 pass rushing opportunities, he would’ve had a better pass-rush win-rate than Jalen Carter’s 2021 season if the efficiency held. Hall is undersized, yet explosive. He and Siaki Ika could be the future front surrounding Myles Garrett for the rest of M.G.’s career. They are finally getting my man some help, I mean sheesh.
⁃ Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Lions CB – (Pick #61) ERJ is a scrappy and gritty competitor. Along with Terrion Arnold falling to them earlier in the draft, the improvements could be fascinating to track. Add that to the free agency additions of Marcus Davenport, D.J. Reader and Carlton Davis and the continued growth of Brian Branch, Jack Campbell and Aidan Hutchinson. The Lions have set out to create a deep and versatile version of the defense for Aaron Glenn in 2024.
⁃ Kingsley Suamataia, Chiefs OT – (Pick #63) I like that the Chiefs didn’t panic in replacing their LT position. They take a player who has a lot of raw tools in the 2nd round, and stage a full-on competition with a 3rd-rounder from last year’s draft. One of those two need to step up if Kansas City wants to 3-peat. Andy Reid and Brett Veach take shots, and this is a player who could help the offense be more athletic if the shot lands.
ROUND 3 LB and OG get hot
⁃ Malachi Corley, Jets WR – (Pick #65) The Jets are “Zach Wilson-proofing” this offense indeed (even after the lad’s departure), and it’s kind of impressive. New York also added a back in the 4th who is more of a tank to Breece Hall’s lambo’. Corley adds another gritty weapon (who has been compared to Golden Tate, with his YAC-ability), especially as FA acquisition, Mike Williams gets ramped up after his ACL injury. Over the last two seasons, the only WR’s who had more yards than him were the first 3 guys selected in the top-10 (Harrison Jr., Nabers, Odunze).
⁃ Trey Benson, Cardinals HB – (Pick #66) The red birds are creating a balanced offense around K1QB1 with their picks (7 in the top 90, which hasn’t happened since DAL did in ‘91). They may even sneak up on some people this year with a very young roster. Trey can be the dynamic dash that the cardinals need on offense. They already have an underrated smash (they really are a sneaky link):
⁃ Cooper Beebe, Cowboys OL – (Pick #73) This is how bad the Cowboys really don’t want a ring 😂 but they are building that elite offensive line back (along with Tyler Guyton in the 1st round as an outside blocker), taking a powerful, versatile, top-tier interior blocker here with a pick they acquired in a trade. I’ve still got questions for the way they’ve went out and built this team, but their reprioritization of the O-line is good to see after the “all in” comments from Jerrah. The 16th overall pick, Byron Murphy II, sure had a lot of respect for Coop.
⁃ Delmar Glaze, Raiders OT – (Pick #77) He may go by D.J., but he better show up pon de replay. Remember when the Raiders went from having a strong line a few years back, to then having a weak line after John Gruden got rid of everybody…? Vegas has rolled the dice on a big tackle to pair with fellow rookie, JPG to attempt to return to a solid protective service unit (I’m not touching that one…). The Silver and Black also signed veteran OT, Andrus Peat in free agency to give themselves options.
⁃ Jermaine Burton, Bengals WR – (Pick #80) On the brink of potentially losing Tee Higgins, the Bengals actually draft a player who has a skill set more similar to Ja’Marr Chase’s; this rather than searching for a guy that shares the same size qualities to get jiggy like Higgy. Burton is strong and explosive and has juice… Cincinnati could squeeze value out of this pick.
⁃ Zak Zinter, Browns OG – (Pick #85) Cleveland has remade their line with young, talented prospects. Zinter was an emotional leader of the national champion Michigan Wolverines, until he suffered a major injury along the way. The Browns also nabbed an undrafted player in OG, Javion Cohen, who at times was being projected as a 1st-round pick! The tradition of elite offensive line play along Lake Erie is not being forsaken any time soon.
⁃ Tykee Smith, Buccaneers CB – (Pick #89) In the age of 5 DB’s as a base defense, Smith is a slot who loves to be all up in the mix. Tampa adds versatility to the backend of a young defense. It’s wild how much they’ve slowly turned it around with younger players each year since Brady first signed. The Bucs depth chart on defense is an all-name contender, since that’s what really matters here.
⁃ Ty’Ron Hopper, Packers LB – (Pick #91) He and Edgerrin Cooper are added to play alongside Quay Walker. Not sure if investing so heavily there is an opportunity-cost issue, but it will be interesting, nonetheless. Then again, Green Bay had 5 picks in the first three rounds, and now seem to be strong and deep in the middle of their defense. The cheeseheads add a guy who can play a few different roles in the middle and on special teams.
ROUND 4 run 🏃♀️ on running backs
⁃ Ja’Tavion Sanders, Panthers TE – (Pick #101) After taking Xavier Leggette in the 1st and Brooks (highlighted above) in the 2nd round, Carolina proceeds to add to their posse of intriguing playmakers at every level of the offense. This is an athletic player, in the mold of David Njoku, who could outshine his draft position with his sure hands.
⁃ Theo Johnson, Giants TE – (Pick #107) They knew Darren Waller had more on his plate than just football. Drafting a solid TE prospect was a need. I mean yikes, wish the man well, but that’s not the type of ROI you want after such an investment at TE 😬 Johnson is big and fast, a perfect fit for Big Blue (who have a lot of small and fast WR’s).
⁃ Javon Baker, Patriots WR – (Pick #110) This was the 5th-straight pick on offense for the Pats! The Belichick days will soon feel long a distant, iron-clad memory, tinged in Lombardi silver. They needed a fix for the O badly and get a guy who could take New England vertical. I mean, he wants to get everyone vertical 🫣.
⁃ Devontez Walker, Ravens WR – (Pick #113) There may not be a team that more directly addressed their exact needs this draft than the Ravens. They did it with picks at value (according to experts’ rankings, which we all know are 100% indicative of the future of course). Walker was being discussed as a potential 1st-round pick at points in the offseason and will bring blistering speed to Baltimore. Can they overcome the disappointment after they felt like last year was their year?
⁃ Tanor Bortolini, Colts OL – (Pick #117) An inside player who can get up to the 2nd level. Broke the 3-cone record at the NFL Combine that was once held by Jason Kelce! I gotta see this… apparently, so does Shane Steichen (who just so happened to coach Kelce). The Philly Hurts offense will continue to be mirrored by the Indy Richardson offense.
⁃ Tory Taylor, Bears P – (Pick #122) Chicago selected their leader on offense, own a possible top-10 defense, now what…? How about the first punter of the draft!? Although he was called the 2nd-biggest reach of the draft by Warren Sharp, this guy was voted the nation’s top punter last season, on the way to breaking the NCAA record for single-season punting yardage. He’ll be tasked with giving the Bears defense a lot of room to prove he was worth it.
⁃ Bucky Irving, Buccaneers HB – (Pick #125) With his name alone, he’s destined to be a Bucs legend, right? Wiggle, wiggle wiggle. You know what he do: a shifty, slippery runner who has drawn comparisons to Devin Singletary and Kenneth Walker III with his quick acceleration. I like what the Bucs have been building on offense. Started off with building an iconic QB-C combo. Remember when that was a thing? We were spoiled to have Manning and Saturday, Manning and O’Hara and even Hurts and Kelce. Irving will spark the competition to field a formidable rushing attack, after Rachaad White only averaged 3.6 YPC.
⁃ Isaac Guerendo, 49ers HB – (Pick #129) This pick had the extra special excitement of being announced from Mexico City. This is a downhill, size and speed guy who tested extremely well but shared the rock with his teammate who later went to Houston. The Shanahan family has proven adept at finding running back contributors an all over the board. Is I.G. an impact contributor to the new kickoff format?
ROUND 5
⁃ Spencer Rattler, Saints QB – (Pick #150) Six QB’s were taken in the top 12 overall picks of the draft… then Rattler had to wait a record 137 picks until he become the seventh QB, in round 5. That should add to the chip on his shoulder, after losing his starting job in college to #1 overall pick, Caleb Williams. This could be the origin story of a villain and a saint, as he waits in the wings to take over for Derek Carr.
⁃ Jaylon Carlies, Colts LB – (Pick #151) A player who was a 3-year starter at safety in college will transition from a 223 lb. DB to a will linebacker role immediately. For all those interested in what somebody like Jamal Adams would’ve looked like if he changed positions, we may get a little glimpse into that sort of a transition for a player (although he has much lesser of a pedigree than the former top-10 pick in Prez’).
⁃ Brennan Jackson, Rams OLB/Edge – (Pick #154) The Rams love taking players from the PNW (Kupp, Nacua, Rapp, etc.) and it’s a little annoying… Jackson will rotate in as a pass rusher behind Jared Verse and Byron Young. LA is replacing Aaron Donald via a committee approach, and this is a pick who will bring an effort and hustle mentality to the locker room.
⁃ Mohamed Kamara, Dolphins OLB/Edge – (Pick #158) A 5th round pick who may get meaningful snaps out of the gate because of the unique situation the Dolphins are in. Their top two pass rushers are very good and under contract, but both rehabbing from major injuries (ACL for Bradley Chubb and Achilles for Jaelan Phillips). Miami selected Chop Robinson earlier in the draft and signed 31-year-old Shaq Barrett to replace names like Van Ginkel and Ogbah, so the powerful Kamara has an opportunity to seize.
⁃ Edefuan Ulofoshio, Bills LB – (Pick #160) One of 10 Washington Huskies drafted this year from the national championship team. Ulofoshio went from walk-on to team captain and second-team All-American. He’s a dawg who brings the energy and will most likely be asked to show what he’s got on special teams first. Cynthia Frelund, et al. will eventually have to learn how to pronounce his name.
⁃ Tyrone Tracy Jr., Giants HB – (Pick #166) Devin Singletary is in town to try to help replace Saquon Barkley, but TTJ has a varied skill set that includes playing WR and returning kicks. Eric Gray will be in the mix as a downhill runner as well, but we may see this rook get a chance to develop and contribute as the Giants shift to a more aerial attack.
⁃ Jordan Travis, Jets QB – (Pick #171) A young, creative, dual-threat passer who needs time to develop, and will be afforded that under Aaron Rodgers and Tyrod Taylor in New York. The Jets roll the dice again (this time without the pressure of 1st-round expectations) on a player who was a late season injury away from having FSU in the college football playoffs.
⁃ Qwan’tez Stiggers, Jets CB – (Pick #176) The Jets have made some very interesting picks! This is a prospect who did not play college football, dropping out after the death of his father. After a year off he played in the Fan Controlled Football (indoor) league, then jumped to the CFL, where he became the Canadian Football League’s Most Outstanding Rookie. Stiggers will look to prove he belongs in “The League”. This kid will have people rooting for his winding journey to the NFL.
ROUND 6
⁃ Logan Lee, Steelers DE/DT – 178 A stout run defender, despite his relatively small stature. He needs time before he can be considered a regular contributor, but the Steelers are working to get younger on the interior of the defensive line.
⁃ Sataoa Laumea, Seahawks OL – (Pick #179) Tenacious, nasty and athletic guy who played tackle and guard, but will probably settle inside. Laumea had a 4th round grade from many experts and has a real chance to factor into the Seahawks plans on the offensive line. He is a 3x All-PAC 12 player who started 44 games in his college career and is an asset in the run game (68.7 run block grade, per PFF).
⁃ Kimani Vidal, Chargers HB – (Pick #181) I know Harbaugh is importing a battery of Baltimore backs to carry the run game, but Gus Edwards is not necessarily dynamic, while J.K. Dobbins can’t stay healthy. This compact, hard-charging runner can fit right into what slim Jim wants to get accomplished on the ground. I always keep my eyes on the short kings, since we have an extra chip on our shoulders 😤
⁃ Malik Washington, Dolphins WR – (Pick #184) The ‘Fins have some interesting pieces out wide (Tyreek, Waddle and OBJ), but this pick gives them a young, physical slot who could one day outplay this draft slotting. Berrios, Cracraft and Ezukanma have not proven to be game changers. I have a feeling this could be a preseason hype type of player.
⁃ Johnny Wilson, Eagles, WR – (Pick #185) The 2nd-tallest wide receiver in NFL history at 6’7”… let this man post up in the red zone! Is he a downfield beacon? A big slot?? A tight end??? Sometimes tweeners (Devin Funchess) have a tough time finding a home in the NFL. Others truly find their niche and dominate (Aaron Donald). Wilson’s fit in the Philly offense will be interesting to keep tabs on.
⁃ Zion Logue, Falcons DT – (Pick #197) Not quite as spicy as the Penix pick in the premier round, Logue’s selection does mean that the Falcons will have selected an interior defensive lineman in every even round of the draft. Welcome to the future, Atlanta. He didn’t do a ton in college on a stacked Georgia team, but his huge frame gives him potential to make an impact.
⁃ Will Reichard, Vikings K – (Pick #203) First kicker, but the Rams took a big leg later in the round. Reichard is supposed to be automatic within 50, and played in a lot of big games at ‘Bama, so let me get eyes on this…
⁃ Jawhar Jordan, Texans HB – (Pick #205) What a menacing name. His running mate at Louisville went to SF earlier (Guerendo is featured above) to also start off as a 3rd- or 4th-stringer. Jordan is not as toolsy, but owns vision as a runner. Dameon Pierce has to prove he isn’t a one-hit wonder, but still tippin’ in H-Town.
ROUND 7
⁃ Travis Clayton, Bills OT – (Pick #221) Only the 2nd player ever to be drafted from the IPP (International Player Pathway), after Jordan Mailata in 2018. A UK-born rugby dude with some movement ability for a big man.
⁃ Brenden Rice, Chargers WR – (Pick #225) The son of the greatest WR to ever live goes to a team in need of receiving help. He adds another ingredient of toughness to the Bolts. He said he wants to create his own legacy, and that starts with making the team this offseason.
⁃ Myles Cole, Jaguars DE – (Pick #236) A tweener who allows them to be versatile up front on defense. Long arms with speed, who we now know is faster than fellow former Red Raider, Mahomes (Even after Patty asked not to be overlayed on the 40 anymore 😂).
⁃ Josiah Ezirim, Saints OT – (Pick #239) Huge developmental prospect who, if he plays his cards right, could find himself in a race with Trevor Penning to be the heir to Ryan Ramczyk to bookend Taliese Fuaga. Did you get all that? There will be a test. Ezirim was a DL just two years ago.
⁃ James Williams, Titans S – (Pick #242) A free safety that excels defending the run game and will convert to LB 🤔 The Titans have had many interesting picks, but this is the first to be among the 8-most interesting to me in its given round.
⁃ Justin Rogers, Cowboys NT – (Pick #244) One of the few true nose guards in this class at 330 lbs., he is another pick by Dallas that is devoted to the trenches. The ‘Boys (and new DC / former Vikings HC, Mike Zimmer) love a good run plugger, and lost Hankins to the Hawks.
⁃ LaDarius Henderson, Texans OG – (Pick #249) A member of the national champion (my Husky💔) offensive line at Michigan. He provides another (agile and consistent) option for what has been a slightly chaotic interior of the line for the Texans.
⁃ Kalen King, Packers CB – (Pick #255) A case study in where a player’s career arc goes after struggles at the worst possible time (bad follow up to 2022’s all-American season, bad showing at Senior Bowl, bad 40 time)? He was being mocked in the 1st round at one point, and now here he is almost slipping out of the draft entirely!
Most picks made in the first 3 rounds
Packers – 5 picks in the first 3 rounds
Commanders – 6
Cardinals – 7
