The 2024 NFL Draft was probably the most anticipated in years. The primary spherical lived as much as expectations of relentless firepower, with offensive gamers being chosen with every of the primary 14 alternatives — six of the primary 12 being quarterbacks. Numbers ultimately regressed to the imply, however 2024 will likely be remembered because the 12 months groups went all-in on offense early.
Totally evaluating their choices will take years. Scouting is tough and groups know an ideal deal that the general public doesn’t. However what we are able to do is study the alternatives they made in a vacuum contemplating workforce wants, worth and what we do know concerning the prospects who have been chosen.
With that in thoughts, our personal workforce of NFL consultants broke down each workforce’s draft and assigned a letter grade.
Arizona Cardinals
Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort lived as much as his popularity as a wheeler and vendor. Since taking on in 2023, Ossenfort has brokered 11 trades, together with six on draft day and a pair on draft day this 12 months. Ossenfort’s strikes helped Arizona safe a handful of affect gamers, led by one of the best receiver on this 12 months’s draft in Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. Arizona drafted much-needed go rush assist in Missouri defensive lineman Darius Robinson and Clemson’s Xavier Thomas. The Cardinals additionally added an explosive working again in Florida State’s Trey Benson and two cowl corners in Rutgers’ Max Melton and Boston School’s Elijah Jones. The 12 picks by Arizona are probably the most in a single draft by the workforce since 1992. —Eric D. Williams
Grade: A
Marvin Harrison Jr. Highlights
Atlanta Falcons
Taking quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 — after giving Kirk Cousins $100 million assured final month — was simply probably the most criticized decide of the draft. Giving up a third-round decide to slip up eight spots for DT Ruke Orhorhoro within the second spherical felt like a attain, although Atlanta made a concerted push to improve its defensive entrance, utilizing 5 of eight picks there. If Penix finds success within the subsequent two years, it is on the expense of an enormous funding in Cousins, and the category as an entire feels underwhelming. —Greg Auman
Grade: C-
Baltimore Ravens
To be honest, the Ravens’ persistence does not at all times repay — however rattling if it is not spectacular anyway. Given their holes on the offensive line, it was attention-grabbing once they opted for cornerback Nate Wiggins within the first spherical. To not fear; they frolicked behind the second spherical and acquired a starter-caliber sort out in Roger Rosengarten, anyway. Including deep risk receiver Devontez Walker within the fourth spherical looks like a sneaky good worth, too — which might be a enjoyable improvement for Lamar Jackson. It is price noting that Baltimore has but to discover a star edge rusher, however these guys are robust to seek out once you’re persistently selecting late. —David Helman
Grade: B
Buffalo Payments
Payments GM Brandon Beane would possibly draft for want as a lot — or greater than — some other government within the NFL. This draft is an ideal instance of that. And he addressed these wants so as of precedence: receiver (Keon Coleman), security (Cole Bishop), defensive sort out (DeWayne Carter), working again (Ray Davis) and inside offensive line (Sedrick Van Pran-Granger). I get leery about GMs drafting for want, as a result of it usually means they’ve reached. There’s a few of that right here. However for probably the most half, there’s extra to love about this draft. Buffalo’s strikes again out of the primary spherical allowed Beane to focus on what he appeared to assume was the candy spot. —Henry McKenna
Grade: B-
Carolina Panthers
Give the Panthers credit score for being formidable, sliding up a spot for WR Xavier Legette, giving up two fifths to get the draft’s high working again in Jonathon Brooks within the second. I anticipated a pass-rusher, and extra splash on protection. Tight finish Ja’Tavion Sanders felt like good worth in a weak class for the place. Even with out the No. 1 decide, you count on extra affect from a draft after the worst report within the NFL. —Auman
Grade: B-
Chicago Bears
The Bears had pretty much as good of a draft as they might presumably hope for. They acquired their quarterback of the longer term in Caleb Williams and a possible star receiver in Rome Odunze, immediately making him certainly one of, if not one of the best, No. 3 WR within the league. Chicago’s offense now boasts Odunze with veterans DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, in addition to D’Andre Swift, Cole Kmet, Gerald Everett and Williams on the helm. On paper, the Bears look to be some of the full groups within the league, particularly after grabbing a punter with their final authentic decide. That was a bizarre gamble, even when Tory Taylor was one of the best punter in faculty soccer final 12 months at Iowa.
Chicago additionally lastly addressed edge by buying and selling again into the draft within the fifth spherical to take Austin Booker out of Kansas. I do not assume he is the unquestioned reply reverse Montez Sweat however can add to the rotation. The complicated priorities on the finish of the draft tack on a minus to what’s in any other case a near-perfect draft within the Windy Metropolis. —Carmen Vitali
Grade: A-
Are the Bears on the spot contenders with Caleb and Odunze?
Cincinnati Bengals
I really like the way in which Cincinnati drafted forward of time right here. They signed Trent Brown for the brief time period at sort out, however Amarius Mims will hopefully anchor that line for years to return. They introduced in Sheldon Rankins in free company, however they will be hoping Kris Jenkins and McKinnley Jackson are the way forward for the defensive entrance. They nonetheless have Tee Higgins on the roster, however Jermaine Burton is an instantaneous choice and may very well be a long-term substitute. That is how good groups keep on high: planning for the longer term. —Helman
Grade: A
Cleveland Browns
On the draw back, the Browns had no first-round decide and simply two alternatives within the high 100, so it was going to be exhausting to enhance the roster. On the intense aspect, they’ve a top quality roster and are getting beginning quarterback Deshaun Watson again from harm, so they do not want a ton. I believe Michael Corridor and Zak Zinter are good gamers who bolster the offensive and defensive strains, however that does not transfer the needle a lot for 2024. This can be a vet-heavy workforce that will not lean a lot on rookies, from the seems to be of it. —Helman
Grade: C
Dallas Cowboys
For a workforce that had so many holes to fill after they did nothing in free company, the Cowboys made some curious selections. They did an ideal job plugging two key holes on the O-line (Oklahoma LT Tyler Guyton in Spherical 1 and Kansas State C Cooper Beebe in Spherical 2). However no working again? No receiver till Spherical 6? As an alternative, in Spherical 2, they took Western Michigan edge rusher Marshawn Kneeland, who may very well be terrific in 2025, however may not be an enormous assist now, once they’re supposedly “all-in.” Notre Dame LB Marist Liufau felt like an enormous attain within the third at one other place the place they wanted assist. —Vacchiano
Grade: B
Cowboys commerce down in NFL Draft to pick OL Tyler Guyton twenty ninth general
Denver Broncos
Denver’s draft is essentially a referendum on quarterback Bo Nix, the sixth passer picked within the first 12 slots of the draft. Throwing for 45 touchdowns towards three interceptions as a senior at Oregon is spectacular, and Denver acquired his high receiver by taking Troy Franklin within the fourth spherical. Denver and Sean Payton can have a lot of their success pinned to how Nix performs. —Auman
Grade: B-
Detroit Lions
I had puzzled if the Lions’ draft technique would change given that they had restricted wants coming into this weekend. It did, as normal supervisor Brad Holmes pulled off 4 trades throughout all three days to get picks for positions of want, utilizing one for cornerback Terrion Arnold out of Alabama at No. 24 general. Their subsequent decide was additionally a nook in Missouri’s Ennis Rakestraw. Inform me the place they noticed a necessity for enchancment with out telling me. They began Day 3 with a bang by buying and selling a future third to get a global participant in sort out Giovanni Manu within the fourth spherical. I am not an enormous fan of giving up richer future capital, however Holmes has earned the advantage of the doubt. I recognize that Holmes once more acquired his guys, consensus massive board be damned. The Lions additionally by far and away received the award for greatest war-room apparel. —Vitali
Grade: B+
Inexperienced Bay Packers
The Packers entered the 2024 NFL Draft with 11 picks … and ended up making 11 whereas maneuvering up and down. Jordan Morgan ought to match proper in on their position-fluid offensive line. Linebacker Edgerrin Cooper could be a superb complement to Quay Walker. Now that Jeff Hafley is the defensive coordinator, the Packers wanted to refill on his favourite place: security. They acquired Xavier McKinney in a splash free company signing however nonetheless drafted three extra gamers on the place. Javon Bullard out of Georgia at No. 58 general is great worth. The opposite massive splash was USC working again MarShawn Lloyd, who will go up towards his faculty quarterback twice a 12 months now. Throw in a few further offensive linemen for depth/competitors and you’ve got a superbly stable Inexperienced Bay draft. GM Brian Gutekunst is infamous for getting manufacturing out of later spherical picks and this 12 months figures to be no completely different. —Vitali
Grade: B
Houston Texans
Texans normal supervisor Nick Caserio set the tone for this draft class by saying that it might be tough for a rookie to make a big affect on the 2024 workforce. That indicated a need to search for depth and to the longer term, and Houston undoubtedly achieved that goal at quite a few positions: nook, offensive sort out, security and tight finish amongst them. Second-round decide Kamari Lassiter, one of many high corners in faculty soccer final season, ought to nonetheless have an opportunity to begin in 12 months 1 alongside Derek Stingley. —Ben Arthur
Grade: A-
Indianapolis Colts
4 of the Colts’ first 5 picks addressed the offense. They’ve achieved all the things they’ll to make quarterback Anthony Richardson, returning this season after an abbreviated rookie 12 months, as snug as doable — and you may’t blame them. Receiver Adonai Mitchell represented nice worth late within the second spherical. With that being stated, Indianapolis may have used a cornerback excessive. The workforce has some uncertainty on the spot, which is particularly vital within the receiver-loaded AFC South. That represents a chance for Indy. —Arthur
Grade: C+
Jacksonville Jaguars
Solely time will inform, however the Jaguars had an ideal draft on paper. They have been in a position to commerce down within the first spherical from 17 to 23 to get Brian Thomas Jr., whom normal supervisor Trent Baalke stated would’ve been the decide at 17. He had been valued by many as a mid-first-round decide. Fourth-rounder Javon Foster, a standout offensive sort out within the SEC, may instantly step in because the No. 3 OT with an opportunity to be a starter sooner or later. Jacksonville additionally leaves the draft with large depth and on the line of defense behind standout trio Josh Allen, Travon Walker and Arik Armstead. —Arthur
Grade: A-
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
Boasting an elite protection, the reigning Tremendous Bowl champion Chiefs entered this draft season needing to get extra assist for Patrick Mahomes on the offensive aspect of the ball, particularly within the wake of Rashee Rice’s authorized troubles. They did so in an enormous approach (and Mahomes confirmed his gratitude to normal supervisor Brett Veach on social media). They added a weapon in Xavier Worthy whose 4.21-second 40-yard sprint set an NFL Mix report. That pace figures to be deadly with Mahomes. Kansas Metropolis’s high three picks have been on offense. —Arthur
Grade: A-
Chiefs commerce up in NFL Draft to pick speedster WR Xavier Worthy
Las Vegas Raiders
Brock Bowers was far and away the draft’s greatest tight finish, and second-rounder Jackson Powers-Johnson could be an instantaneous starter on the inside offensive line. The Raiders didn’t take a QB, however small-school working again Dylan Laube may very well be a steal. —Auman
Grade: B-
Los Angeles Chargers
New Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh centered on bringing in prospects from Energy 5 conferences who performed at big-time, successful packages. The centerpiece of the group is Notre Dame offensive sort out Joe Alt, who will play proper sort out with Professional Bowler Rashawn Slater staying at left sort out. Second-rounder Ladd McConkey has an opportunity to take over the lion’s share of the targets misplaced by the departure of Keenan Allen. Third-round choice Junior Colson has expertise calling Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter’s protection at Michigan. Harbaugh additionally added picks with well-known household ties. Day 3 choice Troy working again Kimani Vidal’s nice uncle is Hank Aaron. And Corridor of Famer Jerry Rice’s son Brenden Rice was taken within the seventh spherical. —Williams
Grade: A-
Los Angeles Rams
Sean McVay ready for all times with out Aaron Donald by deciding on 5 defensive gamers, together with 4 who can play alongside the entrance seven to generate a go rush. The Rams chosen within the first spherical for the primary time since taking Jared Goff No. 1 general in 2016, grabbing highly effective edge rusher Jared Verse at No. 19. They adopted that by taking Verse’s teammate at Florida State within the second spherical in defensive sort out Braden Fiske. Michigan RB Blake Corum provides L.A. the same runner to spell Professional Bowler Kyren Williams. And Stanford product Josh Karty being chosen within the sixth spherical is L.A.’s newest try to unravel this workforce’s kicking woes. General, the Rams put collectively a stable class to comply with up a really productive group from final 12 months. —Williams
Grade: B
Miami Dolphins
You needed to snigger when the Dolphins took Jaylen Wright, the draft’s second-fastest working again. Final 12 months, they took Devon Achane, one of many quickest gamers within the NFL. However that did not cease them from bringing extra pace into the offense within the fourth spherical. Wright adopted an excellent get within the first spherical in Chop Robinson, an edge rusher who’ll assist the workforce handle snaps for Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb, who each ended final 12 months with main accidents. Additionally they managed to snap up a sort out in Patrick Paul, who will develop behind Terron Armstead. It was an ideal draft, one which matched worth with want. —McKenna
Grade: A-
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings wanted a quarterback and acquired one. Although he doubtless wasn’t their first selection (they reportedly tried to commerce as much as No. 3 presumably to pick Drake Maye), this will likely have ended up being the perfect state of affairs. They wanted to commerce up only one spot from their first decide at No. 11 to pick Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was nonetheless aggressive with the No. 23 decide, buying and selling as much as No. 17 to get Alabama edge Dallas Turner, extensively thought-about probably the greatest defenders within the draft. Each are arguably top-10 prospects. The disadvantage is that the Vikings at the moment are extraordinarily low on draft capital subsequent 12 months. They’ve their first-round decide and simply two fifth-round picks. They need to count on no less than one if not two third-round compensatory picks for shedding Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter to free company, however their roster is in stable form, particularly after including one other nook in Khyree Jackson from Oregon and a number of offensive linemen for depth. The Vikings virtually definitely received the primary spherical, however they could win your entire draft if McCarthy pans out. —Vitali
Grade: A
New England Patriots
Drake Maye did not have the assist he wanted when the Patriots took him third general. And a prospect like Maye — who’s excessive danger, excessive reward — will want loads of assist to succeed in his potential. So it is price crediting government Eliot Wolf for spending the subsequent 4 picks (a second, third and two fourths) on offensive gamers. New England added receivers Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker. The Patriots even doubled up at QB with Joe Milton (Tennessee), one other prospect with an unimaginable arm (albeit with tough accuracy and contact). It is clear the Patriots wished to prioritize their offense, and it feels just like the board lined up with their wants. —McKenna
Grade: B+
New Orleans Saints
The Saints made two sturdy picks on the high of the category, addressing a evident want with sort out Taliese Fuaga and shifting as much as get nook Kool-Help McKinstry, seen by many as a possible first-round decide. Hit in your first two picks, it is a good draft, however there’s not a ton extra to this. Spencer Rattler is not a nasty decide, however they used a 2024 fourth to get Jake Haener final 12 months, so will each make the 53 alongside starter Derek Carr? —Auman
Grade: B
New York Giants
The Giants wished to commerce up for a brand new franchise QB, however they could not do it. So as an alternative they helped out their previous one by taking LSU’s Malik Nabers, probably the most explosive WR within the draft, sixth general. That alone ought to re-energize their offense. They turned to their secondary on Day 2 and acquired one of many draft’s greatest safeties in Minnesota’s Tyler Nubin (Spherical 2), however have been too late for the highest corners once they took Kentucky’s Andru Phillips within the third. Penn State TE Theo Johnson (Spherical 4) may very well be massive for them if veteran Darren Waller retires. —Vacchiano
Grade: B+
New York Jets
It was a troublesome draw that Rome Odunze went at No. 9 — although not sudden. So the Jets traded down and nonetheless added Penn State sort out Olu Fashanu, which made loads of sense. Pretty much as good as Tyron Smith is when he is wholesome, he is not wholesome usually. Fashanu will present much-needed depth at sort out for Smith and Morgan Moses. Brock Bowers may need been tempting as a result of he would immediately begin — however I believe they will get extra bang for his or her buck with Fashanu, particularly contemplating how little Aaron Rodgers makes use of his tight ends. In Spherical 3, the Jets took a feisty WR in Malachi Corley. New York additionally added two working backs to their steady — which felt a bit pointless, however I suppose they went with what the board gave them. —McKenna
Grade: B
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Philadelphia Eagles
Eagles GM Howie Roseman is a wizard. After attempting to commerce up within the first spherical for a CB, the highest one — Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell — fell proper to him at 22. Then he acquired one other nook with a first-round grade by buying and selling up for Iowa’s Cooper DeJean in Spherical 2. That alone would’ve made it an ideal weekend for Philly, however Roseman added to it with a Day 3 deal to convey LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr. to his father’s previous franchise. Their one curious transfer was taking Houston Christian edge rusher Jalyx Hunt within the third, however the Eagles can afford a high-ceiling mission like that. Oh, and all of Roseman’s trades acquired them some 2025 draft capital, too. —Vacchiano
Grade: A-
Pittsburgh Steelers
If these picks hit, the Steelers’ offensive line may very well be one thing particular. Final 12 months’s first-round decide, Broderick Jones, is already exhibiting promise. Pittsburgh has now added two doubtless starters in Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier. Fautanu was seen by many as a top-10 prospect, and he fell to the Steelers at twentieth general. It was the same story for Frazier, whom many rated as a high 40 man, however fell to No. 51. Throw in fourth-round decide Mason McCormick, and issues are wanting pretty much as good as they’ve up entrance in a very long time. If that wasn’t ok, the Steelers discovered themselves a flexible slot receiver in Roman Wilson, who ought to be able to contribute instantly. If he can keep wholesome, it is also an excellent guess that Payton Wilson’s excessive motor and toughness will make him a fan favourite in Pittsburgh. These are simply bonuses, although. If the Steelers have lastly fastened their offensive line, this complete class can have been price it. —Helman
Grade: A+
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers picked within the first spherical for the primary time since shifting as much as take Trey Lance at No. 3 general within the 2021 draft. Florida receiver Ricky Pearsall was considerably of a shock at No. 31, however he provides San Francisco one other go catcher who can function within the slot and make performs over the center of the sphere. The 49ers discovered a possible cowl nook within the second spherical in Renardo Inexperienced and an explosive runner on Day 3 in Louisville’s Isaac Guerendo. Nonetheless, the 49ers wanted offensive line assist and did not safe upgrades up entrance offensively till shifting up within the third spherical to seize promising Kansas offensive lineman Dominick Puni, and later in Day 3 in USC offensive lineman Jarrett Kingston. San Francisco ought to have centered on this apparent want earlier within the draft. —Williams
Grade: B-
Seattle Seahawks
First-round defensive sort out Byron Murphy is a home-run decide — one of many high defensive gamers within the draft who ought to develop right into a mainstay on Seattle’s protection for the subsequent decade. However Seattle had simply two picks within the high 100 due to the Leonard Williams commerce, making it robust to safe affect gamers. Connecticut offensive lineman Christian Haynes ought to struggle for time alongside the beginning offensive line. UTEP linebacker Tyrice Knight is a tackling machine and Michigan’s AJ Barner has an opportunity to earn a job as a blocking tight finish. However it seems these late-round picks are extra developmental prospects who may take a number of years to seek out roles for Seattle. —Williams
Grade: B
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs made no trades however nonetheless pulled in a robust class that hit on key wants. Heart Graham Barton leads the way in which, with edge Chris Braswell, nickel Tykee Smith and receiver Jalen McMillan all within the high 100 picks. There have been no trades, no small-school gems to be discovered, however they introduced in potential affect gamers everywhere in the area. Tampa Bay had the identical report as New Orleans, however picked 12 spots later in every spherical on account of being division champ. —Auman
Grade: B+
Tennessee Titans
On the high of the draft, the Titans confirmed a dedication to physicality and proudly owning the trenches with offensive-minded coach Brian Callahan. They’ve taken on some danger with that strategy — they’re shifting JC Latham from proper to left sort out, and nostril sort out T’Vondre Sweat has some conditioning considerations — but when it pans out, Tennessee may very well be checked out as massive winners two to 3 years now. Aside from security and tight finish, the Titans go away the draft having addressed each different want. —Arthur
Grade: B-
Washington Commanders
Rule No. 1 of drafting a franchise QB: encompass him with assist. However that is probably not what the Commanders did after drafting LSU QB Jayden Daniels second general. They turned to their protection, the place they did get nice second-round worth in Illinois DT Jer’Zhan Newton and Michigan CB Mike Sainristil. Each may very well be big-time gamers. The identical goes for second-round TE Ben Sinnott. All their high picks have been glorious, however their O-line continues to be a evident difficulty they usually did not handle that till Spherical 3 with TCU guard Brandon Coleman. That might develop into a regrettable choice. —Ralph Vacchiano
Grade: B+
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This evaluation was compiled by:
AFC South reporter Ben Arthur (@benyarthur)
NFC South reporter Greg Auman (@gregauman)
Dallas Cowboys reporter David Helman (@davidhelman_)
AFC East reporter Henry McKenna (@McKennAnalysis)
NFC West reporter Eric D. Williams (@eric_d_williams)
NFC East reporter Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano)
NFC North reporter Carmen Vitali (@CarmieV)
