The 2024 NFL draft class was packed with talent. Who came away with the most? Let’s take a look at the best draft classes of 2024.
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Chicago Bears
Chicago came away with some quality first round talent in the form of Caleb Williams (QB, USC) and Rome Odunze (WR, Washington). The addition of generational talent Williams is huge for the Bears’ offense. With Keenan Allen and D’Andre Swift now in the mix, their offense is looking dangerous. The Bears also secured Kiran Amegadjie (OL, Yale) in the 3rd round to offer some much-needed protection for Williams. I expect the Bears to make a run for the division title in the young and talented NFC North.
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Pittsburgh Steelers
Once again, the Steelers put on a master class on draft night. Their first-round draft pick Troy Fauntanu (OT, Washington) should make an immediate impact. They went back-to-back on offensive line picks with the addition of Zach Frazier (C, West Virginia) in the second round. The third round steals of Roman Wilson (WR, Michigan) and defensive player of the year Payton Wilson (LB, North Carolina State) is what got the Steelers a top two rank. If Steelers’ QB Russell Wilson can get back into stride, I expect the Steelers to be chasing a wildcard spot.
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Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders selected LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 overall pick. The Heisman winner has an impressive passing resume as well as dynamic ability as a runner. The Commanders dominated in the second round securing Jer’Zhan Newton (DT, Illinois) and Mike Sainristil (CB, Michigan), along with Kansas State TE Ben Sinnot. Another notable addition is Luke McCaffrey (WR, Rice), who is the younger brother of All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey. Although this team boasts serious potential, I expect they need a few years before they can compete against the powerhouses in the NFC East.
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Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles addressed their weakness in the secondary by drafting two studs: Quinyon Mitchell (CB, Toledo) and Cooper DeJean (CB, Iowa). They doubled down on improving the defense by drafting the versatile Jalyx Hunt (OLB, Texas Christian). With an already stacked lineup, I expect the new defensive additions to keep the Eagles in the superbowl conversation.
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Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals certainly took advantage of their situation, owning seven of the first 90 draft picks. Taking Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Ohio State) in the first round should prove to be tremendous for them. Harrison is a true WR1 with elite skills in all aspects of the position. Following the Ohio State product came dominant pass-rusher Darius Robinson (Missouri) and Max Melton (CB, Rutgers) who add serious talent on the other side of the ball. Another notable pick is Trey Benson (RB, Florida State) who boasted the 3rd fastest 40-yard-dash time of any running back at the combine at 4.39. With major additions on both sides, I expect the Cardinals to make a turnaround from their back-to-back 13 loss seasons.
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Los Angeles Chargers
With the hiring of head coach Jim Harbaugh, it was no surprise to see the Chargers take an offensive lineman with their first-round pick. The highly recruited Joe Alt (OL, Notre Dame) was the first lineman selected in the draft. Alt is a mauler in the run game and should provide some much-needed protection for star QB Justin Herbert. In the second round they selected deep-ball threat Ladd McConkey (WR, Georgia), doubling down on providing help to Herbert. In the third round Jim Harbaugh secured his former player Junior Colson (LB, Michigan), who played a vital role in the success of Michigan’s defense last year. Although they will need a year or two before they are in the Super Bowl conversation, I expect this team to make an immediate impact in the Patrick Mahomes’ dominated AFC West.
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Kansas City Chiefs
Similar to the Chargers, the Chiefs grabbed a receiver and an offensive lineman with their first two picks. When you have the league’s best QB, you have to get players that support him. The lightning fast Xavier Worthy (WR, Texas) ran an unofficial 4.22. Did someone say Tyreek Hill? The 6-foot-5, 330 pound Kingsley Suamataia (OT, BYU) should add some more security for Mahomes. Coming off another Super Bowl winning season, I expect the Chiefs to continue their dominant run with Mahomes at the forefront.
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Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens stuck with their roots by securing several tough and physical defensive players. Ballhawk Nate Wiggins (CB, Clemson), Adisa Isaac (DE, Penn State), and T.J. Tampa (CB, Iowa State) should all be competing for starting roles this year. They also addressed one of their lineup gaps by taking tackle Roger Rosengarten (Washington). Rosengarten should become an immediate starter after losing a large portion of their offensive line. With some solid picks and the off season addition of Derrick Henry, I expect the Ravens to stay at the top of the AFC North.
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Green Bay Packers
Green Bay rarely addresses offense in the first round, but with young QB Jordan Love showing signs of greatness, protecting him is a must. Arizona lineman Jordan Morgan should offer up some quality protection. I believe their best pickups came in the second round with Edgerrin Cooper (LB, Texas A&M) and the versatile safety from Georgia: Javon Bullard. With another solid draft class and a confident Jordan Love, I expect huge things for this young Packers squad.
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Minnesota Vikings
J.J. McCarthy (QB, Michigan) and Dallas Turner (OLB, Alabama) are the two standouts from the Vikings draft class, both coming in the first round. With a strong build and good speed, National Championship winner J.J. McCarthy has serious upside. Minnesota got a beast on defense with Dallas Turner. Quarterbacks beware, Turner is an explosive pass rusher who should see starting time right away. With a young QB and some high level offensive weapons, I expect this team to be an exciting squad in the NFC North.
