The 2024 NFL Draft left football fans buzzing with excitement as teams made bold moves and strategic selections across all seven rounds. With a record-breaking 23 offensive players taken in the top 32 picks and a notable absence of running backs, safeties, and off-ball linebackers on Day 1, the draft lived up to its hype.
Six quarterbacks going in Round 1, including some surprises, added to the intrigue. Let’s enter a comprehensive breakdown of how each team fared in the draft, starting from the top performers and working down to those with room for improvement.
The Cardinals entered the draft with 11 picks, aiming to bolster a roster with multiple needs. Despite the option to trade down from the 4th pick, GM Monti Ossenfort opted for Marvin Harrison Jr., addressing the team’s need for a top-tier wide receiver.
Darius Robinson’s selection in Round 1 and strategic moves in Day 2 demonstrated a balance of addressing needs and accumulating value. With picks like Max Melton and Trey Benson, the Cardinals fortified their secondary and added offensive depth, ensuring a well-rounded and talented draft class.
The Eagles, coming off a disappointing season, focused on shoring up their defense and adding weapons for their offense. GM Howie Roseman’s aggressive approach included trading up to secure top cornerback prospects Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell in the first two rounds.
With a total of eight trades, Roseman positioned the Eagles for success in future drafts while also landing key contributors like Jalyx Hunt and Will Shipley. The emphasis on addressing defensive weaknesses and acquiring future assets earned the Eagles a top grade.
The Steelers navigated a pivotal draft, aiming to revamp their offense after a lackluster performance in the previous season. Troy Fautanu’s selection in the first round provided an immediate upgrade to the offensive line, while subsequent picks like Roman Wilson and Payton Wilson added depth and playmaking ability.
GM Omar Khan’s adept use of trades and focus on addressing key needs earned praise, positioning the Steelers for a potential resurgence in the AFC North.
Under new leadership, the Commanders sought to rebuild their franchise foundation through the draft. The selection of Jayden Daniels as the franchise quarterback in the first round signaled a bold move toward securing the team’s future.
With a talented haul on Day 2, including Jer’Zhan Newton and Mike Sainristil, Washington addressed defensive gaps and provided support for their new signal-caller. GM Adam Peters’ strategic approach and focus on securing impact players bode well for the Commanders’ future success.
The Ravens entered the draft with several key departures to address, particularly on defense and along the offensive line. GM Eric DeCosta’s emphasis on addressing these needs led to the selection of impactful players like Nate Wiggins and Roger Rosengarten in the early rounds.
While the Ravens missed out on addressing all their needs, the quality of their selections and focus on value earned them a solid grade.
Despite lacking a first-round pick, the Texans made the most of their draft capital to address critical areas of need. Kamari Lassiter’s selection in the second round provided a boost to the cornerback position, while Blake Fisher added talent and depth to the offensive line.
GM Nick Caserio’s prudent use of trades and focus on acquiring impact players showcased the Texans’ commitment to building a competitive roster.
The Chiefs entered the draft aiming to provide additional support for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and shore up weaknesses on both sides of the ball. GM Brett Veach’s aggressive approach paid off with the selection of dynamic playmakers like Xavier Worthy and Kingsley Suamataia.
While some may question the need to trade up for certain picks, the quality of selections and focus on enhancing offensive firepower earned the Chiefs a respectable grade.
At last, the 2024 NFL Draft showcased the strategic prowess of team executives as they maneuvered through rounds of selections to address roster needs and secure future assets. While some teams emerged as clear winners with stellar draft classes, others showed promise with solid selections and strategic moves.
As the offseason progresses, it will be intriguing to see how these draft picks translate into on-field success for their respective teams.
