The 2024 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, and it’s shaping up to be a wild one. While it’s impossible to predict the future with certainty, here’s our best guess at how the first round will play out, based on the latest rumors, speculation, and analysis.
The upcoming 2024 NFL Draft features a unique group of players: the children of former NFL stars. Headlining the class are Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Ohio State), Frank Gore Jr. (RB, Southern Mississippi), and Brenden Rice (WR, USC). With their impressive skills and renowned family pedigrees, these young athletes are poised to make their mark in the league.
As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, former Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera shares valuable insights on the team’s draft strategy. He emphasizes the need to prioritize the offensive line, particularly at left tackle, and suggests drafting a tight end to complement Zach Ertz. Rivera identifies Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, and JJ McCarthy as potential quarterback options for the Commanders, depending on their intended offensive system.
As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, the Chicago Bears have reportedly narrowed their options for the ninth overall pick to two positions: wide receiver and defensive end. According to sources, the Bears are considering drafting one of the top wide receivers available, potentially to complement quarterback Caleb Williams. However, the team could also prioritize a pass rusher to take pressure off Montez Sweat. While a trade down is possible, the Bears are reportedly leaning towards selecting either Rome Odunze from Washington or Malike Nabers from LSU at wide receiver, or a pass rusher such as Dallas Turner from Alabama or Jared Verse from Florida State.
The Chicago Bears hold the ninth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and the team’s decision on what to do with it has become a hot topic. Many believe the Bears should stay at No. 9 and select Rome Odunze, a standout receiver from Washington. However, there is also speculation that the Bears could trade up to draft Marvin Harrison Jr., who is considered the best receiver in the draft. General manager Ryan Poles has shown a tendency to trade back in the draft, but he could be willing to move up if he believes a player like Harrison Jr. is worth the price. The Bears’ decision will likely depend on what happens with the top eight picks in the draft. If a quarterback-needy team moves up to draft Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, that would reduce the number of teams that could select Odunze or Nabers, opening the door for the Bears to grab one of those players. Ultimately, whether or not the Bears trade up for Harrison Jr. will depend on how they value him relative to Odunze and Nabers and how much they are willing to pay to move up in the draft.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have completed their 2024 NFL Draft simulation, and the results are in. After trading up to the 16th pick, the Steelers selected JC Latham, a right tackle from Alabama. They also added wide receiver Xavier Legette from South Carolina in the second round, center Sedrick Van Pran from Georgia in the third round, linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. from Clemson in the third round, and nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat from Texas in the fourth round. Overall, the Steelers had a solid draft, filling some key holes on their roster. Latham is a talented right tackle who should be a starter for years to come. Legette is a physical wide receiver with good hands and the ability to make big plays. Van Pran is a seasoned center who has started in two National Championships. Trotter Jr. is a highly pedigreed prospect with the potential to be a three-down linebacker. Sweat is a disruptive force on the defensive line who has the potential to be a star. Overall, the Steelers had a good draft and should be well-positioned to compete in 2024.
The Indianapolis Colts currently hold the 15th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. While they are not expected to target quarterbacks or offensive tackles, there is a realistic possibility that certain outcomes could unfold before their pick, creating a dream scenario for the team. If five quarterbacks, five offensive tackles, and one defensive tackle are selected in the top 14, it would push the remaining players higher on the Colts’ draft board. This would increase the likelihood of securing a highly sought-after wide receiver, cornerback, or edge rusher at the 15th pick. Furthermore, the Colts could potentially trade back a few spots with so much talent available, allowing them to acquire additional picks while still selecting a top player.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray has expressed his desire for the team to retain the fourth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and utilize it to acquire a star player. While Murray has not named a specific prospect, he has hinted at his wishes and stated that he knows who he wants. Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort have publicly supported Murray, but they were not employed by the team when his contract extension was signed in 2022. With the loss of Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown and Rondale Moore, speculation has arisen regarding the possibility of Arizona trading back in the draft. However, Ossenfort has received multiple trade-back offers and is expected to hold onto the pick until the Cardinals are on the clock. The New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings have been mentioned as potential trade partners, as they are interested in acquiring Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, currently holding the No. 20 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, face a range of potential outcomes in the first round. With a need for offensive tackle and center, the team has both promising and risky options available. Latham, a highly-rated offensive tackle, could be a valuable addition, while Frazier, a talented center with some concerns, could force the Steelers into a reach.
The 2024 NFL Draft class features a wealth of talent, with several highly-rated prospects at key positions. Drake Maye and Caleb Williams are considered the top quarterbacks, with both possessing exceptional athleticism and passing skills. Other notable prospects include EDGE Korey Foreman, who is known for his disruptive pass-rushing abilities but has some injury concerns. UCLA EDGE Laiatu Latu and Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry are also highly-rated, but their evaluations may be impacted by injuries.
