The 2024 NFL draft introduced record-breaking tendencies, together with six quarterbacks picked in Spherical 1 for the primary time since 1983 and eight offensive tackles taken in Spherical 1, which ties 2008 for essentially the most ever. Now that greater than every week has handed for the reason that draft concluded, our NFL consultants have had time to evaluate the category.
We requested our analysts and insiders to reply among the draft’s greatest questions. We started with their favourite picks and the largest head-scratching alternatives — a few of which did not contain quarterback Michael Penix Jr. going to the Atlanta Falcons in the highest 10. We’ll proceed to replace this story with a brand new subject every single day this week, diving into the rookie lessons our analysts consider will make the largest influence, Rookie of the Yr picks, fantasy sleepers and daring predictions.
Which gamers may win Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Yr? Our consultants dive in on the highest takeaways:
Leap to a subject:
Greatest rookies on offense | Greatest rookies on protection
Draft lessons that may make a huge impact
Favourite picks | Largest head-scratchers
Who’s your early decide for Defensive Rookie of the Yr?
Stephania Bell, fantasy soccer analyst: Jared Verse, DE, Los Angeles Rams. Verse comes ready-made to fit proper into the Rams’ entrance seven. He’s gifted and highly effective, and the Rams’ protection wanted an edge rusher who may make a right away influence. Verse recorded a team-leading 18 sacks and 83 pressures previously two seasons at Florida State.
Matt Bowen, NFL analyst: Byron Murphy II, DT, Seattle Seahawks. Murphy can create backfield chaos as a run-defender, with the inside cross rush traits to influence the pocket. Underneath Mike Macdonald, who coached an analogous participant in defensive deal with Justin Madubuike in Baltimore final season, Murphy is usually a disruptive pressure for the Seahawks.
Mike Clay, fantasy soccer analyst: Terrion Arnold, CB, Detroit Lions. Detroit already has a terrific offense in place, however the protection is on the ascent. That features a new-look secondary led by first-round decide Arnold and veteran standout Carlton Davis III. Count on this duo to lock down the perimeter this season. Arnold, who had 5 interceptions at Alabama final season, shall be effectively positioned for a really productive rookie marketing campaign.
Jeremy Fowler, nationwide NFL author: Verse. Laiatu Latu and Dallas Turner acquired many of the bump as prime pass-rushers, however Verse is a singular participant with critical energy. Within the post-Aaron Donald period, Verse may turn into the face of the Rams’ protection.
Matt Miller, NFL draft analyst: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Philadelphia Eagles. Realistically, both cornerback picked within the prime 40 by the Eagles (Mitchell or Cooper DeJean) could be a wide selection, however Mitchell’s velocity and ball abilities make him the favourite. Philly can get after the quarterback, creating good alternatives for Mitchell to seize interceptions on errant passes.
Eric Moody, fantasy and sports activities betting analyst: Verse. He showcased his expertise throughout his remaining collegiate season at Florida State, accumulating 41 tackles, 9 sacks, one compelled fumble, one fumble restoration and two cross breakups. There was a spot to fill on the Rams’ defensive position, and Verse was drafted exactly for that function. Verse, who is thought for his play power and velocity off the sting, is effectively positioned to step into this function.
Jason Reid, senior Andscape author: Laiatu Latu, DE, Indianapolis Colts. He’s elite in each method and expertise. Latu is equally environment friendly towards the run and at pursuing the passer. The Colts are getting a relentless participant who totaled 34 tackles for losses and 23.5 sacks previously two seasons for UCLA.
Jordan Reid, NFL draft analyst: Dallas Turner, LB, Minnesota Vikings. Enjoying in Brian Flores’ protection, Turner is an ideal match, as he’ll doubtless be used at a number of spots. His first-step burst and continued growth of his array of pass-rush strikes set him up for early success. Count on Turner to be moved round fairly a bit and obtain many alternatives to make performs in a number of methods.
Aaron Schatz, NFL author: Verse. 4 of the previous 5 DPOY awards have gone to edge rushers, and Verse appears more likely to get essentially the most enjoying time of the highest three edge rushers from this yr’s draft.
Mike Tannenbaum, NFL entrance workplace insider: Turner. Turner may have lots of pass-rushing alternatives, which I consider he’ll reap the benefits of. I believed he ought to have gone as excessive as No. 8 to Atlanta as a result of he has the double-digit sack complete capability.
Seth Walder, sports activities analytics author: Latu. He was chosen as the primary defensive participant, regardless of his medical issues, so I like him much more because the defender to guess on right here. Final season, he led the FBS in stress charge at edge (22%) and in sacks created (17) — which credit the participant who first earns stress on a play that ultimately turns into a sack.
Subject Yates, NFL draft analyst: Verse. The Rams wanted critical front-seven reinforcements and used the nineteenth total decide on the ready-made Verse, whose in-line energy and 6-foot-4 size ought to result in sack manufacturing proper out of the gate. Verse is nearly 24 years previous and is a extra refined prospect than lots of the different gamers taken round him within the first spherical.
Who’s your early decide for Offensive Rookie of the Yr?
Bell: Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears. On condition that I picked the Bears because the rookie class to make the largest influence in 2024, it stands to motive that the chief of that class will lead the cost and garner the OROY honors. His supporting solid extends effectively past fellow rookie receiver Rome Odunze; veteran pass-catchers equivalent to receivers Keenan Allen and DJ Moore will assist showcase Williams’ expertise.
Bowen: Williams. Williams is about up in Chicago with confirmed pass-catchers and explosive play targets. He has the plain expertise to create as a playmaker outdoors of the construction, and new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron can hold him on schedule from the pocket with outlined reads and play-action throws. I anticipate Williams to supply high-level numbers — for a playoff crew — in his first professional season.
Clay: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Arizona Cardinals. The primary non-QB chosen in April’s draft, Harrison will instantly step in as a featured goal in Arizona’s Kyler Murray-led offense. We have seen elite performances from rookie wideouts lately (three top-10 fantasy campaigns over the previous 5 seasons), and Harrison has the expertise and alternative to comply with within the footsteps of current award winners on the huge receiver place in Ja’Marr Chase and Garrett Wilson.
Fowler: Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders. This shall be an in depth race with Williams and probably a receiver equivalent to Harrison, however Daniels is about up for achievement. Washington has an opportunity to be sneaky good. Daniels has satisfactory talent gamers round him in Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Zach Ertz, Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler. Some evaluators thought of Daniels essentially the most pro-ready quarterback on Day 1. Kliff Kingsbury’s system is nice for passing yards, and Daniels will accumulate dashing yards to bolster his case.
Liz Loza, fantasy and sports activities betting analyst: Harrison. He was arguably essentially the most polished participant — no matter place — on this yr’s draft. He put up 1,211 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in his remaining season at Ohio State. His touchdown spot is prime for manufacturing, and he figures to make a right away influence.
Miller: Xavier Worthy, WR, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs. Having Worthy, the quickest participant ever examined on the mix, paired with reigning Tremendous Bowl champion quarterback Patrick Mahomes makes Worthy the front-runner for Offensive Rookie of the Yr in my e-book.
2:09
Did the Payments ‘hand’ the Chiefs Xavier Worthy?
Dan Orlovsky and Dan Graziano disagree with Mike Greenberg about whether or not the Payments made a mistake by letting the Chiefs draft WR Xavier Worthy.
Moody: Williams. I agree with lots of my colleagues right here in selecting Williams. A quarterback has received the award in three of the previous 5 seasons. Williams is effectively positioned for achievement with Moore and offseason additions Allen and Odunze.
Jason Reid: Williams. The Bears have arrange the primary total decide to succeed. With the ninth total choice, they added the gifted Odunze to a receiving corps that already included veterans in Moore and Allen, and stable tight finish Cole Kmet. Productive operating again D’Andre Swift additionally will assist the rookie passer thrive.
Jordan Reid: Harrison. Is there a prospect that landed in a greater spot? Harrison was WR1 in Arizona as quickly as he heard his identify referred to as on draft evening. Murray is probably going going to develop chemistry early on with him, and Harrison will present him with a real go-to goal.
Schatz: Harrison. He is within the clear finest quarterback state of affairs with Murray of the highest receivers chosen on this yr’s draft and shall be Arizona’s No. 1 possibility.
Tannenbaum: Williams. I consider he has the power, management and poise to information the Bears to a cloth enchancment in offense and wins. He’s going to must display uncommon psychological toughness and resilience, as every thing he does shall be magnified in a metropolis that has been looking for a franchise quarterback.
Walder: Williams. I am tempted to choose one of many wideouts, however we have seen previously how massive a bonus quarterbacks have on this award — Justin Herbert profitable the 2020-21 award over Justin Jefferson involves thoughts — so I believe Williams is the perfect guess right here, particularly as a result of he already has a robust supporting solid.
Yates: Harrison. Probably the most pro-ready prospect within the class landed in an ideal spot to play a large function straight away. The Murray-to-Harrison connection must be terrific the second the 2 are on the sphere collectively.
Which rookie class will make the largest influence this season?
Bell: Chicago Bears. The drafting of Caleb Williams alone goes to make its mark beginning in Week 1. The Bears complemented the Williams decide with Rome Odunze, and the 2 have already got chemistry, making their joint transition to the professional degree that a lot simpler. The rookies had been arrange for achievement with the crew’s structuring of the remainder of the offense this offseason, and the protection ought to guarantee they keep on the sphere loads.
Bowen: Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers drafted two tone-setting starters on the offensive line with left deal with Troy Fautanu and heart Zach Frazier within the first and second rounds, respectively, whereas fourth-round guard Mason McCormick provides depth up entrance. Vast receiver Roman Wilson brings toughness and big-play juice from the slot, plus linebacker Payton Wilson has three-down traits.
Clay: Washington Commanders. Washington chosen franchise quarterback and Week 1 starter Jayden Daniels with the second total decide after which proceeded to pick out 5 gamers on Day 2. These alternatives included defensive deal with Jer’Zhan Newton and nook Mike Sainristil, who determine to instantly be a part of the defensive rotation, in addition to potential Week 1 offensive starters in tight finish Ben Sinnott, versatile offensive lineman Brandon Coleman and slot huge receiver Luke McCaffrey.
Fowler: Philadelphia Eagles. There is not any approach round it: Philly had an ideal draft. Cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean signified great worth at picks No. 22 and 40, respectively, and can contribute straight away. Edge rusher Jalyx Hunt has an enormous fan in coordinator Vic Fangio. There’s massive upside. And do not be stunned when sixth-round receiver Johnny Wilson, a standout at FSU, contributes early.
Miller: Los Angeles Rams. Life after Aaron Donald begins with the 2024 draft class. The Rams chosen Jared Verse, Braden Fiske and Tyler Davis to reload upfront. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a year-one influence, Fiske and Verse shall be counted on to supply the crew’s cross rush and set the tradition commonplace with its former chief now in retirement.
Moody: Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals made vital strikes on this draft. They secured two standout gamers, huge receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and defensive deal with Darius Robinson, who’re anticipated to have a right away influence. Moreover, the Cardinals addressed their wants in different positions by buying cornerbacks Max Melton and Elijah Jones. With these additions, Arizona’s 2024 draft class is poised to make a distinction straight away.
Jason Reid: Kansas Metropolis Chiefs. It is beautiful that the Chiefs maneuvered into the place to choose WR Xavier Worthy at No. 28. They moved as much as get a participant who was clocked at 4.21 seconds within the 40-yard sprint — the quickest time ever — and he is the man quarterback Patrick Mahomes wished most. Additionally, do not be stunned if large offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia, the 63rd total decide, is the Chiefs’ Week 1 starter at left deal with.
1:20
Can Xavier Worthy fill Tyreek Hill’s sneakers on the Chiefs?
Louis Riddick and Jeff Darlington talk about the Chiefs’ expectations for Xavier Worthy and whether or not he could make an influence like Tyreek Hill did.
Jordan Reid: Steelers. Their first 4 picks all have pathways to seeing vital snaps early on. Fautanu and Frazier are much-needed plug-and-play starters alongside the offensive line. Roman Wilson and Payton Wilson are additionally two prospects who could possibly be key contributors sooner or later, as each have pro-ready video games instantly.
Schatz: Los Angeles Chargers. Joe Alt shall be a pressure because the beginning proper deal with. Junior Colson will doubtless put on the inexperienced dot as a beginning inside linebacker and can lead the crew in tackles. Ladd McConkey shall be featured because the slot receiver, and both Brenden Rice and/or Cornelius Johnson will get critical enjoying time regardless of ready till the seventh spherical to be chosen.
Tannenbaum: Bears. Pairing the 2022 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Williams up with Odunze, final season’s FBS receiving yards chief, will make Chicago’s offense instantly higher, assuming its offensive line can maintain up.
Walder: Bears. The plain reply can be the precise one on this case: Chicago walked away from the draft with an elite QB prospect who has an ideal likelihood to be an immediate improve over Justin Fields, together with a prime huge receiver in Odunze. A beforehand mediocre offense all of the sudden appears harmful.
Yates: Cardinals. I outlined the theme of Arizona’s commerce as simply checking packing containers: The crew stuffed want after want after want with good gamers. Harrison, Robinson and both Melton or Jones ought to begin, whereas Trey Benson, Tip Reiman, Isaiah Adams and Dadrion Taylor-Demerson may all have significant roles. I used to be extraordinarily impressed by the haul.
Who was your favourite decide in the whole draft?
Bell: Cornerback Quinyon Mitchell to the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 22. When a crew fills a necessity with a standout prospect with out breaking the financial institution to do it, it is a winner. Mitchell is quick and agile and allowed no touchdowns in over 400 protection snaps final season. He rose on many draft boards in current months … and but, the Eagles had been in a position to shock the competitors by snagging him right here.
Bowen: Cornerback Mike Sainristil to the Washington Commanders at No. 50. A nickel nook with a playmaking mentality, Sainristil was considered one of my favourite defensive backs to review. He led Michigan’s protection final season with six interceptions and 7 cross breakups. Search for him to play a disruptive function as a rookie in Dan Quinn’s defensive system.
Clay: Vast receiver Ladd McConkey to the Los Angeles Chargers at No. 34. The Chargers moved on from Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Austin Ekeler and Gerald Everett throughout the offseason, a foursome answerable for 55% of the crew’s targets over the previous two seasons. Enter McConkey, who is a wonderful match as a possible Allen substitute within the short-to-intermediate space for quarterback Justin Herbert. Even in a run-heavy offense, McConkey, who got here out of Georgia, has a path to large quantity proper out of the gate.
Fowler: Vast receiver Malik Nabers to the New York Giants at No. 6. For all of the hand-wringing concerning the Giants’ quarterback outlook, the reality is New York quarterbacks have not had a real top-10 receiver since Odell Beckham Jr. Nabers may need the best ceiling of any offensive participant within the draft. A number of groups within the prime 15 coveted him. Give quarterback Daniel Jones an opportunity with a man of this caliber, and see what occurs.
Miller: Vast receiver Rome Odunze to the Chicago Bears at No. 9. Let’s give the Bears credit score for not overthinking and easily drafting nice gamers. With a rookie quarterback added in Caleb Williams, choosing a go-to receiver for him to be taught and develop with was sensible. It additionally helps that the 2 educated collectively, constructing chemistry within the pre-draft course of. Odunze was my No. 3 total prospect, which suggests Chicago drafted two of my prime three gamers on this class.
Moody: Offensive lineman Graham Barton to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 26. As an ex-offensive lineman, it was a pleasure breaking down Barton’s movie. He is constant and showcases most effort on each play with out psychological errors. Barton can play heart, guard or deal with as a rookie, and I consider he’ll have a superior profession to among the names drafted forward of him.
Jason Reid: Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to the Atlanta Falcons at No. 8. I perceive every thing concerning the Falcons’ dedication to quarterback Kirk Cousins, the wage cap implications and the potential for strife inside the locker room. But when the Falcons are proper about Penix, none of that may matter in the long term. If a crew believes it has recognized a possible transformational participant at an important place in sports activities, effectively, it has to go get him. It is that easy.
Jordan Reid: Edge rusher Dallas Turner to the Minnesota Vikings at No. 17. Minnesota hasn’t drafted an edge rusher within the first two rounds since 2005 (Erasmus James). The crew wanted to replenish its expertise off of the sting after dropping Danielle Hunter in free company. Whereas the crew signed Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel throughout free company, Turner supplies a excessive upside as a pass-rusher in Brian Flores’ protection. Turner led Alabama with 10 sacks and 45 pressures final season.
Schatz: Vast receiver Adonai Mitchell to the Indianapolis Colts at No. 52. Analytics counsel there isn’t a such factor as a “draft steal” as a result of prospects drop from consensus for good causes. That being stated, Mitchell may need dropped because of off-field issues, and Colts GM Chris Ballard spoke out towards that. This was the No. 5 huge receiver in Playmaker Rating however the No. 11 receiver off the board.
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Fantasy projections for the 2024 rookie NFL cross catchers
Try Mike Clay’s fantasy projections for Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze, Brock Bowers and Brian Thomas Jr.
Tannenbaum: Odunze. He has a professional likelihood to be the perfect receiver from this draft. Underneath the motto of “win for immediately and develop for tomorrow,” the Bears have Allen on a one-year deal, and Odunze has Terrell Owens‘ kind of capability. Odunze had 1,640 receiving yards and 13 scores in 2023. That is superb for Chicago.
Walder: Defensive finish Laiatu Latu to the Colts at No. 15. Due to medical issues and the run on offense, the Colts managed to take the sting rusher who led FBS soccer in stress charge in every of the previous two seasons — sure, forward of Will Anderson Jr. and Tyree Wilson in 2022 — at No. 15. The Colts may need landed an ideal one at a premium place in the course of the primary spherical.
Yates: Odunze. The wideout falling to No. 9 was not a whole shock, given the anticipated run on quarterbacks early, nevertheless it was additionally not a certain factor. The sixth-highest-rated participant on my board may have been the primary receiver taken in so many prior drafts, however the presence of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Nabers (the third- and fourth-rated gamers on my board) made him the third off the board on this class. However do not be mistaken — Odunze shall be an immediate influence contributor as one essentially the most polished prospects within the class.
Who was the largest head-scratching decide of the draft?
Bell: Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to the Atlanta Falcons at No. 8. It’s onerous to justify spending this first-round draft capital when the Falcons had declared their nine-figure love for Kirk Cousins weeks earlier. The crew did fulfill defensive wants — its most evident gap getting into the draft — in later rounds, however will the technique of getting two QBs able to beginning create much less rigidity within the locker room … or extra?
Bowen: Penix. The Falcons constructed depth behind Cousins with this choice and arrange their QB room for the long run. Nonetheless, I noticed this as a possibility for the Falcons so as to add an impactful defensive participant to new coach Raheem Morris’ system, with outdoors linebacker Dallas Turner and defensive deal with Byron Murphy II nonetheless on the board on the time of Atlanta’s decide.
Fowler: Vast receiver Ricky Pearsall to the San Francisco 49ers at No. 31. I am not about to doubt coach Kyle Shanahan’s eye for offensive talent gamers, and I like Pearsall as a participant. However his place as WR6 on this draft was sudden. Most groups I spoke to pegged him as a Day 2 decide. Contemplating the 49ers nonetheless have Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk on the roster, bolstering the offensive or defensive position appeared like a wise play.
Loza: Tight finish Brock Bowers to the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 13. I used to be stupefied by the Raiders’ number of Bowers, and it is not due to his expertise degree. He is a possible generational expertise with a do-it-all talent set who was anticipated to come back off the board earlier than the primary half of the primary spherical. Nonetheless, Las Vegas spent an early second-round decide on Michael Mayer only a yr in the past and entered the draft with holes all alongside the offensive line. In the long run, I suppose, the worth Bowers offered was too nice to cross on.
Moody: Quarterback Bo Nix to the Denver Broncos at No. 12. Whereas he posted prolific numbers at Oregon throughout his remaining collegiate season, it is price noting that almost 67% of his passes got here inside 9 yards of the road of scrimmage. Nix’s choice seems to mirror desperation on the a part of a Sean Payton-led Broncos crew in want of a quarterback improve. I felt like Denver may have traded down and nonetheless landed Nix.
Jason Reid: Offensive deal with Tyler Guyton to the Dallas Cowboys at No. 29. Look, I get that the Cowboys had a serious want alongside their offensive line. And the truth that they moved to rebuild it on this draft is smart. That established, Guyton, whereas possessing spectacular bodily instruments, is a developmental participant. There is not any sugarcoating that.
Jordan Reid: Defensive deal with Ruke Orhorhoro to the Falcons at No. 35. With Jer’Zhan Newton nonetheless on the board, it made extra sense to take him there. Newton possesses extra upside as a rusher and is a perfect inside defender who pairs completely with Grady Jarrett. Orhorhoro is definitely the higher run-defender, however Newton’s mixture of explosiveness and disruption would’ve made him the higher decide.
Schatz: Penix. Look, I perceive the significance of the quarterback place, resulting in six quarterbacks chosen on this yr’s prime 12. You may discuss me into the concept that Penix is a greater prospect than J.J. McCarthy regardless of McCarthy doing higher in my QBASE projections. But when all goes effectively, Penix will not be going to take a snap within the NFL common season till he is 26 years previous. The Penix decide is not that head-scratching; it is the Penix decide together with the Cousins contract.
Walder: Defensive deal with Braden Fiske to the Los Angeles Rams at No. 39. This has little to do with the participant and extra to do with the circumstances of the decide. The Rams paid an obscene value to maneuver up from No. 52, sacrificing a fifth-round decide and future second-rounder within the course of — the costliest Day 2 overpay in not less than the previous six drafts and a bigger funding than their first-round decide (Jared Verse at No. 19), in accordance with our draft decide valuations. And all this for a participant who was at the start of his choice vary, in accordance with the Draft Day Predictor (in different phrases, this was a borderline attain).
Yates: Penix. I had a top-of-the-second-round grade on Penix, however quarterbacks at all times fly off the board sooner than the general ranks point out. That is about Atlanta investing in a participant who will flip 24 on Wednesday at a place wherein just one participant will play after paying Cousins $100 million assured in March. One of many nice benefits of a quarterback on a rookie contract is the modest price of his contract, which affords you the power to spend elsewhere throughout the roster. The Falcons aren’t realizing that benefit with Cousins underneath contract and making $90 million over the primary two seasons of Penix’s deal.
