The NFL Draft just concluded this weekend in the motor city of Detroit, with a reported 775,000 people in attendance in the three-day event, which broke the previous record of 600,000 people in Nashville in 2019. With shocking events like six quarterbacks selected in the first 12 picks, this draft will be thought of for years to come. With the first 14 overall picks being offensive players, that sets a new record (previously 2021, when the Panthers drafted defensive back Jaycee Horn eighth) for the longest it has ever been for a defensive player to get drafted. So, without further ado, let’s get into the results.
Arizona Cardinals
Best Pick: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State: The first non-quarterback off the board and possibly the best player in the draft falls to No. 4, and it was a rather easy selection for Arizona. Maserati Marv will immediately impact a Cardinal offense that is still looking for weapons for quarterback Kyler Murray.
Worst Pick: Max Melton, CB, Rutgers: While I like Melton as a prospect, Cooper Dejean was right there for the taking for Arizona at 34. Instead, second-year GM Monti Ossenfort decides to trade back and pick up an extra third-round pick in the process.
Team Grade: B+
Atlanta Falcons
Best Pick: Bralen Trice, DE, Washington: While not considered one of the best athletes, the production has been there for Trice at Washington, finishing his career with 18 sacks and 28 ½ TFL. Atlanta needed help on the defensive line and became a football player with Bralen Trice.
Worst Pick: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington: While I like Penix as a prospect, this makes no sense to me for Atlanta. In the offseason, they had just signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, 180-million-dollar contract. While Penix might need to develop like the Jordan Love situation in Green Bay, Penix is old for a rookie in the NFL. Turning 24 next month, the time is now for Atlanta to compete in the fading NFC South.
Team Grade: C
Baltimore Ravens
Best Pick: Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina: While a fourth-round receiver usually does not have an immediate impact on a team, I expect Walker to be a day-one starter for Baltimore. The 6-foot-2 Walker will provide a bigger target for Lamar Jackson, and with Odell Beckham Jr remaining unsigned, Walker will offer immediate competition to get on the field quickly in Baltimore.
Worst Pick: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson: While I like Wiggins as a prospect, I question the fit with Baltimore. Wiggins' biggest thing he needed to work on was his toughness and physicality at the corner position. That doesn't sound like a Ravens CB if you ask me. While his coverage skills are flawless, there were guys on the board who could offer a better fit for Baltimore at pick 30.
Team Grade: B-
Buffalo Bills
Best Pick: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State: The only reason Coleman fell out of the first round is because of his lackluster 40 times at 4.6 seconds in Indianapolis. If you turn on the tape, Coleman plays much faster than 4.6. With the departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, Coleman steps into a receiver room where he will have big shoes to fill, and he is capable of doing it.
Worst Pick: Edefuan Ulofoshio, LB, Washington: While you aren't expecting to draft possible starters in round five, you look for potential guys and someone you could develop. Ulofoshio is 24 years old and will turn 25 in January. While I like him as a player, and he could make an impact in an injury-riddled linebacker room for the Bills, the potential might already be capped for the NFL.
Team Grade: B
Carolina Panthers
Best Pick: Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina: I really liked this move from Carolina. Don't sugarcoat it; wait till day two, trade up one spot, and get your guy to finish off day one. Legette will come in and offer another weapon for second-year quarterback Bryce Young. Legette will enter a receiver room with veteran Adam Thielen and newly acquired Diontae Johnson.
Worst Pick: Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas: While I like Brooks as a prospect and recognize he would have possibly been a first-round pick if not for an ACL injury suffered in November, there were more significant needs for Carolina at this spot. The interior offensive line and cornerbacks should have been addressed before running back for Carolina.
Team Grade: C+
Chicago Bears
Best Pick: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington: I never thought the Bears, at pick No. 9, would be able to draft the talented receiver out of Washington. Give GM Ryan Polles a lot of credit for giving first overall pick Caleb Williams a lot of weapons in year one. Odunze was considered the second or third-best receiver in the class and an afterthought to be available at pick nine. This was a relatively easy selection for Ryan Polles.
Worst Pick: Kiran Amegadjie, OT, Yale: While I like the idea of protecting Caleb Williams, I would have liked it better for the Bears if they had gotten someone to play right away. Amegadjie will most likely need a redshirt year in the NFL before he will take over a starting spot. This leaves the offensive line a rather critical need entering training camp for Chicago.
Team Grade: A
Cincinnati Bengals
Best Pick: Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama: With Tyler Boyd leaving in free agency and Tee Higgins adamant about requesting a trade, Burton will come in and offer an immediate impact for Cincinnati's high-flying offense. Burton offers Joe Burrow another offensive deep threat to team up with Ja'Marr Chase.
Worst Pick: Erick All, TE, Iowa: While tight end is still a significant need for Cincinnati, drafting all in the fourth round to, at best, become a backup is a head-scratcher to me. While All offers upside blocking, his pass-catching ability is limited. Right now, he will slot into the third-string tight end behind Mike Gesicki and Tanner Hudson.
Team Grade: B
Cleveland Browns
Best Pick: Zak Zinter, OG, Michigan: Zak Zinter was scheduled to be a first-round pick before suffering a broken tibia and fibula against Ohio State in his final game at the Big House. He was the emotional leader for the Michigan football team that went on to win the National Championship. He has a set of nastiness in the run game and will provide some much-needed depth behind Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller.
Worst Pick: Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio State: While defensive tackle was a significant need for Cleveland, this was not the best time to pick him. He still has a lot of work to do in the run game, but he is a high-upside interior pass-rusher.
Team Grade: B-
Dallas Cowboys
Best Pick: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma: Tyron Smith left in free agency, and Dallas needed to address the tackle position. They get a big-time player in Guyton who will immediately come in and help out Dak Prescott and company.
Worst Pick: Marshawn Kneeland, DE, Western Michigan: While Dallas needed a defensive lineman, I thought they could have used it on a center or a running back in this situation. We will see how time plays out with this pick, but I think there were bigger needs that needed to be addressed.
Team Grade: B-
Denver Broncos
Best Pick: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon: Franklin is an impressive player to get in the fourth round. He is a legit 4.4 guy with exceptional route-running moves. With Jerry Jeudy departing and Courtland Sutton likely next, Franklin will have a prime opportunity to make some plays for Denver early.
Worst Pick: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon: Where do I start? I like Bo Nix as a prospect, and he could become a good player in the NFL. For Denver to reach for him at pick 12 does not make sense. Denver could have possibly moved back and gotten their guy, but what do I know? Here's to Bo Nix becoming the next Drew Brees.
Team Grade: B-
Detroit Lions
Best Pick: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama: I like Detroit's move a lot. The fall of cornerbacks went way too far for GM Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Cambell's liking. They jump up five spots and get what some would say is the most complete corner in the class.
Worst Pick: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri: While Detroit needed a cornerback, especially after Cam Sutton's arrest, I think they could have gotten another position with this pick. Rakestraw also has an injury history that could alter his NFL career.
Team Grade: B+
Green Bay Packers
Best Pick: Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M: An All-American player in 2023, the Packers may easily have gotten the best linebacker in the draft. Cooper is a do-it-all type of Linebacker who will fit in nicely with Quay Walker. The former Aggie is exceptional as a run-stopper and a pass-coverage linebacker.
Worst Pick: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona: I thought there was a better tackle on the board in Tyler Guyton out of Oklahoma. Morgan is more of a project-based tackle and won't be rushed to play immediately. Coming off an ACL injury two years ago, stability could hold back the big tackle out of Arizona.
Team Grade: B
Houston Texans
Best Pick: Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame: Protecting CJ Stroud has to be priority No. 1 for the Houston Texans. The former first-round pick, Tytus Howard, is struggling in the position, and this could be the replacement right here.
Worst Pick: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia: Lassiter could become a good player in the NFL; I just question where that would be. The Georgia cornerback ran a 4.65 40-yard dash on his pro day, which should pose a red flag to the Texans. Is there a plan to play him in the slot, possibly at safety? We shall see, but he is an exciting and athletic prospect for Demeco Ryans to work with.
Team Grade: B
Indianapolis Colts
Best Pick: Laiatu Latu, DE, UCLA: I love this pick for the Colts and think it is also an outstanding value. The first defensive player in the draft to last till pick 15, this was a relatively easy selection for Chris Ballard. Latu is the best pass rusher in the class and will immediately fill a need for the Colts. With possibly being forced to medically retire from football due to a neck injury, the story of Latu is outstanding, and he will become a fan favorite in Indianapolis.
Worst Pick: Matt Goncalves, OT, Pittsburgh: Most likely to be nothing more than a swing tackle for Indy; They could have gotten a player with more upside with this selection. Goncalves is a good prospect and a player at Pitt, but I see more of his career inside as a guard in the NFL.
Team Grade: A
Jacksonville Jaguars
Best Pick: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU: This is a perfect fit for Jacksonville and Thomas Jr. He is not forced to be put in a number-one receiver role and will be asked to go out there and make plays for Jacksonville. With the departure of Calvin Ridley in the offseason, wide receiver was a significant need for Jacksonville, and they got a good one at pick 23.
Worst Pick: Maason Smith, DT, LSU: While I like Smith as a prospect, I need help understanding the pick here, especially with the significant acquisition of Erik Armstead in the offseason from San Francisco. With Travon Walker already on the defensive line, I estimate Smith to be a rotational guy early in his career.
Team Grade: B
Kansas City Chiefs
Best Pick: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas: Let's just give Patrick Mahomes the fastest man in the NFL. That'll stop the Chiefs from winning all the Super Bowls. Worthy will be an immediate deep threat for Mahomes in a revamped wide receiver room for Andy Reid and Kansas City. Worthy is lightning-fast with the ball in his hands, and if he can blossom his route tree, he could become one of the top deep threats in the NFL.
Worst Pick: Jared Wiley, TE, TCU: Backup tight end, maybe? Travis Kelce isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Wiley is an intriguing prospect, standing 6-foot-6, 249 pounds, and 4.6 40-yard dash ability. I don't see his career going anywhere past a rotational tight end for Kansas City.
Team Grade: B+
Las Vegas Raiders
Best Pick: Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon: Well thought of as the best center in the class, Vegas gets him at pick 44. Powers-Johnson excels as both a run blocker and a pass blocker and will step in on day one and help Vegas. He only allowed three pressures in three years for Oregon and was a big steal for Tom Telesco and Antonio Pierce at pick 44.
Worst Pick: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia: While I love Bowers as a prospect, Las Vegas spent a second-round pick last year on a tight end, Michael Mayer. I do think Bowers will be an outstanding player for Vegas and will be an All-Pro tight end for years to come, but I just don't understand the strategy from management of years past.
Team Grade: B+
Los Angeles Chargers
Best Pick: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia: This is outstanding value and an exceptional pick by the Chargers. McConkey possesses elite route-running abilities and will become a favorite target for Justin Herbert. With the departures of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, LA desperately needed to address the receiver position, and they got what some think is the best route runner in the draft at pick No. 34.
Worst Pick: Justin Eboigbe, DT, Alabama: Medical concerns are why I am hesitant with this pick. He missed most of 2022 with a season-ending neck injury. Though he could step in and become a run-stopper for the Chargers on day one, his lack of pass rush and medical concerns are why I am hesitant about this pick.
Team Grade: A
Los Angeles Rams
Best Pick: Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State: With Aaron Donald's retirement, a big hole will be needed to fill the defensive tackle position. He is a high disruptor in the run game and offers the potential to be a three-down player at the pro level. One of the stars leading up to the draft, Fiske should be an impact player for Los Angeles from day one.
Worst Pick: Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami (Fla.): Kinchens did not test well at all leading up to the draft. He plays faster on tape than his time, which leads us to believe (4.65), but the lack of speed at the combine is a big concern for me, as is with some NFL teams.
Team Grade: B
Miami Dolphins
Best Pick: Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee: Speed on speed for Miami. If you commit to being a fast type of offense, you go all out for it. Wright will become a 1-2 punch with De'Von Achane. Miami's offense will be based on speed with returning players Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and the newly drafted Jaylen Wright.
Worst Pick: Chop Robinson, LB, Penn State: This made no sense to me. Miami's most significant need was an offensive lineman. There were multiple players in play that I thought would have been better value than Robinson. Athleticism sticks out to you when you watch Robinson play, and we will have to wait and see how that will translate to the NFL. However, there were better players with higher needs than Robinson in this position.
Team Grade: C+
Minnesota Vikings
Best Pick: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan: Minnesota might be one of the biggest winners of the draft with this pick. They were rumored to be coming up all the way to pick four, but the way the board fell, they only had to trade up one pick to get their QB in McCarthy. McCarthy possesses all the traits to be a franchise quarterback and will be in a good situation in Minnesota, not forced to play day one.
Worst Pick: Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon: Age is the biggest concern regarding this pick. Jackson will turn 25 before his rookie season starts and doesn't strike me as a guy who will come in and play immediately. When he is scheduled for his second contract, he will be 29 years old.
Team Grade: A-
New England Patriots
Best Pick: Javon Baker, WR, UCF: Investing around newly drafted quarterback Drake Maye has to be priority No. 1 for the Patriots. Baker is an outstanding player after the catch and with the ball in his hands. Inconsistency and drops are the most significant reasons he fell to the fourth round, but a fourth-round selection on him is worth the risk.
Worst Pick: Ja'Lynn Polk, WR, Washington: While providing weapons for Maye is a big priority, there were some big-time names still on the board at this spot. Cooper Dejean and Kool-Aid McKinstry were some of the names still on the board.
Team Grade: A
New Orleans Saints
Best Pick: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama: A projected first-rounder at the beginning of the year, he dropped to 41st due to a foot injury in the draft process. A two-time All-SEC selection, he will be opposite Marshon Lattimore in the deep Saints secondary.
Work Pick: Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina: I don't see Rattler's NFL career going past anything but a backup. Derek Carr is in the driver's seat for starting quarterback for the Saints, and there is little that the young quarterback can do to try to start week one.
Team Grade: A-
New York Giants
Best Pick: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU: Daniel Jones's clear-cut No. 1 receiver and the Giants' first receiver since Odell Beckham Jr., Nabers will come on day one and expect to be a top target for quarterback Daniel Jones. I expect Nabers to blossom into a top receiver in the NFL in a few years.
Worst Pick: Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State: Blocking is the big issue for the tight end out of Penn State. He will have to develop blocking skills to stick around the league, but he offers a lot of potential in the tight-end position.
Team Grade: B+
New York Jets
Best Pick: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State: A slam dunk pick from Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh. Fashanu is one of the top tackles in the class and will step in and make an immediate impact on the Jets' offensive line.
Worst Pick: Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin: Allen is one of the youngest running backs in the class, and he will turn 21 years old in January. Allen will not be able to be a three-down back at the NFL level, especially in a crowded running back room in New York.
Team Grade: A-
Philadelphia Eagles
Best Pick: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa: Many people, including myself, thought that there was no chance DeJean would make it to pick 40. Here we are, and the Philadelphia Eagles were smart enough to move up for him. Considered one of the most athletic players in the class, DeJean will provide new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio with defensive options in the secondary.
Worst Pick: Will Shipley, RB, Clemson: I need Shipley's selection here. Saquon Barkley was one of the prized free agency signings by Philly and Howie Roseman. Shipley joins a crowded running back room in Barkley and Kenneth Gainwell; Shipley will need help getting on the field for the Birds.
Team Grade: A
Pittsburgh Steelers
Best Pick: Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia: This was great for the Steelers. Frazier plays and acts like a Pittsburgh Steeler. Pittsburgh was in the hunt for a center after the departure of Mason Cole, and Frazier will come in and secure the line as a top-10 offensive line this year.
Worst Pick: Mason McCormick, G, South Dakota State: Let me be clear. I like McCormick as a prospect; he could one day be a great player. However, I am hesitant about the fit in Pittsburgh. The guards James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo have the spots down quickly, and they are two of the best guards in the league.
Team Grade: A
San Francisco 49ers
Best Pick: Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida: This is an outstanding pick and fit for the 49ers and Kyle Shannahan. Pearsall is regarded as one of the better route runners in this year's class and will come in and compete for a starting spot immediately. With the ongoing contract discussions between Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers, San Fran has another option to start the season as a receiver.
Worst Pick: Isaac Guerendo, RB, Louisville: At best, this is a possible backup for San Francisco. With Christian McCaffrey locked in long-term and Elijah Mitchell as a serviceable backup, I struggle to find where Guerrendo will fit in with these two backs.
Team Grade: B
Seattle Seahawks
Best Pick: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas: New head coach Mike Macdonald will be given one of the best defensive linemen in the draft to use immediately. Murphy can disrupt quarterbacks easily and will be one of the best stout run defenders as a rookie.
Worst Pick: AJ Barner, TE, Michigan: Lack of size and versatility is why I am hesitant about the Barner pick. The former Indiana Hoosier and former Michigan Wolverine will now be in a tight end room with Noah Fant and must improve on toughness to become a complete tight end in the NFL.
Team Grade: B+
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Best Pick: Graham Barton, C, Duke: Playing most of his games as a tackle at Duke, a switch inside to guard is the most likely scenario for Barton. From day one, the two-time All-ACC Selection will be inserted into a starting role in Tampa.
Worst Pick: Jalen McMillan, WR, Washington: Lack of route running and scheme is why I am hesitant on this pick. McMillan played in a real scheme-friendly offense at Washington and was the third-best receiver on his team. He will only be asked to do a little early in Tampa with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin still there, but he could offer an upside as a severe threat later on.
Team Grade: A-
Tennessee Titans
Best Pick: T'Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas: I did not expect Sweat to make it out of the first round. And for a team like Tennessee to pick him up, and a team that needed a lot of help in the trenches, is outstanding value here at pick 38. He is a typical run stuffer in 2024 and will come in and help Jeffrey Simmons right away.
Worst Pick: Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina: Gray sometimes struggles to get off blocks and tends to miss tackles at some point. He will also need to work on his pass coverage, as it is not up to NFL standards. He must pick up a sense of physicality to compete in the NFL.
Team Grade: B-
Washington Commanders
Best Pick: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU: I consider Jayden Daniels a franchise-altering pick for the Washington Commanders. He has every trait you would like in a franchise quarterback, and I expect him to excel early on in Washington. He possesses the ball and runs it like Lamar Jackson, and he can throw it and place it wherever he wants. He will fit in nicely with new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury in Washington to form a duo that could become a force to be reckoned with for years.
Worst Pick: Luke McCaffrey, WR, Rice: The converted quarterback and now slot receiver, McCaffrey, will have much to prove in Washington. He has a legit 4.4 speed and is also a good route runner. Where he will struggle is the lack of route running he possessed when in college and the lack of versatility he showed during his time at Rice.
Team Grade: A
