The 2024 NFL Draft is in full swing, and boy, was last night a blast! We saw a whopping 23 offensive players get picked, with the standout being Washington QB Michael Penix Jr., snagged by the Atlanta Falcons at the 8th spot.
Day 2 promises to be thrilling, especially with the top defensive talents expected to start flying off the board. Players like Iowa's Cooper DeJean, Illinois' Johnny Newton, and Alabama's Kool-Aid McKinstry are still up for grabs and could go early tonight. Also, keep an eye on the wide receivers. Texas' AD Mitchell, Georgia's Ladd McConkey, and Florida State's Keon Coleman are high up in my top 100 big board and are poised to make an immediate impact wherever they land.
Once again, SB Nation will be providing live grades based on our top 100 big board of the best prospects in this year's draft.
The Buffalo Bills made a savvy move, trading back and still landing a top receiver in Keon Coleman from Florida State. Coleman brings a blend of strength, reliable hands, and deceptive speed that will mesh well with Buffalo's evolving offensive strategy.
The Los Angeles Chargers, after much scrutiny for not selecting a receiver earlier, grabbed Ladd McConkey from Georgia. McConkey's ability to create separation at all levels of the field makes him a perfect complement to Justin Herbert and adds a new dimension to the Chargers' offense.
The Atlanta Falcons raised eyebrows by picking Ruke Orhorhoro, a defensive tackle from Clemson. With questions surrounding their pass rush, the Falcons' choice to select a run-stopping specialist like Orhorhoro seems puzzling, especially with more versatile options still available.
Washington Commanders scored big by snagging Johnny Newton from Illinois. Newton's ability to disrupt plays and generate a pass rush instantly upgrades Washington's defensive front, potentially leading to changes in their current lineup.
New England Patriots added Ja'Lynn Polk from Washington, a solid all-around player with excellent blocking, catching ability, and route running. While not flashy, Polk's versatility adds depth to New England's receiving corps.
Tennessee Titans' selection of T'Vondre Sweat from Texas, while addressing immediate run defense needs, raises questions due to Sweat's limited pass rush capabilities and snap count limitations at his current size.
The Philadelphia Eagles made a brilliant move by picking Cooper DeJean from Iowa, a versatile defensive back with a knack for reading routes and making quick plays on the ball. DeJean's skill set provides Philadelphia with much-needed depth in the secondary.
Kool-Aid McKinstry from Alabama, selected by the New Orleans Saints, adds depth to their cornerback position with his press coverage skills and deep route awareness. His impact on the future of Marshon Lattimore remains to be seen.
The Houston Texans landed Kamari Lassiter from Georgia, a physical corner with strong tackling skills and a knack for defending underneath routes. Paired with Derek Stingley Jr., Lassiter bolsters Houston's secondary.
Arizona Cardinals' choice of Max Melton from Rutgers adds a tough, physical corner to their roster. Melton's impressive combine performance and the rising demand for cornerbacks in the draft made this a smart move by Arizona.
The Las Vegas Raiders' selection of Jackson Powers-Johnson from Oregon seems puzzling, as it creates a logjam at the center position and neglects other pressing needs on the team. The Raiders' decision-making process here is unclear.
The Green Bay Packers picked Edgerrin Cooper from Texas A&M, adding a linebacker with strong run defense capabilities to their roster. While other options were available, Cooper's potential impact on the Packers' defense cannot be overlooked.
The Carolina Panthers traded up to select Jonathon Brooks from Texas, a running back with great size, vision, and agility, albeit coming off an ACL injury. Brooks has the potential to be a lead back if he can recover fully.
The New York Giants' selection of Tyler Nubin from Minnesota adds a smart, instinctive safety to their defense. Nubin's ability to fit into Xavier McKinney's role makes him a valuable addition to the Giants' secondary.
The Jacksonville Jaguars took a chance on Maason Smith from LSU, a defensive tackle recovering from a lower body injury. While Smith has great athletic potential, the decision to draft him at this stage raises questions about his immediate impact.
The Cincinnati Bengals made a solid pick with Kris Jenkins from Michigan, adding a player with athletic upside and strong interior skills to their defensive line. Jenkins' potential as a three-down impact player makes him a valuable addition for the Bengals.
Washington Commanders continued their strong draft performance by selecting Mike Sainristil from Michigan, adding a cornerback with high-level instincts and playmaking ability. Sainristil's versatility and potential impact in Dan Quinn's defense make him a valuable asset for Washington.
The Pittsburgh Steelers bolstered their offensive line with Zach Frazier from West Virginia, a four-time wrestling champion with impressive strength and power. Frazier's skills make him a perfect fit for Pittsburgh's offensive scheme.
Indianapolis Colts made a bold move by selecting AD Mitchell from Texas, a receiver with character concerns but immense potential. If Mitchell can perform to his capabilities, he could be a steal for the Colts and add depth to their receiving corps.
Washington Commanders added Ben Sinnott from Kansas State, a versatile tight end known for his blocking prowess and ability to make plays downfield. Sinnott's addition gives Washington another weapon in the passing game and adds depth to their tight end position.
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