It’ll be years before we know for sure who the big winners and losers from the 2024 NFL Draft were. For now, we can settle for reflecting on what happened over the course of three days, seven rounds, and 259 total picks.
Factoring in a blend of my personal top 100 big board, the number of picks each team was allotted, the status of said teams, and how deep their rookie classes are, continue reading for my ranking of the top 10 NFL Draft hauls! All groups of draft picks will have custom-made titles that range from self-explanatory to whimsical to esoteric and may or may not be fully justified throughout this deep-dive article. Let’s proceed.
The picks will be listed as they went for each team, with parentheses indicating where I had them on my big board if I did.
Top 100 Big Board: Last 10 Out
101. Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina
102. DeWayne Carter, DL, Duke
103. Elijah Jones, CB, Boston College
104. Michael Pratt, QB, Tulane
105. Calen Bullock, S, USC
106. Tanner Bortolini, OL, Wisconsin
107. Luke McCaffrey, WR, Rice
108. Kitan Oladapo, S, Oregon State
109. Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame
110. Giovanni Manu, OT, British Columbia
Ranking The 10 Best 2024 NFL Draft Classes
1. Los Angeles Chargers — Who’s Got It Better?
- 1-5: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame (6)
- 1-34: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia (11)
- 3-69: Junior Colson, LB, Michigan (59)
- 4-105: Justin Eboigbe, DL, Alabama (N/A, close)
- 5-137: Tarheeb Still, CB, Maryland
- 5-140: Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame (77)
- 6-181: Kimani Vidal, RB, Troy
- 7-225: Brenden Rice, WR, USC (72)
- 7-253: Cornelius Johnson, WR, Michigan
I’m probably the biggest Ladd McConkey stan in the greater NFL Draft community. He was my 11th-rated player overall, and the Chargers traded up to the 34th pick to get him. They also got a surefire Pro Bowl tackle in Joe Alt with their first-round pick. Jim Harbaugh had to add some ex-Michigan standouts to the mix, landing an instant starter in linebacker Junior Colton and toolsy wideout Cornelius Johnson in the seventh round.
Johnson lit up the Combine, but we could see the Bolts’ other seventh-rounder, Brenden Rice, really push for significant snaps as a rookie. The USC star is the son of Jerry Rice, and was the No. 72 prospect on my big board. Big Notre Dame cornerback Cam Hart should also push for a starting job.
As for the rest, Alabama’s Justin Eboigbe stands out. He’s the classic high-motor rotational interior d-lineman who can really help the Chargers’ perpetually leaky run defense. Shouldn’t neglect to mention Troy ball-carrier Kimani Vidal. He’s compact with a low center of gravity, has great burst. Vidal is a more impactful addition than most realize since JK Dobbins is on a one-year deal. Gus Edwards is on a cheap two-year contract, too.
What a haul for Harbaugh’s first draft in LA. This class could really vault the Chargers into the AFC playoff picture right away.
2. Chicago Bears — Belle of the Knowing Ball
- 1-1: Caleb Williams, QB, USC (1)
- 1-9: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington (5)
- 3-75: Kiran Amegadjie, OL, Yale (44)
- 4-122: Tory Taylor, P, Iowa
- 5-144: Austin Booker, EDGE, Kansas (84)
GM Ryan Poles didn’t have many picks, but he sure did make them count. When you get to draft a no-brainer No. 1 selection like Caleb Williams, it may be a little ridiculous to suggest that the Bears have one of the elite hauls of any NFL team. The way I think about it is, Poles executed the ballsy trade to acquire this pick in the first place before last year’s draft. If you count what he got in that package, you could technically say wide receiver DJ Moore is part of this Bears ’24 class.
Let’s not do that, though. Chicago might’ve gotten a new WR1 in Rome Odunze with the ninth pick. Yale’s Kiran Amegadjie is a likely future starter at left tackle or left guard — and perhaps sooner than later. Kansas pass-rusher Austin Booker famously schooled Packers first-rounder Jordan Morgan at the Senior Bowl and could easily start on the edge opposite Montez Sweat.
Doesn’t hurt to have a sensational punter like Tory Taylor. Williams hilariously assured the Iowa specialist that he won’t be kicking too often. It’s awesome to have Taylor nevertheless, because he can help the Bears’ stellar defense stay ahead of things on the field position front.
Hard to crush it more than the Bears did when you factor in the limited assets available to them. And you know what? Sweat was traded for with what would’ve been Chicago’s second-round pick in this draft. The more you zoom out, the more there is to like big picture-wise with what Poles has pulled off via draft capital.
3. Philadelphia Eagles — The Annual Howie Roseman [Philly] Special
- 1-22: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo (7)
- 2-40: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa (10)
- 3-94: Jalyx Hunt, EDGE, Houston Christian
- 4-127: Will Shipley, RB, Clemson
- 5-152: Ainias Smith, WR, Texas A&M (85)
- 5-155: Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson (N/A, close)
- 5-172: Trevor Keegan, OL, Michigan
- 6-185: Johnny Wilson, WR, Florida State (83)
- 6-190: Dylan McMahon, OL, NC State
This really comes down to the fact that two players apiece at premium positions were had well above market value. Howie Roseman is perhaps the most proactive GM in terms of wheeling and dealing on draft day, or in any other high-profile trades. He worked his magic again throughout the draft, but when it came to his first selection at No. 22, he let the best cornerback in the class, Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell, fall right to him. Mitchell will start right away, as will versatile Iowa chess piece Cooper DeJean. He’s a return man in addition to a defensive back who could align anywhere and be better than most of the Eagles’ incumbents in the secondary.
Roseman got a couple steals at wide receiver, too, in Texas A&M slot man Ainias Smith (152nd pick) and Florida State size-speed freak Johnny Wilson (185th pick). They were 85th and 83rd on my big board respectively. Combine all that with a couple solid o-line depth pieces, a legacy linebacker in Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (dad is an Eagles Hall of Fame), and an exotic edge rusher in Jalyx Hunt who’s a converted safety, and it’s safe to say Philly has done it again with a great rookie haul.
4. Los Angeles Rams— Don’t F With These Picks
- 1-19: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State (22)
- 2-39: Braden Fiske, DL, Florida State (38)
- 3-83: Blake Corum, RB, Michigan (86)
- 3-99: Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami (FL) (73)
- 5-154: Brennan Jackson, EDGE, Washington State (N/A, close)
- 6-196: Tyler Davis, DL, Clemson (N/A, close)
- 6-209: Joshua Karty, K, Stanford
- 6-213: Jordan Whittington, WR, Texas
- 6-217: Beaux Limmer, OL, Arkansas (N/A, close)
- 7-254: KT Leveston, OL, Kansas State
Les Snead is the GM who’s most allergic to top draft picks, so much so to the point that this is literally the first time during Sean McVay’s tenure that the Rams have had a first-round choice! They used it on Florida State EDGE Jared Verse, who might’ve gone higher in other years if not for the massive run on QBs, offensive tackles and wide receivers near the top. Pairing Verse with Braden Fiske made for one of the best moments I’ve ever seen in the draft. I’ll show their phone call at the bottom of this section.
So while LA made the most of its first couple picks, I was so impressed with how they made out the rest of the way. Another stellar pass-rusher in Brennan Jackson, who could’ve easily gone a couple rounds earlier. Clemson’s Tyler Davis adds more depth to the interior d-line, and Arkansas center Beaux Limmer does that on the other side of the ball.
Blake Forum had such a decorated career at Michigan and will take some carries off workhorse Kyren Williams. What a 1-2 punch that should be to complement Matthew Stafford and the passing attack. Miami safety Kamren Kinchens slid a bit due to underwhelming athletic testing, yet he could easily start as a rookie.
Kicking woes from last season led Snead to draft Stanford’s Joshua Karty. Drafting a specialist isn’t for everyone. When you have four sixth-round picks, it’s easier to justify a flier, especially to address a glaring need.
As good as last year’s rookies were for the Rams, this group has a chance to make a similar impact.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers— The Bullying Band of Backyard Brawlers
- 1-20: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington (18)
- 2-51: Zach Frazier, OL, West Virginia (40)
- 3-84: Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan (42)
- 3-98: Payton Wilson, LB, NC State (26)
- 4-119: Mason McCormick, OL, South Dakota State (N/A, close)
- 6-178: Logan Lee, DL, Iowa
- 6-195: Ryan Watts, CB, Texas
Damn the Steelers. Just when it looks like they’re on the precipice of collapse, Mike Tomlin wrests them back from the brink, they manage not to have a losing record, and no matter where they’re drafting, they generally keep their cupboard stocked every single year in the draft with quality players. This felt like a particularly momentous class for Pittsburgh.
Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier will start at left tackle and center respectively from the jump. Sure-handed, speedy slot guy Roman Wilson can win big on downfield routes, which fits nicely with Russell Wilson and doesn’t leave George Pickens as the only home-run threat. SO MANY WILSONS! NC State linebacker Payton Wilson is somebody I could’ve picked in the first round. Medical red flags dropped him all the way to Round 3, Pick 98. Put a savvy athlete of his caliber next to Patrick Queen, and you’re cooking with gas at that position.
South Dakota State’s Mason McCormick should start at guard at some point as well. The Steelers sent a message with this class. They’re quadrupling down on bully ball, and they don’t care who knows it.
6. San Francisco 49ers— The Richest Get Richer Rookie Class
- 1-31: Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida (31)
- 2-64: Renardo Green, CB, Florida State (91)
- 3-86: Dominick Puni, OL, Kansas (69)
- 4-124: Malik Mustapha, S, Wake Forest (82)
- 4-129: Isaac Guerendo, RB, Louisville (61)
- 4-135: Jacob Cowing, WR, Arizona
- 6-215: Jarrett Kingston, OL, USC
- 7-251: Tatum Bethune, LB, Florida State
What an outstanding job by John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan. If anyone knows a great running back when he sees one, it’s the 49ers head coach. Isaac Guerendo was one of the biggest steals of the draft to me. Had him 61st, and he didn’t go until Pick 129. Dude is electric, with 4.3 speed and a 6.94-second 3-cone at 221 pounds. Guerendo could easily beat out Elijah Mitchell for the RB2 spot and help take some carries off of Christian McCaffrey.
Dominick Puni is an excellent athlete up front and a perfect fit for Shanahan’s scheme. He’ll start at guard for sure. Then you have Renardo Green, who in retrospect, I should’ve had rated higher than he is. Green is excellent in man coverage and can make an immediate splash.
The path to a prominent role is a little less clear for first-rounder Ricky Pearsall. That said, he’s such a good route-runner, so sure-handed and such a big-play threat that I’m sure Shanahan will figure out a way to feed him even with CMC, Brandon Aiyuk, and Deebo Samuel to account keep happy. Quick aside: Thank you again to the 49ers organization and Pearsall for making me some bank.
Getting thumper Wake Forest Malik Mustapha well after I’d be comfortable waiting for him was another great value pick by San Francisco. Those first five picks are as good as any in this entire class. Considering how late in the draft order they were since they played in the Super Bowl, 49ers fans couldn’t have asked for much more. PS, look at how Texans superstar CJ Stroud reacted to Pearsall going off the board.
7. Washington Commanders— Depth for Days [/] That Plays(?)
- 1-2: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU (4)
- 2-36: Johnny Newton, DL, Illinois (21)
- 2-50: Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan (43)
- 2-53: Ben Sinnott, TE, Kansas State (88)
- 3-67: Brandon Coleman, OT, TCU
- 3-100: Luke McCaffrey, WR, Rice (107)
- 5-139: Jordan Magee, LB, Temple
- 5-161: Dominique Hampton, S, Washington
- 7-222: Javontae Jean-Baptiste, EDGE, Notre Dame
The Commanders had the unenviable task of picking a QB right after a slam-dunk No. 1 pick in Williams. Thankfully, Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels made that decision rather easy, although his reckless playing style and slender frame should give Washington a little trepidation.
Beyond Daniels, new GM Adam Peters had a fine showing. Illinois defensive lineman Johnny Newton was a great get at pick 36. Michigan nickel Mike Sainristil is a stud. Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott is a sturdy blocker and an underrated, dynamic pass-catcher. Luke McCaffrey is the latest from his family to enter the NFL and could very well start as a slot receiver.
Temple linebacker Jordan Magee is another pick I like, except he’ll likely struggle to find a role behind Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, and Jamin Davis. That’s where I run into a little confusion about this Commies class. A lot of promising players, yes, but they just drafted Quan Martin in the second round last year to play nickel. I guess Sainristil boots him out to a proper safety spot? McCaffrey is a converted QB who’s still learning the finer points of playing receiver. Plus, it’s a crowded room in Washington at the position.
TCU’s Brandon Coleman is a raw pass blocker who looks like he’ll be expected to start at left tackle. Interesting choice. And will the second-rounder Sinnott start, or be relegated to TE2 duties behind veteran Zach Ertz? Most glaring of all is Newton. He’s certain to be behind Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen for the time being. Is he a situational, subpackage pass-rusher? Kind of odd, no?
It’s a good crew overall. I just question how some of the puzzle pieces fit together. Hence the dual meaning in this class’ title. There’s depth for days. That plays to the general public almost always. But who actually, you know, plays a clear-cut, significant starring role from this whole nine-pick platoon outside of Daniels? Like Nick Saban, I also love Sainristil. Quan Martin will just have to deal with riding the pine or pivoting positions.
8. New Orleans Saints— A Rare-For-Them Masterclass in Asset Management
- 1-14: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State (19)
- 2-41: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama (27)
- 5-150: Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina (39)
- 5-170: Bub Means, WR, Pitt (N/A, close)
- 5-175: Jaylan Ford, LB, Texas
- 6-199: Khristian Boyd, DL, Northern Iowa (N/A, close)
- 7-239: Josiah Ezirim, OT, Eastern Kentucky
Spencer Rattler feels like one of the steals of the draft. The South Carolina QB could very well push Derek Carr this season for the starting job. If Carr starts struggling, you can bet the Saints faithful will start clamoring for Rattler. But beyond the potential QB of the future and my 39th-rated overall player going at Pick 150, New Orleans did a fine job the rest of the way.
Pitt wideout Bub Means and Northern Iowa d-tackle Khristian Boyd flirted with being in my top 110 prospects before falling out. Means could easily push the likes of AT Perry for playing time. Boyd could push past Nathan Shepherd or 2023 first-rounder Bryan Bresee in the rotation. I would barely bat an eye.
The crown jewels of this Saints class are indubitably Oregon State offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga and Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry. Fuaga is a probable Week 1 starter at left tackle. McKinstry should have no trouble carving out a significant role. For a front office that makes kicking the salary cap can down the road an annual sport in and of itself, the Saints just had what I’d consider their best all-around draft since 2017.
9. Cincinnati Bengals— Paving The Warpath for Vengeance
- 1-18: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia (25)
- 2-49: Kris Jenkins, DL, Michigan (49)
- 3-80: Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama (37)
- 3-97: McKinnley Jackson, DL, Texas A&M
- 4-115: Erick All, TE, Iowa (N/A, close)
- 5-149: Josh Newton, CB, TCU
- 6-194: Tanner McLachlan, TE, Arizona State
- 6-214: Cedric Johnson, EDGE, Ole Miss
- 7-224: Daijahn Anthony, S, Ole Miss
- 7-237: Matt Lee, OL, Miami (FL)
- UDFA: Austin McNamara, P, Texas Tech
Some may call me a homer for being a Bengals fan and ranking them in the top 10. Those first three picks were absolute fire. McKinnley Jackson fits a need at nose tackle even if it’s a little rich. Erick All could easily be TE1 if he rallies back from a torn ACL at full strength. Matt Lee could be the successor at center to Ted Karras. Getting him in the seventh round rocked. Finding perhaps the best punter this side of Tory Taylor in Austin McNamara as a UDFA was a nice cherry on top of this group.
Circling back to the aforementioned top three. Kris Jenkins should be in the rotation right away at a position of weakness. He’s an excellent run defender, which the Bengals desperately had to get with DJ Reader fleeing to Detroit in free agency. Amarius Mims could beat out Trent Brown for the starting right tackle job, but if he doesn’t he’s in line to start in 2025. Mims allowed zero QB hits and zero sacks in 402 pass blocking snaps at Georgia. That’s pretty good.
I’d feel worse about the Jermaine Burton pick if Cincinnati legend T. J. Houshmandzadeh wasn’t training him (he is), and didn’t personally announce the pick with glee. Burton is an immediate upgrade over Tyler Boyd who can play outside or in the slot, not to mention he’s decent long-term insurance for Tee Higgins, who’s playing on the franchise tag and has demanded a trade.
This class does indeed pave the warpath for Joe Burrow’s revenge tour. No more fluky injuries. No more wanting depth on either side of the trenches. In my opinion, the Bengals had one of their best drafts ever. Only 2020’s haul of Burrow, Higgins and Logan Wilson in the top three bests what they just got in Mims, Jenkins and Burton — not to mention the stellar additions on Day 3.
10. Miami Dolphins— Most With The Least Beasts of The (AFC) East
- 1-21: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State (49)
- 2-55: Patrick Paul, OT, Houston (55)
- 4-120: Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee (70)
- 5-158: Mohamed Kamara, EDGE, Colorado State (99)
- 6-184: Malik Washington, WR, Virginia (80)
- 6-198: Patrick McMorris, S, California
- 7-240: Tahj Washington, WR, USC (N/A, close)
The athletic profiles of Chop Robinson and Mohamed Kamara should quell concerns about Miami’s depth on the edge going forward. With Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb coming off season-ending injuries, and Andrew Van Ginkel lost to Minnesota in free agency, the Dolphins rightly prioritized that position with two potential studs in Robinson and Kamara.
Beyond them, Mike McDaniel had to have pounded the table for blazing-fast Tennessee tailback Jaylen Wright. He’s a great insurance policy for a brutal position, and could help the likes of Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane stay fresh throughout the 2024 campaign in anticipation of another postseason push.
I also love the selection of Virginia wideout Malik Washington at Pick 184. I had him 80th on my big board, and it’s wild that he lasted so long. At a certain point, the speed-coveting Fins couldn’t resist. USC’s Tahj Washington is essentially the slim-fit version of Washington, and both should vie for time in the slot. PFF tells me Malik led all receivers in missed tackles forced (35) en route to 111 receptions for 1,384 yards and nine TDs this past season. Tahj managed 1,062 yards and eight TD grabs on only 59 catches, with just one drop on 74 targets. Translation: Both Washingtons are very good at football.
Last but not least to talk about, Houston left tackle Patrick Paul is among the best pass blockers at the position in this class. He’s a strong standby option for oft-banged-up vet Terron Armstead, and a capable heir apparent.
Aaaand that’s a wrap on the top 10. Thank you for reading if you’ve made it this far. Please enjoy roasting me sometime down the road, years later, when the teams I didn’t mention prove to have drafted way better. Below are the honorable mentions, so as to include half of the NFL and give myself some outs in the future. I have cheeky nicknames for those teams’ classes, too.
Best 2024 NFL Draft Classes: Honorable Mentions
11. Minnesota Vikings— Purple People Pleasers
- 1-10: JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan (14)
- 1-17: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama (13)
- 4-108: Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon (68)
- 6-177: Walter Rouse, OT, Oklahoma
- 6-203: Will Reichard, K, Alabama
- 7-230: Michael Jurgens, OL, Wake Forest
- 7-232: Levi Drake Rodriguez, DL, Texas A&M Commerce
- UDFA: Gabriel Murphy, EDGE, UCLA (76)
- UDFA: Dwight McGlothern, CB, Arkansas (N/A, close)
A couple very nice UDFA signings for Minnesota, preceded by a strong top three with my QB4 JJ McCarthy — who’s more like QB3 or QB2 now given that the Vikings are easily the best spot for a rookie field general to land — and Dallas Turner, my top EDGE defender. Even Oregon corner Khyree Jackson has a real chance to start on the boundary. Nice fit in Brian Flores’ exotic defense.
12. Indianapolis Colts— No Risk-It, No-Biscuit: A Tribute to Bruce Arians
- 1-15: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA (15)
- 2-52: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas (41)
- 3-79: Matt Goncalves, OT, Pitt
- 4-117: Tanor Bortollini, OL, Wisconsin (106)
- 5-142: Anthony Gould, WR, Oregon State (97)
- 5-151: Jaylon Carlies, S, Missouri
- 5-164: Jaylin Simpson, S, Auburn
- 6-201: Micah Abraham, CB, Marshall
- 7-234: Jonah Laulu, DL, Oklahoma
The man who shepherded Andrew Luck to instant superstardom, Bruce Arians, who won a Super Bowl with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay. Arians coined the rhyming paradigm above, and GM Chris Ballard swung for the fences with some of these. Two very good but very undersized players in Anthony Gould and Jaylin Simpson. Formerly medically retired pass-rush artist Laiatu Latu in Round 1. Boom-or-bust wideout Adonai Mitchell. Pitt tackle Matt Goncalves coming off a season-ending injury. Some MACtion with Micah Abraham. Two power conference players I’ve legit never even heard of.
This was a bonkers class. I love it. Have a feeling Latu and Mitchell will prove to be huge hits.
13. Kansas City Chiefs— Special VEACH-URES
- 1-28: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas (29)
- 2-63: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU (90)
- 4-131: Jared Wiley, TE, TCU
- 4-133: Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State (71)
- 6-211: Kamal Hadden, CB, Tennessee (54)
- 7-248: CJ Hanson, OL, Holy Cross
Brett Veach, ladies and gentlemen. He did it again. Got the fastest dude in Combine history in Xavier Worthy via a trade with the Buffalo Bills. Let’s just hope for Buffalo’s sake that Keon Coleman (great personality) is the truth.
Looking at this Chiefs draft holistically, it’s damn good beyond the splashy Worthy move. Kingsley Suamataia will get a real crack at starting at left tackle, but what I really want to get to is after that. Veach is particularly sharp at drafting Day 3 players in the secondary. That makes me more bullish on Jaden Hicks than I already was. Feels like I’m on an island with how much I love Kamal Hadden. The guy has had an interesting journey of transferring and does have some injury history. However, is playing in the SEC and allowing a passer rating of seven when targeted, like, bad?
14. Detroit Lions— Brad Holmes — WOO!
- 1-24: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama (20)
- 2-61: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
- 4-126: Giovanni Manu, OT, British Columbia (110)
- 4-132: Sione Vaki, RB/S, Utah
- 6-189: Mekhi Wingo, DL, LSU
- 6-210: Christian Mahogany, OL, Boston College (75)
Sohuldn’t we just take what Lions GM Brad Holmes does in the draft as gospel at this point? Nobody’s doing it better than him since he took over the gig in Detroit. That’s why this moribund franchise is suddenly a juggernaut in the NFC who should’ve played in the latest Super Bowl if not for a possibly accursed collapse.
Terrion Arnold might be my favorite human being in this whole 2024 draft. He’s also a hell of a cornerback who’ll start from Day 1. Why the, “WOO!” title, you ask? I think the couple tweets below will explain the rest.
15. Baltimore Ravens — After Our Biggest Steal, We Just Started Throwing Darts
- 1-30: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson (23)
- 2-62: Roger Rosengarten, OT, Washington
- 3-93: Adissa Isaac, EDGE, Penn State (79)
- 4-113: Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina (101)
- 4-130: TJ Tampa, CB, Iowa State (48)
- 5-165: Rasheen Ali, RB, Marshall
- 6-218: Devin Leary, QB, Kentucky
- 7-228: Nick Samac, OL, Michigan State
- 7-250: Sanoussi Kane, S, Purdue
Not a bad collection of prospects for Baltimore by any means. Never hurts to invest in the cornerback position. I’m not in love with Roger Rosengarten, but far be it from me to question the Ravens’ assessments of offensive linemen. They have a tremendous track record. Devontez Walker is a good downfield threat for Lamar Jackson. He’s kind of a one-trick pony in that regard, though. The big steal is Iowa State cornerback TJ Tampa, who complements the undersized, super speedster first-rounder Nate Wiggins nicely.
I don’t think the Ravens are getting anything out of the rest of their Day 3 picks. Not that you can expect much from those selections in general. I just didn’t see much to merit higher placement in this draft class hierarchy.
16. Green Bay Packers — Too Many Picks To Know What To Do With Them All: A Case Study
1-25: Jordan Morgan, OL, Arizona (46)
2-45: Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M (52)
2-58: Javon Bullard, S, Georgia (63)
3-88: MarShawn Lloyd, RB, USC
3-91: Ty’ron Hopper, LB, Missouri
4-111: Evan Williams, S, Oregon
5-163: Jacob Monk, OL, Duke
5-169: Kitan Oladapo, S, Oregon State (108)
6-202: Travis Glover, OT, Georgia State
7-246: Michael Pratt, QB, Tulane (104)
7-255: Kalen King, CB, Penn State
Trying to figure out what to do for the Packers in mock drafts was a challenge, and they almost give off the vibe that they didn’t know what to do, either. Drafting three safeties is a bold strategy, Cotton. Adding another running back with a Day 2 pick when you already have Josh Jacobs and AJ Dillon is interesting. Like the Ravens, Green Bay is excellent at developing the offensive line. I just thought there were better options than Jacob Monk and Travis Glover at those spots, seeing as how I’ve never heard of them.
Double-dipping at linebacker with Ty’ron Hoppper at Pick 91 was really rich. Edgerrin Cooper was a solid pick. No pressing need to go back to the well so soon. I did like how the Pack got Michael Pratt in the seventh round, and until Jordan Morgan proves he can’t play, I’ll believe in him as a starting guard for the Cheeseheads.
Javon Bullard is a logical choice to start at safety. I won’t be surprised if Kitan Oladapo gets some serious action as well.
