How Many Picks Does Each Team Have in NFL Draft 2024?

As the NFL universe eagerly awaits the 2024 Draft, a high-stakes game of strategy unfolds behind the scenes. In this annual event, the distribution of draft capital holds the power to shape fortunes and alter trajectories. Each coveted pick represents a pivotal opportunity, a chance to strengthen rosters with fresh talent that could propel teams to glory.

Yet, amidst the frenzy, a stark reality emerges–not all contenders are created equal. While some franchises find themselves flush with a wealth of draft assets, others must navigate the landscape with far leaner resources. This disparity adds an electrifying layer of intrigue, as teams scramble to outplay their rivals through a series of calculated risks and daring moves with their picks.

Breaking down each team’s NFL Draft arsenal

The anticipation surrounding the 2024 NFL Draft intensifies as teams unveil their draft capital. Franchises find themselves positioned very differently on their draft wealth. The Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans face an uphill battle, armed with just 5 and 9 picks respectively as they aim to reload their rosters.

On the other end of the spectrum, teams like the Arizona Cardinals (11 picks), Atlanta Falcons (8 picks), and Baltimore Ravens (9 picks) boast an enviable surplus of draft capital to maneuver with. The Washington Commanders also find themselves flush with 9 picks spread across the draft.

Some teams have chosen quality over quantity, the Chicago Bears have only 4 total picks but it includes two coveted top-10 selections. The New York Giants, and Los Angeles Chargers each hold 6 selections but without any top-10 picks in their arsenals. The defending champion Kansas City Chiefs have 7 picks as well.

Other franchises like the Buffalo Bills (11 picks), Cincinnati Bengals (10 picks), Green Bay Packers (11 picks), and Los Angeles Rams (11 picks) have assembled deep reserves of picks to mine for talent across all rounds.

As draft boards take shape, this disparity in draft assets will force teams to carefully weigh their options – whether to stick and pick with what they have or be aggressive in pursuing trades to better position themselves in this high-stakes game of roster reconstruction.

Here’s a table summarizing the number of picks for each team in the 2024 NFL Draft:

A quick journey through time

The NFL Draft has grown into a big event, but it wasn’t always that way. In the early days of the sport, it was very different. The draft idea came about in 1935 when Bert Bell, co-owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, noticed that his team and others, like it, were struggling to draft top players. They didn’t have as much money as other teams, they couldn’t attract the best talent. So, Bell suggested an annual draft where teams could select players fairly, helping each team stay competitive. The league agreed, and in 1936 the first NFL Draft happened.

It was a simple affair compared to the glamor of today, with teams choosing from just 90 players at Philadelphia’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel. There were no scouting departments or representatives back then. Teams relied on newspaper reports, college visits, and recommendations to find players. Though modest, the goal was clear: to ensure that every team had a fair chance at getting good players.

Over time, the NFL Draft became a big deal, watched by millions around the world. They made changes, like adding scouting teams and big media coverage, to make it even better. Now, it’s one of the most exciting events in the NFL, getting fans and experts talking about who will be picked next.

The NFL Draft didn’t change just on its own. It changed because football itself was changing. Teams wanted the best players, and the draft helped them find them. To make sure it was fair, the NFL made rules about who could pick first and how teams got extra picks.

In the end, the NFL Draft’s story shows how football has grown and changed over time. From its small beginnings to the big event it is today, it’s been a big part of football history. As we wait for the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit, let’s remember the past and look forward to seeing what’s next.

Read More: NFL Draft History: When Was the First Draft Inaugurated?