The NFL draft season is in full swing. And fans are starting to realize that their favorite teams might not meet the preseason expectations. This upcoming year’s draft class is brimming with talented quarterbacks and pass-catching players. But how many of the several prospects will make it to the first round of the draft?
To get the fans all prepped for the three-day event in April, CBS Sports NFL Draft analysts Ryan Wilson and Josh Edwards, including Rick Spielman, a seasoned NFL scout with over three decades of experience, came forth to share their insights. Many other experts have joined to take turns selecting their first-round picks, utilizing Tankathon, which factors in records and strength of schedule as tiebreakers. With that, let’s delve into who the standout prospects are in the 2024 Mock Draft this time.
Will Russell Wilson be traded after 2 seasons?
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The NFL season is in full swing, and it’s no secret that many teams, especially their quarterbacks, are grappling with challenging situations. One player under intense scrutiny is the Denver Broncos‘ QB, Russell Wilson. The footballer has been consistently criticized for his subpar performances, and it appears his tenure with the Orange team might be running short after a string of disappointing showdowns.
So, who might be the right quarterback for the team? According to the 2024 Mock Draft, North Carolina’s QB, Drake Maye, could be the answer. The Broncos have been shedding veteran players as part of their recent youth movement, and the 21-year-old Maye seems like a strong candidate.
In addition to Maye, USC’s Caleb Williams emerges as a top prospect this time around. Besides being a top choice for the Broncos, he can also be the best match for the Bears. While Justin Fields is undoubtedly a talented quarterback, it’s worth considering whether the Chicago Bears are the right franchise for him. Therefore, the Bears are taking a swing at the draft.
Fortunately, they can have another prospect, Olumuyiwa Fashanu, endowed with the requisite physical attributes and athleticism, which could position him as a potential All-Pro player in the NFL. This, in turn, will afford Williams the protection he requires. Beyond these players and teams, there are numerous other potential team-player matches to watch for in the 2024 draft.
Best Possible picks for the teams before the 2024 season
According to Ryan Wilson and Chris Trapasso’s mock draft report, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is considered one of the top five prospects for the Arizona Cardinals and the Chicago Bears in April. However, another report indicates that the Ohio State player Harrison, known for his incredible speed, might also be a trade target for the New England Patriots.
Marvin Harrison Jr., the wide receiver from Ohio State, offers a remarkably clear evaluation for the wide receiver position, making him a compelling choice. In the case of the Cardinals, LSU’s wide receiver, Malik Nabers, can be a pivotal addition, bringing versatility and playmaking abilities to their wide receiver corps, particularly if they’re planning to move forward with Kyler Murray as their quarterback.
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As for the New York Giants, regardless of their choice of quarterback, they must diversify their offensive playmakers. Therefore, Florida State’s Keon Coleman is an ideal pick. Michael Penix Jr., the QB from Washington, has the potential to become one of the most talented quarterbacks with a powerful arm and remarkable accuracy if he were to join the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings are off to a slow start this season, and with Kirk Cousins in the last year of his deal and Justin Jefferson out for the next four to six weeks, the Vikings need to seriously think about their future. The quarterback position is the most critical decision they face, and it appears that they are leaning toward drafting one, making Penix Jr. an appealing choice.
On the other hand, the Tennessee Titans have been grappling with consistent issues in their offensive line this season. They addressed this concern in the previous draft by selecting Peter Skoronski, who has shown early promise. Looking to build on their success, the Titans might select Alabama right tackle JC Latham.
The Packers have shown a strong commitment to David Bakhtiari‘s rehabilitation process. When he’s in good health, he stands as one of the NFL’s premier left tackles. Nevertheless, it’s a prudent move to draft a contingency plan, providing flexibility at the left tackle position. Joe Alt possesses the potential to become a franchise left tackle.
Meanwhile, the Saints have grappled with issues at the left tackle position, which has adversely impacted their productivity and play-calling. This is why they’ve chosen to give Trevor Penning some time to develop. BYU’s offensive tackle, Kingsley Suamataia, is a proven left tackle who appears ready for immediate action in the NFL.
Other selections during the 2024 NFL Mock Draft
In addition to the mentioned players, there’s a line of other prospects to keep an eye on. J.J. McCarthy could be a great fit for the Atlanta Falcons, while Jared Verse might find his place with the Cardinals. The Indianapolis Colts might consider Donovan Jackson and the Raiders might have their sights set on Quinn Ewers.
Brock Bowers could become a key player for the Commanders, and Amarius Mims might be on the radar of the Jets. Rome Odunze could be a potential asset for the Bengals, while Xavier Worthy might find his place with the Chargers. Here, Chop Robinson could be a game-changer for the Houston Texans and the Steelers might see Kool-Aid McKinstry as a valuable addition.
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While the Seahawks could benefit from Jer’Zhan Newton, Barrett Carter might fit in nicely with the Cowboys, and the Jaguars might look at Dallas Turner. Kalen King may find a role with the Ravens, Denzel Burke could be a great addition for the Lions, and Jordan Morgan might be of interest to the Dolphins.
Further, Andrew Mukuba could be a strong pick for the 49ers, while Xavier Legette might be a good fit for the Chiefs. Many of these prospects are receivers, and it remains to be seen whether this mock draft pans out successfully for the teams.
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It’s important to remember that, despite expert analysis, mock drafts can never be 100 percent accurate. This year’s mock draft scoring has seen a high median score, though exceptions still exist, with most predictions closely bunched together.
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