2024 NFL Draft: Early Look Ahead for NFL Teams That Already Clinched Playoff Berths
A lot of the 2023 NFL season is left to be played...for some squads. Others are already looking forward to next offseason. Let's concentrate on the former, since their focus has yet to turn toward next year's NFL draft, though those within their respective front offices are already preparing.
Coming out of Thursday's action, seven teams—the Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns (in accordance to their current draft order)—have already punched their ticket to the dance. They now have thoughts of making a postseason run all the way to Super Bowl LVIII.
But even the league's best fall short in specific areas, particularly this season when so many key injuries occurred.
Those within NFL walls are creatures of habit. They stick their heads down and go to work every day, without needing to worry about long-term repercussions. Those within their accompanying front offices can't do the same. They're always looking to improve the roster, whether it's in the short or long term.
As the collegiate bowl season gears up, one eye must be kept on who's next. Who will fill a potential void? Who should be a team's top pick or a Day 2 selection? Who can help the team the most? Who has the most potential to develop into something special?
These questions are already being asked as the current draft cycle continues unabated. Even though the aforementioned seven teams have so much still riding on this season, a look ahead shows where they can get even better.
Dallas Cowboys: WR Troy Franklin, Oregon
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The Dallas Cowboys selected wide receiver CeeDee Lamb in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft despite signing veteran target Amari Cooper to a $100 million contract extension a month earlier. Why? The organization understands that more than one viable receiving threat is necessary to establish consistent offensive success.
Two-and-a-half years later, Lamb is a two-time Pro Bowl selection, Cooper is the reigning AFC Offensive Player of the Week for the Cleveland Browns and the Cowboys don't have a consistent second threat.
Brandin Cooks and Michael Gallup have formed a solid duo with a combined 75 catches for 976 yards. But tight end Jake Ferguson is Dak Prescott's second-favorite target by a wide margin, while the two wide receivers claim a combined $19.9 million salary-cap charge this season. Dallas can potentially get out of one or both contracts next offseason.
While considering all of the options, the simplest solution is bringing in another dynamic threat, especially one like Oregon's Troy Franklin (B/R Scouting Report), who is both a vertical and YAC threat every time he steps onto the field.
Franklin's greatest asset is his explosiveness, which is what the Cowboys expected from Cooks. Yet the veteran is averaging fewer yards after catch than both Ferguson and Gallup.
The first-team All-Pac-12 performer isn't the strongest or most physical target, but he can fly. He's going to stack cornerbacks and create separation off the stem. Franklin adds a different dynamic to the Cowboys offense while serving as an excellent complement to Lamb.
Detroit Lions: EDGE Jonah Elliss, Utah
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A trio of factors come into play that perfectly place Utah's Jonah Elliss with the Detroit Lions.
From a team perspective, the Lions need more pass-rush punch, particularly entering an NFL offseason when Romeo Okwara and Charles Harris are pending free agents. As a unit, Detroit's defense is counted among the league's bottom 10 in sacks. Beyond Aidan Hutchinson and defensive tackle Akim McNeill, who is currently on injured reserve, no one on the Lions roster generated more than three sacks.
Elliss (B/R Scouting Report) was one of college football's most feared pass-rushers until he suffered a partially torn labrum that required surgery. Before that point, the consensus All-American accumulated 12 sacks. He's a physical end-line defender with good initial quickness and a pass-rush plan. Ellis isn't the most flexible edge-rusher, but he does win in a manner of ways that extend beyond bending the corner. His approach, tenacity and mentality are perfect for the Lions' preferred makeup.
The underclassman won't turn 21 until April. He's also smaller-than-ideal at a listed 246 pounds, when the Lions tend to like bigger and longer defensive ends. But the skill set to consistently create pressure early in Elliss' career makes him far too intriguing with late first-round consideration.
While this final factor shouldn't be considered a deciding point, the potential for a good story is present. Elliss' selection becomes a legacy pick since his father, Luther, played for the Lions for nine seasons.
Miami Dolphins: DL Brandon Dorlus, Oregon
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Brandon Dorlus is the type of prospect who must be watched to fully appreciate his impact throughout a game.
From a statistical viewpoint, the Oregon defensive lineman didn't put up huge numbers the past two seasons with a combined 16 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. However, the 6'3", 290-pound defensive lineman is a disruptive force with the athleticism and skill set to play all along a defensive front.
As the Chicago Football Connection noted, Dorlus' 45 pressures and seven quarterback hits led interior defenders this season. The ability to get into the backfield as a run-defender and pass-rusher, coupled with outstanding physical traits, should elevate the senior's status as the draft process continues.
Some will view Dorlus (B/R Scouting Report) as undersized if projected purely in a traditional defensive tackle role. However, he can play 5-technique, rush off the edge and reduce down to both tackle spots, depending on situation. Furthermore, he has the explosive qualities to give offensive linemen fits.
According to The Athletic's Bruce Feldman, Dorlus posted "a 685-pound back squat, a 685-pound sumo deadlift and a 345-pound power clean ... and hit 20.75 MPH on the GPS."
The Miami Dolphins will be searching for defensive front help since Christian Wilkins and Raekwon Davis are pending free agents. Even if one or both re-sign, a draft investment in the South Florida native provides the unit with better depth and someone capable of providing quality reps at multiple spots.
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Philadelphia Eagles: CB Ricardo Hallman, Wisconsin
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What? A prospect from the Georgia Bulldogs wasn't available? A few came under consideration. But it's time for the Philadelphia Eagles and general manager Howie Roseman to stop that trend and make an investment in a prospect with high-end upside at a premium position.
The Eagles' pass defense plummeted from first to 27th in one year's time. In fact, Philadelphia is surrendering a whopping 71 more passing yards per game this season compared to last.
The difference in play led to Sean Desai being relieved on his play-calling duties and Matt Patricia taking the reins. Still, it's more than the coaches. Philadelphia's secondary is old and injured.
Cornerbacks Darius Slay Jr. and James Bradberry will be 31 or older next season. Financially, it doesn't make sense for the Eagles to move on from either in 2024. However, Roseman can be proactive by preparing for their eventual replacement.
Wisconsin's Ricardo Hallman burst onto the scene as a redshirt sophomore. His six interceptions tied for second in the nation. He also led the Badgers with five pass break-ups. Those ball skills coupled with exceptional change-of-direction skills make him an ideal cover corner.
Although, Hallman will be knocked throughout the process because of his 5'10", 185-pound frame.
To provide context to those numbers, Jaire Alexander and Tre'Davious White measured at 5'10" and 196 pounds and 5'11" and 192 pounds, respectively, when they attended the NFL Scouting Combine. Still, both are exceptional corners. Hallman presents similar potential.
San Francisco 49ers: OT Kingsley Suamataia, BYU
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Once upon a time, the Shanahan family's vaunted offensive scheme didn't require heavy investments in the offensive line, because the system didn't need the same type of linemen that others teams preferred.
During that period, the emphasis fell on lighter, smarter and more athletic blockers who could properly execute the famed zone stretch.
Today's game is different, because every squad integrated parts of the system. No one does it better than Kyle Shanahan, though. Today's San Francisco 49ers offensive line is led by the 320-pound Trent Williams, who in one of the game's most physical and athletically gifted players.
Williams is also 35 years old. San Francisco must prepare for his eventual departure from the lineup. The unit can also be upgraded at right tackle and guard. Thus, an investment in another high-end prospect with similar physical traits to Williams seems like an ideal approach.
BYU's Kingsley Suamataia is one of the most gifted blockers that will enter the NFL ranks. The 6'6", 325-pound blocker moves effortlessly for his size. According to The Athletic's Bruce Feldman, the tackle prospect cracked the 21 MPH barrier when running sprints.
More importantly, the 20-year-old showed showed dramatic improvement throughout the 2023 campaign. Suamataia made the transition from right to left tackle as a third-year sophomore. The underclassman started slowly but played quite well over the second half of the season. The rapid development points to a prospect capable of adjusting to the NFL game and possibly playing multiple positions if necessary.
Baltimore Ravens: IOL Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
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The Baltimore Ravens offense may look different under the watchful eye of coordinator Todd Monken, but the unit still ranks first overall in rushing offense. Granted, quarterback Lamar Jackson plays a large part in that phase's effectiveness. Even so, the team's identity is built upon a powerful run game.
As part of the unit, the Ravens prefer big, nasty offensive linemen who can move people. Injuries aside, the group has been able to road-grade its way to six straight top-three finishes in rushing offense.
But the current iteration is getting old on the right side, with both guard Kevin Zeitler and tackle Morgan Moses being 32 or older. Furthermore, Zeitler is a free agent after this season. The Ravens may even consider releasing Moses and saving $5.5 million.
Baltimore already has Daniel Faalele in the fold after making the 6'8", 380-pound blocker a fourth-round pick in last year's draft. But he may not be the long-term solution at right tackle. Besides, guard remains open.
Oregon State's Taliese Fuaga (B/R Scouting Report) played right tackle for the Beavers, though he's projected inside by the Bleacher Report Scouting Department. The 6'6", 334-pound lineman is a mauler with the potential to fit right into the Ravens scheme.
"Overall, Fuaga has the size, power and run-blocking skills to earn a starting role in his first training camp at guard inside a run-first, play-action based system," B/R scout Brandon Thorn wrote. "He also has enough quickness to play tackle in a pinch."
Cleveland Browns: OT Patrick Paul, Houston
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Too much depth along an offensive line is never a bad thing. Well, that's not entirely true in the case of the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns have suffered injury after injury this season, including losing both of their starting offensive tackles to injured reserve. Dawand Jones turned into a revelation as the league's highest-graded rookie offensive tackle, per Pro Football Focus. Unfortunately, Jones also found himself on injured reserve with a balky knee.
With Jack Conklin, Jedrick Willis Jr. and Jones all set to return, offensive tackle may not be the most obvious choice once the Browns are finally on the board in the second round. Yet, the position is a dire need since Conklin has a long injury history and Wills has severely underperformed at left tackle since being a 2020 first-round draft pick.
The Browns can't release either next year and recoup any financial flexibility. Maybe the organization decides to eat one of the contracts. But that's yet to be decided.
Instead, a solid assumption can be made that Jones will man one starting spot while general manager Andrew Berry looks for another developmental option.
Houston's Patrick Paul is a long (6'7", 315 pounds) and athletic blocker with good power at the point of attack. He moves well, though his technique lacks refinement. Cleveland may be the ideal landing spot since the rookie wouldn't be immediately thrust into the lineup and he can learn from the game's best offensive line coach, Bill Callahan.
Plus, the Browns add a top-end developmental talent without owning a first-round selection.
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