Ideal Pick for Every Team in 1st Round of 2024 NFL Draft
Thirty-two picks, 32 chances for general managers to add future roster cornerstones from the first round of the 2024 NFL draft.
This year's class has its fair share of blue-chip talent, moldable and intriguing athletic profiles as well as throwback skill sets in a modern game that prioritizes explosiveness and versatility, and we're just a few days away from the first round on April 25.
Although Super Bowls are ultimately won in the middle rounds where team boards begin to thin, the evaluation process starts with the headline names.
Players who will be expected to make an impact on both offense and defense from Week 1, the grueling process of separating roster cornerstone from core contributor and rotational depth additions will soon paint the board of 262 overall selections.
While the Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans remain without a first-round pick (unless they trade in), let's get into the ideal prospect fit for each team set to add talent on the opening night in Detroit.
Arizona Cardinals: Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
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As one of the most refined wideouts to enter the draft in some time, it shouldn't take long for Arizona GM Monti Ossenfort to turn in his card if the team stays at No. 4 overall.
The Cardinals have been connected to dynamic pass-catcher Marvin Harrison Jr. since the 2023 season ended, and he remains the ideal selection for them.
Pairing the Ohio State product with second-year wideout Michael Wilson and flex weapon Trey McBride would present an intriguing set of youth-infused options for quarterback Kyler Murray.
Arizona is also slated to select at No. 27 overall, where an addition along the offensive line or help in the secondary is expected to be a priority.
Atlanta Falcons: UCLA Edge Laiatu Latu
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The Atlanta Falcons have options at No. 8 overall.
With no questions lingering over who will start at QB this fall, GM Terry Fontenot will have his pick at a long list of potential high impact playmakers.
While Atlanta has used first-round capital on skill players in each of the last three drafts, adding talent on the opposite side of the ball will begin to round out the roster.
Although there is no Will Anderson Jr in this year's class, Laiatu Latu provides a nuanced approach at the position that is rare at such a young age.
The 23-year-old doesn't fit into the mold of the modern-day, 235-pound twitched-up edge rushers that everyone desires, but his hands, bend and ability to win to the inside/outside and through the chest of tackles will translate immediately to the pro game.
The UCLA product is as fluid a prospect as they come in this year's crop of talent.
Baltimore Ravens: Oklahoma OT Tyler Guyton
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One of the supremely gifted movers in the class, Tyler Guyton would be a great add for the Baltimore Ravens late on Day 1.
Offensive linemen shouldn't move the way he does at 6'8", 322 pounds, and projecting him inside a Ravens offense that will remain versatile in its approach both through the air and on the ground should be intriguing for GM Eric DeCosta.
Projecting Guyton as a puller in space with Derrick Henry behind him will keep opposing AFC defensive coordinators up late into the night.
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Buffalo Bills: Florida State WR Keon Coleman
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If you're turned away from Keon Coleman due to his 4.61 40-yard dash at the combine, please turn on the tape from his time with Florida State.
That time will remain in the back of scouts' minds with teams starting to prioritize in-game GPS tracking data for speed. Coleman is a physically impressive pass-catcher with a performance ceiling as lofty as any wideout in the class.
With Stefon Diggs (Houston Texans) and Gabe Davis (Jacksonville Jaguars) now elsewhere, the importance of GM Brandon Beane to add an immediate playmaker on the perimeter remains paramount for Buffalo's offense in 2024 and beyond.
The backend of Day 1 looks to be the sweet spot for the second tier of wide receivers to come off the board, and Coleman should top the priority list for the Bills.
Chicago Bears: USC QB Caleb Williams
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The worst-kept secret in this pre-draft process, it seems etched in stone that Chicago will make quarterback Caleb Williams the No. 1 overall selection and the new face of the franchise for the Bears.
While the USC product's game isn't perfect, and coaching and development will remain key components in his progression, he checks many of the boxes teams look for in a game-changing prospect at the position.
Williams' performance ceiling is immense.
Cincinnati Bengals: Georgia TE Brock Bowers
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There's a high probability that Brock Bowers isn't available at No. 18 overall, but in the case he is, it would be a home run selection for de facto GM Duke Tobin.
While offensive line remains a priority for Cincinnati, the ability to add a talent such as Bowers, who would not only expand a playbook but also force teams to get lighter in the middle, would ultimately boost the run game as well.
Creating mismatches is the name of the game at the NFL level, and Bowers would provide the Bengals with another explosive skill set to deploy alongside Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Dallas Cowboys: Oregon IOL Jackson Powers-Johnson
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With Tyron Smith (Jets) and Tyler Biadasz (Commanders) gone, the familiar faces along the Dallas offensive line have begun to disperse, which means new talent is required.
Currently, the Cowboys are slated to start a pair of UDFAs in T.J. Bass (LG) and Brock Hoffman (C) within the interior. While 2022 first-rounder Tyler Smith held the fort down at left guard in 2023, his natural position is at left tackle, leaving a major hole within the nucleus of Dallas' front five.
Jackson Powers-Johnson was sensational in the Pac-12 this fall and was, arguably, the top performer at the Senior Bowl. His skill set could provide an immediate impact in the trenches similar to what Dallas saw from Zack Martin years ago.
Denver Broncos: Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy
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Anticipatory thrower, efficient, projectable, athletic: They're just a few words that come up consistently in conversations surrounding Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy.
While his fundamental arm talent and off-script ability don't sit parallel to other headliners at his position, he operates an offense like a fine-tuned surgeon, and there's nothing wrong with that.
The Michigan offense hid McCarthy's game due to its run-heavy approach, but taking the training wheels off should showcase a high-level processor with the traits to succeed quickly in the NFL.
Detroit Lions: Penn State Edge Chop Robinson
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The explosiveness coiled up in the frame of Chop Robinson presents an excellent foundation for success. Furthermore, projecting him inside a front seven with Aidan Hutchinson takes his ceiling to new heights.
While his strength at the point of attack on early downs and inside moves as a pass-rusher are still in the works, Robinson will face one-on-one opportunities swiftly due to the surrounding talent, which should result in pressures and sacks early in his rookie season.
It shouldn't surprise anyone if the 21-year-old evolves into one of the premier defenders in the class when we look back on this draft in a few years.
Green Bay Packers: Duke OL Graham Barton
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One of the most versatile prospects in the class, Graham Barton has a Pro Bowl-type of ceiling at tackle, guard and center. It's a joy to watch him compete along the front five.
While the Duke product lived at left tackle for the last three seasons, his immediate projection to the inside would present Green Bay with a physical specimen whose technique in pass pro rivals that of the top offensive tackles in the class.
While Barton's versatility may see teams label him as a "tweener" without an immense ceiling at one certain spot, thus dropping his stock, I would expect others getting cute will make an easy decision for Packers GM Brian Gutekunst should he be available at No. 25 overall.
Indianapolis Colts: Toledo CB Quinyon Mitchell
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Quinyon Mitchell is the top-ranked corner with B/R, and the Indianapolis Colts enter the draft with a major need for talent in the secondary.
Kenny Moore II is back to play the nickel spot and the team likes JuJu Brents, but the 2023 second-rounder needs a running mate.
Mitchell entered Senior Bowl week with as much to gain—and lose—as any product in attendance. A standout for Toledo, scouts seemed hesitant to label him as a potential first-round considering the level of wideouts he faced each week in the MAC.
Following the events in Mobile, though, there was no question as to who Mitchell is a player and what he'll provide immediately to an NFL secondary.
This isn't the 2023 class of corners where first-round talent was in abundance, and grabbing Mitchell if he's available would be a wise decision for Colts GM Chris Ballard.
The Kansas State product has the coverage skills, instincts and elite athleticism to make an impact early in his NFL career.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry
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Jacksonville lived in zone coverage under former defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell, but a complete flip of the script is expected under Ryan Nielsen in 2024.
For a defense that is expected to fly around and make plays, slotting in Kool-Aid McKinstry on the perimeter could be a match made in heaven.
Nielsen is likely to ask his corners to live in press coverage at times. And while the Alabama product isn't the biggest, longest or fastest perimeter stalwart in this year's draft, his eyes, instincts and footwork present an excellent floor for success inside the new D.C.'s scheme.
Kansas City Chiefs: WR Brian Thomas Jr.
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At 6'3", Brian Thomas Jr. looks the part of a physically imposing threat on the perimeter. And fine-tuning the smaller portions of his game (route-running/tempo/hands) will allow him to shine quickly in the NFL.
While his name could easily be called in the top 25 selections, falling to the Chiefs at No. 32 would be a dream for GM Brett Veach.
While the team added Marquise Brown and has a long list of rotational pieces present, presenting the frame of Thomas for Patrick Mahomes to feed with targets is an intriguing prospect.
Although Thomas was primarily used as a vertical threat at LSU, evolving at multiple depths while displaying an increased willingness to mix it up as a run-blocker will see his game evolve rapidly.
Las Vegas Raiders: Oregon State OT Taliese Fuaga
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While Kolton Miller remains a core piece at left tackle, there's a Taliese Fuaga-sized hole on the right side of the Las Vegas Raiders line.
Built in the atypical mold of a right tackle, his ability to distort the line of scrimmage in the ground game presents an immense floor for success for the 6'6" Oregon State product.
Although a few teams project his ceiling to be reached inside at guard, Fuaga showcases excellent punch timing and technique in pass pro to allow him to start at tackle right away.
Improvement is needed in his flexibility to reach deeper depths in his hips while more foot speed is also warranted, but those are small details to iron out in what is a well-refined prospect worth high Day 1 capital.
Los Angeles Chargers: LSU WR Malik Nabers
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Lightning-quick on the perimeter, Malik Nabers would provide Justin Herbert with a skill set not yet seen during his time with the Los Angeles Chargers.
While it seems unlikely both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams won't suit up in powder blue this fall, adding the LSU product to form a youth-infused tandem with Quentin Johnston should excite new Chargers GM Joe Hortiz.
Los Angeles Rams: Illinois DL Johnny Newton
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With Aaron Donald retired, adding talent along the defensive interior is paramount for Los Angeles Rams GM Les Snead.
While 2023 selections Byron Young and Kobie Turner enjoyed solid rookie campaigns, the addition of a twitched-up Johnny Newton would present an increased amount of isolated opportunities for the second-year defenders.
Among all interior defensive linemen, the Illinois product finished sixth in the country in total pressures last fall (43).
Miami Dolphins: Texas DL Byron Murphy II
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With Christian Wilkins now in Las Vegas, adding fresh legs to the interior should be a focus for the Miami Dolphins in the draft.
Although it'll be hard to replace the impact Wilkins had within the interior on all three downs, Byron Murphy II has a similar skill set with the power and movement skills to draw double teams early in his career.
The Texas product's athleticism and alignment versatility will force teams to pick their poison on who to prioritize with Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips pinning their ears back off the edge.
Minnesota Vikings: LSU QB Jayden Daniels
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In a perfect world, the Bears grab Caleb Williams, Washington takes Drake Maye and Minnesota is able to trade up (most likely to No. 3) to grab Jayden Daniels.
The LSU product's dynamic playmaking ability and vertical accuracy would jigsaw nicely into Kevin O'Connell's offense.
Working within an offensive unit headlined by Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and TJ Hockenson presents an immediate chance for Daniels to succeed as his game evolves.
New England Patriots: Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy
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The phone lines in New England will remain hot as teams look to trade up to No. 3 overall, but if the Patriots keep the pick, J.J. McCarthy would be an immediate plug-and-play addition with the accuracy and efficiency to raise the offense.
While the Michigan product fails to compare to the other headlining signal-callers in regards to arm talent or off-script ability, playing game manager is something he is expected to master quickly at the NFL level.
Although teams continue to search for the biggest arm or fastest dual-threat talent under center, the ability to dissect a playbook, relay a play and manage an offense is something that remains overlooked during the QB evaluation process.
New England no longer has a Rob Gronkowski or Randy Moss on the perimeter, but the ability of McCarthy to take what's given and operate an offense like a well-oiled machine is just one of the reasons why his name has enjoyed a meteoric rise on draft boards around the league.
New Orleans Saints: Penn State OT Olu Fashanu
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One of the more Herculean movers at his size, the ceiling for Olu Fashanu remains as high as anyone in the entire class.
While the word "potential" can sometimes scare teams away due to the risk of the unknown, the Penn State product is as fluid a tackle as you'll find in pass pro whose technical ability will only improve with NFL coaching.
The Trevor Penning experiment hasn't reaped the results New Orleans had hoped, and adding Fashanu to protect the blindside of Derek Carr would solidify the left tackle spot for years to come.
New York Giants: Washington WR Rome Odunze
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If the Chargers don't take Malik Nabers at five, which is a real possibility, New York Giants GM Joe Schoen will have a choice to make with the No. 6 pick.
And although New York could also remain in the hunt for a signal-caller, adding a talent like Rome Odunze would immediately showcase the most talented wideout the Giants have had since Odell Beckham Jr.
The Washington product is as smooth as they come on the outside and will be an immediate target hog within the New York offense, whoever is under center.
New York hasn't had a 1,000-yard receiver in six seasons, and an addition for the future at the position is long overdue.
New York Jets: Options Galore
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For New York Jets GM Joe Douglas, exploring every avenue should remain of the utmost importance ahead of the draft.
While the Jets sit in a great spot to add an immediate playmaker, the team is in a high leverage spot where the potential to trade down should also remain a possibility.
At tackle, the Jets are slated to start two 33-year olds with limited depth behind them. At No. 10 overall, Douglas could have his choice of players bar Notre Dame OT Joe Alt, who is expected to go in the top seven.
At tight end, Brock Bowers could be the choice to take eyes off of Garrett Wilson and free-agency addition Mike Williams. Or does Douglas prioritize wideout?
Rome Odunze (6'3") fits a mold similar to that of Williams, but adding an electric playmaker with fresh legs could be Plan A and the clearest path for Douglas to round out his WR core, if Odunze is on the board.
With Aaron Rodgers back to full strength and expectations through the roof, options are aplenty for the Jets.
Philadelphia Eagles: Alabama CB Terrion Arnold
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Although the team brought back Avonte Maddox to live at the nickel spot, Philadelphia desperately needs more talent on the perimeter.
While Darius Slay and James Bradberry remain slated to start if the season began today, adding a talent such as Terrion Arnold would present the Eagles with an excellent cover corner and perhaps give a jolt to their two underperforming veteran DBs.
Newly hired defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is known for disguising coverages, and Arnold could be the perfect fit due to his ability to play at different depths with the awareness to make plays in both man and zone coverage.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Georgia OT Amarius Mims
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Should Pittsburgh Steelers GM Omar Khan turn in Amarius Mims' card on draft night, it would allow former Georgia teammate Broderick Jones to slide back to his natural spot at left tackle.
While the injury bug has hampered Mims from remaining available for a full season, he checks off all the boxes teams look for in a franchise cornerstone at right tackle.
His availability will be a concern, but if he is able to remain off the shelf, he has an All-Pro type of ceiling at the position.
San Francisco 49ers: Oklahoma OT Tyler Guyton
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Imagine this: Trent Williams on one side, Tyler Guyton on the other. You want to talk about athleticism and versatility?
Guyton's addition in San Francisco would also fill an immediate need while serving as the future replacement for Williams when the 35-year-old hangs up his cleats for good.
All in all, the loss of RT Mike McGlinchey last spring went overlooked due to the success of the Niners offense.
Slotting in the Oklahoma product would allow head coach Kyle Shanahan to further expand his playbook due to movement skills of Guyton at 6'8", 322 pounds.
Seattle Seahawks: Washington OL Troy Fautanu
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Tackle, guard...it isn't going to matter where Troy Fautanu finds his niche at the NFL level.
The 317-pounder with the footwork and athleticism of someone 100 pounds lighter, he was sensational in his four years with the Washington Huskies and allowed just three sacks in 1,252 pass pro snaps.
Seattle has added an abundance of spry impact players over the last few years, and the arrival of Fautanu could be one that elevates its offense to new heights.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Alabama Edge Dallas Turner
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Tampa Bay has continued to try to make it work with young players Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Logan Hall at edge, but more talent is needed at the position.
While teams approach the line of scrimmage with attention focused on stopping the tandem of Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey, plugging in Dallas Turner at five-tech would present a whole new box of problems for teams to counter.
The Alabama product can disappear at times, but his explosiveness and bend should translate right away to the next level. Improvement is needed on early downs, but he has the athleticism to play the fringe areas and a skill set that could evolve into something special.
Tennessee Titans: Notre Dame OT Joe Alt
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The most technically refined tackle in the class, Joe Alt is the type of player you draft, start and don't have to worry about for the next decade.
His addition would fill an immediate need at left tackle for the Titans, and it would also showcase one of the premier left sides of the line of scrimmage with 2023 first-rounder Peter Skoronski aligning to his inside shoulder.
If QB Will Levis is the future for Tennessee, selecting Alt at No. 7 is a great way to keep your young signal-caller's blindside clean for the road ahead.
Washington Commanders: UNC QB Drake Maye
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Playing hypotheticals, imagine the conversations we'd be having surrounding Drake Maye if he had the talent of LSU or Washington last fall. His production would have been astronomical.
However, we didn't have that luxury, and he was consistently asked to mask the inefficiencies of the talent around him at North Carolina.
Still, the powerful and athletic signal-caller threw 24 touchdowns compared to nine interceptions, ran for seven more and enters the draft with the most "big time throws" over the last two seasons (80) than any of the other top quarterbacks in the class.
Maye isn't a perfect prospect, but if GM Adam Peters is searching for a future of the franchise who can win inside the pocket just as much as he can in extending plays (while taking care of his body), then he could be the guy for the Commanders at No. 2 overall.
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