Every NFL Team's Most Dangerous New Addition in 2024

To steal a catchphrase from a beloved 1990s cartoon, "Let's get dangerous."

Much like Drake Mallard in Disney's Darkwing Duck, an aura of unpredictability exists when discussing the biggest moves of the NFL offseason. When thinking about dangerous additions, significant upside must be accompanied by a certain amount of risk.

As such, first-round picks are often counted among those with the most variance as they integrate into the professional game. But it's not just the expectations of a high draft pick that elicits such feelings. Any significant investments with some level of uncertainty has the potential to make a team substantially better, which is the plan. Though history states that not all of those acquisitions in free agency or trade will work in every organization's favor.

A gambling aspect exists in all of the movement seen around the league. Teams are doing their best to try and mitigate factors and make sure the odds fall in their favor, but that's never truly the case.

With those things in mind, let's look at each roster and see which new roster addition has the potential to create the most impact yet brings a level of downside that can't be overlooked.

Arizona Cardinals: DL Walter Nolen

AP Photo/Matt York

The Arizona Cardinals knew they had to get better along the defensive line. They did.

In free agency, Arizona signed Josh Sweat, Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell. The Cardinals then sunk this year's 16th overall pick in Ole Miss' Walter Nolen.

Nolen presented nearly as much upside as anyone not named Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter in this year's draft class.

"Disruption, disruption," Cardinal head coach Jonathan Gannon told reporters. "... When we find players that can affect the middle of the pocket, it puts a lot of stress on the offense.

"Walter is another guy that we think can help us do that."

Every team is searching for defensive tackles who can reset the line of scrimmage, secure tackles for loss and collapse the pocket. Nolen has these traits. He's also erratic and can be pushed around at times. Even so, he's the skeleton key to unlock what the Cardinals are trying to do up front.

Atlanta Falcons: Edge James Pearce Jr.

AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

A year ago, James Pearce Jr. was viewed as a potential No. 1 overall pick candidate after a season where he registered 10 sacks and became a first-team All-SEC selection. His final season on campus wasn't as impressive, and concerns about attitude bubbled under the service.

“I don’t know how many boards James Pearce was on," an anonymous executive told The Athletic's Mike Sando.

To complicate matters, the Falcons used next year's first-round pick to move back into this year's opening frame and select Pearce—which can be viewed as an exorbitant price considering how other teams around the league reportedly viewed him as a prospect.

However, Pearce has the quickness and smoothness off the edge to become an elite pass-rusher, as long as he's fully committed to doing so. He and Jalon Walker have the potential to be a dynamic pair to redefine the Falcons defense.

Baltimore Ravens: S Malaki Starks

AP Photo/Nick Wass

The Baltimore Ravens saw a problem its defense had last season and immediately fixed it with their first-round selection of Georgia safety Malaki Starks.

During the first half of the 2024 campaign, the Ravens offense struggled mightily. The unit finally got on track over the second half once the Ravens coaching staff moved All-Pro defensive back Kyle Hamilton from strong to free safety.

As good as Hamilton is, he's a natural strong safety and Starks has been a playmaker along the back end from the day he stepped onto Georgia's campus, where he started a true freshman on a national championship-winning and all-time great defense.

Starks didn't test as well as expected during the predraft process, though, which knocked him to a degree and forced him into the latter portion of the first round. However, he's so smooth in coverage and understands what's in front of him that the combination of his skill set playing alongside Hamilton should give the Ravens a dynamic duo at safety.

Buffalo Bills: Edge Joey Bosa

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

Joey Bosa's acquisition isn't the first time the Buffalo Bills went after a big-name pass-rusher. Previously, Von Miller joined the squad. Injuries slowed his production during his waning years, though.

Similar concerns have to surround Bosa. Granted, the five-time Pro Bowl honoree is three years younger than when Miller joined the Bills' roster. However, Bosa actually played in fewer games over the last three seasons.

Buffalo is now operating at a Super Bowl standard. Anything less is a disappointment, especially with Josh Allen behind center. They Bills can take a risk on veteran with injuries histories in order to strike big at a premium position.

Considering Bosa's status as a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year, the Bills did not make a huge investment in him. The nine-year defensive lineman signed a one-year, $12 million contract. Either Bosa provides the boost Buffalo needs to its pass rush after finishing in the bottom half of the league last season, or the organization can move on relatively quickly if he doesn't work out.

Carolina Panthers: WR Tetairoa McMillan

AP Photo/Chris Carlson

The Carolina Panthers have previously invested in the wide receiver position by bringing in veteran Adam Thielen and drafting Xavier Legette in the first round of the 2024 class. Even so, the team still lacked a true No. 1 target.

Tetairoa McMillan's addition with this year's eighth overall pick should immediately provide the offense with a big-time target to help in quarterback Bryce Young's development.

"Every time we watched him ... we're just like, 'Another great catch,'" general manager Dan Morgan told reporters. "And just the way that he's effortless, the way he catches the ball and he catches everything outside his frame ... His body control's some of the best I've seen in a while."

At 6'4", the 22-year-old McMillan is a real-deal ball-winner. He's going to step in as the team's X-receiver and create a cascading effect to make the Panthers' wide receiver corps deeper and more effective.

The one real question about McMillan throughout the draft process was whether he'd give full effort when he wasn't the primary target.

Chicago Bears: WR Luther Burden III

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So much falls on Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams during his second season. The organization did a wonderful job, at least on paper, to upgrade his surrounding cast, including bringing in an offensive-minded head coach, and helping in his development. One of the lesser acquisitions might just create spark something special with the quarterback.

Luther Burden III looked like a top-10 lock coming out of the 2024 season. He wasn't draft eligible, though, and his junior campaign wasn't nearly as productive or sensational. Yet this year's 39th overall draft pick should slide seamlessly into the slot as Keenan Allen's replacement.

First-round tight end Colston Loveland should be a big part of the offense, but Cole Kmet remains on the roster and Ben Johnson called a higher percentage of 11 personnel in Detroit last season than two-tight end sets. With 121 targets up for grabs after Allen's departure, Burden could receive the lion's share.

Cincinnati Bengals: Edge Shemar Stewart

AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

The NFL draft is a traits-based business. No one in this year's draft class presented better physical traits than Texas A&M's Shemar Stewart. The question is whether he can become a natural football player.

According to Kent Lee Platte, Stewart posted the best relative athletic score ever for a defensive end prospect (even better than Myles Garrett). Despite his immense physical gifts, the defensive lineman managed only 4.5 sacks during his collegiate career.

Yes, Stewart showed he can create pressure and improved each season doing so. He can immediately step in and help the Cincinnati Bengals replace Sam Hubbard, particularly as a run defender. The hope is that he blossoms into an elite pass-rusher as well. Though those around the league have questions.

"Average feet, average instincts, doesn't always really know what's going on," an anonymous executive told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "Maybe he can work his way into being a good player at the next level, but he will need to improve in those areas."

Cleveland Browns: QB Shedeur Sanders

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Once Shedeur Sanders fell out of the second round, a freefall became inevitable during the NFL draft. The Cleveland Browns eventually selected him with the 144th overall pick in the fifth round, because they were still desperate to bring in his talent based on an unsettled quarterback room. Every other organization preferred to avoid the circus that will inevitably follow what they viewed as a backup option.

Cleveland's setup is different than everywhere else, though.

Sanders has a legitimate chance to win the starting gig. He does face an uphill climb with two veterans in Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, as well as third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel, vying for the job.

From a pure talent perspective, Sanders has the most upside of anyone mentioned. As long as he keeps his head down, stacks good practices together and continues to compete, the Browns could emerge with a franchise quarterback, who initially entered the competition as the longshot.

Dallas Cowboys: WR George Pickens

AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File

Quarterback Dak Prescott has been smiling from ear to ear thanks to the Dallas Cowboys' acquisition of wide receiver George Pickens in a trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"Huge. Huge. Yeah, very huge," Prescott said of the team's move, per the Dallas Morning News. "I mean looking at [the] guy’s tape, you see what he does, the kind of receiver he is. He’s going to win on one on ones. He can win two vs. one if he has to.

"Very, very talented guy. When you can add him alongside a CeeDee [Lamb] and the rest of the weapons we have, I’m super excited."

The Cowboys desperately needed a second threat at wide receiver after Lamb led the league in targets over the last two seasons. Although, the Steelers unloaded their leading receiver over that same stretch for a reason (or two). Pickens must enter Dallas' locker room with a team-first mentality. If that happens, this group can torch opposing defenses.

Denver Broncos: S Talanoa Hufanga

AP Photo/Gary McCullough

The Denver Broncos already fielded a top-three scoring defense during the 2024 season. Overall, the unit finished seventh in total defense. The unit will be even better after the free-agent signing of safety Talanoa Hufanga.

However, Hufanga has an injury history and only played in seven games last season primarily due to a wrist injury.

Going back to the first point, the Broncos defense was stellar except against the pass. Even with the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year in Patrick Surtain II as part of the secondary, Denver finished in the bottom half of the league defending aerial attacks. Hufanga is known as a physical tone-setter, but he's also valuable as a leader along the back line.

"He's a great communicator," head coach Sean Payton told reporters. "He's super-intelligent. I think his experience and there is a toughness about about him in the way he plays."

With a healthy Hufanga and first-round cornerback Jahdae Barron on the field, the Broncos have the potential to become the league's top-ranked defense.

Detroit Lions: WR Isaac TeSlaa

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

Two aspects of Isaac TeSlaa's inclusion to the Detroit Lions' lineup are fascinating.

First, his acquisition required the Lions to trade up in this year's third round, while giving up two third-round selections next year.

"I'll give you this, though: The pick that was probably the most questioned, I would say, was Isaac TeSlaa," general manager Brad Holmes told reporters. "I can say that he was my favorite wide receiver in this draft."

The 6'4", 214-pound Arkansas product brings a completely different element to the Lions' wide receiver corps, as a massive target with elite athleticism. His production at the FCS level was questionable, but the Lions have a plan.

"[Offensive coordinators John] Morton was in New Orleans as the wide receivers coach in 2016 when Michael Thomas was a rookie. He said they were able to get the most out of Thomas as a youngster because they didn't overload him early on," Tim Twentyman of the Lions official site wrote. "He said they gave him a few route concepts to master and then built on every year. Expect that to be the approach with the rookie TeSlaa."

Green Bay Packers: WR Matthew Golden

AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps

The Green Bay Packers hadn't selected a wide receiver before Matthew Golden in the first round since 2002 when Javon Walker joined the organization. Golden may not be a traditional X-receiver but he's an immediate upgrade to the Packers offense.

"Golden is awesome," one NFL executive told The Athletic's Mike Sando. "He is their best receiver right now. I think he is really good, and he was the best receiver in the draft."

Obviously, the league didn't have a consensus on Golden since Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan was a top-10 pick while the former fell to the 23rd overall selection as WR3 (also behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Emeka Egbuka).

With Christian Watson's injury history, the Packers lack a physically-imposing target. Instead, general manager Brian Gutekunst substituted speed thanks to Golden. This year's first-round pick can create separation at all three levels, even though he has concerns over play-strength, making catches through contact and a few concentration drops.

Houston Texans: WR Jayden Higgins

AP Photo/Michael Wyke

The Houston Texans have something in Jayden Higgins that no other team in the league has: The rookie pairs with Nico Collins as the NFL's only set of starting 6'4" outside receivers.

"You don't have physical enough corners to cover two 6'4" receivers,: an front-office executive told The Athletic's Mike Sando.

The size, length, physicality and athleticism now found in Houston's passing game is impressive and creates matchup nightmares. The plan provides an excellent reason why the Texans used their initial draft pick (after trading out of the first round) on Higgins, then signed him to the first-ever fully guaranteed second-round rookie contract.

Keep in mind that Higgins was a second-round selection and the fourth wide receiver off the board, because he doesn't necessarily play as fast as his sub-4.5-second 40-yard-dash speed indicates and he'll need better technique on his releases against more refined defensive backs.

Still, the Texans had to do something at wide receiver after another major injury to Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs' departure in free agency. Higgins can change the complexion of Houston's offense.

Indianapolis Colts: CB Charvarius Ward

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

The first-round selection of multipurpose tight end Tyler Warren may seem like the obvious answer for the Indianapolis Colts. However, the front office's neglect of the secondary over the last two years pinpoints the acquisition of cornerback Charvarius Ward as the linchpin to this offseason.

General manager Chris Ballard felt confident in the draft investments the team sunk into the secondary. His belief didn't materialize into a quality defense. Indianapolis finished among the bottom seven in pass defense last season.

Alongside the hire of coordinator Lou Anarumo, the 29-year-old Ward gives the unit far more flexibility, as long as he bounces back from last year's tough campaign (on and off the field). The seven-year veteran immediately enters the lineup as the Colts' CB1.

"He said he's going to let me travel with the best receiver," Ward said of Anarumo's plans allowing the corner to shadow opponents' top targets, per ESPN's Stephen Holder. "That would theoretically allow [Jaylon] Jones the benefit of settling in against No. 2 receivers while [Kenny] Moore performs his multifaceted role in the slot."

Jacksonville Jaguars: WR/CB Travis Hunter

AP Photo/John Raoux

No one else could be the choice for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Travis Hunter has the potential to be a franchise-changing addition.

"He elevates not only this football team, not only this city, but the sport itself, right?" general manager James Gladstone told reporters. "Along the way you can count however many drafts you want to, there are players who have the capacity to alter a game. There are players who have the capacity to alter the trajectory of a team. There are very few players who have the capacity to alter the trajectory of the sport itself. Travis, while he still has a lot to learn, in our eyes, has the potential to do just that."

Candidly, the Jaguars took a huge swing in order to acquire Hunter. The organization gave up a second-rounder this year and next year's first-round selection just to move up three spots and obtain the reigning Heisman Trophy winner.

It's nearly impossible to envision Hunter failing with his talent on both sides of the ball. But expectations set forth may be too lofty even for him. Either way, kudos to the Jaguars organization for trying to change the squad's trajectory with a bold move.

Kansas City Chiefs: OT Josh Simmons

AP Photo/Colin E. Braley

From a pure ability standpoint, the Kansas City Chiefs may have gotten the steal of the draft when Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons fell to them with the 32nd overall pick.

Two things caused Simmons' slide: his recovery from a torn patellar tendon and "character concerns."

"What you heard from the guys announcing this is true, he would have been a top five or 10 pick," Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told reporters after Simmons' selection. "It's a position we could use some good players at, just in addition of good players. In particular, the left tackle spot, if and when he can jump in there. He's flexible so he can play any spot, we felt like he was a true left tackle."

The inability to properly protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes prevented the Chiefs from three-peating as champions this past season. Simmons has a chance to finally slam the revolving door shut at left tackle, as long as he's healthy and committed.

Las Vegas Raiders: QB Geno Smith

AP Photo/Candice Ward

Ironically, the NFL team residing in Las Vegas was left out in the cold last year. The Raiders weren't able to acquire a legitimate starting quarterback over the previous calendar year and decided that was going to happen again this offseason.

Instead of dipping the organization's proverbial toe into this year's pool of quarterback talent, the Raiders quickly made a move to secure the service of veteran Geno Smith, where he'll reunite with former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll.

“I really feel so fortunate that we were able to get that [trade] done—[general manager] John Spytek got it done for us—because of all that he brings," Carroll told reporters. "To me, he’s been emblematic of what a leader should be by his habits and by the way he brings himself every day. He’s the first guy out here. He’s the last guy to leave. It’s really important to him that he stands for what leadership is all about. And he’s a good football player, too, he’s looked great in practice so far."

Smith can be the solidifying force the Raiders desperately needed over the last few seasons. At the same time, everyone knows who Smith is as a player. He can help elevate the team but a glass ceiling exists.

Los Angeles Chargers: WR Tre Harris

AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea

At this point, it's safe to say the Los Angeles Chargers don't have a lot of confidence in 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston.

Johnston finished second on the team last season with 55 receptions for 711 yards. Even so, the Chargers brought veteran Mike Williams back, then drafted Ole Miss' Tre Harris and Auburn's KeAndre Lambert-Smith.

Of the three recent acquisitions, Harris brings the most potential as a Day 1 starter and impact performer.

"Strong, tough. Really good route runner," Harbaugh stated when asked about Harris after being drafted. "Scores the ball. Of all the receivers in college football for a career, he's 29 (touchdowns). Up there, maybe third highest of all receivers. Precision route running."

The first-team All-SEC performer torched competition early in the 2024 campaign before suffering a knee injury. Harris will need to expand his route-tree. Otherwise, he has the potential to be an outside weapon working alongside Ladd McConkey.

Los Angeles Rams: TE Terrance Ferguson

AP Photo/Butch Dill

The Los Angeles Rams have been searching for a tight end for quite some time. Ultimately, they selected Oregon's Terrence Ferguson in this year's second round (after trading out of the opening frame and getting a 2026 first-round pick from the Atlanta Falcons).

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Ferguson was the top-available tight end on the board before the team traded out of the first round.

“Ferguson is not flashy or explosive, but he is a smooth athlete, like a basketball player," an anonymous NFL executive told The Athletic's Mike Sando. “He is a long-strider, looks the part, wide catch radius. He is in that Tyler Higbee-type mold."

Higbee's production has decreased in each of the last two seasons. He also turned 32 earlier this year. Ferguson can once again provide the type of threat over the middle of the field to help quarterback Matthew Stafford and take some pressure off of the Rams wide receivers.

Miami Dolphins: OL Jonah Savaiinaea

AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

The Miami Dolphins don't have a large margin of error when it comes to their offensive line, particularly after Terron Armstead's retirement. In order for the high-flying Dolphins offense to stay that way, the group needs a strong front five keeping quarterback Tua Tagovailoa upright and give him time to find his receivers.

Last year's second-round draft pick, Patrick Paul, will take over for Armstead on the blind side. Veteran James Daniels steps into one of the guard spots after signing as a free agency. Meanwhile, this year's second-round selection of Arizona's Jonah Savaiinaea should solidify the group as the other guard.

"You see he's a big-body guy that's really explosive, that can run," Dolphins offensive line coach Butch Barry told reporters during offseason workouts. "So he's a big-body, heavy-handed player that can anchor the pocket, but you know he's got the explosiveness in the run game. All right, and so the explosiveness is there for the run game and his ability to anchor the pocket. So for us, that's a big deal."

Savaiinaea has starting experience at both tackle spots in case of injury. His position flexibility, even as a rookie, makes him a vital cog early in his career.

Minnesota Vikings: DL Javon Hargrave

AP Photo/Abbie Parr

The Minnesota Vikings chose to rebuild their defensive interior this offseason. In doing so, they brought two marquee veterans to upgrade the position group.

Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave have experienced plenty of success throughout their professional careers. Both have question marks after dealing with injuries during a significant portion of the 2024 season, though Hargrave is two years older and missed more time thanks to a partially torn triceps.

At his peak, Hargrave is disruptive force, who can take over games.

"You talk about Hargrave and the infectious way he plays football," general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said. "I think that's going to elevate that group."

Both Allen and Hargrave have the skill sets to elevate the entire defense. Hargrave gets the nod here because he has the most potential to bounce back and create an impact on an every-down basis, as a run defender in base packages and pass-rusher to collapse the pocket and make life easier on Minnesota's talented edge-defenders.

New England Patriots: WR Stefon Diggs

AP Photo/Maria Lysaker

The New England Patriots fielded the league's worst skill position group during the 2024 season. If not for Drake Maye emerging as a bona fide franchise quarterback, the Patriots would not have experienced the promising offseason they did, which included placing much better pieces around the aforementioned signal-caller.

Stefon Diggs signed a free agent and immediately became the Patriots top wide receiver.

"Stef is a unique individual, unique player," Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels told reporters. "[He's] got a really good skillset, been a very productive player for a long time. Excited about his addition. My brother had an opportunity to coach him last year in Houston. So, I have a little bit of insight of what he's like day to day, and I'm really excited about having him here."

Diggs posted six straight 1,000-yard campaigns before injuries hampered him a season ago. He does turn 32 during the 2025 regular season and has a history of expressing his frustration when things aren't breaking in his favor. Still, the Patriots didn't feature anyone close to Diggs' caliber in last year's lineup.

New Orleans Saints: QB Tyler Shough

AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

While Derek Carr's retirement may have come as a surprise to everyone outside of the New Orleans Saints organization, those working in the team's front office had time to prepare for Carr's absence—whether due to injury or, ultimately, retirement.

Instead of being overly aggressive to address the game's most important position, the Saints took the opposite approach. They waited and eventually chose Louisville's Tyler Shough with this year's 40th overall pick.

On the positive side, Shough is a 6'5", 219-pound quarterback, with ample arm talent, good athleticism and a strong understanding of pre- and post-snap concepts. Overall, he has the tools to be a quality starter.

At the same time, the second-round rookie turns 26 in September because he has an extensive injury history. As such, he only started one full year in college. If Shough claims the job and stays in the lineup, the Saints may have turned lemons into lemonade. He has to prove it first, though.

New York Giants: QB Jaxson Dart

AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis

The free-agent acquisitions of the Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston indicated the New York Giants weren't sold on this year's quarterback class and wouldn't be selecting one with the third overall pick.

While true, those signings did not stop the Giants from trading back into the first round and using the 25th overall pick to select Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart.

The clock has now started.

Wilson and Winston are placeholders at best. The entire season is now predicated on when the Giants organization feels it's the appropriate time for its rookie quarterback to enter the lineup.

“Some people think Dart is a year away, more of a project," An NFL executive told The Athletic's Mike Sando. "They probably shouldn’t play him at all this year, or not until very late."

Maybe that's true. Maybe Dart does need extensive time on the bench to help in his development. But the cries for the rookie to start will begin the second that Wilson and/or Winston struggle. Once Dart is in the lineup, there's no looking back, because the Giants are banking on him to be "the guy" and possibly save jobs among the front office and coaching staff.

New York Jets: QB Justin Fields

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

Justin Fields success as a starting quarterback with the New York Jets is directly tied to the organization's investment in his unique skill set.

Fields chose to leave the Pittsburgh Steelers because the franchise didn't commit to him when the team opened the 2024 campaign with a 4-2 record only to be benched for Russell Wilson, who was coming off a preseason injury.

It's yet to be determined whether the Jets' offensive staff plans to fully commit to the quarterback's athleticism. Fields is one of the NFL's most dynamic runners. New York's backfield is loaded with talented ball-carriers, too.

"He's a guy who can run extremely fast and make bombs down the field," Jets defensive tackle Quinn Williams told reporters. "The different great things that he brings to the aspect of the game will come down to dual-threat quarterback. ...

"He's probably one of the fastest people. ... So, I think that definitely brings an excitement and just his attitude about wanting to win and wanting to show the world the things he can do and we all know he can do."

As long as New York's staff based Fields' running ability into game plans, he can finally prove himself as a franchise option.

Philadelphia Eagles: LB Jihaad Campbell

AP

"Philadelphia Eagles general manger Howie Roseman would never draft a linebacker in the first round."

Welp, he finally did it with the selection of Alabama's Jihaad Campbell. Or did he?

Campbell served as an edge-defender for the Crimson Tide before making the full-time conversion to off-ball linebacker. Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio can use him in a variety of manners to disguise defenses and create pressure different pressure packages to confuse opposing quarterbacks.

"Jihaad Campbell was one of the higher grades I've given for a linebacker," an NFL executive told The Athletic's Mike Sando. "Vic Fangio will use (Zack) Baun off the ball and Campbell on the ball, and that is huge. They will be the blitzers in the simulated four-man pressures that Vic runs. It can be like Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman in San Francisco."

Campbell may never be a full-time edge-defender, but his skill set allows him to be used as a defensive chess piece, as long as he stays healthy. A postseason shoulder surgery dropped the 21-year-old prospect to the 31st overall pick despite being a top-15 talent.

Pittsburgh Steelers: WR DK Metcalf

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The Pittsburgh Steelers traded for arguably the biggest name on the market when they acquired wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks.

In doing so, the Steelers automatically upgraded their WR1. However, the organization's subsequent decision to trade George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys didn't help in lengthening Pittsburgh's depth chart and upgrading the squad's overall talent pool.

While the latter is true, the 6'4", 229-pound Metcalf is a type of wide receiver the Steelers have never had on the roster.

"There's very little on the football field from a wide receiver perspective that he can't do," head coach Mike Tomlin said of his new wide receiver. "He's got short game, he's got long game. He's a combat-catch guy. He's got run after. He's a devastating run blocker. We're really excited about the addition of DK Metcalf, and we're going to use all those talents."

Metcalf produced 900 or more receiving yards in each of his six NFL seasons. He's easily the NFL's most physically-intimidating wide receiver. Yet the Steelers still don't have a quarterback on the roster to take full advantage of his presence (which may still be true even if Aaron Rodgers joins the squad).

San Francisco 49ers: Edge Mykel Williams

AP Photo/Tony Avelar

A year ago, buzz started to swirl around Georgia defender Mykel William as the potential No. 1 overall talent for the 2025 NFL draft. The premise was built upon him realizing his upside after converting from the defensive interior to a full-time edge-defender. While that projection didn't come to fruition, the San Francisco 49ers still bet on the defensive lineman with this year's 11th overall draft pick.

Two things held Williams back during his final season on campus. He never became a consistent pass-rush threat off the edge and didn't produce at a high level. An ankle injury slowed him throughout the process, though.

Niners personnel are banking on Williams' potential.

"He's someone we think still has a lot of untapped upside," director of player personnel Tariq Ahmad told The Athletic's Matt Barrows. "He's someone we're going to have to teach how to get off the ball the way we get off the ball. He is a powerful, heavy guy. He's got twitch, he’s got short area movement, he's got instincts."

A fully-realized Williams opposite Nick Bosa is nightmare fuel for opposing offensive coordinators.

Seattle Seahawks: QB Sam Darnold

AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Which version of quarterback Sam Darnold with the Seattle Seahawks get? Will he revert back to the first-round bust who bounced between three teams in his six season, or will he continue to play like a Pro Bowl quarterback, as he did with the Minnesota Vikings last season?

The Seahawks invested in the later incarnation, hence the three-year, $100.5 million free-agent contract.

"I'm most excited about the person, the leader, the teammate, that guy that we get to work with every day," Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said shortly after the signing. "I think he's in a great spot from our conversations. I think he's energized, he's driven and just like the rest of us in the building, so he's going to fit right in."

Truth is, Darnold is entering a whole new situation with a new offensive coordinator, albeit one with a similar system to the one he just left, and an all-new surrounding cast. To be fair, he did the same a year ago and flourished. However, the Seahawks aren't set up for success like the Vikings were. How successful Seattle is now falls squarely on the shoulders of the quarterback.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Emeka Egbuka

AP Photo/Chris O'Meara

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have an embarrassment of riches among their wide receivers. The organization's decision to select Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka with this year's 19th overall pick makes the group nearly impossible to match up against as a defense.

"[Egbuka] was super-high on our board," general manager Jason Licht told reporters. "You know, top-10 on our board, kind of stood out like a sore thumb."

Licht added, "Adding another great receiver—Todd [Bowles] has said all along... a good offense can help a defense. It's about scoring points, and it's exciting to add him to the mix."

Egbuka was simultaneously the best route-runner and slot receiver in this year's class. His skill set does overlap to a degree with the returning Chris Godwin. Yet the Bucs can easily go four-wide with Godwin, Egbuka, Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan. Defenses will be forced to pick their poison at that point.

Tennessee Titans: QB Cam Ward

AP Photo/George Walker IV

This year's No. 1 overall provides an obvious starting point for the Tennessee Titans.

Cam Ward is now the team's future at the game's most important position after hearing name called first among the 2024 class. The Titans have taken big swings at addressing quarterback since the franchise moved from Houston, but the likes of Vince Young, Jake Locker and Marcus Mariota didn't work out in the franchise's favor.

Wards serves as the franchise's latest hope, and he presents the type of natural throwing ability and playmaking skills to eventually reach elite status. While that may be true, the error lines for Ward are vast based on how those around the league saw the quarterback prospect.

“In the big picture, I think taking Cam Ward was a no-brainer for them," a front office executive told The Athletic's Mike Sando, "but if it was last year’s draft, Ward probably would have been the fourth (QB)."

To be fair, the trio of Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye went first, second and third overall in 2024. The statement doesn't necessarily downplay Ward as a top-10 talent, though that's the standard those around the league are looking at when evaluating what the Titans have in place.

Washington Commanders: WR Deebo Samuel

AP Photo/Scot Tucker

Jayden Daniels earned his designation as a franchise quarterback during his rookie season. The Washington Commanders then became tasked with properly building around the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

General manager Adam Peters did so through two huge trades. First, the Commanders acquired wide receiver Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers. Then, the organization traded for left tackle Laremy Tunsil after five Pro Bowl seasons with the Houston Texans.

Either could be included as the most dangerous acquisition for different reasons, though Samuel adds a far more literal translation because of what he can do with the ball in his hands.

"[He's] so damn tough," one NFC coach told ESPN's John Keim.

With McLaurin working one side of the field and Samuel providing an option near the line of scrimmage or working underneath routes, Daniels now has two major threats that defenses must account for at all times. One asterisk comes with Samuel's implementation, though: He must avoid the injuries that have slowed him at times.