NFL Draft Buzz: Inside The Top 10

An abundance of NFL teams are jockeying for position in an attempt to move up for a franchise quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Apr 04, 2024

(Photo: USC Quarterback Caleb Williams Courtesy of NFL)

We are three weeks away from the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit, Michigan. Much of the focus surrounds the quarterback class, which could see up to six signal-callers selected in the first round.

The first two picks appear to be locked in, as the Chicago Bears have made it well known that Caleb Williams of USC will be the No.1 overall choice. Meanwhile, strong indications have linked LSU gunslinger Jayden Daniels to the Washington Commanders with the No.2 selection.

At No.3 things could begin to get interesting. With Michigan man JJ McCarthy shooting up draft boards, the New England Patriots could solve their quarterback dilemma. However, they could be tempted to trade down if they are made an offer too good to refuse. It has been well known that the New York Giants, who hold the No.6 pick, are very much interested in moving up for a quarterback. The question remains how much of the future are they willing to mortgage?

The Minnesota Vikings would seem to own the most draft equity, currently holding picks No.11 and No.23. One would think a package of those two selections, plus another first round pick in 2025 would be enough to get them to No.3 but it hasn’t happened, yet. Ultimately, Minnesota may have to settle for No.4, which could still work out.

In the above scenario, North Carolina signal-caller Drake Maye would remain on the board. The Vikings want to reunite Maye with QB coach Josh McCown. Should New England stand pat, the Arizona Cardinals who hold the No.4 pick would stand to benefit. If Minnesota opts to stick with Sam Darnold, the New Orleans Saints at No.12 and Las Vegas Raiders at No.13 are said to be interested in moving up.

It would truly be a historic feat to see quarterbacks chosen with the first four selections of the NFL Draft for the first time in league history. It’s the result of supply and demand. With so many QB-needy teams, we shouldn’t count out the entire top five all being quarterbacks!

It may not be too far-fetched.

Washington Huskies gunslinger Michael Penix has been making the rounds of late. In fact, Penix met with both the Giants and Vikings last week. He also met with the Broncos and Raiders this week.

The Los Angeles Chargers sitting at No.5 have let it be known that the pick is open for business. It’s very possible that the Chargers find themselves fielding phone calls for teams seeking to move up in front of the Giants at No.6.

Once the quarterback pecking order is determined, expect a scramble for the ‘Big Three’ wideouts: Marvin Harrison Jr. of Ohio State, Malik Nabers of LSU and Rome Odunze of Washington; all of whom are projected to land inside the top-ten. At current glance, the Cardinals (No.4), Chargers (No.5), Giants (No.6) and Tennessee Titans (No.7) would all be in the market.

[WATCH]: Ric Serritella rages on the NFL Draft with SIRIUSXM host Gabriel Morency!

While quarterbacks and wideouts will dominate the top-ten, it’s the offensive linemen who will be called most frequently on Day 1.

Look for a wave (up to 10) of offensive linemen to be chosen during the remainder of the first round picks, including a slew of offensive tackles led by mammoth Notre Dame left tackle Joe Alt. This is considered to be the deepest position group of this year’s draft but buyer beware; they’ll be gone by Day 2.

When you tally it all up, the three offensive positions: QB, WR and OT, will likely account for about 75% of the first round draft selections.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, running backs and tight ends will almost be non-existent inside the top 50 overall. A commodity such as Georgia tight end Brock Bowers, considered a blue-chip prospect, could suddenly find himself sliding on draft night. The biggest winner could be Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets who pick at No.10. How does general manager Joe Douglas not pull the trigger when presented such a script?

What about D-E-F-E-N-S-E?

The top ten will clearly be lopsided with offense. One could state a case for the Atlanta Falcons to buck that trend picking at No.8 overall. Otherwise, the Bears at No.9 could come away with the top quarterback and the highest rated defensive prospect on their board! The two leading candidates would appear to be Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner and Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell.

While North Carolina State linebacker Payton Wilson comes with some medical concerns, from a pure talent standpoint, he could very well wind up as the best defender to emerge from the Class of 2024. Don’t be surprised if there is a team willing to run the risk and select him earlier than what has been anticipated.

One other name who could dart up the first round is Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean, who has been medically cleared for physical activities after suffering a fractured fibula late in the season. DeJean will conduct a personal pro day workout on April 8th for NFL teams, which could help him recapture some of his first round buzz. Known as an athletic freak be on the lookout for some eye-popping numbers this Monday.

*NFL Draft Alert: Be sure to check out our 2024 NFL Draft preview series on Boston Sports Journal for in-depth analysis on each position group.

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