Trey Wingo tells Chase Daniel why he believes Caleb Williams is inheriting a perfect situation in Chicago, going so far as to say Justin Fields would still be the Bears QB if he had the supporting cast Williams does.

Insider Ari Meirov goes through some of the top remaining free agents and gives teams that have shown interest, including Odell Beckham Jr. & the Miami Dolphins.

Matthew Stafford has three years left on his contract with the Los Angeles Rams, but only next season includes guaranteed money. Insider Ari Meirov explains the contract dilemma and what happens next between the two sides. 

Insider Ari Meirov gives the inside scoop behind what really happened with the Atlanta Falcons taking Michael Penix Jr. in the draft and why their new HC Raheem Morris was the driving force.

Chase Daniel loves the Los Angeles Chargers' first NFL Draft under Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz, explaining why WR Ladd McConkey is an immediate star for Justin Herbert and how Joe Alt will help anchor Harbaugh's new offensive line.

The 2024 NFL Draft is complete, and rosters across the NFL are mostly set. This gives us a better idea of what teams could look like this season, and we can get a better idea of each team's quality and start to predict which one will be the best.

Today, we’re going to predict the five best offenses in the league. This is a season-long prediction of the best overall units, and because we’re only selecting five, some offenses will be left off. Just because your favorite team is not on this list does not mean their offense will be bad. The 10th-best offense is still really good. 

Offense is more sustainable from year to year than defense, so there might not be much fluctuation at the top of this list compared with how these teams performed last season.

We’ll follow up with the top five defenses later in the week.

NFL's Top 5 Offenses after 2024 Draft

5. Buffalo Bills

Even with some roster turnover this offseason, it’s hard to predict that a Josh Allen-led offense will fall out of the top five. Last season, the Buffalo Bills finished third in offensive DVOA and fourth in EPA per play.

The midseason offensive coordinator switch from Ken Dorsey to Joe Brady saw the Bills' overall efficiency drop a bit. But it also came with a more sustainable game plan that should continue to grow as Brady gets a full offseason to design the offense.

Part of that drop was an emphasis on the short middle of the field, where Allen threw more often during the second half of the season. With that, Buffalo had a higher success rate. Those passes kept the ball out of danger. That played a part in limiting the turnovers from the first half of the season when Allen felt compelled to force the ball into tight windows on third down.

We could see the Bills evolve into the 2022-23 Chiefs offenses, which worked underneath and stayed efficient instead of trying to create explosive plays downfield. That could work for a receiving corps that now includes Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel and Keon Coleman.

All three can take the ball and run to create after the catch. The biggest issue might be finding out how to split the alignments of those receivers.

Shakir was one of the most explosive players on a per-reception basis last season but did most of his damage in the slot (2.21 yards per route run vs 0.58 out wide). Samuel’s best season was with Brady in Carolina when he played a slot-heavy role. Coleman’s best-projected role could be as a power slot, where his size and run-after-the-catch ability can be most successful.

Allen went from 44 percent of his passing yards after the catch under Dorsey to 47 percent under Brady. At the same time, Allen’s rate of completions that went for a first down or touchdown rose from 50.4 percent to 54 percent. 

The offensive coordinator change included a bigger emphasis on the running game, which should continue and allow the Bills to extend drives. This group includes James Cook, rookie Ray Davis and Allen. Allen had a higher scramble rate and double the number of designed runs with Brady.

That won't be how the Bills want to live on offense, but it will continue to be an area where Allen adds value. 

4. Los Angeles Rams

By the end of 2023, the Los Angeles Rams had one of the league's best offenses. Coach Sean McVay reinvented the offense on the fly and adjusted how the Rams could attack opposing defenses.

They’ve continued to lean into that transition with the big bodies on the offensive line. They re-signed Kevin Dotson and added Jonah Jackson. Los Angeles will move Steve Avila to center, giving the team one of the league's biggest interior offensive lines.

That will lead to more power running up the middle, where the Rams found success last season. It also led to more play-action with heavier or more condensed formations.

McVay’s offense initially started as the under-center play-action base with the receivers in condensed splits. When the Rams traded for Matthew Stafford, their offense expanded horizontally with more empty formations and Stafford throwing down the field often. The shift has come back, with Stafford only using empty on 11.4 percent of plays in 2023. That rate was 20.2 percent in 2022 and 29.7 percent in 2021.

Recently, there have been fewer passing plays with five players running a route. That rate dropped to 71 percent from the mid-to-high 70s during the previous two seasons. Many of the four-man routes came off play-action — but from pistol, where the Rams added that element that meshed the shotgun passing game with the under-center run game.

Those pistol looks often came with a quick passing game — Stafford averaged 2.11 seconds to throw — but an evolution to add more downfield passing could create more explosive plays.

If there is a concern for this offense, it’s the lack of a true deep threat. Still, Stafford was seventh in EPA per play on throws of 15 or more air yards last season.

However the passing game is structured, with Stafford throwing to Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, the Rams can keep their efficiency up. Stafford was third among quarterbacks in EPA per play last season. 

Los Angeles could also have a balance in efficiency with a strong run game behind that offensive line. Kyren Williams was one of the more effective backs last season — second in EPA per rush — as he bounced off defenders with the seventh-highest rate of yards after contact per attempt. The Rams liked Williams’s playing style so much that they drafted his clone in Blake Corum with a third-round pick. 

These two backs could have more running room with the bigger offensive line, and they should consistently break tackles at the second level. 

3. Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs weathered through their toughest offensive season in the Patrick Mahomes era and still won the Super Bowl. Last year’s offense was 11th in EPA per play and eighth in DVOA. It was even worse through the second half of the season when it ranked 21st in EPA per play.

There are plenty of questions about Kansas City’s offense, but this team still has Mahomes. That’s always going to quell some concerns.

But there are also positive signs of improvement. After years of the low aDOT, ball-control passing offense on early downs, the Chiefs could be back to hunting for explosives. Kansas City signed Marquise Brown in free agency and drafted Xavier Worthy in the first round. 

Those two have similar skill sets — one the Chiefs haven’t had since they traded Tyreek Hill. Marquez Valdes-Scantling was supposed to bring a vertical element to the offense, but that never panned out. During his Chiefs career, Valdes-Scantling only averaged a yard per route run, with 0.86 yards per route run on the outside.

Brown and Worthy are field stretchers who can open up the underneath areas for Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice (whenever he is on the field) and convert on downfield targets.

Mahomes was just 28th in EPA per play on throws of 20 or more air yards last season. He also had the third-highest drop rate among quarterbacks on those throws. With just a little more consistent receiver play, the Chiefs could be back to banging out explosive plays deep down the field.

If that fails, there is still Kelce.

He could have a better season in 2024 despite turning 35 years old in August. Kelce started last season injured and missed the opening game against the Lions. After that, the Chiefs slow-played him in the offense until he was really needed down the stretch when the offense ran through Rice and Kelce in the playoffs.

He got his contract re-done, adding more guaranteed money in the next two seasons, and there does not appear to be any lingering concerns about Kelce’s health. He averaged 2.41 yards per route run in the playoffs after 1.92 in the regular season, which still ranked fourth among tight ends. 

The Chiefs have spent the past two seasons solving problems on offense, and now they’re building to be the ones creating problems for opposing defenses.

2. Miami Dolphins

Even with how the past two seasons ended for the Miami Dolphins, they’ve spent most of that time as one of the league's best offenses. That should continue. What makes Miami’s offensive production so impressive is how it’s evolved in the two years under coach Mike McDaniel.

During the 2022 season, the Dolphins caught defenses off-guard with how fast the passing game could be. That ranged from the speed of the receivers to the quickness of Tua Tagovailoa’s release, which allowed the offense to target plays down the field faster than any other offense.

The Dolphins continued with their quick and explosive passing game last season and added a quick and explosive run game to the mix. Miami was third in EPA per dropback and first in EPA per rush. Only one other team was in the top five of both metrics.

Miami’s important skill position players will all return, and more potentially explosive players were added. Hill and Jaylen Waddle will remain the passing game's focus, making life easier for everyone around them.

Jonnu Smith was signed as a free agent to add more yards-after-the-catch ability from the tight end spot. Malik Washington, a receiver out of Virginia, was drafted in the sixth round and could have an immediate role in three-receiver sets.

On the ground, the Dolphins return Raheem Mostert, who led the league in rushing touchdowns, and De’Von Achane. Achane led all running backs in EPA per rush and averaged 7.8 yards per carry on 103 attempts as a rookie. Miami also drafted Tennessee’s Jaylen Wright, who ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the combine. 

The Dolphins' concerns center more on whether this offense can rely on a dropback passing game late in the season or when trailing late in games. That’s a legitimate concern, but it is more of an issue for Miami’s hopes as a title contender rather than for its place as one of the most productive offenses throughout the season.

That’s the balance Miami has to find. There’s been an element added to this offense each season, and if the Dolphins can find a way to adjust from the quick-hitting passes and outside run game, the offensive production could be a bigger factor at the end of the year.

1. San Francisco 49ers

With how much better the San Francisco 49ers' offense was than everyone else’s last season, there could be some major regression, and they would still have the NFL’s top offense. By offensive DVOA, there was the same gap between San Francisco and the next team as there was between the No. 2 team and the No. 8 team. 

Like McVay and the Rams, Kyle Shanahan's offense shifted a bit in scheme. There was less under-center play-action off the wide zone run game, which was what the Jimmy Garoppolo era thrived on. Instead, the deception was based more on the personnel before the snap than the run fake after it.

San Francisco still has the league’s most versatile set of offensive players, and Shanahan has weaponized that to a near-impossible-to-defend level.

Positional versatility is nice for a singular player, but if the other players are static, it doesn’t do much to help an offense. That’s not a problem because the 49ers have players like Christian McCaffrey, Kyle Juszczyk, Deebo Samuel and George Kittle, who can line up anywhere on a given play.

McCaffrey’s acquisition changed the San Francisco offense midway through the 2022 season, and that blossomed into an Offensive Player of the Year award for the running back in 2023. In San Francisco's offense, McCaffrey can be an effective runner while being a receiving threat out of the backfield, from the slot or on the shuffle motion that combines the two.

Of course, it also helped that the 49ers have a quarterback who executed the offense to near perfection. Brock Purdy handled the schemed-up Garoppolo throws while adding more throws out-of-structure and down the field. Purdy was far and away the most efficient quarterback in football last season by EPA per play.

This might be the last year the 49ers are constructed in this exact way. There is a contract dispute for a Brandon Aiyuk extension, and Deebo Samuel was involved in trade rumors during the draft.

But as long as the 49ers go into this season with these players still in place — and even arguably if they lose one of them — it’s nearly impossible to say that any other offense will be definitively better.

The 2024 NFL Draft will be franchise-changing for a handful of organizations. Hitting on a star or two in a draft class makes winning much easier. Of course, the teams with the most draft picks had the easiest path to improving their rosters, but it's not as easy as making more selections.

We've whittled our list of this year's best draft classes to six. These teams have earned the title of one of the most improved rosters after the draft. These hauls featured significant talent across multiple positions and addressed key needs.

>> READ: Grading Every 2024 NFL Draft Pick

Most Improved Rosters After 2024 NFL Draft

Arizona Cardinals

With seven selections within the top 90 and eight by the time the 104th pick passed, the Arizona Cardinals added a massive amount of talent to their barren roster. 

In total, 11 rookies will be fighting to make the team's final 53-man roster, and the majority have a good shot of earning at least a backup spot, considering the lack of depth across it. The class will be defined not only by this newfound depth but, of course, by the star power that emerges.

Marvin Harrison Jr. is as close to a sure thing as any athlete entering the league. Arizona desperately needed a playmaker, and the team gave Kyler Murray his in-his-prime version of DeAndre Hopkins.

Murray will also benefit from the additions of RB Trey Benson, IOL Isaiah Adams and blocking TE Tip Reiman. The latter was a reach, considering there were better receiving options on the board, but Arizona is looking for Trey McBride’s complement instead of a replacement. Adams should slide into the starting left guard job right away.

Benson is especially exciting because Arizona already has James Conner, so the explosive rookie from Florida State is the perfect platoon partner for the veteran. Both players can stay fresher and more efficient with a capable option ready to swap in.

The Cardinals' defensive additions will significantly help the secondary. First-round EDGE Darius Robinson's game is similar to Jadeveon Clowney's, so his physicality, versatility and effort give him Year 1 impact expectations. 

Then, the four rookies added to the defensive backfield can compete for playing time in the NFL's worst cornerback room.

>> READ: Marvin Harrison Jr.'s Scouting Report

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have put together consecutive excellent draft hauls. 

Knowing they have two starting-caliber quarterbacks on the roster but are lacking the blocking talent to help them, the Steelers aggressively addressed the offense. It's impossible to be upset with how this class played out for them.

First-round OT Troy Fautanu was projected to go as high as the 10th overall pick before the draft. His immediate ability to play is a massive boost for a team that lacked a decent starting option at left tackle. Fautanu plays very well within his skill set and is as consistent as they come, so his impact should be tangible. 

Then, the addition of C Zach Frazier in the second round further bolstered the unit. He was in play to be a late first-round pick, so Pittsburgh found most teams' top-ranked center at a tremendous value. Frazier's strength and pass-blocking ability stand out, complementing a line that needed more of a power presence.

The other significant value was LB Payton Wilson. Pittsburgh has lacked athletic, instinctual playmakers at the position for years, so finding Wilson and pairing him with Patrick Queen makes a lot of sense. Wilson's injury history likely caused his slide, but he moves incredibly well with his 6-foot-4, 237-pound frame.

Day 3 additions Mason McCormick and Logan Lee stand out as potential contributors down the road. McCormick likely has the easiest path to playing time and could replace OL James Daniels in 2025. McCormick plays too upright, but that's something he can hone in on this season.

We also like UDFA signee Beanie Bishop Jr. The West Virginia slot cornerback should push to play in 2024 — he boasts incredible ball skills and natural athleticism. He went undrafted because he played only one season with the Mountaineers and turns 25 soon, so he aged out of most teams' draft guidelines. 

>> READ: Why Zach Frazier Was Such a Steal for Steelers

Washington Commanders

Like Arizona, the Washington Commanders had a bevy of top-100 picks, making their job easier. Taking Jayden Daniels at No. 2 will either be tremendous or they'll be left wondering whether they made the right decision if the LSU star doesn't outplay the quarterbacks taken behind him. 

However, he's an upgrade on what the team has had in quite some time.

Adding three second-rounders and two third-rounders should pay off quickly. Although it remains to be seen whether Washington erred by passing on an offensive tackle in Round 2, third-round selection Brandon Coleman is experienced at the position, and 2023 fourth-rounder Braeden Daniels can compete for the role. 

CB Mike Sainristil should quickly take to Dan Quinn's aggressive defense, and TE Ben Sinnott is a natural offensive weapon who can move all around the field.

Washington's draft was a mixed bag of value, with second-round DT Jer'Zhan Newton especially standing out as a huge positive net addition. Sinnott, Sainristil and third-round WR Luke McCaffrey aren’t good values relative to their expected draft range, but only McCaffrey sticks out as a questionable selection.

One factor in Washington's draft plan was the status of its roster entering the event. The team added a ton of depth and executed a balanced approach, adding players with upside and the ability to provide immediate help. 

That's not an easy line to toe, but this class looks solid, considering how the board fell for the Commanders. 

>> READ: Jayden Daniels Scouting Report

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears did more with less, which is tough when other teams had double or triple the number of picks to use. 

Obviously, landing Caleb Williams at No. 1 should alter the franchise's fate, but the Bears' class goes beyond the explosive quarterback. Even if Chicago is considered lucky to grab WR Rome Odunze at No. 9, its remaining three picks show that the Bears prepared for several outcomes.

Grabbing Odunze instead of an offensive tackle or the draft's first defensive player is a bold call. There was a long-term need for a receiver, given Keenan Allen is in the final year of his contract. Chicago didn't view left tackle as a critical need and stuck with their board's top-remaining player.

Odunze and Williams are a dream pairing based on their skill sets. They seemed pretty close during the pre-draft process, so they already have chemistry. While Chicago could've used another impact defensive end, this class didn’t have great options.

Instead, fifth-round pick Austin Booker fills the developmental role. Built similarly to Montez Sweat, Booker is raw and inexperienced. His size and athleticism are impressive, though, and seeing him fall out of Day 2 was shocking.

Third-round pick Kiran Amegadjie also stood out as a good value. The versatile, strong blocker can line up at tackle or guard, providing great depth. He was in the mix to go in Round 2, but a season-ending injury late in the year usurped some of his momentum.

>> READ: Caleb Williams Scouting Report

Kansas City Chiefs

It's not great for the rest of the league when the defending Super Bowl champions improve. 

It was stunning to see the Buffalo Bills hand the Kansas City Chiefs Xavier Worthy in a trade that sent shockwaves across the league. 

While Worthy wasn't an elite prospect, giving Patrick Mahomes another speedster who thrives with the ball in his hands looks like a big mistake. The Chiefs just won two titles with a lackluster receiving unit and now have Worthy, Marquise Brown, Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice. Plus, fourth-round TE Jared Wiley gives Mahomes another middle-of-the-field target.

The ensuing picks might help Kansas City even more. The Chiefs added three blockers to one of the best lines in the league, and second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia was one of the best athletes in the class. He'll seamlessly slide into the left tackle role, while fifth-round pick Hunter Nourzad allows the Chiefs to consider moving Creed Humphrey to guard when Trey Smith's contract is up.

Day 3 defensive backs Jaden Hicks and Kamal Hadden round out the impressive class. Hadden's profile is strikingly similar to L'Jarius Sneed's, and Hadden could be the team's next late-round gem. Hicks is a hard-hitter with coverage potential, but he won't be forced onto the field in 2024. 

>> READ: Chiefs Get Two of Draft's Biggest Steals

New York Giants

While the New York Giants rolled the dice by passing on quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix, their roster is better today. 

Adding star WR Malik Nabers changes the ceiling for a unit that ranked last in plays of 20 or more yards in 2022 and the bottom three last year. But New York also added TE Theo Johnson and RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. to its offense.

Johnson and Tracy were two of the draft’s most athletic playmakers, ranking in the 99th percentile for combine scores in the last 37 years. Injecting their speed will help everyone, including coach Brian Daboll and QB Daniel Jones, do their jobs better. 

Even in smaller roles, the Giants' offense got a little scarier. 

The defense might've received an even bigger boost, which is impressive, considering they allocated only three picks to the unit. Tyler Nubin is an elite ballhawk as a single-high safety, mitigating the loss of Xavier McKinney and giving the unit more flexibility. He's joined by the fluid and speedy corner Andru Phillips. 

Overall, New York is faster and less predictable. There's less pressure on unreliable players than there was last season, and this staff can get more creative.

>> READ: Malik Nabers Scouting Report

The 2024 NFL Draft is now history. It will take at least two years to know how many star or productive players emerged from it. Still, it’s an interesting exercise to make an immediate judgment on how teams did by grading their drafts.

So here we go.

2024 NFL Draft Grades

AFC East

Buffalo Bills: B

When I was an NFL executive, I never wanted to trade out of the first round and have the players we passed on come back to haunt us.

The Buffalo Bills traded with the team they’re trying to catch in the AFC — the Kansas City Chiefs — dropping from pick No. 28 to No. 32. Then, they moved to the top of the second round in a trade with Carolina.

The Bills needed a big draft after losing several starters due to salary cap issues. They picked a much-needed wide receiver at No. 33 in Keon Coleman, who is big and brings athleticism, but they allowed the Chiefs to grab the speedy Xavier Worthy.

Cole Bishop fills a need at safety after Jordan Poyer departed. Duke DT DeWayne Carter is talented and versatile. Ray Davis is a good running back who should rotate in behind James Cook. Sedrick Van Pran-Granger is a value pick in the fifth round with the versatility to play all three interior o-line spots.

Miami Dolphins: B-

Chop Robinson is a good athlete with upside. He fills a need at edge rusher with Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb coming off major injuries. Robinson has speed and power and will be in the rotation as a rookie — or possibly will be a starter — but he needs to improve his run defense.

The Miami Dolphins had a bigger need in the interior offensive line than at tackle. Patrick Paul has size and moves well, so he should help protect Tua Tagovailoa. RB Jaylen Wright adds more game-breaking speed to Miami’s already prolific offensive arsenal and is an excellent value in the fourth round (7.4 yards per carry last season).

EDGE Mohamed Kamara is skilled with a high motor. The two Washingtons — Virginia's Malik Washington and USC's Tahj Washington — have a chance to excel as slot receivers.

New England Patriots: B+

The New England Patriots were wise not to trade out of the No. 3 spot, and they drafted a potential franchise quarterback in Drake Maye. He has a strong arm but needs to improve his consistency.

Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker are talented wide receivers and should be excellent targets for Maye. Caedan Wallace and Layden Robinson will be solid pass protectors. Marcellas Dial is a playmaking cornerback, and QB Joe Milton brings a big arm, while TE Jaheim Bell is a high-value pick in the seventh round.

New York Jets: B+

The New York Jets made a good move to drop one spot and gain extra picks from the Vikings, who weren't going to take an offensive tackle.

Aaron Rodgers will be happy to have Olu Fashanu join veteran tackles Tyron Smith (who is injury-prone) and Morgan Moses to fortify a problem area during the past few years. Fashanu has the physical tools to be a Pro Bowl left tackle but has room for improvement with his technique.

Rodgers also will like Malachi Corley, a great run-after-catch receiver who was a former running back. Braelon Allen is a big running back who will complement Breece Hall. Jordan Travis will be an interesting development project at quarterback. Qwan'tez Stiggers is a former CFL player (Toronto Argonauts) who is a talented corner.

AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens: B+

The Baltimore Ravens always seem to draft well — and that's the case this year.

CB Nate Wiggins is tall and has excellent ball skills, but he needs to bulk up his lean frame to compete with the more physical receivers and play the run better. We’ll see how he pans out compared to other talented cornerbacks in this draft like Cooper DeJean and Kool-Aid McKinstry, who were available at No. 30.

Roger Rosengarten fills an offensive line need as a versatile player who could start soon at right tackle. Adisa Isaac is a good pass rusher who can help replace Jadeveon Clowney. Devontez Walker adds a deep threat for Lamar Jackson.

Several good prospects are among the Ravens' late-round picks, including T.J. Tampa, a skilled corner; Devin Leary, a strong-armed quarterback; and Nick Samac, a powerful interior offensive lineman and fine run blocker.

Cincinnati Bengals: B

The Cincinnati Bengals made their offensive line a priority to protect Joe Burrow. Amarius Mims is an athletic big man who should replace Trent Brown at right tackle by 2025 (if not this coming season), but Mims battled injuries in college.

DT Kris Jenkins is strong against the run as a replacement for D.J. Reader, but Jenkins needs to improve as a pass rusher. DT McKinnley Jackson also will help the run defense.

Jermaine Burton is a downfield threat and could replace Tee Higgins in 2025. Erick All can be a future starter as a quality blocking and receiving tight end if he can stay healthy, and Tanner McLachlan further fortifies the position. CB Josh Newton allowed only one touchdown last season.    

Cleveland Browns: C-

Due to the Deshaun Watson trade, the Cleveland Browns once again lacked picks — they had no first or fourth-round picks this year.

Michael Hall Jr. should help as an interior pass rusher but needs to play better against the run. Zak Zinter is coming off a leg injury, but he didn't allow a sack last season and should start soon at guard. WR Jamari Thrash is a good fifth-round pick for depth with his speed and run-after-catch ability. LB Nathaniel Watson and CB Myles Harden should make the team as depth players on defense and good special teamers.

Pittsburgh Steelers: A

The Pittsburgh Steelers were looking to upgrade their offensive line, and they succeeded. Troy Fautanu can play guard or tackle and should start at left tackle. He’s athletic and can be a dominant run blocker and pass protector for Russell Wilson or Justin Fields (two quarterbacks who get sacked a lot). Zach Frazier was a high school wrestling champ and can play guard or center.

Roman Wilson is a good wide receiver with excellent hands and should be a solid downfield replacement for Diontae Johnson. Payton Wilson fell from a late first-round talent due to knee concerns, but he’s an athletic linebacker in the Steelers' mold. IOL Mason McCormick will add quality depth, as should DT Logan Lee and CB Ryan Watts on defense.

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans: B

After trading out of the first round (for two second-rounders, including one next year), the Houston Texans addressed a need at corner with Kamari Lassiter, a solid player with speed who plays physically despite his size. But he’ll need to bulk up and improve his technique in coverage.

Blake Fisher is talented but needs further development as a likely future starter at tackle. Calen Bullock brings third-round value as a playmaking safety. TE Cade Stover is an excellent pick in the fourth round and joins his former college quarterback at Ohio State: C.J. Stroud. Stover will pair well with Dalton Schultz.

Jamal Hill should be a good special teamer and is an effective linebacker in coverage. Jawhar Jordan is a big-play running back who adds depth behind Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce.

Indianapolis Colts: B+

Laiatu Latu is a fascinating story. He was told his career was over due to a neck injury, but he battled back to become a top edge defender who had 13 sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions in 2023. He can win with power or speed as a pass rusher and run defender. If he stays healthy, he could be one of the steals of this draft at No. 15 overall.

Adonai Mitchell is an explosive receiver who provides Anthony Richardson with a quality target to pair with Michael Pittman Jr.

The Indianapolis Colts also picked two quality offensive linemen — Matt Goncalves adds depth and versatility, and Tanor Bortolini allowed only one sack in 2023 at center (and can play guard). Anthony Gould is a smaller receiver who is a deep threat and a fine returner.

The last four picks (S Jaylon Carlies, S Jaylin Simpson, CB Micah Abraham and DT Jonah Laulu) add depth to help a defense that ranked 28th in points allowed last season.  

Jacksonville Jaguars: B

The Jacksonville Jaguars traded down six spots from No. 17 to No. 23, picking up three picks from the Vikings (including a 2025 second-rounder). But Jacksonville still landed an explosive downfield target for Trevor Lawrence in Brian Thomas Jr. He’ll replace Calvin Ridley as a top-three receiver with upside. Still, he needs to improve as a route runner to become truly elite.

DT Maason Smith will help the defensive front as he refines his game. Jarrian Jones addresses the team's need for a versatile, athletic corner. Javon Foster adds depth at offensive tackle and could move inside.

CB Deantre Prince is a possible fifth-round sleeper who is a fine athlete. RB Keilan Robinson brings kick-return ability, and Cam Little is a productive kicker with a good shot to win the starting job.

Tennessee Titans: B

JC Latham is a massive tackle who fills a major need for the Tennessee Titans. He’ll combine with the Titans' top pick last year, Peter Skoronski, to form a talented left side of the line.

DT T'Vondre Sweat is another big body who was picked early in the second round despite his recent DWI arrest and concerns about his conditioning. LB Cedric Gray is a terrific run defender with quickness. Jarvis Brownlee Jr. is a potential future starter at cornerback.

The Titans added a speedy receiver and returner in WR Jha'Quan Jackson, and Jaylen Harrell could be a sleeper as a rotational edge rusher.

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos: B-

Sean Payton is staking his future with the Denver Broncos on his ability to develop Bo Nix into a top NFL quarterback, one worthy of being picked No. 12 overall.

Nix went earlier than projected, but he certainly provides upside over Jarrett Stidham. Nix doesn't have elite arm strength but is an accurate passer who makes good decisions and can scramble. He has a ton of experience at the college level (61 starts in five years). 

Jonah Elliss is a productive edge player — he had 13 sacks last season — at a position of need for the Broncos. Denver found good value in WR Troy Franklin and CB Kris Abrams-Draine at their mid-round spots. Franklin reunites with his college quarterback (Nix), and Abrams-Draine is a solid cover corner. Audric Estime runs with power and elusiveness.

Kansas City Chiefs: A-

Kudos to the Super Bowl champs — who were scheduled to pick last in the first round — for their continued excellent work in the draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs traded up to No. 28 and picked the draft’s fastest player: Xavier Worthy, who posted a record 40-yard time (4.21 seconds) at the NFL Combine. He’s the deep threat the team has been seeking since trading Tyreek Hill, but Worthy needs to gain weight while retaining his quickness and speed.

Kingsley Suamataia is a fine pick who should be a future starter at left tackle. Jared Wiley is a fast and reliable tight end who is a fourth-round bargain and will learn from the league’s best — Travis Kelce. Hunter Nourzad is a versatile interior offensive lineman who adds depth and could be a future starter.

Las Vegas Raiders: B-

The Las Vegas Raiders couldn't trade up for a quarterback, so their consolation prize is a top-10 caliber talent and the draft’s best tight end: Brock Bowers. He’ll team up with last year’s second-rounder Michael Mayer to give Gardner Minshew or Aidan O’Connell one of the league's best tight end duos.

Jackson Powers-Johnson fills a need at guard; he allowed only one quarterback pressure last season. Delmar Glaze is a bit of a reach at offensive tackle and might be better suited to play guard. Decamerion Richardson is a physical cornerback who should contribute early.

Tommy Eichenberg is a fine inside linebacker and should be a quality special teamer. Dylan Laube is a good receiving back and special teams player. S Trey Taylor is a smart seventh-round pick — he was the Jim Thorpe award winner last season, given to the best college defensive back.

Los Angeles Chargers: A-

Jim Harbaugh's influence is obvious in this draft. He wants a physical team that’s stout in the trenches and protects Justin Herbert. Joe Alt has the physical ability and flawless technique to be an elite NFL tackle for years to come.

The Los Angeles Chargers needed wide receiver help after trading Keenan Allen and releasing Mike Williams. Ladd McConkey battled injuries and had only 30 catches for 478 yards last season, but if he bulks up and stays healthy, he can be a fine NFL receiver, especially out of the slot with his quickness and route running.

Harbaugh lobbied for (and the Chargers picked) one of his best defensive players and leaders at Michigan, LB Junior Colson, who is excellent against the run and pass. DT Justin Eboigbe and CB Tarheeb Still will help on defense with their physicality and playmaking ability (Still had five interceptions last season). Still and CB Cam Hart will upgrade the secondary.

Brenden Rice (Jerry Rice’s son) and Cornelius Johnson (another of Harbaugh’s former Wolverines) add to the Chargers' previously thin wide receiver corps.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys: B

The Dallas Cowboys traded down five spots in the first round and picked up a third-round pick from Detroit. They took a big, athletic offensive tackle in Tyler Guyton, who should start immediately, likely at the critical left tackle spot, replacing often-injured Pro Bowler Tyron Smith. Guyton didn’t allow a sack last season and has great upside. However, he needs to improve his technique. 

Marshawn Kneeland is a solid pick who fills a need at edge rusher. 

Dallas took Cooper Beebe with the third-rounder they acquired from the Lions, and he’s a good value where he was picked. He’s a powerful interior offensive line prospect and versatile enough to play tackle if needed. 

Marist Liufau may have gone a bit early in the third round, but if he becomes more consistent, he’ll be a good special teamer and a solid enough linebacker. 

Caelen Carson is an excellent fifth-round pick as a physical and versatile corner or safety. Surprisingly, the Cowboys didn’t take a running back, which opened the door for Ezekiel Elliott’s return.

New York Giants: B+

Despite the rumors, I never believed the New York Giants would pick a first-round quarterback. Daniel Jones was a solid quarterback who won a playoff game in 2022 without a premier wide receiver. As he comes off his ACL injury, he’s undoubtedly happy to welcome an elite receiver prospect in Malik Nabers. 

The former LSU wideout is explosive and close in ability to Marvin Harrison Jr. Nabers had 44 receptions of 20-plus yards over the last two seasons (and 14 touchdowns last season) playing in the SEC. 

Second-rounder Tyler Nubin was the top-ranked safety in the draft. He defends well against the run and pass and will replace Xavier McKinney. 

Andru Phillips adds talent at cornerback and Theo Johnson is an athletic tight end —  a good fourth-round value. He’s insurance if Darren Waller retires or gets hurt and a possible successor. Tyrone Tracy brings speed and explosiveness to the backfield in the later rounds, and Darius Muasau can be a sixth-round find at linebacker and on special teams.

Philadelphia Eagles: A+

The Philadelphia Eagles were determined to improve their pass defense. That group’s struggles were a big part of their late-season collapse. They succeeded, adding two excellent corners in Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. They bring needed youth and talent to the secondary and are great fits for new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s scheme. The highly athletic Mitchell was one of the top-rated corners and a great value at No. 22. 

The Eagles made a beneficial trade-up for DeJean, who played corner and safety at Iowa and can be an outside or slot corner. He’s a playmaker with seven interceptions over the past two seasons and a quality returner. 

Jalyx Hunt is an explosive athlete who should develop into a fine edge player. RB Will Shipley, WR Ainias Smith and WR Johnny Wilson are talented additions on offense and should help on special teams. 

Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is a tremendous fifth-round value at linebacker, and Trevor Keegan and Dylan McMahon will bring more quality depth and potential future starters to the offensive line. This is a great draft for a quality team that needed an influx of talented young players.

Washington Commanders: A

Jayden Daniels injects excitement into the Washington Commanders franchise as a dual-threat quarterback who may be the best signal-caller in this draft. However, he needs a little more bulk to help him stay healthy. 

Jer’Zhan Newton is a great second-round value. He was not a need — the team has Pro Bowl defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne — but perhaps all three can play together on passing downs and otherwise rotate.

The Commanders made a good move to trade down 10 spots in the second round to pick up an extra second-round pick at No. 50 from the Eagles. With that pick, the Commanders took slot corner Mike Sainristil, who brings quickness, solid run defense and impressive ball skills (six interceptions for Michigan last season).

Ben Sinnott fills a tight end need and will be a solid target for Daniels and a good run blocker. The powerful Brandon Coleman should be a starter at guard or tackle, and Luke McCaffrey will add another quality wide receiver. 

Jordan Magee has a high motor and should be a core special teamer and possible starter at linebacker, while Dominique Hampton is a big, athletic safety who should have a role in Dan Quinn’s defense.

NFC North

Chicago Bears: A-

I need to see Caleb Williams play up to his lofty draft status before I believe he’s a future top-five NFL quarterback who will lead the Chicago Bears to great heights. He possesses arm strength, playmaking and off-schedule ability, but he’s also been inconsistent. He threw three interceptions in a 28-point loss at Notre Dame last season. His sense of entitlement also needs to be reined in. Williams will be aided by the Bears’ excellent pick of the athletic and physical Rome Odunze at No. 9 overall. 

Odunze, DJ Moore and Keenan Allen will form one of the best wide receiver trios in the league. The second-round pick dealt for Montez Sweat paid off, as he’s the Bears’ top pass rusher and had his contract extended. 

Kiran Amegadjie can play guard or tackle and can be developed as a future starter as he adjusts from the Ivy League to the NFL. 

Tory Taylor will be a valuable addition as the new punter, and Austin Booker brings pass rush help (nine sacks and 38 pressures in 2023).

Detroit Lions: A-

The Detroit Lions addressed their 27th-ranked pass defense from last season and the departure of corner Cam Sutton by trading up five spots and selecting one of the top corners in the draft — Terrion Arnold. The former Alabama defensive back runs a 4.3-second 40-yard dash, is elite in man coverage and plays the run well. He had five interceptions last season. 

Detroit continued to upgrade its cornerbacks in the second round with the physical Ennis Rakestraw Jr., who does not have top-end speed but is aggressive and instinctive.

Giovanni Manu is a massive (6-foot-7, 352 pounds) and athletic tackle who needs development. Sione Vaki was an athletic college safety, projected as a running back and special teamer at the next level.

DT Mekhi Wingo excels in run defense, and Christian Mahogany could be a sixth-round find as a guard who has allowed only one sack over the last three years. The Lions did not pick an edge rusher as expected.

Green Bay Packers: B

Jordan Morgan will be a fine pass protector for Jordan Love, whether as the long-term left tackle who finally replaces David Bakhtiari or if he’s moved inside to guard. 

Edgerrin Cooper was the first linebacker taken and is a highly productive and athletic player who had 84 tackles, eight sacks and 17 tackles-for-loss last season. The Green Bay Packers traded down four spots and still got Cooper plus a fifth and sixth-round pick. 

Javon Bullard is a versatile safety who will help the secondary, and MarShawn Lloyd is a good back who needs to improve in pass protection. LB Ty’Ron Hopper is an athletic and effective pass rusher who covers well and will help on special teams, as will CB Evan Williams. 

Jacob Monk and Travis Glover add depth to the offensive line, while Kalen King is a good value pick in the seventh round — as is Michael Pratt, who can compete to be Love’s backup.   

Minnesota Vikings: A-

The Minnesota Vikings sweated out the early first round in their search for a rookie quarterback. They wound up a big winner, not having to trade their two No. 1 picks to get J.J. McCarthy. They wisely moved up one spot and got a national champion passer with a 27-1 record as the Michigan starter.

McCarthy made plays when he needed to in Michigan’s run-oriented offense. He’s an excellent athlete and a talented passer and runner. He must bulk up to handle the hits he’ll take in the NFL. Still, McCarthy has the best supporting cast of the six first-round quarterbacks entering the league this season, led by superstar receiver Justin Jefferson and a quarterback-friendly head coach in Kevin O’Connell. 

It was a major coup for the Vikings to trade up for Dallas Turner, perhaps the edge rusher with the most significant upside in the draft. His 4.46-second speed, athleticism and versatility will help replace Danielle Hunter in defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ scheme.

Fourth-round pick Khyree Jackson brings good value at his draft spot as a good man-coverage corner who allowed only one touchdown last season. 

Walter Rouse should be a good depth tackle, and Will Reichard, with his big leg and accuracy from 50-plus yards, has an excellent shot at winning the kicking job. Furthermore, Michael Jurgens could be a sleeper pick as a guard or center.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons: D

Michael Penix Jr. has a good, accurate arm and was highly productive at Washington but battled significant injuries during his college career. If he becomes a great NFL quarterback, I’ll change this grade. Until then, it made no sense for the Atlanta Falcons to pass up a much-needed edge rusher at this spot (or trade down to do so) and pick a quarterback after they gave Kirk Cousins $100 million guaranteed. 

Penix will have to sit for at least two years unless Cousins gets hurt again. Alternatively, the Falcons would take a substantial dead money hit on Cousins if they trade or release him. The Falcons probably didn’t need to give up a third-round pick to move up eight spots in the second round and get a raw player in DT Ruke Orhorhoro who must improve his technique despite his impressive potential. An edge rusher or corner would have helped more. 

They finally got a quality pass rusher in Round 3 with Braelon Trice, who needs to improve his run defense. The Falcons continued the defensive push with solid additions but not likely immediate starters in DT Brandon Dorius and LB JD Bertrand. RB Jase McClellan and WR Casey Washington add skill position depth. 

Overall, a head-scratching draft in Atlanta.

>>READ: Penix Pick Sends a Bad Message to Veterans

Carolina Panthers: C

The Carolina Panthers traded up one spot to the end of the first round to take Xavier Legette, who brings size and speed as a potential quality target for Bryce Young. He had only one good college season, with 71 catches for 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns last season. He needs to improve his technique against press coverage. The Panthers hope he’s a late bloomer who turns into a star. 

Jonathon Brooks is coming off a torn ACL, but he’s an excellent back and should be a future starter. 

Trevin Wallace is athletic but needs to become more consistent, while Ja’Tavion Sanders is a fine tight end with speed and athleticism who will help Young.

Chau Smith-Wade is a good sixth-round value at corner and allowed only one touchdown last season. The Panthers made an interesting late pick in LB Michael Barrett, a defensive leader and producer at Michigan.

New Orleans Saints: A-

Taliese Fuaga is a great addition to a position of need for the New Orleans Saints. He’s big, powerful and quick for his size and should be an immediate starter. 

The Saints traded up in the second round for CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, a long-armed player with excellent technique who plays the run and pass well. He could’ve gone in the later first round, so jumping four spots in exchange for two late-round picks to take McKinstry was a good move. 

The Saints had to wait until the fifth round for their next pick. They selected a developmental quarterback in Spencer Rattler, who has a solid chance to back up Derek Carr. Rattler has a big arm but needs to become a better decision-maker to avoid interceptions. 

Bub Means brings athleticism to add depth at receiver, and LB Jaylan Ford is a strong run defender who needs to improve in coverage. 

Sixth-rounder Khristian Boyd is a good value pick to help the defensive line rotation, and Josiah Ezirim could be a late-round find at offensive tackle.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B+

Graham Barton is a quality offensive lineman who slid to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 26. He’s talented, tough and versatile enough to play tackle, guard or center. He should start at guard initially. 

Chris Braswell also should be a first-year starter at outside backer. He fills a need for an edge rusher but needs to improve his run defense. 

Tykee Smith is a solid and aggressive safety or slot corner who also should contribute right away. Fellow third-rounder Jalen McMillan is a fine route runner out of the slot. 

The Bucs later added a quality running back in Bucky Irving, and Elijah Klein is an interior lineman who has pass-blocking skill.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals: A-

The Arizona Cardinals had plenty of high picks (seven in the first three rounds) and significantly upgraded their team. Not participating in the NFL Combine or Ohio State's Pro Day didn’t hurt Marvin Harrison Jr. as the Cardinals passed on any trade offers and made the smart choice to give Kyler Murray an elite wide receiver with size and athleticism who had 28 TD receptions over the past two seasons.

The Cardinals may have reached a bit for DE Darius Robinson but he is a strong defender who can play on the interior or edge. Max Melton also is a versatile player who can be a solid slot or outside corner.

Elijah Jones is a fine corner who plays with physicality, and fellow third-round pick Trey Benson is an excellent back with burst who should rotate with James Conner. G Isaiah Adams and TE Tip Reiman help to fill needs.

They also found contributors on the third day. Dadrion Taylor-Demerson has 10 career interceptions and can play safety or in the slot. Xavier Thomas adds an athletic edge defender while OT Christian Jones and WR Tejhaun Palmer add depth and could see playing time as rookies.

Los Angeles Rams: B+

Following Aaron Donald’s retirement, the Los Angeles Rams focused on the defensive front seven with their first two picks of two Florida State teammates — EDGE Jared Verse and DT Braden Fiske. The Rams were without a first-round pick since 2016 before taking Verse, who has speed and power as one of the top edge rushers. He was taken at the bargain spot of No. 19.

The Rams paid a high price (No. 2 picks in 2024 and 2025 and a 2024 fifth-rounder) to move up 13 spots in the second round) for Fiske, who is strong and quick but needs to become more consistent as a pass rusher.

RB Blake Corum is an excellent third-round pick with great vision, and he had 27 TDs for Michigan last season. He’ll split time with Kyren Williams in Sean McVay’s offense. Fellow third-round pick Kamren Kinchens is a playmaking safety (11 interceptions over the last two seasons).

On Day 3, the Rams added Brennan Jackson, who has pass-rushing skill from the edge, while DT Tyler Davis is a strong run-stopper up front. Joshua Karty fills the need for a new accurate kicker. Beaux Limmer should stick as a solid center.

San Francisco 49ers: B

The late first-round selection of WR Ricky Pearsall increased the chatter of a trade this year or in 2025 of either Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk. Pearsall’s toughness, quickness and versatility make him a solid slot or outside receiver although he doesn’t have elite speed. We’ll see if he plays up to first-round status.

Renardo Green has good cover skills and fills a need at corner, and fellow Day 2 pick Dominick Puni can play tackle but is likely to be a guard for the San Francisco 49ers.

Malik Mustapha is a strong run defender at safety and will be a special teamer. Jacob Cowing had nine receiving TDs last season and should contribute in a backup role. Jarrett Kingston also brings the ability to play guard or tackle as a depth player.

Seattle Seahawks: B+

Byron Murphy II is an excellent pick for new Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald’s defense with his elite pass-rushing and run-stopping skills. He’s one of the best defensive players in the 2024 draft.

Third-round pick Christian Haynes’ athleticism and toughness will have him in the running to be a rookie starter at guard.

LB Tyrice Knight is a strong tackler who should compete for playing time. AJ Barner is a quality tight end who is an excellent run blocker.

The Seahawks have a great fifth-round value at corner and for special teams in the speedy Nehemiah Pritchett. His Auburn teammate D.J. James also is a good prospect as a cover corner. Sataoa Laumea played right tackle the past two seasons and didn’t allow a sack last season but projects to guard in Seattle. Michael Jerell could be a late-round sleeper on the o-line.  

Amon-Ra St. Brown and the Detroit Lions are number five on Chase Daniel's list of the top NFL offenses after the 2024 NFL Draft. Find out who else makes the cut in this clip from the Chasin' It Podcast with Trey Wingo.

"That's it. I'm not going up there once the entire offseason," one starter told me when I called him in 2005 to tell him the news that the Buffalo Bills had released our quarterback, Drew Bledsoe.

"Unbelievable. They're not even giving us a chance," another said.

The news of Bledsoe's release wasn't well received by my teammates and me — to put it mildly. We had won nine of our last 12 games to close out the 2004 season. Even though we barely missed out on a playoff berth, we felt strongly we were as good as anyone and were excited about running it back for the 2005 season.

Unfortunately, the organization felt differently. Not surprisingly, the Bills limped to a 5-11 record in 2005, and the head coach and general manager were fired.

Why does that story matter in 2024? 

The Atlanta Falcons, albeit under unique circumstances and in a different way, just made it clear to all their players that they don't believe the team is a legit contender this season. Thus, they aren't trying to do whatever they can to help this team win games in 2024.

Why Did the Falcons Draft Penix?

Frankly, there is no other way to look at it if you're stalwart LT Jake Matthews and you broke the franchise record for consecutive starts — with 161 and counting — last season. Or if you're Pro Bowl DT Grady Jarrett and are rehabbing the torn ACL you suffered in the middle of last season.

These vets, and others like them, are well aware of their football mortality. Matthews is entering Year 11, while Jarrett is set to crack the double-digit mark. 

While these two — or others like them — are unlikely to say anything negative about the move publicly, you better believe they feel like the organization just gave them the two-fingered salute by selecting Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Instead of Atlanta taking the top defensive player on the board or, even better, trading down with teams that reportedly tried to trade up, like the Las Vegas Raiders or the New Orleans Saints, and still getting the best defensive player in the draft, the Falcons drafted a quarterback in the top 10 a month after giving veteran QB Kirk Cousins $100 million fully guaranteed for the next three years as part of a four-year, $180 million contract.

Right after the organization showed players in March that it wanted to win, it turned around and demonstrated in April that winning is less of a priority. That's part of the irony with this decision. 

Even the people who support the "succession planning" by Falcons GM Terry Fontenot fail to realize it's not "planning" to allocate that many concurrent resources to the same position. 

Suppose Atlanta had done the work by early March to realize it liked Penix. In that case, there is absolutely no way the team should have given a soon-to-be-36-year-old quarterback coming off a torn Achilles tendon that kind of contract while a 24-year-old rookie coming off six seasons of college football waits in the wings for at least two seasons.

What's Next for Atlanta?

What makes the selection even more maddening from a player's perspective is the Falcons are the clear-cut betting favorite to win the NFC South. They were a quarterback away from winning the division last year, and now they have a good one in Cousins. Why focus on 2026 and beyond when 2024 and 2025 have the potential to be so promising?

Remember, the franchise last went to the playoffs in 2017. That is a long drought for any team, but especially for a group that won playoff games and was up 28-3 in the Super Bowl while Matthews and Jarrett were already on the team.

Instead of using the No. 8 pick to give this year's squad an even better chance to end that drought, Atlanta made a move that will likely only benefit the general manager, head coach and a handful of players on this year's team. And that's if Penix even ends up being good! 

He could stink and make this horrendous decision even worse than it already is.

This move is the NFL equivalent of being sellers at the MLB trade deadline instead of giving the locker room a jolt by adding another arm to the pitching staff or a bat in the lineup. Instead of Atlanta cementing itself as the NFC South frontrunner with a legitimate chance to make a run in the playoffs, the team essentially picked up a prospect to be named later — except in this instance; it already knows his name.

Everybody knows his name, which is another problem the Falcons' brass clearly needed to think through.

What happens when Cousins has a bad game or two this year or next? If you don't think some fans and media will start calling for Penix to be the starter, you're naïve — that's how it works when you take a player that high.

What's done is done, but all this selection did is make Raheem Morris' first season as the team's coach that much harder. I can picture him telling the guys at the start of training camp how excited he is for this season and about his belief that they can do extraordinary things this year.

Sure, Coach. Sure.