The 2024 NFL draft wrapped up Saturday in Detroit. The historic weekend, which set a document for fan attendance, noticed six quarterback picks within the first 12 picks — tying the 1983 class for many signal-callers drafted within the first spherical. By the top of Thursday evening’s first spherical, 23 offensive gamers have been tapped to affix NFL franchises, breaking the earlier document of 19 offensive gamers chosen within the first 32 slots.
There are 257 new faces becoming a member of the league, however will they assist clear up groups’ woes? What questions linger following the three-day participant choice extravaganza, and what comes subsequent?
We requested our NFL Nation reporters to inform us probably the most urgent query dealing with the groups they cowl popping out of this weekend. Learn their post-draft insights beneath.
Take a look at ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper’s grades for all 32 draft lessons (ESPN+) and analysts Jordan Reid and Matt Miller’s post-draft superlatives (ESPN+) for extra perception into all seven rounds of the draft.
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AFC EAST
Did the Payments do sufficient to handle large receiver?
The Payments traded again twice within the first spherical, ultimately choosing Keon Coleman with the primary choose of the second spherical, and he instantly tasks because the workforce’s beginning X receiver. Regardless of the Payments making 9 extra picks and addressing different wants, Coleman was the one large receiver the Payments chosen within the draft. Making a commerce for a veteran additionally is not within the playing cards in the intervening time. Normal supervisor Brandon Beane stated a commerce wasn’t “real looking” due to the workforce’s cap state of affairs. Whereas the Payments may definitely make additions, Buffalo is displaying its perception within the present room in addition to tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox. — Alaina Getzenberg
What is going to the Dolphins do at proper guard?
The Dolphins addressed a future want at deal with, drafting Houston’s Patrick Paul within the second spherical. However they haven’t any clear starter at proper guard and handed on inside offensive linemen — with Graham Barton and Christian Haynes on the board after they picked within the first two rounds. Miami could have roughly $18 million in cap area clearing after June 1 and should really feel assured in its skill to fill that void with a veteran fairly than a rookie. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Did the Patriots do sufficient to handle their want at left deal with?
Veteran free agent signee Chukwuma Okorafor is the projected starter at left deal with, though his main expertise within the NFL has come at proper deal with (and he was benched halfway by way of final season). In the meantime, the Patriots chosen Penn State proper deal with Caedan Wallace within the third spherical (No. 68) and are projecting that he, too, will have the ability to swap sides regardless of not doing it in faculty. Calvin Anderson, Tyrone Wheatley Jr., Vederian Lowe, Conor McDermott and Andrew Stueber spherical out the choices, which implies the Patriots have quantity, however high quality stays in query. — Mike Reiss
Did the Jets do sufficient within the draft to assist QB Aaron Rodgers?
They handed on tight finish Brock Bowers to take left deal with Olu Fashanu, who most likely will start the season as Tyron Smith’s backup. Rodgers referred to as it “an important choose,” however he sounded a bit shocked they drafted an offensive lineman after buying three starters in free company. The entrance workplace believes it addressed the necessity for a playmaker with third-round WR Malachi Corley, a prolific yards-after-catch participant in faculty. — Wealthy Cimini
AFC NORTH
Who’s beginning at each guard spots for the Ravens?
Baltimore did not draft a guard regardless of shedding each of its starters — Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson — in free company and never signing any veterans to interchange them. After the draft, Ravens normal supervisor Eric DeCosta stated backup Ben Cleveland, second-year lineman Andrew Vorhees and rookie Nick Samac all could possibly be choices to step as much as fill these spots at left and proper guard. “I believe we’ve got some viable guys to compete,” DeCosta stated. — Jamison Hensley
How will defensive again Dax Hill match into the roster?
Cincinnati’s first-round choose from the 2022 draft was initially slotted to be Jessie Bates’ substitute at free security. However that experiment is over for now. After the secondary struggled final 12 months, Hill will transfer to cornerback, coach Zac Taylor stated Saturday after the draft. Whereas he can play exterior or inside, Hill performed on the within in faculty. If Hill cannot snag a beginning spot for 2024, which means the Bengals could have a premium draft choose in a reserve function, which isn’t a super state of affairs. — Ben Child
Do the Browns have sufficient offensive playmakers?
Cleveland used solely a Day 3 choose on a ability place — fifth-round large receiver Jamari Thrash — regardless of wideout Amari Cooper turning 30 earlier than the season begins and working again Nick Chubb rehabbing a pair of knee surgical procedures. Normal supervisor Andrew Berry famous the Browns have had success discovering contributors after the draft, however the offense seems like a unit banking on continuity and the emergence of newly acquired receiver Jerry Jeudy. — Daniel Oyefusi
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The highlights from latest Brown Jamari Thrash
Take a look at the highlights from the Browns’ latest large receiver, Jamari Thrash.
What is going to the offensive line seem like in Week 1?
The Steelers continued revamping their offensive line, utilizing three of their first 5 picks to handle the place. In drafting deal with Troy Fautanu, heart Zach Frazier and guard Mason McCormick to pair with 2023 first-round choose Broderick Jones and 2023 free company addition Isaac Seumalo, the Steelers look to have assembled an offensive line core to get the workforce again to its ground-and-pound id. However the place does everybody match? Will Jones stay at proper deal with? Will Fautanu unseat Dan Moore Jr. at left deal with? It is a good drawback to have, however one which needs to be solved for the Steelers to run successfully beneath new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. — Brooke Pryor
AFC SOUTH
What number of Texans rookies may emerge as starters?
Not many, however the one participant who has a shot is the Texans’ second-round choose in cornerback Kamari Lassiter. The Texans’ cornerbacks room would not have many long-term solutions exterior of Derek Stingley Jr. So Lassiter has the perfect shot, as the remainder of the draft picks are behind entrenched starters. — DJ Bien-Aime
Is the Colts’ younger secondary as much as the duty?
The Colts have been seen as needing to speculate a premium choose of their defensive backfield however did not draft a participant there till Spherical 5, after they chosen Jaylin Simpson. The choice displays normal supervisor Chris Ballard’s confidence within the unit to bounce again and keep wholesome. However search for the Colts to stay open to signing a veteran free agent security or nook within the coming weeks. — Stephen Holder
What to know from the 2024 NFL draft
• See all 257 picks | Decide evaluation• Kiper’s draft grades | Finest, worst picks• Huge takeaways | Yates’ favourite picks• Overreactions | Trades | Learn extra
What are the Jaguars doing at edge rusher behind Josh Allen and Travon Walker?
The Jaguars did not draft an edge rusher aside from seventh-round choose Myles Cole, whom GM Trent Baalke referred to as a developmental participant. Trevis Gipson was signed in March, however he had seven of his 11 profession sacks in 2021. The workforce did not carry again Dawuane Smoot or Okay’Lavon Chaisson, and the one different edge rusher on the roster is second-year participant Yasir Abdullah, who performed 45 snaps in 2023. The Jaguars had higher hope Allen and Walker keep wholesome. — Michael DiRocco
Did the Titans do sufficient to enhance the offensive line?
Projecting proper deal with JC Latham to the left aspect comes with some danger, particularly with the No. 7 general choose. However offensive line coach Invoice Callahan has completed it earlier than in Cleveland and Dallas. Callahan alone ought to improve the offensive line due to his well-documented previous accomplishments. Latham together with free agent additions Lloyd Cushenberry and Saahdiq Charles may account for 3 upgraded beginning roles on the Titans’ offensive line. — Turron Davenport
AFC WEST
How quickly will quarterback Bo Nix be within the combine to start out?
From the second the Broncos made Nix the sixth quarterback off the board Thursday evening at choose No. 12, they sparked a debate on how quickly he’ll begin. Nix performed 61 faculty video games, an in depth résumé on the place in comparison with different rookies. He is 24, and Broncos coach Sean Payton has already lauded Nix’s maturity, strategy and work ethic. Payton has stated the quarterback depth chart — with Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson in addition to Nix — will “type itself out,” however it is going to be probably the most watched competitors from the primary OTA to the season opener. — Jeff Legwold
Did the Chiefs do sufficient to enhance at large receiver?
The highest six receivers on the Chiefs’ depth chart are Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, Xavier Worthy, Rashee Rice, Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore and Justin Watson. There’s loads of expertise, however not a lot when it comes to positive issues. Brown is new, Worthy is a rookie, and Rice is battling authorized points, whereas Toney and Moore are coming off deeply disappointing seasons. It would not be a nasty concept for the Chiefs to usher in a veteran earlier than camp for depth. — Adam Teicher
Are the Raiders actually able to roll at QB with Aidan O’Connell or Gardner Minshew?
Except Tom Brady is able to come out of retirement — do not maintain your breath — sure. As GM Tom Telesco stated, the Raiders had designs on including a quarterback within the first spherical of the draft however not on Days 2 or 3. However issues merely didn’t fall their approach with six quarterbacks taken earlier than their choice at No. 13 and a commerce as much as presumably get Jayden Daniels couldn’t be labored out. So, Las Vegas enters the offseason with a camp battle on the horizon between O’Connell and Vegas newcomer Minshew. — Paul Gutierrez
Ought to the Chargers really feel snug at receiver?
The Chargers got here into this draft with maybe probably the most unproven receiving group within the NFL. That they had 4 gamers — Quentin Johnston, Derius Davis, Joshua Palmer and Simi Fehoko — all of whom have by no means had greater than 800 receiving yards in an NFL season. The Chargers picked three receivers: Ladd McConkey within the second spherical and Brenden Rice and Cornelius Johnson within the seventh. However the workforce handed on two of the draft’s finest receivers — Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze — with the No. 5 choose to take OT Joe Alt. — Kris Rhim
NFC EAST
Who would be the Cowboys’ lead working again?
For a franchise that has produced all-time main rusher Emmitt Smith, Corridor of Famer Tony Dorsett and two dashing champs, DeMarco Murray and Ezekiel Elliott, the present strategy appears markedly completely different. The Cowboys will go along with a committee strategy, even when they re-sign Elliott, as a result of they didn’t choose a working again within the draft. Elliott just isn’t the identical again he was when he received two dashing titles, however he will help. However do the Cowboys have sufficient with Rico Dowdle, Royce Freeman and Deuce Vaughn to be a 2,000-yard dashing workforce? The largest enchancment may need to come back with the scheme and blocking fairly than particular person runners. — Todd Archer
Is New York actually dedicated to Daniel Jones at quarterback?
Effectively, Jones stays the beginning quarterback, though the Giants tried to commerce up for Drake Maye. They will transfer ahead this season with Jones (assuming he is wholesome) backed up by Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito. “As of in the present day, that’s the place we’re,” GM Joe Schoen stated after the draft. Except Jones performs off the charts, the Giants might be again at it subsequent offseason on the lookout for a brand new answer on the sport’s most necessary place. — Jordan Raanan
Did the Eagles do sufficient to show the tide on protection?
The Eagles have been aggressive in addressing their secondary, utilizing a first-round choose on CB Quinyon Mitchell earlier than buying and selling up within the second to take multidimensional DB Cooper DeJean. That offers the Eagles a much-needed enhance of youth and pace right into a defensive backfield that surrendered 35 passing touchdowns final season. To handle one other weak spot — linebacker — they made a legacy choose within the fifth spherical by bringing in Jeremiah Trotter Jr. This unit should depend on quite a few younger gamers, particularly after shedding Fletcher Cox and Haason Reddick this offseason, however there’s a good quantity of expertise with which to work. — Tim McManus
Did the Commanders discover their long-term answer at left deal with?
The Commanders drafted Brandon Coleman within the third spherical; some groups seen him extra as a guard, however Washington sees him as a deal with. If he isn’t prepared, the Commanders may begin veteran swing deal with Cornelius Lucas, however after investing the second general choose in quarterback Jayden Daniels, they want Coleman to ascend and turn into a strong long-term answer. — John Keim
NFC NORTH
May the Bears have the perfect offense within the NFC North?
The offensive imbalance in Chicago (No. 2 dashing offense, No. 27 passing offense) prompted modifications in scheme, playcaller and quarterback. However Caleb Williams is not simply coming into state of affairs as a rookie, he is perhaps quarterbacking the perfect offense within the NFC North. The Bears have group of playmakers round their QB, from former Huskies large receiver Rome Odunze, who was drafted ninth general, to DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, D’Andre Swift and Cole Kmet. Chicago has all of the instruments to turn into a top-10 unit in 2024 and take the title of finest offense within the division away from Detroit. — Courtney Cronin
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Can Caleb Williams lead the Bears to the playoffs subsequent season?
Domonique Foxworth and Dan Graziano focus on the chance of the Bears making the playoffs with Caleb Williams at quarterback.
Did the Lions take the correct draft strategy by prioritizing protection?
The secondary gave the impression to be the Lions’ Achilles’ heel final season, and GM Brad Holmes aggressively appeared to enhance by drafting two younger cornerbacks: Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. This was the primary time the Lions have taken a defensive again with every of their first two picks within the widespread draft period. Holmes additionally added veterans Carlton Davis III and Amik Robertson as new cornerback additions through free company, in order that they have the luxurious of growing the rookies at a strong tempo. Arnold and Rakestraw will not be anticipated to win a spot instantly to ensure that the protection to enhance as a result of the Lions be ok with the depth they’ve. “It is good to be there from a roster standpoint,” Holmes stated. — Eric Woodyard
Will the Packers be the youngest workforce within the league for the second 12 months in a row?
It positive seems that approach even when all 11 draft picks do not make the workforce, particularly after the Packers shed veterans corresponding to David Bakhtiari, De’Vondre Campbell and Aaron Jones. It is all the time doable they may add a veteran or two between now and Week 1, however with the majority of their player-acquisition section accomplished, they now have one participant in his 30s (Preston Smith, 31). “It is a younger man’s recreation,” Packers vp of participant personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan stated. “I definitely suppose you wish to keep away from getting previous.” — Rob Demovsky
When will J.J. McCarthy turn into the Vikings’ beginning quarterback?
All indications are the Vikings will keep on with their authentic plan to open coaching camp with veteran Sam Darnold because the first-team quarterback. Darnold signed a one-year contract in March, so there isn’t any doubt McCarthy will ultimately turn into the starter, however the workforce is extraordinarily cautious about dashing McCarthy, 21, onto the sphere. They’ve completed research on the dangers of exposing quarterbacks earlier than they’re prepared. Coach Kevin O’Connell has created a each day developmental plan that may require McCarthy to succeed in a sequence of benchmarks earlier than there may be any choice to make him QB1. — Kevin Seifert
NFC SOUTH
What would be the ripple impact of drafting QB Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8?
There was confusion and frustration coming from Kirk Cousins’ camp Thursday when the Falcons surprisingly drafted Penix weeks after signing Cousins to a four-year contract price as much as $180 million. Cousins is thought for being skilled, and Penix stated the 2 quarterbacks spoke later Thursday evening and had a “excellent dialog.” However the dynamic between the veteran quarterback and the nationwide championship runner-up signal-caller — who appears to be able to play sooner fairly than later at virtually 24 years previous — and the way the workforce (and fan base) responds to every might be storylines for the foreseeable future. — Marc Raimondi
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Did the Falcons make the correct transfer choosing Michael Penix Jr.?
Mike Tannenbaum and Dan Graziano specific skepticism concerning the Falcons choosing Michael Penix Jr., whereas Dominique Foxworth helps the choose.
Will the Panthers’ offensive picks assist Bryce Younger rebound?
After an offseason during which the Panthers upgraded their offensive line and traded for a star receiver, they spent three of their prime 4 draft picks on dynamic offensive playmakers in Xavier Legette, Jonathon Brooks and Ja’Tavion Sanders. If Younger would not present marked enchancment, those that criticized the choose final 12 months will solely get louder. The offseason has been all about placing Younger in the perfect place to succeed, so now the stress is on him to ship. — David Newton
Have the Saints completed sufficient to repair their offense?
The Saints added first-rounder Taliese Fuaga, who could possibly be their proper deal with of the longer term, and large receiver Bub Means within the fifth spherical. That is along with an overhauled offensive teaching workers and free brokers corresponding to deal with/guard Oli Udoh and large receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. The query now’s whether or not the Saints have completed sufficient to alter an offense that struggled to attain within the pink zone for the primary half of the 2023 season. — Katherine Terrell
Who will begin reverse Jamel Dean at exterior cornerback?
That is the one space the Bucs did not tackle within the draft, even after buying and selling Carlton Davis III away within the offseason. They did choose nickelback Tykee Smith within the third spherical, however they handed up the chance quite a few occasions to take an outdoor nook. It reaffirms their religion within the guys they have already got in Zyon McCollum, Bryce Corridor — whom they signed in free company — and Josh Hayes, who led the NFL in particular groups tackles final 12 months and moved to the surface after making an attempt nickel. The expectation is that McCollum will begin. — Jenna Laine
NFC WEST
How good can this Cardinals offense be?
By including large receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to an offense that already options QB Kyler Murray, RB James Conner, TE Trey McBride and WR Michael Wilson, Arizona has a core of offensive ability gamers to make main strides in 2024. Murray now has quite a lot of targets to unfold the ball to and preserve defenses on their heels — from Harrison and Wilson out large, to Conner working the ball or catching passes out of the backfield, to McBride persevering with to be probably the greatest receiving tight ends within the NFL. Not solely will Murray be properly versed within the scheme when he hits the sphere in Week 1, he’ll have a rookie in Harrison who’ll be conditioned to play the complete season and different offensive gamers with extra expertise. — Josh Weinfuss
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Fantasy projections for the 2024 rookie NFL go catchers
Take a look at Mike Clay’s fantasy projections for Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze, Brock Bowers and Brian Thomas Jr.
Did the Rams do sufficient to interchange Aaron Donald?
Coach Sean McVay stated Saturday that shedding Donald “creates an enormous void.” And whereas the Rams won’t ever ask one participant to fill that void, they will attempt to exchange his manufacturing “by the unit,” McVay stated. Los Angeles seems to be making an attempt to try this by way of the draft, as they added 4 gamers to their defensive entrance, together with former Florida State teammates Jared Verse (first spherical) and Braden Fiske (second spherical). — Sarah Barshop
What’s subsequent for the Niners at large receiver?
The draft got here and went with Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings on the Niners’ roster regardless of loads of exterior commerce hypothesis. That is prone to be the case for this season, however the Niners are planning for all times with out no less than one (if not two) of them as quickly as 2025. They used a first-round choose on receiver Ricky Pearsall and a fourth-round alternative on Jacob Cowing so as to add speedy depth and potential long-term starters. The plan has been and stays to attempt to work out a long-term contract extension for Aiyuk. If that occurs, tough choices on Samuel and Jennings (an unrestricted free agent) will await after the season. — Nick Wagoner
Have the Seahawks completed sufficient to enhance their offensive line?
So most of the Seahawks’ offensive points final season stemmed from their line, which misplaced arguably its finest participant — proper deal with Abraham Lucas — for 11 video games and did not have sufficient difference-makers round him. They will have three new starters on the inside spots, doubtless veteran Laken Tomlinson (one 12 months, $1.21 million) at left guard, 2023 fifth-rounder Olu Oluwatimi at heart and 2024 third-round choose Christian Haynes at proper guard. However there is a query mark in any respect 5 spots, together with the uncertainty as as to whether Lucas’ surgically repaired knee will maintain up. Seattle signed George Fant to again up Lucas and left deal with Charles Cross, then drafted Michael Jerrell from Division II Findlay within the sixth spherical. — Brady Henderson
