2024 NFL Draft Post Mortem

by Jack Guiley

The month-long buildup finally came to its pinnacle Thursday night as the Chicago Bears kicked off the 2024 NFL Draft with a selection that surprised no one. Caleb Williams swiftly took the stage to kick off the three day long draft extravaganza, in what has quickly become a marvel of sports marketing and showmanship. 750,000 people flocked to the Motor City in throngs to watch their teams select what they hope to be future stars on Sundays. After the dust settled, and 257 players heard their names called, what stood out? Here are a few observations and thoughts from what we saw this past weekend.

1. The NFC North is built to last

It wasn’t long ago that the Aaron Rodgers led Green Bay Packers were a shoo-in to win the North every year. However, in the span of just two seasons, Rodgers was shipped off to New York, Jordan Love came onto the scene, the Lions were a mitigated disaster away from a Super Bowl, Kirk Cousins left and was replaced by JJ McCarthy, and the Chicago Bears created a scary offense on the back of a highly lauded quarterback prospect. As evidenced by the length of that sentence, a lot has happened rather quickly. 

Detroit shored up one of their few weaknesses in the secondary by selecting Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw. In doing so, Detroit solidified their front runner status for the division, but they won’t be without steep competition from the rest of the field. Green Bay had several top 100 picks that it used to build out the depth on a roster that looks to have few holes in it. They have a loaded defense that includes first round picks all over the front seven and secondary, and an ascending quarterback to boot. The Packers are going to play a lot of close games this season and can compete with anyone in the league. 

The Bears could also push for a wild card spot behind a young aerial attack featuring first overall pick Caleb Williams and a trio of wide receivers that projects to be very productive. DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Keenan Allen are going to present nightmare scenarios for defensive coordinators on a weekly basis. 

Finally, JJ McCarthy gets to waltz into a situation that features one of the best wide receivers in the league in Justin Jefferson alongside a standout second year player in Jordan Addison. The Vikings still have the bones of a team that could surprise and push to overtake Detroit this season, but it will probably take at least one season for McCarthy to get his feet wet. 

Don’t be surprised if all four of these teams are in playoff contention down the stretch this year.

2. The Pittsburgh Steelers rebuilt their offensive line 

This reporter loved what the Steelers did in adding two immediate starters along their offensive line with their two opening selections. Both Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier have a demeanor fans in the Steel City will soon fall in love with in Arthur Smith’s ground and pound scheme. 

Over the past two drafts, Pittsburgh has completely remade their offensive line into a strength. Whichever quarterback ends up taking the starting snaps this fall, they should be well protected behind the transformed group. Additionally, Mason McCormick could surprise in camp to entrench himself at one of the guard spots. McCormick is a rugged player with tons of experience at South Dakota State. He tested incredibly well at the combine and should eventually get a chance to start in Pittsburgh. 

3. The Washington Commanders could surprise this year 

This draft class will hinge upon how Jayden Daniels turns out as the new regime’s first ever draft pick. But if he hits, Washington has the foundation to ascend to contender level very quickly. Their success is contingent on several veterans on the defense continuing to play league average, but it has the makings of a top half of the league unit. The additions of Mike Sanristill in the third round and Jer’Zhan Newton in the second were great value picks that add depth in areas where the Commanders already look promising. Jayden Daniels will have a litany of options to throw the ball to behind an offensive line that looks to rebound from its performance last year. The Commanders added uber athletic G/T prospect Brandon Coleman to go alongside free agent addition Tyler Biadasz to stabilize the struggling unit. Ben Sinnott is a great underdog story as a former walk-on who could turn out to be quite the steal for Washington at 53. This team could surprise some people this year.

4. Howie Roseman just gets it

Eagles GM Howie Roseman always seems to be receiving praise by the draft media for his trade “fleeces” and value selections. This year was no different, as Roseman addressed the Eagles’ primary area of need in the secondary with his first two picks. Both Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell were consensus first round players, and Roseman somehow ended up with both. Alongside Isaiah Rodgers returning from suspension, Philadelphia received an influx of talent to the weakest part of their team. 

Jalyx Hunt is another player who has high upside and can develop behind the Eagles’ ferocious defensive line. Platooning pass rushers and bringing the juice that Jalyx Hunt could provide off the edge is a tremendous pick for Roseman, and one that many teams around the league will be jealous of. 

Finally, Roseman’s decision to trade back for future picks in next year's draft signals his understanding of the weaknesses in the 2024 class. The ‘24 class was noted for not having the typical depth of most classes due to NIL, Covid, and the transfer portal. However, next year's class is already talked about as being bloated in the middle rounds with talent that could have come out the last two years. Roseman is banking on that coming to fruition. And if the Eagles get penalized by the league for tampering with the signing of Saquon Barkley, the team will have several draft picks to sacrifice in penance.