The 2024 NFL Draft is set to be an exciting event for football fans and teams alike, as top prospects are poised to make an impact in the league. In the first round, several teams are looking to fill key positions and enhance their rosters. Below is a detailed breakdown of the projected picks and the players who could revolutionize their respective teams.
At 6'2 and 219 lbs, Cam Ward is projected to be the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, likely heading to the Tennessee Titans. The senior quarterback had a stellar season, throwing for 4313 passing yards, 204 rushing yards, 7 interceptions, and an impressive 43 touchdowns. The Titans have made significant moves in free agency to strengthen their offensive line, including signing Steelers tackle Dan Moore Jr. and Lions guard Kevin Zeitler. With the team looking to replace Will Levis, who struggled in his rookie season, Ward could be the franchise quarterback they need.
Shedeur Sanders, another top quarterback prospect standing at 6'2 and 212 lbs, is projected to join the Cleveland Browns with the second overall pick. After a disappointing trade for Deshaun Watson, the Browns are in dire need of a fresh start under center. Sanders led college football in completion percentage at 74% in 2024, making him an ideal candidate to help the team rebuild and offer head coach Kevin Stefanski some job security as he develops.
With the New York Giants missing out on the top two quarterbacks, they are set to select Abdul Carter, a standout edge rusher from Penn State. Measuring 6'3 and 250 lbs, Carter was named the 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and recorded 24 tackles for loss last season. He could serve as a powerful replacement for Kayvon Thibodeaux, depending on the team's future decisions regarding his contract.
The New England Patriots are expected to draft Travis Hunter, a versatile athlete from Colorado. At 6'0 and 188 lbs, Hunter recorded 96 receptions for 1258 yards and 16 touchdowns. Despite signing Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs, the Patriots' receiving corps struggled last season. Hunter's addition could provide quarterback Drake Maye with a top target and help improve the team's passing game.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are looking to fortify their defense by selecting Mason Graham, a defensive lineman from Michigan. Standing at 6'3 and 296 lbs, Graham is a unanimous All-American and can be a game-changer in the trenches, especially after the Jaguars ranked among the bottom five defenses in the league last season.
Ashton Jeanty, a standout running back from Boise State, is projected to be selected by the Las Vegas Raiders. Jeanty, who stands at 5'9 and 211 lbs, rushed for 2601 yards and scored 30 touchdowns in 2024. Under new head coach Pete Carroll, Jeanty is expected to bring a powerful running presence reminiscent of Marshawn Lynch.
The New York Jets are anticipated to fill their right tackle position by selecting Armand Membou, an athletic offensive lineman from Missouri. At 6'4 and 332 lbs, Membou impressed at the NFL Scouting Combine and can protect new starting quarterback Justin Fields, ensuring a solid offensive front.
The Carolina Panthers are projected to select Tetairoa McMillan, a wide receiver from Arizona. McMillan, standing at 6'4 and 219 lbs, caught 84 passes for 1319 yards and 8 touchdowns. With the team's need for a No. 1 receiver, McMillan could become a key asset for quarterback Bryce Young moving forward.
The New Orleans Saints are expected to draft Jalon Walker, an elite edge rusher from Georgia, who is 6'1 and 243 lbs. After struggling defensively in 2024, the Saints hope Walker, the 2024 Butkus Award winner, can bolster their defensive line and provide much-needed pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
The Chicago Bears are set to reinforce their offensive line by selecting Will Campbell from LSU. At 6'6 and 319 lbs, Campbell is a consensus All-American and is crucial for protecting quarterback Caleb Williams, who endured a record number of sacks last season.
With the departure of top cornerback Charvarius Ward, the San Francisco 49ers are projected to select Will Johnson, a cornerback from Michigan. Johnson, at 6'2 and 194 lbs, boasts an impressive 31.0 passer rating when targeted, making him an essential asset for the team's secondary.
The Dallas Cowboys are expected to draft Matthew Golden, a wide receiver from Texas. Golden, who stands at 5'11 and 191 lbs, had a standout season with 987 yards and 9 touchdowns. He will complement Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb in a potent offensive lineup.
Tyler Warren, the 2024 John Mackey Award winner, is projected to be selected by the Miami Dolphins. At 6'6 and 256 lbs, Warren's versatility as a blocker and receiver can enhance Tua Tagovailoa's game, providing much-needed depth at the tight end position.
The Indianapolis Colts are set to draft Colston Loveland, a tight end from Michigan. Loveland, at 6'6 and 248 lbs, was responsible for a significant portion of Michigan's receiving yards last season and could fill the void left by Jack Doyle’s retirement.
The Atlanta Falcons are anticipated to select Shemar Stewart, a defensive lineman from Texas A&M. Stewart, who is 6'5 and 267 lbs, can bolster Atlanta's defensive front, which struggled with pressure last year.
Mike Green, the 2024 sacks leader from Marshall, is projected to join the Arizona Cardinals. At 6'3 and 251 lbs, Green's addition could significantly improve Arizona's pass rush.
The Cincinnati Bengals are expected to draft Mykel Williams, a formidable edge rusher from Georgia. Williams, at 6'5 and 260 lbs, will help solidify the Bengals' defensive line as they prepare for their upcoming season.
The Seattle Seahawks are projected to select Kelvin Banks Jr., another offensive lineman from Texas. At 6'4 and 300 lbs, Banks is known for his low QB pressure rate, making him a valuable addition to improve the Seahawks' offensive line.
Jihaad Campbell, a linebacker from Alabama, is expected to be selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. At 6'3 and 235 lbs, Campbell had an impressive season with 117 tackles, making him a prime candidate to replace veteran Lavonte David.
The Denver Broncos are projected to draft Kenneth Grant, a disruptive defensive lineman from Michigan. At 6'4 and 331 lbs, Grant's ability to pressure quarterbacks will bolster Denver's already strong defense.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are anticipated to select Omarion Hampton, a running back from North Carolina. Hampton's impressive 1660 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns make him a top prospect to fill the void left by Najee Harris.
Emeka Egbuka, a wide receiver from Ohio State, is projected to be drafted by the L.A. Chargers. Standing at 6'1 and 202 lbs, Egbuka's reliable hands and 1011 receiving yards last season will provide quarterback Justin Herbert with another offensive weapon.
The Green Bay Packers are expected to select Jahdae Barron, a cornerback from Texas. Barron, who won the 2024 Jim Thorpe Award, will help solidify the Packers' secondary, addressing their growing needs at the position.
Malaki Starks, a safety from Georgia, is projected to be selected by the Minnesota Vikings. At 6'1 and 197 lbs, Starks will bring youth and energy to a position that needs replenishing after the departure of veteran Harrison Smith.
The Houston Texans are anticipated to draft Josh Simmons, an offensive tackle from Ohio State. Simmons, standing at 6'5 and 317 lbs, had an injury-affected season but was previously a top prospect, making him a valuable addition to protect C.J. Stroud.
The L.A. Rams are projected to select Derrick Harmon, a defensive lineman from Oregon. Harmon, at 6'5 and 310 lbs, has shown impressive ability to pressure quarterbacks, making him a key addition to the Rams' defense.
The Baltimore Ravens are expected to draft Walter Nolen, a defensive tackle from Ole Miss. Nolen's impressive 91.6 PFF run defense grade shows his ability to disrupt opposing offenses, an asset for Baltimore's defensive strategy.
Donovan Ezeiruaku, an edge rusher from Boston College, is projected to be selected by the Detroit Lions. Ezeiruaku's 16.5 sacks made him a standout, and he will bolster the Lions' defense following last season's injury challenges.
With the need for a young edge rusher, the Washington Commanders are expected to draft Nic Scourton from Texas A&M. Scourton’s size and performance make him a suitable candidate to help improve Washington's pass rush.
Nick Emmanwori, a safety from South Carolina, is projected to be selected by the Buffalo Bills. Known for his athleticism and impressive combine performance, Emmanwori will add depth to the Bills' defensive backfield.
The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to address their offensive line issues by selecting a top tackle prospect. After being exposed in the Super Bowl, the Chiefs are likely to prioritize protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes in this draft.
As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, these selections could significantly shape the future of each franchise, enhancing team performance and fan engagement.
