The 2024 NFL Draft presents intrigue for a variety of reasons. How many quarterbacks go in the top five? What is the order in which the quarterback names go off the board within those selections? How long does it take until we get the first defensive player drafted? But in other areas, there is the possibility of rare results for teams in specific spots. The draft board does not always set up greatly for teams in the middle area of round one. But in this particular draft, the board may end up perfect for teams that could go a number of different directions.
Teams that are fringe playoff teams, or just on the outside looking in, are not always in the best spot to land players that still hold first-round grades. But in comparison to the last couple of years at least, the top of this draft is seen as a deeper group. There are a number of positions that offer great variety in preference and flavor, to boot. That could impact those teams around the middle of round one tremendously, as a result.
Which teams may benefit the most from a deep draft class at the top? Plus, how could those teams approach things, if the board sets up perfect for them going into their first selection? Let’s kick it off.
Teams That Could Be Set Up With Perfect Draft Board
Quarterbacks drive the top of the NFL Draft, obviously. We are likely going to see at least three quarterbacks, maybe even four, go in the top five this year. With supply and demand always being a continuous battle at the signal caller spot, teams will not be able to help themselves. The more passers that go, the better the results of the draft board stack up for teams around the middle of round one.
Meanwhile, it is considered to be a deep draft class at both wide receiver and offensive tackle. There could also be a few different blockers who are taken in round one, strictly as interior offensive linemen. When teams pounce on those positions will also be fascinating. With that in mind, the teams in the middle of round one that do not have needs in those spots could also benefit greatly. Specifically, teams currently picking from 17 to 21 overall could all be set up perfect with their possible draft board.
Jacksonville Jaguars
There are a handful of teams that need to have a solid draft this year. But one that sticks out, first and foremost, is the Jacksonville Jaguars. Following last year’s collapse late in the season, Jacksonville sits at a challenging crossroads. There are a few different spots that the Jaguars could address that may be filled with prime options in their spot on the draft board.
Cornerback is difficult to peg, in terms of when the first one comes off the board. Jacksonville must find a starter for the outside. Perhaps, they have their pick of the litter there, possibly going with Quinyon Mitchell or Terrion Arnold. Meanwhile, if Jacksonville goes defensive tackle or pass rusher at EDGE, they may also have their pick of the litter from those positions of need, as well.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are a great example of a team in this category, who could benefit from a draft board that is set up perfect. They do not necessarily have to force a need, given they have a top quarterback. Meanwhile, the Bengals have consistently drafted more for the future than immediate production in recent years. If they follow that same path, Cincinnati may opt to go more for a best player available selection, instead of just filling a need. In total, defensive tackle and offensive tackle are needs that could be addressed. But in looking for future needs, the Bengals could even land a star at tight end or even wide receiver, depending on how things fall.
Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles was a team that came out of nowhere for some this past season. Right away, the Rams got some immediate production from young players in 2023. Even with that in mind, this team has their veteran QB and most offensive pieces in place. Following the retirement of Aaron Donald and with those young pieces still growing, it feels like Los Angeles could go anywhere on defense. Similar to Jacksonville, the Rams could take one of the first defensive tackles, EDGE defenders or cornerbacks off of the draft board. Especially for a team like LA, the different flavors and options will appeal to a franchise like this.
Pittsburgh Steelers
With the aforementioned depth of the wide receiver and offensive tackle classes, Pittsburgh may attack those spots early. If the Steelers go to one of those spots in round one, they could win out from a top player dropping to them. Teams may wait to address those spots, allowing someone like Pittsburgh to land someone who offers great value.
Elsewhere, the Steelers are another team to watch at cornerback. With where Pittsburgh currently sits, they could truly look at any prospect and see them as a fit. Whether it is size, athleticism, or physicality, the Steelers could choose their path from many options. Pittsburgh cannot go wrong, so to speak, with any of those options on the draft board.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins have the most explosive offensive players in the NFL. But entering 2024, it is time for this team to take the next step. In the first round, will they build up the trenches or get another playmaker at a skill position? Within the trenches, the Dolphins could arguably address the outside edges or the interior on either side of the ball. Of course, Miami could be set up perfect at that point in the draft board to choose from a plethora of players from all of those spots.
If they somehow went wide receiver or cornerback, the Dolphins may begin the run on tier two at those positions. Miami arguably has the greatest amount of possibilities of this group of teams. In the end, the value or top players still available should still be high at that point.
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