Insights from the 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft featured several notable developments, including the historic selection of six quarterbacks in the top twelve picks, a testament to the high demand for quality quarterbacks capable of transforming franchise trajectories.

Notable picks included Jayden Daniels by the Washington Commanders and Michael Penix Jr. by the Atlanta Falcons, both of which will likely be compared over their careers, adding an interesting dynamic to their respective teams' futures. This draft also marked a record in the NFL with 23 offensive players selected in the top 32 picks, though no running backs, safeties, or off-ball linebackers were chosen on the first day.

Another historic event involved Payton Wilson, a fourth-round pick who could potentially turn out to be one of the draft's biggest steals due to his significant potential despite concerns over injuries and age. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles emerged as winners from the draft, with the Steelers making strategic picks that improved their physicality in the run game and added reliable weapons for their quarterbacks. The Eagles, under GM Howie Roseman, excelled in acquiring talent like Clemson’s Will Shipley and bolstering their defensive and offensive lines, enhancing their roster depth significantly.

Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills focused their efforts on supporting quarterback Josh Allen, especially following the Stefon Diggs trade, by bringing in potential impactful players like Keon Coleman and Ray Davis, despite lacking a first-round pick. On the other hand, players like Kirk Cousins and teams like the Cleveland Browns (post Deshaun Watson trade) were seen as the draft's relative losers. Cousins' situation specifically raised eyebrows as the Falcons chose Penix even after signing Cousins, potentially indicating a lack of long-term commitment to him as their starter.

The draft closed with several teams strategically positioning themselves for future success by not only choosing potential immediate impact players but also focusing on future drafts and capitalizing on the shifting strengths of their rosters.