Naturally, all 32 teams will tell you that they require a strong draft.
Certainly, the Houston Texans would. Their 2023 draft class significantly altered franchises. The Detroit Lions, who seemed to immediately benefit from their plethora of high draft selections, would too. Reluctantly, even the Carolina Panthers should concur after witnessing C.J. Stroud surpass Bryce Young in the QB’ debut campaign.
That being said, all teams would want the 2024 NFL Draft to go as well as possible. That much is clear. But let’s be honest: For both immediate and long-term reasons, some clubs genuinely need everything to go well in April.
It’s rare to find an NFL decision-maker who wouldn’t mind saying it out loud, but certain clubs’ draft selections just have greater significance than others. I made an effort to focus only on the most urgent circumstances, as well as those that included the greatest amount of risk or those with the greatest amount of available funds.
These nine teams are the ones that need to win the draft this year.
Rank-1-Denver Broncos
The Broncos boast the NFL’s youngest quarterback room as of right now, having severed relations with Russell Wilson this summer. Sean Payton needs to find a quarterback this offseason, but here’s the thing: the team doesn’t have many tradeable assets, and the rest of the squad is in good condition.
With all of their upcoming Day 1 and 2 picks and their current second-round pick—which was sent to the Saints in exchange for Payton—Denver has everything it needs to make a trade for a quarterback, including a pick in the 2024 NFL Draft at No. 12. That final clause implies that, at least in terms of present draft assets, the Broncos are unable to match the amount of money the Texans handed the Cardinals in order to move up to No. 3 overall for Will Anderson Jr. And who’s to say a team like the Vikings, who have the overall Nos. 11 and 23, wouldn’t outbid them?
Dealing with a QB that isn’t already in the fold—Jarrett Stidham, perhaps—feels very urgent. The Broncos, who are in a competitive division, have already lost several players this offseason with the trade of Jerry Jeudy and the release of Justin Simmons. Payton may lose out on adding players to his weak roster if he deals up, but does he really have an option? It’s the most difficult catch-22.
Rank-2-Chicago Bears
The Bears have the most valuable 2024 draft capital of any team, beginning with the first and ninth overall picks. Although they don’t have a second-round pick, their pantry is rather loaded considering that four of their picks are in the top 122. GM Ryan Poles now has the task of starting dinner service.
Even though they gained Keenan Allen through a trade and were active in free agency, there is still much more to be done. Due to their inability to make any deals on that side of the ball and their inability to sign any high-profile free agents, the Bears have not yet added a significant defensive piece this summer. As a result, acquiring pass-rush support, perhaps with the No. 9 overall choice, is expected to be the second-biggest priority.
It is obvious that the Bears’ quarterback position and the anticipated selection of Caleb Williams are the main concerns of this draft. We won’t ignore that choice to switch franchises. Williams isn’t nearly the surefire pick at No. 1 that many of us had anticipated because there are a number of excellent options and he just had a less-than-spectacular season at USC.
In a division that appears to be competitive right now, Poles needs to be certain that his quarterback selection can withstand the demands of the position, but adding a productive draft class is one of the best ways to position that QB for success. Although he has landed some excellent talent in his first two classes, there have also been some opportunities lost. The Bears’ course for the next five years will be determined by what they do with their two top-10 picks. Not a tight squeeze.
Rank-3-Minnesota Vikings
All indications suggest that a quarterback should make a risky step forward, even with Sam Darnold serving as a backup starter. The good news is that it’s not necessary for the Vikings to select a player who can play right away.
QBs going Nos. 1, 2, and 3 would be the Vikings’ ideal situation, but their best option—someone other than Caleb Williams—would still be available. However, what is the likelihood of that? It’s one thing to move up; it’s another to find the perfect quarterback to trade up for.
What would happen if the Patriots or Commanders choose the Vikings’ favored option at Nos. 2 or 3? Would they take their third or fourth-choice QB and move up to No. 4? Bo Nix of Oregon or Michael Penix Jr. of Washington are backups. However, is Minnesota ready to select one of them with the 11th overall pick? The fact that the Raiders (No. 13) and Broncos (No. 12 pick) may also be looking for a quarterback complicates matters.
The Vikings, who play in a division with the Lions, Packers, and Bears who all seem to be on the rise, are also not done improving their defense. After a disappointing season, Kevin O’Connell might not be fired, but the Vikings had best play it correctly if they decide to take a huge shot at a top quarterback.
Rank-4-Washington Commanders
Thus far, the inexperienced roster has benefited from the subtle addition of depth, professionalism, and quality by new general manager Adam Peters. However, there are significant gaps at the top of the food chain, beginning with the most significant role.
The Commanders, who have the second overall choice, are somewhat below the catbird’s seat rather than in it. All quarterbacks who are not Caleb Williams ought to be available for grabs. In recent memory, this QB class is among the more fascinating and in-depth ones. However, this decision—right or wrong—will be permanently etched on Peters’ resume for the ensuing ten years. Making a mistake could cost someone their job.
For a few decades now, Washington has been caught on a disastrous teacup ride at quarterback, and every time we thought it may end, the nauseating cycle has continued. In order to find the ideal option, Peters will also need to carefully weigh the opinions of their arranged-marriage personnel. It’s a high-stakes choice that will undoubtedly be questioned, regardless of the person they choose.
The Commanders need to surround that quarterback with a lot more talent after they make their selection. More players are needed on both scrimmage lines. The secondary is still lacking. Once an unquestioned team asset, wide receiver suddenly feels thin. It will take more than one draft to address everything. However, if Peters chooses his quarterback wisely, those problems will no longer feel as pressing.
Rank-5-Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals actually showed some promise, even in a 4-13 season. They promised to build around quarterback Kyler Murray and were competitive much of the time, winning two significant road games in December. They have also added some intelligent players this offseason, including defensive line reinforcements, offensive tackle Jonah Williams, and cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting.
But now is not the time to play. In this league, honeymoons are short lived, and the Cardinals need to win. Indeed, the Rams ought to be competitive once more, and the 49ers are here to stay in the NFC West. But, the Cardinals need to demonstrate that they’re prepared for more than just playing in close games as the Seahawks are in transition.
The Cardinals are obviously aiming to trade down from the No. 4 pick in exchange for a windfall. Another pressing necessity is wide receiver, so they may also pass and select their best option. However, all the signs point to this being a big draft for general manager Monti Ossenfort, with seven picks now in the top 104 overall. He put in a lot of effort on the phones last year, and he could again. Will their scheming be successful?
Rank-6-New England Patriots
One may argue that the Patriots’ renovations will take their time after demolishing the House That Bill Built. That is accurate. However, that does not negate the importance of this draft class in determining how that process plays out.
The team’s selection of No. 3 overall is the highest since the 1990s, prior to both Belichick and Robert Kraft, the 82-year-old who is keen to produce another winner. Now, the owner is depending on General Manager Eliot Wolf—who has never had the position of captain—to maximize that choice. The Patriots, who now own the most cap space in the league, adopted a conservative approach to free agency, making the first pick even more significant.
The quarterback position is self-explanatory. In their last 67 games, Patriots quarterbacks have thrown for 68 touchdowns and 62 interceptions since Tom Brady. Presumptive bridge starter Jacoby Brissett can only have a limited impact on that record.
What might be Wolf and the Patriots’ third-round pick at quarterback? Or would they consider a trade down in order to acquire additional picks and plan the rebuild over a longer period of time? This draft class is crucial to the future of the franchise, even though it may not be easy to assess for a few years.
Rank-7-Buffalo Bills
I won’t mince words: the Bills’ offseason hasn’t been easy. They made a series of cost-cutting moves at the beginning of free agency, watched Josh Allen’s salary-cap figure grow by almost $20 million this year, and most recently, had to swallow hard when they sent Stefon Diggs away—to another AFC contender, no less.
It’s the kind of action that will most likely pay off in the long run. But in the near future, the Bills will have a lot of work ahead of them and few resources to complete it. I’m really grateful to General Manager Brandon Beane for providing this two-ton sound bite: “Are we better today? Most likely not.
However, how would he maintain the Super Bowl opportunity open? Bills supporters who are contributing to the construction of a new stadium would like to know. In actuality, Beane’s largest draft since selecting Josh Allen in 2018 is this one.
A bumper crop of wide receivers is helpful, but it remains to be seen if the Bills will select a pass-catcher at No. 28. The absence of a third-round pick would hinder their ability to trade up. Buffalo probably needs to take many receivers because of their safety and defensive line depth deficiencies. It would also be wonderful to have an RB to compliment James Cook. Can the Bills complete all of this in a single draft?
Rank-8-New York Giants
One of the more intriguing teams to follow in the 2024 NFL Draft is the Giants, for sure. With the sixth overall pick, they have a great chance to select one of the top receivers in the draft. This is an unusual draft in which the second- and third-best options on one team’s board may be first on other teams’ boards, even if they were to miss out on the first wideout picked.
In that scenario, the Giants would probably select a standup double there, at the very least. However, there’s this persistent, persistent quarterback temptation that just won’t go away.
Joe Schoen, the general manager, hasn’t ruled out drafting one. The Giants have since visited with nearly every quarterback he saw throughout the pre-draft process. He attended a number of the best quarterbacks’ games last season. Most crucially, despite the enormous Daniel Jones agreement, owner John Mara has approved the Giants spending a high pick on a quarterback.
What part will Schoen play? If the Patriots or Cardinals are prepared to trade places and stay in the top 10, but are unwilling to go from Nos. 3 or 4, respectively, a deal can be worked out. However, selecting a quarterback in the top six also means that the Giants would have fewer resources to bolster their roster after finishing 2–8 in the previous campaign.
Rank-9-Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have already benefited greatly from Jim Harbaugh, thus their offseason has already had a significant influence. However, it is impossible to overlook the roster purging; Los Angeles lost almost 20 players, including four defensive starters, RB Austin Ekeler, WRs Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, and others.
The Bolts have the fifth overall pick, and in the event that quarterbacks are selected with the first, second, and fourth picks, they will have the top non-QB available. It would be obvious to add WR firepower with Marvin Harrison Jr. or Malik Nabers if things go that way. It also makes sense to trade down.
Either would be a good place to start, but there’s no assurance that’s how things will work out. The Chargers also need to address other flaws in their roster. Finding RB support shouldn’t be too difficult, but it seems like the more important—and perhaps more difficult—tasks are to restock the secondary, provide OL depth, and even pick a second wideout.
Justin Herbert, the quarterback, and coach Jim Harbaugh are the Chargers’ greatest assets. The team also has some other players with promise. However, Harbaugh will need to make a few significant additions from this draft—at least three new starters—in order to lead a worst-to-first push. Will Harbaugh have an advantage as a scout thanks to his recent collegiate experience, which included molding a number of Michigan prospects?
