NFL Overreactions: First Round of the 2024 NFL Draft
Mackenzie Salmon breaks down some of the biggest shocks (and expected picks) of the NFL Draft on night one.
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Day 3 of the NFL draft starts with the Carolina Panthers on the clock with pick No. 101. The Panthers traded up for their first pick, taking WR Xavier Legette from South Carolina with the No. 32 pick.
Here’s how the NFL draft will shape up during Saturday’s final day: The fourth round will feature 35 picks, while the fifth will have 41, the sixth will have 44 and the seven will have 37, ending with the 257th and final selection.
Here are USA TODAY Sports’ 2024 NFL draft grades for every pick in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh rounds.
2024 NFL draft grades: Every pick in fourth round
Carolina continues to surround quarterback Bryce Young with talent in this draft. Sanders offers a big body with 4.6 speed to upgrade the pass catchers. He’ll need to improve his blocking but offers great value as an F tight end at the top of the fourth round.
Franklin reunites with college teammate Bo Nix in Denver. He’s a vertical threat with 4.4 speed and reliable hands that he showed off with the Ducks. He’ll be a field-stretcher but there are concerns about his size at 6 feet, 1 inch and just 176 pounds, making him one of the leanest wide receivers in the class.
New England bolsters its offensive line again in the fourth round with one of the longer guards in the draft. Robinson has some of the longest arms and biggest hands in the class. His aggressive play style will be a boost in the running game but he’s more of a project in pass protection. He’s at least a good depth piece for the Patriots to start his career.
Nicknamed “Rabbit,” Taylor-Demerson was one of the more productive safeties in college football during his time with the Red Raiders. He led Texas Tech in interceptions for the last three years and had 33 career passes defended. His speed and instincts make him another good addition to the Cardinals’ defensive backfield.
Eboigbe has the size (6-foot-4, 290 pounds) to greatly improve the Chargers’ run defense early in Los Angeles. His length and motor make him a potential option rushing the passer. There are medical concerns, though, as Eboigbe missed most of 2022 with a season-ending neck injury. So long as his medical tests check out, he offers plenty of upside.
Gray led all Power 5 players in tackles over 2022-23 with 279. He’s athletic, aggressive and smart, finding a way to the ball consistently. He’s one of the better linebackers in this class and getting him this late is a great value selection for the Titans. He could at least contribute on special teams immediately.
Johnson is one of the best size-speed-athleticism prospects at the position in the draft. At 6 feet, 4 inches and 247 pounds, he ran a 4.57 40-yard dash and posted the fastest shuttle time in the class among tight ends. He’ll need to improve his blocking to stick in the league but offers a lot of potential.
Jackson’s one of the tallest cornerbacks in the class and uses that size and competitive streak to stay in position. He led the Ducks with three interceptions and 12 passes defensed in 2023. He’ll excel in press-man coverage but will turn 25 before his rookie season starts.
Dorlus lined up in multiple places on the defensive line for the Ducks and led them in sacks (5.0) in 2023. He has the size and skill to get reps early on as a base end and move inside in sub situations. He does need to improve his consistency but was one of the top interior defensive linemen in the class, offering great value in Round 4.
Baker’s athletic profile compares well to Green Bay’s Romeo Doubs. Baker is not an elite athletic player but thrived after the catch in his final year at UCF. He is an upgrade for the Patriots at wide receiver as they invest around Drake Maye, but his inconsistency and drops are a concern.
Williams transferred to Oregon from Fresno State in 2023 and led the Ducks in tackles with 82. He shines in run support and gives new Packers coordinator Jeff Hafley another piece in the back end. Williams can line up in multiple spots or play a traditional box safety role.
Richardson played with current NFL cornerbacks Martin Emerson and Emmanuel Forbes in his time with the Bulldogs. His length at 6 feet, 2 inches and 4.34 40-yard dash speed complement his sure tackling to make Richardson a developmental prospect. But his lack of ball production (zero interceptions in college) is a big red flag.
Walker’s big-play ability stands out in a loaded class of wide receivers. Once he took the field mid-season for the Tar Heels, he was an immediate upgrade for Drake Maye and was a third team All-ACC player. His route running needs improvement and lack of physicality could hurt him at the NFL level, but the Ravens add a different kind of player to their wide receiver room.
Jacksonville finally adds to the offensive line in the draft with Foster. The longtime Tigers left tackle was a standout in pass protection against SEC competition and helped pave the way for running back Cody Schrader. His aggression in run blocking could make him one of the better value picks in the class for Jacksonville.
Based on numbers and tape alone, All is a solid tight end in a top-heavy class. He’s a better blocker than most prospects and led the Hawkeyes in receiving in 2023. But he suffered season-ending injuries in 2023 and 2022 and only played 10 total games in that span. If he stays healthy, he’s a solid No. 2 tight end for the Bengals.
Jacksonville goes two-for-two with LSU defensive tackles after taking Maason Smith in Round 2. He’s strong at the point of attack and uses his burst off the line well. He lacks flexibility and balance that you’d like to see on the interior. He’d be a rotational linemen and this seems early to draft him.
Unsurprisingly, the uber-athletic Bortolini gets swooped up by Indianapolis here. He was an outstanding tester at the combine and fits easily into zone schemes with his movement skills and balance. His short arms and smaller wingspan overall does give some pause, but he could develop into a center of the future for the Colts.
Knight led the country in solo tackles with 84 as a senior for the Miners. His nose for the football shines against the run thanks to his instincts and closing burst. He rarely misses tackles and will at least be an immediate impact starter on special teams. His coverage limitations could be more of a red flag against NFL competition.
One of the more talented offensive line classes in recent history sees McCormick in the fourth round. He turns 24 before the season starts but tested very well at the combine and has the size to hold up at guard. He’s inconsistent at times on tape but a mauler in the running game who can back up all three interior linemen spots. Pittsburgh continues to improve the trenches with a versatile prospect here.
The Dolphins’ pedigree for speed makes it no surprise they took Wright at this spot. He was a threat to go the distance against SEC competition with the Volunteers. He’s been compared to Jerome Ford with his scheme versatility and can work on all three downs. He could make for an impressive 1-2 combo with De’Von Achane in Miami.
Barner’s an ideal in-line tight end that gives the Seahawks another threat in the pass game who can hold his own in most blocking situations. He’s a bit small to be a Y tight end with some of the smallest hands in the class but has the athleticism to be a flex tight end early on.
True, Taylor was one of the best punters in the nation in 2023 at Iowa. He did notch a 67-yard punt for the Hawkeyes in their bowl game. But with just four total picks in this year’s draft, this seems like a waste of a resource for the Bears with players who could fill more needs still on the board.
Houston gets a great value pick at tight end to continue to build around quarterback C.J. Stroud. Stover initially played defensive end and linebacker before becoming one of the best Buckeye tight ends in years. He’ll never be a strong blocker but he has the mentality and skills to become a great possession tight end.
San Francisco continues to load up on the back end here. Mustapha has the range to hold up in both pass and run defense. His ball production in college was mediocre (three interceptions in 39 career games) and his athleticism isn’t elite. He compares well to Jordan Whitehead but with Ji’Ayir Brown and Talanoa Hufanga already on the 49ers roster, he won’t get any significant starting time, barring injury.
Irving’s a smaller back with two 1,000-yard seasons on his resume and could struggle to find similar production in the NFL. He’s a strong receiving back as well with 56 career catches and could be a complementary back to Rachaad White in Tampa Bay. At No. 125 overall, this doesn’t feel like too much of a reach, but the Buccaneers could’ve addressed other needs first.
Manu is massive at 6 feet, 8 inches and 352 pounds. He started for the last three seasons at left tackle and left guard at the University of British Columbia, making it hard to properly judge his tape. He has rare athleticism for his size but needs a lot of development. This feels like a reach for Detroit as many boards had him as an undrafted free agent.
Philadelphia suddenly has a crowded running back room with Shipley, Saquon Barkley, and Kenneth Gainwell. He’s a weapon in both the run and pass game and made first-team All-ACC at three different spots: running back, all-purpose, and specialist. His speed and urgency with the ball overcome average size and he could become an asset in case Barkley goes down with injury.
Buffalo adds some depth behind starter James Cook with Davis. A physical back despite standing 5 feet, 8 inches, Davis flashed his skills in the passing game in 2023 as well. Davis does have a lot of tread on the tires with more than 800 total touches in college, lacks long speed, and will turn 25 as a rookie, all knocks for a pick at this spot.
Christian McCaffrey fantasy football owners need not be worried. Guerendo already worked in a split role in Louisville with Jawhar Jordan and could help spell McCaffrey in San Francisco. He is an elite athlete at his size and put on a show at the scouting combine. Despite being one of the oldest prospects in the class at running back (23), he has just 273 career touches in college.
Baltimore gets one of the best value picks in the draft to this point with Tampa. The Ravens are loading up in the back end after taking Nate Wiggins in Round 1 and Tampa is a scheme-versatile corner many had tabbed for Round 2. He’s a disruptor at the position with 22 career passes defensed in college and could be a rotational player immediately.
Wiley stands 6 feet, 6 inches at 249 pounds with 4.6 speed in the 40-yard dash. That combination of athleticism along with reliable hands (one drop in 59 career games) makes him a potential rotational tight end early on. His competitiveness in blocking situations is a good sign he can develop into a contributor with Kansas City’s infrastructure.
Vaki was one of the more versatile players in college football in 2023, lining up at both safety and running back. That background projects easily to special teams right away. His combine performance was slightly disappointing so this feels a bit early again for the Lions, especially considering how they’ve invested in the defensive backfield over the last two drafts.
Hicks was the top safety on some draft boards thanks to his fantastic tape and solid size. He can fit in any scheme and will be an asset for Steve Spagnuolo and company to develop into a starter as they have with many young DBs recently. This may be one of the best value picks of the round.
Allen’s one of the biggest running backs in the class at 235 pounds and one of the youngest (he’ll turn 21 in January). He’s a bruising back who thrives in short yardage but has the speed to make a quick cut and go. He’s not as elusive but, paired with Breece Hall with the Jets, offers a different skill set and the pass blocking to stay on the field on third down.
Cowing’s a small slot receiver who impresses with his straight-line speed. His small catch radius and stature (171 pounds at his pro day) could be tough to produce in the NFL. This is also a reach for San Francisco which already has a stacked wide receiver room the 49ers added to in Round 1.
2024 NFL draft grades: Every pick in fifth round
Pritchett has ideal size at 6 foot and 190 pounds and ran one of the fastest 40-yard dashes at the combine among cornerbacks. His tackling and character make him an ideal developmental cornerback and he could become a rotational starter in Seattle early on.
Still was a consistent producer in college with 28 passes defensed and six interceptions in 39 career games. He started all but two games in Maryland and looks like he enjoys press coverage on tape. He’s not an overwhelming athlete and lacks size but has the instincts to hold up and help a Chargers defense in transition.
Thomas’ inconsistency against the run is worrying considering he spent six years in college with the Tigers. He was in the same recruiting class as Trevor Lawrence and Patrick Surtain II. He flashes explosive potential in pass rush situations and could be a rotational piece early on for a Cardinals team seeking pass rush help.
Washington signed Bobby Wagner in free agency and Magee could benefit from learning behind the nine-time Pro Bowl player. Magee’s athleticism will come in handy in coverage and he plays hard against the run despite his smaller frame.
After taking Still three picks earlier, Los Angeles gets arguably a top-100 prospect with Hart here. His size at 6 feet, 3 inches makes him one of the longer corners in the draft. He lacks ball skills but his athleticism helps him match up against varied receiver types. He’ll at the very least be a top-tier special teams gunner as he grows into a bigger role on defense.
Van Pran-Granger started 44 games over the last three seasons for the Bulldogs under multiple offensive coordinators. He is an imposing presence in the run game and consistently performed en route to two national championships in college. He needs to improve in pass protection but he has the skills already to start if need be along the interior in Buffalo.
Gould spent the vast majority of his time with the Beavers at outside wide receiver despite standing 5-8 and weighing 174 pounds. He’s one of the fastest wideouts in the class and could be one of the best returners on the team as a rookie.
Bertrand led the Fighting Irish in tackles over the past three seasons and was a Campbell Trophy finalist in college. He’s an effective blitzer but lacks the athleticism to keep up against top-tier athletes in the NFL. His instincts, motor, and preparation will offer rotational value. Considering the other prospects at the position still on the board, this is a reach.
A trade back into Round 5 sees Chicago net one of the top value picks of the round. Booker has flashed potential despite starting just one game in college. He’s an ascending talent who could thrive on a Bears defensive line featuring Montez Sweat.
Denver gets a ballhawking cornerback in Round 5 with this selection. Abrams-Draine led the SEC in passes defensed with 16 in 2023. His thin frame is concern against bigger wide receivers but his competitive streak and positioning makes him at least a rotational corner for the Broncos early on.
Tennessee bolstered cornerback in free agency by signing Chidobe Awuzie and trading for L’Jarius Sneed. Brownlee Jr. is a physical corner and plays aggressive against the run. Considering the options on the board here, the Titans would’ve been better served shoring up other positions.
Estime was a workhorse for Notre Dame but comes to a Broncos team already featuring Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine in the backfield. Estime posted a 4.71 40-yard dash, one of the worst at the combine, but the tape shows a better downhill runner. He could become an RB1 but that may be hard to do in such a crowded backfield.
Eichenberg helped lead a turnaround on defense in Columbus with his instincts and tackle production. He’s much stronger against the run than the pass due to his average athleticism. His feel for the game and understanding of concepts could make him a starter early on.
Cincinnati continues its recent history of defensive back investment with Newton. A five-year starter for the Horned Frogs, Newton projects well in zone schemes that will cover up for his lack of long speed. His instincts and competitiveness will help a Bengals defense looking for a turnaround in 2024.
Rattler’s a tough read. He transferred from Oklahoma to South Carolina and played well despite having one of the least consistent offensive line groups in the conference. His athleticism and impressive arm talent makes up for his less-than-ideal size. He could develop into a long-term starter to succeed Derek Carr in New Orleans and that makes this a great value in Round 5.
At 6 feet, 2 inches tall and 227 pounds, Carlies is a bit of a tweener who could transition from safety to linebacker for Indianapolis. He led Missouri in tackles in 2022 and 2023 and has the straight line speed to be a productive player in both run defense and coverage. He has struggled at times in zone schemes and this feels like a bit of a reach for a prospect without a set position.
The Eagles look to plug a hole at slot receiver with the small but twitchy Smith here. His production over five years in College Station isn’t impressive but he excelled in the return game. He’ll likely be a contributor in that role as a rookie but his lack of size and smaller catch radius may limit his long-term production.
Jacksonville bolsters cornerback again here with an elite athlete at ideal size. He took a one-year hiatus to junior college in 2020 before returning to Ole Miss. He was a reliable player for the Rebels with okay ball production. He’s best in press coverage and his athleticism and toughness will keep him on an NFL roster regardless of how quickly he develops.
Jackson’s relentless motor mirrors that of the Rams’ top pick this year, Jared Verse. That effort helped him get 20 career sacks over 44 games with the Cougars. He can get thrown off his base and lacks bend at the position but can become a rotational edge rusher as the Rams replenish the defensive line.
Trotter’s IQ, body control, and quickness made him a tackling machine for the Tigers. He’s one of the many prospects with an NFL father in this year’s class. Unfortunately, this Trotter’s not ready-made for the modern NFL. His lack of length and speed in coverage could be a liability despite his gaudy tackling numbers.
Thrash is deep threat and has shown consistency in running the whole route tree. His clean release will be challenged against tougher defenders in the NFL but he can at least carve out a role on special teams with his speed. Considering the Browns’ diverse talents at wide receiver already, and the other prospects on the board, this feels like a reach.
Outside of Jaycee Horn, the Panthers are relying on free agent signings across the defensive backfield in 2024. He’s quick but not fast at 5 feet, 9 inches tall and 184 pounds. He’ll need to move inside at the NFL level and needs to improve his discipline in coverage to make up for his lack of elite traits.
After signing Shaq Barrett in free agency and drafting Chop Robinson in Round 1, the Dolphins are doubling down even more at edge with Kamara. He’s a physical, high-motor pass rusher who consistently works offensive lineman despite his 6-foot-1, 248-pound frame. Miami could’ve bolstered more pressing needs at this spot.
Nourzad started at right tackle, left guard, and right guard before moving to center in his final season at Penn State. His strength is solid but not overwhelming and he uses his smarts and technique to stay in position. Kansas City could develop him to back up all three interior offensive line positions.
Buffalo suffered numerous injuries to its linebacking group down the stretch in 2023 and Ulofoshio boosts that position. He’ll turn 25 in January, meaning his potential may be capped in the NFL, but the player he is now is an impressive athlete at the position. That athleticism and instincts could make him an ideal backup or spot starter at the position for the Bills.
Hampton put on a show at the combine considering his size. That size-speed combination will serve him well in the NFL as he needs to improve his discipline in coverage. He had just two career interceptions in college despite 57 games played. His tools make him a rotational safety for a Commanders defense in need of assistance at all levels.
Jones started 48 games at right and left tackle for the Longhorns over the past four seasons. He’s stiff but strong at contact with an above-average wingspan and big hands. He’s one of the lighter tackles in the class at 305 pounds but could become a factor in Arizona relatively quickly.
Monk started 58 career games across three positions at Duke (center, right guard, and right tackle). He’s not an elite athlete but has great technique and foot quickness. His strength is lacking considering his size but he goes to a team that typically gets the most out of late-round offensive linemen.
Simpson’s career year in 2023 showed what he can do on the back end at corner. He tallied four interceptions and seven passes defensed with one of the best coverage grades on the team. His smaller frame could hold him back in press coverage but his ball skills and speed make him a solid special teamer at worst.
Baltimore adds to their running back room after signing Derrick Henry in free agency. Ali’s injury history, pass blocking, and ball security (11 fumbles from 2021-23) are a concern. But he can make breakaway plays with his burst.
Tracy Jr.’s one of the more intriguing talents in the draft. A longtime wide receiver, Tracy Jr. transitioned to running back in 2023 and put up good numbers. Is he a wide receiver or a receiving running back? In either role, the Giants could use another boost to the offense and he’s worth developing.
Robinson’s college production was limited with the likes of Bijan Robinson, Roschon Johnson, and Jonathan Brooks on the roster. He was a standout returner which is likely his role in the NFL. He could end up a great return man in Jacksonville. But at this pick, the Jaguars would’ve been better served shoring up other needs.
His production’s undeniable with 16.0 sacks in 2023 and 32.5 in his college career. He’s on the smaller side at 6 feet tall and 246 pounds but his speed off the edge is ideal. He’s struggled against bigger blockers before but could work in as a rotational piece for the Bills, making for great value in the end of Round 5.
Oladapo’s tape from Corvallis is impressive with a blend of solid athleticism at the right size for a box safety. He was one of the best run defenders in the country at the position, per Pro Football Focus. But he’s the third safety Green Bay’s drafted in the last three rounds. And they just signed Xavier McKinney in free agency.
Last year, New Orleans took A.T. Perry in Round 6. They continue a late-round ACC wide receiver tradition by taking Means here. His rare hand size, wingspan, and vertical jump give him an incredible catch radius. But his lack of route running will limit his immediate impact.
Travis suffered a left leg injury in 2023 that cut his standout season short. He led a turnaround at Florida State and became one of the most prolific passers in program history. His size is a concern, even with his dual-threat ability, as is his ball placement and consistency.
Keegan’s ideal size for guard is undone by his average athleticism. His experience and physicality will help at the NFL level but the Eagles could’ve found players with higher upside on the board at this spot.
One round after taking one of the best backs in the class, the Jets double down with selecting Davis. The former Jackrabbits standout has plenty of college production behind a line featuring multiple future NFL players. But there’s little need for a running back with limited special teams value as a rookie at this spot considering the board.
Carson missed 11 games over the last three years with the Demon Deacons. Injury concerns aside, he’s a versatile NFL cornerback with ideal size and athleticism. If he stays healthy, he could become a solid starter for the Cowboys at a great value.
Ford is a solid athlete with NFL size at the position and a nose for the ball (27.5 career tackles for loss). He may struggle in coverage against better athletes but he knows how to operate in zone coverage over the middle.
Stiggers is an incredible story who’s now made it to the NFL. But as far as a talent goes, this is a massive reach for someone who played semi-pro football in 2022 before joining the CFL in 2023. He has solid size and great athleticism but will need a lot of development. Considering the other more ready-made corners on the board, this was a rough way to end Round 5.
Rouse has prototypical athleticism at his size for NFL offensive linemen. His athletic profile matches up well with Jawaan Taylor and his football IQ will likely keep him on an NFL roster for years. He makes for an ideal swing tackle on a talented Vikings offensive line.
Lee’s a long, explosive athlete at the position but lacks the ideal weight and strength to stay on the inside. He’s not quite a interior defender but doesn’t possess the burst and power to thrive on the edge. He is a hard worker and could grow into a niche role alongside standouts in Pittsburgh.
Seattle continues to shore up the interior offensive line in Round 6 with Laumea at a great value selection. A four-year starter with the Utes, Laumea is a great presence in the run game with his foot quickness and power. He needs to develop in pass protection but is in no rush to start as a rookie in Seattle.
Dial’s ideal size and athleticism give him a solid floor as a cornerback but his lack of instincts and tackling are concerns. He’s made more for zone schemes and needs time to develop more disciplined spacing in coverage. This is a bit of a reach even for Round 6.
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