Draft week has arrived, and fans will soon be able to see through the smoke
• 1 min read
The NFL Draft is difficult to project because one trade can upset the apple cart, but that is also why the entertainment value is so high. Upon glancing into my crystal ball, I see four trades in the first round, with the final one leading to a fifth quarterback being selected in the first round. In today’s thought exercise, we explore one of many potential outcomes in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Without further ado, let’s kick this off!
For more draft coverage, you can hear in-depth analysis twice a week on “With the First Pick” — our year-round NFL Draft podcast with NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson and former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. You can find “With the First Pick” wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, etc. Listen to the latest episode below!
Teams without a first-round pick
33. Panthers: WR Ja’Lynn Polk, Washington
Carolina continues its strategic approach to support second-year quarterback Bryce Young with the selection of Polk. The Panthers currently have Adam Thielen and Diontae Johnson to throw out there while maintaining hope that Jonathan Mingo maximizes his potential.
42. Texans: DT Braden Fiske, Florida State
Houston had expressed interest in Arik Armstead before he signed with the Jaguars. They addressed several positions of need this offseason but still have a void along the defensive interior. Head coach DeMeco Ryans will not ever have to push Fiske as he is a ball of chaos.
44. 49ers: OG Jordan Morgan, Arizona
San Francisco needs to throw some assets in the direction of the offensive line. Morgan played left tackle for the Wildcats but has a higher ceiling as an interior offensive lineman. He steps into the starting lineup from Day 1.
54. Browns: DT Maason Smith, LSU
Defensive tackle is a long-term position of need for the Browns given the short-term solutions on the roster. Cleveland has been drawn to LSU in the past, particularly players coming off down seasons, like Grant Delpit and Greedy Williams.
The 2024 NFL Draft will take place from April 25-27 in Detroit. More draft coverage can be found at CBSSports.com, including the weekly updated draft order and a regularly available look at the eligible prospects.