Prior to the 2024 NFL Draft, here is a breakdown of my Top 10 NFL teams heading into Thursday Night in Detroit.
Teams that just Missed Out
Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers and the Buffalo Bills.
10. Atlanta Falcons
If the Falcons get 80% of what Kirk Cousins was prior to his achillies injury, watch out. An offense featuring Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts and Drake London…surely Cousins will elevate them to new heights. Newly hired Head Coach Raheem Morris will look to take a pretty good defense to the next level. Heading into the NFL Draft, Atlanta have many options with the 8th Overall Pick.
9. Dallas Cowboys
It doesn’t feel right labeling the Cowboys as one of the better teams in the NFL, especially after they gave up 48 points at home and lost in the Wild Card. Dallas lost Tony Pollard and need help at Wide Receiver. What looks like one of the better rosters in football could easily unravel which would put Mike McCarthy and Dak Prescott‘s futures in question.
8. Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love coming off an exceptional 2023 season has the Packers dreaming. Replacing Aaron Jones with Josh Jacobs to me, is an upgrade for what this Green Bay offense needs, toughness. The defense needs a ton of help, but Packers tock is on the rise heading into the NFL Draft.
7. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles reloaded in free agency. Saquon Barkley and Bryce Huff are the headliners, but bringing home C.J. Gardner-Johnson and taking a shot on Devin White could also end up being big moves. There are still some concerns on defense, but there is no doubting this roster is full of talent and will be expected to make a deep run in the playoffs. I’m not convinced, but they’ll be in the conversation.
6. Houston Texans
Easily one of the better stories to root for, this time last year the Houston Texans were coming off a 3-13-1 season. After drafting C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr., the Texans head into the 2024 NFL Draft will their future brighter than ever.
5. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals lost two key defenders in Chidobe Awuzie and D.J. Reader, but also added Sheldon Rankins, Geno Stone, and Vonn Bell. On offense, trading away Joe Mixon and signing Zack Moss. A healthy Joe Burrow will answer a lot of questions we have, but the one outstanding issue is with Tee Higgins, who is franchised but has also been the center of trade rumors.
4. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are in “Win-Now” mode, re-signing Justin Madubuike and acquiring Derrick Henry made their intentions known. There were some key losses on defense, however, and there are several question marks on an offensive line that is now down three starters.
3. Detroit Lions
Notable Lions offseason additions thus far have been DJ Reader and Carlton Davis. If anything, retaining Ben Johnson could be the most important move of all, especially for QB Jared Goff. Detroit has been one of the best drafting teams since Brad Holmes’ arrival, and they’re safely one of the NFL’s Top 5 teams heading into the NFL Draft.
2. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers were forced to move on from Arik Armstead and lost Chase Young in free agency, but they also added Leonard Floyd to help compensate. This was always going to be an uneventful offseason…that is if the Brandon Aiyuk remains with the team. Heading into the draft, the 49ers remain second to only the Chiefs, but will have a few teams gunning for their spot.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs kept Chris Jones and Drue Tranquill, but L’Jarius Sneed was traded to the Titans. Kansas City did sign Marquise Brown to help a Wide Receiver room that may need all the help it can get with Rashee Rice’s off-field issues. Heading into the NFL Draft, the Chiefs will feel comfortable knowing whatever moves they make, they’ll have Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes to make it all work.
