The order for the highest 26 picks within the first spherical of the 2024 NFL draft is about, with the Chicago Bears choosing No. 1 and the Washington Commanders choosing No. 2. May each groups transfer on from their beginning quarterbacks? Or may they appear so as to add assist for his or her signal-callers in April’s draft? The Bears have two first-round picks — the second at No. 9 total — as they appear towards an intriguing offseason.
The 2024 NFL draft will happen at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza in Detroit. Spherical 1 will start on April 25, Rounds 2 and three are on April 26, and Rounds 4 by way of 7 are on April 27. The draft might be broadcast on ESPN, ABC and the ESPN App.
Take a look at the locked-in order for Nos. 1-26 beneath, with Nos. 27-32 projected from ESPN’s Soccer Energy Index (FPI). Workforce write-ups from our NFL Nation reporters have been up to date from mid-December.
NFL draft protection:
Miller: Prospects with a Spherical 1 grade
Reid’s QB Sizzling Board: Rating high 12
Kiper’s up to date Huge Board, place rankings
The Bears have the No. 1 decide in back-to-back years because of a commerce with Carolina from final March. The largest query is whether or not they may hold quarterback Justin Fields and use their draft capital to construct round him with one other extensive receiver and inside O-line assist, or if they may draft a QB.
The best way Fields performed since getting back from a thumb damage in Week 11 brings up an actual debate about whether or not Chicago is healthier off with him on this trajectory than beginning over in 2024. — Courtney Cronin
Washington’s route with its first decide might be decided by how the group views quarterback Sam Howell. With a regime change doubtless, it is not possible to know what a brand new coach or normal supervisor thinks of him. In the event that they like him, they will commerce again, add extra picks early within the draft and/or in future years (they personal 5 top-100 picks in 2024) and construct a high quality younger roster. But when they don’t seem to be offered on Howell, then they will attempt to transfer up or choose one of many high quarterbacks within the class. — John Keim
There is a determination due this offseason on quarterback Mac Jones’ fifth-year choice for 2025. The Patriots in all probability will decline it, which might imply they’re again within the first-round quarterback dialog. It does not essentially lock in that they will take a passer from what is taken into account a gifted class. Their wants are plentiful, with offensive line and extensive receiver atop the listing. There’s additionally the relatively giant query of whether or not the Invoice Belichick regime might be making the picks, so there’s lots to kind out between every now and then. — Mike Reiss
To commerce or to not commerce, that’s the query the Cardinals will face with their first of two first-round picks. With Kyler Murray’s play since getting back from a knee damage, the dialog about drafting a quarterback has quieted, however Arizona is able to rebuild its whole roster with 10 picks within the 2024 draft.
If high extensive receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State) is obtainable with their first decide, the Cardinals may pair him with Murray and by no means look again, or commerce down for a haul of picks in addition to a first-rate participant. In the event that they hold their high decide, count on it to be an impression participant, whereas the second decide will doubtless fill a necessity akin to an offensive lineman or one other receiver. In addition they have Houston’s high decide from the commerce up final April. — Josh Weinfuss
The Chargers are projected to be $34.8 million over the wage cap subsequent season, in response to Roster Administration System. This implies they may doubtlessly look a lot totally different subsequent season, as a lot of their costly contracts will should be restructured, traded or launched. Drafting one of the best participant accessible (besides at quarterback) would make sense, however with a speeding offense and move protection which might be each on the backside of the league, probably the most vital wants are at defensive again, offensive line and tight finish. — Kris Rhim
Basic supervisor Joe Schoen mentioned lately that the Giants are going so as to add a quarterback this offseason, through free company or the draft. He additionally talked about finding out the first-round quarterbacks from the 2018 draft, which suggests they’ll at the least contemplate that place early on this draft relying on how this season ends. — Jordan Raanan
Solely 4 starters have come from the previous three Titans’ draft courses, however normal supervisor Ran Carthon’s debut 2023 class has seen a number of contributors, notably on offense. That features Will Levis, who may be the staff’s quarterback of the longer term. Now, Carthon has to search out extra impactful gamers for a roster that desperately wants game-changing expertise. The roster additionally wants so as to add high quality depth gamers on either side of the soccer. The Titans might be in transition, with perennial Professional Bowl operating again Derrick Henry doubtlessly hitting the market as a free agent. — Turron Davenport
This may all begin at quarterback for the Falcons, who misplaced 4 of 5 video games to finish the season. They may not be able to draft one of many high prospects. They may as an alternative flip their consideration to cornerback, offensive line or line of defense. Lacking the playoffs makes the quarterback query the largest offseason difficulty by far. — Michael Rothstein
That is the second of the Bears’ two first-round picks, because of their commerce with the Panthers from final March. Chicago final picked twice in Spherical 1 in 2003, when it traded down from No. 4 and drafted defensive finish Michael Haynes (No. 14) and quarterback Rex Grossman (No. 22). — ESPN workers
The Jets’ high wants are at offensive deal with and extensive receiver, and there needs to be some gifted prospects from which to decide on. The staff’s largest query is at quarterback. New York can have a wholesome Aaron Rodgers in 2024, however will that preclude it from taking a quarterback if it has a shot at one of many high prospects? That will contradict the group’s win-now philosophy, but it surely additionally has to keep watch over the longer term. Rodgers is 40, and there is no assure he’ll play past 2024. — Wealthy Cimini
Nothing concerning the Vikings’ draft plans may be finalized till they determine concerning the quarterback place. Kirk Cousins’ contract might be void in March. Joshua Dobbs, after a sizzling begin because the staff’s emergency starter, has been benched and doesn’t look like the reply. The Vikings should determine whether or not they need both (or each) again in 2024 after which assess whether or not their final draft place might be adequate to pick a quarterback who is nice sufficient to issue as a long-term reply. If not, has rookie Jaren Corridor proven sufficient to be in that dialog? — Kevin Seifert
The Broncos are again on the quarterback carousel — once more — after coach Sean Payton benched Russell Wilson earlier than the Week 17 sport towards the Chargers. Jarrett Stidham, who began the final two video games, was the twelfth quarterback to begin a sport for the Broncos for the reason that starting of the 2016 season. The Broncos are poised to stroll away from Wilson, together with his five-year, $242.6 million deal. Stidham could be probably the most environment friendly choice given he is signed for 2024 and Wilson’s contract would put the Broncos in a most uncomfortable wage cap squeeze.
The Broncos have restricted draft capital — six picks and solely two within the first two days of the draft, with no second-rounder — to make a transfer. — Jeff Legwold
Raiders interim coach Antonio Pierce, who elevated fourth-round decide Aidan O’Connell over veteran Jimmy Garoppolo in November, acknowledged late within the season he by no means believed Las Vegas would win a sport “as a result of” of the rookie quarterback. Certainly, had the Raiders obtained any semblance of competent quarterback play towards the Vikings (a 3-0 defeat) and within the first half on the Colts, the place they misplaced 23-20, they’d have had two extra wins. Pierce’s admission lends additional credence to the notion that O’Connell shouldn’t be the longer term for the franchise. Similar with $72.75 million man Garoppolo, a first-rate minimize candidate.
So, for the primary time since 2007, and solely the fourth time for the reason that 1970 AFL-NFL merger, the Raiders may use a first-round decide on a quarterback. A commerce up may be essential to get one of many high passers, however who makes that decision, what with Pierce the interim coach and Champ Kelly an interim normal supervisor? Certainly, the Raiders are once more searching for a franchise quarterback. — Paul Gutierrez
The Saints have struck out with first-round picks on either side of the road: Defensive finish Marcus Davenport (2018) left in free company, edge rusher Payton Turner (2021) has three profession sacks, and offensive deal with Trevor Penning (2022) was benched this season. They’ve one of many worst move rushes within the league, and Cameron Jordan (two sacks) might be 35 subsequent season. With quarterback Derek Carr signed by way of the 2026 season and the Saints struggling within the trenches, they could want to begin rebuilding their offensive and defensive strains. — Katherine Terrell
The Colts addressed their longtime quarterback want final April, and that opens up the draft board in a major manner. They like their offensive playmakers, although including a receiver could not harm. Their secondary is younger however displaying some promise late within the season. With the dearth of pressing wants, this draft is the proper state of affairs for normal supervisor Chris Ballard, who loves buying and selling out of the primary spherical to amass extra picks. — Stephen Holder
The e-book is closed on the Russell Wilson commerce, which implies the Seahawks will not be flush with early-round draft capital like they have been in every of the previous two drafts. They’ve an additional third-round decide, however they do not personal a second-rounder after giving it up within the Leonard Williams commerce — and so they will not be choosing within the high 10 for a 3rd straight yr, barring a collapse over the ultimate month. Meaning it might be simpler mentioned than carried out to exchange quarterback Geno Smith this offseason in the event that they have been so inclined primarily based on his inconsistent play and the flexibleness they must get out of his contract. — Brady Henderson
For a staff that began 8-3, the Jaguars have plenty of areas that should be addressed if they’ll be a reliable Tremendous Bowl contender in 2024 and past. It begins with the inside of the offensive line (primarily at guard), however including a big-bodied receiver, discovering one other pass-rusher and/or cornerback and getting higher on the line of defense are also spots to observe. Most of Jacksonville’s impression gamers have been signed in free company lately. It is time to discover some extra within the draft. — Michael DiRocco
The Bengals’ draft may hinge on what occurs with extensive receiver Tee Higgins. Within the remaining yr of his rookie deal, Higgins’ manufacturing has fallen wanting his first three seasons. He had 42 catches and 5 touchdowns in 12 video games. Cincinnati might want to determine if he is price a franchise tag or a long-term deal, or it may take a look at drafting a substitute to pair with Ja’Marr Chase, who may get an enormous contract extension within the offseason. — Ben Child
For the primary time since 2016, the Rams have a decide within the first spherical. In November, it regarded like that decide was trending towards the highest 10, however Los Angeles received seven of its remaining eight regular-season video games to get into the playoffs. The Rams have a number of spots they may goal within the draft, however after shifting on from a number of veterans on the defensive facet of the ball final offseason, it may make sense for them to go for one of the best defensive participant accessible in April. — Sarah Barshop
Even with a deep and gifted quarterback class within the draft, the Steelers are unlikely to maneuver on from Kenny Pickett this offseason. There nonetheless are loads of holes to fill throughout the roster, however they need to prioritize cornerback and inside linebacker. Basic supervisor Omar Khan chosen cornerback Joey Porter Jr. in his first draft a yr in the past, however the Steelers now want a top-tier mate to pair with him. And whereas they hit on all three inside linebacker free company signings, accidents decimated the group, and reinforcements might be wanted. Heart might be one other first-round choice. — Brooke Pryor
No, your eyes don’t deceive you — the Dolphins personal a first-round decide for the primary time since 2021. The route during which they go finally might be decided by their free agent class, however they’ve wants at security, linebacker and inside offensive line. Miami must hit on its premium picks, contemplating quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s potential megadeal will doubtless encourage some powerful monetary choices. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
The Eagles have 9 picks, together with a pair of second-rounders, to complement its roster. Secondary is prone to be a spotlight, with beginning corners Darius Slay and James Bradberry each over 30. The Eagles are normally hesitant to dedicate vital assets at linebacker however might want to rethink after being held again by the place this season. Offensive and line of defense is all the time a secure wager with this entrance workplace, particularly with some key gamers within the twilight of their careers. — Tim McManus
The Texans traded away their first-round decide on this class once they moved up with the Cardinals to draft edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. final April. This decide comes from the Deshaun Watson commerce with the Browns. Whereas Houston surpassed expectations this season and received a playoff sport, it has holes within the trenches, particularly at left guard and within the defensive entrance seven. It would want to choose one of the best accessible participant as an alternative of filling a selected want this late, nonetheless. Drafting for want is harder when a staff cannot get one of many elite prospects within the high half of Spherical 1. — DJ Bien-Aime
The Cowboys can look wherever and all over the place for assist on this draft. They may use free company to fill holes and ensure they will select one of the best participant accessible, however the offensive line (deal with, middle), line of defense, linebacker, cornerback, operating again and doubtlessly wideout might be choices. The Cowboys have 16 gamers set to turn out to be unrestricted free brokers, together with deal with Tyron Smith, operating again Tony Pollard, cornerback Stephon Gilmore and defensive finish Dorance Armstrong. They doubtless will not be capable of hold all of them, so hitting at these spots within the draft turns into a should. — Todd Archer
Two months in the past, it regarded just like the Packers could be able to draft one other franchise quarterback in the event that they wanted one. Now, Jordan Love’s play may need satisfied them he is the man. If that is the case, then that they had greatest assist him. With 5 picks within the first three rounds (partly because of the Aaron Rodgers commerce), Inexperienced Bay’s precedence needs to be a left deal with to exchange the ailing David Bakhtiari. — Rob Demovsky
The quarterback scenario must be watched most intently, as Baker Mayfield is a free agent. How the Bucs closed out the season significantly impacts that, nonetheless. Profitable a playoff sport means they’re out of vary for the highest quarterbacks. — Jenna Laine
Projected order for decide Nos. 27-32, through the FPI
27. Arizona Cardinals (through 10-7 HOU)
28. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (11-6)
29. Buffalo Payments (11-6)
30. Detroit Lions (12-5)
31. Baltimore Ravens (13-4)
32. San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
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