The Order for the Top 18 Picks in the 2024 NFL Draft
The order for the top 18 picks in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft has been set. The Chicago Bears will have the first overall pick, followed by the Washington Commanders at No. 2. Both teams are facing questions about their starting quarterbacks and whether they will look to add help in the draft.
Chicago Bears
The Bears have the No. 1 pick for the second consecutive year, thanks to a trade with the Carolina Panthers. The biggest question for them is whether they will keep quarterback Justin Fields or draft a new QB. Fields’ performance since returning from injury has sparked a debate about the team’s future.
Washington Commanders
Washington’s direction with their first pick will depend on how they view quarterback Sam Howell. With a regime change likely, it’s uncertain what a new coach or general manager thinks of Howell. They could trade back and accumulate more picks or select one of the top quarterbacks in the draft.
New England Patriots
The Patriots have a decision to make on quarterback Mac Jones’ fifth-year option. They are expected to decline it, which would put them back in the conversation for a first-round quarterback. However, they also have other needs to address, such as the offensive line and wide receiver positions.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals have the option to trade their first-round pick or use it to rebuild their roster. With Kyler Murray’s strong performance since returning from injury, the need for a quarterback has diminished. They could focus on adding a top wide receiver or trade down for more picks and a key player.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are projected to be over the salary cap for next season, so they will need to restructure contracts or make trades. Their biggest needs are on the defensive side of the ball, particularly in the secondary and offensive line.
New York Giants
The Giants’ general manager has stated that they will add a quarterback this offseason, either through free agency or the draft. They are also considering studying the first-round quarterbacks from the 2018 draft. The team’s needs will depend on how the season ends.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans have had limited success with their past draft classes, so they need to find impactful players to improve their roster. The team also needs to add depth on both sides of the ball and may be in transition if running back Derrick Henry becomes a free agent.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons’ biggest offseason issue is the quarterback position, as they lost four of their last five games. They may not have the opportunity to draft one of the top prospects, so they could focus on other positions such as cornerback, offensive line, or defensive line.
Chicago Bears (Second Pick)
This is the Bears’ second first-round pick, acquired in a trade with the Panthers. They last had two first-round picks in 2003. The team will need to make a decision on how to use this pick to further strengthen their roster.
New York Jets
The Jets’ top needs are at offensive tackle and wide receiver. They will have a healthy Aaron Rodgers in 2024, but they also need to consider the future. They may draft a quarterback if one of the top prospects is available.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings’ draft plans will depend on their decision about the quarterback position. They will have to determine if they want to bring back Kirk Cousins or Joshua Dobbs, or if they need to select a quarterback in the draft.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos are once again facing uncertainty at the quarterback position. They have limited draft capital, so they will need to make a move to address their needs. They may consider starting Jarrett Stidham, who is signed for 2024, instead of Russell Wilson.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have been inconsistent at the quarterback position and may need to use their first-round pick on a new quarterback. However, the decision will depend on the coaching staff and general manager, as they are currently in interim positions.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints have struggled with their first-round picks in recent years, particularly on the defensive line. They may need to focus on rebuilding their offensive and defensive lines to improve their pass rush and protect their quarterback.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts addressed their quarterback need last year, so they have more flexibility in this year’s draft. They may choose to trade out of the first round to acquire additional picks, as they have few urgent needs to address.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks will not have as much draft capital as in previous years due to the Russell Wilson trade. They may need to replace quarterback Geno Smith, but it could be challenging without a second-round pick.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars started the season strong but have several areas that need improvement. They will need to address the offensive line, wide receiver, pass rush, cornerback, and defensive line positions in the draft.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals’ draft plans will depend on the decision they make regarding wide receiver Tee Higgins. They may need to draft a replacement if they choose not to re-sign him or if they want to pair another receiver with Ja’Marr Chase.
Projected Order for Picks Nos. 19-32
- Green Bay Packers
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Arizona Cardinals (via Houston Texans)
- Los Angeles Rams
- Miami Dolphins
- Kansas