Jets Select DB Jaylen Key As 2024’s Mr. Irrelevant
The Jets had the honor of closing out the 2024 draft. Using pick No. 257, New York has selected Alabama defensive back Jaylen Key, making him this year’s Mr. Irrelevant.
Key began his college career at UAB, spending four seasons there. He made only 11 appearances across his first three campaigns at the Conference-USA program, but in 2022 he delivered a strong showing. Key played 13 games that year, posting 60 tackles and adding three interceptions. That production was followed up by a transfer to Alabama last offseason.
During his single campaign with the Crimson Tide, Key matched his total in terms of stops from the previous year, producing 1.5 tackles for loss. He picked off just one pass and added a pass deflection, limited ball production which can be explained by the other corners playing ahead of him on the depth chart. Key shared the field with Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry, both who whom were (as expected) selected much earlier this weekend.
Now, Key will join a Jets team which is already set atop the depth chart at the cornerback spot (and which used a fifth-round selection earlier today on former CFLer Quan’Tez Stiggers). The 6-2, 210-pounder could attempt to see time in a depth role at safety, however. At a minimum, Key will look to carve out a roster spot as a special teams contributor and in doing so become a full-time NFL player to pair with a moniker which will stick with him for years to come.
Patriots Select QB Joe Milton At No. 193
New England already added at the quarterback spot at the top of the first round, but the team has doubled down at the position. The Patriots have selected Tennessee QB Joe Milton with the 193rd pick. 
Drake Maye – selected with the third overall pick on Thursday night – is in place as New England’s signal-caller of the future. Milton represents another developmental option for new head coach Jerod Mayo‘s staff to work with. The latter spent six seasons in college, though his only full-time starting gig came in 2023.
Milton gained and then lost the No. 1 spot in Michigan before transferring to Tennessee. Upon arrival with the Volunteers, he held down first-team duties prior to being overtaken by Hendon Hooker. Hooker was selected in last year’s draft, which paved the way for Milton to regain the starter’s gig. In 2023, the 24-year-old threw for 2,813 yards while posting a 20:5 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He added 299 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.
At the Combine, Milton showed off his arm strength, something which will be a key factor in his ability to earn a roster spot at the NFL level. Playing time will be hard to come by in New England given the list of other options on the depth chart for the time being, however. Bailey Zappe is a returning passer from last year, but the arrival of two rookies could see him on the move. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport notes Zappe is “likely” available in a trade.
Moving on from Mac Jones this offseason, the Patriots signed Jacoby Brissett to serve as a veteran option while developing a rookie. He could begin the campaign as New England’s starter before the reins are turned over to Maye. While the status of those two quarterbacks will be an intriguing storyline during the summer, Milton will be in place as another passer aiming to earn a 53-man roster spot.
Jets Draft CB Qwan’Tez Stiggers At No. 176
One of the 2024 draft’s more interesting prospects is off the board. Cornerback Qwan’Tez Stiggers has been drafted with the No. 176 by the Jets.
Stiggers represents the first player drafted into the NFL after beginning his pro career in the Canadian Football League. Stiggers also spent time in the Fan-Controlled Football League as part of his unique path to the NFL level. He is one of a few players in history to be drafted after not playing NCAA football.
The 22-year-old’s plans went on hold following the death of his father. Rather than attending school and playing at the Division II level, Stiggers temporarily decided against pursuing a college football career. His unsuccessful bid to return to an NCAA program in 2022 led him to the Fan-Controlled league, in which he recorded five interceptions in 12 games. That led to interest from the XFL, but Stiggers elected to head north of the border for the 2023 campaign.
Quickly earning a starting role on the Toronto Argonauts (the team which finished the year with the CFL’s best regular season record), Stiggers racked up five interceptions and 12 pass deflections. Those totals earned him Most Outstanding Rookie honors as well as an All-Star nod. It also put him firmly on the radar of the NFL draft, something which was cemented by his pre-draft process.
Stiggers’ Pro Day (which took place at an academy in his hometown of Atlanta) produced a 40-yard dash time of 4.45. That speed, coupled with his 5-11, 204-pound frame, could allow him to earn a roster spot this year in New York. The Jets are set atop the CB depth chart, but Stiggers could serve in a rotational role while contributing on special teams. It will be interesting to see if he manages to make history by succeeding in his efforts regarding a CFL-to-NFL jump.
Jets Acquire No. 171 From Eagles, Select QB Jordan Travis
The Jets have moved up to No. 171 in a pick swap with the Eagles. New York will send the 185th and 190th picks to Philadelphia, allowing the team to select Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis. This agreement marks the eighth trade made by the Eagles in this year’s draft, tied for the most since 1990. 
Travis is the second quarterback to hear his name called after the first round, having needed to wait quite some time following the first six passers coming off the board within the first 12 selections. The soon-to-be 24-year-old was projected as a Day 3 option, but one possessing upside after his successful run with the Seminoles.
Starting in 2020, Travis took over atop the depth chart, and he proceeded to enjoy individual success while leading the team to notable heights. The Louisville transfer saw incremental success over the years in terms of accuracy, and his mobility produced noteworthy production on the ground as well. In 2023, Florida State was one of the nation’s top teams in large part due to Travis’ play.
Following a 10-0 start to the year, Travis suffered a fractured leg. That injury sidelined him for the rest of the campaign and derailed the Seminoles’ offense. The team managed to remain undefeated through the ACC title game, but Travis’ absence was a key factor in the decision to leave Florida State out of the College Football Playoff. Without being able to take part in the pre-draft process, he was also at a disadvantage relative to other signal-callers in this year’s class.
Still, Travis – who ended his college career No. 1 in school history in total offense (10,655 yards) and touchdowns (99) – profiles as an intriguing backup option for the Jets. Zach Wilson is, to no surprise, no longer in the fold following his trade to the Broncos. Coming off an Achilles tear, Aaron Rodgers is in place to start in 2024 and he plans to continue playing into his 40s. Travis could serve as a third-string option behind Rodgers and offseason addition Tyrod Taylor before potentially succeeding the latter in the QB2 spot.
Eagles Trade Up To No. 155, Draft LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
The Eagles have swapped places with the Colts in the fifth round. Philadelphia has acquired No. 155 from Indianapolis, sending Nos. 164 and 201 in exchange. 
With that newly added selection, the Eagles have drafted Clemson linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. Trotter’s father was selected by Philadelphia in 1998, and he spent eight years with the team. Trotter Sr. earned four Pro Bowl invites and a pair of All-Pro nods during his tenure there, and his son will aim to likewise have a successful time with the Eagles.
Trotter spent his three-year college career at Clemson, serving as starter over the past two seasons. As a sophomore, he filled the statsheet with 92 tackles (including 13.5 for loss), 6.5 sacks, eight pass deflections and a pair of interceptions. Those totals earned him a number of accolades, including a place on the All-American second team.
In 2023, Trotter’s output remained similar to that of the previous campaign, and he earned first-team All-ACC honors. As a 21-year-old junior, his age and production likely gives him some of the highest upside amongst linebackers in the 2024 class. He will be able to compete for playing time as at least a depth contributor and special teams mainstay in Philadelphia.
The Eagles have made a number of changes at the linebacker spot this offseason, bringing in Devin White and Zack Baun. 2022 third-rounder Nakobe Dean is also in line to assume a larger workload this year. Trotter will thus have plenty of competition for defensive snaps as a rookie, but he is now positioned to attempt to follow in his father’s footsteps at the NFL level.
49ers Did Not Consider Day 2 Trade Involving WRs Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel
One of the top storylines surrounding the 2024 draft has been the uncertain status of 49ers wideouts Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. Both have drawn trade interest, but a deal should no longer be considered likely in the immediate future. 
Aiyuk in particular has been discussed in trade talks, and San Francisco reportedly sought a draft pick in the middle of the first round on Thursday to pull off a deal. The 2020 first-rounder is believed to be seeking $25MM per year on a new deal, a steep price to pay for the 49ers or an acquiring team (albeit one in line with the top of the receiver market). Samuel, by contrast, is already attached to a lucrative pact.
The latter is set to carry cap hits of $28.63MM and $24.2MM over the next two years. Samuel was the topic of conversation in trade talks between the 49ers and Patriots, while the Bills and Steelers have also checked in. After setting a price point for both Aiyuk and Samuel too high for an agreement to be reached, thought was not given to a new round of negotiations on Friday.
“We didn’t entertain any of that today,” general manager John Lynch said of contemplating an Aiyuk and/or Samuel trade during the second and third rounds of the draft (via Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News). “We’re happy with our wide receiver group. Actually, more than happy. We’re thrilled with it. And thrilled to add Ricky to it to make it stronger.”
Indeed, San Francisco used the No. 31 pick to add Ricky Pearsall to a receiving depth chart already featuring (at least for now) Aiyuk, Samuel and Jauan Jennings. The 49ers are in position to command a high price for the former two contributors given the age and production, and Lynch has publicly stated a desire to hammer out a long-term Aiyuk agreement.
The sides are not believed to be close on terms, however, and the 49ers have several other skill-position commitments on offense and a Brock Purdy extension to budget for as early as next offseason. San Francisco already owns plenty of draft capital in 2024, and adding Day 3 picks would certainly not provide much incentive for a new round of trade talks to take place. With the window for a swap involving a Day 1 pick having closed, it would likely take massive new offer for Lynch’s stance to change.
49ers Acquire No. 86 Pick From Eagles
The 49ers have traded up the third-round order, swapping places with the Eagles. San Francisco has dealt Nos. 94 and 132 to Philadelphia in exchange for the 86th pick. 
Taking advantage of the move up the board, the 49ers have drafted Kansas offensive lineman Dominick Puni. He has experience at tackle but also on the inside, and it will be interesting to see where he is used at the pro game. This marks the first selection on either side of the ball with respect to line of scrimmage additions during this year’s draft for San Francisco.
The 49ers have been deemed a team which could be in the market for help along the offensive line, though they elected to add at the receiver spot on Thursday night by selecting wideout Ricky Pearsall. That was followed by the decision to help fill the cornerback spot (Renardo Green), but Puni has the potential to see action early in his career, particularly if he is shifted to guard.
The latter began his college career at Division II Central Missouri. Puni spent four years there, seeing time at left and right tackle. That was followed by his decision to transfer to Kansas, and he was a first-teamer with the Jayhawks as well. Puni started all 13 of his appearances in 2022 at the left guard spot before kicking back to the blindside during this past season.
San Francisco has Trent Williams entrenched as a foundational offensive piece at the left tackle position, although his future has been called into question with retirement as an option in the not-too-distant future. Colton McKivitz is on the books for the next two years, meanwhile, and he is in line on the right side. Puni’s quickest path to playing time will thus come at guard, and he is regarded as having starting upside – something which would go a long way to filling a notable need for the NFC champions.
Colts Move Up To No. 79
The Colts have moved up the third-round order, swapping places with the Cardinals. Indianapolis has acquired No. 79 in exchange for 82 and 191.
With the newly-acquired pick, the Colts have drafted Pitt offensive tackle Matt Goncalves. That makes him the second player taken on the offensive side of the ball to join the Colts today, after the team selected the first defender (Laiatu Latu) during Thursday’s opening round. This latest choice will provide depth up front after wideout Adonai Mitchell was added in the second round.
Goncalves spent four seasons at Pitt, redshirting in his freshman campaign. After that point, though, he developed into a key figure on the Panthers’ offensive line by seeing time at both tackle spots. The 6-6, 330-pounder started three of nine contests in 2021 before becoming a full-time starter in the following campaign. He split his time between left and right tackle that year.
Goncalves entered the 2023 season with high expectations, and he was the only Pitt player named to the preseason All-ACC list. His senior year came to an abrupt end after just three contests due to injury, however, something which no doubt impacted his draft stock. Goncalves, if healthy, will provide a high-floor option capable of seeing time at either tackle spot early in his time with the Colts.
Indianapolis has Bernhard Raimann in place on the blindside along with high-priced Braden Smith at the right tackle spot with respect to first-team options. Both players are under contract for multiple years, so Goncalves will likely not have a path to a starting spot right away. He could serve as a capable backup in the short- and long-term, though.
Jets Acquire No. 65 From Panthers
The Jets have jumped up the board to begin the third round. New York has sent Nos. 72 and 157 to the Panthers in exchange for the 64th selection. 
New York has opted to choose Western Kentucky receiver Malachi Corley. He will add a unique skillset to the team’s receiving room, having frequently drawn comparisons to Deebo Samuel in the pre-draft process. Corley’s abilities as a receiver, rusher and returner make him one of the more intriguing members of a deep WR class.
The Jets addressed the receiver spot earlier this offseason by signing Mike Williams to a one-year deal. The ex-Chargers Pro Bowler will provide a vertical threat on his new team, whereas Corley will likely operate in a different capacity. The latter thrived on turning short passes into notable run-after-catch gains during his time in college.
Corley flashed considerable potential in 2021 when he amassed 691 yards and seven touchdowns. He followed that up with a stellar campaign, leading Conference USA in catches (101) and yards (1,295), adding 11 scores. That led to high expectations this past season, and Corley delivered again with a 79-984-11 statline.
New York already has Garrett Wilson atop the depth chart in terms of pass-catching options, and the team is open to bringing back Corey Davis. Regardless of if the latter winds up in the fold for the 2024 campaign, Corley should be able to carve out a role in the team’s offense for the short- and long-term future.
Colts Send No. 46 To Panthers
The Panthers are the latest team to trade up in the second round. Carolina has acquired pick No. 46 from the Colts, sending Nos. 52, 142 and 155 to Indianapolis. 
With their second pick in the draft, the Panthers have added Texas running back Jonathon Brooks. As a result, he is the first tailback to come off the board as part of a class not lauded for its star power in the backfield. Still, Brooks will be able to contribute right away in Carolina.
Needing to wait his turn to take over starting duties, Brooks saw only 51 carries in his first two seasons with the Longhorns. In 2023, however, he ascended to the RB1 spot and delivered in a notable fashion. In 11 contests, he posted 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground while averaging 6.1 yards per carry. Brooks added 286 yards on 25 receptions.
An ACL tear ended the season prematurely, though, something which hurt his draft stock. Still, it comes as little surprise that Brooks has been the first running back selected. Connections were frequently made — including earlier today — to the RB-needy Cowboys, but he has come off the board well before Dallas’ next selection. Given Carolina’s decision to trade up for him, Brooks will likely be counted on as a rookie.
The 6-0, 216-pounder intends to be healthy in time for training camp, and in that case he would be able to compete for snaps early in his career. The Panthers did not receive the desired return on investment after signing Miles Sanders in free agency last year, and Chuba Hubbard finished the 2023 campaign atop the depth chart. As both of those backs look to improve on their showings from a poor offensive year, Brooks will give Carolina a new, intriguing two-way option in the backfield.