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2024 NFL Draft Results: Round By Round

April 26th, 2024 at 10:38pm CST by Sam Robinson

The 2024 NFL Draft is upon us. From the No. 1 overall pick to Mr. Irrelevant (No. 257), we will be keeping tabs here:

Round 1

1. Chicago Bears (via Panthers): Caleb Williams (QB, USC)
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels (QB, LSU)
3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye (QB, UNC)
4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Ohio State)
5. Los Angeles Chargers: Joe Alt (T, Notre Dame)
6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers (WR, LSU)
7. Tennessee Titans: JC Latham (T, Alabama)
8. Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix Jr (QB, Washington)
9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze (WR, Washington)
10. Minnesota Vikings (via Jets): J.J. McCarthy (QB, Michigan)
11. New York Jets (via Vikings): Olu Fashanu (T, Penn State)
12. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix (QB, Oregon)
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Brock Bowers (TE, Georgia)
14. New Orleans Saints: Taliese Fuaga (T, Oregon State)
15. Indianapolis Colts: Laiatu Latu (EDGE, UCLA)
16. Seattle Seahawks: Byron Murphy (DT, Texas)
17. Minnesota Vikings (via Jaguars): Dallas Turner (EDGE, Alabama)
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Amarius Mims (T, Georgia)
19. Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse (EDGE, Florida State)
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Troy Fautanu (OL, Washington)
21. Miami Dolphins: Chop Robinson (EDGE, Penn State)
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Quinyon Mitchell (CB, Toledo)
23 Jacksonville Jaguars (from Browns through Texans and Vikings): Brian Thomas Jr. (WR, LSU)
24. Detroit Lions (from Cowboys): Terrion Arnold (CB, Alabama)
25. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Morgan (OT, Arizona)
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Graham Barton (OL, Duke)
27. Arizona Cardinals (from Texans): Darius Robinson (DL, Missouri)
28. Kansas City Chiefs (from Bills): Xavier Worthy (WR, Texas)
29. Dallas Cowboys (from Lions): Tyler Guyton (OT, Oklahoma)
30. Baltimore Ravens: Nate Wiggins (CB, Clemson)
31. San Francisco 49ers: Ricky Pearsall (WR, Florida)
32. Carolina Panthers (from Chiefs through Bills): Xavier Legette (WR, South Carolina)

Round 2

33. Buffalo Bills (from Panthers): Keon Coleman (WR, Florida State)
34. Los Angeles Chargers (via Patriots): Ladd McConkey (WR, Georgia)
35. Atlanta Falcons (from Cardinals): Ruke Orhorhoro (DT, Clemson)
36. Washington Commanders: Jer’Zhan Newton (DT, Illinois)
37. New England Patriots (via Chargers): Ja’Lynn Polk (WR, Washington)
38. Tennessee Titans: T’Vondre Sweat (DT, Texas)
39. Los Angeles Rams (from Giants through Panthers): Braden Fiske (DT, Florida State)
40. Philadelphia Eagles (from Bears through Commanders): Cooper DeJean (CB, Iowa)
41. New Orleans Saints (from Jets through Packers): Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama)
42. Houston Texans (from Vikings): Kamari Lassiter (CB, Georgia)
43. Arizona Cardinals (from Falcons): Max Melton (CB, Rutgers)
44. Las Vegas Raiders: Jackson Powers-Johnson (OL, Oregon)
45. Green Bay Packers (from Broncos through Saints): Edgerrin Cooper, LB (Texas A&M)
46. Carolina Panthers (from Colts): Jonathon Brooks (RB, Texas)
47. New York Giants (from Seahawks): Tyler Nubin (S, Minnesota)
48. Jacksonville Jaguars: Maason Smith (DT, LSU)
49. Cincinnati Bengals: Kris Jenkins Jr. (DT, Michigan)
50. Washington Commanders (from Saints through Eagles): Mike Sainristil (CB, Michigan)
51. Pittsburgh Steelers: Zach Frazier (C, West Virginia)
52. Indianapolis Colts (from Rams through Panthers): Adonai Mitchell (WR, Texas)
53. Washington Commanders (from Eagles): Ben Sinnott (TE
54. Cleveland Browns: Michael Hall (DT, Ohio State)
55. Miami Dolphins: Patrick Paul (OT, Houston)
56. Dallas Cowboys: Marshawn Kneeland (EDGE, Western Michigan)
57. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chris Braswell (EDGE, Alabama)
58. Green Bay Packers: Javon Bullard (S, Georgia)
59. Houston Texans: Blake Fisher (T, Notre Dame)
60. Buffalo Bills: Cole Bishop (S, Utah)
61. Detroit Lions: Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB, Missouri)
62. Baltimore Ravens: Roger Rosengarten (T, Washington)
63. Kansas City Chiefs (from 49ers): Kingsley Suamataia (T, BYU)
64. San Francisco 49ers (from Chiefs): Renardo Green (CB, Florida State)

Round 3

65. New York Jets (from Panthers): Malachi Corley (WR, Western Kentucky)
66. Arizona Cardinals: Trey Benson, RB (Florida State)
67. Washington Commanders: Brandon Coleman (OL, TCU)
68. New England Patriots: Caeden Wallace (OT, Penn State)
69. Los Angeles Chargers: Junior Colson (LB, Michigan)
70. New York Giants: Andru Phillips (CB, Kentucky)
71. Arizona Cardinals (from Titans): Isaiah Adams (G, Illinois)
72. Carolina Panthers (from Jets): Trevin Wallace (LB, Kentucky)
73. Dallas Cowboys (from Vikings through Lions): Cooper Beebe (G, Kansas State)
74. Atlanta Falcons: Bralen Trice (EDGE, Washington)
75. Chicago Bears: Kiran Amegadjie (OT, Yale)
76. Denver Broncos: Jonah Elliss (EDGE, Utah)
77. Las Vegas Raiders: Delmar Glaze (T, Maryland)
78. Houston Texans (from Seahawks though Commanders and Eagles): Calen Bullock (S, USC)
79. Indianapolis Colts (from Jaguars through Falcons and Cardinals): Matt Goncalves (T, Pittsburgh)
80. Cincinnati Bengals: Jermaine Burton, WR (Alabama)
81. Seattle Seahawks (from Saints through Broncos): Christian Haynes (G, UConn)
82. Arizona Cardinals (from Colts): Tip Reiman (TE, Illinois)
83. Los Angeles Rams: Blake Corum (RB, Michigan)
84. Pittsburgh Steelers: Roman Wilson (WR, Michigan)
85. Cleveland Browns: Zak Zinter (G, Michigan)
86. San Francisco 49ers (from Eagles through Texans and Eagles): Dominick Puni (OL, Kansas)
87. Dallas Cowboys: Marist Liufau (LB, Notre Dame)
88. Green Bay Packers: MarShawn Lloyd (RB, USC)
89. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tykee Smith (S, Georgia)
90. Arizona Cardinals (from Texans): Elijah Jones (CB, Boston College)
91. Green Bay Packers (from Bills): Ty’Ron Hopper (LB, Missouri)
92. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Lions): Jalen McMillan (WR, Washington)
93. Baltimore Ravens: Adisa Isaac (EDGE, Penn State)
94. Philadelphia Eagles (from 49ers): Jalyx Hunt (EDGE, Houston Christian)
95. Buffalo Bills (from Chiefs): DeWayne Carter (DT, Duke)
96. Jacksonville Jaguars*: Jarrian Jones (CB, Florida State)
97. Cincinnati Bengals*: McKinnley Jackson (DT, Texas A&M)
98. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Eagles)*: Payton Wilson (LB, NC State)
99. Los Angeles Rams*: Kamren Kinchens (S, Miami)
100. Washington Commanders*: Luke McCaffrey (WR, Rice)

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2024 NFL Draft Results: Team By Team

April 26th, 2024 at 10:20pm CST by Sam Robinson

As the 2024 NFL Draft gets underway, we will keep track of each team’s haul here:

Arizona Cardinals

  • Round 1, No. 4: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Ohio State)
  • Round 1, No. 27 (from Texans): Darius Robinson (DL, Missouri)
  • Round 2, No. 43 (from Falcons): Max Melton (CB, Rutgers)
  • Round 3, No. 66: Trey Benson, RB (Florida State)
  • Round 3, No. 71 (from Titans): Isaiah Adams (G, Illinois)
  • Round 3, No. 82 (from Colts): Tip Reiman (TE, Illinois)
  • Round 3, No. 90 (from Texans): Elijah Jones (CB, Boston College)
  • Round 4, No. 104:
  • Round 5, No. 138:
  • Round 5, No. 162 (from Texans):
  • Round 6, No. 191 (from Colts):
  • Round 7, No. 226 (from Giants):

Atlanta Falcons

  • Round 1, No. 8: Michael Penix Jr (QB, Washington)
  • Round 2, No. 35 (from Cardinals): DT Ruke Orhorhoro
  • Round 3, No. 74: Bralen Trice (EDGE, Washington)
  • Round 4, No. 109:
  • Round 5, No. 143:
  • Round 6, No. 186 (from Vikings through Cardinals):
  • Round 6, No. 187:
  • Round 6, 197 (from Browns):

Baltimore Ravens

  • Round 1, No. 30: Nate Wiggins (CB, Clemson)
  • Round 2, No. 62: Roger Rosengarten (T, Washington)
  • Round 3, No. 93: Adisa Isaac (EDGE, Penn State)
  • Round 4, No. 113 (from Broncos through Jets):
  • Round 4, No. 130:
  • Round 5, No. 165:
  • Round 6, No. 218 (from Jets):
  • Round 7, No. 228 (from Jets):
  • Round 7, No. 250:

Buffalo Bills

  • Round 2, No. 33 (from Panthers): Keon Coleman (WR, Florida State)
  • Round 2, No. 60: Cole Bishop (S, Utah)
  • Round 3, No. 95 (from Chiefs): DeWayne Carter, DT (Duke)
  • Round 4, No. 128:
  • Round 5, No. 141 (from Giants through Panthers):
  • Round 5: No. 144 (from Bears):
  • Round 5, No. 160 (from Packers):
  • Round 5, No. 163:
  • Round 6, No. 204:
  • Round 7, No. 221 (from Panthers through Titans and Chiefs):

Carolina Panthers

  • Round 1, No. 32 (from Chiefs through Bills): Xavier Legette (WR, South Carolina)
  • Round 2, No. 46 (from Colts): Jonathon Brooks (RB, Texas)
  • Round 3, No. 72 (from Jets): Trevin Wallace (LB, Kentucky)
  • Round 4, No. 101:
  • Round 5, No. 157 (from Browns through Vikings):
  • Round 6: No. 200 (from Cowboys through Texans and Bills):
  • Round 7, No. 240 (from Steelers):

Chicago Bears

  • Round 1: No. 1 (from Panthers): Caleb Williams (QB, USC)
  • Round 1, No. 9: Rome Odunze (WR, Washington)
  • Round 3, No. 75: Kiran Amegadjie (OT, Yale)
  • Round 4, No. 122 (from Eagles):

Cincinnati Bengals

  • Round 1, No. 18: Amarius Mims (T, Georgia)
  • Round 2, No. 49: Kris Jenkins Jr. (DT, Michigan)
  • Round 3, No. 80: Jermaine Burton, WR (Alabama)
  • Round 3, No. 97: McKinnley Jackson (DT, Texas A&M)
  • Round 4, No. 115:
  • Round 5, No. 149:
  • Round 6, No. 194:
  • Round 6, No. 214:
  • Round 7, No. 224 (from Cardinals through Texans):
  • Round 7, No. 237:

Cleveland Browns

  • Round 2, No. 54: Michael Hall (DT, Ohio State)
  • Round 3, No. 85: Zak Zinter (G, Michigan)
  • Round 5, No. 156 (from Eagles through Cardinals):
  • Round 6, No. 206 (from Ravens):
  • Round 7, No. 227 (from Titans):
  • Round 7, No. 243:

Dallas Cowboys

  • Round 1, No. 29 (from Lions): Tyler Guyton (OT, Oklahoma)
  • Round 2, No. 56: Marshawn Kneeland (EDGE, Western Michigan)
  • Round 3, No. 73 (from Vikings through Lions): Cooper Beebe (G, Kansas State)
  • Round 3, No. 87: Marist Liufau (LB, Notre Dame)
  • Round 5, No. 174:
  • Round 6, No. 216:
  • Round 7, No. 233 (from Raiders):
  • Round 7, No. 244:

Denver Broncos

  • Round 1, No. 12: Bo Nix (QB, Oregon)
  • Round 3, No. 76: Jonah Elliss (EDGE, Utah)
  • Round 4, No. 121 (from Dolphins):
  • Round 5, No. 136 (from Panthers through Browns):
  • Round 5, No. 145 (from Jets):
  • Round 5, No. 147:
  • Round 6, No. 207 (from 49ers):

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Jets Acquire No. 65 From Panthers

April 26th, 2024 at 8:34pm CST by Adam La Rose

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

April 26th, 2024 at 7:15pm CST by Adam La Rose

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.

Panthers Deal No. 39 To Rams

April 26th, 2024 at 6:47pm CST by Ely Allen

The Panthers acquired No. 39 from the Giants in the Brian Burns trade; they are sending that pick to the Rams. Los Angeles will use the pick to select another Florida State defensive lineman in Braden Fiske. Through this pick, the Panthers will add a Rams second-rounder in 2025. Los Angeles will also send Carolina Nos. 52 and 155.

Apart from Burns’ Florida State affiliation in this deal, the Seminoles continue to be involved in Los Angeles’ draft plan. Fiske is set to rejoin Florida State pass rusher Jared Verse, who the Rams selected at No. 19 overall last night.

Much like Verse, Fiske was a transfer addition to the Seminoles’ ACC championship team. Fiske arrived in Tallahassee after five years at Western Michigan, where he had 27.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks. He gave the Seminoles impressive one-year production with nine tackles for loss and six sacks en route to second-team All-ACC honors.

Fiske will join Verse in the Rams’ efforts to replace the defensive production lost with the retirement of future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald. He’ll have to work his way into the rotation with Kobie Turner and Bobby Brown III, but Fiske figures to see the field early as a rookie.

The Panthers move back 13 picks but add the mid-fifth-round selection as a result. While it would’ve been nice to have two fifth-round picks in a row, Los Angeles still retains the 154th pick, giving Carolina the pick it acquired in the multi-pick trade that brought Kevin Dotson from Pittsburgh.

Panthers To Pick Up CB Jaycee Horn’s Fifth-Year Option

April 26th, 2024 at 1:04pm CST by Sam Robinson

Injuries have marred Jaycee Horn‘s NFL career, and coaching instability has led to five HCs stopping through during the cornerback’s Charlotte run. This staff is still high on the 2021 top-10 pick.

Despite the health issues that have plagued Horn, he is set to see more guaranteed money. The Panthers are picking up Horn’s fifth-year option, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets. Horn will be tied to the lowest rung on the option ladder; for corners, that number checks in at $12.47MM.

Horn’s option number comes in more than $8MM south of Patrick Surtain‘s. The Broncos chose Surtain one pick later in 2021 and have seen him soar to two Pro Bowls. The Panthers will benefit from Horn being tied to a lower 2025 guarantee, but they have yet to see him justify the Scott Fitterer-Matt Rhule investment. Current GM Dan Morgan did not rejoin the Panthers until after Horn was selected, making it interesting he will pull the trigger on the option for an injury-plagued talent.

Missing 29 games over his three-year Charlotte run, Horn has shown promise when available. Had Horn logged enough defensive snaps to qualify as a regular last season, Pro Football Focus would have ranked him sixth overall among corners. He ranked as a top-30 player by that measurement in 2022, a 13-game campaign. Horn missed 14 games as a rookie due to a broken foot and was shut down for 10 last year because of a hamstring injury.

The Panthers dealt away Donte Jackson from their CB cadre and signed ex-Bills starter Dane Jackson. Horn, however, remains that crew’s centerpiece performer. DC Ejiro Evero will count on Horn staying healthy this year, and Friday’s commitment reflects the Panthers believe the 6-foot-1 cover man is not a sunk cost. This gives the team two more seasons to evaluate Horn, who intercepted three passes in 2022. Horn also secures another eight-figure guarantee despite his bad luck on the health front thus far as a pro.

Panthers Acquire No. 32, Select WR Xavier Legette

April 25th, 2024 at 10:52pm CST by Ben Levine

The Bills are trading down once again. Buffalo is sending picks No. 32 and No. 200 to the Panthers for No. 33 and No. 141. The Panthers have traded up one pick to select South Carolina WR Xavier Legette. Although Carolina famously traded what became the No. 1 overall pick to Chicago in last year’s Bryce Young swap, the rebuilding team ended up making a pick tonight after all.

This comes after some pre-draft connections between Carolina and the regional product. Legette, who had risen up draft boards this offseason, will join a Panthers team retooling on offense yet again.

While new HC Dave Canales attempted to downplay the team’s interest in Legette, the South Carolina alum said he met with the Charlotte-based NFL team four or five times during the draft run-up. Legette will follow trade pickup Diontae Johnson to the Panthers, who still roster Adam Thielen and 2023 second-rounder Jonathan Mingo.

Legette blazed to a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the Combine, doing so at 221 pounds, and notched a 40-inch vertical jump. He is coming off a career that included four unremarkable seasons and a fifth-year breakthrough. Legette only delivered one remotely productive season in five years with the Gamecocks — a 1,255-yard 2023 that came after four sub-200-yard campaigns — but late during the pre-draft process, the big-bodied target was being viewed as a first-rounder. Although they moved up just one spot, the Panthers became the team to make that prediction accurate.

Last year, the Panthers entered the season with a shaky skill-position corps. The team did not do enough to surround Young with a quality cast, with the group becoming dependent on a 33-year-old Thielen. Two seasons remain on Thielen’s three-year, $25MM deal; the longtime Viking is due a $6.5MM salary guarantee this year. What could be Thielen’s Panthers finale could include a mentorship experience, with Legette joining Mingo as recent SEC standouts who will attempt to provide Young at least auxiliary options around the team’s two veteran targets.

The Bills exited Day 1 of the draft having made two moves down the board, sliding out of No. 28 and then No. 32. The four-time reigning AFC East champions will enter Day 2 with a gaping hole at wide receiver. It should be expected the AFC power will take steps to address that area Friday night.

2025 NFL Fifth-Year Option Tracker

April 24th, 2024 at 10:57pm CST by Sam Robinson

NFL teams have until May 2 to officially pick up fifth-year options on 2021 first-rounders. The 2020 CBA revamped the option structure and made them fully guaranteed, rather than guaranteed for injury only. Meanwhile, fifth-year option salaries are now determined by a blend of the player’s position, initial draft placement and performance- and usage-based benchmarks:

  • Two-time Pro Bowlers (excluding alternates) will earn the same as their position’s franchise tag
  • One-time Pro Bowlers will earn the equivalent of the transition tag
  • Players who achieve any of the following will receive the average of the third-20th-highest salaries at their position:
    • At least a 75% snap rate in two of their first three seasons
    • A 75% snap average across all three seasons
    • At least 50% in each of first three seasons
  • Players who do not hit any of those benchmarks will receive the average of the third-25th top salaries at their position

With the deadline looming, we will use the space below to track all the option decisions from around the league:

  1. QB Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars ($25.66MM)
  2. QB Zach Wilson, Broncos* ($22.41MM)
  3. QB Trey Lance, Cowboys** ($22.41MM)
  4. TE Kyle Pitts, Falcons ($10.88MM)
  5. WR Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals ($21.82MM): Exercised
  6. WR Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins ($15.59MM): To be exercised
  7. T Penei Sewell, Lions ($19MM): Extended through 2029
  8. CB Jaycee Horn, Panthers ($12.47MM): Exercised
  9. CB Patrick Surtain, Broncos ($19.82MM): Exercised
  10. WR DeVonta Smith, Eagles ($15.59MM): Extended through 2028
  11. QB Justin Fields, Steelers*** ($25.66MM): To be declined
  12. DE Micah Parsons, Cowboys ($21.32MM): Exercised
  13. T Rashawn Slater, Chargers ($19MM)
  14. OL Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jets ($13.31MM)
  15. QB Mac Jones, Jaguars**** ($25.66MM)
  16. LB Zaven Collins, Cardinals ($13.25MM)
  17. T Alex Leatherwood, Raiders: N/A
  18. LB Jaelan Phillips, Dolphins ($13.3MM): To be exercised
  19. LB Jamin Davis, Commanders ($14.48MM): Declined
  20. WR Kadarius Toney, Chiefs***** ($14.35MM)
  21. DE Kwity Paye, Colts ($13.4MM)
  22. CB Caleb Farley, Titans ($12.47MM)
  23. T Christian Darrisaw, Vikings ($16MM)
  24. RB Najee Harris, Steelers ($6.79MM): Expected to be exercised
  25. RB Travis Etienne, Jaguars ($6.14MM)
  26. CB Greg Newsome, Browns ($13.38MM): To be exercised
  27. WR Rashod Bateman, Ravens ($14.35MM): Extended through 2026
  28. DE Payton Turner, Saints ($13.39MM)
  29. CB Eric Stokes, Packers ($12.47MM)
  30. DE Greg Rousseau, Bills ($13.39MM)
  31. LB Odafe Oweh, Ravens ($13.25MM)
  32. LB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Buccaneers ($13.25MM)

* = Jets traded Wilson on April 22, 2024
** = 49ers traded Lance on August 25, 2023
*** = Bears traded Fields on March 16, 2024
**** = Patriots traded Jones on March 10, 2024
***** = Giants traded Toney on October 27, 2022

Draft Notes: Cowboys, Rams, Fautanu, Legette, Texans, Colts

April 24th, 2024 at 10:32pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Cowboys currently own pick No. 24, but like many other teams late in the first-round order they could be enticed to move down the board. When speaking about the team’s Day 1 approach, owner Jerry Jones noted the appeal of adding extra draft capital, stating it is “very likely” they could have a trade-down opportunity.

“I’m not trying to be cute there,” Jones added, offering a counter to his previous point (via The Athletic’s Saad Yousef). “Obviously we’d like to have some mid-round picks. But by the same token, Micah Parsons might be sitting there with that pick. Now, do you want to go for some more picks or do you want to snag him?”

A number of intriguing options could still be on the board for Dallas if the team remains in place. Offensive line is a known area of interest, and Graham Barton is believed to be on the Cowboys’ radar. Replacements for Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz are needed, and Yousef adds that – all things being equal – Dallas’ preference would be to acquire a left tackle over a center in round one. That direction would allow Tyler Smith to remain at guard.

With the draft’s opening night less than 24 hours away, here are some more notes from around the NFL:

  • The Colts are among the teams set to to pick in the teens which could be interested in a move up the board. That is also the case for the Rams, per ESPN’s Dan Graziano. 2024 marks the first year in which Los Angeles owns a Day 1 selection since 2016, but with 11 total picks the team could easily move up from the No. 19 slot. Adding a successor for Matthew Stafford under center has been floated as a first-round possibility, and Bo Nix could be a target in that instance. However, Dianna Russini of The Athletic sees such a move as unlikely (subscription required). Finding a D-line contributor to help fill the void left by Aaron Donald could be a more pressing need for the Rams.
  • Troy Fautanu is one of many offensive linemen slated to be selected in the first round, but an injury concern could hurt his stock. The Washington tackle had a knee injury flagged during the pre-draft process, as noted by Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. The issue is seen as one which should not cause trouble in the short term but could ultimately “[impact] his longevity” at the NFL level. Fautanu may be viewed as a tackle (rather than a guard) in the pros, and he is believed to be a target of the Jets at the No. 10 pick. It will be interesting to see if his knee causes a drop down the Day 1 order.
  • Wideout Xavier Legette recently went public with the fact the Panthers have shown an interest in drafting him 33rd overall. In response, first-year head coach Dave Canales replied he has made the same remark to “50 other guys” (h/t team reporter Darin Grant). Carolina is obviously not considering that many prospects with the team’s top selection, but Canales’ comment proves the approach is certainly not Legette-or-bust. The former Gamecock had a breakout campaign in 2023, and his size and physicality makes him one of the more intriguing prospects in a celebrated receiver class. Legette could be a first-round candidate, and the WR-needy Bills are among the teams which hosted him for a private workout.
  • Nick Caserio has a reputation for executing trades both early and late in the draft, pulling off 18 total moves during his three years at the helm of the Texans. That total includes eight trades in 2023, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter writes Caserio is “likely” to continue being active on the trade front this weekend. Of course, Houston has already been a major player in terms of pick swaps, dealing the 23rd choice to the Vikings last month. As things stand, the Texans own nine 2024 selections.
  • Colts owner Jim Irsay is recovering from surgery which addressed back and leg issues, and his mobility is presently limited as a result. That will keep him from being in the team’s draft room, as he explained to ESPN’s Stephen Holder. Irsay will still be connected virtually to the team’s decision-makers, though, meaning Indianapolis’ draft process will carry on as usual as he continues to recover.

WR Xavier Legette Panthers’ Top Target At No. 33?

April 22nd, 2024 at 12:05pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Panthers’ blockbuster acquisition of the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft left their 2024 first-rounder in the hands of the Bears. That means Carolina will not be on the clock until the opening selection of the second round this year, but a primary target for that pick appears to be in place.

Among other roster holes, the Panthers could stand to add at the receiver position. To little surprise, Georgia’s Ladd McConkey is among the prospects which have been connected to Carolina at the No. 33 slot. Another, local prospect at the WR spot could be in play to begin Day 2, though. South Carolina’s Xavier Legette spoke about a potential Panthers selection, making it clear there is a strong interest from the team.

“I’ve met with the Panthers about four or five times,” Legette told John Crumpler of Texans Wire (video link). “The relationship, it just keeps continuing to grow. They’re really hoping I can make it the second round. They keep on telling me if I’m sitting at 33, they’re gonna take me.”

Legette spent his entire five-year college career with the Gamecocks, but it was only in 2023 that he served as a full-time starter. He became the team’s focal point in the passing game, recording 71 catches for 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns. Known to be a strong presence after the catch, the 6-1, 221-pounder averaged 17.7 yards per reception last year.

Those totals earned Legette second-team All-SEC honors and confirmed his status as one of the more intriguing options in a 2024 class loaded in receiver talent. He also has return value, and his special teams experience could help him earn a role right away on the Panthers or any other team he joins. Carolina saw Laviska Shenault depart in free agency, and DJ Chark remains unsigned.

The Panthers have not made a veteran signing at the receiver spot so far, but the team did add a starter by trading for Diontae Johnson. The former Steeler will be joined by the likes of Adam Thielen and Jonathan Mingo in the receiving corps, a unit which has plenty of room for improvement working with quarterback Bryce Young in 2024.

Carolina has, of course, hosted several non-WR prospects on ‘top 30’ visits recently. That includes offensive lineman Jordan Morgan and defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, both of whom could still be on the board when the first round concludes. The Panthers’ first draft action under new general manager Dan Morgan is set to take place at the opening of Day 2, and despite the team’s pre-draft evaluations Legette’s comments certainly put him in pole position to be Carolina’s selection.

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