2024 NFL Draft: Who picks at the top of the draft in April?
The 2024 NFL Draft could end up being quite good in terms of the projected quarterback class. Let’s predict the teams picking at the top next April. I think there are a few obvious choices for occupying the top picks of the 2024 NFL Draft.
As of right now, the big prize is USC quarterback Caleb Williams, who some have already begun to compare to Patrick Mahomes. There’s also another top QB in Drake Maye from UNC. Point is, there appears to be some elite quarterback talent at the top of the 2024 NFL Draft, perhaps better than we’ve seen in a good while.
There are a few teams in the NFL right now who look to be headed towards a rough season, perhaps only winning a few games. Let’s take a stab at predicting the top five picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.
2024 NFL Draft: Who picks at the top of the draft in April?
1st overall pick: Arizona Cardinals
I think this is what most people are thinking for the top pick in the 2024 draft. The big question will be if the Arizona Cardinals would actually take Caleb Williams and move on from Kyler Murray. Murray is rehabbing a torn ACL and with a new HC/GM combo in Arizona, they might not feel compelled to go forward with Murray.
Or, conversely, they could stick at the top at take someone like Marvin Harrison Jr, or, perhaps the best option, trade down from the top pick for an absolute haul.
2nd overall pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I think the Buccaneers are in for a disaster of a season. It’s clear that Todd Bowles is not a good head coach, and the Bucs’ offense was putrid last year even with Tom Brady.
I don’t see how this team wins more than a few games. They should still have a stout defense, but other than that, this team is looking to the future and might have a shot at Caleb Williams.
3rd overall pick: Washington Commanders
I’m a big fan of the Commanders‘ roster, but the biggest issues I have with them is their head coach and QB. Sam Howell might end up being very good, but there’s obviously no guarantee of that. I don’t trust Ron Rivera and Eric Bieniemy at all, and I think we’ll see this team limp to about four or five wins.
The NFC East is stacked and the Commanders have the worst HC and QB in the division, which are perhaps the two most important pieces of a competitive football team.
4th overall pick: Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts seemed to have had a very good 2023 NFL Draft, but I think their first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft will be in the same spot as 2023. Chris Ballard finally took a swing on a first-round QB in Anthony Richardson, and I think Shane Steichen is a very good fit as someone who can develop him.
Their coaching staff is new and not as good as last year and part of me thinks they’ll have similar QB production in 2023 as they did in 2022, especially if Richardson begins the year as the starter.
5th overall pick: Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders got worse as a team in the 2023 NFL offseason and are going to stink it up this year. They severely downgraded at QB, going from Derek Carr to Jimmy Garoppolo, and them not adding to their below average offensive line was certainly a choice.
I also think Josh McDaniels is not a viable head coach in the NFL. To me, this is setting up as a perfect storm for the Raiders for the 2024 NFL Draft. They may bottom out, have a high pick, part ways with McDaniels, and embrace a full, true, and thorough rebuild.
That might end up being the best option for the team.