Re-Ranking Top 10 Classes from 2024 NFL Draft
Brent SobleskiNovember 26, 2024Re-Ranking Top 10 Classes from 2024 NFL Draft0 of 11
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden DanielsPatrick Smith/Getty Images
The NFL draft serves as a salve for those craving football during the offseason. The event provides hope and excitement, but it doesn’t create instant gratification.
The draft’s gloriousness is based on what could happen. The incoming prospects could turn out to be a franchise-changing talents and become the league’s next great players. Unfortunately, there’s also an opposite side to that possibility, but those thoughts aren’t prevalent at the onset of drafting.
Everything is great until the games are actually played. Then, reality starts to sink in.
Certain individuals are ready to make the leap and provide an instant impact. Others are not. Some never will be. Yet this doesn’t stop anyone from leaping to conclusions long before anything of consequence happens.
Bleacher Report graded the classes coming out of the event based on the perception of the talent each franchise acquired. Now, it’s time to reassess and see how those classes are doing as December nears. A handful of teams drafted extremely well and helped their odds tremendously this season.
Top Post-Draft Grades1 of 11
Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Eleven teams received at least an “A-” or better from Bleacher Report once all of the 2024 picks were officially made. Those organizations were as follows:
Chicago BearsDetroit LionsIndianapolis ColtsLos Angeles ChargersLos Angeles RamsMinnesota VikingsNew England PatriotsNew Orleans SaintsPhiladelphia EaglesPittsburgh SteelersTampa Bay BuccaneersThe teams in Pennsylvania fared the best, with both receiving resounding “A+” designations. Unsurprisingly, they rank near the top of this retrospective. However, two other organizations drafted a little better and may feature this year’s NFL Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year.
10. Denver Broncos2 of 11
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo NixIan Maule/Getty Images
Whenever an organization appears to have found a franchise quarterback, it’s already better off than most teams arounds the league.
The Denver Broncos used this year’s 12th overall pick to select Bo Nix, who was coming off a record-setting season with the Oregon Ducks. At the time, he wasn’t viewed as a first-round lock, let alone a solid top-15 option. But Denver seemed to be the perfect fit for him to play in Sean Payton’s offense.
After an acclimation period, Nix has played extremely well as of late.
Denver won four of its last six games, losing only to the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs. During that stretch, the rookie completed 68.7 percent of his passes, with an 11-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Over the last 10 years, he’s one of five quarterbacks with 20 or more total touchdowns and two or fewer turnovers during a 10-game span, according to CBS. Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes are the others.
However, a class is not made up of one person. Denver’s is a tad top-heavy, though seventh-rounder Devaughn Vele is second on the team with 361 receiving yards. Jonah Elliss has created multiple pressures and secured four sacks. Plus, wide receiver Troy Franklin and running back Audric Estime are being worked in more as of late.
Nix may be the centerpiece, but the Broncos have found multiple contributors among this year’s rookie class.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers3 of 11
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky IrvingCliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers pieced together a rock-solid draft class comprised of multiple picks contributing early in their careers.
To start, they chose the class’ top center prospect in Graham Barton. To no one’s surprise, he transitioned from left tackle back over the ball with little problem. He’s started as the anchor of Tampa Bay’s offensive line from Week 1.
Second-rounder Chris Braswell is a regular part of the defense’s edge-defender rotation, though he’s yet to start any game. Still, he typically appears in games for 20 or more snaps.
The team’s third choice, Tykee Smith, brought a physical brand of football when lined up in the slot. He’s a strong run defender and tackler, but he has been dealing with a knee injury.
Third-round wide receiver Jalen McMillan has played quite a bit. He still hasn’t built a strong rapport with quarterback Baker Mayfield, but the opportunity to grow is there for the rest of the season since Chris Godwin is on injured reserve.
Bucky Irving’s selection in the fourth round may have been the organization’s best choice. He is second among rookies with 579 rushing yards. His average of 5.4 yards per carry currently ranks fourth among running backs with 100 or more carries. The slight ball-carrier is also a capable receiver out of the backfield, with 32 receptions.
Each of those named has been a solid addition to a playoff contender and helps keep the Bucs in the mix.
8. New York Giants4 of 11
New York Giants wide receiver Malik NabersLuke Hales/Getty Images
The New York Giants’ draft class looked much better earlier in the season than it does now. But a team trending downward as a whole shouldn’t overlook what the roster features among its talented rookie class.
Starting with this year’s sixth overall draft pick, Malik Nabers has been frustrated and vocal about not being more involved. Even so, the first-year wide receiver ranks seventh in the league with 67 receptions. He’s also third with 103 targets despite missing two games with a concussion.
Obviously, the Giants’ quarterback situation doesn’t help matters, but it’s clear the LSU product can be a play-maker when he has someone capable of getting him the ball accurately and on time.
In the secondary, the team’s second- and third-round picks—safety Tyler Nubin and nickel corner Andru Phillips—have been strong contributors from the start of the season. The latter has been as good as any rookie in coverage.
Fourth-rounder Theo Johnson continues to start, and he’s fourth on the squad with 24 receptions.
Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s selection with the 166th overall pick has been one of the class’ biggest steals. He leads all rookies with 587 rushing yards. Granted, he’s produced less than half of the rushing yards of a Saquon Barkley, who the team didn’t re-sign, but the organization’s bumbling shouldn’t affect the perception of a talented, young performer.
The Giants are in disarray in general, but they do have some intriguing building blocks in place.
7. Las Vegas Raiders5 of 11
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock BowersRich Storry/Getty Images
The Las Vegas Raiders offense received a significant boost from its rookie class. It’s just not the kind of boost that it desperately needed.
Everyone and their grandmother knew they needed a quarterback coming out of this year’s draft class. The team’s front office didn’t find a way to get that done. Instead, the Raiders watched as a record six quarterbacks came off the board in the 12 picks before them.
Obviously, positional value for a QB trumps everything else, but Las Vegas’ actual selection of tight end Brock Bowers has been everything the team hoped it would be and more.
Currently, the Georgia product is second overall with 74 catches. He also leads all tight ends with 744 receiving yards. He’s already performing at an elite level, albeit as a lesser position.
Bowers should easily make the Pro Bowl team as a rookie. He may even make an All-Pro squad. But the Raiders’ draft class doesn’t stop with the standout pass-catcher.
The second- and third-round picks of offensive linemen Jackson Powers-Johnson and Delmar Glaze look like long-term keepers. The former will settle somewhere along the interior, while the latter has been relatively strong at right tackle.
Decamerion Richardson can make this group even better after getting his first start this past weekend.
However, the full extent of this class won’t be taken into account until the Raiders are finally settled at the game’s most important position.
6. Green Bay Packers6 of 11
Green Bay Packers safety Evan WilliamsKevin Sabitus/Getty Images
The Green Bay Packers might be higher on this list if not for injuries. Still, their rookie crop has impressed, particularly in the secondary.
Nickel defender Javon Bullard and safety Evan Williams have reshaped how the Packers approach opponents.
“So, rather than have a guy who’s just going to be in there for coverage reasons, you kind of get the best of both worlds [with Bullard covering the slot]”, defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley told reporters last month. “You’re almost playing with three safeties. He can do it all, though. I think he can cover. I know he’s physical in the run game. He’s a really good blitzer.”
Essentially, the Packers are in a big nickel sub-package, even though they’re technically not. Williams, meanwhile, brings a playmaker along the back end.
“He’s a very intelligent player,” Hafley said. “I think one of the biggest things he’s done to put himself in the situation that he’s in now and having a bigger role is he’s starting to learn how to study the game more and he’s starting to understand how serious you need to take it because, when those opportunities come, you have to be ready for it.”
First-round pick Jordan Morgan continues to deal with a shoulder problem. Similarly, linebacker Edgerrin Cooper is dealing with a tweaked hamstring. The latter has been an athletic defensive addition, hence why he’s fifth on the team in total tackles and fourth in tackles for loss.
It’s a good group that should only get better once it’s healthier.
5. Los Angeles Chargers7 of 11
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkeyMichael Owens/Getty Images
The Los Angeles Chargers had to immediately address detractors after the first round of the 2024 NFL draft, because the organization decided to choose offensive tackle Joe Alt over wide receivers Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze despite releasing Mike Williams and trading Keenan Allen prior to the event.
“We were going to take the best player available for the Chargers, and that’s what we did,” general manager Joe Hortiz told reporters after the team’s first-round selection.
The Chargers are getting the last laugh, though, because they have a better record than both teams that selected those wide receivers: the New York Giants and Chicago Bears, respectively.
Furthermore, Los Angeles’ second-round pick, Ladd McConkey, has nearly or actually surpassed both of those draft picks in receiving yardage and touchdown catches.
Meanwhile, Alt has been mostly fantastic when healthy. He’s 21 years old and already counted among the league’s best right tackles. He’s had his moments, but that’s what happens when facing the likes of T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett.
Among this class, third-rounder Junior Colson was a quality contributor and fifth-rounder Cam became a starter. Though both are currently dealing with injuries.
The Chargers built their team in the image of their head coach. The approach received its share of criticism at first, but Jim Harbaugh and Hortiz did what’s right for their vision and it’s paying off in the win column.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers8 of 11
Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach FrazierKevin Sabitus/Getty Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers knew they had a problem and addressed it during the draft. General manager Omar Khan sunk three of the franchise’s first five selections into offensive linemen.
Zach Frazier immediately worked his way into the lineup and excelled as, arguably, the game’s best rookie blocker. He is a physical tone-setter who has transitioned between two different quarterback cadences and adjusted to what both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson have seen pre-snap.
The second-round pick already looks like a long-term cornerstone for an organization that knows all about top-notch center play.
Mason McCormick was selected in the fourth round and entered the starting lineup in Week 4. After almost immediately switching from left to right guard, he has become a mainstay. He’s an energetic and physical blocker, who has worked well alongside Frazier.
In a bit of a twist, this year’s first-round pick, offensive tackle Troy Fautanu, will eventually become a bonus. He has started only one game because of knee injury, but he’ll take over right tackle eventually.
Beyond the previous two blockers, linebacker Payton Wilson looks like he fits right in with the Steelers defense. He doesn’t regularly start, but he sees the field plenty as a sub-package contributor. He’s played extremely well in recent weeks.
Pittsburgh’s rookie class isn’t just about getting quality performers; these are the types of players who will help reestablish the team’s long-running identity.
3. Philadelphia Eagles9 of 11
Philadelphia Eagles defensive backs Cooper DeJean (left) and Quinyon Mitchell (right)Mitchell Leff/Getty Images
The strength of the Philadelphia Eagles’ most recent draft can be found along their defensive back end.
Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean have both been standouts to help a position group that was too old and unathletic and helped turn the unit into what’s now a top-three pass defense.
“I think we understand that it’s a week-to-week league,” DeJean told Jeff McLane of unCovering the Birds (h/t Ariel Simpson of the Philadelphia Inquirer). “Just because you’re playing well one week doesn’t mean you’re going to play well the next. You still have to come in and prepare. Me and Q, I feel like we try to do that with each other as much as possible. Or we’ll be out there on the field and I’ll be talking to him and he’s like, ‘Look around, we’re really in the NFL right now, playing on an NFL field against the best players in the world.’
“It’s cool to have him there, to do all this with him—learn with him, grow with him. So it’s been good.”
Mitchell become the first cornerback off the board this spring, even as the 22nd overall pick. But he’s immediately stepped into the lineup opposite Darius Slay and didn’t shrink against any challenger.
DeJean had a slower start simply because of a preseason injury, but he’s come in and secured the nickel role while also contributing as the squad’s punt returner.
Meanwhile, third-rounder Jalyx Hunt’s role has increased in recent weeks, which will likely continue after Brandon Graham’s season-ending injury. Will Shipley has returned multiple kicks, and linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. has played well in limited reps as well.
The Eagles are back to playing high-end football, but that wouldn’t be the case without this year’s draft class.
2. Los Angeles Rams10 of 11
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Jared VerseFred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Los Angeles Rams went into the 2024 draft experiencing two things that were very different for the franchise.
First, Aaron Donald announced his retirement in March after being named to eight first-team All-Pro teams and 10 Pro Bowls, while also winning three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Second, the Rams had a first-round pick for the first time since selecting Jared Goff with the No. 1 overall selection eight years earlier.
These two points interconnected thus allowing the Rams to select defensive lineman Jared Verse. The No. 19 overall pick looks every bit the part of the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He’s created more consistent pressure than any other first-year player while ranking second overall with 4.5 sacks.
Who leads all rookies in sacks? Well, it’s Verse’s teammate, Braden Fiske, who was chosen by the Rams in the second round.
“[Now] we’ve seen how capable we are of getting back there [into the backfield] any time we feel like it,” Verse said last week, per the Los Angeles Times’ Gary Klein.
Verse and Fiske set the table, but the depth of the Rams’ class is impressive.
Among the third-round choices, Blake Corum provides a quality option in the running back rotation and Kamren Kinchens worked his way into become the team’s starting free safety.
General manager Les Snead and his scouting staff deserve significant credit for their work in this year’s sixth round. Tyler Davis is getting regular reps at defensive tackle. Joshua Karty is the squad’s kicker. Wide receiver Jordan Whittington is a contributor on offense and special teams. Finally, Beaux Limmer took over at center because of injury but remains there even as others got healthy.
The Rams quietly know how to draft very, very well.
1. Washington Commanders11 of 11
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) and left tackle Brandon Coleman (74)Cooper Neill/Getty Images
Before this slotting devolves into an argument over whether Jayden Daniels or Bo Nix should be NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, that’s not the point of this piece.
Yes, Daniels’ play, particularly through the first half of the season, is a significant factor in the Washington Commanders’ standing. At the same time, though, they pieced together an outstanding draft class as a whole.
With Jonathan Allen’s season-ending pectoral tear, second-round defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton stepped into a starting role. He’s had his share of ups and downs, with a couple bad outings against the Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles. However, he’s also played well against the Chicago Bears, New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Fellow second-rounder Mike Sainristil has been a Day 1 starter, even while playing out of position on the outside but still competing on a much-improved defense. The last of three second-round selections, tight end Ben Sinnott, has played quite a bit, primarily as a blocker.
Third-rounder Brandon Coleman is now the starting left tackle and holding his own. Fellow Day 3 pick Luke McCaffrey gets looks in the offense.
Daniels headlines the class, of course, but multiple starters have already been found based on the Commanders’ recent drafting.
