The highest of the 2024 NFL Draft went as anticipated inside the first 5 or 6 picks. The highest three groups took quarterbacks, the Cardinals took a large receiver and the Chargers bought Jim Harbaugh a lineman.
However there all the time gamers obtainable later within the class that groups in all probability didn’t anticipate to be there, and that was undoubtedly true this yr — particularly with regards to defensive prospects. The early run on offense allowed a number of the draft’s finest defensive gamers to fall down the board.
Listed here are 10 of essentially the most notable steals from this yr’s class.
Dallas Turner, edge, Minnesota Vikings (No. 17 total): The Vikings had two first-round picks this season and addressed two main wants. After getting quarterback J.J. McCarthy earlier within the first spherical, the Vikings have been capable of transfer up for a second time and snag one of the best edge rusher within the draft (Turner) with the No. 17 total decide. It’s nearly unprecedented for the highest edge rusher to fall that far, and the Vikings have been capable of pounce.
Quinyon Mitchell, cornerback, Philadelphia Eagles (No. 22 total): The Eagles got here into the 2024 class needing one place above all others: defensive backs. They have been capable of get the highest cornerback within the draft at No. 22 total when Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell fell into their laps. He was not solely an incredible participant in school, however he additionally dominated the pre-draft exercises and emerged as a possible lockdown nook. He ought to begin instantly.
Terrion Arnold, cornerback, Detroit Lions (No. 24 total): Here is one other NFC Tremendous Bowl contender that wanted secondary assist and was capable of get a high participant late within the first spherical. The Lions needed to transfer up a number of spots to get Arnold, however that was a worth they have been prepared to pay after the Alabama cornerback (one other of the highest corners within the draft) fell down the board as a result of early run on offense.
Johnny Newton, line of defense, Washington Commanders (No. 36 total): An inside defensive lineman was in all probability not the most important want for the Commanders at this spot, particularly with Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne in the midst of their line, however Newton was too good to go up on the No. 36 total decide. Newton was one of many high inside defensive linemen within the draft and one of many high gamers total. His presence will enable the Commanders to have an incredible rotation in the midst of their line of defense and hold everyone contemporary for brand spanking new head coach Dan Quinn.
Cooper Dejean, defensive again, Philadelphia Eagles (No. 40 total): The Eagles crushed it when it got here to enhancing their secondary, and after having Mitchell fall into their laps at No. 22, they made an aggressive transfer up within the second spherical to get Dejean out of Iowa. He is one other participant who was projected as a first-round decide and fell additional than anticipated. It stays to be seen the place he’ll play within the NFL — it could possibly be anyplace from exterior nook, slot and security — however he’s a big-time playmaker who ought to make an on the spot influence.
Jackson Powers-Johnson, heart, Las Vegas Raiders (No. 44 total): The Raiders have been capable of land tight finish Brock Bowers within the first spherical and get the most effective playmakers within the draft. Within the second-round, they added some beef up entrance by nabbing a participant in Powers-Johnson who was thought of to maybe be one of the best inside offensive lineman within the draft.
Payton Wilson, linebacker, Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 98 total): Just about all the Steelers’ picks represented nice worth based mostly on pre-draft rankings, however Wilson could be essentially the most intriguing. He’s the quickest linebacker within the class with true sideline-to-sideline capacity and will make a direct influence within the Steelers protection subsequent to free agent signing Patrick Queen. Center linebacker depth was a giant downside in 2023, and so they addressed it considerably this offseason.
T.J. Tampa, cornerback, Baltimore Ravens (No. 130 total): The Ravens by no means met a defensive again within the draft they didn’t like, and so they landed a few potential influence gamers in first-round decide Nate Wiggins and Tampa within the fourth spherical. Whereas Tampa will not be the quickest nook within the draft, he was extremely productive at Iowa State by permitting only one landing in his ultimate season and boasting spectacular measurement (6-foot-2) for a nook. He was projected as a second-or third-round decide. The Ravens bought him within the fourth spherical.
Jaden Hicks, security, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (No. 133 total): Hicks was thought to be one in every of, if not one of the best, security prospects within the draft, with The Athletic’s Dane Brugler itemizing him No. 1 total on the place. The Chiefs bought him on the finish of the fourth spherical and may need an on the spot starter on their fingers. He would have been thought to be a robust second-or third-round decide.
Spencer Rattler, quarterback, New Orleans Saints (No. 150 total): After six quarterbacks went within the first 12 picks, groups just about averted the place till properly into day three when the Saints chosen Rattler with the No. 150 total decide. The hole between No. 12 and 150 was the longest hole in fashionable draft historical past with out a quarterback being chosen. The Saints may need picked a superb one, as Rattler’s expertise and accuracy ought to give him an opportunity to play on the subsequent degree.