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One year is hardly enough time to evaluate most NFL careers. But the rookie campaigns of last year's draft class gave us a solid idea of which players are built for stardom and who'll have a longer road to reach their potential.
That's all we needed to dive face-first into the offseason with 32 hypothetical re-do draft picks. Welcome to FTW's 2024 NFL re-Draft. Every first round pick has been restored to whom it belonged the week before last April's jamboree. Every team knows how these prospects look as pros, albeit inside a small sample size — some players in ideal situations and others stuck with the New England Patriots. So how would hindsight affect last year's draft?
Let's roll through the picks.
Caleb Williams may still turn out the better pro — only good things can happen after releasing him from Matt Eberflus' gravity. But Daniels vaulted himself into the MVP conversation while producing as many playoff wins as a rookie (two) as former Washington owned Dan Snyder had in 24 years of horrible leadership. Now Daniels gets a do-over with iffy blocking but an upgraded receiving corps — including a top 10 wideout to come.
Williams' slide lasts one spot, as his ability to generate plays from thin air and attack defenses downfield make him too tempting to pass up. Sacks remain an issue — he went down on nearly 11 percent of his dropbacks as a rookie — but Washington proved a perfect landing spot for one recent Heisman Trophy winner and should do the same for the 2022 honoree.
Maye certainly looked the part of a franchise quarterback as a rookie, despite underwhelming numbers. The real test will be what he does with a more competent roster in 2025.
Marvin Harrison Jr. certainly has the chops to be the best receiver of 2024. But Nabers had 1,200-plus receiving yards with these quarterbacks: Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito and Tim by-god Boyle. Now he's the balm for a sunburnt Kyler Murray.
The Chargers have a tough decision to make; opt to protect Justin Herbert by selecting Joe Alt again, or give him a viable target in a draft where there's no prayer Ladd McConkey lingers to the second round. Instead, Jim Harbaugh gets a little bit of both — a dynamic target who also adds some value (much less, but still) as a blocker. Bowers was a first-team All-Pro as a rookie, emerging as a dynamic threat for a Raiders team with few other playmaking options.
You saw that list of quarterbacks Malik Nabers was forced to create magic with, yes? Rather than having to flounder through 2025's underwhelming QB crop, the Giants use the hindsight of knowing Nix could be an NFL deep ball trebuchet and add him to the roster. Figuring out who he'll be throwing to is a problem for the next six rounds.
Let's assume the Titans get back in line to select Cam Ward in 2025. That's enough to convince them to pass up on Michael Penix Jr., but it's a fair debate between two quarterbacks who rose up and won across multiple college stops. Either way, whomever is slinging passes needs protection — Will Levis was sacked on nearly 12 percent of his 2024 dropbacks (though, admittedly, much of that issue is his preference to run face first into danger when given the opportunity).
It was a weird pick at the time but a prudent one. Kirk Cousins was unable to return to form, and rather than waste time Atlanta was proactive replacing him with a young(ish) gunslinger. The jury is still out on whether he's a foundational starter, but Penix makes more sense now than he did a year ago.
The Bears have their pick of wideout talent to play alongside D.J. Moore (and a fading Keenan Allen). Harrison's deep toolbox and absurd body control give him an edge over the more productive Ladd McConkey and Brian Thomas Jr. here. With a little less defensive attention, Maserati Marv (...ugh) could have a bigger rookie impact in Chicago.
We go from six quarterbacks in the first 12 picks to six in the top 10 — and the last one is McCarthy, who has yet to play a regular season snap. In this case, he's Aaron Rodgers' contingency plan and the knowing admission that, welp, it's not like things are gonna get worse if Rodgers is annoyed by a QB pick. Losing Olu Fashanu hurts, but there's enough offensive line depth to take a risk on a wild card quarterback.
The Vikings missed out on a quarterback, but they've got their choice of defensive talent to boost coordinator Brian Flores' violent scheme. Mitchell's coverage abilities mean he can be trusted on an island, freeing up space for more Flores blitzes backed by lockdown single coverage. The defensive rookie of the year runner-up was a perfect fit in Philadelphia, but he may be even more important in the Twin Cities.
Welp, Nix is off the board and there aren't many quarterback options out there for Denver. That leaves the Broncos to choose between the lingering remnants of a solid wideout class and further buttressing a dynamic defense. 2025 was proof John Elway is happy to focus on defense even when it's a strength. Adding Verse, 2024 defensive rookie of the year, will keep Sean Payton's team competitive even with a replacement level passer behind center.
Bowers is off the board, but a McConkey-Jakobi Meyers combination gives whomever is throwing passes a pair of reliable targets who can get open and make clutch catches. It's not an ideal fit, but Las Vegas needs playmakers and McConkey can be a high volume monster.
Taliese Fuaga could get the call again, but Fashanu's high floor and immense ceiling make the 2024 rotational tackle a more enticing bet than New Orleans' actual pick. Fashanu played decently enough after moving into the starting lineup late in the year. While he suffered from the general malaise that afflicted the 2024 Jets as a whole he remains an explosive young talent.
Brian Thomas Jr. could fix some things here, but with an unstable quarterback situation it makes sense to buttress an underwhelming defense. Enter 2024's rookie sack leader. Fiske's transition to Indianapolis isn't perfect, but he can use his size and athleticism to be an absolute headache for AFC South quarterbacks up front. He works as both DeForest Buckner's running mate and eventual successor.
The Seahawks could go several ways here, but with Verse and Fiske off the board there's a lack of defensive star power in a draft that was already weak on that side of the ball. Instead, Seattle gets a jump on the departures of Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf by adding Thomas, who'd pair with Jaxon Smith-Njigba to give Seattle an enticing young foundation at wideout. At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, he can emerge as the Seahawks' big target for whomever is slinging passes the next four years.
Who'd get the call to patch up Jacksonville's secondary here — Arnold, or Cooper DeJean? Either would be a boon, but Arnold's comfort along the sideline despite an up-and-down rookie campaign makes him the higher upside pick.
The race between Latu and Chop Robinson to boost Cincy's pass rush comes down to fit. Latu is a little bigger and better suited to the hand-down, defensive end role next to Trey Hendrickson. While his rookie campaign was subdued, he was prolific as a Bruin and would have the opportunity to feast on the chaos Hendrickson sews on the other corner.
Les Snead's 2024 haul has already been picked apart with Verse and Fiske rising to top 15 status. Robinson is a proper consolation prize. The former Nittany Lion is still fleshing out his pass rushing attack, but his quickness off the snap means he's always got a chance to win with speed and explosiveness. Now he gets the role Verse left behind at outside linebacker.
Two massive tackles are available at No. 20, as is actual 20th pick Troy Fautanu. Instead, Pittsburgh goes for the steady work rate of Rosengarten over the higher ceilings of Amarius Mims and Taliese Fuaga. Being able to take a proven starter away from Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens, who plucked Rosengarten from the second round en route to an all-rookie debut, is also a plus.
This is a bit of a cheat, since the 2024 Dolphins didn't know they were staring down the final season of Terron Armstead's good-not-legendary career. But Mims is a 6-foot-8, 340 pound monster who looks the part of an NFL blindside protector but is still stacking attributes en route to a fruitful career. Now he gets the duty of keeping Tua Tagovailoa upright for a team that desperately needs its starting quarterback healthy.
Mitchell is off the board, but DeJean won't have to wait until the second round to hear his name called by the Eagles this time. The Iowa star arrives to play postseason hero once more and add badly needed youth and athleticism to the Philly secondary.
The Texans could address the offensive line they overhauled in 2025 here, but this year's crop of tackles has already dwindled. Ultimately, Cooper's ability to be an anchor in the middle of the field is too much for a rising defensive-minded head coach to pass up. DeMeco Ryans gets his huckleberry; a do-everything linebacker who opens new chapters in his playbook.
Fuaga's unexpected slide stops here. Now he gets the task of replacing Tyron Smith. Before 2025's meat and potatoes draft, Jerry Jones gets one of 2024's meatiest prospects.
Green Bay gets a blocker far more ready to contribute than actual 2024 first round pick Jordan Morgan. Barton's presence brings a versatile lineman who can play center or guard and, one offseason later, keep the Packers from spending $77 million on Aaron Banks.
Is this Tampa's biggest need? No. Did I want to create a defensive front led by 350-pound Vita Vea and 366-pound Sweat? Yes. Good luck, everyone else.
Puni slipped to the third round and emerged as a trusted starter for the San Francisco 49ers. Here, he's the answer to Arizona's concerns at right guard where Isaiah Adams underwhelmed in 2024.
Odunze's rookie season wasn't terrible, but it did fail to meet expectations as a top 10 pick. His 1.44 yards per route run (YPRR) was behind Bills' second round pick Keon Coleman (1.94) in 2024, albeit in a much less effective offense. Now he gets the chance to put his 50/50 catch skills to the test with Josh Allen's laser beams downfield.
Turner lacks the size Dan Campbell prefers with his defensive ends, but he's a vital punch-up to a pass rush in need of depth. Now he gets to thrive in the chaos created by Aidan Hutchinson. While his three sacks and five quarterback hits as a rookie were a disappointment, an 11 percent pressure rate was about on par with Odafe Oweh and Harold Landry last fall.
Wiggins allowed a 66.2 passer rating in coverage as a rookie. His slender frame remains a concern, but he was good enough for the Ravens to draft twice.
Yep, let's throw a guy with 4.2-second 40 speed into Kyle Shanahan's offense, which routinely leads the NFL in yards after catch. Worthy had an uneven impact as a rookie in Kansas City. Now he gets a redo under a different offensive mastermind.
Irving's 0.1 expected points added (EPA) per rush were fourth in the NFL last season, right behind Saquon Barkley. Now we drop a ready-made 1,000-yard rusher into Patrick Mahomes' orbit. Is it the offensive line help the Chiefs need? Nope. Is it fun as hell? Yep. Have fun with that, AFC West defenses.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: The 2024 NFL re-Draft, starring the Giants' new QB and Bear Jayden Daniels
Continue reading...
That's all we needed to dive face-first into the offseason with 32 hypothetical re-do draft picks. Welcome to FTW's 2024 NFL re-Draft. Every first round pick has been restored to whom it belonged the week before last April's jamboree. Every team knows how these prospects look as pros, albeit inside a small sample size — some players in ideal situations and others stuck with the New England Patriots. So how would hindsight affect last year's draft?
Let's roll through the picks.
1. Chicago Bears (from Carolina Panthers): QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
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Caleb Williams may still turn out the better pro — only good things can happen after releasing him from Matt Eberflus' gravity. But Daniels vaulted himself into the MVP conversation while producing as many playoff wins as a rookie (two) as former Washington owned Dan Snyder had in 24 years of horrible leadership. Now Daniels gets a do-over with iffy blocking but an upgraded receiving corps — including a top 10 wideout to come.
2. Washington Commanders: QB Caleb WIlliams, USC
Williams' slide lasts one spot, as his ability to generate plays from thin air and attack defenses downfield make him too tempting to pass up. Sacks remain an issue — he went down on nearly 11 percent of his dropbacks as a rookie — but Washington proved a perfect landing spot for one recent Heisman Trophy winner and should do the same for the 2022 honoree.
3. New England Patriots: QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
Maye certainly looked the part of a franchise quarterback as a rookie, despite underwhelming numbers. The real test will be what he does with a more competent roster in 2025.
4. Arizona Cardinals: WR Malik Nabers, LSU
Marvin Harrison Jr. certainly has the chops to be the best receiver of 2024. But Nabers had 1,200-plus receiving yards with these quarterbacks: Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito and Tim by-god Boyle. Now he's the balm for a sunburnt Kyler Murray.
5. Los Angeles Chargers: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
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The Chargers have a tough decision to make; opt to protect Justin Herbert by selecting Joe Alt again, or give him a viable target in a draft where there's no prayer Ladd McConkey lingers to the second round. Instead, Jim Harbaugh gets a little bit of both — a dynamic target who also adds some value (much less, but still) as a blocker. Bowers was a first-team All-Pro as a rookie, emerging as a dynamic threat for a Raiders team with few other playmaking options.
6. New York Giants: QB Bo Nix, Oregon
You saw that list of quarterbacks Malik Nabers was forced to create magic with, yes? Rather than having to flounder through 2025's underwhelming QB crop, the Giants use the hindsight of knowing Nix could be an NFL deep ball trebuchet and add him to the roster. Figuring out who he'll be throwing to is a problem for the next six rounds.
7. Tennessee Titans: LT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
Let's assume the Titans get back in line to select Cam Ward in 2025. That's enough to convince them to pass up on Michael Penix Jr., but it's a fair debate between two quarterbacks who rose up and won across multiple college stops. Either way, whomever is slinging passes needs protection — Will Levis was sacked on nearly 12 percent of his 2024 dropbacks (though, admittedly, much of that issue is his preference to run face first into danger when given the opportunity).
8. Atlanta Falcons: QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington
It was a weird pick at the time but a prudent one. Kirk Cousins was unable to return to form, and rather than waste time Atlanta was proactive replacing him with a young(ish) gunslinger. The jury is still out on whether he's a foundational starter, but Penix makes more sense now than he did a year ago.
9. Chicago Bears: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
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The Bears have their pick of wideout talent to play alongside D.J. Moore (and a fading Keenan Allen). Harrison's deep toolbox and absurd body control give him an edge over the more productive Ladd McConkey and Brian Thomas Jr. here. With a little less defensive attention, Maserati Marv (...ugh) could have a bigger rookie impact in Chicago.
10. New York Jets: QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
We go from six quarterbacks in the first 12 picks to six in the top 10 — and the last one is McCarthy, who has yet to play a regular season snap. In this case, he's Aaron Rodgers' contingency plan and the knowing admission that, welp, it's not like things are gonna get worse if Rodgers is annoyed by a QB pick. Losing Olu Fashanu hurts, but there's enough offensive line depth to take a risk on a wild card quarterback.
11. Minnesota Vikings: CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
The Vikings missed out on a quarterback, but they've got their choice of defensive talent to boost coordinator Brian Flores' violent scheme. Mitchell's coverage abilities mean he can be trusted on an island, freeing up space for more Flores blitzes backed by lockdown single coverage. The defensive rookie of the year runner-up was a perfect fit in Philadelphia, but he may be even more important in the Twin Cities.
12. Denver Broncos: EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State
Welp, Nix is off the board and there aren't many quarterback options out there for Denver. That leaves the Broncos to choose between the lingering remnants of a solid wideout class and further buttressing a dynamic defense. 2025 was proof John Elway is happy to focus on defense even when it's a strength. Adding Verse, 2024 defensive rookie of the year, will keep Sean Payton's team competitive even with a replacement level passer behind center.
13. Las Vegas Raiders: WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia
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Bowers is off the board, but a McConkey-Jakobi Meyers combination gives whomever is throwing passes a pair of reliable targets who can get open and make clutch catches. It's not an ideal fit, but Las Vegas needs playmakers and McConkey can be a high volume monster.
14. New Orleans Saints: OT Olu Fashanu, Penn State
Taliese Fuaga could get the call again, but Fashanu's high floor and immense ceiling make the 2024 rotational tackle a more enticing bet than New Orleans' actual pick. Fashanu played decently enough after moving into the starting lineup late in the year. While he suffered from the general malaise that afflicted the 2024 Jets as a whole he remains an explosive young talent.
15. Indianapolis Colts: DL Braden Fiske, Florida State
Brian Thomas Jr. could fix some things here, but with an unstable quarterback situation it makes sense to buttress an underwhelming defense. Enter 2024's rookie sack leader. Fiske's transition to Indianapolis isn't perfect, but he can use his size and athleticism to be an absolute headache for AFC South quarterbacks up front. He works as both DeForest Buckner's running mate and eventual successor.
16. Seattle Seahawks: WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
The Seahawks could go several ways here, but with Verse and Fiske off the board there's a lack of defensive star power in a draft that was already weak on that side of the ball. Instead, Seattle gets a jump on the departures of Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf by adding Thomas, who'd pair with Jaxon Smith-Njigba to give Seattle an enticing young foundation at wideout. At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, he can emerge as the Seahawks' big target for whomever is slinging passes the next four years.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars: CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama
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Who'd get the call to patch up Jacksonville's secondary here — Arnold, or Cooper DeJean? Either would be a boon, but Arnold's comfort along the sideline despite an up-and-down rookie campaign makes him the higher upside pick.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA
The race between Latu and Chop Robinson to boost Cincy's pass rush comes down to fit. Latu is a little bigger and better suited to the hand-down, defensive end role next to Trey Hendrickson. While his rookie campaign was subdued, he was prolific as a Bruin and would have the opportunity to feast on the chaos Hendrickson sews on the other corner.
19. Los Angeles Rams: EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State
Les Snead's 2024 haul has already been picked apart with Verse and Fiske rising to top 15 status. Robinson is a proper consolation prize. The former Nittany Lion is still fleshing out his pass rushing attack, but his quickness off the snap means he's always got a chance to win with speed and explosiveness. Now he gets the role Verse left behind at outside linebacker.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: OT Roger Rosengarten, Washington
Two massive tackles are available at No. 20, as is actual 20th pick Troy Fautanu. Instead, Pittsburgh goes for the steady work rate of Rosengarten over the higher ceilings of Amarius Mims and Taliese Fuaga. Being able to take a proven starter away from Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens, who plucked Rosengarten from the second round en route to an all-rookie debut, is also a plus.
21. Miami Dolphins: OT Amarius Mims, Georgia
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This is a bit of a cheat, since the 2024 Dolphins didn't know they were staring down the final season of Terron Armstead's good-not-legendary career. But Mims is a 6-foot-8, 340 pound monster who looks the part of an NFL blindside protector but is still stacking attributes en route to a fruitful career. Now he gets the duty of keeping Tua Tagovailoa upright for a team that desperately needs its starting quarterback healthy.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: CB Cooper DeJean, Iowa
Mitchell is off the board, but DeJean won't have to wait until the second round to hear his name called by the Eagles this time. The Iowa star arrives to play postseason hero once more and add badly needed youth and athleticism to the Philly secondary.
23. Houston Texans (from Cleveland Browns): LB Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M
The Texans could address the offensive line they overhauled in 2025 here, but this year's crop of tackles has already dwindled. Ultimately, Cooper's ability to be an anchor in the middle of the field is too much for a rising defensive-minded head coach to pass up. DeMeco Ryans gets his huckleberry; a do-everything linebacker who opens new chapters in his playbook.
24. Dallas Cowboys: OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
Fuaga's unexpected slide stops here. Now he gets the task of replacing Tyron Smith. Before 2025's meat and potatoes draft, Jerry Jones gets one of 2024's meatiest prospects.
25. Green Bay Packers: OL Graham Barton, Duke
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Green Bay gets a blocker far more ready to contribute than actual 2024 first round pick Jordan Morgan. Barton's presence brings a versatile lineman who can play center or guard and, one offseason later, keep the Packers from spending $77 million on Aaron Banks.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DT T'Vondre Sweat, Texas
Is this Tampa's biggest need? No. Did I want to create a defensive front led by 350-pound Vita Vea and 366-pound Sweat? Yes. Good luck, everyone else.
27. Arizona Cardinals (from Houston Texans): G Dominick Puni, Kansas
Puni slipped to the third round and emerged as a trusted starter for the San Francisco 49ers. Here, he's the answer to Arizona's concerns at right guard where Isaiah Adams underwhelmed in 2024.
28. Buffalo Bills: WR Rome Odunze, Washington
Odunze's rookie season wasn't terrible, but it did fail to meet expectations as a top 10 pick. His 1.44 yards per route run (YPRR) was behind Bills' second round pick Keon Coleman (1.94) in 2024, albeit in a much less effective offense. Now he gets the chance to put his 50/50 catch skills to the test with Josh Allen's laser beams downfield.
29. Detroit Lions: EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama
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Turner lacks the size Dan Campbell prefers with his defensive ends, but he's a vital punch-up to a pass rush in need of depth. Now he gets to thrive in the chaos created by Aidan Hutchinson. While his three sacks and five quarterback hits as a rookie were a disappointment, an 11 percent pressure rate was about on par with Odafe Oweh and Harold Landry last fall.
30. Baltimore Ravens: CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson
Wiggins allowed a 66.2 passer rating in coverage as a rookie. His slender frame remains a concern, but he was good enough for the Ravens to draft twice.
31. San Francisco 49ers: WR Xavier Worthy, Texas
Yep, let's throw a guy with 4.2-second 40 speed into Kyle Shanahan's offense, which routinely leads the NFL in yards after catch. Worthy had an uneven impact as a rookie in Kansas City. Now he gets a redo under a different offensive mastermind.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: RB Bucky Irving, Oregon
Irving's 0.1 expected points added (EPA) per rush were fourth in the NFL last season, right behind Saquon Barkley. Now we drop a ready-made 1,000-yard rusher into Patrick Mahomes' orbit. Is it the offensive line help the Chiefs need? Nope. Is it fun as hell? Yep. Have fun with that, AFC West defenses.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: The 2024 NFL re-Draft, starring the Giants' new QB and Bear Jayden Daniels
Continue reading...
