Now that the time is over to evaluate the winners and losers of the 2024 NFL Draft. There is no more speculation or worry about the NFL Draft eligibility rules. It's time to provide an in-depth analysis of the NFL Draft by looking at which teams were better off coming out of the draft and which teams missed an opportunity to improve their roster.
What teams won and lost the 2024 NFL Draft
Admittedly, it will take a few years until we know the worst picks in the 2024 NFL Draft and whether any of these players will end up among the biggest busts ever. But after watching how things unfolded in Detroit over the course of three days, we feel confident in distinguishing between the winners and losers of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Winner: Arizona Cardinals
With the most overall picks, including seven of the first 90 picks, it would be strange if the Cardinals weren't big winners. By taking Marvin Harrison Jr. fourth overall, they made one of the best selections in the draft, getting arguably the best player available after teams in need of a quarterback made their selections.
Arizona then improved defensively with pass rusher Darius Robinson and cornerback Max Milton. In the third round, the Cardinals added running back Trey Benson and tight end Tip Rayman, as well as Isaiah Adams, who were not the only offensive linemen they added. In the later rounds, the Cardinals continued to add depth to the secondary and on the line of scrimmage, adding talent and competition at several positions.
Loser: Atlanta Falcons
You have a great offensive line, talented young players, and a veteran quarterback who just signed a big contract, what do you do? The answer is not to spend no. 8th overall pick for midfielder. The Falcons are the embodiment of a win-now team, and they didn't deserve to pick Michael Penix Jr. in the top 10.
For all we know, Penix will eventually have a great career. But it didn't make sense for a team in Atlanta's position to draft him, knowing he would be a backup for at least two or three years.
The Falcons could have found a player who would help them win in 2024 and 2025 instead of drafting long-term. To their credit, the Falcons selected some good defensive players later in the draft. But using no. Picking Penix No. 8 was one of the most foolish decisions in draft history.
Winner: Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles absolutely crushed it in the first two days of the draft. They needed help at cornerback and picked up both Quinnyon Mitchell and Cooper Dejean. Get DeJean by the number. The 40th pick was huge for Philly.
Both corners received first-round grades and have a chance to contribute in a big way right away. Drafting Jeremiah Trotter Jr., whose father spent most of his NFL career with the Eagles, was also an excellent pick. Also, don't sleep on adding wide receiver Ainias Smith and running back Will Shipley to the mix as well.
Loser: New England Patriots
With eight total picks, the Patriots used two quarterbacks. This is where New England's problems begin. Choosing Drake May was the easy choice, but it wasn't necessarily the right one.
The Patriots could have put an end to a generation of missing offensive playmakers in the draft by taking Marvin Harrison Jr. and waiting for a quarterback. Instead of also selecting Joe Milton in the sixth round, why not take Harrison and use a pick in the middle rounds on a quarterback? While the Pats also added two wide receivers and two offensive linemen, they did not gain clear difference-makers at either position.
Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh didn't have a ton of picks, but the Steelers clearly had a plan. True to form, they've improved at the line of scrimmage, landing a top-tier offensive tackle with Troy Votano and arguably the best center in the draft with Zach Frazier.
Linebacker Payton Wilson, a third-round pick, was one of the best players at his position as well. Don't forget some depth additions on Day 3 or wide receiver Roman Wilson.
Loser: Buffalo Bills
Buffalo began the draft with a questionable trade that allowed the Chiefs to draft a wide receiver, also one of their biggest needs. To be fair, the Bills did eventually get Keon Coleman, who is a useful part of their offense right away.
However, the Bills had 10 picks and used only one on a wide receiver, which seems like an oversight. Adding safety Cole Bishop and defensive tackle Dewayne Carter to the defense were good moves. But the Bills need to seize the opportunity to get more receivers during the late rounds.
Winner: Detroit Lions
First of all, the City of Detroit provided a great project for everyone. Second, Dan Campbell used a limited number of draft picks to add players that perfectly suited his style. Specifically, the Lions used their first two picks on linebackers Tyrion Arnold and Ennis Rackstraw Jr.
This will help improve a weak area in Detroit's defense. The Lions also got some tough players on the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, which was a good use of limited resources.
Loser: Denver Broncos
With so much attention given to Atlanta's poor decision making with Penix, not enough people have mentioned how the Broncos landed Bo Nix. It was never a certainty that the Knicks were a first-round pick, let alone guaranteed a snub. 12 comprehensive selection.
Sean Payton clearly sees a lot of Drew Brees when he watches the Knicks. But Payton's entire future is now tied to the Knicks. It's also worth asking if the Broncos need to use two late-round picks on offensively skilled players given their limited draft capital.
