The 2024 NFL Draft has come and gone with 257 college hopefuls being handed their opportunity to pursue their professional dream.
Each of the NFL’s 32 franchises took the opportunity to add new talent to their team, but how good a job did they all do?
Here is a look at the five best draft classes to come out of the three-day event in Detroit.
1. Chicago Bears
Yes, they had the first pick when a generational quarterback prospect was available, but there was more to this Bears draft than jus taking Caleb Williams first overall.
As well as adding their future franchise quarterback, the Bears also added wide receiver Rome Odunze, who should help Williams’ transition to the pro game and gives them a long-term no. 1 wideout.
Offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie was selected in the fourth round and should be another good long-term product, while fifth-round Austin Booker also has a great chance of making the roster.
It says something about the quality of their picks that this is potentially the best group selected this year, even though they only had five selections overall, one of which was a fourth-round punter in Troy Taylor.
2. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals deserve some credit for not overthinking this one and holding fire to select Marvin Harrison Jr. with their fourth overall selection. His presence means Kyler Murray should have an elite weapon for years to come, while their other first-round selection Darius Robinson can be an immediate contributor to the defensive line.
Cornerback Max Melton was a wise selection in the second round, while third-round choice Trey Benson was perhaps the best running back in the whole draft. Safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson was great value in the fourth round as the Cards used this draft to improve their secondary while adding playmakers to their offense.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers ended up with four picks in the top 100 and made the most out of them. Versatile first-round pick Troy Fautanu can be a mainstay on the Pittsburgh line for years to come alongside their second-round pick Zach Frazier at centre.
Next came wideout Roman Wilson who has game-breaking speed, as Russell Wilson gets himself protection and weapons for the 2024 campaign.
Linebacker Payton Wilson should also be able to contribute early on the other side of the ball.
4. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles came to the draft needing help at cornerback and by Friday evening they had drafted two of the best corners on the board in Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.
On the other side of the ball, a pair of promising receivers were added late on in Johnny Wilson and Ainias Smith, plus they got help on both lines in their nine selections.
The team also had one eye on the future as they added third-, fourth- and fifth-round picks for next year’s draft via trades.
5. New England Patriots
The Patriots were in unusual territory picking so high up in the draft, but did the right thing by ignoring the calls to trade down and selecting Drake Maye.
They followed this up by giving him the tools to succeed in the pros, drafting wide receivers Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, plus offensive line help in tackle Caedan Wallace and guard Layden Robinson.
This sensible approach augers well for the upcoming season as the Patriots' new era gets underway.
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