Find the 10 best choices from the DNA of Sports editorial team during this 2024 NFL Draft.
1. New York Giants – Malik Nabers (WR) (6th pick)
Take a quarterback or the best player available? The Giants made a choice and it's a good one. Malik Nabers was one of the best players in this Draft and the New York franchise did not hesitate. It is better to surround a quarterback well to allow him to regenerate, than to take a rookie quarterback who has no targets to throw the ball.
The ball is now in Daniel Jones' court to “throw” the receiver and make him shine. With Hyatt, Robinson and Slayton in addition to Nabers, the Giants wide receiver committee is starting to look a little better. Even if this is still below what is best in the big league. But at least we see an improvement.
2. Minnesota Vikings – Dallas Turner (EDGE) (17th pick)
It cost a lot to go up. But, for him, it was worth it, because he was the best of the vintage. The Vikings had a need in the pass rush. By selecting Dallas Turner, they hope to have found Danielle Hunter's long-term replacement.
Fast and athletic, he will be one of the defensive headliners of the Vikings defensive line. Accustomed to shining in big matches, the pass rusher does not need to look very far for determination to shine every Sunday.
3. Philadelphia Eagles – Cooper DeJean (CB) (40th pick)
We could also have chosen Quinyon Mitchell who is a great pick in 22, or described the great story Jeremiah Trotter Jr. in the 5th round. But, Cooper DeJean in 40th choice has all the makings of one of the best choices of this Draft. To do this, the Eagles had to go up, surpassing the Packers who then went down right after.
Not only are Philadelphia targeting last season's weak spot, but they're going for one of the best players available on Day 2, while putting themselves in front of a team that also had the player in their sights. It is clear that this is prodigious on the part of general manager Howie Roseman.
4. Buffalo Bills – Cole Bishop (S) (60th pick)
Jordan Poyer gone, Micah Hyde still not back (at the time of writing)? The Bills may not have existed in the first round, but their 2nd round showed that they still know how to draft players for their primary needs.
Other safeties were taken before him (Nubin, Bullard). However, Cole Bishop was among the best, and perhaps the best of the crop. It was therefore worth the wait, because, unusually, the Bills did not move when they had to choose him.
5. Los Angeles Rams – Blake Corum (RB) (83rd pick)
The ground game is well established on the Rams side with Kyren Williams who was in great shape last season. You are never safe from a long injury to your main rider, but if your replacement is Blake Corum, then you can rub your hands.
An incisive runner, mounted like a bulldog, and decisive every time he is in the red zone. Author of the last 2 incredible seasons with the University of Michigan, he will be able to continue to pile up touchdowns in the big league. Rams fans, but also Fantasy fans, will be delighted that he lands in a franchise with an offensive soul.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers – Payton Wilson (LB) (98th pick)
You're a team with TJ Watt, Cameron Heyward, Keeanu Benton and Alex Highsmith, you think that's scary. In addition to them, we add Patrick Queen, and we complete this front seven by adding Payton Wilson, it's no longer scary, it becomes unstoppable.
Mike Tomlin will have a field day with a player like Payton Wilson who can use him inside or outside the linebacker line. Certainly, the NC State player has a history of injuries. But when he's on the field, he's a beast, a (future) leader, and his energy can become contagious.
7. Denver Broncos – Troy Franklin (WR) (102nd pick)
How to please your player drafted in the first round? By giving him his favorite receiver. The Broncos did so by selecting Troy Franklin, one of Bo Nix's star receivers with Oregon last season.
So yes, the NCAA is not the NFL. But while some may take 1 year to find automatisms, others may only need 2 weeks during training camps. Denver had to go up to get him. The bet is risk-free, especially in the 4th round.
8. Chicago Bears – Austin Booker (EDGE) (141st pick)
The Bears were expected to complete the draft on the selection of punter Tory Taylor in the 4th round. But, general manager Ryan Poles may have remembered that he had Matt Eberflus as his head coach, a defensive specialist.
So, to satisfy him, they saw a talented pass rusher go down and decided to magically reappear in this Draft. Austin Booker may only have one NCAA season under his belt (and what a season!), but he showed us that he has potential. And who other than Matt Eberflus to exploit it well?
9. Detroit Lions – Christian Mahogany (OL) (210th pick)
We could have cited several choices from the Lions, such as Terrion Arnold and Mekhi Wingo. But, the one that caught our attention is the last choice of their Draft. A player who could potentially see the field in the event of failure of one of the starting guards (Zeitler, Glasgow).
Returning to form in 2023 after a cruciate ligament rupture, Christian Mahogany will allow Jared Goff to still be as well protected. But, the most delighted will perhaps be Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery who are just waiting to have big holes created by the former Boston College player to find the necessary yards.
10. Los Angeles Chargers – Brenden Rice (WR) (225th pick)
He was born, raised and spent the majority of his time in California. What a bargain! Even if his selection was made discreetly (he was at a funeral when he was drafted), the Chargers got their hands on one of the receivers who should have left earlier.
Plus, he checks off one of the many needs the Chargers needed with the receiver position. Taking it only in the 7th round has everything in one steal. Speed, spectacular receptions, Brenden Rice will attract attention every Sunday with a heavy legacy to carry. If the Chargers' current receivers continue to be inconsistent, the son of legend Jerry Rice has a good chance of seeing the field (and maybe the ball).
