It has been per week for the reason that NFL free agent market unofficially opened, and it didn’t take lengthy for a lot of the distinguished gamers on expiring contracts to sign the place they’d be enjoying in 2024 (and, seemingly, past). These selections, and others which have trickled down since, have drastically reshaped the route of subsequent month’s draft – some golf equipment filling obvious wants, whereas new ones opened elsewhere.
Friday, a growth immediately impacting the primary spherical emerged, the Vikings buying a second Spherical 1 decide from the Texans – although that may very well be a precursor to a different transfer given Minnesota now has a long-term problem at quarterback following Kirk Cousins’ departure.
Shifting ahead, there are nonetheless a handful of great free brokers who may additional shift draft methods. And, if historical past is any indicator, one other pre-draft commerce or two – whether or not involving gamers and/or high-end picks – will additional alter the panorama. However right here’s the newest prognostication with the league’s signature offseason occasion simply 5 weeks away:
1. Chicago Bears (from Carolina Panthers): QB Caleb Williams, USC
As if there was ever a thriller, earlier QB1 Justin Fields was traded over the weekend for 10 cents on the greenback, clearing the best way for GM Ryan Poles to interchange him – presumably with Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner. His arm, imaginative and prescient, capability to make off-platform throws and in any other case huge potential make him tantalizing – Williams loosely compares himself to Aaron Rodgers, from a soccer perspective, moderately than Patrick Mahomes. Williams can be a red-zone weapon (21 dashing TDs over the previous two seasons) however usually makes use of his mobility to increase performs moderately than break the pocket, passing for 72 TDs and greater than 8,000 yards in two seasons with the Trojans. He’ll must be taught to guard the ball higher and when to surrender on unhealthy performs, however Williams may quickly be the linchpin of a Chicago revival … and throwing to WRs DJ Moore and Keenan Allen ought to present a pleasant initiation. Additionally, bringing in a rookie quarterback resets the contractual clock on the place and permits Poles to proceed loading up the remainder of his roster – even after re-signing CB Jaylon Johnson and including S Kevin Byard, RB D’Andre Swift and Allen. (And what Fields should’ve considered all of that …)
NFL STATS CENTRAL: The newest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and extra.
2. Washington Commanders: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
As if there was ever a thriller, earlier QB1 Sam Howell (traded to Seattle) and QB2 Jacoby Brissett (signed with New England) are gone, leaving journeyman Jake Fromm as the one passer presently on the roster. Daniels, the 2023 Heisman winner, didn’t work out on the league’s scouting mix however will draw scores of eyes at LSU’s professional day subsequent week. He’s already saddled with the unlucky burden of being in comparison with two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, which incorporates considerations about how properly (or keen) Daniels can be to guard his slender body – and D.C. followers can nonetheless bear in mind Robert Griffin III’s unrecoverable breakdown close to the tip of his 2012 Offensive Rookie of the 12 months marketing campaign. However credit score Daniels, whose decision-making (40 TD passes, 4 INTs final season), accuracy, contact and processing pace all appear properly forward of Jackson and RG3 at comparable factors of their growth. After which there’s that eye eye-popping capability to run (2,019 yards, 22 TDs over previous two seasons) that separates Daniels amongst his QB friends this yr. He may (ought to?) properly plug into new OC Kliff Kingsbury’s offense, which obtained some blocking upgrades in free company – although the unit may nonetheless use a confirmed left deal with.
3. Minnesota Vikings [PROJECTED TRADE with New England Patriots]: QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
Loads to unpack right here, so listen. First, this operates from the belief the Vikes will make yet another commerce within the close to future in a bid to backfill the lack of a Cousins past the short-term signing of Sam Darnold. And whereas such a transfer up the board intently approximates what the 49ers did three years in the past to leap into place for QB Trey Lance – and everyone knows how that labored out – Minnesota seemingly wouldn’t must pony up three first-rounders since it could actually now supply two this yr, one thing San Francisco couldn’t. Presently, the Vikings’ subsequent decide after Spherical 1 is within the fourth – that means a number of mid-round picks in 2025 must be sufficient to consummate such a deal, and that will appear to be fairly smart for brand new Pats director of scouting Eliot Wolf given the variety of holes on his roster. New England presently doesn’t appear a lot better positioned to help a younger quarterback than it did when Mac Jones was there, so why not kick the QB can down the street a bit and roll with Brissett for now?
As for Minnesota, that is partially an train in connecting dots, a draft custom like no different. (For what it’s value, it’s additionally an train in addressing a place key to the way forward for All-Professional WR Justin Jefferson, who’s headed into the ultimate season of his rookie deal.) Newly employed quarterbacks coach Josh McCown – he performed within the league for practically twenty years – was not solely a teammate of Darnold’s with the Jets, he coached Maye at Myers Park Excessive College in Charlotte. From there, Maye went on to stardom at UNC, the place was the ACC Participant of the 12 months in 2022. His big arm and skill to be a bruising runner outdoors the pocket on his greatest days are going to evoke mentions of Josh Allen or Justin Herbert. OK, tremendous – he did have an almost four-to-one TD-to-INT ratio in school AND ran for 16 scores over the previous two years. However like Allen, his school tape leaves one thing to be desired at instances, notably final season – when, admittedly, his supporting forged in Chapel Hill wasn’t nearly as good. Nonetheless, Maye is sharp with a critical array of instruments and definitely compelling sufficient to be within the dialog for Washington, too.
4. Arizona Cardinals: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
Arguably this draft’s greatest participant, this has felt just like the spot all alongside for Harrison – and solely extra so following WR Hollywood Brown’s defection to Kansas Metropolis. The 2023 Biletnikoff winner and two-time All-American with Corridor of Fame bloodlines, Harrison averaged higher than 1,200 receiving yards and 14 TDs over the previous two seasons and could be the most effective product issuing from what looks like a Buckeyes receiving meeting line. The 6-3, 209-pounder combines measurement and pace with silky route working, capability to separate and catch contested balls and would seemingly shortly emerge as Kyler Murray’s No. 1 goal – one thing the quarterback hasn’t actually had from the wideout place following the departure of DeAndre Hopkins final yr.
5. Los Angeles Chargers: WR Rome Odunze, Washington
Spectacular as Harrison is, loads of proponents for Odunze, an All-American final yr and All-Pac-12 member the previous two. Whether or not or not just lately launched Mike Williams ultimately re-signs with the Bolts, the commerce of WR1 Keenan Allen leaves a large void – particularly when factoring within the losses of RB Austin Ekeler and TE Gerald Everett. Apart from the very fact Odunze could be the most effective participant accessible on this state of affairs – and one who may immediately help QB Justin Herbert – he’s additionally recent off embracing the mix grind, working a 4.45-second 40-yard sprint whereas acing the gauntlet and looking out each bit the a part of a possible All-Professional down the road. The 6-3, 212-pounder has a sterling off-field repute plus the ball abilities and manufacturing (92 catches, for 1,640 yards, 13 TDs in 2023) to readily supplant Allen, who may by no means run like Odunze.
6. New York Giants: QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
Sure, QB Daniel Jones remains to be within the Jersey swamps, and the G-Males simply signed Drew Lock to a one-year deal. Regardless of. Regardless of his comparatively low utilization within the passing sport at Ann Arbor – the place he was surrounded by an amazing supporting forged on each side of the ball – McCarthy’s inventory appears to proceed skyrocketing. Why? Demeanor, accuracy, management, athleticism, excessive ceiling, beautiful – sure – sport administration. And he is a winner (27-1 report with the Wolverines). This example would additionally make sense insomuch as McCarthy may redshirt behind Lock and Jones, whom the Giants can simply reduce subsequent offseason – or commerce if he performs properly in 12 months 2 of his four-year, $160 million contract. And given what Fields had to deal with in Chicago, why not take McCarthy and maintain the shrink wrap on till GM Joe Schoen can get Massive Blue’s supporting forged so as?
7. Tennessee Titans: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
The huge (6-9, 321), unanimous 2023 All-American – and son of legendary Chiefs lineman John Alt – is broadly thought to be the most effective blocker on this draft. And given the Titans addressed the offensive talent positions in free company (WR Calvin Ridley, RB Tony Pollard), could as properly proceed addressing the road after they made LG Peter Skoronski their first-round decide in 2023. So let’s drop Alt in subsequent to him in a bid to proceed bolstering the safety round second-year QB Will Levis. And don’t neglect, new HC Brian Callahan employed his father, legendary O-line coach Invoice Callahan, to remediate a entrance 5 that surrendered an 64 sacks in 2023, tied for many within the AFC.
8. Atlanta Falcons: OLB Dallas Turner, Alabama
The offense just about seems to be a turnkey operation now that Cousins is aboard to ignite it. Defensively? Not a lot. The unit returns only one participant, OLB Arnold Ebiketie, who had greater than 4 sacks in 2023 – and he had all of six in his second season. Turner, Co-Defensive Participant of the 12 months within the SEC final season whereas racking up 10 sacks, might be this draft’s premier defensive prospect.
9. Bears: WR Malik Nabers, LSU
Luxurious decide, you say? If he’s nonetheless on the board, the worth appears distinctive. And whereas Keenan Allen was a candy pickup – particularly at the price of a fourth-rounder – he’ll be 32 by Week 1, hasn’t performed a full season since 2019 and isn’t underneath contract past this one. Daniels’ major goal the previous two seasons in Baton Rouge, Nabers actually blossomed throughout a 2023 All-American marketing campaign, when he caught 89 balls for 1,569 yards and 14 TDs. Could possibly be very best to offer him a lighter load – although it’s not like Chicago’s receiving corps is all that deep – and be taught from Allen and DJ Moore earlier than planning a heavier position in 2025.
10. New York Jets: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
GM Joe Douglas discovered three new starters for his offensive line throughout free company, notably new LT Tyron Smith. Now it’s time to search out one other downfield weapon for QB Aaron Rodgers, one who could make a right away impression for a membership clearly in win-now mode (and with a management workforce collectively preventing to stay employed in 2025). Regardless of being restricted by an ankle harm for a superb chunk of the 2023 season, Bowers, the one two-time Mackey Award winner ever, had 26 TD catches throughout his three-year school profession and averaged practically 60 grabs for 850 yards because the uncommon participant at his place who may dominate a sport offensively – typically as a ball service. He’d be fairly a run-after-catch menace between the hashes with WR Garrett Wilson working outdoors and RB Breece Corridor holding defenders within the field.
11. Patriots [PROJECTED TRADE with Vikings]: OL Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
Higher to not pressure a quarterback right here, which can be the presumption for his or her potential willingness to vacate the No. 3 spot. A proper deal with for the Beavers, Fuaga is superb in go safety and particularly nasty as a run blocker. He’ll be the primary Spherical 1 O-lineman in Oregon State’s historical past and may in all probability play anyplace up entrance apart from heart – and it will hardly be a shock if Wolf’s rebuild started within the trenches.
12. Denver Broncos: QB Bo Nix, Oregon
They have been solely too keen to eat Russell Wilson’s high-calorie contract, however Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci look like a crash weight-reduction plan. Nix has the accuracy – sure, a few of his report 77.5% completion charge in 2023 was juiced by the Geese’ offense – coach Sean Payton values, plus a nostril for the aim line (38 dashing TDs in 5 school seasons). And with an FBS-record 61 begins underneath his belt, rookie passers don’t come far more plug-and-play than Nix would.
13. Las Vegas Raiders: CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
He’s obtained measurement (6-0, 195), blazing pace (4.33 40 time) and ball abilities, two of his six interceptions over the previous two seasons changed into pick-sixes. These are traditional Silver and Black traits, however it’s additionally the place the defensive want lies after Vegas invested so closely in DT Christian Wilkins throughout free company.
14. New Orleans Saints: OL Troy Fautanu, Washington
With 2022 first-round LT Trevor Penning shortly trending towards bust territory, could be time to grab a substitute just like the All-Pac-12 performer with the candy ft. Fautanu was the Huskies’ left deal with the previous two seasons however has additionally performed guard. The Saints must safeguard QB Derek Carr, one thing that did not occur typically sufficient in 2023, in a division the place it seems much more factors can be wanted to win in 2024.
15. Indianapolis Colts: DT Byron Murphy II, Texas
DeForest Buckner simply turned 30 and is coming into the ultimate yr of his contract. And although he should be close to his peak, why not bolster the havoc you possibly can create on the within by enlisting somebody like Murphy at what has arguably grow to be the league’s most coveted defensive place. No faster path to the likes of C.J. Stroud and Trevor Lawrence than proper up the intestine.
16. Seattle Seahawks: OT JC Latham, Alabama
The All-SEC proper deal with, who has expertise at guard, merely helps a weak offensive line someplace given new HC Mike Macdonald’s intent to run the ball extra successfully and extensively.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers [PROJECTED TRADE with Jacksonville Jaguars]: CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama
One way or the other, that they had a middle-of-the street go protection regardless of the presence of T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and Alex Highsmith up entrance. Arnold looks like a Metal Metropolis man – assured, productive and difficult, together with a willingness to deal with, even when he doesn’t possess Mitchell’s elite pace. Regardless of the commerce for Donte Jackson, who’s obtained one yr left on his contract, Pittsburgh nonetheless wants assist at nook after saying goodbye to Patrick Peterson and others. Arnold and Joey Porter Jr. would make a pleasant long-term tandem.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
The 6-3, 209-pounder put down a 4.33 40 on the mix within the wake of a season when he had 1,177 yards on 68 catches – 1 / 4 of these receptions leading to TDs. With Tyler Boyd unsigned and franchise-tagged Tee Higgins searching for a commerce, good time to discover a new Robin for Cincy’s Ja’Marr Chase, a Bayou Bengal himself.
19. Los Angeles Rams: DT Johnny Newton, Illinois
You are by no means going to interchange Aaron Donald with one man. Not possible. However … the Massive Ten’s reigning Defensive Participant of the 12 months, who’s 6-2 and 304 kilos, is robust, pretty twitchy and kinda constructed like Donald. Newton may very well be the good begin of an AD by committee.
20. Jaguars [PROJECTED TRADE with Steelers]: DE Jared Verse, Florida State
You possibly can by no means have too many athletic, flexible go rushers within the NFL. That is very true in case your greatest one (Josh Allen) is on the franchise tag whereas former No. 1 general decide Travon Walker remains to be attempting to dwell as much as that label. Verse was a first-team All-American throughout each of his seasons with the Seminoles, registering 9 sacks in every.
21. Miami Dolphins: OL Graham Barton, Duke
A left deal with for the Blue Devils, the two-time All-ACC choice is probably going headed inside within the NFL attributable to his comparatively quick arms. And the Fins may use assist there after shedding Connor Williams, apparently, and Robert Hunt throughout free company.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri
Offensive line – between the tackles – may very well be a consideration following C Jason Kelce’s retirement. However EVP/GM Howie Roseman is aware of his protection wants consideration and is aware of beginning CBs Darius Slay and James Bradberry are north of 30. Rakestraw’s bodily model would resonate properly in Philly.
23. Patriots [PROJECTED TRADE with Cleveland Browns via Houston Texans and Vikings]: OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State
To shortly recap, that is New England’s second first-rounder as a part of the Maye cope with Minnesota. (The choice additionally represents the ultimate first-rounder to change arms as a part of the Browns-Texans deal involving Deshaun Watson.) And, sure, we slotted a deal with (Fuaga) to the Pats at No. 11. So? Bookending him with the Nittany Lions’ 2023 All-American – and round just lately re-signed OL Mike Onwenu – would prime this offense for at any time when it’s time to drop within the subsequent franchise passer. And although Onwenu could be headed again to proper deal with, per NFL Community, free company tells you guards are simply as worthwhile, and he is equally dependable inside.
24. Dallas Cowboys: OL Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
The 2023 Rimington Trophy winner because the nation’s greatest school heart, “JPJ” – who excels as a run and go blocker – may exchange departed C Tyler Biadasz or slide one spot to the left and permit LG Tyler Smith to kick out to longtime submit vacated by LT Tyron Smith. Additionally value noting RG Zack Martin is out of contract in 2025.
25. Inexperienced Bay Packers: OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma
The previous tight finish would deliver high-end potential and suppleness to a line that’s misplaced LT David Bakhtiari and G Jon Runyan Jr.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DE Laiatu Latu, UCLA
The Pac-12’s defensive participant of the yr in 2023, when he additionally earned the Lombardi Award and Ted Hendricks Award for being the nation’s greatest collegiate defensive finish after posting an FBS-best 1.8 tackles for loss per sport, he racked up 35 TFLs, 23½ sacks, 5 pressured fumbles and a pair of interceptions in two seasons with the Bruins. Latu would like to reunite with Bucs OLB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, beforehand his teammate on the College of Washington, and will fill the breach left by departed Shaq Barrett.
27. Cardinals (from Texans): DB Cooper DeJean, Iowa
A souped-up athlete and 2023 All-American who was named the Massive Ten’s prime defensive again final season, DeJean can play just about anyplace within the secondary – handy for an Arizona protection that wants assist all through the again finish and, maybe, a successor for S Budda Baker pretty quickly. DeJean can even assist as a returner on particular groups.
28. Buffalo Payments: DE Chop Robinson, Penn State
His eye-popping athleticism – the 6-3, 254-pounder ran a sub-4.5 40 on the mix – does not essentially align along with his manufacturing, which included 9½ sacks and 17½ TFLs in two seasons with the Nittany Lions. However he’d replenish the depth of a Buffalo protection that misplaced rather a lot in free company and will hone his craft underneath the tutelage of veteran LB Von Miller.
29. Detroit Lions: WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas
How about only one extra playmaker for this offense? Mitchell is loads massive (6-2, 205) and exceptionally quick (4.34 40 time), a combo that would properly complement WRs Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, who’s struggled to dwell as much as his first-round billing two years in the past. A Georgia switch, Mitchell discovered the tip zone 11 instances throughout his solely season with the Longhorns.
30. Baltimore Ravens: OT Amarius Mims, Georgia
A proper deal with who already is aware of OC Todd Monken’s playbook, Mims’ 87-inch wingspan and 6-8, 340-pound body assist him block out the solar. He may begin right away following the commerce of RT Morgan Moses to the Jets.
31: San Francisco 49ers: DL Darius Robinson, Missouri
The NFC champs must reload a defensive entrance that is misplaced DE Chase Younger, DT Arik Armstead and first backups Javon Kinlaw and Clelin Ferrell. Robinson, a 6-5, 285-pound All-SEC choice, has the scale and athleticism to play inside or out whereas thriving towards the run or go – particularly if given the chance to develop alongside confirmed gamers like Nick Bosa and Javon Hargrave.
32. Kansas Metropolis Chiefs: OT Jordan Morgan, Arizona
It could be enjoyable to offer the champs a toy like Texas WR Xavier Worthy, who set the mix report with a 4.21 40-yard sprint. However there’s presently a gaping gap on QB Patrick Mahomes’ blind facet. Too massive a must ignore except LT Donovan Smith re-signs or HC Andy Reid and GM Brett Veach give you a good higher reply within the interim. Barring that, Morgan may very well be a superb one.
***
Comply with USA TODAY Sports activities’ Nate Davis on X, previously Twitter @ByNateDavis.