There are plenty of free agents on the market and the potential for trades, but we generally know what teams are going to look like with the 2024 NFL Draft in the books. With that, these are my first NFL power rankings for 2024.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
First-round receiver Xavier Worthy landed in the best possible spot given Andy Reid’s history of getting the most out of speedsters with a similar profile. Then the Chiefs got possible steals in offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia in the second round and cornerback Kamal Hadden all the way in the sixth. Kansas City has a chance to be even stronger in 2024 while seeking a three-peat.
2. Detroit Lions
Of course, these rookies haven’t even hit the practice field as pros yet, but I think we’ll be saying that Lions general manager Brad Holmes simply doesn’t miss with draft classes. Adding cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr.—arguably the top two at their position in the class—to join veteran additions Carlton Davis and Amik Robertson is awesome and a massive boost to a pass defense that struggled last year.
3. San Francisco 49ers
Trade rumors swirled around receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, but the 49ers appear set to give it a go with much of the same offensive attack in 2024. That said, Florida receiver Ricky Pearsall was an interesting selection in Round 1, and I love the Renardo Green pick at corner.
4. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles appeared to go for a high-upside class this year, headlined by cornerback Quinyon Mitchell and pass rusher Jalyx Hunt in the first and third rounds. Between them, they took versatile defensive back Cooper DeJean out of Iowa; and I’d keep an eye on the Will Shipley pick at running back. Philly also locked up A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Jordan Mailata with long-term extensions recently.
5. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens lost some veterans from last season’s squad, but the draft class can help make up for the losses. I’ll mention fourth-round cornerback T.J. Tampa (who easily could have been a second-rounder) and sixth-round quarterback Devin Leary (who can at least become a super high-level backup) here.
6. Buffalo Bills
The hilarious Keon Coleman out of Florida State was the Bills’ first 2024 pick to begin the second round, and he fit a mold of Buffalo adding a bunch of guys that’ll be strong fits as leaders and positive personalities in the locker room. The parting of several key veterans this offseason is tough, but the Bills are always in it with Josh Allen at quarterback.
7. Houston Texans
The Texans were able to acquire former All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs from Buffalo, giving them an insane receiving group that also includes Nico Collins, Tank Dell, and John Metchie III. Rangy safety Calen Bullock is an intriguing third-round selection by Houston.
8. Dallas Cowboys
People are getting on the Cowboys for not living up to the “all-in” talk in terms of spending, but they do have to look ahead at locking up stars CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons. Dallas drafted offensive tackle Tyler Guyton and guard Cooper Beebe with an eye toward remaining strong up front.
9. Cincinnati Bengals
Better injury luck, particularly at quarterback, would undoubtedly help the Bengals get back on track this year—and protecting Joe Burrow is a big part of that. First-round pick Amarius Mims joins fellow monsters Orlando Brown Jr. and Trent Brown at tackle, so there’s sensational depth and upside there.
10. Los Angeles Rams
I believe the Rams would have been in on Bo Nix if he dropped to No. 19, but they were instead able to add pass rusher Jared Verse before circling back for Verse’s Florida State teammate Braden Fiske at defensive tackle in the second round. On Day 2, LA secured Blake Corum to back up and complement Kyren Williams at running back, and I love the selection of safety Kamren Kinchens at pick No. 99. The Rams did an excellent job of restocking the defensive depth chart this offseason. Los Angeles Rams Season Odds have them at +3200 to win the Super Bowl, which is interesting for a team that was much better when their stars were healthy on offense last year.
11. New York Jets
Somewhat limited without their second-round pick from the Aaron Rodgers trade, the Jets secured depth and strength at left tackle long-term by taking Olumuyiwa Fashanu 11th overall—giving insurance behind veteran signing Tyron Smith. Overall, I am high on the moves the Jets made this offseason, including adding underrated weapon Mike Williams at receiver.
12. Indianapolis Colts
Colts general manager Chris Ballard couldn’t believe that they were able to get elite pass rusher Laiatu Latu at No. 15 as the first defender off the board. Latu is also a need fit, as it’s felt like Indy hasn’t had quite enough high-end juice off the edge in recent years—and the UCLA product could help take the defense to the next level. The Colts also stopped the slide of Texas receiver Adonai Mitchell, who has obvious red-zone upside.
13. Green Bay Packers
Following up the selection of offensive tackle Jordan Morgan and athletic linebacker Edgerrin Cooper with their first two picks, the Packers added defensive backs with four of their final several picks, headlined by Georgia safety Javon Bullard. The Green Bay defense has sneaky potential to be among the better groups in the NFL.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh should quickly have one of the top offensive lines in football after drafting tackle Troy Fautanu and center Zach Frazier, and it’s a fit for both their historical style of play and new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. I like their mindset under Mike Tomlin, who says the team “as a collective have some questions to answer.”
15. Cleveland Browns
The selections made by Houston in the Deshaun Watson trade are now complete, and there is a ton riding on the quarterback moving forward. I’m hoping for an exceptional recovery from superstar running back Nick Chubb, coming off his knee injury, this year.
16. Miami Dolphins
With Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips both working their way back from season-ending injuries, the Dolphins added more to the pass rush rotation in former Bronco and Buc Shaquill Barrett as well as draft picks Chop Robinson (first round) and Mohamed Kamara (fifth round). And Mike McDaniel was able to add yet another speed back (Jaylen Wright) and a favorite receiver of his (Malik Washington) in the draft.
17. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks want to be strong in the interior, and they began their draft with Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy at No. 16 overall. And third-round pick Christian Haynes at guard gives Seattle another potential foundational piece along with Charles Cross and Abe Lucas on the offensive line.
18. Chicago Bears
I could have put the Bears several spots higher than this with the way they finished last year defensively paired with the additions they made on offense. If Chicago can pass protect, Caleb Williams enters a fantastic situation weapon wise, with DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and ninth overall pick Rome Odunze as his receiving trio.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Off their fourth consecutive playoff appearance (only team in the NFC to do so) the Bucs are another team that could certainly be higher in the power rankings—but it’s a crowded league right now especially in this range behind the clear top teams. That said, I like what they did in the draft, starting with center Graham Barton. Look for receiver Jalen McMillan and running back Bucky Irving to also make quick impacts offensively.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars
While I am not quite as high on the Jags’ draft class as others, I do like the pick and fit of Brian Thomas Jr. joining Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis as targets for Trevor Lawrence. Jacksonville needs guys to step up around star rusher Josh Allen on defense.
21. Atlanta Falcons
Michael Penix Jr. was an underrated quarterback prospect, but I’m in agreement with most regarding the way they went about drafting him eighth overall after signing Kirk Cousins to be their guy—blindsiding Cousins in the process. It creates a less than ideal dynamic for a team that hopes to compete for a championship. It’s worth noting that this is the regime that didn’t have Bill Belichick among their top-three coaching candidates.
22. Denver Broncos
Bo Nix was our No. 2 overall player in the 2024 draft class, so I obviously believe it was an awesome selection by the Broncos at No. 12 overall despite the critics. Denver must protect and build around Nix like Oregon did, but people that talk of Nix’s limited arm strength and lack of playmaking ability are just patently wrong.
23. Los Angeles Chargers
The style of play for the Chargers—hard-nosed and a likely emphasis on running the ball—should be one that helps keep them in most games this season. The first three selections—offensive tackle Joe Alt, called a “weapon” by Jim Harbaugh; underrated receiver Ladd McConkey; and linebacker Junior Colson, coming with Harbaugh from Michigan—feel like a building-block type of class. Keep an eye on fifth-round corner Cam Hart, too.
24. New Orleans Saints
The critical addition for the Saints—in terms of how successful their 2024 is—this offseason was probably offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. New Orleans is relying on the new offense to spark a leap forward after two 9-8 finishes in the past three years.
25. Minnesota Vikings
The progress the Vikings defense made down the stretch in Year 1 under defensive coordinator Brian Flores is encouraging, and—though they lost star pass rusher Danielle Hunter—Jonathan Greenard and first-round pick Dallas Turner were two huge additions. J.J. McCarthy went to what looks like the clear best situation for a rookie quarterback on offense, and Minnesota will rely on him (or Sam Darnold) to play well this season.
26. New York Giants
No. 6 overall pick Malik Nabers is a total gamebreaking receiver that should help elevate the entire attack for the Giants, which will be led by Daniel Jones coming off a torn ACL. Running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. also brings playmaking to the offense and was a potential fifth-round steal. But the defense might be the driving force behind a bounce-back season for New York; the new duo of Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux off the edge will need to do damage.
27. Arizona Cardinals
Similarly, Marvin Harrison Jr. should help elevate the Arizona offense, which will get a healthy Kyler Murray leading up to Week 1. Keep an eye on second-round cornerback Max Melton as someone that head coach Jonathan Gannon can develop into a star.
28. Las Vegas Raiders
The quarterback situation is what gives me pause about the Raiders and leads to their low ranking. However, the defense can cause problems for opposing offenses after adding defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to the mix—it won’t be fun to go up against Wilkins and Maxx Crosby as effective agitators. Additionally, I believe that head coach Antonio Pierce will continue what he started and have Vegas play strong, fundamentally sound football. Hopefully the front office can help by putting a top roster around Pierce.
29. Tennessee Titans
The Titans might have been the most aggressive team of anyone this offseason, and they are another squad that could easily be closer to the top half of the power rankings. First-round tackle JC Latham gives the offensive line a needed boost, and second-round defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat is an exciting player that simply had some off-field concerns.
30. Washington Commanders
The Commanders had a prime opportunity with six selections in the top 100 including No. 2 overall (Heisman Trophy quarterback Jayden Daniels). Defensive tackle Johnny Newton and defensive back Mike Sainristil were both potential values in the second round. Additions were made across the board during free agency to create a more solid roster, but the Year 1 upside might be limited.
31. Carolina Panthers
They might have overpaid in some instances, but I like the way the Panthers did not sit around and were instead proactive in trying to put quarterback Bryce Young in a much better position to have success. The offensive line was boosted during free agency, and more skill was added via trade (Diontae Johnson) and the draft (first-round receiver Xavier Legette, second-round running back Jonathon Brooks, and fourth-round tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders).
32. New England Patriots
I believe Jerod Mayo can keep the defense playing at a high level, and I anticipate Alex Van Pelt doing a nice job. However, the roster for New England doesn’t feel upgraded enough. I like Kendrick Bourne and DeMario Douglas and both Javon Baker and Ja’Lynn Polk—and perhaps the rookies Baker and Polk can develop into top-tier weapons—but the Pats offense is missing something. Bill Belichick had noteworthy analysis of rookie quarterback Drake Maye:
Bill Belichick shares his thoughts on Drake Maye getting drafted to the Patriots on the @PatMcAfeeShow 👀 ✍️ pic.twitter.com/IXvggwA7Mh
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 26, 2024