This is a look at the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, as well as the top needs for each club. The ranking is determined by record, with schedule strength serving as the first tiebreaker. The first 18 choices are set ahead of Sunday Night Football. The outcome of Week 18’s SNF will have an influence on the strength of the schedule, but not enough to affect the sequence of choices 1-18. As the playoffs progress, the sequence of choices 19-32 will be set.
The 2024 draft will be held in Detroit on April 25-27.
NOTE: The arrows indicate movement since Week 17.
Chicago Bears (No. 1)
The Chicago Bears
PICKED BY THE CAROLINA PANTHERS Panthers’ record: 2-15 (.524 strength of schedule)
The Bears’ most pressing needs are: IOL, WR, TE, Edge, and QB.
GM Ryan Poles must decide whether to pursue an emerging Justin Fields, who has just one more year at a “bargain” contract, or one of the best quarterback prospects, who would provide four seasons of financial flexibility. Poles should invest the bulk of the team’s remaining draft money on strengthening the rest of the offense, regardless of how he progresses at the position.
Choose two Washington commanders.
Washington Commanders 4-13 (.512 schedule strength)
The following positions are critical: QB, Edge, OT, WR, and IOL.
Because Sam Howell failed not establish himself as the Commanders’ starting quarterback, I expect a new franchise quarterback to be picked. Trading Montez Sweat and Chase Young raises the importance of edge rushers, as does rebuilding the offensive line to live up to the “Hogs” legacy.
New England Patriots, pick three
4-13.523 New England Patriots
The following positions are critical: QB, TE, OT, WR, and Edge.
After this season, New England will see a lot of changes. The offensive should look quite different. Although just one defensive position is listed above, the team might recruit talent at all three levels and must determine whether to re-sign any current players.
Derek Carr’s performance at the end of the regular season should provide confidence in the club for 2024. However, the Saints still need to improve on both sides of the line of scrimmage.