The 2024 NFL Draft is exactly one week away! Several quarterback-needy teams are expected to attempt to trade up to secure their franchise signal-caller of the future. The Minnesota Vikings, Las Vegas Raiders, and Denver Broncos are the contenders expected to jockey for positioning. Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy, and Jayden Daniels are among the quarterbacks teams may try to trade up for.
But what about the non-quarterbacks? Several trades were made during the 2023 NFL Draft to make selections such as Broderick Jones, Paris Johnson Jr., and Will Anderson Jr. Draft-day trades are often unforeseen and involve positional players other than quarterbacks.
With that in mind, we’ve identified three underrated sleeper teams that could trade up during the 2024 NFL Draft.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
The Saints are entering the draft with massive needs at both offensive tackle positions. Recent first-round bust Trevor Penning hasn't developed into the blindside protector of the future. Long-term right tackle Ryan Ramczyk is dealing with a recurring knee injury that could lead to his early retirement. The Saints aren't sure who's going to start at left or right tackle next season.
General manager Mickey Loomis possesses the 14th overall selection. How aggressive could Loomis get? Getting in front of the tackle-needy Tennessee Titans (No. 7) may prove unrealistically costly, but the Chicago Bears (No. 9) could qualify as an ideal trade partner, positioning the Saints ahead of the New York Jets (No. 10) and Raiders (No. 13), who may consider drafting offensive tackles with their selections.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The Steelers are in a similar position as the Saints. Dan Moore Jr. is a below-average left tackle that requires replacing if Pittsburgh's offense is to take the next step under the new pairing of quarterback Russell Wilson and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Center is another need with Nate Herbig, who is primarily a guard, currently slated to start.
The Steelers could stick and pick from a deep offensive line class at No. 20, but general manager Omar Khan must consider who's scheduled to draft in front of him. The Seattle Seahawks (16), Jacksonville Jaguars (17), and Cincinnati Bengals (18) could all consider drafting offensive linemen. If the Steelers want to leapfrog those teams, they should test the Indianapolis Colts' (15) willingness to move back.
BUFFALO BILLS
The Bills must draft an instant contributor at wide receiver. The stunning trade that sent Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans left the pass-happy Bills without a No. 1 (or 2) receiver on the roster. Including Gabe Davis' departure, the Bills parted with nearly 2,000 receiving yards, 152 receptions, and 15 touchdowns from last season.
Dalton Kincaid, Khalil Shakir, and Curtis Samuel now round out Buffalo's top three receiving options. The need to draft a new go-to receiver for Josh Allen is of the utmost importance. The Bills' current pass-catching cast is the weakest it's been since Allen's 2020 breakout season.
The Bills aren't going to trade up high enough from No. 28 for Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, or Rome Odunze. But general manager Brandon Beane should ensure he drafts a receiver in the next wave, with Adonai Mitchell and Brian Thomas Jr. among the best options.