The dust is still settling on the 2024 NFL Draft. All 32 franchises attempted to improve their team heading into the impending campaign. Some organizations fared better than others throughout the roster-altering weekend. After careful analysis, we've identified the three best draft classes.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
The Steelers entered the draft with a clear-cut goal: improve their offensive line immediately and in the future. First-round pick Troy Fautanu should replace Dan Moore Jr. as the starting left tackle. Moore Jr. has allowed more than 100 pressures over the previous two seasons as a weak link.
Perhaps even more impressive was the second-round selection of West Virginia center Zach Frazier. A prospect that captured some first-round buzz, it was imperative for the Steelers to exit this draft with a plug-and-play center after releasing Mason Cole earlier this offseason. Frazier will address that need.
Fourth-round pick Mason McCormick is an interior offensive lineman who projects as a future starter at either guard spot. James Daniels and Isaac Seumalo may not be on the roster beyond 2024. Frazier, McCormick, and Fautanu will help spearhead the transformation of an offensive line that also features last year's first-round pick, Broderick Jones.
And finally, wide receiver was also a requirement after parting ways with Diontae Johnson and Allen Robinson. Getting Roman Wilson in the third round was a win. Wilson’s inside-outside versatility should allow him to play the slot in 11 personnel, but I also see him replacing Van Jefferson on the outside opposite George Pickens in two-receiver sets. Wilson is a competitive blocker, which should allow him to play in base formation.
NC State linebacker Payton Wilson was a worthy flier at 98th overall. The medicals are concerning, but Wilson was a top-40 talent in this class on tape alone. The Steelers got themselves an absolute steal if Wilson stays healthy and reaches his potential.
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS
The Commanders began their draft by selecting their franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall. General manager Adam Peters made six picks in the opening 100 selections, getting excellent value throughout.A pre-draft foot injury caused Illinois defensive tackle Johnny Newton to slip to the second round. I believe 31 other teams will regret that. Newton is a dominant pass-rushing 3-tech who will pair incredibly nicely with Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen.
At 50th overall, the Commanders took another first-round quality defender in Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristil. Sainristil will come in and command the nickel position immediately. I wouldn't be surprised if he approaches 1,000 snaps as a rookie.
The next three picks were about surrounding Daniels with talent. Ben Sinnott was the second-best tight end in this class and was drafted appropriately as such. Sinnott will receive an opportunity to learn from Zach Ertz as a rookie. Luke McCaffrey will immediately threaten Jamison Crowder for reps in the slot. Brandon Coleman was drafted as a guard and could contend for a starting gig.
Getting linebacker Jordan Magee at 139th overall was among my favorite day-three selections. Magee is an uber-athletic defender who finished tied for first at the NFL Combine in the 10-yard split (1.54) and finished third in the broad (10-foot-4), fourth in the vertical (35.50 inches), and fifth in the 40 (4.55) among all participating linebackers. Magee will quickly endear himself to Dan Quinn.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
The Chargers' draft class has Jim Harbaugh's thumbprint all over it. Although I was a little surprised that they passed on Malik Nabers at wide receiver in favor of kicking Joe Alt to right tackle, I felt better about the decision by the end of their class. Alt is a premium prospect that will help Harbaugh forge his hard-nosed identity on the offensive line.
Getting Ladd McConkey in the second round gave the Chargers the plug-and-play receiver they desperately needed. With Keenan Allen and Mike Williams no longer in the fold, I wouldn't be surprised if McConkey became Justin Herbert's go-to target in 2024. His short-area quickness and ability to quickly uncover will be appreciated.
Harbaugh drafted one of his own in Michigan linebacker Junior Colson in the third round. Colson has sideline-to-sideline speed and range. He'll immediately play a front-seven role. This Chargers defense needed a major overhaul in toughness and attitude this offseason. Fellow draft picks Justin Eboigbe and Cam Hart will help change the culture and mindset. Eboigbe was among the most underrated defenders in this class.
I was also thrilled to see the Chargers double (and triple) down on receivers on day three. Brenden Rice represented outstanding value at 225 overall. Another Michigan connection reunited with Harbaugh in Wolverines wide receiver Cornelius Johnson. Both Rice and Johnson will contend for snaps.