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 most questionable draft classes.
NEW YORK JETS
The Jets are in win-now mode with an aging Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. The 2024 campaign may represent their last chance to win a Super Bowl in the near future. That's why I was partially surprised they drafted Olu Fashanu with the 11th pick. Fashanu does not project as an immediate starter given that the Jets acquired Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses at offensive tackle this offseason.
I understand drafting a succession plan for Smith at left tackle in Fashanu, but it doesn't necessarily align with the Jets' closing window. If Smith stays healthy (admittedly a big "if"), Fashanu may not be an every-down starter until the Jets are in rebuild mode with a rookie starting quarterback. General manager Joe Douglas didn't maximize the window.
The Jets utilized a fourth-round selection on a running back in Wisconsin’s Braelon Allen despite rostering a high-end starter in Breece Hall. Making matters worse, Douglas doubled down in the sixth round via South Dakota State running back Isaiah Davis. In case you forgot, the Jets drafted a running back last year in Israel Abanikanda. That's a ton of capital spent on a non-premium position.
DENVER BRONCOS
I did not possess a first-round grade on new Broncos quarterback Bo Nix. I thought Nix was a second-rounder. At worst, I imagined the Broncos would trade down from No. 12 overall if Nix was their target. The Broncos desperately needed a new franchise quarterback and they reached for Nix.
The Broncos didn't pick again until No. 76, and they drafted a player I view as a tweener in Utah EDGE Jonah Elliss. Elliss features 15th-percentile height, 11th-percentile weight, a 32nd-percentile wingspan, and 29th-percentile arm length for his position. Elliss has a lean frame that lacks lower-body strength. There also have been some nagging injuries.
I did like some of what the Broncos did on day three, however. Oregon wide receiver Troy Franklin is a burner that offered good value in the fourth round. Kris Abrams-Draine is a competitive cornerback, and Audric Estime profiles as an effective rotational back.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
The Panthers entered the 2024 NFL Draft with limited capital and a dire need to surround sophomore quarterback Bryce Young with more weapons. Their interest in South Carolina wide receiver Xavier Legette was made so painfully obvious throughout the pre-draft process that they had to trade up one spot overall from No. 33 to 32, sacrificing 59 spots on day three to make it happen (swapping 141 for 200).
General manager Dan Morgan got overly aggressive for Texas running back Jonathon Brooks at No. 46 overall. Morgan parted with three selections (Nos. 52, 142, 155) to make Brooks the first ball-carrier selected. It represented a huge price given the Panthers' glaring needs throughout their roster. Carolina needed more capital, not less.
Later on, I thought Trevin Wallace was more of a day-three linebacker than a top-75 talent. Tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders at No. 101 was Carolina's best value selection. Washington State cornerback Chau Smith-Wade may also compete for a role.
