This is my spin on draft grades. After the NFL Draft each year, I rank my favorite (and least favorite) draft classes, from 1 to 32.

I don’t use any special formula or analytical metric to come up with the order — I simply go by which team got me the most pumped about their draft hauls. Obviously, teams with multiple early-round picks will show up higher in the rankings than those with fewer selections.

Also, future picks or veteran players acquired do not factor into these rankings (even if they’re mentioned in the team breakdowns). Teams are ranked strictly on the prospects drafted and the values of where they were selected.

NFL Draft winners and losers: Mike Jones’ draft review
Bruce Feldman’s draft takeaways: Best picks, sleepers, more
Draft pick grades: Round 1 | Rounds 2-3
Full draft results: Team picks for all 257 selections

The 2024 draft rankings:

Favorite pick: Caleb Williams, QB, USC

Obviously, teams with multiple early-round picks have a decided advantage for this exercise over those with fewer selections. But the Bears aren’t No. 1 merely because they had two top-10 picks. They’re here because of what they did with those picks — and I went back and forth on my “favorite” between Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze. The answer, though, has to be the quarterback who can be a franchise-changing player for Chicago. I am also a fan of third-round OT Kiran Amegadjie, who has the talent to be Chicago’s left tackle of the future.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Austin Booker, Edge, Kansas

Chicago only had two Day 3 choices, and I’m not going to pick the punter (Tory Taylor). The Bears used a 2025 fourth-round pick to trade back into this draft (at No. 144) and scoop up Booker, who easily could have been drafted on Day 2. Although he isn’t ready for a meaningful role as a rookie, Booker has the promising pass-rush savvy to be a steal when we look back at this selection in two or three years.

Favorite pick: Troy Fautanu, OT/G, Washington

The Steelers had four picks in the top 100, and all four were home runs. Michigan receiver Roman Wilson is a tough cover because of his speed, and linebacker Payton Wilson will fill up the stat sheet (as long as he stays healthy). It also was difficult not to choose center Zach Frazier here, not only because he was a steal at No. 51, but also because he’s a perfect fit for this team. But I have to go with Fautanu, my ninth-ranked player overall. He will be a Band-Aid for the Pittsburgh offensive line with his ability to play either tackle or guard.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Mason McCormick, G, South Dakota State

Pittsburgh remade its offensive line in this draft class. Although not a slam-dunk starter, McCormick adds immediate depth on the interior and will push for early playing time. All three of the Steelers’ Day 3 selections (McCormick, DL Logan Lee and DB Ryan Watts) were standouts during East-West Shrine Bowl week.

Favorite pick: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

No. 10 on my board, Arnold was my highest-graded defensive player in the entire draft — and the Lions were able to trade up and get him at 24. Aside from the talent he brings to the roster, the fit is what makes this one of my favorite picks. Arnold is one of the most competitive players in the draft class, and he’s ideally wired not just for a cornerback, but especially for a Dan Campbell-coached cornerback.

“I’M HOME!” @ArnoldTerrion took the mic to talk directly to his new fanbase 🎤

📺: #NFLDraft on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/UlLfiwJeMU

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— NFL (@NFL) April 26, 2024

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Christian Mahogany, G, Boston College

The Lions had a fascinating Day 3, including trading a 2025 third-round pick to draft Giovanni Manu, a project left tackle with rare tools. But it was Detroit’s two Round 6 picks that stood out — LSU’s Mekhi Wingo and Mahogany, who both ranked inside my top 100. Some medical questions caused Mahogany to fall, but he is a smash-mouth power blocker with lighter feet than expected. It won’t be a surprise if he is competing for a starting role in 2025.

Favorite pick: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

The Eagles are almost always near the top of my annual draft rankings, and this year is no different. Adding defensive back Cooper DeJean in the second round was tremendous value, but having Mitchell fall in their laps at No. 22 was a steal. An outstanding size/speed athlete, the Toledo product plays with high-level ball skills and composure. On top of landing an impressive class, the Eagles also added third-, fourth- and fifth-round selections in the 2025 draft via trade.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Will Shipley, RB, Clemson

The Eagles cleaned up on Day 3, adding a legacy pick (Jeremiah Trotter Jr.), an impact returner (Ainias Smith) and an oversized receiver (Johnny Wilson). I expect Shipley to make an immediate impact as part of the backfield. Though he runs like a grinder, Shipley has athleticism to make defenders miss — especially in the screen game, which should be more of an emphasis for the Eagles under new play caller Kellen Moore.

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Favorite pick: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

The unwritten goal for NFL teams is to come away from each draft with four starters. With 12 selections this year, there is a good chance the Cardinals exceed that number. There is no doubt that the Cardinals considered the other top receivers in this class or trade-down options, but ultimately, they weren’t going to overthink this selection. The No. 2 player on my board, Harrison has a skill set reminiscent of Larry Fitzgerald and will upgrade the Arizona offense immediately.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Xavier Thomas, Edge, Clemson

The Cardinals addressed defensive end in Round 1 (Darius Robinson), but it wouldn’t be a shock if they get more immediate pass-rush production from Thomas. More of a subpackage rusher, he is straight-line explosive with active hands that can affect backfield action.

Favorite pick: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

Honestly, it was something of a three-way tie for my favorite Chargers pick between Alt, Ladd McConkey and Junior Colson. But if I have to choose one, it’s Alt, who was my No. 5  player in the class. With Rashawn Slater and Alt, the Chargers’ tackle situation is now the envy of most teams. McConkey is a quarterback-friendly target for Justin Herbert and Colson is a green-dot linebacker, too — the Chargers crushed their first three picks.

“offensive linemen we look at as weapons” pic.twitter.com/3mBgFfcKDj

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) April 26, 2024

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Day 3 pick who could surprise: Kimani Vidal, RB, Troy

The Chargers added J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, but I expect Vidal to play a meaningful role almost immediately. He might not be a home run-hitter, but he is the type of running back Jim Harbaugh appreciates — someone who gets the singles and doubles and can be trusted to stay on the field in any situation.

Favorite pick: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

The Giants drafted several of “my guys” in this draft — Nabers, Andru Phillips and Tyrone Tracy Jr. But it all starts with Nabers, who would have been an easy top-five pick in most other drafts. Luckily for the Giants, they were able to nab him at No. 6, giving their offense the truly explosive threat it had been missing.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, Purdue

Devin Singletary and Eric Gray are solid players, but Tracy has an opportunity to make an immediate impact, both on offense and as a return man. The former wide receiver is at his best as a pass catcher, but as long as he has a lane, Tracy can create big plays. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention TE Theo Johnson, as well, whose value could climb if Darren Waller doesn’t return in 2024.

Favorite pick: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

The Patriots aren’t accustomed to drafting in the top three, but they picked a good year to do so. My No. 2 quarterback in the class, Maye goes to a situation in which he won’t be pressed into action right away, but all the tools are there for him to develop into a top-10 NFL QB. I didn’t love some of the Patriots’ other picks, but they landed Maye, which boosted their spot in these rankings.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Javon Baker, WR, UCF

Following the Maye selection, the Patriots selected four consecutive offensive players to help their young quarterback (two receivers and two offensive linemen). The second of those receivers was Baker, who isn’t a refined player but is plenty exciting. The Alabama transfer averaged 21.9 yards per reception last year and put several explosive plays on tape, even if multiple inefficiencies in his game need to be ironed out.

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Favorite pick: Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan

I think Jayden Daniels quickly will be a dynamic NFL player, but my “favorite” picks by the Commanders were their next two selections: Sainristil and defensive tackle Johnny Newton. Despite being undersized, Sainristil is a smart player — it is no coincidence that he consistently delivered difference-making plays on tape. Another favorite from this class was OT Brandon Coleman. I was ready to defend his high ranking (No. 66) on my board, but the Commanders drafted him at No. 67, and I don’t think they will regret it.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Dominique Hampton, S, Washington

Dan Quinn has a history of tapping into the strengths of oversized safeties, and Hampton could be next. At 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, Hampton is a premier athlete (4.45-second 40-yard dash) with a versatile background as a cornerback, nickel and on special teams. His lack of difference-making plays stands out, but he can be a solid role player.

Favorite pick: Marshawn Kneeland, Edge, Western Michigan

I’m surprised the Cowboys didn’t draft a running back, but I really like most of the eight selections they did make. With picks 29, 56 and 73, respectively, Dallas drafted my No. 27 (Tyler Guyton), No. 32 (Kneeland) and No. 38 (Cooper Beebe) overall prospects. Kneeland is an impressive athlete at 270 pounds and rushes with balance and heavy hands. Pass rusher was an underrated need for the Cowboys entering the draft, and they landed an ascending player with his best football ahead of him.

That Kneeland Feelin’ 🥹#CowboysDraft | @MKneeland99 pic.twitter.com/zIwJ5x0tKZ

— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) April 27, 2024

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Caelen Carson, CB, Wake Forest

The Cowboys have one of the NFL’s best starting corner duos in DaRon Bland and Trevon Diggs (who is coming off major injury). But depth is a major question mark, so Carson could see meaningful defensive snaps as a rookie. My 102nd-ranked player (drafted at No. 174), he is a solid athlete with high football IQ and inside-outside versatility.

Favorite pick: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

When doing my final mock draft, I didn’t give much thought to the Raiders drafting Bowers at No. 13 — but it makes sense, as Las Vegas wisely stuck to the “best player available” approach. Even though the Raiders have a solid tight end depth chart, Bowers also will spend time as a part-time slot receiver. He should quickly become the No. 2 pass-catching option in this offense, behind Davante Adams.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Dylan Laube, RB, New Hampshire

I think Decamerion Richardson could surprise with his rare length and speed, and Tommy Eichenberg is just a rock-solid linebacker. But I can’t wait to see Laube carve out a role for himself in the Raiders’ offense. Zamir White and Alexander Mattison will chew up most of the carries, but Laube could finish top five on the team in catches in 2024.

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Favorite pick: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

In typical Ravens fashion, they waited and allowed a good player to fall into their laps late in Round 1. Although I have my concerns with his play strength and body type, Wiggins is a high-level athlete who has the cover skills to make a quick impact. Marlon Humphrey and Wiggins make for an impressive starting cornerback duo.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State

A player who went about 100 spots later than most expected, Tampa hurt himself during the pre-draft process by turning down the Senior Bowl and then running a 4.58 40 at his pro day. He doesn’t have ideal speed or twitch for man coverage, but his size and ball skills are traits worth developing on the outside.

Favorite pick: Jaden Hicks, S, Washington State

If needed, I’ll go down with the ship on this one. Hicks was viewed as a Day 2 prospect by numerous teams, but he fell through the cracks and landed in a favorable situation with Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Hicks has the intimidation factor of a strong safety and the athletic tools to hold up in coverage. Even if there isn’t a clear path for him to start right away in Kansas City, he will get on the field in some way as a rookie.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Hunter Nourzad, G/C, Penn State

One of the smartest prospects in this class, Nourzad doesn’t have overwhelming athleticism or strength, but he processes everything very quickly and is well-schooled with his technique to gain proper leverage. He has experience at tackle, guard and center and could be a viable starting option at right guard in 2025, if the Chiefs aren’t able to re-sign Trey Smith.

Favorite pick: Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA

With his medical history, Latu was a complicated prospect to project for all of us on the outside. Just based on ability, though, he was easy to appreciate. Despite having average size, length and strength, Latu has a sixth sense for pass rushing. He has a crafty understanding of how to break down the rhythm of blockers with skilled, well-timed moves, which should translate very well (and quickly) to the NFL game.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Tanor Bortolini, G/C, Wisconsin

A player-team fit I had (at No. 117) in my mock draft, Bortolini checks a lot of boxes for what the Colts and general manager Chris Ballard target. He had an historic combine performance with his athletic testing and offers interior versatility at both guard and center. As early as the 2025 season, Bortolini could be the Colts’ starting right guard or center.

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Favorite pick: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

The Vikings’ process was a little complicated, and we can break down those decisions another time. But they came out of the first round with two players who should be cornerstone pieces. McCarthy was a tricky prospect to evaluate because you wanted to see more from his tape, but — like I’ve been saying since the summer — the tools and intangibles are worth cultivating. And McCarthy goes to a favorable situation, which will help accelerate his development.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon

Jackson has taken a winding path to this point. If he can build upon the promise he showed on his 2023 tape, though, the Vikings could have a starting-caliber player. He has rare size (6-4, 194), which allows him to match up and take away air space downfield. His discipline must improve, but Jackson has favorable tools.

Favorite pick: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

One of my favorite players in this draft class, Murphy is equally disruptive versus the run and when rushing the passer. He can line up across the defensive front and give the Seahawks something a little different than what they had on their line. I also loved Seattle’s Christian Haynes addition, especially outside the top 80.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: DJ James, CB, Auburn

The Seahawks doubled up on Auburn cornerbacks, and it will be interesting to see which one ultimately makes more of an impact. I won’t be surprised if James outplays Nehemiah Pritchett, despite being the later draft pick, because he has quick-reaction skills and the cover confidence required to play a nickel role.

Bringing versatility to the secondary.@Djames00x | @QNTMFiber pic.twitter.com/n2Rjj6tlyV

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) April 27, 2024

Favorite pick: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State

The Jets know better than most teams how attrition on the offensive line can derail a season. Tyron Smith is still an above-average left tackle, but he is in on a one-year deal and hasn’t played a full season since 2015. Fashanu gives the Jets insurance at left tackle for 2024 and an exciting long-term plan at the position.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Qwan’tez Stiggers, CB, CFL

Stiggers has an astounding backstory, but there’s more to him than just his inspiring journey. He also has the tools to develop into an impactful role player. Stiggers (6-0, 205) has 4.4 speed and was the CFL Rookie of the Year last season with 12 passes defended and five interceptions.

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Favorite pick: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

This is a great fit for both sides. Yes, Mims only had eight starts at the college level, so bumps in the road should be expected. But he won’t be rushed onto the field. With his traits and natural ability, Mims could stand out as the best offensive tackle from this class when we look back in three years.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Tanner McLachlan, TE, Arizona

McLachlan wasn’t even the first tight end the Bengals drafted on Day 3, but it won’t be surprising if he is the most impactful. He is a terrific athlete for his size (6-5, 244) and consistently moves the chains without putting the ball on the ground (zero drops in 2023 and an 81.8 first-down/touchdown percentage).

Favorite pick: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

Fuaga is considered a right tackle or guard by most teams, but can he play left tackle? There are some questions left to answer, but there is no doubt that the Saints’ offensive line is vastly improved with Fuaga now in the mix. Training camp will determine who plays where, but it is clear the Saints view Fuaga as an offensive tackle with versatility on either side.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina

At No. 150, why not throw a dart on a talented quarterback? Rattler is an average athlete and tends to be too methodical with his process, but he has an NFL arm with the mechanics and poise to handle NFL reps. It will be interesting to track his career, even if he spends most of it on the bench over his first two seasons.

Favorite pick: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State

Josh Allen really hasn’t had a target like this in Buffalo. Coleman’s 40-yard dash won’t wow anyone, but he is a terrific athlete — especially at the catch point, where his basketball background shines. His ability to expand his catch radius and rescue the football is exceptional, and Allen won’t be shy about giving Coleman chances to make plays.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Ray Davis, RB, Kentucky

James Cook will be the starter, but Davis can ascend to RB2 status on the Buffalo depth chart and play a prominent role in 2024. His urgent decision-making, lateral quickness and ability to catch the football perfectly fit what the Bills want to be on offense.

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Favorite pick: Javon Bullard, S, Georgia

The Packers wanted to overhaul their safety position this offseason. They did that by adding Xavier McKinney in free agency and Bullard in the draft. With his ability to rapidly read routes and drive on the football, Bullock can play a nickel role or drop and handle coverage in space. The Georgia coaches raved about his competitive confidence and leadership personality.

Keeping a “G” on the helmet. @cravejaaye 🐶@amfam | #PackersDraft pic.twitter.com/f6lp2tyLNs

— Green Bay Packers (@packers) April 27, 2024

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Day 3 pick who could surprise: Jacob Monk, G/C, Duke

With the future of the Packers’ center position unsettled, I wouldn’t rule out Monk as a possible long-term option. His size and strength are solid, but what separates Monk is his foot quickness and processing skills, which will allow him to compete for reps at both guard and center.

Favorite pick: Graham Barton, G/C, Duke

Though I have mixed feelings about Tampa’s overall haul, the Buccaneers hit a home run with Barton, who should be the immediate starter at left guard. Aside from locking down a starting role, his value will be felt in his versatility, which will help Tampa get its best five linemen on the field — even if injuries happen.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Bucky Irving, RB, Oregon

With his average size and athletic testing, Irving is a trust-the-tape kind of player. He skillfully uses his size and patience to hide behind blockers and pick his way through the heart of the defense. I’m interested to see how the backfield touches will be distributed behind Rachaad White this season.

Favorite pick: Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee

A team that prides itself on being the fastest in the league added one of the fastest players in the draft. Wright is a track sprinter with 4.38 speed and shows a lot of promise when he has daylight in front of him. His run tempo and patience are works in progress, but he averaged 7.4 yards per carry in 2023 and will be a home-run hitter as a rookie.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Malik Washington, WR, Virginia

One of the best values in the entire draft class. Undersized at 5-9, 191, Washington plays bigger than that because of his adjustment skills and ability to create with the ball in his hands. Only Nabers and Odunze had more catches of 20-plus yards in 2023. He’s another home-run hitter added to the Miami mix.

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Favorite pick: Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State

The Rams will get steady production from their Day 2 picks (specifically, Braden Fiske and Blake Corum), but adding Verse is a massive upgrade to their pass rush. His relentless energy stands out and often leads to production, as he uses his heavy hands to wear down blocks and reach the quarterback. As the Rams adjust to a post-Aaron Donald era, adding a presence like Verse is a good start.

How it started. How it’s going. pic.twitter.com/FSxZ7dE4Ri

— UAlbany Football (@UAlbanyFootball) April 26, 2024

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Day 3 pick who could surprise: Brennan Jackson, DL, Washington State

Although he isn’t a bendy rusher and his stiffness stands out, Jackson is an urgent competitor with a nonstop motor. His physicality, play strength and pursuit to the football really jump off the film and will serve him well.

Favorite pick: Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida

This is a fun pairing because of Pearsall’s versatility to play across the formation. With his ball skills and savvy, the former Florida pass catcher will develop quick chemistry with QB Brock Purdy and make an impact in Year 1. I also really liked the pick of Dominick Puni in the third round — he will have a chance to become the long-term future at center.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Malik Mustapha, S, Wake Forest

My No. 85 player, Mustapha isn’t a proven playmaker in coverage (which is ultimately why he lasted until the fourth round), but he is an outstanding run defender who won’t make costly mistakes in coverage. He reminds me a lot of Jordan Whitehead and could fight for a spot on defense as the 49ers reshuffle their safety position over the next year or two.

Favorite pick: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

The Titans haven’t minced words — they believe Latham is their present and future left tackle. Yes, there is some projection involved, considering he was a right tackle in college, but Latham has the talent to play anywhere on the offensive line. His play strength jumps out immediately as something that sets him apart.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Jha’Quan Jackson, WR, Tulane

The Titans have plenty of bodies on the wide receiver depth chart, but I like Jackson’s chances to stand out in camp and gradually earn more playing time. He brings route instincts and outstanding speed to create from the slot, adding value as a returner on special teams.

Favorite pick: Jonathan Brooks, RB, Texas

No disrespect to Miles Sanders and Chuba Hubbard, but upgrading the run game was clearly a priority for the Panthers on draft weekend. They did that by grabbing the top back in the draft. Expected to be cleared in July from the ACL injury he suffered last season, Brooks should help make life easier on Bryce Young, especially given his pass-catching skills out of the backfield.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas

The Panthers returned to Austin in the fourth round to add another promising piece on offense. Tommy Tremble and Ian Thomas have been OK options at tight end, but adding an athletic joker like Sanders will give the group another layer. He is a true three-level receiving threat, similar to Gerald Everett.

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Favorite pick: Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia

The Texans didn’t have a draft pick in the top 40, putting them at a disadvantage for these rankings. They did, however, draft two promising players in the second round: Lassiter and Blake Fisher. Although several teams were concerned about his lack of speed, Lassiter’s tape shows a tough, competitive player — and it was clear DeMeco Ryans saw the same thing.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State

After their rookie quarterback had a record-setting season, what could the Texans do to help him continue to climb? Adding his college tight end is one idea. Stover might not truly have an A-level trait, but he is well-rounded as an athlete, pass catcher and blocker.

Favorite pick: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

I was underwhelmed by the Jaguars’ draft haul in Rounds 2-7, but I love what they did in Round 1, trading back and adding a high-ceiling receiver. After the Jaguars lost Calvin Ridley this offseason, they reexamined their options and were able to land Thomas, who has both size and speed. His route running is a work in progress, but that is due more to inexperience than lack of ability or know-how.

Brian Thomas Jr. film? Brian Thomas Jr. film!@BrianThomas_11 | #DUUUVAL

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) April 27, 2024

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Javon Foster, OT, Missouri

Foster was a worthwhile swing to take, even if offensive tackle isn’t a glaring need for this team. The Detroit native needs to continue honing his footwork and technique, but he moves well with the length and play strength to match up in the NFL. Foster can be a valuable swing tackle — and, down the line, maybe more.

Favorite pick: Jamari Thrash, WR, Louisville

With limited draft capital (including zero picks in the top 50), it was going to be tough for the Browns to rank very high on this list. They drafted two risky, yet promising players on Day 2 (Mike Hall Jr. and Zak Zinter), but their third pick was probably my favorite of the bunch. Thrash is a twitchy athlete with natural receiving instincts that serve him well as a three-level threat.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Nathaniel Watson, LB, Mississippi State

The Browns added Jordan Hicks and Devin Bush this offseason, but the future of the mike LB position is a question mark. Watson might be able to fill that role, because of his quick-reaction skills and tackling ability — he racked up 250 total tackles over the last two seasons. That quickness downhill allowed him to make numerous plays at the line or in the backfield.

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Favorite pick: Jonah Elliss, Edge, Utah

The Broncos have a glut of pass rushers in their rotation, but Elliss makes the unit even stronger. Although he was a little “out of sight, out of mind” this process after undergoing shoulder surgery in the fall, he is a disruptive presence with upfield explosion and violent hands.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon

Although I wasn’t a fan of what the Broncos did in the first round, reuniting Franklin with his college quarterback is smart drafting. Franklin, who has inconsistencies in his game, was overrated by many throughout the process, but there’s a good chance he winds up looking like a steal. He has legit speed before and after the catch and can make an immediate impact as a rookie.

Favorite pick: Brandon Dorlus, DL, Oregon

When revisiting this list in a few years, I might be completely wrong about the Falcons. Someone has to finish last, though, and the Michael Penix Jr. pick made it pretty easy. Though I am a fan of Ruke Orhorhoro, Dorlus in the fourth round was my favorite pick of this haul. He throws everything he has at blockers and offers the skill set to line up both inside and outside.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: JD Bertrand, LB, Notre Dame

A player with impeccable intangibles, Bertrand has the football character that endeared him to several teams throughout the process. But he also has on-field skills that suggest he can stick and make an impact. His instincts and quick trigger allow him to close on the football.

 (Illustration: John Bradford / The Athletic; Photos of Terrion Arnold, Jayden Daniels and Rome Odunze: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)

Three-time Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce will celebrate his 35th birthday a few weeks after the 2024 NFL season kicks off. 

For the first time in seven years, Kelce finished a season with less than 1,000 receiving yards. Although he is still one of the most productive tight ends in the league, some began to wonder if the upcoming season could be his final year suiting up for the Kansas City Chiefs.

But Kelce and the Chiefs put those rumors to rest as the star tight end agreed to a multiyear contract extension.

The deal makes Kelce the highest-paid player at his position in the NFL. It also ties Kelce to the franchise through the 2027 season. He will be 38 years old when his contract expiries.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach expressed confidence in Kelce’s ability to produce at a high level for the foreseeable future.

PATRICK MAHOMES GIVE 2-EMOJI REACTION TO CHIEFS TRADING UP FOR RECORD-BREAKING RECEIVER

“Every now and then you have one of these guys that are outliers, and certainly Travis [Kelce] is one of those players,’ Veach said Monday. “It’s funny, it’s not even May yet, and today we had a chance to get out there in phase 2 and guys were out there running around. Travis was the first guy in line, and he looked like he was 28 years old.”

“Again, the odds of someone playing this far into their 30s is very low, but it does happen, and it happens with unicorns in the profession, and Travis is one of those.”

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (AP Photo/Ed Zurga/File)

Veach went on to say that, from his point of view, Kelce has plenty of gas left in the tank.

“We’ll certainly celebrate this with him, and hopefully we can ride this thing even longer,” Veach said. “We’ll just have to wait and see, but he’s shown no signs of slowing down. Everyone notices the kind of postseason he had; he just found an extra gear. These special players are always able to find that extra gear and, again, if anybody can do it, Travis can.”

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce runs after a catch against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Despite last season’s slight dip in his receiving yards and recording his lowest number of touchdown receptions since 2019, Kelce shook off any concerns about a potential decline once the NFL playoffs kicked off.

He finished the postseason with 32 catches for 355 yards and three touchdowns. Kelce particularly shined in the AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens, catching 11 passes for 116 yards and a touchdown. Kansas City won its third Lombardi Trophy in the past five seasons.

Kansas City drafted Kelce in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He currently has 11,328 career receiving yards, which is fourth on the all-time list for tight ends.

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LeBron James and his Lakers teammates were overcome with disbelief. They rushed to the monitor on the scorer’s table in Minnesota to see the play in dispute.

They pleaded and pointed at the zoomed-in image of the toe of James’ right sneaker and the blue three-point line it might or might not have touched.

James was sure he was behind it. Replay officials were not.

The shot, which would’ve tied the score and probably forced overtime, was ruled a two. They lost.

On Dec. 30 in Minnesota, the Lakers felt they were an inch away from a win, so close to some salvation after a brutal month.

“Stevie Wonder can see that, champ,” James said after the loss. “Over there in the replay center or whatever, somebody over there eating a ham sandwich, or somebody made the call.”

With the Lakers’ season over, a frame-by-frame examination of what happened isn’t necessary.

“Your eyes will tell you,” said one Lakers insider not authorized to publicly discuss team operations.

There was no need to enlarge or enhance, no reason to squint. The Lakers were good, maybe even close to better than that.

Yet they weren’t championship good and maybe not even contender good, a precious season gone with a first-round playoff exit and changes likely on the way.

Too many one-sided minutes, too much bad injury luck. An aging star. A controversial coach. An in-season tournament title and a midseason crisis.

It never was going to end with a trip to the NBA Finals.

Now that the Lakers’ season has ended, the impossible autopsy begins.

How good could the team could have been had they been healthier, had their two primary on-ball defenders — Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent — been healthy and in the regular rotation? How good would they have been if their coach, Darvin Ham, abandoned reliability and balance to lean into talent earlier by simply putting his best players on the court to start games?

Who is to blame? Who gets credit? Who returns? Who goes?

The questions start with James, who somehow established new highs in his 21st NBA season, playing 71 games (the most he has played in a season for the Lakers) and shooting 41% from three-point range. He averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds at 39 years old. No other player has done that after age 30.

He has done it five times.

James can turn down $51.4-million this offseason and exercise his player option, making him an unrestricted free agent. If he sought a max deal elsewhere, he’d likely be paid more than $55 million per season.

This season answered questions about his durability and effectiveness as he neared 40 (he’ll hit that mark next December), but his consistency on the defensive end was an issue.

Asked about his future before the All-Star Game, James praised the Lakers while giving himself wiggle room.

“I don’t know. I am a Laker, and I am happy and been very happy being a Laker the last six years, and hopefully it stays that way,” he said . “But I don’t have the answer to how long it is or which uniform I’ll be in. I don’t know how it’s going to end, but it’s coming.”

He’s not the only Laker with a decision.

D’Angelo Russell can opt out, leaving $18.7 million on the table. Up until the postseason, that seemed like a lock, though it’s hard to know if his struggles against the Denver Nuggets will change that calculus.

Christian Wood, Jaxson Hayes and Cam Reddish also have player options for next season. Spencer Dinwiddie and Taurean Prince are unrestricted free agents and Max Christie is headed to restricted free agency.

The Lakers will pick 17th and 55th in the upcoming draft, though their first-round pick could end up with New Orleans. Insiders believe the Lakers, though, will end up keeping that pick while sending their 2025 first-round choice to New Orleans to finish the Anthony Davis trade.

Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt has his layup contested by Clippers guard Norman Powell during a game in January. Vanderbilt played in only 29 games this season.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

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After the Lakers were torched by Memphis’ Ja Morant for 28 points in the third quarter of a loss in February 2023, one player looked to Ham.

“That guy,” the player said, “needs to be better.”

In-game adjustments were slow that season — Morant exploited that. But a strong postseason helped the Lakers move past Memphis and Golden State before they ran into the Nuggets, the eventual champions, and were swept in the conference finals.

Scouts who questioned Ham during the season were impressed with his game plans in the postseason, the Lakers a step ahead of both the Grizzlies and the Warriors in the first two rounds. Ham and the Lakers’ run deep into the playoffs earned him and the roster a chance to run things back. Continuity was prioritized, the Lakers adding around the edges.

But the first signs of trouble for the revamped Lakers appeared in the preseason, Ham having one of his biggest decisions made for him with injuries to Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura.

Vanderbilt’s preseason was cut short because of a heel injury, and Hachimura had the first of his three multigame absences, this one because of a concussion.

It meant Ham turned to Prince, a player he previously coached in Atlanta, as a starting wing. Vincent, signed for his toughness, defense and firepower, quickly was sidelined because of a knee injury.

In a blink, the two best perimeter defenders, Vanderbilt and Vincent, were unavailable.

Nine games into the season, Ham moved Austin Reaves to the bench — a move that was unpopular inside his locker room. Reaves, coming off a strong summer for Team USA, was slowed by a hip injury early and struggled defensively (he showed improvement in the second half of the season).

Lakers guard Austin Reaves steals the ball from Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards during a game in March at Crypto.com Arena.

(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

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Reaves stayed on the bench, with Ham using Reddish as a starter, hoping to unlock the former lottery pick as a defensive specialist. Through the lineup changes, the Lakers cruised to win the first in-season tournament, another sign they, and Ham, were maybe at their best when the stakes were high.

But immediately after the tournament, the season threatened to go off the rails. The schedule was cruel, the Lakers on the road for most of a month while the quality of opponents spiked. Emotional and physical fatigue intersected as the first trade rumors surfaced.

Desperate to establish more defensive identity, Ham would use Reddish, Prince and Vanderbilt as starters — meaning three key members from last season’s team, Reaves, Russell and Hachimura, all were coming off the bench.

Russell’s December put him squarely in trade talks, with some people involved with the Lakers wondering how much better they would’ve been had they landed Mike Conley instead at the 2023 deadline trade that transformed their season.

Ham’s job security would be called into question as the team entered 2024 with the good vibes from the in-season tournament gone. After a so-so January ended with the Lakers getting blown out on back-to-back nights in Houston and Atlanta, James posted an hourglass emoji on social media, a reminder that his patience was waning.

He and Anthony Davis sat out the next game, in Boston, and the Lakers pulled off an incredible win. Vanderbilt, though, suffered a major foot injury and sat out the rest of the season.

Insiders believe Vanderbilt had been headed for a reunion with a starting group that began 13 playoff games the season before. But because of injuries and Ham’s preferences, that five didn’t start a single game together during the 2023-24 season.

Without Vanderbilt, Ham committed to a new path, with Hachimura, Russell and Reaves all starting — the Lakers finally landing on a starting five that had roots in last season’s playoff run.

By then, Russell had emerged as the Lakers’ most consistent third option alongside James and Davis, staring down weeks of trade rumors to set a team record for three-pointers in a season.

That group reenergized the Lakers’ season, the team going 22-10 after inserting Hachimura into the starting five.

“With my craft and my talent on the floor, I’ve always felt like I was capable of doing things,” Russell said after a game-winner against Milwaukee. “Getting hot makes it a little more exciting throughout a game. Off the floor, obviously, you know what I’ve been through. Public humiliation has done nothing but molded me into the killer that ya’ll see today. And, um, I never lack confidence. I never fear confrontation. I want all the smoke.”

While the team surged and ended the regular season 12 games over .500, some within the team and organization often wondered how much better the record would’ve been had the Lakers made those lineup changes sooner.

The Lakers now enter the offseason unsure of what they were and what they can be — and, in the end, that’s probably what you’re in for with a team in their position.

With James still able to perform and earn maximum money, there is no time for patience and no prioritization for development. Never has a player been more “win now” than James at this stage.

Those with knowledge of the Lakers situation who were not authorized to speak publicly said that after a quiet trade deadline, team officials regularly discussed the possibility of trading three first-round picks this offseason to add a player who would provide a bigger impact. Atlanta guards Dejounte Murray and Trae Young are among the possibilities.

The Lakers could unbundle those picks and use them in multiple transactions to try to improve their supporting cast.

James’ presence certainly will play a major role in how they operate, as will that of Davis, whom the team signed to a long-term extension before this season.

As the organization tries to make sense of the season it just had, it will have to wrestle with a first-round loss in which the Lakers led at halftime in all five games. It’ll have to deal with the knowledge that the Lakers led for more minutes than they trailed, that the smallest mistakes had the biggest impact.

In a lot of ways, the end was a lot like that shot in Minnesota.

The Lakers were so close. Yet close for this team at this moment isn’t anywhere near good enough.