This is a look at the first-round order for the 2024 NFL Draft heading into Week 16 of the 2023 NFL season, along with the top five needs for each team. The order is determined by record, using strength of schedule as the first tiebreaker (click here to see a full list of the draft-order tiebreakers). Keep in mind — teams that would make the playoffs if the season ended today are marked as PL (short for playoffs) in the order below. The draft order for playoff teams is determined by the results of postseason play.
Landing DJ Moore last offseason was a big win for general manager Ryan Poles, but much of the rest of the 2024 receiving corps remains unsettled, with veterans Darnell Mooney and Equanimeous St. Brown set to hit free agency. Rookie Tyler Scott has flashed this year, but Chicago must but add playmakers via the draft and/or free agency if Justin Fields (or a new passer acquired with this selection) is to succeed.
The cornerback spot has been a thorn in the Patriots’ side all season. J.C. Jackson has not been a difference-maker since returning to Foxborough from L.A. in early October, and he could be a cap casualty after the season. The team cut Jack Jones in mid-November, and Myles Bryant is an impending free agent. Christian Gonzalez and Marcus Jones will return from injury in 2024 to aid Jonathan Jones, but finding more depth should be high on New England’s priority list during the middle of the draft.
The cornerback spot has been a thorn in the Patriots’ side all season. J.C. Jackson has not been a difference-maker since returning to Foxborough from L.A. in early October, and he could be a cap casualty after the season. The team cut Jack Jones in mid-November, and Myles Bryant is an impending free agent. Christian Gonzalez and Marcus Jones will return from injury in 2024 to aid Jonathan Jones, but finding more depth should be high on New England’s priority list during the middle of the draft.
Curtis Samuel has had his moments this year, including during Sunday’s loss to the Rams, when he hauled in two touchdowns. He might garner interest on the free agent market, though, and reserve receivers Byron Pringle and Jamison Crowder are also not under contract for next season. Finding a bargain mid-round pass-catcher would provide insurance behind Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Dyami Brown over the next couple of seasons.
If the Giants and Saquon Barkley part ways this offseason, look for New York to add another dual-threat back within the top 100 overall selections in April. The G-Men have one extra pick in the second round after trading Leonard Williams to Seattle at the deadline.
