The NFL Draft is a time for some teams to reverse their fortunes and for others to reload, and this year there is a huge emphasis on offense as there are generational prospects at almost every single position.
Three highly-touted quarterbacks will headline the draft, but none stand out more than 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. There is nothing that Williams cannot do on the gridiron. Questions about his character do remain, but there is some debate regarding the validity of these concerns. These issues do not seem to worry the Chicago Bears, who control the first pick. They have already traded their quarterbacks and seem all but locked on Williams.
The other two quarterbacks, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels, are also solid long-term options, but both of their playing styles come with questions. Maye, who some consider to have the highest upside in the draft, looks like he was built in a quarterback factory, but his accuracy and decision-making are a cause for concern. Daniels’ improvisational skills are second to none, which worked in college, but his narrow frame may cause injury concerns for GMs at the next level. If a GM wants to get fired soon, they can take J.J. McCarthy, who is somehow sneaking into top-10 draft pick discussions despite the fact that he has never shown he is anything but average at the game of football.
Marvin Harrison Jr. is said to be the best wide receiver prospect since Julio Jones. With perfect size, incredible agility and sure hands, Harrison will be an immediate asset to whoever has the privilege of taking him. Not far behind him is LSU’s Malik Nabers who, in any other draft, might be considered WR1. Nabers’ combine showcased his insane athletic ability, which is considered one of the main reasons why Daniels, his quarterback, won the 2023 Heisman Trophy. You also have Rome Odunze, who was one of the players who led Washington to its first national championship appearance since 1991.
On the line, you have the most well-rounded tight end to ever come out of college in Brock Bowers. He is both incredibly talented as a receiver and a bulldozing blocker when asked. He is complemented by offensive linemen Joe Alt, JC Latham and Olu Fashanu who will all be cornerstones on the line of scrimmage for years to come.
The story on the defensive side of the ball is that there are few notable prospects. The latest a draft’s first defensive player has come off the board was in the eighth spot in 2021, and that record could be tied or broken this year. The two lone defensive players of note are both from the Crimson Tide in the form of edge rusher Dallas Turner and cornerback Terrion Arnold. This can be explained by both the immense amount of offensive talent in this top-heavy draft and the sheer amount of defensive players who chose to return to school and use another year of eligibility.
Ultimately, this year’s draft is extremely top-heavy which could result in the teams who finished with the worst records changing their fortunes quickly.
