The New Orleans Saints selected Oregon State offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga with the No. 14 selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.Fuaga has an impressive track record, having started 25 straight games at right tackle for Oregon State over the last two seasons. He earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2023 and was a Beavers team captain.The 22-year-old is arguably the best run-blocker in the class. He gets off the line fast and can move defenders consistently. Fuaga can also play guard, giving New Orleans options across the line.New Orleans entered the draft with serious question marks across the offensive line. Former first-round pick Trevor Penning hasn't panned out, and Ryan Ramczyk's 2024 season is in doubt due to a knee injury.Pre-draft profileFuaga is a powerhouse right tackle. The Oregon State product has the play strength and finishing demeanor to overwhelm opponents. He's also much more advanced in pass protection than your typical mauler, demonstrating fluid movement skills and excellent hand usage. Fuaga will have to play with better pad level and technique to consistently sustain blocks against NFL defenders in the run game, but there's no doubt he possesses the physical traits for high-level production in this area of the game, too. He should be a Day 1 starter with a high ceiling looking to the future.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Denver Broncos selected Oregon quarterback Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.The first half of the draft's opening round has seen an unprecedented run on quarterbacks.Nix was the sixth passer taken after Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears), Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders), Drake Maye (New England Patriots), Michael Penix Jr. (Atlanta Falcons), and J.J. McCarthy (Minnesota Vikings).After three inconsistent seasons as Auburn's starter, Nix built himself back into a top quarterback prospect following his transfer to Oregon. He finished the 2023 campaign with 4,508 yards and 45 touchdowns against three interceptions.The Broncos direly needed a quarterback of the future after a disastrous trade for Russell Wilson, who the club released in March. Denver also rosters signal-callers Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson, whom they acquired in a recent trade.Broncos coach Sean Payton had never previously drafted a quarterback in the first two rounds, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.Pre-draft profileThis isn't the same Nix we saw at Auburn. Granted, it took him a while to get here, so we're now talking about a prospect who will be 24 years old as a rookie. That will be an issue for some. But NFL teams should take starting-caliber quarterbacks however and whenever they can get them, and Nix could prove to be exactly that after an outstanding final season at Oregon. He's demonstrated good accuracy to all levels of the field, the creativity to thrive outside of structure, and the athleticism to make plays with his legs. Nix still needs to clean up his footwork, particularly against pressure, to avoid unnecessary misses. And he hasn't completely gotten past the tendency to do a little too much when the play breaks down. Can he continue to improve on these things at the next level? Or does his experience, however valuable, suggest that he's already near his ceiling? The answer to that question should ultimately determine his chances of becoming a long-term starter in the NFL.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Los Angeles Chargers selected Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt with the fifth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.The Chargers started a new era by hiring Jim Harbaugh as head coach this offseason, and many expected him to bolster his offensive line to replicate his smash-mouth approach from Michigan.Alt played left tackle at Notre Dame, but he's set to move to right tackle as Harbaugh confirmed Rashawn Slater will stay at left tackle, according to Bridget Condon of the NFL Network.The 21-year-old follows in the footsteps of his father, John Alt, who played in the NFL from 1984-96 and was a first-round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs.While taking Alt will improve Justin Herbert's protection, passing on one of the draft's top wideouts leaves the quarterback with one of the weakest receiving groups following the departures of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.Pre-draft profileAlt is a technician. While many offensive line prospects make their way to the league needing to clean up a thing or two, the Notre Dame standout is already an incredibly refined player. He's a fantastic athlete, demonstrating impressive movement skills in pass protection and getting to the second level in the run game. The fluidity for a player his size is absurd. Alt processes the game like a 10-year veteran, showing the ability to pass off assignments and handle stunts with ease. He tends to get caught overextending in the run game, and leverage can understandably be a challenge versus power rushers, but those are minor concerns for an otherwise outstanding prospect. Alt has the makings of a premier left tackle who could also fit on the right side if needed.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants selected LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers with the sixth overall pick of the first round in the 2024 NFL Draft.More to come.Pre-draft profileNabers could become this class' top receiving prospect. While the LSU star dominated in 2023, there's a sense that he's still far from reaching his ceiling. Though he may not be as polished as Harrison, Nabers has the potential to be one of the NFL's best wide receivers. A dangerous route-runner who can be a monster after the catch, one can only imagine just how much more is in Nabers' arsenal. Somehow, his route running and athleticism might not even be his best traits. His highlight-reel catches will leave jaws on the floor. A master at body control, Nabers plays bigger than his 6-foot frame at the catch point. Just like Harrison, there are few concerns here. It's not a matter of if but when Nabers will become a household name.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New England Patriots selected North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, No. 3 overall.Maye was one of the top prospects in this year's draft. The Chicago Bears selected quarterback Caleb Williams first overall, and the Washington Commanders took passer Jayden Daniels at No. 2.The former North Carolina signal-caller amassed 62 touchdown passes against 16 interceptions while completing 64% of his attempts in two seasons as a starter for the Tar Heels.Maye at No. 3 is the Patriots' highest draft pick since they selected quarterback Drew Bledsoe first overall in 1993. New England used a first-round pick on Mac Jones in 2021 but traded the 25-year-old quarterback to the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason.The Patriots kicked off a new era this year by naming Jerod Mayo their new head coach to replace Bill Belichick.New England has lacked consistency at quarterback since Tom Brady left the team during the 2020 offseason. Jones helped the Pats make the playoffs as a rookie in 2021 but couldn't replicate that success in recent years. The Patriots posted a 4-13 record last year.Pre-draft profileDon't fall into the trap of helmet scouting here - Maye is the second of two elite QB prospects in this class. While he surely would have liked to cap off his college career with a more consistent 2023 campaign, the North Carolina standout has proven capable of being a high-end player in the professional ranks. Opponents have to account for every blade of grass against Maye's rocket arm, and he's one of the few quarterbacks to already demonstrate pro-caliber pocket-management skills. Add in the athleticism to extend plays in creation mode, or take off and pick up yards himself, and you've got a quarterback who can overcome anything defenses throw at him. Maye can be a little too aggressive at times, occasionally making poor decisions when a play breaks down, and footwork issues lead to some bizarre misses. But those are all things that can be improved in the early stages of his NFL development, especially with a better supporting cast and offensive structure. Maye has the potential to be a true franchise quarterback.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Arizona Cardinals selected Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, No. 4 overall.Harrison, the son of Hall-of-Fame wideout Marvin Harrison Sr., was touted by many as the top pass-catcher in this year's draft. He was selected ahead of other top wide receiver prospects such as Rome Odunze and Malik Nabers.The 21-year-old dominated at Ohio State over the last two years, racking up 2,474 yards with 28 touchdowns. Harrison was the Buckeyes' top offensive playmaker and has all the tools to dominate at the next level.Harrison joins a Cardinals wide receiver room that includes Michael Wilson, Greg Dortch, and Chris Moore. Arizona ranked 19th in yards per game on offense last season.Pre-draft profileThe son of Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison Sr., it wouldn't be surprising if the Ohio State product goes down a similar path. That's not hyperbole. Harrison is one of the most complete wide receiver prospects over the last decade. Finding flaws in his portfolio is like finding a needle in a haystack. The former Buckeyes star is an exceptional route-runner who showcases elite body control and ball skills. Harrison is a nightmare to cover with his top-notch separation abilities. He can also beat man coverage with a sudden release off the line of scrimmage. While he may never be the most elusive wideout, Harrison still has enough shake in his game to be a factor after the catch, too. Even with less-than-adequate quarterback play in 2023, Harrison still managed to shine. That's a testament to his sky-high ceiling.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Commanders selected LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick of the NFL draft.The Commanders selected Daniels over other quarterback prospects available, including Drake Maye and J.J. McCarthy.Daniels is coming off a Heisman-winning campaign in which he threw for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,134 yards on the ground along with 10 scores.Daniels is the first draft pick under new Commanders head coach Dan Quinn. He'll work with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury in Washington.Pre-draft profileDaniels took a major step forward in his final season at LSU, filling up the stat sheet in every way possible to cap his college career with a Heisman Trophy. It hasn't been the smoothest path to first-round draft status, but he's there now. Daniels will immediately be one of the NFL's most dangerous running quarterbacks. That dynamic element, combined with his ability to push the ball downfield accurately, should give him a relatively high floor for production from Day 1. But there are questions about his ceiling. Daniels doesn't attack the middle of the field as much as other top quarterbacks, and he has to get better at going through progressions before dropping his eyes and taking off. When he does run, he can't afford to be so reckless. An extremely slender frame becomes all the more concerning when you have a propensity for taking massive shots rather than sliding or getting out of bounds. There's more risk than you'd like for an early first-round pick, but it's easy to see why teams would be willing to bet on Daniels' unique skill set.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Chicago Bears selected USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.Williams has been locked into the No. 1 spot for the entire draft process. Chicago cleared the path for his arrival by trading 2021 first-rounder Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers in mid-March.After transferring from Oklahoma, Williams solidified himself as a potential future No. 1 selection when he won the Heisman Trophy in his first season with the Trojans in 2022. Williams finished with 4,537 yards and 42 touchdowns against five interceptions in 14 appearances.The 22-year-old couldn't match that lofty standard in 2023, failing to make the top 10 in Heisman voting. But Williams still produced 3,633 yards and 30 scores against five picks in 12 games, and his place as the first overall pick was never in doubt.Williams will be tasked with becoming the franchise quarterback the Bears have long been searching for. Chicago is the only NFL team that's never had a 4,000-yard passer despite its 103-year history.The former USC star will be dropped into a strong position with the Bears thanks to a top receiver duo in D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen, who the team acquired from the Los Angeles Chargers in March. Chicago's offense also contains tight end Cole Kmet and running back D'Andre Swift.The NFC North club will have a chance to further improve the team around Williams with the No. 9 pick.Chicago owned the No. 1 pick thanks to a blockbuster deal with the Carolina Panthers last season. Carolina acquired the top selection from the Bears in the 2023 draft to land quarterback Bryce Young, sending a package that included its 2024 first-rounder and Moore.Pre-draft profileWilliams' final season in college was a bit of a roller coaster, but there should be little doubt about his status as an elite QB prospect and the clear No. 1 player in this draft. The USC superstar demonstrates many of the abilities that separate the true game-changers from the rest in today's NFL. He can make any throw on the field, and that threat becomes even more dangerous with his innate feel for extending plays and making magic off-script. There's some risk with his play style, as holding onto the ball and occasionally forcing it downfield can create opportunities for negative plays. But how much of that all-or-nothing approach was the product of a disastrous USC offense? We're betting that it was quite a bit. There's a real chance that an improved offensive infrastructure at the next level will unlock an even better, more refined version of Williams. That should be a scary thought for NFL defenses.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The San Francisco 49ers have discussed trading top wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel with multiple teams, sources told The Athletic's Dianna Russini.San Francisco is looking to move up in the first round of Thursday's NFL draft and had talks with a team owning a top-10 pick, Russini adds. The 49ers currently own the 31st overall pick this year after failing short against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.Aiyuk is considered a potential trade candidate this offseason as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. General manager John Lynch recently said he hopes Aiyuk spends his entire career with San Francisco, but the two sides reportedly aren't close to agreeing on a multi-year deal.Samuel requested a trade in 2022 before signing a three-year extension with the 49ers. The 28-year-old has a cap hit of $28.6 million in 2024 and two years left on his contract.Samuel has struggled to stay healthy and has yet to play a full season since entering the NFL as a second-round pick in 2019. He earned a first-team All-Pro nod in 2021 after amassing 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14 total touchdowns. Samuel also posted a league-high 18.2 yards per reception that year.The South Carolina product is one of the league's top dual-threat weapons in Kyle Shanahan's offense. Samuel has scored 15 receiving touchdowns while recording 16 TDs on the ground over the last three seasons.Aiyuk, 26, led the 49ers with 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023. The 2020 first-round pick has topped 1,000 yards in each of the last season seasons.The New England Patriots (No. 3 overall), Los Angeles Chargers (No. 5 ), and Chicago Bears (No. 9) are among teams with a top-10 pick who are considered potential candidates to trade down in Round 1.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Draft day is finally here.We've got you covered with all the mock scenarios you could possibly need. First, theScore's Dan Wilkins makes his final projections for Day 1, as well as a pick for each team without a first-round selection.Navigate through the links below for parallel mocks from David P. Woods, one of The Huddle Report's most accurate mock drafters over the last five years, and the rest of our NFL staff.Wilkins mock | Woods mock | Staff mocksCaleb Williams, QB, USCWilliams has been a lock at No. 1 for months. The Bears were never going to pass up one of the best quarterback prospects in recent memory in favor of Justin Fields or anyone else. Chicago finally has a superstar under center.Jayden Daniels, QB, LSUThere have been some rumblings that Daniels, given the choice, would prefer to play elsewhere. All indications are that the Commanders don't care. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner could be a really strong fit for Kliff Kingsbury's offense in Washington.Drake Maye, QB, UNCThe Patriots could, and perhaps should, entertain trade-down possibilities. But would Robert Kraft, an owner who knows nothing other than winning with an elite quarterback, really pass up a rare opportunity to get one? Staying put and taking Maye is the smart move.Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio StateArizona will entertain trade possibilities, but it'll require a monster offer to pass on the top non-quarterback in this draft. An advanced route-runner with Hall of Fame bloodlines, Harrison might be the best receiver prospect since Calvin Johnson.Joe Alt, OT, Notre DameNobody knows what Jim Harbaugh will do. Could this pick be a receiver? Of course. But his teams are always going to be strong in the trenches. Pairing Alt with Rashawn Slater would give the Chargers one of the league's premier tandems at offensive tackle.Rome Odunze, WR, WashingtonThe Giants have reportedly been sniffing around trade-up scenarios for quarterbacks. That doesn't mean they'd take whoever they can get, though. With the top three off the board, a superstar receiver talent like Odunze feels like the best play.MOCK TRADE: Broncos move up from No. 12 in deal with TitansJ.J. McCarthy, QB, MichiganThe Broncos make the first trade of this mock draft, jumping five spots to land the quarterback of the future. Sean Payton doesn't have many assets at his disposal, but that's never stopped him from being aggressive before. McCarthy would be a strong fit in Denver's offense.Malik Nabers, WR, LSUAtlanta's need on the edge makes this a logical spot for the first defensive player to come off the board. But rounding out a new-look offense with an elite receiver prospect sounds pretty cool, too. Nabers being available in this spot is too enticing to pass up.MOCK TRADE: Saints move up from No. 14 in deal with BearsOlu Fashanu, OT, Penn StateThe Saints' offensive tackle spot might be the most obvious position need league-wide. Getting a top lineman is a must, and the Saints have the aggressive mindset to go up and get it done. Fashanu might be the best pass-protector in this loaded class.Brock Bowers, TE, GeorgiaOffensive line or pass-catcher? The Jets are all-in this year with Aaron Rodgers, and the starting spots up front are already filled. Go load up on playmakers. Bowers is a unique tight end prospect who could take this passing game to another level.Byron Murphy II, DL, TexasThe Vikings passing on a quarterback? For now. While Minnesota is an obvious trade-up candidate, it might only do so for a top-three spot. Murphy provides some high-level pass-rush upside, and keeping pick No. 23 gives the Vikings an opportunity to add a quarterback later.MOCK TRADE: Titans move down from No. 7 in deal with BroncosJC Latham, OT, AlabamaTennessee trading down five spots and only seeing one more offensive tackle come off the board is a big win. Latham could be a major upgrade at either tackle spot for the Titans.Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon StateFuaga upgrades the right tackle position with a level of physicality that fits Antonio Pierce's style. There's been some buzz about the Raiders taking a quarterback here, but there could be an opportunity to circle back on that spot later.MOCK TRADE: Bears move down from No. 9 in deal with SaintsLaiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLATrading down to stockpile picks and still coming away with the best edge rusher in this class would be a dream scenario for the Bears. With Latu lining up opposite Montez Sweat, Chicago's defensive line would be tough to handle.Quinyon Mitchell, CB, ToledoThe Colts love premier athletes, and Mitchell certainly fits that description. Indy can address the receiver spot in the second round after taking care of another major need here.Dallas Turner, EDGE, AlabamaTurner's potential availability at this spot would likely come as a surprise to the Seahawks, but you won't hear any complaints from John Schneider and Mike Macdonald. The Alabama product is a Day 1 impact player off the edge.Terrion Arnold, CB, AlabamaThe Jaguars have a significant need at corner, and Trent Baalke loves drafting from big schools. Arnold is a perfect fit here.Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSUNobody knows whether the Bengals are going to trade Tee Higgins, but he likely won't be in Cincinnati long term either way. Thomas' combination of size and vertical speed would make him a strong running mate for fellow LSU product Ja'Marr Chase.Cooper DeJean, CB, IowaDeJean is a gifted athlete with the instincts to be a playmaker at either cornerback or safety. The Rams should be among the many teams that value his do-it-all skill set.Troy Fautanu, OT, WashingtonLook for the Steelers to weigh trade-up options for a top offensive lineman. In this scenario, one just so happens to fall right into their laps. Fautanu is an athletic, physical prospect who could play any position up front.Jer'Zhan Newton, DL, IllinoisNewton is one of the most underrated players in this class. The Illinois standout's pass-rush upside makes him a slam-dunk replacement for Christian Wilkins.Nate Wiggins, CB, ClemsonHowie Roseman has never drafted a corner in the first round, but he never used to pay running backs, either. This is a pressing need for the Eagles' defense, and Wiggins has the athleticism and coverage skills to be a high-level playmaker.Bo Nix, QB, OregonIt may not be the splashy trade-up that everyone is expecting, but it's a big move, nonetheless. Nix, who turned a corner after transferring to Oregon from Auburn, could prove to be an outstanding fit in a stacked Vikings offense.Tyler Guyton, OT, OklahomaThe Cowboys have to come out of the first round with an upgrade to the offensive line. Guyton may need some time to reach his potential, but the physical tools offer an extremely high ceiling. He can step in as the left tackle, allowing Dallas to keep All-Pro guard Tyler Smith on the interior.Graham Barton, OL, DukeThe Packers value athleticism and versatility on the offensive line. Check and check. Barton has impressive movement skills, a physical play style, and the skill set to play any position.Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, AlabamaCornerback stands out as an obvious need for the Bucs after they traded Carlton Davis to the Lions. McKinstry is an underrated player who silenced any concerns about his speed by running a 4.47 at his pro day on a broken foot.Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida StateVerse shouldn't be available this late in the first round. The Cardinals take full advantage of runs on other positions by scooping up a potential No. 1 pass-rusher.Adonai Mitchell, WR, TexasThe Bills have to find a way to make a splash at receiver after sending Stefon Diggs to Houston. While a trade-up should be on the table, this class is deep enough to sit tight at No. 28. Mitchell offers an intriguing combination of size, speed, and route-running skills.Darius Robinson, DL, MissouriThis might seem a little early for Robinson, but we thought the same about several Lions picks last year. The Missouri product is a physical, high-motor player who fits in perfectly with what Detroit is building.MOCK TRADE: Raiders move up from No. 44 (2nd round) in deal with RavensMichael Penix Jr., QB, WashingtonFortunately for the Raiders, the Ravens are seemingly always willing to trade out of the first round. There are some questions about Penix's profile, but the arm talent is incredible. His ability to push the ball downfield would bring some much-needed upside to the quarterback room in Las Vegas.Jackson Powers-Johnson, OL, OregonThe 49ers would probably love to land a cornerback at the end of the first round, but they can't force it, either. With the top defensive backs off the board, a high-level interior lineman like Powers-Johnson could be too good to pass up.Amarius Mims, OT, GeorgiaTeams could regret letting Mims fall to the back-to-back champs. Some truly ridiculous physical skills compensate for any lack of experience. Afforded the necessary time to develop, Mims could be one of the best tackles from this class.Teams without 1st-round pickXavier Legette, WR, South CarolinaLegette recently revealed that the Panthers told him he'd be the pick if available at No. 33. While teams likely make many such promises, the fit makes plenty of sense. Legette is a physical ball-winner who can make plays after the catch and also has the speed to win vertically.Mike Sainristil, CB, MichiganThe Texans' defense took on a new identity after the arrival of DeMeco Ryans. Few players fit the team's mold as well as Sainristil. The Michigan standout is an impressive athlete who plays with the competitiveness to compensate for anything he may lack in size.MOCK TRADE: Ravens move down from No. 30 in deal with RaidersTroy Franklin, WR, OregonTrading out of the first round, stockpiling picks, and still coming away with a borderline Day 1 talent feels like the ultimate Ravens move. Franklin would team up with Zay Flowers to give Lamar Jackson a dynamic pair of receivers.Brandon Dorlus, DL, OregonThe Browns could use some reinforcements across the defensive line. Dorlus can provide value at multiple positions, profiling as a base end with interior pass-rush upside in sub packages. He's a sleeper to watch in this draft.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are calling teams about trading up from the No. 17 pick in Thursday's NFL draft, a source told Dianna Russini of The Athletic.Clubs taking the Jaguars' calls believe they're targeting a specific pass-catcher, Russini adds.Calvin Ridley, Jacksonville's leading receiver in 2023, signed with the division-rival Tennessee Titans this offseason. The Jaguars added former Buffalo Bills wideout Gabe Davis in free agency, but the team still lacks a top-end player at the position.The 2024 draft class is loaded with wide receiver talent, especially at the top. Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr., LSU's Malik Nabers, and Washington's Rome Odunze are the consensus top wideouts in the class.Georgia tight end Brock Bowers is also projected to go high in the draft and is considered one of the best players in the class.Other wide receivers to watch out for in the first round are Texas' Xavier Worthy, LSU's Brian Thomas Jr., and South Carolina's Xavier Legette.Jacksonville has eight picks in the 2024 draft, including three in the top 100.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Los Angeles Rams are making calls ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft to get into the top 10, sources told The Athletic's Dianna Russini.The Rams hold the No. 19 overall selection ahead of the draft's opening round on Thursday. Los Angeles is set to select in the first round for the first time since 2016, when the club drafted Jared Goff with the top overall pick.Los Angeles is aiming to move into the top portion of the first round with a specific player in mind that's not a quarterback, per Russini.Pass-rusher Dallas Turner, tight end Brock Bowers, and a few offensive linemen highlight prospects projected to hear their names called within the first 10 picks.The franchise is set to embark on its first season without future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who announced his retirement this offseason. Addressing needs on the interior of the defensive line and at pass-rusher could be priorities for general manager Les Snead and coach Sean McVay over the next few days.The Rams, the Green Bay Packers, and the Arizona Cardinals possess the joint-most picks ahead of the 2024 draft, as each franchise holds 11 selections.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New England Patriots could land a second first-round pick ahead of the start of the 2024 NFL Draft.The team has explored a scenario where it trades its second-round selection (No. 34 overall) to move up in the back half of the opening round on Thursday, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss.New England could upgrade the offense ahead of its first season under head coach Jerod Mayo. Holding the No. 3 overall selection, the Patriots are linked to some of the top quarterback prospects in the draft, including Drake Maye and J.J. McCarthy. While the club is reportedly open to trading its top pick for the right price, it didn't receive any substantial offers prior to Thursday.Director of scouting Eliot Wolf said Wednesday that the team received calls from interested suitors about its early-round picks, but the offers were "nothing too serious.""Sounds like there may be teams that are more motivated, if you listen to the whispers out there, that we might hear some more things once we're on the clock," Wolf added.The Patriots hold eight picks entering the opening round of Thursday's draft following a 4-13 campaign in 2023. While quarterback is considered the franchise's most glaring need, the team could address other areas by using a premium pick on a wide receiver or shoring up the offensive line.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Welcome to theScore Fantasy Football Podcast, hosted by Justin Boone.Find the show on Spotify, Apple, and Google.In this episode, Boone goes over his final thoughts before the 2024 NFL Draft begins on Thursday night.

Welcome to theScore Fantasy Football Podcast, hosted by Justin Boone.Find the show on Spotify, Apple, and Google.In this episode, Boone is joined by Thor Nystrom of FantasyPros to discuss his favorite landing spots for some of the top NFL draft prospects.

Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson requested a trade after failing to agree on a long-term extension with Cincinnati, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN.However, the Bengals told Hendrickson they won't move him, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.Hendrickson is looking for more financial security, and the Bengals have yet to meet his demands, Schefter adds.The 29-year-old signed a four-year, $60-million deal with the team in 2021. Last offseason, he inked a one-year, $21-million extension to remain in Cincinnati through the 2025 season.Hendrickson is the 11th-highest-paid edge rusher in the NFL, trailing players such as Bradley Chubb and Danielle Hunter, according to Over The Cap.The 2023 first-team All-Pro is fifth in the NFL in sacks since he signed with the Bengals. Hendrickson had a career year last season, racking up 17.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss.The Florida Atlantic product is the Bengals' second key player to request a trade; wide receiver Tee Higgins asked to be moved earlier this offseason.Hendrickson has 59.5 sacks in 93 career games.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Dallas Cowboys met with running back Ezekiel Elliott's representative near the team's facility Wednesday, according to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports.A deal isn't in place yet, but the two sides are in talks about a potential reunion, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.Elliott is a free agent after spending last season with the New England Patriots on a one-year deal.The Cowboys have Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Royce Freeman, and Malik Davis on the depth chart at running back.Dallas has been one of the quietest teams in the league this offseason. Freeman and linebacker Eric Kendricks are the only external free agents it's signed.The Cowboys selected Elliott fourth overall in the 2016 draft. He secured three Pro Bowl nominations during his Dallas tenure and led the league in rushing in 2016 and 2018.The 28-year-old has 11,553 total yards and 85 touchdowns in 120 career contests.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Lions are signing wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown to a four-year extension that includes over $120 million and $77 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid wideout in the league, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Detroit is also signing offensive tackle Penei Sewell to a four-year, $112-million extension that includes $85 million guaranteed, sources told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.St. Brown was a key member of Detroit's offense in 2023, racking up 1,515 yards and 10 touchdowns on 119 receptions. His production earned him first-team All-Pro honors for the first time and resulted in his second Pro Bowl.The 24-year-old posted at least 90 receptions, 912 yards, and five touchdowns during each of his first three NFL campaigns.St. Brown's deal surpasses Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill's four-year, $120-million contract, which includes $72.2 million guaranteed, for the top deal among all wideouts, per Over the Cap.The USC product has 315 receptions, 3,588 yards, and 21 receiving touchdowns in 49 career games. The 2021 fourth-rounder also has a rushing touchdown and 180 yards on 20 carries.Sewell, meanwhile, earned his second Pro Bowl nod and was named a first-team All-Pro in 2023. He appeared in all 17 games and played 100% of the team's offensive snaps.The 23-year-old earned a 90.7 overall grade and was penalized just seven times in 2023, per PFF.Sewell was selected No. 7 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft and has played 100% of the Lions' offensive snaps in the 50 games in which he's appeared.Sewell's deal is the largest offensive line contract in both average annual value and guaranteed money, surpassing that of Houston Texans tackle Laremy Tunsil, per Over the Cap.Detroit's offense ranked third in yardage (394.8) and fifth in points per game (27.1) last season. The Lions' passing offense ranked second in the league at 258.9 yards per contest.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Baltimore Ravens have extended wide receiver Rashod Bateman through the 2026 season, the team announced Wednesday.No financial details of Bateman's new pact were revealed. Bateman had one year left on his rookie contract, and the Ravens had until May 2 to decide whether to pick up his fifth-year option for 2025.Injuries have impacted the start of the 2021 first-round pick's career. Bateman missed the first six games of his rookie season due to hernia surgery and sat out 11 games in 2022 due to a foot injury.While Bateman was able to suit up for 16 games in 2023, he struggled to make a significant impact despite an MVP campaign from quarterback Lamar Jackson. The wideout finished with 367 yards and one touchdown reception."I think Rashod Bateman is going to take a big step ... Rashod is going to get opportunities this year," head coach John Harbaugh said earlier this offseason, according to team reporter Ryan Mink.Harbaugh added, "He ran routes really well. He worked super hard. He was healthy for the first time - even as the year went on, he got healthier, and you could see it in his play. The ball got to him, (and) when it did, he made some great plays. The ball is going to get to him a lot more next year. He's going to be ready to go."Bateman is set to start alongside Zay Flowers and Nelson Agholor, though Baltimore has been rumored to be interested in taking a receiver high in the 2024 NFL Draft.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Find year-round coverage of betting news and insights for all sports by visiting our Betting section and subscribing to push notifications.Nobody knows anything.Outside of Caleb Williams going No. 1 to Chicago (-20000 to be the first pick), the common theme for this week's NFL draft is uncertainty.Three weeks ago, the second overall pick was a near-coin flip. Jayden Daniels then became a strong favorite, only to see the market return to a coin flip, and now Daniels is back up to -500.However, there are no verified reports that a decision has been made in Washington. No one knows anything for sure.With that in mind, playing on uncertainty and looking for plus-money prices seems the prudent way to play the draft, along with our gambit that the offensive/defensive player split will be 21-11 in the first round. The idea is that you may not even have to win half your bets to turn a profit.Draft orderPICKTEAM1Bears2Commanders3Patriots4Cardinals5Chargers6Giants7Titans8Falcons9Bears10Jets11Vikings12Broncos13Raiders14Saints15ColtsBest betsFirst defensive player drafted: Laiatu Latu (+175)We missed the best odds on Latu going off the board first among defenders, but there's still some value left. He's the favorite to go eighth to the Falcons. With no clear suitor for Dallas Turner, and rumors that Atlanta likes Latu more, we'll bet that the UCLA product is the first defender chosen.To be a top 10 pick: JC Latham (+400)Ten players are more likely to go in the top 10 than Latham, meaning just one needs to fall out for this bet to clash. With three teams needing to bolster their offensive line in the top 10, 4-to-1 odds make this worth a shot.First cornerback drafted: Terrion Arnold (+100)Two weeks ago, we discussed how Quinyon Mitchell might be a vulnerable favorite to be the first cornerback taken at -200. Sure enough, this market has tightened. It's now a two-horse race with Mitchell and Arnold both lined at 15.5 in their draft positional markets. Where there's smoke, there may be fire, so betting on Arnold's momentum to continue into Thursday night is the play.Draft position: J.J. McCarthy - Over 5.5 (+105)It wouldn't be unheard of for a team to trade up to take a quarterback in the top five, but doing so for the presumed fourth-best quarterback is. Mac Jones, Jordan Love, Justin Fields, and Will Levis all fell in their respective drafts as the fourth quarterback selected. The main presumption is that someone trades into the No. 5 slot to take McCarthy. The problem with that is two-fold.The Vikings are the only team with an obvious need and the draft capital to make a deal, but there's no need to jump in front of the Giants, Titans, Falcons, Bears, and Jets at a high cost. Plus, McCarthy's production and measurables don't match those getting picked this high.Draft position: Joe Alt - Over 7.5 (+260)It seems like everyone assumes Alt is going to Tennessee at No. 7. What this bet presupposes is, "What if he doesn't?" There are so many offensive linemen on the board. Tennessee, desperate for a young playmaker, could always just take one of the high-end wide receiver prospects.Draft position: Brock Bowers - Over 11.5 (+100)Many have Bowers penciled in for the Jets at No. 10. However, New York needs to keep its 40-year-old quarterback upright this season, and the Jets are playing a dangerous game by relying on the health and effectiveness of a pair of 33-year-old tackles. Bowers could then slip through Minnesota, leaving Denver as the make-or-break team at No. 12. A tight end feels like a luxury the Broncos can't afford, making over 12.5 a bet worth searching out.With a huge pool of players in a particular position, there might be a guy teams like more than the market's consensus candidate. That makes it much easier for a player like Bowers to slip than for bettors to pinpoint a player to go earlier than expected.Matt Russell is the lead betting analyst for theScore. If there's a bad beat to be had, Matt will find it. Find him on social media @mrussauthentic.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jayden Daniels apparently has no qualms about joining the Washington Commanders despite speculation the quarterback would prefer to land elsewhere."I'm blessed to go wherever I'm called," said Daniels on Wednesday, according to Sam Fortier of The Washington Post. "Whoever calls my phone, (when the) commissioner gets up and says my name, I'll be blessed, and they're going to get my all."When asked again if that meant he would be happy to be picked at No. 2 by Washington, Daniels said, "Yeah. 100%."With Caleb Williams seemingly locked in at No. 1 to the Chicago Bears, Daniels has become the favorite to go second overall in recent weeks, overtaking fellow quarterback Drake Maye.The speculation that Daniels wasn't happy about going to the Commanders was fueled by his agent liking several social media posts criticizing Washington for hosting four quarterbacks for visits - Daniels, Maye, J.J. McCarthy, and Michael Penix Jr.The former LSU star's camp had expected a one-on-one meeting with Washington and was disappointed with the club's unorthodox approach, Adam Schefter of ESPN later reported.Moreover, Daniels is interested in landing with the Las Vegas Raiders - who own the No. 13 overall pick - to reunite with coach Antonio Pierce, and the feeling is mutual, according to Dan Graziano of ESPN.After winning the Heisman Trophy and leading the best offense in college football last season, the 23-year-old catapulted into the top echelon of 2024 quarterback prospects.Daniels finished the 2023 campaign with 40 touchdown passes, tied for the most in the country, and the third-most passing yards with 3,812. He also rushed for 1,134 yards and 10 scores.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Here, theScore goes through all 32 teams to identify their biggest need ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, which will take place April 25-27.Arizona CardinalsBiggest need: Wide receiver

Brenden Rice believes he and former USC teammate Caleb Williams have what it takes to become the NFL's next great duo.Rice, the son of Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice, told TMZ Sports that he and Williams could become the next Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski if they're drafted by the same NFL team."I just know him. I built that chemistry with him our last year, so just to be able to link up with him again, I think it would just be USC times two," the former Trojans receiver said.He added: "I'm telling you, we could be that next duo, just like the Gronk and the Tom Brady."Rice caught 45 catches for 791 yards and 12 touchdowns in his final season at USC, while Williams threw for 3,633 yards, 30 touchdowns, and five interceptions.Williams is widely projected to be selected No. 1 overall by the Chicago Bears in the 2024 NFL Draft, which gets underway Thursday night in Detroit. Rice is projected to be a Day 2 or 3 selection.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't expected to pick up the $25.6-million fifth-year option in quarterback Justin Fields' rookie contract, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Fields - whom the Steelers acquired from the Chicago Bears for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick in March - will enter the final year of his deal in 2024.With Russell Wilson reportedly set to start over Fields, the decision to decline the young passer's costly option was widely expected. Pittsburgh signed Wilson this offseason after he was released by the Denver Broncos.The conditional sixth-round pick will turn into a fourth-round selection if Fields plays at least 51% of the Steelers' offensive snaps this season.As the owner of the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Chicago parted ways with Fields in order to select a new quarterback, likely former Heisman winner Caleb Williams.Fields produced an up-and-down three-year stint with the Bears. He sometimes flashed the potential that made him a first-round pick in 2021 but struggled with consistency, passing efficiency, and turnovers.The 25-year-old completed 60.3% of his passes for 6,674 yards and 40 touchdowns against 30 interceptions in 40 appearances (38 starts) in Chicago.He was, however, one of the most productive rushing quarterbacks, racking up 2,220 yards and 14 scores - including a 1,143-yard campaign in 2022 - on the ground.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Jets traded Zach Wilson to the Broncos in a deal that includes a late-round pick swap, Denver announced Tuesday.Denver will receive Wilson and a 2024 seventh-round pick (No. 256) in exchange for its sixth-rounder (No. 207), according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.The Broncos and Jets are expected to evenly split Wilson's $5.5-million guaranteed training camp roster bonus, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.Wilson was permitted to seek a trade earlier this offseason. The deal marks the end of a turbulent three-year run in New York for the former No. 2 pick.The BYU product struggled to develop over his first two NFL seasons, which led the Jets to acquire Aaron Rodgers before the 2023 campaign. However, a season-ending injury to Rodgers in Week 1 inserted Wilson back in the starting lineup, though he was later benched down the stretch for Tim Boyle.Wilson ends his Jets tenure with a 12-21 record, a 57% completion rate, 23 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions.He comes to a Broncos quarterback room that also includes Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci.Broncos coach Sean Payton is on the lookout for a new top quarterback after the club parted ways with veteran Russell Wilson earlier this offseason following two disappointing seasons.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Denver Broncos are eyeing quarterback J.J. McCarthy in this week's NFL draft, according to Peyton Manning."I know Denver is very interested in him, and it sounded like this is a place he'd love to come to," the Hall of Fame quarterback said Tuesday on the "Stokley and Josh" show.McCarthy's draft stock has risen in recent weeks, and he's considered the fourth-best QB prospect in 2024 after Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye. The Broncos own the No. 12 pick and would likely have to move up in the first round to land McCarthy.Denver head coach Sean Payton said in March that there's a "realistic" possibility that his team could trade up to draft a quarterback. The Broncos have a major need at the position. They released Russell Wilson this offseason and have Zach Wilson, Jarrett Stidham, and Ben DiNucci on their depth chart. Wilson joined in a trade from the New York Jets this week.The 6-foot-3 McCarthy helped Michigan go 15-0 and win the national title this past season. The 21-year-old passed for 44 touchdowns against nine interceptions in his final two campaigns to go along with eight TDs on the ground.Manning said Tuesday that he reached out to McCarthy and was impressed by the promising signal-caller."I never met him, but we invited him to our football camp, and (head coach Jim) Harbaugh wouldn't let him miss a workout, so he didn't get to go," Manning said. "So I just reached out and said, 'Hey, man, congratulations, wish you the best of luck in your next chapter.'"Manning added: "I just wished him luck, and he said, 'Hey, I'd love to ask you some questions.' So he called me back, and he was impressive to talk to."

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones once again insisted Dak Prescott is the team's long-term starter despite the quarterback entering the final year of his contract."We want Dak Prescott. That's that," said Jones, according to Jane Slater of NFL Network.It was reported in late March that Dallas has yet to offer Prescott an extension. Additionally, there's apparently no indication a deal is coming, with a mutual understanding between the team and the star passer.Prescott isn't the only high-profile Cowboys player looking for a big-money extension. Receiver CeeDee Lamb and pass-rusher Micah Parsons are due new deals, and both are expected to challenge the top of their respective position's markets."We'd like to see more leaves fall. We'd like to see more action," said Jones when asked about locking down his star trio. "It's called option quarterback. I've spent my life (playing) option quarterback. I want to see some more cards played."Prescott's 2024 cap hit of $55.45 million ranks second in the NFL behind only Deshaun Watson's $63.78 million, per Spotrac. The 30-year-old agreed to a restructure in mid-March that created $4 million in cap space for Dallas.The Cowboys have been unusually quiet this offseason, with Prescott's inflated cap hit likely a reason for their inactivity.Prescott set career highs last season with an NFL-best 36 touchdowns and a passer rating of 105.9. He earned his third Pro Bowl berth and his first second-team All-Pro nomination.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New England Patriots would move the third overall pick for the right price, though they haven't received a suitable offer yet, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo report.The Patriots and Washington Commanders, the latter of whom own the No. 2 selection, have received phone calls for their selections, Rapoport and Garafolo add. However, the Commanders haven't indicated they're interested in trading out. The Las Vegas Raiders are among teams that have called Washington, according to Garafolo.Patriots director of scouting Eliot Wolf said earlier this month that his team is "open for business" in all rounds of the 2024 draft.New England has multiple needs across its roster with the most obvious area being quarterback. Jacoby Brissett and Bailey Zappe headline its depth chart at the position following the trade of Mac Jones.If the Patriots stay at No. 3, they'd be in a position to take a potential star at quarterback. USC star Caleb Williams is expected to go first overall, but there's uncertainty about who goes second; signal-callers Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye are the two most speculated names.The Patriots are entering their first draft under head coach Jerod Mayo.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NFL's review into potential tampering by the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles won't conclude before the start of Thursday's draft, announced the league Tuesday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.With no resolution coming this week, the Falcons and Eagles will avoid being docked any 2024 draft picks.The investigation is related to the free-agent signings of quarterback Kirk Cousins, who joined Atlanta, and running back Saquon Barkley, who signed with Philadelphia.Both the Falcons and Eagles have denied tampering with their new players.The NFL allows agents to speak to clubs during the two-day negotiating period, but players aren't permitted to be in contact with team officials.Cousins helped spark the league's review by revealing during his introductory presser that he spoke with the Falcons' trainer and head of public relations a day before the start of free agency.Discipline is expected to involve draft picks, and the Falcons are believed to be facing a more severe punishment, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Giants are exploring trading up to the third or fourth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and the likely target would be North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye, sources told ESPN's Jordan Raanan.The Giants currently own the sixth overall selection, while the New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals own the third and fourth picks, respectively.New York's move would come under the assumption that the Chicago Bears will take quarterback Caleb Williams at No. 1, and the Washington Commanders are eyeing Jayden Daniels at No. 2, adds Raanan.The Giants handed Daniel Jones a four-year, $160-million extension in March 2023. However, the 26-year-old struggled in six appearances last season before suffering a torn ACL.The current regime in New York didn't draft Jones, and his contract allows for a potential exit after the 2024 campaign.Maye was once seen as the favorite to be selected by Washington but was overtaken by Daniels in recent weeks.The former Tar Heels star had an outstanding 2022 campaign, throwing for 4,321 yards and 38 touchdowns against seven interceptions.Maye's production dipped in 2023 - 3,603 yards and 24 scores against nine picks - amid a change at offensive coordinator and losses at pass-catcher. However, he remained one of the top prospects of the 2024 draft, which begins Thursday.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Houston Texans revealed four new uniforms for the 2024 season, including an alternate kit and Color Rush set.It's the first time the Texans have changed their uniforms since the franchise's NFL debut in 2000.

With the 2024 NFL Draft just around the corner, we're looking into every team's best and worst picks over the last decade, which covers the drafts between 2014-23. First up is the AFC.AFC | NFCBaltimore RavensBest pick: Lamar Jackson. The 2018 draft was known for its QBs, but no one could've predicted that Jackson - that year's 32nd overall pick who many thought should've switched positions due to his athleticism - would become a superstar. One of the greatest mobile QBs in history, Jackson led the NFL in passing touchdowns and set the single-season record for quarterback rushing yards in 2019 en route to unanimously claiming the MVP award. He then won the league's top honor again last year, joining 10 other players with more than one MVP award on their resumes. Not bad for a "running back." Ryan Kang / Getty Images Sport / GettyWorst pick: Breshad Perriman. Baltimore certainly expected more than 43 catches and three touchdowns from Perriman after drafting him 26th overall in 2015. But the UCF product couldn't make a big impact in the NFL. Perriman missed his rookie season due to a knee injury and amassed only 576 receiving yards before the Ravens released him before his fourth year with the team.Buffalo BillsBest pick: Josh Allen. It's been fascinating to see Allen develop into one of the NFL's premier quarterbacks after his rough 2018 rookie campaign. Many around the league criticized the Bills for trading up from No. 12 to draft the Wyoming product at No. 7. But the signal-caller has improved significantly each year, upgrading his decision-making and accuracy to become a regular MVP candidate. A 6-foot-5 QB with a cannon arm and great mobility, Allen has helped make Buffalo a perennial playoff team and is the only player ever to account for at least 40 touchdowns in four straight seasons.Worst pick: Kaiir Elam. The Bills moved up two spots to draft Elam 23rd overall in 2022, and the early results of that move aren't encouraging. Yes, Elam can still bounce back as he enters Year 3. However, the 22-year-old's NFL stint has been rough, as he's allowed a 101.5 passer rating when targeted across 16 appearances. The Florida product missed most of the 2023 regular season because of an ankle injury and being benched.Cincinnati BengalsBest pick: Joe Burrow. The 2020 No. 1 pick has only been in the NFL for four seasons - and two of those campaigns ended prematurely due to injury - but he's quickly helped put the Bengals on another level. One of the league's most accurate passers, Burrow ranks fourth in touchdown passes since 2021 and has led the club to five playoff wins, the same number of postseason victories the Bengals had before drafting him. Burrow-led Cincy made a Super Bowl appearance during the 2021 campaign but fell short versus the Rams.Worst pick: John Ross. Injuries were a concern for Ross coming out of college, but the Washington product bolstered his draft stock in 2017 by setting a then-record 4.22 40-yard dash at the combine. However, the speedster never came close to living up to the hype as a No. 9 pick and left Cincy after four seasons with only 733 yards and 10 touchdowns. Ross was drafted between Christian McCaffrey (No. 8 pick) and Patrick Mahomes (No. 10) that year.Cleveland BrownsBest pick: Myles Garrett. The Browns haven't hit on many first-round talents lately, but they sure nailed the Garrett selection at No. 1 in 2017. It can be hard for first overall picks to meet expectations, but the Texas A&M product is already an established superstar after seven NFL seasons. Garrett has earned five All-Pro berths (three first-team selections) to go along with a Defensive Player of the Year award. His 88.5 sacks rank second in the league since he turned pro.Worst pick: Justin Gilbert. The 2014 draft produced several stars, but the Browns had a disastrous first round that year. Not only did Cleveland select Gilbert eighth overall, but the team also took quarterback Johnny Manziel at No. 22. Gilbert - the first corner off the board back then - is the only player selected from No. 5 to No. 17 that year who didn't earn a Pro Bowl berth. The Oklahoma State product made 23 appearances with the Browns before being traded for a sixth-rounder. Meanwhile, Manziel also lasted only two seasons and 14 games in Cleveland.Denver BroncosBest pick: Justin Simmons. In eight seasons in Denver, Simmons went from being a 2016 third-round pick to becoming one of football's premier safeties. The Boston College product has claimed four second-team All-Pro selections to go along with 30 interceptions, the most in the NFL since 2016. He was released by the Broncos this offseason as a cap casualty.Worst pick: Paxton Lynch. The Broncos had a big miss when they traded up to take Lynch at No. 26 in 2016 while trying to replace the retired Peyton Manning. The former Memphis quarterback ended up being cut in 2018 after just two seasons and four starts, and he hasn't made an official NFL appearance since. In that same 2016 draft, Dallas tried to move up for Lynch in Round 1 but ultimately settled for Dak Prescott in the fourth round. Phew. Robert Reiners / Getty Images Sport / GettyHouston TexansBest pick: C.J. Stroud. Before you say it's too early to choose Stroud, let's highlight the star QB's 2023 season and who else could have been chosen here. Jadeveon Clowney, Benardrick McKinney, D.J. Reader, and Deshaun Watson were the other main contenders. As good as Watson was for four seasons in Houston, we all know what happened at the end of his tenure with the team. Now combine that with Stroud's magical Year 1. The Ohio State product posted arguably the greatest season ever for a rookie quarterback in 2023 and showed all the signs Houston needed from its franchise guy at age 22. Last year's draft featured a talented QB class, and the Texans may have changed their franchise by taking Stroud at No. 2.Worst pick: Kevin Johnson. The Texans added Johnson to their cornerback depth chart with the 16th overall pick in 2015, and they sure would like that one back. The Wake Forrest product failed to make an impact, battled several injuries, and recorded just one interception in four seasons. Besides, two future Pro Bowl corners - Marcus Peters (18th overall) and Byron Jones (27th) - were selected later in Round 1.Indianapolis ColtsBest pick: Quenton Nelson. No other player drafted by the Colts over the last decade has earned more Pro Bowl berths than Nelson's six. Granted, we knew about the guard's potential as the 2018 sixth overall pick, but the Notre Dame product exceeded expectations by becoming one of the NFL's premier linemen straight away. Though he hasn't earned an All-Pro selection in the last two seasons, Nelson allowed only one sack in 2023, according to PFF. Not often do interior O-linemen pay off as top-10 selections, but that's the case here.Worst pick: Phillip Dorsett. The Dorsett selection in the first round in 2015 was one of the weirdest picks in franchise history. The Colts didn't have a need at wide receiver back then, and Dorsett's production at Miami was far from outstanding. As predicted by many at the time, the wideout was never a great fit in Indy and caught just 51 passes in 26 appearances over two seasons before being traded to New England.Jacksonville JaguarsBest pick: Josh Allen. It's easy to see why the Jaguars rewarded Allen with a five-year, $141-million extension this offseason. With very few weaknesses in his game, the 2019 No. 7 pick has been a cornerstone of Jacksonville's defense since entering the league. The two-time Pro Bowler set a franchise single-season record with 17.5 sacks in 2023 and has now posted 21.5 sacks in his last 22 regular-season games dating back to 2022. Competing with Allen for this spot were Trevor Lawrence and Jalen Ramsey. But Lawrence has posted one solid NFL campaign, and Ramsey played just three-plus seasons for the AFC South club.Worst pick: CJ Henderson. You know a team made a huge mistake when it trades a former top-10 pick two games into his second season for a backup tight end and a third-round selection. Henderson, the No. 9 choice in 2020, played just 10 games for the Jaguars and allowed a passer rating of 114.2 on 59 targets before being shipped to Carolina, according to Football Reference.Kansas City ChiefsBest pick: Patrick Mahomes. This is an obvious one. The Chiefs traded up to No. 10 to select Mahomes in the 2017 NFL Draft, and the rest is history. After spending most of his rookie campaign backing up Alex Smith, Mahomes became QB1 in his sophomore year and threw 50 touchdowns en route to being named MVP. He's since led Kansas City to three Super Bowl titles and established himself as an all-time great. The three-time Super Bowl MVP has an absurd regular-season record of 74-22 and is 15-3 in the playoffs.Worst pick: Breeland Speaks. A former second-round pick, Speaks was the first player taken by Kansas City in 2018 at No. 46. The Ole Miss product was decent while playing a limited number of snaps as a rookie. But he then missed the entire 2019 season because of an injury and a four-game suspension before the Chiefs released him prior to the 2020 campaign.Las Vegas RaidersBest pick: Maxx Crosby. Khalil Mack boasts the most decorated career among players drafted by the Raiders in the last decade. However, he only played four seasons with them. Crosby has become a star despite being a fourth-round pick. The Eastern Michigan product, who went 106th overall in 2019, has topped double-digit sacks in three of his five NFL seasons and led the league in tackles for loss in each of the last two years. A three-time Pro Bowler and two-time second-team All-Pro, Crosby is one of football's most complete and explosive edge rushers. Chris Unger / Getty Images Sport / GettyWorst pick: Clelin Ferrell. The Raiders have arguably been the league's worst team at finding first-round talent, so it was hard to pick one bad selection. Ferrell was the 2019 fourth overall pick. He played 58 games for the club, and though other recent Raiders first-rounders didn't come close to making that many appearances, none were taken in the top 10 like the former Clemson pass-rusher. To make it worse, Pro Bowl edge rushers Josh Allen (seventh overall) and Brian Burns (16th overall) were called shortly after Ferrell, who never had more than five sacks in a season for Las Vegas.Los Angeles ChargersBest pick: Justin Herbert. This came down to Herbert and Joey Bosa, but the star quarterback has an advantage thanks to his promising future. The No. 6 pick in 2020, Herbert set several rookie records and earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. His 114 career touchdown passes rank fourth in the NFL over the past four seasons. Granted, there's a lot of pressure on him to deliver moving forward after two relatively down years, but few passers are as skilled as the 26-year-old.Worst pick: Kenneth Murray. With Murray, Jerry Tillery, and Forrest Lamp in their draft history, picking L.A.'s worst selection wasn't easy. But the Chargers traded a pair of Day 2 picks to go up in the 2020 draft and take Murray 23rd overall in the same class as Herbert. Those picks were later used by New England on starting defensive back Kyle Dugger (37th overall) and by Baltimore on All-Pro defensive lineman Justin Madubuike (71st overall). Meanwhile, Murray lacked consistency in the middle of Los Angeles' defense. The Chargers declined the fifth-year option on the linebacker's contract in 2023 and let him sign elsewhere in free agency this year.Miami DolphinsBest pick: Xavien Howard. A second-round pick in 2016, Howard is one of few players drafted by the Dolphins over the last decade who exceeded expectations and became a franchise cornerstone. The four-time Pro Bowler - who was released by Miami this year after eight seasons - earned two All-Pro selections and led the league in interceptions twice in his career. His 29 picks and 95 pass breakups rank second and fourth, respectively, in the NFL since 2016.Worst pick: Charles Harris. This came down to edge rusher Harris or corner Noah Igbinoghene. But the former was a higher overall selection (22nd versus 30th), and Miami passed on All-Pro edge T.J. Watt to choose Harris. The Missouri product played only three seasons and had 3.5 sacks in Miami before being traded to Atlanta for a seventh-round selection.New England PatriotsBest pick: James White. White retired in 2022 after eight seasons in New England with three championships under his belt. A running back with premier pass-catching ability, the 2014 fourth-round pick was one of Tom Brady's favorite weapons and is mostly known for his spectacular performance in Super Bowl LI when he set single-game Super Bowl records for catches (14) and points scored (20). The Wisconsin product played hero in that Big Game by scoring a walk-off touchdown in overtime.Worst pick: N'Keal Harry. The Patriots took Harry 32nd overall in 2019, and they have to regret that pick - as they probably do with most of their first-rounders under Bill Belichick. Seven wide receivers drafted after Harry in 2019 earned at least one Pro Bowl selection. Meanwhile, the Arizona State product averaged only 19 catches, 200 yards, and one touchdown per year in three seasons in New England before being traded.New York JetsBest pick: Quinnen Williams. This was a close call between Williams and Sauce Gardner, but the former gets the nod for being with the team for five seasons against Gardner's two. Williams has exceeded the high expectations around him as the 2019 third overall pick and was rewarded with a four-year, $96-million extension last year. A complete and disruptive interior defensive lineman, the Alabama product claimed a pair of Pro Bowl berths and a first-team All-Pro selection while racking up 17.5 sacks and 60 pressures over the last two seasons, according to Football Reference.Worst pick: Zach Wilson. Between Wilson, Sam Darnold, and Christian Hackenberg, N.Y. hasn't had any success drafting QBs. Hackenberg never played a game for the team but was only a second-rounder in 2016. Darnold joined after the Jets traded up three spots to draft him at No. 3 in 2018, but at least the club got a Day 2 pick in return after trading him to Carolina three years later. Meanwhile, Wilson was a colossal disappointment as the second overall pick in 2021. Originally viewed as a top prospect, the BYU product threw for 23 touchdowns against 25 interceptions while completing just 57% of his passes in three seasons. The Jets - who went 12-21 with Wilson under center - recently traded the 24-year-old to Denver.Pittsburgh SteelersBest pick: T.J. Watt. Pittsburgh landing Watt 30th overall in 2017 is one of the best picks of the last decade. Since entering the league, the Wisconsin product has amassed an NFL-high 96.5 sacks while earning four first-team All-Pro nods. He's also claimed one Defensive Player of the Year honor and ranked in the top three for that award on three other occasions. There just hasn't been a more productive edge rusher than Watt, who's led the league in sacks in three of the last four seasons and tied a single-season record with 22.5 sacks in 2021. Michael Owens / Getty Images Sport / GettyWorst pick: Devin Bush. Artie Burns and Kenny Pickett were also considered, but the fact that the Steelers moved up 10 spots and gave up first-, second-, and third-round selections to draft an off-ball linebacker at No. 10 in 2019 makes the Bush pick a lot worse. The Michigan product stood out as a rookie, but after sustaining a torn ACL in Year 2, he lacked consistency and eventually had the fifth-year option on his rookie deal declined.Tennessee TitansBest pick: Derrick Henry. Turning a second-round pick into one of the greatest players in team history sounds like a good deal. Drafted at No. 45 in 2016, Henry didn't break out until his third season. The Alabama product then went on to become the sport's most dominant running back for years. A four-time Pro Bowler, he's led the league in yards and touchdowns on the ground twice and is just one of eight NFL players to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season. The 30-year-old, who joined Baltimore this year, ranks second in Titans history with 9,502 rushing yards and first with 90 rushing TDs.Worst pick: Isaiah Wilson. Once a dominant offensive tackle at Georgia, Wilson appeared in just one game in the NFL for Tennessee after being drafted 29th overall in 2020. He left football due to several issues, including a DUI arrest, violation of team rules, and multiple suspensions. He's arguably the greatest bust in Titans history.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

With the 2024 NFL Draft just around the corner, we're looking at every team's best and worst picks over the last decade, which covers the drafts between 2014-23.AFC | NFCArizona CardinalsBest pick: Budda Baker. Arizona had four top-10 picks in the last decade, but none have accomplished more than Baker, a major steal at No. 36 overall in 2017. In seven NFL seasons, the Washington product has claimed six Pro Bowl nods and two first-team All-Pro berths. He's one of football's premier and hardest-hitting safeties.Worst pick: Josh Rosen. Once a star in a talented 2018 quarterback draft class, Rosen is one of the league's biggest busts. The Cardinals traded up and used the 10th pick on the former UCLA passer that year. It didn't pay off, as Rosen posted a 3-10 record with 11 touchdowns to 14 interceptions in his first - and only - season with the team. Arizona traded him to the Miami Dolphins during the 2019 offseason after drafting Kyler Murray at No. 1 overall. The Cardinals at least received a second-round choice as part of the Rosen deal. Mark J. Rebilas / USA TODAY SportsAtlanta FalconsBest pick: Grady Jarrett. The Falcons struck gold when they drafted Jarrett 137th overall in 2015. Not only did the Clemson product establish himself as a cornerstone of Atlanta's defense, but he became one of the NFL's most respected tackles. Jarrett is the only DT of his draft class who's earned a Pro Bowl berth. He's also earned a second-team All-Pro selection while playing 135 games. Not bad for a former fifth-round pick.Worst pick: Takk McKinley. McKinley's best moment with the Falcons occurred ... when he walked on stage carrying a framed photograph of his late grandmother during the draft. The UCLA product lacked consistency on the field, never producing more than seven sacks in a single season. Atlanta waived the 2017 No. 26 pick midway through his fourth campaign after 49 appearances and 17.5 sacks.Carolina PanthersBest pick: Christian McCaffrey. Most of Carolina's recent draft standouts aren't with the team anymore, including McCaffrey. But the 2017 No. 8 pick was already an established star before the Panthers traded him to the 49ers midway through the 2022 season. McCaffrey earned a first-team All-Pro berth after leading the league in scrimmage yards and total touchdowns in 2019. The Stanford product holds the Panthers' single-season record for catches (116) and ranks fifth in franchise history with 50 scrimmage TDs despite playing just 64 games.Worst pick: Vernon Butler. It's too early to go with 2023 No. 1 pick Bryce Young, so Butler gets the nod. The 2016 No. 30 overall pick played 52 games and had just one good season for the Panthers, amassing six sacks and three forced fumbles in 2019. Butler wasn't a complete disaster as a member of Carolina's D-line rotation for four years, but things are made worse for the Louisiana Tech product considering the Chiefs drafted All-Pro lineman Chris Jones seven picks later as the next DT off the board that year.Chicago BearsBest pick: Eddie Jackson. Talent-wise, Roquan Smith was the top player drafted by the Bears over the last decade. But the star linebacker played just four-plus seasons with the team before being traded to the Baltimore Ravens. Jackson made 100 appearances across seven seasons in Chicago, with the club selecting him in the fourth round in 2017 as only the 12th safety off the board. With 15 career interceptions, he was one of football's most dangerous defensive backs in his prime. The Alabama product, who's currently unsigned, has earned two Pro Bowl berths and a first-team All-Pro nod.Worst pick: Mitchell Trubisky. The Trubisky selection alone was far from great (to put it nicely). The former North Carolina quarterback had moments in Chicago and even started two playoff games. But he was never the franchise QB the Bears expected after trading up from third to second overall to select him in 2017. In addition to Trubisky's struggles, he'll always be linked to three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes, the next QB taken in that class at No. 10 by Kansas City.Dallas CowboysBest pick: Dak Prescott. This pick was easy given where Prescott was drafted and what he's become. Granted, former first-rounders like Zack Martin and Micah Parsons are also great Dallas selections, but Prescott is an established franchise QB who entered the league as a fourth-round compensatory pick in 2016 (135th overall). The former Offensive Rookie of the Year led the NFL in touchdown passes in 2023 and finished second for MVP. Though the 30-year-old hasn't gotten the Cowboys over the hump in the playoffs, he ranks third in franchise history in passing yards and second in TDs.Worst pick: Taco Charlton. The Michigan product, drafted 28th overall in 2017, is one of few Cowboys first-rounders who didn't have an impact in the last decade. Charlton didn't even make it through his rookie contract, released by Dallas in 2019 after only 27 appearances and four sacks. The Cowboys had considered selecting T.J. Watt in 2017 but instead took Charlton because they thought he'd be a better fit in then-defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli's scheme. Dallas couldn't have been more wrong. Watt went to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 30.Detroit LionsBest pick: Amon-Ra St. Brown. Not often a Day 3 pick becomes an All-Pro, but that's the case with St. Brown, who made the list despite having only played three NFL seasons. The USC product has significantly improved each year since being selected 112th overall in 2021. Sixteen (!) wide receivers were drafted before him, and St. Brown can name all of them. Already one of the sport's most reliable pass-catchers, the 24-year-old recorded 119 receptions for 1,515 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023 to earn his second Pro Bowl berth and first first-team All-Pro nod. Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images Sport / GettyWorst pick: Jeff Okudah. Drafting Okudah third overall in 2020 seemed right, but the talented corner didn't work out in Detroit. The Ohio State product battled multiple injuries, missed 25 games, and recorded only two interceptions before being traded to Atlanta for a fifth-round pick in 2023. He recently signed with the Houston Texans.Green Bay PackersBest pick: Davante Adams. A receiver rarely enters the league as a second-round pick and builds a career worthy of Hall of Fame consideration. Adams, taken 53rd overall as the ninth wideout off the board in 2014, earned five Pro Bowl berths with Green Bay and caught 669 passes for 8,121 yards and 73 touchdowns before being traded to the Raiders in 2022. As part of the deal, the Packers received a first- and second-round pick, which they later turned into linebacker Quay Walker and promising receiver Christian Watson.Worst pick: Josh Jackson. There were high expectations surrounding Green Bay's secondary after it selected Jaire Alexander (18th overall) and Jackson (45th) with its first picks in 2018. While Alexander became an elite corner, Jackson couldn't make a big impact in the pros. The Iowa product recorded eight interceptions in his final college year but didn't register any picks in 42 appearances with the Packers before being traded to the Giants after just three seasons.Los Angeles RamsBest pick: Aaron Donald. With Cooper Kupp and, most recently, Puka Nacua, the Rams have succeeded at finding mid- and late-round draft studs. That said, landing Donald - arguably the greatest defensive player in NFL history - at No. 13 in 2014 changed the franchise. The Pitt product, who retired this offseason, earned 10 Pro Bowl berths, eight first-team All-Pro nods, and three Defensive Player of the Year awards in 10 seasons. Donald also helped L.A. make two Super Bowl appearances, winning one.Worst pick: Greg Robinson. The Rams landed a future Hall of Famer in Donald in 2014, but they had a big miss that year 11 picks earlier by taking Robinson second overall. The then-highly touted offensive tackle out of Auburn started three seasons for L.A. before being traded for a sixth-round pick. Robinson didn't come close to living up to the hype in a class that produced several superstars.Minnesota VikingsBest pick: Justin Jefferson. This reaction from the Vikings when the Eagles took Jalen Reagor over Jefferson says it all. Minnesota entered the 2020 draft looking for a top receiver after trading Stefon Diggs, and landing Jefferson 22nd overall is proving to be a franchise-changing move for the Vikings. In four NFL seasons, the LSU product has topped 1,000 yards each year while claiming three All-Pro nods. Jefferson also led the league in catches and receiving yards in 2022 to claim Offensive Player of the Year. Arguably the NFL's most valuable non-quarterback, Jefferson has averaged 98.3 yards per game, a league record among receivers with 200-plus career catches.Worst pick: Laquon Treadwell. Minnesota made a splash with Jefferson in 2020, but the team missed big on another wide receiver four years earlier. There were high expectations around Treadwell - the 23rd selection in 2016 - but the Ole Miss product left the Vikings with 65 receptions for 701 yards and two touchdowns in 53 appearances across four seasons.New Orleans SaintsBest pick: Alvin Kamara. The Tennessee product leads all players selected by the Saints since 2014 with five Pro Bowl nods. He's also claimed two All-Pro berths and the 2017 Offensive Rookie of the Year award. An explosive dual-threat running back, Kamara has amassed at least 1,100 scrimmage yards each year since entering the NFL, and his 78 total touchdowns rank fourth in the league since 2017. Kamara hasn't been as productive in recent years, but landing him at No. 67 overall was a major steal for a great 2017 New Orleans draft class.Worst pick: Stanley Jean-Baptiste. Yes, the Saints have former first-rounders who can be considered busts. Although Jean-Baptiste was only a second-round pick in 2014 (58th overall), the 6-foot-3 defensive back didn't do anything for New Orleans. The Nebraska product - who drew pre-draft comparisons with Richard Sherman - spent one season with the Saints and played only eight defensive snaps, a horrendous return from a Day 2 selection.New York GiantsBest pick: Odell Beckham Jr. OBJ spent only five years with the Giants after being drafted 12th overall in 2014, but his impact on the team was absurd. The former OROY quickly became a household name by earning a Pro Bowl selection and breaking multiple records in his first three seasons. Beckham also posted one of the most iconic NFL moments ever with his one-handed touchdown catch against Dallas. New York ultimately traded Beckham to the Cleveland Browns for a huge package. As disappointing as that deal was for Giants fans, it resulted in a first-round pick that would later become All-Pro defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence, arguably N.Y.'s second-best pick over the last decade. Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports / ReutersWorst pick: Kadarius Toney. This one still haunts Giants fans. New York has been looking for a dynamic receiver for years and thought it had one in Toney. However, the 2021 No. 20 overall pick played just 12 games before being traded to Kansas City. The Florida product was a distraction, and there were even questions about his commitment to the Giants. Receiver and pass-rusher were two of N.Y.'s main needs in 2021, and the club decided to trade from No. 11 to No. 20 before taking Toney and passed on the opportunity to draft All-Pro Micah Parsons, who went to Dallas at No. 12.Philadelphia EaglesBest pick: Jalen Hurts. Nobody really understood why the Eagles took Hurts 53rd overall in 2020, as they were looking to compete for a Super Bowl with Wentz and fresh off signing him to a four-year extension. Fast-forward four years, and Hurts has compiled a 34-17 record as a starter, claimed two Pro Bowl berths, and finished second for MVP in 2022. Hurts and his standout rushing ability have made Philadelphia contenders in the NFC and helped the team make a Super Bowl LVII appearance.Worst pick: Jalen Reagor. With 64 catches, 695 yards, and three TDs in two seasons, Reagor's time in Philly was a major disappointment after he joined as the 2020 No. 21 selection. But this pick gets worse considering how much wide receiver talent the Eagles missed by taking Reagor. The Vikings drafted Justin Jefferson with the next pick, and the likes of Brandon Aiyuk, Tee Higgins, and Michael Pittman Jr. were selected in the next 13 slots that year. Fans in Philly won't forget about this one anytime soon.San Francisco 49ersBest pick: Brock Purdy. San Francisco's recent history includes a franchise cornerstone who was a can't-miss prospect (Nick Bosa) and huge steals from later rounds (Fred Warner, George Kittle). But as good as those guys are, Purdy has to be the choice here. Finding a reliable starting QB with the last pick of the draft is absurd. The 2022 "Mr. Irrelevant" helped expand the team's Super Bowl window while becoming an extremely efficient passer. The 24-year-old was an MVP finalist last year and led San Francisco to a Super Bowl appearance. Some still think Purdy's success is purely a product of Kyle Shanahan's system, but the Niners finding a capable starting passer with the 262nd overall pick could go down as one of the biggest steals in NFL history.Worst pick: Trey Lance. Not only did the 49ers select Lance third overall in 2021, but they traded three first-round picks to move up for the quarterback that year in arguably the worst deal in franchise history. Lance spent most of his rookie campaign on the bench and started only two games in 2022 before suffering a season-ending injury. He never played for San Francisco again, with the club sending him to Dallas for a fourth-round pick in 2023.Seattle SeahawksBest pick: DK Metcalf. It came down to 2015 third-round receiver Tyler Lockett and Metcalf, who's on track to become the Seahawks' most accomplished wideout since Hall of Famer Steve Largent. A former second-round choice, Metcalf is one of several Pro Bowl wideouts from the 2019 class. The Ole Miss product - who's earned a second-team All-Pro berth - has amassed 5,332 yards and 43 touchdowns on 372 career catches in just five years. He set a Seattle single-season record with 1,303 yards in 2020.Worst pick: Malik McDowell. The Seahawks traded out of Round 1 and selected McDowell with their first pick in 2017 at No. 35 despite pre-draft concerns about the defensive lineman's work ethic and attitude. McDowell was supposed to be a key member in the club's rebuilding of their defensive line, but he didn't play a single snap for them. An offseason ATV accident sidelined the Michigan State product in Year 1, and Seattle released him in 2018 after multiple arrests.Tampa Bay BuccaneersBest pick: Mike Evans. The Texas A&M product entered the NFL surrounded by high expectations as the No. 7 pick in 2014 but lived up to that hype and became the greatest receiver in Buccaneers history. Evans helped the team win Super Bowl LV and holds every major Tampa Bay receiving record. Most notably, the five-time Pro Bowler has posted a record 10 straight 1,000-yard seasons to begin his career. Evans also earned an All-Pro nod in 2023, showing he still has something left in the tank ahead of his age-31 season.Worst pick: Roberto Aguayo. The Bucs have missed on a few early draft picks in recent years, but none worse than taking a kicker (!) in the second round (59th overall) in 2016. At the time, Aguayo was the first kicker taken in the first two rounds since 2005. The Florida State product converted only 71% of his field-goal attempts as a rookie - the lowest rate in the NFL that year - before being released in 2017 after just one season. Grant Halverson / Getty Images Sport / GettyWashington CommandersBest pick: Terry McLaurin. It's crazy that 11 wide receivers were called in the 2019 draft before Washington took McLaurin 76th overall. The Ohio State product - who signed a three-year, $68-million extension in 2022 - is one of the sport's best weapons in contested catches and the only Washington player ever to post four straight seasons with 1,000-plus yards. Not even the team's inconsistency at quarterback seems to be an issue for "Scary Terry."Worst pick: Derrius Guice. Washington selected Guice in the second round in 2018 (59th overall), but knee injuries and off-field issues marred the LSU product's NFL stint. Guice missed his rookie season due to a torn ACL and played just five games for the Commanders before being released in 2020.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Kansas City Chiefs announced Monday that they've signed head coach Andy Reid, general manager Brett Veach, and team president Mark Donovan to contract extensions.It was reported in February that Reid and Veach were expected to begin negotiating new deals after the Super Bowl. Reid, 66, is now the NFL's highest-paid head coach and is signed through 2029, sources told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Veach reportedly is also signed through the end of the decade.Kansas City topped the San Francisco 49ers in overtime to lift the Lombardi Trophy for a second straight year."Mark, Brett, and Andy have achieved historic success together, and we are thrilled that they will continue in their roles for many years to come," Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt said in a statement Monday. "Individually, Mark, Brett, and Andy each represent the best in the National Football League at their respective positions, and together, they make up one of the finest leadership teams in all of professional sports."They have been tremendous leaders for this organization on and off the field, and we look forward to their continued success in the years ahead."The Chiefs are 100-34, including the playoffs, since Donovan, Veach, and Reid all began working together in 2017. Kansas City has also won seven straight AFC West titles and made four Super Bowl appearances, winning three under their watch.One of the NFL's most respected and creative offensive coaches, Reid has helped the Chiefs build a juggernaut along with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, whom Veach and Co. drafted 10th overall in 2017.Mahomes reacted to the news Monday on social media:

Los Angeles Rams receiver Cooper Kupp is confident he can return to his best form in 2024 after battling multiple injuries over the last two seasons."I don't know if I would be still playing if I didn't think that was still who I was," Kupp said Friday, according to team reporter Stu Jackson. "That is who I believe myself to be. I'm counting on myself to get there for my teammates, that's the player they're counting on to be there on Sundays, and I believe the work that I do, how I prepare, all that stuff's going to be there to be the productive player that I know that I am."Kupp last played a full season in 2021 when he claimed the rare receiving triple crown by leading the NFL in catches (145), yards (1,947), and touchdown receptions (16). The former Offensive Player of the Year then helped the Rams lift the Lombardi Trophy and was named Super Bowl MVP. He also set several playoff records that year, including the most catches in a single postseason (33) and most receiving yards combined between the regular season and playoffs (2,425).The 2017 third-round pick hasn't been fully healthy lately, however. An ankle injury limited him to nine games in 2022, and he missed the first four games of the 2023 season due to a hamstring ailment. The 30-year-old has caught 134 passes for 1,549 yards and 11 touchdowns in 21 appearances over the last two years."Efficiency is a big thing for me," Kupp said. "The more efficient you can play saves more down the line for you. Don't do more than you have to, so that you can do more when you need to. That's kind of the mantra I live by with that.""I look forward to being able to go out there this year and play some good football," he added.The Rams haven't won a playoff game since their Super Bowl LVI victory. Los Angeles missed the postseason in 2022 and lost to the Detroit Lions in the wild-card round last season.With a healthier Kupp and Puka Nacua entering his second NFL season, Sean McVay's outfit boasts one of football's most reliable duos. Nacua set rookie single-season records with 105 receptions and 1,486 yards in 2023 en route to earning a second-team All-Pro berth. He also caught six touchdowns.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch wants Brandon Aiyuk to remain with the franchise for the long haul."Our wish is he is here for the rest of his career," Lynch said Monday, according to Clayton Holloway of NFL Network. "We are working through that."Aiyuk's agent shut down rumors that his client requested a trade from the 49ers earlier this month. Aiyuk has been seeking a contract extension since the end of the 2023 season.Lynch also seemingly confirmed that he's received trade calls for the wideout but downplayed their impact."Sure," Lynch added. "We receive calls for a lot of players."The 26-year-old is entering the final year of his rookie contract and said in March, "I'm trying to get what I deserve."Lynch noted that he and the receiver are having "good talks," according to The Athletic's Matt Barrows.Aiyuk had the best season of his career in 2023, recording a career-high 1,342 yards on 75 catches.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Quarterback Matt Ryan announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday following a prolific 15 seasons in the league.

The Denver Broncos unveiled their new jerseys for the 2024 season on Monday, including a 1977-inspired throwback set.

theScore's prospect rankings series takes a position-by-position look at the top players in the 2024 NFL Draft.Top 50

theScore's prospect rankings series takes a position-by-position look at the top players in the 2024 NFL Draft.Top 50

theScore's prospect rankings series takes a position-by-position look at the top players in the 2024 NFL Draft.Top 50

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel didn't give star receiver Tyreek Hill any preferential treatment during the team's wild-card-round game against the Kansas City Chiefs.The Pro Bowl receiver says he was called out in front of the team following a play in which he was manhandled by Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed and knocked to the ground."He called me out," Hill said on a recent appearance on the "Million Dollaz Worth of Game" podcast. "He like, 'Reek, bro, you're supposed to be the f---ing best player in the f---ing league and you got this guy putting hands all over you like that. Man, we pay you all this money for what?' And for me, I love shit like that, because I'm gonna take that shit to heart and I'm gonna get better from it."Although Hill was taken to task in front of the entire team, the star wideout appreciated the accountability."If he's not saying nothing, the other guys in the locker room, they're gonna look at it as, 'Oh, if Reek can do it, I can do it,' and that's not getting the team better," Hill said. "I need everyone to get better."Hill finished the game with five catches on eight targets for 62 yards and scored the Dolphins' lone touchdown in the 26-7 loss.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is an excellent example of a late-round selection who can change the course of a franchise.Here are 10 under-the-radar prospects who could outperform their 2024 draft projections and become high-impact pros:Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images Sport / GettyFranklin is getting second-round love from some analysts, but he's become a forgotten name in a loaded wide receiver class. His 5.1 yards per route run (minimum 90 targets) in 2023 against single coverage ranks fourth in college football over the last five years, only behind DeVonta Smith, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, according to Jonathan Macri of PFF.Franklin is lethal down the field, as he recorded a 30-plus-yard touchdown reception in 12 of 13 contests last season. He posted a 4.41 40-yard dash at the combine and performs much quicker on tape. The 21-year-old consistently runs past defenders and has tremendous production to back it up. Over the last two campaigns, he had 2,274 yards for a Pac-12-leading 23 touchdowns. Franklin also broke Oregon's receiving yard record in 2023. A wide receiver with this profile and production rarely makes it out of the second round.T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyTampa is one of the most physical cornerbacks in this class, and his tape is littered with impressive pass breakups in traffic and big hits that make you jump out of your seat. The 22-year-old was initially recruited to play wide receiver at Iowa State but switched to defense and became one of the country's best cornerbacks. Tampa had a 20.7 forced incompletion percentage in 2022, ranking in the 98th percentile, per Trevor Sikkema of PFF.He had a solid 2023 campaign, racking up nine passes defended and two interceptions while only allowing a 54.8 passer rating when targeted. Tampa is listed at 6-feet, 194 pounds with a 75 5/8 wingspan, one of the longest in this cornerback class. His 4.58 40-yard dash dropped him down boards, but he's a player every general manager should want on their team.Isaiah Adams, OL, Illinois Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyAdams is an offensive line coach's dream, as he can play multiple positions across the line. He started 12 games at left guard and one at left tackle in 2022, securing an 81.1 run block grade from PFF, one of the highest out of any offensive lineman that season.In 2023, he started 10 games for the Fighting Illini at right tackle. The 6-foot-4, 315-pounder has a ferocity to his game, which you love seeing from a young lineman. His long arms help him get on defenders fast and get set in pass protection quickly. Adams started his college career in Canada before transferring to Garden City Community College. His journey to the NFL displays toughness, and he started all 25 games he was eligible for at Illinois.Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina G Fiume / Getty Images Sport / GettyI'm baffled that Gray isn't getting more attention. The Charlotte native has been a full-time starter for North Carolina since 2021, totaling 366 tackles in 37 starts over the last three seasons. He exploded in his junior year, racking up 145 tackles (leading the ACC), 12 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. Gray followed that up with five sacks and 121 tackles in his senior year.Gray is also one of the better coverage linebackers in this class, having defended 18 passes and intercepted five in college. Playing linebacker in the NFL requires tremendous instincts, and Gray flashes that ability on tape. His frame isn't ideal at 6-foot-1 and 234 pounds, but he plays bigger than his size and has all the tools to be a long-term starting linebacker in the NFL.Audric Estime, RB, Notre Dame Michael Miller/ISI Photos / Getty Images Sport / GettyIf you like big, thumping running backs, let me introduce you to Estime. He's one of the youngest players in this draft class, as he won't be 21 until September. Estime sat behind Kyren Williams in his freshman year but took off in 2022. As a 19-year-old sophomore, Estime ran for 920 yards (team lead) and 11 touchdowns. He excelled in his junior campaign, exploding for 1,341 yards and 18 touchdowns, averaging 6.4 yards per carry.The Notre Dame product is 5-foot-11, 233 pounds, and built like a middle linebacker. His size and athleticism helped him rank third in the FBS in 2023 with 14 carries of 20-plus yards. He ran a 4.71 40-yard dash at the combine but improved that time with a 4.61 run at his pro day. Estime will become a fan favorite wherever he lands.Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami Eston Parker/ISI Photos / Getty Images Sport / GettyKinchens is getting crushed for his combine performance, but scouts and analysts shouldn't overlook his tremendous college career. As a freshman, the 21-year-old started the final five games for the Hurricanes at safety. As a sophomore, Kinchens became one of the best safeties in the country, totaling 59 tackles and an ACC-leading six interceptions in 12 starts.The 21-year-old is the only player in college football with double-digit combined picks over the last two years. He tracks the ball well, knows when to break on receivers, and is a polished tackler, which will translate to the next level. He's been the vocal leader of Miami's defense and didn't commit a penalty over his last 21 games. Kinchens is still very young, but he has excellent instincts that should make him a starting safety in the NFL.Malik Washington, WR, Virginia Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyWashington transferred to Virginia in his final year of college and took the ACC by storm. He racked up 1,426 yards (fourth in FBS) on 110 receptions (led the FBS) with nine touchdowns in 2023. The 5-foot-8, 191-pounder plays way bigger than his size. Washington isn't afraid of going over the middle and consistently runs over defenders, finishing first in forced missed tackles (35) out of any wideout in the FBS.The 23-year-old's long speed could be better, but his 4.47 40-yard dash suggests he can beat defenders deep in the NFL. Washington's 1,426 receiving yards in 2023 accounted for 47% of the Cavaliers' total receiving output. He single-handedly carried Virginia's offense, and only Rome Odunze and Malik Nabers had more 20-plus-yard receptions last campaign.Jalyx Hunt, Edge, Houston Christian Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyHunt is one of the most fascinating prospects in this class. He played safety at Cornell while listed at 6-foot-2, 195 pounds. After three years with the Big Red, he transferred to Houston Christian and played outside linebacker. Hunt excelled at his new position, racking up a combined 20.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks over the last two seasons.The 23-year-old won the SLC Defensive Player of the Year Award in his senior year and has elite burst off the line that you can't teach. He's now 6-foot-3, 252 pounds with an 82 3/4 wingspan, and he can still add more weight to his frame. His testing numbers make him an intriguing NFL prospect, as he ran a 4.64 40-yard dash and tied for the best broad jump of any edge rusher in the class.Jordan Magee, LB, Temple Mitchell Leff / Getty Images Sport / GettyA former high school quarterback, Magee has the combination of athleticism, starting experience, and production you want from a potential Day 3 linebacker. Magee started 32 games for Temple and earned second-team all-AAC honors in 2023. He led the team in tackles (80), tackles for loss (14), and produced 3.5 sacks. He had the third-fastest 10-yard split among linebackers at the combine, and the quick speed flashes on tape.The 23-year-old doesn't have excellent ball production, but he looks comfortable in coverage and has the athleticism to move smoothly in the back end of the defense. He earned team captain honors in back-to-back seasons while leading the Owls' defense. Magee has impressive tape, and if it weren't for the biceps injury he suffered in mid-November, he might be higher on many teams' boards.Tanor Bortolini, OL, Wisconsin Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyBortolini had a historic NFL combine, posting the third-fastest three-cone drill time of any offensive lineman in history. After recording the second-fastest 40-yard dash and 10-yard split times in 2023, it's safe to say Bortolini is a rare interior lineman prospect. The 21-year-old has started 28 games for the Badgers over the last four seasons and has played every offensive line position aside from left tackle during that stretch.Bortolini allowed only one sack and two quarterback hits last season as a center on 497 pass-block snaps, per PFF, and has only surrendered two sacks in his entire college career. The Wisconsin product will have to put on some weight at the next level as he struggles with bigger interior defensive linemen, but he has rare athletic ability.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Denver Broncos have received multiple trade inquiries regarding wide receiver Courtland Sutton, sources told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.However, the Broncos don't plan to move Sutton, Fowler adds. The 28-year-old is skipping voluntary workouts due to his contract situation.General manager George Paton said he and head coach Sean Payton have spoken with Sutton, who's "in a good place," according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports.Sutton has two seasons remaining on a four-year, $60.8-million contract extension signed in 2021. His base salary in 2024 is $13 million, but only $2 million is fully guaranteed. Sutton currently sits 22nd in highest salaries among receivers, per Over The Cap.The SMU product led the team in receiving yards (772) and set a career high in touchdowns with 10 last year. He's had at least 90 targets and 58 receptions in three straight seasons but hasn't eclipsed 1,000 yards since 2019.Denver has $17.8 million in cap space, according to Spotrac. The club enters the NFL draft with eight selections but only two top-80 picks. Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci are the only quarterbacks currently on the roster.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jim Harbaugh is a man of his word.The ex-Michigan coach made good on a bet with his former players by getting a "15-0" tattoo ahead of the Wolverines' national championship ring ceremony Saturday.

The 20th wide receiver drafted in 2023 made the biggest splash. Puka Nacua became Matthew Stafford's top target when Cooper Kupp was injured to start the season. The Rams fifth-rounder set NFL rookie records for catches (105) and yards gained (1,486). Nacua's acrobatic grabs inside the teeth of the defense lengthened the runtime of his year-end highlight montage to almost 15 minutes.Tank Dell clicked with C.J. Stroud, the breakout quarterback who trumped Nacua in the Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. The evasiveness of Dell, the Texans' third-round pick, helped him beat coverages as one of the league's lightest wideouts. Dell put up 145-yard and 149-yard performances and scored in four straight games before a fibula fracture ended his season in December.Green Bay's receiving nucleus - four wideouts drafted in Rounds 2-5 over the past couple of years - joined Jordan Love in Southern California last offseason to run routes and bond. The group gelled on the fly during Love's first season as the Packers' starter. A rookie, Jayden Reed, was the leading playmaker for a team on the rise. Love didn't need a veteran supporting cast to upset the Cowboys in the playoffs.In Minnesota, Jordan Addison sprinted to the end zone to snare 10 touchdown passes. In Baltimore, Zay Flowers' impressive output strengthened Lamar Jackson's MVP candidacy. Another new pro, Rashee Rice, reliably got open for Patrick Mahomes to find during the Chiefs' march to Super Bowl LVIII. Gems unearthed at all stages of the draft shone in focal roles.Their collective readiness to thrive was unique. Last year, receivers authored 10 of the 33 strongest rookie seasons as measured by approximate value, Pro Football Reference's catchall performance stat. Seven rookie offensive linemen recorded AV scores in this range, along with no more than four players from any other position.In today's NFL, competence, even stardom, is promptly attainable at wideout. Seven receivers over the past five years - Nacua, A.J. Brown, Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Chris Olave, Jaylen Waddle, and Garrett Wilson - cleared 1,000 yards as rookies. Budding stars who narrowly fell short of 1,000, from Tee Higgins to CeeDee Lamb to DeVonta Smith to Amon-Ra St. Brown, still helped rookie production accelerate in the period.Even in this context, the 2024 draft class looks special. The headliners are Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr., son and namesake of the Colts legend; LSU star Malik Nabers; and Rome Odunze of Washington. An early run on those wideouts, as well as the top quarterbacks, is expected when the first round proceeds Thursday in Detroit.Observers think the class is deep, too."You might draft a guy in the third or fourth round, or maybe even fifth, who has first- or second-round talent," said David Robinson, a private wide receivers coach in Dallas who trains NFL clientele and prospects. "It means teams are getting a bargain."Ahead of the draft, theScore asked authorities on the subject - draft analysts, trainers like Robinson, and a college position coach - to explain why receivers get good so fast. A range of controllable and external factors drive the trend. Developments at all levels of the sport enhanced skill and pro preparedness in recent years.Puka Nacua. Harry How / Getty ImagesMarvin Harrison Jr. Rich Schultz / Getty ImagesThe spread of seven-on-seven passing drills, camps, leagues, and tournaments increased a young wideout's opportunities to sharpen his craft. The noncontact variation of the game declutters the field and spotlights the receiver-cornerback battle. Route-runners learn tricks of the trade, like jab steps, shoulder feints, and triple moves, that help them create separation and win reps."They get a chance to develop a lot quicker when they're doing these things before they get to college," Robinson said. "It's just like AAU basketball. When they can do something pretty much year-round, it enhances their confidence, timing, and routes."Routes grew more effective as offseason specialized training became prevalent over the past decade, said Brandon White, who trains the likes of Stefon Diggs and Tyreek Hill in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Blending science with art, trainers refine a receiver's mechanics so he can make the most of his athleticism. They break down subtleties like chest and knee alignment, or how to properly stick a foot in the ground to spur a sudden, explosive cut.

As he looks for a new contract from the Dallas Cowboys, resetting the quarterback market isn't a must for Dak Prescott."I'm not trying to be the highest paid, necessarily," Prescott said Friday, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. "We'll wait until negotiations begin. Obviously, I want to put this team in the best situation."He added: "I've been in this situation before, so it's OK, I'm fine."Prescott's contract expires at the end of the 2024 season and includes no-trade and no-tag clauses. He's scheduled to have a $55.4-million cap hit this year.Dallas and the star quarterback were expected to negotiate an extension this offseason. However, the Cowboys reportedly have yet to offer Prescott a new contract, and there's no indication that a deal is coming. It's unclear what's next for both sides, but the three-time Pro Bowler said he isn't thinking about next year."Honestly, I'm focused on the moment, on the now," Prescott said of his contract situation, per Machota. "Leaving that up to my agent and (Cowboys owner) Jerry (Jones) at this point, and when those begin, I'll be more involved."I've talked to Jerry, so I understand where we are, obviously, and Jerry has mentioned the same, so there's not any gray area in that sense. ... We had a great conversation that put us aligned and where we are and moving forward."A 2016 fourth-round pick, Prescott received the franchise tag in 2020 and 2021 before signing a four-year, $160-million extension with Dallas that included a then-record $66-million signing bonus in March 2021."I'm not going to say I fear being here or not. I don't fear either situation, to be candid with you," Prescott said Friday. "Right now, it's with the Dallas Cowboys. That's where I want to be, and that's where I am. That's the focus. After this season, we'll see where we're at."The Mississippi State product is coming off arguably the best season of his NFL career. Prescott led the league in completions (410) and touchdown passes (36) in 2023 to earn a second-team All-Pro berth and finish second in the MVP race.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach is happy his team was able to add Marquise Brown this offseason to address a major area of concern."Like every year, whether it's free agency or the draft, if there's an opportunity to add a playmaker for Pat (Mahomes), we're always going to be looking for those options," Veach said Friday, according to NFL.com's Nick Shook. "(We) played it out, so to speak, at some other positions. I think we were lucky that Hollywood's situation played out the way it did."Brown, who signed a one-year deal worth up to $11 million in March, figures to be a great fit in a Kansas City offense that struggled at wide receiver for most of last year. Although he failed to take the Arizona Cardinals' offense to the next level while battling injuries across the last two seasons, he recorded 91 catches and 1,008 yards as a Baltimore Raven in 2021.Brown suggested last month that he received more lucrative offers but couldn't pass on the opportunity to play for Mahomes and Co."He's going to be a great one-year addition for us, and he's going to set himself up nicely moving forward," Veach added. "I think we're excited, and like I said, every year is different and unique. I think with the resources we had available, we maximized what we can do this offseason."Brown, a former first-round pick of the Ravens, was traded to Arizona in 2022. He caught 118 passes for 1,283 yards and seven touchdowns across 26 appearances with the Cardinals.Kansas City led the NFL in dropped passes during the 2023 season. However, led by wideout Rashee Rice and tight end Travis Kelce, the team's receiving corps stepped up in the playoffs to help K.C. win its second straight Super Bowl.Kelce led the Chiefs with 93 receptions for 984 yards and five touchdowns in 2023.Rice caught a team-high seven TDs to go along with 938 yards. However, the second-year receiver's future is uncertain following his arrest on eight felony charges stemming from a multi-car crash in Dallas in late March.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Projected No. 1 pick Caleb Williams is thrilled about the prospect of playing for the Chicago Bears, who are widely expected to select the star quarterback first overall in the 2024 draft."Now that I want to play at one place for 20 years ... I want a place that loves ball. That's all I've heard about Chicago so far, which is exciting for me," Williams recently said on the "The Pivot Podcast."He added: "Really excited, if that's the place and that's the city, to light up and bring back and revive and make game days really fun."A former Heisman Trophy winner, Williams became the top prospect in this year's draft after a standout college career at Oklahoma and USC. The 22-year-old Williams has drawn comparisons to Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers due to his arm talent and ability to improvise. He hopes to follow in those former NFL MVP winners' footsteps."Makes you feel good," Williams said of the comparisons with Mahomes and Rodgers. "I mimic my game after, you know - it's like the Kobe-MJ thing - where you watch and you mimic. ... Trying things that Patrick Mahomes does, trying things that Tom Brady does."He added: "Like I said, sitting back, watching, learning, taking in what I can take in and adapt (it) to my game in my best way possible and make it my own. Some of it may look like some of what Pat does, some of what Aaron Rodgers does, because, I mean, they're the best, and to be the best you want to learn from the best. ... To get to where they are, winning Super Bowls, being MVPs, or throwing these crazy passes and things like that, is where I want to be."I want to win Super Bowls. I want to be up there with those guys competing versus them."Williams put on a show at his pro day last month in front of multiple Bears members, including head coach Matt Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles.Chicago has been aggressive at improving its supporting cast. In the last 13 months, the team acquired star receivers D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen and used its 2023 first-round pick on offensive tackle Darnell Wright. The Bears also traded for defensive end Montez Sweat midway through last season.Eberflus' outfit posted a 7-10 record in 2023, up from 3-14 in 2022. The Bears, who also own the No. 9 choice this year, acquired the No. 1 overall pick from the Carolina Panthers.Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

theScore's prospect rankings series takes a position-by-position look at the top players in the 2024 NFL Draft.QB | RB | WR | TE | OL