There is only one day left in the 2024 NFL Draft, with the second and third rounds concluding on Friday night. Teams continue to replenish their rosters and address needs for next season.
In the latest episode of CBS Sports' podcast “With the First Pick,” NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson and former Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman break down Day 2's home runs and head-scratchers. Discuss recent rounds.
Wilson and Spielman agreed that in such a deep class, many teams did very well in the second round. There was so much talent in this year's class that a player who could have been a first-round pick in another draft was selected in the second round.
home run
Commander
Wilson had taken Ben Synnott as the No. 2 tight end in the draft, and when he got there, he was surprised when they took wide receiver Luke McCaffrey. Coach Spielman expressed his confidence in general manager Adam Peters and feels the managers will turn things around quickly. He said the situation in Washington had improved significantly over the past two days.
eagles
The Eagles took cornerback Kunyon Mitchell with the 22nd pick in the first round, which was a great value to the team. The team then traded No. 40 to acquire cornerback Cooper DeJean, which Wilson and Spielman agreed was another positive addition.
Edge rusher Jarix Hunt was selected 94th overall, and Wilson believes he is a player Philadelphia can develop because he has physical tools that not many players have.
Spielman added that Hunt has athleticism and pass-rushing moves that can't be taught. What he lacks is coachable, and he is a player who will help the team in the future.
The Eagles struggled defensively last year, but what was a weakness turned into a strength.
invoice
Wilson blamed the Bills for trading a first-round pick to the rival Kansas City Chiefs, but admitted it was a mistake and apologized. Spielman chimed in, emphasizing that there is more than a day's leeway in the draft. He praised Bills general manager Brandon Beane, calling him one of the best personnel managers in the league. The team added wide receiver Keon Coleman, safety Cole Bishop and defensive tackle Dwayne Carter to add depth and address needs. Spielman likes the fact that he has recruited physically strong players. Because he can survive the playoffs better in the cold.
steelers
The Steelers got the “A” and Wilson said it was a “great draft.” They like the fit of wide receiver Roman Wilson and think linebacker Peyton Wilson can strive to be successful in the league despite some injury concerns. Coach Spielman says this time it will be a physical attack with an emphasis on running the ball.
head scratcher
spencer rattler
Spencer Rattler hasn't been drafted yet, and no quarterback has been taken in the second or third round. Wilson points out that quarterbacks past the second round usually don't work, so teams need to postpone the draft and address other needs first. Spielman added that many of the quarterbacks in the later rounds will be backups.
Jordan Travis and Joe Milton
They expected quarterback Jordan Travis to go down while returning from a serious foot injury, so they weren't surprised to see him still on the board.
Spielman predicts the team could take a shot at quarterback Joe Milton in the sixth or seventh round.
running back
Running backs haven't seen much action, and the two discuss whether that's because the position isn't valued as much in the league or because there's a lack of talent. Of the running backs acquired, Spielman believes Jonathon Brooks, who was taken 46th overall by the Carolina Panthers, will be the most productive by the end of the 2024 season.
tight end
Aside from the three players already drafted, Brock Bowers (first round), Ben Sinnott (second round), and Tip Lyman (third round), tight end is another position that has been under-drafted. They discussed many of the top tight ends still on the board entering Day 3, including Theo Johnson, Ja'Tavion Sanders, and Cade Stover, who Spielman thought would go in the second or third round. To do. He said Stover has a lot of upside and has great run-blocking abilities as a tight end-turned-linebacker.
falcons
The Falcons are arguably the team with the most questionable draft pick after signing Kirk Cousins and acquiring quarterback Michael Penix Jr. this offseason. Wilson and Spielman praised the team's offseason work, but questioned why they didn't acquire players who can help them win now. Spielman said the team could have selected players who would help them not only win the district but also make the playoffs.
patriots
The Patriots moved down to acquire wide receiver Jaylin Polk, but Wilson and Spielman believe there were better, easier options. Adonai Mitchell and Ladd McConkie are two players they prefer over Polk.
