For tags applied to potential free agents, nine is the number.

And there’s nothing lucky about it, not for the players. More than one fourth of the league used in 2024 the device that keeps a player whose contract has expired from becoming an unrestricted free agent.

The tag deadline has come and gone. The NFL has announced the moves made to keep free agents from getting multi-year deals on the open market.

Eight teams used the franchise tag. Here they are, officially:

Baltimore Ravens, defensive tackle Justin Madubuike.

Carolina Panthers, linebacker Brian Burns.

Chicago Bears, cornerback Jaylon Johnson.

Cincinnati Bengals, receiver Tee Higgins.

Indianapolis Colts, receiver Michael Pittman, Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars, linebacker Josh Allen.

Kansas City Chiefs, cornerback L’Jarius Sneed

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, safety Antoine Winfield, Jr.

Also, the Patriots applied the transition tag to safety Kyle Dugger.

All tags were non-exclusive, which means that another team can — in theory — negotiate with the player and sign him to an offer sheet. If an offer sheet is signed and not matched, the current team gets two first-round picks as compensation.

For Dugger, the Patriots have secured only a right to match, with no compensation if Dugger changes teams.

Yes, the device gives the tagged players a healthy one-year compensation package. It also blocks them from getting an even healthier multi-year deal on the open market.

At one point, the league created a vague impression that receiving the franchise tag amounted to an honor of some sort. It most definitely does not; the tag restricts player movement, and it keeps the league’s best players from pushing the market at the various positions as high as it can go. In turn, that keeps other veterans from getting more, based on a higher market value at each position.

That’s why the league will never relinquish it. Even if the NFL Players Association offered to play twenty regular-season games, the NFL would refuse to give up the silver bullet that keeps free-agency contracts from potentially going haywire.

CHICAGO

With QBs like BO NIX, MICHAEL PENIX, Jr, and J.J. McCARTHY doing fine at the Combine, Dan Wetzel of YahooSports.com thinks the market for highly-paid QB JUSTIN FIELDS will take a hit:

Bo Nix placed his passes with precision. Michael Penix Jr. threw with power. J.J. McCarthy was mobile, accurate and strong.

Yes, it was just a Saturday afternoon at the NFL scouting combine, college stars throwing against air. Yet with each impressive performance you could practically see the draft position of each quarterback solidified — first-rounders — just as the corresponding trade market for Chicago’s Justin Fields softened.

Chicago enters the 2024 NFL Draft in a position of strength and intrigue. The Bears hold picks No. 1 (from Carolina) and No. 9.

They can stick with Fields, who is entering his fourth season, as their quarterback and trade the top selection to a QB-desperate team. It would fetch a bounty that would allow the Bears to surround Fields with all sorts of talent.

Or they can trade Fields and reboot at quarterback with USC’s Caleb Williams, North Carolina’s Drake Maye or LSU’s Jayden Daniels.

Prior to the combine, either way appeared to be a win, especially when the quarterback market seemed somewhat limited.

Now? Chicago could still get something for Fields, just perhaps not what it was hoping for a few weeks ago.

The combine turned a draft that was top heavy with QBs — Williams, Maye and Daniels — into one that is also deep with QBs — McCarthy, Penix and Nix.

Previously, a team such as Atlanta, with the eighth overall draft pick, may have felt the need to grab Fields in the hope that the Falcons can maximize his talents in a way the Bears haven’t. Now, at least if the Falcons hold the consensus opinion of scouts following the combine, they may believe they have viable options through the draft, namely McCarthy.

Fresh off leading Michigan to a national title, McCarthy showed at the combine his size and arm talent. That won over some scouts who previously saw him as a bit of a game manager for the run-focused Wolverines.

Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson — after polling executives at seven teams — reported that McCarthy is now a consensus first-rounder. He likely goes in the top half, if not the top 10, of April’s draft.

In other words, rather than give up trade assets to get Fields, who would require a $25 million payout in 2025 and an even heftier extension beyond that, the Falcons could take McCarthy without giving up picks and have him on a cheaper rookie contract. If that’s the route Atlanta takes, that’s one prime suitor off the market for Chicago.

Penix and Nix further complicate things. While both are 24 years old after winding college careers, their on-field and combine play has left enough teams intrigued.

Penix must still make it through medical exams and concerns from an injury-plagued college career at Washington and Indiana, but his performance at the combine mimicked his huge season in leading the Huskies to the national championship game. To many, he had the best throwing performance of the group. He looks pro ready.

If his knee checks out, he’s a likely first-round pick — offering another cheaper option than trying to deal for Fields.

It’s the same with Nix. His arm may lack the pop of the elite draft prospects but his accuracy Saturday showed that his FBS-record 77.45 percent completion percentage last season wasn’t merely the product of the Oregon offensive system. His footwork was also vastly improved and no one is questioning his football acumen or leadership.

If he can keep it up throughout the draft process, it is not out of the question that six quarterbacks are taken in the first round — or twice as many as some big boards predicted just a few weeks ago.

For Chicago, that could be a disappointment in an otherwise exciting time. Fields has shown plenty of potential in the three years since he was drafted 11th overall in 2021. He has dealt with a shuffling of offensive coordinators and head coaches, not to mention the general dysfunction of the Bears organization.

He could be a steal. Yet heading into his fourth season, he’s a more expensive gamble than a rookie who will play on an initial deal.

Is Fields worth a second-round pick? A third? Some combination of third day selections?

The better this crop of incoming quarterbacks looks, the smaller the market for Fields and thus the less he is likely to fetch. Individual pro days and private workouts are the next data points that could determine things.

The Bears are still in a nice spot headed into this draft, perhaps not as nice as they once hoped.

NEW YORK GIANTS

Who are the most likely suitors for RB SAQUON BARKLEY?  Michael-Middlehurst Schwartz of USA TODAY:

How much is a top NFL running back worth? And, more importantly, which teams are willing to pay that price?

Those questions should come into focus this offseason, as a star-studded group of ball carriers is set to hit free agency amid what continues to be a depressed market at the position. Among the notable players headed for the open market are Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard.

But perhaps the best microcosm of the running back situation is Saquon Barkley, the two-time Pro Bowler who has established himself as one of football’s premier all-purpose threats. But after he failed to land a significant long-term deal last season and instead settled for an adjusted franchise tender, he now stands as somewhat of a riddle for teams as a 27-year-old with a notable injury history and his last season featuring under 1,000 rushing yards.

While his market has still yet to take shape after he was not given the franchise tag again on Tuesday, here’s a look at nine possible landing spots for Barkley if he doesn’t return to the Giants, ranked from most sensible to least sensible:

1. Houston Texans

In a season during which the Texans exceeded expectations in almost every facet, a ground game that ranked just 29th in yards per carry (3.71) was one of the few letdowns. DeMeco Ryans vowed this offseason to address the issue, though it wasn’t clear whether that meant through a drastic personnel shift. But Devin Singletary is set to become a free agent after taking over for Dameon Pierce as the lead option, and the Texans have $70 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap. Barkley could help unlock something new in Bobby Slowik’s scintillating scheme and C.J. Stroud’s impressive development by giving the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year the added elements of a breakaway threat who can also shoulder a heavy load in the passing game. With the groundwork already set for this team to compete for years to come, Houston has the flexibility to take a flier on a high-upside talent like Barkley, even if it ends up being a relatively pricey proposition.

2. Chicago Bears

Ryan Poles has proven he’s not afraid to throw money around in free agency, including at spots others might not prioritize. With Chicago seemingly poised to take its quarterback of the future at No. 1 in the draft with USC’s Caleb Williams as well as potentially a wide receiver at No. 9, could Barkley make for a full skill-position overhaul? Poles seems more committed than his peers to having a ferocious run game, with his choice of investments along the offensive line serving as a clear indicator. Barkley would no doubt further change the complexion of the attack, giving new coordinator Shane Waldron the explosive threat he seems to covet but would lack with Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson as his top options.

3. Baltimore Ravens

Having Barkley join the NFL’s top-ranked rushing offense helmed by Lamar Jackson would be something to behold. Baltimore essentially has a blank slate at running back with J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards set to become free agents and Keaton Mitchell recovering from a torn ACL suffered in December. Even though a splashy move like this wouldn’t be in keeping with the Ravens’ previous approach at the position, Barkley would be a tantalizing solution. But given how snakebitten the team’s backfield has been with injuries in recent years, could the organization really make this kind of bet for him to stay on the field?

4. New England Patriots

Jerod Mayo boasted that the Patriots are ready to “burn some cash” in free agency, though he later walked back that remark in an interview with MassLive. But de facto general manager Eliot Wolf made the offseason priority clear, saying at the combine the Patriots “need to weaponize the offense.” While the moribund receiving corps should be at the center of that effort, bringing on Barkley seems like a reasonable step for an organization that has more than $88 million in cap space at its disposal and could be looking for several ways to support an incoming rookie quarterback. And even if the addition won’t push the Patriots up a full tier in the AFC pecking order, any move that gets New England closer to being competitive is sure to be met with Robert Kraft’s approval.

5. Los Angeles Chargers

For whatever mysteries there are about what Jim Harbaugh’s return to the NFL might look like, there’s no lingering question regarding his dedication to a run-heavy approach after he reunited with offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Barkley was asked on “Up & Adams” about the possibility of linking up with Harbaugh and said he “definitely wouldn’t be against it.” The Bolts are still $19 million over the cap, however, and have to be more cost-conscious than many other options on this list.

6. Cincinnati Bengals

Fun hypothetical to consider, though it only becomes plausible if the Bengals cut Joe Mixon. Even then, that move would seem to be a precursor to the team curbing its spending at the position rather than revving it up. If Cincinnati is only certain to have Tee Higgins for one more season, though, might it be worth some significant push to make the plodding running game more dynamic? His addition, however implausible, would be quite the way to welcome Joe Burrow back from the torn wrist ligament that prematurely ended his 2023 season.

7. Las Vegas Raiders

Doesn’t seem like it makes much sense for the Silver and Black to split with Josh Jacobs only to end up with a likely more expensive alternative. But the Raiders have made no secret about their interest in finding a young quarterback to take the reins, and Barkley could help ease some of the burden on any inexperienced passer. Still, a full-fledged backfield youth movement feels like ticket here.

8. Philadelphia Eagles

Howie Roseman is perhaps one of the least likely candidates to find himself anywhere near the upper portion of the running back market, as Philadelphia has repeatedly scrounged for ball carriers in the bargain-bin portion of free agency. Still, can this option truly be ruled out given the Eagles’ dire straits after a late-season tailspin that led to the team making changes at both offensive and defensive coordinator? Unless the market for Barkley and other backs is far worse than many have predicted, this possibility is difficult to envision – however fun it might be.

9. Dallas Cowboys

Don’t be fooled by Jerry Jones’ comment at the Senior Bowl about the Cowboys being “all in” for 2024. The owner’s remark was more double speak than a pledge to engage in any sort of uncharacteristic spending sprees. Left tackle Tyron Smith’s expected exit, per multiple reports, is a reminder that Jones seldom budges from his financial stances, and it’s difficult to envision him paying up for this kind of external move. Remember, the Cowboys are currently $10 million over the cap and still have a $6 million dead cap hit for 2024 from Ezekiel Elliott’s release last March. Never say never, but Dallas seems primed to go in a much more cost-effective route to find its next primary ball carrier.

DENVER

The DB had been wondering why the Broncos weren’t popping up much in the talk of teams in the QB market – and it appears that Sean Payton is smitten with QB JARED STIDHAM, already on board.  Jake Shapiro of DenverSports.com:

Both NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and 9 News‘ Mike Klis are reporting on Monday that the Denver Broncos already have a favorite for their newly open quarterback gig.

The two each reported current backup quarterback-turned-end-of-season starter Jarrett Stidham is the leader in the clubhouse to replace Russell Wilson in orange and blue. The veteran quarterback was cut on Monday afternoon after being replaced by Stidham on the field late in the 2023 season. Sean Payton said at the time the change was made to spark the offseason, though details have come out about contract language with Wilson that gives many belief there were off-the-field reasons. Stidham didn’t see himself as auditioning for the full-time gig when he started Denver’s last two games but he may have just scored it anyhow.

“They are going to evaluate all the top quarterbacks in this draft,” Rapoport said on NFL Total Access. “Sean Payton was at the combine and dialed in on quarterbacks. Would I be surprised if they traded up? No, Payton did it in the past getting Marcus Davenport. If they do not move up, Jarrett Stidham now is set to be their starter for the 2024 season. Saw a little of him last year they really liked him and it was a priority to sign him last offseason. I know there are some people who would be intrigued by what Stidham has to offer. I wouldn’t be surprised if they signed another quarterback to compete with him somebody like Jacobey Brisett or Sam Darnold, somebody who has a chance to be a starter but would have to earn it. But none of them could cost a lot of money because the Broncos aren’t in a position to pay right now.

The Broncos went 1-1 with Stidham leading the offense as he threw for 40-of-66 passes for 496 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for another score against one interception over his three appearances and two starts in 2023. The former fourth-round pick of the New England Patriots spent the 2022 season in Vegas, where he impressed in his first two career starts, both losses.

Now it seems Stidham, 27, is the most likely to start Week 1 for the Broncos in year two of Payton, particularly if the team strikes out on trading up to land a quarterback like Michagan’s J.J. McCarthy or whoever their guy may be.

Rapoport also brought up Jacobey Brissett and Sam Darnold while Klis repeated those names and added Ryan Tannehill to the bunch. The latter two are former top-ten picks six years apart, with the first, Darnold, spending last season as a backup in San Francisco after two poor seasons in Carolina of attempted rehabilitation from the Jets. Meanwhile, Tannehill had a career resurgence in Tennessee, winning the starting job there after some unremarkable years in Miami. The 35-year-old won 12 games in 2021 but has been bitten by injuries and has lost out on starts to other younger options in Nashville. And then there’s Brissett who has bounced around the league and spent last year in D.C. He’s never had an over .500 year as a starter but over 79 career games the 31-year-old has proved to be a steady backup.

The teams likely in the race for this trio of damaged gunslingers will likely give a very cheap Wilson a look too.

So it’s looking like Stidi and Sean is the 2024 ticket in Broncos Country, if the parties were Kansas City and Las Vegas, the ticket would have bipartisan support.

– – –

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com reminds us of how horrific the Broncos experience with QB RUSSELL WILSON turned out – the awful trade, the huge unwarranted contract:

Broncos country, let’s ride.

Right off a friggin’ cliff.

Four days short of the two-year anniversary of the announcement of the tentative deal that brought quarterback Russell Wilson from the Seahawks to the Broncos, the Broncos pulled the plug on the experiment. And it’s fair to ask whether it was the worst trade ever made.

Denver gave up plenty to get Wilson. Two first-round picks, two second-round picks, a fifth-round pick, tight end Noah Fant, quarterback Drew Lock, and defensive end Shelby Harris. In return, the Broncos received a 2022 fourth-round pick that became defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike; he’s currently suspended for violating the NFL gambling policy.

With the two first-round selections, Seattle landed tackle Charles Cross and cornerback Devon Witherspoon.

The trade became worse when the Broncos paid Wilson before they had to. With two years left on his existing deal, they gave him a new contract with $124 million fully guaranteed at signing.

Ultimately, a deal made that same month could end up being worse than the Wilson trade. The Browns surrendered three first-round picks, a 2022 fourth-round pick, a 2023 third-round pick, and a 2024 fourth-rounder for Watson and a 2024 fifth-round selection. Also, the Browns gave Watson a five-year, $230 million contract, every penny of which was guaranteed.

The Broncos were able to escape Wilson’s deal after two bad years. The Browns possibly would, if they could, pull the plug on Watson’s contract. Unless Watson performs starting in 2024 like he did during the early years of his career, the Watson trade could end up being worse than the Wilson trade, primarily because the Wilson trade had an escape hatch. The Watson trade does not.

Regardless, both trades were awful. Both trades robbed the franchises of multiple low-cost and potentially high-talent young players in exchange for an all-in move that has not worked out.

Despite the blunder by the Broncos, they should get credit for not doubling down in the face of a mistake. They’ve admitted it, they’re ripping off the Band-Aid, and they’re moving on.

Warren Sharp with the simpler version:

@SharpFootball

in a nutshell, Broncos GM George Paton gave up a…

1st

1st

2nd

2nd

5th + 3 players – a 4th

to get Russell Wilson

he then gave Wilson a new $242M contract

in return, he received:

► 2 years of Russell Wilson

► back-to-back losing seasons

► $85M in dead cap

GM George Patton also swung and missed when hiring HC Nathaniel Hackett…

meanwhile coaches like Mike McDaniel, Brian Daboll & KOC were sitting on the market and were hired by other teams after Denver hired Hackett

somehow he survived both nightmare moves

HOUSTON

After a one-year test drive, TE DALTON SCHULTZ has a three-year deal with the Texans.  Kevin Patra of NFL.com:

The Houston Texans have ensured the top free-agent tight end wouldn’t hit the market.

The Texans agreed to terms on a three-year, $36 million contract to keep Dalton Schultz in Houston on Tuesday, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per sources informed of the situation.

The deal includes $23.5 million fully guaranteed at signing.

After five seasons in Dallas, Schultz joined the Texans on a one-year pact last offseason and quickly became a reliable target for rookie C.J. Stroud.

In 15 games, Schultz generated 59 catches for 635 yards, for a career-high 10.8 yards per catch, and five touchdowns. The 27-year-old proved a perfect fit alongside the Texans’ weapons on the outside, able to win over the middle and on shallow out-routes. With stellar hands, he’s a trusty security blanket for Stroud.

Since 2020, Schulz ranks in the top five among tight ends in receptions (257) and touchdowns (22) and sits eighth in receiving yards (2,635). He is one of three TEs to have 50-plus catches and 500-plus receiving yards in each of the last four seasons (Travis Kelce, T.J. Hockenson).

At $12 million per year over three years, it’s a solid deal for the Texans to keep one of their weapons in Houston. Schultz will slot in as the 11th highest-paid TE in the NFL in terms of APY, per NFL Research.

The Texans entered the offseason with oodles of cap space and aimed a chunk toward keeping their own free agents. Mission accomplished with Schultz before he ever reached the open market.

JACKSONVILLE

The Jaguars have released CB DARIOUS WILLIAMS per Ian Rapoport:

@RapSheet

The #Jaguars are planning to release CB Darious Williams, source said, in a move to create cap space. He had a $10.5M cap hit. He had 9 passes defended and four INTs last year.

This creates more room to franchise tag star pass-rusher Josh Allen.

THIS AND THAT

100 TOP FREE AGENTS

From Matt Bowen of ESPN.com:

It’s nearly time for 2024 NFL free agency, and we’re stacking the best players in the class. Who is set to land a big, new contract?

The franchise tag window is now closed, which means attention turns to the legal negotiation window that opens on Monday, March 11, at noon ET. Teams can talk to free agents at that point and agree to terms on new deals. Two days later, free agency will officially open on Wednesday, March 13, at 4 p.m. ET, allowing those contracts to be finalized. Players like Chris Jones and Kirk Cousins are sure to dominate the conversation, but this class runs deep.

To set up the action, we ranked the top 100 players primed to be available. We factored in age, positional value, expected future production and scheme versatility, and restricted and exclusive free agents — for whom the original teams have the right of first refusal — are not included. Let’s jump in and look at the best available players from 1 to 100. (We will slightly tweak this list as players are cut or re-signed leading up to Monday’s negotiation window opening.)

1. Chris Jones, DT

2023 team: Kansas City Chiefs | Age in 2024 season: 30

Jones had 10.5 sacks last season and displayed the versatility to align off the edge, where his pass rush win rate jumped from 19.6% to 22.1%. The eight-year veteran is still a game-wrecking talent on the defensive front as a true disruptor. He has 75.5 sacks, 12 forced fumbles and 26 pass breakups over his career, and he should now get a big contract after returning to the Chiefs in 2023 on a one-year deal.

2. Kirk Cousins, QB

2023 team: Minnesota Vikings | Age in 2024 season: 36

Before tearing his right Achilles in Week 8, Cousins was completing 69.5% of his throws and had 18 touchdown passes to five interceptions. He’s an easy fit for a system with play-action elements in the passing game, and he should be viewed as an immediate upgrade for many offenses this offseason.

3. Christian Wilkins, DT

2023 team: Miami Dolphins | Age in 2024 season: 28

Wilkins has the position versatility to produce in multiple NFL fronts; he can align as a 3-technique, play nose tackle or even slide to the edge. He’s an explosive mover off the ball with the lateral juice to impact both the run and pass defense. Wilkins recorded 9 sacks, 35 pressures and 63 tackles last season.

4. Danielle Hunter, EDGE

2023 team: Minnesota Vikings | Age in 2024 season: 29

Hunter’s 16.5 sacks ranked fifth in the NFL last season, and he also had 54 pressures, 23 tackles for loss and 4 forced fumbles. With his long frame and great short-area speed, Hunter has the upper-level pass-rushing traits that NFL teams want on the edge.

5. Baker Mayfield, QB

2023 team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Age in 2024 season: 29

Mayfield topped the 4,000-yard mark and threw 28 touchdown passes last season, leading the Buccaneers to a playoff win. He’s at his best when throwing in rhythm from the pocket, and he uses his quick release and arm talent to decisively target multiple levels of the field. A good fit for an offense with a lot of play-action and schemed verticals, Mayfield moved up our free agent board given his production over the second half of last season, including two 300-yard playoff games.

6. Robert Hunt, G

2023 team: Miami Dolphins | Age in 2024 season: 28

At 6-foot-6 and 322 pounds, Hunt has the movement ability to mirror and win in pass pro, where he registered an 89.6% pass block win rate last season. He’s a fit for multiple run schemes, too; he can reach and climb as a zone blocker or displace defenders on gap concepts.

7. Chase Young, EDGE

2023 team: San Francisco 49ers | Age in 2024 season: 25

The start to Young’s pro career has been disrupted by injuries, but he played in 15 games last season. He was traded from Washington to San Francisco at midseason, and he compiled a combined 7.5 sacks in 2023, including 2.5 in seven games with the 49ers. Young is just entering his prime years, and he has the physical tools to produce double-digit sacks.

8. Leonard Williams, DT

2023 team: Seattle Seahawks | Age in 2024 season: 30

Williams, who was acquired in-season from the Giants, had 5.5 sacks, 33 pressures and 62 tackles last season. He’s a versatile player along the defensive front, with straight-line power at 6-foot-5, 305 pounds. Williams can create interior pressure and hold the point to clean up against the run game.

9. Bryce Huff, EDGE

2023 team: New York Jets | Age in 2024 season: 26

After recording a total of 7.5 sacks over his first three pro seasons, Huff produced 10 in 2023 for the Jets — and his pass rush win rate of 21.8% ranked eighth in the league. He’s a flamethrower off the edge, with an electric first step and the lower-body flex to turn the corner at a high rate of speed. He has major upside in nickel passing situations.

10. Kendall Fuller, CB

2023 team: Washington Commanders | Age in 2024 season: 30

A veteran with savvy coverage technique and transition speed out of his pedal, Fuller grabbed two interceptions last season, giving him a total of 16 in his career. He’d be a smart fit for a quarters-based system. And Fuller can set an edge against the run, too, with 79 tackles in 2023. I see a player who can boost the profile of a contender’s secondary.

11. Tyron Smith, OT

2023 team: Dallas Cowboys | Age in 2024 season: 33

Availability has been a concern for Smith; he has missed 33 games over his past four seasons. When healthy, however, the veteran is a detailed technician with the physical demeanor to win on the edge. In 13 games last season, Smith had an 89.1% pass block win rate and a 78.8% run block win rate.

12. Jonathan Greenard, EDGE

2023 team: Houston Texans | Age in 2024 season: 2

Greenard’s career-high 12.5 sacks tied for 10th in the league, and his 22% pass rush win rate ranked sixth. With his explosive lower body and hip flexibility, Greenard can launch off the ball. And he has developed his hand usage to create more countermoves. Greenard is also an instinctual player against the run, logging 52 tackles in 2023.

13. Jonah Jackson, G

2023 team: Detroit Lions | Age in 2024 season: 27

Jackson is an interior mauler who can keep the pocket firm in pass pro, evidenced by a 93.2% pass block win rate last season. He also plays with a physical edge in the run game, with the ability to latch onto defenders and move them off the ball.

14. Calvin Ridley, WR

2023 team: Jacksonville Jaguars | Age in 2024 season: 29

As a sudden mover in the route tree, Ridley can create second-level separation and test defenses vertically; he had 17 receptions of 20 or more yards last season. He gets out of his breaks with speed. Overall, Ridley caught 76 passes for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns last season.

15. Kevin Dotson, G

2023 team: Los Angeles Rams | Age in 2024 season: 27

After being traded from Pittsburgh in the 2023 offseason, Dotson put up the best tape of his career. He finished with a 92.4% pass block win rate and 73.5% run block win rate. A phone-booth brawler, he’s at his best in a gap run scheme.

16. Mike Onwenu, OT

2023 team: New England Patriots | Age in 2024 season: 26

At 6-foot-3 and 350 pounds, Onwenu has the ability to play guard or tackle. But I see him as a better fit inside at guard, where he can use his size and power to move defenders in gap schemes and anchor in pass protection. Onwenu posted an 88.7% pass block win rate at guard last season.

17. Saquon Barkley, RB

2023 team: New York Giants | Age in 2024 season: 26

Barkley has the traits to produce in any pro system, thanks to his ability to hit home runs. He’s a true lead back who has amassed 288 receptions and 47 total touchdowns over his six pro seasons, and he tied for ninth last season in runs for 10-plus yards (26). But while he is averaging 98.8 scrimmage yards per game over his career, he has played only two full seasons since being drafted No. 2 in 2018.

18. Marquise Brown, WR

2023 team: Arizona Cardinals | Age in 2024 season: 2

Brown has the vertical speed to threaten defenses down the field, with separation quicks and easy acceleration after the catch. Given his slight frame (5-foot-9, 180 pounds), Brown isn’t a contested-catch target. But he can create explosive plays and has 28 touchdown receptions on his career résumé. Ten of them came on throws of at least 20 air yards.

19. Russell Wilson, QB

2023 team: Denver Broncos | Age in 2024 season: 35

Wilson won’t officially be released by Denver until the beginning of the league year, but the Broncos have announced they are moving on, landing Wilson in free agency. And the veteran will draw interest as a lower-tier starter. This past season, Wilson had 26 touchdown throws and rushed for 341 yards, finishing with a 50.7 Total QBR (21st in the NFL). At this stage of his career, Wilson fits best in a play-action system that will keep him in rhythm from the pocket and allow him to operate as a distributor.

20. Chidobe Awuzie, CB

2023 team: Cincinnati Bengals | Age in 2024 season: 29

Awuzie returned from a 2022 ACL injury to post 1 interception, 3 pass breakups and 57 total tackles last season. At 6-foot and 200 pounds, he not only has the man coverage skills to challenge on the perimeter but also the fluid movement traits and closing speed to play off the ball in zone schemes. Awuzie could upgrade a secondary for a contending team.

21. Jonah Williams, OT

2023 team: Cincinnati Bengals | Age in 2024 season:

Williams, who had an 85.4% pass block win rate last season (53rd out of 69 qualified tackles), doesn’t have upper-tier power or length at the position. But he wins with technique, gaining depth to create blocking angles and pass-set lines. He can help an offensive front on the right side, and he gets a boost here because he plays a premium position.

22. Kenny Moore II, CB

2023 team: Indianapolis Colts | Age in 2024 season: 29

He’s still one of the top slot corners in the league, picking off three passes last season, giving him 17 interceptions for his career. Moore has the profile to play inside, and he’s rugged and aggressive versus the run game. But he also has the awareness to play in space and can match in coverage.

23. DJ Reader, DT

2023 team: Cincinnati Bengals | Age in 2024 season: 3

A season-ending quad injury pushes Reader down in our ranks, but we know the 6-foot-3 335-pounder could boost multiple fronts across the league. He wins with leverage, power and pad level at the point of attack, and he can get up on the toes of opposing quarterbacks as an interior pass-rusher (15 pressures in 2023).

24. Trent Brown, OT

2023 team: New England Patriots | Age in 2024 season: 31

At 6-foot-8 and 370 pounds, Brown can use his massive frame to absorb power rushers and close the door on the edge despite his limited foot quickness. He has more natural strength than raw power, and he can lean on defenders and move them off the ball. Brown is better in space than you think, too. Still, he is turning 31, and his 2023 pass block win rate of 82.7% ranked 60th among 69 qualifying offensive tackles.

25. Patrick Queen, LB

2023 team: Baltimore Ravens | Age in 2024 season: 2

Queen can clean up in the run game, blitz or drop into coverage. In addition to 133 tackles, Queen chipped in 3.5 sacks and 18 pressures last season. He hits those blitzes hard, too, challenging running backs in protection. And with an interception and six pass breakups, Queen can produce in zone coverage.

26. Xavier McKinney, S

2023 team: New York Giants | Age in 2024 season: 26

Here’s a versatile safety with the ability to roll down to cover a slot receiver, the post range that NFL teams covet and the ball skills to produce takeaways. McKinney had three interceptions last season, and he has nine picks and 14 pass breakups in his four pro seasons.

27. Josh Jacobs, RB

2023 team: Las Vegas Raiders | Age in 2024 season: 26

Jacobs is a volume grinder with the pad level and physical style to finish runs. But he also has the lateral quickness to shake defenders. Jacobs averaged 3.5 yards per carry last season and missed the final four games with a quad injury, but let’s not forget that he led the league in rushing just two years ago with 1,653 yards. Plus, he can produce as a receiver on swings, screens and unders.

28. Xavien Howard, CB

2023 team: Miami Dolphins | Age in 2024 season: 31

Howard hasn’t technically been released to enter free agency yet, but the Dolphins announced that he will be cut at the start of the league year. He will have interest from multiple teams, too, due to his perimeter coverage traits and on-the-ball production. Howard has 29 interceptions in eight seasons, and he can elevate a contending secondary.

29. Kevin Zeitler, G

2023 team: Baltimore Ravens | Age in 2024 season: 34

Zeitler is a physical inside presence with the power to displace defensive tackles and the movement ability to pull on gap schemes. He wins in pass pro, using his strong base to hold off interior rushers. In 2023, Zeitler had a solid pass block win rate of 93.8%, 26th in the NFL among all offensive linemen.

30. Kamren Curl, S

2023 team: Washington Commanders | Age in 2024 season: 25

I’d like to see Curl create more on-the-ball production — he hasn’t had an interception since grabbing three in his 2020 rookie year — but he’s a highly instinctive safety with the ability to align at multiple levels of the field. He fits best in a split-safety scheme where he can run the alley and drive top-down on the football. Curl had 115 tackles and forced a fumble in 2023.

31. Derrick Henry, RB

2023 team: Tennessee Titans | Age in 2024 season: 30

Henry had only three games with 100 or more rushing yards last season, and his playing speed is starting to decline. But he’s still a downhill hammer who scored 12 touchdowns in 2023, and he’s a good fit as an early-down/goal-line runner. Henry can play a productive role in both zone and gap schemes.

32. Sean Murphy-Bunting, CB

2023 team: Tennessee Titans | Age in 2024 season: 27

With his long, lean frame and fluid hips, Murphy-Bunting has the coverage traits to play in multiple NFL systems. Over his five pro seasons, he has eight interceptions and 22 pass breakups.

33. Frankie Luvu, LB

2023 team: Carolina Panthers | Age in 2024 season: 27

Luvu posted career-best numbers this past season in Carolina, totaling 125 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. He can be schemed off interior blitzes and has enough range to track the ball on the edges.

34. Connor Williams, C

2023 team: Miami Dolphins | Age in 2024 season: 27

A torn ACL suffered in December drops Williams here, but he was stellar for the Dolphins with a 93.9% pass block win rate before the injury. He counters his lack of power and anchor with the movement skills to play as a positional blocker. Williams is also very good in space, creating positive angles to cut off defenders.

35. Devin White, LB

2023 team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Age in 2024 season: 26

White has great second-level range and is a productive blitzer who can get home to the quarterback. He has 23 career sacks since being drafted No. 5 overall in 2019. White has the ceiling of an impact linebacker against today’s NFL passing games, but his 2023 production and tape wasn’t as impressive as previous seasons. After three straight seasons with 120-plus tackles, he managed 83.

36. Jadeveon Clowney, EDGE

2023 team: Baltimore Ravens | Age in 2024 season: 31

Clowney’s 9.5 sacks tied a career high, and he ranked fifth in pass rush win rate (24.2%). He has straight-line juice when he’s schemed in pass-rush matchups, and Clowney can close off stunts and loops. With 43 tackles on the 2023 season, he can still set an edge versus the run, too.

37. Darious Williams, CB

2023 team: Jacksonville Jaguars | Age in 2024 season: 31

Williams tied a career high with four interceptions last season in Jacksonville, and he added 12 pass breakups. He has really good backfield vision in zone coverage, which allows him to break downhill and create on-the-ball production. But Williams also has the quickness to match in man coverage, meaning the veteran corner can start somewhere on the perimeter.

38. Tony Pollard, RB

2023 team: Dallas Cowboys | Age in 2024 season: 27

In his first season as the lead back in Dallas, Pollard rushed for 1,005 yards and averaged 77.4 scrimmage yards per game. I expected higher numbers, especially since Pollard produced just three touchdown runs on 17 carries inside the 5-yard line. He fits best in a backfield rotation where his workload can be managed to maximize his dual-threat traits.

39. Josh Uche, EDGE

2023 team: New England Patriots | Age in 2024 season: 25

After a breakout 2022 that included 11.5 sacks, Uche had three last season. Watching the tape, however, you can see the sudden burst off the line and the ability to rip and bend against offensive tackles. And with his ability to close on the QB, Uche can be schemed on stunts to loop inside as a sub-rusher.

40. Lavonte David, LB

2023 team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Age in 2024 season: 34

David has had more than 100 tackles in six of the past seven seasons, and he has 33.5 career sacks. Sure, his age will factor into his free agent grade, but David is still a reliable and instinctive linebacker who can key and diagnose plays quickly. His 17 tackles for loss in 2023 tied for seventh.

41. Austin Ekeler, RB

2023 team: Los Angeles Chargers | Age in 2024 season: 29

Ekeler averaged 76 scrimmage yards per game last season, a drop from 96.3 in 2022. The play speed is down, as is the rushing efficiency (3.5 yards per carry). But with his receiving traits, Ekeler can play a defined role for a contending team in 2024. He caught 51 passes last season and has 440 receptions for his career.

42. Za’Darius Smith, EDGE

2023 team: Cleveland Browns | Age in 2024 season: 31

An ideal fit for a defense that uses schemed fronts, Smith can play on the edge or align inside as a stand-up defensive tackle/nose. He’s a power rusher with the short-area burst to close, and he had 5.5 sacks in 2023, giving him a total of 60 for his career.

43. Leonard Floyd, EDGE

2023 team: Buffalo Bills | Age in 2024 season: 31

Floyd had 10.5 sacks in 2023, and he has 39.5 over his past four seasons. I still see solid closing burst on the tape, and Floyd could help a contending team as a 3-4 outside linebacker with the pass-rush traits to win in nickel situations.

44. Lloyd Cushenberry, C

2023 team: Denver Broncos | Age in 2024 season: 26

Cushenberry’s pass block win rate of 95.2% ranked sixth among centers this past season. He’s a powerful blocker at the point of attack, with the length and anchor to stick pass-rushers in pass protection.

45. Geno Stone, S

2023 team: Baltimore Ravens | Age in 2024 season: 25

Stone’s seven interceptions ranked second in the league last season. He’s an assignment-sound defender with the field vision and downhill burst to drive on the ball from depth. Stone can fit in multiple defenses as an interchangeable safety who can spin down or rotate to the post.

46. Gardner Minshew, QB

2023 team: Indianapolis Colts | Age in 2024 season: 28

In 13 starts for the Colts last season, Minshew passed for 3,305 yards, 15 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. He’s a timing and rhythm thrower with the second-reaction ability to extend plays. Minshew grades out as a high-level No. 2 option.

47. Drue Tranquill, LB

2023 team: Kansas City Chiefs | Age in 2024 season: 29

Given the number of loaded sub-package fronts we saw last season, Tranquill has the skill set to fit with multiple teams as a versatile second-level defender. In 2023, he had 79 tackles and 4.5 sacks. He can be schemed as a blitzer with the closing speed to match with dual-threat quarterbacks as a “spy” in passing situations.

48. Mekhi Becton, OT

2023 team: New York Jets | Age in 2024 season: 25

Becton has an injury history, and his tape was subpar last season. However, the 2020 first-round pick will be just 25 years old at the start of the 2024 season, and he has the talent and an enormous 6-foot-7, 363-pound frame to draw interest in a very light market at the tackle position.

49. Grover Stewart, DT

2023 team: Indianapolis Colts | Age in 2024 season: 30

Stewart logged only 11 starts this past season due to a six-game PED suspension. He fits as a 1-technique/nose tackle due to his ability to command double-teams and clog up rushing lanes. At 6-foot-4, 315 pounds, Stewart has the physical profile to elevate the interior of a defensive front.

50. Darnell Mooney, WR

2023 team: Chicago Bears | Age in 2024 season: 26

Mooney caught 31 of his 61 targets last season in Chicago’s run-heavy offense, but he went over 1,000 receiving yards just a few seasons ago in 2021. Mooney has the vertical stretch ability to threaten opposing defenses and the speed to get loose after the catch on in-breaking concepts.

51. Sheldon Rankins, DT

2023 team: Houston Texans | Age in 2024 season: 30

This defensive tackle has some pass-rush juice, as Rankins had six sacks and 16 pressures last season in Houston. He’s quick off the ball with active hands and the lower-body power to disrupt the pocket. He could upgrade both base and sub-package fronts for a team.

52. Gabe Davis, WR

2023 team: Buffalo Bills | Age in 2024 season: 25

He is more than capable of big-game performances, averaging 16.6 yards per catch last season with 12 receptions of 20 or more yards. Davis is a long-strider with good buildup speed, and he can work as a downfield perimeter or a middle-of-the-field target. He can add a vertical element to multiple NFL offenses, with the ability to work the second level on schemed throws.

53. Jermaine Eluemunor, OT

2023 team: Las Vegas Raiders | Age in 2024 season: 29

Eluemunor started 14 games for the Raiders in 2023, checking in with a pass rush win rate of 87.9% (32nd of 69 qualified tackles). He has the footwork and movement skills to climb in the running game, and he can handle power in pass protection. Eluemunor ranks higher than you might think here due to positional value.

54. Andrew Van Ginkel, EDGE

2023 team: Miami Dolphins | Age in 2024 season: 29

Van Ginkel can align as a stand-up edge rusher to get after the passer or drop as a curl/flat defender. In 2023, he had 6 sacks, 31 pressures and 69 tackles. Van Ginkel can be overwhelmed at the point of attack in pass-rush situations, but he has enough lower-body flexibility and closing burst — as well as a secondary rush plan — to disrupt the pocket.

55. Jacoby Brissett, QB

2023 team: Washington Commanders | Age in 2024 season: 31

Brissett saw limited playing time in 2023 with Washington, completing 18 of 23 passes for 223 yards and three touchdowns, but he played in at least 11 games in each of the past four seasons. The veteran is a savvy decision-maker with the ball, has produced in many different NFL systems and has second-reaction traits to create stress on opposing defenses. Look for Brissett to sign as a No. 2 this offseason.

56. Andre James, C

2023 team: Las Vegas Raiders | Age in 2024 season: 27

James’ pass rush win rate of 96.5% ranked second among centers this past season. He has the lateral movement skills to counter interior pass-rushers and the ability to combo/climb and reach as a run-blocker. He can jump in and start for a new team in 2024.

57. Hunter Henry, TE

2023 team: New England Patriots | Age in 2024 season: 29

A seam-stretcher at the position, Henry has the 6-foot-5 frame and route-running traits to work the middle of the field and produce in the red zone. He caught 42 passes for 419 yards and six touchdowns in 2023 with the Patriots, and he has 38 touchdown receptions in his career.

58. AJ Epenesa, EDGE

2023 team: Buffalo Bills | Age in 2024 season: 25

Just entering the prime years of his career, Epenesa posted 6.5 sacks for Buffalo in 2023 and flashed some playmaking ability with two interceptions — and he took one back for a score. At 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds, Epenesa can set an edge for you in the running game, use his frame to bat down passes and attack the pocket as a speed-to-power rusher.

59. Blake Cashman, LB

2023 team: Houston Texans | Age in 2024 season: 28

Cashman had 104 tackles in DeMeco Ryans’ defense, along with two sacks and a pick. His play recognition is quick on the tape, and he can be a productive blitzer. Cashman is also an easy mover in space, as he can drop and change directions as a zone defender.

60. Denico Autry, EDGE

2023 team: Tennessee Titans | Age in 2024 season: 34

Autry will be 34 years old at the start of next season, but the tape tells us that the veteran can still create pressure as a versatile pass-rusher. In 2023 with Tennessee, Autry totaled 11.5 sacks and 38 pressures. He displays the play strength to be a 5-technique in base fronts, but he can also rush from both interior and edge alignments in subpackages.

61. Noah Fant, TE

2023 team: Seattle Seahawks | Age in 2024 season: 26

Fant had 32 receptions for 414 yards in 2023 with the Seahawks. At 6-foot-4 and 249 pounds, he can press defenses at multiple levels in the passing game, but I also see the ability to work in-line as a blocker. He’s a fit for a team that uses 12 and 13 personnel to get multiple tight ends on the field.

62. Jordyn Brooks, LB

2023 team: Seattle Seahawks | Age in 2024 season: 26

A stack linebacker with pursuit speed and blitzing ability, Brooks managed a career-high 4.5 sacks last season in Seattle, as well as 111 tackles and an interception that he returned for a touchdown. In coverage, Brooks can match/carry against inside verticals or play to depth as a hook defender.

63. D’Andre Swift, RB

2023 team: Philadelphia Eagles | Age in 2024 season: 25

Swift rushed for 1,049 yards on 229 carries last season in Philadelphia, both career highs. He’s a decisive zone-scheme runner with the burst to hit it downhill and the vision to find cutback lanes. In four pro seasons, Swift also has 195 receptions, which increases his value in free agency.

64. Damien Lewis, G

2023 team: Seattle Seahawks | Age in 2024 season: 27

Lewis can anchor well in pass protection, but he tends to get top-heavy and stressed on the edges in one-on-one matchups. He’s still young and durable, and he registered a solid pass block win rate of 90.8% with Seattle. Plus, Lewis is a powerful interior road-grader in the run game.

65. Julian Blackmon, S

2023 team: Indianapolis Colts | Age in 2024 season: 26

A multilevel defender, Blackmon had a career-high four interceptions and 88 tackles in Indianapolis last season. He has the range and ball skills to play over the top, and he could help a secondary in split-safety and single-high schemes.

66. Jameis Winston, QB

2023 team: New Orleans Saints | Age in 2024 season: 30

Yes, Winston’s aggressive throwing mentality can lead to poor decision-making and turnover opportunities for the defense. But he also has the arm talent to push the ball deep and the mobility to escape and extend plays. Winston saw action in seven games last season, completing 53.2% of his throws for 264 yards, 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. He can fill the No. 2 role for a club in free agency.

67. C.J. Gardner-Johnson, S

2023 team: Detroit Lions | Age in 2024 season: 26

A torn pectoral muscle limited Gardner-Johnson to three regular-season games in 2023, but he returned for the postseason and had 12 tackles and one interception in three playoff games. Gardner-Johnson has multidimensional traits, as he can play in the deep half or match up in coverage over the slot. He had six interceptions two seasons ago in 2022 while with the Eagles.

68. Curtis Samuel, WR

2023 team: Washington Commanders | Age in 2024 season: 28

Samuel caught 62 passes for 613 yards last season in Washington, and 260 of those yards came after the catch. In addition to his catch-and-run ability, Samuel can be schemed on manufactured touches and stretch the middle of the field from slot alignments.

69. Stephon Gilmore, CB

2023 team: Dallas Cowboys | Age in 2024 season: 33

Gilmore, who will turn 34 a few weeks into the 2024 season, played productive football for the Cowboys last season, grabbing two interceptions and breaking up 10 passes. You can still see the physical coverage skills on tape, and Gilmore plays with veteran technique. He’s a fit for a contending team looking to add a corner with inside/outside ability.

70. Jerome Baker, LB

2023 team: Miami Dolphins | Age in 2024 season: 27

A run-and-hit defender with the ability to pressure and produce in coverage, Baker has five interceptions and 22.5 sacks over six seasons. And at 27 years old, he should draw strong interest after being released by the Dolphins. I see immediate subpackage upside.

71. John Simpson, G

2023 team: Baltimore Ravens | Age in 2024 season: 27

At 6-foot-4 and 330 pounds, Simpson is a long, powerful blocker who can drive people off the ball. There are some movement limitations in his game that show up in space, but after three years with the Raiders, Simpson played his best football in Baltimore last season, registering a career-high pass block win rate of 92.5%.

72. Steven Nelson, CB

2023 team: Houston Texans | Age in 2024 season: 31

Nelson tied his career high with four interceptions last season in Houston and broke up seven passes. He’s at his best in a zone-heavy scheme where he can use his backfield vision to get a jump on the ball, and Nelson plays with a veteran savvy in the secondary. He could help a contender.

73. Ryan Tannehill, QB

2023 team: Tennessee Titans | Age in 2024 season: 36

In 10 games played with the Titans last season, Tannehill completed 64.8% of his passes for 1,616 yards, 4 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He fits best in a play-action-heavy offense where he can target the intermediate windows on defined throws or attack the edges off boot concepts. And for whatever team signs him, Tannehill would bring veteran experience to the quarterback room.

74. Fletcher Cox, DT

2023 team: Philadelphia Eagles | Age in 2024 season: 33

Cox can still disrupt the pocket and create interior run-game matchups for the defensive front. Last season in Philly, Cox had 5 sacks, 29 pressures and 33 tackles. If he doesn’t return to the Eagles, look for a contending team to add the veteran tackle.

75. Dalton Risner, G

2023 team: Minnesota Vikings | Age in 2024 season: 29

Risner’s pass block win rate of 95.5% ranked fifth among guards in 2023, and he allowed two sacks on the season. He can anchor in pass protection and displays a strong and rugged play style as a run-blocker. Gap run teams should take a look at his tape.

76. Azeez Al-Shaair, LB

2023 team: Tennessee Titans | Age in 2024 season: 27

Al-Shaair started all 17 games for the Titans last season, racking up 163 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. He can play downhill in the run game, and the pursuit speed is there for him to cut off the ball on the edges. Al-Shaair’s lack of on-the-ball-production in coverage (one pass breakup) dropped him on our list, but he can help a team in the middle of the defense.

77. Darnell Savage, S

2023 team: Green Bay Packers | Age in 2024 season: 27

A calf injury limited Savage to just 10 games last season, and his numbers were down, too. He failed to record an interception and finished with one pass breakup. For teams in need of a versatile safety, though, Savage has the urgent speed to run the alley and the coverage traits and range to find the ball. In five seasons with the Packers, Savage has had nine interceptions and 21 pass breakups.

78. Josey Jewell, LB

2023 team: Denver Broncos | Age in 2024 season: 29

Jewell had 110 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries last season. He’s highly instinctive against the run and shows the coverage awareness to patrol the intermediate windows as a zone defender. Jewell can step in and command the middle of the defense when he is paired with a speedy weakside linebacker.

79. Jordan Fuller, S

2023 team: Los Angeles Rams | Age in 2024 season: 26

Fuller had three interceptions last season with the Rams, and he has notched seven picks in his four years as a pro. So the ball skills are there, and I see him as an easy fit for a split-safety defense. Fuller can match inside verticals, patrol the deep half and pepper the alleys as a run defender.

80. Odell Beckham Jr., WR

2023 team: Baltimore Ravens | Age in 2024 season: 31

Beckham caught 35 passes for 565 yards and three touchdowns with the Ravens, including 10 receptions of 20 or more yards. He can create separation both at the line of scrimmage and at the top of his route due to his refined route-running skills.

81. Gerald Everett, TE

2023 team: Los Angeles Chargers | Age in 2024 season: 30

Everett can be schemed on screens and unders, using his ball-carrier vision in space to pick up extra yards. He’s also effective uncovering as a middle-of-the-field option. Everett caught 51 passes for 411 yards in Los Angeles last season, with about two-thirds of those receiving yards coming after the catch.

82. Bobby Wagner, LB

2023 team: Seattle Seahawks | Age in 2024 season: 34

At this stage of his career, Wagner has coverage limitations. But because his high-level instincts give him a jump on the play, Wagner will still rack up tackles; he totaled a career-high 183 in Seattle last season.

83. Adoree’ Jackson, CB

2023 team: New York Giants | Age in 2024 season: 28

Jackson had five pass breakups last season, and he returned his lone interception for a touchdown. He’s an aggressive cover corner with greedy eyes, and he can play either on the perimeter or in the slot.

84. Kevin Byard, S

2023 team: Philadelphia Eagles | Age in 2024 season: 31

In 16 games between the Titans and Eagles last season, Byard had 122 tackles and an interception. He’s a veteran defender with field awareness, alignment versatility and ball skills. Byard has 28 career interceptions.

85. Teair Tart, DT

2023 team: Houston Texans | Age in 2024 season: 27

In 13 games with both the Titans and Texans last season, Tart combined for 24 tackles and one sack. He lacks explosive movement traits but has the upper-body power to rock back interior linemen and disengage to track the ball. Tart fits as a rotational player for a defensive line that needs depth at 3-technique or nose tackle.

86. Tyler Boyd, WR

2023 team: Cincinnati Bengals | Age in 2024 season: 29

A fit for offenses that major in 11 personnel, Boyd can win inside matchups and move the chains. He has been a consistent pro and wins with detail in the route tree. Boyd caught 67 passes for 667 yards in 2023, and he has 31 career touchdowns.

87. Folorunso Fatukasi, DT

2023 team: Jacksonville Jaguars | Age in 2024 season: 29

At 6-foot-4 and 318 pounds, Fatukasi has the scheme versatility to play in multiple fronts, aligning as a nose tackle or 3-technique, or even bumping to 5-technique. He’s powerful at the point of attack, shocking blockers to restrict interior run lanes. And he can give you some push in pass-rush situations. Last season with the Jaguars — who cut him in early March — Fatukasi posted 24 tackles.

88. Tyrel Dodson, LB

2023 team: Buffalo Bills | Age in 2024 season: 26

Dodson started 10 games for the Bills last season in relief of the injured Matt Milano, finishing with 70 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 2 pass breakups. The short-area speed pops on the tape, and Dodson plays fast due to his field vision. He’s a stack linebacker with coverage upside.

89. Ezra Cleveland, G

2023 team: Jacksonville Jaguars | Age in 2024 season: 26

Cleveland, who started 11 games last season between the Vikings and Jags, posted a pass block win rate of 90.8%. He lacks a powerful anchor in pass protection, but he’s a strong positional blocker with the movement ability to win inside. He fits best in a zone-blocking scheme.

90. Jeremy Chinn, S

2023 team: Carolina Panthers | Age in 2024 season: 26

With more NFL defenses using “big nickel” personnel (three-safety subpackage), Chinn will draw interest due to his 6-foot-3 size, speed and coverage ability. Yes, I’d like to see more ball production, as Chinn has logged just two interceptions in four pro seasons, but with the ability to match in the slot, he has the traits to be deployed as a scheme-specific player.

91. Sam Darnold, QB

2023 team: San Francisco 49ers | Age in 2024 season: 27

Darnold saw limited action as the backup to Brock Purdy, completing 28 of 46 passes for 297 yards. The 2018 No. 3 overall pick has the throwing and movement traits to fit in a defined passing game.

92. Calais Campbell, EDGE

2023 team: Atlanta Falcons | Age in 2024 season: 38

Campbell can still play a productive role on a defensive front. Last season, he had 6.5 sacks and 28 pressures, while using his play strength and 6-foot-8, 282-pound frame to hold the point of attack.

93. Tyler Biadasz, C

2023 team: Dallas Cowboys | Age in 2024 season: 26

Biadasz’s pass block win rate of 92.6% ranked 17th among centers this past season. While he lacks top-end movement skills, he’s sturdy and square at the point of attack. Biadasz fits as a mid-to-low-tier starter.

94. Shaquil Barrett, EDGE

2023 team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Age in 2024 season: 31

After tearing his Achilles in 2022, Barrett’s numbers declined in 2023; he finished with 4.5 sacks and 32 pressures. He is potentially looking at a short-term deal to add depth and pass-rush experience somewhere.

95. Jon Runyan, G

2023 team: Green Bay Packers | Age in 2024 season: 27

A versatile interior lineman who wins with angles, positioning and movement traits, Runyan lacks high-end functional power. In 2023, Runyan’s pass block win rate of 94.2% ranked ninth among guards.

96. Drew Lock, QB

2023 team: Seattle Seahawks | Age in 2024 season: 27

In two games as the starter last season with Seattle, Lock completed 68.8% of his throws for 477 yards, 3 touchdown passes and 2 interceptions. His decision-making can be questioned, but Lock has the physical tools to produce.

97. Willie Gay, LB

2023 team: Kansas City Chiefs | Age in 2024 season: 26

A weakside linebacker with second-level range and change-of-direction quickness, Gay had 58 tackles, 1 sack, 3 forced fumbles and 1 interception last season. He can play a defined role in both base and subpackages, with the added ability to blitz.

98. DaQuan Jones, DT

2023 team: Buffalo Bills | Age in 2024 season: 32

At 6-foot-4, 320 pounds, Jones can help solidify the middle of a defensive front as a 1-technique/nose tackle. He had 16 tackles and 2.5 sacks with the Bills last season, showing his ability to take on double-teams and shed blockers. He flashes some interior push as a pass-rusher.

99. Javon Kinlaw, DT

2023 team: San Francisco 49ers | Age in 2024 season: 26

Injuries have limited Kinlaw to 41 games over four seasons in San Francisco, and he has posted only five sacks during that time. At 6-foot-5 and 319 pounds, the 2020 first-rounder has the traits to be deployed as a 5-technique.

100. Mike Danna, EDGE

2023 team: Kansas City Chiefs | Age in 2024 season: 26

Danna had 6.5 sacks, 24 pressures, 50 tackles and 3 batted passes last season. He doesn’t flash high-end traits on the tape, but he can be deployed from various alignments in subpackages, using his straight-line power and effort to clean up in the pocket.

2024 DRAFT

Dane Brugler of The Athletic, one of the best at this, has a new Mock with tasty trades.

After a week at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, we are left with information overload. The next step is scrubbing the testing data, workout notes and late-night rumors to figure out how it all will affect the picks on NFL Draft weekend.

Trades shake up the first round every year, and 2024 won’t be an exception. For this mock draft, I wanted to include seven realistic trades — several of them in the top 10 — which would create a domino effect for the rest of the first round.

With a little less than two months until the draft, there is still plenty that will change. But given what we know right now and what I heard while in Indianapolis, here is an updated look at Round 1 (plus a couple picks in Round 2):

(Note: An asterisk indicates a proposed trade for the purposes of this mock.)

1. Chicago Bears (from CAR): Caleb Williams, QB, USC

While this isn’t a done deal, I didn’t talk to anyone at the combine who believes this won’t happen. An intriguing scenario would be if the Commanders try to make a move up to No. 1 to bring Williams back home — that possibility came up a few times during my conversations in Indianapolis. And if the Bears have similar grades on multiple quarterbacks, a move down might make sense for them.

But with what we know right now, Williams to Chicago is the expected final outcome.

2. Washington Commanders: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

From team to team, there is split opinion on how to rank the projected top three quarterbacks. With Williams already off the board, would Washington general manager Adam Peters prefer Maye or Jayden Daniels?

Peters, head coach Dan Quinn, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and quarterback coach Tavita Pritchard sat down with both Maye and Daniels at the combine, the latest step in their process. Peters has said that getting the “person” right is the key to nailing this pick — and that fact-finding mission is still ongoing.

3. Atlanta Falcons (from NE)*: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

Projected trade: Falcons send No. 8, No. 43 and a 2025 first-round pick to the Patriots for No. 3

After years in salary-cap hell, would the Falcons be open to throwing a massive check at Kirk Cousins? Many in the league believe so, which speaks to Atlanta’s craving to upgrade at quarterback. But if Cousins elects to stay in Minnesota, the Falcons trading up to No. 3 feels like the next likeliest option.

Owner Arthur Blank once signed off on a trade that surrendered a massive haul of draft picks to jump up for a wide receiver (Julio Jones). He won’t hesitate to do it again if it means landing the upgrade at quarterback his franchise has been coveting. Is Daniels that guy? It’s a strong possibility.

4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

Harrison has been mocked to the Cardinals incessantly since the moment last year’s draft ended — and part of me would like to swap in LSU’s Malik Nabers or Washington’s Rome Odunze for the sake of switching things up. But even without testing data, Harrison remains the favorite to be the first non-quarterback drafted.

5. Chicago Bears (from LAC)*: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

Projected trade: Bears send No. 9, No. 75 and a 2025 fourth-rounder to the Chargers for No. 5

All right, now we’re cooking. The Chargers want to move back and add more picks as Jim Harbaugh rebuilds the roster to fit his vision.

For the Bears, fortune favors the bold. None of the top three receivers are falling to No. 9, and this is a relatively low price to pay for an impact pass catcher who will help win games from Day 1. Only GM Ryan Poles knows which receiver he would prefer in this scenario, but a popular theory to emerge from combine buzz was that a Bears-Odunze pairing might be the best fit in the draft.

6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

General manager Joe Schoen won’t be able to hide his smile if Nabers is still available at No. 6. Regardless of who’s playing quarterback for the Giants, this offense drastically needs a true X receiver who changes how defenses game plan against it. Nabers is that, and more.

7. Minnesota Vikings (from TEN)*: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

Projected trade: Vikings send No. 11, No. 109 and a 2025 second-rounder to the Titans for No. 7

Bringing back Cousins and drafting McCarthy is the ideal outcome for the Vikings, as that would bridge the short-term with the long-term at the roster’s most important position. But with Denver, Las Vegas, New Orleans and maybe a few other teams potentially in the McCarthy market, it might require a trade up for Minnesota to nab the Michigan quarterback.

8. New England Patriots (from ATL)*: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

The Patriots have an obvious need at quarterback, but they have a ton of needs in general. And one league source told me that de facto general manager Eliot Wolf “wants to stockpile draft picks.” Not only would the Patriots add a haul of draft capital in a trade back, but in this scenario, they’re still getting a really talented prospect. Alt met with New England offensive line coach Scott Peters at the combine, and he would answer a pivotal need for the offense.

New England doesn’t address its quarterback need in the first round here. But let’s say the Patriots trade a third-rounder (No. 68) to the Bears for Justin Fields — that would give them a potentially cheaper (and more exciting) “let’s see if it works” plan as they build up the roster. They still would have two second-rounders this year and two first-rounders next year, which would allow Wolf to upgrade several positions.

9. Los Angeles Chargers (from CHI)*: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

Odunze to the Bears and this pick are my two favorite fits in the mock. It is no secret that Harbaugh wants to invest in the trenches so his rushing attack can be the backbone of the offense. Fuaga is an ass-kicker in the run game and a natural right tackle, making him a perfect complement for All-Pro left tackle Rashawn Slater.

10. New York Jets: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State

The Jets don’t have a left tackle currently on the roster, and the free-agent options will be lean.

Fashanu needs to continue improving as a run blocker, but he is outstanding in pass protection because of his footwork and body control. A rookie having to protect Aaron Rodgers’ blindside wouldn’t be ideal, but it might be the most realistic scenario.

11. Tennessee Titans (from MIN)*: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

If the Titans target offensive tackle in Round 1, they might feel comfortable trading back and adding picks because of the volume of options at the position. Latham didn’t test at the combine, but the 342-pounder looked outstanding in positional drills.

12. Denver Broncos: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

Talking with team sources at the combine about Bowers, they were effusive in their praise for the Georgia tight end — but all agreed his landing spot in the first round was tough to peg. One scout suggested the Broncos as a dark-horse possibility, which makes sense with Denver wanting to add more impact players on offense.

As for quarterback, it is tough to figure out exactly what the Broncos’ plan will be if they’re unable to trade up for one of the top four QB prospects. One trade I almost proposed here had the Broncos moving back and selecting Bo Nix later in Round 1.

13. Las Vegas Raiders: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

No defensive players in the top 12? The first defensive player selected is a MAC prospect? Neither outcome is crazy. Mitchell checks every box — tape, production, all-star game and now combine testing (including a 4.33-second 40-yard dash).

14. New Orleans Saints: Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

This match feels too easy. Turner isn’t quite Micah Parsons, but he can be used in a similar way with his ability to drop, rush from different angles or be an impact player versus the run. He would instantly upgrade New Orleans’ front seven.

15. Indianapolis Colts: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

Although the Colts have made it clear that Michael Pittman Jr. isn’t going anywhere, they’ll be looking for ways to upgrade on the outside for QB Anthony Richardson. At 6-foot-3 and 209 pounds, Thomas is a premier athlete (4.33 40-yard dash) and a better route runner than most think.

16. Pittsburgh Steelers (from SEA)*: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Projected trade: Steelers send No. 20 and No. 84 to the Seahawks for No. 16 and No. 151

Déjà vu here with the Steelers trading up in Round 1 for a Georgia offensive tackle. (Pittsburgh moved from No. 17 to No. 14 to select Broderick Jones last year).

At 6-8, 340, Mims is the most fascinating player in the draft, because of his special traits. The body of work (eight starts) might not be there, but if he had a deeper resume, a team like the Steelers wouldn’t have a shot to get him this late.

17. Philadelphia Eagles (from JAX)*: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

Projected trade: Eagles send No. 22, No. 97 and a 2025 fourth-round pick to the Jaguars for No. 17

Another perfect match in terms of need and fit, the Eagles move up here to nab Arnold. Head coach Nick Sirianni talks about his players competing with a “dog mentality,” and that might be the No. 1 trait that sticks out in Arnold’s game. He dominated during DB drills at the combine.

18. Cincinnati Bengals: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

Right tackle feels like the most likely option for the Bengals, but — as happened here with five OTs off the board early — what happens if their targeted options get wiped out? I think the focus then would shift to defensive tackle, and Murphy would be a great fit for what Cincinnati likes at the position. He is terrific against the run and relentless to the quarterback.

19. Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State

Two years after missing out on a trade for Brian Burns, the Rams could turn to a different former Seminoles pass rusher. Verse is a power-based defender who competes with the energy that would make him an easy sell in the Rams’ war room.

20. Seattle Seahawks (from PIT)*: Jackson Powers-Johnson, G/C, Oregon

Since John Schneider took over as Seahawks general manager, 40 percent of his first-round picks have been offensive linemen. You could argue that center has never been a position he has targeted early in the draft, but Powers-Johnson has true center-guard versatility and the talent to quickly become the top offensive lineman on the roster.

21. Miami Dolphins: Troy Fautanu, G/OT, Washington

I find it hard to believe that Fautanu will fall out of the top 20 — he is too talented and well-liked around the league. But he lands at No. 21 in this scenario, and the Dolphins wouldn’t be mad to see it.

Can Fautanu stay at tackle in the NFL? Absolutely. But he also can be a really good plug-and-play guard, and that is likely where he would start in Miami.

22. Jacksonville Jaguars (from PHI)*: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

Yes, Wiggins turned some heads with his 4.28 40-yard dash, but scouts also bring up another number with him — 173 pounds. Several teams simply will not draft a sub-175-pounder in the top 25, while others will be able to overlook his light frame (like the Commanders did last year with Emmanuel Forbes).

I think the Jaguars would feel great in this scenario, adding two extra picks by trading back and still getting a talent like Wiggins.

23. Houston Texans (from CLE): Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA

Latu will be a Round 1 wild card, because of his medicals and his good, but not great, athletic profile. However, the Texans and general manager Nic Caserio have been comfortable rolling the dice on medical risks in the past, and they value tape over testing when it comes to draft picks. Given the way he competes, Latu feels like DeMeco Ryans’ type of guy.

24. Buffalo Bills (from DAL)*: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

Projected trade: Bills send No. 28 and No. 99 to the Cowboys for No. 24 and No. 213

I am not 100 percent sold on Mitchell being a culture fit for Buffalo.

General manager Brandon Beane wants super competitive players, and Mitchell showed flashes of that, along with the talent to become a top-15 receiver in the NFL. Based on talent and skill level, Mitchell would be an upgrade at receiver — but how he interviews will determine everything. Beane will never be shy trading up for a player he thinks can be a difference-maker.

25. Green Bay Packers: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

Matching the Packers and DeJean is very unoriginal, I know, but I’m mocking what makes sense more than going for hot takes. The “is DeJean a safety or a corner” discord is overplayed, because he can legitimately play both spots. He is the best run-defending defensive back in the class, too, and has the athleticism to cover in space.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Graham Barton, G/C, Duke

Like Fautanu, Barton is another prospect with a near-universal approval rating among NFL teams. He is athletic, strong and a charged-up competitor — and would be getting more buzz had he not been sidelined by an injury. Teams project him as an interior offensive lineman, an area Tampa Bay could be looking to upgrade.

27. Arizona Cardinals (from HOU): Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri

The Cardinals want to address edge rusher and defensive tackle this offseason — and Robinson can help in both areas. Arizona coach Jonathan Gannon would really appreciate Robinson’s versatility and violence.

28. Dallas Cowboys (from BUF)*: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

Fourteen years ago, the Cowboys drafted an athletic right tackle in Round 1 and kicked him to the left side. That, of course, was Tyron Smith, who appears to have played his final game in a Dallas uniform. This feels like a possible passing of the torch.

Built in a similar mold, Guyton isn’t quite as freaky, but the college right tackle has dynamic ability and his best football is ahead of him — possibly at left tackle.

29. Detroit Lions: Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State

From the Nittany Lions to the Detroit Lions for Robinson. This pick came down to Johnny Newton or Robinson — and though I think Newton might be the better profile fit, the Lions also want to get more explosive on the edges. They went against the grain in the first round last year, and I can’t wait to see how they attack it in 2024.

30. Carolina Panthers (from BAL)*: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia

Projected trade: Panthers send No. 33 and No. 141 to the Ravens for No. 30

The Panthers have to get better on the offensive line, but they also have to add weapons who can get open and give Bryce Young a target. McConkey, who can play both inside and outside, is arguably the best in this draft class at creating space with his crisp route running and electric speed/quickness.

In this scenario, Carolina doesn’t let the Chiefs snatch up McConkey. First-year general manager Dan Morgan moves up and gets his guy.

31. San Francisco 49ers: Jordan Morgan, OT/G, Arizona

The eighth offensive tackle taken in this mock, Morgan is an ideal scheme fit for San Francisco. But he also makes timeline sense, because he offers versatility on the line despite having only played left tackle in college. Morgan can help fill in at guard or right tackle right away and potentially be the long-term plan on the left side whenever Trent Williams decides to hang ‘em up.

32. Kansas City Chiefs: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

Oh sure, the fastest man in combine history falls to the back-to-back Super Bowl champs. Worthy will be a really interesting test case, because the speed is special and it shows up on tape, but he was 165 pounds at the combine — and that number will scare off some teams. However, if he lasts all the way to pick No. 32, Red Raiders (like QB Patrick Mahomes) and Longhorns will learn to get along in Kansas City.

Teams without a Round 1 pick

33. Baltimore Ravens (from CAR)*: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU

The Ravens moved back three spots and still got the player they would have targeted at 30. With his youth, size and versatility, Suamataia checks several boxes that general manager Eric DeCosta values in early picks. The BYU product offers experience and upside at both left and right tackle.

54. Cleveland Browns: Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida

I miss mocking for the Browns in the first round, so hopefully this is the last year they’ll have to wait until mid-Round 2.

Cleveland will be looking at defensive tackle and offensive tackle here, as well as wide receiver — and it might come down to who’s left for them among their true second-round grades. Pearsall is a dependable target with his route quickness and Velcro-like hands.