NFL teams Final preparations are being made as teams build their boards this month, conducting top-30 visits with draft hopefuls and medicals on players flagged at the combine. It's important for fans to know how those big boards are formed.
First, they don't have 100 prospects on their boards. Instead, it will be a very finely cut list of around 150 in total. Those players are arranged by where the team is comfortable taking them, but also takes roster needs into account. Considerations include work ethic, medical evaluations, athleticism, production, personality and many other qualities, but the conversation starts with whether or not the prospect is a good fit for what that particular team wants to do on offense or defense.
In today's brainstorming exercise, we examine the positional needs and what each team can accomplish in the first round.
Without further ado, let's get started!
For more draft coverage, you can listen to in-depth analysis twice a week “with first choice” — throughout our year The NFL Draft Along with the podcast The NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson and former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. You can find your podcasts “by first choice” wherever you are: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Network lightetc. Listen to the latest episode below!
Teams without a first round pick
33. Panthers: CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson
Carolina would love to get an offensive tackle with this pick, but the team is heavily favored to take Wiggins to start opposite JC Horn.
42. Texans: TD Braden Fiske, Florida State
Houston addresses a major position of need with the selection of Fiske. The Texans were interested in Arik Armstead, and have now landed on the most cost-effective option in the draft.
54. Browns: TD Mason Smith, LSU
Defensive tackle is a long-term position the Browns need to provide short-term solutions on the roster. Cleveland has been drawn to LSU in the past, especially players coming off seasons like Grant Delpitt and Greedy Williams.
2024 The NFL Draft It will be held in Detroit from April 25-27. More draft coverage can be found on CBSSports.com, including weekly Updated draft order And will continue to be available Check out the eligible opportunities.
