2024 NFL Draft tracker, takeaways: Round-to-round picks by team, grades, analysis as three-day event concludes

Jets get their version of Deebo Samuel

The Jets are drafting Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley. Instead of trading for Brandon Aiyuk, they draft their own version. Corley has been incredibly dynamic after the catch and he added really good weight going into this season. 

Round 2, pick 64: 49ers select CB Renardo Green

Renardo Green is a smaller, more spindly outside CB who may not have the twitch to play inside in the NFL. Hips are mostly very fluid, and he has natural mirroring skills despite slightly above-average athletic gifts. Has press man experience and very patient there because he can't get handsy due to short arms/reach. Best in off-man where his hip swivel can be an asset along with his awareness as the ball is arriving. Very experienced and makes the most of balls thrown in his target vicinity. Closes throwing lanes quickly and natural balls skills. Works reasonably hard to make an impact against the run just easily blocked because of his size and length deficiency. Speed is at times good but will be easily stretched to the limit by most faster NFL WRs. Overall, he has a reasonably high floor and is scheme versatile, but he's a CB without much upside because of average-ish athletic traits and age. 

Pro Comparison: Nate Hobbs

About
-- 2023: Second-team All-ACC
-- 2023: Led ACC (and 10th in FBS) with 13 pass breakups

Strengths
-- Fluid hips help him mirror WR routes
-- Patient in press
-- Very aware when the ball is arriving

Weaknesses
-- Long speed can be stretched to the limit by faster WRs
-- Lacks length
-- Tiny-ish frame

Round 2, pick 63: Chiefs select OT Kingsley Suamataia

Kingsley Suamataia has a compact NFL OT build with great length. Plus athleticism but not super light-footed. Kick slide is good and fast, flashed lateral sliding ability and is reasonably comfortable in space on screens and pitches. Can be stretched to the limit athletically by explosive, bendy rushers. Would like to see better, more reliable grip strength. Otherwise his hand work is noticeably good. Constantly resetting his hands to control rushers. One-time punches. If they miss, it's because they're late. His frame and athleticism suggest he'd be a menace in the run game, but that's not the case. He slips out of many blocks and isn't a road-grader. Doesn't always set a firm edge. Anchor is mostly good but could use more weight in his lower half. Further ahead in pass pro than as a run-blocker. Suamataia has some athletic limitations, but this is a solid albeit unspectacular OT prospect. 

Pro Comparison: Rasheed Walker

About
-- 2023: Second-team All-Big 12
-- Career: 2 sacks allowed on 705 pass-blocking snaps (both vs Texas)

Strengths
-- Comfortable in space on screens and combos for the run game
-- NFL OT size, girth, and length
-- Constantly resetting hands to control blocks

Weaknesses
-- Not super sluggish but stretched to the limit athletically more often than what's desired
-- Grip strength isn't there yet

Round 2, pick 62: Ravens select OT Roger Rosengarten

Roger Rosengarten is a well-built right tackle prospect who plays with a mean streak and finishes plays. He will lean on defenders in the run game and is able to create the torque through his core to ragdoll defenders. Rosengarten needs to do a better job of moving his feet and sinking his hips when engaged in pass protection. He has good foot quickness to get out on pulling assignments and engage in space.

Pro Comparison: Jared Veldheer

About

-- 2022-23: Started all 28 games over past 2 seasons
-- 2022: First-team Freshman All-American (FWAA, College Football News)

Strengths
-- Good upper body strength
-- Will lean on defenders in the run game
-- Plays with a mean streak, finishes plays
-- Good mobility to get out on pulling assignments and engage in space

Weaknesses
-- Footwork can be sloppy when challenged
-- Late eyes picking up stunts into his gap
-- Needs to do a better job of adjusting his feet and dropping anchor when engaged in pass protection

Round 2, pick 61: Lions select CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr.

Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is a thinner built cornerback who is not afraid to mix it up. He is willing to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage and is competitive at the catch point despite limited ball production. Rakestraw does a good job transitioning across the field and up the boundary but allows too much cushion underneath in zone coverage. 

Pro Comparison: Kyle Fuller

About
-- Career: Allowed 0 TD in 1,017 career coverage snaps
-- Career: 24 passes defended (T-3rd most in SEC since 2020)

Strengths
-- Triggers downhill quickly in run support
-- Fluid hips to transition across the field or carry routes vertically
-- Competitive at the catch point

Weaknesses
-- Limited ball production
-- Gets stuck at the top of his drop occasionally
-- Allows a lot of room underneath in zone coverage
-- Frame on the thin side

Round 2, pick 60: Bills select S Cole Bishop

Cole Bishop is a high-motor player with good awareness. He takes good paths to the football and plays to the whistle. Bishop consistently stuffed the stat sheet. At the NFL Combine, he tested off the charts for top-end speed and acceleration, but that was inconsistent on film. Change of direction is a bit disjointed and that can lead to slower recovery times. 

Pro Comparison: Kamu Grugier-Hill

About
-- Career: 35 games (29 starts)
-- 2023: Honorable mention midseason All-American (ESPN)

Strengths
-- Good awareness
-- High-motor player
-- Takes good paths to the football
-- Good job keeping his eyes in the backfield when engaged with a defender
-- Combine testing suggests great speed and acceleration

Weaknesses
-- Speed and acceleration testing were not often on display
-- Change of direction is a bit disjointed
-- Deconstructing blocks

Round 2, pick 59: Texans select OT Blake Fisher

Blake Fisher is capable of playing both right and left tackle at a high level; he's a mauling run blocker who punishes defenders on down blocks and linebackers at the second level on inside zone.

Pro Comparison: Dan Moore

About
-- Started all 15 games at RT in last 2 seasons
-- 4-star recruit in Class of 2021, per 247Sports

Strengths
-- Good base handling twists and stunts; plays in balance and anchors well
-- Athletic, can get to second level in screen game
-- Patient in passpro, feet married to hands vs. speed rushers

Weaknesses
-- Can sometimes struggle with anchor vs. bull rush
-- Good but not great athlete
-- Hasn't lived up to potential in college

Round 2, pick 58: Packers select S Javon Bullard

Chris Braswell does a good job containing the edge as a run defender but lacks the power to orchestrate an effective bull rush. He has below-average change of direction and first-step quickness. Braswell does have great top-end speed and the flexibility to bend and flatten at the high side of his rush. 

Pro Comparison: Joseph Ossai

About
-- 2023: 8 sacks (5th in SEC)
-- 2023: 3 forced fumbles (T-most in SEC and 15th in FBS)

Strengths
-- Contains the edge as a run defender
-- Good use of pass-rush moves in his plan
-- Great top-end speed

Weaknesses
-- Below-average change of direction
-- Average power in his rush
-- Not to be trusted in coverage
-- Average first-step quickness

Round 2, pick 57: Buccaneers select Alabama EDGE Chris Braswell

Chris Braswell does a good job containing the edge as a run defender but lacks the power to orchestrate an effective bull rush. He has below-average change of direction and first-step quickness. Braswell does have great top-end speed and the flexibility to bend and flatten at the high side of his rush. 

Pro Comparison: Joseph Ossai

About
-- 2023: 8 sacks (5th in SEC)
-- 2023: 3 forced fumbles (T-most in SEC and 15th in FBS)

Strengths
-- Contains the edge as a run defender
-- Good use of pass-rush moves in his plan
-- Great top-end speed

Weaknesses
-- Below-average change of direction
-- Average power in his rush
-- Not to be trusted in coverage
-- Average first-step quickness

Round 2, pick 56: Cowboys select EDGE Marshawn Kneeland

Pro Comparison: 

Chauncey Golston

Summary

Marshawn Kneeland is a bigger, thicker, reasonably long EDGE prospect. Athleticism/burst are there but not specialities. Will need to win in other ways in the NFL. Demonstrates a keen awareness to play half a man and does it well. A rare pass-rush move. Mostly tries to win with power, which he generates a fair amount of. Rushes tend to be too high, and strong OLs can torque him out of the play. Some counter ability off his initial grapple but not something he does regularly. Sets a sturdy edge and typically does a good job utilizing his length to keep blockers off him. Rare glimpses of bend/dip but it's not often he wins to the outside to be able to utilize either. Run defense is hit-or-miss. Overall, Kneeland is a big, decently strong prospect with NFL DE size with a raw toolbox and average athletic gifts. 

About

• 2023: Second-team All-MAC
• 2023: 57 tackles, 7.5 TFL and 4.5 sacks

Strengths

• NFL DE size and length
• Flashes of bull-rush power
• Works tirelessly

Weaknesses

• Average-at-best athlete
• Inactive hands
• Despite size, not a tremendous run defender

56. Dallas Cowboys (12-5)

Team needs: IOL, RB, CB, LB, WR, S
Players acquired: LB Eric Kendricks
Players lost: EDGE Dorance Armstrong, C Tyler Biadasz, RB Tony Pollard, OT Tyron Smith, EDGE Dante Fowler Jr.

Round 2, pick 55: Dolphins select OT Patrick Paul

Patrick Paul is a built-in-a-lab OT prospect. He has supreme length and girth. His feet can be sluggish, but he's moving a lot of weight. His kickslide isn't super smooth or fast, but his size and length create a huge arc to the QB. He gets a little wide and outside the frame when blocking, and he has a slow reaction to stunts/blitzes and doesn't have the lateral quicks to get to them. When he deploys his hands early and locks on, it's over, but he's not always consistent in doing so. Not a total incapable athlete. He gets to the second level and finds LBs. In 1-on-1 scenarios, he flashes recovery skill that is impressive for a man at his size. He plays with good knee bend, but his anchor is good, not tremendous. Has oads of experience. Overall, he's a gargantuan, incredibly long blocker in need of technical refinement with his hands and footwork. He's the master of winning ugly and doesn't allow many clean wins, mostly due to his size. 

Pro Comparison: Marcus Cannon

About
-- 2023: First-team All-Big 12
-- Only offensive lineman with 90.0+ pass block grade (PFF) in each of past 2 seasons (2022-23)

Strengths
-- Absolutely enormous with thick frame and long arms
-- Can win ugly
-- Athleticism is good for his size

Weaknesses
-- Sluggish feet
-- Anchor isn't as good as expected
-- Hand placement is below-average

55. Miami Dolphins

Team needs: IOL, DL, TE, WR, IOL, EDGE, CB, OT
Players acquired: CB Kendall Fuller, LB Jordyn Brooks, C Aaron Brewer, TE Jonnu Smith, EDGE Shaquil Barrett, S Jordan Poyer
Players lost: DT Christian Wilkins, OG Robert Hunt, EDGE Andrew Van Ginkel, S Brandon Jones, DT Raekwon Davis, LB Jerome Baker, S Deshon Elliott, WR Cedrick Wilson

Round 2, pick 54: Browns select DT Michael Hall Jr. 

Michael Hall Jr. is a sawed-off interior defensive lineman. He is a bit stiff out of his stance but has good upper body strength to hold his ground in the run game. He uses his strength to shed blocks and execute a bull rush. His quickness allows him to set up counter rush moves, but he was not a consistent rusher. Hall lacks the size for a defined role at the next level.

Pro Comparison: Corey Peters

About
-- 2022-23: 2-time third-team All-Big Ten
-- 2023: 29 pressures (T-2nd most among Big Ten DT)

Strengths
-- Good top-end speed
-- Does a good job of holding his ground
-- Good upper body strength to push the pocket and hold his ground in the run game
-- Good quickness to set up counter moves

Weaknesses
-- A bit of stiffness out of his stance
-- Lacks ideal size for a defined role in the NFL
-- Diminished pass-rush production in 2023

Round 2, pick 53: Commanders select TE Ben Sinnott

Ben Sinnott is built more like an H-Back who can contribute as a blocker. He is a fluid athlete with soft hands. Sinnott does a good job of not tipping off his route breaks, but has just average acceleration. He can do a better job of adjusting his hands when engaged as an inline blocker.

Pro Comparison: Drew Sample

About
-- 2022-23: 2-time first-team All-Big 12
-- Career: 10 rec TD (T-most by TE in Kansas State history)

Strengths
-- Does a good job of not tipping his route breaks
-- Soft hands
-- Fluid athlete

Weaknesses
-- Average acceleration
-- Can do a better job of adjusting his hands when engaged
-- Lacks ideal size to be a split out tight end

54. Cleveland Browns

Team needs: IOL, OT, WR, RB, LB, DL
Players acquired: WR Jerry Jeudy, LB Jordan Hicks, LB Devin Bush, DT Quinton Jefferson, QB Jameis Winston, RB D'Onta Foreman
Players lost: DT Jordan Elliott, LB Sione Takitaki, QB Joe Flacco, TE Harrison Bryant

Browns coming up to make their first pick. Wide receiver or offensive tackle in all likelihood. BYU offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia?

Round 2, pick 52: Colts select WR Adonai Mitchell

Adonai Mitchell is a tall WR prospect with a somewhat sleek frame. His hip sink/lateral quicks are impressive for a WR his height. He flashed sharp route-running ability and sells intricate routes well, particularly double moves down the field. He understands how to set up DBs with head/shoulder fakes and subtle jukes. He did see some press coverage in college and was capable of beating it with quicks, although he's not a release master at this stage. He has forward lean in his routes, which comes from impressive burst off the line and plus sustained speed. He's got legit long speed, but not a YAC type; he only had a few impressive scampers after the catch in college. The athleticism is there to do it, but he has low-level contact balance. He has reliable, strong hands but wasn't a big contested-catch winner. He hasn't played a ton of football. Overall, Mitchell is a young WR prospect with smooth athleticism and route-salesmanship beyond his years, all of which indicate his best football is in front of him.

Pro Comparison: Michael Wilson

About
-- 2023: Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year
-- 2023: Led the Big 12 in receiving TDs (11)

Strengths
-- Large frame with strong hands
-- Forward lean in his routes with smooth athletic gifts and plus speed
-- Despite being larger, is a already a gifted route runner

Weaknesses
-- Minimal YAC capabilities due to lesser contact balance
-- Only flashes of contested-catch wins despite his size
-- Hasn't played a ton of football

52. Washington Commanders

Team needs: QB, OT, EDGE, CB, WR, S, LB, IOL
Players acquired: EDGE Dorance Armstrong, LB Frankie Luvu, C Tyler Biadasz, OG Nick Allegretti, RB Austin Ekeler, LB Bobby Wagner, LB Jeremy Chinn
Players lost: WR Curtis Samuel, QB Jacoby Brissett, CB Kendall Fuller, S Kamren Curl, RB Antonio Gibson, QB Sam Howell

Round 2, pick 51: Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia

Zach Frazier is a classic, do-everything center with the ideal squatty frame to get up and under interior DLs. Four-year full-time starter who's seen it all from every defensive scheme. Plus athletic gifts. Out of his stance in a flash and can sustain that speed throughout the play, although he's not a ridiculous physical specimen. Length is very good for the center spot and hand work is good. Ready for counters. Rare to see him on the ground. Has just enough athletic juice to pull off reach blocks with good consistency, and he's an asset in the screen game. At times gets overwhelmed by bigger DLs, but it's a rare occurrence. Quality albeit not dominant anchor. Keen awareness for blitzes and stunts. Vice grips for hands and can mirror rushers well. Because he's an older prospect, he may not have immense upside, but this is a Day 1 starter who'll be a quality pro at center.

Pro Comparison: Ryan Kelly

About
-- 2023: First-team All-Big 12
-- Named best center in Big 12 for 3 straight seasons

Strengths
-- Ultra experienced
-- Plus awareness and athletic juice
-- Strong grip once he latches on and mirrors well

Weaknesses
-- At times get overwhelmed by bigger DLs
-- Older prospect

Round 2, pick 50: Commanders select CB Mike Sainristil

Mike Sainristil is an undersized nickel corner with above-average burst and speed, who is usually the smartest player on the field.

Pro Comparison: Mike Hilton

About
-- 2023: 6 INT (3rd in FBS), including 2 pick-sixes
-- 2022-23: 2-time team captain

Strengths
-- Crafty, smart, understands his job, route combinations and reading the QB
-- Can play both nickel and outside CB, if needed
-- Great blitzer off the edge, either from out wide or closer to ball

Weaknesses
-- Will be 24 in Oct. 2024
-- Is undersized, even if he doesn't play that way
-- Can be handsy at top of the route

Round 2, pick 49: Bengals select DT Kris Jenkins

Kris Jenkins does a good job holding his ground in the run game but could still stand to add mass. He needs to develop more pass-rush moves and create a better pass-rush plan. There is some stack-and-shed ability in the run game. His athletic qualities and NFL pedigree suggest he could improve as an interior rusher. 

Pro Comparison: Breeland Speaks

About
-- 2023: CFP national champion and third-team All-American (AP)
-- Season-high 3 pressures in 2023 CFP national championship vs. Washington

Strengths
-- Does a good job maintaining at the point of attack
-- Showcases some stack-and-shed ability
-- Athletic qualities that allow him to develop as an interior rusher

Weaknesses
-- Needs to develop more pass-rush moves and a pass-rush plan
-- Not the most heavy handed
-- First-step quickness

Round 2, pick 48: Jaguars select DT Maason Smith

Maason Smith was one of the most intriguing freshman in the country out of high school, but a torn ACL in 2022 stunted his development. Players often do not return to form until their second full season post-injury, so Smith is a potential breakout candidate in 2024. He has good power to stack blockers and deconstruct blocks, but can do a better job of developing pass-rush moves. He has great size for the position and good first-step quickness.

Pro Comparison: Gervon Dexter Sr.

About
-- Career: 47 tackles, 9.5 TFL and 6.5 sacks in 22 games
-- 2022: Tore ACL in first game and missed rest of season

Strengths
-- Good power in his hands to stack blockers and deconstruct blocks
-- Good size for the position
-- Good first-step quickness

Weaknesses
-- Balance is an issue as a result of inconsistent pad level
-- Missed entire 2022 season with torn ACL
-- Needs to develop more pass-rush moves

48. Jacksonville Jaguars

Team needs: WR, CB, DL, EDGE, IOL, OT, S
Players acquired: DT Arik Armstead, WR Gabe Davis, QB Mac Jones, S Darnell Savage, C Mitch morse, CB Ronald Darby, WR Devin Duvernay
Players lost: WR Calvin Ridley, CB Darious Williams, S Rayshawn Jenkins, DT Foley Fatukasi

Jaguars took Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round. They still need a cornerback but a run on the position just occurred. 

Round 2, pick 47: Giants select S Tyler Nubin

Tyler Nubin is a large, lengthy, ballhawking FS prospect. He has plenty of experience, having seen every route concept imaginable and making a play on many of them. His insane production comes from plus instincts, above-average quickness, and serious range and catch radius as the ball is arriving. He has an occasional flash against the run, but best deployed as a deep patrol man. He's like a sizable net in the back end of a defense. His backpedal can be high, which slows him down a bit when needing to plant and drive. He's fast but not a burner and not the most reliable tackler. He stops a lot of throws in his target area because of his positioning and how rapidly he can close a window. He's not exceptionally versatile but rocks in his free safety role in coverage. 

Pro Comparison: Juan Thornhill

About
-- 2023: Second-team All-American (AP) and first-team All-Big Ten
-- Led FBS with 12 INT in past 3 seasons

Strengths
-- Serious range in coverage
-- Outstanding ball skills
-- Fluid athlete with some burst

Weaknesses
-- Not very versatile, mostly played FS in college
-- Tackling isn't super reliable