The 2024 NFL Draft is (almost) here. With just three days left until the start of Round 1, news and rumors are flying around the league.
How many teams are trying to trade up for a quarterback? Who’s open to trading down? Which prospects are trending upward as the first round approaches, and who’s stock is fading?
Let’s answer all those questions and more as we catch up on Monday’s latest NFL Draft news and rumors. This page will be updated throughout the day, so make sure to check back in for more notes.
Latest 2024 NFL Draft News and Rumors
Broncos, Jets Agree to Zach Wilson Trade
The Jets finally found a taker for Zach Wilson. Gang Green traded the former No. 2 overall pick to the Broncos on Monday in a late-round pick swap that also saw New York eat a portion of Wilson’s guaranteed 2024 roster bonus.
On one hand, the Broncos should hardly be counting on any production from Wilson. Among the 29 NFL quarterbacks to attempt 900 passes since 2021, Wilson ranks dead last in passer rating, yards per attempt, passing success rate, and touchdown rate. He’s the only QB to post a negative EPA + CPOE composite score (-0.010) during that span.
On the other hand, Wilson might be a more intriguing Broncos stopgap than incumbent Jarrett Stidham. Denver is entering a reset year as it absorbs Russell Wilson’s $53 million dead-money charge. Taking a no-risk chance on Wilson isn’t the worst idea for Sean Payton and Co.
Patriots Eyeing Multiple Round 1 Trades?
While the Patriots are expected to listen to offers for the No. 3 pick, sources tell Mike Reiss of ESPN that New England will likely stay put and draft a quarterback with their first selection.
In that scenario, the Pats will likely choose from LSU’s Jayden Daniels, North Carolina’s Drake Maye, and Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy. Assuming Maye is still available at No. 3, he’s expected to be New England’s pick, per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.
"From what I’ve heard the Patriots really like Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels..
I would be very surprised if the Patriots moved out" ~ @PSchrags #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/Smkobaw6jd
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 18, 2024
One alternate path for New England? Aping the Cardinals‘ approach in the 2023 NFL Draft by trading down before moving back up for their preferred prospect.
That approach might be on the table for the Patriots, ESPN’s Adam Schefter suggested on Monday, even if it might seem overly complicated.
New England is still taking calls from teams who want to move up to No. 3, per Dianna Russini of The Athletic. De facto general manager Eliot Wolf is in charge, but Patriots president Jonathan Kraft is also “heavily involved in the decision-making,” according to Russini.
Cardinals Not Expected to Trade Back Until They’re on the Clock
So much for the idea that the Cardinals could move out of the No. 4 spot before the draft gets going on Thursday.
Arizona is not expected to finalize a trade until it’s officially on the clock in Round 1, per Schefter. General manager Monti Ossenfort has reportedly told teams around the NFL that he wants to wait until the fourth pick is on the board before he completes a trade.
While the Cardinals could presumably land a haul from a quarterback-needy team if they want to move No. 4, they already own seven picks in the top 104.
Could Arizona simply stay put and take Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr.?
Will QBs Go 1-2-3-4?
Along those same lines, Ben Volin of the Boston Globe doesn’t think quarterbacks will come off the board with the first four selections — because the Cardinals might stick and pick.
The Bears will take USC’s Caleb Williams at No. 1, while the Commanders are reportedly leaning toward Daniels. If Maye goes to the Patriots at No. 3, Volin doesn’t expect a team to trade up for McCarthy at pick 4.
3 Potential First-Round QB Sleeper Teams
Volin also believes six quarterbacks will be selected in Round 1, with Oregon’s Bo Nix coming off the board in the teens and Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. being chosen near the end of the first round or the beginning of Day 2.
Which teams could surprisingly be in the market for a QB early in this week’s draft? Volin pegs the Saints, Seahawks, and Rams as clubs that could target a passer in the first or second round.
For what it’s worth, Schefter reports that Seattle is content with trade acquisition Sam Howell as its QB2 and doesn’t expect the Seahawks to add another quarterback in the draft.
Bears Could Move Down From No. 9
Rival teams “have gotten the sense” that the Bears will try to trade their second first-round pick (No. 9) after adding Williams at the top of the draft, per Breer.
Chicago owns just four selections in the 2024 draft: Nos. 1, 9, 75 (third round), and 122 (fourth round). Moving off of No. 9 could help general manager Ryan Poles add extra choices later in this year’s draft or bolster his future draft capital.
If Harrison, Malik Nabers, or Rome Odunze unexpectedly falls to the ninth pick, the Bears will probably turn the card in. If they stick at No. 9 and those WRs have already been chosen, Breer thinks Poles will target an offensive lineman or Texas DT Byron Murphy II.
Colts, Jaguars Could Trade Up for Offensive Weapon?
The Texans and Titans added WRs Stefon Diggs and Calvin Ridley, respectively, over the offseason. Could the other two AFC South teams try to get in on the pass-catcher action in Round 1 of the draft?
Breer identifies the Colts (No. 15) and Jaguars (No. 17) as two clubs that have explored moving up the board for an offensive weapon in Round 1. Both teams would likely be interested if one of the elite WR prospects falls, while TE Brock Bowers will be on Indy’s radar but probably not Jacksonville’s.
Chiefs WR Rashee Rice Facing Suspension
Chiefs wideout Rashee Rice is expected to be hit with a multi-game suspension after causing a high-speed, multi-car crash in Dallas in March, per Schefter. Rice, now facing eight felony charges, turned himself in to police last week and has since been released on bond.
MORE: Top 10 NFL Veterans With the Most To Lose in the 2024 NFL Draft
As such, wide receiver — which was already a need before Rice’s legal troubles — could be even more of a Round 1 priority for Kansas City. Breer says he’s heard the Chiefs are connected to Texas WR Xavier Worthy, who set a new Combine record with a 4.21-second 40-yard dash in March.
NFL Expected To Punish Falcons, Eagles for Tampering
The NFL is still investigating the Falcons and Eagles for tampering with 2024 free agents Kirk Cousins and Saquon Barkley, respectively, according to Schefter, who adds a resolution could be announced this week.
Atlanta and Philadelphia will likely be docked draft picks as punishment, per Schefter. The league could announce each club’s penalty as soon as this week, but Schefter reports the Falcons will likely face more severe discipline.
Eagles Could Trade Up for Defensive Help
The Eagles might have to trade up from No. 22 if they want to land a cornerback, according to Schefter. General manager Howie Roseman, who’s never drafted a first-round CB, has been working the phones to determine what a move up the board might look like.
KEEP READING: Who Could the Eagles Be Looking To Trade Up For?
However, Breer hears that Philadelphia could stick with its patented draft approach and grab an offensive lineman in Round 1. Right tackle Lane Johnson is entering his 12th NFL campaign in 2024.
Panthers Hoping To Draft WR Xavier Legette in Round 2?
The Panthers won’t make a selection until Day 2 (barring a trade up), and Carolina could use one of its early second-round picks — Nos. 33 and 39 – to find a wide receiver for Bryce Young.
One potential option? South Carolina’s Xavier Legette, who told USA Today’s John Crumpler that he’s received ample pre-draft interest from Carolina.
“I’ve met with the Panthers 4 or 5 times… They keep telling me that if I’m sitting at (pick) 33 they’re going to take me.”
South Carolina WR Xavier Legette was not shy about disclosing his relationship with the receiver-needy, local Carolina Panthers.
The interest is real. pic.twitter.com/xB1gZ9PpNE
— John Crumpler (@JohnHCrumpler) April 22, 2024
“I’ve met with the Panthers about four or five times,” Legette said. “The relationship, it just keeps continuing to grow. They’re really hoping I can make it to the second round. They keep on telling me if I’m sitting at 33, they’re gonna take me.”
Miss football? The 2024 NFL Draft is almost here. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s all-new Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls — lone wolf or with your friends!