The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft may be over, but there are still plenty of extremely talented players available for teams entering Day 2.
One of those standouts is UConn offensive lineman Christian Haynes. The Bowie, Md., native has plenty of experience in college and is considered one of the safest picks in this draft class.
Why is Haynes still on the board, though, and who are some teams that could be interested in taking him? Today, we break that down.
Why Did Christian Haynes Fall to the Second Round?
Haynes was always going to be a difficult player to predict when it comes to his draft status. A three-year starter with the Huskies, Haynes may not have played at a dominant school, but he was the most consistent player on a talented offensive line group.
As to the reason why he fell, well, that’s a simple explanation. With six quarterbacks going in the top 12 overall picks, top defensive players and offensive linemen were pushed further down boards than expected. That means great receivers and defensive players were shunted aside.
Haynes was always going to be a fringe first-round pick if the board fell the right way, but it’s not a total surprise he’s still available in the second round. At the very least, he should hear his name called in Round 2 quite early.
Haynes’ Scouting Report
According to Pro Football Network Draft Analyst Ian Cummings, Haynes always appeared to be headed to the second round. The guard out of UConn is one of the more experienced linemen coming out, and he’s considered a “what you see is what you get” kind of prospect.
MORE: Ian Cummings’ Full Scouting Report on Christian Haynes
“Haynes functions as a high-floor pass blocker with good anchor timing, placement, and awareness,” Cummings writes. “Meanwhile, in the run game, he has versatility across gap and zone variations, and his verified mauler mentality makes him a tone-setter and a brutal finisher in space.”
To Cummings, Haynes was a fringe first-round player that would be a safe play in the second round. At the very least with the way the board fell early, there are going to be teams pleased to have the chance to take the UConn veteran.
Likely Landing Spots
With so many starting caliber players falling into the second round, deciding on Haynes’ draft slot is difficult. Many teams in the early 40s and 50s need the offensive line help, but with the corner and wide receiver talent available, they might be willing to push off some of those concerns.
In the end, there should still be plenty of suitors for Haynes in the second round. Let’s go through some of them now.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles still seem like a perfect fit for Haynes due to his athleticism, and the fact that the team may be ready to see if former third-round pick Tyler Steen can play on the outside at tackle. If they believe in Steen’s success outside, Philadelphia could look to add Haynes with one of its two second-round picks this evening.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals always appear to be an interesting team regarding offensive linemen. Paris Johnson had an excellent rookie season, and it could propel Arizona to draft an interior lineman like Haynes to help solidify the entire position. The fact that the Cardinals got their top receiver in Marvin Harrison Jr. and a good edge rusher in Darius Robinson could lead them to fortify the offensive line next.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens may have addressed a need in the secondary with Nate Wiggins, but they have major concerns along their offensive line as well. Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson have moved to other teams in free agency, and the guard position as a whole is barren of starting-caliber talent.
KEEP READING: Best Remaining Prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft After Round 1
By taking Haynes, the Ravens would be able to draft a plug-and-play starter on Week 1 in the second round — a great value for a team looking to compete in the AFC with other top organizations.
Looking for everything you need surrounding the 2024 NFL Draft? Make sure to check out the latest draft results, overall team grades, and updated best remaining players available at every position!
