After months of speculation, we finally know where all of our favorite prospects will be starting their NFL careers. So, which teams had the “best” drafts? Read on to find out! You can also check out my friend Simon’s podcast here, where he and I debate the merits of all the drafts that led us to this top five.

Disclaimer: I put “best” in quotations because we all know that there are no sure things when it comes to NFL draft classes. But, based on what we knew going into the draft, there are definitely better drafts than others on paper, at least. Here are the best five drafts, complete with each team’s best pick, along with my favorite “dart throw” for each team.

#5: Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals walked out of the 2024 draft with a whopping 12 picks, so they definitely improved their odds of drafting multiple key contributors. Also, with two elite-level first-round picks in Marvin Harrison, Jr. and Darius Robinson, the top end of this draft class is very promising for an Arizona team that is desperate to change their fortunes from the past couple of seasons.

Best pick: Marvin Harrison, Jr., WR, Ohio State

I know this is a boring pick, but MHJ is my top prospect in this class. With a quarterback like Kyler Murray, who has proven he can be productive as an NFL starter, I cannot wait to see what kind of production Harrison can put up right from the get-go.

Best dart throw: Tip Reiman, TE, ILL

Initially, I saw plenty of folks hate on this pick a little, but I love it. Trey McBride is already nearing elite status for athletic, receiving tight ends, so getting a top-level blocking end here was smart. He can complement McBride and supplement the offensive line, and I think he can be an effective player for the Cards.

#4: Las Vegas Raiders

After starting their draft by taking the huge talent of Brock Bowers, they got unbelievable value with Jackson Powers-Johnson at Pick 44. Bowers can instantly provide for this offense, and JPJ will be a staple at guard or center for the Raiders for years to come.

Best pick: Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon

It seems weird to not include Bowers here, but I just cannot believe that Powers-Johnson lasted this long. He is a plug-and-play starter on the interior and could very well move to center down the road if needed. Awesome pick.

Best dart throw: M.J. Devonshire, CB, Pitt

The scouting report has him lagging a bit behind in zone coverage, but he is one of the better-tackling corners in this draft. Further, he specializes in press man coverage, so his floor will be higher than most. I think he can contribute pretty early on, and if so, this is a great value pick.

#3: Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers made smart picks across the board, and all of the picks signal the shift to Harbaugh mentality. While I don’t think anyone would have been mad if they took an elite pass catcher at five, I applaud the pick of Joe Alt to protect Justin Herbert, especially since they got their receiver a bit later.

Best pick: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia

The Joe Alt pick was great, but I loved the trade with New England for McConkey even more. I think he can be just what this offense needs to improve on consistency, as his route running abilities will be such a plus to Justin Herbert. Whether it’s on the outside or from within the slot, expect a lot of catches for this “Ladd” in the upcoming season.

Best dart throw: Kimani Vidal, RB, Troy

The Chargers brought in a couple of Greg Roman guys (Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins) this offseason, but the future may be for Kimani Vidal. He could be one of the best draft steals with his proficiency in pass protection and his skills at setting up his blockers. The concern on Vidal is that he is not an elite speedster, but I do not think that will hold him back from being a productive back in the NFL.

#2: Philadelphia Eagles

What can I say? Howie Roseman continues to be the perfect blend of smart and aggressive. He stays put at Pick 22 and still grabs many folks’ CB 1 in Quinyon Mitchell, and then trades up (with a rival) to snag another DB in Cooper DeJean, who could have easily been picked in Round 1. Defensive back was the clear need for this team, and they valued it as such. Philly fans should be very excited about this draft.

Best pick: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

It may be obvious, but I have to choose Quinyon as the best pick. In my opinion he should have been gone by Pick 15 at the latest, so this is epic value. He’s built to be a great corner in the NFL for years, and I love his competitiveness. He will challenge any and all receivers to try and make a play, and he can bring back some tenacity to this Philadelphia secondary.

Best dart throw: Johnny Wilson, WR, FSU

The Eagles did not really need any wide receivers in the draft, but they took two. I also like the Ainias Smith pick, but grabbing Wilson in the sixth round was stellar. I think this could be a great situation for Wilson to start his career. There should be no pressure to be a top-level option initially, but when he develops and gets on the field, defenses will have to account for 6’7” receiver. At the bare minimum early on, he should be a great redzone threat for Jalen Hurts.

#1: Pittsburgh Steelers

I loved everything about this draft. They took two top-level offensive linemen, at great value, in Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier. The offensive line was their biggest need, and they shored it up real quick. Let’s also not forget Mason McCormick in fourth who could have easily been drafted earlier as well. They also took Roman Wilson in the third, who I think can be a huge receiving complement to George Pickens.

Best pick: Payton Wilson, LB, NCST

I loved their first three picks, yet getting Wilson at Pick 98 is absurd. This dude is a first-round talent. Due to his injury history and the fact that linebacker isn’t exactly a premier position, I knew he was going to fall. However, to fall this far is insane, and I think he’ll be the next ferocious Steeler defender. I guess the knock on him is he has shorter arms than desired, but he his one of the fastest LBs in the draft, one of best at changing direction, AND he has that motor that should terrify opposing offenses. GREAT pick.

Best dart throw: Mason McCormick, IOL< SDST

He may have fallen to Round Four simply due to the fact that he played FCS ball, but you can’t take away his frame, his experience (four-year starter), and the fact that he is a top-level athlete for his position. I think it will only take one offseason for him to add some NFL-level strength, and he’ll be the third starting offensive lineman the Steelers got in this draft.

There You Have It!

Of course, the Vikings had the best first round of any other team, but this list was intended to look at the entirety of each team’s draft. That said, I’m sure I’m wrong about at least one of these teams, so let me know! Hit me up on X, and follow Bite Size Sports over there as well!

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