Over the next three months, fans and media alike will be playing the match game, attempting to pair draft prospects with NFL teams. There are several considerations when working through scenarios: free agency, trades, coaching hires and more.
In an effort to help fans become familiar with the prospects eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft, CBSSports.com looked at one ideal prospect for each of the non-playoff teams.
The Carolina Panthers’ first-round pick (No. 1 overall) belongs to the Bears.
Bears: QB Caleb Williams, USC
While the play of former first-round quarterback selection Justin Fields has complicated matters internally, the discussion about whether or not Chicago should bring him back is being had and that is enough to suggest the Bears should make a change while the opportunity exists.
Williams was heavily criticized this season for showing emotion after losses and he was blamed for the Trojans’ underperformance. However, he is a quarterback capable of making impromptu plays. His cost-controlled contract would allow Chicago to continue its rebuild the right way without sinking significant capital into a sunken cost.
Commanders: QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
Washington benched starting quarterback Sam Howell toward the end of the season. He showed a lot of poise and was able to push the ball downfield, but the ball stuck in his hands within the pocket and his sack numbers were off the charts. With a new incoming head coach, now is the right time for the Commanders to try something new with the quarterback from North Carolina. The awkwardness in this choice is that Maye replaced Howell in Chapel Hill and the two have built a friendship.
Maye is an unfinished product. He takes a lot of unnecessary risks but has also proven capable of making throws inconceivable to the average player.
Patriots: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
New England’s wide receiver room at the end of the season featured Devante Parker, Jalen Reagor, Tyquan Thornton and promising rookie Demario Douglas. Whether it is Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe or another player, the Patriots do not have a pass catcher capable of stretching the defense vertically. Harrison is a well-rounded prospect who should open things up for the run game. They could theoretically take LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels but may find themselves in no man’s land at the position if quarterbacks are taken 1-2.
Cardinals: OT Olu…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at CBSSports.com Headlines…