{"id":294624,"date":"2023-11-21T05:24:15","date_gmt":"2023-11-21T05:24:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsloveme.com\/?p=294624"},"modified":"2023-11-21T05:24:15","modified_gmt":"2023-11-21T05:24:15","slug":"2024-nfl-draft-order-patriots-closer-to-no-1-overall-pick-jets-enter-top-10","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportsloveme.com\/nfl\/2024-nfl-draft-order-patriots-closer-to-no-1-overall-pick-jets-enter-top-10\/","title":{"rendered":"2024 NFL Draft order: Patriots closer to No. 1 overall pick; Jets enter top 10"},"content":{"rendered":"
This is a look at the first-round order for the 2024 NFL Draft heading into Week 12 of the 2023 NFL season, along with the top five needs for each team. The order is determined by record, using strength of schedule as the first tiebreaker (click here to see a full list of the draft-order tiebreakers). Keep in mind — teams that would make the playoffs if the season ended today are marked as PL (short for playoffs) in the order below.<\/strong> The draft order for playoff teams is determined by the results of postseason play.<\/p>\n Arrows reflect movement from last week’s order.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE CAROLINA PANTHERS<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Panthers’ record:<\/strong> 1-9 (.559 strength of schedule)<\/p>\n Panthers’ Week 12 opponent: <\/strong>at Titans<\/p>\n Bears’ biggest needs: <\/strong>OT, IOL, WR, TE, Edge<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \ufeff<\/span>Cole Kmet<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> has blossomed into one of the Bears’ most reliable pass-catchers. Former Green Bay tight ends \ufeff<\/span>Robert Tonyan<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> and \ufeff<\/span>Marcedes Lewis<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> have made little impact in the passing game, however, so Chicago will likely explore Day 3 options at the position.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n See the bottom of this article for analysis of the Panthers’ needs.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Biggest needs: <\/strong>CB, WR, DT, Edge, IOL<\/p>\n Week 12 opponent: <\/strong>vs. Rams<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Rookie \ufeff\ufeff\ufeff<\/span>Michael Wilson<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> missed the team\u2019s loss to Houston with a shoulder injury but has played well when healthy. \ufeff<\/span>Rondale Moore<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> did<\/em> play against the Texans but remains far too inconsistent week to week. He must produce more plays like his opening-drive score<\/span> on Sunday (his only catch of the day) or he might be fighting off more rookies for playing time in 2024. Meanwhile, the Cardinals’ leading receiver, Hollywood Brown, is a free agent after the season.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Biggest needs:<\/strong> QB, CB, TE, OT, WR<\/p>\n Week 12 opponent: <\/strong>at Giants<\/p>\n <\/p>\n New England’s cornerback room has been a source of recent drama, with the team opting not to bring J.C. Jackson to Germany in Week 10 because of a lack of reliability and then releasing second-year defender Jack Jones at the start of their Week 11 bye. Jackson could be a cut candidate this offseason due to his sizable 2024 salary, and nickelback \ufeff\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff<\/span>Myles Bryant<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> is an impending free agent, so changes are coming to the Patriots.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Week 12 opponent: <\/strong>at Vikings<\/p>\n <\/p>\n See Pick No. 1 for analysis of the Bears’ needs.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Biggest needs:<\/strong> RB, DT, OL, QB, TE<\/p>\n Week 12 opponent: <\/strong>vs. Patriots<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \ufeff\ufeff<\/span>Saquon Barkley<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> had 140 total yards of offense and two scores against Washington on Sunday, but his recent comments regarding future contract negotiations are not very encouraging if you’re a Giants fan. \ufeff\ufeff<\/span>Matt Breida<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> is also set to hit the open market this spring, so the club will likely have interest in the draft’s top backs even if the two-time Pro Bowler returns.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Biggest needs: <\/strong>OT, WR, Edge, RB, DT<\/p>\n Week 12 opponent: <\/strong>vs. Panthers<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \ufeff<\/span>Derrick Henry<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> managed just 38 yards on 10 carries in Sunday’s lopsided loss to Jacksonville, turns 30 in January and is not under contract for next season. The Titans may let the veteran test free agency this time around, instead building their backfield around \ufeff<\/span>Tyjae Spears<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> and a Day 2 or 3 pick. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Biggest needs: <\/strong>Edge, LB, WR, OT, CB<\/p>\n Week 12 opponent: <\/strong>at Cowboys<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \ufeff\ufeff\ufeff<\/span>Sam Howell<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> faced pressure all day in the team\u2019s loss to the Giants, with each of his three interceptions occurring with defenders in his face. The Commanders hope injured rookie interior linemen \ufeff\ufeff\ufeff<\/span>Braeden Daniels<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> and \ufeff\ufeff\ufeff<\/span>Ricky Stromberg<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> bounce back to aid Howell\u2019s cause in 2024, and the team could add a bookend to compete with \ufeff\ufeff\ufeff<\/span>Charles Leno Jr.<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> for the left tackle spot.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Biggest needs:<\/strong> QB, WR, CB, Edge, DT<\/p>\n Week 12 opponent: <\/strong>vs. Saints<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Atlanta’s inconsistent quarterback play has limited wideout Drake London’s effectiveness as a playmaker, and the team’s in-season trade for \ufeff\ufeff<\/span>Van Jefferson<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> has not produced the intended results. With London and 2022 undrafted rookie \ufeff\ufeff<\/span>Josh Ali<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> the only Falcons wideouts currently under contract in 2024, the team must prioritize rebuilding its receiver room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Biggest needs:<\/strong> OT, S, IOL, CB, RB<\/p>\n Week 12 opponent: <\/strong>at Lions<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Packers\u2019 running back depth is being challenged yet again in 2024, with Aaron Jones and rookie Emanuel Wilson suffering injuries in the team\u2019s win over the Chargers. AJ Dillon hits free agency in the spring, and Jones has only one year left on his current deal. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Biggest needs: <\/strong>OT, IOL, QB, S, WR<\/p>\n Week 12 opponent: <\/strong>vs. Dolphins<\/p>\n <\/p>\n With each passing week, it seems less likely that \ufeff<\/span>Zach Wilson<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> returns to New York to back up \ufeff<\/span>Aaron Rodgers<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> in 2024. If the Jets trade or release the former No. 2 overall pick in the coming months, I’d expect them to look for another promising prospect during the first two days of the draft to learn from Rodgers for a year or two (if the veteran stays healthy) before taking the reins.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Biggest needs:<\/strong> CB, RB, DT, TE, WR<\/p>\n Week 12 opponent: <\/strong>vs. Ravens<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Austin Ekeler\u2019s fumble was one of a handful of troubling Chargers red-zone miscues in their loss at Green Bay. The veteran has missed time due to injury this year, is set to hit the open market (as is backfield mate Joshua Kelley) and will be 29 by the time next season starts. <\/span>Barring a new agreement between Ekeler and the team, the Chargers will likely be in search of another young back in April.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Biggest needs: <\/strong>QB, IOL, LB, S, CB<\/p>\n Week 12 opponent: <\/strong>at Colts<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The interior of the Buccaneers\u2019 offensive line has not been the same without center Ryan Jensen, who has missed significant time over the last two season due to injury. If Tampa moves on from the 32-year-old this offseason, expect second-round pick \ufeff\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff<\/span>Cody Mauch<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> to remain inside. But the rest of the line’s interior could look different, with \ufeff\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff<\/span>Matt Feiler<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> and \ufeff\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff<\/span>Aaron Stinnie<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> both set to hit free agency. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Biggest needs:<\/strong> OT, CB, Edge, S, K<\/p>\n Week 12 opponent: <\/strong>at Cardinals<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Rams have not truly replaced future Hall of Fame left tackle Andrew Whitworth since their Super Bowl LVI victory. Finding a top-notch blind-side protector to keep \ufeff\ufeff<\/span>Matthew Stafford<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> healthy should be a priority.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Biggest needs:<\/strong> QB, OT, IOL, RB, DT<\/p>\n Week 12 opponent: <\/strong>vs. Chiefs<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Unless Aidan O\u2019Connell can bounce back from a three-interception outing against Miami to prove he deserves the starting job in 2024, it would appear the Raiders will be in the quarterback market again this offseason. Turning back to the benched Jimmy Garoppolo is still an option, but that seems unlikely.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Biggest needs:<\/strong> WR, CB, DT, S, LB<\/p>\n Week 12 opponent: <\/strong>vs. Buccaneers<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Third-round pick \ufeff\ufeff<\/span>Josh Downs<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> looks like a bargain based on his performance in the slot, but the team\u2019s most reliable receiver, \ufeff\ufeff<\/span>Michael Pittman<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>, is heading toward free agency. If the Colts can\u2019t match the bag he\u2019s likely to receive from another franchise, they should look to the draft for another top dog.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Biggest needs:<\/strong> S, TE, DT, CB, Edge<\/p>\n Week 12 opponent: <\/strong>vs. Browns<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Denver invested in veteran free agents Zach Allen and D.J. Jones in recent years, but it still fields one of the worst run defenses in the league. Jonathan Harris will be a restricted free agent and Mike Purcell is scheduled for unrestricted free agency this spring, so the Broncos should be looking for young talent up front. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Biggest needs: <\/strong>OT, WR, TE, DT, Edge<\/p>\n Week 12 opponent: <\/strong>vs. Steelers<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Losing \ufeff\ufeff<\/span>Joe Burrow<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> for the season is a devastating blow to the Bengals\u2019 playoff hopes. It’s possible he’s made his last throws to receivers \ufeff\ufeff<\/span>Tyler Boyd<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> and \ufeff\ufeff<\/span>Tee Higgins<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> considering the veteran wideouts are due to hit free agency in March. If the Bengals don’t re-sign Boyd and\/or Higgins, the Bengals should use at least one of their early picks on a partner for \ufeff\ufeff<\/span>Ja’Marr Chase<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> on the outside.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Biggest needs: <\/strong>DT, S, Edge, WR, CB<\/p>\n Week 12 opponent: <\/strong>at Eagles<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Team captain Micah Hyde and Taylor Rapp are impending free agents, which means the Bills could be addressing the safety position in 2024. Rapp suffered a neck injury against the Jets on Sunday and his tests came back negative, per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Biggest needs:<\/strong> OT, OG, WR, CB, LB<\/p>\n Week 12 opponent: <\/strong>at Falcons<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Saints have shifted around their offensive line, with Andrus Peat moving from left guard to left tackle to replace benched second-year OT Trevor Penning. Peat is among the team\u2019s impending free agents on the O-line, though, so the team might have to add a blocker early in the draft.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Biggest needs: <\/strong>QB, Edge, DT, OG, LB<\/p>\n Week 12 opponent: <\/strong>vs. Bears<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Vikings signed 31-year-old former starter Anthony Barr last week after losing Jordan Hicks to injury. Barr, Hicks and Troy Dye are impending free agents, so I expect undrafted rookie Ivan Pace and 2022 third-round pick Brian Asamoah (who has battled injury this season) to be fighting for reps against some new competition at linebacker next season. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Biggest needs:<\/strong> LB, OG, S, DT, Edge<\/p>\n Week 12 opponent: <\/strong>vs. 49ers<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \ufeff<\/span>Bobby Wagner<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\u2019s return to Seattle has been a resounding success, but he\u2019s a free agent again after the season. Former first-rounder \ufeff<\/span>Jordyn Brooks<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> is also set to hit the market after the team declined to pick up his fifth-year option. There isn’t much depth behind the two starters. Look for the ‘Hawks to invest a Day 2 pick in a ‘backer to bolster the middle of the defense.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE HOUSTON TEXANS<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Texans’ record:<\/strong> 6-4 (.461)<\/p>\n Texans’ Week 12 opponent: <\/strong>vs. Jaguars<\/p>\n <\/p>\n See Pick No. 2 for analysis of the Cardinals’ needs and the playoff teams section of this article for analysis of the Texans’ needs.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Biggest needs: <\/strong>CB, IOL, WR, DT, OT<\/p>\n Week 12 opponent: <\/strong>at Bengals<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \ufeff\ufeff\ufeff<\/span>Joey Porter Jr.<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> was a steal at the top of the second round this year and should be a fixture in the Steelers’ secondary for years to come. But the rest of Pittsburgh’s cornerback group carries plenty of question marks, as only Porter, 12-year veteran \ufeff\ufeff\ufeff<\/span>Patrick Peterson<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span>\ufeff<\/span> and injured rookie