• Bo Nix belongs in Denver: The pairing wouldn't require the Broncos to surrender a crazy draft pick haul in a trade-up, and Nix could keep the Denver offense in rhythm while taking care of the football.
• The Jets' best move is still to draft an offensive lineman: Despite the chatter about Brock Bowers potentially joining New York, a player like Troy Fautanu is a perfect fit for the Jets.
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As we have officially entered draft week, we wanted to take a look at some potential team-prospect fits that we would love to see happen during the 2024 NFL Draft. Here are eight of our favorites.
QB Bo Nix, Oregon → Denver Broncos
The more I think about it, the more I really like the idea of Nix with head coach Sean Payton on the Broncos. This pairing wouldn't require Denver to surrender a crazy draft pick haul in a trade-up for a quarterback. The team could take Nix at No. 12 or, even better, trade down and still get him in the late first round.
I also like the style pairing. When Drew Brees was in the final year of his career, he was much more of a facilitator — a point guard, if you will. He was still very effective by simply keeping the offense in rhythm and taking care of the football. That’s what Nix did at Oregon over the past two seasons. I think he could bring that mindset to Denver and Payton would have a plan for him.
QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan → Minnesota Vikings
While the allurement of McCarthy and his ceiling as a player are understandable, I still think he needs some time to develop before we will see that or even difference-making ability. That is why I like the idea of him going to Minnesota.
I respect the mind of head coach Kevin O’Connell and would be confident in him grooming McCarthy to be a successful NFL quarterback. I also like the fact that the Vikings have a built-in buffer to McCarthy not having to start right away in Sam Darnold. This could create the ideal timeline for McCarthy to get his confidence up to hit the ground running when he becomes a first-time starter.
QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington → Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks shouldn't necessarily draft Penix in the first round, but if we’re talking hypothetical landing spots, Seattle makes sense.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a version of Jalen McMillan, D.K. Metcalf’s catching through traffic is reminiscent of both Ja’Lynn Polk and Rome Odunze. And even with Tyler Lockett getting older, you know Seattle will add a third receiving weapon once Lockett is done. Penix was at his best when he had an arsenal of receivers he could confidently push the ball with. That scenario exists in Seattle.
QB Drake Maye, North Carolina → New York Giants
I still have Maye as my QB2 in this class, but even then, I can recognize that he needs to hone his fundamentals, make his throwing motion more repeatable and consistent and not put the ball in harm's way as much as he did in 2023.
Brian Daboll is the ideal coach to get that done with Maye. He did so with Josh Allen when he was the offensive coordinator in Buffalo for four seasons. He allowed Allen to still be who he is as a quarterback while limiting his mistakes.
T Troy Fautanu, Washington → New York Jets
Until the Jets’ pick says otherwise, New York’s plan of attack should be to draft the best remaining offensive lineman at No. 10 overall, and I believe Fautanu is the top choice due to his ability to play both tackle and guard at a high level.
It would be tempting for the Jets to draft a difference-making pass catcher, but I don’t think it would be wise for them to believe Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses can both play a full season (playoffs included) unscathed. They need insurance. Fautanu would be a good value for the team in the short term and the long term.
CB Cooper DeJean, Iowa → Indianapolis Colts
DeJean is one of the top defensive players in this class. His all-around athletic background, how fast and fluid he is for his size and his elite instincts and ball skills in off-coverage can be difference-making at the NFL level. The Colts have a major need at cornerback, and defensive coordinator Gus Bradley is known for running a lot of off-coverage shells.
Though traditional Cover 3 isn’t as popular as it was in the past, Indianapolis was still the top team in the league when it came to Cover 3 or quarters coverage in 2023. DeJean could be a legit CB1 on the Colts' defense.
OL Graham Barton, Duke → Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys need to rebuild their offensive line this draft after losing Tyler Smith and Tyler Biadasz in free agency. Plus, Zack Martin will be 34 years old this season and Terence Steele didn’t exactly play well last year.
The ultra-versatile Barton from Duke would be the perfect fit. He could be a starter right away at guard, but he has experience at tackle, as that is where he played for the past two seasons. He also played one year of center for the Blue Devils early in his career, and he could play there in the NFL. He has true five-spot versatility for a team that could use it over the next few years.
WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas → Kansas City Chiefs
Mitchell is a polarizing prospect. At his best, he is a difference-making receiver, even for the NFL level. His NFL scouting combine performance echoed that, as he proved to be one of the most athletic offensive players in the class. But there are other reps where he just doesn’t appear as impactful, focused or interested.
For the Chiefs, who had a wide receiver need before the Rashee Rice legal issues, taking a chance on a talent like Mitchell could lead to a big-time return on investment. He could be their vertical threat in year one and perhaps blossom into a true WR1.
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