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Mike Fanelli looks at three potential darkhorse teams to draft a quarterback in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Who could surprise everyone and take a quarterback?
The 2024 NFL Draft has finally arrived. Like every year, most of the conversations surrounding the NFL Draft are about the quarterback position.
Many believe the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, and New England Patriots will select a quarterback with their top three picks. Furthermore, the Minnesota Vikings reportedly are very likely to trade up to the fourth or fifth pick to select a quarterback.
However, which darkhorse teams could draft a quarterback in the first round? Let’s look at three potential teams.
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New York Jets
The Jets were all but locked into drafting an offensive tackle with their first-round pick. However, the team added Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses this offseason, eliminating that need. While New York could still draft an offensive tackle to take over as a starter in 2025, expect them to explore other positions.
Could they draft Aaron Rodgers’ successor in the first round? General manager Joe Douglas said he wouldn’t rule out drafting a quarterback with the 10th overall pick. Yet, that seems unlikely unless J.J. McCarthy or Drake Maye are on the board when they are on the clock. However, the Jets could trade back into the teens, add draft capital, and select one of the second-tier quarterbacks.
GM Joe Douglas didn’t close the door on the #Jets potentially taking a QB with the No. 10 overall pick, ‘the draft is going to present a lot of interesting possibilities [at the quarterback] position as well. So we’re exploring that. We’ve got our coaches & scouts out on the road… pic.twitter.com/KnGFtaFnxH
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) March 25, 2024
New Orleans Saints
Fans were frustrated with Derek Carr in his first season with the Saints. However, the veteran quarterback played through multiple injuries, including to his throwing shoulder. New Orleans restructured his contract this offseason for salary cap purposes, likely locking him in as the starting quarterback through the 2025 season.
Yet, that doesn’t mean the team won’t consider drafting a quarterback when they are on the clock in the first round. The Saints have the 14th pick in the NFL Draft, meaning they likely won’t get one of the top-four quarterback prospects. However, Bo Nix or Michael Penix Jr. should be available when the team is on the clock. Despite having more significant needs, don’t be surprised if New Orleans drafts a quarterback to put pressure on Carr.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams sent the sixth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to the Detroit Lions as part of the Matthew Stafford trade. Many believe the team would regret the trade after Stafford struggled to stay healthy during the 2022 season. Thankfully, the veteran rebounded last year and ended the season playing as well as any other quarterback in the NFL.
Los Angeles signed Jimmy Garoppolo to a one-year deal this offseason. While the veteran has been a starter in the past, he isn't the quarterback of the future for the Rams. With Stafford recently turning 36 years old, the team could draft a quarterback in the first round. Stafford would start this season before potentially retiring in the offseason, allowing the rookie to take over as the starter in 2025.
🚨 BREAKING
The Los Angeles Rams are signing Raiders Jimmy Garoppolo #JimmyG pic.twitter.com/6oivpJXwYb
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) March 15, 2024
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