Dream Draft Scenarios For All 32 Teams

Each team will be dreaming on draft day - here's what it looks like for all 32 NFL franchises.

Apr 27, 2023; Kansas City, MO, USA; The 2023 NFL Draft logo on the main stage at Union Station. / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

We are just over a week away from the 2024 NFL Draft and we can hardly believe it’s here. As we close in on it all, we take a moment to look at all 32 teams and their “dream scenarios” to unfold with their first draft pick - whether it’s in the top five or outside of the first round.

That feels like enough explanation, so let’s dive into this bad boy.

Every single team’s “dream” scenario, plus an honorable mention.

Arizona Cardinals

Pick 4: Trade down with the Vikings

While I know fans would prefer to stay and pick Marvin Harrison Jr., the best move might be to move down and acquire more capital in the former of multiple first-round picks. Plus, they can always trade up again to get MHJ or even someone else.

Honorable mention: Marvin Harrison Jr., Wide Receiver, Ohio State

Cardinals fans would be nothing short of thrilled to see a generational wide receiver prospect wind up in the desert, especially given his family name.

Pick 27: Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton, Interior Defensive Lineman, Illinois

Newton is every bit as great of a defender as anyone else in this draft class, but he’s being wildly devalued. It could lead him to slip far in the draft and if he’s on the board at 27 then AZ should be jumping in excitement.

Honorable mention: Take the top cornerback

The Cardinals need to get better in the secondary and it starts with getting a true number one cornerback. Kool-Aid McKinstry has seen an ungodly draft fall and the Cards would be happy to end his fall. The team could also look at Ennis Rakestraw, T.J. Tampa, Kamari Lassiter, or anybody else who tickles their fancy.

Atlanta Falcons

Pick 8: Dallas Turner, Edge Rusher, Alabama

The Falcons haven’t had a consistently great edge rusher since John Abraham and that was well over a decade ago. Turner is a near-elite player with upside as great as we’ve seen of any edge rusher in the las few draft cycles.

Honorable mention: Rome Odunze, Wide Receiver, Washington

If Atlanta opts to build up their offense then I suggest getting the man I call “DOOMSDAY”, pairing Odunze with Drake London gives new quarterback Kirk Cousins massive bodies to throw to and gives the birds the best receiver duo they’ve had since Julio Jones and prime Roddy White.

Baltimore Ravens

Pick 30: Tyler Guyton, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma

The Ravens have lost three of their starting five offensive linemen from last season and although they have some replacements that they’ve stashed and developed, they would still be thrilled to end up with one of the best value guys available in Guyton. Guyton can play right tackle year one and transition to left as Ronnie Stanley’s heir apparent.

Honorable mention: Trade out of round one

Aside from a Guyton slide to 30, there aren’t too many players that will (likely) have the Ravens racing to the podium for. However, there are teams who may be interesting in trading back into the first round for quarterbacks like Micel Penix Jr. or Bo Nix. If a team comes calling, Baltimore would be inclined to listen.

Buffalo Bills

Pick 28: Brian Thomas Jr., Wide Receiver, LSU

With Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis no longer in Buffalo, the Bills desperately need to get Josh Allen a new number one wide receiver. Thomas just led the nation in touchdown receptions and his big frame will match perfectly with Allen’s aggressive tendencies. If he reaches his maximum potential, he’s DK Metcalf.

Honorable mention: AD Mitchell, Wide Receiver, Texas

Mitchell feels like the more realistic scenario for Buffalo but that’s hardly a bad thing. Mitchell has enormous upside and can do the same thing Thomas can for this offense.

Carolina Panthers

Pick 33: Trade up for Brian Thomas Jr. or AD Mitchell

I want to see the Panthers get aggressive in adding a young playmaker to this offense for Bryce Young. A room of recently acquired Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, Terrace Marshall, and Jonathan Mingo is not nearly enough. Getting Bryce Young a big-bodied receiver with deep speed is a dream come true.

Honorable mention: Troy Franklin, Wide Receiver, Oregon

If Carolina decides to be more candid and sit put at 33 then the least they can do and hope for is Franklin, who for my money’s worth is the most underappreciated receiver in the class and is destined to be a superstar early in his career.

Chicago Bears

Pick 1: Caleb Williams

A generational quarterback is available with the top pick and the Bears don’t have anything at the position. Easy fit.

Honorable mention: N/A

There is no honorable mention. Chicago has the number one pick and have Williams here. Plus, there’s no offer worth trading down for.

Pick 9: Trade down

The Bears only have four picks in a 2024 NFL Draft class that is stockpiled with talent. If a trade down is available, it would be smartest to move down a few picks.

Honorable mention: Rome Odunze, Wide Receiver, Washington

Keenan Allen was brought in but he’s a rental to help Williams get adjusted to the pros. What Chicago would be wisest to do is get a young, cheap option to grow with Williams and Odunze is a perfect fit for exactly that.

Cincinnati Bengals

Pick 18: JC Latham, Offensive Tackle, Alabama

Orlando Brown Jr. is an OK tackle, but considering what Cincinnati is paying him he is largely a disappointment. Across from him is an open spot that needs to be filled. Latham is an easy slot at right tackle that is a great backup option if something unforeseen happens to Brown.

Honorable mention: Troy Fautanu, Offensive Tackle, Washington

Fautanu is a tackle prospect who could be elite if moved inside. Quite frankly, I see him as no worse than Jonah Williams, who aged like a fine wine. Honestly, Fautanu’s versatility could make him even more valuable than Latham as a day one impact. 

Cleveland Browns

Pick 54: Kris Jenkins, Interior Defensive Lineman, Michigan

Jenkins is someone who I’ve grown quite the attachment to and I believe he will be any early impact player even as a rotational piece. The Browns don’t have the luxury of a first-round pick, but they do find an uber talented defensive lineman to plug-in to Jim Schwartz’s defense.

Honorable mention: Edgerrin Cooper, Linebacker, Mississippi State

Like Jenkins, Cooper is another player who, even in a rotational role, could be an early impact player in this defense. Quite frankly, the prospect of having him and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah patrolling the middle of the field is enticing.

Dallas Cowboys

Pick 24: Tyler Guyton, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma

Future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith is no longer a Cowboy, so Dallas goes and drafts his heir apparent. Guyton just looks and feels like a Cowboy and the franchise doesn’t miss on these guys very often.

Honorable mention: Cooper DeJean, Cornerback, Iowa

The Cowboys have some talented defensive backs, but Trevon Diggs is returning from a significant injury and Daron Bland still has his warts. Dallas can add DeJean to this DB room and have tons of speed and playmaking ability to make them as potent as ever.

Denver Broncos

Pick 12: Trade up for Drake Maye

The Broncos cannot walk away from the draft without a starting quarterback. Quite frankly, they shouldn’t exit day one without their guy.  They won’t be able to get int the top-two picks, but they could perhaps sway the Patriots to move off the third pick. If they can, Maye should be their target. Maye in a Sean Payton offense will have Denver back into contention quickly.

Honorable mention: Quinyon Mitchell, Cornerback, Toledo

If Denver opts to stay at 12 then they need to reinforce the defense.  Wouldn’t mind Laiatu Latu here, but lining up Mitchell opposite Patrick Surtain II feels dangerous. Mitchell isn’t afraid to punch you in the mouth and that fits nicely with what the Broncos like in their DBs.

Detroit Lions

Pick 29: Trade up for Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton, Interior Defensive Lineman, Illinois

Detroit has beef for the interior with Alim McNeil and D.J. Reader, but they could use a pass rusher from the interior. There’s seemingly no way that Newton falls to 29, but if he gets to a certain range then the Lions should be at a minimum making phone calls to see what it would cost. If the price is right, Newton becomes a matchup nightmare on the same line as Aidan Hutchinson.

Honorable mention: Trade down

Like the Ravens, the Lions must strongly consider a trade down if a quarterback-needy team approaches them. Getting some extra ammo while still being in play for several talented players is a tough scenario to pass on.

Green Bay Packers

Pick 25: Cooper DeJean, Cornerback, Iowa

If DeJean falls to 25 then the Packers should be popping bubbly in the war room. DeJean looks like a Packer and his ability to line up outside and inside presents similar versatility to another corner who they love in Jaire Alexander.

Honorable mention:  Graham Barton, Interior Offensive Lineman, Duke

The Packers' offensive line is a group of misfits, but they work together well. Add a player of Barton’s caliber, who is seen as a tackle by some and a guard by others (including me) to the unit and get ready to yield a great offensive line.

Houston Texans

Pick 42: Tyler Nubin, Safety, Minnesota

The Texans defense took a massive step forward as soon as DeMeco Ryans became the team’s head coach. Houston would be wise to continue adding to a formidable unit and get themselves a true centerfielder in Nubin. His athletic testing won’t leave many happy, but his play on the field, including his ball hawking tendencies will make up for that.

Honorable mention: Edgerrin Cooper, Linebacker, Mississippi State

If Nubin is gone by pick 42 then the Texans can just add a difference maker in the middle of the field. Houston has more than capable players at the position, but nobody has near the upside that Cooper has. I’m sure Ryans sees a bit of himself in Cooper, too.

Indianapolis Colts

Pick 15: Quinyon Mitchell, Cornerback, Toledo

The Colts need a true number one cornerback and Mitchell absolutely profiles as such. There are lots of bodies at the position, but Indy can’t exit day one without a true number one cover man.

Honorable mention: Terrion Arnold, Cornerback, Alabama

If not Mitchell, then Indy hopes Arnold will be available here. Arnold has flown up draft boards over the last several months and for good reason. The ceiling is as good as any DB in the class and might be worth being the first off the board because of it.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick 14: Terrion Arnold, Cornerback, Alabama

The Jaguars have some talent at cornerback including Tyson Campbell, but they can always stand to add more talent. Arnold would be a great fit for this defense and quite frankly he would look damn good in a Jaguars uniform.

Honorable mention: Byron Murphy II, Interior Defensive Lineman, Texas

If not in the secondary, then the Jags need to get significantly better on the defensive interior. Murphy can do more than one thing from defensive tackle and can make life easier for their linebackers to make plays in the backfield. Plus, he’s just good at football period.

Kansas City Chiefs

Pick 32: AD Mitchell, Wide Receiver, Texas

The Chiefs don’t necessarily need to take a receiver in round one after repeating as champions with average players, but if Mitchell is on the board, it would feel irresponsible to pass him up. With his size and speed, KC would get Patrick Mahomes one of the most talented targets he’s ever had.

Honorable mention: Xavier Worthy, Wide Receiver, Texas

The only team who should strongly consider Worthy in round one, in my opinion, should be the Chiefs. The last time this offense possessed the perceivably fastest player in the league was Tyreek Hill and his fit in the offense was historically great. With Mahomes’ big arm, Worthy is one of the best home run threats from day one.

Las Vegas Raiders

Pick 13: Trade up for Jayden Daniels

The only way the Raiders have a shot at Daniels is if the Commanders pass him up with the number two pick. If that were to happen, the Raiders need to move heaven and earth to get Daniels in silver and black. Reuniting Daniels with the man who recruited him in college, head coach Antonio Pierce is simply poetry, and his upside makes him perhaps the best quarterback the team has had in decades.

Honorable mention: Taliese Fuaga, Offensive Tackle, Oregon State

Fuaga is a much more realistic scenario for the Raiders with Daniels being all but locked into the second overall pick. Still, the offensive line desperately needs a makeover and Fuaga is pound-for-pound an elite right tackle. People hear “right tackle” and get disappointed, but I’m here to tell you that Fuaga has All-Pro upside as a rookie.

Los Angeles Chargers

Pick 5: Trade down with the Vikings

Like the Cardinals, the Chargers will be hoping that J.J. McCarthy or any of the quarterbacks will be available with the fifth pick. If they are, we know that the Vikings will be moving up and the Bolts should be happy to comply. Adding more premium picks for a roster that needs premium players is perfect, don’t you think?

Honorable mention: Joe Alt Jr., Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame

If a quarterback isn’t available for someone to move up for and the Chargers decide to pick at five then they should strongly consider adding Alt. the offensive line has some pieces in place, including at tackle with Rashawn Slater, but new head coach Jim Harbaugh values an elite offensive line and Alt gives him that elite player.

Los Angeles Rams

Pick 19: Byron Murphy II, Interior Defensive Lineman, Texas

There’s no replacing Aaron Donald, arguably the greatest defensive tackle of all time. That being said, the Rams need to be aggressive in finding someone to help fill the massive void he is leaving. Murphy is a great fit here and pairs well with Kobie Turner.

Honorable mention: Jared Verse, Edge Rusher, Florida State

Just like the idea of playing Murphy next to Turner, lining up Verse across from Byron Young is also quite the prospect. Verse has become an overthought player that will quickly provide a return on investment for his future employer.

Miami Dolphins

Pick 21: Amarius Mims, Offensive Tackle, Georgia

The Dolphins have needed offensive line help for years even with the additions that they’ve made. Mims is a behemoth of a man that looks like The Mountain from Game of Thrones. Mims is the kind of blocker that defenders hate matching up against.

Honorable mention: Cooper DeJean, Cornerback, Iowa

Jalen Ramsey needs a running mate across from him and DeJean is perfect for that role. The team needs to replace long-time starter Xavien Howard, so a DB makes a lot of sense depending on how the board falls. DeJean being available at 21 is a great situation to be in.

Minnesota Vikings

Pick 11: Trade up for Drake Maye, Quarterback, North Carolina

The dream is to land Drake Maye whether that’s with the third pick, fourth pick, or even fifth pick depending on the way the draft falls. Maye is just as good a quarterback prospect as any we’ve seen the last two-to-three years and he feels like a seamless replacement for Kirk Cousins.

Honorable mention: Trade up for J.J. McCarthy, Quarterback, Michigan

If Maye is gone then the Vikings can settle on McCarthy, who can sling the ball. He wasn’t asked to do as much a Michigan as he will with the Vikings, but he also has Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson to work with. That’s more than enough for any rookie to rely on as they get their feet underneath them.

Pick 23: Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton, Interior Defensive Lineman, Illinois

The dream for the Vikings is to somehow retain the 23rd pick this year and move future capital. If they can somehow pull it off, then Newton feels like the best case scenario here. A day one starter for a Vikings defense that needs ass-kickers.

Honorable mention: Trade package for a quarterback

The Vikings should have no issues moving the 23rd pick to get their quarterback of the future. That’s a huge reason why they even traded to get this selection in the first place.

New England Patriots

Pick 3: Take Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels

The Patriots will have one of these two quarterbacks available, and they’d be wise to snatch up whoever is left with the third pick. Either one is an immediate franchise cornerstone and if they build this team the right way, the Pats can ensure they have a high-upside quarterback with one of these two guys. A new era has begun in New England and thus a new quarterback is needed.

Honorable mention: Auction off the third pick for a gold mine

Although the Patriots need a new quarterback they don’t necessarily need to get a guy with the third pick; especially with all the hungry teams behind them looking to move up for Maye or Daniels. The Pats team is at ground zero right now and no quarterback will fix this team. Instead, have the Giants, Vikings, Broncos, or Raiders give you a gold mine to move up and draft the best players on the board from there. Plus, you can still always draft Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix while stockpiling all those picks.

New Orleans Saints

Pick 14: Olu Fashanu, Offensive Tackle, Penn State

Fashanu was once thought of as a top-five lock and now he could barely get selected in the top-15. It doesn’t matter one way or the other for the Saints, who would gladly snatch him up and slot him into an offensive line that is currently a mess.

Honorable mention: JC Latham, Offensive Tackle, Alabama

If not Fashanu then this should be the sweet spot for Latham to get selected. Latham may not have the same pure upside that Fashanu has, but he’s still an immediate plug-and-play starter.

New York Giants

Pick 6: Trade up for a quarterback

Daniel Jones is not the answer and this is the draft to get it right. There are three great options for the Giants to fancy with Caleb Williams a forgone conclusion as the number one pick. After the Commanders make their pick at two, the G-Men should immediately begin making phone calls with both the Patriots at three and the Cardinals at four. No matter which of the three are available, they’re all drastic upgrades over Jones.

Honorable mention: Marvin Harrison Jr., Wide Receiver, Ohio State

This could be argued as the best-case scenario for the Giants, but it would also have to be predicated on getting someone like Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix later in day one or early day two. We know that MHJ is elite and will drastically improve an offense that has virtually no notable weapons.

New York Jets

Pick 10: Brock Bowers, Tight End, Georgia

It’s a fantasy football dream come true, but it’s also a S-tier weapon to put in an offense that also has Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall as young building blocks. Bowers has been so hard to place in mock drafts because of his position, but he is every bit as generational as Caleb Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. are to their respective positions. When a guy like Bowers falls onto your lap, you’re best to not overthink it and take the superstar.

Honorable mention: Taliese Fuaga, Offensive Tackle, Oregon State

If Bowers isn’t available, then the Jets need to keep working on that offensive line. Signing Tyron Smith is good for the short term at left tackle and this is a team trying to win now. I already mentioned that Fuaga is a ridiculously talented right tackle, so the marriage here is perfect.

Philadelphia Eagles

Pick 22: Cooper DeJean, Cornerback, Iowa

DeJean is a dream come true for many teams and the Eagles are no different. Philly had some buyer’s remorse last season with the way that Darius Slay and James Bradberry played, and while they could both rebound next year, they’re both over 30, so a younger option needs to take precedence. Kelee Ringo is a good start, but DeJean is a more solid building block who could eve end up starting by season’s end.

Honorable mention: Nate Wiggins, Cornerback, Clemson

Wiggins is a guy that has seemingly become forgotten about and it’s a shame considering he has the size and ball skills to excel. In a defense that has plenty of pass rush and corner depth to let him learn the ropes, this turns into a great future pick on a team that can win now and later.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick 20: Trade package to 49ers for Brandon Aiyuk

There’s a TON of smoke that 49ers’ star receiver Brandon Aiyuk is on the trade block and no team has been more heavily linked to Aiyuk than the Steelers. It would take a hefty package to get him but moving the 20th overall pick is more than worth it. Aiyuk is instantly the top receiver on this team and his partner in crime, George Pickens, is no slouch, either. If the opportunity presents itself, this should be the move.

Honorable mention: Take the top offensive lineman available

If the Steelers stay and pick at 20 then they need to just add the top offensive lineman on the board regardless of the position. Whether it’s Amarius Mims, Jackson Powers-Johnson, Graham Barton, or somebody else, it’s in the best interest of the team to continue building the offensive line up.

San Francisco 49ers

Pick 31: Take the top offensive lineman available

It’s a deep offensive line draft and the 49ers need to capitalize. The offensive line they currently have is below average and if you take Trent Williams out of the equation it becomes significantly worse. The Niners should value anyone ranging from Jordan Morgan to Zach Frazier, or if anybody else slips a bit.

Honorable mention: Ladd McConkey, Wide Receiver, Georgia

Drafting McConkey, for me at least, means that Brandon Aiyuk is on the way out. Still, McConkey is a very talented receiver who has had quite the climb over the past few months for his draft stock. He’s a great fit for this offense and will have no issue finding space with all of the other weapons around him.

Seattle Seahawks

Pick 16: Laiatu Latu, Edge Rusher, UCLA

Latu is another player who I just picture perfectly in a Seahawks uniform to the point where if he isn’t a Seahawk by the end of the draft I’ll be stunned. Seattle could use a young, dynamic rusher opposite Boye Mafe, and this feels like the perfect pairing.

Honorable mention: Jared Verse, Edge Rusher, Florida State

If not Latu then Seattle should be equally as happy nabbing Verse. The bottom line is that the Seahawks should be intent on beefing up their pass rush in a division that has no shortage of dynamite offenses.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Pick 26: Jackson Powers-Johnson, Interior Offensive Line, Oregon

The Buccaneers have their quarterback in Baker Mayfield and no shortage of weapons for him to throw to. The best course of action is to continue putting Mayfield into a situation to succeed and the next step is to bolster the offensive line. Powers-Johnson may be off the board by this pick, but quite frankly I’m not sure what to do with his stock. What I do know is this is a borderline Pro Bowler from day one.

Honorable mention: Trade out of round one

Just like the Ravens and the Lions, if a team calls Tampa Bay looking to trade up, they should listen. The Bucs don’t have any glaring weaknesses that absolutely have to be addressed on day one, so stockpiling picks to upgrade the roster seems ideal.

Tennessee Titans

Pick 7: Joe Alt Jr., Offensive Tackle, Notre Dame

Signing Calvin Ridley tells me the team is confident enough with the receiver spot to focus elsewhere. That means continuing to beef up the offensive line. Alt is elite pairing him with last year’s top pick Peter Skoronski gets this line one step closer to completing its rebuild.

Honorable mention: Malik Nabers, Wide Receiver, LSU

If Alt is gone then Tennessee should focus on adding the best player available and that would likely be Nabers, who can play behind Ridley and DeAndre Hopkins this year and the step up in 2025 is Hopkins’ replacement.

Washington Commanders

Pick 2: Jayden Daniels, Quarterback, LSU

Daniels is a lot of things for the Commanders, but biggest of all is he is the future. Washington would be getting a player whose ceiling feels limitless thanks to his God-given abilities. If the chips fall right for Daniels, he could be the biggest hope the team and the fans have had since Robert Griffin III’s rookie season.

Honorable mention: Drake Maye, Quarterback, North Carolina

If the Commanders decide on not taking the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, then they could always roll the dice on Maye. Like we said for Daniels, Maye can help get the franchise back in the right direction now under new ownership.