The Excitement Builds: Predictions for the Upcoming NFL Draft
As the highly anticipated NFL Draft approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting the answers to the burning questions that have been circulating for months. To help pass the time, Kosport Magazine’s analysts have looked into their Crystal Ball to make some bold predictions for the upcoming draft. From potential trades to risers and fallers, here’s what we think will happen on draft day.
1. With Caleb Williams locked in for the Bears, who will be taken at No. 2 overall?
Kosport Magazine’s Ryan Wilson believes that LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels will be the top pick for the Chicago Bears. Wilson compares Daniels to former LSU transfer and current NFL star Joe Burrow, saying that Daniels’ dual-threat abilities make him a dangerous weapon on the field. On the other hand, analysts Chris Trapasso and Josh Edwards both predict that North Carolina’s Drake Maye will be the second overall pick, with Trapasso noting that Maye’s fit with the Washington Commanders’ offense makes him the ideal choice.
2. Who is the safest prospect in the draft?
When it comes to the safest prospect in the draft, all three analysts agree that Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is the top choice. Wilson praises Harrison Jr.’s consistent performance on the field and believes that he could make an immediate impact in the NFL. Trapasso also highlights Harrison Jr.’s impressive resume and potential to take over games. Edwards adds that Harrison Jr.’s NFL pedigree only adds to his high floor as a prospect.
3. Who is the prospect with the biggest red flag?
While there are many talented prospects in this year’s draft, there are also some with red flags that could affect their draft stock. Wilson points to Alabama’s Jermaine Burton as a potential player who could drop due to off-field concerns. Trapasso highlights Florida State’s Keon Coleman, noting that despite his size and highlight-reel catches, he struggles to get open and was not very effective in combat-catch scenarios. Edwards believes that Texas’ T’Vondre Sweat’s past partying and recent DWI arrest could also be a red flag for teams.
4. What surprise team will target a QB?
With the quarterback position being one of the most important in the NFL, it’s no surprise that teams are always looking for their next franchise QB. Wilson predicts that the Cincinnati Bengals, who already have Joe Burrow as their starter, could target a QB in the draft to groom for the future. Trapasso believes that the Seattle Seahawks, with a new coaching regime and Geno Smith’s contract expiring soon, could also surprise fans by targeting a QB. Edwards thinks that the Los Angeles Rams, with 36-year-old Matthew Stafford as their current starter, could use their first first-round pick since 2016 to secure a long-term solution at the position.
5. Who is one top prospect you expect to slide the farthest?
In every draft, there are always a few top prospects who end up sliding down the draft board. Wilson believes that Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. could be one of those players this year. Despite his impressive skills on the field, Rakestraw’s size and timing may cause him to slip out of the first round. However, Wilson notes that this could be a blessing in disguise for whichever team lands him in the second round. Trapasso and Edwards both agree that Rakestraw is a top talent who could make a big impact in the NFL.
Summary:
With the draft just around the corner, the excitement and anticipation are at an all-time high. Kosport Magazine’s analysts have made their predictions, but only time will tell if they will come true. From potential trades to top prospects, this year’s draft is sure to be full of surprises and excitement. Stay tuned for all the action on draft day!
The Top 10 Most Surprising Picks of the 2024 NFL Draft
Kosport Magazine – The 2024 NFL Draft is just around the corner and the anticipation is building as teams prepare to make their selections. While there are always a few surprises in every draft, this year’s class is full of talented players who could shake up the draft board. Here are our top 10 most surprising picks of the 2024 NFL Draft.
1. OT Olu Fashanu, Penn State – Selected by the Trapasso
The first surprise of the draft comes from Kosport Magazine’s own Chris Trapasso, who predicts that the talented offensive tackle from Penn State will be taken in the top 10. Despite not receiving much buzz, Fashanu is considered an elite talent and could be a game-changer for any team in need of offensive line help.
2. WR Keon Coleman, Florida State – Selected by Edwards
Edwards predicts that Coleman, who was once viewed as a first-round lock, will fall further than expected in the draft. While he still has NFL potential, his position in the overall pecking order could cause him to slip out of the first round.
3. Which player has the chance to be a surprise top-10 pick?
Wilson: EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA. “I hear that Laitu Latu has been cleared medically and that the former UCLA pass rusher is likely a top 13 pick. It’ll be tough to crack the top 10 — not because he’s not worth it — but because there will be a run on offensive players at the top of the draft. That said, Latu is the most technically sound pass rusher in this class and teams love his motor and his demeanor.”
Trapasso: DT Byron Murphy II, Texas. “Dynamic upfield rushers on the inside are hard to come by, and that’s precisely what Murphy is. He starred over the last two seasons at Texas and tested through the roof at the combine.”
Edwards: DT Byron Murphy II, Texas. “The opportunity for a defensive player to get in the top 10 overall runs through the Bears or Falcons unless there is a trade. It would not be a surprise if Dallas Turner went that early, so Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell or Murphy would be the only potential ‘surprises.'”
4. EDGE Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan – Selected by Wilson
Wilson predicts that Kneeland, who has been impressing teams during the pre-draft process, could be a surprise top-10 pick. His power and versatility make him an attractive option for any team in need of a pass rusher.
5. LB Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M – Selected by Trapasso
Trapasso believes that Cooper, who has been overshadowed by other linebackers in this class, could make a big leap into the first round. His youth and explosiveness make him a valuable asset for any team in need of a linebacker.
6. C Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon – Selected by Edwards
Edwards predicts that Powers-Johnson, who has been hyped up but may not live up to expectations, could fall out of the first round. While he may still be a first-round pick, Edwards believes there are other players who could surprise and take his spot.
7. Which team do you expect to make the most surprising pick that shakes up the draft?
Wilson: Seahawks. “The Seahawks are always good for mixing things up and while it would be surprising, I don’t know if it would be a complete shock if they took a quarterback in the first round. Would they consider, say, Michael Penix Jr., if he was on the board at No. 16? They’ve been noncommittal on Geno Smith and while, yes, they traded for Sam Howell, if they love Penix Jr., they could certainly double down on the position.”
Trapasso: Broncos. “I cannot fathom Sean Payton and especially GM George Paton, the latter of whom is squarely on the hot seat, standing idly by as other teams pick quarterbacks and/or move up the board to get one.”
Edwards: Cardinals. “While Seattle is usually my pick for this category, the Cardinals have two chances to meet the criteria. The Seahawks have never been concerned with general consensus and trying to win in the court of public approval. Arizona just has a lot of needs and could go in a number of directions.”
8. Which prospect could fall out of the first round?
Wilson: CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson. “Nate Wiggins could be a victim of circumstance. He’s as close to a shutdown corner as you’re going to get in today’s NFL. And while he’s long, his slight build may concern some teams, especially after Emmanuel Forbes, the Commanders first-round pick a year ago who played at 166 in college, struggled through his rookie campaign.”
Trapasso: WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia. “And it’d be because of the injuries concerns, which we rarely hear much about during or even after the first round. McConkey’s film is first-round caliber but he has a small frame and was banged up in 2023.”
Edwards: C Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon. “The hype surrounding Powers-Johnson exceeded reality. I think there is a good chance he will still get into the first round but I wanted to pick a player who is not already viewed as being on the fringe. I believe my picks each of the past two years were Nolan Smith (No. 30 overall) and Nakobe Dean (No. 83 overall); both ironically drafted by the Eagles.”
9. Which team do you expect to make the most surprising pick that shakes up the draft?
Wilson: Seahawks. “The Seahawks are always good for mixing things up and while it would be surprising, I don’t know if it would be a complete shock if they took a quarterback in the first round. Would they consider, say, Michael Penix Jr., if he was on the board at No. 16? They’ve been noncommittal on Geno Smith and while, yes, they traded for Sam Howell, if they love Penix Jr., they could certainly double down on the position.”
Trapasso: Broncos. “I cannot fathom Sean Payton and especially GM George Paton, the latter of whom is squarely on the hot seat, standing idly by as other teams pick quarterbacks and/or move up the board to get one.”
Edwards: Cardinals. “While Seattle is usually my pick for this category, the Cardinals have two chances to meet the criteria. The Seahawks have never been concerned with general consensus and trying to win in the court of public approval. Arizona just has a lot of needs and could go in a number of directions.”
10. Which current NFL player is most likely to get traded during draft weekend?
Wilson: WR Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers. “Brandon Aiyuk is the obvious choice. The Steelers have a need at wide receiver but they also have needs along the offensive line and in the secondary, and I don’t know if it makes sense for them to part ways with a high draft pick and have to pay Aiyuk the deal he very much deserves. But there are other teams that are in the market for a WR, including the Jets, Saints and Bills, for starters.”
Trapasso: WR Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers. “I know his agent is denying anything on the trade front with his star client, but the rumors are swirling and it’s not hard to see why. Aiyuk is a talented receiver who could be a valuable asset for a team in need of a playmaker.”
Edwards: WR Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers. “Aiyuk’s name has been mentioned in trade rumors for weeks now and it wouldn’t
The 2024 NFL Draft: Potential Trades and Surprises
Welcome to Kosport Magazine’s coverage of the 2024 NFL Draft! As the draft approaches, teams are making moves and rumors are swirling about potential trades and surprises. Let’s take a look at some of the most talked about scenarios.
49ers Eyeing a Receiver
The San Francisco 49ers have been in need of a top receiver for some time now. With the draft approaching, they have their sights set on adding a dynamic playmaker to their roster. But as we all know, things can change quickly in the NFL.
There’s been speculation that the 49ers may trade for a receiver, even after the draft. If they do, look out for a potential trade involving their rising star, Brandon Aiyuk. Despite his impressive performance, the 49ers may not be willing to pay a receiver upwards of $30 million per season.
Edwards’ Bold Prediction
According to Kosport Magazine’s own Edwards, the Denver Broncos may be looking to trade their star receiver, Courtland Sutton. It’s been rumored that head coach Sean Payton has been looking to move on from both Jerry Jeudy and Sutton since his arrival. With Jeudy now gone, Sutton could be next.
While Stefon Diggs and Haason Reddick were initially thought to be the most likely candidates, they have already found new homes. This leaves Sutton as a potential trade target for teams in need of a top receiver.
And with Tee Higgins seemingly resigned to playing on the franchise tag for the Bengals, Sutton could be a valuable addition for any team looking to bolster their receiving corps.
What to Expect at the Draft
The 2024 NFL Draft will take place from April 25-27 in Detroit. As always, Kosport Magazine will have extensive coverage of the event, including the latest draft order, mock drafts, and prospect rankings.
But as we’ve seen in the past, the draft is full of surprises and unexpected trades. Will the 49ers make a move for a receiver? Will the Broncos part ways with Sutton? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – the 2024 NFL Draft is shaping up to be an exciting one.
Summary
As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, teams are making moves and rumors are swirling about potential trades and surprises. The San Francisco 49ers may be looking to add a receiver, but could also be open to trading their rising star, Brandon Aiyuk. Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos may be looking to move on from Courtland Sutton, leaving him as a potential trade target for teams in need of a top receiver. Stay tuned for Kosport Magazine’s extensive coverage of the draft, where anything can happen.
