2023 NFL Draft Hit for Most Teams

The 2023 NFL Draft hit for most teams.  The 2024 draft is days away and teams, fans and media are losing their minds trying to predict what will happen in Thursday night's first round.  Back in the day a fan would just grab a newspaper the following day and spend two or three minutes looking over a printed copy of the draft results.  Of course they would zero in in their favorite team and then get on with their day.

Now, Thursday night's first round will be televised nationally on multiple networks for four hours and it will be a  ratings bonanza.  Each pick will be made with Christmas morning-like hysteria and each pick will be analyzed and over-analyzed some more.  And this will be for the first night for round one!  Then we do it again Friday and Saturday for the later rounds.

The NFL Draft has become the most exciting non-sporting event of the sports calendar!  We can't wait.  By the way, how well do you remember last year's draft?  Let's find out with our 2023 NFL Draft Hit Trivia on Craig Shemon and Company on ESPN Southwest Florida!

2023 NFL DRAFT HIT TRIVIA

We're coming up on the 2024 NFL Draft, and those who are going through football withdrawals, like me, are so ready for it. The next best thing to watching the games is taking in all the draft action, so it can't come soon enough. The NFL Draft, after all, is really the main event of the offseason. Also, now that we know which new players teams have picked up in free agency, we have a few more clues about which players teams might swoop up during the draft.

Detroit will host the 2024 NFL Draft. The event, presented by Bud Light, will take place from April 25 through 27, and it's free to attend. Attendees may register for free entry by downloading the NFL OnePass app or via the web at NFL.com/DraftAccess. Also, all adults are required to register to attend and may also register up to five kids to get into the event. Fans must download the NFL OnePass app or register via the website to enter the 2024 NFL Draft Experience, presented by Rocket Mortgage. In doing so, they'll also receive digital content and enter for a chance to win exclusive prizes, according to the official NFL website. For fans who don't have a smartphone, registration is also available on the NFL's website via their Fan Services.

In addition to the main attraction, the 2024 NFL Draft Experience, presented by Rocket Mortgage, will happen throughout the entire event. The free event will offer "immersive exhibits and sponsor activations," including the chance to "take photos with the Vince Lombardi Trophy; enjoy the youth-focused Play 60 Zone; shop exclusive merchandise at the NFL Shop presented by Visa; and score autographs from current NFL players and Legends at the Autograph Stage," according to the NFL's website.

So, 257 players are slated to be part of the draft, and they'll be called over seven rounds. Of course, quarterbacks usually get a lot of play, and this year, 11 quarterbacks will be anxiously anticipating their new homes. I've put together five wild predictions for the NFL Draft this year, plus some under-the-radar predictions. These players could really change the strength and chemistry of the teams to which they're assigned. So, even if these aren't totally shocking picks, I think what they'll bring to their teams will be earth-shaking. Football season can't come soon enough.

It's no secret that the Bears have their sights set on Caleb Williams of USC. They traded Justin Fields to the Steelers to put the focus on Williams and his future with the team. All eyes will be on him next season. He'll be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Washington Commanders need some help. So do all the teams who are picking first in the draft, of course. But, the Commanders have been trying to rebuild for years now. There are rumors that the Commanders could trade the No. 2 pick, but I don't think so. Especially after trading Sam Howell to the Seahawks, it seems like they're keeping their No. 2 pick. Chances are, they'll snag quarterback Jaylen Daniels of LSU.

The Arizona Cardinals will get the No. 4 pick, and they'll have a few different options. It will be one of the more interesting draft picks. But, to me, it seems like going with WR Marvin Harrison Jr. of Ohio State is a no-brainer. He'll help strengthen their offense in a big way.

New head coach Jim Harbaugh will have some fun with the NFL Draft this year. The Chargers really need some good pass catchers, so it seems like Malik Nabers of LSU would be the perfect fit. He'll be the strongest WR they have, to boot.

The New York Giants are in a bind due to Daniel Jones and his injuries. So, snagging J.J. McCarthy of Michigan would be a smart move. They'll be able to do that, based on the order they are in the draft. It will be interesting to see what consistency this Michigan guy can bring to the team.

One under-the-radar pick is possibly the Detroit Lions picking up EDGE Chop Robinson of Penn State. They already have one of the best EDGE players in the league with Aiden Hutchinson, and adding Robinson would add fuel to that fire. Their defense could get the boost they need to get to the Big Game.

The Philadelphia Eagles could bring on CB Nate Wiggins of Clemson. Their secondary needs major help, and Wiggins will be one of the best corners in the 2024 draft, so why not go for it? I'd be surprised to see them pick anyone else in the first round.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could use a good CB, and Kool-Aid McKinstry of Alabama fits the bill. They traded Carlton Davis to the Lions, so the Buccaneers need to pick up a CB with their pick. McKinstry is solid, and they'll put him to work on day one.

The Seattle Seahawks are in a curious position, in that they had a strong season, so they don't get a high draft pick, but they still need to add some extra talent. One smart choice would be OT Troy Fautanu of Washington. This move would put him back together with his college offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.

The Las Vegas Raiders need some help in the CB department, and they'll hit that sweet spot in the draft where they'll be able to pick up Quinyon Mitchell of Toledo. He's going to be the first cornerback picked in the 2024, in my opinion. Others agree, too. The Raiders will be a good fit for him.