NFL Free Agency Shakes Up Mock Drafts: 4 Key Moves to Watch
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Evan Engram’s Impact on the Broncos’ Draft Plans
The NFL offseason is in full swing, and free agency has already started reshaping the landscape for the upcoming draft. One of the most significant moves so far has been tight end Evan Engram signing with the Denver Broncos. While the signing itself wasn’t entirely surprising, it carries significant implications for how mock drafts will look moving forward. Before Engram joined Denver, the Broncos were widely expected to target one of the top tight end prospects in the draft, such as Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland, with their 20th overall pick. However, with Engram now on board, the Broncos may no longer feel the need to address the tight end position in the first round. This could push Warren and Loveland to be selected earlier in the draft, potentially even before Denver’s pick at No. 20. Engram’s arrival not only solidifies the Broncos’ offense but also adds a layer of unpredictability to how teams will approach their draft strategy. -
Myles Garrett’s Return to the Browns Creates Draft Intrigue
Another move that’s causing waves in the draft world is Myles Garrett’s return to the Cleveland Browns. Garrett, one of the NFL’s most dominant edge rushers, initially requested a trade, but his decision to stay in Cleveland has shifted the team’s outlook for the draft. The Browns hold the No. 2 overall pick, and while they were once thought to be a prime destination for Abdul Carter, one of the top edge rushers in the draft, Garrett’s return complicates things. Now, the Browns may pivot to addressing other needs, particularly at quarterback. With Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders emerging as two of the top quarterback prospects, Cleveland could opt to select one of them second overall. This decision would not only reshape the Browns’ future but also ripple through the rest of the draft as other teams adjust their strategies. -
DK Metcalf’s Trade to the Steelers Shifts Receiver Landscape
The trade of DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks to the Pittsburgh Steelers is another move that’s altering draft dynamics. Before the deal, the Steelers were frequently mocked to select a wide receiver with their 21st overall pick, with names like Luther Burden, Emeka Egbuka, and Matthew Golden often linked to the team. However, with Metcalf now in Pittsburgh, the Steelers’ need for a first-round receiver has diminished. On the flip side, the Seahawks, who also traded away Tyler Lockett, now find themselves in a position where they may need to address the receiver position with their 18th overall pick. This trade not only affects the Steelers and Seahawks but also impacts the broader receiver class, as teams’ priorities and draft boards continue to evolve. -
Geno Smith’s Move to the Raiders Affects QB Draft Strategy
In another significant move, quarterback Geno Smith was traded from the Seahawks to the Las Vegas Raiders. This deal has created uncertainty for quarterback prospects in the draft, particularly Shedeur Sanders. The Raiders hold the No. 6 overall pick and were once expected to target a quarterback in the first round. However, with Smith now on the roster, Las Vegas may opt to take the best player available rather than reaching for a quarterback. This shift could lead the Raiders to address other needs in the first round and potentially select a young quarterback in later rounds. As a result, quarterbacks like Sanders and Cam Ward may see their draft stock fluctuate as teams reassess their priorities in light of free agency moves. -
The Bigger Picture: Free Agency’s Ripple Effect on the Draft
The combination of these moves highlights the dynamic interplay between free agency and the NFL Draft. Teams that fill their most pressing needs through signings or trades no longer feel pressured to address those positions in the draft, creating opportunities for other teams to target top prospects. For instance, the Broncos’ addition of Evan Engram could push tight ends like Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland to be drafted earlier than expected, while the Raiders’ acquisition of Geno Smith might allow other teams to scoop up quarterback prospects in the first round. Similarly, the Steelers’ trade for DK Metcalf and the Browns’ retention of Myles Garrett could lead to a domino effect, altering the way teams approach their draft boards. - Conclusion: A Draft Full of Uncertainty
As the NFL Draft approaches, the moves made during free agency have introduced a layer of unpredictability that will keep fans and analysts on their toes. Teams like the Broncos, Browns, Steelers, and Raiders have already shown how quickly their strategies can shift based on offseason signings and trades. With the draft still weeks away, there’s plenty of time for more moves to shake things up, making this year’s draft one of the most exciting in recent memory. Whether it’s a top prospect sliding due to a team’s newfound depth or a quarterback unexpectedly falling into a team’s lap, the 2024 NFL Draft is shaping up to be full of surprises.
