Everybody is aware of that participant expertise is simply a part of the equation in relation to the NFL Draft. The far larger piece of the puzzle is how these rookies match with the group that drafted them, and that may be the largest predictor of future success.
We’ve seen immensely proficient gamers have their careers snuffed out by touchdown within the unsuitable metropolis. Conversely there are guys who have been slim, single-trait prospects who grew to become stars by enjoying for groups that know tips on how to use them. Whenever you’re capable of mix these two components collectively, that’s when one thing very particular occurs, and listed below are my favourite player-team matches from the primary three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Dallas Turner, DE — Minnesota Vikings
This was among the best picks within the first spherical, and it’s additionally simply an unimaginable match. The Vikings sank some severe draft capital into shifting as much as get the consensus high cross rusher, however goodness is he price it.
There’s some Travon Walker right here for those who’re in search of a comparability. Turner is an athletic freak who wants some severe work on his puss dashing instruments, however the man is just a weapon. Now he finally ends up with a defensive coordinator in Brian Flores who can take a ballpoint pen can kill an individual with it. Flores is a genius at placing trait gamers in positions they will succeed, and it’s because of this I don’t count on will probably be an extended, developmental journey for Dallas Turner. I believe he can win proper now.
Quinyon Mitchell, CB — Philadelphia Eagles
One other occasion of Philadelphia discovering absolute ballers the place they shouldn’t be capable of, Quinyon Mitchell goes to be a beast on this protection. A nook with a superb suite of bodily traits, it’s the instinctual approach he performs soccer that can match like a glove in Philly.
That’s the widespread DNA of the Eagles’ protection. It’s participant after participant who intimately perceive their assignments and what they should execute on. Mitchell is presented at enjoying the ball within the air and being an impression participant who can destroy large performs.
Mitchell is a participant who gained’t simply beat you, he’ll break your coronary heart within the course of. It’s because of this he’s going to be a success with the Eagles.
Terrion Arnold, CB — Detroit Lions
One other defensive again who landed in a really perfect spot. Dan Campbell craves gamers who’re violent, aggressive gamers and he’s okay with them making a mistake right here or there, as long as they will make up for it with impression performs.
Arnold is the very best impression nook on this draft, and he lands in a spot that can know tips on how to use him. Aaron Glenn is the proper defensive coordinator to execute on Campbell’s imaginative and prescient, and has private enjoying expertise the place he will help tutor up the tough edges to Arnold’s sport.
I like the decide, the worth, and the touchdown spot. That is going to be a very enjoyable participant to look at within the Lions protection.
Xavier Legette, WR — Carolina Panthers
It’s definitely truthful to query whether or not there have been higher general receivers when the Panthers took Legette with the No. 32 decide, however it’s the traits Legette possesses that match completely within the new-look Carolina offense.
Head coach Dave Canales loves big-bodied receivers who’re capable of make contested catches and willingly do the soiled work within the run sport. Canales lower his teaching enamel in Seattle with D.Okay. Metcalf, and remodeled the Buccaneers right into a playoff group in a single yr due to his utilization of Mike Evans.
Legette isn’t as large as both of these guys, however he’s bought the identical canine in him. A blue-collar, country-strong receiver who will run by way of a brick wall to realize his objectives. I like this match even with the collection of Jonathan Mingo a yr in the past, a receiver in the identical mould.
Ladd McConkey, WR — Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh bided his time in selecting a WR, and located a superb one for his offense. McConkey’s suddenness is an ideal pairing with Justin Herbert’s lightning-quick play recognition, and it provides him somebody who can work the third-and-short situations the Chargers hope to be working in off their run sport.
Within the trendy NFL a slot receiver is simply as beneficial as an X in the correct offense, and the Chargers can make the most of him completely.
Zach Frazier, C — Pittsburgh Steelers
A giant, bruising middle with grip energy that might in all probability tear a watermelon in half? Yeah, that’s a Steeler alright.
I don’t assume we have to actually elaborate right here. Frazier is a mauler who was the proper decide the place he was taken.
