We’re still a few weeks away from the 2024 NFL draft, but we already have another blockbuster trade that could have a massive impact on this year’s first round.
The Buffalo Bills have agreed to a trade that will send star wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans, with multiple draft picks changing hands, including a second-round pick in the 2025 draft heading to the Bills.
Buffalo already needed a top wide receiver prospect to replace Gabe Davis and pair with Diggs, but now they need an immediate No. 1 target to replace him instead. That could have them contemplating a bold move up the draft board to land one of the elite pass-catchers in this year’s loaded class.
Here’s a fresh look at how this year’s first round could turn out, taking this big trade into consideration:
*projected trade
This pick was already a foregone conclusion for quite a while, but with the Justin Fields trade finally done, it’s officially set in stone.
It sure sounds like the NFL has been higher on McCarthy than the media this whole time, and it somehow seems possible he could leap into this spot.
A new era begins for the Pats with a new franchise quarterback, and Daniels’ game-breaking ability as a runner gives him the slight edge over Drake Maye.
They might be tempted by offers to move down, but the Cardinals might not be able to pass up the chance to fill their biggest need with the best overall player in the entire draft.
After trading for an extra first-round pick, the Vikings package both of them to move up for a high-upside successor to Kirk Cousins.
The Giants have some solid role players at receiver, but nobody who brings Nabers’ elite level of talent, explosiveness, and big-play ability to the table as a true No. 1 target.
One of the easiest picks to project, the Titans desperately need a new blindside protector for Will Levis, and Alt has all the makings of an All-Pro.
After trading away Stefon Diggs, the Bills make another bold move, giving up next year’s first-round pick and more to leap way up the board for the last of this year’s elite receiver prospects.
Chicago needs another stud edge rusher to pair with Montez Sweat, and Turner brings a rare blend of athleticism, explosiveness, and versatility.
After addressing needs at receiver and along the offensive line in free agency, the Jets can give Aaron Rodgers more help with a dynamic weapon at tight end.
After moving down from the No. 5 spot, the Chargers reflect Jim Harbaugh’s philosophy of building up the offensive line with a dominant right tackle.
After letting Tyron Smith walk in free agency, the Cowboys jump up the board to land a new franchise left tackle in Fashanu, who has limitless potential.
Even if they wait on a quarterback, the Raiders have plenty of other needs to consider here. Mitchell is the top corner in the class, and would be a solid value pick at this point.
This offensive line was atrocious last season, and this pick needs to be spent upgrading it. Latham is a massive mauler who could start immediately at either tackle spot, or even inside at guard.
Don’t count out a corner here, but this draft class is deeper there than at EDGE, where the Colts land a polished and pro-ready prospect who fits their scheme perfectly.
Seattle desperately needs help along the interior of the offensive line, and while Fautanu was dominant at left tackle for the nearby Huskies, he could be even better as a guard at the next level.
A receiver would make plenty of sense here, but the depth of the class should give them strong options there on Day 2. If Arnold is still on the board, he’d fill a big need opposite Tyson Campbell.
Adding Sheldon Rankins is helpful, but the Bengals need a longer-term investment in the interior of their defensive front. Murphy is undersized but disruptive, just like Geno Atkins was.
They could go interior to replace Aaron Donald, but if Latu is still available, his edge-rushing prowess might be too much to pass up, regardless of past injury issues.
Pittsburgh needs a tone-setter at the heart of their offensive line to restore their once-proud physical mentality in the trenches, and JPJ is the perfect man for the job.
After letting Christian Wilkins sign elsewhere in free agency, the Dolphins need to replace his disruptive impact along the defensive front, and Newton would be a fantastic replacement.
Philly has two aging corners in the starting lineup, so if they get the chance to add someone with Wiggins’ combination of speed, instincts, and ball skills, they should be thrilled.
With the extra first-rounder they get from the Vikings, the Chargers replace Keenan Allen and Mike Williams with another big, fast pass-catcher to pair with Quentin Johnston.
After trading back and adding some much-needed Day 2 capital, the Broncos are still able to land an efficient, experienced quarterback to run Sean Payton’s offense.
Green Bay loves versatile athletes in the secondary, and DeJean checks both boxes with his ability to line up anywhere in the defensive backfield.
The Bucs need upgrades at both left guard and center, and Barton has the ability to play any position in the offensive trenches, making him an ideal fit.
Arizona hasn’t had a shutdown corner on the outside since Patrick Peterson, and McKinstry has all the physical and mental tools to have a similar impact.
Loading up on future picks is worth making a huge drop down the board, especially when you can still fill your biggest need with a high-upside prospect with rare explosiveness and athleticism.
Aidan Hutchinson needs a running mate on the opposite side of the defensive front, and Robinson has the size and well-rounded skill set to be the ideal candidate.
Offensive line and cornerback are strong possibilities here, but giving Lamar Jackson another explosive, big-play receiver might take priority.
The Raiders make their move, jumping back into the first round for a new franchise quarterback who knows how to attack downfield.
Patrick Mahomes needs an upgrade at left tackle, and while Mims’ inexperience could cause him to slide, he might have the most upside of any tackle in the class.