(Detroit, MI) The 2024 NFL Draft came and went over the weekend in Detroit. The Motor City broke an NFL Draft record attendance with over 700,000 fans from all 32 teams in attendance during the draft. Speaking of all 32 teams, not every team came away with multiple players who could hit the ground running making an impact right away. Here are some of the winners and loser of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Winner: New England Patriots

Historically, the Patriots have not excelled at drafting. However, with the beginning of the Jerod Mayo era, the Pats may have significantly improved their drafting. New England received offers for the third overall pick, but they remained steadfast in their decision, selecting their future quarterback, Drake Maye. He has the potential to be developed into a significant starter.

Numerous draft analysts ranked Maye as the second-best quarterback prospect in the class, considering both talent and potential. The Patriots also made two crucial additions to their wide receiver room by drafting Ja’Lynn Polk from Washington and Javon Baker from UCF in the second and fourth rounds, respectively. Polk played a significant role in Washington’s high-powered offense last year, contributing to their exceptional performance. After transferring from Alabama in his junior season, Baker had a substantial role in UCF’s offense. He had a breakout year in the Big 12, and the Patriots hope he can replicate that success in Foxborough.

New England also secured much-needed offensive line depth with Penn State’s Caedan Wallace, who will fill the tackle position, and Texas A&M’s Layden Robinson, who can serve as a guard in the front five.

The Patriots further bolstered their defense by adding cornerbacks Marcellas Dial from South Carolina and Jaheim Bell from Florida State. Both players can contribute to the team’s special teams and secondary units.

The Patriots’ most surprising pick in this draft has to be quarterback Joe Milton from Tennessee. Milton was selected in the sixth round and has an extremely high upside, although many scouts recognize him as a project-type player. Nonetheless, if the Patriots can develop Milton properly, they could have a strong player who could serve as a high-level backup.

The Patriots need players who can make an impact on both sides of the ball to reverse the results of their disastrous previous seasons. So far, they have drafted players who could make an early splash.

Loser: Atlanta Flacons

Atlanta had many question marks heading into the draft, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, which ranked 29th last season in the NFL. The selection of Washington’s quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., with the eighth overall pick added to the confusion. With Kirk Cousins signing in free agency and recovering from a season-ending Achilles tear in his right ankle, many could somewhat understand the rationale behind this pick. However, Cousins’ current deal doesn’t have a potential exit until 2026, when Penix would be 26 years old. Despite this, Penix is a Falcon with a high upside and the potential to start immediately if needed.

Nevertheless, the puzzling selections for the Falcons didn’t end there. The Falcons traded up eight spots at the beginning of the second round to select Clemson defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro. Orhorhoro is a competent player with a significant amount of versatility along the defensive line. This was a questionable pick with Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton from Illinois still available. Newton, widely considered a first-round prospect, could have immediately enhanced the Falcons’ pass rush.

There are some promising aspects to anticipate for the Dirty Birds. They have bolstered their defensive line with the addition of Bralen Trice from Washington, who was one of the most productive pass rushers in the Pac-12 over the last two seasons. They also added Brandon Dorlus from Oregon, who demonstrated impressive production during his tenure in Eugene.

Atlanta also added Notre Dame linebacker JD Bertrand, Alabama’s running back Jase McClelland, Illinois’ wide receiver Casey Washington, and Georgia’s defensive lineman Zion Logue. All of these players could play a pivotal role in the rotation next season. The Falcons made some excellent selections in the later rounds of the draft. However, the amount of talent left on the table with their first two selections is the deciding factor that places them in the Loser category.

Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers maximized their seven selections in this year’s draft, with potential successes in their first five picks, if not all of them. It all began with the Steelers’ selection of Troy Fautanu, a tackle from Washington, who brings versatility and athleticism to the left tackle position. In the second round, they returned to select Zach Frazier, a center from West Virginia, who is widely considered one of the best centers in the class. Additionally, they picked Mason McCormick, a guard from South Dakota State, who has developed into a starter and a strong run blocker on the offensive line.

The Steelers also added much-needed reinforcements to their passing attack with the addition of Roman Wilson from Michigan. Wilson had a standout performance at the Senior Bowl, demonstrating, as he did repeatedly in Ann Arbor, that he can excel both in the slot and along the perimeter, despite his height. Wilson brings a complementary style of play to Pittsburgh’s number one target, George Pickens.

Pittsburgh made a savvy move by bolstering their defense with NC State linebacker Peyton Wilson. Despite his extensive injury history, Wilson was considered one of the best linebackers in the entire draft class. They also added defensive end Logan Lee from Iowa and defensive back Ryan Watts from Texas. Pittsburgh has made some significant decisions, hoping to kick off the Russell Wilson era in the Steel City on the right note.

Losers: Cleveland Browns

The Browns didn’t have many picks to work with. Cleveland only had six picks in the entire draft. However, on the bright side, they finally put the ghost of the Deshaun Watson trade to rest, having used all the draft compensation that was sent over. Being a bit critical, the Browns had an average draft at best.

The selections of Michael Hall from Ohio State and Zach Zinter from Michigan were excellent. Hall adds depth to the defensive line, while Zinter, who is still recovering from a season-ending knee injury sustained in November, strengthens the offensive line.

Jamari Thrash from Louisville is a solid option who could work his way into the rotation. Other potential contributors include Myles Harden, a cornerback from South Dakota, Nathaniel Watson, a linebacker from Mississippi State, and Jowon Briggs, a defensive tackle from Cincinnati.

However, it’s a similar story with these depth players who could potentially work their way into the rotation. Cleveland doesn’t have a game-changing player in this draft, someone who brings a unique “it” factor to address a weakness. Therefore, despite the quality players coming in from this draft class, it doesn’t necessarily shift the balance.

Winner: Philadelphia Eagles

For fans of teams in the NFC East or the NFC as a whole, the scene from the hit show “Breaking Bad,” in which Aaron Paul’s infamous character, Jesse Pinkman, screams at the top of his lungs, “He can’t keep getting away with it!” rings all too familiar when it comes to the Philadelphia Eagles’ draft class. This scene, which refers to the devilish deeds that Bryan Cranston’s legendary character, Walter White, has been getting away with for years, resonates with the situation. GM Howie Roseman has yet again managed to secure a haul of talented players for the Eagles, effectively addressing many on-field issues.

The Eagles began their draft with two talented defensive backs: Quinyon Mitchell from Toledo and Cooper DeJean from Iowa. Mitchell was once considered the consensus best corner in the class, while DeJean is a versatile player who can make an impact on special teams as a returner. He is also a ball hawk with a knack for contact and an ability to intercept the ball. Both of these players not only enhance the Eagles’ secondary, which wasn’t at its best last season and suffered from injuries, but also bring much-needed skills to the team.

Philly also bolstered their pass rush by adding outside linebacker Jalyx Hunt from Houston Christian. Hunt not only helps compensate for the losses of Fletcher Cox and Haason Reddick, but also brings additional talent to an already elite group.

The most underrated draft pick may be Jeremiah Trotter Jr. from Clemson. Trotter’s family has deep ties to Philly, with his father, Jeremiah Trotter Sr., having spent three separate stints with the Eagles throughout his playing career. Similarly, Trotter Jr. provides much-needed reinforcements to a linebacker corps that was one of the major issues with the Eagles’ defense last year. Despite the addition of former Buccaneer Devin White, Trotter brings youth to this group and excels in coverage.

The Eagles also drafted Ainias Smith, a wide receiver from Texas A&M, Will Shipley, a running back from Clemson, and Johnny Wilson, a wide receiver from Florida State. All of these players can contribute to special teams.

Furthermore, the Eagles drafted Trevor Keegan, a guard from Michigan, and Dylan McMahon, a center from NC State, to add more depth to their most potent weapon, their offensive line. McMahon has the versatility to play as a guard and could be a backup plan if Cam Jurgens struggles to take over from the legendary center Jason Kelce, who retired this offseason.

The Eagles maneuvered strategically during the draft, which paid off by allowing them to acquire more picks to add depth while addressing needs. The Eagles aim to get back on track to winning a Super Bowl, and these picks can help them stay steady along that path.

Honorable Mention:

Honorable mentions must be given to the likes of the Ravens, Chargers, Giants, Commanders, and Bills, all of whom came away with solid draft classes that deserve to be highlighted. There’s no telling how each team’s draft class will pan out, which is frankly the beauty of it. A lot can change in a year, but on paper, some of the winners of the 2024 NFL draft are best positioned to have their players reach a high level with their team.