Drake Maye is completely satisfied with the Commanders’ decision to take draft prospects to Top Golf.
As the first round of the NFL Draft in Detroit approaches in just a matter of days, teams have been refining their draft boards for the Thursday-Saturday event. We reached out to Yardbarker NFL writers to get their insights on which position group each NFC team must prioritize in the draft.
Here’s a breakdown:
NFC East
DALLAS COWBOYS | Running back | With Tony Pollard now a Tennessee Titan, Dallas needs to carefully find a replacement for its top rusher, especially in a draft class where running backs are not highly rated. While new addition Royce Freeman isn’t the solution, the Cowboys must explore options given the limited combined rushing yards of their other three running backs.
NEW YORK GIANTS | Wide receiver | The Giants struggled with the league’s second-worst passing offense in 2023 and haven’t had a 1,000-yard receiver since Odell Beckham Jr. in 2018. Addressing this need with a top prospect like Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze, or Malik Nabers at No. 6 could significantly impact their receiving corps.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES | Starting cornerbacks | With James Bradberry and Darius Slay aging, the Eagles face a pressing need at cornerback, especially after ranking 28th in passing yards allowed last season. Options like Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry and Clemson’s Nate Wiggins should be available at No. 22, but trading up for Alabama’s Terrion Arnold or Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell may be necessary.
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS | Quarterback | Learning from past mistakes with Robert Griffin III, Washington must make a wise choice with the No. 2 pick at quarterback. Whether selecting LSU’s Jayden Daniels or North Carolina’s Drake Maye, they need a franchise quarterback to avoid another last-place finish.
NFC West
ARIZONA CARDINALS | Wide receiver | Losing Marquise “Hollywood” Brown in free agency leaves a significant gap in the wide receiver position. Addressing this need in the draft is crucial for the Cardinals, especially considering the depth of talent available in this year’s wide receiver class.
LOS ANGELES RAMS | Defensive line | Aaron Donald’s retirement creates a substantial void in the Rams’ defensive line. Even prior to his retirement, the Rams needed improvement in pass rush and run defense. Addressing this position is essential for their defensive strategy.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS | Offensive line | While the 49ers have few weaknesses, their offensive line needs attention for both short- and long-term plans. With Trent Williams aging and the right side of the line needing improvement, investing in offensive line talent is crucial.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS | Defensive line | Seattle’s defense requires an overhaul, particularly the defensive line, as they struggled with the second-worst run defense in the league last season. Fixing the defensive line with multiple picks is crucial for the Seahawks’ future success.
