The curtains have closed on the 2024 NFL Draft, a spectacle of hopes and strategic plays where some teams made waves, while others seemingly missed the mark. In the high-stakes game of drafts, not every move can be a winner, and this year, a few stood out for all the wrong reasons. Let’s dive into who faced the most disappointing outcomes and why their decisions could haunt them for seasons to come.
The Las Vegas Raiders: A Missed Opportunity
At the third spot of our draft losers is the Las Vegas Raiders, a team that came into the draft with glaring needs but left fans and analysts scratching their heads. The Raiders’ selection strategy was puzzling, especially given the depth in quarterback talents this year.
They passed up the chance to secure a potential leading quarterback, watching the top six consensus QBs get snapped up early. Instead, they opted for TE Brock Bowers at the thirteenth pick—a solid player, no doubt, but not the foundational piece the Raiders desperately needed.
Their draft strategy did not just falter at not picking a quarterback but also in their apparent disregard for enhancing other critical positions like the offensive tackle or the defensive line.
The decision to not trade down or even secure a top wide receiver added to the perplexity, especially following their previous draft where they also picked a tight end, Michael Mayer, in the second round. The Raiders’ approach raises questions about their understanding of positional value, leaving them in a precarious position for the upcoming season.
Malik Nabers: From Hopes to Disappointment
The second-biggest loser of the draft, Malik Nabers, experienced a personal setback when he was bypassed for a higher pick. Nabers, who had high hopes of joining the Los Angeles Chargers, found himself overlooked as the Chargers chose OT Joe Alt instead, a decision driven by the need to protect star quarterback Justin Herbert.
While Alt’s selection was strategic for the Chargers, it shifted Nabers’ fate to the New York Giants, a team with far less stability at the quarterback position, boasting Drew Lock and Daniel Jones as their top options—a stark contrast to the potential of playing alongside Herbert.
Nabers’ shift to the Giants not only places him in a challenging team dynamic but also alters the trajectory of his early career in the NFL, making his draft experience one filled with mixed emotions and uncertain futures.
Pretty sure @nflcommish missed getting booed 😂
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Terry Fontenot and the Atlanta Falcons: A Strategy Gone Awry
Topping the list of draft losers is Terry Fontenot, the General Manager of the Atlanta Falcons, who made a move that left many bewildered.
The Falcons, against the expectations of many, chose quarterback Michael Penix Jr with their eighth overall pick—a surprising decision given the pressing needs in other areas such as the defensive line and cornerback positions. This choice was even more puzzling considering the massive contract recently awarded to Kirk Cousins.
Fontenot’s decision to draft Penix suggests a long-term strategy that won’t see fruition until Cousins’ potential exit, by which time Penix would be 26 and still unproven as a franchise quarterback.
This places both Fontenot and the Falcons in a precarious position, having potentially overcommitted to a strategy that might not align with the team’s immediate or even long-term needs. This draft might well become a defining moment for Fontenot’s tenure, reflecting a gamble that many believe was misjudged.
Final Thoughts on 2024 NFL Draft
While the full impact of the 2024 NFL Draft choices won’t be known for years, the immediate reactions paint a clear picture of the perceived missteps. The Raiders, Malik Nabers, and particularly Terry Fontenot of the Falcons, find themselves under the spotlight, not for triumphs but for decisions that could lead to challenging seasons ahead.
As teams and players prepare for the upcoming NFL season, these draft decisions will be closely scrutinized, serving as critical lessons in the ever-evolving strategy game that is the NFL Draft.
