Round one of the 2024 NFL Draft was full of surprises. In rounds two and three, a few teams missed the mark and were the biggest losers of day two.
Biggest Losers of Day Two of the NFL Draft
Carolina Panthers
Entering the draft, the Panthers had a host of needs to address. By doubling down on offensive playmakers with their top two picks, Carolina showed their desire to build around Bryce Young. While Xavier Legette was a solid pick in the first round, the team ignored pressing needs along the defensive line and secondary by going with a running back in the second round. Jonathan Brooks has a chance to be a solid pro. However, the organization could have added more young, premier talent to the defense instead of focusing on the offense. The Panthers signed Miles Sanders to a healthy contract last off-season, and now Brooks enters a crowded running back room. Although Ejiro Evero is one of the best defensive minds in the league, Carolina could have prioritized that side of the ball on day two. Last season the team finished near the bottom of the league in points allowed per game (per ESPN stats). With top prospects like Tyler Nubin and Maason Smith still available when they selected Brooks, the Panthers passed up a perfect opportunity to bolster their defense. These decisions made them one of the biggest losers on day two.
Atlanta Falcons
The 2024 class may be remembered solely for the team’s decision to pick Michael Penix Jr. in the first round. That decision was precarious but could pay off big for Atlanta. In the second round, the Falcons made another curious decision by trading up to draft Ruke Orhorhoro. The defensive tackle is raw, having played limited snaps for three years before becoming a full-time starter at Clemson. Atlanta has had success drafting defensive linemen out of Clemson, but there were top talents at defensive tackle on the board when they moved up for Orhorhoro. Raw prospects are hard to grade, and Orhorhoro could develop into a plus-starter. As it stands, however, this pick was a reach.
Atlanta’s bold decision to move up for a project player could be mitigated if Bralen Trice becomes a cornerstone player for the defense. Trice gives them a player who can immediately contribute as a pass rusher and in the run game. But for an organization that just signed Kirk Cousins to a massive contract in an attempt to win now, their early selections indicate they are looking toward the future.
Honorable Mention: San Francisco 49ers
After reaching for a slot receiver in round one, the 49ers held off on making any moves to trade up for a top talent in round two. The organization has proven it can develop players, and the 49ers remain a perennial contender due to their coaching and scouting departments. But the 49ers are in a Super Bowl window. They should remain one of the top contenders in the NFC but could have done more to add blue-chip talent early in the draft. Entering the draft, the team owned 11 picks. By waiting until pick 64 to pick, they missed a chance to add a difference-maker to the defense. Now they must hope Renardo Green turns into a quality starter at cornerback.
