If you’re anything like me, you’re probably exhausted from reading countless NFL draft prediction pieces and just want the draft to start already.
But hey, there’s still some time to kill before the draft kicks off, so why not dive into yet another draft projection piece?
This is my third year making bold NFL Draft predictions for Eleven Warriors, and let’s be honest, I’ve missed more than I’ve hit. But who cares? They’re supposed to be bold, not safe bets. Anyone can write an article “predicting” Caleb Williams will be the first pick on Thursday.
As always, I aim to keep these predictions somewhat focused on Ohio State since I work for a site that covers the Buckeyes. It might be a bit trickier this year with Marvin Harrison Jr. expected to be the only first-round pick and many OSU players returning to school who were previously projected to be in the draft.
If I get one of these right, I’ll call it a win. More likely, I’ll be getting roasted come Saturday.
CARDINALS SELECT MARVIN HARRISON JR. AT PICK FIVE
Last year, the Arizona Cardinals made moves on draft day, and I’m predicting they’ll do it again this year, resulting in them selecting another Buckeye. While they currently hold the fourth overall pick, there’s speculation that they’re receiving trade offers from teams desperate for a quarterback. Depending on whether you believe the Giants are eyeing J.J. McCarthy, teams like the Vikings, Broncos, Raiders, or others may need to trade up to either the fourth or fifth spot to secure their guy before the Giants pick at No. 6.
In this scenario, I predict the Cardinals will strike a deal and move down, still landing Marvin Harrison Jr. at pick No. 5, and acquiring additional draft picks.
XAVIER JOHNSON GETS DRAFTED
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Xavier Johnson has shown resilience throughout his time at Ohio State, going from walk-on to scholarship player and earning a significant role in the offense. While most projections have him going undrafted, the draft quality drops significantly around the middle of the fourth round, with many players opting to stay in school due to NIL changes. By the seventh round, someone is likely to take a chance on Johnson’s versatility, making him a late-round selection or a priority free agent.
SIX QUARTERBACKS GO IN ROUND ONE
I’m not alone in predicting six quarterbacks will be taken in the first round, potentially tying an NFL record. With Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye likely to go early, along with J.J. McCarthy, teams like the Broncos, Raiders, and Vikings are desperate for a quarterback. Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix might be reaches in the first round, but the demand for quarterbacks could push them up the board.
BENGALS TRADE TEE HIGGINS OR TREY HENDRICKSON
Bengals franchise WR Tee Higgins also has requested to be traded being that there have been no contract talks with the team now in over a year. https://t.co/vN984f7TVb
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 24, 2024
Let’s end with an Ohio-centric projection. With Joe Burrow leading the Bengals, they have a valuable asset, but his extension makes roster-building challenging. Reports suggest both Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson have requested trades due to contract disputes, making them potential trade bait. Cincinnati may use them, along with their 18th pick, to move up in the draft.