As promised, here is the second part of the best and worst-case scenarios for teams picking 6-10. In this piece, we go in depth on what certain teams should be looking for and what they shouldn’t. As a bonus, we threw in a most likely scenario as well so we can stay grounded throughout the draft process.
Check out the profile for Best and Worst-case Scenarios For Teams Picking 1-5.
Best and Worst Case Scenarios For Teams Picking 6-10
6. New York Giants
Best case scenario: Joe Alt
Worst case scenario: Jayden Daniels
Most likely scenario: Malik Nabers
The Giants have holes all over their team. A lack of protection and help at the wide receiver position has routinely plummeted the capabilities of New York’s offense and quarterback Daniel Jones. If the best offensive lineman, Joe Alt, is still on the board at six the Giants should jump at the opportunity to select him. Right tackle Evan Neal is dangerously close to bust territory. This would allow him to get a clean slate kicking inside to guard. With Joe Alt at right tackle, this would much improve the offensive line on paper. There is a strong chance he doesn’t make it to six and in this case, Malik Nabers would likely be the pick to help Daniel Jones out, just in a different way.
It’s not that Jayden Daniels can’t become a good player, it’s just not what the Giants need. Although there are questions about Daniel Jones’s ability, this is the time to build around him, not replace him. The Giants still have to pay Jones 120 million over the next three years. While you’re paying him that much, you might as well try to get the most out of him.
7. Tennessee Titans
Best case scenario: Joe Alt
Worst case scenario: Olumuyiwa Fashanu
Most likely scenario: Brock Bowers
The Tennessee Titans need to fortify Will Levis‘s offensive line badly. The Andre Dillard experiment did not go well and is unlikely to be the future at the left tackle position. On the opposite side, Dillon Radunz has proven to be an at best average starter. We’ve already seen injuries pop up for Levis so they must improve at the tackle position. The best-case scenario would be if Alt were to fall, but that’s unlikely. If the Titans’ front office prefers to get Levis protection no matter what, Olumuyiwa Fashanu or Taliese Fuaga could be the pick. Although the value at seven would be definitively worse than Alt, it could happen.
The most likely scenario, however, is Brock Bowers. He’s a top-five talent that will likely slip a bit past five. New Titans Head Coach Brian Callahan faced a similar decision between protecting his former quarterback Joe Burrow or providing him a weapon. He endorsed getting an elite weapon for Burrow in Ja’Marr Chase. Now he could do the same for Will Levis with Brock Bowers.
8. Atlanta Falcons
Best case scenario: Jayden Daniels
Worst case scenario: Nate Wiggins
Most likely scenario: Dallas Turner
It’s a quarterback’s league and the Atlanta Falcons may not even have a top-35 quarterback on their roster. The Desmond Ridder experience is likely to be put out of its misery this offseason. Selecting Heisman winner Jayden Daniels could be the finishing touch on what’s one of the youngest and highest potential offenses in the league. A sub-25-year-old core of Jayden Daniels, Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, and Drake London would help stake the Falcons claim to the future of the NFC South. Not having to spend additional assets to get their franchise quarterback would also be a plus.
There’s nearly a 50-50 chance Daniels is available at eight. If not, the Falcons would probably go with the best defensive player available, either at edge or cornerback. Nate Wiggins wouldn’t be the worst pick ever, but it would be slightly over-drafting a player that most teams will have ranked under fellow cornerback Terrion Arnold. Dallas Turner is the most likely scenario here, as pick eight is around where the best quarterback talent will be unavailable. The Falcons lack star power at edge rusher and Dallas Turner could be that and more for them in just a couple of seasons.
9. Chicago Bears
Best case scenario: Dallas Turner
Worst case scenario: Jared Verse
Most likely scenario: Rome Odunze
All of these scenarios take into account that Caleb Williams would be the pick at one. Best case scenario, the Bears scoop up the defensive player with the highest upside, Dallas Turner. He’d be a fantastic fit to pair with Montez Sweat. The two could terrorize NFC North quarterbacks for a half-decade or more. Outside of Sweat, they have very little talent at the position. If Turner isn’t available, they’d likely settle for Jared Verse. Laiatu Latu was also a consideration here, although injuries could easily push him out of the top ten. Verse is regarded as the best pure power rusher in the draft and would be a good consolation prize if Turner isn’t on the board.
The most likely scenario for Chicago is that they flesh out their receiving corp for their new franchise quarterback. Outside of DJ Moore, the Bears will have almost nothing at the position with Darnell Mooney likely to sign elsewhere. Enter Rome Odunze. The Washington product would compliment Moore well and his route running would make him one of the better wide receiver twos in the league.
10. New York Jets
Best case scenario: Brock Bowers
Worst case scenario: Brian Thomas Jr.
Most likely scenario: Taliese Fuaga
The stage is now set for the only team looking to seriously win now. The Jets’ defense already proved to be elite last year. Now, the most important order of business is to either help protect Aaron Rodgers or give him a weapon. Ideally, Brock Bowers, the last remaining elite offensive prospect falls to ten. It’s more likely than many think. NFL front offices often view tight end as a luxury pick and most of the teams picking in the top ten, simply do not have the resources to spend on luxury players.
The worst-case scenario wouldn’t be all that bad, it just wouldn’t line up with the draft’s value. Thomas Jr. is an amazing athlete with vertical explosiveness. The only thing is that ten would be a bit early for him, especially if Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze are somehow on the board. Thomas would be a good pick, but the Jets front office would likely realize that Taliese Fuaga would hold more value. If New York doesn’t upgrade at right tackle, the 2024 season will end up just like the 2023 season for Aaron Rodgers. Fuaga brings the ability to dominate in the run game, unlike anyone else they currently have at that spot.
Main Image: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
I like the approach, a nice play on game theory.