The 2024 NFL Draft promises a new influx of exciting young talent. Industry insiders are focused on several top-tier analysts who can be huge difference-makers for teams. Walker’s pressure rate is superlative in its context. In the meantime, Smith-Njigba and Campbell are starting to shape up as the most impactful players added by teams trying to improve their offense and defense, respectively.
Walker might be the best edge rusher in this class. He recorded an outstanding 16.9% pressure rate over his college season, good for 10th in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Last season he was even better. He accomplished an 18.5% pressure rate, which was third highest in the FBS. In addition, his 61 pressures created the second most in the entire country. This quarterback room would certainly benefit from this kind of certainty. They ranked dead last in the NFL in yards per pass attempt with 5.9 and Total QBR in 2024. Teams looking to strengthen their defensive front will see Walker as an impressive centerpiece.
Offensive Needs for Teams
The other player getting buzz is Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who had a breakout sophomore campaign. He totaled a remarkable 1,300 yards and 11 scores on the ground and through the air. Still, even with his accomplishments, teams are still looking for more of those perimeter pass catchers to pair with their current weapons. Smith-Njigba last season, when a torn ACL limited him to just two games in 2024. All indications are that he’ll be back at the start of the new season. His return could provide a much-needed boost.
Though receivers are clearly a hot commodity this cycle, plenty of teams are showing an increasing need to improve their interior offensive lines as well. Membou is a fun new talent who already has 94% of his college snaps logged at right tackle. Teams in need of day-one starters will find him to be extremely enticing. Last season, he wreaked havoc for opposing offenses with 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He created 26 pressures, making him an irritating pest on the playing surface.
Defensive Standouts
On the other side of the ball, Campbell has turned into an explosive pressure creator. He’s above average in pass coverage too, racking up four pass breakups as a linebacker last season. His dual-threat capability provides incredible value to a prospect-hungry team that aims to bolster their defense’s attacking opportunities.
Veteran linebacker Lavonte David returns for his 14th season. He recently turned 35, raising questions about the future at that position for the team. Last season, he registered five sacks and paced all defensive tackles with 34 quarterback pressures. Vederian Lowe is only penciled in as the team’s left tackle at the moment. He struggled mightily in his final season, posting a pass block win rate of just 86.3%, ranking 49th out of 66 qualifying tackles.
It might be hard to believe, but the New England Patriots have only selected one offensive lineman within the top 10 since 1967. That player was Hall of Famer John Hannah, picked in 1973. That might soon change with the draft on the horizon as this team attempts to organize and improve their offensive line.
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