We all know that a player’s talent is only one part of the equation when it comes to the NFL Draft. The bigger piece of the puzzle is how these rookies fit with the teams that drafted them, which may be the biggest predictor of future success.
We’ve seen extremely talented players have their careers ruined by landing in the wrong city. On the other hand, there are players who have a narrow vision and a single trait who become stars by playing on a team that knows how to use that trait. Something very special happens when he is able to combine these two elements. Here are my favorite player and team combinations for his first three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Dallas Turner, Delaware — Minnesota Vikings
This was one of the best picks in the first round and an incredible fit as well. The Vikings poured a significant amount of draft capital into moving up to acquire the consensus top pass rusher, and he truly is worth it.
If you want to compare, here’s Travon Walker. Turner is an athletic freak who needs some serious practice with his breakneck speed equipment, but this guy is just a weapon. Now he’s signed a defensive coordinator named Brian Flores who can kill with a ballpoint pen. Flores is a genius at putting players with traits into positions where they can succeed, and that’s why I don’t expect it to be a long developmental journey for Dallas Turner. I think he can win now.
Kunyon Mitchell, CB — Philadelphia Eagles
Another example of where Philadelphia shouldn’t be able to find an absolute hitter, Kunyon Mitchell will be a beast in this defense. He’s a corner with great physical attributes and an instinctive way to play football that fits like a glove in Philadelphia.
That’s the common DNA of the Eagles’ defense. It is player after player who deeply understands their mission and what needs to be done. Mitchell is gifted as an impact player who can play the ball through the air and disrupt big plays.
Mitchell is a player who will not only beat you, but break your heart in the process. That’s why he’ll be a big part of the Eagles.
Terrion Arnold, CB — Detroit Lions
Another defensive back who landed in an ideal spot. Dan Campbell desperately needs violent, aggressive players and doesn’t mind them making mistakes here and there as long as they can make up for it with impact play.
Arnold is the best impact corner in this draft and has landed in a spot that knows how to use him. Aaron Glenn is the perfect defensive coordinator to execute Campbell’s vision, and his personal playing experience allows him to coach Arnold through the rough edges of his game.
I love picks, value, and landing spots. This is going to be a really fun player to watch on the Lions’ defense.
Xavier Leggett, WR — Carolina Panthers
It’s certainly fair to wonder if the Panthers had a better receiver overall when they took him with the No. 32 pick, but Leggett’s attributes make him a perfect fit in the nascent Carolina offense.
Head coach Dave Canales loves big-bodied receivers who can make contested catches and are willing to do the dirty work in the run game. Canales cut his teeth coaching alongside DK Metcalf in Seattle, where he turned the Buccaneers into a playoff team in one year thanks to the hiring of Mike Evans.
Leggett may not be as big as those two, but he has the same dog in his heart. A blue-collar rural powerhouse receiver who runs through brick walls to achieve his goals. I love this fit, even when they selected the same mold of receiver Jonathan Mingo a year ago.
Ladd McConkie, WR — Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh took his time selecting a WR and found a great addition to his offense. McConkie’s suddenness is the perfect combination with Justin Herbert’s lightning play recognition, giving him the talent to tackle third-and-short scenarios the Chargers hope to tackle in the off-run game. I’ll give it.
In the modern NFL, a slot receiver is as valuable as an X in a right-handed offense, and the Chargers could use him perfectly.
Zach Frazier, C — Pittsburgh Steelers
A big, bruised center with grip strength that could probably tear a watermelon in half? Yes, it’s a Steeler.
I don’t think it’s necessary to explain it in detail here. Frazier is an attacker who was the perfect pick where he was selected.
