Table of Contents
Recent NFL First-Round Picks Facing Crucial Seasons in 2024-heading
**1. *Zach Wilson (New York Jets)*
- Draft Year: 2021
- Position: Quarterback
- Current Situation: After being drafted second overall, Zach Wilson has struggled with heading consistency and performance issues. The Jets have made significant investments in their roster, and Wilson’s ability to secure his position as the starting quarterback is under intense scrutiny. The 2024 season could be his last chance to prove he can be a franchise quarterback.
**2. *Trey Lance (San Francisco 49ers)*
- Draft Year: 2021
- Position: Quarterback
- Current Situation: Trey Lance, selected third overall, has faced injury heading issues and has struggled to secure a starting role. With the 49ers having strong quarterback options and Lance not having lived up to his draft billing, the 2024 season is critical for him to show he can be a reliable starter or potentially face being traded.
**3. *Jalen Reagor (Minnesota Vikings)*
- Draft Year: 2020
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Current Situation: Jalen Reagor, drafted 21st overall, has underperformed relative to heading expectations. The Vikings have bolstered their receiving corps, and Reagor needs a breakout season to avoid being labeled a draft bust and secure his place on the roster.
**4. *Javon Kinlaw (San Francisco 49ers)*
- Draft Year: 2020
- Position: Defensive Tackle
- Current Situation: Javon Kinlaw, the 14th overall pick, has struggled with injuries and heading consistency. The 49ers’ defensive line depth means Kinlaw needs to deliver strong performances in 2024 to prove his value and secure a long-term role with the team.
**5. *Patrick Surtain II (Denver Broncos)*
- Draft Year: 2021
- Position: Cornerback
- Current Situation: Although Patrick Surtain II has shown promise, the pressure is on him to maintain his high level of play and lead the Broncos’ secondary. A drop in performance heading could lead to questions about his future as a top-tier cornerback.
**6. *C.J. Henderson (Carolina Panthers)*
- Draft Year: 2020
- Position: Cornerback
- Current Situation: C.J. Henderson has struggled to live up to his 9th overall pick status, dealing with inconsistencies and injuries. The 2024 season is crucial for heading him to demonstrate he can be a dependable cornerback or face potential relocation.
**7. *Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles)*
- Draft Year: 2020
- Position: Quarterback
- Current Situation: While Jalen Hurts has shown significant improvement and potential, the pressure is on him to solidify his status as the Eagles’ franchise quarterback. The 2024 season will be critical in determining his long-term future with the team.
**8. *Derrick Brown (Carolina Panthers)*
- Draft Year: 2020
- Position: Defensive Tackle
- Current Situation: Derrick Brown, drafted 7th overall, has been solid but not spectacular. The Panthers need more impact from him on the defensive line, and the 2024 season is a key opportunity for Brown to elevate his game.
**9. *Clyde Edwards-Helaire (Kansas City Chiefs)*
- Draft Year: 2020
- Position: Running Back
- Current Situation: Edwards-Helaire has struggled to establish himself as a top running back. With the Chiefs having other options and offensive improvements, he needs a standout 2024 season to secure his role and future with the team.
**10. *Ruggs III (Las Vegas Raiders)*
- Draft Year: 2020
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Current Situation: Following off-field issues and inconsistent performance, Ruggs III faces an uphill battle to reclaim his spot and show he can be a productive receiver. The 2024 season is vital for his career trajectory.
**11. *Isaiah Simmons (Arizona Cardinals)*
- Draft Year: 2020
- Position: Linebacker/Safety
- Current Situation: Isaiah Simmons has been used in various roles but has struggled to find a permanent position. The 2024 season is crucial for him to demonstrate he can be a versatile and impactful player for the Cardinals.
**12. *Jeff Okudah (Detroit Lions)*
- Draft Year: 2020
- Position: Cornerback
- Current Situation: Jeff Okudah has faced injuries and inconsistent play heading since being drafted third overall. The 2024 season is a key opportunity for him to show he can be a reliable starter and fulfill his potential.
**13. *Mekhi Becton (New York Jets)*
- Draft Year: 2020
- Position: Offensive Tackle
- Current Situation: Mekhi Becton has dealt with significant injuries and conditioning heading issues. The 2024 season will be critical for him to prove he can stay healthy and be a key part of the Jets’ offensive line.
**14. *Noah Igbinoghene (Miami Dolphins)*
- Draft Year: 2020
- Position: Cornerback
- Current Situation: Noah Igbinoghene has not lived up to his first-round status and faces a make-or-break season to prove he can be a reliable cornerback for the Dolphins.
**15. *Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (Cleveland Browns)*
- Draft Year: 2021
- Position: Linebacker
- Current Situation: While Owusu-Koramoah has shown potential, he needs to step up his game to become a dominant linebacker and secure his place as a cornerstone of the Browns’ defense.
**16. *Rashaad Penny (Seattle Seahawks)*
- Draft Year: 2018
- Position: Running Back
- Current Situation: Penny has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play. With the heading Seahawks’ backfield evolving, he must prove his value in the 2024 season to remain a key part of the team.
**17. *A.J. Terrell (Atlanta Falcons)*
- Draft Year: 2020
- Position: Cornerback
- Current Situation: Terrell has shown promise but needs to continue heading his development and consistency to solidify his role as a top cornerback for the Falcons.
**18. *J.K. Dobbins (Baltimore Ravens)*
- Draft Year: 2020
- Position: Running Back
- Current Situation: Dobbins needs to prove he can stay healthy and perform consistently. The 2024 season is crucial for him to show he can be a reliable and dynamic part of the Ravens’ offense.
**19. *Kenny Golladay (New York Giants)*
- Draft Year: 2017
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Current Situation: Golladay has struggled with injuries and production issues. The 2024 season will be critical for him to prove he can contribute significantly to the Giants’ receiving corps.
**20. *Denzel Mims (New York Jets)*
- Draft Year: 2020
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Current Situation: Mims has had trouble finding a consistent role in the Jets’ offense. He needs a standout season to prove he can be a key playmaker and secure his future with the team.
**21. *Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins)*
- Draft Year: 2020
- Position: Quarterback
- Current Situation: Tua Tagovailoa has shown flashes of potential but needs to stay healthy and demonstrate consistency to solidify his role as the Dolphins’ franchise quarterback.
**22. *D’Andre Swift (Detroit Lions)*
- Draft Year: 2020
- Position: Running Back
- Current Situation: Swift has shown potential but needs to stay healthy and produce consistently. The 2024 season is important for him to secure his place in the Lions’ backfield.
**23. *K’Lavon Chaisson (Jacksonville Jaguars)*
- Draft Year: 2020
- Position: Outside Linebacker
- Current Situation: Chaisson has struggled with performance and consistency. He needs to have a strong 2024 season to prove he can be a valuable contributor to the Jaguars’ defense.
**24. *Jalen Rager (Minnesota Vikings)*
- Draft Year: 2020
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Current Situation: Rager has struggled to meet expectations and secure a prominent role in the offense. The 2024 season is crucial for him to prove he can be a productive receiver and stay with the team.
Conclusion
For these 24 recent first-round picks, the 2024 NFL season represents a critical opportunity to demonstrate their value and fulfill their potential. With many facing pressure to perform, this season will be pivotal in determining their future in the league. Whether overcoming injuries, proving consistency, or securing a starting role, these players must make a significant impact to secure their place in the NFL.