2024 NFL Draft Steals- Which Teams Scored the Best Deal?

However, there were countless other value picks from the draft, as several players were selected later than expected, and this could establish those squads that selected the overlooked players as significant winners regarding overall draft value.

Let’s preview the top valuable draft picks and analyze which teams scored the best deals from the 2024 NFL Draft.

Cincinnati Bengals Select Amarius Mims

• Georgia Offensive Tackle
• Pick #17 from Round 1

Although my personal evaluation of Amarius Mims was far more positive than the general opinion, it is quite plausible that no other player in the whole draft class has a greater potential for success than the right tackle from Georgia.

While he only started eight games at the college level for the Bulldogs, it would be incorrect to label him as a developing tackle. Mims has some injury woes, but when he is playing, he routinely demonstrates superior performance compared to other players on a weekly basis. He possesses exceptional pass-blocking skills, exhibiting great strength and agility despite his large bulk. Additionally, his remarkable length allows him to easily prevent opponents from getting close to him, thus presenting a force to be reckoned with.

Evidently, the Cincinnati Bengals specifically need offensive linemen who are 6 feet 7 inches tall as Mims will seamlessly blend in with the stature of Trent Brown and Orlando Brown Jr. He’ll have the opportunity to see these two formidable players from the sidelines during his first year in the league. Still, in reality, it is not essential because the young guy from Georgia is already prepared to compete professionally and take the role as a first-team starter.

Detroit Lions Select Terrion Arnold

• Alabama Cornerback
• Pick #24 from Round 1

There was a widespread belief that Terrion Arnold would be chosen as one of the top 15 players and the first cornerback to be taken in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, a surge in the selection of offensive players, including the first 14 players chosen overall, caused cornerbacks to be ranked lower in the draft. This enabled the Lions to execute a minor trade-up to get Arnold with the 24th selection.

Arnold is a cornerback with natural instincts who consistently performed well at Alabama. He achieved a total of five interceptions in his last season and had a total of 20 pass defenses in his previous two seasons. Standing at 6’0” and weighing 189 pounds, along with his quickness and ball skills, he possesses the necessary qualities to excel as a top-tier cornerback in the NFL.

Detroit urgently needed to acquire a starting cornerback to play with Carlton Davis following Cam Sutton's dismissal due to allegations of domestic abuse. Given the prevailing skepticism, the Lions' acquisition of Arnold as their first-round pick was seen as the most advantageous selection in terms of value and a pick who’ll likely be thrown right into the deep end of a first-team starter.

Philadelphia Eagles Select Cooper DeJean

• Iowa Cornerback 
• Pick #40 from Round 2

Arnold wasn’t the only cornerback who experienced a decline in the draft selection totem pole. Similarly, DeJean's draft stock dropped from a projected selection in the latter part of the first round to an early choice in the second round.

DeJean was placed 18th on the consensus big board and was projected as high as No. 16 overall to the Seahawks by several sources. His exceptional athleticism, formidable ball skills, and versatility to play any position in the secondary make him a highly reliable player at the NFL level.

The Eagles were in dire need of assistance at the cornerback position, which is why they made a deal to get DeJean, even after already drafting Quinyon Mitchell as the 22nd overall pick. Both cornerbacks should have an opportunity to succeed, but DeJean may have a faster ability to make a significant impression as Mitchell moves from the MAC to the NFL.

Currently, the Eagles are fourth-joint favorites to win the Super Bowl (+1400) and even better priced when using recommended online sportsbook promos. Replicating their 2018 SB success feels stronger than ever, and reliable secondary players such as DeJean make their case significantly stronger than in past seasons. 

Indianapolis Colts Select Adonai Mitchell

• Texas Wide Reciever
• Pick #52 from Round 2

AD Mitchell, the Texas wide receiver with abundant natural skill, could evolve into the most valuable selection from the 2024 draft. And it is an exceedingly secure bet to place in the second round despite any other uncertainties surrounding him.

Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, Mitchell possesses exceptional athleticism and a graceful and fluid style. He exhibits excellent hand-eye coordination and is highly proficient in catching the ball. He also excels in tracking the ball with great precision and effortlessly overcomes press man covering without encountering any difficulties.

Beware of the Indianapolis Colts this upcoming season. If Anthony Richardson remains in good health, this has the potential to become the most dynamic offense in the NFL and a surprise team to make the playoffs. Richardson will be supported by running back Jonathan Taylor and a talented group of wide receivers, including AD Mitchell, Joshua DOWNS, Alec Pierce, and Michael Pittman Jr.

Washington Commanders Select Jer’Zhan Newton

• Illinois Defensive Tackle
• Pick #36 from Round 2

Some regarded Illinois defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton as the top defensive talent in the 2024 NFL Draft. He was excluded from the first draft round due to a foot injury he sustained late in the season, which prevented him from participating in the pre-draft events. Even the Atlanta Falcons opted to move up to choose Clemson defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhorho instead of him.

Fortunately for Washington, Atlanta’s loss was their gain. The addition of Newton to the Commanders' defensive tackle room, including Jonathan Allen and DaRon Payne, is a huge boost for the team.

Newton, in particular, is a highly dynamic and elusive pass rusher who will immediately apply intense pressure on quarterbacks, and when all is said and done, this may well be considered the biggest steal of the 2024 draft.