With the 2023 draft picks finally chosen, this makes the perfect time to predict next year’s NFL draft picks, though it may still be very early. The United States Football League (USFL) could very well hold a few wildcards for next year’s NFL draft picks. The USFL has contributed to NFL rosters during the past years, with players such as Case Cookus, Demarquis Gates, and KaVontae Turpin. That said, here are some NFL draft predictions for the upcoming 2024 season.
Daylon Mack of Memphis Showboats has garnered plenty of attention from scouts and looks to be well on his way to the league later this year. He is also part of no less than six NFL organizations. His teammate of the Tampa Bay Bandits, John Atkins, is another strong contender for an NFL call-up as well as Boogie Roberts of the Pittsburgh Maulers. Fellow teammate Carlo Kemp has been known to mount some pressure in the pocket, while simultaneously stacking up enough sacks to gain the attention of NFL scouts.
The most likely pick for USFL Defensive MVP looks to be Scooby Wright from Birmingham Stallions. Lorenzo Burns and DeMarquis Gates, the remaining members of this tremendous trio, are also quite a force to oppose.
For the Houston Gamblers, Donald Payne has had an outstanding run as of late, his talent for tackling gaining him more than enough recognition and a possible spot for an NFL prediction. Greg Reaves, Tampa Bay Bandit linebacker, has also been paving his own path since the season commenced.
The NFL’s Carolina Panthers Will have approximately six picks next season. The Panthers currently hold ownership of their own second, third, and fourth rounders as well as San Francisco’s and Tennessee’s fifth rounders. The Panthers will be one of the most intriguing teams heading into next season, given their acquisition of Bryce Young as the first overall pick this year.
Plenty of NFL fans will be keenly following the season and making their predictions. Many of them will be looking to place wagers through North Carolina sportsbooks, an option that has gained considerable momentum since the state embraced legal sports betting in 2021. As the excitement builds for the new season, these sportsbooks are gearing up to accommodate the flood of enthusiastic fans ready to support their favorite teams and players.
The anticipation extends beyond just the thrill of the game as fans await the possibility of online sports betting in North Carolina, which is projected to commence in 2024. This development represents a significant step forward in expanding the reach and accessibility of sports betting to even more fans in the state.
The passage of Rep. Jason Saine’s online sports betting bill, HB 347, in March 2023 marks a significant step towards this goal. The bill now awaits approval from the North Carolina Senate, and if successful, it will pave the way for statewide online sports wagering. In contrast, retail sports betting offers a more traditional and engaging experience, enabling bettors to visit physical sportsbooks or authorized locations to place their bets.
Meanwhile, Brian Allen and William Likely are big names to keep an eye out for next season as they have exhibited great coverage skills as well as major end-zone threat. The New Orleans Breakers, guided by Nevelle Clarke and Adonis Alexander, who are both secondaries, might be the best in the league thus far.
In the case of quality safeties within the USFL, Arnold Tarpley III of the Pittsburgh Maulers and Christian McFarland, former NFL safety and current player of the Birmingham Stallions, both bring a high standard of play to the table.
Prior to his ACL injury, Philadelphia Star quarterback Bryan Scott looked to be one of the best signal-callers in the NFL. However, his replacement, Case Cookus, has held the reins quite well and has also proven to be a very effective QB. Victor Bolden Jr. has also been an effective tool in the league and will most likely be seen at the NFL training camp in the next few months. Marlon Williams, Bolden’s counterpart, may follow close behind.
Tre Walker and Bailey Gaither, both former San Jose State wideouts, have banded together for the Pittsburgh Maulers. They are within the top 10 in receiving yards, although they are on the worst-performing offensive team in the league.
Cheyenne O’Grady, Tampa Bay Bandit tight end, has also performed quite excellently this season. His skill in catching passes has highlighted his talent and gained him a possible draft into the NFL. Though Conner Davis has demonstrated his prowess for blocking tight ends, Sal Canella of the New Orleans Breakers has been more consistent.
Sitting comfortably at the top of the offensive line rankings is Erick Browne of the Houston Gamblers. He can cover any five positions as well as play technically sound games. Tyree St. Louis, who was recently signed to the Stallions also boasts several bookend offensive tackles.
