The Most Dangerous New Addition to NFL Teams in 2024: Who to Watch?
Every year, NFL teams make a series of moves in the offseason, aiming to bolster their rosters. While signing big-name players and drafting top prospects can look impressive on paper, these moves don’t always guarantee success once the regular season kicks off.
Some players might struggle to adapt to their new environments or fail to live up to the hype. However, there are also those who seamlessly fit into their new teams and are ready to make an immediate impact.
In this document, we will spotlight one new player for a group of NFL teams who has the potential to be a game-changer in the 2024 season.
Arizona Cardinals: WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
The Arizona Cardinals secured Marvin Harrison Jr., the top prospect from the B/R Scouting Department, with the fourth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Harrison’s arrival promises to revamp the Cardinals’ offensive strategy, reminiscent of the days when Larry Fitzgerald dominated the field.
At Ohio State, Harrison consistently put up impressive numbers, achieving over 1,200 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in back-to-back seasons.
With the departure of Marquise Brown to free agency and the trade of Rondale Moore to the Falcons, Harrison is set to become a key target for Kyler Murray immediately. Harrison will have his sights on breaking Puka Nacua’s wide receiver rookie record of 1,486 yards that he set last year.
Atlanta Falcons: QB Kirk Cousins
The Atlanta Falcons made two bold moves to fix their quarterback situation. They first signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal. Cousins brings a wealth of experience and nearly 40,000 career passing yards.
Alongside him, they drafted Michael Penix Jr., which caused some controversy after having signed Cousins. Despite the drama, Cousins’ job shouldn’t feel threatened next year and he could thrive with top talents like running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London, and tight end Kyle Pitts. This could be what helps the Falcons chase their first division title since 2016.
Carolina Panthers: WR Xavier Legette
After a tough rookie season from 2023 No. 1 pick Bryce Young, the Carolina Panthers aimed to boost their offense. They traded for veteran receiver Diontae Johnson and drafted Xavier Legette at No. 32 overall. Legette, standing at 6’3″ and weighing 227 pounds, had a stellar season at South Carolina with over 1,200 receiving yards.
His versatility will be vital for the Panthers this year. Already, new head coach Dave Canales has praised Young’s development in the offseason, and if he takes those big steps, Legette could have a huge rookie season. Those interested in the Panthers betting line might want to monitor how Legette’s performance could influence the Panthers’ success.
Baltimore Ravens: RB Derrick Henry
The Baltimore Ravens made a splash by signing star running back Derrick Henry. With quarterback Lamar Jackson already giving defenses headaches, Henry’s addition will make the Ravens’ offense even more formidable.
Henry has been a workhorse, leading the NFL in carries in four of the past five seasons and topping the league in rushing yards in 2019 and 2020. He’s also consistently found the end zone, racking up at least 10 rushing touchdowns every year for the past six seasons.
Although Henry turned 30 in January, which is usually when running backs start to decline, his powerful running style and Jackson’s dynamic playmaking could create an unstoppable duo if both stay healthy.
Buffalo Bills: WR Keon Coleman
The Buffalo Bills made big changes to their wide receiver group this offseason. They lost Gabriel Davis and traded Stefon Diggs, which left gaps to fill. To address this, they drafted Keon Coleman with the 33rd pick.
Coleman, standing at 6’4″, offers great explosiveness and a knack for making tough catches. He is poised to become Josh Allen‘s main target. With tight end Dalton Kincaid and newly signed Curtis Samuel, Coleman will be a key figure in the Bills’ passing game.
Chicago Bears: QB Caleb Williams
The Chicago Bears made a big move by drafting Caleb Williams as their new quarterback. Williams, a standout from USC and former Heisman Trophy winner, is expected to bring excitement to the Bears’ offense. With new targets like Keenan Allen and rookie Rome Odunze, he will have plenty of options to pass to.
Williams is not only great at making plays outside the pocket but also excels at traditional quarterback roles. His skills and these new weapons could make a big difference for the Bears this season.
Cincinnati Bengals: OT Amarius Mims
The Cincinnati Bengals picked Amarius Mims with the 18th overall pick. Mims is an impressive 6’7″ and 340 pounds but moves very swiftly for his size. He has the skills to improve both the running and passing game.
While the Bengals drafted Jermaine Burton as well, Mims is expected to have a bigger impact right away. Protecting quarterback Joe Burrow is crucial, and Mims might become one of the best tackles in the league if he stays healthy.
Cleveland Browns: WR Jerry Jeudy
The Cleveland Browns are looking for answers at quarterback after Deshaun Watson‘s two disappointing seasons. Adding wide receiver Jerry Jeudy should help Watson or any new quarterback find success.
With Jeudy and Amari Cooper, the Browns now have a strong wide-receiver duo. Cooper has often been double-covered, but Jeudy’s presence will balance the field. Jeudy’s speed and skill in gaining yards after the catch will boost the Browns’ offense.
Dallas Cowboys: OT Tyler Guyton
The Dallas Cowboys chose Tyler Guyton as their new left tackle, trading down in the first round to select him. At 6’7″, Guyton is an outstanding athlete and is slated to replace Tyron Smith, who signed with the New York Jets. Moving from right to left tackle won’t be easy, but Guyton’s skills could help him succeed quickly as Dak Prescott‘s protector.