10 Best Available Players Post-Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft has officially ended and many teams opted to draft younger talent instead of aiming for big trades. All 32 teams attempted to bolster their team with young talent but drafted and undrafted players must still prove themselves worthy enough to make a 53-man roster.

Not every drafted player will be a day-one starter. Sometimes it takes rookies a season or two to learn the speed of the game to make a true impact on the field. Smart teams often build their team through the draft and can coach up developmental players to become stars in the NFL. Other teams who are looking to “win now” won’t rely too much on their younger talent and instead opt to find free-agent veterans who can make an immediate impact.

That said, here is a look at the top 10 available free agents.

1. Justin Simmons, Safety

It is a bit strange that former Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons has not yet found his way to a new team. No defensive back has more interceptions than Simmons since he debuted in 2016. He has secured 30 in that time and is arguably the best available safety. Secondary is always needed, especially in this now pass-happy league. If a team is looking to boost their pass defense, Simmons should get a call.

2. Xavien Howard, Cornerback

Xavien Howard was a cap hit casualty for the Miami Dolphins and has since not found a new home. Despite his down year in 2023, Howard is still a viable starter. He is in second place in terms of interceptions secured since 2016 with 29. Much like Simmons, Howard would be a huge upgrade to many team’s secondaries. He should get a call sooner rather than later.

3. Tyler Boyd, Wide Receiver

Tyler Boyd found himself in an odd position with the Cincinnati Bengals, as the arrival of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins led to him not being targeted nearly as much. That does not mean that Boyd is not a starter by any means. Even though he may not have seen as many targets in 2023, he secured 667 yards and two touchdowns. Boyd is currently meeting with the Chargers and Titans, and it could lead to a contract in the coming days or weeks.

4. Calais Campbell, Defensive Lineman

Calais Campbell is coming off a solid 2023 season with the Atlanta Falcons, where he secured 6.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Even at 37 years old, Campbell is still a highly durable and solid defensive lineman. He started all 17 games for the Falcons last season, and can provide a proven veteran voice for his younger counterparts, while still terrorizing opposing quarterbacks.

5. Odell Beckham Jr., Wide Receiver

Odell Beckham Jr. came back to life in 2023 after he secured 565 yards and three touchdowns for the Baltimore Ravens. What is most interesting about his stat line is his 16.1 yards per catch average. Beckham Jr. can still stretch the field and would be a huge veteran option for those teams who need to bolster their wide receiver room. The Dolphins were an option, but nothing has come of the news that the two sides were having talks.

6. Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback

Stephon Gilmore is one of the best veteran options on this list and showcased in 2023 that he can still play at a high level. He secured two interceptions, one forced fumble, and had 13 passes defended. Gilmore did give up four touchdowns in 2023, but that is not terrible in the grand scheme of things. He has plenty of experience that should be a huge benefit to younger secondaries.

7. Quandre Diggs, Safety

Quandre Diggs split from the Seattle Seahawks after the 2023 season, but he is by no means a bad player. Diggs had one interception, five passes defended, and had a total of 95 tackles. Despite his interceptions falling from four to one in a season, he is still a proven starter. Diggs still has a high motor and can elevate the pass defense of many teams.

8. DJ Chark Jr., Wide Receiver

Much like Boyd, DJ Chark Jr. is still a great option at wide receiver for teams who need a veteran presence in the locker room that can still produce. Chark Jr. brought in 525 yards and five touchdowns despite being on a team that struggled with offensive output. The Panthers may not have used Chark Jr. the correct way, but a wide receiver-needy team could still find a way to use the six-year veteran in a WR3 role.

9. Ryan Tannehill, Quarterback

Ryan Tannehill might not be a top starter any longer, but he is still a quarterback who can get the job done. His 2023 season resulted in 1,616 yards, four touchdowns, and seven interceptions. It’s not indicative of his overall skill, and he should still be signed to a team that needs a solid backup. With so many teams presumably starting rookies, Tannehill could be the right kind of mentor and safety blanket should the younger signal callers run into trouble.

10. Connor Williams, Offensive Lineman

This one might be a bit of a stretch considering Connor Williams tore his ACL in Dec. 2023. Still, before he suffered the season-ending injury, he was one of the best centers in the NFL. What is unique about Williams is he can also work as more of a swing offensive lineman, and take up the guard position as well. The hope would be he recovers in time to play in more than half the 2024 season — but should he be healthy sooner rather than later, he could be a starting-caliber player.