2024 NFL Draft: My five favorite hauls ... and one head-scratching class

Former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks knows the ins and outs of this league, providing keen insight in his notebook. In today's installment, he spotlights five draft classes that earned his seal of approval and one that left him scratching his head ...

Every year, the NFL draft gives team-builders the opportunity to upgrade their rosters with a collection of young players -- and I stress the word collection. Though most pre-draft analysis focuses on the blue-chip prospects in the first-round mix, the best scouts and coaches find core contributors on the second and third days of the seven-round event.

Last season, the Los Angeles Rams relied on a quartet of initially overlooked rookies (SEE: WR Puka Nacua, DT Kobie Turner, OLB Byron Young and OG Steve Avila) to spark a surprising playoff run. And with the Houston Texans also leaning on their spectacular cadre of newbies (highlighted by Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud, Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr., explosive wideout Tank Dell and tackling machine Henry To'oTo'o) to unexpectedly claim the AFC South title, it's abundantly clear that a fresh influx of talent can flip the script real quick.

With all of that in mind, here are five teams that crushed it over draft weekend.

Now, I didn't love every team's approach to the 2024 NFL Draft. And one class, in particular, left me scratching my head ...