Custom Featured Content

My ultimate goal is to make a featured content section that displays 4 posts with thumbnails on 3 pages.

Something like this https://i.imgur.com/qpLbt.jpg

I was thinking of making a custom section in the dashboard in where I create custom boxes that let me drag and move the order. It can be just text, with image, and link to post.

Like it can be a set number boxes (12) that let me edit the info and let me drag and move.

I know this is super complicated but I need a point in the right direction.