NFL Draft 2024 First Round Recap: A Closer Look (4-26-24)

By: Jaden Golding

Detroit, Michigan-  Today marks one of the highlights of not only the NFL offseason but the sports world. We find out today where the best of the best from this 2024 Draft Class is going to call home in the season. This class is one of the more exciting bunches in NFL history. Highlighted by the deep quarterback prospects such as Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy, and Michael Penix Jr. It’s no secret after the Chicago Bears traded away former starting quarterback Justin Fields to Pittsburgh, that Chicago would now turn its attention to Williams. But from there on, the speculation has been leading up to draft night. 

The Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, and Las Vegas Raiders are all teams who are in the market for quarterbacks looking to solidify the position of the future. Washington has been looking for their quarterback of the future for the past couple of decades after starting 33 quarterbacks since their 1991 Super Bowl win. The Patriots are now navigating life without Tom Brady but now future hall of fame head coach Bill Belichick, and New York is trying to decide if Daniel Jones is their answer under center for the foreseeable future. Minnesota and Denver both moved on from starters Kirk Cousins (Atlanta) & Russell Wilson (Pittsburgh). Las Vegas started three different quarterbacks this past season after parting ways with Derek Carr after an underwhelming 2022 season. 

Obviously, there are more positions other than quarterbacks and this year’s class has deep talent at wide receiver, offensive tackle, offensive guard, and cornerback. 

So let’s see how day one shaked up…

#1 Chicago: Caleb Williams- I mean c’mon the worst kept secret of the draft, the world knew who Chicago was picking months ago. Caleb is compared to the likes of Patrick Mahomes with his elite ability to extend plays with not only his feet but his arm talent as well. His past two years at USC saw him make Mahomes-like magician highlight plays every week and pick apart defenses.  He’s coming into Shane Waldron’s system that likes to draw up looks for the deep ball surrounded by D.J Moore and new additions in Keenan Allen and DeAndre Swift. Caleb has all the talent and tools to succeed in Chicago, now can he lead them to success is the question?

#2 Washington: Jayden Daniels- The pre-draft speculation for the Commander’s pick was high with rumors of Daniels’s pre-draft meeting with Washington not going well, him not wanting to play here, to the intriguing possibility of reuniting with his former head coach in Antonio Pierce out in Las Vegas. GM Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn did have interest in Drake Maye or J.J McCarthy. There was also talk of the possibility of trading back to address the needs on the o-line. The Commanders ended up selecting Daniels even with the noise of his lack of experience and games played, and how his style of play can lead to injuries. But the fit and talent are just too good of an opportunity to pass up. He has experience, the ability to extend plays with his legs reminds people of RGIII, and his arm talent is unquestionable. Kliff Kingsbury is at the helm of the offense and brings in his air raid but also quarterback mobility featured an offense that suits Daniels’s style. Daniels said this about playing for Kingsbury when speaking to the media “Kliff was over there with Kyler and for quite some time he had Kyler in the MVP conversation…. I’m just excited to talk ball with him.”  Sounds like he’s looking forward to the opportunity.

#3 New England: Drake Maye- The Patriots are looking for the next man under center to guide them in the post-Brady era. With former first-round Mac Jones not being able to find the same success from his rookie season it was all but time to move on. Maye has the size, arm talent, and experience that puts him in a position to start week 1. He has struggled with forcing the issue to make plays which led to 16 career interceptions in his collegiate career. But he offers a gunslinger style who can make any throw and can also use his feet to extend plays as well.

#4 Arizona: Marvin Harrison Jr.- Considered by some one of the best receivers of the draft, this selection makes sense for the Cardinals. After re-establishing their commitment to Kyler Murray this past season, they are now focused on putting weapons around him after finishing in the bottom half of the major receiving statistics categories in 2023. Like his father Harrison Jr. offers an elite ability to come down with the ball and create separation, and his size offers him the ability to make tough contested catches. 

#5 Los Angeles Chargers: Joe Alt- Jim Harbaugh is looking to dominate the trenches as before with past groups he has led. Picking arguably the best offensive lineman is a great way to retool this offensive unit. Alt displays the hands, strength, speed, footwork, and intangibles to be a great offensive lineman in the league. Pairing him up with Rshawn Slater will solidify them as one of the best tackle pairings.

#6 New York Giants: Malik Nabers- J.J…. I mean Malik Nabers is the way Brian Daboll is going with this first-round selection. The Giants are sticking with Daniel Jones after signing him to a hefty extension in the 2023 offseason, now they have a potential true number one receiver after previous failed draft picks and off-season receiver additions. Nabers offers elite speed, has tremendous route-running ability, and comes up with huge plays after the catch. The last time the Giants had a receiver gain 1000 receiving yards was Odell Beckham in 2018

#7 Tennessee: JC Latham- The Titans are looking to solidify their offensive line addressing their need at right tackle with Latham as he was one of the biggest and strongest prospects coming out of the class. He has great strength, power, and hands that allow him to move defensive linemen aside and get to the second level causing problems for linebackers. This Titans offense has a new look post-Derrick Henry days.

#8 Atlanta: Michael Penix Jr– There’s always one surprise pick of the draft and it came early this year. After signing Kirk Cousins to the biggest deal of free agency worth 180 million dollars, it looked as if Atlanta addressed the quarterback position. But Raheem Morris couldn’t pass up on Penix Jr. who he was high on. Cousins is still the starter but can be viewed as a bridge quarterback until Penix Jr. is ready for NFL action, for now, he can sit behind Cousins learning the ropes and developing. Penix Jr. has great arm talent and led the FBS in passing yards per game. He has good control at the line to make necessary changes to be better protected and has awareness of when to move and slide in the pocket to avoid negative plays. The young talent around him led by Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, and Drake London has the future looking bright for Atlanta. Obviously, the main concern is injuries coming off consecutive years of injuries but he has the talent to succeed.

#9 Chicago: Rome Odunze- Look at that another shiny toy for Caleb Williams and this Chicago offense to utilize. The Bears have its two outside receivers already, now you give your rookie quarterback a guy who broke Washington’s record for receiving yards and led the nation. Odunze can help push the ball down the field with his speed and control; as he’s a vertical threat who can make big plays down the field inside and outside, whose hands are excellent and allow him to make contested catches.

#10 Minnesota (via NYJ): J.J. McCarthy- The Vikings needed to address the quarterback position after parting ways with Kirk Cousins this offseason. While J.J. had been previously linked to Washington and NYG, he was still available at number ten. McCarthy is a proven winner, only losing one game in his college career and coming off a National Championship win with Michigan. He can make tight-window throws, and downfield throws, and has excellent accuracy. McCarthy can also make plays on the run and is capable of completing those throws on the run. He’s being brought into Kevin O’Connell’s offense which features top wideouts Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson.

#11 New York Jets (via MIN): Olu Fashanu- Yes, Tyron Smith was signed at left tackle in the offseason to address the pressing need for an o-line revamp for the Jets. But given Smith’s age and extensive injury history this pick makes sense. The Jets have a potential future starting left tackle in Fashanu whenever his number is called. Fashanu didn’t get a chance to fully showcase his talent at the combine after an injury. But he’s a great pass blocker whose footwork and athletic frame allow him to go toe-to-toe with pass rushers off the edge and recover when out of position.

#12 Denver Broncos: Bo Nix- Everyone is going to say this pick is a reach, but if you’re Sean Payton and the guy you want is still available at twelve, you pick him. That’s exactly what Payton did, he feels as if he’s gotten the best quarterback in the draft with the best arm talent and who’s extremely intelligent under center. Look Nix may not blow some people away but there is potential for him to succeed in the NFL under Payton’s system in Denver.

#13 Las Vegas Raiders: Brock Bowers- Quarterback is what everyone said the Raiders needed. When Atlanta took Michael Penix Jr. at four, plans changed for the Raiders. This pick is not really a confusing one to me as Las Vegas went with the best player available on the board. Brock Bowers was considered by many to be a top 10 player in the class. Bowers led Georgia in receiving yards the past three seasons, as he showcased his ability to create space and get open, make plays when the ball is in his hands, and have great speed. Whether it’s Gardner Minshew or Aidan O’Connell they have a dynamic offense that can make plays across the board and now have only added to it. Don’t be surprised if you hear Bowers’s name a lot this season in the silver and black.

#14 New Orleans Saints: Taliese Fuaga- New Orleans was looking to add help down in the trenches to help protect quarterback Derek Carr. They’ve found Fauga who has an exceptional strength to move defenders back, his hands are sound in pass blocking, and is highly efficient going from block to block. Fuaga can be plugged in on day one as a starter and help this o line improve.

#15 Indianapolis Colts: Laiatu Latu-  Latu is a great explosive edge who finishes and closes out well. He plays well getting to the quarterback with a relentless motor and defending the run. His technique and hands are great which allows him to dominate, as he posted 34 tackles for loss, 5 forced fumbles, 23.5 sacks, 85 total tackles, and 2 interceptions in two seasons. The Colts weren’t exactly a team that struggled getting to the quarterback last year as they got to the quarterback 51 times, but who says no to another prolific pass rusher.

#16 Seattle Seahawks: Byron Murphy II- Murphy II is a great run defender, who fills up the gaps well, can fight off double teams with his strength, jumps off the line quick for his size and frame, and is hard to move one-on-one. He is still developing as a pass rusher but can learn to improve those skills at the pro level. The Seahawks are building themselves a nice young defense and have added another stud to this side of the ball.

#17 Minnesota Vikings (via JAX): Dallas Turner- Widely viewed as the best edge rusher in the draft, Minnesota lost Danielle Hunter this past offseason after many years of speculation and now are looking for someone to replace his production. Enter Turner, the former SEC Defensive Player of the Year has elite speed that allows his game to reach great heights when getting to the quarterback, shooting up the gaps, and working his way back inside. Turner’s athletic ability is what puts his potential off the charts and if Brian Flores can develop his skill set then they could have another elite pass rusher.

#18 Cincinnati Bengals: Amariaus Mims- Ever since Joe Burrow joined the Bengals, fans, and analysis have begged Cincinnati to provide Burrow a line to protect him. After the signing of Trent Brown, and additions in recent years they are moving in the right direction. Mims will be the future for Cincinnati as he has the size and tools to be a pillar on the line. As long as Mims stays healthy he should become one of the best in the league.

#19 Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse- Welcome back to the first-round Rams! The Rams have not had a first-round pick in recent years and now they need to hit on this pick. Future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald is gone now, so Sean McVay went with Verse out of Florida State to build this new younger defensive line. Verse dominated first at Albany and at Florida State; he’s an explosive edge rusher who accelerates off the ball, uses his speed to bullrush linemen, has great hands, reads plays well that allow him to evade linemen, and has the strength to get off of blockers. He should definitely progress year-to-year and make an immediate impact.

#20 Pittsburgh Steelers: Troy Fautanu-  The Steelers go with help on the offensive line and select Fautanu to protect Russell Wilson. Fautanu is a versatile player who can play all five offensive line positions, he has active hands and feet that allow him to stay balanced in front of defenders and can reach the second level well while also boasting lateral quickness to make backside blocks.

#21 Miami Dolphins: Chop Robinson- Miami was hampered by injuries to their edge rushers in 2023, and looked to add quality depth at the position. Robinson may not jump out statistically like other prospects but he has all the physical intangibles to succeed with a high motor and quick first step that allows him to disrupt quarterbacks. Given the proper development, Miami has another high-end pass rusher added to its roster.

#22 Philadelphia Eagles: Quinyon Mitchell- After an underwhelming year defensively across the board, Philadelphia is looking to add immediate talent who can make an impact right away. Mitchell is a physical athletic corner who displays excellent speed, plays well in zone and man, knows how to get to the ball, and understands quarterbacks’ tendencies. James Bradberry and Darrius Slay did not have the best year last year, inserting Mitchell can help relieve all the load from the two starters. If he can brush up on his techniques then the Eagles have gotten a baller.

#23 Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Thomas Jr.-  With the loss of Calvin Ridley, Jacksonville needed to replace his production. Thomas Jr can take the top off and stretch the field for Trevor Lawrence. He can win off the line of scrimmage which benefits Lawarence who gets the ball out quickly and has good route running especially when it comes to quick cutting routes. Watching his development will be nice to see.

#24 Detroit Lions (via Dallas): Terrion Arnold-  The Lion’s defense wasn’t terrible last season but could use improvements, especially in the secondary, as they gave up a passer rating of 91.5 %. Arnold is a terrific pickup for Detroit as they have a future starting cornerback 1 on their hands. He has terrific athletic ability, plays with an extreme toughness you can’t teach, can line up outside or in the slot against receivers, and can flat-out make plays on the ball.

#25 Green Bay Packers: Jordan Morgan-  Morgan is an excellent physical run blocker whose balanced footwork allows him to position himself well when moving laterally. Has an excellent use of It’s said he can improve as a pass blocker but he carries all the traits to develop in that area. 

#26 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Graham Barton-  Strong smart man in the middle who can fill in nicely for the recently retired Ryan Jensen. Barton is regarded as a versatile lineman who displays elite power, strength, and hands that allow him to move point-to-point well. He will surely thrive on the inside and be a great presence for Baker Mayfield.

#27 Arizona Cardinals: Darrius Robinson-  A dynamic defensive lineman who is very position-flexible and can be moved inside / outside. Very technician oriented he develops the use of his hands and body movement allowing him to break out his rush with force. His power is extremely impressive and allows him to move people well. Arizona is doing a good job of reshaping the defensive line this offseason.

#28 Kansas City Chiefs (Via Buffalo): Xavier Worthy- After 2023, wide receiver was sure to be addressed in the offseason for the Chiefs. Rashee Rice generated good production but another weapon is needed even for Mahomes. Showcases tremendous speed, and most importantly is great at making plays in the open field which will fit perfectly in the Mahomes / Reid system. I think this can work out big time for both parties. 

#29 Dallas Cowboys (Via Detroit) : Tyler Guyton- Guyton can come in and compete for a starting position on day one, a nice athletic guy whose footwork puts him in a position to be an immovable barrier down low. Has a great base and utilizes his power and grip strength to overwhelm the defensive when locked on.

#30 Baltimore Ravens: Nate Wiggins- First what stands out is the speed, as Wiggins ran a 4.28 at the combine which was second behind Xavier Worthy. His speed allows him to play on the ball well and according to Pro Football Focus, he only allowed 18 receptions for 176 yards all last year. Very timely on the line of scrimmage when pressing corners and excels at moving step for step with receivers. Also, displays a strong physicality on the field. 

#31 San Francisco 49ers: Ricky Pearsall- Another controversial pick, due to Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiuyk still being on the roster. But with rumors of one or the other being traded, it makes sense to have someone who can replace that production. Pearsall is a good-sized receiver who understands navigating through traffic, attacking different coverages, and reaching open spots in the field. Has great hands and speed to track the ball and make catches through contact.

#32 Carolina Panthers (Via Buffalo): Xavier Legette- Bryce Young needs talent around him to succeed in the NFL. Adding Legette gives Carolina a big target receiver who showcases his talent when the ball is in the air displaying the balance and control to come down with catches. Not the most spectacular route runner but knows how to get to his areas of the field to make plays and has good acceleration to threaten secondaries vertically.