The draft clock started for NFL teams to make their pick from a pool of talented college players, and eager fans watched as the fate of their favorite teams altered in the 2024 NFL draft from April 25 through April 27.
NFL front offices made history within the first 14 picks of the draft where not a single defensive player was drafted. The first 12 picks of the draft consisted of six quarterbacks, breaking another record for offensive players. Throughout the entirety of the draft, 17 offensive linemen were picked, proving yet again the clear focus of this year’s draft.
The first overall pick this year was Caleb Williams–hardly a surprise to most fans. After the Bears traded quarterback Justin Fields to the Steelers in March, the team was left without a main man behind center. With the Bears in need of a quarterback and Caleb Williams being the clear-cut no. 1 pick, fans and analysts were almost certain that Caleb Williams would end up with Chicago.
Williams wasn’t the only quarterback of note, however. The next two picks were also quarterbacks, with LSU’s Jayden Daniels going to Washington and North Carolina’s Drake Maye going to New England. As both teams needed a quarterback, these picks, though their order was a bit in question, also came with no shock.
The next quarterback drafted, however, was completely unexpected. The Falcons, who recently signed quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four year, $180 million dollar contract back in March, were expected to draft anyone but a quarterback. When it was announced that Atlanta was selecting quarterback Michael Penix with the eighth pick, most reactions were negative, especially from fans and representatives of Cousins. After throwing a curveball, the team had to explain themselves and calm the tensions. Falcons General Manager Terry Fontenot attempted to do just that.
“When you can add a high caliber player like that with his intangibles, those tools, he’s a winner,” Fontenot said in a press conference. “You don’t pass up that opportunity. Kirk Cousins is our quarterback, we’re very excited about Kirk. Very excited about this team. Michael Penix is – we’re talking about the future.”
Along with quarterbacks, many good wide receivers got drafted early on. The first to go, Marvin Harris Junior, was drafted by the Cardinals and lives up to his father’s top tier status with his incredible skills on the field. The next receiver to go was Malik Nabers, who answered the question of whom the Giants would take with their number six pick after some wondered whether current quarterback Daniel Jones should be replaced by an available quarterback like Michigan’s JJ McCarthy. Ultimately, the Giants decided on a wide receiver, leaving McCarthy to be chosen by the Vikings.
While teams had their highs and lows, three teams rose to the top for having the best overall draft classes. The Chicago Bears were said to have the best draft overall. While having the number one draft pick, they also had many other successes, such as the draft of wide receiver Rome Odunze with the number nine pick, as well as offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie with the 75th pick. Both of these players offer important skills to the team, while also giving Williams protection and a great target to throw to.
When you can add a high caliber player like that with his intangibles, those tools, he’s a winner. You don’t pass up that opportunity.
— Terry Fontenot
The Cardinals also had success in this draft. Along with Harrison Jr, the team now has defensive tackle Darius Robinson and running back Trey Benson, who has proven to be a weapon on the field. With quarterback Kyler Murray, the Cardinals have a successful lineup of players for next season.
Finally, the Steelers definitely made the most out of their draft picks. Gaining left tackle Troy Fautanu as well as center Zach Frazier in the first round and second rounds respectively, the team created a strong structure to thrive. After drafting wide receiver Roman Wilson, the Steelers may be dangerous this season.
While it is easy to judge team picks based on numbers and ranking, fans must remember that anything can happen once these players step foot on the field. Either way, the NFL should expect to be faced with a great season.
