The 2024 NFL draft is finally here!
Keep it locked here as we give you instant grades and analysis for every selection as it happens:
1. Chicago Bears: QB Caleb Williams
The Bears have been locked into Williams since the start of the pre-draft process. He’s the best signal-caller in this draft class, possessing the arm talent, athleticism, and special playmaking skills off-script. And now it’s time to see if Williams is the franchise’s answer at the quarterback position for the first time since Sid Luckman.
Grade: A
2. Washington Commanders: QB Jayden Daniels
Much of the time with the Commanders was spent wondering whether they would trade down or stick and pick Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye. They stood pat and selected Daniels, the top athlete of this group, who is poised as a passer in the pocket and can give problems to defenses with his legs. While he might not have the best arm, he provides Washington with a much-needed dynamic element.
Grade: A
3. New England Patriots: QB Drake Maye
Like the Commanders, there were teams interested in trading up for a quarterback but ultimately, the Patriots decided to get their guy in Maye to kick off the Jerod Mayo era. Maye is a talented passer with the arm strength and processing skills, stylistically similar to Justin Herbert.
Grade: A
4. Arizona Cardinals: QB Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
The first round stays chalk with the Arizona Cardinals selecting former Ohio State star Marvin Harrison Jr. Even though Harrison was the consensus best receiver in this draft, his level of production with sub-par quarterback play at Ohio State had to be enticing to the Cardinals and if he works as hard as his dad did, should be great for a very long time.
Grade: A-
5. Los Angeles Chargers OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
There was a thought here that the Chargers could go with one of the big three wide receivers to help out quarterback Justin Herbert but the Los Angeles front office decided the best thing they could do for Herbert is get him a franchise left tackle in Joe Alt. Alt is a downright dominant player and maybe the most complete offensive player in the entire draft.
Grade: A
6. New York Giants: WR Malik Nabers, LSU
There was a thought the Giants might draft a quarterback here to replace Daniel Jones but instead, they got him a truly elite pass catcher in Malik Nabers. Nabers can do anything Marvin Harrison Jr. can but he’s faster. The Giants haven’t had a 1,000-yard receiver in six years but Nabers will change that.
Grade: A
7. Tennessee Titans: OT JC Latham, Alabama
With Joe Alt off the board, the Titans passed on Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze and instead opted for massive right tackle JC Latham out of Alabama. This is a move we will track over the next few seasons to see if Tennesse picked the right offensive player.
Grade: B+
8. Atlanta Falcons: QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington
The first stunner of the first round came courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons who selected Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. This is a huge risk/reward move for the Falcons who has an ugly injury history but a very high ceiling. With Kirk Cousins on the roster, this wasn’t the best use of a draft pick on a team that struggles so much to rush the passer.
Grade: C-
9. Chicago Bears: WR Rome Odunze, Washington
This was an easy choice for the Bears. They select Rome Odunze and get new quarterback Caleb Wiliams a target in the passing game and have their centerpieces for the future.
Grade: A
10. Minnesota Vikings (from New York Jets): QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
While we understand the Vikings needed a quarterback and felt like they had to trade up get them, we don’t have J.J. McCarthy graded high enough to warrant this type of a move and pick.
Grade: C
11. New York Jets (from Minnesota Vikings): OT Olu Fashanu, Penn State
The Jets moved back, picked up two extra picks and still got their offensive tackle with Olu Fashanu. To see Fashanu at his best, you have to look 2022 and not 2023 but his ceiling is very high.
Grade: B+
12. Denver Broncos: QB Bo Nix, Oregon
Six quarterbacks in the first 12 picks is unheard of but 2024 has officially become the year of the quarterback. The Broncos knew they couldn’t wait and after missing on J.J. McCarthy, opted for Oregon’s Bo Nix. Nix has all the physical tools you want in an NFL quarterback and tons of experience. His age is something of an issue but we get why Denver had to make this pick.
Grade: B+
13. Las Vegas Raiders: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
With six quarterbacks gone, the Raiders were smart to just pick the best player on the board. Brock Bowers is a gamechanger at tight end and a foundational piece to any offense.
Grade: A
