NFL Draft 2024: First-round picks, teams, players and big board updates
Here is the draft board for the first round of the NFL Draft:
1) Chicago Bears (from Carolina): QB Caleb Williams (OU/USC)
2) Washington Commanders: QBJaydenDaniels (LSU)
3) New England Patriots: QB Drake Maye (North Carolina)
4) Arizona Cardinals: WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State)
5) Los Angeles Chargers: OT Joe Alt (Notre Dame)
6) New York Giants: WR Malik Nabers (LSU)
7) Tennessee Titans: OT JC Latham (Alabama)
8) Atlanta Falcons: QB Michael Penix Jr. (Washington)
9) Chicago Bears: WR Rome Odunze (Washington)
10) Minnesota Vikings (from Jets): QB JJMcCarthy (Michigan)
11) New York Jets: OT Olu Fashanu (Penn State)
12) Denver Broncos: QB Bo Nix (Oregon)
13) Las Vegas Raiders: TE Brock Bowers (Georgia)
14) New Orleans Saints: OT TalieseFuaga (Oregon State)
15) Indianapolis Colts: EDGE Laiatu Latu (UCLA)
16) Seattle Seahawks: DT Byron Murphy II (Texas)
17) Minnesota Vikings (from Jaguars): EDGE Dallas Turner (Alabama)
18) Cincinnati Bengals: OT Amarius Mims (Georgia)
19) Los Angeles Rams: EDGE Jared Verse (Florida State)
20) Pittsburgh Steelers: OT Troy Fautanu (Washington)
21) Miami Dolphins: EDGE ChopRobinson (Penn State)
22) Philadelphia Eagles: CB Quinyon Mitchell (Toledo)
23) Jacksonville Jaguars (from Vikings): WR Brian Thomas Jr. (LSU)
24) Detroit Lions (from Cowboys): CB Terrion Arnold (Alabama)
25) Green Bay Packers: OT Jordan Morgan (Arizona)
26) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: C Graham Barton (Duke)
27) Arizona Cardinals (from Houston): EDGE Darius Robinson (Missouri)
28) Kansas City Chiefs (from Bills): WR Xavier Worthy (Texas)
29) Dallas Cowboys (from Lions): OT Tyler Guyton (OU)
30) Baltimore Ravens: CB Nate Wiggins (Clemson)
31) San Francisco 49ers: WR Ricky Pearsall (Florida)
32) Carolina Panthers: WRXavierLegette (South Carolina)
That will do it for Day 1 from Detroit. It was a historic first round that saw 14 offensive players drafted before we saw a single defensive player selected. Caleb Williams was the clear favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick, and the Chicago Bears didn’t pull any last minute surprises. They were the first of three teams to take a quarterback with the top three picks in the draft. Jayden Daniels was taken by Washington and the New England Patriots selected Drake Maye with their third overall pick.
There were six QBs taken before the Las Vegas Raiders selected Brock Bowers with the 13th overall pick. There were eight offensive tackles taken in the first round, so that shows you just how important the quarterback position is in the NFL these days. If you aren’t selecting a quarterback, you are more than likely taking someone to protect him.
The Indianapolis Colts took Laiatu Latu with the 15th overall pick, making him the first defensive player drafted in this year’s class. Eight defensive players would be taken over the next 17 picks, but curiously enough there were no running backs taken in the first round on Thursday from Detroit.
Xavier Legette profile:
The Carolina Panthers are going local, taking Legetter out of South Carolina. He was a one year starter in Columbia, catching 71 passes for 1,255 yards and 7 TDs last season. He's a big WR who can go up and get those 50/50 jump balls, and will be of high value in the red zone.
With the 32nd pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers select:
Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
No. 32 overall pick Xavier Legette: Highlights
Xavier Legette No. 32 overall to the Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are on the clock with the 32nd and final pick of the night.
Ricky Persall profile:
The Niners are getting a versatile WR that can play in the slot, out wide or in motion. We know how much San Fran loves to use some presnap misdirection with guys like Christian McCaffery and Deebo Samuel. He had his most productive year of his career last season, catching 65 balls for 963 yards and 4 TDs.
No. 31 overall pick Ricky Pearsall: Highlights
Ricky Pearsall No. 31 overall to the San Francisco 49ers!
With the 31st pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers select:
Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
The San Francisco 49ers are on the clock.
Nate Wiggins profile:
Wigins ws a first team All-ACC selection in 2023, breaking up 9 passes, intercepting to passes and forcing a fumble on the one yard line. He's quick. He's shifty, and he can blanket WRs. Tackling might be an issue, but that shouldn't be too much of a problem once the Ravens get their hands on him.
No. 30 overall pick Nate Wiggins: Highlights
Nate Wiggins No. 30 overall to the Baltimore Ravens!
With the 30th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, The Baltimore Ravens select:
Nate Wiggins, DB, Clemson
Tyler Guyton profile:
Guyton didn't allow a sack in 355 drop backs last season. He needs some polishing but he has a chance to play this season with the Cowboys shipping out some O-Linemen in the offseason.
No. 29 overall pick Tyler Guyton: Highlights
Tyler Guyton No. 29 overall to the Dallas Cowboys!
With the 29th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys select:
Tyler Guyton, T, Oklahoma
Xavier Worthy profile:
The Texas Longhord broke the combine record with a 4.21 40 yard dash, and he is set to join Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs offense. He averaged 17 yards per punt return and put up 1,104 yards and 5 TDs last year.
No. 28 overall pick Xavier Worthy: Highlights
Xavier Worthy No. 28 overall to the Kansas City Chiefs!
With the 28th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs select:
Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
The Chiefs just traded up for the Bills 28th pick, and KC is on the clock.
Darius Robinson profile:
The Missouri Tiger was a first team All-SEC member registering 8.5 sacks, and 14 tackles for a loss. He had 111 tackles in his career, 43 of those came last season. He's a natural born leader. He can bring a spark to a Cardinals team that might be sneaky good next year.
With the 27th pick in the NFL Draft, The Arizona Cardinals select:
Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri.
No. 27 overall pick Darius Robinson: Highlights
Darius Robinson No. 27 overall to the Arizona Cardinals!
Graham Barton profile:
Graham Barton is a born center that can play all over the line. He can get down field and block in the run and screen game. He is a Dukie so you know he's a smart dude, and at he center position, it's not just about being big and blocking.
No. 26 overall pick Graham Barton: Highlights
Graham Barton No. 26 overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers!
With the 26th pick of the 2024 NFL draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select:
Graham Barton, C, Duke.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the clock.
Jordan Morgan profile:
The 6'5" 311 lbs tackles was a first team All-Pac 12 selection and started in 37 of 41 career games despite suffering a knee injury. That didn't deter the Packers who bring him in to add some stability on the O-Line.
No. 25 overall pick Jordan Morgan: Highlights
Jordan Morgan No. 25 overall to the Green Bay Packers!
With the 25th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select:
Jordan Morgan, T, Arizona
The Green Bay Packers are on the clock.
Terrion Arnaold profile:
The Lions took Brian Branch out of the University of Alabama and that worked out pretty well for Detriot. They select Terrion Arnold and the newest Lion is greeted to a roar here from Mo Town as the 100,000 plus erupt with the pick. Arnold is electric, he's exciting and the 1st team All-American can lock down WRs. He had 5 INTs and 12 breaks ups in 2023, and he is joining a team that is ready to win now.
No. 24 overall pick Terrion Arnold : Highlights
Terrion Arnold No. 24 overall to the Detroit Lions!
The Cowboys traded their 24th pick to the hosts of the draft, the Detroit Lions, and with the 24th pick the Lions select:
Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
The Dallas Cowboys are on the clock.
Brian Thomas Jr. profile:
Another product of WRU is drafted in the first round. Six of his 24 career TDs came in the fourth quarter of games this season. He is a deep ball threat with all sorts of speed and hands to help replace Calvin Ridley who shipped off to Tennessee this offseason.
With the 23rd pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars select:
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU.
No. 23 overall pick Brian Thomas Jr. : Highlights
Brian Thomas Jr. No. 23 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars!
The Jacksonville Jaguars are on the clock.
Quinyon Mitchell profile:
Mitchell had 6 picks in his career, and forced more incompletions than any other DB over the last two years. He's got super sonic speed which allows him to blanket WRs and to take chances on interceptions.
No. 22 overall pick Quinyon Mitchell: Highlights
Quinyon Mitchell No. 22 overall to the Philadelphia Eagles!
With the 22nd pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select:
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
The Philadelphia Eagles are on the clock.
Chop Robinson profile:
The Dolphins are covered on the offensive end. Robinson is fast. Real fast. He ran a 4.48 40 yard dash at the combine, forced two fumbles and 3 sacks, and 18 hurries which were a decrease from his 5 sacks and 34 hurries but the Dolphins believe he can wreak havoc on the end.
No. 21 overall pick Chop Robinson: Highlights
Chop Robinson No. 21 overall to the Miami Dolphins!
With the 21st pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, The Miami Dolphins select:
Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn St.
The Miami Dolphins are on the clock.
Troy Fautanu profile:
The University of Washington is showing up in the first round of this draft! We aren't sure who is going to be playing QB in Pittsburgh, but whoever it is, they are going to get a guy who allowed 3 sacks in over 1,200 snaps.
No. 20 overall pick Troy Fautanu: Highlights
Troy Fautanu No. 20 overall to the Pittsburgh Steelers!
With the 20th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select:
Troy Fautanu, T, Washington
The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the clock.
Jared Verse profile:
With Aaron Donald hanging it up this offseason, the Rams look to add some fire power on the D line. He had 31.5 sacks in his career, and pressured the QB 62 times last sason.
No. 19 overall pick Jared Verse: Highlights
Jared Verse No. 19 overall to the Los Angeles Rams!
With the 19th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the LA Rams select:
Jared Verse, DE, Florida St.
The LA Rams are on the clock.
Amarius Mims profile:
Amarius allowed 0 sacks on 377 career drops backs at Georgia. He played in 29 games, knows what it is to win a championship, and he joins a O-Line room full of hogs in Cincy. They need some protection on Burrow who has been battling injuries his whole career. Can Mims be the one to protect him?
No. 18 overall pick Amarius Mims: Highlights
Amarius Mims No. 18 overall to the Cincinnati Bengals!
With the 18th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select:
Amarius Mims, T, Georgia.
The Cincinnati Bengals are on the clock.
Dallas Turner profile:
Tunrer was the SEC Defensive Player of the year, getting 10 sacks and 14.5 tackles for a loss last season for the Crimson Tide. He was a first team All-Americans and runs a 4.46 40 yard dash.
With the 17th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select:
Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama.
No. 17 overall pick Dallas Turner: Highlights
Dallas Turner No. 17 overall to the Minnesota Vikings!
The Jacksonville Jaguars traded their 17th pick to Minnesota, and the Vikings are on the clock.
Byron Murphy II profile:
Murphy had 5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for a loss in 2023, and he heads to a Seahawks team who know how to groom their defensive players.
With the 16th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select:
Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
No. 16 overall pick Byron Murphy II: Highlights
Byron Murphy II No. 16 overall to the Seattle Seahawks!
The Seattle Seahawks are on the clock.
Laiatu Latu profile:
Latu is the first defensive player selected in the 2024 draft! He was a 1st Team All American, and Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year. He is only a couple years removed from almost retiring from the sport, but he had 13 sacks last year, and 21.5 tackles for a loss with led the FBS.
No. 15 overall pick Laiatu Latu: Highlights
Laiatu Latu No. 15 overall to the Indianapolis Colts!
With the 15th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts select:
Laiatu Late, DE, UCLA
The Indianapolis Colts are on the clock.
Taliese Fuaga profile:
The Oregon State tackles didn't allow a sack in his career in college, but is even more known for this run blocking than anything else. He can get down the field and seal off holes at the line.
No. 14 overall pick Taliese Fuaga: Highlights
Taliese Fuaga No. 14 overall to the New Orleans Saints!
With the 14th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints select:
Taliese Juaga, T, Oregon State
The New Orleans Saints are on the clock.
Brock Bowers profile:
Bowers had a career high 13 TDs last year, and he is a football players. Because of his size and frame he is a tight end but he could play anywhere on the field. Last year he had 71 catches for 717 yards and 6 TDs after a long and championship filled career with the Bulldogs.
With the 13th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders select:
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia.
No. 13 overall pick Brock Bowers: Highlights
Brock Bowers No. 13 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders!
The Las Vegas Raiders are on the clock.
Bo Nix profile:
The sixth QB taken in the first 12 picks! This is historic from Detroit! The Oregon QB seems to have been in college forever. He started 61 games which is an NCAA record for a quarterback and was the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year last season. He threw for 4,454 yards, 45 TDs and just 3 INTs last year.
No. 12 overall pick Bo Nix: Highlights
Bo Nix No. 12 overall to the Denver Broncos!
With the 12th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos select:
Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
The Denver Broncos are on the clock.
Olumuyiwa Fashanu profile:
Don't think that protecting Aaron Rodgers didn't sway the front offices into making this pick. The Nittany Lion didn't give up a single sack in his three year career, and only allowed one hit on his QB.
With the 11th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the New York Jets select:
Olumuyiwa Fashanu, T, Penn State
No. 11 overall pick Olu Fashanu: Highlights
Olu Fashanu No. 11 overall to the New York Jets!
The New York Jets are on the clock.
JJ McCarthy profile:
The National Champion is the fifth QB taken off the board in the first round of the NFL Draft. This is the first time five QBs have been taken in the Top 10. McCarthy had 49 passing TDs and 10 rushing TDs, but most importantly he was clutch in his career in which he went 27-1. He has what you need at the next level, he just didn't get to show it too much at Michigan.
With the 10th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Jets traded their 10th pick to the Minnesota Vikings and the Vikes select:
JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan
No. 10 overall pick JJ McCarthy: Highlights
JJ McCarthy No. 10 overall to the Minnesota Vikings!
The Minnesota Vikings are on the clock.
Rome Odunze profile:
The Washington receiver was one of two WRs to finish in the top 10 in receiving yards in the last two years. Marvin Harrison Jr. was the other. Last year he caught 92 balls for 1,639 yards and 13 TDs.
No. 9 overall pick Rome Odunze: Highlights
Rome Odunze No. 9 overall to the Chicago Bears!
With the ninth pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select:
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
The Chicago Bears are on the clock again, with the ninth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Michael Penix Jr. profile:
Wow! The Atlanta Falcons take Penix Jr. after signing Kirk Cousins for almost a billion dollars! Penix Jr was one of the most accurate QBs in the country last year, throwing for 4,906 yards, 36 TDs and 11 INTs in a year he took the Huskies to the National Championship.
No. 8 overall pick Michael Penix Jr.: Highlights
Michael Penix Jr. No. 8 overall to the Atlanta Falcons!
With the eighth pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select:
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
The Atlanta Falcons are on the clock.
JC Latham profile:
The Tennessee Titans need a lot of help. They just have a young QB who needs protection in Will Levis, and just lost the best running back in the history of the franchise, Derrick Henry. He allowed just two sacks since 2022 at the University of Alabama. He's a big boy with long arms who is going to be very difficult to get around on the right side.
No. 7 overall pick JC Latham: Highlights
JC Latham No. 7 overall to the Tennessee Titans!
With the seventh pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans select:
JC Latham, T, Alabama
The Tennessee Titans are on the clock
Malik Nabers profile:
The newest alum of WRU, Malik Nabers is a off to New York. He is a live wire that is probably the most explosive WR in this draft. He still has a few things to perfect, but when Nabers has the ball in his hands, don't blink. He had 1,568 yards and 14 TDs on 89 receptions at LSU last season.
No. 6 overall pick Malik Nabers: Highlights
Malik Nabers No. 6 overall to the New York Giants!
With the sixth pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, the New York Giants select:
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
The New York Giants are on the clock.
Joe Alt profile:
Joe Alt is a big, tall tackle that can get down the field in the run game and protect his QB, which is something that Justin Herbert and the Chargers desperately need. In over 1000 drop backs, Alt allowed just 4 sacks at Notre Dame.
No. 5 overall pick Joe Alt: Highlights
Joe Alt No. 5 overall to the Los Angeles Chargers!
With the fifth pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, the LA Chargers select:
Joe Alt, T, Notre Dame
The Los Angeles Chargers are on the clock.
Marvin Harrison Jr. profile:
The Arizona Cardinals are getting a super start WR that is ready to take on WR1 duties now. He comes from Hall of Fame bloodlines, and had 1,211 yards receiving and 14 TDs last year with the Buckeye.
With the fourth pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals select:
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
No. 4 overall pick Marvin Harrison Jr.: Highlights
Marvin Harrison Jr. No. 4 overall to the Arizona Cardinals!
The Arizona Cardinals are on the clock.
Three QBs is Top 3
The New England Patriorts have had nightmares trying to fill the shoes of Tom Brady in Foxborough. Drake May is the second QB the Pats have taken in the Top 5 over the last few years and with Mac Jones off to Jacksonville, he could be the QB of the future. Maye is the third QB taken in the first three picks, making this 2024 draft the fourth draft to ever see three QBs taken in the top three.
With the third pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select:
Drake Maye, QB, UNC
No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye: Highlights
Drake Maye No. 3 overall to the New England Patriots!
The New England Patriots are on the clock, and apparently the pick is in.
Jayden Daniels profile:
Daniels spent time at Arizona State, but really made himself a household name at LSU. He threw for 40 TDs and just 4 INTs on 71.1% completion percentage and won the Heisman Trophy this season. The Commanders may have just solved a QB problem that has plagued them for a long, long time.
With the second pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Washington Commanders select:
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels: Highlights
Jayden Daniels No. 2 overall to the Washington Commanders!
The Washington Commanders are on the clock
Caleb Williams profile:
Williams has been a shoe in for this top pick for the last two years. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2022 on a USC team that underperformed for the last couple years. In his Junior year, he threw for 3,647 yards, 30 TDs and 5 INTs, which was a bit of a dip from his numbers in his sophomore year, but that didn't turn the Bears off.
With the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft the Chicago Bears select: Caleb Williams, QB, USC
No.1 overall pick Caleb Williams: Highlights
Caleb Williams No. 1 overall to the Chicago Bears!
THE 2024 NFL DRAFT IS OFFICIALLY UNDERWAY!
The Chicago Bears are on the clock!
What an intro!
Roger Goodell is out of the green room and on stage, joined by local hero Eminem! He dropped the Big D line to! They brought some of the Detroit Lions stars from past and present to get this party started!
Commish has jokes
Have you seen this ad for the NFL Draft featuring Roger Goodell and Eminem? He may get booed. He may not be the most liked guy in the league. But you have to admit. He is pretty funny. Somebody get these two on camera more often. I'd tune in.
Williams swimming in the green
Caleb Williams has been making some big cash for the last few years thanks to NIL money he received at USC, but NFL money is NFL money and the QB has an idea of where that cash is going.
The King of the Draft
Forget about Caleb William, Jayden Daniels and Marvin Harrion Jr. the real star of the draft tonight is this pup right here. Because of animal restrictions at Ford Field we rarely get to see pooches showing their team spirit, but this doggo is loving the outdoor football fest in Detroit. Someone give that dog a bone!
Time for some improv
The only team that knows exactly how their first round pick is going to play out is the Chicago Bears. The rest of the 31 teams will have to think and act on the fly. Teams may have players circled on the draft board, but you better have a plan A, B and C because things can come at you quick on Selection Thursday.
When coach Saban speaks, we listen
If anyone knows college talent it's newly retired coach Nick Saban. Saban won everything there was to win during his time at Alabama while supplying a pipeline of NFL talent from Tuscaloosa. Coach Saban knows it's not just talent that gets guys here. You have to want it.
Where are the waffles?
Listen up kids. The key to having a cannon for an arm and being one of the most desirable players in the NFL Draft is a nice breakfast to start the day. Jayden Daniels had waffles and an omelette before every game day at LSU. Today he just had an omelette because the the hotel didn't have a waffle maker. On the biggest day of his life! No Waffles?
Amazing turn out in Mo Town
I know we just posted about it, but seeing this is truly wild. The place is packed, the weather has cooperated and the crowd is growing as we approach the start of the 2024 NFL Draft. Pretty soon the Bears will be on the clock. I'm sure the Lions fans in attendance will have something to say about their pick.
Caleb is in the building
This is the man of the hour. Caleb Williams has waited his whole life for this moment, but he isn't going to have to wait much longer.
Detroit is showing OUT for the NFL Draft tonight. Luckily it's a beautiful evening in the Motor City and 150,000 people, at least, have shown up for the big show. Who will the Lions pick in front of their home crowd?
No trades, yet
There haven't been any ground breaking trades in the predraft festivities so far, but Ian Rapoport wouldn't be surprised if a team tries to tempt the Jets with their 10th overall pick. They have a stacked team on both ends of the ball, all they were missing last year was Aaron Rodgers under center. Will they be willing to trade their pick away in the next few hours?
Who are you wearing?
One thing to always keep an eye out for on Draft Day are the fits. The rising stars of tomorrow announce themselves on football's biggest stage, with their play, with their words and with their clothes. Marvin Harrison Jr. is going with a traditional black suit with a big ole' chain, but this is one of the most simple looks we are likely to see tonight.
No hugs?
He may get booed every year around Draft time, but Roger Goodell is an integral part of the draft. The words he announces on stage will stick with the draftees for the rest of their lives. It's not just the announcement, he is always there for a nice dap up and hug to each and every player that is called to the stage. This year, Goodell is coming in as questionable following back surgery he had less than a month ago. We are going to have to wait and see if he is feeling well enough for a first embrace to the newly named NFL players.
Fans' Draft picks
We headed out to the fan zone at the Draft and asked the good folks: If you were the GM of your team, who would you pick tonight? Here's what they told us...
Why does Roger Goodell get booed at the NFL Draft?
For fans the NFL Draft brings the promise of fresh hope and future success. It also offers the opportunity to let off a little steam and voice displeasure against NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
He took over as commissioner in 2006 and recently signed a new contract extension that will keep him in the role until 2027. Over that time Goodell has helped to grow the game around the world but he's also been at the center of some unpopular changes, like the ever-increasing cost to watch the action. Controversies about player punishments and salary terms have also been in the headlines, contributing the the annual tradition of Goodell getting booed at the NFL Draft.
Is it a genuine attempt at protest or just a quirky tradition? In truth, it's probably a bit of both but it's one thing that we're certain to see later tonight.
400,000 fans expected in Detroit
As the city of Detroit is gets ready for the 2024 NFL Draft to begin, they are also experiencing an influx of roughly 400,000 people in Motor City during the draft with just a handful of this number actually getting to witness the draft inside the venue itself.
Since the NFL realigned its divisions in 2002, the AFC South has been a three-team competition, with the Colts, Titans, and Texans leading the charge. Read all about it here.
As the draft continues, the AFC East teams will navigate the complexities of balancing needs, player versatility, and draft capital to shape their rosters. Read it all here
As the NFL draft approaches, teams in the AFC North are preparing for what should be a competitive season. Each team is aiming to address key areas of need. Read it all here.
Something unusual happened in 2023: The Lions won their first-ever NFC North championship. Goff and company look like the class of the division now. Read it all here.
The Giants and Commanders must manage their quarterback plans, while the Cowboys and Eagles should reconstruct their playoff rosters. Read it all here.
NFL Fashion
It's always exciting to see what the draft prospects choose to wear on the day. Caleb Williams went with a double-breasted zip-up.
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Here's all you need to know about the expected number one pick for the upcoming NFL Draft 2024. Read it all here.
Drake Maye's thoughts on Giants...
The Giants could trade up to try to get the North Carolina quarterback. Here's what he thinks about that.
Sam Laporta gets all the emotions as he remembers his NFL Draft and looks forward to this year’s.
With rumors that the LA Rams are interested in trying to trade up for a top ten pick, the bigger noise is coming out of New England.
QBs 123
Whenever there is a great crop of quarterbacks in a draft class, the selection show always draws a bit more interest. It’s not often that the teams with the top three picks need quarterbacks. And it’s even more rare that three quarterbacks worthy of being taken with the top three picks are available in the same class.
This year there are three great quarterbacks, and there are three teams that are desperate for a QB. There have only been three drafts with QBs going 1,2,and 3 in the first round. Back in 2021 Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson and Trey Lance were taken with the top three picks of the draft. The only other times the top three selections in the draft were QBs came in 1971 and 1999. In 1971, it was Jim Plunkett who was taken No. 1, followed by Archie Manning and Dan Pastorini. In 1999 Tim Couch was the top pick in the draft, followed by Donovan McNabb and Akili Smith. The ’71 draft went much better for the three QBs who went on to have long successful careers.
Draft Busts
Contrary to gems, or steals of the draft, the biggest busts of the draft usually get selected on Day 1 of the draft. Not just on Day 1, but many times in the Top 5. It’s the way things work in the NFL. The higher you get drafted, the higher the expectations are and there are some guys who just don’t cut it. There are different levels of busts. A lot of guys turn out to be back ups or third stringers but just because their game didn’t translate at the highest level doesn’t make them a bust. Then there are the players that got drafted at the beginning of Day 1 who not only couldn’t cut it as a starter, but they would disappear all together.
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Draft Gems
Like every year, there will be picks that pan out and picks that flop. Obviously guys like Caleb Williams or Jayden Daniels are never going to be considered gems of this draft class. To find a gem, you have to dig deep. Gems don’t come on the first day of the draft. Gems come on the second or even third day of the draft. A couple of the best quarterbacks the game has ever seen are considered steals of the draft.Our Paul Rudder has more.
Teams with the most picks
It's going to be a busy weekend for every team in the NFL, but the Cardinals, Packers and Rams are going to be on the clock 11 times. The Packers and Rams were playoff teams last season, but the Cardinals need all the help they can get. Two of their 11 picks will be announced tonight. They have the 4th pick and the 27th pick that they got from the Houston Texans.
YEAR OF THE QUARTERBACK
With the way things have been trending in the NFL over the last few seasons, it should come as no surprise that the quarterback position will be the top draw of this draft.
Teams with the first three picks of the first round all need quarterbacks, but they aren’t the only ones. There are five or six different teams who need stability at QB, and tonight’s first round has a chance to be a historic one. The first round record for quarterbacks selected in the first round is six back in 1983. Tonight that record could be matched or even broken.
Caleb Williams - this year's unanimous No. 1 pick
For the last few years, we and the former USC quarterback have been expecting this moment. Caleb Williams has been dubbed a first overall draft pick in the 2024 Draft since he came out of high school.
He went to USC and had a successful individual career, but team success evaded him and the Trojans. He made tons of money with NIL endorsements, and became a star not just in Southern California, but all over the country. His early fame and fortune has brought about a certain confidence, or arrogance, if you please. His team (his dad) has already talked about how twisted the draft seems. Saying he’d be better off not getting drafted to avoid the forced parity from the NFL by putting the bottom teams at the top of the draft board. There has also been talk of him wanting a share of whichever franchise takes a chance on him. He’s a fantastic talent, there is no debating that, but have the last two years at USC just gone to his head a bit?
The 2024 Draft Order
The Chicago Bears will get the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NFL Draft after they traded the Carolina Panthers for it in 2023. Of course, the Super Bowl LVIII champs Kansas City Chiefs will pick last at 32.
This is what the draft order for the first round looks like right now. If that will remain the same for the rest of the evening is another question. There will be plenty of moving and shaking tonight but at the moment, this is the order we can expect until further notice.
Here’s the full order for the 2024 NFL Draft:
1 Chicago Bears (from Carolina)
2 Washington Commanders
3 New England Patriots
4 Arizona Cardinals
5 Los Angeles Chargers
6 New York Giants
7 Tennessee Titans
8 Atlanta Falcons
9 Chicago Bears
10 Tennessee Titans
11 Minnesota Vikings
12 Denver Broncos
13 Las Vegas Raiders
14 New Orleans Saints
15 Indianapolis Colts
16 Seattle Seahawks
17 Jacksonville Jaguars
18 Cincinnati Bengals
19 Los Angeles Rams
20 Pittsburgh Steelers
21 Miami Dolphins
22 Philadelphia Eagles
23 Houston Texans (from Cleveland)
24 Dallas Cowboys
25 Green Bay Packers
26 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
27 Arizona Cardinals (from Houston)
28 Buffalo Bills
29 Detroit Lions
30 San Francisco 49ers
31 Kansas City Chiefs
Hello everyone and welcome to our LIVE text coverage of Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft!
Football is back! At least for the next few days. The NFL Draft is here to give us a momentary oasis and quench our thirst from a dry and barren offseason. The 2024/25 season starts today as each of the 32 teams prepare to select the best players of this year’s class. Some will be stars, some will fade away in time, but each team will be hoping to find their future face of the franchise over the next few days. AS USA will be with you all night bringing you news, updates and live coverage of each and every pick made in the first round from Detroit.
The draft begins at 8 p.m. ET from Hart Plaza in Detroit. Rounds 2 and 3 will continue on Friday and Rounds 4-7 will finish up on Saturday. This will be Detroit's first time hosting the event!
The No. 1 pick will go to the Chicago Bears and it shouldn't be too surprising, but after that, things could go a number of ways, with tons of offensive players to choose from this year. We'll be here throughout the draft to bring you the latest picks and analysis from all the players in Round 1 so stay tuned!