The 2024 NFL Draft commenced with a thrilling start as the Chicago Bears secured USC quarterback Caleb Williams as the first overall pick on Thursday night.
Amidst roaring cheers from Bears fans present, Williams graced the stage and shared a warm embrace with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
This year’s draft promises to be a spectacle, boasting a plethora of highly touted quarterback talents, a potentially historic group of wide receivers, and overall exceptional value across the board. Notably, it marks the first instance in NFL history where five quarterbacks were selected within the top 10 picks, reflecting the fervent search for quarterback solutions among numerous teams.
With rosters brimming with seasoned veterans, the draft serves as a pivotal opportunity for all 32 franchises to replenish their ranks with promising young prospects, setting the stage for rigorous training camps in preparation for the upcoming season opener in September.
Earlier on Thursday, NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy revealed that a staggering 150,000 fans were in attendance at the draft, underscoring the event’s widespread allure.
Here’s your comprehensive guide to the highlights and happenings of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Detroit Hosts 2024 NFL Draft Over Three-Day Extravaganza”
The 2024 NFL Draft is set to take place in Detroit over three days, centered around the vibrant downtown area encompassing Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza.
Kicking off at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, the first round signals the beginning of an exhilarating event.
On Friday, the excitement continues with the second and third rounds, followed by the conclusion of the draft with the final four rounds on Saturday.
Fans eager to follow every pick can tune in to NFL Network, ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN Deportes, or keep up with the selections via the NFL+ app.
USC’s Caleb Williams Leads 2024 NFL Draft’s Stellar Quarterback Class
In a year brimming with quarterback talent, the 2024 NFL Draft showcased several promising signal-callers, with USC’s Caleb Williams leading the pack.
Despite facing challenges in the previous season, Williams possesses the essential attributes for NFL success. His versatility in throwing and athleticism align perfectly with the modern dual-threat quarterback mold, drawing comparisons to former top pick Kyler Murray.
At just 22 years old, Williams has been a focal point for draft analysts since his remarkable Heisman Trophy-winning campaign in 2022. Breaking Trojan records in passing touchdowns, passing yards, and passing efficiency solidified his status as a top-tier prospect.
Williams’s skill set is anticipated to seamlessly transition to the NFL, with the Chicago Bears overwhelmingly favoring him as the first overall pick, especially after trading away last year’s starter, Justin Fields, in the offseason.
The draft saw other notable quarterback selections, with the Washington Commanders choosing LSU’s Jayden Daniels as the second pick. Daniels, fresh off a Heisman Trophy-winning season, boasts a unique blend of passing and running abilities, setting him apart as a dual-threat threat.
North Carolina’s Drake Maye followed as the third pick, joining the New England Patriots. Maye’s rise to prominence in 2022 and his growth last season bolstered his draft stock, although he’s described as having a “gunslinger mentality” by NFL analyst Lance Zierlein.
The draft made history with three quarterbacks selected within the first three picks, a feat not seen since 2021. Notably, the Atlanta Falcons surprised many by selecting University of Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. at eighth overall.
In further surprising moves, the Minnesota Vikings traded up to select University of Michigan’s JJ McCarthy at pick 10, while the Denver Broncos secured Oregon’s Bo Nix with the 12th pick.
2024 NFL Draft: Wide Receiver Talent Takes Center Stage
According to NFL draft expert Daniel Jeremiah, the 2024 draft boasts a wealth of wide receiver talent, with three of the top four prospects playing the position, and a total of 12 wide receivers ranking among the top 50 prospects.
Leading this impressive group is Marvin Harrison Jr., son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, who was chosen by the Arizona Cardinals with the fourth overall pick on Thursday night. Harrison Jr., a standout at Ohio State, exhibits similarities to his father’s game, renowned for his precise route-running and ability to make tough catches.
Described by Zierlein as a “pedigree prospect” with immediate impact potential, Harrison Jr. is expected to be the first non-quarterback selected.
Joining him in the top 10 picks are Washington’s Rome Odunze and LSU’s Malik Nabers. While Nabers showcases dynamic playmaking abilities, Odunze’s imposing frame and strength pose a significant threat to opposing defenses. The New York Giants selected Nabers at sixth overall, while the Chicago Bears opted for Odunze at ninth overall.
Further down the draft board, a plethora of wide receiver talent awaits, including LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr., known for his touchdown prowess, and the Texas duo of Adonai Mitchell and Xavier Worthy, both polished prospects. Georgia’s Ladd McConkey adds depth as a shifty slot receiver.
First round selections
1. Chicago Bears (from Carolina) – Caleb Williams, quarterback
2. Washington Commanders – Jayden Daniels, quarterback
3. New England Patriots – Drake Maye, quarterback
4. Arizona Cardinals – Marvin Harrison Jr., wide receiver
5. Los Angeles Chargers – Joe Alt, offensive tackle
6. New York Giants – Malik Nabers, wide receiver
7. Tennessee Titans – JC Latham, offensive tackle
8. Atlanta Falcons – Michael Penix Jr., quarterback
9. Chicago Bears – Rome Odunze, wide receiver
10. Minnesota Vikings – J.J. McCarthy, quarterback
11. New York Jets – Olumuyiwa Fashanu, offensive tackle
12. Denver Broncos – Bo Nix, quarterback
13. Las Vegas Raiders – Brock Bowers, tight end
14. New Orleans Saints – Taliese Fuaga, offensive tackle
15. Indianapolis Colts – Laiatu Latu, edge
16. Seattle Seahawks – Byron Murphy II, defensive tackle
17. Minnesota Vikings – Dallas Turner, edge
18. Cincinnati Bengals – Amarius Mims, offensive tackle
19. Los Angeles Rams – Jared Verse, edge
20. Pittsburgh Steelers – Troy Fautanu, offensive tackle
21. Miami Dolphins – Chop Robinson, edge
22. Philadelphia Eagles – Quinyon Mitchell, cornerback
23. Jacksonville Jaguars – Brian Thomas Jr., wide receiver
24. Detroit Lions – Terrion Arnold, cornerback
25. Green Bay Packers – Jordan Morgan, offensive line
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Graham Barton, center
27. Arizona Cardinals (from Houston) – Darius Robinson, defensive end
28. Kansas City Chiefs – Xavier Worthy, wide receiver
29. Dallas Cowboys – Tyler Guyton, offensive tackle
30. Baltimore Ravens – Nate Wiggins, cornerback
31. San Francisco 49ers – Ricky Pearsall, wide receiver
32. Carolina Panthers – Xavier Legette, wide receiver