2024 NFL Draft Picks: Surprises!
Making All the Rounds for You!
Day 1: Round 1
2024 NFL Draft Order Day 1: Picks Up to 31
Falcons’ Gamble on Michael Penix
How did the NFL draft projections do? Well, in blindsiding NFL draft results for Day 1, the Atlanta Falcons threw a Hail Mary by drafting Michael Penix. With every conceivable first-round quarterback link seemingly established, Penix’s selection was the lone wild card. Despite the guaranteed contract of Kirk Cousins anchoring him as the starter for two more seasons, Penix’s entry into the league was as loud as a sonic boom, though the real impact might not be felt until he takes the reins, potentially at age 26. This quarterback quandary has left the Falcons holding what might seem like a very expensive bench warmer at these 2024 NFL draft picks.
Bears’ Playbook: Ending the QB Drought with Caleb Williams
Caleb Williams, drafted as the No. 1 overall pick by the Chicago Bears, marks the culmination of a decades-long quest for a franchise quarterback. Williams aims to toss aside the Bears’ historical quarterback woes with the help of new weapons, including deep threat Rome Odunze, making the Bears’ offensive lineup a dream team for any rookie QB.
Commanders Take a Leap with Jayden Daniels
Washington Commanders went for Jayden Daniels, a quarterback known for his over-the-top plays but also his occasional misfires. Daniels, already matured at 23, carries the hope and the risk of being a dual-threat QB who can scramble and sling deep, making him a tantalizing yet uncertain prospect acquired at these 2024 NFL draft picks
Patriots’ Drafting of Drake Maye
Attempting to finally step out of Tom Brady’s long shadow, the New England Patriots have invested in Drake Maye. With a playing style reminiscent of Josh Allen, Maye brings a mix of high-risk and high-reward to the Patriots, promising either to stimulate the team’s offense or to go through significant growing pains.
Cardinals’ Straight Shot: Marvin Harrison Jr. as WR1
Arizona Cardinals selected Marvin Harrison Jr., the most promising receiver prospect in recent drafts. Seen as the key to unlocking Kyler Murray’s potential, Harrison is expected to immediately step up as a top target to boost the Cardinals’ aerial attack.
Giants’ Offensive Tactic: Securing Malik Nabers
After the Chargers passed on Malik Nabers, the New York Giants quickly snagged the YAC specialist, envisioning him as the go-to weapon in an offense desperate for playmakers. Under the guidance of Coach Brian Daboll, Nabers is expected to create opportunities not just for himself but for his teammates.
Chiefs Finally Connect: Drafting Xavier Worthy
After a long wait, the Kansas City Chiefs drafted Xavier Worthy, a receiver whose speed could redefine their receiving corps, if he can maintain durability. Will Worthy be worthy of the 2024 NFL draft picks?
49ers’ Calculated Pick: Ricky Pearsall Amid Uncertainty
With some uncertainty surrounding Brandon Aiyuk, the San Francisco 49ers chose to pick Ricky Pearsall, a player whose style contrasts with the dynamic Deebo Samuel. While not a typical YAC monster, Pearsall’s ability in the short-to-intermediate game could fill a specific need for the 49ers, although the urgency of his selection raised some eyebrows.
Panthers’ Last-Minute Strategy: Xavier Legette
Carolina Panthers traded back in to select Xavier Legette, a decision fueled by a desperate need to bolster Bryce Young’s options.
Rounds 2 and 3
2024 NFL Draft Day 2 Wrap-Up: Picks Up to 100
Quarterback Drought on Day Two
The second day of the 2024 NFL draft picks saw no quarterbacks taken in either the second or third rounds, marking a stark contrast to the opening day’s flurry where six quarterbacks were snatched up within the first 12 picks. 88 picks went by without a single quarterback call, turning the day into a non-QB zone after the initial rush.
Kicking Off Round Two: Buffalo Bills Set the Tone
The Buffalo Bills set the tone for the day by drafting Keon Coleman, a promising wide receiver from Florida State, with the 33rd pick. This move followed a strategic shuffle back in the draft order from No. 28 to 32, after a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs and another with the Carolina Panthers.
Panthers: First Running Back Off the Board
Texas’ Jonathon Brooks was the first running back to be picked, landing with the Carolina Panthers at No. 46. This spotlighted the Panthers’ strategy to enhance their backfield and diversify their offensive tactics.
The night wrapped up with an intriguing pick at No. 100 by the Washington Commanders who chose Luke McCaffrey, a wide receiver from Rice, who brings an NFL legacy with him being the brother of Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers.
Day 3: Rounds 4-7
2024 NFL Draft Final Wrap-Up: Picks Up to 257
Closing the Chapter on the 2024 NFL Draft
The 2024 NFL Draft has concluded after a bustling three days of picks, trades, and strategic planning. Starting with the Chicago Bears’ selection of quarterback Caleb Williams at number one, to the New York Jets naming safety Jaylen Key with the final 257th pick, the draft has seen a diverse range of strategies unfolding across the league.
Insights from the Colts’ Scouting Team
Post-draft reflections were particularly insightful from the Indianapolis Colts‘ scouting team, including Chris McGaha, Anthony Coughlan, Chad Henry, and Tyler Hughes. They shared detailed evaluations, particularly highlighting UCLA’s DE Laiatu Latu, picked at No. 15. Despite Latu’s challenging recovery from cervical fusion surgery, his impressive return to form with 34 tackles for loss and 23.5 sacks in two seasons showcased his resilience and potential impact on the Colts’ defensive line.
Patriots’ Moves on Day Three
The latter rounds of the draft focused on depth and uncovering potential sleeper picks. The New England Patriots made a notable selection in Joe Milton from Tennessee at No. 193, hoping his strong arm can be refined to match the NFL level. Milton’s raw talent and the upside presented a worthwhile risk for a team known for developing quarterbacks with unique profiles.
Undrafted Gems From the 2024 NFL Draft Picks
After the final official picks, NFL teams rapidly turned their attention to undrafted free agents. Notable undrafted talents this year included UCLA’s edge rusher Gabriel Murphy, Baylor’s defensive tackle Gabe Hall, and Maryland’s safety Beau Brade, among others. These players, like undrafted predecessors such as Kurt Warner and Tony Romo, offer teams a chance to add significant value with these overlooked 2024 NFL draft prospects.
Potential and peril ooze from these strategic drafts; let’s hope the teams’ new assets translate sports theory into championship practice. These NFL odds were really wild!
