Round 1 of the NFL draft is a day that is always highly anticipated. The buzz before the 2024 draft was no different than any other year. Matter of fact, this years draft was one for the record books. Not only did they have a record setting attendance of more than 750,000 fans, but within the first 12 selections there were six quarterbacks that got called, three of those coming in the first 3 selections. There was also a total of 23 offensive players getting picked in the first round making that an all-time high. Sometimes the first round pick can make or break a season, but It’s always hard to say how good they are for a team until everything’s all said and done and the pads come out. Which first round picks are you excited to watch?
Caleb Williams, QB, USC – #1 pick by the Chicago Bears
After acquiring the first overall pick from the Panthers last season this was a well needed spot for the Bears. They didn’t hesitate to get exactly what they needed, and what they needed was a quarterback. In hopes to turn around a 7-10 losing record last season, taking Caleb Williams was probably the easiest decision they’ll have to make all year. This is someone who’s looking forward to living up to the hype. With the fan base in Chicago (for all sports), I can only imagine how excited he is to put on a show for the Windy City. Going up to Chicago will be a big change but this is a player that’s been doing things out of his comfort zone since high school. The passion this kid has for the game of football is unmatched and that is exactly what the Bears are looking for in their culture. With two top level veterans, Keenan Allen and DJ Moore to throw the ball to, on top of drafting Rome Odunze, I think Caleb will do just fine up their in Chicago.
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State – #4 pick by the Arizona Cardinals
Finishing the 2023 season 4-13 and the expectations around them selecting Marvin Harrison Jr., I can only imagine how excited/anxious every Cardinals fan is to see how this pick plays out. I’m sure a lot of them could make the argument that the lack of talent the past few years have been in the quarterback position. But the Cardinals like what they have with Kyler Murray and they’ve been whiling to make moves to keep building this offense around him. Picking up arguably the best wide receiver in college football might just be the missing puzzle piece for Kyler and the Arizona offense. With the chance to step into a major role right away, don’t be surprised if Harrison breaks out and has a rookie of the year type of season.
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU – #6 pick by the New York Giants
The Giants could have easily taken a quarterback here and nobody would have been surprised. Selecting a wide receiver in the first round is really only great news to Daniel Jones. If they don’t end up replacing him down the road, he needs to figure out how to stay healthy and consistent. They did sign Drew Lock this offseason so it’ll be interesting to see what happens. Enough about those guys though. Malik Nabers is who we’re here to talk about and not because of the team he’s going to. It doesn’t matter who’s throwing the ball to this kid, he’s going to make things happen. Not only is he a downfield threat, but he also has the ability to make big plays after the catch. The Giants haven’t had a wide receiver like that since Odell Beckham Jr. back in 2018. With how electric Nabers is on the field, he might be the play maker they need to turn things around in New York.
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington – #9 pick by the Chicago Bears
To go along with Caleb Williams, the Bears pick up one the most consistent receivers in college. Not as explosive as Harrison and Nabers, but this kid knows how to go up and catch a football. Having Odunze, Allen, and Moore for Caleb Williams to throw to should make for an exciting year in Chicago and hopefully many more to come. With Keenan Allen only having one more year with the Bears this is a perfect pickup for them. I think Moore and Odunze will complement each other in a way that will open up a lot of downfield shots for Williams to take. Assuming this is their plan and it works out, Rome Odunze might put up a lot of yards this season. And If you’re looking for a #1 on your fantasy team this would be a pretty safe pick.
Jared Verse, DE, Florida State – #19 pick by the Los Angeles Rams
This is a tough spot for anyone to come in and fill. After losing Aaron Donald to retirement, it left the Rams with a massive hole in their defensive line. So it’s no surprise that they called Jared Verse in the first round. With all the offensive players that got called early, this might be a pick that nobody really remembers until they see Aaron Donald getting after their quarterback and realizing Aaron Donald retired last season. In 39 games, Verse had 164 tackles and 31.5 sacks. This kid knows how to get after the quarterback and put the pressure on. Exactly what the Rams are looking for. He’s going to make a name for himself and I’m excited to see it.