Welcome to the 2024 NFL Draft: the place where dreams are made, hopes are dashed and armchair analysts, like me, suddenly become experts in evaluating the next batch of talent to enter the NFL.
From five potential game-changing quarterbacks to defensive powerhouses, this year’s class boasts a wealth of talent primed to leave an undeniable mark on the sport.
Rd 1, Pick 1 (Chicago Bears from Carolina Panthers): QB Caleb Williams, USC
Williams is the clear-cut, No. 1 pick this year and there is no doubt in my mind that the Bears will take him. I do not foresee Chicago trading out of the opportunity to take their franchise quarterback. The Windy City has set themselves up nicely by adding running back D’Andre Swift and wide receiver Keenan Allen in free agency. With tight end Cole Kmet and wide receiver D.J. Moore, Williams will have plenty of weapons at his disposal.
Rd 1, Pick 2 (Washington Commanders): QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
The reigning Heisman winner will go No. 2 overall. Daniels has all of the intangibles of the ideal modern NFL quarterback. He is 6 feet, 4 inches tall, 210 pounds and runs a 4.5-second 40-yard dash. His best performance last season came against Mizzou where he showed his versatility and skills as a dual threat. He went 15-21 through the air for 259 yards and three touchdowns, while carrying the ball 15 times for 130 yards and one touchdown. Daniels will be heavily leaned on in Washington during his rookie season as the Commanders do not have as great of a supporting cast when compared to other teams in the league but he will show signs of greatness early on.
Rd 1, Pick 3 (New England Patriots): QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
Maye rounds out the top of this draft's QB class and for good reason. He stands at an imposing 6 feet, 5 inches tall, 220 pounds and he comes with the stats to prove he belongs in the NFL. This past season he completed 63.3 percent of his passes for 3,608 yards and 24 touchdowns with only nine interceptions. Maye is also mobile and able to extend plays, rushing for 449 yards and nine touchdowns. In my opinion, Marvin Harrison Jr. out of Ohio State is the best player available, but I believe the Patriots will grab a quarterback to command their already depleted offense.
Rd 1, Pick 4 (Arizona Cardinals): WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State University
Harrison Jr. will be the first non-QB taken in this draft and for good reason. He is easily the best wide receiver available, and it’s not even close. He ended the season with 67 receptions, 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also has a massive frame at 6 feet, 3 inches, 202 pounds, and runs a 4.4-second 40-yard dash. Harrison Jr. brings a deadly deep-threat option for quarterback Kyler Murray. With tight end Zach Ertz and running back James Conner both out of their prime, Harrison Jr. will inject youth into the Arizona roster. He is also my front-runner for Rookie of the Year.
Rd 1, Pick 5 (Los Angeles Chargers): OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
The Chargers look to beef up their offensive line with the best big man prospect in the draft. Alt is as steady as they come, and he will be a great pickup for the Chargers, bringing some much-needed protection for Justin Herbert. The Chargers could take a wide receiver here, but I believe they will wait until later in the draft to fill that need.
The draft kicks off on Thursday, April 25th at 8 p.m. 224 picks will be made over three days, and 224 lives will be changed as they hear their name called on draft day. Will my picks be correct? We will see.
