NFL Draft Day 1 Recap: Homes for Caleb Williams, Marvin Harrison Jr., Jayden Daniels and More
We run through each pick of the first round and ask/answer any questions that each pick may have brought.
The NFL Draft is finally here, and just like that, the first night is over. The top selections went mostly as expected, but a few surprise picks made for an interesting top dozen. Let’s run through each pick in the first round and the notes I made after each selection while watching the draft.
1. Chicago Bears – QB Caleb Williams, USC
No surprise here. It’s been likely Chicago would make this pick since Week 17 when Carolina clinched the top overall selection for the Bears. He is seen on the same level as past college stars like Trevor Lawrence and Andrew Luck as a prospect, so Chicago seems set up well for 2024 and the future.
2. Washington Commanders – QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
It was almost guaranteed that the Commanders would take a quarterback, and Daniels emerged as the likely pick over the last month. He won the Heisman this past year and shot up draft boards due to his abilities as a passer and (especially) a runner, able to get outside the pocket and pick up chunk yardage.
3. New England Patriots – QB Drake Maye, UNC
Three quarterbacks in three picks. Maye was seen as a potential top pick since last year’s draft, so it’s no surprise to see him going third to the Patriots. Analysts have recently said he needs more seasoning before stepping on an NFL field, which seems odd after such a build up as a prospect, but the team has the luxury of bringing Maye along at the speed that’s right for him after Jacoby Brissett was added in free agency. Maye has often been compared to Justin Herbert as a prospect.
4. Arizona Cardinals – WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
Everything is going according to projections so far. Arizona adds the guy some considered the best player in the draft. Harrison is the son of the Hall-of-Famer of the same name, and he is an elite prospect considered on the level of guys like Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald. Harrison might immediately be one of the best players on a team bereft of talent.
5. Los Angeles Chargers – OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
This isn’t necessarily a big surprise, but LA had been heavily projected to either trade down or grab a receiver to help replace Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, who both departed this offseason. Alt is generally seen as the best offensive line prospect in the draft and is huge, measuring around 6’8 and 320 pounds. With him and Rashawn Slater manning the offensive tackle spots, the Chargers are set up to possibly have one of the better O-lines in the league.
6. New York Giants – WR Malik Nabers, LSU
Some analysts have said they like Nabers more as a prospect than Harrison. Even if he’s a notch below Harrison, the fact that Nabers is considered at that level means he is a special talent entering the league. His speed and run-after-catch ability are the main things that stand out; listening to people talk about him elicits some memory of Tyreek Hill (though no one is REALLY like Hill). The Giants might finally have their WR1.
7. Tennessee Titans – OT JC Latham, Alabama
Tennessee had been heavily linked to Alt, but they pick up another star tackle prospect to help build their front. The team is without a solid left tackle option, so Latham could start on that side, but he played right tackle and guard at Alabama. That doesn’t mean he can’t make the transition, and investing in the offensive front is always a solid plan: get talent now and figure out the spots later.
8. Atlanta Falcons – QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington
I mean…why? I won’t pretend to be an expert at evaluations: I use the analysis of experts to help form my opinions and think more in terms of draft value and position. Atlanta will probably be the favorites in their division heading into the season and could have added a guy they hoped would make an impact in 2024. Penix will sit behind newly signed Kirk Cousins, and while he might be a success in the future, it will likely be multiple seasons before he gets on the field. The draft is about the future and not the present, but this is a shocker.
9. Chicago Bears – WR Rome Odunze, Washington
Chicago had been linked to several options with their second first-round pick, including an offensive tackle or pass rusher. Odunze was maybe the most popular mock draft pick in this spot, though, and Chicago followed the chalk by getting their new quarterback a star receiver prospect. Odunze would likely be the first wide receiver off the board in many drafts, but he is part of a potentially historic class and must settle for being a top-10 pick.
10. Minnesota Vikings – QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
Our first trade of the night! The Vikings had been projected to possibly trade as high as No. 4 to get their quarterback of the future, but they held tight and instead moved up just one spot to secure their guy. It’s a great savings of draft capital to get the guy they want, giving up just a fourth- and fifth-round pick (while getting back a sixth). We won’t know how McCarthy pans out for several years, but drafting the fifth quarterback of the night to presumably start this year is a risky move. McCarthy has positive attributes, but many want to see him do more than he was asked to in college, where he was in a run-heavy offense.
11. New York Jets – OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State
Tackles Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses were added this offseason, but they are both 33 and free agents after the season. While Fashanu will hold down one of the spots in the future, he will likely play a lot in his rookie season, either filling in for injuries or even starting at a guard spot. With all the talk of the Jets adding an impact pass catcher in the first round, they took the more level-headed strategy of trying to solidify the offensive line.
12. Denver Broncos – QB Bo Nix, Oregon
Six quarterbacks in the top 12. All 12 picks have been offensive players. We’re in the process of setting records, and a lot of franchises are surely excited about their future. I don’t know, though. I knew I was going to question the QB draft spots because of how high the players were likely to be selected, but the Broncos are now counting on the SIXTH quarterback of the draft to become their franchise guy. Maybe it will work, but I see this already shaping up as a class that will change mightily in future “re-draft” articles.
13. Las Vegas Raiders – TE Brock Bowers, Geogia
Vegas has holes on the offensive line and at cornerback which could have been upgraded, but they must have gone “best player available” when taking Bowers after they drafted Michael Mayer at the beginning of the second round last year. Those two can probably work together on the field, and a quartet of the two tight ends, Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers is a collection with a chance to create easy opportunities for whoever plays quarterback. Bowers was seen as a top-10 prospect by most but likely to slide because of his position. Vegas is counting on him to develop into one of the best tight ends in the league by selecting him here.
14. New Orleans Saints – OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
My friend just texted me, “Everyone hates defense.” That’s not the furthest thing from the truth, as almost half of the first round is gone, and we haven’t had a defensive player selected. Fuaga is seen as another great offensive tackle prospect, joining a group that could reach seven or eight players taken in the first round (Spoiler: NINE offensive linemen went in the first round). New Orleans is hurting at both tackle spots (literally and figuratively), and Fuaga should be able to lock down one starting spot as a rookie.
15. Indianapolis Colts – Edge Rusher Laiatu Latu, UCLA
The streak is broken! The first defensive player off the board is a guy who medically retired from football and sat out two seasons before returning to finish his career at UCLA. The durability concerns are real, but many said Latu would easily be the top defensive player selected if not for the injuries. His ability to get after the quarterback is one of the most sought-after skills for every team, making this a good spot for the Colts to take the risk while knowing they could be adding a future superstar.
16. Seattle Seahawks – DT Byron Murphy II, Texas
Murphy is seen as the best defensive tackle in this class and was called a top-10 prospect by some. The run of offensive players to start the day has pushed some of the best guys into the second half of the first round, and Seattle takes advantage here with an interior disruptor who can both rush the passer and stuff the middle against the run. Murphy has a chance to be the best D-lineman on the Seahawks early in his career.
17. Minnesota Vikings – Edge Rusher Dallas Turner, Alabama
In a draft that promised a lot of trades and madness, Minnesota is the only team that wants to move around, trading up for the second time in the first round. Turner was often projected to the Falcons at No. 8, so to get him here is great value according to most. With the team losing their best pass rusher (Danielle Hunter) in free agency, this move adds a young player on the edge to help the team get after the quarterback without their best defensive player from 2023 (they also signed Jonathan Greenard from Houston in free agency). Minnesota gave up a fifth-round pick this year and third- and fourth- round picks in 2025 to move up from 23, quite a haul.
18. Cincinnati Bengals – OT Amarius Mims, Georgia
Mims started just eight games in college, but some think he has the most upside of any offensive lineman in this class. He’s another huge body but super raw, dealing with injuries during his college career which helped lead to his lack of playing time. Cincinnati signed Trent Brown to play their right tackle spot in 2024, but he is on a one-year contract, so Mims looks like the heir apparent on the right side. Being able to ease into the lineup during his rookie year will likely be very helpful.
19. Los Angeles Rams – Edge Rusher Jared Verse, Florida State
Verse would have been a first-round pick last year but decided to return to college; nothing changed. He is a guy the Rams surely hope can get after the passer but also play strong against the run, allowing him to be on the field in any situation. LA lost Aaron Donald to retirement this offseason, and while no player is going to replicate what Donald did, building a strong line with multiple players picking up slack is the best way to try to fill that gap.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers – OL Troy Fautanu, Washington
Most people think Fautanu’s best position in the pros will be at guard despite playing left tackle at Washington. He was announced as an “offensive tackle” when drafted: That might not mean anything, but maybe the team is planning to start him on the outside to see if he can handle it. If he instead moves inside to be a Pro Bowl guard (which many think he can be), Pittsburgh would still be happy with this pick.
21. Miami Dolphins – Edge Rusher Chop Robinson, Penn State
Robinson didn’t have a big college career (just six sacks, four or which came in 2023). Some analysts see him having the most upside of any edge rusher in the draft, though, due to his physical attributes. Both Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips suffered major injuries during the 2023 season and might not be ready at the beginning of this year, so Robinson will likely be expected to be part of the rotation early as his veteran teammates get up to full speed.
22. Philadelphia Eagles – CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
Most first-round prospects come from big schools (Alabama, Georgia, etc.), but Mitchell stayed at Toledo his whole career and dominated. He continued that dominance during the lead up to the draft, standing out at the Senior Bowl and the combine. Philadelphia was one of the worst defenses against the pass last season, so getting the first cornerback off the board this late must feel like a win. Mitchell will likely be involved during his rookie season, though cornerbacks notoriously take a few years to adapt to the league before reaching a high level.
23. Jacksonville Jaguars – WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
After moving back to let the Vikings jump up to 17, Jacksonville gets a player they had been linked to at their original spot. Thomas showed speed and worked as a deep threat often in college, but many see him having the ability to operate as a top receiver at all levels. That profile makes me think of Desean Jackson, which would be a successful outcome. With Calvin Ridley leaving for the Titans in free agency, there was a hole at receiver, and Thomas will likely be expected to make an immediate impact for a team with playoff hopes.
24. Detroit Lions – CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama
Arnold was projected as high as the top 10 at times, but the run of offensive players to start the night has continued to push really good defensive players down the board. Like the Eagles, Detroit was among the worst teams at stopping the pass last year and needed upgrades. They made moves during the offseason to increase their depth, but Arnold has a chance to reach another level after starring at one of the top college programs. Detroit traded up to this pick, sending the Cowboys the 29th and 73rd picks (and Detroit received a 2025 seventh rounder).
25. Green Bay Packers – OT Jordan Morgan, Arizona
Morgan played left tackle at Arizona, but some project him inside because he has shorter arms than teams prefer (Mel Kiper hammered this on the draft broadcast). The Packers need offensive line help, and the left tackle spot could be up for grabs. Morgan will probably get a chance to play tackle first, but some see him as a potential Pro Bowler at guard if he does move inside.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – C Graham Barton, Duke
Barton played left tackle most of his career at Duke, but many see his best pro position at center, where he started his freshman year. Longtime Bucs center Ryan Jensen retired this offseason, so there was a hole on the line to fill. Tampa sported below-average offensive line play last year, so it was a need even before that loss. Barton will be expected to step right in as a starter from Day 1.
27. Arizona Cardinals – Edge Rusher Darius Robinson, Missouri
Robinson is a little understated, but a few teams really liked him, with Detroit popping up the most as a possibility with their original pick at 29. He can play different spots on the line and get after the passer, so his versatility will help an Arizona team with a lot of holes possibly piece together a useful defensive front. Robinson seems like a guy who won’t be a star but will always be a solid player.
28. Kansas City Chiefs – WR Xavier Worthy, Texas
The Chiefs traded up from the 32nd spot to land the fastest receiver in the draft: Worthy was clocked at 4.21 in the 40-yard dash, the fastest recorded at the combine. Worthy might be a little redundant as an undersized receiver on the Chiefs, but his speed separates him from anyone else on KC’s roster. The Super Bowl champions potentially filled one of their biggest holes, a proposition the rest of the league must be groaning over. The Bills acquired Kansas City's third-round pick, while the Chiefs got Buffalo's fourth rounder in return, and the teams swapped seventh-round picks.
29. Dallas Cowboys – OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma
After dropping from the 24th pick, Dallas takes Guyton, a possible starter at one of the tackle spots in his rookie season. Tyler Smith, a first-round pick in 2022, stood out as an All-Pro at left guard last year. It was assumed by many that he would slide out to left tackle, but if Guyton can lock down one of the tackle spots, the team might be able to keep Smith inside and start forming another top offensive line unit.
30. Baltimore Ravens – CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson
Wiggins is another guy who was projected as high as the middle of the first round but dropped due to the number of offensive players taken early. A few of the best teams are picking up great prospects late in the first round. Baltimore was light at corner, so this is a good pick for both value and need. Rookie defensive backs can take time to make a real impact, but this looks like a solid pick.
31. San Francisco 49ers – WR Ricky Pearsall, Florida
What does this mean for Brandon Aiyuk? The veteran receiver is about to play out his fifth-year option before possibly hitting free agency next offseason (though the franchise tag allows time to work on a theoretical deal). Pearsall was seen as a second-round talent by most, but I’m not going to argue with any offensive player Kyle Shanahan wants to add. This creates intrigue around Aiyuk more than anything else, as Pearsall could fill the spot he vacates.
32. Carolina Panthers – WR Xavier Legette, South Carolina
Legette was projected to the Panthers often at the beginning of the second round, but Carolina moved up one spot to secure the guy they wanted and add the fifth-year option to his contract by virtue of getting into the first round. Carolina had the worst collection of talent in the league last year, and they have now upgraded through free agency, trades, and the draft. Time will tell if Legette pans out, but the team is following a logical path with this pick.
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