The NFL Draft is here. This is your guide to the top 10 overall picks and projected picks of the draft, outlining the positions needed for each team, the stats of the chosen players, and what to expect from the top players this fall!
The 2024 NFL Draft aired on ABC, ESPN, and the NFL Network on April 25th live from Detroit. Taking place around the Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza in Detroit, Michigan, the draft lasted from April 25-27th. In the 89th Draft, the NFL’s 32 teams chose their newly eligible players for the 2024-2025 season.
The top 10 picks were all offensive players, and the picks were very close to the projected picks in the mock drafts.
The first round of the draft broke records with six quarterbacks taken in the top 12. All six that were selected well deserved the top sports making this an exciting upcoming season. With that being said, here are your top 10 picks overall in the 2024 NFL Draft!
Caleb Williams, QB – Chicago Bears
With the first pick overall we have Caleb Williams from USC. The Chicago Bears needed a quarterback and will later need to build their edge and defensive line, according to Sharp Football Analysis. At 6’1″, 214lbs. Williams was originally projected to go first in the draft became the best choice for the Bears. He is expected to be in the top 5 QBs in the upcoming years.
The 2022 Heisman winner started at the University of Oklahoma and moved to USC which he was representing on his suit for the NFL draft. The QB has the arm strength, and the foot speed to evade pass-rushers in close spaces, with the ability to break tackles according to ESPN’s Steve Muench.
He said during his draft interview he feels secure with the Bears from his meet-up at the team’s headquarters. He’s hoping for good team chemistry in the future.
Jayden Daniels, QB – Washington Commanders
Coming in number two, the Washington Commanders picked Jayden Daniels from LSU. The Washington Commanders needed a QB and made the choice of Daniels for this season. Later in the draft, the Commanders reported they will need an edge rusher, a tight end, and a linebacker.
Daniels is 6’4″ and at 210 lbs. is projected number 2 by CBS Sports. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner has great running ability and gets the ball out quickly. According to ESPN’s Steve Muench, Daniels is the only player in FBS history to pass for 12,000 yards and rush for 3,000 yards.
Drake Maye, QB – Detriot Lions
Pick number three for the Detroit Lions is QB Drake Maye from UNC The Detroit Lions. Later in the draft, the Lions will need to choose from a wide receiver, offensive line, defensive tackle, edge rusher, and corner. Maye is 6’4″, 223 lbs., and projected by CBS Sports mock draft to be picked third but for the Patriots or Vikings.
According to ESPN’s Steve Muench Maye will take a hard hit to complete a play but is known to locate receivers late and extend plays.
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR – Arizona Cardinals
Next in the NFL Draft, we have Marvin Harrison Jr. at pick number four, a wide receiver from Ohio State. Later in the draft, the Arizona Cardinals will need a cornerback, and front seven according to Sharp Football Analysis.
At 6’3″, 209lbs. Harrison Jr. is projected by CBS Sports to come in at pick number four with the Cardinals just as expected. Harrison Jr. is a 2X unanimous All-American and was awarded the Fred Bilenikoff award. According to ESPN’s Steve Muench, he has good body control and positioning in order to be a great receiver.
“Masarti Marvin,” as they call him, said in his Draft speech he’s honored to be the first wide receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft. He hopes to follow in the footsteps of his hall-of-fame father Marvin Harrison but also create his own legacy.
Joe Alt, OT – L.A. Chargers
For the number five pick overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, we have Joe Alt, an offensive tackle from Notre Dame. Later in the draft, the L.A. Chargers will need a wide receiver, defensive line, and cornerback.
At 6’9″, 321 lbs. the Notre Dame OT was projected by CBS Sports to not come in until later at number seven with the Tennessee Titans. Alt was the 2023 unanimous All-American. According to ESPN’s Steve Muench, Alt is fit for zone-heavy schemes and can adjust to moving targets in space.
Joe Alt will follow in the footsteps of his father John Alt, who is a Chiefs Hall of Famer.
Malik Nabers, WR – New York Giants
Coming in at pick number six overall we have Malik Nabers, a Wide receiver from LSU. Later in the draft, the New York Giants will need a cornerback who could start opposite Tae Banks.
At 6’0″, 199lbs. the LSU WR was projected to come in at number six for the Giants just as expected by CBS Sports. According to ESPN’s Steve Muench Nabers is LSU’s all-time leader in receptions (189) and receiving yards (3,003).
He’s an explosive route runner who is a nightmare matchup out of the slot. Naber wore a custom suit to the draft to pay tribute to his alma mater heading into the draft.
JC Latham, OT – Tennessee Titans
For pick number seven overall we have JC Latham, Offensive Tackle from Alabama. Later in the draft, the Tennessee Titans will need a left tackle, wide receiver, offensive back, and defensive end, according to Sports Illustrated.
At 6’6″, 342 lbs., Latham was projected by CBS Sports mock draft to be drafted at pick number 12 for the L.A Charger coming in earlier than expected. According to ESPN’s Steve Muench, Latham started 25 games at right tackle and played some guard in a reserve role in 2021.
Muench said, “Latham bends well enough to absorb power and speed-to-power, and he can change directions to mirror inside moves once locked in pass pro.”
Michael Penix Jr., QB – Atlanta Falcons
Coming in a pick number eight overall we have Michael Penix Jr., a Quarter Back from Washington. Later in the draft, the Atlanta Falcons will need edge rushers, cornerbacks, and maybe even receivers according to the Falcons website.
At 6’2″ and 216 lbs., Penix Jr. was projected to be drafted at pick 16 for the Seattle Seahawks but was drafted earlier. Runner-up for the Heisman, Penix Jr. is a left-handed quarterback, according to ESPN’s Steve Muench. “He has outstanding arm strength and led the nation in passing years per game each of the past two seasons.”
Rome Odunze, WR – Chicago Bears
For the ninth overall pick, we have Rome Odunze, wide receiver, from Washington. The Chicago Bears traded spots to spot number nine to get their much-needed wide receiver. The Bears still need to build their edge and defensive line, according to Sharp Football Analysis.
Odunze is 6’3″, 212 lbs., and he was projected to come in at pick number eleven with the New England Patriots, but was drafted earlier. According to ESPN’s Steve Muench, “Odunze led the nation and broke Washington’s school record with 1,640 receiving yards in 2023. He’s a vertical threat who gets off the line, runs well, and tracks deep balls well.”
J.J McCarthy, QB – Minnesota Vikings
Finally, for pick number ten overall, the Vikings have J.J McCarthy quarterback from Michigan. The Minnesota Vikings still need a defensive tackle, cornerback, and left guard according to Sports Illustrated.
At 6’3″ and 219lbs., McCarthy was projected to be picked earlier in the draft at number four for the Denver Broncos on Rylan Wilson’s CBS Sports mock draft. According to ESPN’s Steve Muench, “McCarthy finished his college career with a 27-1 record as a starter. He can throw into tight windows against zone looks and complete passes against press-man coverage thanks to his anticipation, accuracy, and arm strength.”
That concludes the top ten draft picks for the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. If you are interested in more information on this year’s draft check out this article on Trill Mag! Who were you most excited to see on the field this fall?
