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Knee Jerk Reactions to the First Round of the 2024 NFL Draft

Writer's picture: Will TondoWill Tondo

Fourteen straight offensive players selected, six quarterbacks in the top twelve, some teams traded up to make a splash - this is the NFL Draft baby! For football lovers, nerds, and true fans; this is what it's all about. A solid first night with tons of talent heading to new teams, and lots of excellent players to still be drafted. I am here to bring you my instant one sentence and honest reactions to each of the teams first round selections.

 

No 1. Chicago Bears | Caleb Williams (QB - USC)

The most obvious selection, there was no need to take the full ten minutes to select him.


No 2. Washington Commanders|Jayden Daniels (QB - LSU)

My favorite QB prospect of the draft, I hope he doesn't haunt the NFC East for years to come.


No. 3 New England Patriots |Drake Maye (QB - UNC)

A new era in New England, hopefully this isn't a Mac Jones 2.0.



No 4. Arizona Cardinals |Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR - Ohio State)

Kyler gets an elite weapon, they are lucky he fell to four.


No 5. Los Angeles Chargers | Joe Alt (OT - Notre Dame)

No brainer pick and excellent protection for Herbert, but not getting a WR1 may haunt them, I also think they should have traded Herbert and double dipped with top ten first round picks.


No. 6 New York Giants | Malik Nabers (WR - LSU)

Beautiful pick for the Giants who finally get their WR1, but who is going to be throwing him the ball?



No 7. Tennessee Titans | JC Latham (OT - Alabama)

Massive boost and support for Will Levis, excellent addition.


No. 8 Atlanta Falcons | Michael Penix Jr. (QB - Washington)

Damn... I don't hate the pick but why sign Kirk Cousins to this massive contract?



No. 9 Chicago Bears |Rome Odunze (WR - Washington)

A+ Draft from Chicago thus far, Caleb Williams gets his WR1


No. 10 Minnesota Vikings | JJ McCarthy (QB - Michigan)

They played it smart and landed their guy, hopefully it works out for them.


No. 11 New York Jets |Olumuyiwa Fashanu (OT - Penn State)

Trading down and not getting Brock Bowers, damn, but they bolster the protection for Aaron Rodgers and provide insurance with Tyron Smith.


No. 12 Denver Broncos|Bo Nix (QB - Oregon)

Reach pick, but they need a quarterback desperately to keep Sean Payton's reputation afloat.


No. 13 Las Vegas Raiders | Brock Bowers (TE - Georgia)

Best available player at this point that I am surprised fell this far, will be a great addition for Aidan O'Connell and Antonio Pierce.



No. 14 New Orleans Saints | Talise Fuaga (OT - Oregon State)

The Saints love first round O-Lineman, and they fill their tackle need.


No. 15 Indianapolis Colts | Laiatu Latu (EDGE - UCLA)

Kwity Paye, DeForest Buckner, Raekwon Davis, and now Laiatu Latu - now that's a pass rush.


No. 16 Seattle Seahawks | Byron Murphy II (DT - Texas)

Ultra explosive with great skill, nice pick for Seattle to boost their defense.


No. 17 Minnesota Vikings | Dallas Turner (EDGE - Alabama)

Steal of the draft, surprised he fell to 17.


No. 18 Cincinatti Bengals | Amarius Mims (OT - Georgia)

A 6-foot-8 340 pound mammoth, that is exactly what Joe Burrow needed.


No. 19 Los Angeles Rams | Jared Verse (EDGE - Florida State

The Rams FINALLY make a first round selection, and they land their Aaron Donald replacement - tough shoes to fill, but excellent player to do so.




No. 20 Pittsburgh Steelers | Troy Fautanu (OT - Washington)

Excellent blocker who should help create more opportunities for Najee Harris.


No. 21 Miami Dolphins | Chop Robinson (EDGE - Penn State)

Will be a fun project for the Dolphins defense to develop.


No. 22 Philadelphia Eagles | Quinyon Mitchell (CB - Toledo)

The perfect fit for Vic Fangio's defense, has potential to be a CB1.


No. 23 Jacksonville Jaguars | Brian Thomas Jr. (WR - LSU)

Swapping Calvin Ridley for Brian Thomas Jr. is going to be great for Trevor Lawrence.


No. 24 Detroit Lions | Terrion Arnold (CB - Alabama)

The Lions defense adds another young and athletic playmaker, this was an excellent selection.


No. 25 Green Bay Packers | Jordan Morgan (OT - Arizona)

Smart move investing in Jordan Love's protection.


No. 26 Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Graham Barton (C - Duke)

Ryan Jensen's replacement, I love it.


No. 27 Arizona Cardinals | Darius Robinson (DE - Missouri)

Talented player, but surprise pick.


No. 28 Kansas City Chiefs | Xavier Worthy (WR - Texas)

The rich get richer, and Patrick Mahomes gets another speedy receiver, but I am surprised the Bills traded them this pick.



No. 29 Dallas Cowboys | Tyler Guyton (OT - Oklahoma)

Standard move from Dallas, they bolster the O-Line which is never a bad thing to do.


No. 30 Baltimore Ravens | Nate Wiggins (CB - Clemson)

Perfect pick for Baltimore's defense.


No. 31 San Francisco 49ers | Ricky Pearsall (WR - Florida)

Weird pick, great route runner, but does this mean they are trading Deebo or Aiyuk?



No. 32 Carolina Panthers | Xavier Legette (WR - South Carolina)

They traded up to get Bryce Young some help, I love the move, and still can't believe the Bills traded back again.





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