From April 25th to April 28th, the NFL held its highly anticipated draft which introduced the league to the most talented collegiate players from around the nation. Over its 7 rounds and 257 picks, there were certainly some predictable acquisitions, while also having the occasional “questionable” pick that left fans baffled and second-guessing their favorite team’s decision-making and ownership. Because of this mix of controversy, exciting trades, and big names constantly being taken off the board, it’s no secret that this draft was one to remember. But what exactly was so exciting about these four days, and what were some of the biggest picks, trades and moments that occurred over the course of this draft?
One of the biggest storylines in the draft happened within the first round, as only offensive players were taken with the first 15 picks, which is unusual, especially in today’s game. To add to the absurdity of the first 15 picks, a whopping 5 quarterbacks were taken, the most in NFL history. However, among those quarterbacks, was a sore spot for Atlanta Falcons fans, as they decided to draft Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. as opposed to a highly needed defensive player. Earlier this offseason, the Falcons signed another quarterback, veteran Kirk Cousins, to a 4-year 180-million-dollar contract, filling Atlanta’s need for a quarterback. When the draft came around, Atlanta fans were anticipating the arrival of a defensive player, which could have been Dallas Turner from Alabama, Latu Laitu from Oregon, or even Jared Verse from Florida State. However, when Roger Godell read the name of the next Atlanta Falcon, most Falcons fans were not pleased. “I’m shocked we drafted Penix, he doesn’t even belong in the first round!” said junior Sergio de la Cruz.
During the excitement of the draft, there were many teams who elected to trade up or down in order to acquire new picks or even new players. One of these teams that chose to trade down was the Buffalo Bills, who elected to trade the 28th pick to the Chiefs for their number 32 pick, and then eventually traded that pick to the Panthers for the 33rd pick, drafting Florida State receiver Keon Coleman with the first pick in the second round. Another aggressive team on the trade front was the Minnesota Vikings, who traded up from the 11th pick to the 10th pick drafting Michigan Quarterback JJ McCarthy, and later trading up for the 17th pick and picking up a steal in edge rusher Dallas Turner from Alabama. Because of their trades in the first round, the Vikings ended up having one of the most exciting drafts of any team in the NFL. “Huge fan of our draft”, said junior Vikings fan, Colin Shaughnessy, “I was manifesting our trade-ups in the first round, and I’m stoked they happened! Skol!”
Some more big names that went in the 2024 NFL draft were Heisman Trophy winners, Caleb Williams to the Chicago Bears with the first pick, Jayden Daniels to the Washington Commanders with the second pick, two-time John Mackey Award winner Brock Bowers to the Las Vegas Raiders with the thirteenth pick, and Marvin Harrison to the Arizona Cardinals with the fourth pick.
With this year’s draft wrapped up, it is going to be exciting to see these rookies compete against each other and with fellow NFL players in the pursuit of the Lombardi trophy. With its controversial pick and crazy trades, this draft was by far one of the more exciting drafts in NFL History.
