The 2024 NFL Draft has arrived, and there's no lack of intrigue. The first pick has been written in stone for months now. But speculation surrounding the Commanders at No. 2, the Patriots at No. 3, and the other quarterback-needy teams has created much debate. The offensive tackle class is among the best in recent memory, with a flurry of talented players worthy of a top-20 selection. Marvin Harrison Jr. headlines the wide receiver class, but Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze round out a collection of wideouts worthy of top-10 selections. The NFL Draft is one of the best football events of the year, and the team at Footballguys is incredibly grateful that you've joined us for the ride this offseason. Here is everything you need to know ahead of the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Storylines to Watch
Will there be four quarterbacks selected in the first five picks?
Many experts have mocked quarterbacks in the first five picks throughout the pre-draft process. The massive need for better quarterback play, mixed with the potential that this class possesses, has swayed NFL Draft experts in this direction. Still, the top five has never seen four quarterbacks despite seemingly strong classes. The 2018 class comes to mind, as quarterbacks were consistently mocked in that area in the lead-up to the draft. Josh Rosen was QB4 at pick No. 10. Could we see something similar this year?
How will Minnesota maneuver up the board for their new quarterback?
The Vikings moved up the board and acquired a second first-round pick earlier this offseason, with general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah citing the need for flexibility. Rumors surfaced that they're comfortable sitting back with both first-round picks, but that seems rather unlikely. The Vikings are searching for their path forward in a post-Kirk Cousins era, and it seems like the trade may happen while a team is on the clock. Which quarterback are they targeting? Can they wait until No. 7 or 8 and retain their second first-round pick? The Vikings are the most fascinating team sitting inside the top 15.
Will there be a new record for offensive players selected in Round 1?
The record for offensive players selected in the first round is 19. Most experts expect at least:
- Four quarterbacks
- Six wide receivers
- One tight end
- Six offensive tackles
- Two interior offensive linemen
The tackle class is loaded this year, and rumors of a fifth and potentially sixth quarterback, combined with the potential for a seventh wideout, increase the odds for a new record for offensive players selected in the first round.
Will a team move for Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel?
In recent years, pass catchers have been moved for draft capital in a massive way. A.J. Brown and Marquise Brown were dealt in 2022. DJ Moore was moved in the Chicago trade-down in 2023, though that was a pre-draft decision. Darren Waller, Elijah Moore, Brandin Cooks, Jonnu Smith, and D'Andre Swift all moved last offseason for draft picks. This year, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel have remained in trade rumors, with the former seemingly unhappy with the lack of a massive contract. Aiyuk and Samuel would fetch a first or early-second-round pick, meaning NFL fans could be in for a treat of a Draft Day trade.
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Three Bold Predictions
- Cornerback Mike Sainristil will hear his name called on Thursday night. The Michigan standout transitioned to cornerback from wide receiver two years ago, and his physicality and football IQ make him a plug-and-play starting slot. His play style fits a few teams at the end of the first round (ahem... Dan Campbell), and NFL teams love him. He could be the shocking first-round selection this year.
- The Colts move into the top ten for a wide receiver. While Michael Pittman and Josh Downs were a good duo in 2023, Alec Pierce has disappointed, and a single injury could make their situation bleak. If Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze are on the board around No. 8 or 9, I think the Colts will move to surround Anthony Richardson with as much talent as possible.
- The Minnesota Vikings land Drake Maye. There has been plenty of smoke surrounding the quarterback class this year, and it's difficult for me to imagine an NFL team looking at Maye and not salivating with the potential. Still, there's merit to Maye's problems, and there's a non-zero chance he is the No. 4 quarterback off the board. McCarthy arguably fits Kevin O'Connell's offense better, but rumors that the Vikings wanted to move for the toolsy Anthony Richardson in the 2023 NFL Draft were confirmed during the season. Who is the toolsy quarterback in need of refinement in 2024? The kid from North Carolina.
NFL Draft Details
Round 1: Thursday, April 25th at 8:00 PM ET.
Rounds 2-3: Friday, April 26th at 7:00 PM ET.
Rounds 4-7: Saturday, April 27th at noon ET.
How to Watch
ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, and NFL Network will broadcast the 2024 NFL Draft.
Full NFL Draft Order
NFL Mock Drafts
- Christian Williams' NFL Mock Draft 1.0
- Christian Williams' NFL Mock Draft 2.0
- Christian Williams' NFL Mock Draft 3.0
- Christian Williams' NFL Mock Draft 4.0
- Christian Williams' NFL Mock Draft 5.0
- Christian Williams' NFL Mock Draft 6.0
- Christian Williams' NFL Mock Draft 7.0
- Christian Williams' Final NFL Mock Draft
- Jeff Bell's Two-Round NFL Mock Draft 1.0
- Jeff Bell's Four-Round NFL Mock Draft 2.0
- Matt Bitonti's NFL Mock Draft
Rookie Mock Drafts
- ADP for Dynasty Rookie Drafts
- Superflex Rookie Mock Draft 1.0
- Superflex Rookie Mock Draft 2.0
- Pre-Draft IDP-Only Rookie Mock Draft
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Start your morning with our roundup of the most important stories in football - with the fantasy insight you need to make league-winning decisions. Delivered straight to your inbox, 100% free.
