NFL Draft First Round Reactions

The first round of the NFL draft has come and gone in the blink of an eye. The fireworks came early, often and did not disappoint throughout the night. There were some predictable marriages and then some major surprises. All and all, this is the first step to the NFL season being back and after this weekend we get to dissect rosters and start looking forward to September 5th - opening day kickoff. There are 32 picks in the book, now there’s only 225 to go! Should make for an exciting next couple of days, but for now let’s dive into the first round of selections.

Pick #1. Chicago Bears Selection: (QB) Caleb Williams - USC

Analysis: Heading into the draft, all I can imagine is the Chicago Bears’ two-sided white board. One side will have their big board of all the players. Then the other side for the 1.01 with one name on it: Caleb Williams. Williams has been the consensus #1 selection of this draft prior to the college season even beginning. Fast forward to last night and it all came into fruition. He has all the tools to be the next superstar quarterback within the NFL. Chicago should be excited, they finally have their franchise guy.

Pick #2. Washington Commanders Selection: (QB) Jayden Daniels - LSU

Analysis: As expected, Jayden Daniels is the pick for Washington. He brings a multi-dimensional playstyle to the offense. Offensive coordinator, Kliff Kingsbury, has a type and Jayden Daniels fits the criteria. Let’s see if this exciting rookie can compete with the other NFC East quarterbacks.

Pick #3. New England Patriots Selection: (QB) Drake Maye - North Carolina

Analysis: The Patriots stay put and take Drake Maye. Maye has some things to clean up, but his ceiling is superstar. He’ll likely sit behind Jacoby Brissett to start the season while he gets adjusted. Honestly, red-shirting his rookie season is best case scenario because New England needs to address the offensive line and get some play-makers before throwing the rookie out there.

Pick #4. Arizona Cardinals Selection: (WR) Marvin Harrison Jr. - Ohio State

Analysis: Besides Caleb Williams to the Chicago Bears, this was possibly the most chalkiest pick of the whole entire draft. The Arizona Cardinals lack pass catching playmakers and Marvin Harrison Jr. gives Kyler Murray a true alpha on the outside.

Pick #5. Los Angeles Chargers Selection: (OL) Joe Alt - Notre Dame

Analysis: Despite the rumors of a potential trade-down, the Chargers stay put and select the best overall offensive tackle in the draft. It’s a new brand of football in Los Angeles and Jim Harbaugh makes it known he’s going to beat you like he always has - physicality through the trenches. Joe Alt will pair nicely with Rashawn Slater and be one of the best tackle duos in the league. Just look how big he is!

Pick #6. New York Giants Selection: (WR) Malik Nabers - LSU

Analysis: The New York Giants blew a lot of smoke leading up to the draft claiming they’re looking to take all the possible quarterbacks. Well, they had the chance to take a couple of them and decided to give the one they have, Daniel Jones, a legit weapon in Malik Nabers. Nabers is a threat to score from anywhere on the field. He arguably has the highest ceiling of all the wide receivers in this draft class.

Pick #7. Tennessee Titans Selection: (OL) JC Latham - Alabama

Analysis: Not their first target as Joe Alt went a couple of picks before, but JC Latham is the next best option. Latham is a big physical tackle that’ll start right away. Tennessee needed to reassure the offensive line and give Will Levis protection upfront and Latham will do just that. He is a Tennessee-type player.

Pick #8. Atlanta Falcons Selection: (QB) Michael Penix Jr. - Washington

Analysis: WOW! The first truly surprising pick of the night. After investing $180 million on Kirk Cousins with a four-year deal, this was a major curve ball. Atlanta is clearly thinking about the future with this pick and Michael Penix Jr. will sit and soak up everything he can from Cousins. This situation reminds me of when the Packers drafted Jordan Love with Aaron Rodgers having multiple years remaining on his contract - Love went on to sit for three seasons. We’ll see if Atlanta tries something similar. However, Michael Penix Jr. will be 24 in a couple weeks and by the time Cousins’ contract “expires”, he’ll (Penix) be close to 30. Not an ideal spot to be in. Will they eat the guaranteed money owed or waste the pick? Decisions, decisions.

Pick #9. Chicago Bears Selection: (WR) Rome Odunze - Washington

Analysis: Back-to-back Washington players off the board. The Chicago Bears are long known for their historical defenses, but it appears the page might be turning. Rome Odunze enters a WR-room with DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, not to mention tight end Cole Kmet. The Chicago Bears are ready to put up points on offense and give their fans something to cheer about.

🚨🚨[TRADE!] Pick #10. Minnesota Vikings Selection: (QB) J.J. McCarthy - Michigan

• Trade: Minnesota gets #10 & #203 from New York for #11, #129 & #157

Analysis: J.J. McCarthy lands in a perfect situation. He get a plethora of playmakers and a good coach. Kevin O’ Connell is a quarterback guru that’ll be able to develop, mold, and get the most out of McCarthy’s potential. Sam Darnold will likely start right away while the rookie learns, but don’t be surprised if we see the Michigan product at some point this season. McCarthy is a smart player that’ll push Darnold for playing time.

🚨🚨[TRADE!] Pick #11. New York Jets Selection: (OL) Olumuyiwa Fashanu - Penn State

• Trade: New York gets #11, #129 & #157 from Minnesota for #10 & #203

Analysis: The New York Jets put a band-aid on the offensive tackle position this offseason trading for Morgan Moses and signing Tyron Smith. Olumuyiwa Fashanu could play inside this season, but he’ll be the anchor at left tackle for years to come when New York moves on from Smith. Protecting Aaron Rodgers is the key to their success.

Pick #12. Denver Broncos Selection: (QB) Bo Nix - Oregon

Analysis:  * JAW DROP * This draft has officially gotten insane. The Denver Broncos needed a quarterback, but with the 12th pick they take the SIXTH quarterback? This was a major reach by all standards. The whole Russell Wilson debacle is going to set Denver back for many many years to come. Bo Nix will easily compete for the starting job from the get-go, but will he really make a difference? Very unlikely. I do think it’s a perfect fit, however.

Pick #13. Las Vegas Raiders Selection: (TE) Brock Bowers - Georgia

Analysis: I’m all for adding offensive talent to an offense, but the Las Vegas Raiders invested a second round pick on tight end Michael Mayer just last season. With so many needs on the roster, this selection was a bit puzzling. Nonetheless, the Raiders are getting an absolute freak of an athlete. Whomever is under center, whether it be Aiden O’Connell, Gardner Minshew, or a potential rookie, they are going to have weapons at their disposal.

Pick #14. New Orleans Saints Selection: (OL) Taliese Fuaga - Oregon State

Analysis: Finally, back to some sort of normalcy. Everyone and their mother knew the Saints needed an offense tackle and they take the best one available. Ryan Ramczyk has an injury that might sideline him for the 2024 season and Trevor Penning has been disappointing. Taliese Fuaga brings a new toughness and flexibility along the offensive line.

Pick #15. Indianapolis Colts Selection: (EDGE) Laiatu Latu - UCLA

Analysis: Our first defender off the board! A little surprising it’s not a cornerback for Indianapolis as that is their biggest need, but arguably the best pass rusher in the entire draft makes sense too. In a division with CJ Stroud, Trevor Lawrence and the potential of Will Levis, the Colts are making it known they want to get after the quarterback. Laiatu Latu had a medical concern coming into the draft, but obviously Indianapolis isn’t worried.

Pick #16. Seattle Seahawks Selection: (DT) Byron Murphy II - Texas

Analysis: Defense run! Byron Murphy is the best defensive tackle in the draft, possibly the best defender overall, and gives Seattle a much needed boost on the interior of their defense. He is a beast of a man and Seattle got a difference maker in the middle of the draft. Mike Macdonald is building his defense the way he wants and this is just the start. He’ll be in your quarterbacks face in the near future!

🚨🚨[TRADE!] Pick #17. Minnesota Vikings Selection: (EDGE) Dallas Turner - Alabama

• Trade: Minnesota gets #17 from Jacksonville for #23, #167, 2025 3rd & 2025 4th round

Analysis: Many thought Dallas Turner would be the first defensive player off the board way back in the top-10 and is arguably the best edge rusher in the draft. Minnesota gets great value here and gives the Vikings a boost on defense. The pass rush was lacking and Turner is an instant upgrade.

Pick #18. Cincinnati Bengals Selection: (OL) Amarius Mims - Georgia

Analysis: Amarius Mims is a little raw and needs time to fully come into his own, but his potential is exponential. Keeping Joe Burrow upright is the main priority in Cincinnati and this might not be an immediate help, but it’ll definitely be appreciated in a year or two. Trent Brown is a free agent after the season and Mims will step in to pair with Orlando Brown.

Pick #19. Los Angeles Rams Selection: (EDGE) Jared Verse - Florida State

Analysis: Not one player can replace Aaron Donald and what he brought to the Rams, but Jared Verse certainly can help fill the void. Jared Verse played everywhere along the defensive line for the Seminoles and I could see him doing something similar for Los Angeles. Verse steps in and automatically becomes their best pass rusher.

Pick #20. Pittsburgh Steelers Selection: (OL) Troy Fautanu - Washington

Analysis: Not a wide receiver, nor a trade for one as some anticipated. Offensive line was a bigger need for Pittsburgh and Troy Fautanu can play inside or out. He’ll be an instant impactful player upfront in Arthur Smith’s offense.

Pick #21. Miami Dolphins Selection: (EDGE) Chop Robinson - Penn State

Analysis: Both of the Miami Dolphins top pass rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips are recovering from major season-ending injuries. Chop Robinson will step in right away and fill the need while they get back up to speed. Chop Robinson is a little raw, but he’ll be thrown into the mix right away. When the other two return, Robinson will be a great rotational piece.

Pick #22. Philadelphia Eagles Selection: (CB) Quinyon Mitchell - Toledo

Analysis: The last time the Philadelphia Eagles took a cornerback in the first round was 2002 when they took Lito Sheppard. Hopefully Quinyon Mitchell can make the same type of impact. The secondary was the Eagles biggest weakness last season and needed a game-changer in the backend. Mitchell was considered the best corner coming into the draft and. The Eagles stand pat and get a draft day steal in the early 20s.

🚨🚨[TRADE!] Pick #23. Jacksonville Jaguars Selection: (WR) Brian Thomas Jr. - LSU

• Trade: Jacksonville gets #23, #167, 2025 3rd & 2025 4th round from Minnesota for #17

Analysis: Calvin Ridley left in free agency to division rival the Tennessee Titans. Gabe Davis was signed, but he’s not a #1 guy. Brian Thomas Jr. was overshadowed by teammate Malik Nabers, but shows qualities of an alpha in the NFL. He’ll add his talents to a deep WR-room with Gabe Davis, Christian Kirk, Zay Jones and tight end Evan Engram. Trevor Lawrence adds to his arsenal and gets another weapon to utilize.

🚨🚨[TRADE!] Pick #24. Detroit Lions Selection: (CB) Terrion Arnold - Alabama

• Trade: Lions get #24 & 2025 7th rounder from Dallas for #29 & #73

Analysis: Back-to-back drafts the Detroit Lions select Alabama defensive backs. Terrion Arnold will join former teammate Brian Branch to help the Lions secondary. Arnold is a versatile and tough player that can fill-in anywhere in the secondary. He’ll embody the Dan Campbell persona and fit right in. Even in his first interview he intercepts the microphone and starts talking to the crowd.

Pick #25. Green Bay Packers Selection: (OL) Jordan Morgan - Arizona

Analysis: All signs pointed to Green Bay targeting an offensive lineman. Jordan Morgan can plug-in anywhere when needed, but his main position will be tackle. He has the tools to play on either side. Aaron Rodgers didn’t have the best offensive lines during his time in Green Bay, this is a sign that they don’t want to make the same mistake for Jordan Love.

Pick #26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Selection: (OL) Graham Barton - Duke

Analysis: The Tampa Buccaneers needed to address the interior of their offensive line and they do just that with this selection. Graham Barton is a tough, physical player that can play any spot on the line, but he’s best suited to be a center. Ryan Jensen had a career-ending injury and Tampa Bay might have just found his replacement.

Pick #27. Arizona Cardinals Selection: (DT) Darius Robinson - Missouri

Analysis: Head coach Jonathan Gannon knows the importance of an interior pass rush. He gets one of the better pass rushing defensive tackles in the late first round to set-up his defense for success.

🚨🚨[TRADE!] Pick #28. Kansas City Chiefs Selection: (WR) Xavier Worthy - Texas

• Trade: Kansas City gets #28, #133 & #248 from Buffalo for #32, #95 & #221

Analysis: Welp, the league is in trouble. The Tyreek Hill clone makes his way to Kansas City with Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. With Rashee Rice’s legal issues and potential NFL suspension, the WR depth was lacking. Xavier Worthy opens up a whole new dimension to this offense that they’ve lacked over the years, which is scary. He’s not just a speed-demon, he runs clean crisp routes too. Just check out these highlights posted by JustBombsProductions.

🚨🚨[TRADE!] Pick #29. Dallas Cowboys Selection: (OL) Tyler Guyton - Oklahoma

• Trade: Dallas gets #29 & #73 from Detroit for #24 & 2025 7th round

Analysis: Another offensive lineman goes off the board and no surprise it’s to the Dallas Cowboys. After having one of the best offensive lines not long ago, the Cowboys have a sudden need to retool their once strong advantage. Tyler Guyton is a ready to play tackle now and can start on either side for Dallas.

Pick #30. Baltimore Ravens Selection: (CB) Nate Wiggins - Clemson

Analysis: This is a very on-brand Baltimore Ravens selection. Nate Wiggins is a long, lengthy corner that prefers man coverage. He has the traits Baltimore covets at the corner position and he’ll be a perfect fit opposite Marlon Humphrey.

Pick #31. San Francisco 49ers Selection: (WR) Ricky Pearsall - Florida

Analysis: Wide receiver was an option with the looming trade rumors of Brandon Aiyuk, but I don’t think Ricky Pearsall was on the bingo card as a replacement. Does this mean we’ll see a trade in the coming days? Perhaps, but it’d be a mistake if the 49ers pull the trigger.

🚨🚨[TRADE!] Pick #32. Carolina Panthers Selection: (WR) Xavier Legette - South Carolina

• Trade: Carolina gets #32 & #200 from Buffalo for #33 & #141

Analysis: The Carolina Panthers made it clear that they want to give Bryce Young weapons this offseason. They traded for Diontae Johnson and moved up to grab Xavier Legette. Not to mention they drafted Jonathan Mingo in the second round last year and still have veteran Adam Thielen on the roster. Young has no excuses this season. Probably not the best use of their draft picks on another receiver, but I understand what Carolina is trying to accomplish.