In the 2024 NFL Draft, the first round saw a record-breaking number of offensive players selected, with a total of 23. The Chicago Bears kicked off this trend by drafting Caleb Williams as the first overall pick. An unprecedented six quarterbacks were chosen in the first round, matching a record set in 1983.
The Arizona Cardinals made headlines by selecting Marvin Harrison Jr., son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, with the fourth overall pick. The Cardinals had traded with the Texans last year to acquire this valuable draft pick. Harrison Jr.'s potential as a Randy Moss-type downfield threat adds a significant boost to Arizona's offense.
In Round 2, several teams addressed their needs by drafting key players. The Buffalo Bills selected Adonai Mitchell as their WR, while the New England Patriots picked Ladd McConkey for the same position. The Arizona Cardinals chose Cooper DeJean as their CB from Iowa in Round 2.
The Washington Commanders drafted Patrick Paul, OT, Houston in Round 2 and the Los Angeles Chargers selected Junior Colson, LB, Michigan. The Tennessee Titans picked Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois and the Carolina Panthers (from NYG) drafted Kool-Aid McKinstry as their CB from Alabama.
The Washington Commanders (from CHI) selected Marshawn Kneeland as their Edge from Western Michigan in Round 2. The Green Bay Packers (from NYJ) picked Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M and the Houston Texans (from MIN) drafted Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan in Round 3.
The Atlanta Falcons selected Chris Braswell as their Edge from Alabama in Round 3. The Las Vegas Raiders picked Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri and the New Orleans Saints (from DEN) drafted Keon Coleman as their WR from Florida State in Round 3.
The Indianapolis Colts selected Max Melton, CB, Rutgers and the New York Giants (from SEA) picked T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State in Round 3. The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted Andru Phillips as their CB from Kentucky in Round 3.
The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft was marked by a record number of offensive selections and several surprising picks that could significantly impact the future of these franchises.