Happy Draft Day Everybody. We are officially here. Gosh, time has gone by so fast. So like I did last year I will be grading every selection that was made in every round of the 2024 NFL Draft. This year I am going to be doing things differently. I am going to be live grading this year’s draft for every pick made in this draft from Day 1, 2, and 3.
Now As always If I give a HACKENBERG Grade that is of course a failing grade. I call it a HACKENBERG as a reminder of former Jets prospect Christian Hackenberg who is the worst draft choice in New York Jets History.
I am going to even Bold it as last year I got a lot of people tweeting at me that I was a moron, stupid, and every word in the book for grading players a HACKENBERG. Heck, I even got threats because of it. All because they thought I was comparing Anthony Richardson to Christian Hackenberg. Again this was over a simple draft grade on one player.
Let’s get right into the grades with the Chicago Bears now on the clock.
1. Chicago Bears (from Carolina Panthers): QB Caleb Williams – Grade: A+
You know what, I’m just gonna go ahead and grade this pick now because it is pretty much obvious that Caleb Williams is going to be the 1st Overall Pick in the 2024 NFL draft. it has been pretty much confirmed since Chicago traded Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Bears got a tremendous gift when the Carolina Panthers traded up last year to get Bryce Young and had a really brutal season. With Caleb Williams available in the draft and is one of the best prospects that this league has seen since probably Trevor Lawrence. Besides potential ego issues and size concerns, There is not a tremendous negative with Williams. Yes the footwork is sloppy and he has a habit of holding onto the football way too long, but that can be cleaned up in time.
Congratulations Bears fans, you have your potential franchise QB for the next decade.
2. Washington Commanders: QB Jayden Daniels, LSU – Grade A
Another non surprise selection. Washington was going to go QB no matter what with this pick. That was pretty much confirmed the moment the team traded Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks. Jayden Daniels has a much higher celling and floor then both Drake Maye and J.J. McCarthy, so this pick was the much safer option. He has a ton of potential to finally be the franchise QB that this franchise has been looking for since Kirk Cousins departed the team.
Not Bad Washington. Not Bad At All.
3. New England Patriots: QB Drake Maye, UNC – Grade A
Mac Jones was terrible, Bailey Zappe is a scrub, and I’m sorry I am not a big Jacoby Brissett guy as the full time starter. Brissett is fine as a dependable backup though. The Patriots need to find there franchise QB. Drake Maye is a much more complete prospect then J.J. McCarthy was, so they made the right choice. This is coming from a Jets fan, but I am scared of Maye playing for the Patriots as he has a ton of upside.
I kind of wish they traded down from this spot, but they made the right decision to stay put and take there QB. Thumbs up here for the Patriots picking Maye.
4. Arizona Cardinals: WR Marvin Harrison Jr, Ohio State – Grade A+
Congratulation’ Kyler Murray, you finally have a number 1 receiver since DeAndre Hopkins departed the team. Harrison is a major upgrade over Marquise “Hollywood” Brown who departed the team during the offseason. There were a ton of rumors that the Cardinals were going to trade this pick, but they did not get an offer that they liked. So, they selected Marvin Harrison Jr. who in my opinion is the best overall prospect in this draft class.
I really like where Arizona is going and this pick should upgrade this offense a ton. There not done tonight as they got another pick, but they get the 2nd A+ grade of the night.
5. Los Angeles Chargers: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame – Grade C+
So, wait, who the hell is Justin Herbert going to throw too? Both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams departed during free agency. Quinton Johnson also was awful last season as well. I don’t hate the pick as Joe Alt is the best tackle in this draft class and the Chargers protecting Justin Herbert is a good idea, but he needs wide receivers. I am shocked that the Chargers passed on Malik Nabors and Rome Odunze.
As for this grade again, this is not on Alt, but I have to go with a C+ here. At least the Chargers did not reach on J.C Latham which was heavily rumored leading up into this draft. Alt and Slater are a great tackle duo, but I am perplexed that this pick was not on wide receiver.
6. New York Giants: WR Malik Nabors, LSU – Grade A
The Giants were rumored to have loved Rome Odunze, but Nabors is just way too good to pass on at this spot. The Giants desperately needed help at Wide Receiver and he has a lot of the tools needed to succeed in this league. While there is a big question mark at QB, getting another receiver would help further determine if Daniel Jones is the long term franchise QB.
BTW there was no chance they were going QB here as they can’t get out of Daniel Jones contract. There stuck with it for another season or two and J.J. McCarthy was not a great fit in this offense. Who is a great fit on this offense? Well obviously Malik Nabors.
7. Tennessee Titans – OT J.C. Latham, Alabama, Grade C-
Woah. thats a little early for J.C. Latham. I had Latham going in the Mid to Late 1st round of the NFL Draft. I had 3 other offensive lineman prospects ranked ahead of him. The Titans do need a tackle badly though and Latham is a nice offensive tackle who should be a nice add at Tackle. However, I can’t grade this more then a C-. Latham. I see him as more of a right tackle than left tackle and the Titans kind of reached here.
8. Atlanta Falcons: QB Michael Penix Jr, Washington – Grade HACKENBERG
WHAT????? They Took A Quarterback. Did they not realize they gave Cousins that big of a contract. Is Arthur Smith Still employed in Atlanta? This is an easy HACKENBERG Grade. I had Penix as a 2nd/3rd Round Prospect. Also has Penix ever been healthy once? 2 Torn ACL’s and 2 Dislocated Shoulders. Such an awful selection by Atlanta. You know the worst part too, its being reported that the Falcons never told Cousins that they were going to do this. Idiots.
9. Chicago Bears – WR Rome Odunze, Washington – Grade A
Yep, knew it was coming the moments the Falcons and Titans reached on there selections during the 2024 NFL Draft. Plus Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze are really good friends too, so that makes this pick easier. Odunze is a stud receiver and the trio of him, Keenan Allen, and D.J. Moore is just terrifying. This Bears offense scares me. Easy A grade here
10. Minnesota Vikings (from New York Jets): QB J.J. McCarthy – Grade B
I am not a big J.J. McCarthy fan, but at least it makes sense to pick him here. He has a ton of positive qualities that you want in a QB, but my big concern is that he has the highest floors of all the viable QB’s that i graded with a 1st round grade. Plus the Vikings trading up 1 spot was not necessary, but I guess the Vikings wanted to get there guy. He could be a week 1 starter as Sam Darnold has been ruined, so he is an interesting one to watch. Compared to the Falcons pick, this is a much better choice.
11. New York Jets (From Minnesota Vikings): OT Olu Fashanu, Penn State – Grade B+
I like it. The Jets offensive line was an Antonio Brown Level trainwreck last season and it needed to be heavily restructured. Tyron Smith is a nice get, but durability concerns are a big question mark. The Jets going tackle here to protect Aaron Rodgers makes sense and Olu Fashanu was my favorite tackle in the draft. Not the best as that goes to Joe Alt, but Fashanu was the clear 2nd best in the 2024 NFL Draft. Plus the Jets get a 4th rounder and a late round pick upgrade for trading down one spot which is a plus.
12. Denver Broncos – QB Bo Nix, Oregon – Grade: HACKENBERG
You know, its selections like this that continue to make me wonder why the hell George Paton is still employed as the GM of this franchise. Like Why the hell are the Broncos taking Nix in round 1. I had a 3rd round grade on Nix heading into this draft, so this was a reach and a half. Not as bad as Michael Penix, but it is close. The Broncos were desperate as the Wilson saga was a failure and its clear the organization does not trust Zach Wilson or Jarrett Stidham. Denver should have traded back here or taken a position of a much bigger need.
13. Las Vegas Raiders – TE Brock Bowers, Georgia – Grade A
The Raiders don’t need a tight end here, but Brock Bowers is just way too good for him to pass on at this spot. I am kind of surprised the Raiders did not take Xavier Worthy here knowing the organizations love for Speed. Also him and Michael Mayer are an interesting pairing. Mayer was not great last year, but he showed moments of brilliance during his rookie season. Him and Bowers are a scarry duo though. Bowers will be a great threat for the Raiders and it will be interesting to see who the Raiders will get at QB, because its likely they will draft one in this class in the later rounds.
14. New Orleans Saints: OT Taliese Fuaga (Oregon State) – Grade A
This could be the Ryan Ramczyk replacement on the offensive line. Especially as his recovery is not going on schedule and there is legit rumors he might retire or miss the 2024 season. Fuaga was the next best option at tackle and he should be a nice plug in option at tackle. Not bad Saints.
15. Indianapolis Colts: DE/EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA Grade A-
There is the 1st defensive player taken in the draft. Surprisingly it is Laiatu Latu and he was taken by the Colts which is a bit of a surprise. Especially with his neck injuries which are no joke. Look at how they derailed Leighton Vander Esch’s career who had to retire early because of constant neck issues. However, I really like Latu as a prospect in this draft and he would have went much higher if it was not due to injury issues. I had him going to the Rams, so this was around the spot I had Latu going. Colts should get an upgrade at pass rusher, but be careful with his health.
16. Seattle Seahawks: DT Byron Murphy Texas, Grade A+
I guarantee the Seahawks took Murphy because the Rams were rumored to really want Murphy. Especially as Aaron Donald retired and the Rams needed to find a new interior defensive tackle. After all Murphy was getting Top 10 pick label and he deserves it as he is a phenomenal interior defensive tackle. Plus Seattle needed an upgrade and Murphy was the best option on the board. Its a win win for Seattle that they took Murphy.
17. Minnesota Vikings (from Jacksonville Jaguars): DE/EDGE Dallas Turner Alabama – Grade B
This is the Danelle Hunter replacement on defense. Kind of a bit surprised the Vikings traded up here, but Turner was once considered as the player that would go 1st on defense. He fell in the draft due to medical reasons, but the Vikings needed to get pass rushing help. Moving up 6 spots resulted in loosing a 3rd and 4th round pick, but if Turner stays healthy this pick should be worth it.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: OT Amarius Mims, Georgia – Grade A
This is the Jonah Williams replacement on the offensive line. The Bengals need to protect Joe Burrow and it was clear they were going to take a right tackle here. They really wanted J.C. Latham, but blame the Titans for why the Bengals could not take him. Amarius Mims will do as he is a great prospect to take to fill a big need at right tackle and while he is a little raw he will be worth it after a few months of coaching and development.
19. Los Angeles Rams: DE/EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State – Grade B+
Rams, welcome back to picking in the 1st round of the NFL Daft. In fact this is the first 1st rounder that they are using since 2016. That’s what happens when you loose a future 1st ballot hall of famer. Aaron Donald’s retirement has resulted in a big loss for the Rams pass rushing core and Verse is the best one available. In fact I am surprised that Verse almost fell out of the Top 20. Verse is super explosive and the Rams defense and has strong bull rush ability. The Rams are going to need that in the post Donald era.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: OG/T Troy Fautanu Washington, Grade B
I would rather have Graham Barton or Jackson Powers-Johnson here as the Steelers needed a center, but Fautanu is a solid addition too. The Steelers needed a guard and Fautanu can be put at Right tackle if needed. Protecting Russell Wilson or Justin Fields and helping the running game is always a great idea. Fautanu can do that, if he stays healthy. Fautanu was rumored to have medical concerns, but I guess the Steelers believe he should be ready to go. Overall this was a solid choice by Pittsburgh in the 2024 NFL Draft.
21. Miami Dolphins – DE/EDGE Chop Robinson Penn State – Grade B
Really! Miami decides to select a DE/EDGE Rusher. That is really interesting. But it makes sense as Bradley Chubb and Jalen Philips are coming off severe injuries. Plus Miami lost a ton of defensive lineman in free agency. It is a little early because I had a early 2nd round draft grade on Chop Robinson, but I don’t hate the Dolphins making this move. He fits there system and should be a nice rotational player once the team gets healthier.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: CB Quinyon Mitchell Toledo – Grade A
Philadelphia got exposed as frauds during the 2nd half of the NFL Season. A big reason why was how abysmal there secondary was. Now I would rather have Kool-Aid McKinstry here, but Quinyon Mitchell Makes sense at this spot. After all I had him going in the mid 1st round of the draft and I was debating in my mock having him slotted at Philadelphia. I wish I did for bragging rights for my private 2024 NFL Mock Draft, but oh well. At least Philadelphia fans should have bragging rights with Mitchell if he is developed properly.
23. Jacksonville Jaguars (Via Minnesota Vikings, Via Houston Texans, From Cleveland Browns) – WR Brian Thomas Jr, LSU – Grade A+
The Jaguars needed a wide receiver desperately. They could not afford bringing back Pete Rose Betting Association Alumni Calvin Ridley and they needed to replace him. Brian Thomas is the next best guy and he was in consideration for going with the Jaguars earlier pick. So they traded back got the guy they wanted, give Trevor Lawrence another wide receiver, and increased there draft pick collection in this years class. That is worth the A+ grade in general.
24. Detroit Lions (from Dallas Cowboys): CB Terrion Arnold Alabama – Grade A+
After Cameron Sutton threw away his NFL career, the Lions needed to get a cornerback. it was also a big weakness for the Lions in the playoffs as well and Terrion Arnold was right there. Detroit decided to trade up and get the guy who arguably was the best cornerback on the board. To me I had him as my 3rd best cornerback, but I did not see him available here. Arnold should be an instant upgrade for this defense as Detroit had nothing at secondary.
25. Green Bay Packers: OT Jordan Morgan, Arizona – Grade C-
Umm i don’t hate Morgan, but there were much better options at this spot. I would rather have Kingsley Sumamatia, Jackson Powers-Johnson, Graham Barton, and Tyler Guyton here. There is upside with Morgan, but he does not have the Nasty mentality that you would like to see in an offensive lineman and he is not the most consistent player. To me he is more of a guard then tackle, but I don’t hate it. The Packers protecting Jordan Love is never a bad thing, so I won’t grade this too low.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – OC/G Graham Barton, Duke Grade A
I am more of a Jackson Powers-Johnson guy, but I don’t hate that Barton went here. The Buccaneers needed a center since Ryan Jensen retired. The thing I really like about Barton is his strong position versatility as he can play at guard, center or right tackle. All three are a need for the Buccaneers and Barton can play either position. This was a very nice selection for Tampa Bay.
27. Arizona Cardinals (from Houston Texans) – DT Darius Robinson, Missouri, Grade A
Darius Robinson should really be thankful that the senior bowl is a thing, because that made me fall in love with his play. I was kind of iffy with him coming in, but watching him at the senior bowl just sold me with how smooth his defensive skills are. He is also a nice fit on the Cardinals defense who needed a player like Robinson. i even heard from a friend of mine who was at the senior bowl that Robinson was talked about so much by other scouts. Arizona lost talent at the defensive line and Robinson should help rush the passer and stopping the run.
28. Kansas City Chiefs (from Buffalo Bills): WR Xavier Worthy Grade B+
Is anybody shocked that the Chiefs took a wide receiver here. Besides Marquise “Hollywood” Brown who is ring chasing with the Chiefs, they don’t have a dependable wide receiver on the team. I would add Rashee Rice but the dude got in that disgraceful car accident. Dude should honestly be cut for what he did there and he is probably going to get suspended as a result. Worthy is the definition of speed running a 4.21 at the combine and that rose his draft stock a ton. He is going to be such an important receiver on this Chiefs offense and the rich keep getting richer.
29. Dallas Cowboys (from Detroit Lions) – OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma – Grade A
Wow. Dallas Traded Down and got the guy that they were rumored to by high on heading into the draft. I am legit impressed and this was the move of the offseason for Dallas. Especially as they did next to nothing to improve the offensive line. Well now they got a player to help replace Tyron Smith and be much more available for them. Not bad Dallas, not bad at all.
30. Baltimore Ravens: CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson Grade C
Over Kool-Aid McKinstry? I get he has injury concerns, but Wiggins is not as great of a prospect as McKinstry is. He does fill a need as the Ravens Cornerback Group did show signs of decline, but Wiggins is not really that great in coverage. His hip fluidity concerns me because his posture is not the greatest and he is not the smoothest changing directions. It fills a need, but Wiggins is a project selection and will need time to develop.
31. San Francisco 49ers: WR Ricky Pearsall, Florida Grade: HACKENBERG
RICKY PEARSALLL!?!?!? I had a Day 3 grade on him. I get why the 49ers went wide receiver here as Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel have contract issues, but I had Pearsall nowhere near the 1st round of the draft. He is a solid route runner, but he is super inconsistent. Especially with his explosiveness, speed, and flexibility. he also is not the most athletic player on the board and he is also an older prospect. He is turning 24 in September. This pick is a headscratcher, especially in Round 1. I have to give it a HACKENBERG Grade.
32. Carolina Panthers (via Buffalo Bills from Kansas City Chiefs) – WR Xavier Legette South Carolina, Grade A
Oh hey, look at that Carolina figured out how to get a 1st round pick. They took Xavier Legette who somehow predicted that he would be taken by Carolina. I got to say that’s impressive. Plus he has played in Carolina too, so he has experience with the location.
On a serious note I really like this pick for Carolina as they needed to get wide receivers for Bryce Young. Diontae Johnson was a nice step, but Xavier Legette is an intriguing choice and has potential to be a franchise receiver for the Panthers. he was the best receiver on the board, so it makes sense that Carolina went in this direction.
That Concludes the 1st Round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Also concludes my live draft grades for the 1st Round. I will be back tomorrow for more Live Grades for Round 2 and 3. My question is, do you agree with these grades? What are your grades? Let me know and don’t forget to like the article.
