Which teams succeeded the most in round one of the 2024 NFL Draft?
Last night saw the completion of the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, live from Detroit, Michigan, and it was certainly dramatic and full of surprises.
With the first 32 players off the board, lets take a look at which three teams I think succeeded the most at improving their roster.
1. Chicago Bears
Pick 1: Caleb Williams QB | University of South Carolina
Pick 9: Rome Odunze WR | University of Washington
Although everyone expected the Bears to pick Caleb Williams with their No.1 pick, the magnitude of his acquisition can’t be understated. Williams is an exceptional QB, with unlimited potential. His throw power and accuracy goes without saying, however what stands out for me is his ability to run with the ball, with incredible speed and balance. Having playmakers such as DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and now Rome Odunze to aim for, Caleb Williams will be in dreamland in Chicago.
No.9 pick, Rome Odunze, reached north of 1600 yards receiving for the Huskies last year and averaged 17.8 yards a catch. He joins an elite duo of receivers in Chicago which certainly shapes them into having one of the most exciting offenses in the NFL.
2. Minnesota Vikings
Pick 10: JJ McCarthy QB | University of Michigan
Pick 17: Dallas Turner OLB | University of Alabama
When the Atlanta Falcons took Micheal Penix Jr at QB with their No.8 pick, in what is one of the most shocking draft picks of all time, after signing quarterback Kirk Cousins to a 4-year $180 million contract just two months ago, the Vikings traded up from No.11 to No.10, to make JJ McCarthy sure would end up in Minnesota. National Championship winner with the Michigan Wolverines, McCarthy, is a huge addition to the Vikings offense. Despite the Wolverines opting for a run heavy offense last year, McCarthy still threw just short of 3000 yards. He is a very dependable and athletic QB, with superb mobility.
The Vikings also traded up to No.17, which they used to pick outside linebacker Dallas Turner out of Alabama. Turner is arguably the best pass rusher in this years draft class, recording 10 sacks for Crimson Tide in 2023. He completed the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds at the NFL combine, so he undoubtedly possesses the speed and athleticism to pressure quarterbacks in the upcoming season. This is a big coup for the Minnesota Vikings, as most expected Turner to go in the first 10 picks, however the Falcons’ decision to pursue Penix Jr and No.8, left Turner waiting for a suitor. The first round of the NFL draft was both exciting and nervy for Vikings fans, however they’ve added two potential future stars to their roster.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Pick 4: Marvin Harrison Jr WR | Ohio State University
Pick 27: Darius Robinson DT | University of Missouri
Son of NFL Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison Sr and 2023 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year for the Buckeyes, Marvin Harrison Jr is for me, the most exciting player in this years NFL draft. Harrison Jr recorded over 1200 yards receiving in 2023 for Ohio State and has the ability to be one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. The cardinals needed a new WR with Marquise Brown departing to the Kansas City Chiefs, and Harrison Jr does more than just replace him. This addition is a mouthwatering prospect for Cardinals QB Kyler Murray, who now has a new star wide receiver to aim for.
Standing at 6’5, No.27 pick Darius Robinson is a major acquisition for the Arizona Cardinals. With the ability to play multiple positions across the defensive line, Robinson is an extremely powerful pass rusher, making his addition imperative to the Cardinals who only registered 33 sacks in the NFL last season. Over his last two seasons for the Tigers, he recorded 19.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. While this pick doesn’t reach the excitement and hype of Marvin Harrison Jr’s, the Cardinals fans can definitely look forward to seeing both rookies light up State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ in the 2024 season.
