Every year, the NFL draft offers fans its share of ohhhhhs (surprises) and “well yes” (choices expected by the majority).
What will be the dominant atmosphere in 2024? Here are predictions to prepare you, before experiencing it together live on Twitch from 1:30 a.m.
Expected: Caleb Williams is number 1 in the draft
Caleb Williams should become number 1 in the 2024 draft tonight. From the age of ten, his father trained him with the goal of becoming a professional with personal trainers, dietician and sports psychologist!
After high school in the capital Washington DC, he joined Lincoln Riley at the University of Oklahoma: a coach renowned for the quality of his offensive system. And he then followed him to California when the latter signed with USC.
It would be very surprising if the Bears chose a quarterback other than Caleb Williams. But it's the NFL draft and that means there will be surprises!
Surprise: the hierarchy of quarterbacks is not as expected
For twelve months, it seemed to be set in stone: Caleb Williams would be the best quarterback of the 2024 vintage and Drake Maye his second. But since then, Jayden Daniels has been voted best college player (Heisman Trophy) ! And meanwhile, JJ McCarthy won the title with Michigan.
If Caleb Williams should be the number 1 in the draft, then the uncertainty is total. For Washington (choice 2), some speculate on Jayden Daniels offering an ideal profile for offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Others believe that Drake Maye can remind Matt Ryan that coach Dan Quinn had under his command for many years.
Because he is the most technically advanced of all (throwing mechanics, footwork and general balance), the Michigan pitcher is also in the equation. Several experts with a network among NFL staffs (Mel Kiper and Matt Miller for example) have heard that JJ McCarthy could be chosen earlier than expected in this 2024 Draft.
Four quarterbacks could be chosen in the first four or five picks! But in what order?
Expected: there won't be something for everyone!
There are more franchises interested than quality quarterbacks. At least Chicago, Washington, New England, New York (Giants), Minnesota, Denver and Las Vegas are looking for a quarterback. Not to mention a possible surprise! Who expected the Packers to select Jordan Love (pick 26) in 2020 with Aaron Rodgers on the roster?
To prepare for the future, the Seahawks could do the same thing in 2024. Geno Smith is a good starter but can he be better than that? The new offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb, held the same position last year at the University of Washington (in the city of Seattle). Michael Penix's powerful arm is bound to be attractive for an offense with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
How many franchises will add a quarterback in the 1st round? Who will sacrifice future draft picks to secure a pitcher of the future? To follow live on twitch, the 1st round 2024 promises to be lively in the most important position.
Surprise: Houston returns to the 1st round
Nick Caserio, the Texans manager, is a player. During the offseason, he traded his number 23 pick to the Minnesota Vikings. Houston out of the 1st round of the 2024 draft? Not so sure (or not so fast my friendas Lee Corso tells college football fans on ESPN).
During the 2023 draft, Nick Caserio did not hesitate to give his 2024 1st round pick to the Cardinals to choose Will Anderson. If a player appears to be the missing piece on a promising roster, he will not hesitate to use one of his two 2nd round picks (or both) to return to the 1st round.
For a player coming to add the finishing touch to a promising defense? Or to help the attractive CJ Stroud in his development!
If Houston can wait and improve their squad on the second day, don't be surprised to see them active tonight!
Expected: no rider in the first two laps
After Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs in 2023 and Najee Harris and Travis Etienne in 2021, at least one rider is chosen in the 1st round of the draft. But only every other year. And it's not a good year!
Many candidates have the profile of a player ready to contribute from their rookie season. But which team will risk choosing a runner in the first 64 choices? This is unlikely in a vintage where none seems to stand out!
From Trey Benson, Blake Corum, Braelon Allen, Jonathon Brooks, Will Shipley, Audric Estimé or Marshawn Lloyd: who will be the first runner chosen in 2024? And above all in what turn?
Surprise: expected later, which player is chosen in the 1st round?
Jack Campbell in 2023, Cole Strange and Lewis Cine in 2022 or Payton Turner in 2021, every year players expected later are chosen in the 1st round. Why would the 2024 draft be an exception?
Kingsley Suamataia is a very athletic offensive tackle. Although he is still technically raw, he has only been 21 since last January and this suggests significant room for improvement. Already effective for the ground game, an attack like the Ravens could be tempted with Derrick Henry, Lamar Jackson and a huge void at the right tackle position!
Darius Robinson has qualities but to play in what position? Used inside his first three seasons, he then held a more outside position the following two: 8.5 sacks in 2023. Because they use hybrid schemes that vary from game to game , NFL defensive coordinators like this type of versatile player.
Max Melton could shake up the hierarchy of cornerbacks at the end of the 1st round. With his physical commitment, his superior athletic qualities as well as his production: 21 passes defended including 5 interceptions in his last 24 games. Another cornerback, Ennis Rakestraw could also hear his call-up this Thursday evening.
Pass rusher Marshawn Kneeland is the newest big pick. Competent against the run as well as for putting pressure, he has power and arm length: two attributes coveted by NFL staff. After Dallas Turner, Jared Verse, Laiatu Latu and Chop Robinson, there could be a fifth Edge in the 1st round.
