NFL Analysis
4/25/24
1 min read
2024 NFL Draft: Grades, Analysis For Every First-Round Pick
The 2024 NFL Draft is here, and with it comes hope for many NFL teams. However, not every pick is a home run selection.
As the first round unfolds, we'll be live grading every pick, providing instant analysis and takeaways throughout the night. Which teams are getting better, and which ones are making mistakes?
Let's find out.
Grades for Every 2024 NFL Draft RD1 Pick
1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC 
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 200 pounds
Strengths
- Rare playmaking instinct.
- Elite pocket presence.
- Strong, flexible arm talent.
Weaknesses
- Breaks structure too often.
- Gets greedy when hunting big plays.
Team Fit: Caleb Williams can be the best quarterback the Chicago Bears have had in franchise history. He offers a dynamic skill set that fits the modern NFL perfectly.
Grade: A
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU 
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 210 pounds
Strengths
- Terrific downfield throw power and touch.
- Excellent rushing threat.
- Comfortable in empty formations.
Weaknesses
- Rail thin frame and a propensity to take big hits.
- Struggles to identify pre-snap coverages and anticipate open receivers.
Team Fit: Jayden Daniels should quickly take to Kliff Kingsbury's offense and maximize a speedy set of wideouts. Things are about to get a lot more fun for the Washington Commanders, even if Daniels must continue to improve his field vision.
Grade: A-
3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, UNC 
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 223 pounds
Strengths
- Great blend of size and mobility.
- Manuevers the pocket effectively.
- Standout touch to all three levels of the field.
Weaknesses
- Arm strength is average when his feet aren't set.
- Questionable ball security.
Team Fit: The New England Patriots desperately need to improve Drake Maye's new surrounding cast. He's already prone to taking too much of the offense's burden onto his shoulders. However, he projects as a dynamic playmaker at the position with great traits.
Grade: A
4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State 
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 209 pounds
Strengths
- Massive catch radius.
- Elite body control and flexibility.
- Great acceleration and burst for his size.
Weaknesses
- Agility after the catch is average.
Team Fit: Kyler Murray gets a star to feed a heavy dosage of targets. Marvin Harrison Jr. has a Hall of Fame physical profile and skill set. He's a slam dunk pick.
Grade: A
5. Los Angeles Chargers: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame 
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 321 pounds
Strengths
- Smooth athlete
- High awareness and reaction ability
- Powerful run blocker
Weaknesses
- Average anchor as a pass blocker
Team Fit: The Los Angeles Chargers had to get tougher in the trenches, and Joe Alt is as close to a lock as they come to being a great blocker. Moving Rashawn Slater to right tackle also works nicely for the unit's success. The big question is whether taking Alt over Malik Nabers was the right call.
Grade: A
6. New York Giants Malik Nabers, WR, LSU 
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 200 pounds
Strengths
- Lightning quick in short area and deep speed.
- Excellent at maximizing yards after the catch.
- Can play inside or outside.
Weaknesses
- Limited catch radius.
- Concentration drops.
Team Fit: Passing on J.J. McCarthy is risky because Daniel Jones isn't the answer, but McCarthy was also risky. Malik Nabers gives the New York Giants the best receiving talent they've had since Odell Beckham Jr.
Grade: A
7. Tennessee Titans: JC Latham, OT, Alabama 
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 342 pounds
Strengths
- Elite strength
- Mauler mindset
- Fluid for his size
Weaknesses
- Clunky on the second level as a run blocker
- Pass pro balance is inconsistent
Team Fit: Going with an OT was a no-brainer considering their need, but opting for a right tackle over a pure left tackle is a more questionable value. JC Latham is a hulking presence who will help the Tennessee Titans play more physically again.
Grade: B
8. Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington 
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 216 pounds
Strengths
- Deep touch is unrivaled in this class.
- Confident passer who will test tight windows.
- Functionally mobile within the pocket.
Weaknesses
- Ball placement on short-to-intermediate routes is poor.
- Below-average passer out of structure and when pressured.
- Injury history.
Team Fit: The Atlanta Falcons had a long-term need behind Kirk Cousins, but taking the soon to be 24-year-old Michael Penix Jr. when the buzz had him as a late first-rounder is a massive risk. Penix may sit for the next two-plus years, whereas an impact defender could've helped them reach the playoffs in 2024. Penix's issues under pressure make this a shocking pick.
Grade: D
9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 212 pounds
Strengths
- Best-in-class at the catch point.
- Tracks the ball downfield incredibly well.
- Smooth route runner for his size.
Weaknesses
- Limited creation ability after the catch.
- Struggles to create separation against off-coverage.
Team Fit: Giving Caleb Williams a dynamic downfield receiver who wins at the catch point is a big win. Rome Odunze needed a QB who would trust him. The other option was going with a premier OT.
Grade: A-
10. Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan 
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 219 pounds
Strengths
- Great mobility and escapability from the pocket.
- Gutsy performer who handles pressure effectively.
- Terrific arm strength.
Weaknesses
- Accuracy is unreliable to all levels.
- Can be too willing to take checkdown throws.
Team Fit: J.J. McCarthy has a great arm and mobility but needs foundational work to be a hit. Luckily for him, Kevin O'Connell is as qualified as anyone to develop him. The Minnesota Vikings did well to avoid a bigger move up.
Grade: B-
11. New York Jets: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State 
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 312 pounds
Strengths
- Strong frame and base
- Active, heavy hands
- Great athleticism
Weaknesses
- Mediocre hand placement
- Gives up his chest
- Misses second-level marks
Team Fit: The New York Jets fill a massive long-term need here. Although it's not ideal that Olu Fashanu could start on the bench, he's a terrific value, considering his athleticism and natural feel for the game.
Grade: A-
12. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon 
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 214 pounds
Strengths
- Athletic build inside and outside of the pocket.
- Great field vision reduces mistakes.
- Off-platform accuracy.
Weaknesses
- Can be more aggressive targeting downfield targets.
- Accuracy drops when under pressure.
Team Fit: Sean Payton was always the right fit for Bo Nix. He's athletically gifted but has to be more aggressive to avoid falling into the mediocre range. He's a solid-floor option, who was overdrafted a bit due to the Penix pick.
Grade: C+
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia 
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 242 pounds
Strengths
- Can lineup all over and win.
- Terrific vision and speed after the catch.
- Reliable hands and toughness.
Weaknesses
- Mediocre blocker.
Team Fit: Brock Bowers was a top-three overall talent in the class, not including the quarterbacks. The Las Vegas Raiders were sniped for a passer, so opting for the best playmaker left on the board is a win. They desperately needed another pass-catcher.
Grade: A-
14. New Orleans Saints: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State 
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 324 pounds
Strengths
- Punishing run blocker
- Top-tier downhill athlete
- Recovery ability
Weaknesses
- Average pad-level control
- Will reach in pass pro
Team Fit: The New Orleans Saints were known as a possible tackle destination. Taliese Fuaga is as powerful as they come in the run game. He must improve his pass pro sets to reach his immense ceiling.
Grade: B
15. Indianapolis Colts: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA 
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 259 pounds
Strengths
- Great quickness
- Deep, developed move set
- Effective from multiple alignments
Weaknesses
- Run defense
- Flexibility through contact
- Lacks high-end explosiveness
Team Fit: The Indianapolis Colts break their edge defender mold by taking a high-floor player in Laiatu Latu. Latu doesn't have the elite athleticism needed to be a superstar, but he'll produce on Day 1 and be solid. That's an upgrade for a team desperately needing help at a premium position.
Grade: C+
16. Seattle Seahawks: Byron Murphy, IDL, Texas 
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 297 pounds
Strengths
- Quickness and agility
- Fights through contact
- Strong hands
Weaknesses
- Finishing sacks and tackles for loss
- Shedding run blocks
Team Fit: New coach Mike Macdonald loves having a deep rotation of athletic bodies. Byron Murphy II was closer to a top-10 talent in this class and is the finishing piece of a revamped defensive front. This unit will be feared for the next few years.
Grade: A
17. Minnesota Vikings: Dallas Turner, EDGE, ALabama
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 247 pounds
Strengths
- Great open field athlete
- Power at the point of attack
- Good flexibility through contact
Weaknesses
- Pass rush effectiveness
- Lack of go-to moves
Team Fit: Going from Nick Saban to Brian Flores bodes well for Dallas Turner's success. Minnesota barely gave up anything to land the athletic and versatile edge defender. At worst, he'll be a good chess piece in coverage and as a run-stopper.
Grade: A-
18. Cinncinati Bengals: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 340 pounds
Strengths
- Highest ceiling in the class
- Tremendous strength and recovery ability
- Impact run blocker
Weaknesses
- Reliant on physical traits
- Lacking awareness on stunts and delays
Team Fit: If Amarius Mims stays healthy, he could be the best blocker in the class. Thanks to his physical traits and strength, he was dominant in a limited sample size, but availability matters. He should compete for the starting right tackle job right away.
Grade: B
19. LOS ANGELES RAMS: Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State 
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 254 pounds
Strengths
- NFL-ready strength
- Natural burst and closing speed
- Awareness in run game
Weaknesses
- Hip flexibility
- Finishing impact plays
Team Fit: The Los Angeles Rams are building one of the league's better, more athletic group of pass-rushers. Jared Verse plays hard and has strong traits. He just lacks the upside to be a superstar.
Grade: B
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington 
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 317 pounds
Strengths
- Quick, dynamic athlete
- Experienced, polished blocker
- Versatility
Weaknesses
- Spatial awareness is average
- Natural power is average
Team Fit: A plug-and-play blocker, Troy Fautanu immediately helps a unit desperate to improve the left tackle spot. He was expected to be off the board at this point.
Grade: A-
21. Miami Dolphins: Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State 
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 254 pounds
Strengths
- Best-in-class first step
- Can bend around the edge through contact
- Generates pressures with ease
Weaknesses
- Lacks counter moves
- Run defense
Team Fit: Few pass-rushers can match Chop Robinson's burst, but he has to finish sacks more effectively at the next level. His raw traits are the best in the class. The Miami Dolphins injuries at the edge position proved too much to overlook, but passing on an offensive lineman is questionable.
Grade: C+
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo 
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 195 pounds
Strengths
- Terrific closing speed
- Fluid hips
- Great ball skills
Weaknesses
- Run support effort
- Strength
Team Fit: Unbelievable value for the Philadelphia Eagles. Quinyon Mitchell has prototypical CB1 athleticism and play style. He'll provide playmaking and much-needed speed.
Grade: A
23. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 209 pounds
Strengths
- Rare burst and deep speed for his height.
- Home run threat every play.
Weaknesses
- Stiff and inexperienced route runner.
- Doesn't always fight for the ball.
Team Fit: The Jacksonville Jaguars needed explosiveness, and Brian Thomas Jr. brings verticality and size to the unit. But he's raw and may not be a big contributor beyond that role. This was a risky addition despite his speed.
Grade: D+
24. Detroit LIons: Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama 
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 189 pounds
Strengths
- Ball skills
- Versatility to play all over
- Fast reactions
Weaknesses
- Discipline
- Top-end athleticism
Team Fit: The Detroit Lions desperately needed a stud at corner, and Terrion Arnold is a playmaker. However, some of his best play came in the slot where Brian Branch is. Arnold will have to improve his technique to blossom as a full-time outside corner.
Grade: C
25. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Moragan, OL, Arizona
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 311 pounds
Strengths
- Great quickness
- Second-level blocking
- Strength to recover
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent hand placement and usage
- Loses balance in pass pro
- Could anticipate moves better
Team Fit: Jordan Morgan has to improve his technique and functional strength before becoming a trustworthy blocker. His athleticism will help his transition to the NFL, and the Green Bay Packers is a great landing spot for him to develop.
Grade: B-
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Graham Barton, OL, Duke 
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 313 pounds
Strengths
- Terrific athleticism and movement ability
- Versatility to play all five line spots
- Functionally effective
Weaknesses
- Natural power
- Late, wide hands
- Finesse blocker
Team Fit: The interior of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' line was the most glaring team need, and it's hard to get better than Graham Barton. His ability to play guard or center at a high level isn't in question. This was a fantastic outcome for the Buccaneers.
Grade: A
27. Arizona Cardinals: Darius Robinson, Edge, Missouri
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 285 pounds
Strengths
- Positional versatility
- Good burst for his size
- Strong frame and hands
Weaknesses
- More of an effort player than a refined technician
- Lacks consistency
- Body control
Team Fit: Darius Robinson brings a pro-ready skill set and strength to a unit lacking competency. He's a high-floor player who will be worth this pick. But his lack of physical upside means he may not be someone who earns a lucrative second deal in the future.
Grade: C+
28. Kansas City Chiefs: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas 
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 188 pounds
Strengths
- Speed is obvious.
- Tremendous playmaker with the ball in his hands.
- YAC potential.
Weaknesses
- Raw and undisciplined route runner.
- Thin, small frame struggles on contested catches.
Team Fit: Xavier Worthy is so fast that his route running may never be great, but like Tyreek Hill, that doesn't matter when the QB can throw to a spot. Patrick Mahomes will love Worthy's ability to create after the catch and find open space against zone coverages.
Grade: A
29. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma 
Height: 6-foot-8
Weight: 322 pounds
Strengths
- Fluid hips and quick feet
- Strong base and anchor
- Trustworthy in pass protection
Weaknesses
- Average run blocker
- Must anticipate pass rush moves better
Team Fit: Tyler Guyton will flip from the right side to the left, and that transition won't be easy for someone who lacks polish. The Dallas Cowboys passed on a better player in Barton for someone who plays a more valuable position. Guyton's upside is high, though, and Dallas develops the position extremely well.
Grade: B
30. Baltimore Ravens: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 173 pounds
Strengths
- Top-end speed
- High effort
- Agility and change of direction
Weaknesses
- Play strength
- Tackling
Team Fit: This is a strong fit that we often mocked. The Baltimore Ravens needed playmaking at the position, and Nate Wiggins brings speed and effort. He's an ideal man coverage option for a unit lacking high-end talent across Marlon Humphrey.
Grade: A-
31. San Francisco 49ers: Ricky Pearsall 
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 189 pounds
Strengths
- Acceleration and burst
- Route running detail
- Big catch radius
Weaknesses
- Deep speed
- Finishing through contact
- Strength against press
Team Fit: Ricky Pearsall fits what the San Francisco 49ers want to do, but his lack of physicality and athletic upside are glaring. This was a reach before even considering the other talent on the board. They could've grabbed someone less reliant on their scheme.
Grade: D
32. Carolina Panthers: Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina 
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 221 pounds
Strengths
- Thick build helps create after the catch.
- Versatility to play inside and outside.
- Aggressive at the catch point.
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent separation on routes.
- Late breakout player.
Team Fit: The Carolina Panthers needed a playmaker, and Xavier Legette brings a better skillset to the unit than Jonathan Mingo did last year. But he's also not a refined route runner or a speedster, so there's still pressure on Bryce Young to throw Legette open more than have his playmaker do some of the heavy work. There's upside for Legette to continue developing, though.
Grade: B-
