The 2024 NFL draft is loaded with talent, especially at the top. Any team looking for offensive talent should be focusing on making moves, as the top of this draft is loaded with multiple blue-chip guys. Pretty much, no matter where you are picking, you can land talented and promising players, even the previous playoff teams loaded at the back of the first round.
1. Marvin Harrison Jr.
Marvin Harrison Jr. (MHJ/Marv) is a receiver from The Ohio State University who combines his speed and smooth route running to torch defenders, or go up at the catch point and bring it down with his sure-handedness and large frame. Most teams at the top of this draft could absolutely use extra receiver talent, I don’t think it is a stretch to say that MHJ could be an entire receiving room just by himself, the same as we have seen with Justin Jefferson in Minnesota. He is a Biletnikoff winner, Heisman finalist, and somehow was able to produce his senior year, despite playing with Kyle McCord. If I were the Patriots GM, I would be set on drafting him at number 3 and passing on a quarterback for this year, despite the need. But if they do end up selecting a QB, I would see no way the Cardinals could pass on him at number 4.
2. Caleb Williams
One of the most highly debated draft prospects I have seen, USC QB Caleb Williams is the guy you want at number one overall. Internet debates have swamped the discussion of Williams’ talent and prowess as a true passer and pocket mover. Some sects of the NFL world have started ridiculing the QB for the way he acts off the field, mainly on the topic of his fingernails. Williams has been known to paint his fingernails and show them off while lighting up defenses on the field. This debate has even led some fans of the Bears (holders of the number 1 pick) to sour on their team for their decision to trade Justin Fields and seemingly draft Williams. But I think not much can be said when the guy performs as well as he does. He is the best QB prospect in this class, and maybe the best one we have seen in multiple years. I say with 99% certainty that the Chicago Bears will select him number 1 overall, and he will lead them to be serious playoff contenders for the first time in years with his elite pocket presence, rocket arm, and elite mind for the game.
3. Drake Maye
Despite my love for Caleb Williams, Drake Maye is right there with him. Maye has been an elite leader for the Tarheels during his 2 seasons starting, showcasing similar skills to Williams, but in a very different way. Maye stands at 6’4 230 pounds and uses his decent size to withstand hits, but only when he isn’t able to flat-out dodge defenders in a collapsing pocket, which is rare. Maye can also thrive outside of the pocket. He has been known to roll out and extend plays by evading incoming hits and getting the ball perfectly into the hands of his receiver, which is actually another argument for Maye. His lack of overall help at UNC is surprising considering how well he was able to run that offense. If I were the Washington Commanders, I would be more than happy ending up with Drake Maye at 2, knowing he will be the franchise guy for years to come.
4. Rome Odunze
Rome Odunze out of Washington is another receiver that shows how truly stacked up this class is with offensive weapons. He shines in contested catch situations with his ability to track the ball fully through the catch-point. Odunze can shoot his hands up right at the last second and snag the ball away from any defender. Although his finishing speed and explosiveness aren’t quite there, Odunze had no trouble running go’s or deep crossers and gaining huge yardage off of those. When he can get enough separation, after the catch he can power through defenders and storm his way downfield just as well as anyone. We have seen that the Chargers heavily value big-body guys who can securely bring the ball down, so taking him at 5 would seemingly be a lock, but Jim Harbaugh could have other plans.
5. Joe Alt
And this guy could be those other plans, especially if Harbaugh sticks with his word of establishing a powerful run game. Joe Alt is an A-Class tackle prospect. His body control while blocking is something special, getting as low as possible and being able to move anyone who rushes at him. Notre Dame is known for being able to produce top-tier offensive lineman, and Alt shouldn’t be any different. He has the ability to be the premiere piece of a line for years to come, especially with his absolutely massive frame. Alt stands at 6’9 321 pounds, making him one of the largest tackle prospects we have seen at the top of the draft. I could absolutely see the Chargers taking him at 5, and if not he is definitely trade-up worthy. I would say the absolute farthest he could fall would be to the Titans at 7.
This draft is an exciting one. The last time we saw what seems to be this many All-Pro level players in the top of the draft was 2021, and outside of a few QB duds, that class was absolutely stacked throughout the first round. I expect the Offensive Rookie Of The Year race to be tight this year, and it absolutely could just come down to whoever ends up in the best situation. Even guys who I didn’t name could well be within contention. Brock Bowers is on par or above Kyle Pitts as the best pure prospect at tight end we’ve seen in the last decade. Malik Nabers is shaped up to be a true Wide Reciever 1 with an archetype similar to Justin Jefferson or CeeDee Lamb. And last but not least the Heisman winner is in this class and is being viewed very highly in Jayden Daniels. All of these guys and more have absolute real arguments to be drafted in the top 5, and they easily could be.
The first round of the NFl draft is on April 25th, starting at 8:00 pm. Tune in to see where everyone could start their future NFL career!
