The first round of the NFL Draft has come and gone, featuring several surprises. Many observers believe that it was one of the more unpredictable drafts in recent memory.
In this article, you’ll read about my draft grades for each pick in the first round, based on my view of the prospect along with the team fit.
With that in mind, let’s get right into the 2024 NFL Draft Grades for the first round.
NFL Draft Grades For 1st Round
| Pick | Team | Player | Position | College | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicago Bears (via CAR) | Caleb Williams | QB | USC | A+ |
| 2 | Washington Commanders | Jayden Daniels | QB | LSU | C+ |
| 3 | New England Patriots | Drake Maye | QB | UNC | A |
| 4 | Arizona Cardinals | Marvin Harrison Jr. | WR | Ohio State | A+ |
| 5 | Los Angeles Chargers | Joe Alt | OT | Notre Dame | B |
| 6 | New York Giants | Malik Nabers | WR | LSU | A |
| 7 | Tennessee Titans | JC Latham | OT | Alabama | B- |
| 8 | Atlanta Falcons | Michael Penix Jr. | QB | Washington | F |
| 9 | Chicago Bears | Rome Odunze | WR | Washington | B+ |
| 10 | Minnesota Vikings (via NYJ) | J.J. McCarthy | QB | Michigan | A |
| 11 | New York Jets (via MIN) | Olumuyiwa Fashanu | OT | Penn State | B |
| 12 | Denver Broncos | Bo Nix | QB | Oregon | F |
| 13 | Las Vegas Raiders | Brock Bowers | TE | Georgia | B |
| 14 | New Orleans Saints | Taliese Fuaga | OT | Oregon St. | B+ |
| 15 | Indianapolis Colts | Laiatu Latu | EDGE | UCLA | B+ |
| 16 | Seattle Seahawks | Byron Murphy II | DT | Texas | B+ |
| 17 | Minnesota Vikings (via JAX) | Dallas Turner | EDGE | Alabama | B+ |
| 18 | Cincinnati Bengals | Amarius Mims | OT | Georgia | B+ |
| 19 | Los Angeles Rams | Jared Verse | EDGE | Florida State | B+ |
| 20 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Troy Fautanu | OT | Washington | B+ |
| 21 | Miami Dolphins | Chop Robinson | EDGE | Penn State | B+ |
| 22 | Philadelphia Eagles | Quinyon Mitchell | CB | Toledo | A |
| 23 | Jacksonville Jaguars (via MIN) | Brian Thomas Jr. | WR | LSU | B |
| 24 | Detroit Lions (via DAL) | Terrion Arnold | CB | Alabama | A- |
| 25 | Green Bay Packers | Jordan Morgan | OT | Arizona | B- |
| 26 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Graham Barton | C | Duke | B- |
| 27 | Arizona Cardinals (via HOU) | Darius Robinson | EDGE | Missouri | B- |
| 28 | Kansas City Chiefs (via BUF) | Xavier Worthy | WR | Texas | A- |
| 29 | Dallas Cowboys (via DET) | Tyler Guyton | OT | Oklahoma | B+ |
| 30 | Baltimore Ravens | Nate Wiggins | CB | Clemson | A- |
| 31 | San Francisco 49ers | Ricky Pearsall | WR | Florida | D |
| 32 | Carolina Panthers (via BUF) | Xavier Legette | WR | South Carolina | B+ |
NFL Draft Grades: Picks 1-10
1. Chicago Bears (via Panthers): Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Grade: A+
The Bears locked in the best player in the draft, bringing in their future franchise quarterback Caleb Williams. The former Trojan combined for 72 touchdown passes with only 10 interceptions over the last two seasons. Williams lands in an excellent NFL landing spot with DJ Moore and Keenan Allen.
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Grade: C+
The Commanders selected Jayden Daniels over Drake Maye and J.J. McCarthy, which was a mistake in my view. Daniels didn’t turn in elite production until his fifth year in college. The pressure-to-sack rate is also concerning. Dynamic dual-threat, but helped out by throwing to projected first-round wideouts.
3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, UNC
Grade: A
Drake Maye was the consensus QB2 for a long period of this process but was eventually supplanted by Jayden Daniels. I view the former Tar Heel as the superior prospect, so the Pats got a steal with this pick. Maye has all the tools to succeed in this league, including size, mobility, arm strength, and more.
4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Grade: A+
Marvin Harrison Jr. is better than any wide receiver prospect we’ve seen since Ja’Marr Chase. This is a clinical route runner with elite college production and an NFL bloodline. Harrison Jr. lands in an ideal spot as Kyler Murray’s clear-cut number-one target, forming a terrific duo with Trey McBride.
5. Los Angeles Chargers: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Grade: B
I would have preferred the Chargers to take Malik Nabers here, since they badly need talent at wide receiver. However, Joe Alt is the best offensive lineman in the draft who forms a strong duo with Rashawn Slater. Jim Harbaugh wants to bolster the trenches, which was accomplished with this pick.
6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Grade: A
The Giants desperately needed to add a game-breaking talent on offense, especially after losing Saquon Barkley. They got that done by bringing in Malik Nabers, their next dynamic wideout from LSU to follow in Odell Beckham Jr’s footsteps. Daniel Jones just got an absolute playmaker.
7. Tennessee Titans: JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Grade: B-
The Titans addressed a major need by bringing in offensive tackle, it’s just disappointing to see them miss out on Joe Alt. I would have preferred to see Tennessee try to trade from this pick once Alt was off the board. Having said that, this is still a fine pick to help keep Will Levis upright.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Grade: F
The Falcons brought in Kirk Cousins but shockingly decided to not only take a quarterback but pass on J.J. McCarthy. Michael Penix Jr. could wind up as a good quarterback but given Atlanta’s other team needs, I’m not a fan of this pick at all. Did not see this one coming in my NFL mock draft.
9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Grade: B+
The Bears have done a fantastic job stacking their offense to ease the transition to the pros for Caleb Williams. Rome Odunze completes one of the best wide receiver rooms in the league. This is a receiver with great size who can win on the outside. The Bears offense has a chance to be special.
10. Minnesota Vikings (via Jets): J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
Grade: A
The draft could not have gone any better for the Vikings, with J.J. McCarthy falling to 10, allowing them to trade fewer assets to move up. McCarthy lands in an ideal situation with Kevin O’Connell calling plays and Justin Jefferson getting open at will. This is one of the best values of the draft.
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NFL Draft Grades: Picks 11-20
11. New York Jets (via Vikings): Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Grade: B
The Jets bolstered their offensive line, filling a need to help protect Aaron Rodgers as they try to contend in 2024. Olumuyiwa Fashanu has a lot of upside, but I’m giving this pick a B because I thought that Taliese Fuaga was a better pick due to his versatility. Having said that, this is a fine selection.
12. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Grade: F
The Broncos saw the Falcons reach on Michael Penix Jr. and said, “hold my beer." While Denver has a clear need at quarterback, they could have done a better job trying to trade down. I understand the notion of “get your guy," but you have to still consider value. I’m not a fan of this pick at all.
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Grade: B
I love Brock Bowers as a player, so the Raiders got a terrific value here. My only issue with this pick is that they just took a good tight end prospect Michael Mayer last year. I understand that Bowers is a weapon who is a “big slot," but the Raiders have holes across their roster, so this is just a B for me.
14. New Orleans Saints: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
Grade: B+
Taliese Fuaga is a versatile lineman who can play either tackle or guard, filling a major hole for the Saints, especially since Trevor Penning hasn’t lived up to expectations. Fuaga was often projected to go higher than his spot, so this is a terrific pick for New Orleans, who got stronger in the trenches here.
15. Indianapolis Colts: Laiatu Latu, EDGE, Oregon State
Grade: B+
Rock solid pick for the Colts with Laiatu Latu, who I thought should have gone 8th overall to the Falcons, who desperately needed a pass rusher. Several respected draft minds view Latu as a potentially elite talent off the edge, featuring a wide range of moves in his toolbox. The only question is health.
16. Seattle Seahawks: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Grade: B+
The Seahawks scored the best defensive tackle in the draft, adding some disruption to a defense that sorely needs some interior pressure. Seattle was fortunate that teams emphasized offense in the earlier picks, allowing Murphy to fall to their laps. Great addition for new head coach Mike Macdonald.
17. Minnesota Vikings (via Jaguars): Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
Grade: B+
Dallas Turner was considered by many to be the best edge rusher in the draft. While I prefer Laiatu Latu, this is still a terrific pick by the Vikings. This is another team who got a great value on a defensive player due to a few reaches earlier. Turner stays at B+ because they had to trade assets to get him.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Grade: B+
The Bengals solidified their offensive line with a talented pass protector who arguably has among the highest upside in this year’s draft. For a team that needs to make sure that Joe Burrow has better pass protection, you have to love what they’ve done here. Look for Cincinnati to bounce back this year.
19. Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida St.
Grade: B+
The Rams lost Aaron Donald to retirement, so they needed to add some punch to their defense up front. Jared Verse is a physical player who some expected to go higher in the draft. This is a team that desperately needed some talent on the edge, so they get a nice grade for this pick.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington
Grade: B+
The Steelers are going to continue being a run-heavy team next year, especially after hiring Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator. That’s why locking in a versatile lineman like Troy Fautanu was a nice pick here. Look for this team to have a strong running game led by Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.
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NFL Draft Grades: Picks 21-32
21. Miami Dolphins: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State
Grade: B+
I’m a fan of the Dolphins selection of edge rusher Chop Robinson because they took a swing for the fences on an explosive and disruptive player with a high upside. Miami needed to bolster their pass rush, especially as they try to compete with the juggernauts of the AFC. The Fish got it done here.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Grade: A
Howie Roseman does it again, this time getting an absolute gift that falls right into his lap. Quinyon Mitchell was often projected in the top 15 as the consensus top corner in the draft. Not only was this a great value on a premium prospect, but it also addresses the biggest need on the team.
23. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Grade: B
The Jaguars added another weapon for Trevor Lawrence, bringing in another vertical threat in Brian Thomas Jr. to go with Gabe Davis. While I like the idea of bolstering the receiving core, I would have preferred Jacksonville to address their cornerback need here, but it’s still a B because I’m a Thomas fan.
24. Detroit Lions (via Cowboys): Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Grade: A-
The Lions filled one of their biggest holes by getting one of the best cornerbacks in the draft in Terrion Arnold. There are some respected draft minds, like Daniel Jeremiah, who had Arnold as the top corner in the draft. I’m giving them an A- because they had to give up assets to get Arnold, but it’s a great pick.
25. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
Grade: B-
The Packers upgraded their offensive line with a versatile blocker that has a high floor in Jordan Morgan. The former Wildcat can play tackle or kick inside to guard. After losing David Bakhtiari, this adds some depth. However, I would have preferred Cooper DeJean for Green Bay here, so it’s B-.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Graham Barton, C, Duke
Grade: B-
The Buccaneers made a “meat-and-potatoes" pick by getting Graham Barton, who is expected to play center but can start all over the line, even seeing time at tackle in college. While Barton is a good player who addresses a need, I can’t go any higher than B- on a first-round starting center.
27. Arizona Cardinals: Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri
Grade: B-
Darius Robinson is an edge rusher with great size, giving him more versatility since he can kick inside. The Cardinals desperately needed to address the defensive line, so this fills a need, but I would have preferred Johnny Newton at this spot. Newton is likely going to be a steal wherever he lands.
28. Kansas City Chiefs (via Bills): Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
Grade: A-
The Chiefs got some major speed with Xavier Worthy, which is something they have been missing from their offense since trading away Tyreek Hill. I’m a huge fan of this pick, especially with question marks surrounding Rashee Rice. Worthy lands in the perfect spot, but this is A- because they had to trade up.
29. Dallas Cowboys (via Lions): Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Grade: B+
The Cowboys got a good value on a tackle with upside in Tyler Guyton. What I like most about this pick is that they were able to secure additional assets by trading down. On top of that, this pick addresses a major need after Dallas lost Tyron Smith. Guyton forms a nice tackle duo with Tyler Smith.
30. Baltimore Ravens: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Grade: A-
The Ravens always seem to make the right pick or have a stud fall into their laps and this year is no different with Nate Wiggins. This is a player with good size, elite speed, and the ball skills to develop into a playmaking corner. Wiggins adds to a secondary that already includes stud safety Kyle Hamilton.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
Grade: D
This pick seems to telegraph the 49ers intentions to trade one of their wide receivers (likely Brandon Aiyuk). My issue here is that it feels like a reach, especially with Adonai Mitchell still on the board. For this reason, I’m giving them a D here. There was even good defensive players here, like Johnny Newton.
32. Carolina Panthers (via Bills): Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
Grade: B+
The Panthers had to upgrade their receiving core to put Bryce Young in the best position to improve off an abysmal rookie season. They accomplished this by bringing in Xavier Legette, who has a 6-foot-1, 221-pound frame with excellent speed. Legette is the explosive complement to Diontae Johnson.
Best Players Available on NFL Draft Day 2
| Rank | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnny Newton | DT | Illinois |
| 2 | Cooper DeJean | DB | Iowa |
| 3 | Kool-Aid McKinstry | DB | Alabama |
| 4 | Adonai Mitchell | WR | Texas |
| 5 | Jackson Powers-Johnson | C | Oregon |
| 6 | Ladd McConkey | WR | Georgia |
| 7 | Troy Franklin | WR | Oregon |
| 8 | Braden Fiske | DT | Florida State |
| 9 | Payton Wilson | LB | NC State |
| 10 | Zach Frazier | C | West Virginia |
