The 2024 NFL Draft has come and gone, leaving fans and analysts alike to dissect the picks and predict the future of their favorite teams. This year's draft saw a mix of surprises and expected moves, with some teams making bold choices and others playing it safe. In this article, we'll dive into the most notable picks and what they mean for the teams that made them.
Top 5 Picks
The top 5 picks of the draft were filled with talent, but also raised some eyebrows. The first overall pick went to the Arizona Cardinals, who selected quarterback Caleb Williams. This move was expected, but the real surprise came when the Chicago Bears traded up to the second spot to snag wide receiver Jordan Addison. The rest of the top 5 saw the Houston Texans take defensive end Will Anderson Jr., the Indianapolis Colts select quarterback C.J. Stroud, and the Seattle Seahawks round out the group with cornerback Cam Smith.
Notable Trades
One of the biggest stories of the draft was the number of trades that took place. The Chicago Bears' move to the second spot was just the beginning, as teams continued to wheel and deal throughout the night. The Philadelphia Eagles made a bold move, trading up to the 10th spot to select linebacker Trenton Simpson. The Los Angeles Rams also made a splash, trading down from the 7th spot to the 15th and picking up an extra second-round pick in the process.
Steals and Reaches
Every year, there are players who fall further than expected and others who are taken earlier than projected. This year was no exception. One of the biggest steals of the draft was the New York Giants' selection of running back Bijan Robinson in the second round. On the other hand, the Kansas City Chiefs' decision to take safety Antonio Johnson in the first round raised some eyebrows, as many had him projected as a mid-round pick.
Conclusion
The 2024 NFL Draft was full of surprises and excitement. While it's impossible to know for sure how these picks will pan out, one thing is certain - the future of the NFL just got a whole lot brighter. As teams begin to integrate their new players into their systems, fans will be eagerly watching to see which picks will pay off and which will fall short.
