NFL Draft Grades 2024 - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Quarterbacks dominated the early rounds: The 2024 NFL Draft saw a record number of quarterbacks selected in the first round, with five signal-callers taken in the top 10 picks. This class was headlined by top prospects like Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, and Spencer Rattler.
- 2. Offensive line talent was scarce: While quarterbacks were in high demand, offensive linemen were notably lacking in this draft class. Teams struggled to find quality tackles and guards, leading to some reaches in the middle rounds.
- 3. Defensive backs were a hot commodity: On the other hand, defensive backs were highly sought after in the 2024 draft. Several talented cornerbacks and safeties were selected early on, with teams prioritizing coverage skills in a pass-happy league.
- 4. The wide receiver class was deep: While not as top-heavy as the quarterback group, the wide receiver class in 2024 was deep with talent. Teams were able to find quality pass-catchers in the mid-to-late rounds, adding depth to their receiving corps.
- 5. Running backs were undervalued: Running backs continue to be devalued in the modern NFL, and the 2024 draft was no exception. Only a handful of backs were taken in the early rounds, with many teams opting to wait until later to address the position.
- 6. Several surprises in the first round: The first round of the 2024 draft featured several surprises, including unexpected reaches and falls for top prospects. Teams took risks on players with high upside, while others passed on safer options in favor of potential game-changers.
- 7. Several trades shook up the draft order: The 2024 draft saw several teams make bold moves to trade up or down in the draft order. These trades added excitement to the event and allowed teams to target specific players they coveted.
- 8. The top overall pick lived up to expectations: Trevor Lawrence, the top overall pick in the 2024 draft, lived up to the hype in his rookie season. The quarterback showed poise and playmaking ability, leading his team to a successful campaign.
- 9. Late-round steals made an impact: As is often the case, several late-round picks in the 2024 draft exceeded expectations and made significant contributions to their teams. These players outperformed their draft position and proved to be valuable steals for their respective franchises.
- 10. Overall draft grades were mixed: While some teams were praised for their draft selections, others received mixed reviews from analysts and fans. The true impact of the 2024 draft class won't be known for several years, but early indications suggest that it was a solid group overall.