The 2024 NFL Draft is finally here and will begin Thursday in Detroit. First-round prospects and NFL fans waited patiently for the first day as teams selected players to add to their roster.
The Chicago Bears had the No. 1 overall pick and, as expected, chose USC quarterback Caleb Williams in hopes that he will be their next franchise starter. The Washington Commanders followed, selecting LSU QB Jayden Daniels and the New England Patriots rounded out the top three with North Carolina QB Drake Maye.
While there’s a lot of excitement in the picks, the action outside of the picks is also entertaining. Here are some of the best moments from the first round, from Detroit legends to puzzling picks and everything in between:
Eminem and other Detroit legends
The draft started off in a very fitting and very Detroit way, with some city and Lions legends. Commissioner Roger Goodell teased a rap battle with Eminem, but after presenting it at the project stage, changed his mind. The crowd quickly went from booing at the commissioner to applauding one of the city’s most iconic artists.
Current Lions Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Aidan Hutchinson and Pro Football Hall of Famers Calvin Johnson and Barry Sanders all took the stage alongside Slim Shady.
History made
This draft marks the the first four quarterbacks were selected in the common draft era (since 1967). USC’s Caleb Williams was the first QB and first player off the board, bound for the Chicago Bears. Two more quarterbacks followed, with the Washington Commanders selecting LSU’s Jayden Daniels and the New England Patriots selecting North Carolina’s Drake Maye.
After the quarterbacks selected the first three picks, players at the position took a break from being selected, but not for long. At No. 8, the Atlanta Falcons, who signed quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason, surprised the most by adding to their QB room with Washington’s Michael Penix Jr..
Not only was it the fastest four quarterbacks were selected, but it was also the first time in draft history that six quarterbacks were selected among the first 12 picks. The last time six quarterbacks were drafted was in 1983, including John Elway, Jim Kelly, Ken O’Brien and Dan Marino. This group has a lot to do.
The number of offensive players recruited to kick off the event was unprecedented. It was the first time that all of the top 14 selections were offensive players and was the longest streak of offensive players on record. The longest draft before a defensive player went off the board was seven picks in 2021, when the Carolina Panthers took Jaycee Horn at No. 8 overall.
Walter Payton, Man of the Year, announces his choice
THE Walter Payton Man of the Year Award is known as the most prestigious award in the NFL. Goodell noted that while the rookies will make a difference on the field, their difference off the field will also be felt. He then introduced the 2023 winner of the Cam Heyward Award. The Steeler has made many positive contributions to the community, including creating Cam’s Kindness Week, during which he speaks daily to various areas of the community, and working with The Caring Place, which offers programs to support children and families grieving after a devastating tragedy. loss.
In his speech, Heyward issued a challenge to NFL players and players added to the league this weekend.
“Use your platform to brighten someone’s day. The opportunity in front of you is a gift and by coming here and being a part of this league, seize this moment. Be better in our communities, be better for our league and our world,” he said.
He then announced that with the No. 20 overall pick, the Steelers were pursuing Troy Fautanu, who was emotional upon receiving the call.
Jordan joins Australia
The NFL has made efforts to expand to other countries, with several games in various locations around the world. What started as a program with games in London has expanded to Germany and Brazil.
Philadelphia’s Jordan Mailata announced the Eagles’ first-round Australian selection and the best part was he did it with an Australian accent. Defensive back Quinyon Mitchell was the Eagles’ pick, 22nd overall.
Kevin O’Connell’s trade reaction
The Minnesota Vikings moved up from No. 23 to No. 17 to give Alabama’s Dallas Turner the lead. When head coach Kevin O’Connell learned the trade was happening and the team would be able to get his player back, he had a pretty violent reaction. Clearly, Turner was a player O’Connell wanted, and for good reason.
Here’s a look at the reaction and the phone call that followed:
The Vikings took McCarthy with their first selection of the night and were able to land two key players without giving up a first-round pick next year.
Does the Falcons’ choice need to be explained?
The Falcons had the biggest surprise pick of the night, taking quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8, despite signing Kirk Cousins for $180 million this offseason. The selection left fans with perplexed faces. If the pick works out, the Falcons will have the final say, but for now, that leaves a lot of doubt.
After the selection, it seemed like general manager Terry Fontenot was explaining himself to owner Arthur Blank. What was actually said we may never know. Maybe they were discussing what food they would get at the end of the project, but it was perfectly timed for the internet to go wild over it.
Penn State coach congratulates first players
Two Nittany Lions were selected in the first round: the New York Jets took offensive tackle Olu Fashanu with the 11th overall pick and the Miami Dolphins took passer Chop Robinson at 21st overall. With two of his former players selected in the first round, Penn State coach James Franklin wanted to make sure he was there to congratulate them both in person. Both players live nearby, which made the surprise possible.
Check out their priceless reactions to seeing their former coach show up at their house on draft day:
This scene is definitely one of the best moments of the first round.
