While several teams are looking for a franchise quarterback, most mock drafts had three quarterbacks going in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. Having a fourth quarterback in the opening round is a stretch. However, with much uncertainty on draft day, six quarterbacks had their names called in the first 12 picks.
As widely expected, the Chicago Bears selected 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams as the first overall pick. Last year's Heisman Trophy recipient, Jayden Daniels, went to the Washington Commanders at number two. After him, the New England Patriots drafted former North Carolina standout Drake Maye.
It's the fourth time in the NFL's modern era that three quarterbacks have been selected with the first three picks. Jim Plunkett, Archie Manning, and Dan Pastorini went 1-2-3 in 1971. Twenty-eight years later, Tim Couch, Donovan McNabb, and Akili Smith followed suit. In the 2021 draft, Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, and Trey Lance were off the board after three spots.
After those three picks, the Atlanta Falcons pulled off a surprise, selecting Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick. While they have other pressing positions of need, the Falcons selected a quarterback even after giving Kirk Cousins a $180 million contract.
Two selections later, the Minnesota Vikings moved up one spot by trading with the New York Jets. They used the pick for national champion J.J. McCarthy. Two picks later, the Denver Broncos drafted former Oregon standout Bo Nix.
It's the first time in NFL draft history that six quarterbacks were selected in the first 12 selections, while seven wide receivers were selected in the first round.
On a macro level, 23 of the 32 players selected in Round 1 were on offense. Laiatu Latu was the first defensive player chosen, going to the Indianapolis Colts at 15.
-Lance Fernandez