The first round of the 2024 NFL draft provided a wild night, quarterbacks and offensive players flying off the board at an unprecedented clip – no selection more stunning than the Falcons' decision to take Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick.
Such theatrics were hard to top Friday, when Rounds 2 and 3 were conducted in downtown Detroit, but more surprises were most definitely in store – especially with teams like the Bills, Texans and Browns finally getting to choose their first players of this draft.
USA TODAY Sports tracked and analyzed every selection from No. 33 overall to 100, which marked the conclusion of Day 2:
If not for a 4.6 40 time at the scouting combine, the All-ACC selection probably would have easily been a first-rounder. But his game speed seems to belie his timed speed, and his size (6-3, 213) is also an asset – particularly with contested catches. And with the departures of WRs Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, Coleman could quickly emerge as WR1, albeit for a passing game that could be dominated by tight ends.
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The Bolts trade up to address the departures of starting WRs Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. McConkey should provide QB Justin Herbert with a reliable option either outside or from the slot, where he could maybe best complement 2023 first-rounder Quentin Johnston, who struggled as a rookie. On the small side (6-0, 186), McConkey offers sub-4.4 speed and quickness and is a plus route runner with return ability. Back and ankle injuries limited him to nine games last season. He is not related to former Giants WR Phil McConkey.
He had nine sacks and 16 tackles for loss over the past two years for the Tigers. Orhorhoro could succeed Grady Jarrett in a year while playing behind him and David Onyemata and refining his craft in the interim for a defense that needs to generate more pressure. A bit unpolished, Orhorhoro is definitely a good athlete, the 6-4, 294-pounder running a sub-4.9 40 at the combine.
The Big Ten’s 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, who's 6-2 and 304 pounds, is strong, tough, twitchy and certainly disruptive enough to make an impact right away. Does his arrival signal Jonathan Allen or Daron Payne could be moving on?
Rome Odunze’s wingman with the Huskies, Polk is more than Robin – accumulating 69 grabs for 1,159 yards and nine TDs for the national champion runners-up. The size (6-1, 203) and 4.5 speed should make him a fixture in three-receiver sets ... and maybe even rookie QB Drake Maye's primary target in Foxborough.
The Big 12 defensive player of the year, they don't come much bigger than the 6-5, 366-pounder. His weight and a recent DWI arrest didn't help Sweat during the pre-draft process, but the man can still plug a hole. And he'll likely help Pro Bowl DT Jeffery Simmons penetrate even more effectively. Not much of a pass rusher himself, Sweat had five sacks in five years with the Longhorns.
A highly athletic interior disruptor − no, he's not Aaron Donald – Fiske should help fellow rookie and ex-Seminoles DE Jared Verse plug that sizable void on LA's line. Fiske was one of the combine's stars, running a 4.78 40 at 6-4, 292 pounds. He had six sacks in his only season with FSU after transferring from Western Michigan.
A souped-up athlete and 2023 All-American who was named the Big Ten's top defensive back last season, DeJean can play pretty much anywhere in the secondary and can also help as a punt returner. He ran a 4.43 40 at a personal workout earlier this month, apparently nicely recovered from last November's broken leg. Could play a lot of slot and safety in Philly.
A two-time All-SEC selection who went through his pro day paces on a broken foot – running a sub-4.5 40 in the process – he's got first-round ability and, certainly, toughness. Doesn't turn the ball over much with just two INTs in three seasons for Bama. Over three seasons, he only surrendered three TD passes.
Could be a nickel in what's shaping up as a deep secondary in Houston, though didn't play much in the slot for the Dawgs. A 4.65 40 time at his pro day is a red flag, but his grittiness is not.
Picked off eight passes in three years for the Scarlet Knights. With 4.39 speed, the 5-11, 187-pounder could show up in Arizona as the Cards' top corner, and his aggressiveness should translate well to a young defense.
The 2023 Rimington Trophy winner as the country’s best college center, "JPJ" – he excels as a run and pass blocker – might shift to guard for Vegas. He only allowed three pressures in three years with the Ducks.
An All-American in 2023, the do-it-all off-ball linebacker should be quite a chess piece for a new-look Green Bay defense. Cooper had eight sacks and 17 TFLs last season but is just as comfortable in coverage or stopping the run.
Explosive runner who had 1,425 yards and 11 TDs from scrimmage in 2023, averaging 6.7 yards per touch. Might have been a first-round pick had he not torn an ACL last November. Relatively low usage (266 touches in three seasons) could be a boon moving forward. Could unseat Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders atop Carolina's depth chart.
A team that lost Xavier McKinney in free agency gets perhaps this draft's best safety. Nubin had 12 INTs over the past three years. Usually a center fielder, he can also defend from the slot.
Could reach estimable potential as he joins a Jags line that also just welcomed veteran DT Arik Armstead and has Josh Allen and Travon Walker on the edges. Smith should be another who can slice through the gaps and disrupt a pocket.
One of the leaders of the Wolverines' championship season, the son of the former NFL star of the same name gets a chance to spotlight his own in Cincy. With B.J. Hill and Joseph Ossai, pretty good rotation forming here.
Could be this year's premier nickel, the converted receiver picking off six passes in 2023. The All-American's reputation as a leader should be a nice fit for a rebooting defense in D.C.
They continue to remake their offensive line with an All-Big 12 performer and former wrestler from just across the border. Frazier and fellow rookie Troy Fautanu join a front five that added OT Broderick Jones last year. Expect this team to run more and more effectively in 2023.
He should immediately form a nice tandem with Michael Pittman Jr. as reliable targets for second-year QB Anthony Richardson. Mitchell has Velcro hands, postseason bona fides, size (6-2, 205) and exceptional speed (4.34 40 time). A Georgia transfer, Mitchell found the end zone 11 times during his only season with the Longhorns.
The two-time All-Big 12 stud had 49 catches for 676 yards last year, but is also an effective blocker – a nice suite of traits when you're charged with helping a fellow rookie (Jayden Daniels) at quarterback.
They're finally on the board after paying off their Deshaun Watson debt. And Cleveland adds a plus athlete who could capture his potential on an elite defense featuring 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. Hall's 6-3, 290-pound frame and quickness could make him a terror in DC Jim Schwartz's scheme.
The first-team All-Big 12 blocker could be the successor to veteran LT Terron Armstead and might need a year to prepare for that job. At 6-8 and 331 pounds, Paul's specialty in three years on the left side for the Cougars was pass protection.
Dallas continues to invest in the trenches after getting raided there during free agency. Kneeland displays the athleticism of a former tight end if also the inexperience of a relative newcomer to the D-line. He averaged 3½ sacks and 9.3 TFLs over the past three seasons.
A nice addition to the pass rush following the departure of Shaq Barrett. Braswell had eight sacks and 10½ TFLs last season. The 6-3, 251-pounder posted a 4.6 40 at the combine.
Picked off four passes the past two seasons but can also make a mess in the backfield. Can line up anywhere in the secondary.
A right tackle for the Irish opposite Joe Alt, the 6-6, 310-pounder could displace struggling vet Tytus Howard in H-Town given the priority to protect QB C.J. Stroud.
Buffalo goes to the back line after breaking up its Jordan Poyer/Micah Hyde tandem. Bishop can be a disruptor whether defending the pass or run.
The NFC North champs continue to load up at corner after drafting Terrion Arnold on Thursday and trading for Carlton Davis III. Rakestraw's physical style should play nicely in Motown.
Another Husky off the board, this one could be ticketed for right tackle in Baltimore following the trade of Morgan Moses to the Jets. Rosengarten grades much better in pass pro than as a run blocker.
Could get a shot at what's essentially a vacant left tackle job with 2023 starter Donovan Smith unsigned. Suamataia (6-5, 326), who surrendered just two sacks in two years with the Cougars, might also be a valuable swing option given the struggles of RT Jawaan Taylor last season.
He mostly plays wide but could compete for snaps in nickel packages after breaking up 14 passes last season. Big (6-0, 186) and tenacious with sub-4.5 speed, he could be a fixture here for some time.
The NYJ trade up to the top of Round 3 for the two-time All-Conference USA star and "YAC King," who has been widely compared to Deebo Samuel – both due to his size (5-11, 215) and ability to make huge plays after the catch. Corley averaged 90 receptions, 11 TDs and more than 1,100 yards as a receiver over the past two seasons and, like Samuel, occasionally takes direct handoffs. Corley will probably have to expand his route-running prowess, but little question he can make things happen right away, especially between WRs Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams.
Big (6-0, 216), fast (4.39 40 time) and productive (2,267 yards and 24 TDs from scrimmage over past two seasons). While at Oregon, he tore his ACL, MCL, lateral meniscus, medial meniscus and hamstring in practice late in the 2020 season. Should immediately take some load off James Conner.
Whether at guard or tackle, the 6-5, 313-pounder should upgrade the blocking in front of Daniels in 2024. Yet another team captain as Washington seems to be loading up on character.
New England has an opening on the left side following the departure of Trent Brown, though Wallace played on the right side for the Nittany Lions.
The Wolverine backer reunites with HC Jim Harbaugh in LA. A multi-tooled defender, the 6-2, 238-pounder should immediately compete for a starting role in this defense while spreading Harbaugh's philosophy.
Good athlete and a confident one, who will compete out wide or inside. He'll also take on assignments from slot receivers to tight ends.
Could compete for starting job straight away given suspect blocking in front of QB Kyler Murray. He gave up nine sacks mostly as a tackle last year for the Illini and seems destined to go inside in the NFL. Good run blocker.
Could be a replacement for Frankie Luvu in Charlotte given his superior athleticism but needs to bring a lot of refinement to his game.
More reinforcements for an offensive line that needs them. Beebe could play guard or center depending on how things shake out here, especially if first-rounder Tyler Guyton isn't ready to play.
He had 18 sacks and 28½ TFLs in three years with the Huskies, production that would be welcome given Atlanta's perennial deficiency there. High-effort defender if not the best athlete.
Don't count the Ivy League background against him. He's got the athleticism to play in the NFL but may need a redshirt year in order to calibrate to the competition.
If he can stay healthy, should juice a pass rush that hasn't been the same since OLB Von Miller's departure. Elliss had a dozen sacks in 2023.
The 6-4, 315-pounder could get a shot at right tackle but must improve his run blocking as Las Vegas continues to build up its front line.
Houston continues to stock its secondary with versatile players. Bullock split his time between the slot and safety and picked off nine passes in three seasons.
Could be a swing tackle here, though his strength might also signal a move inside. Didn't surrender a sack the past two seasons.
Cincinnati brings in a pass catcher with Tee Higgins demanding a trade and Tyler Boyd no longer on the roster. Fifteen of Burton's 79 catches over the past two years produced a TD. Ran a 4.45 40 in Indy.
A 6-3, 317-pounder should immediately compete for a starting post amid a Seattle line in shambles.
Versatile player who might be destined for dirty work behind emergent TE Trey McBride.
A two-time All-American and Wolverines legend with a school record 58 rushing TDs (27 in 2023). He’s not big (5-8, 205) or especially fast (4.53 40 time) for his position but has good vision. He can handle an extensive workload and keep the chains moving and obviously knows how to find pay dirt once in the red zone. Will take some load off RB Kyren Williams, who missed five games in 2023.
The Wolverines’ big-play guy in recent years courtesy of 4.4 speed, a run-heavy offense still limited his opportunities (48 catches for 789 yards and 12 TDs in 2023). Though Wilson (5-11, 185) often operated from the slot, he’s a premier deep threat, yet will probably need to expand his route tree in offensive schemes that will demand more than he had to provide at Michigan. But with Diontae Johnson gone, he's competing with Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins for WR2/3 snaps.
The run on Wolverines continues, though he's probably here for depth behind Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller ... at least for now as Zinter recover from his broken leg.
Another depth move, though the All-Big 12 blocker could take over from G Jon Feliciano in a year if he proves ready.
A versatile player but one who could solve what's been a problem area at the second level in Dallas lately.
Coming off his best college season after transferring from South Carolina. Averaged 7.1 yards per carry for Trojans in 2023, though operated against defenses focused on stopping QB Caleb Williams. Lloyd has low center of gravity (5-9, 220) and 4.4 speed, which could make him a problem for NFL defenders, especially as a change-of-pace after Josh Jacobs.
Should compete immediately to play in Tampa Bay's nickel package. Good blitzer who also had four INTs in 2023.
Arizona continues stacking its secondary with a player who swiped seven passes over the past two seasons, usually playing near the boundary.
Given the arrival of Cooper in Round 2, Hopper could be a depth and special teams player early in his career.
The Huskies' WR3 – though he had a 1,000-yard campaign in 2022 – he could compete for a similar role in Tampa.
After posting 7½ sacks and 16 TFLs last season, much better production than first-round teammate Chop Robinson in Happy Valley, Isaac should be a sub package option early on for Baltimore.
Athletic, small school pass-rushing prospect who can marinate behind Bryce Huff. The Southland Conference defensive player of the year in 2023 had 13½ sacks over two years.
Three-time team captain might be better on passing downs to start but may not come off the field much down the road.
Sub-4.4 speed. Lives in the slot, where he might pilfer a ball or blitz.
Cincinnati continues to build its interior depth, and Jackson finished last season on a high note.
Medical issues knocked the ACC's 2023 defensive player of player of the year down the board. Wilson, who also won the Bednarik and Butkus Awards last season, can do it all – from blitzing, covering or chasing down a ball carrier. The question will be how long his body will hold up in the aftermath of knee and shoulder injuries. At 6-4, 233 pounds, he was healthy at the combine, smoothly laying down a 4.4 40.
A two-time all-ACC selection, he could compete for LA's free safety job immediately. Kinchens swiped 11 passes over the past two years, turning two into pick-sixes. His play speed is better than his timed speed (4.65).
Washington ends Day 2 by taking CMC's younger brother, a slot receiver after converting from quarterback. McCaffrey has 4.4 speed and comes off a big season for the Owls (71 catches for 992 yards and 13 TDs). Could be a nice option for fellow rookie Jayden Daniels between WRs Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson.
x–compensatory selection
The aftermath of Day 1 leaves plenty of intrigue and controversy ahead of the draft’s next two days … along with runaway optimism and, perhaps, relief in other quarters. The event is only 12% complete, but it feels like 88% of its major lead-in questions were answered – though others have certainly surfaced. So far, the Bears and Giants QB Daniel Jones are among the victors while the Falcons passers and Cowboys ... are not.
Read Nate Davis' first-round winners and losers
The New York Jets' trade of QB Zach Wilson this week underscored anew how badly the 2021 NFL draft went for so many quarterback-desperate teams. Yet draft history is littered with busts, particularly in Round 1, like Wilson, Trey Lance and Mac Jones, so beware before you get overly optimistic about the guy your team chooses tonight. Here's a thorough look back at the 50 most notable draft washouts from the past 50 years ... and we (justifiably*) found a way to shoehorn more than 50 onto the list.
Read Nate Davis’s complete rankings here
***Follow USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter @ByNateDavis.
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