2024 NFL Draft: Bucky Brooks' pick-by-pick analysis for Round 1
- Round 1
- Rounds 2-3
- Rounds 4-5
- Rounds 6-7
The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft has concluded. Find Bucky Brooks’ analysis for each player selected in Round 1 below.
NOTE: Only trades agreed to after Day 1 began are reflected below.
This moment could significantly alter the franchise for the Bears. From the outset, Williams was considered the top quarterback in this class. The USC graduate possesses the arm strength, football intelligence, creativity, grit, and ability to make crucial plays that every coach desires in the game’s most critical position. Chicago is confident that he is the exceptional player who can lead the team to success and compete for championships.
It’s rare to find a quarterback prospect with A+ arm talent and rushing ability. Daniels was surrounded by talented playmakers at LSU, but I’d argue he was the biggest playmaker on that offense. He is the prototypical, new-school quarterback as a dynamic athlete who is a refined pocket passer with the touch, accuracy and timing to consistently drop passes in the bucket on deep throws.
Maye has prototypical dimensions and an exceptional arm. The comparisons made between Maye and Buffalo’s Josh Allen are real when it comes to his size, arm strength and leadership skills. Maye lacks the experience of other QBs in this draft, but if he can iron out some of his inconsistencies, he can be a superstar for the Patriots.
This match makes a ton of sense with Harrison Jr. resembling longtime Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Harrison has the ball skills, body control and route-running ability to be Kyler Murray’s WR1. The son of Hall of Fame receiver Marvin Harrison, the Ohio State product is a true pro’s pro who knows what to expect at the next level.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh is set on building an offensive bully and that starts with the offensive line. Alt comes in as a polished tackle who’ll step in and immediately boost the unit and protect Justin Herbert.
Nabers possesses the competitive fire and instincts teams look for in an elite receiver. The LSU wideout is a big-time playmaker who can make the game easier for Daniel Jones with his route-running and yards-after-the-catch ability, turning short passes into big gains for Big Blue.
General manager Ran Carthon is putting his stamp on the team with this pick. Taking Latham tells me the Titans want to continue playing bully ball and dominate at the point of attack despite surrounding their young quarterback with pass-catching talent in free agency. The 6-foot-6, 342-pound tackle can overwhelm and overpower opponents on the edges, which should excite second-year quarterback Will Levis.
I’m not sure anyone expected Atlanta, which signed Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal in March, to take a quarterback in the top 10, but here we are. Penix is a big-time playmaker who is the top deep-ball passer in this class. He has surgical precision and throws with good anticipation from the pocket.
Odunze is a physical playmaker with positional flexibility who’ll elevate the Bears offense from the jump. A contested-catch wizard, Odunze has the luxury of being an apprentice under veteran Keenan Allen before taking over as the team’s WR1.
The Vikings advance one position in their quest to secure their future quarterback. McCarthy, with an impressive record as a starter at Michigan (27 wins and only 1 loss), is a proven victor and a significant playmaker boasting both arm strength and agility. Kevin O’Connell, the head coach, has a consistent track record of positioning his quarterbacks for success, and the situation should be no different with McCarthy.
Though he enters the NFL as a work in progress, Fashanu is a long, athletic offensive tackle with a lot of upside. The good thing here is the Jets don’t need him to start from Day 1, so the Penn State product can learn behind established veterans Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses.
Nix is a seasoned game strategist with the arm skill and athleticism necessary to carry out Sean Payton’s offense strategy in Denver. He matches the prototype of players like Drew Brees, proficiently distributing the ball to his fellow playmakers and accurately throwing passes at both short and intermediate ranges.
This is the Raiders willing to adjust the offense to take the best player available. Bowers is a spectacular player who can line up anywhere along the formation as a tight end. There aren’t many holes in his game — which should urge new OC Luke Getsy to get creative and get Bowers and Michael Mayer on the field together.
The Saints fill their tackle need with a feisty and powerful brawler who can make an immediate impact along the offensive line. Fuaga’s presence will help the unit become more physical, which will only benefit quarterback Derek Carr and the run game.
The streak of offensive players ends here, with the Colts securing a dynamic defender in Latu. Being the most sizable or speedy player isn’t always the key to successful pass rushers, as shown by this UCLA graduate. He excels in reaching the quarterback with his initial quickness and variety of pass-rush tactics. His unyielding drive should make him a formidable challenge for the Colts’ adversaries.
Murphy is incredibly dynamic, possessing exceptional hand skills and the vitality to instigate chaos and disruptive plays. The new head coach, Mike Macdonald, will provide Murphy with individual opportunities that will also benefit the rest of the defensive line due to his presence.
Turner, having played under Nick Saban in a high-stakes system, should transition well into Brian Flores’ unit in Minnesota. His impressive athleticism, quick first step, flexibility, and explosive speed are major assets for a defense that continually tests the intelligence of rival quarterbacks. Adding a player like Turner will be a significant boost.
Mims is a mountain of a man (6-foot-8, 340 pounds) who has a lot of talent. He’s a long, rangy blocker who can dominate at the point of attack and gets the opportunity to learn behind right tackle Trent Brown. I like that the Bengals are re-establishing the physicality and toughness up front.
This is a great value pick for Los Angeles as Verse is a bully off the edge who uses a Khalil Mack-playing style to get to the quarterback. Verse, who had 18 sacks over his two seasons at Florida State, is explosive, dynamic and a perfect fit in the Rams’ scheme.
Fautanu is an ultra-versatile, plug-and-play option at multiple spots along the Steelers front. With new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith committed to running the ball, Fautanu fits right in as an imposing blocker who can help pave the way for Najee Harris.
I predict that Miami will initially use Robinson as a rotational player. Although Robinson, an A+ athlete, is a developmental prospect with a quick first-step and explosiveness, he needs to develop more consistency.
Mitchell has been outstanding throughout all stages of the pre-draft process and is an ideal match for a Vic Fangio defense that heavily relies on man-to-man coverage on the exterior. He possesses all the characteristics necessary to be a primary cornerback at the next level, providing Philadelphia with exactly what they’re looking for in terms of technique for the position.
After the departure of Calvin Ridley in free agency, the Jaguars were determined to find a physical, fast receiver who could give them a vertical element in the pass game. They found it in Thomas, a stud who found the end zone 17 times last season for LSU. This is a big addition for Trevor Lawrence and Co.
This is a perfect fit for Detroit, as Arnold is a clean playmaker and technician who checks off all the boxes. The Lions are upping the ante on the back end when it comes to football IQ by adding another Nick Saban defender one year after drafting Brian Branch.
This pick reflects the sheer depth of this offensive tackle class. Morgan is an experienced player who will help protect Jordan Love and allow him to flourish in the pocket.
The Buccaneers fortify the offensive line with an experienced player who offers position flexibility. His elite presence on the interior should help elevate the run game and keep Baker Mayfield upright.
Robinson is a reliable base end who stands out in defending against the run. Instead of being the main force off the edges, he will act more as a supporting element. However, he contributes significantly with his energetic performance and ability to rush the pass.
Yes, the Chiefs are back-to-back Super Bowl champions, but they haven’t been the same since Tyreek Hill departed for Miami. Kansas City once again will have that vertical element in its offense, as Worthy’s elite speed will create opportunities for other pass catchers underneath, including more easy layups for Travis Kelce.
The Cowboys have fortified their offensive line with a player capable of playing either tackle position due to his athleticism. Guyton’s superior qualities could possibly make him the forthcoming exceptional O-lineman for Dallas.
Wiggins displays exceptional agility and speed, enabling him to effortlessly cover receivers on the boundaries. His physicality and resilience are qualities much appreciated by Baltimore, who favor defensive players with these characteristics. However, I need to witness more of these traits from the cornerback from Clemson.
I’m a big fan of Pearsall’s game. He’s an exceptional route-runner who has perfected the skill of creating separation in the middle of the field. This Florida prospect is a significant playmaker with the ability to make gains after receiving the ball, a talent that the 49ers greatly appreciate.
Legette, who had a terrific final season at South Carolina, is physical and a big-time vertical threat. This addition should be a big part of Bryce Young’s development in Year 2.
