It was a historic night for the NFL Draft as the 2024 Edition in Detroit, MI had the largest crowd ever for the first night with over 275,000 in attendance with many more turned away due to overcrowding.
Those who made it got to see 6 quarterbacks go in the first 12 picks which was the most taken in that span in over 40 years. A defensive player was not selected until Pick 15. A total of 23 players on the offensive side of the ball were selected in the first 32 picks this year; that breaks the record that was last done in 2009.
There is plenty to speculate about how we can see some of last night's drafted players may fair based on their landing spot. Let's talk about some of our favorite risers and fallers.
RISERS
JJ McCarthy - QB, Minnesota Vikings
Say what you will about McCarthy, but this was the one landing spot for him many predicted and one that offered a rise in value. McCarthy may be a bit more unproven than the other QB prospects selected around him based on volume, but that did not stop the Vikings from trading up one spot with the New York Jets to secure his selection at Pick 10. McCarthy will battle with newly signed QB Sam Darnold for the starting job and the privilege of working with stud skill position players in Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and TJ Hockenson. The Vikings have a solid offensive line built around McCarthy already and is in a position to succeed from the get-go. His dynasty value took nice leap landing in Minneapolis.
Brian Thomas Jr. - WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Many will think that Thomas got drafted into a packed house in Jacksonville. He joins the likes of Christian Kirk, Gabriel Davis and TE Evan Engram. None of theThe addition of Thomas via Pick 23 in this year's draft gives QB Trevor Lawrence a bevy of pass catchers to get the ball to. Thomas will attempt to fill the void left by Calvin Ridley who did not end up being the answer despite putting up decent fantasy numbers last year (WR18 in PPR format) Thomas has the chance to amplify those numbers this year in a prolific offense looking to make their return to the playoffs next year.
FALLERS
Rome Odunze - WR, Chicago Bears
There's a difference between having competition for targets and having ELITE competition for targets. While Brian Thomas (above) has competition with a good set of pass catchers, Rome Odunze will join the likes of DJ Moore and Keenan Allen in Chicago. Both Moore and Allen played the role of target hogs for their respective teams, Allen formerly with the Los Angeles Chargers. While Odunze was selected in the top 10 of this year's draft and is as elite as receiver prospects come, he may struggle to put up elite numbers in his first season with the Bears. Keenan Allen is getting up there in age and has had trouble staying healthy including in 2023 where his season ended early. Until Allen comes down injured again, Odunze's production will be held in check; his long term value is the only appealing thing at this point.
Brock Bowers - TE, Las Vegas Raiders
While I love the prospect, the landing spot and situation didn't do Brock Bowers any favors. When he was drafted 13th overall to the Raiders, it came as a shock to most of the NFL community. Why the Raiders would draft another tight end when they spent a 2nd round pick on Michael Mayer last season is still a mystery yet could work out. Regardless of the tight end competition, we know already that the Raiders chose not to enter the QB race in the draft when all 6 quarterbacks projected to go in the first round all got selected before the Raiders could even pick at 13. They are currently left with the QB battle of Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew which that in of itself is not a highly favorable one for any Raiders pass-catcher. Bowers' stock falls a bit with the combination of the unknown starting QB and an incumbent young tight end to battle for receptions.
The rest of the first round:
Caleb Williams, Bears QB - Stock Unchanged
Jayden Daniels, Commanders QB - RISER
Drake Maye, Patriots QB - FALLER
Marvin Harrison Jr, Cardinals WR - Stock Unchanged
Malik Nabers, Giants WR - Stock Unchanged
Michael Penix Jr, Falcons QB - FALLER
Bo Nix, Broncos QB - RISER
Xavier Worthy, Chiefs WR - RISER
Ricky Pearsall, 49ers WR - FALLER
Xaiver Legette, Panthers WR - RISER
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