(Detroit, MI) In the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft kicked off a loaded draft weekend and certainly did not underwhelm. The first 14 selections in the first round were offensive players, doubling the prior record of seven set back in 2021. Many teams managed to fill a lot of their needs over the course of the first round. However, some selections left more questions than answers. With that in mind, here is the report card for each team’s selection, from 1-32.

1st Overall Pick: Chicago Bears, Caleb Williams, QB, USC: A+

Well, the wait is over. Caleb Williams is officially a Chicago Bear. Over the last month, it seemed as if the entire nation knew that the Bears were set to select the Trojans’ signal caller with the first overall pick. On Thursday, it finally became a reality. Williams becomes the first official “franchise” quarterback that the Bears have selected since Sid Luckman. Williams instantly elevates the Bears in the NFC and in their division.

2nd Overall Pick: Washington Commanders, Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU: B

The first quarterback selected in the post-Dan Snyder era is LSU QB Jayden Daniels. Daniels joins a Commanders team that has been retooled and is ready to compete. Under the leadership of new head coach Dan Quinn and new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, they get a player who could excel in an Air Raid offense. The Heisman winner heads to DC with a lot of positives and the ability to hit another gear with his athletic ability. One thing to watch is Daniels’ weight and how much muscle he adds in the offseason. Nonetheless, this is a great pick by the Commanders at #2.

3rd Overall Pick: New England Patriots, Drake Maye, QB, UNC: A+

There was no need for the Patriots to over think this pick. They heard all the offers and trade packages from teams in need of a quarterback in the draft, but selected a player in Maye who could be something special at the next level. Maye has a combination of Justin Herbert and Josh Allen’s playstyle. He is a guy who had video game-like numbers in college. Maye doesn’t have to start right away with the Patriots. New England brought in Jacoby Brissett in free agency. Maye is extremely young at only 21 years old and will have plenty of time to grow without being thrust into the starting role right away. Overall, Maye has the potential to be a great long term starter in the loaded AFC.

4th Overall Pick: Arizona Cardinals, Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State: A+

Again, this was another pick where there was no need to overthink it. The Cardinals had heard all the offers to trade up, but their need for a wide receiver was too great to pass on. Marvin Harrison Jr. is heading to the desert, and he will automatically slot in as the top player in the Cardinals’ wide receiver room. Harrison Jr. has drawn comparisons to Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald, so this pick felt like a match made in heaven.

5th Overall Pick: Los Angeles Chargers, Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame: B

Joe Alt was, by far, the best tackle prospect in this draft. Many didn’t anticipate this pick, given the Chargers’ glaring need for a dominant wide receiver. Nonetheless, Alt is an instant NFL starter on a Chargers offensive line that needs to keep Justin Herbert healthy and upright. The need for a wide receiver, given the talent in this class, may come back to haunt the Bolts. Fortunately, this wide receiver class is deep. However, this is something to watch for in the later rounds throughout the weekend.

6th Overall Pick: New York Giants, Malik Nabers, WR, LSU: A-

In any other draft class, Malik Nabers would likely be the first wide receiver selected. Nabers is just what the doctor ordered for the G-Men. He can excel in the slot, on the outside, and is tough to bring down. Overall, Nabers embodies everything you’d want in a game-changing wide receiver, which is something the Giants haven’t really had since Odell Beckham Jr.

7th Overall Pick: Tennessee Titans, J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama: B+

Latham comes joins a Titans offensive line that really needs a solid tackle. Latham fits everything that the Titans want in the run game. There are some questions about his pass protection play, but many of those problems can be ironed out. Overall, a solid pick for a Titans team that can run the football with a dynamic Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears duo.

8th Overall Pick: Atlanta Falcons, Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington: D

This grade has nothing to do with Penix as a player or his skill set. Penix is a player who could walk in and start immediately, thanks to his great arm talent and experience. The problem is that the Falcons already have their starter for the next two years in Kirk Cousins. Atlanta was such a front runner to sign Cousins that the NFL has opened an investigation for tampering against the Falcons. If any evidence is found, it could result in the loss of draft picks next year. Even if the plan is to let Cousins start for two seasons, Penix will be 26 when he takes over the reins. The Falcons had a clear need on the defensive line or even in the secondary. For many, it feels like the 8th overall selection could have been used in a different area rather than a signal caller.

9th Overall Pick: Chicago Bears, Rome Odunze, WR, Washington: A+

Rome Odunze arrived in Detroit with Caleb Williams and is most likely leaving the Motor City with his new quarterback. Odunze joins a revamped Bears wide receiver room that’s stacked with talent, where he has the opportunity to learn from veteran receivers DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. Odunze has the potential to take over as the lead receiver in this room down the line and create instant chemistry with Williams. They could form an all-time receiver-quarterback connection on offense for Chicago for many years to come.

10th Overall Pick: Minnesota Vikings (via NY Jets Trade): J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan: B+

The JJ to JJ era begins as JJ McCarthy heads to the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The Vikings acquired the McCarthy selection via a trade with the Jets. McCarthy is heading to an ideal situation with one of the best weapons in the NFL, Justin Jefferson, as well as a young, up-and-coming first-round receiver from 2023, Jordan Addison, along with the always reliable TJ Hockenson at tight end. JJ had a lot to battle through this draft season, but the national champion quarterback is coming in with a chip on his shoulder, which could very much help him during his rookie campaign. Kevin O’Connell gets his young signal caller to lead his offense without having to give up the house and the farm.

11th Overall Pick: NY Jets (via Minnesota Trade): Olumuyiwa Fashanu OT Penn State: A

The Jets prioritize the protection of Aaron Rodgers with this pick. With both free agency adds Morgan Moses and Tyron Smith being 33 years old Fashanu is the new blood of offensive tackle talent for the Jets. He didn’t allow a sack in over 600 starts in college. This was a much needed addition for the Jets in year two of the Aaron Rodgers era in New York.

12th Overall Pick: Denver Broncos, Bo Nix, QB, Oregon: C+

Nix becomes the 6th quarterback taken in this first round. Sean Payton selects a quarterback with extensive game time in college for two different programs. Nix was a mainstay of the Oregon offense and contributed significantly to its success over the last two seasons. Payton brings Nix in to compete for a wide-open starting job at quarterback for the Broncos. Nix is just the type of player Payton looks for - someone who can execute and run his offense, but also work outside of structure when needed. However, given all the quarterback talent in this first round, this pick does feel like a reach.

13th Overall Pick: Las Vegas Raiders, Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia: A-

Brock Bowers is the best tight end prospect in this entire class. Had Bowers been healthy at the end of the year for the Bulldogs, there’s a good chance he wouldn’t be heading to Vegas as the newest Raider. Nonetheless, with all of the first-round quarterbacks on the board, giving either Gardner Minshew or Aidan O’Connell a player who dominates in the middle half of the field could potentially create a superstar. Bowers’ traits all add up to make him a solid first-round pick and a valuable player for the Raiders’ offense.

14th Overall Pick: New Orleans Saints, Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State: B

With the future of Ryan Ramczyk uncertain and former first-rounder Trevor Penning not panning out as the Saints would have liked, there was a massive need for a tackle. Fuaga is a mauler in all the best ways. He is a bona fide people mover who holds up well in pass protection. Derek Carr spent most of his first season with the Saints dealing with injuries. For New Orleans, this addition is much needed.

15th Overall Pick: Indianapolis Colts, Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA: A

Finally, the first defensive player is taken off the board as Laitu Latu heads to Indianapolis. Latu had some major concerns due to being medically retired because of a neck injury while he was at Washington. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the medical evaluations conducted by teams were more “positive” than expected. Nonetheless, Latu is heading to Indy to join an already stacked defensive line. Latu’s production since returning from injury for UCLA has been astounding. He possesses all the right skills and a combination of speed and agility to potentially be a formidable pass rusher for the Colts.

16th Overall Pick: Seattle Seahawks, Byron Murphy II, DL, Texas: A+

With defensive tackle being one of the more sought-after positions, Seattle beefed up their interior with the selection of Byron Murphy II from Texas. Murphy joins an underrated unit and will have the chance to learn under veteran Leonard Williams. Mike Macdonald has made stopping the run and pushing the pocket a main focus. Murphy was instrumental in the Longhorns’ defensive success last season and possesses all the skills needed to win from the inside and get to the quarterback.

17th Overall Pick: Min. Vikings (via Jax Jaguars Trade): Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama: A+

The Vikings walk away with the consensus best edge prospect in the entire draft class. Many thought Turner would be gone by at least pick #11 in the mock drafts. Now, he joins a defensive unit that needs an alpha pass rusher. With the departure of Danielle Hunter from the Vikings this offseason, the selection of Turner absolutely fills that void. Turner is a game wrecker and has the potential to be one of the best at his position with his strength, speed, and skill.

18th Overall Pick: Cincinnati Bengals, Amaruis Mims, OT, Georgia: C+

Mims doesn’t have much game film, but he is an absolute unit. Mims fits a need for the Bengals, who are constantly trying to secure pocket protection for Joe Burrow. Where Mims really excels is in the run game. With the explosive second-year running back Chase Brown, he could significantly help take the pressure off the passing game. Mims is definitely still raw, but he is a welcome addition to the Jungle.

19th Overall Pick: Los Angeles Rams, Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State: B+

How do you replace Aaron Donald? The actual answer to that question is, you don’t. However, you can replace his production with a group effort. Verse now joins a young Rams pass-rushing group consisting of standout players Kobe Turner and Byron Young. Adding Verse to the mix is beneficial, especially with his speed and ability to stop the run. Verse can break down the pocket from both the inside and off the edge. Sean McVay and his team have made a steal with this pick.

20th Overall Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers, Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington: B+

The Steelers needed another addition at tackle, and Troy Fautanu is an athletic, agile tackle who is explosive off his first step. Fautanu has the versatility to play across the offensive line, giving the Steelers a great variety of options for where he can play. He will most likely compete in training camp at tackle, but if not, he can also move to guard.

21st Overall Pick: Miami Dolphins, Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State: B

The Dolphins need more pass rushers, especially with Bradley Chubb and Jalen Phillips set to miss time. Enter Chop Robinson, who is explosive right from the start. Robinson is a game wrecker - just check out his highlights against Michigan to see how he can disrupt a game. In a loaded AFC, you can never have too much presence on the edge.

22nd Overall Pick: Philadelphia Eagles, Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo: A

The Eagles needed another corner to bolster their secondary, so they brought in speedster Quinyon Mitchell to provide much-needed reinforcements. Mitchell didn’t get targeted much during his time with Toledo, but that’s partially because he made teams pay when they did. The Eagles are hoping he can continue to do that at the next level against some of the faster, big-name weapons in the NFC.

23rd Overall Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars (via Min. Vikings Trade), Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU: A

Thomas Jr. joins a Jaguars team that needed a true deep threat. Thomas Jr. doesn’t have the pressure of having to be the number one receiver for the Jags, with Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis currently being the one-two receiver punch. With Thomas’s size and his threat in the red zone, he is a welcome addition to Trevor Lawrence’s arsenal of weapons.

24th Overall Pick: Detroit Lions (via Dallas Cowboys Trade): Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama: A+

This is a slam dunk, home run pick for the Lions. They need reinforcements in a secondary that gave up a ton of yards last season. Now, they get to add arguably one of the top corners in the class, Terrion Arnold, to their secondary alongside long-time veteran Carlton Davis. Arnold embodies everything that Dan Campbell wants his players to be: physical, unafraid of contact, and, as a huge plus, he has an eye for the football to get takeaways. Detroit could once again have an absolute star on their hands.

25th Overall Pick: Green Bay Packers, Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona: C+

The Packers absolutely needed a replacement for David Bakhtiari. However, Morgan has some question marks regarding his strength at the next level, as well as his arm length. He may need to move to the interior, which could help the Packers, but realistically, they need him out on the edge. Morgan bounced back from an ACL tear to have a very good season with Arizona. The hope is that he can continue that form at the next level.

26th Overall Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Graham Barton, C, Duke: B

Barton brings a lot of versatility for the Bucs. He will most likely play inside, whether at center or at guard. Barton graded very well during his time at Duke and can help this Buccaneers offensive line be successful, especially since the loss of long-time center Ryan Jensen.

27th Overall Pick: AZ Cardinals (via Hou. Texas): Darius Robinson, EDGE, Missouri: B

This pick might have felt like a reach, but nonetheless, Darius Robinson has helped the Cardinals create a presence up front. He moved from the interior to the exterior in college, which has really showcased his run-stopping ability. He possesses great athleticism, along with size and speed. The Cardinals have been retooling this defensive unit under Jonathan Gannon, but one can’t help but wonder if Robinson would still have been available in the early second round, allowing this first-round pick to be used elsewhere.

28th Overall Pick: Kansas City Chiefs (via Buffalo Bills Trade) Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas: C

Xavier Worthy is the fastest man in NFL history, according to his 40-yard dash time. Nonetheless, while this could work out great for Kansas City, Worthy’s frame and limited route tree mean he won’t be able to rely solely on his speed at the next level. His presence as a returner is something to watch for, and his significant involvement in a Texas offense is very appealing. However, it’s uncertain how he fits into the Chiefs’ wide receiver room compared to their existing lineup.

29th Overall Pick: Dallas Cowboys (via Detroit Lions): Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma: C+

The Cowboys needed to replace Tyron Smith, who is now a New York Jet. Tyler Guyton did not allow a sack last season at Oklahoma. However, he is seen as a project, given that he switched positions in college and is still considered a raw product. Nevertheless, the Cowboys have made a name for themselves by building a solid offensive line. Guyton will be someone to watch if this truly is a plug-and-play move on the offensive line.

30th Overall Pick: Baltimore Ravens, Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson :A-

Nate Wiggins brings a level of athleticism and speed to a Ravens secondary that is looking for a partner for long-time corner Marlon Humphrey. Despite his frame, Wiggins has excellent closing speed and excels in press coverage. He is a welcome addition to a Ravens secondary that is already loaded with speed and talent.

31st Overall Pick: San Francisco 49ers, Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida: B

This move feels like the 49ers are preparing for the potential departure of Brandon Aiyuk. Pearsall was very underrated during this draft process. He’s only dropped five total passes since 2020 and has a great ability to win out of the slot. We also can’t overlook his remarkable one-handed snag this year. However, many receivers with similar or better graded stats were ranked well ahead of Pearsall, which makes this selection feel like a reach. But Kyle Shanahan knows a capable player when he sees one. Bringing Ricky in to play out of the slot adds another layer to the 49ers’ offense.

32nd Overall Pick: Car. Panthers (via Buff. Bills Trade): Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina: B+

Legette had a breakout season at South Carolina, drawing comparisons to Deebo Samuel’s style of play. He was the only true alpha receiver and posted impressive numbers in his final year with the Gamecocks. Overall, he is another prospect who is still raw, with one solid year of great production. The fact that he was the only true receiver to be a game-changer could raise some concerns about him being a late bloomer. However, Dave Canales knows how to scheme for a player’s strengths. Adding another weapon like Legette for Bryce Young in Carolina is crucial for the success of their young quarterback.

With the first day of the draft wrapping up this is merely only the beginning for the surprises we see throughout draft weekend. There are still plenty of phenomenal players waiting to hear their names called throughout Day 2 starting tomorrow and Day 3 Saturday.