The NFL Draft is poised to be one of the most unpredictable in history, with potential blockbuster trades and a record number of quarterbacks expected to be taken in the first round. The draft is set to begin at 8 p.m. on Thursday in Detroit, with the Chicago Bears expected to select quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick. The Washington Commanders are anticipated to choose between quarterbacks Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye, setting the stage for a night of surprises and chaos.
Six quarterbacks could be selected in the first round, a rarity that hasn’t been seen since 1983. This comes after the offseason shakeup of the 2021 draft class, which saw four of the five first-round quarterbacks traded into backup roles. Former Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik believes that the 2024 draft class is special, with quality and quantity at the quarterback position. The uncertainty of where top quarterbacks like Daniels, Maye, J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix Jr., and Bo Nix will end up has sparked a flurry of trade discussions among teams.
Several teams are in the market for a young quarterback, with the New England Patriots looking to potentially trade their No. 3 pick if their preferred choice doesn’t align with the consensus. The Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants are also rumored to be in talks with the Patriots about trading up in the draft. The Cardinals and Chargers, holding the No. 4 and No. 5 picks respectively, could become pivotal points in the draft if they decide to keep their franchise quarterbacks or trade down to acquire more picks.
The Giants, Vikings, Broncos, and Raiders are all in the quarterback hunt and could engage in a game of chicken to see who will trade up for the top prospects. The potential for a run on quarterbacks could push other top-rated prospects like offensive tackle Joe Alt, receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers, and tight end Brock Bowers into steal territory. Teams like the Eagles may be looking to trade up in the draft for a desired defensive player, while the Bills and Chiefs could find themselves competing for a top receiver.
Jets general manager Joe Douglas is excited about the plethora of talented offensive players in the draft, including top-level blockers and dynamic playmakers. There is a possibility that no defensive player is picked in the top 10 for the first time in history, which could present opportunities for teams like the Eagles. With the potential for numerous trades and surprises, the 2024 NFL Draft promises to be a night of excitement and uncertainty for teams and fans alike.
