NFL draft breaks records with 6 QBs in top 12, no defenders
The 2024 NFL Draft is the first to ever feature five quarterbacks going in the top 10.
The Chicago Bears kicked off Round 1 by taking Caleb Williams, widely considered the top prospect in this year's draft. The Washington Commanders selected Jayden Daniels at No. 2, while the New England Patriots snagged Drake Maye with the third overall choice.
The most stunning move of Day 1 came with the Atlanta Falcons selecting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 instead of adding a new offensive weapon or a highly touted defensive player. The Falcons had already signed four-time Pro Bowl passer Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180-million contract in free agency. Penix was considered the fourth- or fifth-best QB prospect in 2024.
The Minnesota Vikings made J.J. McCarthy the fifth QB taken after trading with the New York Jets to move up one spot to 10th overall.
The 2024 NFL Draft passed the 1949 and 2018 drafts for most quarterbacks selected in the top 10. This year's event also marked the first time in NFL history that no defensive players were called in the first 10 picks. The Indianapolis Colts made edge rusher Laiatu Latu the first defender off the board at No. 15.
Here are the top 10 picks of the 2024 draft:
| Pick | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | QB Caleb Williams | Bears |
| 2 | QB Jayden Daniels | Commanders |
| 3 | QB Drake Maye | Patriots |
| 4 | WR Marvin Harrison Jr. | Cardinals |
| 5 | OT Joe Alt | Chargers |
| 6 | WR Malik Nabers | Giants |
| 7 | OT JC Latham | Titans |
| 8 | QB Michael Penix Jr. | Falcons |
| 9 | WR Rome Odunze | Bears |
| 10 | QB J.J. McCarthy | Vikings |
Quarterbacks kept stealing headlines after the top 10, as the Denver Broncos selected Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick. It's the first time six QBs went in the first round since 1983.