2024 NFL Draft grades, tracker: Analysis for every pick made in first round

The 2024 NFL Draft is finally underway. Quarterbacks were the story coming in and are the story as the round progresses. Want to know what I think of every pick made Thursday in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft? You can find it all below. You can also follow along throughout the rest of the draft on Days 2 and 3 for more grades and more analysis. 

Be sure to refresh this page throughout the weekend to get the latest grades. If you want to do all that plus track the best available prospects and get access to every pick in the draft on one page, you can in our draft tracker. And follow along with each pick in our live blog and all the trades in our trade tracker.

Grades: Round 1 • Round 2 • Round 3 • Round 4 • Round 5 • Round 6 • Round 7      

1. Bears: Caleb Williams, QB, USC

Grade: A- 

They say he’s generational, and he might be, but there are some concerns. I like his game, but I would have taken Jayden Daniels. Only time will tell. 

2. Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

Grade: A

I love this pick. It’s a great situation for a rookie. The team has a new owner, coach and now quarterback. They can grow together. He will be the best QB in this class. 

3. Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Grade: B

He might need some time on the bench, but he has the talent to develop into a good starting quarterback in this league. He just needs to fine tune a few mechanical things. The Patriots had to get a quarterback. 

4. Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

Grade: B+

He has the tools to be a star receiver in this league. The Cardinals had to get a receiver, so it works. He will be a big-time playmaker in their offense. I think Malik Nabers will be better, but it’s close. 

5. Chargers: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

Grade: B

He is the best in this class, but now he has to make the transition to right tackle for Jim Harbaugh. That can be tough to do. But taking a lineman makes sense, I just might have taken J.C. Latham as a better fit. 

6. Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

Grade: A+

I love this pick for the Giants. It says they didn’t believe in the quarterbacks who were left and now they get a playmaker on the outside. This kid will be a star. 

7. Titans: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

Grade: B+

He is a right tackle and they need a left tackle, so it will be interesting to see how they play it. But he’s a violent player wherever he plays. They cross-train at Alabama at both left and right, so he should be able to make a smooth transition. 

8. Falcons: Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

Grade: B-

They opted to take their quarterback of the future by taking Penix. He has all the tools, but will learn and wait behind Kirk Cousins. I wonder if he can rush the passer. Like the player, but don’t like the pick. Grade: B

9. Bears: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

Grade: B+

This is a smart pick for the Bears, even if taking an edge rusher filled a bigger need. Now you have a young receiver to grow with Caleb Williams. Odunze will give them a nice three-man receiver group. 

10. Vikings: J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

Grade: C+

They had to fill the quarterback spot, so it makes sense to take McCarthy. I don’t love him as much as others do, but it will be interesting to see how Kevin O’Connell and company will make it work.

11. Jets: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

Grade: B-

He is a left tackle for the future, but also insurance if Tyron Smith can’t play the whole season, He is good in pass protection, but needs to improve his run blocking. This isn’t an all-in pick like Brock Bowers might have been.

12. Broncos: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

Grade: C-

I don’t love Nix, but I get the pick. Desperation forces teams to pick quarterbacks earlier than they should. Sean Payton obviously sees Drew Brees in him, but this is way early. Why not trade down and get him later? 

13. Raiders: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

Grade: C

He’s a heck of a player, but didn’t they draft Michael Mayer last year and signed Harrison Bryant this year? They have other needs. Don’t really like this pick that much. It’s not like he’s a good blocker for their run game. Strange pick with other needs. 

14. Saints

15. Colts 

16. Seahawks

17. Jaguars

18. Bengals

19. Rams

20. Steelers 

21. Dolphins 

22. Eagles

23. Vikings 

24. Cowboys 

25. Packers

26. Buccaneers 

27. Cardinals 

28. Bills 

29. Lions 

30. Ravens 

31. 49ers

32. Chiefs