The 2024 NFL Draft has seen a historic first round in Detroit, with plenty of top players still up for grabs.
Thursday night was filled with drama as the first round of the NFL Draft kicked off in Detroit. The Chicago Bears made headlines by selecting quarterback Caleb Williams and receiver Rome Odunze in the top 10 picks, while a record number of quarterbacks were chosen.
Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye were expectedly picked, but the Atlanta Falcons caused a stir by snapping up Michael Penix Jr with the eighth overall pick. The Minnesota Vikings chose JJ McCarthy at No 10, followed by the Denver Broncos picking Oregon quarterback Bo Nix at No. 12, setting an NFL Draft record with six quarterbacks taken in the first 12 picks.
While many stars realized their dreams of being selected in the first round, there’s still a wealth of talent to be found in Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday. Here are the six biggest talents still available after Day 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft, reports the Mirror US.
Ladd McConkey, WR (Georgia).
Despite being slightly undersized, Ladd McConkey boasts excellent speed, quickness, and playmaking ability, making him a force to be reckoned with both outside and in the slot. With a quick release, the former Bulldog has a knack for beating his man and creating separation, while his strong hands ensure he can complete the catch before making a break for it.
Jackson Powers-Johnson, C (Oregon).
Jackson Powers-Johnson is a versatile player, having played in all three interior offensive line positions for Oregon and even spending time as a defensive tackle. However, he excelled as a center in 2023 due to his size, exceptional quickness, and balance which allowed him to set vertically and combat power rushers. He uses angles effectively and will be a great addition to any offensive line.
Jer’Zhan Newton, DT (Illinois).
Despite being considered small for the defensive line, Jer’Zhan Newton’s quick and powerful hands allow him to dominate at the point of attack. Newton utilizes his range of moves to generate sacks and pressure as a pass-rusher, often resorting to a violent swim and a quick-swipe combination maneuver to disrupt offensive lines. He is also an effective run defender.
Cooper DeJean, CB (Iowa).
Cooper DeJean has received a lot of attention in the pre-draft process and it’s easy to see why. Blessed with size and speed, DeJean is a playmaker whose vision allows him to produce – he tallied three pick-sixes in 2022. While he sometimes struggles with penalties at the catch point, DeJean’s speed means he can stay with vertical routes and he is an impressive blitzer, a threat in run support, and a solid tackler.
Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB (Alabama).
Kool-Aid McKinstry has been a standout player at Alabama, demonstrating his ability to track and play the ball effectively. While his speed might raise some eyebrows, he’s proven himself as a dependable tackler in open space and the overall fluidity of his game could well translate to the NFL.
Adonai Mitchell, WR (Texas).
Looking to follow in the footsteps of his Texas teammate Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell brings an appealing combination of size, toughness, and a well-rounded game that should keep teams on their toes. Despite struggling to make plays after the catch, Mitchell is effective in completing a route, and his ability to leap, hang in the air, and complete spectacular jump balls makes him a potent threat in the red zone.
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