Once again, ladies and gentlemen, the NFL Draft is here.
The eyes of the NFL world flock to Detroit to see the next wave of NFL athletes enter the league. SB Nation will be doing live grades based on our top 100 big board of the best prospects in the draft this year.
This year looks to be a bit more chaotic after the first three picks. USC QB Caleb Williams is going to be the first overall pick, we know that much is true. He’s more than likely already got his favorite order at JP Graziano’s memorized. The odds of him being the first overall pick are astronomical. Washington picks at 2, and all odds seem to be pointing to LSU QB Jayden Daniels being the pick. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported earlier that the Patriots are fixed on UNC QB Drake Maye at 3. From there, anything can happen. A lot of teams have been discussed moving up and trading back, and seeing what happens will be exciting. There’s also potential of a trade involving San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk going down tonight.
We’re in for a wild night, so follow along as we grade here.
1. Chicago Bears (via Carolina Panthers) – Caleb Williams, USC, QB
Grade: A+
The Bears have needed a reset at the QB position for a while, and they finally get one in my QB1B, Williams. He’s a dynamic playmaker with a strong arm and a special feel for the game that’ll stand out in Shane Waldron’s offense. While he tends to play a bit too much like Superman, that’s nothing that an NFL coach can’t fix. He’s an instant big play waiting to happen, and can become a star in the NFL immediately.
2. Washington Commanders – Jayden Daniels, LSU, QB
Grade: B+
The Commanders needed a QB who could provide some pop, and Daniels does that. He’s a big play waiting to happen with his arm and legs, and those explosive plays will work well with Kliff Kingsbury. I have a lot of questions about his ability to mitigate taking massive shots as a runner and passer, and his ability to throw over the middle, but he won’t be asked to do so in Washington. This is a good pick.
3. New England Patriots – Drake Maye, UNC, QB
Grade: A+
Getting my QB1A at the third overall pick is fantastic for the Patriots. Maye is a strong-armed, aggressive passer and a growing processor at the QB spot. He’s more ready to start right away than people think, and even if he isn’t ready to start by the Pats standards, they have the infrastructure to aid a young QB immediately. Absolutely love this pick.
4. Arizona Cardinals – Marvin Harrison Jr, WR, Ohio State
Grade: A
This one was obvious. Harrison Jr. is the best player in this draft class and a bonafide superstar on the outside. His body control, savvy as a route runner and ability to win with separation and going above the rim is going to do wonders in Arizona with a legit NFL QB and other weapons around him. Hand in glove fit.
5. Los Angeles Chargers – Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Grade: B-
Ok so look: I understand picking Alt. He’s a technician at tackle with NFL bloodlines, and is a strong pass protector. However, he’s a career left tackle, and unless the Chargers plan on moving Rashawn Slater to the right, Alt will be playing right tackle. His play strength wanes sometimes, which could be a problem early in his career, but I understand why the Chargers picked offensive line here. Would’ve loved a trade back, but Harbaugh and co are committed to running the ball and protecting Justin Herbert-can’t get much better than that.
6. New York Giants – Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Grade: A-
Yes, the Giants will need a QB soon. However, you can’t force yourself into loving a quarterback just because you need one. So Nabers here rules. He’s a big play waiting to happen, and despite a little bit of a vibey route running repertoire, he can instantly provide some juice into the offense. Would’ve like Washington WR Rome Odunze here a bit more, but this still rules.
7. Tennessee Titans – JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Grade: B
This is a really interesting pick for the Titans, assuming current RT Nicholas Petit-Frere moves from right, where he played all his rookie season, to left tackle in 2024. This was a spot for Alt but Latham here is a nice fit. He’s a dancing bear on the right side of the line who moves people in the run game and isn’t a stiff in pass protection. Under the tutelage of Bill Callahan, this could be really fun! Gotta hope Petit-Frere works at left tackle, though.
8. Atlanta Falcons – Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Grade: C-
Oh man. Look, I love Michel Penix Jr. and his game. The injury concerns very clearly didn’t scare teams away and neither did the wonky release. I just wonder why the Falcons would pick a QB at 8 knowing that Kirk Cousins is their guy for the next two to three years. This is confusing. Love the player, weird fit and spot to take him.
9. Chicago Bears – Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Grade: A
Love this pick in the short and long term for Odunze and the Bears. He’s my WR2, and he has such a clean game on the outside that he can allow WR Keenan Allen to play in the slot and DJ Moore can continue to be explosive. Odunze can grow into a top receiver to pair with Moore and grow with Caleb Williams. Love this pick
