The 2024 NFL Draft is in the books, and with that they made history a couple of times. Quarterbacks flew off the board and then hit a historic halt. Running backs continue to be devalued. Here’s a look at how they did it, and what that could mean for the 2024 crop of prospects moving forward.
How the 2024 NFL Draft Made History More Than Once
Six Quarterbacks in the First Round
The six quarterbacks selected in the first round didn’t set a new record but tied the old one. Between Bo Nix and the shocking Michael Penix pick, two more quarterbacks went than many expected. It will be interesting to see how it pans out compared to the 1983 draft, where Elway, Marino, and Kelly turned into studs for years to come. Five in the top ten was also a record, so they weren’t just a lot of quarterbacks taken they were picked extremely high.
This was also the second time since 2000 with three quarterbacks to go one, two, and three. The last time was in 2021, so hopefully these guys don’t turn into Zach Wilson and Trey Lance.
Most Picks Without a Defender Selected
Remember the old mantra “Defense wins championships”? That’s now a thing of the past, at least in this draft. The 2024 NFL Draft made history by zooming past the previous record of eight picks and cruising all the way to 15 before the first defender was selected. The 23 offensive players selected were also a record, as the previous record was 19. This was the most picks made without a defender selected and signals a shift toward a more offensive-focused league.
There were an insane amount of wide receivers and quarterbacks taken early, and fantasy football managers should get an early look at the rookies if they want a leg up on their opponents. Malik Nabers went to a rough landing spot, while Xavier Worthy in Kansas City is wheels up for 2024 and beyond.
No Quarterbacks Taken Day Two
Normally somebody takes a swing on a quarterback in the second or third round. In the 2024 NFL Draft, no quarterback was taken between Bo Nix at 12 to Denver all the way to Spencer Rattler in the fifth round. That’s 138 picks in a row without a quarterback taken, also an NFL record. Many analysts expected teams to go heavy on backup quarterbacks after the string of injuries to starters in 2023. Instead, they let the third tier of quarterbacks fall all the way to day three.
Running Backs Had to Wait
Four running backs in the top 100 were the least since 2016. None in the first round and only one in the top 50 were also abnormally low, but that wasn’t a shock to many who have covered the draft. The class is weak. But Jonathan Brooks and Trey Benson are the two that should give fans hope and were drafted accordingly. The Packers buried Marshawn Lloyd behind Josh Jacobs and maybe even A.J. Dillon, which is a similar song for many of the running backs in the class.
Main Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
