The 2024 NFL draft concluded in Detroit. There was a record number of fans-775,000-in attendance. This was viewed as a terrific draft class, especially at quarterback, as teams were looking to make some big improvements on their rosters.
Now that all seven rounds are in the books, teams are focusing on roster decisions. Rookie minicamps begin in a couple of weeks. That will be the first time those draftees are going to get a taste of the NFL.
Some of those selections have impacted the odds ahead of the season. Here are a few of the biggest storylines around the just-concluded draft…
Bears Went Offensive
NFL Chicago Bears had the No, 1 overall pick in the draft, also at No. 9. It was fairly obvious where the Men of the Midway were going at the top of the selection meeting, but some mystery about what they’d do at No. 9…keep it (and take whom?) or trade it.
At No. 1, Chicago went with Southern Cal quarterback Caleb Williams, and he figures to be the starter as a rookie. Williams is viewed as one of the better prospects over the past few years, and the Bears didn’t consider anyone else.
The second Bear pick saw University of Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze (92 receptions, 1,640 yards, 13 touchdowns last season) get the nod.
Chicago was among the worst offensive teams in the league last season. That shouldn’t be the case anymore, provided the recruits pan out.
About Those Quarterbacks
NFL Quarterbacks were targeted by teams at the top of the draft board. Even one team that doesn’t necessarily need a quarterback went in that direction, which threw a monkey wrench into things.
Louisiana St.’s Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders) and North Carolina’s Drake Maye (New England Patriots) went second and third, respectively, which was how the reliable mock drafts had it figured. It didn’t take long to find another quarterback off the board.
The woebegone Atlanta Falcons, at No. 8, shocked the landscape by taking the U. of Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. Lest one forgets the Falcons already acquired ex-Minnesota Viking Kirk Cousins. Those same Vikings selected Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy (No. 10), while Bo Nix out of Oregon went to the Denver Broncos at No. 12. In no previous draft had so many quarterbacks been chosen that high.
Where’s the Defense?
While the NFL has become more offensively-tilted than at any time in its history, teams still have to play some semblance of defense. In this draft, however, it wasn’t until No. 15 that a defensive player was chosen. Welcome to the league, UCLA edge rusher Laitau Latu, snatched by the Indianapolis Colts. That is the longest streak in draft history (the time it took a defensive player to be chosen at the beginning of the meeting).
There were some great defensive prospects in this class, but teams were just too focused on the other side of the ball.
Atlanta needed defensive help at No. 8 but instead went with a quarterback (see above). Chicago might have been on the defensive at No. 9, instead of taking a wideout (see the preceding graph as well).
There were just nine defensive players selected in Round 1’s 32 choices, with edge rusher as the position of choice.
It’s not surprising more defensive players were chosen with subsequent selections (rounds 2 through 7), but teams wanted the offense to get things started.
Needle Has Moved
Odds to win the title change throughout the off-season and into the regular season. As of this writing, it’s two teams (the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs and NFC-champ San Francisco 49ers) co-favorites at 6-1 (+600) to win the prize in New Orleans, according to Super Bowl LIX odds.
That’s been a constant, but there has been title odds movement among ‘second-tier’ contenders. The NFC North-champion Detroit Lions and AFC South-winning Houston Texans have some friends, priced at 12-1 (+1200) and 14-1 (+1400), respectively,
Also, after performing better than expected last season, and with a seemingly solid array of draft choices, Titletown and the Green Bay Packers are a 20-1 (+2000) proposition to win it all.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears have seen their bandwagon attract some passengers. Chicago is now a respectable 16-5 (+320) to win the NFC North, according to NFL division odds.
