The NFL Draft kicked off with great fanfare Thursday night. This event, which was only an obligatory event 20 years ago, has become a real sporting phenomenon which continues to grow. Here are 10 highlights from this first evening of the 2024 vintage.
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1. A record crowd
Tonight’s attendance in Detroit exceeds 275,000 fans, surpassing the previous all-time Day One Draft record set in Nashville in 2018, which was over 200,000.
pic.twitter.com/gExCkcIC0c— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) April 26, 2024
Do you think we’re bluffing by talking about the draft as a phenomenon? Proof that the NFL is miles ahead of other major North American sports leagues is that a record crowd of 275,000 filled the streets of Detroit during the opening round. A veritable human tide! The previous mark was established in 2018, in Nashville, with 200,000 believers at mass.
2. A television monster
The Colts went with the first defensive player at No. 15, Laiatu Latu. Photo Getty Images via AFP
Ratings for the first round are not known as of this writing, but since 2018, the first night of the draft has attracted at least 11.2 million viewers each year in the United States. For comparison, that’s more than the average 9.1 million people who watched last year’s World Series, the highlight of baseball’s season.
3. A big surprise
It’s still hard to explain the biggest surprise of the night, when the Falcons selected quarterback Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall. Six weeks ago, they gave Kirk Cousins a huge contract, with two years guaranteed for $100 million, to run their offense. Logically, a team that pays that much expects that investment to take them to the promised land. Why not maximize by strengthening the team around him for the present and not the future?
4. The rushed commissioner
It is customary for the prospects present at the draft to experience their “hug moment” with commissioner Roger Goodell on the stage when they are selected by their team. However, Goodell had back surgery three weeks ago and showed more restraint. Picked by the Titans seventh overall, towering 6’6″, 345 lb. tackle JC Latham grabbed the commissioner, lifting him off the ground with a good old bear grip. He obviously hadn’t gotten the memo!
5. The odds of big guys
Troy Fautanu was the Steelers’ chosen one with the 20th pick. Photo Getty Images via AFP
Speaking of blockers, no less than nine offensive linemen were called up in the first round (Joe Alt with the Chargers, JC Latham with the Titans, Olu Fashanu with the Jets, Taliese Fuaga with the Saints, Amarius Mims with the Bengals, Troy Fautanu with the Steelers, Jordan Morgan with the Packers, Graham Barton with the Buccaneers and Tyler Guyton with the Cowboys). This is one less than the record of 10, established in 1968.
6. Popular receivers
Everyone made a big deal about the quarterbacks since it was the first time since 1983 that six of them were drafted in the first round. We must not forget that receivers have also been in demand. Seven of them were chosen, which equals the mark of 2004. Any name to remember from the lot? Xavier Worthy, who set a speed record with 4.21 seconds for 40 yards, is Patrick Mahomes’ new toy with the Chiefs…
7. The Bears’ double blow
Not only did the Bears get the most coveted quarterback in Caleb Williams, but also a receiver with a bright future in Rome Odunze. Photo Getty Images via AFP
The Bears relied heavily on their offense, opting for quarterback Caleb Williams first and receiver Rome Odunze ninth. This franchise has rarely been recognized for its offensive flashes and this time is trying to radically change its image. The last time the Bears finished in the top 5 in both points scored and yards allowed was in 1965.
8. A very sensible one
Team owners in the NFL can take criticism very badly. That of the Panthers, David Tepper, is recognized for his involvement which borders on interference in football operations. To the point where fans in a Charlotte bar pointed at him with a sign on which they wrote: “Please let the coach and GM choose this year” during the first round of the draft. Tepper went there, entered the bar and demanded an explanation. A billionaire with a sensitive skin…
9. Quarterback Madness
Never before have we seen six quarterbacks come out in the top 12. We knew that Caleb Williams (Bears), Jayden Daniels (Commanders), Drake Maye (Patriots) and JJ McCarthy (Vikings) would find takers. Michael Penix Jr. (Falcons) and Bo Nix (Broncos) were picked surprisingly early. A little home exercise reminded us that top 12 does not necessarily mean success. Excluding last year, 45 quarterbacks have been drafted in the top 12 since 2000 and 23 of them had at least decent careers, by our assessment. It’s scary!
10. You Grand Bill!
Think Bill Belichick is just lounging around his Nantucket vacation home since he’s no longer running the Patriots? No team hired him for next season, but he found himself as a first-round analyst on the team’s board. Pat McAfee Show, live on YouTube. As much as the gruff character can be annoying in press conferences, he seemed engaged, informative and critical in his role. He was one of the few analysts in the draft for whom every player is not just a gold mine in the making. To have!
2024-04-26 19:08:50
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