The first round of the 2024 NFL draft provided a wild night, quarterbacks and offensive players flying off the board at an unprecedented clip – no selection more stunning than the Atlanta Falcons’ decision to take Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick.
Such theatrics may be hard to top Friday, when Rounds 2 and 3 will be conducted in downtown Detroit, but more surprises are doubtless in store, especially with teams like the Bills, Texans and Browns set to choose their first players of this draft.
USA TODAY Sports will track and analyze every selection from No. 33 overall to 100, which will mark the conclusion of Day 2:
2024 NFL draft tracker: Second-round picks
33. Buffalo Bills (from Carolina Panthers): WR Keon Coleman, Florida State
If not for a 4.6 40 time at the scouting combine, the All-ACC selection probably would have easily been a first-rounder. But his game speed seems to belie his timed speed, and his size (6-3, 213) is also an asset – particularly with contested catches. And with the departures of WRs Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, Coleman could quickly emerge as WR1, albeit for a passing game that could be dominated by tight ends.
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34. Los Angeles Chargers (from New England Patriots): WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia
The Bolts trade up to address the departures of starting WRs Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. McConkey would provide QB Justin Herbert with a reliable option either outside or from the slot, where he could maybe best complement 2023 first-rounder Quentin Johnston, who struggled as a rookie. On the small side (6-0, 186), McConkey offers sub-4.4 speed and quickness and is a plus route runner with return ability. Back and ankle injuries limited him to nine games last season. He is not related to former Giants WR Phil McConkey.
35. Atlanta Falcons (from Arizona Cardinals): DT Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson
He had nine sacks and 16 tackles for loss over the past two years for the Tigers. Orhorhoro could succeed Grady Jarrett in a year while playing behind him and David Onyemata and refining his craft in the interim for a defense that needs to generate more pressure. A bit unpolished, Orhorhoro is definitely a good athlete, the 6-4, 294-pounder running a sub-4.9 40 at the combine.
36. Washington Commanders: DT Johnny Newton, Illinois
The Big Ten’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year, who’s 6-2 and 304 pounds, is strong, tough, twitchy and certainly disruptive enough to make an impact right away. Does his arrival signal Jonathan Allen or Daron Payne could be moving on?
37. Patriots (from Chargers): WR WR Ja’Lynn Polk, Washington
Rome Odunze’s wingman with the Huskies, Polk is more than Robin – accumulating 69 grabs for 1,159 yards and nine TDs for the national champion runners-up. The size (6-1, 203) and 4.5 speed should make him a fixture in three-receiver sets … and maybe even rookie QB Drake Maye’s primary target in Foxborough.
38. Tennessee Titans: DT T’Vondre Sweat, Texas
The Big 12 defensive player of the year, they don’t come much bigger than the 6-5, 366-pounder. His weight and a recent DWI arrest didn’t help Sweat during the pre-draft process, but the man can still plug a hole. And he’ll likely help Pro Bowl DT Jeffery Simmons penetrate even more effectively. Not much of a pass rusher himself, Sweat had five sacks in five years with the Longhorns.
39. Los Angeles Rams (from New York Giants via Panthers): DT Braden Fiske, Florida State
A highly athletic interior disruptor − no, he’s not Aaron Donald – Fiske should help fellow rookie and ex-Seminole Jared Verse plug that sizable void on LA’s line. Fiske was one of the combine’s stars, running a 4.78 40 at 6-4, 292 pounds. He had six sacks in his only season with FSU after transferring from Western Michigan.
40. Philadelphia Eagles (from Chicago Bears via Commanders): DB Cooper DeJean, Iowa
A souped-up athlete and 2023 All-American who was named the Big Ten’s top defensive back last season, DeJean can play pretty much anywhere in the secondary and can also help as a punt returner. He ran a 4.43 40 at a personal workout earlier this month, apparently nicely recovered from last November’s broken leg. Could play a lot of slot and safety in Philly.
41. New Orleans Saints (from New York Jets via Green Bay Packers): CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
A two-time All-SEC selection who went through his pro day paces on a broken foot – running a sub-4.5 40 in the process – he’s got first-round ability and, certainly, toughness. Doesn’t turn the ball over much with just two INTs in three seasons for Bama. Over three seasons, he only surrendered three TD passes.
42. Houston Texans (from Minnesota Vikings): CB Kamari Lassiter, Georgia
Could be a nickel in what’s shaping up as a deep secondary in Houston, though didn’t play much in the slot for the Dawgs. A 4.65 40 time at his pro day is a red flag, but his grittiness is not.
43. Cardinals (from Falcons): CB Max Melton, Rutgers
Picked off eight passes in three years for the Scarlet Knights. With 4.39 speed, the 5-11, 187-pounder could show up in Arizona as the Cards’ top corner, and his aggressiveness should translate well to a young defense.
44. Las Vegas Raiders: OL Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
The 2023 Rimington Trophy winner as the country’s best college center, “JPJ” – who excels as a run and pass blocker – might shift to guard for Vegas. He only allowed three pressures in three years with the Ducks.
45. Packers (from Denver Broncos via Saints): LB Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M
An All-American in 2023, the do-it-all off-ball linebacker should be quite a chess piece for a new-look Green Bay defense. Cooper had eight sacks and 17 TFLs last season but is just as comfortable in coverage or stopping the run.
46. Panthers (from Indianapolis Colts): RB Jonathon Brooks, Texas
Explosive runner who had 1,425 yards and 11 TDs from scrimmage in 2023, averaging 6.7 yards per touch. Might have been a first-round pick had he not torn an ACL last November. Relatively low usage (266 touches in three seasons) could be a boon moving forward. Could unseat Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders atop Carolina’s depth chart.
47. Giants (from Seattle Seahawks): S Tyler Nubin, Minnesota
A team that lost Xavier McKinney in free agency gets perhaps this draft’s best safety. Nubin had 12 INTs over the past three years. Usually a center fielder, he can also defend from the slot.
48. Jacksonville Jaguars: DT Maason Smith, LSU
Could reach estimable potential as he joins a Jags line that also just welcomed veteran DT Arik Armstead and has Josh Allen and Travon Walker on the edges. Smith should be another who can slice through the gaps and disrupt a pocket.
49. Cincinnati Bengals: DT Kris Jenkins, Michigan
One of the leaders of the Wolverines’ championship season, the son of the former NFL star of the same name gets a chance to spotlight his own in Cincy. With B.J. Hill and Joseph Ossai, pretty good rotation forming here.
50. Commanders (from Saints via Eagles): DB Mike Sainristil, Michigan
Could be this year’s premier nickel, the converted receiver picking off six passes in 2023. The All-American’s reputation as a leader should be a nice fit for a rebooting defense in D.C.
51. Pittsburgh Steelers: C Zach Frazier, West Virginia
They continue to remake their offensive line with an All-Big 12 performer and former wrestler from just across the border. Frazier and fellow rookie Troy Fautanu join a front five that added OT Broderick Jones last year. Expect this team to run more and more effectively in 2023.
52. Colts (from Rams via Panthers): WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas
He should immediately form a nice tandem with Michael Pittman Jr. as reliable targets for second-year QB Anthony Richardson. Mitchell has Velcro hands, postseason bona fides, size (6-2, 205) and exceptional speed (4.34 40 time). A Georgia transfer, Mitchell found the end zone 11 times during his only season with the Longhorns.
53. Commanders (from Eagles): TE Ben Sinnott, Kansas State
The two-time All-Big 12 stud had 49 catches for 676 yards last year, but is also an effective blocker – a nice suite of trades when you’re charged with helping a fellow rookie (Jayden Daniels) at quarterback.
54. Cleveland Browns: DT Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State
They’re finally on the board after paying off their Deshaun Watson debt. And Cleveland adds a plus athlete who could capture his potential on an elite defense featuring 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. Hall’s 6-3, 290-pound frame and quickness could make him a terror in DC Jim Schwartz’s scheme.
55. Miami Dolphins: OT Patrick Paul, Houston
The first-team All-Big 12 blocker could be the successor to veteran LT Terron Armstead and might need a year to prepare for that job. At 6-8 and 331 pounds, Paul’s specialty in three years on the left side for the Cougars was pass protection.
56. Dallas Cowboys: DE Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan
Dallas continues to invest in the trenches after getting raided there during free agency. Kneeland displays the athleticism of a former tight end if also the inexperience of a relative newcomer to the D-line. He averaged 3½ sacks and 9.3 TFLs over the past three seasons.
57. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: OLB Chris Braswell, Alabama
A nice addition to the pass rush following the departure of Shaq Barrett. Braswell had eight sacks and 10½ TFLs last season. The 6-3, 251-pounder posted a 4.6 40 at the combine.
58. Packers: DB Javon Bullard, Georgia
Picked off four passes the past two seasons but can also make a mess in the backfield. Can line up anywhere in the secondary.
59. Texans: OT Blake Fisher, Notre Dame
A right tackle for the Irish opposite Joe Alt, the 6-6, 310-pounder could displace struggling vet Tytus Howard in H-Town given the priority to protect QB C.J. Stroud.
60. Bills: S Cole Bishop, Utah
Buffalo goes to the back line after breaking up its Jordan Poyer/Micah Hyde tandem. Bishop can be a disruptor whether defending the pass or run.
61. Detroit Lions: CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri
The NFC North champs continue to load up at corner after drafting Terrion Arnold on Thursday and trading for Carlton Davis III. Rakestraw’s physical style should play in Motown.
62. Baltimore Ravens: OT Roger Rosengarten, Washington
Another Husky off the board, this one could be ticketed for right tackle in Baltimore following the trade of Morgan Moses to the Jets. Rosengarten grades much better than pass pro than as a run blocker.
63. Kansas City Chiefs (from San Francisco 49ers): OT Kingsley Suamataia, BYU
Could get a shot at what’s essentially a vacant left tackle job with 2023 starter Donovan Smith unsigned. Suamataia (6-5, 326), who surrendered just two sacks in two years with the Cougars, might also be a valuable swing option given the struggles of RT Jawaan Taylor last season.
64. 49ers (from Chiefs): CB Renardo Green, Florida State
He mostly plays wide but could compete for snaps in nickel packages after breaking up 14 passes last season. Big (6-0, 186) and tenacious with sub-4.5 speed, he could be a fixture here for some time.
2024 NFL draft tracker: Third-round picks
65. Jets (from Panthers): WR Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky
The NYJ trade up to the top of Round 3 for the two-time All-Conference USA star, who has been widely compared to Deebo Samuel – both due to his size (5-11, 215) and ability to make huge plays after the catch. Corley averaged 90 receptions, 11 TDs and more than 1,100 yards as a receiver over the past two seasons and, like Samuel, occasionally takes direct handoffs. Corley will probably have to expand his route-running prowess, but little question he can make things happen right away, especially between WRs Garrett Wilson and Mike Williams.
66. Cardinals: RB Trey Benson, Florida State
Big (6-0, 216), fast (4.39 40 time) and productive (2,267 yards and 24 TDs from scrimmage over past two seasons). While at Oregon, he tore his ACL, MCL, lateral meniscus, medial meniscus and hamstring in practice late in the 2020 season. Should immediately take some load off James Conner.
67. Commanders: OL Brandon Coleman, TCU
Whether at guard or tackle, the 6-5, 313-pounder should upgrade the blocking in front of Daniels in 2024. Yet another team captain as Washington seems to be loading up on character.
68. Patriots: OT Caedan Wallace, Penn State
New England has an opening on the left side following the departure of Trent Brown, though Wallace played on the right side for the Nittany Lions.
69. Chargers:
70. Giants:
71. Cardinals (from Titans):
72. Panthers (from Jets):
73. Dallas Cowboys (from Detroit Lions through Minnesota Vikings)
74. Atlanta Falcons
75. Chicago Bears
76. Denver Broncos
77. Las Vegas Raiders
78. Eagles (Seahawks via Commanders)
79. Cardinals (from Jaguars via Falcons):
80. Cincinnati Bengals
81. Seahawks (from Saints through Denver Broncos)
82. Indianapolis Colts
83. Los Angeles Rams
84. Pittsburgh Steelers
85. Cleveland Browns
86. Houston Texans (from Philadelphia Eagles)
87. Dallas Cowboys
88. Green Bay Packers
89. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
90. Arizona Cardinals (from Houston Texans)
91. Green Bay Packers (from Buffalo Bills)
92. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Detroit Lions)
93. Baltimore Ravens
94. San Francisco 49ers
95. Buffalo Bills (from Kansas City Chiefs)
96. Jacksonville Jaguars (compensatory selection)
97. Cincinnati Bengals (compensatory selection)
98. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Philadelphia Eagles; special compensatory selection)
99. Los Angeles Rams (special compensatory selection)
100. Washington Commanders (from San Francisco 49ers; special compensatory selection)
Which players might have to wait to hear their names called?
For many of college football’s most accomplished players, the NFL draft provides a signature moment as they transition to the professional ranks. Others, however, face a harsh fate – and wait – over the course of the three-day event. As the 2024 NFL draft moves into its second night, keep an eye on these seven notable figures who could be in for an extended wait before they’re picked.
Who are the top players available in second round of 2024 NFL draft?
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz revealed his final list of the best 125 players on this year’s board Thursday morning. A good chunk of those players were selected in Round 1 but many quality ones remain available Friday. Here are the top 10 going into Round 2:
19. Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
20. Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
27. Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
29. Johnny Newton, DT, Illinois
30. Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
32. Payton Wilson, LB, North Carolina State
34. Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
35. Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
37. Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky
38. Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia
Read the full list of top players with analysis
Who were the winners and losers from 2024 NFL draft’s first round?
The aftermath of Day 1 leaves plenty of intrigue and controversy ahead of the draft’s next two days … along with runaway optimism and, perhaps, relief in other quarters. The event is only 12% complete, but it feels like 88% of its major lead-in questions were answered – though others have certainly surfaced. So far, the Bears and Giants QB Daniel Jones are among the victors while the Falcons passers and Cowboys … are not.
Read Nate Davis’ first-round winners and losers
What time does the 2024 NFL draft start?
Date: Friday, April 26 (Rounds 2-3)
Start time: 7 p.m. ET
When is the 2024 NFL draft?
The 2024 NFL draft began Thursday (Round 1), continues Friday (Rounds 2-3) and concludes Saturday (Rounds 4-7) at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit.
How to watch the 2024 NFL draft
Live coverage of the NFL draft can be found on ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes and NFL Network. Streaming coverage is also available on ESPN+, NFL+, YouTube TV, Hulu+ Live TV, Fubo TV and Sling TV.
Rounds 2-3: Friday, 7 p.m. ET
Rounds 4-7: Saturday, noon ET
More
Labeling Iowa first-round prospect Cooper DeJean isn’t easy
Whichever NFL team drafts Cooper DeJean will decide how to best utilize his skill set and athleticism. The former Iowa Hawkeyes cornerback is one of the draft’s most intriguing prospects to evaluators thanks to the versatility he showed in his three seasons of college play. He’s also an anomaly himself.
DeJean is a cornerback. DeJean is white. DeJean is a white cornerback.
To refer to him as a “defensive back” or prognosticate a necessary transition to safety is “mind-blowing,” according to ESPN analyst and former NFL cornerback Domonique Foxworth.
Read Chris Bumbaca’s full feature here
NFL draft’s 50* biggest busts
The New York Jets’ trade of QB Zach Wilson this week underscored anew how badly the 2021 NFL draft went for so many quarterback-desperate teams. Yet draft history is littered with busts, particularly in Round 1, like Wilson, Trey Lance and Mac Jones, so beware before you get overly optimistic about the guy your team chooses tonight. Here’s a thorough look back at the 50 most notable draft washouts from the past 50 years … and we (justifiably*) found a way to shoehorn more than 50 onto the list.
Read Nate Davis’s complete rankings here
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Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter @ByNateDavis.