Last night's draft was going pretty much as I saw it going until it got to pick 8. When the Falcons took Penix at 8, it threw a massive wrench into everyone's draft strategies. It started to get teams to panic at the quarterback position, and we saw six come off the board with the first 12 picks. Lots of talent was taken outside of that position, though, so let's take a look at who got the best value out of day one.
10. Xavier Worthy - Kansas City Chiefs (Pick 28)
Although I believe his former teammate Adonai Mitchell is the better wide receiver, Worthy fits KC's offense perfectly. They traded up for him, so they had to have a clear vision of how to use the speed demon. They are taking a different route this year, loading their team up with elite speed, adding Marquise Brown and now Worthy. If they use him in a Tyreek Hill role, he could exceed expectations and thrive in this dynamic offense. Rashee Rice is also possibly facing a suspension, so this ensures they have the receiver position secure to start the season.
9. Jared Verse - Los Angeles Rams (Pick 19)
After losing Aaron Donald, the Rams needed someone who could apply pressure at a high rate. That is precisely what they got in the dominant edge rusher from Florida State. He totaled 18 sacks and 29.5 tackles for loss in his last two seasons and has a ferocious play style. He will bully some offensive linemen early on, and he won't look like a rookie—excellent pick-up for Sean McVay and the Rams.
8. Tyler Guyton - Dallas Cowboys (Pick 29)
Replacing Tyron Smith was the priority this offseason, and Dallas just accomplished that. He is a 6'7, 330lb monster who allowed 0 sacks this past season. His footwork is also so quick for someone of his size. Guyton is versatile and can play either tackle position. He played RT this past season, so it'll be interesting to see how they switch their offensive lineup. Dallas fans should be thrilled about this unit.
7. Taliese Fuaga - New Orleans Saints (Pick 14)
Nobody needed a tackle as bad as the Saints, and they got their guy. Fuaga was projected to go in the top 10, but when the Titans took Latham, it opened the door for the Saints to land the stud tackle. He's a great pass blocker but an even better run blocker. He is going to punish defenders in the trenches. It's not the most flashy pick here, as fans wanted to get Turner with him falling, but it was a much-needed move.
6. Brock Bowers - Las Vegas Raiders (Pick 13)
Brock Bowers is an insanely gifted athlete, and I'm glad he fell to the Raiders. Gardner Minshew gets a sneaky good weapons core with Adams, Meyers, and Bowers. His route running for the position is abnormal, and his run-after-the-catch ability makes him so dangerous. I can't wait to see how Antonio Pierce utilizes his new weapon. They have a team full of tremendous route runners now who excel with the ball in their hands.
5. Jayden Daniels - Washington Commanders (Pick 2)
The Heisman winner comes into an offense where weapons are not the problem here. Having Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Austin Ekeler, and Brian Robinson on the field must make Daniels feel confident that he has a good supporting cast. The only reason Daniels isn't higher is because of Washington's offensive line struggles. They gave up the second most sacks in 2023 with 65 allowed. They slightly boosted their line but not at the tackle position. However, Daniels is a rare talent and has coaches scratching their heads when game-planning for his dual-threat abilities. However, Washington made the correct pick and should draft offensive line in the following round to protect their future.
4. J.J McCarthy + Dallas Turner - Minnesota Vikings (Pick 10 +17)
J.J.'s sample size is minimal as they were a run-first team at Michigan, but he always delivered on third down and crucial situations when the team needed him most. This was a necessary move, though, as Minnesota did not want to go into the season with Sam Darnold as their best quarterback. A very talented offense surrounds him, so I'm excited to see what he can do. Also, I never thought Turner would fall as low as 17, which makes him an immense value to the Vikings. Minnesota lost Danielle Hunter, and their eyes probably lit up when they saw Turner sitting there. They acquired Johnathan Greenard, who had a great season totaling 12.5 sacks, to pair with Alabama's freakishly athletic pass rusher. Turner ran a 4.46 40-yard dash and had an 83" wingspan. That duo will wreak havoc for years to come.
3. Joe Alt - Los Angeles Chargers (Pick 5)
I think Joe Alt appears to be one of the best pass blockers coming out of college that I've seen in a while. He will have a very successful, lengthy career full of pro bowls and other awards. Chargers don't have many weapons, but protecting Herbert was their main priority. They also acquired Gus Edwards and J.K Dobbins, so Harbaugh's playstyle requires a beefed-up offensive line. I know it's not the most exciting pick, but he will be a cornerstone tackle for years to come.
2. Marvin Harrison Jr. + Darius Robinson - Arizona Cardinals (Pick 4 + 27)
Many thought the Cardinals would be a famous team to trade down, but they ultimately decided to get one of the most talented wide receivers in recent history. I can't see any scenario where Harrison Jr. is a bust. He didn't have outstanding quarterback play this past season and is still dominated. Now he'll be paired up with Kyler Murray, who is the certified #1 option after Arizona got rid of Marquise Brown and Rondale Moore. They also get a great run stuffer who is improving as a pass rusher. He finished with eight sacks last year. Arizona needed someone off the edge, and they ended up with a Mizzou standout with an 85" wingspan.
1. Caleb Williams + Rome Odunze - Chicago Bears (Pick 1+9)
To me, Chicago, without a doubt, had the best draft. Getting their generational talent at quarterback and possibly the best route runner in the draft couldn't get much better. Williams doesn't have to be generational for the Bears to succeed; he has to be above average. They have surrounded him with Keenan Allen, D.J Moore, Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet, and D'Andre Swift. Their offensive line is decent, and so is their defense as a whole. They could surprise many people this year and succeed similarly to what the Texans accomplished last year. Their division is harder than the AFC South, but Chicago finally has something to be seriously excited about.
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