2024 NFL Draft grades: Bears land pair of A's for top-10 duo in Round 1

The 2024 NFL Draft has finally arrived! FOX Sports draft expert Rob Rang is here to analyze and grade every first-round pick.

NFL Draft Grades

1. Chicago Bears (from Carolina): Caleb Williams, QB, USC

Rang: A gifted and natural playmaker who boasts exceptional accuracy in the pocket and on the move, Williams has all the physical traits needed to become an NFL superstar. Two concerns: He needs to clean up his ball security (led the NCAA in fumbles in 2023), and some question his leadership ability. New Bears OC Shane Waldron helped Geno Smith earn Pro Bowl honors in Seattle the past two years. The Bears are getting a more gifted prospect in Williams, who should enjoy immediate success.

Grade: A

2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

Rang: The reigning Heisman Trophy winner offers a dazzling combination of slithery scrambling ability and deep-ball accuracy that make him a nightmare to defend. He is a polarizing prospect among scouts due to his relatively slim frame and the fact that his production at LSU was undeniably boosted by an exceptional receiving corps, but Daniels was a game-changer even back at Arizona State and consistently progressed throughout college. For a defensive-minded head coach like Dan Quinn, it is easy to understand why the Commanders see Daniels’ maturity and dual-threat ability as the perfect leader for Washington’s rebuild.

Grade: A

LSU HC Brian Kelly on what makes Jayden Daniels so special

3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye, QB, UNC

Rang: The physical prototype with a strapping frame, strong and accurate arm and underrated athleticism, Maye might be a bit unpolished but he showed resiliency and grit as a two-year starter at UNC, fighting through a change at offensive coordinator and average talent around him. That grit will help him in New England, which currently has one of the least impressive rosters in the NFL. Maye has the physical traits and intangibles to project as a high-end NFL starter, but might require some patience. That makes sense for new general manager Eliot Wolf and head coach Jerod Mayo, as the Patriots turn the page from the Bill Belichick era.

Grade: A

4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

Rang: So polished his sweat could shine furniture, it is easy to see the Hall of Fame bloodlines when evaluating Harrison. He is a snappy route-runner with soft, reliable hands and remarkable body control. Harrison disappointed some by electing not to participate in any of the pre-draft workouts, but he didn’t have to. Harrison is the safest prospect in this class and a strong candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year with Kyler Murray funneling him the ball.

Grade: A

Marvin Harrison Jr. Highlights

5. Los Angeles Chargers: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

Rang: The most polished offensive lineman of this class whose NFL bloodlines are obvious — both in terms of his rare size and technique — Alt is a pillar to build around. His selection at No. 5 overall to the Chargers comes as a bit of a surprise as the club already boasts a Pro Bowl left tackle in Rashawn Slater. Alt could theoretically move to the right side or Jim Harbaugh may view Slater as a guard convert, as many scouts did when Slater entered the league out of Northwestern. Some will quibble with this selection. I see it as the perfect foundation for what Harbaugh is building in L.A.

Grade: A

6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

Rang: With all due respect to fellow top-10 talents Marvin Harrison Jr. and Rome Odunze, Nabers is the most electric receiver in this class, possessing an exceptional combination of burst, elusiveness and breakaway speed. It’s been impossible to fairly evaluate Daniel Jones with so few playmakers at receiver. Nabers is the star the Giants have been missing and resets the clock on Jones.

Grade: A

7. Tennessee Titans: JC Latham, OT, Alabama

Rang: Physically speaking, Latham is the most dominant offensive lineman in a draft boasting as much talent as any I’ve seen in nearly a quarter-century of evaluating prospects. His massive size and power make him a Day 1 standout with All-Pro potential. If Will Levis is going to be a star, he needs protection, and Latham is the road-grader to help Tennessee move on from Derrick Henry.

Grade: A

8. Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix, QB, Washington

Rang: Of all the scenarios I imagined for Penix prior to the draft, this might be the most shocking given Atlanta’s massive deal with Kirk Cousins. That, however, is no slight to Penix, the most gifted pocket passer in this class, boasting an absolute howitzer for a left arm. He is a quality athlete but is at his best when allowed to survey the field, showing the awareness and precision that translate to the NFL.

Grade: B+

9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

Rang: A classic split end with great size, speed and timing to win on contested throws, Odunze is the old–school star of this receiver class — boasting the talent and dependability on and off the field to be a longtime fixture. Adding Odunze to a receiving corps that already boasts a legitimate speedster in D.J. Moore and one of the best slots in the league in Keenan Allen gives Caleb Williams the stellar pass-catching corps (along with tight end Cole Kmet) to splash immediately.

Grade: A

Rome Odunze Highlights

10. Minnesota Vikings (from New York Jets): J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

Rang: A dominant defense and run-heavy offense provided McCarthy limited opportunities to pad his stats, but when he was called upon to make important throws, he showed zip, accuracy, mobility and mettle. He does not possess the howitzer of some of the other quarterbacks of this class. However, leadership and charisma matter at quarterback, and McCarthy has perhaps the best combination of that in this year’s class. Few would recognize that more than a former quarterback — like Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell.

Grade: B+

11. New York Jets (from Minnesota): Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

Rang: Protecting Aaron Rodgers is priority No. 1, and Fashanu possesses the size and agility every scout is looking for in a blindside tackle. He isn’t as physical as the first two tackles selected — which could lead to issues in the NFL — but a quick processor like Rodgers should aid his transition. Still, this isn’t a selection I love, especially given that a quality security blanket like Brock Bowers is still on the board.

Grade: B

12. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

Rang: From a scheme and personality perspective, Nix is a terrific fit in Denver as Sean Payton requires his quarterbacks to be quick processors with mobility. Nix, of course, entered the draft as the most experienced quarterback in the class and 152 overall scores (38 on the ground) over his career. He’s also as grounded and humble as it gets. Nix does not possess as strong of an arm as most of the five other quarterbacks who have already been selected, however, so perhaps the Broncos are banking on the thin air in Denver to keep his receivers happy.

Grade: B-

13. Las Vegas Raiders: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

Rang: The reigning Mackey Award winner and a rare three-time All-American, Bowers is more decorated than a wedding cake, making him perhaps the perfect addition to a town as glitzy as Las Vegas. Bowers is no roll of the dice, however. He’s cat-quick with supremely reliable hands and the contact balance of a running back. The AFC West already boasts a superstar tight end in Kansas City’s Travis Kelce, but the Raiders just added the next one in Bowers.

Grade: A

14. New Orleans Saints: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

Rang: With the long-term health of Ryan Ramczyk in question, the Saints were thought to be considering an offensive lineman early and they were fortunate to have arguably the best run blocker of the draft fall into their lap. Fuaga, at 6-foot-6 and 324 pounds, is shockingly quick off the ball and adjusts to moving targets like a fighter pilot. He’s stout and agile in pass protection, as well, and earned the top grade among all offensive linemen at this year’s Senior Bowl.

Grade: A

15. Indianapolis Colts: Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA

Rang: Given all of his success — Latu was honored with the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation’s top defensive end, the Vince Lombardi Award as the nation’s top defensive lineman, the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and the Polynesian Defensive Player of the Year honors — it is appropriate that he was the first defender off the board in the 2024 NFL Draft. From a pure football perspective, Latu is the most productive and polished edge rusher in this class with Rookie of the Year and eventual Pro Bowl upside.

Grade: A

16. Seattle Seahawks: Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

Rang: Voted the Big 12’s Defensive Lineman of the Year in his first season as a starter, Murphy’s game screams untapped potential. His explosive quickness, agility and natural leverage advantage make him impossible to block one-on-one. The issue I have with this selection for Seattle is the scheme fit, as the Seahawks are expected to feature more of a three-man front boasting defensive tackles with longer arms and whose game is all physicality. Murphy’s addition does make the Seahawks’ defense more dangerous and versatile, though.

Grade: B

17. Minnesota Vikings (from Jacksonville): Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

Rang: Seeking to replace longtime star Danielle Hunter, the Vikings got a little lucky in this draft with Turner — the elite athlete among these edge rushers — falling into their lap. Turner is tantalizing with his burst, bend and upside. He’s not yet very instinctive or technically refined, however, and might need some time to put it all together. Often compared to his college predecessor, Will Anderson Jr. of the Houston Texans, Turner actually projects as an even better pass rusher than the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year. But he isn’t nearly as good (at least not yet) against the run.

Grade: B+

18. Cincinnati Bengals: Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia

Rang: Given its early run on quarterbacks and offensive players, in general, the 2024 NFL Draft has already proven unprecedented. Perhaps then it is appropriate that Mims — who started just eight games at Georgia — is a top-20 draft pick. As one might expect with a player so inexperienced, there are some flaws in Mims’ game. But these issues appear correctable with coaching and experience. There is no denying that Mims, just 21 years old, lacks game film. The tape he does have is pristine, though. There is risk in selecting a player so young and inexperienced, but his combination of length, agility and strength remind me of former Cowboys All-Pro Tyron Smith.

Grade: A-

19. Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State

Rang: While Aaron Donald’s retirement certainly created a massive hole in the middle of the Rams’ defense, there isn’t a player in this draft (or many others) as gifted as the future Hall of Famer. Adding juice to the Rams’ pass rush on the outside makes perfect sense, especially when they play the run as passionately and effectively as Verse. Powerful and intense, Verse brings talent and leadership to a defense looking for some stars to step up.

Grade: A-

20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Troy Fautanu, OT, Washington

Rang: Fautanu is about as pro-ready as it gets, blending quickness, power and technique to consistently win at the line of scrimmage as well as while on the move. While Washington was beaten up front in the national title game loss to Michigan, Fautanu quietly was the most impressive lineman for either team. Whether at left tackle or left guard, Fautanu is a plug-and-play NFL starter who, barring injury, should be a longtime anchor. Slid inside to guard, he could be the second coming of David DeCastro.

Grade: A

21. Miami Dolphins: Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State

Rang: Given how explosive the Miami Dolphins’ offense can be, it makes sense to boost a pass rush to punish opposing quarterbacks attempting to keep up, especially with former first-round edge rusher Jaelen Phillips struggling to stay healthy. Robinson explodes off the ball like he has springs in his shoes. While the splash is undeniable, his iffy productivity is worrisome. In a position group full of boom-or-bust prospects, Robinson is the biggest lottery ticket of them all.

Grade: B+

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

Rang: While Power 5 corners Terrion Arnold and Nate Wiggins generated most of the buzz in the pre-draft process, Mitchell was undeniably the best, most complete cornerback in the country over the past two seasons, during which he recorded an eye-popping 44 pass breakups. Any doubts about his level of competition were erased with stellar performances at the Senior Bowl and combine. He is the first Toledo Rocket to earn a first-round pick since 1993. Kudos to Eagles GM Howie Roseman, among the most aggressive draft-day traders – for holding out and not giving up picks needlessly, while still adding the year’s top corner.

Grade: A

23. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Minnesota via Cleveland through Houston): Brian Thomas, Jr., WR, LSU

I love this selection for the Jaguars, especially after trading down. It isn’t often that a receiver leads the nation in touchdown receptions and remains nationally underrated, but that might be the case with Thomas, who was often overshadowed by his Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback and fellow future first-round wideout (Daniels and Nabers). Thomas’ relative inexperience means that he’s a little less polished than the previous three receivers drafted — he only ran a few different routes for LSU — but make no mistake, Thomas is the star Trevor Lawrence has been waiting for.

Grade: A

24. Detroit Lions (from Dallas): Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

A former safety who still plays with the physicality you’d expect at that position, Arnold is perhaps the perfect match of this year’s cornerback class for Dan Campbell and the suddenly hyper-aggressive Lions. Arnold is the latest of the great Alabama defensive backs, tying for the SEC lead in pass breakups (17) and interceptions (five) this past season. He should only get better behind a formidable Detroit pass rush.

Grade: B

25. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Morgan, OL, Arizona Wildcats

The Packers needed to restock their offensive line, given the release last month of long-time starting left tackle David Bahktiari. They could see Morgan as a similarly gifted player. His agility and physicality certainly are NFL caliber, though he possesses relatively short arms (33″) given his 6-foot-5, 315-pound frame, which may push him inside to guard. I viewed Morgan as more of a second-day prospect, though he possesses the toughness and physical playing style to project as a long-time starter, even if it is ultimately inside.

Grade B-

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Graham Barton, OL, Duke

Rang: Barton is arguably the most versatile offensive lineman in this class, projecting nicely to guard or center (where he was a Freshman All-American) after starring at left tackle the past three years against quality competition. He has a quality combination of size, athleticism, technique and grit — projecting similarly in many ways to recently retired center Ryan Jensen.

Grade: B+

27. Arizona Cardinals (from Houston): Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri

Rang: All but one of Robinson’s career-high 8.5 sacks in 2023 came off the edge, but his unique frame and game will allow him to play up and down the defensive line in the NFL. He promises to be a polarizing prospect among scouts and coaches as some will see an ascending player with Pro Bowl upside and others a considerable project with no clear-cut positional fit. However, with a defensive-minded head coach like Jonathan Gannon calling the shots, it is easy to see how Robinson — a two-time captain — could blossom.

Grade: B

28. Kansas City Chiefs (from Buffalo): Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

Rang: In 4.21 seconds, the world learned about Worthy, now the fastest player in NFL Combine history. Pairing him with Patrick Mahomes should send a similar shockwave across the league as this is a Tyreek Hill-caliber athlete. Worthy is best known for his straight-line speed but he’s also a surprisingly savvy route-runner who could help a Chiefs squad that needs a lot of help at receiver given the questions surrounding Rashee Rice.

Grade: B+

Quinn Ewers throws a 42-yard DOT to Xavier Worthy as Texas extends lead over Houston

29. Dallas Cowboys (from Detroit): Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma

Rang: The Cowboys know Guyton better than most, as his career was spent relatively close to the team headquarters, beginning his career at TCU prior to transferring to Oklahoma. He’s long, agile and versatile, projecting nicely to either tackle position. Dallas needed help at left tackle with Tyron Smith now a member of the New York Jets. Guyton has the traits to bank on but his struggles with consistency make this a gamble.

Grade: B-

30. Baltimore Ravens: Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

Rang: Year after year, the Ravens land quality prospects at extreme value. That is the case again this year with Wiggins. Some apparently overthought his relative slight frame and ignored his elite feet and smooth hips. Wiggins is the best pure man-to-man cover corner in this class.

Grade: A

31. San Francisco 49ers: Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida

Rang: This is a fascinating selection for the 49ers, as it just adds to the speculation that Brandon Aiyuk’s time in San Francisco may be ending. Pearsall is a terrific addition to San Francisco’s offense, showing not only a similar blend of speed and elusiveness as Aiyuk but strong hands and body control to make circus catches look routine.

Grade: B

32. Carolina Panthers (from Buffalo via Kansas City): Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina

The top priority in Carolina is helping Bryce Young. Free agency was spent bolstering the offensive line, and Legette has the size and strength to almost play the receiver position like a blocker, bullying opponents with his playing style that has earned him comparisons to DK Metcalf and A.J. Brown. Legette can track the ball over his shoulder but he’s especially effective on the short and intermediate routes that Young throws very well.

Grade: B