Evaluating the 2024 NFL Draft: Expert Analysis and Grades for Every First-Round Pick

FOX Sports draft expert Rob Rang provides an in-depth analysis of the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, grading each selection and highlighting the strengths and concerns surrounding the prospects.

A gifted and natural playmaker with exceptional accuracy in the pocket and on the move, Williams boasts all the physical traits needed to become an NFL superstar. However, concerns linger regarding his ball security (leading the NCAA in fumbles in 2023) and some question his leadership ability. Despite these, new Bears OC Shane Waldron believes Williams is a more gifted prospect than Geno Smith, who he helped to Pro Bowl honors in Seattle.

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Daniels offers a dazzling combination of slithery scrambling ability and deep-ball accuracy. His relatively slim frame and production at LSU, which was amplified by a talented receiving corps, are points of contention among scouts. However, Daniels was a game-changer at Arizona State and has consistently progressed throughout college. For defensive-minded head coach Dan Quinn, Daniels' maturity and dual-threat ability are seen as the perfect fit for Washington's rebuild.

A physical prototype with a strapping frame, strong and accurate arm, and underrated athleticism, Maye might be unpolished but has shown resilience and grit as a two-year starter at UNC. His determination will serve him well in New England, where the roster is currently one of the NFL's weakest. Maye possesses the physical traits and intangibles to project as a high-end NFL starter, but patience may be required. This aligns with the Patriots' approach under new general manager Eliot Wolf and head coach Jerod Mayo, as they turn the page from the Bill Belichick era.

So polished his sweat could shine furniture, Harrison's Hall of Fame bloodlines are evident in his evaluations. He is a snappy route-runner with soft, reliable hands and remarkable body control. Despite opting out of pre-draft workouts, Harrison remains the safest prospect in this class and a strong candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year with Kyler Murray funneling him the ball.

The most polished offensive lineman of this class, Alt's NFL bloodlines are obvious in both size and technique. He is a pillar to build around. His selection at No. 5 overall to the Chargers is surprising as the club has a Pro Bowl left tackle in Rashawn Slater. Alt could move to the right side or Jim Harbaugh may view Slater as a guard convert. Some may question this selection, but Rang sees it as the perfect foundation for what Harbaugh is building in L.A.

With all due respect to other 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 has 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.

Physically speaking, Latham is the most dominant offensive lineman in a draft boasting as much talent as any Rang has seen in nearly a quarter-century of evaluations. 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.

Of all the scenarios imagined for Penix, this is the most shocking given Atlanta's massive deal with Kirk Cousins. However, that 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.

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. His talent and dependability on and off the field suggest he will be a longtime fixture. Adding Odunze to a receiving corps that already boasts a 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 to splash immediately.