Adam Schefter believes the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft will make history. The NFL insider for ESPN went to X (formerly known as Twitter) on Tuesday morning to make a big prediction.
“There never has been an NFL draft with more than 19 offensive players picked in the first round; that happened three times, most recently in 2009,” Schefter wrote. “But this draft is likely to set the record for most offensive players ever picked in round one.”
The NFL is an offense-driven league, so 20 offensive players drafted wouldn’t be a big surprise. Schefter’s prediction goes in line with what he said during the ESPNs’ three-round mock draft special on Monday night as he beleives there will be at least five quarterbacks taken in the first round.
Adam Schefter thinks QBs will be highlighted in first round of draft
“I think there’ll be at least five quarterbacks that wind up going in round one,” he said. “Possibly all six depending on how these teams view these quarterbacks at the back end of the draft. Keep in mind we always see teams that try to make a move, get the quarterback and get the extra fifth-year option they have on that quarterback. That’s always is a source of activity for teams at the back end of the draft. To me, we’re gonna get five quarterbacks in the first round and possibility six depending on how this goes.”
In the three-round mock draft done by Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates, 21 offensive players are selected in the first round. The first four of five picks are quarterbacks, and the first defensive player is taken at No. 8 overall by the Atlanta Falcons, which is Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner.
The reason for a projected offensive-heavy first round is the depth at quarterback and wide receiver. Only four quarterbacks are projected to go in the first round, according to the three-round mock draft, but as Schefter mentioned, five could be taken once the draft arrives. Additionally, the mock draft has eight wide receivers/tight ends selected in the first round.
The 2024 NFL Draft will take place in Detroit from April 25-27. The first round will air on Thursday, April 25, on ESPN and ABC at 8 p.m. ET. The second and third rounds will air on Friday, April 26, on ESPN and ABC at 7 p.m. ET The final four rounds will air on Saturday, April 27 on ESPN and will simulcast on ABC at 12 p.m. ET.
On3’s Chandler Vessels contributed to this report.
The post Adam Schefter predicts at least 20 offensive players will be taken in first round of 2024 NFL Draft appeared first on On3.