The NFL Draft is where childhood dreams are realized for the best football players in North America. Yesterday, Round 1 of the NFL draft kicked off in a huge way, as we saw blockbuster trades, surprise picks, and even some trade-ups for teams really enamored of a certain player. With this in mind, I thought I’d take you all down memory lane (yes I know it hasn’t even been 24 hours but give me a break) and relive the best moments of the first round of the NFL draft. Without further ado, let’s jump right in.
Giants Select Thibodeaux at #5
The New York Giants we’re featured in Mel Kiper Jr’s draft winner category in his latest NFL draft article, and I can clearly see why. Not only did they have the chance to acquire offensive tackle Evan Neal with the seventh overall pick, but we’re also able to choose Kayvon Thibodeaux with the fifth overall pick. As a Giants fan, I was extremely surprised that Thibodeaux fell all the way to number five, but I was just as ecstatic that he lands with the Giants.
This pick is great for so many reasons. Number one, Thibodeaux fills an urgent need for the Giants, who are deeply lacking in the pass-rushing department. Thibodeaux was the best pure pass rusher in this draft, and hopefully, he can develop into the same player, if not better, as Chase Young is for the Commanders. Much has been made about his character and attitude, but if he can quiet that noise and focus solely on football, then I think the Giants may have gotten away with the best pick in the draft.
Pickett Stays in Pittsburgh
This pick has the makings of a Hollywood movie behind it. Kenny Pickett grew up in the New Jersey area, played college ball for Pitt, and now has been drafted by the Steelers, to hopefully take over their starting quarterback position and lead this team to the promised land. Personally, this was one of my favorite picks of the draft, and I really do think the Steelers are putting Pickett in a position to prosper.
Much was made about his hand size prior to the draft, but obviously the Steelers were aware that that doesn’t really matter. Pickett is a big boy at 6″3 and 217 pounds, and with a couple of NFL seasons under his belt heading forward, I can see him blossoming into a real star for the Steelers.
Jameson Williams to the Lions
I can see why the Lions traded up for Jameson Williams, who was the best wide receiver available in the draft. There’s no denying the Lions are an absolute dumpster fire, and with their quarterback situation up in the air, there’s no telling where this team will be next year. In saying that, they made significant strides in this draft to get much better, and this pick puts them ahead of a lot of other teams offensively.
The only shame about this is that Williams needs a solid QB to be throwing his way. Jared Goff is an able quarterback, but last year didn’t prove much in terms of winning, and I don’t see things getting much better for him going forward in Detroit. This pick will be one of the best when the Lions figure out their quarterback issues.
Marquise and AJ Brown Traded
These NFL cousins were both traded on draft night. AJ Brown was dealt with the Eagles, where he immediately signed a $100 million dollar contract ($57 million guaranteed), and Marquise Brown was dealt with the Cardinals, where he links up with his old college quarterback Kyler Murray. Both these trades were made with the team’s starting QBs in mind.
In Arizona, Murray has made it clear he will leave if the team doesn’t make significant strides to try and win a championship. This trade proves they are all in with Murray and want to see what this duo can do heading forward. In Philly, the Eagles are hoping that Brown can give Jalen Hurts another option heading downfield, as the quarterback struggled last season due to a lack of offensive talent in front of him. Hopefully, these trades work out for both teams.
What was your favorite moment of the NFL draft’s first round? Let me know in the comments below!