Winners & losers from opening night of the NFL Draft

The Denver Broncos hopefully got their quarterback of the future while other teams hope they’ve done enough.

The NFL Draft has finally arrived.

And the first 12 picks did not disappoint.

Six quarterbacks were selected in those 12 picks, the first time in the history of the Draft that has happened.

The fact not a single defensive player had been drafted in the first 14 picks is nuts.

While there are still selections to be made, this will be a running story based on how the rest of the first round plays out.

These are some of the winners and losers in the 2024 NFL Draft first round.

Winners

Denver Broncos

I’ll try to keep an open mind with the selection of Bo Nix, but I’m skeptical; especially with the No. 12 pick. Obviously, the board dictated what Sean Payton did with five other quarterbacks selected before Nix and it may have forced his hand. As I said, I’ll keep an open mind and hope for the best but I’m skeptical. As I type this, I’ll buy into the hopium and lean Denver in the “winners” list with the idea he’s the next Drew Brees, but who freaking knows? What we do know is Nix is a great fit for Payton’s offense and he’s a winner who loves football.

Chicago Bears

What haul for the Bears. Not only do they get their hopeful quarterback of the future in Caleb Williams, but they also add a stud wide receiver in Rome Odunze. He’s a wideout some “experts” had as the best complete receiver in the Draft. Add to that the other moves Chicago made in the offseason, D’Andre Swift and Keenan Allen, Bears fans have hope.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts make the list simply for taking the first defensive player in the Draft. Indy selected Laiatu Latu. Thank you for breaking up the run on offensive players.

New York Jets

The Jets were able to improve their offensive line with a guy they could have selected at their original No. 10 spot. Instead, they had two mid-round picks in the process to select the same guy. Great drafting by New York.

Las Vegas Raiders

I hate that I have to put this trash franchise in the “winners” category, but they now have a great offensive weapon in Brock Bowers. Of course, Loss Vegas still doesn’t have a quarterback to throw him the ball, but great pick for the Raiders.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks may have gotten the best defensive player in the Draft in Byron Murphy. But Seattle is here mainly for the selection of another defensive player.

Los Angeles Rams

The Rams got a steal with the selection of Jared Verse with the No. 19 pick. One of the best defensive and all-around players in the Draft and to get him at this pick? Helluva selection for Los Angeles.

Losers

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons just signed Kirk Cousins. Now they had a 24-year-old QB who will likely sit for at least two years. This pick makes zero sense, but good luck, Atlanta.