NFL Draft Attendees

Thirteen of the prospects expected to be selected early in the 2024 NFL have accepted invitations to attend the April 25th event in Detroit. Of course, the list is topped by the quarterbacks that are expected to be the first three players selected. 

NFL Draft Attendees

Caleb Williams, QB, USC

Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama

Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA

Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama

Darius Robinson, DL, Missouri

Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

The league wanted to keep the number of attendees at no more than 15 players. They also wanted the players to be those most likely to be selected in the top half of the first round. No one wanted one of those dreaded green room waits that routinely grabs extended screen time. 13 players accepted invitations. Reportedly, a few more were invited. Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt and Georgia tight end Brock Bowers opted to spend their big night with their families and declined their invitations. Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy apparently took a different path to the same decision. He was invited but when he didn’t respond the league moved on. That’s an odd way to treat such a significant event. I absolutely understand opting to spend the big night with family rather than under the glare of the bright lights. Whisked here, pulled over there, I’d rather be somewhere comfortable with those that got me to this moment. Oh well. It’s still weird that McCarthy didn’t even respond. Maybe the invite got lost in the mail. 

The next tier of quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft are Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. and Oregon’s Bo Nix. Apparently the NFL doesn’t see either as likely to be drafted in the top half of the first round as neither were invited. 

Of the attendees, I suppose this Minnesota Vikings fan would most like to see Drake Maye put that Vikings hat on his head. This draft is all about finding the team’s quarterback for the next decade-plus. My favorite for the role has been whittled down to Maye and McCarthy. I can easily see either in what I believe is Kevin O’Connell’s desired offense. The Vikings have two first round picks (11th and 23rd). A dream first round would have Maye and Missouri defensive tackle Darius Robinson wearing Vikings hats. Unfortunately, both first round picks are probably needed to trade into the top five to get that quarterback. 

Congratulations to the 13 attendees. Hopefully, your stay in Detroit is a short one.