Who Was Picked Before Jayden Daniels In The 2024 NFL Draft?

Alanna Hagenes I 01 Aug 2025

The NFL Draft is always a big deal, a moment when dreams come true for many young athletes. People everywhere watch closely, curious about which teams will pick which players. This year, one name that generated a lot of chatter was Jayden Daniels, the dynamic quarterback from LSU. Folks were really wondering where he would land, and you know, who would be picked right before him. The word "drafted" itself, as you might find in a dictionary, means being chosen or selected for a particular purpose, much like a formal letter gets drafted, or how a constitution is put together. It's a very deliberate act of selection, and that's exactly what happens in the NFL.

It's fascinating to see how these young men get their chance to play professional football. The draft is a time of immense anticipation for fans and teams alike, as they try to figure out which new faces will shape the league's future. There's so much talk leading up to it, so many mock drafts and predictions, and then the actual event unfolds with all its surprises and excitement. It's pretty much a spectacle, really.

The 2024 NFL Draft was no different, packed with talent and plenty of intriguing storylines. Fans were especially keen to see how the quarterback class would shake out, given the high demand for top signal-callers. If you've been wondering about the players who heard their names called before Daniels, you're in the right place. We'll break down the selections, giving you a clear picture of how the first few picks unfolded this year.

Jayden Daniels: A Look at the Rising Star
- Personal Details and Biography Table
The Top Picks: Who Went Before Daniels?
- Caleb Williams: The First Overall Selection
- Jayden Daniels: The Second Pick
- Drake Maye: The Third Quarterback
- Marvin Harrison Jr.: The Top Non-QB Talent
- Joe Alt: Protecting the Future
- Malik Nabers: Another Explosive Receiver
- J.J. McCarthy: A Surprise Early Pick?
- Rome Odunze: More Receiving Power
- Dallas Turner: Defensive Edge Rusher
- Olumuyiwa Fashanu: Building the Offensive Line
- Bo Nix: The Veteran Quarterback
- Michael Penix Jr.: Another Quarterback in the Top 10
The Buzz Around the 2024 NFL Draft
- Quarterback Mania
- Impact on Teams
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2024 NFL Draft
- How many quarterbacks were drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft?
- What makes Jayden Daniels such a promising prospect?
- Which team had the most picks in the first round?

Jayden Daniels: A Look at the Rising Star

Jayden Daniels really captured everyone's attention with his incredible play during his final college season. He showed off a remarkable ability to both throw the ball with accuracy and run with incredible speed, making him a true dual-threat quarterback. His journey through college football, from Arizona State to LSU, showed a lot of growth and determination, which is that kind of thing scouts really look for. He became a Heisman Trophy winner, which is a huge honor, and it certainly put him high on many draft boards. He's a very exciting player to watch, honestly.

Personal Details and Biography Table

Detail	Information
Full Name	Jayden Daniels
Position	Quarterback
College	LSU (previously Arizona State)
Height	6'4" (approx.)
Weight	210 lbs (approx.)
Birthdate	December 18, 2000
Hometown	San Bernardino, California
Draft Year	2024
Draft Pick	2nd Overall
Team Drafted By	Washington Commanders
Awards	Heisman Trophy (2023)

The Top Picks: Who Went Before Daniels?

The 2024 NFL Draft began with a lot of buzz, especially around the top few selections. Everyone was pretty much certain that a quarterback would go first, but the order after that was a bit less clear. As it turned out, only one player was chosen before Jayden Daniels heard his name called. This really set the tone for the rest of the first round, which was, you know, quite interesting with all the quarterback movement.

Caleb Williams: The First Overall Selection

The very first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, as many expected, was Caleb Williams. He's a quarterback from USC, and he was picked by the Chicago Bears. Williams is widely seen as a generational talent, someone who can really change the fortunes of a team. He has an amazing arm, can make plays outside the pocket, and just seems to have a knack for the game. His college career was full of highlight-reel moments, and he's got that kind of charisma that draws people in. The Bears, who had traded away their previous starting quarterback, were clearly looking for a fresh start with a big name, and they got it with Williams. He was, honestly, the consensus top player for a long time.

Jayden Daniels: The Second Pick

Right after Caleb Williams, the Washington Commanders stepped up to the podium and selected Jayden Daniels as the second overall pick. This was a pick that many analysts had predicted, given the Commanders' need for a franchise quarterback and Daniels' impressive senior season. He brings a unique blend of passing accuracy and incredible rushing ability, which can be a real headache for opposing defenses. The Commanders are hoping he can be the leader their team needs, a player who can really energize their offense and bring them back to competitiveness. It's a pretty big role to step into, for sure.

Drake Maye: The Third Quarterback

Even though he was picked after Daniels, Drake Maye was also a very highly regarded quarterback in this draft class. He came from North Carolina and was chosen by the New England Patriots with the third overall pick. Maye is a classic pocket passer with a strong arm and good decision-making skills. He's got a big frame and can make all the throws. The Patriots, who are rebuilding after a long era of success, were clearly looking for their next long-term answer at quarterback. Picking Maye so early shows just how much faith they have in his potential to be a star. It's a lot of pressure, but he seems ready for it.

Marvin Harrison Jr.: The Top Non-QB Talent

After the first three quarterbacks, the Arizona Cardinals made a very popular choice by picking Marvin Harrison Jr., a wide receiver from Ohio State, with the fourth overall pick. He's widely considered the best non-quarterback player in this draft, maybe even one of the best receiver prospects in years. His route running is super clean, he catches everything, and he has great size and athleticism. The Cardinals were looking to give their own young quarterback a truly elite target, and Harrison Jr. fits that bill perfectly. It's almost like a perfect match for them, really.

Joe Alt: Protecting the Future

The Los Angeles Chargers, under new leadership, decided to bolster their offensive line by picking Joe Alt, an offensive tackle from Notre Dame, with the fifth overall pick. Alt is a massive and incredibly athletic lineman, known for his ability to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes. Protecting their star quarterback was clearly a top priority for the Chargers, and Alt is seen as a very safe and high-impact pick. He's expected to be a cornerstone of their offensive line for many years, which is a very important job, you know.

Malik Nabers: Another Explosive Receiver

The New York Giants, needing to add some serious firepower to their offense, selected Malik Nabers, a wide receiver from LSU, with the sixth overall pick. Nabers was Jayden Daniels' top target at LSU, and he's known for his incredible speed, quickness, and ability to make plays after the catch. He's a truly explosive player who can turn a short pass into a huge gain. The Giants are hoping he can be a game-changer for their offense, providing that dynamic element they've been missing. He's got a lot of potential, that's for sure.

J.J. McCarthy: A Surprise Early Pick?

With the tenth overall pick, the Minnesota Vikings made a move for J.J. McCarthy, a quarterback from Michigan. This pick was a bit of a surprise to some, as many had projected McCarthy to go a little later in the first round. However, the Vikings clearly saw something they liked in his leadership, accuracy, and big-game experience from winning a national championship. They had a need at quarterback, and they decided to go get their guy early. It shows how much teams value the position, and how quickly the board can change, you know, on draft night.

Rome Odunze: More Receiving Power

The Chicago Bears, after picking Caleb Williams first overall, went back to the offensive side of the ball with the ninth overall pick, selecting Rome Odunze, a wide receiver from Washington. This was a move to give their new quarterback another top-tier weapon, creating a very strong receiving corps. Odunze is known for his strong hands, contested catch ability, and excellent body control. He's a big, reliable target who can make plays all over the field. Pairing him with Williams seems like a very smart move for the Bears, honestly.

Dallas Turner: Defensive Edge Rusher

The Minnesota Vikings, after trading up, also picked Dallas Turner, an edge rusher from Alabama, with the 17th overall pick. Turner is an incredibly athletic and disruptive pass rusher, known for his speed and ability to get to the quarterback. He's got a lot of burst and can really cause problems for opposing offenses. The Vikings were looking to improve their defense, and getting a player like Turner who can immediately impact the pass rush was a big win for them. He's someone who can really change the game, you know, with his pressure.

Olumuyiwa Fashanu: Building the Offensive Line

The New York Jets, with the 11th overall pick, chose Olumuyiwa Fashanu, an offensive tackle from Penn State. The Jets have been working hard to improve their offensive line to protect their veteran quarterback, and Fashanu is a very promising piece of that puzzle. He's got great size, athleticism, and a lot of potential to be a long-term starter at tackle. Keeping their quarterback safe is a huge priority, and Fashanu helps them do just that. It's a pretty solid pick for them, all things considered.

Bo Nix: The Veteran Quarterback

The Denver Broncos, needing a new quarterback, selected Bo Nix from Oregon with the 12th overall pick. Nix is a veteran college quarterback who played a lot of games and showed good accuracy and decision-making. He's known for his quick release and ability to operate an offense efficiently. The Broncos were looking for someone who could step in and compete for the starting job right away, and Nix's experience likely appealed to them. It's a big step up to the NFL, but he seems ready for the challenge.

Michael Penix Jr.: Another Quarterback in the Top 10

Perhaps one of the biggest surprises of the first round was the Atlanta Falcons selecting Michael Penix Jr., a quarterback from Washington, with the eighth overall pick. This pick raised some eyebrows because the Falcons had just signed a veteran quarterback to a big contract. Penix Jr. has a very strong arm and showed great accuracy in college, leading his team to the national championship game. Despite some injury history, the Falcons clearly saw him as their quarterback of the future. It was a very bold move, and it shows how much teams are willing to invest in the quarterback position, you know, for the long haul.

The Buzz Around the 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft was, in many ways, a testament to the changing landscape of professional football. Teams are always looking for that next big thing, that player who can truly transform their fortunes. This year, the focus was heavily on offense, especially quarterbacks and wide receivers, which is pretty typical these days. The draft really connects players from all corners of the country, bringing them into the professional league, a bit like how Yahoo used to connect people through its chat rooms, making it a central point for communication and new connections.

Quarterback Mania

It's fair to say that the 2024 draft was a "quarterback draft." With six quarterbacks going in the first twelve picks, it showed just how desperate teams are to find their franchise signal-caller. This trend reflects the modern NFL, where elite quarterback play is almost a must for sustained success. Teams are willing to spend high draft capital, and sometimes even trade up, to get the player they believe can lead their team for years to come. It's a very high-stakes game, and these picks will be scrutinized for a long time.

Impact on Teams

The selections made in the first round will have a huge impact on the teams involved. For teams like the Bears, Commanders, and Patriots, getting a new quarterback means a complete shift in their offensive identity and future plans. For others, like the Cardinals and Giants, adding elite pass-catchers means giving their existing quarterbacks the weapons they need to succeed. The draft is a critical part of team building, and these early picks are expected to contribute right away. It's a fresh start for many, and the excitement is palpable, you know, among the fan bases.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2024 NFL Draft

How many quarterbacks were drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft?

Six quarterbacks were selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. This is a pretty high number and shows how much teams value the position. It also made for a very exciting and quarterback-heavy start to the draft, which is, you know, what many fans love to see.

What makes Jayden Daniels such a promising prospect?

Jayden Daniels is considered a very promising prospect because of his dual-threat ability. He can make accurate throws from the pocket and also escape pressure and gain big yards with his legs. His athleticism, combined with his improved passing accuracy and decision-making, makes him a very dynamic player who can fit well into modern NFL offenses. He also won the Heisman Trophy, which is a pretty good indicator of talent, honestly.

Which team had the most picks in the first round?

The Arizona Cardinals and the Minnesota Vikings each had two picks in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Cardinals used their picks to select wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and defensive lineman Darius Robinson. The Vikings used their two picks to select quarterback J.J. McCarthy and edge rusher Dallas Turner, which was a pretty big splash for them, you know, getting two high-impact players.

To learn more about NFL draft strategies, you can visit our site. Also, check out our analysis of top rookie performances for more insights.

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