Day 1 of the NFL Draft is now in the books, and it was a fun one. There were some picks we saw coming and some big surprises. From great picks to picks that had us scratching our heads, lets dive in to Round 1s biggest winners and losers.
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Winner: Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars made one of the most aggressive trade-ups for a non quarterback in NFL history. First time general manager James Gladstone wasted no time showing the league how he and this new look Jaguars franchise is going to operate. Hunter was the consensus best player avaible in this draft coming in ranked as peoples number 1 wide receiver and number 1 cornerback. He is a true unicorn prospect and the Jaguars are going to give him the chance to display that uniqueness by letting him play both ways. The Jaguars fill 2 needs with one player and walk away from night 1 as big winners.
Loser: Shedeur Sanders
Sanders slide was arguably the story of round 1. Once heralded as the number 1 pick and a top 5 lock, 32 names were called yesterday and none of them were Sanders. Between not testing or throwing at the combine, and his immaturity and arrogance reportedly ruining many draft interviews, Sanders slide began to become inevitable leading into last night. Sanders still boasts impressive accuracy and a solid floor but teams passing over him on round 1 speaks volumes about what they think about him as both a player and a personality. Sanders should not have to wait long to hear his name called on Day 2 but regardless he leaves night 1 a big loser.
Winner: Former Number 1 Overall QB’s
Trevor Lawrence. Caleb Williams. Bryce Young. Baker Mayfield. 4 former number 1 overall picks got help on Day 1 in the form of big time playmakers!
Trevor Lawrence
Lawrence adds the consensus number 1 wide receiver and one of a kind play maker – Travis Hunter. Hunter joins ascending superstar Brian Thomas Jr. to give Trevor Lawrence his best duo at the wide receiver position. Add in the teams running back duo, surrounding wide receiver pieces and young tight end Brenton Strange and you get the best supporting cast Lawrence has had since his college days. And with 9 picks remaining in this draft more help may be on the way.
Caleb Williams
The Bears were reportedly very interested in coming up to get running back Ashton Jeanty. When that fell through many Bears dans were likely disappointed. But that disappointment should not have lasted long as with the 10th pick the team added star tight end Colston Loveland. Loveland gives the team a dynamic threat down the seam from the tight end or slot alignments. Joining the explosive wide receiver duo, Williams now has a 3 headed monster of targets – with more help expected to be on the way in the form of a running back.
Bryce Young
Young and the Panthers welcome in huge target Tetairoa McMillan. One of the best wide receivers in this class should give Young a go-to target he has been lacking. McMillan fits perfectly into the offense and will have a chance to be the go to guy as soon as he touches the field in Carolina.
Baker Mayfield
The rich get richer! Mayfield already had one of the most dynamic set of weapons in the form of a top wide receiver trio, one of the best running back duos and a reliable tight end. Now add on top of that reliable wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. Look for Mayfield to continue his ascension as the team continues to surround him with playmakers.
Loser: Positional Value
Positional Value is often a topic of debate in draft season, but it seems like talent won out in round 1. We saw 2 running backs get taken round 1, one of those being taken in the top 6! Running backs – an often undervalued position – may be making a resurgence in terms of capital invested. We also saw 2 tight ends – another undervalued position- go in round 1, specifically the top 15. Cornerback is a high value position but if you primarily play the slot that value drops significantly. But not for Jahdae Barron who heard his name called in the top 20. Barron does offer versatility, but many assume he is a slot defender in the NFL. These 5 players were some of the most talented players in this class and it was awesome to see them get selected where there talent indicated regardless of position.
Outlook
Day 1 delivered plenty of surprise and excitement as always. But Day 2 and Day 3 are just around the corner and they have plenty to offer as well. Who will be the biggest winners and losers when the draft is all said and done, come back at the end of the weekend to find out!
Be sure to follow my coverage of all things NFL on X @JagsRealist.
