2024 NFL Draft: Best players available in second round

The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft is in the books, and what an opening stanza it was — with an unprecedented run of 14 offensive players to start the draft, including six quarterbacks.

For months, we’ve predicted that this draft would feature a bounty crop of players on that side of the ball. The final tally was still surprising, with nine offensive linemen and seven wide receivers joining the signal-callers, meaning that 22 of the 32 players selected played those positions.

The early onslaught of offensive players resulted in a predictable run of defenders at the midpoint of the round and that is when the trades began, as well.

[ NFL Draft picks, grades and analysis: Bears land pair of A's for top-10 duo ]

The early shocker was the Atlanta Falcons’ selection of Michael Penix, Jr. at No. 8 overall — ironically the same jersey number Kirk Cousins wore during his time at Michigan State as well as in the NFL with both the Washington Commanders and Minnesota Vikings.

I was also surprised to see the first round end with two of my favorite players in this class — Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton and Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean — remaining unselected.

It sets up for a fascinating Day Two with plenty of plug-and-play NFL starters still available.

1. Jer'Zhan Newton , DT, Illinois — 6-2, 304, Junior (11th overall)

A bowling ball of butcher knives, Newton pairs his stubby, powerful frame with terrific foot and hand quickness, slicing his way through the interior to wreak havoc at and behind the line of scrimmage.

2.Jackson Powers-Johnson, C/OG, Oregon — 6-3, 334, Junior (19th overall)

It isn't often that blockers leave for the NFL with just one season as a full-time starter, but Powers-Johnson