This year’s NFL draft was historically Black!
For the first time in NFL history, the first 10 draft picks—yes, you read that correctly, T-E-N—were all Black. The NFL also saw another first as this was the first year that three Black quarterbacks were drafted in the Top 5. Considering this year was the first Super Bowl ever between two starting Black quarterbacks, it’s truly beautiful to see the NFL finally accepting Black quarterbacks as the future.
Check out which college star your favorite NFL team drafted below and why.
Number 1 Overall Pick – Bryce Young
The first overall pick was no surprise. Alabama’s Bryce Young has been one of the top QBs since his freshman year, and his college resume—which includes a National Championship and a Heisman trophy—speaks for itself. He might be small, but the Carolina Panthers arguably got the best quarterback in the draft, and he will prove that.
Number 2 Overall Pick – CJ Stroud
This was the pick everybody was wondering about. Will the Houston Texans keep the second pick and take a quarterback? They did, and they made the correct decision by selecting Ohio State’s CJ Stroud. Stroud is an absolute baller, and he showed that in the College Football Playoffs against UGA. He can launch the ball 60 yards, and scramble for a first down, if needed. He could’ve been drafted first; the talent is there—and honestly—a bad test score shouldn’t have affected this young man’s draft stock at all. His stats and game tape don’t lie, and thankfully, the Texans agreed.
Number 3 Overall Pick – Will Anderson Jr.
The Texans won the NFL draft. After securing their quarterback of the future, Houston made the first trade of the evening and moved up to the third pick and selected Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. Anderson is the best defensive player in the draft, so it was no surprise he was the first one taken. The Texans will be getting a rookie who will be ready for the physicality of the NFL and will get to play right away. Keep your eyes on Anderson for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors this coming season.
Number 4 Overall Pick – Anthony Richardson
The surprise of the night came here. Nobody knew what the Colts would do, but everyone knew they needed a quarterback. But would it be Will Levis from Kentucky, who was rising through draft boards all spring? No! The Colts took Richardson, the Florida quarterback who some are saying could be the next Cam Newton. Richardson is an athletic freak. He is 6’4, heavily built, and can run the ball—basically, the perfect prototype for today’s NFL quarterback. The potential is limitless. Now the question will be, can he live up to it? If his throwing ability can catch up to his physical gifts, the NFL is in trouble for a decade to come.
Number 8 Overall Pick – Bijan Robinson
Atlanta loves their stars, and another one is on the way! The Atlanta Falcons drafted who most experts considered the best prospect in the entire draft. Robinson has been one of the best running backs in the nation since his freshman year at Texas. This season he was undeniably the best running back after scoring 18 touchdowns and winning the Doak Walker Award. Robinson also became the first running back drafted in the first 20 picks since Saquon Barkley in 2018. We’re seeing him as a bigger, healthier version of Barkley.
Number 9 Overall Pick – Jalen Carter
The Eagles just keep on winning! Jalen Carter from the University of Georgia, had more questions surrounding his name leading up to the draft than any other player. Along with Will Anderson Jr., Carter was considered one of the best defensive players in the draft, until his off-field concerns became public knowledge. Fortunately for him, the Philadelphia Eagles were not scared off. With Carter, they add another National Champion from UGA to their defense, joining Jordan Davis, Nolan Smith and Nakobe Dean. The Eagles were surprised to see Carter fall to them, but they got a steal of the first round. Carter’s addition makes the Eagles’ defense even scarier, and he is expected to contribute right away to another potential Super Bowl run.