Six quarterbacks were taken in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday, and all six of them went in the first 12 picks, as the quarterback-driven league went on another run at the position as part of an offense-crazy first round.

The players at the top of the draft were expected, as USC’s Caleb Williams went at No. 1 overall to the Chicago Bears, followed closely by LSU’s Jayden Daniels going to the Washington Commanders and Drake Maye of North Carolina heading to the New England Patriots.

Things went on an unexpected turn starting at No. 8 overall, when the Atlanta Falcons took Michael Penix of Washington, despite having already signed Kirk Cousins to a $180 million contract this offseason. Most mock drafts had the Falcons taking a defensive player.

Then the Minnesota Vikings traded up to land Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, who was expected to go earlier in the draft. The Denver Broncos made it six quarterbacks in 12 picks by snagging Oregon’s Bo Nix. 

The six quarterbacks taken in the first round matches the legendary 1983 quarterback class, but that one had Pitt’s Dan Marino fall all the way to No. 27.

Not only did six quarterbacks go in the first 12 picks, the first 12 were all offensive players, the first time 12 or more picks in a row in any NFL Draft. The offensive run continued through pick No. 14, with the first round nearing the midpoint without a defensive player selected. UCLA defensive end Laiatu Latu was the first defensive player taken by the Indianapolis Colts at No. 15.

The run on quarterbacks may help the Steelers, who pick at No. 20 and are likely not in the mix at that position, general manager Omar Khan said this week.

2024 NFL Draft Live Tracker