NFL Draft Day 1: Best Player Values For Team And Position

It's difficult to accurately assign values to the players drafted on the first day of the NFL draft. When evaluating the value of a drafted player, it's crucial to take into account two main factors: 1. How well the player fits the team that drafted him and his projected impact on that specific team and offense/defense. 2. The overall talent and potential of the player relative to where he was drafted in the first round.

These are the most compelling player values from the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, regardless of position:

1. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Cardinals (No. 4 overall) The best wide receiver in this class lands in an excellent situation to succeed and immediately makes the Cardinals' offense more dangerous, and full of potential fantasy goodness.
2. Caleb Williams, QB, Bears (No. 1 overall) Williams goes No. 1 overall to a team with an established offense and several talented playmakers, including three veteran receivers (Keenan Allen, D.J. Moore, and Darius Slayton) and a pair of promising young running backs (D'Andre Swift, Khalil Herbert). Williams probably won't need to carry the Bears' offense in his rookie season, which should help him adapt to the pros while learning from one of the best quarterbacks of his era in Allen.
3. Rome Odunze, WR, Bears (No. 9 overall) Odunze drops to the Bears at No. 9 overall, giving Williams another talented young receiver to throw to. Odunze won't be expected to carry the Bears' receiving corps immediately and can learn the nuances of the position at his own pace. He's an excellent value here at No. 9 overall and should have a significant offensive role by year two or three.
4. Jayden Daniels, QB, Commanders (No. 2 overall) The Commanders secured a potential franchise quarterback without having to trade up, and Daniels should have success thanks to his talented receivers and the presence of a dominant run game. He's the perfect quarterback to build around.
5. Byron Murphy II, DT, Seahawks (No. 16 overall) One of the best defensive players in this year's draft lands in Seattle, where he'll play in a defense that should be conducive to producing at a high level. He'll line up next to Leonard Williams and should be a big part of the Seahawks' defensive line for years to come.
6. Joe Alt, OT, Chargers (No. 5 overall) With Justin Herbert as their quarterback, the Chargers must protect their investment. Alt has the potential to be a franchise left tackle and should immediately improve the team's pass protection, which has been an issue the past few seasons.
7. Dallas Turner, EDGE, Vikings (No. 17 overall) Turner is drafted by a defense-minded head coach in Brian Flores and will line up next to another promising pass rusher in Jonathan Greenard. Flores will trust Turner to produce, and he should thrive in the Vikings' defensive scheme.
8. Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Eagles (No. 22 overall) The Eagles land the best cornerback in the draft to pair with Slay at a value spot at No. 22 overall. The Eagles' secondary just got a whole lot better.
9. Terrion Arnold, CB, Lions (No. 24 overall) The Lions moved up to select Arnold, who has the ball skills and size to be a successful pro cornerback. Arnold will start opposite A.J. Parker, giving the Lions a promising young duo at the position.
10. Laiatu Latu, EDGE, Colts (No. 15 overall) The first defensive player off the board should be a great fit for the Colts' defense and should quickly develop into a cornerstone for their defensive line.
11. Olu Fashanu, OT, Jets (No. 11 overall) The Jets land a potentially elite tackle to help protect franchise quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Fashanu shouldn't have to immediately become a dominant force on the blindside, as 2021 first-round pick Alijah Vera-Tucker will likely move over to the right side to start the season.
12. Xavier Worthy, WR, Chiefs (No. 28 overall) The Chiefs add a deep threat to their offense, which should open up more room for tight end Travis Kelce and wide receiver Hollywood Brown. Worthy could be a steal this late in the first round.
13. Nate Wiggins, CB, Ravens (No. 30 overall) The Ravens land a talented cornerback who can play in the slot. The Ravens have a ton of talented players in their secondary, but Wiggins shouldn't have trouble finding his way onto the field.
14. Jared Verse, EDGE, Rams (No. 19 overall) The Rams had a first-round pick for the first time since 2016 and used it on an explosive edge rusher who should thrive in their defensive line rotation.
15. J.C. Latham, OT, Titans (No. 7 overall)