NFL Draft - Round 1 LIVE: Caleb Williams goes first overall to the Chicago Bears

Thank you so much for joining us, and hope you tune in tomorrow for Round 2, as the 2024 NFL Draft will go until Saturday, April 27th.

As always, please make sure to stay up-to-date with all the latest NFL coverage on Mail Sport's homepage.

Have a good night!

The second round of the 2024 NFL Draft will begin tomorrow at 7 p.m. ET in Detroit at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza.

No big names really missed out tonight, other than former Texas wideout Adonai Mitchell, but considering the amount of receivers drafted tonight, it makes sense why he wasn't selected in the first round.

Former Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry also missed out on being drafted in the first round, along with Cooper DeJean and Jer'Zhan Newton.

Seems like there's some trouble stirring up in Atlanta, already... Cousins missed out on the majority of last season with an Achilles injury.

Meanwhile, Michael Penix Jr. led the Washington Huskies to the CFP Championship game, only to lose to undefeated Michigan.

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The former USC QB and Washington wideout embraced moments after being drafted on Thursday. Williams went No. 1 overall while Odunze went eight picks later to the Bears at No. 9.

The pair even mimicked connecting for a touchdown pass.

A duo to watch out for next season... Read more:

• Six QBs were drafted within the first 12 picks tonight - the fewest overall picks (12) for six QBs selected in NFL Draft history, according to ESPN.
• This year's draft set the record for the longest amount of time it took for a defensive player to be selected (Laiatu Latu - No. 15, DE, Indianapolis Colts).

Three quarterbacks were drafted as the top three players of this year's draft, as it sums up multiple teams' needs for a signal-caller this fall. The Commanders and Patriots were 4-13 last season, while the Bears ended last of the NFC North with a 7-10 record.

Now, the questions are: Will Jerod Mayo get the best out of Maye in his first season as head coach in New England? Will the Bears finally have a quarterback who excels in wanting to play for them? And will Washington start Daniels over Marcus Mariota?

Only time will tell, but there's plenty to already look out for coming this fall!

That's two wide receivers occupying the last two spots of the first round...interesting...

As a fifth-year senior in 2023, Legette became South Carolina's No.1 receiver. He totaled 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns on 71 receptions, including a career-high 217 yards against Jacksonville State.

'I'll be right down the down,' Legette said in reaction to his draft selection, on Thursday. 'It'll be a bit easier for my family to come watch me play so that'll be great.'

Legette was surrounded by family members and friends while watching the Draft from home. Check out his reaction below:

The 23-year-old wideout played in 12 games for Florida in 2023, after suffering a foot injury in preseason, putting up 33 receptions for 661 yards and five touchdowns.

He began his career at Arizona State, where he had 48 receptions for 550 yards and a team-high four receiving touchdowns in 2021. Pearsall came close to joining Bo Nix at Oregon but opted to play for the Gators.

According to a Houston-based reporter, CJ Stroud wanted Pearsall on the Texans. But, Houston doesn't have a first-round pick this year...

In the Clemson Tigers' victory in the 2022 ACC Championship Game, Wiggins had a 98-yard Pick-Six, the longest in ACC Championship history. He finished the season with 30 tackles, 11 passes and one interception.

In 2023, he received first-team All-ACC honors.

The 20-year-old joins Jalyn-Armour Davis, Ka'dar Hollman, Christian Matthew, Arthur Maulet, Trayvon Mullen, Tre Swilling, and Ar'Darius Washington as part of Baltimore's cornerbacks department.

Just three picks away from ending the first round now... and it seems that Dallas finally got its newest team member in offensive lineman Tyler Guyton, 22.

The 6 ft 7, 328 lb OT played for the TCU Horned Frogs before transferring to Oklahoma in 2022.

An interesting move from Kansas City, as it gives Tyreek Hill vibes.

Worthy, 20, holds the 40-yard dash record at the NFL Combine with a time of 4.21 seconds. He originally committed to Michigan in 2021 before changing his mind.

Worthy had a breakout freshman year at Texas breaking several freshman school records. These records include receiving yards in a season with 981 yards and receiving touchdowns in a season with 12. These records were previously held by Roy Williams, who had 809 yards with 8 touchdowns in his 2000 freshman season.

Worthy also broke the school freshman record of receiving yards in a game with 261 yards against rival Oklahoma. At the end of Worthy’s freshman season, he was awarded true-freshman All-American by Pro Football Focus, 247 Sports, and FWAA.

Add Louis Rees-Zammit, formerly a rugby winger who changed sport to play with the Chiefs this offseason, and the Chiefs will have a lot of speed on the flanks...

What's more is that Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes seemed thrilled about his team's only first-round pick this year.

Drafted as the No. 27 pick of this year's draft class, Robinson returned to Missouri for his final season in 2023 and switched from defensive tackle to defensive end.

Asked what his versatility will bring to Arizona next season, the 22-year-old said: 'It brings everything, man. I told 'em in my interview, ''Just line me up, let me get my cleats to the ground, and play fast.'' I'm gonna be violent, keep my energy to the side, and play as hard as I can.'

He started 12 games, registering 29 solo tackles and 8.5 sacks this past season.

Robinson, who's from Detroit, couldn't hide his smile as he got drafted in his hometown.

And no, he will not be replacing Jason Kelce on the Philadelphia Eagles...

Instead, he will be joining Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay. The 21-year-old is the only guard in the first round...

It doesn't seem like Skip Bayless is too happy with Dallas missing out on the two-time first-team All-ACC and second-team All-American.

Barton played at Duke form 2020-23.

Morgan, 22, will boost both the run and pass-blocking games for Green Bay, which could be welcome news for fans as the team attempts another surprising playoff run next season.

Morgan, who thought about entering the 2023 NFL Draft, returned to Arizona for a fifth and final season.

Upon announcing Morgan's future in the league, Goodell was booed while letting fans know that Green Bay will be home to next year's Draft.

What's more, is that one particular Cheesehead didn't seem to want the team to draft Morgan in the first place. Check out his reaction:

The lucky player to head to Detroit is defensive back Terrion Arnold, formerly of the Alabama Crimson Tide. The 21-year-old cornerback, who won First-Team All-American Honors in 2023, was even seen dabbing up Cam Newton ahead of tonight's event.

That said, the Lions love picking one of Nick Saban's players as tonight marks the third time in as many years that Detroit has drafted an Alabama player.

Arnold recorded 63 tackles, 5 interceptions, a sack, and a forced fumble this past season, helping the Crimson Tide to the CFP semi-finals.

'He really committed himself to being the best player he can be,' Saban said on ESPN after finding out the Lions' first-round pick of the night. 'Everybody loves him.'

Terrion Arnold shakes hands with ex-Panthers and Patriots QB Cam Newton on Draft Night.

The former LSU wideout will be Trevor Lawrence's newest receiving option in 2024. Thomas Jr. apparently received scholarships to play DI basketball before opting to play college football, according to ESPN.

The 21-year-old led the FBS with 17 receiving touchdowns in 2023.

What's a loaded secondary Philadelphia has next season...Mitchell, 22, will join Eagles veteran James Bradeberry, as well as Mekhi Garner, Tyler Hall, Josh Jobe, AVonte Maddox, Tiawan Mullen, Eli Ricks, Kelee Ringo, Isaiah Rodgers, and Darius Slay on the team's cornerback department.

Of course, those mentioned won't make the team by the fall, but the Eagles also have Reed Blankenship, Sydney Brown, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson as other defensive backs to name a few...

Puzzling choice right there from Philly...

Philly announced its first-round pick selection through Aussie Jordan Mailata, who is currently in Melbourne.

What's more, is that Mitchell ran the NFL Combine's 40-yard dash in 4.33 seconds in March...

Nicknamed 'Pork-chop' at birth, due to his weight (14 lbs) as a bay, Robinson played college football at Maryland and Penn State. He was a First-Team All-Big Ten in 2023.

The defensive end ran the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine in March in 4.49 seconds. What's more is that he weights 25 lbs, and is 6 ft 3.

Scary.

The Steelers' veteran defensive tackle came up to the stage in Detroit to announce Fautanu as Pittsburgh's first-round pick this year.

Fautanu did a great job covering for Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. this year, as helped steer the Huskies to the CFP championship game. The 23-year-old won the Moris Trophy as the top offensive lineman in the Pac-12 and the Joe Moore Award as the top offensive line unit.

Fautanu, who's 6ft 4 and 317 lbs, is large and mobile and could even switch to guard if needed. This will not be a flashy pick, but it will be an effective one, as Russell Wilson and Justin Fields need protection going into the fall.

We managed to get that one right, as our aforementioned Mock Writer, Jake Fenner, said of the former Florida State DE: 'Here's your replacement for the retiring Aaron Donald, Rams fans.

'Verse put up 18 sacks the last two seasons and is more than capable of starting next season.'

Indeed, the 23-year-old Ohio native was a two-time All-American with the Seminoles in the last two years. Verse and his Florida State teammates were scandalously prived of a CFP spot last season.

Verse is the Rams' first-round pick since 2016.

The 21-year-old OT played college football at Georgia from 2021 to 2023, winning two national championships with Brock Bowers in the process.

He joins Orlando Brown and Trent Bown as the three OTs on the Bengals.

Mims managed to run the 40-yard dash in an impressive 5.07 secs at the NFL Combine in March before injuring himself ahead of his second try.

Also, please take a second to look at how Mims, who's 340 lbs., compares to your average Joe.

On the D-Line, Minnesota could do with an upgrade in the pass rush department and Turner should be able to provide that from day one.

The 21-year-old Turner played for Alabama for three seasons, where he was named consensus All-American and the SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.

Asked to describe himself in three words before the Draft, Turner said: 'That bad man.'

Watch out...

The 21-year-old was named the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2023 while playing for the Texas Longhorns. Murphy II became a starter as a junior this past season and even had a receiving touchdown against Wyoming.

In reaction to his team's first-round pick, Seahawks wideout Tyler Lockett tweeted: 'Let's go!!!! Congrats Byron Murphy!!!!'

Once medically advised to retire due to a neck injury, former UCLA DE Laia Latu is the first defensive player to be drafted this year! The longest wait for a defensive player in draft history!!

Latu, a California native, was named a unanimous All-American and won the Ted Hendricks and Lombardi Awards with the UCLA Bruins in 2023. He previously played for Washington before transferring to UCLA in 2022.

His reaction to hearing his name on the board is priceless. Take a look, yourself...

The Saints may have gotten one of the steals of the first round by sitting and doing nothing, as they don't necessarily need a QB after signing Derek Carr in the 2023 offseason. Besides, there is always one top-10-level talent that falls a little far, and it seems that former Oregon State OT Taliese Fuaga is that guy...

'In every sense, he can bring stability to a team that does not need much help to become good enough to get back into the playoffs,' as quoted by our Mock Draft writer, Jake Fenner.

Fuaga, who's 6ft 6 and 334 lbs, ran the 40-yard dash in 5.13 secs. at the Combine in March.

We predicted that Bowers would go to the Jets as QB Aaron Rodgers lacks a talented tight end to add to his team's offense. Sorry, Kenny Yeboah...

Bowers, 21, should be the only tight end taken in the first round bar any surprises.

He's a two-time national champion and John Makey Award winner with Georgia, and holds the school record for single-season receiving touchdowns with 13.

A three-time All-American, Bowers has been cited among the greatest tight ends in college football history.

Watch out, Travis Kelce...

Can Brock Bowers become the NFL's best tight end over Travis Kelce in the near future? Only time will tell...

The 24-year-old has been taken at No. 12 by the Denver Broncos, as no top-tier QB misses out on the first round of this year's Draft. *cough cough* sorry Will Levis...

Nix won the 2023 William V. Campbell Trophy and was named the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year the same year after throwing for over 4,5000 yards with 45 touchdowns with Oregon. He finished third in Heisman voting behind Michael Penix Jr. and eventual winner Jayden Daniels.

Nix started 61 games between Auburn and Oregon, the most in NCAA history for a QB. He joins the recently traded Zach Wilson in Denver. Will he start over the ex-Jets QB? Only head coach Sean Payton knows...

Brock Bowers at Oregon.

The lucky guy is... OT Olu Fashanu, who played four seasons at Penn State. He earned consensus All-American honors in 2023.

Jets QB Aaron Rodgers will rely on Fashanu, who's 6 ft 6 and 317 lbs, to watch his back this fall.

Fashanu was at home with many friends and family members watching the Draft on his couch. Talk about a once in a lifetime gathering...

The former Michigan QB and CFP champion has been selected at No. 10 by the Minnesota Vikings, who lost veteran Kirk Cousins to free agency this offseason. The 21-year-old can do it all, rush, throw long, or short, without feeling pressure in the pocket.

McCarthy finished his career at Michigan with a 27-1 record (.964) as the starter, the third-highest winning percentage in college football history.

That's a wrap for the top quarterback of this year's class, other than Bo Nix, formerly of Oregon. McCarthy wasn't in Detroit tonight, according to reports.

Minnesota welcomes McCarthy with opens arms after having to manage injuries at QB last season.

Still no trade or defensive players yet tonight...

Odunze goes to Chicago as the Huskies' best receiving option in 2023 for former QB Michael Penix Jr., who was just drafted ahead of his ex-teammate at No. 8.

'I'm excited to do something special,' Odunze said about his future after being drafted. 'Go Bears!'

Odunze was a consensus All-American and runner-up for the national championship in 2023, just like Penix. Expect to see a lot of passes from Caleb Williams to Odunze next season... a duo to keep eyes on...

Still, no defensive players drafted so far tonight...

Penix, 23, also finished runner-up for the Heisman Trophy last year. He won the 2023 Maxwell Award after leading the Huskies to the 2024 national championship, where they lost to the undefeated Michigan Wolverines.

Penix completed 1,067 passes for 13,741 yards in 2023. he also rushed for 265 yards.

New Falcons newbies Kirk Cousins and Taylor Heinecke better watch out...

Our hot streak had to eventually end...as OT J.C. Latham was selected at No. 7 by the Tennessee Titans.

He'll provide much-needed cover for team QB Will Levis.

Latham, who's from Mississippi, earned all-conference honors in 2023 with the Alabama Crimson Tide.

How New York wishes this pick could be a QB and move away from Daniel Jones. But no, one massively over-performing season and the Giants see themselves back several years.

What's the next-best thing to resetting the quarterback clock? Getting said quarterback some major help, of course.

It's not the first time the Giants selected a top-talented wideout out of LSU. Giants fans, remember Odell Beckham Jr.? Oh yeah...

Former LSU Tigers wide receiver Malik Nabers.

Free agent wideout Odell Bekcham Jr was drafted out of LSU by the Giants in 2014.

The Jim Harbaugh era is now underway in Los Angeles and it looks like he's selected Alt - a two-time All-American with the Fighting Irish - ahead over former Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy.

Reports have also emerged on why L.A. opted to choose Alt over McCarthy, as they were uninterested in trading QB Justin Herbert this offseason, according to Adam Schefter, of ESPN.

Alt's father, John, played in the NFL for the Kansas City Chiefs. His older brother, Mark, is a professional ice hockey player as a defenseman.

Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt, left, runs a drill against offensive tackle Blake Fisher in March.

All-star forward DeMar DeRozan holds up a Bulls legend with Williams' name and draft selection on it, as he lets the Bears' new QB know that he's 'gonna do big things and fight on' in Chicago.

Williams, you got a new friend in DeMar now...

Our draft prediction is intact as we head to switch our focus to the No. 5 pick.

Harrison, 21, was recognized as a two-time unanimous All-American and winner of the 2023 Fred Biletnikoff Award. He is the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Marvin Harrison.

The Patriots have officially selected Drake Maye, of UNC, as their first draftee of the Jerod Mayo era. Maye was named the 2022 ACC Player of the Year after passing for a school-record 4,321 yards with 38 touchdowns.

Can he now go on to establish himself in Patriots folklore after a miserable last few seasons for the franchise? Last season, which was Belichick's last as head coach, the Pats went 8-9.

Moving on, now, will Ohio State wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. go to the Arizona Cardinals at No. 4 to keep our hot streak going?!

Our Mock Draft is getting it right, so far, with Daniels at No. 2 and Williams at No. 1. Will it be three in a row with Maye at No. 3? And will he land in Minnesota or New England? C'mon, NFL execs, make us look good!

In reaction to his selection, Daniels said he couldn't have gotten where he is today without God, and that he feels blessed. The former LSU QB won this year's Heisman Trophy several other awards after passing for 40 touchdowns and 3,800+ yards while rushing for 10 touchdowns and 1,100+ yards.

He transferred to the Tigers in 2022 after playing for the Arizona State Sun Devils for three seasons.

It's a done deal, folks! The former USC QB is now heading to Detroit, weeks after Justin Fields left Chicago for the Pittsburgh Steelers. A new man is in Chi-town now... watch out...

Williams, 22, won the Heisman Trophy and several other awards with the USC Trojans in 2022 after throwing for over 4,500 yards with 52 total touchdowns, the latter being a single-season school record.

In 2023, Williams and the Trojans went 7–5 during the regular season, throwing for 3,333 yards with 31 passing and 11 rushing touchdowns.

He declared for the 2024 NFL draft following the season, finishing his college career throwing for nearly 10,000 yards with 120 total touchdowns.

Now, the question is, who will go second? McDaniels, Maye or someone else?

Ladies and gentlemen, the moment we've all been waiting for... will we hear Caleb Williams' name read out loud first tonight?!

We're seconds away from finding out...

Caleb Williams, formerly of USC.

The good ol' tradition of jeering the league commissioner is back, like it is every year, as Eminem gets the crowd going at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza.

The rapper introduced Lions' QB Jarrod Goff and Detroit legendary running back Barry Sanders on stage to a rowdy applause, as Gooddell attempts to leave his mark on tonight's audience.

That's won't be an easy task by any means...welcome to Detroit, Roger...

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell introduces U.S. rapper Eminem to the crowd in Detroit

Eminem applauds fans welcoming him on stage

The rapper wore a black Lions sweater to show off his hometown pride

Lions QB Jared Goff

If you're just joining us, welcome! We're just as hyped as you are to learn who comes out on top... stay tuned, folks...

The top prospects pose on stage prior to the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza.

Angela Davis sings "Lift Every Voice and Sing" before the start of tonight's event.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has just been introduced to the crowd in Detroit by franchise owner Robert Kraft as he looks forward to his first draft selectee of New England's new era.

Reports claim that the Patriots are no longer interested in trading their No. 3 pick.

Meanwhile, Belichick is co-hosting tonight's Draft on ESPN's Pat McAfee, his first job outside of coaching since 1975!

That's according to local reporter Mitch Abom, of Say Detroit.

Things are about to get under way here in Motor City, as players have just been called to the stage... stay tuned!

Fans wait outside of the draft theater ahead of the first round.

Announced on the network's coverage of tonight's event, Mortensen was regarded as a pioneer working year-round reporting news of the NFL.

He contributed to ESPN's award-winning football shows such as NFL GameDay, Sunday NFL Countdown, and Monday Night Countdown, as well as the network's Outside the Line Series. He also frequently appeared on SportsCenter, ESPN Radio, and ESPN.com.

Mortensen survived eight years past his diagnosis of Stage IV Cancer until March of this year, when he died at his son's home in Irondale, Arizona, at the age of 72.

RIP 'Mort.'

Mortensen on Sunday NFL Countdown at ESPN's studio in Bristol, Conn, in 2019.

Mortensen interviewing then-Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning on ESPN in 2005.

Downtown Motor City is packed with fans from all around the country as we're only half an hour away from starting tonight's event!

We haven't seen this amount of people on Draft Night since before COVID. Fair to say that pro football has well recovered since then.

Cowboys fans in Detroit

A Viking fan, Seahawks fan, and Cowboys fan embrace ahead of the first round tonight

Chargers fans are hoping for a change of fortunes next season, starting at the NFL Draft.

Rowdy Raidres fans

Colts cheerleaders were in the house, too!

Lions fans repping local fandom

Vikings cheerleaders

After London, Frankfurt, and Mexico City, the league wants more fixtures outside of the U.S., with a source claiming that 16 international games are being planned within the next 10 years.

Where would you like to watch a game? Let us know in the comments!

The Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars

The NFL also relocated the San Francisco 49ers-Arizona Cardinals game in Mexico City in November 2022.

It appears that the NFL commissioner can't hug players upon their arrival on stage once they're drafted, as he's been suffering some back pain lately.

We thought he may have had COVID for a second... that was so 2020...

Rapper Big Sean has drawn a big crowd ahead of tonight's announcement of the best players in this year's class. Some fans and locals have turned out in some interesting outfits too...

Just a little less than an hour to go now!

ig Sean performs during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, in Detroit

A general overall view of the Draft Theater at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza

Fans om Detroit Lions gear gather around. One of them is holding a carboard cutout of Lions coach Dan Campbell with a headset that has the word 'Grit' on it.

A Chicago Bears fans at Big Sean's concert venue came in a full bear outfit and with facepaint. Hopefully, for his sake, Caleb Williams is this year's first overall pick!

Running behind on this year's top picks? Not sure what to expect tonight? Need a quick recap before the start of tonight's event? Don't fret...we got you covered!

Just don't slam us if you disagree with our predictions...😅

The highly rated youngsters showed off their suits, chains, and girlfriends ahead of tonight's event, as they dressed up for the cameras.

QBs Maye and McDaniels, along with Harrison and fellow wideouts Rome Odunze, and Laitu Latu, are predicted to be among the top 25 drafted in the first round in Detroit!

Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze, center, poses on the red carpet ahead of the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Detroit

UNC QB Drake May poses on the red carpet

UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu opens up his blazer

LSU QB Jayden Daniels wearing pearls on his chain

Ohio State wideout Marvin Harrison wearing futuristic-looking shades

The former USC quarterback arrived at Fox Theatre with his mom and girl on each arm as he went for a simple but clean look as he revealed that it'd 'mean the world' to him if heard his named called as the #1 pick tonight.

Stay tuned...

Caleb Williams poses on the red carpet while surrounded by NFL cheerleaders

The former Patriots and Panthers quarterback, who was the first overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft, was spotted on the red carpet in a mint green suit and cowboy hat as he provides coverage of tonight's event for the NFL Network.

The 34-year-old's certainly dressed for the occasion... will we ever see him play in the NFL again? Probably not... Still nice to see Newton involved in the pro football community nonetheless!

Los Angeles Chargers fan Jorge Santiesteban waits for the start of the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Apr 25, 2024; Detroit, MI, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner stands on the red carpet ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft at Detroit's Fox Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Alabama prospect JC Latham's branded football in the green room before the 2024 NFL football draft on Thursday, April 25, 2024 in Detroit. (Doug Benc/AP Images for the NFL)

Dallas Cowboys fans pose ahead of the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 25, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

First order of business: Wags.

We are about two hours from getting under way in Detroit, where quarterbacks are expected to dominate the first several selections.

First among them: USC quarterback and Heisman winner Caleb Williams, who is already a lock to go first overall when the Chicago Bears get the draft underway shortly after 8pm EST.