Biggest first-round snubs of the 2024 NFL Draft

Thirty-two players heard their name called on Thursday during the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. There were some, though, who expected to be celebrating but now have to wait a bit longer.

Here are five players who probably should have gone in Round 1 but didn’t.

Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

When DeJean is healthy, he’s arguably the best pure cornerback in the 2024 class. However, he’s dealt with multiple injuries at Iowa, and some scouts believe he’s better served playing safety in the NFL, which could potentially be less taxing on his body than CB. Because of his talent, DeJean should be among the first handful of picks on Friday night.

Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois

Newton was considered the top defensive tackle on the board by some analysts, but only eight defensive players, including one DT, went in Round 1, pushing Newton further down draft boards than he should have been. At 6-foot-2 and 295 pounds, Newton is a big-bodied plug-and-play defender who can rush the passer equally was well as he can stuff the run.

Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

McKinstry began the year as the No. 1-ranked cornerback in the draft, but he was soon passed up by his own teammate, Terrion Arnold, and a few others. But make no mistake, McKinstry is one of the better press CBs in the draft, and his lateral movement and ball-hawk skills will translate to the next level. Some team is going to get a steal at the top of Round 2.

Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas

Had the Buffalo Bills stayed put in Round 1 and not traded out of the round, Mitchell likely would have been a first-rounder. Mitchell had a strong 11-touchdown season in 2023, and he’s got speed to burn plus great ball-tracking skills. With the Bills, Patriots, Chargers, Titans and Panthers occupying five of the first seven picks in the second round, Mitchell should be off the board quickly.

Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU

Nine offensive linemen, including seven offensive tackles, flew off the board in the first round, and Suamataia could have easily been one of them. Had the 49ers decided not to draft a replacement for either Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel, he would have made a lot of sense there. The good news is there’s still plenty of OT-needy teams, and Suamataia will certainly be snatched up by one of them.