The 2024 NFL Draft was dominated by offensive players in the first round, with UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu being the first defensive player taken at the 15th overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts. This broke the record for the latest a defensive player had ever been selected in the draft, highlighting the offensive talent that headlined the event. The draft was loaded with top quarterbacks and receivers, making it difficult for defensive players to find their place early on. Despite the abundance of defensive talent available, teams were more focused on acquiring offensive stars.
The offensive-heavy nature of the 2024 draft raised questions about the state of defense in college football and how it is reflected in the NFL Draft. With a relatively weak defensive class, it seemed that offensive players were more coveted and in demand at the top of the first round. While there were standout defensive prospects like Dallas Turner, Quinyon Mitchell, and Cooper DeJean, they were overshadowed by the offensive stars selected ahead of them. It remains to be seen whether this trend will continue in future drafts or if it was just a one-off year where offense took precedence.
In the history of the common draft era since 1967, the latest a defensive player had ever been picked was at the eighth overall spot in 2021. This year, that record was shattered as Latu became the first defensive player chosen at 15th overall. Teams that were expected to target defensive players, such as the Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears, ended up selecting offensive players instead. With six quarterbacks taken in the first 14 picks, defensive players had to wait their turn in a draft that heavily favored offensive talent.
Despite the offensive focus of the 2024 draft, Latu’s standout performance in the 2023 season caught the attention of the Indianapolis Colts, who saw the opportunity to bolster their defense with his addition. While defensive players may have had to wait longer to hear their names called, Latu’s selection showcased the value of defensive playmakers in a draft that was dominated by offensive stars. The record-breaking nature of the draft in terms of the timing of the first defensive player selected highlighted the unique dynamics of the 2024 NFL Draft and the standout performances that defined this year’s class.
