Leadership Lessons from the 2024 NFL Draft

Tonight is my favorite leadership evening of the year – the first round of the NFL Draft.  I will be giving the leadership lessons which come with each pick of the first round.  A few notes:

1. I will not be saying if a player selected was a good pick or not.  This is because I do not have access to each team’s scouting reports, medical records, coaching philosophy, or schemes.
2. However, I will acknowledge if a pick will be a defining moment for a general manager.
3. I was VERY EXCITED to hear the analysis of Bill Belichick.  I expect tonight to be a masterclass in teambuilding and player evaluation.  However, I switched to ESPN’s coverage after the 6th pick because of language.

Now, let’s begin the blow-by-blow coverage of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Pre-Draft Coverage

• “Jayden Daniels won inside the pocket.  This is where coaches want quarterbacks to live and thrive.” – Louis Riddick.  Leaders must clearly communicate what success looks like for those on their teams.
• “In the first couple of picks it’s pretty straightforward…. the teams in the late teens are thinking if a player slides can we get him?” – Belichick
• “These guys are all talented but all have things to work on…. There is a gap between where they are and where they need to go.” – Belichick was incredible in breaking down the lack of mechanics in the first round quarterbacks.  “It is the consistency that makes them championship quarterbacks in the NFL.”
• “In that position you want accuracy, consistency, and mental toughness.” – Belichick
• “It’s always great to have a veteran quarterback in that room.” – Belichick

1st Round Picks (First 20 Selections)

1. Chicago Bears select USC quarterback Caleb Williams – “Caleb is a talented guy… If he can get more dependable and not turn the ball over, he’s got a chance to help the team.” – Belichick.  One of a leader’s greatest abilities is their dependability.  “Don’t try to do too much.  Don’t turn the ball over because you get behind early and it’s a long day.”
2. Washington Commanders select LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels – “Great leader, his teammates really play for him… ” – Belichick.  What ultimately defines a leader is if people are actually following you.
3. New England Patriots select North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye – “He hasn’t played much.  He doesn’t have much experience… He’s quick to bail out of the pocket.  This kid can make all the throws.  He just needs to be more consistent.” – Belichick.  Smart leaders never confuse activity with accomplishment.
4. Arizona Cardinals select Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. – “Great work ethic… He’s in there everyday not living off his dad’s reputation.” – Belichick.  Greatness cannot be borrowed, it must be earned.
5. Los Angeles Chargers select Notre Dame tackle Joe Alt – Justin Herbert just got some help.  Great organizations do everything possible to make their best leaders successful.
6. New York Giants select LSU Malik Nabers – “He’s a very competitive player number one.” – Belichick.  Great leaders have a high level of competitive stamina.
7. Tennessee Titans select Alabama tackle JC Latham – “He just rag dolled people.” – Louis Riddick.  The greatest leaders lead dominant organizations.
8. Atlanta Falcons select Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. – Leaders must understand what is involved in winning and losing.  I do not understand selecting a back-up with the 8th pick.  The thought process on this pick must be a Green Bay Packers-style of quarterback development and succession.  In two or three years, they have Kirk Cousins’s replacement.
9. The Chicago Bears select Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze – Had five or more catches in every game and led FCS in receiving yards.  Leaders never confuse activity with accomplishment.
10. Minnesota Vikings move up one spot to draft Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy – Smart organizations are proactive and even aggressive in getting the leaders they want.  Because of the team’s coach, receivers, offensive line, and can sit behind Sam Darnold for a year, McCarthy will be the most successful qb in this draft.  Your success is determined by those closest to you.
11. New York Jets select Penn State tackle Olumuyima Fahsanu – Leaders must be able to evaluate reality.  The Jets do not have two healthy tackles to protect quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
12. Denver Broncos select Oregon quarterback Bo Nix – Everything rises and falls on leadership .  Six quarterbacks were selected in the first twelve picks.  Not one defensive player has been selected.  If you don’t think the NFL is an offensive league, I don’t know what further evidence you need.
13. Las Vegas Raiders select Georgia tight end Brock Bowers – “He has a chance to be special.” – Mel Kiper.  “Get your quarterback multi-positional weapons…  He’s just a weapon.” – Riddick.  Versatility is an ability every leader needs to have in a post-COVID world.
14. New Orleans Saints select Oregon State tackle Taliese Fuaga – Had only one sack allowed in his career.  “He is a foundational piece at right tackle.  He will have a 10-year career and be a multiple All-Pro.” – Riddick.  Leaders should be foundational pieces for their organization.
15. Indianapolis Colts select UCLA defensive end LAiatu Latu – Latu has had neck surgery but also 23.5 sacks in the last two seasons.  A leader’s greatest ability, no matter how talented they are, is availability.
16. Seattle Seahawks select Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy – A 3-technique defensive tackle is hard to find.  When you have a chance to add a unique leader to your team, you do not miss that opportunity.
17. Minnesota Vikings traded to this pick to select Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner – “He has no counter move right now.  He needs coaching.” – Mel Kiper.  Everyone gets better with a coach.
18. Cincinnati Bengals select Georgia tackle Amarius Mims – “You must do everything you can to protect Joe Burrow and get him through a full season… You have to fortify the offensive line.” – Louis Riddick.  Leaders fortify your organization.
19. Los Angeles Rams select Florida State defensive end Jared Verse – “Football character.  That is exactly what the Rams are looking for.” – Riddick.  Talent determines your floor, character determines your ceiling.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers select Washington tackle Troy Fautanu – The Huskies had three offensive players selected in the Top 20 picks.  A depth of talent can often be found in the most unusual places.