Lack of Defensive Players Drafted Early in First Round Had NFL Fans Perplexed

Karl Rasmussen | Apr 25, 2024

New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers at the 2024 NFL draft / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

History was made at the 2024 NFL draft, as not a single defensive player was taken off the board throughout the first 14 picks.

With six quarterbacks going among the first 12 picks, defensive players were pushed to the wayside as teams grabbed the top available wide receivers and offensive linemen early in the draft.

In previous years, the deepest into the draft the first defensive player had ever been selected was in 2021 when the Carolina Panthers picked Jaycee Horn at No. 8. That record was shattered in '24.

The first defender selected Thursday in Detroit was UCLA EDGE rusher Laiatu Latu, who was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts at No. 15.

The NFL world was left scratching their heads with the abundance of offensive players being selected before even one defender heard their name called.

13 picks. No defense.

Is this a fantasy football draft?

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 26, 2024

14 picks so far in the draft.
14 picks all on offense.

No defense at all. https://t.co/Ntk2ArPfqg

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 26, 2024

no defense in the top 14? we need affirmative action in the draft for defenders😂

— Kyle Hamilton (@kyledhamilton_) April 26, 2024

No defense through 14 picks!!

— Seth Walder (@SethWalder) April 26, 2024

No Defensive players taken in the top 12 picks.

What happened to Defense wins Championships?😐

— Bando (@BandoKnowsBall) April 26, 2024

0 defensive players so far is pretty wild

— charles (“you look good” - andy reid) mcdonald (@FourVerts) April 26, 2024

13 picks in, no defense

This is a crazy draft

— Belt Guy (@ThisIsNotZain) April 26, 2024

defensive players pic.twitter.com/i5gXiXRgmv

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) April 26, 2024

A defensive player? In this economy?

— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) April 26, 2024