The Edmonton Elks drafted linebacker Joel Dublanko first overall in the 2023 CFL Draft on Tuesday night, making him the ninth Bearcat taken in the draft but the first in the opening round. Dublanko, who is eligible for the CFL draft because his father is from Edmonton, played in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks before playing in 2023 with the USFL’s Philadelphia Stars.
Detroit’s recent hosting of the NFL Draft, attracting a record-breaking number of fans, is a testament to the city’s remarkable transformation. Once a symbol of urban decline, Detroit has emerged as a vibrant hub of innovation and revitalization, attracting new residents, businesses, and investors.
The New York Jets have their eyes on the future, trading up in the fifth round of the 2024 draft to select former Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis. Travis, the eighth quarterback chosen overall and an ACC Player of the Year in 2023, could potentially be the successor to Aaron Rodgers as the team’s starting quarterback. Despite suffering a season-ending ankle injury in 2023, Travis is expected to recover in time for training camp.
Despite rumors of trade offers, the New England Patriots have selected North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye with the third overall pick in the NFL draft. The move signals the Patriots’ commitment to finding their long-term quarterback solution after the departure of Tom Brady in 2020. Maye, a 6-foot-4, 223-pound prospect, has a strong track record of success at the collegiate level and is considered a safe bet due to his size and ability.
The Denver Broncos selected Oregon quarterback Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick after failing to trade up for their desired target. Minnesota Vikings head coach Sean Payton revealed that he intentionally pretended to be interested in moving up in the draft in order to entice the Vikings to jump ahead of them. The Vikings ultimately traded up to select Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy at No. 10. Six quarterbacks were taken in the first round of the draft, tied for the most ever. Nix expressed his excitement about playing for the Broncos and his desire to make an impact on the team.
The NFL Draft delivered a surge of excitement at 1 Jets Drive when the team snagged Malachi Corley in the third round. Team owner Woody Johnson and top brass couldn’t contain their elation, expressing their anticipation for Corley’s arrival. The Jets traded up to secure the dynamic wide receiver, who has drawn comparisons to Deebo Samuel for his exceptional ability to amass yards after the catch. Aaron Rodgers, the Jets’ star quarterback, also voiced his enthusiasm for Corley’s addition to the roster.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes has been wearing ‘VILLAIN’ shirts to subtly jab at critics of the team’s rebuild. On Friday, he took it a step further with ‘POSITIONAL VILLAIN’ sweatshirts in the draft war room. This move comes after Holmes received criticism for selecting a running back and linebacker in the first 18 picks of last year’s draft. However, both players, Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell, went on to have standout rookie seasons, proving Holmes’ evaluations correct. Holmes defended his decision, stating that he prioritizes drafting the best players rather than focusing solely on positional value. This bold approach has paid off, with the draft class being named the league’s best and Holmes being named executive of the year.
Former Michigan running back Blake Corum was selected by the Los Angeles Rams with the 83rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Corum joins his former teammate Roman Wilson, who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the following pick. With Corum’s selection, six Michigan players have now been drafted this year.
Former Michigan running back Blake Corum has been traded to the Los Angeles Rams in the third round of the NFL Draft. Corum, a two-time All-American, rushed for 3,737 yards and 58 touchdowns in his career at Michigan, including a single-season program record of 27 rushing touchdowns in 2023. He was a key part of Michigan’s run-heavy offense and played a crucial role in the team’s 15-0 title run. Corum was initially projected to be drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers but was ultimately traded to the Rams.
The Ohio State Buckeyes had a strong start to the 2024 NFL Draft with wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. being selected in the first round. Harrison Jr. was taken by the Indianapolis Colts with the fourth overall pick, continuing the Buckeyes’ streak of first-round wide receivers. Hall Jr. was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 55th overall pick. Eight other former Buckeyes are hoping to join them on Day 2 of the draft.
