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The 2024 NFL Draft is over.
As expected, quarterbacks went 1-2-3 in the first round, headlined by none other than Caleb Williams who joined the Chicago Bears. But there were a good number of shocks as well, like the Atlanta Falcons bringing in Michael Penix Jr. despite already having Kirk Cousins under contract and the Dallas Cowboys refusing to draft a running back despite their dearth at the position.
Lost in the craziness were a handful of players who, despite their talents and clout, somehow did not get to take the stage throughout the three-day spectacle. Here are the best of them...
5) Gabriel Murphy, DE
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The only defensive player on this list, Gabriel Murphy combined with Laiatu Latu to form a monstrous UCLA edge rusher tandem that terrified offenses everywhere. Together, they made the LA Bowl and helped the Bruins dominate the Boise State Broncos 35-22.
But while his more accomplished partner went 15th overall, Murphy did not get to hear his name. Fortunately, the Minnesota Vikings have claimed him to add youth and depth to a core led by veterans Jonathan Bullard and Jihad Ward.
4) Jack Westover
The 2023-24 Washington Huskies had one of the most potent offensive cores ever known, and Jack Westover was a key component in that.
Forming a formidable tight end duo with Devin Culp, he helped the team go unbeaten in the regular season and make it all the way to the national title game. But while his partner got called up in the seventh round, he was not as lucky.
The Seattle Seahawks, however, are a good place for Westover to be. He has a chance to immediately shine, with Noah Fant coming off a career-worst performance.
3) Sam Hartman
Here is a surprising fact about the 2024 draft: after six quarterbacks were selected in Round 1 alone, only five came off the board in the next six rounds combined, including zero on Day 2. Sam Hartman was not one of them.
The most accomplished passer in Wake Forest history had done his best to elevate his profile at Notre Dame, but apparently, it was not enough. The Washington Commanders did eventually take their chances on him despite already having Jayden Daniels.
2) Kendall Milton
Kendall Milton was one of the best running backs in Georgia Bulldogs history. He won two national titles and was the MVP in their historic Orange Bowl rout of Florida State as a senior.
But all those titles were not good enough for scouts and managers to consider him worth drafting. Fortunately, the Philadelphia Eagles needed a capable backup for Saquon Barkley, so he is in.
1) Dillon Johnson
And speaking of running backs, it is back to Washington for the chart-topper.
Dillon Johnson was phenomenal in his only season as a Washington Husky. He overran opponents to the tune of almost 1,200 yards and double-digit touchdowns. He played a major part in the team's unbeaten regular season and run to the national title.
So how come no one dared to draft him? Either way, it is moot, as the Tennessee Titans have decided that he will constitute great competition for Tyjae Spears and Tony Pollard's backup.
