CAA Sports Dominates the NFL Draft with Record-Breaking 12 First-Round Picks

CAA Sports had a standout presence at the NFL Draft this year, with 12 first-round picks. This surpassed their previous record set in 2018 and marked the end of Athletes First’s four-year reign. Notably, North Carolina QB Drake Maye was taken by the Patriots with the third overall pick, while USC QB Caleb Williams’ father represented him as a top prospect like Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr., son of Football HOFer Marvin Harrison.

WME Sports and Athletes First also had four first-round picks each, while Excel Football and Wasserman had two each. Additionally, CAA had the most top-five picks, including Notre Dame OT Joe Alt going to the Chargers at number five. The success of these agencies this year was reminiscent of Athletes First’s triumph in the 2020 virtual draft after CAA had led for four years prior.

There were 11 agencies involved in the first round this year, with Patrick Collins representing five players – more than any other agent. The draft showcased a diverse range of schools, with LSU, Alabama, and Washington each having three picks in the first round. QBs took the top three spots overall, with Williams being selected by the Bears, LSU’s Jayden Daniels by the Commanders and Maye by the Patriots respectively. The representation of different agencies and schools added excitement to the draft and highlighted a new wave of talent entering the NFL.