CBS’s NFL Pregame Show Changes: Ryan Joins, Simms and Esiason Depart as 2024 Draft First Night Picks Surprise Viewers

Mackenzie Salmon analyzes the most surprising and expected picks of the 2024 NFL Draft on the first night. Meanwhile, there are significant changes coming to CBS’s NFL pregame show, “The NFL Today.” Matt Ryan, the 2016 league MVP, is set to join the show, while longtime veterans Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason will not be returning.

Ryan, who recently retired from the NFL after leading the Atlanta Falcons to the Super Bowl, has joined CBS Sports last season as an NFL game analyst. Simms, who had been with CBS for nearly two decades, is leaving the network along with Esiason. Esiason, the longest-tenured analyst on “The NFL Today,” will continue his association with CBS through his WFAN radio show.

Ryan expressed his excitement about joining “The NFL Today” and upholding its iconic standard set by his predecessors. He played 15 seasons with the Falcons and Colts, making four Pro Bowl appearances and leading the Falcons to an NFC Championship and Super Bowl 51. The former quarterback is a seasoned player with over 60,000 passing yards under his belt.

Simms and Esiason have been longtime veterans in the industry and have made significant contributions to CBS’s “The NFL Today.” While their departure marks an end of an era, it also paves way for new beginnings on one of television’s most popular sports shows.

As for this year’s draft picks on Night One of ESPN’s coverage from Las Vegas – here are some of our early thoughts:

Trevor Lawrence: Lawrence was selected as the first overall pick by Jacksonville Jaguars in this year’s draft. The QB out of Clemson University has shown impressive talent in college football games.

Penei Sewell: Sewell was picked second overall by Detroit Lions as a left tackle from Oregon University. He is considered one of this year’s top offensive lineman prospects.

Trey Lance: Lance was picked third overall by San Francisco 49ers as a quarterback from North Dakota State University. He won two FCS championships during his time at NDSU.

Overall, Night One of ESPN’s coverage provided many surprises as well as exciting picks that fans are eagerly waiting to see them play on their respective teams in upcoming seasons.