Shifting Power: CAA Sports Takes Over NFL Draft with Record-Breaking Performance

The NFL Draft was marked by a significant shift in power, as CAA Sports emerged victorious with 12 first-round picks. This surpassed their own previous record set in 2018 and ended Athletes First’s four-year reign atop the agency rankings. One of the most notable picks was North Carolina QB Drake Maye, who went to the Patriots with the third overall pick, highlighting a new trend of parental representation for top prospects.

CAA also had the most top-five picks, including Notre Dame OT Joe Alt going to the Chargers at number five. WME Sports and Athletes First each had four first-round picks, while Excel Football and Wasserman had two each. It was a close call between CAA and Athletes First this year, with CAA agent Patrick Collins representing five players, more than any other agent.

The draft featured a diverse range of schools, with LSU, Alabama, and Washington each having three picks in the first round. QBs took the top three spots once again, with USC QB Caleb Williams being selected at number one by his father Carl Williams. This showcased a new trend of parental representation for top prospects like Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr., son of Football HOFer Marvin Harrison.

The success of different agencies and schools added excitement to the draft and highlighted a new wave of talent entering the NFL. Overall, it was a momentous occasion that showcased how much has changed since 2018 when Athletes First held sway over the industry.

Overall, this year’s NFL Draft saw a major shift in power as CAA Sports secured an unprecedented 12 first-round picks during the virtual event. This surpassed their own previous record set just two years ago and ended Athletes First’s reign as industry leaders.

Notably, North Carolina QB Drake Maye was taken by New England with the third overall pick while Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr., son of Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison was picked by Seattle in fifth place.

WME Sports and Athletes First also had four first-round selections each while Excel Football and Wasserman had two each.

CAA had more top-five selections than any other agency including Notre Dame OT Joe Alt who went to Los Angeles Chargers in fifth place.

This year’s draft showcased a diverse range of schools including LSU, Alabama and Washington which all had three picks in the first round.

QBs once again took up positions one through three on day one of selection process – USC QB Caleb Williams being taken by his father Carl Williams in second place while LSU’s Jayden Daniels came off next at number three followed by Maye at number six.