Tag: 2024 NFL draft

Washington Huskies wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) in the 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

NFL mock draft: Bears shift course; OTs everywhere

Posted on | by Field Level Media

1. Chicago Bears
Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Upside for days. Justin Fields had three seasons to show he’s a franchise quarterback.

2. Washington Commanders
Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Maye is the best pro-style fit in the “Air Raid” derivative offense Kliff Kingsbury operates –if the Commanders fix their offensive line. Already equipped with very good skill talent, Maye lands in the ideal spot with WRs Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel on his side to help the transition.

3. New England Patriots
Marvin Harrison Jr, WR, Ohio State
Size, speed and pedigree, this pick is based on an educated hunch the Patriots are focused on a veteran QB solution.

4. Arizona Cardinals
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Nabers is 20 years old, a big-play machine and warrants comparison to the most recent LSU products at the position such as Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson.

5. Los Angeles Chargers
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Bowers instantly becomes a No. 1 target in Jim Harbaugh’s offense.

6. New York Giants
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Tempted to ride it out with Daniel Jones, the Giants roll the dice with Daniels, a dynamic playmaker not unlike head coach Brian Daboll’s previous star pupil in Buffalo, Josh Allen.

7. Tennessee Titans
Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
GM Ran Carthon gets a shot at his preferred OT1. Protecting potential franchise quarterback in Will Levis rates as a first step ahead of adding more weapons outside.

8. Atlanta Falcons
Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama
Tempting to add a receiver, the Falcons know there are no pass rushers on their roster better than Turner. He has plus athleticism and a conversion of speed to power that should entice Raheem Morris as he brings his 3-4 scheme to the state of Georgia, and Turner should play well in an OLB role.

9. Chicago Bears
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
A teeth-gnashing conundrum for the Bears, who want more pass rush and better blocking in front of their franchise quarterback. In tandem with DJ Moore and TE Cole Kmet, Odunze sets up Williams and Chicago’s offense for instant success.

10. New York Jets
Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Mekhi Becton can’t stay healthy and the rotation of tackles alongside him has been sketchy at best. Bringing in Alt allows for an anchor on at least one side of the line to protect 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers.

11. Minnesota Vikings
Jared Verse, DE, Florida State
The Vikings prioritize length in their edge group and Verse has it in spades, combined with explosive athleticism and decent technical refinement. Verse should raise the floor of a depleted defensive line and elevate Brian Flores to new heights as a defensive coordinator.

12. Denver Broncos
Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Patrick Surtain needs a partner in the cornerback room. The Alabama connection with Arnold, a feisty man corner who made a splash with high pass deflection numbers and great ballhawk tendencies, would appeal to head coach Sean Payton.

13. Las Vegas Raiders
Tailese Fuaga, OL, Oregon State
Fuaga provides the flexibility to replace ineffective 2023 starters. His power profile and run-blocking ability suggest he fits as a top-end guard, but Fuaga has the length and footwork to operate outside of a phone booth as a tackle.

14. New Orleans Saints
JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Trevor Penning isn’t the answer for the Saints, and the passing game has suffered because of it. Latham brings strength and incredible footwork to a team that should contend for the division title again.

15. Indianapolis Colts
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Lead receiver Michael Pittman Jr. isn’t a lock to return. Thomas is the perfect replacement for Indianapolis. GM Chris Ballard typically prioritizes flashy athletes and Thomas possesses impressive size, speed and agility to partner alongside Josh Downs if Pittman does depart. Thomas would instantly lock down the outside receiver spot.

16. Seattle Seahawks
Jer’zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
Jarran Reed is long in the tooth and new head coach Mike Macdonald will emphasize the front seven. Enter Newton, a forceful prospect who uses his hands perfectly to create pressure and plug holes. He brings skill to the heart of the defense and would increase the overall production of the group.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars
Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Based on last season, the Jaguars need to find CB Tyson Campbell a better running mate. Wiggins’ tenacity and physicality to jam receivers at the release point and speed to carry them through the route would make Jacksonville’s secondary a force.

18. Cincinnati Bengals
Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas
Murphy should help provide stability to the defensive line rotation, adding athletic upside and powerful mitts to spice up the pass-rush production.

19. Los Angeles Rams
Laiatu Latu, DE, UCLA
Latu’s technical refinement fits the Rams’ group of very refined young athletes on the defensive line. Latu could eventually be the marquee feature alongside Kobie Turner and Byron Young, turning the unit into something to be feared.

20. Pittsburgh Steelers
Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Mims will need time to adjust but brings the prototype build and athleticism you’re looking for in an offensive tackle. QB Kenny Pickett may receive protection just yet.

21. Miami Dolphins
Graham Barton, OL, Duke
There are multiple levels of concern on the offensive line in Miami, but Barton brings the potential to fill the center spot or step into another vacancy.

22. Philadelphia Eagles
Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
Philadelphia’s secondary was broken last season. DeJean should fix at least one problem. He can play cornerback and safety with top-end speed and vision across the field.

23. Houston Texans
Darius Robinson, DT, Missouri
Robinson combines the length of a high-upside defensive end with the strength and stoutness of a quality defensive tackle. A good showing during the pre-draft process can push Robinson into this range. He should bring interior pressure to the Texans’ defensive line alongside Will Anderson.

24. Dallas Cowboys
Chop Robinson, OLB, Penn State
The Cowboys do not really have anyone partnered with Micah Parsons for the long term, and the All-Pro’s contract conversation looms large. Another Penn State product, Robinson can explode off the line at an elite level and would give the Cowboys a feared pass-rush tandem.

25. Green Bay Packers
Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
Powers-Johnson could play guard or center for the Packers. After a big showing at the Senior Bowl and some added weight, more teams are convinced he’s destined to be a big-time mauler.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Nix may be a move to consider regardless of how contract talks with Baker Mayfield are resolved. If Nix can show off the arm he had at Oregon and work in more NFL concepts, he can be a top-end quarterback.

27. Arizona Cardinals
Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Kool-Aid has almost become underrated as a cornerback prospect. His sticky coverage ability and zone aptitude make him perfect for Arizona, where he becomes an instant defensive headliner.

28. Buffalo Bills
Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
The Bills are looking for a better big receiver to partner with Stefon Diggs, who consumes a serious chunk of the salary cap. Coleman is tall and a suitable target for Josh Allen, who needs another target who can go up and get it in contested-catch situations.

29. Detroit Lions
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Toledo and Detroit ran shockingly similar defensive concepts with heavy amounts of soft zone under Aaron Glenn. Mitchell would immediately fit right in for the Lions and provide some ballhawk ability plus great straight-line speed.

30. Baltimore Ravens
Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
Fautanu can play guard or tackle. No matter where you station him along the offensive line, Baltimore is getting a quality run blocker who has mauling tendencies.

31. Kansas City Chiefs
Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
Morgan will need to evolve technically and improve his footwork, but coach Andy Reid will always protect his Patrick Mahomes investment.

32. San Francisco 49ers
Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
San Francisco understands Trent Williams is approaching 36 years old and can’t play at his current level forever. The 49ers can shape athletic freaks into high-end linemen, and Suamataia has star potential.

–Field Level Media

Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean (3) catches a punt at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, October 21, 2023 in Iowa City. DeJean returned the punt for a touchdown and it was later called back after review ruled he fair-caught the punt.

Report: Iowa DB Cooper DeJean’s leg injury to limit combine participation

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean will not participate in testing and position drills at the NFL Scouting Combine next week, The Athletic reported on Thursday.

DeJean continues to recover from a season-ending lower left leg injury suffered in practice on Nov. 15. He is ranked No. 22 overall by Field Level Media entering the 2024 draft. He played cornerback and returned kicks for the Hawkeyes but is viewed by some teams as a safety prospect.

A consensus All-American in 2023, DeJean started the first 10 games of the season for Iowa. He had three career interception returns for touchdowns. He did not allow a touchdown in coverage last season.

DeJean’s individual workout could take place next month if he’s deemed medically ready for testing. When he does run the 40 and conduct other on-field tests, DeJean is expected to show elite explosiveness and acceleration scouts have seen at previous testing days in Iowa City along with his on-field play.

Iowa’s pro day is scheduled for March 20, just over one month before the 2024 draft.

DeJean turned 21 last month and is part of a strong cornerback class with the potential to be used as a hybrid defensive back similar to the role of Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton and Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon.

–Field Level Media

WKU's Malachi Corley runs in for a touchdown against UTEP on Nov. 4, 2023 at the Sun Bowl.

2024 Scouting Combine: 20 names to know

Posted on | by Field Level Media

For the duration of his stay at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis next week, presumptive No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams will be recognized by potential employers simply as QB14.

The alpha-order list of QBs might place Williams at the caboose end of his positional peers, but the hype train for the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner is about to pick up some serious steam.

He’s not the only one in the running at No. 1.

The combine’s labeled QB1 — because he’s first in the alphabetical listing of players at the position — is 2023 Heisman winner Jayden Daniels. The LSU quarterback rates as a top-10 pick, with North Carolina’s Drake Maye and Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. counted among players jousting to be in the top 5 in April.

Here are 20 names to know before more than 300 prospects — and key personnel evaluators and coaches for all 32 NFL teams — converge on Central Indiana next week.

What: 2024 NFL Scouting Combine
When: Feb. 26-March 4
Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
Who: 321 college football players were invited to participate

1. Ryan Poles, GM, Chicago Bears
It’s not Groundhog Day, but there’s a sense of deja vu for the other 31 general managers with Poles in the driver’s seat for another draft.

Chicago owns the first pick in the draft entering the combine, and the Bears are in position to make another franchise-altering decision at the top. Last March, Poles traded the No. 1 pick to the Panthers and received this 2024 first-round pick in return, thanks to Carolina’s league-worst 2-15 finish. The Bears also have the No. 9 pick, but moved their 2024 second-round pick to acquire defensive end Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders in October.

Just when you think you know where Poles plans to play his cards, remember he came out of the 2023 draft with a right tackle in the first round (Tennessee’s Darnell Wright).

If we’re talking Poles, we’re talking …

2. Justin Fields, Bears
One day after the combine officially wraps, Fields turns 25 (March 5) and the NFL franchise tag window slides shut at 3:59:59 p.m. ET. Clarity should be closer to reality for Chicago and the rest of the league after days of meetings, clandestine trade talks and agent sessions that help set the table for the start of free agency.

Where will Fields play next season?

It’s not impossible he’ll stay put as the Bears determine whether to invest in a fifth-year option for 2025 — at around $22 million — or hit reset to select their top-ranked quarterback at a four-year cost (2024-27 seasons) of around $40 million.

Keeping Fields and trading the No. 1 pick might bring back a bigger haul than vice versa. He’ll make just over $1.6 million in salary in 2024, but Poles would be betting his job that the 2021 No. 11 overall pick is the answer.

He could also do … both?

Poles would be wise to recall past predicaments with similar ramifications. He was in Kansas City when Alex Smith was embedded as the starter and the Chiefs traded up for Patrick Mahomes. They Chiefs traded Smith to Washington the following year.

Another offensive lineman-turned-GM, Ryan Grigson, faced a shadow-casting call in 2012 when the Colts set free Peyton Manning following neck surgery and turned the keys of the franchise over to Andrew Luck.

3. Caleb Williams, QB, Southern California
Opinion in the scouting community is overwhelming regarding Williams’ arm talent, accuracy and excellence working off-script. Comparisons range from Josh Allen (Bills) to Jay Cutler, and the Bears, Commanders (picking No. 2) and Patriots (No. 3) are all likely to love elements of his game.

Williams holds up standing in the pocket against a blitz and can also escape pressure and make “wow” throws with pinpoint accuracy on the move. He’s not huge at 6-foot-1, 220 pounds, but he’s stronger than he’s credited for and a better athlete than some might realize with some Jalen Hurts-like qualities in the RPO package.

He had his best season in 2022, winning the Heisman while throwing 42 touchdown passes, five interceptions and racking up 4,537 passing yards.

Last season wasn’t as special and Williams caused alarm bells for a lack of accountability. His traits are blue-chip level and unless he bombs in-person interviews with the Bears and Commanders, there’s no chance he’s on the board at No. 3.

4. Jayden Daniels, LSU
Maybe Daniels will come out of this event with more buzz after Saturday afternoon QB workouts on the Colts’ turf because of his unique playmaking ability and testing performance.

It’s still possible Daniels could follow Williams’ lead and only participate in throwing and testing in Indy if his peers do the same. Not competing at the combine would instantly put a huge red circle on the March 25 (USC) and March 27 (LSU) campus pro day calendar.

Daniels consistently devoured top competition and delivered his Heisman-winning numbers against a stellar schedule. He had 50 combined passing and rushing touchdowns in 2023, second only to Oregon’s Bo Nix (51). If NFL evaluators come away from the pre-draft circuit viewing Daniels as a bigger, stronger version of Lamar Jackson, he’ll be gone in the top three picks.

5. Marvin Harrison Jr, WR, Ohio State
“Maserati Marv,” as FOX Sports’ Gus Johnson tabbed Harrison, should be the first non-QB drafted in April. The son of Pro Football Hall of Fame member Marvin Harrison, the Indianapolis football scene won’t be anything new for the junior Harrison. He posted consecutive 1,200-yard seasons for the Buckeyes and will be the No. 1-ranked player on some draft boards.

6. Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Not the household name or legacy Harrison is, Nabers is only 20 years old and a nightmare matchup. One of two LSU wide receivers with first-round draft grades (Brian Thomas Jr.), the Ja’Marr Chase comps for Nabers aren’t impossible to see.

7. Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Another youngster with a dominant resume in the SEC, Bowers is 21, won two national titles and set the school single-season record for receiving TDs with 13. A gamer in every sense of the word, Bowers has an insane 40-inch vertical (junior testing day) and plays with a style similar to former Chargers tight end Antonio Gates.

8. Dallas Turner, OLB, Alabama
Defense finally makes an appearance and to the surprise of no one, the Crimson Tide entered the chat.

Turner is tops among pass rushers in 2024 but a peg below NFL grades for 2023 No. 3 overall pick Will Anderson (Texans).

9. Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Arnold committed to Alabama on the promise he would be welcomed on the basketball team — the same is true of secondary sidekick Kool-Aid McKinstry — but found life with Nick Saban to be predictably demanding of his time and energy. Arnold’s grade and pro projection isn’t far off from where teams had Patrick Surtain II (Broncos), and he’s CB1 in this class ahead of the more ballyhooed McKinstry.

10. Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Get to know him. Mitchell should be a lock as the first non-Power 5 prospect off the board, and it’s all about ball production. The two-time All-American was second in the nation with 19 pass breakups in 2023 and set a school record with 46 (!) in his career. Doubters who weren’t convinced at the Senior Bowl search for the four-INT game in 2022 against Northern Illinois. He took two of those picks to the house.

11. Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans
Poor would be putting it kindly when it comes to an apt label for the 2024 running back class. Teams will be kicking the tires on a strong set of veteran ballcarriers with agents in Indianapolis and trying to discern what type of tread the likes of Henry, Saquon Barkley (Giants), Josh Jacobs (Raiders), Austin Ekeler (Chargers) and Tony Pollard (Cowboys) have left in a heavily depressed market.

12. Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
A tight end in high school growing up in Minnesota, Alt decided to follow in the footsteps of his All-Pro dad — former Chiefs offensive lineman Jon Alt — and committed to calories by the thousands and hours of film study with pops. The result? An NFL-ready left tackle in the mold of Joe Thomas (Browns). Alt is our top-ranked offensive tackle but at least five are worthy of first-round picks in April, and the depth of this class exceeds every position group except possibly wide receiver.

13. Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky
First on our list of favored sleepers, Corley gets our vote as the underrated receiver to know by the nose of a football over Illinois’ Isaiah Williams and Idaho’s Hayden Hatten. Corley shredded at the Shrine Bowl — Zay Flowers went there as a small receiver from Boston College last year, left as a first-round talent — and was Co-Offensive Player of the Week at the Senior Bowl. He’s a YAC machine with a running back build and sneaking into the top 45 picks isn’t impossible.

14. Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Penix lit Texas up in the CFP semifinals and media scouts began discussing the oft-injured lefty as a possible first-round pick. Ah, the medicals. Penix was unquestionably stellar the past two seasons. How scouting reports reconcile the durability matter and season-ending shoulder injuries (AC joint), a pair of torn ACLs, make Penix one of the more challenging players to project in the draft.

15. Blake Corum, RB, Michigan
Corum comes with the production and reputation in a run-first offense to be a third- or fourth-round pick. Corum is one of 18 Wolverines invited to the combine. National champion runner-up Washington has 13.

16. Payton Wilson, LB, NC State
Six years after enrolling at North Carolina State, Wilson exits Raleigh at the Butkus (top linebacker) and Bednarik (best defensive player) award winner. He starred for the Wolfpack with 400-plus tackles, 15 sacks, seven interceptions and one seriously concerning medical history. But after two injury-free seasons, Wilson said at the Senior Bowl he thinks a 4.45 40-yard dash at 6-4, 235 is possible. That would put many GMs who love Wilson’s game and intangibles in the hot seat starting as early as the second round.

17. Tory Taylor, P, Iowa
Australian import and soon-to-be 27-year-old rookie Taylor was a vital player for an Iowa program that lost its offense in the corn during his four years in Iowa City. He broke the NCAA record (standing since 1938) for punt yards in a season and averaged 46.3 yards per punt with the Hawkeyes.

18. Jerod Mayo, head coach, Patriots
The last time the Patriots turned in a draft card for a top-10 selection, head coach Bill Belichick went with a linebacker from Tennessee at No. 10 overall in 2008. Now Jerod Mayo, who was that linebacker and played for the Patriots until 2015, is New England’s head coach with Belichick no longer in the team picture.

19. Byron Murphy, DT, Texas
Billing for the top-ranked defensive tackle in this class can be debated with Illinois three-technique Jer’Zhan Newton in the conversation. Both are considered small among defensive linemen but sudden first-step quickness and violent hands place them in the late first-round range. Murphy is on the annual “freaks” list from The Athletic because of his legendary weight-room feats in Austin.

20. Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
A right tackle for the Beavers, he could be cast in the same role in the NFL. But two primarily right tackles were top-20 picks in 2023. Fuaga measured 6-6, 332 with a wingspan of 81 1/2 inches and is being compared to 2021 first-round pick Penei Sewell of the Detroit Lions. Sewell does have a cousin in the draft: BYU left tackle Kingsley Suamataia.

–Field Level Media

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles walks laps around the field before their game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Bears, Commanders, Patriots set at 1-2-3 in 2024 draft

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Chicago officially controls the top of the draft for the second year in a row.

The Bears own the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft thanks to the Carolina Panthers. Carolina clinched the top pick last week and lost again Sunday to finish a league-worst 2-15, but the pick is owed to Chicago as compensation for the first pick in the 2023 draft.

Another trade could be in the cards if Bears general manager Ryan Poles nets an offer similar to the haul he took back from the Panthers for the top pick in 2023.

At No. 2, the Washington Commanders are in the same spot they were in 2020, when they selected defensive end Chase Young from Ohio State. Young was traded during the 2023 season and the Commanders are expected to part with head coach Ron Rivera, who was in his first draft when Washington selected Young.

The New England Patriots have the third pick in the draft, their first top-10 selection since 2008 (Jerod Mayo). New England faces uncertainty around the future of head coach Bill Belichick for the first time in 24 years and last owned a pick in the top five in 1994 (Willie McGinest, No. 4 overall).

Quarterbacks are projected to top the draft again with Southern California’s Caleb Williams, North Carolina’s Drake Maye, Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. and Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels of LSU among the candidates for the first pick. Since Michael Vick was the top pick in 2001, 17 quarterbacks were selected No. 1.

A one-point loss to Seattle on Sunday locked the Arizona Cardinals (4-13) into the No. 4 pick, one spot ahead of the Los Angeles Chargers (5-12). The Chargers are hiring a new head coach and general manager in the offseason. They’ll be armed with the team’s highest pick since drafting quarterback Justin Herbert with the sixth pick in 2020.

One year after a playoff appearance, the New York Giants draft No. 6 ahead of the Tennessee Titans.

Atlanta’s third consecutive 7-10 season locked the Falcons into the No. 8 pick for the third year in a row.

Poles and the Bears are at No. 9, ahead of the New York Jets (10th) and Minnesota Vikings (11th).

Nos. 12-18 will be the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars and Cincinnati Bengals.

Playoff elimination order is needed to settle the remaining picks of the first round.

–Field Level Media

September 10, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of Saturday's game against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Ohio Stadium.Mandatory Credit: Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch

Top 24 prospects eligible for ’24 NFL Draft

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The top of the 2024 NFL Draft features flex-worthy talent at quarterback and offensive tackle, the type of star power that changes the fortunes of an NFL team upon arrival.

Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams enters the season as the No. 1 talent in college football.

But the offensive tackle group stands out. It’s one of the deepest in recent years thanks to surefire 2023 first-round pick Olumuyiwa Fashanu opting to return to Penn State. He’s the clear-cut top option and fits the prototype of players who’ve gone No. 1 at the position historically.

Special athletes that could push for Fashanu’s perch include BYU’s Kingsley Suamataia and Alabama’s JC Latham. They will be early draft selections at their current trajectory.

As college football season kicks off this weekend, we’ve provided a snapshot of players to know before draft season arrives.

Here are the top 24 prospects eligible for the ’24 draft:

1. Caleb Williams, QB, USC: A dynamic passer with rare arm talent, creativity and feel for the position, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner enters the season as a clear favorite for the No. 1 pick. Blue-chip quarterbacks like this don’t come around often.

2. Marvin Harrison Jr, WR, Ohio State: The son of a Hall of Famer, expectations on Harrison exceed those placed on his father. Read that sentence again. His blend of athleticism and craftsmanship should make him an easy top-5 pick.

3. Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State: Fashanu flirted with the idea of entering the 2023 draft, but his return could pay off handsomely. The polished pass-blocker has rare technical polish and body control for his size.

4. Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia: Bowers plays more like a receiver than a traditional tight end, which may not sit well with every NFL team. Despite modest blocking acumen, he should still find his way into a rare top-10 draft slot for a tight end.

5. Dallas Turner, OLB, Alabama: Explosive, bendy and dominant is the best way to describe Turner, who figures to follow Will Anderson’s steps as a top pass-rusher out of Tuscaloosa. A slender frame and lack of strength is the only major concern.

6. Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU: A high upside lineman with special tools befitting the “dancing bear” moniker, Suamataia is more of a projection than a complete prospect. That said, he is one of the best pound-for-pound athletes in next year’s class.

7. Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina: Smooth operating with the touch of a ten year veteran, Maye lacks the spark of Williams, but he’s a good distributor who can conduct an offense like a crafty pro.

8. JC Latham, OT, Alabama: Latham is bulking up to 360 pounds after playing last year at 335. His bet on being an enormous road grader could send his draft stock either soaring or tumbling this season.

9. Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama: Another well-coached Alabama defensive back who seems to never be out of position, McKinstry has the combination of nuance and timing in coverage that makes him hard to find an advantage against.

10. Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame: The freakishly long-armed son of former Chiefs All-Pro tackle John Alt, the younger Alt fits the part as a potential franchise tackle because of his strength and pass pro ability.

11. Leonard Taylor, DT, Miami: One of the rare 300 pounders who can kick out to defensive end, Taylor’s burst, agility and power give him a unique ceiling that is hard to match. Expect teams to be forgiving about his lack of refinement.

12. Kalen King, CB, Penn State: One of the slighter cornerbacks at the top of next year’s class, King makes up for his lack of weight by playing with a fearless temperament and the type of closing speed that pops off the tape.

13. Jared Verse, DE, Florida State: Verse passed on the 2023 draft, staying in Tallahassee to add weight and improve his game. The decision could lock him into a top-15 draft slot.

14. Michael Hall Jr, DT, Ohio State: Although used heavily in rotation last season, Hall’s hand speed and ability to quickly shed blocks should lead to both an increased role and plenty of buzz as a top interior defender this fall.

15. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State: Despite sharing the workload with the more highly acclaimed Harrison, Egbuka has been plenty productive. The slick route-runner is more polish than pop but could still be the second receiver off the board. Ohio State receivers are gaining a gold-star rating with NFL scouts.

16. Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State: The small market for first round guards could slide Jackson down the board, but he fits the prototype of a top interior lineman. His blend of length, control, and physicality is pro ready.

17. J.T. Tuimoloau, DE, Ohio State: Former 5-star recruit Tuimoloau hasn’t hit the heights expected so far, but he has the size, athleticism, and potential to be a first-rounder if he can produce as a junior.

18. Jack Nelson, OT, Wisconsin: Nelson may be dinged by his technique, but his frame and movement skills allow him to get in the way and stay in the way at a high level in both the pass and run game.

19. Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson: While he will have to fight off the infamous “tweener” label, there is plenty to like about Carter. He brings outstanding speed with the versatility to play everything from middle linebacker to nickel corner.

20. Maason Smith, DT, LSU: A possible top-10 pick coming out of his freshman year, Smith’s torn ACL in the 2022 season opener and his one-game suspension to start 2023 raise more questions than answers. If he returns to his freshman form he should rise up the board.

21. Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson: Twitchy and fluid corners with the body type of Wiggins are hard to find, which figures to play into his push towards landing as the next early round corner from the Tigers.

22. Bo Nix, QB, Oregon: The narrative has flipped on Nix since his early struggles at Auburn. The uber athletic passer may lack touch, but he has starter tools that can be harnessed in the right environment.

23. Malik Nabers, WR, LSU: Nabers is a steady producer with good hands and enough juice to make plays after the catch, although he lacks the type of potential that is likely needed to push into the top ten picks.

24. Cooper DeJean, S, Iowa: DeJean started at safety but moved to cornerback in the middle of 2022 and put together a productive campaign outside. It would be no surprise if teams wind up mixed on his projection.

–By Mark Jarvis, Field Level Media

Georgia Bulldogs tight end Brock Bowers (19) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the College Football Playoff National Championship against Alabama at Lucas Oil Stadium on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022, in Indianapolis. Georgia won 33-18. News Joshua L Jones

Take 5: Top TE prospects eligible for 2024 NFL Draft

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Utah’s Dalton Kincaid was the lone first-round pick in a deep tight end class in 2023, hopping off the board at No. 25 to the Buffalo Bills.

But Iowa’s Sam LaPorta (34th), Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer (35th) and Oregon State’s Luke Musgrave (42nd) crashed the top 50 picks with two more tight ends picked in the second round (Luke Schoonmaker of Michigan to the Cowboys at No. 58; Penn State’s Brenton Strange 61st to the Jaguars).

A deep class is coming right behind this one led by Georgia junior Brock Bowers, who is in the mold of former Florida “unicorn” tight end Kyle Pitts.

Here are the top five tight ends eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft.

1. Brock Bowers, Georgia — Two years serving as arguably the best weapon on a national championship offense boosted Bowers to the top of the 2024 tight end rankings.

In reality, he’s used more as a big slot receiver than he is a traditional tight end. He’s too gifted to stack on the line and with natural tools to dominate inside and in jump-ball situations, Bowers’ impact is limited only by the imagination of his offensive coordinator. He runs jet sweeps for the Bulldogs, showcasing rare speed and agility.

2. Cade Stover, Ohio State — Perhaps he’s not the rare talent Bowers appears to be as a prospect, but Stover has a good shot at being the highest-drafted tight end out of Columbus since Rickey Dudley went ninth overall in 1996.

An aggressive blocker who bullies linebackers and stands his ground against defensive ends, he isn’t lacking in quickness or ball skills as a receiver.

3. Erick All, Iowa — A new arrival for Iowa by way of Michigan, All missed most of the 2022 season due to injury and had surgery on his spine last October. Proving he’s healthy short- and long-term is an obvious must.

Pre-surgery, he had remarkable burst for his size. A healthy year in the Hawkeyes’ tight end factory could do wonders for his value.

4. Benjamin Yurosek, Stanford — Lanky and has an enormous catch radius with game-changing length when functioning as an in-line blocker. The two-year starter isn’t elite in any one area. He provides value across the board as a receiver and blocker.

5. McCallan Castles, Tennessee — Castles spent two years as a backup at California before transferring to UC Davis to play out his college career. A dominant couple of years at the FCS level put him on the map.

Castles passed up the NFL in favor of a season with the Volunteers. He is likely a fourth- or fifth-round pick preseason, but he could work his way into the bottom of the second round with a strong season in the SEC.

–Field Level Media

A run of first-round wide receivers from Ohio State won't end in 2024. Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. could be in play as a top-five pick next April. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Scheller-The Columbus Dispatch Football Ceb Osufb Spring Game Ohio State At Ohio State

Take 5: Top WR prospects eligible for 2024 NFL Draft

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Not since the New York Jets drafted Keyshawn Johnson with the No. 1 pick in 1996 has a wide receiver been first off the board in the NFL draft.

There is plenty of promise in the 2024 wide receiver class, and the top tier includes potential No. 1 options.

Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., who has the most impressive overall skill set of the group, is the son of former Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison.

Unlike sleek and slender peers, Harrison is a big-bodied receiver who can fly for his size.

Harrison has ground to cover before the 2024 rankings are set in stone. Here’s a look at our initial top five, one year out.

1. Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State — A breakout sophomore season in 2022 included All-American recognition, and there’s reason to expect Harrison’s climb to continue.

His 6-foot-4 frame gives Harrison an edge in traffic, he has natural hands to win consistently above the fray and consistently separates with smooth athleticism. Potential and production plus existing tools point to Harrison being drafted in the top 10.

2. Rome Odunze, Washington — Body-catching habits and consistent free releases off the line of scrimmage have scouts nervous about grading Odunze as a first-rounder without seeing more this season.

That pessimism overlooks all of the things to love about his game.

The second-year starter had a breakout 2022 season with the emergence of Michael Penix Jr. as Washington’s quarterback. An incredibly agile athlete with the ability to separate and make people miss, his upside outweighs the missing pieces.

3. Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State — A natural outside receiver with good hands and athleticism to compete with any defender, Egbuka might be pegged as the second fiddle to Harrison, but this Buckeye has enough game to run with the top pack in the 2024 class.

A talented receiver, quick to get back into his stride after the catch, Egbuka has enough elusiveness to make plays with the ball in his hands. Another year of technical growth could put him squarely in the first round.

4. Johnny Wilson, Florida State — Now a junior who breaks the WR tape measure, he spent two seasons at Arizona State before the move to Tallahassee unlocked his talent in 2022. The enormous 6-7, 235-pound pass catcher is built more like a tight end than a wide receiver, but he has surprising top-end speed for a big man.

One of the most intriguing evals in the class with a combination of size, ability after the catch, and ball skills.

5. Jermaine Burton, Alabama — A sure-handed receiver with solid technique and a feel for maximizing space against zone, he’s more of a high floor than a high ceiling type of prospect.

The former Georgia receiver spent two years with the Bulldogs before crossing state lines. The move paid off in furthering his development, but he’s more of a smooth operator than offensive game changer at this stage.

–Field Level Media

Dec 27, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Braelon Allen (0) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the second half of the 2022 Guaranteed Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Take 5: Top RB prospects eligible for 2024 NFL Draft

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Texas running back Bijan Robinson was the peak of a packed running back crop in the 2023 NFL Draft, as evidenced by the Atlanta Falcons selecting him eighth overall last week.

There is talent in the 2024 class, headlined by the returns of Blake Corum (Michigan) and Kendall Milton (Georgia) for their senior seasons to help keep this cupboard full.

Here’s an early look at the top running backs potentially available next April.

1. Braelon Allen, Wisconsin — Allen doesn’t wow with his straight-line speed and is more of a downhill thumper with great size and strength for the position.

A natural at breaking tackles and moving the pile, he’s an easy projection for most scouts.

Allen has the traits of a 1,000-yard runner and brings value in the passing game with soft hands and the size to win as a blocker.

2. Blake Corum, Michigan — Corum’s Heisman campaign in 2022 was cut short due to a knee injury, and the long recovery time likely played a role in his decision to return to the Wolverines. He’s short and compactly built, but doesn’t play small.

Top-end speed is his best attribute, making Corum the type of home-run threat that would make NFL defensive backs nervous.

3. Raheim Sanders, Arkansas — A big and bruising SEC back with the vision and temperament to translate easily to the pro game, Sanders checks off almost every measurable that teams covet.

He adds impressive short-area wiggle for a big man, but his ability to win at the contact point and fight for difficult yardage stands out. A repeat of last year’s production could push him above a third-round grade.

4. Kendall Milton, Georgia — Milton spent most of his time at Georgia as a rotational back with career-high 86 carries as a junior last season. The lack of opportunities won’t be a deterrent for NFL teams, as plenty of successful backs have come through Georgia without needing lead back production.

Milton brings excellent burst and power, all without accumulating much physical damage. He fits the mold of what NFL teams seek in big backs.

5. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State — Henderson had a down year while playing on a fracture and torn ligament in his left foot, but when healthy the 20-year-old is one of the most dynamic backs in college football. He has good natural lever age and plays with lower pads through contact, but it doesn’t prevent him from making quick cuts or eluding reckless tackle attempts.

Scouts have zero questions about his toughness based on his willingness to play through injury. But 2024 is a prove-it season. Henderson played in just five of the final nine regular-season games and missed the postseason.

He enters his junior season with a career average over 6 yards per carry.

–Field Level Media

Apr 29, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; LSU Tigers wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the fifth pick by the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2021 NFL Draft at First Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit awarded 2024 NFL Draft

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Downtown Detroit will host the 2024 NFL Draft, the league announced Monday.

The three-day event will be held around Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza.

“The Draft has become a prominent offseason event across the country, and we are excited to work with the Lions and their partners to bring the 2024 NFL Draft to the Motor City,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said. “With the help of Visit Detroit, the Detroit Sports Commission, and the City of Detroit, the Lions passionate fan base and all visitors will be treated to an incredible three-day experience.”

The 2022 NFL Draft will be held April 28-30 in Las Vegas. The following draft is set for April 27-29, 2023, in Kansas City.

–Field Level Media