With the NFL season in our rear view, I’ve had more time to study tape and I’ve monitored how prospects adjusted to pro-style environments across various college all-star games and practices.
Seems like a good time to update the ‘ol big board.
Here are some key dates going forward before we get to the draft in Detroit (April 25-27):
Feb. 20-March 5: Franchise/transition player designation period
Feb. 27-March 4: NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis
Early March: Colleges can begin hosting pro days
March 13: New league year begins at 1 p.m. (i.e. free agency)
Part of my weekly mock draft preamble explains it is an attempt at figuring out the best players available in this season’s draft class, and which teams they’d match up well with considering the draft order. The closer we get to draft day, the more I attempt to match what teams will actually do with their draft picks as opposed to what I believe they should do.
Last season, I was the third-most accurate NFL draft prognosticator in print, according to The Huddle Report. I’m tied for first overall (out of 172) over the past five years.
My big board is an attempt to discern who the best players in this draft class actually are.
Here’s my expanded 2024 NFL Draft Big Board, which now includes 100 draft-eligible prospects, heading into the on-field events and workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis:
1. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio St., Jr.
If we were to “Weird Science” a wide receiver, the computer would almost certainly produce Harrison. The consensus All-American is a route tactician who features prototypical size (6-foot-4, 205 pounds), strong hands and athleticism with Hall of Fame NFL lineage (he’s the son of Colts legend Marvin Harrison). He could be the first receiver to be drafted inside the Top-3 since Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson in 2007. The likely first non-quarterback off the board won’t participate in any combine testing, but will be in Indy to meet with teams.
2. Caleb Williams, QB, USC, Jr.
Williams is special off-platform and will likely become Trojans coach Lincoln Riley’s third quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy and go first overall, ing Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield. Williams is fearless and will force the issue for the sake of making a big play, but he balances the mistakes with magic few other signal-callers can conjure.
3. Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia, Jr.
Bowers is one of the most well-rounded tight end prospects to ever enter the NFL, and could develop into a premier chess piece with All-Pro potential. The two-time Mackey Award winner produced 175 receptions for 2,538 yards and 26 TDs in three seasons for the two-time champion Bulldogs.
4. Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina, So.
Maye’s prototypical size (6-4, 230), elite arm talent and ability as a runner are the combination of tools teams normally invest a top-five pick in. Maye plans to only do interviews and physicals with teams in Indianapolis.
5. Malik Nabers, WR, LSU, Jr.
Nabers’ body control and route-running are top-notch, plus he’s elite after the catch and a terror in the open field. The gap between him and Harrison isn’t as wide as some may think. Nabers will meet with teams in Indy and take care of other off-field business while planning to do his on-field work at LSU’s Pro Day on March 27th.
6. Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU, Sr.
Daniels’ skill-set and stature is very reminiscent of three-time All-Pro QB Randall Cunningham. He had a historic season in Baton Rouge, breaking Joe Burrow’s NCAA ing efficiency record with a rating of 208 as a senior. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner also produced 3,812 ing yards, 40 ing touchdowns and only four interceptions. He added 1,134 rushing yards and 10 scores on the ground for good measure. Daniels will conduct interviews and meetings with teams but will not work out in Indy, ing Caleb Williams and Drake Maye as players opting to wait until their Pro Days to throw for NFL teams.
7. Joe Alt, T, Notre Dame, Jr.
The massive Irish tackle (6-8, 322) amassed several All-American honors after another successful season in South Bend and is one of two blue chip tackle prospects in this class. Alt only allowed a single sack in 774 -block snaps the last two years and he’s a true finisher in the run game.
8. Olu Fashanu, T, Penn St., Jr.
Fashanu would’ve likely ended up in the first-round discussion had he declared last season. There’s still room for improvement in the run game, but he’s already an elite -protector — he didn’t allow a single sack in 733 career -block snaps for the Nittany Lions.
9. Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa, Jr.
DeJean can play outside or inside at cornerback, and even safety due to his size (6-1, 207) and speed combo. He’s also one of this draft’s premier playmakers. DeJean will not participate in the combine as he’s still working his way back from a leg injury that he sustained late last season, which is a shame, because he almost certainly would’ve been one of the highlights.
10. Rome Odunze, WR, Washington, Jr.
Odunze features elite size (6-3, 215), speed and strength with excellent hands. He had 32 catches of 20-plus yards in 2023, second most in the FBS (only Nabers had more). Odunze is also a reliable blocker in the run game.
11. Jer’Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois, Jr.
Newton was likely a Day 2 selection had he entered the draft after last season, which motivated him to return to school. The Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year may be undersized (6-2, 295) for some teams, but he’s been a disruptive force the last two seasons against the run and . Newton (foot) underwent surgery in January to repair a partial Jones fracture in his foot and will not participate in this week’s combine.
12. Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo, Jr.
Mitchell features elite speed and prototypical size (6-0, 200) for the position. He’s a proven ball-hawk — six interceptions and 37 breakups the past two years — who can play outside or inside and wins with top-tier athleticism and physicality. Some teams might hold his lack of experience in press coverage against him, but he was clearly the best cornerback in Mobile at the Senior Bowl.
13. Byron Murphy, DL, Texas, Jr.
Murphy is a former four-star recruit who shares a similar skill-set and physical traits with Baltimore Ravens All-Pro Justin Madubuike. As a true junior, he’s one of the highest-ceiling d-linemen in this draft class, plays with great balance and features an explosive first step. Murphy could put on a show in Indy at the combine as a member of Bruce Feldman’s annual college football “Freaks List.”
14. Jared Verse, Edge, Florida St., Jr.
Like Penn State’s Fashanu, Verse would’ve likely been a first-round pick had he declared after last season. He produced nine sacks after transferring from Albany to Tallahassee for his sophomore season. The AP All-American followed that up with another nine sacks to help the Seminoles finish the regular season undefeated. Verse regularly wins with strength, and features violent hands with NFL-caliber explosiveness at the snap.
15. Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama, So.
Based on upside, Arnold could be the top cornerback on some draft boards. He’s relatively inexperienced at the position — he was a former safety recruit — but he’s been one of the better run defenders at the position and has proven a quick-study in coverage. He produced a SEC-best 17 es defended and five interceptions in 2023.
16. Taliese Fuaga, T, Oregon St., Jr.
Fuaga is a well-rounded mauler at tackle and could be the Beavers’ first offensive lineman ever selected in the first round of the NFL draft.
17. Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama, Jr.
Turner was overshadowed by the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. his previous two seasons at Tuscaloosa — he had 8.5 sacks as a true freshman in 2021 — but he’s capable of being a star in his own right. This season, the AP All-American added some bulk to his frame and displayed more power to go with his already impressive speed-rush capabilities. There’s still room for growth as a run defender.
18. Keon Coleman, WR, Florida St., Jr.
Coleman, a Biletnikoff Award semifinalist after transferring from Michigan State, features a combination of size (6-4, 215), strength and speed uncommon in receivers. A lack of lateral agility hinders his ability to get consistent separation, but he doesn’t really need to with his above-the-rim mentality and elite ball skills.
19. Laiatu Tatu, Edge, UCLA, Sr.
Latu specializes in hand-to-hand combat, features a pro-ready arsenal of -rush moves and became the first Bruin to win the Lombardi Award (outstanding lineman) and Hendricks Award (best defensive end) last season. Medical evaluations of a neck injury the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year suffered during his time with Washington will have a big impact on his draft stock.
20. Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU, Jr.
Thomas’ physical gifts are off the charts. He’s 6-foot-4 and can hit 22 mph on the GPS. Thomas is a big-bodied vertical threat who has only scratched the surface of his potential.
21. Bralen Trice, Edge, Washington, Jr.
Trice shares similar physical traits with Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson and is relentless against the or run.
22. Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama, Jr.
McKinstry started as a true freshman in a Nick Saban defense and was first-team All-SEC his sophomore season. He features prototypical size (6-1, 194) with speed and brings physicality in coverage and against the run. There’s no panic in his game. He’s also provides value as a punt-returner.
23. Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas, Jr.
I don’t believe we’ve seen the best of Worthy during his time in Austin, and his world-class speed will likely be one of the highlights in Indianapolis. He’s an elite vertical threat who can struggle against physical press coverage. Building up his play strength in the NFL could unlock another level.
24. Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn St., Jr.
Robinson’s still developing his technique, but his first-step explosiveness and speed-to-power variation is a rare commodity. Combining his extremely rare athletic traits with the right defensive line coach’s guidance could create a nightmare for the rest of the league.
25. Ennis Rakestraw, CB, Missouri, Sr.
Rakestraw wins with physicality and has shown excellent instincts in zone coverage, but he doesn’t have a lot of experience in press. He missed the Senior Bowl after undergoing surgery to repair a core muscle injury in December, but is expected to participate in Indy.
26. JC Latham, T, Alabama, Jr.
Latham is a super-sized tackle (6-6, 360) with elite strength and movement skills. His footwork is impressive for a man his size. He can be overaggressive at times, committing 18 penalties the last two seasons, and he’s surprisingly susceptible to losing ground against a well-executed bull rush considering how big he is.
27. Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson, Jr.
Wiggins might need to add some strength to his frame (6-2, 185) — he gets pushed around against the run — but he already has elite ball skills, athletic abilities and is capable of thriving in man or zone coverage.
28. Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington, Sr.
Each of Penix’s four years at Indiana ended in injury, but he’s been as good as it gets the last two seasons for the Huskies. The Heisman Trophy finalist is a big-armed, productive talent who
can work the middle of the field, but prefers to attack outside the numbers. He might get nitpicked for his unorthodox throwing style and being a lefty by some scouts.
29. JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan, Jr.
McCarthy led a run-heavy, pro-style offense for the National Champions in Ann Arbor, but he’s flashed impressive arm talent, especially with intermediate throws, with big-play ability as a thrower and runner when called upon. There’s no panic in the pocket, but he can get locked onto his primary read. His decision-making took a step forward last season, but it will need to continue improving in the pros. McCarthy has a chance to shine at the combine with the top quarterbacks not throwing.
30. Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon, Jr.
Powers-Johnson entered the Senior Bowl as a fringe first-rounder, and only helped himself with his performance. He was an unanimous All-American and first-ever Pac-12 player to win the Rimington Award (nation’s top center).
31. Tyler Guyton, T, Oklahoma, Jr.
Guyton is a former defensive end who primarily played right tackle for the Sooners, but has the prototypical size (6-7, 328) and athletic traits to switch to the left side in the pros. He’s still developing his technique, but there’s so much to work with here.
32. Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky, Jr.
Corley spent his first two years with the Hilltoppers at running back before finding a home at wide receiver. The experience shows in his vision and balance once he gets the ball in his hands. Most of his production came through manufactured touches, but if he continues to develop as a receiver, he has the ability to develop into one of the NFL’s more well-rounded offensive weapons.
33. Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon, Jr.
Franklin features a rare size-speed-agility combination and projects to be a major open-field, big-play threat. For being such a burner, he’s actually a crafty route-runner too. He needs to get stronger, and I’d like to see him expand his route tree.
34. Amarius Mims, T, Georgia, Jr.
Mims is still very raw, and has dealt with multiple ankle injuries this season, but he towers (6-7, 340) over most of the competition and he moves easy considering his size. His athletic potential and his 2022 tape will be hard to ignore. Thankfully, his ankle is fully healed, and he plans to participate in all on-field testing and drills at the combine.
35. Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas, Jr.
Sanders is an explosive athlete with an above-the-rim skillset, soft hands and ability after the catch. He’s more scheme-dependent than Georgia’s Bowers, and shouldn’t be utilized in an in-line role at the next level, but he could thrive as a big slot in a wide open attack.
36. T’Vondre Sweat, DL, Texas, Sr.
The Outland Trophy winner features an immovable base (6-4, 362) against the run and is capable of collapsing the pocket as a rusher. Conditioning will be a concern, but Sweat is nimble on his feet for someone pushing 370 pounds. You simply can’t teach his size.
37. Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia, Jr.
McConkey isn’t a jump ball receiver, but that’s about the only thing he doesn’t do at a high level. He’s one of the purest route runners in this draft class. He’s a threat vertically, and while size (6-0, 185) may scream slot, McConkey has the experience and ability to play outside.
38. Darius Robinson, Edge, Missouri, Sr.
Robinson has the ability to play inside or outside thanks to his strength and length. His bull rush is a dominant weapon regardless of where he lines up. He can win with power in the NFL, not necessarily his speed.
39. Kingsley Suamataia, T, BYU, So.
Suamataia was a five-star recruit who originally landed with Oregon before transferring to Provo. The 6-foot-6, 325 pound lineman came in at No. 3 on Bruce Feldman’s annual college football “Freaks List” behind only South Carolina wide receiver Nyckoles Harbor — a true freshman this year — at No. 1 and Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. at No. 2. His athleticism shows in the run game, but there’s still a lot of work to do with developing his technique as a protector.
40. Kris Jenkins, DL, Michigan, Sr.
Jenkins’ sack totals won’t impress anyone, but he routinely draws a double-team, so there’s still upside at the next level. His abilities as a run defender give him a very high floor as a pro.
41. Patrick Paul, T, Houston, Jr.
Paul was a four-year starter at left tackle for the Cougars. His technique needs polish, but you can’t teach his size (6-7, 315) or athleticism, plus he plays with top-flight power and a bad attitude.
42. Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington, Jr.
Fautanu’s heavy hands and impressive athleticism has been on display at tackle for the Huskies the last two seasons, but less-than-ideal arm length might cause a team to kick him inside at the next level. Regardless, he has Pro Bowl-level talent.
43. Graham Barton, OL, Duke, Sr.
Barton could thrive at both tackle or guard (and possibly center) in the NFL. Some scouts will question his size/length for the tackle position — he’s 6-5, 314 pounds — but 34 of his 39 career starts were at left tackle for the Blue Devils (the other five were at center). He’s a technically sound, sticky blocker with quickness and competitive tendencies that deserves first-round consideration.
44. Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas, Jr.
Mitchell began his career at Georgia, where he won back-to-back national championships. In 2023, he transferred to Austin to be closer to his daughter. He’s a fluid route runner who features prototypical size (6-4, 195), and has a nose for the end zone.
45. Jordan Morgan, T, Arizona, Sr.
Morgan is a three-year starter at left tackle for the Wildcats. He features the size (6-6, 320), strength and quickness to stick there in the NFL depending on the scheme, but refinement of his technique (especially footwork) might be needed to keep him from moving inside.
46. Bo Nix, QB, Oregon, Sr.
Nix has come a long ways from his underwhelming days at Auburn. The Heisman finalist has improved his game almost across the board, showcasing better decision-making and accuracy, while maintaining his play-making ability off-platform. The Campbell Trophy winner (nation’s best scholar-athlete) will be a 24-year-old rookie, which could diminish his draft stock a bit.
47. Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas, So.
Brooks is currently recovering from a torn ACL suffered back in November, but is expected to be ready for his first NFL training camp. Prior to the injury, I had Brooks as my top running back prospect in this draft class, but expected him to return to school after he hurt his knee. He still looks like the best option in a weaker running back class because of his dynamic, all-purpose skillset.
48. Zach Frazier, C, West Virginia, Jr.
A wrestling background is almost a prerequisite for a top-tier center prospect. Frazier was a four-time state wrestling champion in high school (he only lost twice). He was the first true freshman to start on the offensive line in Morgantown since 1980. He’s a quick processor and scheme-versatile.
49. Trey Benson, RB, Florida St., Jr.
Benson is a big (6-1, 223), relentless runner with track speed, but he’s a work-in-progress on ing downs.
50. Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan, Sr.
Sainristil played receiver in his first three years in Ann Arbor before moving to defensive back full time in 2022. He lacks prototypical size (5-10, 182) for the position, but he’s an explosive athlete who has played multiple positions in the secondary. His instincts as a defender and fearlessness against the run will endear him to most coaches.
51. Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota, Sr.
Nubin is a versatile, explosive safety who uses his size (6-2, 210), athleticism and elite processing to contribute against the run and . He’s a turnover generator, producing a Gophers’ record 13 interceptions during his collegiate career.
52. Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M, Jr.
Cooper catapulted himself into a borderline first-round prospect with a dominant junior season for the Aggies — 83 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and eight sacks. Tack on decent coverage skills, and you have one of the best linebackers in a weaker-than-usual class.
53. Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami, Jr.
Kitchens is one of the most versatile defensive backs in this draft class, and thrives in coverage or as a run defender. He was the first Hurricane to reach double-digit career interceptions since Sean Taylor.
54. Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina, Sr.
Legette struggled initially in Mobile during Senior Bowl practices, but he got better every day he was there. He’s a late bloomer, who broke out in a major way for the Gamecocks last season. He’s not a polished route runner, but he features an impressive size (6-3, 227), speed combo, and makes contested catches with ease.
55. Junior Colson, LB, Michigan, Jr.
Colson is a strong run defender who possesses a great feel for coverage. He’s a sure tackler who rarely misses.
56. Javon Bullard, S, Georgia, Jr.
The 2022 Defensive MVP of the CFP National Championship Game is a well-rounded safety who excels in coverage and against the run. Bullard doesn’t lack physicality when he tackles, but he is inconsistent when wrapping up, if I’m picking nits.
57. Blake Corum, RB, Michigan, Sr.
Corum makes up for his smaller frame (5-8, 213) with excellent footwork, and his low center of gravity makes him hard to target directly. He’s been highly productive for the National Champions (58 career rushing touchdowns) and has natural hands as a receiver. He isn’t going to outrun everybody, but his vision, patience and decision-making balance the scales.
58. Jonah Elliss, Edge, Utah, Jr.
Elliss needs to get stronger, but he’s quick off the ball and already has several effective -rush moves in his toolbox. His father, Luther, had a 10-year NFL career and was a two-time Pro Bowler, and he currently has three brothers in the league as well.
59. Calen Bullock, S, USC, Jr.
An NFL strength program will help him fill out his thin frame (6-3, 190), but he’s already a good athlete with excellent speed, quick processing capabilities and top-tier ball skills.
60. Chris Braswell, Edge, Alabama, Sr.
The right NFL defensive coordinator could mold this ball of clay (a former five-star recruit) into a Pro Bowler. Braswell has an impressive first step, converts speed to power effortlessly and is a strong run defender to boot.
61. Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan, Sr.
Wilson is a legit vertical threat with sudden quickness and great hands. Some teams may see him only as a slot receiver because of his size (5-10, 185), but he’s an excellent route runner who can win on all three levels and beat NFL man coverage.
62. Christian Haynes, G, Connecticut, Sr.
Haynes was a four-year starting right guard for the Huskies. He’s a sturdy (6-2, 318), powerful blocker who plays with tremendous physicality. The AP All-American excels in space and is a heat-seeking missile on the second level. Haynes is an exceptional puller and zone blocker. He’s a plus- protector and a finisher in the run game — he showcased his entire skillset in Mobile.
63. Jaden Hicks, S, Washington St., So.
Hicks is a two-year starter and tone-setting tackler who consistently makes plays downhill. His size (6-3, 210) and athleticism could make him a capable slot eraser.
64. Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson, Jr.
Trotter’s father, Jeremiah Sr., was a two-time All-Pro with the Philadelphia Eagles. Junior has some of his father’s skills in his ability to fly around, trust his instincts and make plays.
65. Leonard Taylor, DL, Miami, So.
Taylor was one of the top recruits at his position coming out of high school. He’s an explosive interior defender who can overwhelm opponents when he’s on his game. He has a pro-ready build, but needs to play with more discipline and awareness to unlock superstar mode.
66. Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia, Jr.
Lassiter is a two-year starter in the SEC despite being a true junior. He’s 6-foot tall and features enough straight line speed to thrive on the perimeter.
67. Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington, So.
Polk is big (6-2, 205) and tough enough with strong hands to work over the middle, but features great body control and enough speed to win deep as well. He isn’t an elite RAC threat, but few prospects in this class can compete with his contested-catch skills.
68. Kiran Amegadjie, T, Yale, Sr.
Amegadjie is one of the premier small-school prospects in this draft class. The relatively low level of competition always deserves to be a consideration, but his body is built for the NFL — 6-5, 320 with long arms — and IQ shouldn’t be an issue.
69. Kalen King, CB, Penn St., Jr.
King led all cornerbacks in the country with a 93.3 overall grade and an 18.3 er rating allowed in single-coverage as a sophomore, according to Pro Football Focus. His elite athleticism could carry him through the draft process despite inconsistent play as a junior for the Nittany Lions.
70. Michael Hall Jr., Edge, Ohio St., So.
Hall is considered undersized (6-2, 280) for the interior, but he’s proven capable of handling the responsibility due to elite strength and athletic ability. Hall suffered a hamstring injury earlier this week in preparation for the combine and will not participate in drills, but he does plan on working out at the Buckeyes’ Pro Day on March 20.
71. Blake Fisher, T, Notre Dame, So.
I felt Fisher needed a little more seasoning in South Bend, potentially developing into a first-round prospect in 2025, but there’s a lot to like here. He’s a physical, imposing run-blocker with heavy hands. As a protector, he features the size (6-6, 315), length and athleticism NFL teams demand from tackle prospects, but he’ll need to develop a more consistent technique in the pros.
72. Braden Fiske, DL, Florida St., Sr.
The Western Michigan transfer wins with strength and athleticism. Fiske’s hand usage is a work-in-progress, but he’s very quick off the ball considering his size (6-3, 295) and is developing a solid -rush repertoire.
73. Cooper Beebe, G, Kansas St., Sr.
Beebe was an unanimous first-team All-American, a William V. Campbell Trophy (Academic Heisman) finalist, a Lombardi Award semifinalist and an Outland Trophy finalist for the Wildcats last season. In 48 collegiate starts, the only position on the offensive line he didn’t play was center. He’s a technician with quick feet and plays with a wide base, but short arms will keep him at guard in the pros.
74. TJ Tampa, CB, Iowa St., Sr.
Tampa’s size (6-2, 200), speed and physical mentality is ideal for bump-and-run coverage. He gambles a bit, but his ball skills and long arms usually bail him out.
75. Marshawn Kneeland, Edge, Western Michigan, Jr.
Kneeland isn’t a top-tier athlete, but he has an NFL-ready body. His impressive strength helps him consistently set the edge against the run and bull-rush his way to the quarterback. His performance at the Senior Bowl proved he can hold up against better competition.
76. Audric Estime, RB, Notre Dame, Jr.
Estime wins with power and balance. He has an average burst through the line of scrimmage, but enough speed to threaten explosive gains at the second and third level. Estime doesn’t have a lot of experience as a receiver, but he utilizes his size (6-0, 227) and bulk well in protection.
77. Sedrick Van Pran, C, Georgia, Jr.
Van Pran was a team captain for a two-time national champion, and stockpiled All-American accolades while in Athens. He’s a finisher in the run game and features enough athleticism, natural instincts and strength to make an impact in protection. Van Pran is battle-tested and capable of eventually taking on a leadership role for whomever drafts him.
78. Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin, Jr.
Allen is super-sized (6-2, 245), but features an impressive burst and hitting him high is just a waste of time. He doesn’t have much experience as a receiver and his feel for open space is inconsistent, but he’ll only be 20 years old on draft weekend so there’s still plenty of time to develop.
79. Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri, Sr.
Abrams-Draine is a former wide receiver who was selected first-team All-SEC last season. Size (5-11, 178) will be an issue for some teams — he isn’t an asset against the run — but he held up well at college football’s highest level while essentially learning on the job. He could begin his NFL career as a return specialist while he continues to learn the nuances and develop the anticipation required to play the position.
80. Payton Wilson, LB, NC State, Jr.
Based solely on 2023, Wilson would likely be the first linebacker selected. The former four-star recruit produced 138 tackles (17.5 for a loss), six sacks, six defended es, three interceptions, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. He’s big (6-4, 238), fast and capable of making plays sideline-to-sideline. However, there are durability concerns. He has a long history dating back to high school, including knee and shoulder injuries.
81. Maason Smith, DL, LSU, So.
Smith is a physically gifted prospect — he’s 6-foot-6, 315 pounds with great length and functional strength — who leans more on athleticism than fundamentals or technique. He was a freshman All-American in 2021 before tearing his ACL at the beginning of the 2022 season. There’s a lot of upside here, but it make take time to develop.
82. Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida, Sr.
Pearsall started his career at Arizona State before transferring to Gainesville in 2022. He’s an elusive, smooth route-runner with good speed who should compete for a starting gig in the slot from jump. There are limitations against bigger, stronger cornerbacks, especially in contested-catch scenarios.
83. Christian Mahogany, G, Boston College, Sr.
Mahogany is a big (6-3, 322), powerful, tone-setting presence on the interior. He has a bully mentality and presents himself as the bouncer of the pocket. He pulls with ease, and is capable of erasing smaller defenders in his way. He may need to learn patience in the pros once he realizes you can’t go for the knockout every play.
84. Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon, Sr.
Jackson was the nation’s No. 1 JUCO recruit when he signed with Alabama before ending up in Eugene. He gets handsy, but his size (6-3, 195) and athleticism points to a bright future as a man-to-man defender in the NFL.
85. Javon Solomon, Edge, Troy, Jr.
Solomon is short (6-2, 247) for an NFL edge defender, but he balances that with impressive athleticism and an advanced plan-of-attack to rush the er — he led the FBS with 16 sacks last season.
86. Caelen Carson, CB, Wake Forest, Jr.
I wish Carson had more ball production, but he’s a fiery competitor who wins with physicality in coverage and against the run. He’s also experienced in both man and zone coverage, and versatile enough to play inside or outside.
87. Brenden Rice, WR, USC, Jr.
Rice transferred from Colorado in 2022 to play for Lincoln Riley. I feel like I shouldn’t have to say Jerry Rice’s son has reliable hands, but he does. He also uses his size (6-3, 210) well. During Senior Bowl week, he displayed the physicality he’s capable of bringing to the table, whether it be as a blocker or in a contested-catch scenario. Rice worked mostly with vertical concepts in Riley’s offense, so it’ll be interesting to see him expand his horizons as a route runner in the NFL considering his DNA.
88. Cole Bishop, S, Utah, Jr.
A three-year starter for the Utes, Bishop is an enforcer with NFL size (6-2, 207) and toughness. He’s athletic enough to neutralize tight ends in man coverage — a skill he showcased during Senior Bowl week — but will likely make his living near the line of scrimmage in the pros.
89. Tommy Eichenberg, LB, Ohio St., Sr.
Eichenberg is an old-school thumper with impressive instincts and a relentless motor who thrives playing downhill. However, there are limitations to his sideline-to-sideline range as a run defender.
90. McKinnley Jackson, DL, Texas A&M, Sr.
Jackson is a stout (6-2, 325), powerful, surprisingly athletic interior defender. He’s a natural fit as a nose tackle and was a standout during Senior Bowl practices, but he wasn’t invited to participate in Indy.
91. Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina, Jr.
Walker’s speed is undeniable, but he struggled with drops throughout Senior Bowl week. He also runs a very limited route tree, essentially all vertical outside of the occasional screen, but you draft him as a dangerous field-stretcher and hope he can develop into something more.
92. Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina, Sr.
Rattler’s pocket presence has improved dramatically from his days in Oklahoma. He’s an accurate, fundamentally sound QB with decent arm talent, but he’s almost played exclusively in a shotgun system.
93. Luke McCaffrey, WR, Rice, Jr.
Christian McCaffrey’s brother originally was a three-star quarterback recruit who began his collegiate career at Nebraska, before transferring to Louisville (where he didn’t play) and finally to Rice. He didn’t switch to receiver (his father Ed’s position) until 2022, but the transition went about as smooth as you’d expect considering his bloodline. He’s a savvy route runner — he could sell water to a fish — with reliable hands and adjusts well to off-target throws, using his size (6-2, 195) well in contested-catch situations. He isn’t a burner, but this is a pretty good start for someone who has only been playing the position for two years.
94. Cade Stover, TE, Ohio St., Sr.
Stover is a former defensive end and linebacker who didn’t move to the offensive side of the ball full-time until 2021. He was also the top-scorer on his high school basketball team in Kentucky. He’s a legit athlete who could see a significant boost in his draft stock if he handles his business at the combine.
95. Dominick Puni, G, Kansas, Sr.
Puni has experience at both tackle positions and left guard. He excels as a run blocker and a move inside would make him an asset in pro as well. In Mobile, Puni even took reps at center and held his own.
96. Brandon Dorlus, DL, Oregon, Sr.
Dorlus is a plug-and-play rusher from the interior, with an array of -rush moves, but he’s kind of a tweener (6-3, 272). He primarily played off the edge for the Ducks, but his athleticism won’t translate there in the pros.
97. Javon Baker, WR, Central Florida, Sr.
Baker was buried on the depth chart at Alabama, so he took his talents to Orlando. The 6-foot-1, 208 pound playmaker finished second in the nation with 21.9 yards per reception last season. He features a nice blend of size, athleticism and good hands, but needs to fine-tune his route running.
98. Ruke Orhorhoro, DL, Clemson, Sr.
Orhorhoro possesses the power to move the pocket and can shed blockers consistently to get to the ball carrier as a run defender. He’ll need to develop counter moves as a rusher in the NFL, where he can’t just overpower most linemen.
99. Adisa Isaac, Edge, Penn St., Jr.
Isaac features a solid combination of size (6-4, 255), strength and athleticism. He’s proven effective as a partner running D-line games (stunts and twists), but will need to be more consistent generating push in one-on-one opportunities.
100. MarShawn Lloyd, RB, USC, Jr.
Lloyd (5-9, 217) features home run speed and the ability to make people miss in space. There’s untapped potential as a -catcher, but he’s unproven in pro. There are also ball-security issues — he’s fumbled 10 times in three seasons, losing six.
