2024 Big Board: Top 10 Prospects By Position
It's time for an early season check-in with a look at the current NFL Draft Bible Big Board, ranked by position.
Quarterbacks
A quick glance around the NFL landscape demonstrates a major need for signal-callers across the league. Could this be the year of the evolution? It remains to be seen just how many of these top quarterback prospects will enter the 2024 NFL Draft but every player listed below has a legitimate opportunity to be a first round pick. It will be tough to surpass Caleb Williams of USC and Drake Maye of UNC as the top two quarterbacks but Shedeur Sanders of Colorado has at least injected himself into the conversation. One evident trait that is apparent in today’s NFL; quarterbacks must have mobility. The traditional pocket-passers of yesteryear are truly endangered species on the brink of extinction!
1. Caleb Williams, USC, Jr, 6005, 220, 4.48
2. Drake Maye, North Carolina, rSo, 6043, 220,4.58
3. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado, Jr, 6006, 215, 4.78
4. Quinn Ewers, Texas, rSo, 6021, 207, 4.76
5. JJ McCarthy, Michigan, Jr, 6030, 196, 4.56
6. Bo Nix, Oregon, rSr, 6016, 213, 4.62
7. Michael Penix Jr., Washington, rSr, 6021, 213, 4.64
8. Kyle McCord, Ohio State, Jr, 6026, 215, 4.72
9. Jayden Daniels, LSU, rSr, 6030, 200, 4.52
10. Jordan Travis, Florida State, rSr, 6010, 212, 4.52
Running Backs
Based on the eye test, there’s not a more prepared running back for the next level than Trey Benson of Florida State who combines size, speed, strength and vision. The Michigan Wolverines dash and smash combo of Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards receive plenty of attention. Depending on the style of back teams crave, either runner could hear their name first. Gaining traction would be the talented Jonathan Brooks of Texas who has done as good of job as you possibly can trying to replace Bijan Robinson; he’s rapidly rising. Overall, look for a slew of running backs to be chosen on Day 2, nothing new based on recent trends.
1. Trey Benson, Florida State, rJr, 6003, 221, 4.38
2. Blake Corum Michigan, Sr, 5070, 210, 4.34
3. Braelon Allen, Wisconsin, Jr, 6020, 235, 4.42
4. Donovan Edwards, Michigan, Jr, 6000, 204, 4.49
5. Jonathan Brooks, Texas, rSo, 5115, 209, 4.46
6. Raheim Sanders, Arkansas, Jr, 6010, 227, 4.52
7. Will Shipley, Clemson, Jr, 5100, 205, 4.46
8. Traveyon Henderson, Ohio State, Jr, 5100, 214, 4.48
9. Audric Estime, Notre Dame, Jr, 5115, 227, 4.50
10. Devin Neal, Kansas, Jr, 5096, 210, 4.50
Wide Receivers
This could be the deepest position group in the 2024 NFL Draft with the headliner being Marvin Harrison Jr., who just seems born for greatness. His teammate Emeka Egbuka could very well be the second wideout off the board, as the Buckeyes have created an NFL factory full of wide receivers. Big play boundary targets such as Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson of Florida State figure to come off the board early. Two wideouts worth monitoring include Adonia Mitchell of Texas whose draft stock has skyrocketed and Ladd McConkey who just recently returned from injury and has been somewhat of a forgotten man.
1. Marvin Harrison Jr, Ohio State, Jr, 6030, 205, 4.46
2. Malik Nabers, LSU, Jr, 6000, 195, 4.47
3. Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State, Jr, 6010, 205, 4.42
4. Keon Coleman, Florida State, Jr, 6025, 215, 4.50
5. Xavier Worthy, Texas, So, 6010, 163, 4.29
6. Adonia Mitchell, Texas, Jr, 6036, 197, 4.52
7. Johnny Wilson, Florida State, rJr, 6061, 240, 4.54
8. Rome Odunze, Washington, rJr, 6030, 201, 4.50
9. Jermaine Burton, Alabama, Sr, 6002, 194, 4.46
10. Ladd McConkey, Georgia, rJr, 6000, 185, 4.48
Tight Ends
Rarely do tight ends rank amongst the top players in the draft but Brock Bowers of Georgia is truly a top five talent—NFL scouts have been salivating to get him to the pros and deservedly so. Another player who could potentially creep into the first round mix is Ja’Tavion Sanders of Texas who seems to have distanced himself from the rest of the crop as the clear TE2 in this year’s class. Despite a season-ending injury, Luke Lachey of Iowa is still viewed as a potential top 100 prospect. Meanwhile, keep an eye on his teammate Erick All, possibly the most athletic tester of the bunch.
1. Brock Bowers, Georgia, Jr, 6035, 230, 4.48
2. Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas, Jr, 6036, 242, 4.67
3. Luke Lachey, Iowa, rJr, 6051, 252, 4.76
4. Ben Sinnott, Kansas State, Jr, 6035, 247, 4.64
5. Jaheim Bell, Florida State, rJr, 6030, 233, 4.54
6. Trey Knox, South Carolina, 6035, 245, 4.54
7. Benjamin Yurosek, Stanford, Sr, 6041, 242, 4.67
8. Cade Stover, Ohio State, rSr, 6041, 255, 4.76
9. Brevyn Spann-Ford, Minnesota, rSr, 6065, 270, 4.76
10. Erick All, Iowa, rSr, 6041, 255, 4.73
Offensive Tackles
The debate as to who is the top offensive tackle prospect is in the 2024 NFL Draft is a conversation sure to be had in war rooms across America between now and April. With two blue chip prospects sitting atop in Joe Alt of Notre Dame and Olumuyiwa Fashanu of Penn State, NFL teams should appreciate this year’s tackle class. In fact, the entire top ten listed below stands a very strong chance to all hear their name called within the top 50 picks.
1. Joe Alt, Jr, Notre Dame, Jr, 6071, 317, 5.27
2. Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State, rJr, 6045, 321, 5.14
3. JC Latham, Alabama, Jr, 6055, 335, 5.21
4. Graham Barton, Duke, Sr, 6045, 306, 5.07
5. Amarius Mims, Georgia, Jr, 6060, 330, 5.32
6. Jordan Morgan, Arizona, rSr, 6045, 320, 5.07
7. Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma, rJr, 6055, 320, 5.10
8. Blake Fisher, Notre Dame, rSo, 6055, 327, 5.32
9. Kingsley Suamataia, BYU, rSo, 6045, 325, 5.08
10. Patrick Paul, Houston, rJr, 6065, 315, 5.13
Offensive Guards
Often underappreciated and overlooked, the guard class has received little publicity but there are several hogs holding it down on the interior that will make instant plug-and-play starters at the next level. A model of consistency, Cooper Beebe of Kansas State if a four-year starter and mauler who might be one of the safest picks in the upcoming draft. Much of the same could be said for Connor Colby of Iowa, while Zak Zinter has played multiple spots along the offensive line during his time at Michigan and is fundamentally sound overall.
1. Cooper Beebe, Kansas State, rSr, 6026, 322, 5.32
2. Zak Zinter, Michigan, Sr, 6052, 320, 5.22
3. Connor Colby, Iowa, Jr, 6045, 308, 5.04
4. Donovan Jackson, Ohio State, Jr, 6036, 300, 4.98
5. Tate Ratledge, Georgia, rJr, 6060, 310, 5.20
6. Troy Fautanu, Washington, rJr, 6033, 5.15
7. Layden Robinson, Texas A&M, rSr, 6032, 330, 5.34
8. Joshua Gray, Oregon State, rJr, 6042, 206, 5.02
9. Christian Mahogany, Boston College, rSr, 6032, 335, 5.32
10. Javion Cohen, Miami, Sr, 6036, 305, 5.09
Centers
What’s your flavor? We have traditional centers, converted centers, guards who project as centers and some who moonlight at both. A true center, Sedrick Van Pran of Georgia has manned the middle dating back to his high school days and is a natural fit. West Virginia grappler Zach Frazier brings a heavy dose of wrestling background and hand combat to the trenches, while Christian Haynes of UConn has been solid at guard but projects best at center and offers premium draft value.
1. Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia, rJr, 6026, 310, 5.27
2. Zach Frazier, West Virginia, rJr, 6015, 306, 5.14
3. Christian Haynes, UConn, rSr, 6024, 316, 5.12
4. Beaux Limmer, Arkansas, rSr, 6051, 302, 5.17
5. Andrew Raym, Oklahoma, Sr, 6032, 305, 5.26
6. Bryce Foster, Texas A&M, Jr, 6036, 325, 5.04
7. Dylan McMahon, North Carolina State, rSr, 6026, 305, 4.95
8. Matt Lee, Miami, rSr, 6032, 298, 5.10
9. Drake Nugent, Michigan, rSr, 6010, 300, 5.24
10. Mason McCormick, South Dakota State, rSr, 6040, 315, 5.15
Defensive Tackles
An explosive presence in the middle of the Illini defense resides Jer’Zhan Newton who has blown up opposing backfields like a stick of dynamite; he appears to be the consensus player at the position. The sweet spot for defensive tackles would appear to be in the late first / early second round area, where you could see a half dozen defensive tackles come off the board. There is considerable depth in the mid-to-later rounds also.
1. Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois, rJr, 6021, 295, 5.02
2. Maason Smith, LSU, rSo, 6060, 310, 4.85
3. Kris Jenkins, Michigan, Sr, 6025, 300, 4.90
4. Mekhi Wingo, LSU, Jr, 6002, 295, 4.98
5. Leonard Taylor III, Miami, Jr, 6030, 305, 4.83
6. McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M, Sr, 6016, 325, 5.10
7. Tyleik Williams, Ohio State, Jr, 6025, 318, 4.97
8. Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson, rSr, 6040, 295, 4.88
9. Nazir Stackhouse, Georgia, Sr, 6030, 327, 5.15
10. T’Vondre Sweat, Texas, rSr, 6040, 340, 5.42
Edge Rushers
Has there been a hotter player in the country than UCLA pass-rusher Laiata Latu? He has helped change the identity of the Bruins and could push top ten overall status. On the opposite coast, Jared Verse of Florida State was considered to be a potential top ten pick a year ago and he has only cemented his status as a premier pass-rusher. Another player on the rise is Jonah Ellis of Utah who is enjoying a career-year and hails from a football family.
1. Jared Verse, Florida State, rJr, 6032, 253, 4.72
2. Laiata Latu, UCLA, rSr, 6046, 261, 4.67
3. Dallas Turner, Alabama, Jr, 6025, 242, 4.52
4. Chop Robinson, Penn State, Jr, 6030, 253, 4.76
5. Chris Braswell, Alabama, Sr, 6022, 240, 4.50
6. Bralen Trice, Washington, rJr, 6031, 269, 4.76
7. JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State, Jr, 6036, 270, 4.67
8. Adisa Isaac, Penn State, rSr, 6041, 249, 4.62
9. Jack Sawyer, Ohio State, Jr, 6040, 267, 4.58
10. Jonah Ellis, Utah, Jr, 6020, 246, 4.68
Linebackers
A tackle-machine who flies to the football, North Carolina linebacker Cedric Gray looks to carry the torch of incredibly athletic Tar Heel linebackers, as his skill-set, production and measureables should gain him plenty of traction leading up to April. Th Clemson duo if Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Barrett Carter are firmly entrenched in the top 50. Meanwhile, the play of Texas linebacker Jaylan Ford has been admirable, as he has shot up draft boards and North Carolina State’s Payton Wilson has been one of the most consistent players in the nation.
1. Cedric Gray, North Carolina, Sr, 6021, 235, 4.52
2. Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson, Jr, 6000, 230, 4.64
3. Barrett Carter, Clemson, Jr, 6010, 225, 4.60
4. Junior Colson, Michigan, Jr, 6020, 235, 4.58
5. Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Georgia, Jr, 6010, 245, 4.65
6. Jaylan Ford, Texas, Jr, 6020, 238, 4.78
7. Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State, rSr, 6020, 239, 4.73
8. Payton Wilson, North Carolina State, rSr, 6042, 242, 4.58
9. Smael Mondon Jr., Georgia, Jr, 6030, 220, 4.50
10. Jackson Mitchell, UConn, Sr, 6020, 227, 4.67
Cornerbacks
There have been more cornerbacks chosen in the NFL Draft than any other position in recent seasons. We have seen at least four corners selected in the first round in each of the last four years—expect more of the same in 2024. The size, speed, pedigree and return ability of Kool-Aid McKinstry is what has the Alabama corner currently atop the board but he has some serious competition for CB1. Cooper DeJean of Iowa is another fast corner who has been a key cog for the Hawkeyes, while Clemson corner Nate Wiggins is this year’s fast riser. However, some believe that Caelen Carson of Wake Forest is the cleanest prospect of them all.
1. Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama, Jr, 6010, 195, 4.37
2. Cooper DeJean, Iowa, Jr, 6010, 209, 4.49
3. Nate Wiggins, Clemson, Jr, 6016, 185, 4.47
4. Caelen Carson, Wake Forest, rJr, 6000, 195, 4.53
5. Kalen King, Penn State, Jr, 5110, 188, 4.47
6. Josh Newton, TCU, rSr, 5107, 188, 4.43
7. Kamari Lassiter, Georgia, Jr, 6000, 180, 4.48
8. Denzel Burke, Ohio State, Jr, 6010, 190, 4.49
9. Jason Marshall Jr, Florida, Jr, 6000, 198, 4.37
10. Max Melton, Rutgers, rJr, 5110, 190, 4.50
Safeties
This year’s safety group is full of depth. It boasts numerous prospects with great length and athleticism such as Tyler Nubin of Minnesota, Calen Bullock of USC and fast-riser Jaden Hicks of Washington State. One player who is smaller in stature but has played big early on is Miami hard-hitting safety Kamren Kinchens who is on the brink of returning from a head/neck injury, a topic worth monitoring due to his vicious style of play.
1. Tyler Nubin, Minnesota, Sr, 6020, 210, 4.52
2. Kamren Kinchens, Miami, Jr, 5100, 202, 4.50
3. Calen Bullock, USC, Jr, 6020, 190, 4.49
4. Cole Bishop, Utah, Jr, 6020, 206, 4.52
5. Lathan Ransom, Ohio State, Sr, 6001, 207, 4.50
6. Jaden Hicks, Washington State, rSo, 6021, 209
7. Andrew Mukuba, Clemson, Jr, 6000, 185, 4.52
8. James Williams, Miami, Jr, 6040, 224, 4.51
9. Kitan Oladapo, Oregon State, rSr, 6020, 213, 4.53
10. Jaylin Simpson, Auburn, rSr, 5113, 180, 446