Scouting the Nation
2024 NFL Draft Top Prospects From Top Programs
“When it comes to the NFL Draft, nobody breaks it down better.” – Brian Baldinger, NFL Network Analyst
While the 2023 NFL Draft season is in full swing, the NFLDB team is already looking ahead to the 2024 draft prospects. The NFL scouts have already made campus visits, attended numerous regular season games, traveled to all-star games, completed the combine rounds, and taken looks at pro days. As Free Agency is winding down and compensation picks have been collected by GMs, it's time for scouts to balance current year and future recommendations as they look into the future. Here is a look at our preliminary work for the 2024 class, as we continue our never-ending search for talent.
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QB JJ McCarthy, Michigan
In his first season as a starter for the Wolverines, McCarthy was fantastic. He helped Michigan get back to the College Football Playoff and outplayed CJ Stroud on the road at Ohio State. McCarthy throws with excellent anticipation and accuracy to all three levels of the field. He has a natural feel for pressure and he avoids it, using his speed and athleticism. McCarthy can create outside of structure and is really accurate on the move. There were several wow plays on McCarthy’s film where he showed off one of the best arms in the nation. McCarthy has all the tools to be a high-end starting quarterback at the next level, which is why he garners a pre-season first-round grade. Expect McCarthy to be in the running for the Heisman and lead Michigan on another postseason run.
OG Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
A former five star recruit, Jackson was arguably the best offensive lineman on an Ohio State team that could have two first rounders (Paris Johnson Jr., Dawand Jones) in the 2023 draft. Jackson has an elite combination of athleticism and play strength. On every rep, Jackson was in control, as he was almost never off balance or lunging at defenders. In the run game, Jackson plays with his hands in tight and uses his grip strength to sustain blocks. He is able to work to the 2nd level and is an impact blocker in space. Jackson has a level of explosiveness off the snap that is rare for a guard. When Jackson went up against better defensive tackles, his tape was excellent, showing that he plays up to his competition. Jackson is a scheme versatile guard who will be a plug-and-play starter at the next level. He will be competing to not only be the first guard off the board but the first offensive lineman drafted if he declares for the 2024 draft.
OT Roger Rosengarten, Washington
An under the radar prospect, Rosengarten was incredibly consistent for the Huskies last season. Rosengarten is a stand out run blocker, as he does a great job of sealing off defenders. A lot of Washington’s explosive runs happened because Rosengarten was creating holes for ball carriers. He is a loose athlete who can redirect his body with ease. Rosengarten takes proper angles in both the run and pass games as well. In pass protection, Rosengarten displayed impressive foot quickness and low pad level to stay in front of speed rushers. He didn’t give up a sack last season and the tape backed that up in 2022. He is a much better prospect than former Huskies right tackle Kaleb McGary, who went in the first round in 2019.
CB Javon Bullard, Georiga
The best nickel cornerback from this past season, Bullard displayed elite instincts and fluidity. He stayed in receivers' hip pockets and Bullard never looked out of phase in coverage. Whatever Georgia asked Bullard to do, he did it at a high level. Bullard can defend the run, too, showing the ability to trigger downhill and the mentality to make a play on the ball carrier. Teams will also love his versatility, as Bullard has the skill set to play outside but he showed he can be an elite slot cornerback. Expect him to travel with the opponent's top receiver at the next level. Georgia has put out several top-tier cornerbacks as of late but Bullard has the talent to be the highest one drafted and the best in the NFL.
OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma
Both Anton Harrison and Wanya Morris should be high picks in the 2023 draft but neither has the upside of Guyton, who flashed tremendous potential when on the field for the Sooners last season. Guyton has incredibly quick feet to go align with an impressive knee bend. He has the length to stick at tackle and Guyton looked comfortable at either left or right tackle. His core strength allows him to absorb power but he also has the athleticism to mirror defenders in pass protection. On the move, Guyton is a controlled blocker with the natural play strength to sustain his blocks and seal off defenders. Guyton projects to be one of the top tackles in the 2024 class.
DL Tyler Baron, Tennessee
In terms of his body type, it’s hard to find a player like Baron. He has excellent size, length and athleticism. He can kick inside, with requisite strength and first-step quickness, to wreak havoc from a 4i or 3-tech position at the next level. Baron does a great job of getting skinny to avoid blocks and then use his closing burst to make a play in the backfield. The flash plays Baron put together on film show a player with immense upside. If he hits his ceiling, he could be a versatile chess piece along the defensive line, who could be a high-end pass rusher and run defender. Baron is going to skyrocket up draft boards this upcoming fall.
CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri
The speed and ability to stay attached to receivers downfield is the first thing that stands out on Rakestraw Jr.'s film. His recovery burst is unbelievable and he does a great job changing direction. Rakestraw Jr.'s instincts and ability to react with the ball in the air are excellent. Rakestraw Jr. locked down a lot of top SEC receivers on film last season, consistently giving up no separation. The natural cover skills are great in Rakestraw Jr.'s game, making him one of the most enticing prospects for the 2023 season. Expect Rakestraw Jr. to be viewed as one of the best cornerbacks in the nation by the end of the season.
NFLDB 2024 measurements
NFL Draft Profile: Austin Reed, Quarterback, Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
NFL Draft Profile: Jaxson Dart, Quarterback, Ole Miss Rebels
NFL Draft Profile: John Rhys Plumlee, Quarterback, UCF Knights
NFL Draft Profile: Blake Shapen, Quarterback, Baylor Bears
NFL Draft Profile: Harrison Bailey, Quarterback, UNLV Rebels
NFL Draft Profile: Frank Harris, Quarterback, UTSA Roadrunners
NFL Draft Profile: Graham Mertz, Quarterback, Florida Gators
NFL Draft Profile: Cade McNamara, Quarterback, Iowa Hawkeyes
NFL Draft Profile: Joe Milton III, Quarterback, Tennessee Volunteers
NFL Draft Profile: Shedeur Sanders, Quarterback, Colorado Buffaloes
NFL Draft Profile: Michael Pratt, Quarterback, Tulane Green Wave
2024 NFL Draft Bible Big Board - 4/5/23
Quarterbacks
1. Caleb Williams, USC, Jr, 6010, 215, 4.55
2. Drake Maye, North Carolina, rSo, 6040, 220, 4.80
3. Michael Penix Jr., Washington, Sr, 6021, 218, 4.63
4. Shedeur Sanders, Jackson State, Jr, 6020, 215, 4.60
5. Quinn Ewers, Texas, rSo, 6020, 206, 4.65
Running Backs
1. Braelon Allen, Wisconsin, Jr, 6010, 235, 4.54
2. Traveyon Henderson, Ohio State, Jr, 5100, 215, 4.45
3. Will Shipley, Clemson, Jr, 5110, 205, 4.52
4. Blake Corum Michigan, Sr, 5067, 200, 4.35
5. Raheim Sanders, Arkansas, Jr, 6020, 227, 4.52
Fullbacks
1. Masen Wake, BYU, rSr, 6000, 260, 4.82
2. Jakobi Buchanan, Army, rSr, 5112, 260, 4.79
3. Jax Dineen, Kansas State, rSr, 5096, 244, 4.75
4. Luke Hamilton, West Virginia, rSr, 5111, 245, 4.82
5. Noah Bean, Grambling State, rSr, 6010, 235, 4.80
H-Backs
1. Jaheim Bell, Florida State, rSr, 6025, 230, 4.61
2. Cam Large, Wisconsin, rSr, 6020, 234, 4.75
3. Marshel Martin, Sacramento State, rSr, 6010, 215, 4.64
4. Brant Kuithe, Utah, rSr, 6016, 220, 4.76
5. Owen Glascoe, LIU, rSr, 6020, 255, 4.79
Tight Ends
1. Brock Bowers, Georgia, Jr, 6036, 235, 4.52
2. Michael Trigg, Mississippi, Jr, 6032, 240, 4.60
3. Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas, Jr, 6036, 249, 4.62
4. Erick All, Iowa, rSr, 6040, 251, 4.72
5. Arik Gilbert, Nebraska, rJr, 6046, 255, 4.55
Wide Receivers
1. Marvin Harrison Jr, Ohio State, Jr, 6032, 205, 4.45
2. Xavier Worthy, Texas, Jr, 6006, 164, 4.30
3. Rome Odunze, Washington, rJr, 6026, 201, 4.44
4. Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State, Jr, 6006, 205, 4.42
5. Mario Williams, USC, Jr, 5090, 185, 4.39
Offensive Guards
1. Donovan Jackson, Ohio State, Jr, 6040, 300, 5.00
2. Layden Robinson, Texas A&M, rSr, 6032, 320, 5.20
3. Cooper Beebe, Kansas State, rSr, 6026, 326, 5.23
4. Javion Cohen, Miami, Sr, 6030, 305, 4.99
5. Matthew Jones, Ohio State, rSr, 6034, 318, 5.25
Centers
1. Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia, rJr, 6027, 311, 5.15
2. Bryce Foster, Texas A&M, Jr, 6036, 325, 5.00
3. Andrew Raym, Oklahoma, Sr, 6033, 316, 5.10
4. Luke Wypler, Ohio State, rSo, 6026, 300, 5.07
5. Drake Nugent, Michigan, rSr, 6010, 200, 5.12
Defensive Tackles
1. Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson, rSr, 6040, 295, 4.90
2. Damon Payne Jr, Alabama, rSo, 6026, 303, 5.00
3. Shemar Turner, Texas A&M, Jr, 6034, 300, 4.85
4. Michael Hall, Ohio State, rSo, 6022, 295, 4.95
5. Tyler Davis, Clemson, rSr, 6022, 300, 4.98
Edge Rushers
1. Dallas Turner, Alabama, Jr, 6026, 245, 4.45
2. Jared Verse, Florida State, rJr, 6034, 250, 4.65
3. JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State, So, 6040, 270, 4.70
4. Jack Sawyer, Ohio State, So, 6040, 267, 4.76
5. Chop Robinson, Penn State, Jr, 6030, 240, 4.66
Linebackers
1. Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson, Jr, 6000, 230, 4.60e
2. Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State, Sr, 6020, 239, 4.70e
3. Smael Mondon Jr., Georgia, Jr, 6030, 220, 4.50e
4. Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma, Jr, 6030, 240, 4.70e
5. Jackson Mitchell, UConn, Sr, 6016, 228, 4.65e
Cornerbacks
1. Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama, Jr, 6006, 190, 4.34e
2. Kamari Lassiter, Georgia, Jr, 5116, 185, 4.38e
3. Max Melton, Rutgers, rJr, 5110, 190, 4.36e
4. Kalen King, Penn State, Jr, 5096, 190, 4.35
5. Denzel Burke, Ohio State, Jr, 006, 190, 4.40e
Safeties
1. Lathan Ransom, Ohio State, Sr, 6000, 209, 4.54e
2. Andrew Mukuba, Clemson, Jr, 6000, 195, 4.55e
3. Malachi Moore, Alabama, Sr, 6000, 190, 4.42e
4. Kamren Kinchens, Miami, Jr, 5095, 202, 4.45e
5. Cole Bishop, Utah, Jr, 6016, 205, 4.44e
*Be sure to follow @NFLDraftBible for the latest NFL Draft news and NFL Draft All Access Podcast, airing Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:00am eastern time.
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Where are the offensive tackle rankings? Did you forget about them?
You will see 2024 OL rankings coming up in a future article.