With the College Football season here it is time to get to know who the top eligible 2024 NFL Draft prospects are.
The 2024 NFL Draft is already shaping up to be more talented than the previous cycle and is stacked with some of the top players in college football. While scouting NFL Draft prospects this early is full of projection, there are plenty of players who have the traits to enter round 1 discussion.
At the top we have one of the best quarterback prospects in recent memory, as well as a super star wide receiver who is ready to set the NFL world on fire.
A year out from the 2024 NFL Draft, who are the names you should be getting familiar with?
Top-50 2024 NFL Draft Prospects
1. Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Big things are expected of the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, with his playing style and creative mindset being likened to Patrick Mahomes. Williams has the potential to be one of the top quarterback prospects of recent memory, his ability to thrive through chaos is unmatched. His undeniable traits that include a lethal strong arm, natural playmaking ability and absurd creativity make him the top prospect heading into the new college football season
2. Marvin Harrison jr., WR, Ohio St
It’s not every year that we get a prospect who has a chance to enter the NFL as one of the elite receivers in the game. But, Marvin Harrison Jr. is just that. A truly elite, blue-chip player who is as close to a perfect wide receiver prospect you will find. Being the son of hall of fame receiver Marvin Harrison, we shouldn’t expect anything else. He checks all the boxes and is physically gifted. Expect to hear his name called very early in the 2024 NFL Draftl
3. Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
It takes an elite prospect for a tight end to gather early first round momentum. Brock Bowers is the focal point of the Georgia passing attack and his ability to be elusive after the catch, make defenders miss and catch anything that comes his way makes him special. His powerful speed, willing blocking and refined receiving ability make him the complete package. Is he a better prospect than Kyle Pitts was in the 2021 NFL Draft? There is a debate to be had.
4. Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn St
Olu Fashanu would have been a top 10 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft if he had chosen to declare. Instead he returns to Penn State as the top tackle in the country. His strong, balanced anchor, easy movement and natural leverage make him dominant in both the run and pass game and expect there to be plenty of interest in his services early.
5. Jared Verse, Edge, Florida St
Jared Verse is another prospect who would have been a top 10 pick if he had decided to enter the 2023 NFL Draft. His 9 sacks in 2022 showed the world what he can do at the next level. Verse has ferocious explosiveness, strength profile and all the skill moves. Matched up with his relentless motor, acute anticipation and violent mentality and he is a top 10 pick waiting to happen in the 2024 NFL Draft.
6. Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
Drake Maye is a prospect who has only scratched the surface of his potential. The ACC Player of the Year in 2022 has all the tools to be a franchise QB at the next level. Right now you are buying into his size and arm strength, but if he carry on his development trajectory, cleans up some of his footwork, anticipation and accuracy, then he will be another early pick.
7. joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Joe Alt is a hulking offensive tackle for the Fighting Irish. At 6’8” and 315 pounds, Alt hits all the size and measurable thresholds but pairs it with dominant play. Alt is a technician of a tackle who has a great strength profile. His sturdy base and agile movement skills give him a high floor to play in the NFL and has the makeup to be a mainstay as a starting left tackle in the NFL.
8. Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
This is pure projection. But if Amarius Mims can get anywhere near what his potential tells us he can be, then he has a chance to challenge the top of the 2024 tackle class. Mims only started 3 games at right tackle for the Bulldogs in 2022, but he displayed his amazing size profile, elite length and top athleticism. His ability to effortlessly generate power, play with great body control and maintain leverage makes him one of the most intriguing prospects.
9. Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
Kool-Aid McKinstry is currently the top cornerback and it is easy to see why. He is physically gifted, has great length and football intelligence. He consistently shows off his legitimate long speed, his ability to stay with receivers and get after the ball with his great anticipation and awareness. Alabama constantly develops defensive backs, McKinstry looks to be next in line.
10. Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
A big time athlete, Cooper DeJean is a corner/safety hybrid who displays unbelievable ball skills. DeJean had 5 interceptions, three of which were pick-sixes in 2022 showing his instincts, awareness and anticipation. DeJean has incredible ball skills but his elite athletic profile stands him out from the crowd. A big time athlete in high school, DeJean won high school titles in the 100 meters and long jump, as well as being a big time basketball player. It should also be mentioned that he played quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back in high school. As a supersized, productive, athletic corner, DeJean has everything the NFL looks for in modern defensive backs.
11. Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Malik Nabers is a dominant receiver for the Tigers who is a natural at the position. A great strength profile, awesome body control and intelligence make Nabers an exciting receiving prospect. He is extremely physical, has smooth but powerful route running and an arsenal of wild skill moves. With continued development, evolving his route tree during the 2023 season, then he should get picked early.
12. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio St
Emeka Egbuka is such a technician of a receiver. Operating mainly from the slot for the Buckeyes, Egbuka has become an elite option in the Ohio St offense. He has instant burst, immense speed through all phases of the game and an advanced skill set and route tree. With the magic that Marvin Harrison produces Egbuka sometimes gets overlooked, but Egbuka himself projects as a top 20 pick as a minimum.
13. Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
Jer’Zhan Newton is a phenomenal prospect on the interior defensive line. His skillset is advanced and developing, shows thunderous power, intense speed and a huge armory of skill moves; which includes a undefendable swim move. Newton also displays his violent playstyle through his frantic motor, awareness and heads-up intelligence. It is difficult not to love what Newton puts on film and he will only continue to improve his stock through the 2023 season.
14. Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama
Dallas Turner is a pure speed rusher on the edge for the Crimson Tide, who projects to having a bigger role in 2023 with Will Anderson now in the NFL. He has short area elusivity, explosiveness and flexibility to out athlete offensive lineman. Right now he doesn’t have the power profile to compete in the NFL trenches, so he will need to add more weight. But, if he can add more strength and develop his pass rush, it is easy to see him going very early in the 2024 NFL Draft.
15. Kamren Kinchens, Saf, Miami (FL)
It isn’t trendy to draft safeties in the first round of the NFL Draft, but Kinchens has an opportunity to buck that trend. Kinchens checks all the boxes but it is his ability to locate the football and his physical playstyle that gives him an edge. The Miami safety plays with intense toughness, high end motor and rare range. He has the ability to pick the ball out from nowhere when tracking passes, but also has bruising strength as a tackler.
16. Kalen King, CB, Penn St
Kalen King displays rare athletic ability and his smooth fluid movement and light footwork make him one of the top prospects. His ability to flip his hips and change direction with easy fluid motion is outstanding. It is King’s understanding of routes that really jumps out. His timing is fantastic and he is able to instantly stick with receivers during their routes. King has all the tools to make another jump in 2023 and is a player who has a chance of being the top corner off the board.
17. J.T. Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio St
J.T. Tuimoloau is primed for a massive jump in 2023. At 6’7” and 277 pounds he possesses a colossal size profile and his elongated arm length overwhelms offensive linemen. He is a smooth rusher with technical finesse, while having a vast package of skill moves. If Tuimoloau can add more intensity and violent physicality to his game he is an easy projection to the NFL.
18. JC Latham, OT, Alabama
The offensive tackle class is again set to be a stellar group in 2023. Alabama’s JC Latham is another one of those in the group and displays huge potential. Latham is physically gifted and a prototype for the position. The absolute unit wins with his pure strength, punchy hands and smooth athleticism.
19. Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn St
Demeion ‘Chop’ Robinson lives up to his name. A pure wrecking ball, Robinson converts speed to power with ease and is able to create leverage by attacking under the pad level of offensive linemen. With his diverse pass rush and flexibility to turn the edge with his neverending motor, Chop Robinson really is one of the most exciting pass rushers in this year’s draft class.
20. Leonard Taylor III, DT, Miami (FL)
Leonard Taylor is such an exciting prospect. His ability to get into the backfield and disrupt the pocket is extremely attractive. Taylor has huge pass rush upside that causes havoc to opposing offenses. He fires through gaps with lightning quick footwork and bend that is unlike any other. He is a mismatch when attacking through the middle and has shown great year on year growth.
21. Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA
Laiatu Latu plays with his hair on fire; and for good reason. Latu’s story is one of dedication and devotion to the game. Latu originally was at Washington where he suffered a neck/spinal cord injury. He missed 2 years of football and almost retired from the game before he was medically cleared to play for UCLA. Latu is pro ready now. He is refined, he is technical, he has a deep set of skill moves. Latu is a prospect to route for.
22. bralen Trice, Edge, Washington
Bralen Trice is a heavy set edge who has been ulta productive. He understands how to convert his power to attack and his solid technique and accurate hand placement makes him a terror. Trice is a player who never gives up on a play. He gives his all, has a fantastic motor and it shows. Trice is one of those players that you want on your team.
23. Graham Barton, OL, Duke
Barton’s skillset starts with his unique athletic ability. He is quick off the snap, has fast footwork and excellent lateral movement. He is elite when pulling into space. His proactivity in the run game to go looking for work shows he plays with the right mentality. You can tell he loves playing football and shows that extreme anticipation and intelligence. Barton is protecting one of the top quarterback in Riley Leonard, who himself is making a push to be the third quarterback drafted in 2024.
24. Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
At 6’6” and 325 pounds, Suamataia is an absolute specimen. His size profile alone gathers attention. But you add in his mystifyingly great athletic ability and you have a draft prospect to love. His first step speed is on another level. Coming in at #3 on Bruce Feldman’s Freakslist, Suamataia has all the traits. He will need some technical refinement but his physical traits are special.
25. Keon Coleman, WR, Florida St
Another player who has transferred into Florida St, there is a big year forecast for Keon Coleman. A receiver who hits all the size measurables, Coleman can pluck the ball from anywhere and has great awareness and ball tracking. Coleman can create separation with his physicality and his fluid movement skills give him smooth routes.
26. Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Odunze is a tall, bursty receiver who has a great size-speed combo. The Washington receiver will be a true outside X receiver who can win in multiple different ways. He has the ability to create separation with explosive movement skills and sharp cuts while having nuances to his route running technique to avoid contact and get extra yards.
27. Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
Nate Wiggins is an outside, perimeter corner who has height, length and speed. He is a player who thrives in zone coverage where he can use his smooth footwork and movement skills and excellent athleticism to attack. Wiggins uses that athletic ability to stick even with the shiftiest of receivers and plays on his toes to react in routes. To be a top pick Wiggins will have to add weight because he lacks any kind of strength profile, which means he struggles in press or to support the run. But, he has size and athletic traits to bet on.
28. Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
Troy Fashanu currently lines up at left tackle for the Huskies but he is widely expected to kick in at guard at the next level. Explosive out of his stance, good movement skills and shows a nasty mentality in the run game, Fautanu could end up being the top interior offensive linemen taken.
29. Maason Smith, DT, LSU
Maason Smith is another player who is a pure projection. After impressing in 2021, Maason Smith only played 7 snaps of the 2022 season before tearing his ACL. The lack of experience makes Smith a raw player but his size, strength and speed combination are traits you bet on. Smith has been built in a lab and his twitchy burst and natural leverage makes him an exciting proposition. With his variety of devastating pass rush moves, Maason Smith is due a big year in 2023.
30. Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
Jordan Morgan is a bursty tackle who plays with natural balance and flexibility. He has a fast first step and his smooth athleticism generates instant lateral movement. Morgan isn’t the biggest prospect and there is some speculation that arm length may be a problem, so there may be some calls for him to kick into guard. So far Morgan’s college career has been laden with injuries, but if he can stay on the field he has the traits and evolution to make a push up draft boards.
31. Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
Barrett Carter has been extremely productive for Clemson. With special, twitchy athleticism, Carter has the range to get sideline to sideline. That rare athleticism shows up in short areas. He truly has an all round skill set that allows him to play in the box but also show up in the slot with success.
32. Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia
Kamari Lassiter is another corner who works best in zone coverage, but he enjoys the physical side of the game. He is a hard hitting corner who displays ridiculous toughness and wants to punch you in the mouth. He shows good run support and the versatility to blitz on occasion.
33. Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
Ja’Tavion Sanders has shown he is a proven weapon for the Longhorns. There is much expected of Texas in 2023 and Sanders will be a big part of any offensive success. Sanders is a good athlete with fluid movement skills. He has amazing length which gives him a massive catch radius. While a willing blocker, Sanders does have more work to do, especially in his hand placement, but his size, mobility and skill set is intriguing in this tight end class.
34. Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan
Right now Kris Jenkins already offers a high floor for NFL teams. He has a hot motor, is explosive off the snap and doesn’t miss tackles. He shines when playing the run and his smaller stature, at 6’3” and only 285 pounds, allows him to get under pads to generate leverage. While he will need to diversify his pass rush ability, he offers the ability to start day 1 in the NFL defending the run right now.
35. Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio St
Michael Hall Jr. is a pass rush specialist from the interior. He constantly creates pressure and has a refined pass rush resume. Hall’s explosive first step and elusive movements in short areas make him a pure disruptor. While he still needs to add to his strength profile, to aid his ability against the run, Hall’s pure pass rush threat is enough to like.
36. Jordan Travis, QB, Florida St
Jordan Travis is a dual-threat playmaking quarterback who has all the tools and weapons to make another huge jump in his development in 2023. There are big things expected of Travis, with the supporting cast that Florida State have assembled around him. With excellent creativity, strong decision making and a good enough arm, Travis has everything in place and no excuses to make a move for early round discussion.
37. Calen Bullock, Saf, USC
Calen Bullock is a ball playing safety who has great range and production. With 5 interceptions in 2022 Bullock is one of the top safeties in the 2024 NFL Draft class. He has incredible speed and range to work all over the field, along with sudden speed when attacking the passing game. He also has a violent mindset which makes him an assured tackler.
38. Cooper Beebe, IOL, Kansas St
Beebe has everything to be one of the first interior offensive lineman taken in the 2024 NFL Draft. WIth a great power and strength profile he is able to be a presence in both the run and pass game. His vast experience has given him great intelligence and he knows how to create momentum and leverage. Cooper Beebe gained hype last summer and could have declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.
39. Tyler Nubin, Saf, Minnesota
Nubin returns to Minnesota for his final year of eligibility and with 8 interceptions since 2021 he has displayed great college production. His fantastic instincts and canny awareness and anticipation make him one of the top safeties available and his fluid athleticism give him a fantastic floor entering the NFL.
40. Nazir Stackhouse, DT, Georgia
If a team needs a defensive tackle to come in right away and defend the run, then Stackhouse is that guy. Stackhouse has a huge strength profile and is a people mover to clear out space for pass rushers. He absolutely eats up gaps in the run game and shows good field intelligence. Right now, Stackhouse doesn’t really have any pass rush to his game but his ability to make the game easier for those around him means he should be given more credit.
41. SEDRICK VAN PRAN, IOL, GEORGIA
Sedrick Van Pran has been a mainstay of the Georgia offensive line and many expected him to enter the NFL Draft in 2023. His vast experience translates into a high football IQ, instincts and great communication and leadership. Van Pran has great physicality and displays quickness and power.
42. TREY BENSON, RB, FLORIDA ST
Trey Benson is currently ranked as the top running back in the 2024 NFL Draft and is another Florida State Seminole to make the Big Board. Benson’s unquestionable vision and natural feel for space makes him elusive – he simply gets into space. His ability to make defenders miss stands out more than anything else, he has great contact balance and hard running style to evade tackles. Benson had a missed tackle rate of 0.51 according to PFF. That means he made a defender miss a tackle on over half of every touch he had!
43. Patrick Paul, OT, Houston
While still extremely raw Patrick Paul shows great traits for the offensive tackle position. Mainly, Paul has immense length and size. At 6’7” and 315 pounds, Paul’s arm length is incredibly over 36 inches. Using that tremendous length, Paul is able to keep rushers away and it makes him incredibly difficult to get around. Paul also shows nimble footwork and smooth kick slides to deal with speed.
44. Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
What a rollercoaster Bo Nix’s career is turning into. Constantly bashed at Auburn, Nix transferred to Oregon in 2022 and has revived his NFL hopes. That huge jump has again put him in early round discussion. Exhibiting excellent fundamentals, great accuracy and game management, Nix’s pure play executor play style looks to transition well to the NFL.
45. Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson
Originally from Nigeria, Orhorhoro is a very versatile interior defensive lineman who can attack for different alignments. He possesses a speed to power profile and disruptive pocket pass rush to overwhelm through the middle.
46. BLAKE CORUM, RB, Michigan
Blake Corum was the most electric running back in college football in 2022 and surprisingly returned to Michigan after having an opportunity to enter the 2023 NFL Draft. Corum is a nightmare for defenders as he can beat you in so many different ways. He showcases superb instincts and his elusive, slippery, booming running style makes him a deadly threat.
47. JACK SAWYER, EDGE, OHIO STATE
Jack Sawyer is a fantastic athlete with a high end motor. He has versatility to line up across the defensive line. Sawyer hits all the size measurables and shows a solid strength profile and punchy hands. He also lined up at linebacker at times in 2022 which hindered his overall effectiveness. While still raw he has the tools and skill set to make a jump through the 2023 season.
48. Jamon Dumas-Johnson, LB, Georgia
Jamon Dumas-Johnson is going extremely underrated. A plug and play MIKE linebacker at the next level, Dumas-Johnson is a pure wrecking ball. With strong instincts and a natural feel for space, as well as a physical play style and violent closing speed, he has all the ability to rocket up board this season.
49. Smael Mondon, LB, Georgia
Smael Mondon is an impressive athlete who is primed for a jump in 2023. A multi-year starter for Georgia, Mondon has freaky athletic traits. He is flexible and has a good feel for coverage. Mondon is also aggressive getting downfield and shows good intelligence and reactions.
50. MCKINNLEY JACKSON, DT, TEXAS A&M
McKinnley Jackson pairs power and athleticism to wreak havoc for the Aggies. With great size measurables, the defensive tackle is an explosive athlete and offensive linemen struggle to deal with Jackson’s impressive profile. Jackson is still raw and needs to become more refined in his execution and he also needs to evolve his pass rush plan. But, he has the traits to make something happen in the 2023 season.
OWAIN JONES
NFL & NFL DRAFT ANALYST
OWAIN COVERS EVERYTHING NFL & NFL DRAFT. COMING WITH PLENTY OF EXPERIENCE, OWAIN IS ALSO A WRITER FOR PRO FOOTBALL NETWORK AND was PREVIOUSLY THE NFL DRAFT EDITOR AT NINETY-NINE YARDS WHERE HE CREATED DRAFT TALK, A NFL DRAFT PODCAST FOR NINETY-NINE YARDS. YOU CAN FOLLOW HIM ON TWITTER @OWAIN_JONES_