2024 NFL Combine: Ten Players To Watch For
I love the NFL Draft cycle. Growing up, the NFL Combine was one of my favorite things to watch because we got to see all different types of players from every single school imaginable compete and showcase their skills. This rings true today, as I make it a point to watch as many pre-draft workouts as I can fit into my schedule, normally starting with the Senior Bowl and now the 2024 NFL Combine.
What I don’t love is the big-wig talking heads on the big platforms who release articles like this, but just name the headlining players whom we will all obviously be watching. This article is a great example of this, as half the names are guys who are already going to hear their names called in the first 50 players of the draft. Who cares about that? I want to know the guys who are going to fly up draft boards in Indianapolis, and that is what I am going to bring you. In this article, I highlight ten guys to watch for at the 2024 NFL Combine, as I believe they are set up to have a huge week.
*In no particular order*
Malik Washington (WR, Virginia)
The Virginia offense was a tough watch last season, outside of the budding star that is Malik Washington. Last season, Washington caught 110 passes for almost 1500 yards and nine touchdowns. Washington does a great job creating separation with outstanding footwork and release off the line. I am looking forward to watching Washington work out this week.
McKinnley Jackson (DT, Texas A&M)
Spoiler alert for the upcoming episode of Draft Busters, but my DT2 in the 2024 NFL Draft is McKinnley Jackson out of Texas A&M. Listed at 325 lbs, he gets off the line faster than most at the position. I had the chance to watch him at the Senior Bowl this year and came away very impressed, and I was excited to watch him going into the week. He has a chance to test very well this week.
Dallin Holker (TE, Colorado State)
This TE class is headlined by Brock Bowers and Ja’Tavion Sanders, but after the 2024 NFL Combine, Colorado State’s Dallin Holker could hear his name up on the rankings. Holker broke out this year, catching 64 passes for almost 1,000 yards and six touchdowns. He is very fluid in the open field, big but soft hands to make contested catches and can even line up in the slot.
T.J. Tampa (CB, Iowa State)
This is a strong CB class, and someone who I believe is flying under the radar is T.J. Tampa out of Iowa State. At 6’2, 200, he has the size you look for to go up against bigger receivers at the next level, but has the quickness to fly around the field to make plays. He plays with a mean streak, and is very physical in the run game, being a very willing tackler.
Kiran Amegadjie (OT, Yale)
While this OT class does have some nice depth to it, one name you don’t hear a lot of is Kiran Amegadjie out of Yale, and I have a feeling that will change after this week. He is going to test very well as he is super athletic, but he is freakishly lengthy as well. Amegadjie excels in run blocking and should soak up knowledge of pass pro very well at the next level. His testing will pop this week in Indy.
Isaiah Davis (RB, South Dakota State)
When I watch Isaiah Davis run the ball, it just feels like he is carrying the ball with violent intentions. The definition of a downhill runner who invites contact and keeps the legs moving. Always runs behind his pads and has the footwork to make short cuts to find the hole. He was a mega producer at South Dakota State (1,578 yards and 18 touchdowns) and with a good 40 time, he could see his name fly up boards.
Jha’Quan Jackson (WR, Tulane)
The name of the game in a lot of offenses in the NFL anymore is speed, and Jha’Quan Jackson defines speed. He may be undersized at 5’9, 190 lbs, but he plays above his frame. He has the big play ability in the open field you want, but he will need to work on his routes. The 2024 NFL Combine could be a proving ground for the former Tulane receiver.
Javon Solomon (EDGE, Troy)
If I told you that Javon Solomon finished tied for first in FBS in sacks last year, would you believe me? If you watched his tape and I asked you that question again, your answer might be different. He certainly lacks the prototypical size for an EDGE rusher (6’1, 247 lbs) but he more than makes up for it in strength in his hands and his play speed.
Tyler Nubin (S, Minnesota)
I think after the 2024 NFL Draft, folks might view Tyler Nubin as the top Safety in the class. Rubin has the speed to get to a receiver down the field, the aggressiveness to play in the box, and the awareness to fool the QB into what he is doing in coverage. The 40 time might not wow folks, but watching him in the individual drills just might.
Dominick Puni (G, Kansas)
I had the chance to watch Dominick Puni in Mobile this year and was another guy I came away with a ton of pluses. He’s a nimble bear who can push nose tackles around with ease but also pull to get out in space. Puni could find himself rising up the IOL rankings after the 2024 NFL Combine.
Honorable Mentions:
- Mohamed Kamara (EDGE, Colorado State)
- Joe Milton (QB, Tennessee)
- Evan Williams (S, Oregon)
- Blake Fisher (OT, Notre Dame)
- Kalen King (CB, Penn State)
SHOP!
