Way-Too-Early Big Board for the 2024 NFL Draft
NFL draft season is among my favorite stretches of days on the calendar. It’s fun to both watch as a fan and also as someone who likes to think they might know a little something about this sport. I did a ton of draft profiles and have done mocks for the site before, but never a big board. So I’m going to challenge myself to be consistent during the upcoming season and update my 2024 NFL draft big board, accordingly.
Here is my way-too-early list. This first one will be 25 players, we’ll see how long it stays that amount.
No. 1: Caleb Williams (QB, USC)
The best player in the country, who is also likely to go first overall in 2024, is USC’s Caleb Williams, who has drawn comparisons to Patrick Mahomes. That’s always a good start.
No. 2: Drake Maye (QB, UNC)
Drake Maye checks all the boxes you want. Massive frame, good to very good arm but very accurate. Also incredibly mobile. Maybe not Josh Allen, but pretty dang close.
No. 3: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Ohio State)
Marvin Harrison Jr. is as close to a perfect prospect we have in the 2024 NFL draft cycle, and the top receiver on my big board. 14 touchdowns as a sophomore is unheard of. A wideout hasn’t gone first overall since 1996, but Harrison could be that guy.
No. 4: Brock Bowers (TE, Georgia)
Could Brock Bowers be better than Kyle Pitts was coming out? Possibly. Pitts was the highest-drafted tight end at four, and Bowers is worthy of a similar draft position.
No. 5: Olu Fashanu (T, Penn State)
Best tackle in the country. Would’ve been the first tackle off the board this year. I can’t wait to see him test at the combine next year.
No. 6: Joe Alt (T, Notre Dame)
How Joe Alt protects Sam Hartman will judge just how high he’s drafted. Alt didn’t allow a sack in almost 900 snaps last year, that’s impressive.
No. 7: Jared Verse (EDGE, Florida State)
Jared Verse had nine sacks and 17 tackles for loss last season for a Florida State team that surprised folks by going 10-3 last year. If he produces the same or better, he could find himself as the first pass rusher off the board.
No. 8: Dallas Turner (LB, Alabama)
Dallas Turner has a chance to fill the void left by Will Anderson Jr. at Alabama. He had 12.5 sacks over the last two years, and I think he could get that this season.
No. 9: Javon Bullard (S, Georgia)
Georgia just produces the best players year after year. Javon Bullard had two interceptions and a forced fumble in the title game last year, showing he can step it up when the lights are brightest. He’s a complete defensive back.
No. 10: Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (LB, Clemson)
Jeremiah Trotter Jr.‘s dad was a monster, and he looks like he could be as well. A traditional MLB who can play sideline to sideline. He should be a standout by year’s end.
No. 11: Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama)
Do I think Kool-Aid McKinstry is the best corner in the class? I’m probably 75 percent yes. But he lands as the top corner on my 2024 NFL draft big board. Sixteen PBUs last year and can return punts.
No. 12: Jack Sawyer (EDGE, Ohio State)
Jack Sawyer is an athletic freak of nature. A former five-star recruit who has popped on tape before. If he finds himself around 10 sacks this year, he just might be the first EDGE off the board.
No. 13: J.T. Tuimoloau (EDGE, Ohio State)
Big Ten quarterbacks should be shaking in their cleats. Great frame. J.T. Tuimoloau had seven sacks last year. Showed out against Penn State with two sacks, two interceptions and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Absolute unit.
No. 14: Michael Penix Jr. (QB, Washington)
Michael Penix Jr. led the best offense in the country in terms of yards per game. He was second in the country in passing yards. Two torn ACLs are a major concern, but with a clean bill of health, he can really sling it.
No. 15: Quinn Ewers (QB, Texas)
Quinn Ewers has one of the best arms in the country. Very young but tons of time to learn. Needs to clean up his deep ball, and with Arch Manning waiting in the wings, he needs to be consistently great all year.
No. 16: TreVeyon Henderson (RB, Ohio State)
TreVeyon Henderson is the best running back in the country — not really sure it’s all that close. Makes Blake Corum look like a third-string guy. Will be a great pro.
No. 17: Sam Hartman (QB, Notre Dame)
I love me some Sam Hartman. Transferred from Wake Forest to a big-time program in Notre Dame. Has all the tools you are looking for. I’m expecting massive things for Hartman.
No. 18: Emeka Egbuka (WR, Ohio State)
Marvin Harrison Jr.’s running mate. Don’t sleep on Emeka Egbuka. Five-star recruit with a good frame and awesome hands. Some of the best routes in the country. Ohio State is WRU.
No. 19: Ja’Tavion Sanders (TE, Texas)
Two tight ends go in the first round next year. Ja’Tavion Sanders won’t get the same love as Bowers but he’s a stud in his own right. Athletic enough to play in the slot.
No. 20: Andrew Mukuba (S, Clemson)
Andrew Mukuba reminds me a lot of Isaiah Simmons. Plays very well in the box but can drop into coverage. Big upside.
No. 21: Michael Hall (DT, Ohio State)
Michael Hall had 4.5 sacks in their first five games last year. He’s a block eater. A team who needs run support should look his way.
No. 22: Xavier Worthy (WR, Texas)
Xavier Worthy is a super producer. 21 touchdowns in the last two seasons. His 113 targets last year show he is the focal point of the passing offense at Texas. Needs to clean up his hands.
No. 23: Cooper Beebe (G, Kansas State)
I love offensive linemen who have played multiple positions along the line. Cooper Beebe has no sacks allowed and anchored a rush attack that averaged 210 yards per game.
No. 24: Bo Nix (QB, Oregon)
While I might not be super high on Bo Nix, I can see the hype. It’s a quarterback’s league, and an NFL team will see his production and turn in the card.
No. 25: Denzel Burke (CB, Ohio State)
Consistency is key with Denzel Burke. A willing tackler who needs to be less grabby. I think Burke has huge upside, just has to stay focused on getting better.
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SHOP!
