As the 2023 NFL regular season nears its conclusion, several teams have already shifted their focus to the 2024 draft. This pivotal event will determine the future trajectory of franchises, providing fans with a glimpse of potential game-changers. The draft discussions are gaining momentum, highlighting the top 10 players to watch for the 2024 NFL Draft.
1. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Marvin Harrison Jr. stands out as a receiver with a complete skill set. His size, speed, precise route-running, expansive catch radius, and overall catching prowess make him a top-five pick. Having seamlessly transitioned from C.J. Stroud to Kyle McCord, Harrison remains a premier NFL-ready No. 1 receiver.
2. Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Leading a robust offensive tackle class, Fashanu possesses a rare combination of size and movement prowess. His technical skills make him a potential Day 1 starter at left tackle, standing out among franchise-caliber talents in the draft.
3. Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
Alt mirrors Fashanu in caliber, appearing tailor-made for the NFL left tackle role. Standing at 6-foot-8, his athleticism in space becomes a valuable asset, particularly for teams specializing in zone running. Alt’s clean and adaptable style makes him a plug-and-play prospect.
4. Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
Despite an ankle injury requiring surgery in the past season, Bowers has consistently been a premier pass catcher since his freshman year. If fully recovered, he presents a matchup nightmare for defenses with his speed, toughness, and adept ball-carrier skills.
5. Drake Maye, QB, UNC
Maye closely rivals Caleb Williams in NFL readiness. Combining pocket passing precision with athleticism and strength, Maye demonstrates the potential to excel on Sundays. While adapting to the NFL’s challenges, he checks numerous boxes for prospective teams.
6. Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Williams possesses exceptional physical traits as a thrower, boasting arm strength and accuracy. His style demands patience, as he occasionally takes big risks. Improving his operational efficiency will be crucial to avoiding becoming a sack magnet in the NFL.
7. Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Despite missing games due to a high ankle sprain, Mims’ talent makes playing offensive tackle appear effortless. To secure a higher draft position, he must assure teams that his 2023 health concerns were isolated incidents.
8. Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Nabers’ game revolves around speed, creating space and explosiveness for the offense. His dynamic playmaking, fueled by both speed and toughness as a ball-carrier, offers a valuable infusion of speed to any team.
9. JC Latham, OT, Alabama
Latham, the fourth offensive tackle on this list, excels as a standout right tackle. With a classic game, he adeptly moves large opponents, creating openings for running backs. His nimbleness in pass protection adds to his appeal.
10. Jer’Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois
In a draft dominated by offensive talent, Newton emerges as a disruptive force on the interior. His playing style resembles Grady Jarrett and Ed Oliver, compensating for a lack of elite size with supreme athleticism, technique, and finishing ability. Newton stands out as a high-floor, disruptive three-technique prospect in a class with limited top-tier interior defensive line talent.
These prospects emerge as key figures in shaping the landscape of the 2024 NFL Draft. Teams and fans alike eagerly anticipate the impact these players will have on the future of the league.
