The 2024 NFL Draft’s Top Players, as Seen Through the Lens of College Football: Who stands out as the cream of the crop in the 2024 NFL Draft? We present our annual ranking of the top prospects from the perspective of college football.
Let’s skip the usual jargon about hip snap and body lean that gets tossed around this time of year and get straight to the point: who among the college football prospects entering the 2024 NFL Draft have what it takes to succeed at the next level?
Welcome to the 26th edition of the CFN Top Players list, where we evaluate prospects from their recruitment days through Senior Day or underclassmen declaration day. We’ve scrutinized these players extensively, considering their college performance, NFL potential, positional depth, and risk factors.
This year, with the first three rounds comprising picks, our list neatly aligns with the draft structure. While this isn’t a mock draft, it provides insight into how each player fits with respective teams.
Let’s dive in.
2024 NFL Draft Top Players, From The College Football Perspective
Introduction:
As the anticipation for the 2024 NFL Draft reaches its peak, the football world eagerly awaits the unveiling of the next generation of gridiron stars. Among the myriad metrics and analyses surrounding this annual spectacle, one perspective stands out for its unique insight: the college football lens. In this realm, players are not merely evaluated based on their potential in the professional league but are scrutinized through the prism of their collegiate achievements, skills, and impact.
The “2024 NFL Draft Top Players, From The College Football Perspective” offers a comprehensive look at the cream of the crop from the college gridiron, providing a nuanced analysis that considers not only their on-field prowess but also their journey from recruitment to Senior Day. This perspective delves beyond the standard metrics of athleticism and potential, delving into the intangible qualities that define a standout college player and, potentially, a future NFL star.
Join us as we delve into the rankings and profiles of the top players in the 2024 NFL Draft, as viewed through the discerning lens of college football. From quarterbacks with a knack for game-changing plays to defensive stalwarts who disrupt opposing offenses, each player on this list represents the culmination of years of dedication, talent, and hard work honed on the college gridiron.
1. QB Caleb Williams, USC
- Height/Weight: 6-1, 214
- CFN Projection: No. 1 Overall
- College Stats: 67% completion, 10,082 yards, 93 TD, 14 INT, 966 rushing yards, 27 TD
- CFN Position Rank: 1
- Team With This Pick: Chicago Bears (from Carolina)
Caleb Williams, with his impressive college stats and versatility, tops the list as a highly sought-after quarterback prospect, projected to go first overall in the draft.
2. QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
- Height/Weight: 6-4, 210
- CFN Projection: Top 5 Overall
- College Stats: 66% completion, 12,750 yards, 89 TD, 20 INT, 3,307 rushing yards, 34 TD
- CFN Position Rank: 2
- Team With This Pick: Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels, known for his athleticism and arm strength, is anticipated to be among the top picks in the draft, offering a dynamic skill set for any team.
3. TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
- Height/Weight: 6-3, 243
- CFN Projection: 1st Round
- College Stats: 175 catches, 2,538 yards, 14.5 average, 26 TDs, 5 rushing TDs
- CFN Position Rank: 1
- Team With This Pick: New England Patriots
Brock Bowers emerges as a premier tight end prospect, showcasing exceptional receiving ability and versatility on the field, making him a valuable asset for any NFL team.
4. OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
- Height/Weight: 6-9, 321
- CFN Projection: 1st Round
- CFN Position Rank: 1
- Team With This Pick: Arizona Cardinals
Joe Alt’s imposing physical presence and solid technique make him a standout offensive tackle prospect, projected to make an impact in the first round of the draft.
5. QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
- Height/Weight: 6-4, 223
- CFN Projection: Top 5 Overall
- College Stats: 65% completion, 8,018 yards, 63 TD, 16 INT, 1,289 rushing yards, 16 TD
- CFN Position Rank: 3
- Team With This Pick: Los Angeles Chargers
Drake Maye, with his strong arm and athleticism, is anticipated to be a top pick in the draft, offering both passing prowess and mobility as a quarterback.
6. WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
- Height/Weight: 6-3, 209
- CFN Projection: Top 5 Overall
- College Stats: 155 catches, 2,613 yards, 16.9 average, 31 TDs
- CFN Position Rank: 1
- Team With This Pick: New York Giants
Marvin Harrison Jr. emerges as a premier wide receiver prospect, boasting exceptional hands and route-running skills, poised to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
7. DT Byron Murphy II, Texas
- Height/Weight: 6-1, 297
- CFN Projection: 1st Round
- College Stats: 3 seasons, 70 tackles, 8 sacks, 15 TFL
- CFN Position Rank: 1
- Team With This Pick: Tennessee Titans
Byron Murphy II is a disruptive force on the defensive line, showcasing impressive strength and agility, making him a coveted prospect for teams in need of interior presence.
8. WR Malik Nabers, LSU
- Height/Weight: 6-0, 199
- CFN Projection: Top 10 Overall
- College Stats: 189 catches, 3,003 yards, 15.9 average, 29 TDs
- CFN Position Rank: 2
- Team With This Pick: Atlanta Falcons
Malik Nabers brings speed and playmaking ability to the wide receiver position, making him a desirable prospect for teams looking to bolster their passing game.
9. OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State
- Height/Weight: 6-6, 312
- CFN Projection: 1st Round
- CFN Position Rank: 2
- Team With This Pick: Chicago Bears
Olumuyiwa Fashanu offers size and athleticism at the offensive tackle position, projected to be a first-round pick and provide stability to an NFL team’s offensive line.
10. EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA
- Height/Weight: 6-5, 259
- CFN Projection: 1st Round
- College Stats: 100 tackles, 24 sacks, 35.5 TFL
- CFN Position Rank: 1
- Team With This Pick: New York Jets
Laiatu Latu is a disruptive force off the edge, showcasing exceptional pass-rushing skills and athleticism, making him a prized prospect for teams seeking defensive firepower.
11. OG/OT Troy Fautanu, Washington
- Height/Weight: 6-4, 317
- CFN Projection: 1st Round
- CFN Position Rank: 1
- Team With This Pick: Minnesota Vikings
Troy Fautanu is a versatile offensive lineman capable of playing both guard and tackle positions, known for his strength and agility, making him an attractive prospect for teams in need of versatility on the O-line.
12. QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington
- Height/Weight: 6-2, 216
- CFN Projection: 1st Round
- College Stats: 63% completion, 13,741 yards, 96 TD, 34 INT, 265 rushing yards, 13 TD
- CFN Position Rank: 4
- Team With This Pick: Denver Broncos
Michael Penix Jr. possesses a strong arm and exceptional field vision, demonstrating the ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground, making him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams in need of a dynamic quarterback.
13. CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
- Height/Weight: 6-0, 199
- CFN Projection: 1st Round
- College Stats: 93 tackles, 2 INT, 23 PBU
- CFN Position Rank: 1
- Team With This Pick: Las Vegas Raiders
Kool-Aid McKinstry is a shutdown cornerback with excellent coverage skills and ball-hawking ability, poised to make an immediate impact in the NFL secondary.
14. EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State
- Height/Weight: 6-4, 254
- CFN Projection: 1st Round
- College Stats: 89 tackles, 18 sacks, 29.5 TFL
- CFN Position Rank: 2
- Team With This Pick: New Orleans Saints
Jared Verse is a dominant pass rusher off the edge, known for his explosiveness and ability to disrupt opposing offenses, making him a valuable asset for teams in need of a disruptive edge defender.
15. CB Terrion Arnold, Alabama
- Height/Weight: 6-0, 189
- CFN Projection: 1st Round
- College Stats: 108 tackles, 6 INT, 20 PBU
- CFN Position Rank: 2
- Team With This Pick: Indianapolis Colts
Terrion Arnold is a versatile cornerback with the ability to excel in both coverage and run support, making him a well-rounded prospect for NFL teams in need of secondary help.
16. EDGE Dallas Turner, Alabama
- Height/Weight: 6-3, 247
- CFN Projection: 1st Round
- College Stats: 120 tackles, 22.5 sacks, 32.5 TFL
- CFN Position Rank: 3
- Team With This Pick: Seattle Seahawks
Dallas Turner is a disruptive force off the edge, known for his athleticism and relentless motor, making him a coveted prospect for teams seeking pass-rushing prowess.
17. WR Rome Odunze, Washington
- Height/Weight: 6-3, 212
- CFN Projection: 1st Round
- College Stats: 214 catches, 3,272 yards, 15.3 average, 24 TDs
- CFN Position Rank: 3
- Team With This Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars
Rome Odunze is a dynamic wide receiver with excellent size and playmaking ability, capable of stretching the field and making contested catches, making him a valuable asset for any NFL offense.
18. OC/OG Graham Barton, Duke
- Height/Weight: 6-5, 313
- CFN Projection: 1st Round
- CFN Position Rank: 1
- Team With This Pick: Cincinnati Bengals
Graham Barton is a versatile interior offensive lineman capable of playing both center and guard positions, known for his intelligence and technique, making him an attractive prospect for teams in need of interior line help.
19. CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson
- Height/Weight: 6-1, 173
- CFN Projection: 1st Round
- College Stats: 60 tackles, 3 INT, 21 PBU
- CFN Position Rank: 3
- Team With This Pick: Los Angeles Rams
Nate Wiggins is a physical cornerback with excellent ball skills and coverage instincts, making him a valuable asset for NFL teams in need of secondary help.
20. OT JC Latham, Alabama
- Height/Weight: 6-6, 342
- CFN Projection: 1st Round
- CFN Position Rank: 3
- Team With This Pick: Pittsburgh Steelers
JC Latham is a massive offensive tackle with exceptional size and strength, capable of dominating in both the run and pass game, making him an attractive prospect for teams in need of offensive line reinforcements.
21. CB Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
- Height/Weight: 6-0, 195
- CFN Projection: 1st Round
- College Stats: 123 tackles, 6 INT, 45 PBU
- CFN Position Rank: 4
- Team With This Pick: Miami Dolphins
Quinyon Mitchell is a versatile cornerback with the ability to excel in both man and zone coverage, known for his physicality and ball skills, making him a valuable asset for NFL teams in need of secondary depth.
22. OT Amarius Mims, Georgia
- Height/Weight: 6-8, 340
- CFN Projection: 2nd Round
- CFN Position Rank: 4
- Team With This Pick: Philadelphia Eagles
Amarius Mims is a towering offensive tackle with impressive size and length, capable of anchoring the offensive line and providing protection for quarterbacks in the passing game.
23. OG Cooper Beebe, Kansas State
- Height/Weight: 6-3, 322
- CFN Projection: 2nd Round
- CFN Position Rank: 2
- Team With This Pick: Minnesota Vikings (from Houston)
Cooper Beebe is a powerful interior lineman with excellent strength and technique, capable of opening up running lanes and providing pass protection for quarterbacks, making him a valuable asset for any NFL offensive line.
24. OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma
- Height/Weight: 6-8, 322
- CFN Projection: 1st Round
- CFN Position Rank: 5
- Team With This Pick: Dallas Cowboys
Tyler Guyton is a massive offensive tackle with impressive athleticism and agility for his size, capable of handling elite edge rushers and providing stability to an NFL offensive line.
25. OT Jordan Morgan, Arizona
- Height/Weight: 6-5, 311
- CFN Projection: 2nd Round
- CFN Position Rank: 6
- Team With This Pick: Green Bay Packers
Jordan Morgan is a technically sound offensive tackle with excellent footwork and hand placement, capable of neutralizing pass rushers and providing protection for quarterbacks in the passing game.
26. EDGE Chop Robinson, Penn State
- Height/Weight: 6-3, 254
- CFN Projection: 1st Round
- College Stats: 60 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 20 TFL
- CFN Position Rank: 4
- Team With This Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chop Robinson is a disruptive edge rusher with a quick first step and relentless motor, capable of wreaking havoc in the backfield and disrupting opposing offenses, making him a valuable asset for NFL teams in need of pass-rushing help.
27. EDGE Darius Robinson, Missouri
- Height/Weight: 6-5, 285
- CFN Projection: 2nd Round
- College Stats: 112 tackles, 13 sacks, 21 TFL
- CFN Position Rank: 5
- Team With This Pick: Arizona Cardinals (from Houston)
Darius Robinson is a versatile edge defender capable of lining up both inside and outside, known for his strength and explosiveness off the snap, making him a valuable asset for NFL teams in need of versatility on the defensive line.
28. LB Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M
- Height/Weight: 6-2, 230
- CFN Projection: 2nd Round
- College Stats: 205 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 30.5 TFL, 2 INT, 8 PBU
- CFN Position Rank: 1
- Team With This Pick: Buffalo Bills
Edgerrin Cooper is a versatile linebacker capable of stuffing the run and dropping into coverage, known for his instincts and physicality, making him a valuable asset for NFL teams in need of linebacker depth.
29. QB Bo Nix, Oregon
- Height/Weight: 6-2, 214
- CFN Projection: 1st Round
- College Stats: 66% completion, 15,352 yards, 113 TD, 26 INT, 1,613 rushing yards, 38 TD
- CFN Position Rank: 5
- Team With This Pick: Detroit Lions
Bo Nix is a dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm and exceptional athleticism, capable of making plays both through the air and on the ground, making him a valuable asset for any NFL offense.
30. OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
- Height/Weight: 6-6, 324
- CFN Projection: 1st Round
- CFN Position Rank: 7
- Team With This Pick: Baltimore Ravens
Taliese Fuaga is a massive offensive tackle with impressive size and strength, capable of anchoring the offensive line and providing protection for quarterbacks in the passing game.
31. QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
- Height/Weight: 6-3, 219
- CFN Projection: Top 10 Overall
- College Stats: 68% completion, 6,226 yards, 49 TD, 4 INT, 632 rushing yards, 10 TD
- CFN Position Rank: 6
- Team With This Pick: San Francisco 49ers
J.J. McCarthy is a highly touted quarterback prospect with a strong arm and excellent accuracy, capable of making all the throws at the NFL level, making him a valuable asset for any NFL offense.
32. LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson
- Height/Weight: 6-0, 228
- CFN Projection: 3rd Round
- College Stats: 192 tackles, 13 sacks, 29.5 TFL, 4 INT, 10 PBU
- CFN Position Rank: 2
- Team With This Pick: Kansas City Chiefs
Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is a versatile linebacker capable of stuffing the run and dropping into coverage, known for his instincts and physicality, making him a valuable asset for NFL teams in need of linebacker depth.
Conclusion:
In the ever-evolving landscape of football talent evaluation, the college football perspective offers a unique vantage point that adds depth and context to the excitement surrounding the NFL Draft. As we conclude our exploration of the “2024 NFL Draft Top Players, From The College Football Perspective,” we are reminded of the rich tapestry of narratives woven by these athletes throughout their collegiate careers.
From the electrifying performances under the Friday night lights to the moments of triumph and adversity on the grand stage of college football, each player has left an indelible mark on the sport. As they transition to the next chapter of their football journey, the memories and achievements forged on the college gridiron will serve as the foundation for their endeavors in the NFL.
As fans and analysts alike await the unfolding drama of draft day, let us celebrate the remarkable talents and character of these young athletes who embody the spirit of competition and excellence. Whether they hear their names called in the first round or embark on the path of an undrafted free agent, one thing remains certain: their passion for the game and dedication to their craft will continue to inspire generations of football enthusiasts for years to come.
As the curtain falls on this chapter of their football odyssey, we bid farewell to the “2024 NFL Draft Top Players, From The College Football Perspective,” knowing that their best moments are yet to come on the hallowed fields of the National Football League.