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Today's analysis will focus on 20 players who I believe can increase their 2024 NFL Draft stock with a great week at the 2024 NFL Combine.
About The NFL NFL Draft Scouting Combine
A total of 321 NFL Draft prospects have been invited to attend the 2024 NFL Combine. The event will take place in Indianapolis from February 26 through March 4. Each prospect will be able to display their abilities in the presence of NFL coaches, general managers, and scouts. Each year, before the NFL Draft, the NFL Combine serves as a platform for these athletes to improve their NFL Draft stock by demonstrating their skills to all 32 NFL teams.
2024 NFL Combine Schedule
The NFL Scouting Combine Live Drills kick off on Thursday, February 29th, featuring exclusive LIVE broadcasting on the NFL Network starting at 3pm Eastern Time. Here's the complete schedule:
Thursday, February 29th, 3pm ET: Defensive Linemen, Linebackers
Friday, March 1st, 3pm ET: Defensive Backs, Tight Ends
Saturday, March 2nd, 1pm ET: Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers, Running Backs
Sunday, March 3rd, 1pm ET: Offensive Linemen
The 2024 NFL Draft is loaded at several positions, with QB being the most scrutinized position group each year. This year's wide receiver class could be historic, with as many as six to eight wide receivers receiving 1st-round consideration. Other position groups like offensive tackle and defensive back are also very deep and talented.
20 Players That Can Elevate Their 2024 NFL Draft Stock
Below, I have provided a list of 20 prospects who can increase or hold firm on their current 2024 NFL Draft position with a good week at the NFL Combine.
QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan (6'3", 205 lbs)
Projected Draft Round: 1st Round, Top 15
Projected Team: Atlanta Falcons
Analysis: McCarthy's tenure at Michigan, marked by a national championship and a 27-1 record as a starter, showcases his leadership and potential. Many in the draft world have narratives about his role at Michigan. The consistent narrative among some in the draft world is that J.J. McCarthy is "a game manager," but that could not be further from the truth. If you watch the tape, you see a QB with the same traits as both Caleb Williams and Drake Maye. He has a strong arm, is mobile, and can do all of the off-platform stuff. One advantage he has over every other prospect is that he is a winner. At the NFL Combine, McCarthy will get a chance to impress NFL GMs and scouts not just with his on-field acumen, but also when he interviews.
QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington (6'3", 213 lbs)
Projected Draft Round: Late 1st, Early Round two
Projected Team: Atlanta Falcons
Analysis: Michael Penix Jr. heads into the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, aiming to rectify his draft trajectory after a series of uneven performances during the Senior Bowl practices led to skepticism regarding his draft stock. Choosing not to participate in the Senior Bowl game, Penix seeks to showcase his skills in Indianapolis, especially after a standout two-year stint at Washington, where he accumulated 4,903 passing yards with 36 touchdowns against just 11 interceptions.
QB Spencer Rattler, South Carolina (6'1", 217 lbs)
Projected Draft Round: 3rd Round
Projected Team: Seattle Seahawks
Analysis: Rattler's path, marked by notable highs and some unmet expectations, presents a mixed narrative. Following his MVP performance at the Senior Bowl, the Combine represents a critical opportunity for him to demonstrate continued progress and solidify his status as a potential top-tier draft pick.
RB Jonathan Brooks, Texas (6'0", 210 lbs)
Projected Draft Round: 3rd Round
Projected Team: Green Bay Packers
Analysis: Jonathan Brooks emerges from Texas as a running back to watch at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, particularly after overcoming an ACL tear. While it remains uncertain how many drills Brooks will participate in due to his recovery, the Combine will be crucial for teams to assess his rehabilitation progress and estimate his readiness for NFL play. Brooks boasts a commendable mix of speed and strength, attributes that could significantly enhance his draft prospects if he is able to demonstrate them at the Combine.
RB Jaylen Wright, Tennessee (5'11", 210 lbs)
Projected Draft Round: 4th Round
Projected Team: Green Bay Packers
Analysis: With an impressive junior year featuring over 1,000 rushing yards and an exceptional average of 7.39 yards per carry, Wright is positioned as an ascending draft prospect. The Combine will be a pivotal moment for him to showcase his athleticism and secure a higher ranking among a competitive running back cohort.
RB Audric Estime, Notre Dame (5'11", 227 lbs)
Projected Draft Round: 4th Round
Projected Team: Chicago Bears
Analysis: Estime enters the Combine without a clear consensus top running back in his class. His performance, particularly in the 40-yard dash and agility drills, could vault him into the top running back conversation, leveraging his collegiate momentum for draft stock improvement.
WR Keon Coleman, Florida State (6'4", 215 lbs)
Projected Draft Round: Mid to Late 1st Round
Projected Team: Buffalo Bills
Analysis: Keon Coleman has become a figure of intrigue in this draft cycle, initially considered the consensus WR2, only to see his stock fluctuate as the season progressed. Now seen as the consensus WR5, Coleman faces skepticism regarding his separation skills and concerns about how he might perform at the Combine. Despite this, the Florida State wideout, who transferred from Michigan State, brings a compelling blend of speed and strength to the table.
WR Ricky Pearsall, Florida (6'1", 205 lbs)
Projected Draft Round: 3rd Round
Projected Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Analysis: Pearsall's emergence as a significant offensive weapon for Florida is underscored by his 65 receptions for 965 yards and four touchdowns, marking his best collegiate season. His notable performance during Senior Bowl week sets a strong precedent for his potential Combine success, where he can further establish himself amid a competitive receiver class.
WR Tez Walker, North Carolina (6'2", 200 lbs)
Projected Draft Round: 2nd Round
Projected Team: New England Patriots
Analysis: Despite challenges during the Senior Bowl, Walker's previous seasons, boasting 1,620 yards and 18 touchdowns with an average of 16.8 yards per catch, illustrate his high potential. The Combine is crucial for him to demonstrate improved consistency and secure his position as a reliable prospect for the NFL.
WR Xavier Legette, South Carolina (6'3", 227 lbs)
Projected Draft Round: 2nd Round
Projected Team: Dallas Cowboys
Analysis: Legette's unique blend of size and late bloom at college presents a compelling case for NFL teams. The Combine offers him the chance to showcase his speed and ability to gain yards after the catch, potentially moving him from a second-round prospect to a first-round talent.
TE Jaheim Bell, Florida State (6'1", 244 lbs)
Projected Draft Round: 4th Round
Projected Team: Cincinnati Bengals
Analysis: Jaheim Bell significantly boosted his draft prospects during the Senior Bowl, displaying a blend of compact power and explosive playmaking ability. Bell, who combines the roles of a tight end, big slot, and H-back, showcases an athleticism that compensates for what he lacks in size. After a solid 2023 season where Bell recorded 39 receptions for 503 yards and two touchdowns, he is headed to the NFL Combine, where he could solidify his status as one of the most athletically gifted players at his position, potentially propelling his draft stock even higher.
TE Theo Johnson, Penn State (6'6", 260 lbs)
Projected Draft Round: 4th Round
Projected Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Analysis: Theo Johnson has emerged as a notable prospect in the NFL draft cycle. At Penn State, Johnson established himself as one of the most reliable pass-catchers, an All-Big Ten performer who caught 32 passes last season, showcasing his improvement as the season progressed. With the NFL Scouting Combine ahead, Johnson has the opportunity to further ascend up draft boards, particularly if he can showcase the speed and strength that made him a pivotal player for the Nittany Lions.
OT Amarius Mims, Georgia (6'7", 340 lbs)
Projected Draft Round: Mid to Late 1st Round
Projected Team: Miami Dolphins
Amarius Mims from Georgia, with his towering 6-foot-7, 340-pound frame, is already marked as a leading offensive tackle prospect due to his exceptional athleticism. Despite this, Mims faces scrutiny due to his limited playing time at Georgia, having only made eight career starts. In addition, his 2023 season was cut short by an ankle injury necessitating surgery. With the NFL Combine approaching, Mims is under pressure to dispel concerns regarding his durability and inexperience.
OT Kingsley Suamataia, BYU (6'5", 315 lbs)
Projected Draft Round: 2nd Round
Projected Team: San Francisco 49ers
Analysis: Suamataia enters the Combine with the opportunity to rise from the second tier of offensive tackles. Showcasing his strength, blocking skills, and intellect during interviews could elevate his draft stock significantly.
DL T'Vondre Sweat, Texas (6'4", 362 lbs)
Projected Draft Round: 2nd Round
Projected Team: New Orleans Saints
Analysis: Sweat's significant role at Texas, with a record of 128 total tackles and notable performances in pass breakups, showcases his dominance. His strength and technique, highlighted during the Senior Bowl, set expectations for a potentially standout Combine performance, which could significantly enhance his draft position.
DL Braden Fiske, Florida State (6'5", 297 lbs)
Projected Draft Round: 3rd Round
Projected Team: New York Giants
Analysis: Fiske's notable senior year stats, reflecting significant improvement after transferring from Western Michigan, have spotlighted his potential. His NFL Combine performance is a crucial opportunity to showcase his skills and elevate his draft stock from a Day 3 selection to a more prominent position.
EDGE Austin Booker, Kansas (6'6", 245 lbs)
Projected Draft Round: 3rd Round
Projected Team: Detroit Lions
Analysis: After transferring from Minnesota, Booker led the Jayhawks with 12 tackles for loss and eight sacks among 56 total stops, highlighting his substantial impact and potential. With his physical attributes, the Combine offers him a prime opportunity to showcase his skills and affirm his rising draft stock, particularly given his limited collegiate exposure but significant impact.
EDGE Adisa Isaac, Penn State (6'4", 251 lbs)
Projected Draft Round: 2nd Round
Projected Team: Washington Commanders
Analysis: Isaac's standout season featuring 33 pressures, 20 hurries, and 7.5 sacks positions him as a key prospect for the NFL. His performance at the Combine will be crucial in showcasing his strength, technique, and quickness off the edge, possibly propelling him into first-round discussions.
LB Payton Wilson, NC State (6'4", 243 lbs)
Projected Draft Round: 2nd Round
Projected Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Analysis: Wilson's college tenure is marked by distinguished accomplishments, including unanimous All-American recognition and winning both the Butkus and Bednarik Awards, alongside a monumental tally of 402 total tackles. In a draft class void of a clear top linebacker, his NFL Combine performance can solidify his draft projection and elevate him to the top of the LB draft class.
CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama (6'1", 195 lbs)
Projected Draft Round: Mid to Late 1st Round
Projected Team: Detroit Lions
Analysis: McKinstry's defensive performance, allowing just 20 catches from 43 targets for 208 yards, establishes him as a formidable defensive back. Once considered the top DB in the 2024 NFL Draft class, The NFL Combine is a crucial juncture for him to outshine peers and validate his projection as a first-round pick, especially in a competitive cornerback class.
CB Mike Sainristil, Michigan (5'10", 182 lbs)
Projected Draft Round: 2nd Round
Projected Team: San Francisco 49ers
Analysis: Despite being considered undersized for his position, Mike Sainristil punches above his size. Sainristil combines a high football IQ with excellent ball skills and open-field tackling. Last season, he impressively recorded six interceptions, contributed to two forced fumbles, and broke up six passes, in addition to scoring two defensive touchdowns. His NFL Combine performance can silence some of the doubt.