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The 2024 NFL Draft is brimming with talent, featuring well-known prospects and some who might be undervalued. Every draft analyst has players they advocate for passionately. Below, I've listed players I would strongly recommend if I were in a team's front office or as the GM. In the days leading up to the draft, I would make a strong case for these players, especially if a team has a need at their position. This approach is about championing their potential to significantly impact the NFL based on thorough analysis and conviction.
1). J.J. McCarthy - Quarterback, University of Michigan
Class: Junior
Height/Weight: 6'3", 219 lbs
Projected Draft Round: Top 10 Pick, 1st Round
Where I Would Draft: Top 5, QB2
2024 Draft Prospect Ranking: #6 Overall
Player Profile: J.J. McCarthy exhibits a strong pocket presence combined with notable mobility, making him a fit for offensive schemes that value mobile pocket passers like those in a Shanahan/Payton style offense. His ability to make plays off-script and his proficiency in the intermediate/short passing game are key assets.
Strengths: Accuracy on the move, high-velocity throws, clutch ability
Areas for Improvement: Deep accuracy, adherence to structure, tendency to force throws
Ceiling Grade: Near Elite
2). Quinyon Mitchell - Cornerback, University of Toledo
Class: Junior
Height/Weight: 6'0", 196 lbs
Projected Draft Round: Top 20, Round One
Where I Would Draft: Top 10 or 15, CB1
2024 Draft Prospect Ranking: #9 Overall
Player Profile: Quinyon Mitchell is recognized for his playmaking ability and versatility as a cornerback. He combines excellent ball skills with a physical approach, ideal for press-man and zone schemes. His speed and strong frame allow him to effectively cover and limit receivers, particularly along the boundary. Mitchell excels in schemes that employ off-man and zone-heavy approaches, where his quick reactions and defensive awareness come to the forefront.
Strengths: High football IQ, ability to mirror and match receivers, strong ball skills
Areas for Improvement: Tackling technique, reactionary quickness, can be tight-hipped at times
Ceiling Grade: Near Elite
3). Cooper DeJean - Cornerback, University of Iowa
Class: Junior
Height/Weight: 6'1", 210 lbs
Projected Draft Round: First Round
Where I Would Draft: Top 15, CB2, or CB3
2024 Draft Prospect Ranking: #10 Overall
Player Profile: Cooper DeJean is adept in zone and off-man coverage, using his size and athleticism to excel in various alignments. His explosive athleticism and rapid closing speed make him effective in managing space and reacting quickly to plays.
Strengths: Zone coverage, versatility, run support
Areas for Improvement: Man-to-man coverage, fluidity, physicality
Ceiling Grade: Near Elite
4). Chop Robinson - Edge Defender, Penn State
Class: Junior
Height/Weight: 6'3", 250 lbs
Projected Draft Round: Mid-Round One, late 1st Round
Where I Would Draft: Top 10-15, I would potentially take him as the top edge rusher in the class based on ceiling potential.
2024 Draft Prospect Ranking: #16 Overall
Player Profile: Chop Robinson is known for his energy and aggressiveness, and he is suited for a stand-up EDGE role or as a designated pass rusher. His dense build and explosiveness enable him to generate significant pressure, making him a disruptive presence on the field.
Strengths: Explosiveness, agility, motor
Areas for Improvement: Consistency, arm length, stiffness
Ceiling Grade: Near Elite
5). Michael Penix Jr. - Quarterback, University of Washington
Class: Senior
Height/Weight: 6'3", 214 lbs
Projected Draft Round: Mid-1st, early 2nd Round
Where I Would Draft: Top 20 for a team that needs an NFL-ready player
2024 Draft Prospect Ranking: #30 Overall
Player Profile: A classic pocket passer, Michael Penix Jr. is known for his precision and strong arm. Best suited for a pro-style or West Coast offense, he is poised in the pocket and excels at making decisive, accurate throws.
Strengths: Arm strength, mobility, pocket awareness
Areas for Improvement: Consistent accuracy, mechanics, anticipatory throws
Ceiling Grade: High-End Starter Potential
6). Mike Sainristil - Cornerback, University of Michigan
Class: Senior
Height/Weight: 5'11", 180 lbs
Projected Draft Round: 2nd Round
Where I Would Draft: Late 1st, early 2nd round, culture builder, playmaker, leader, he is worth a late round one pick.
2024 Draft Prospect Ranking: #31 Overall
Player Profile: Sainristil is a versatile cornerback with excellent quickness and instincts, particularly effective in nickel and press coverage. His athleticism allows him to cover slot receivers effectively and contribute in various secondary roles.
Strengths: Quickness, fluidity, instincts
Areas for Improvement: Transitional issues, size, press man coverage
Final Grade: High-End Starter Potential
7). Keon Coleman - Wide Receiver, Florida State University
Class: Junior
Height/Weight: 6'4", 215 lbs
Projected Draft Round: 2nd Round
Where I Would Draft: Early to mid round two based on his current value, he could be a steal.
2024 Draft Prospect Ranking: #47 Overall
Player Profile: Coleman is a physically imposing receiver known for his strong hands and ability to make contested catches. His physicality and effective use of body positioning make him a formidable target, particularly suited as an X receiver.
Strengths: Physical attributes, contested catches, versatility
Areas for Improvement: Deep speed, route consistency, concentration
Ceiling Grade: High-End Starter Potential
8). Tez Walker - Wide Receiver, University of North Carolina
Class: Junior
Height/Weight: 6'3", 200 lbs
Projected Draft Round: 2nd Round
Where I Would Draft: Mid Round Two
2024 Draft Prospect Ranking: #57 Overall
Player Profile: A strong vertical threat, Tez Walker uses his speed and size to excel on deep routes. He is adept at making adjustments and securing catches in tight coverage, making him a valuable asset in a vertical passing offense.
Strengths: Deep speed, ball tracking, playmaking ability
Areas for Improvement: Route running, run blocking, agility
Ceiling Grade: High-End Starter Potential
9). Cooper Beebe - Interior Offensive Lineman, Kansas State University
Class: Senior
Height/Weight: 6'4", 322 lbs
Projected Draft Round: 3rd-4th Round
Where I Would Draft: 3rd Round
2024 Draft Prospect Ranking: #67 Overall
Player Profile: A power-oriented lineman, Cooper Beebe excels in run-heavy schemes that utilize his strength and mobility. His ability to pull and climb to the second level makes him an effective blocker in gap and power run schemes.
Strengths: Stout build, leverage, strength
Areas for Improvement: Length, lateral agility, reactionary speed
Ceiling Grade: High-End Starter Potential
10). Luke McCaffrey - Wide Receiver, Rice University
Class: Junior
Height/Weight: 6'2", 195 lbs
Projected Draft Round: 4th Round
Where I Would Draft: 3rd Round
2024 Draft Prospect Ranking: #87 Overall
Player Profile: Former quarterback turned wide receiver, McCaffrey excels in reading defenses and finding open spaces, making him ideal for the slot. His quick feet and sharp cuts make him elusive, though his lean frame and marginal play strength are concerns.
Strengths: High IQ, agile movements, strong hands
Areas for Improvement: Route tree refinement, gaining wider receiver experience, improving physicality
Ceiling Grade: Mid-Level Starter Potential