2024 NFL Draft: Key Prospects

With the 2024 NFL Draft just eight days away, the league’s 32 teams are finalising their top-30 visits and formulating their draft boards. As Detroit prepares for the Commissioner to take the stage on April 25^th, we break down five of this year’s prime prospects at five of the game’s most critical positions.

Quarterback – Caleb Williams

Caleb Williams has emerged as the premier quarterback prospect in this year’s draft class – captivating audiences with a remarkable blend of athleticism, arm talent, and other intangibles. His consistent, elite-level performances at both Oklahoma and USC underscore his prowess and immense potential, setting him apart as a standout talent in his class.

While Williams’ game is nearly flawless, perhaps the one-and-only caveat preventing him from being hailed as a generational talent – on par with the likes of Andrew Luck, John Elway, and Patrick Mahomes – is his listed height of 6’ 1”. However, with an unparalleled ability to operate off-schedule and extend plays, Williams’ often-scrutinised stature couldn’t prevent him from recording a remarkable touchdown-to-interception ratio of 46:1 in the redzone, since the start of the 2022 college season – reinforcing his standing as a top-tier prospect.

With his unique skill set and potential, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner is anticipated to be the top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft – poised to assume a starting role from day one with his new team. His progression to the professional ranks is eagerly anticipated, with many expecting him to make an immediate impact and potentially redefine the quarterback position at the highest level.

Join us as Decyfr dissects college football 🏈

Starting with 2024's projected No. 1 draft pick, @uscfb sensation Caleb Williams.#Decyfr #NFL #CollegeFootball | @CALEBcsw pic.twitter.com/3QXwI6SRvl

— Decyfr Sport (@DecyfrSport) March 20, 2024

Running Back – Jonathon Brooks

This year’s group of running back prospects have seen considerably less hype compared to previous classes. That said, Jonathon Brooks has solidified his position atop the 2024 NFL Draft class. His journey from a versatile high school athlete to a pivotal player at Texas, demonstrates his determination and adaptability. Brooks brings a dynamic presence to the field – showcasing agility, decisive cuts, and a powerful running style that makes him a formidable threat. Beyond his rushing prowess, Brooks’ exceptional hands and adept route-running skills make him a valuable asset in the passing game – a coveted quality in today’s NFL – where multi-faceted running backs are highly prized.

Despite spending his sophomore season behind 2023 NFL draft picks Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson – and tearing his ACL the following year – Brooks still managed to accrue 15 rushing touchdowns and second-team All-Big 12 honours. While his workload suggests he has plenty of untapped potential, the limited exposure against elite college defenses raises questions about his readiness for NFL-level competition. Teams must weigh-up his undeniable talent and future potential against the temptation of acquiring a far more established back.

Nevertheless, Brooks remains an enticing prospect with considerable upside. His versatility makes him an ideal fit for various offensive schemes – capable of exploiting defensive gaps and excelling in power running situations.

For NFL franchises seeking a dual-threat back – whilst being patient enough for his ACL to recover – Brooks is a compelling choice. His trajectory at Texas, indicates that he is only scratching the surface of his potential and could make a significant impact in the NFL.

Wide Receiver – Marvin Harrison Jr.

Marvin Harrison Jr. is considered not only one of the best overall prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, but also one of the best wide receiver prospects of all time. His rare combination of prototypical size – standing between 6’ 3” and 6’ 4” – and elite speed saw him become the only two-time unanimous All-American receiver in Ohio State history. Throw into the mix his exceptional hands and outstanding route running, and Harrison Jr. emerges as a near-perfect college receiver.

With his skill set, the 2023 Biletnikoff Award winner is considered a can’t-miss prospect destined for stardom at the professional level. It’s widely believed that he won’t make it past the first four picks come Draft Day and is likely to be the first non-quarterback selected. His future in the NFL looks incredibly bright, with many anticipating that he will make an immediate impact and follow in his father’s footsteps – becoming a cornerstone player for his future team.

The @Vikings AND the @Broncos trade into the top 10 in search of their QB1 in Decyfr’s Mock Draft 2.0 🎯#Decyfr #NFL #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/e4MttUHNKN

— Decyfr Sport (@DecyfrSport) April 12, 2024

Tight End – Brock Bowers

Brock Bowers, in contrast to the complementary role that collegiate tight ends tend to assume, has established himself as one of the best pass-catchers in college football. With exceptional toughness, yards after catch (YAC) ability and elite acceleration, Bowers has distinguished himself as the preeminent tight end prospect in his class – drawing comparisons to NFL stars like Kyle Pitts, George Kittle and Sam LaPorta.

Despite Bowers’ impressive performance at the college level making him one of the most sought-after players in the 2024 NFL Draft, his shortcomings as a run-blocker have prompted concerns from prospective suitors – particularly given the recent trend of teams being cautious in drafting tight ends early. That said, as the only back-to-back winner of the John Mackey Award in history, Bowers’ potential to redefine the position as a vertical threat makes him an exceptionally compelling prospect. His trajectory indicates not only a potential top-10 draft selection but also all the makings of a dominant NFL career.

Is Brock Bowers college football's GOAT tight end? 🐐#Decyfr #NFL #NFLDraft | @brockbowers17 @GeorgiaFootball pic.twitter.com/Ea8kV0mjXG

— Decyfr Sport (@DecyfrSport) April 12, 2024

Edge Rusher – Jared Verse

Renowned for his exceptional athleticism and phenomenal blend of size and speed, Jared Verse has captivated audiences with his seamless transition from the second-tier level (FCS) to a prominent role at Florida State University. His journey through college football has been nothing short of remarkable – marked by impressive performances and a relentless drive to excel.

At Florida State, Verse not only met, but exceeded expectations – racking up a staggering 18 sacks and 29 tackles for loss over his two seasons. Named to the All-ACC first-team in both years, Verse’s impact on the field is undeniable – showcasing a rare combination of skills that make him a force to be reckoned with. His ability to put pressure on quarterbacks, stop the run, and make game-changing plays has solidified his status as a standout prospect for the 2024 NFL Draft.

While these five have firmly established themselves among the best at their respective positions in college football, their fate in the NFL is still to be determined. For now, however, all fans can do is speculate over where these stars will land come Draft Day.