NFL Draft 2024 Big Board: Dane Brugler's top 50 rankings for the upcoming season (2023)

QB

USC

Profile

We were first introduced to Williams as a raw passer and excellent runner at Oklahoma. At USC for his sophomore year, Williams then took off using improved accuracy and velocity.

He has drawn comparisons to the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Kyler Murray, Donovan McNabb, Russell Wilson and other QBs who can create explosive offense — with their arms or legs — outside of structure. Last season alone, he posted 4,919 total yards and 52 combined passing and rushing TDs

As Williams enters this season as the reigning Heisman winner and an overwhelming favorite to be the first player selected in 2024, there’s only one question left to ask: What’s left for him to prove at this level?

— Diante Lee

Photo:

Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

WR

Ohio State

Profile

Harrison is the most complete wide receiver prospect we’ve seen in years and, perhaps, the most complete college football player in America.

The son of a Hall of Fame WR, Harrison is a prospect without any holes. In full control of his 6-foot-3 frame at all times, he has an awesome ability to make just about every route on the tree look easy. He can win at the line of scrimmage, at the top of a route, at the catch point and everywhere in between.

Harrison could be the highest-drafted WR we’ve seen since Calvin Johnson was selected at No. 2 in 2007.

— Nick Baumgardner

Photo:

Carmen Mandato / Getty Images

QB

North Carolina

Profile

Maye is the most physically gifted member of an extremely athletic family (he has three brothers who were Power 5 athletes, and his dad was a Division I QB).

With ideal size (6-foot-4, 225 pounds), Maye is a powerful, lightning-quick presence in the pocket who showed outstanding processing skills in 2022. His ability to fit the ball in tight windows vertically and over the middle is elite, but the speed at which he moves from one route to another was as good as any player in college football last year.

We need more data, but he has the look of a legit franchise QB — possibly, even a generational prospect.

— Nick Baumgardner

Photo:

Eric Espada / Getty Images

OT

Penn State

Profile

Fashanu — who won’t turn 21 until after the 2023 regular season ends — is a massive, long human with natural body flexion and an insane ability to play the game on his toes.

A basketball prospect until high school, Fashanu is still learning the position and dealt with an injury last season, but his physical profile has no holes. He’s nearly impossible to knock over because his recovery and balance are at the top of his class — and they would’ve been last year, too, had he entered the ’22 draft.

His lateral quickness at his size is also elite. Ask Seattle Seahawks draft pick and former Auburn defender Derick Hall about that. He saw it first-hand during a blowout Penn State win last September.

— Nick Baumgardner

Photo:

Paul Sancya / Associated Press

OT

Georgia

Profile

Get familiar with the name, because you’re going to be hearing it a lot. The massive, mobile Bulldogs tackle didn’t make his way into the Georgia starting lineup until last season’s College Football Playoff semifinals, when he stepped in for an injured Warren McClendon. And Mims more than held his own against Ohio State and TCU.

Now, he’ll step into a full-time right tackle role for the defending champs. The former five-star recruit has all the makings of a star. He moves like a much lighter man, but plays with the power that his frame would suggest.

— Chris Burke

Photo:

Todd Kirkland / Getty Images

TE

Georgia

Profile

This generation of tight ends is forcing its way into the top-10 conversation more than ever before, and a player like Bowers is the reason why. He changes the math in the passing game, because he can line up with his hand in the ground, play from the slot or outside the numbers, and run a full route tree.

His play style is reminiscent of Antonio Gates and Vernon Davis. And though he’s not a punishing blocker, any growth he shows in that aspect of his game will make his time on the field exponentially more valuable.

There will be nitpicking about Bowers’ size, but what matters is what happens when he gets the ball: pure fireworks.

— Diante Lee

Photo:

Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

CB

Alabama

Profile

Ga’Quincy ”Kool-Aid” McKinstry is the next of Nick Saban’s first-round cornerbacks. He’s coming off a highly productive season (35 tackles, 16 passes defended, 1 INT) that landed him in the conversation as a potential All-American.

He has a lean frame, but his length helps him control receivers at the release point and the top of the route. As those 16 PBUs indicate, he was among the best in breaking up passes at the catch point. He’s willing and reliable enough to show up in run support, and his combination of tackling and coverage ability helps him avoid giving up explosive plays in the passing game.

With 28 games of experience under McKinstry’s belt already, expect more steady play this year.

— Diante Lee

Photo:

Brandon Sumrall / Getty Images

Edge

Florida State

Profile

Verse launched his college career in the FCS, where he was a Freshman All-American for Albany. He had four sacks and 10 tackles for loss in just four games during the abbreviated 2020-21 season. The following year, while playing a full slate, Verse upped those totals to 9.5 and 11.5, respectively.

He transferred to Florida State last season and established himself as one of the ACC’s premier pass rushers (nine sacks, 17.0 TFLs). An explosive, powerful player with the motor to chase down plays from the backside, Verse could have challenged for a Round 1 selection in 2023. Instead, he’ll give it one more go for the Seminoles.

— Chris Burke

Photo:

Joshua Bessex / Associated Press

Edge

Alabama

Profile

True to his South Florida roots, Turner’s calling card is his explosive speed. He should be Alabama’s featured edge rusher in 2023.

Playing opposite Will Anderson Jr. the last two seasons understandably ate into Turner’s raw production metrics (18.0 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks combined), but the tape tells the story of a smooth mover with the balance to turn tight corners through contact.

Expect this year’s Crimson Tide defense to prioritize pass rushing more than it has in the past, which bodes well for a Turner breakout year.

— Diante Lee

Photo:

Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

OT

Alabama

Profile

Likely the best returning offensive lineman in the SEC, Latham has built a strong reputation as a pass protector. His combination of physical traits and an understanding of how to manipulate angles against edge rushers is as good — or better — than the rest of the draft-eligible field at his position. He still can improve his play strength and anchor, too.

Latham has the necessary power and torque to move bodies in the run game, but his athletic profile projects him to be a much better outside-zone blocker at the next level. His consistency and football IQ make him a safe bet at tackle. Adding his athletic ability to the equation leaves Latham with as high a ceiling as anyone in this class.

— Diante Lee

Photo:

Vasha Hunt / Associated Press

CB

Penn State

Profile

Opposing quarterbacks were reluctant last season to test Joey Porter Jr., King’s former running mate at corner and a 2023 first-round pick of the Steelers. But they didn’t find a ton of luck going at King either. The Detroit native led the Big Ten with 21 passes defended and 18 pass breakups, each of which ranked third-best in the nation.

King plays the brand of physical coverage we’ve come to expect from Penn State DBs. He turned all those plays on the ball into three picks, which is a number he could surpass in 2023 — he’s shown exceptional route and situational recognition. He’ll step up and be a factor against the run, too.

— Chris Burke

Photo:

Scott Taetsch / Getty Images

CB

Clemson

Profile

Long, tall and in control of his body pretty much at all times, Wiggins — a standout prep wide receiver — covers a ton of ground with quick feet and terrific arm length.

He showed a solid understanding of routes and got better as the year wore on in 2022, and he held up well in man coverage, especially against Drake Maye and North Carolina in the ACC title game.

He needs to show more consistency, though, as we should see more pass breakups and forced incompletions from a guy with his tools.

— Nick Baumgardner

Photo:

Michael Reaves / Getty Images

Edge

Ohio State

Profile

Once the top-ranked recruit in America, Tuimoloau had multiple Power 5 basketball offers when he signed with Ohio State out of Eastside Catholic near Seattle.

Tuimoloau is quicker than he is fast, with all sorts of twitch. His pass-rush arsenal is advanced, diverse and polished, and his awareness around the line of scrimmage allows him to get his hands on a number of passes/strips. His work on the edge as a run defender does leave a bit to be desired, but he’s still just a true junior.

— Nick Baumgardner

Photo:

Michael Was / Icon Sportswire via Associated Press

WR

LSU

Profile

Nabers has all the tools to force his way into the top 15 of the first round. At his size, he can be moved around the field and serve several roles for an offense, from running jet sweeps to taking the top off zone coverage.

Because of his ball-tracking skills, leaping ability and strong hands, Nabers’ best fit is in an NFL offense that takes chances in tight windows or deep down the field.

— Diante Lee

Photo:

Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

Edge

Penn State

Profile

Demeioun “Chop” Robinson, who transferred to Penn State from Maryland after his true freshman year in 2021, is a highly explosive edge prospect with some serious versatility and untapped potential.

He put up 40 pressures and nearly a 20 percent win rate last season in fewer than 300 snaps. An explosive, fast defender who can make life difficult on offensive tackles in a number of ways, Robinson still needs work on his consistency versus the run.

— Nick Baumgardner

Photo:

Ric Tapia / Associated Press

OT

Notre Dame

Profile

The son of former NFL offensive lineman John Alt, an inductee into the Chiefs Hall of Fame, Joe Alt did not make the switch from tight end to OT until his freshman season (2021) at Notre Dame. He’s since started 21 consecutive games at left tackle and was a first-team All-American last year.

Alt moves like he still has some tight end in him, too. He excels with his technique and footwork, which should especially appeal to NFL teams that want to get him on the move in the run game.

— Chris Burke

Photo:

Ric Tapia / Associated Press

CB

Iowa

Profile

A star high school basketball player who scored more career points than longtime NBA star Harrison Barnes tallied in the same state, DeJean also won the 100-meter title (10.71) as a senior and threw 78 touchdowns.

Phil Parker and Kirk Ferentz turned him into a slot corner with safety skills, though, and the results have been great. He’s tough enough to fit the run in the box and fast enough to run with most receiving threats. He’s more of a zone corner than a press corner, but he’s definitely a versatile piece at age 20.

— Nick Baumgardner

Photo:

David Berding / Getty Images

WR

Ohio State

Profile

Egbuka is a former five-star recruit who put together a dominant prep career in Washington — he set his school’s receiving TD record as a freshman and maintained a 4.0 GPA. He’s now part of Ohio State’s lethal 1-2 WR duo alongside Marvin Harrison Jr.

He averaged better than 3.0 yards per route run a year ago on his way to a 1,000-yard season. Egbuka also has breakaway speed and is an expert at finding space in the middle of the field without losing any juice. Capable of playing inside or out, Egbuka also plays with terrific body control.

— Nick Baumgardner

Photo:

Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

QB

Michigan

Profile

McCarthy is the most talented college passer Jim Harbaugh has signed since Andrew Luck, and he’s the most talented NFL QB prospect Michigan has had since Drew Henson.

McCarthy is not a finished product, but he’s still one of the most ”toolsy” prospects in a loaded quarterback class. His ability to accelerate and turn the corner on defenders while maintaining field vision is special. So, too, is his ability to throw with velocity from about any arm angle.

His pocket footwork/feel has to become more consistent, though, and he must work on delivering a more accurate — and catchable — deep shot in 2023. He’s also had one shoulder injury and needs to add more strength to his frame.

— Nick Baumgardner

Photo:

Gregory Shamus / Getty Images

QB

Texas

Profile

Ewers’ entire draft stock could be riding on this season, as he’s produced an up-and-down college career up to this point.

During what could have been a crowning moment for him against Alabama last season, Ewers had to exit early with a shoulder injury. He returned and blew the doors off of Oklahoma, but that outing was followed by a full month of subpar passing performances.

Ewers has enough arm talent to make most throws, but he lacks the athletic ability and pocket feel to escape pressure. Texas does return his best receiving options, but its offense will rest on Ewers’ shoulders alone now that RB Bijan Robinson is in the NFL.

— Diante Lee

Photo:

Peter Aiken / Getty Images

LB

Clemson

Profile

Carter might be a prototype for the new kind of hybrid NFL teams will love: a true stack linebacker who can walk out in the slot and not get embarrassed.

The 6-foot-1, 225-pounder doesn’t have to leave the field on third down. Carter played nearly 700 snaps last year as a linebacker and, per Pro Football Focus, was one of just three FBS linebackers to see more than 300 slot reps.

He ran a verified 4.22-second short shuttle in high school, which would’ve rated sixth amongwide receivers at the 2023 combine.

— Nick Baumgardner

Photo:

Ken Ruinard / USA Today

OT

Houston

Profile

A massive left tackle, Paul has the type of length (36 3/8-inch arms, 85-inch-plus wingspan) that will rival Dawand Jones’ numbers from last year. Paul, who didn’t move to the offensive line full-time until late in his prep career, is the brother of former Washington offensive lineman (and 2023 draft pick) Chris Paul.

Patrick has allowed just three sacks in his last 1,652 snaps as a two-year starter. His length is elite. He just needs to play with better balance this year, both in the run game and in pass pro.

— Nick Baumgardner

Photo:

Michael C. Johnson / USA Today

Edge

UCLA

Profile

After a brief medical-related retirement at Washington (neck) and a subsequent transfer to UCLA, this is a make-or-break season for Latu, who’s looking to stake a claim as a top-50 pick.

He is a relentless pass rusher who uses his hands and body control to create angles to the quarterback, and he was one of the FBS’ most productive edge rushers last season (12.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks) despite coming off the bench. He’s not the same kind of physical freak that Dallas Turner or Jared Verse can be, but his discipline and refined skill set give him a high floor.

Health is the key for Latu’s 2023 season, but expect him to flash whenever he’s on the field.

— Chris Burke

Photo:

Ross D. Franklin / Associated Press

CB

TCU

Profile

Newton is a bit under the radar nationally, but he will be a big name in the 2023 draft because of his competitive play style and athleticism.

The TCU corner is one of the best pure coverage players in this year’s class — and he will receive lots of bonus points because of his comfort playing in press. Newton is a great straight-line athlete with the long speed to run with any receiver vertically. He still has some room to grow in terms of how he plays the ball in the air, but he’s strong at the catch point and contests everything.

Newton’s play style is reminiscent of what Deonte Banks offered in last year’s draft. He has the physical potential to be a lockdown corner in 2023 and beyond.

— Diante Lee

Photo:

Ron Jenkins / Getty Images

DT

Illinois

Profile

A St. Petersburg, Fla., native who found his way to Big Ten country, Newton — a second-team All-American and unanimous first-team all-conference player last season — enters 2023 as one of the most decorated defensive linemen in college football. He was a dominant three-down player as a sophomore, finishing with 62 tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.

Newton is the type of athletic, gap-shooting interior DT that NFL defenses search high and low to find. He’s quick enough to move laterally against the run, strong enough to hold up inside or beat guards with his punch and explosive enough to penetrate. The total package, Newton is a very realistic Round 1 prospect.

— Chris Burke

Photo:

Chris Leduc / Icon Sportswire via Associated Press

TE

Texas

Profile

The toolsy Texas tight end is primed for a big-time breakout in 2023.

He possesses the speed to stretch a defense vertically, and he’s a physical mismatch for safeties and linebackers at the catch point — skying over defenders on jump balls. Sanders put up over 600 receiving yards and scored five touchdowns last season, significant production for a college tight end.

He can help his NFL prospects this season by showing he can move bodies as a blocker. Looking at his frame, there’s no reason why he can’t. With the firepower Texas has around him, he can be a matchup nightmare in the open field and red zone.

— Diante Lee

Photo:

Aaron E. Martinez / USA Today

S

Miami

Profile

After starting five games at the close of his true freshman season in 2021, Kinchens took his stock to the stratosphere as a full-time starter last season. He led Miami with 59 tackles and six interceptions (including one pick six), en route to first-team All-ACC and All-America honors.

A repeat performance could cement him in Round 1. Don’t be surprised if he surpasses last year’s INT total either — Kinchens has the type of sideline-to-sideline range as a deep safety that NFL teams crave. He still needs to improve his consistency as a tackler (despite that team-leading tackles total last year), but Kinchens’ overall ceiling is extremely high.

— Chris Burke

Photo:

Bretty Davis / USA Today

QB

Duke

Profile

Possibly the best quarterback you haven’t watched yet, Leonard is coming off a season in which he ranked in the top 25 in passing and scrambling EPA. He’s a strong-armed athlete with enough long speed to hurt a defense as a runner — the latest in a long line of former Duke coach David Cutcliffe’s development projects.

Leonard is still a bit of a point-and-shoot passer, which makes 2023 an opportunity to add more touch throws and control to his portfolio. He’ll lead a Duke offense returning most of its offensive pieces, part of a team that can play spoiler in a competitive ACC.

— Diante Lee

Photo:

Greg Fiume / Getty Images

LB

Georgia

Profile

Mondon is another addition to the list of players with strong-safety body types who have excelled at the linebacker position.

He’s a bit light on the scale, but he plays with an excellent feel in the run and pass game. His change of direction and short-area quickness help Mondon in coverage and when tracking ball carriers — he’s a reliable tackler.

Mondon is receiving his tutelage from Georgia defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann, who has developed the likes of Roquan Smith, Quay Walker, Nakobe Dean, Channing Tindall and more. Expect 2023 to be Mondon’s best season yet.

— Diante Lee

Photo:

Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

WR

Florida State

Profile

A prize of this offseason’s transfer porter, Coleman arrived in Tallahassee after a breakthrough 2022 season for Michigan State. Coleman caught 58 passes for 798 yards (13.8 yards per catch) and seven touchdowns, highlighted by a pair of multi-TD games (Washington and Wisconsin) and a 155-yard effort at arch-rival Michigan.

He was a prep basketball star in Louisiana, and that background shows up whenever Coleman attacks a ball in the air. He offers the size and physical nature of a prototypical “X” receiver.

— Chris Burke

Photo:

Adam Hagy / Getty Images

OT

Oklahoma

Profile

Guyton signed with TCU as an extremely long, somewhat skinny (6-foot-6, 275 pounds) defensive lineman in 2020. He began his transition to the offensive line shortly after that, playing as an extra tackle/TE/H-back in 2021. He even caught a touchdown pass that year.

Ahead of the 2022 season, Guyton transferred to Oklahoma. Though he’s made just five career starts at offensive tackle, his length, bend, athletic recovery and general movement skills are pretty ridiculous for a guy his size. He still has much to work on, though, including punch accuracy and general efficiency in the run game.

— Nick Baumgardner

Photo:

Kevin Jairaj / USA Today

OT

BYU

Profile

Suamataia ranks No. 3 on Bruce Feldman’s ”Freaks list.” — his quickness at 325 pounds certainly makes him a scary sight for BYU’s opponents.

Suamataia entered college football as an Oregon Duck before transferring to BYU, which is effectively located in his hometown of Orem, Utah. He was credited with allowing no sacks in 2022, and that success came in large part because of his agility and raw strength. He has the speed to reach the second level, but he will have to refine his technique and lower-body stability to improve his balance — it can be a problem for him at his size.

— Diante Lee

Photo:

Courtesy of BYU

CB

Georgia

Profile

Lassiter is a physical defensive back, and he ideally projects to the NFL as a flexible corner who can align in the slot or outside.

He amassed 38 tackles last year, with 5.5 combined tackles for loss and sacks. Lassiter is a good blitzer and run-support player, and he has the play strength needed to take on blocks and finish solo tackles. As a coverage defender, he’s adequate on the perimeter but projects better in zone coverage, where he could make plays with his feel and short-area quickness.

If Lassiter proves he can handle the top WR assignments for Georgia’s defense this year, he will shoot up draft boards.

— Diante Lee

Photo:

Todd Kirkland / Getty Images

DT

Miami

Profile

Taylor has been a really good college player, and last season produced a stat line that included 10.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, an interception and a pass-rush win rate of better than 16 percent. It still feels like there’s a serious breakthrough coming at some point. The only question: Will it happen in 2023 for the Hurricanes or in ’24 with an NFL team?

At this point, Taylor still mostly wins on his freaky athleticism — which means he has room to grow as a technician. But his baseline is much higher than most at his position.

—Chris Burke

Photo:

Jasen Vinlove / USA Today

Edge

Ohio State

Profile

A high school quarterback and terrific all-around athlete, Sawyer has played the “Jack” or “Leo” spot for Ohio State since Jim Knowles took over the defense in 2022. He showed flashes during his sophomore year (24 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks). Between growing as a player and learning a new position, though, his game lacked consistency.

Still, Sawyer’s toolbox is deep, and his future is bright.

— Nick Baumgardner

Photo:

Joseph Maiorana / USA Today

DT

Texas A&M

Profile

The top recruit out of Mississippi in the 2020 class, Jackson has had something of a slow-burn rise among college football’s DT prospects — he started one game as a freshman, four as a sophomore and then seven last year but missed almost a month due to injury. He still had 37 tackles (seven tackles for loss) and two sacks in 2022, but there’s a higher ceiling here.

Jackson is a big and long 320-pounder who’s as tough to move as that size might indicate. Offensive linemen have a difficult time getting into his body, and it’s often a stalemate even if they do make it. Dane Brugler mentioned that Jackson gives him “Javon Hargrave vibes” — the South Carolina State product was a third-round pick of the Steelers in 2016.

— Chris Burke

Photo:

Maria Lysaker / USA Today

DT

LSU

Profile

LSU hoped Smith would be a breakout star last season. Unfortunately, Smith played less than a quarter before tearing his ACL while celebrating a run stop. Assuming he’s all the way back from that injury, Smith should be in the mix as a potential DT1 for the ’24 class.

A 300-pounder who can eat up (or push through) double-teams with the quickness off the ball to be a pass-rushing threat, Smith is the latest in an ever-growing line of skilled interior D-line players with freaky athleticism. He had four sacks back in 2021, when he forced his way into LSU’s rotation as a true freshman.

— Chris Burke

Photo:

Ken Murray / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

OT

Arizona

Profile

A 270-pound tackle in high school, Morgan turned down interest from USC to play in his home state and has been growing ever since. Even with the increased weight and good length, Morgan is still the great athlete he was nearly 60 pounds ago.

Morgan shows great balance in pass pro, though he could be nastier in the run game. He considered the draft last year but came back after tearing his ACL in November.

— Nick Baumgarder

Photo:

Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today

DT

Michigan

Profile

The son of ex-NFL All-Pro DT Kris Jenkins Sr. (and nephew of Cullen Jenkins, who also played in the NFL), Kris Jenkins Jr. is a fast, explosive, long interior tackle with agility to cover a ton of ground inside. He plays with great power at the point of attack and has added weight and strength to his frame every year.

Now 6-foot-2 1/2, 293 pounds, Jenkins plays with no bad weight. He turns 22 in October and is a true junior, but he has first-round potential.

— Nick Baumgardner

Photo:

Zach Bolinger / Icon Sportswire via Associated Press

S

Minnesota

Profile

This will be Nubin’s fifth season with the Gophers, and he’s been ultra-productive over the past three. An All-Big Ten second-team honoree in 2023, Nubin delivered four picks and 55 tackles — giving him 148 tackles and eight INTs since 2021. He has a nose for the football that might remind some people of ex-Minnesota standout Antoine Winfield Jr., whose shoes Nubin filled when Winfield left for the NFL.

Nubin’s combination of athleticism, playmaking and experience should make him a plug-and-play option in next year’s draft. He might even threaten Round 1, assuming he keeps producing.

— Chris Burke

Photo:

Matt Krohn / USA Today

G

Michigan

Profile

An unheralded three-star recruit from Massachussetts, Zinter immediately outplayed his ranking at Michigan, starting six games as a true freshman before turning into a key cog on the Wolverines’ back-to-back Joe Moore Award-winning offensive lines.

Zinter’s power at the point of attack is unmatched at his position, and it’s not uncommon to see him deliver multiple knockdowns on one snap. With a tackle frame, he can play tall at times, which will be an area of focus in 2023.

— Nick Baumgardner

Photo:

Paul Sancya / Associated Press

G

Kansas State

Profile

One of college football’s most versatile offensive linemen, Beebe — who came to Kansas State as a defensive tackle — has started at both offensive tackle spots and left guard. He has also appeared at right guard.

He best translates inside as a pro, as his length (31 1/2-inch arms) will remain a concern throughout the draft process. A true road-grader in the run game, Beebe wins with his hands and his toughness. He would’ve been drafted in 2023, but Kansas State is happy he’s back for another run.

— Nick Baumgardner

Photo:

Michael C. Johnson / USA Today

S

USC

Profile

Just check the numbers: Bullock picked off five passes last season (and broke up another five), returning those INTs for a combined 172 yards and a TD. He is a playmaker on the back end, pure and simple.

Bullock’s range just jumps off the tape, especially when he’s working from the deep middle. He has sideline-to-sideline speed, the instinct to read QBs and a closing burst to finish when he’s near the football. His aggressiveness and athleticism show up against the run, too. If he duplicates — or improves upon — his 2022 performance, Bullock will be a plug-and-play option at free safety for NFL teams next April.

— Chris Burke

Photo:

Gary A. Vasquez / USA Today

CB

Wake Forest

Profile

A feisty and fiery defender on the outside, Carson seems to live for getting up into the space of his opponents — both when closing on routes and stepping up as a run defender. He has 78 tackles and 18 passes defended (with three INTs) over three Wake Forest seasons, which are solid numbers. But they also point to an area of concern: Those totals aren’t higher because Carson has struggled to stay on the field.

He missed a handful of games last season due to a hamstring injury and saw action in just nine games during the 2021 season. For as aggressively as he plays, NFL teams will need to see that he can maintain that style over a full schedule.

— Chris Burke

Photo:

Carly Mackler / Getty Images

WR

Washington

Profile

Odunze himself might not jump into the Heisman race — it took DeVonta Smith 1,856 yards and 23 TDs to win the award in 2020 — but he definitely could help elevate the hopes of Michael Penix Jr., his talented QB. As a third-year sophomore last season, Odunze averaged 15.3 yards on 75 receptions (1,145 yards) and scored seven TDs.

Between Odunze’s size and downfield ability, you don’t have to squint to see why he’ll be on NFL boards. He has an advanced knack for body control and tracking the ball. Playing with the dual-threat Penix also allowed Odunze to show off his feel for finding holes in the defense on extended plays.

— Chris Burke

Photo:

Steph Chambers / Getty Images

RB

Michigan

Profile

Edwards is currently known as one half of the country’s top running back duo (Blake Corum, another member of the top-50 board, being the other). It wouldn’t really shock anyone if Edwards winds up higher than Corum on NFL boards by year’s end, as he already is here.

The 20-year-old Edwards has just 175 college carries on his body (6.7 career yards per attempt) and is a much better pass catcher than Michigan has been able to showcase. Running with more power at his size is an area of focus, but Edwards’ explosion out of a cut is elite.

— Nick Baumgardner

Photo:

Robert Goddin / USA Today

Edge

Washington

Profile

Trice redshirted his first year on campus (2019) and then opted out of the 2020 season during the COVID-19 pandemic, so it took a while for him to establish himself as an NFL prospect. Last season, though, he made up for lost time: 38 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss and nine sacks. He’ll head into 2023 as a preseason All-Pac-12 player with the upside of an All-American.

He’s an impressive speed-to-power rusher, but he might appeal to NFL coaches as much for his willingness — and ability — to set an edge. As his overall ranking here indicates, Trice is right on the brink of ascending into the Round 1 conversation as a top 2024 edge.

— Chris Burke

Photo:

Joe Nicholson / USA Today

DT

Georgia

Profile

A four-star recruit in Georgia, Stackhouse stayed close to home and committed to the Bulldogs. It took him until last season to crack the starting lineup, though — current Philadelphia Eagle Jordan Davis had to turn pro first and vacate a job for Stackhouse.

Year 1 was a success. Stackhouse started every game for the national champs and recorded 33 tackles (including three tackles for loss). His draft ceiling might be limited by a likely NFL role as a two-down, run-stuffing presence, but Stackhouse has the get-off and bull rush to take a significant step forward in getting after the QB. Any increase in production there would boost his draft stock.

— Chris Burke

Photo:

Mark J. Rebilas / USA Today

G

Ohio State

Profile

A former five-star prospect who excelled at discus in high school, Jackson is the most athletic interior offensive lineman in the 2024 class. His ability to cover ground with agility and balance is outstanding, and his feet are incredibly fast.

Though he improved as a run blocker last year, he still needs to show more polish in pass protection in 2023, especially with his hands. The Buckeye star has first-round tools, though.

— Nick Baumgardner

Photo:

Scott Taetsch / Getty Images

RB

Michigan

Profile

Arguably the best gap runner in college football, Corum’s combination of vision, patience and knee bend makes him as dangerous as anyone in America once he gets to the middle of a field. The rocked-up Corum will have to prove the meniscus injury he suffered last season has fully healed, but he should leave Michigan in the top 10 — possibly as high as No. 6 or 7 — on the school’s all-time rushing list.

If he has an unproven spot in his game, it’s as a pass catcher — Corum made just 11 receptions last season.

— Nick Baumgardner

Photo:

Mike Mulholland / Getty Images