2024 NFL Draft: Week 11 Buzz and Best Prospect Fits for League's Worst Teams
Certain performances throughout the collegiate season are undeniable.
Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. dominating and scoring touchdowns every week is now old hat. Brock Bowers returning to Georgia's lineup after minor surgery only to contribute in the passing game again isn't surprising. UCLA's Laiatu Latu creating pressure is commonplace.
These examples are but a few constants to the 2023 campaign. But there are others who continue to ascend. Their improvement throughout the year as been nothing but an upward trajectory lifting them beyond initial expectations.
Two premium prospects appear in this week's trending up list that have exceeded the already lofty expectations built throughout the season and impressed beyond their previous status. Who those two are will be laid forth by the Bleacher Report Scouting Department of Brandon Thorn, Cory Giddings, Derrik Klassen and Matt Holder.
Conversely, even a strong performance by a team doesn't necessarily equate to quality play from the all the individuals on the field, hence why two Michigan Wolverines find themselves on this week's trending down list.
From there, NFL teams that find themselves amidst a lost season vie for six elite prospects in this week's top-10 mock draft.
Trending Up
1 of 12
1. QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
The continued ascension of Jayden Daniels can't be denied. So much so, that he's the first prospect who has been named to B/R's trending up list on two different occasions.
Daniels went from a late-round afterthought entering this season to a potential Day 2 pick to a possible late first-round option based on what he's done this season, which is post huge numbers and make plays against top competition.
The quarterback's performance against the Florida Gators was nothing short of staggering, with 372 passing yards and three touchdowns, as well as 234 rushing yards and two more scores.
"Nobody in the country is playing ball like Daniels right now," Klassen said. "As a passer, Daniels plays like the fifth-year senior that he is. He commands the offense well, plays on time through his progressions and isn't afraid to make aggressive throws. Daniels' arm isn't anything more than acceptable, but his timing and quick release make it work.
"The one-time Arizona State transfer is also an elite rushing threat. While Daniels has long speed, it's really the short-area burst and smooth change of direction that make him a threat. Daniels is still hovering around that first-round discussion, but guys with his experience, aggressive mentality, and athletic profile are a good bet to find their way into the opening frame."
2. OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State
Much like Daniels, Penn State's Olu Fashanu continues to show improvement. The difference between those two particular prospects is the offensive lineman was already considered an elite talent.
But Fashanu's grade had been based on his easy movement and stellar pass set. In recent weeks, the 20-year-old went from an adequate to a dominant run blocker.
"Fashanu is coming off of the best two-game stretch of his career as a run-blocker, with the Michigan game being his single best performance," Thorn said. "Fashanu sustained blocks with a higher degree of physicality and control than previously seen, with several standout finishes that have frankly largely been missing from his college tape.
"The junior prospect clearly had a chip on his shoulder since the Ohio State game a couple of weeks ago where he was beaten cleanly a few times in pass-protection, which is a rarity for him.
"By showing and proving that he could elevate his game as a run-blocker while maintaining his overall outstanding pass-protection ability, Fashanu is boosting what was already high draft stock."
3. CB Kamari Lassiter, Georgia
Georgia's Kamari Lassiter has been downright fantastic in recent weeks. During matchups against Missouri's Luther Burden III and Ole Miss' Tre Harris, Lassiter allowed two catches for 14 yards and two catches for 12 yards into his coverage, according to DawgsHQ's Rusty Mansell.
"Lassiter has continued to hold his own and play well while defending some of the SEC's top receivers," Giddings said. "With his man skillset, he does have a slight frame but very good foot quickness to get out of breaks. He shows excellent burst and wastes little movement.
"At a listed 180 pounds, the junior lacks strength and can be bullied to a degree and pushed around on the edge. However, he shows good ball skills in and out of phase."
4. RB Cody Schrader, Missouri
College football's open portal policy has been a boon for some many players, especially those who fell through the cracks at one point yet still wanted to play major college football.
Cody Schrader is a wonderful example. The Missouri Tigers running back began his career with the Division II Truman Bulldogs. During Schrader's final season with his old program, he ran for 2,074 yards and 25 touchdowns. He then accepted a walk-on spot with the Tigers.
This season, Schrader has six 100-yard games, including a 205-yard effort Saturday against the Tennessee Volunteers, where he also contributed 116 receiving yards. A 200-yard rushing and 100-yard receiving effort had never been previously achieved in the SEC.
"The former walk-on is not an overwhelming presence," Klassen said. "Schrader is listed at 5'9" and 214 pounds, and he doesn't have the kind of speed that's going to keep defensive coordinators up at night. Schrader is a very efficient runner, though.
"Schrader runs with excellent vision and a no-nonsense mentality. He doesn't waste time doing anything but getting downhill. Schrader is tough to tackle as well. The graduate student does well to bend and contort his body to make it tough to take him on cleanly, which is only made better by his twitchiness.
"Admittedly, Schrader wasn't really on the radar coming into the season. But he's playing himself into a potential draft pick."
5. S Kitan Oladapo, Oregon State
A prospect can impress scouts through numerous avenues. Their raw physical tools can be exciting. A certain level of physicality can get onlookers juiced. A multiple-turnover effort opens eyes. Being recognized as the best performer against good competition is always a feather in an individual's cap.
Oregon State safety Kitan Oladapo checked off everything on the list in recent weeks. The 6'1", 217-pound senior ranks second on the Beavers in solo tackles. He snagged a pair of interceptions Saturday against the Stanford Cardinal. Oladapo graded better than any defender in the nation with his latest effort, according to Pro Football Focus.
"Oladapo has pieced together a consistent season where he's a stout run defender and more than adequate in coverage," Giddings said. "He presents good play strength that shows up in the run game. The redshirt senior is high-motor athlete, who flows well and quickly closes on ball carriers. Oladapo is strong tackler, who fronts up ball carriers and drives feet on contact.
"The bigger safety prospect has showed the ability to play in coverage with fluid hips and quick feet. Though his change-of-direction skills are lacking to match shiftier receivers and to carry the faster receivers he will face."
Trending Down
2 of 12
1. DL Kris Jenkins Jr., Michigan
Some prospects are simply better athletes than they are football players. Michigan's Kris Jenkins Jr. tends to fall into this category.
Jenkin's natural ability and athleticism are off the charts. But he has yet to truly show he can be an impact player along the Michigan Wolverines defensive line. Even with the team's rotation, which keeps those big guys fresh, Jenkins isn't a disruptive force and can be pushed around quite a bit.
"Jenkins' draft stock received a bump over the summer after landing on Bruce Feldman's list of extraordinary athletes with some impressive weight room and athletic testing numbers," Holder said. "While he is strong at the point of attack and a solid run defender, his athleticism doesn't translate as a pass rusher.
"Right now, Jenkins is a two-down player, who just blends in and doesn't make a ton of plays. Any team looking to spend a high pick on the Michigan product should proceed with caution, because it will be taking on a major project that may turn out to be a workout warrior."
2. QB Tyler Van Dyke, Miami
Miami's Tyler Van Dyke experienced a rollercoaster of a ride through the 2023 season.
The 6'4", 230-pound signal-caller went from throwing 11 touchdowns compared to one interception through Miami's first four games to dealing with injuries to being benched going into this past weekend's game and only returning to the lineup because of an injury to Emory Williams.
"Van Dyke can't catch a break in terms of his overall season," Klassen said. "A slew of injuries have brought Van Dyke's season halted his early-season progress. His injury report is a doozy that includes injuries to his right leg, ribs, back, and throwing hand. Van Dyke missed the Oct. 21 game against Clemson but had since come back to play with all of those injuries. He hasn't looked the same at all.
"At his best, Van Dyke is a big-armed gunslinger with top-75 potential. But we just haven't gotten that guy for a while now."
3. EDGE Jonah Elliss, Utah
Utah's Jonah Elliss leads all Power Five prospects with 12 sacks. He's been an excellent for most of this season. So, why did he make the trending down list?
When facing arguably the best set offensive tackles he will see all season in Washington's Troy Fautanu and Roger Rosengarten, the previously disruptive Elliss became a complete non-factor in the biggest game of the year.
It's the just the latest effort in a concerning trend.
"Elliss has been a big riser this season as a sack machine and favorite to win Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year," Holder said. "However, his two worst games have come against the best competition he's faced: Oregon and Washington.
"Elliss will still probably hold a third-round grade, but it might be in the underclassman's best interest to return to Utah and get more experience to potentially play his way into first-round status."
4. OT Karsen Barnhart, Michigan
It's weird to look at a undefeated team and arguably its best unit and think to oneself, "Wow, those guys could do so much better."
With the Wolverines, their game is predicated on playing a physical brand of football. Less of an emphasis is placed on traditional drop-backs, and it shows in the team's pass protection.
Karsen Barnhart already made the move from left to right tackle. And it's clear he's not entirely comfortable on the strong side.
"Michigan passed the ball a total of eight times against Penn State partly because they didn't need to pass due to an effective run game," Thorns said. "But studying Barnhart on those pass plays made it clear that he was incapable of blocking edge-rusher Chop Robinson without significant help schemed his way.
"Barnhart lacks the range or pass-protection skill to protect the corner against legit speed off of the edge, which was painfully obvious in this game."
5. RB Jonathon Brooks, Texas
Texas' Jonathon Brooks had been trending upward throughout the season and had the potential to become the upcoming class' RB1. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn ACL Saturday against the TCU Horned Frogs. Either Brooks will return to Austin for another season or see his draft stock take a significant hit.
"It is such a shame Jonathon Brooks suffered a major knee injury," Klassen said. "To this point in the season, Brooks burst out of the shadow of Bijan Robinson to establish himself as a top running back prospect. Brooks' blend of size, burst, contact balance and vision are exactly what teams are looking for in a starting running back. Not many other guys in this class carry all those skills at once."
10. Washington Commanders: EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State
3 of 12
After this year's NFL trade deadline, the Washington Commanders need help at defensive end, because they traded Montez Sweat and Chase Young to the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers, respectively.
At this point in time, both of the departed players rank first and second on the Commanders in sacks.
A restart is necessary at this premium position. Washington has never shown any qualms about investing heavily in its defensive front, with multiple first-round picks over the past six years and massive contract extensions invested in its defensive tackles.
The Commanders go back to the well and find Florida State's Jared Verse.
Now, Verse hasn't quite played to expected levels this year. He's not finishing in quite the same manner we saw a year ago. But his impact on games remains obvious. Verse is a three-down defender with the ability to set the edge, create havoc in the backfield and rush the passer.
The bigger issue is the play of others, like UCLA's Laiatu Latu and Alabama's Dallas Turner, who have come up and challenged Verse to become EDGE1. The Florida State Seminole is still very much in the mix, though.
9. Atlanta Falcons: EDGE Laiatu Latu, UCLA
4 of 12
Clearly, the Atlanta Falcons have an issue at quarterback with no real answer between Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke.
A solution isn't necessarily coming from the draft, since the top two quarterback prospects are expected to come off the board rather quickly and no one else has truly established himself as a legitimate top-10 talent.
The Falcons can flip the script and address the defensive side of the ball to find help for the solid pieces they already have in place in Grady Jarrett, David Onyemata, Jessie Bates III and A.J. Terrell. However, the group doesn't have a consistent edge presence.
Arnold Ebiketie certainly flashes. But Lorenzo Carter hasn't been consistent and Bud Dupree is a free agent after this season.
UCLA's Laiatu Latu is the most polished pass-rusher in this year's class, with a complete skill set that should translate to the next level. He displays an excellent get-off and bend. He works his hands consistently with an ever-present pass-rush plan. The junior prospect is currently graded as the nation's best edge-rusher.
Latu screaming off the edge can make Garrett and Onyemata even more effective when they collapse the pocket.
8. Tennessee Titans: WR Rome Odunze, Washington
5 of 12
DeAndre Hopkins has been a good addition as the Tennessee Titans' leading receiver. But he'll turn 32 before the start of the 2024 campaign, and his salary-cap hit escalates from $3.7 million this year to $16 million next season.
Beyond Hopkins, the Titans simply don't have enough at wide receiver.
Treylon Burks has yet to emerge as a reliable option. He's already missed 10 games over his first season-and-a-half. He's currently in the league's concussion protocol. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine shouldn't be considered anything more than a third or fourth option. Besides, he's a free agent after this season.
Yes, the Titans must absolutely address their offensive line. But quality starters up front are consistently found on Day 2 of the draft. Whereas, Washington's Rome Odunze is a higher-graded prospect compared to those blockers still remaining.
Odunze shredded an ultra-physical Utah Utes defense that continually challenged Washington's talented wide receivers. Yet the junior prospect still caught three passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns.
He's another imposing target with ability to create after the catch. Odunze playing alongside a healthy Burks gives the Titans two big, thick threats on the outside to help in Will Levis' development.
7. Los Angeles Rams: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
6 of 12
Georgia's Brock Bowers could have taken a step back, realized his potential as a top-10 draft pick and sat out the rest of the Bulldogs' season after suffering a high-ankle sprain that required Tightrope surgery.
"It never crossed my mind," Bowers told reporters. "I just wanted to always come back with the team and all the guys in the locker room. … I just wanted to come back and try to help the team win."
College football's best tight end still has a chance to leave a lasting legacy, with the potential to include three straight national championships, back-to-back John Mackey Awards, a Lombardi Award and the designation of the best ever to play his position at that level.
While all the potential hardware and accolades are great, Bowers showed he's more interested in being there for his team and competing as well as he possibly can. In his return from the injury, he caught three passes for 34 yards and a score against the ranked Ole Miss Rebels.
Tight end may not be a priority for the Los Angeles Rams, particularly with a top-10 selection. However, the team can't overlook the type of difference-maker that Bowers can be.
6. Green Bay Packers: WR Keon Coleman, Florida State
7 of 12
Everyone knows the same bit of trivia: The Green Bay Packers haven't selected a first-round wide receiver since Javon Walker in 2002.
The team's approach has been an issue. However, general manager Brian Gutekunst has addressed the skill positions over the past two draft classes, with the additions of Christian Watson, Luke Musgrave and Jayden Reed as Day 2 draft picks. In fact, Watson led the team as a rookie with seven touchdown receptions. Meanwhile, Reed currently leads Green Bay with 417 receiving yards.
Two things must be taken into account. First, the squad's leading receiver still ranks 54th overall in yardage. Second, Watson isn't as far along as he should be in his development. The second-year target is struggling with consistency and the nuances of route-running.
As talented as each of those mentioned are, more should still be expected.
Florida State's Keon Coleman is a tailor-made top-end target, with the ball skills and size (6'4", 215 lbs.) to overwhelm defensive backs yet enough open-field wiggle to create after the catch (or on special teams if needed). He's also an excellent blocker working on the fringes.
Coleman, Watson, Reed and Romeo Doubs (with Musgrave and Tucker Kraft at tight end) is a no-excuses quartet for quarterback Jordan Love.
5. Chicago Bears: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
8 of 12
As owners of the No. 1 overall pick thanks to the the Carolina Panthers' abysmal season after trading up to draft Bryce Young, the Chicago Bears know they can either get their quarterback of the future or leverage the top selection into a windfall of assets for the second successive year.
While that particular choice will be addressed in a bit, the Bears own another top-five selection where they can add a foundational building block at a premium position.
Chicago already hit a home-run with rookie right tackle Darnell Wright. He's the tone-setter the unit desperately needed. However, overall protection remains an issue. The Bears field one of the least efficient pass-blocking units.
Enter Notre Dame's Joe Alt.
Plenty of discussion will center on whether Alt or Penn State's Olumuyiwa Fashanu is deserving of the top tackle spot. The latter gets the nod in B/R's rankings because of his natural tools, remaining upside and effortless movement skills. Alt isn't far behind, though.
When watching the Fighting Irish left tackle, his combination of teach-tape-worthy technique, leverage despite a 6'8" frame, physicality in the run game and overall consistency make him an ideal addition in Chicago, where he can immediately take over blindside duties and create some stability that should resonate throughout the entire unit.
If/when a quarterback is selected by Chicago, he'll need a new bodyguard.
4. Arizona Cardinals: OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State
9 of 12
This particular selection is every bit as much about the quarterback position in Arizona as it is Penn State's Olumuyiwa Fashanu.
Kyler Murray returned to the field this past Sunday after tearing his ACL 11 months earlier and looked like the same quarterback who previously earned a $230.5 million contract extension.
Murray threw for 249 yards, ran for a score and created plays when necessary late in the contest to help secure a victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
As stated in previous editions, the Cardinals can get out of Murray's deal if they chose to do so. But his re-emergence is the best possible outcome for a team in need of help in so many areas.
Looking at Arizona's roster, every position group could use an upgrade. Offensive tackle may not be the most obvious with D.J. Humphries under contract and the team selecting right tackle Paris Johnson Jr. sixth overall this year.
However, Humphries turns 30 next month, he's not played particularly well as one of the game's most penalized tackles and the Cardinals can release him next offseason with a post-June 1 designation to save $16 million toward the 2024 salary cap, per Over the Cap.
Fashanu, meanwhile, is class' premier offensive line prospect, and he's still improving. He and Johnson can form long-term bookends to keep Murray healthy and provide a strong foundation for the Cardinals offense.
3. New England Patriots: QB Caleb Williams, USC
10 of 12
The New England Patriots have reached the point where they must decide whether to start Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe after benching one for the final drive of the game and the other not providing much more.
At this point, the Patriots don't have a starting-caliber quarterback.
Jones is far too skittish with no semblance of any pocket presence after being beat down throughout the season. Zappe wasn't good enough to claim the job outright. Both are limited physically. There's no reason to be believe either can emerge as the long-term answer.
So, a 2-8 campaign with no improvement expected over the last seven games does have a silver lining. The Patriots could be in line to select a top quarterback prospect for the first time since Drew Bledsoe in 1993.
USC's Caleb Williams brings something completely different compared to the skill sets of Bledsoe, Tom Brady, Jones and Zappe. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner fits the modern game, with his ability to extend plays, work off-platform, make throws from numerous arm angles and create something special outside of structure.
Today's quarterbacks aren't built to play solely from the pocket. They need something more to offset the speed of defenders, constant pressure and ever-evolving schemes. Williams certainly makes plays beyond what most at the position can achieve. The luster of his draft status may have worn off a little, but he's still an elite prospect.
2. New York Giants: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
11 of 12
The cries for the New York Giants to draft a quarterback with this selection can be heard through the computer screen. But the organization's recent investment in Daniel Jones and loyalty to keep him as their starter will likely prevent that from happening.
"Some key people in the organization still have faith in Jones and believe their 26-year-old franchise quarterback can still be their long-term answer," sources told FOX Sports' Ralph Vacchiano.
Jones' season-ending torn ACL and $160 million contract extension certainly complicate matters to the point where the Giants will almost certainly look to build around the quarterback position after what the front office has seen this season.
"It's almost an unfair evaluation," an anonymous NFC scout said. "[Jones] was getting battered. He had no time to run an offense before the rush was in his face. He didn't look good. I'm not excusing him. But he didn't have much of a chance.
"And I think they know that."
The logical step is building a better supporting cast. New York has options It can address the offensive line, improve the unit's weapons or trade out of the pick. In this instance, the Giants do the smart thing by drafting the class' highest rated prospect.
Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. continues to show why he's a dominant force and should be the front-runner for this year's Heisman Trophy. The 21-year-old prospect posted five 100-yard games in his past six outings and scored 10 touchdowns during that stretch.
1. Chicago Bears (from Carolina): QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
12 of 12
Justin Fields is well-aware of his tenuous grasp regarding the Chicago Bears' starting quarterback spot.
"That's the world we live in nowadays," Fields told reporters. "Everybody wants to cause a stir, cause media attention. Boom, boom, boom. Comments, stories. That's just what comes with it. I knew that was going to happen from the get-go. So it came as no surprise. But like I said, I was coming in the building every day being the same guy I was before I was hurt and just trying to be the best leader I can be."
While the third-year pro is 100 percent correct in his assessment, the reality of NFL financials and outcomes will always dictate the direction of a franchise, particularly at quarterback.
The Bears must decide this offseason whether they'll pick up Fields' fifth-year contract option and move forward with him behind center. The decision becomes far more difficult if the front office is staring down an opportunity to reset the clock with its preferred prospect from the 2024 class.
North Carolina's Drake Maye continues to impress and show why he's leapfrogged USC's Caleb Williams as QB1. Whereas Williams' creativity can be astounding at times, Maye's ability to drive the football into NFL-caliber windows and elevate his offense give him an edge. From the start of the fourth quarter through double overtime, Maye led the Tar Heels to 28 points to claim a victory over rival Duke.
Fields is expected back in the lineup this weekend after missing the previous four games with dislocated thumb. He needs to shine to make sure this pick is traded instead of used on his replacement.
.jpg?w=600 "NFL Teams Under Most Pressure ♨️")
.jpg?w=600 "Post-Lawrence Trade Mock Draft")
.jpg?w=600 "Expert Mock Draft Roundup ✍️")
.jpg?w=600 "Mike Vrabel Makes Statement")