2024 NFL Draft Big Board: B/R NFL Scouting Dept.'s Latest Top 100 Player Rankings
With championship week looming and the bowl season next to come, the majority of the college football season is complete.
The 12-week regular season took its toll.
Bleacher Report's initial Top 100 draft board includes multiple players—West Virginia's Zach Frazier, Iowa's Cooper DeJean, Michigan's Zak Zinter and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders—with uncertain futures because of injuries.
In other ways, what everyone saw to date cemented the status of certain individuals through their on-field performance.
As the draft cycle kicks into full swing, the Bleacher Report Scouting Department has already shifted in specific areas, with Caleb Williams not sitting atop the quarterback rankings, a tight end entering truly elite status and a wide receiver topping them all.
Before moving ahead to see the site's latest rankings, the following five people spend months evaluating prospects and will continue their efforts in order to provide the best possible draft coverage:
Brandon Thorn: Brandon is the author of the Trench Warfare Newsletter, which focuses exclusively on offensive and defensive line evaluation. He also contributes as an analyst for Establish the Run and serves as the scouting coordinator for OL Masterminds.
Derrik Klassen: Derrik is in his third year with the scouting department and second evaluating the offensive skill positions. He contributes to the 33rd Team and New York Times. He has spent years charting and evaluating NFL prospects, which can often be found through social media.
Cory Giddings: Cory has experience working at multiple levels of football, both in coaching and player evaluation. In recent years, he has worked with the New York Giants and with collegiate teams in the Big Ten. He currently serves as the director of player personnel at UCF.
Matt Holder: Matt played college football, worked in college recruiting and is a Scouting Academy graduate. He has covered the NFL draft since 2019 and also writes about the Las Vegas Raiders for SB Nation's Silver and Black Pride.
Brent Sobleski: Brent serves as an NFL analyst for Bleacher Report. He's covered the draft since the 2004 class for multiple outlets, including 10 seasons with B/R.
Grading Scale
10: Generational Talent/No. 1 Overall
9.5-9.9: Top-Five Prospect
9.0-9.4: Top-10 Prospect
8.5-8.9: Immediate Impact Prospect / 1st Round
8.0-8.4: Year 1 Starter / Late 1st-2nd Round
7.5-7.9: Potential Impact Player / 2nd Round
7.0-7.4: High-Level Backup / Potential Starter / 3rd Round
6.5-6.9: Potential Role Player / Contributor / 4th Round
6.0-6.4: High-level Developmental Prospect / 5th Round
5.5-5.9: Backup/Draftable / 6th-7th Round
5.0-5.4: Backup/UDFA with Roster Potential / UDFA
4.0-4.9: Developmental Prospect / UDFA
3.0-3.9: Training Camp Body / UDFA
Grades for each player were assigned by the following scouts:
Derrik Klassen: QBs, RBs, WRs and Receiving TEs
Brandon Thorn: Blocking TEs, OTs, OGs and Centers
Matt Holder: DL, Edge and LBs
Cory Giddings: CBs and Safeties
Top 100 Prospects
1 of 12
Ties in grades were broken through roundtable discussions among the four scouts.
1. WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State (9.7)
2. TE Brock Bowers, Georgia (9.3)
3. QB Drake Maye, North Carolina (9.3)
4. QB Caleb Williams, USC (9.1)
5. OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State (9.0)
6. OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame (9.0)
7. WR Keon Coleman, Florida State (8.8)
8. Edge Jared Verse, Florida State (8.6)
9. WR Rome Odunze, Washington (8.5)
10. Edge Laiatu Latu, UCLA (8.5)
11. Edge Dallas Turner, Alabama (8.4)
12. DL Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois (8.4)
13. CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama (8.4)
14. OT JC Latham, Alabama (8.4)
15. WR Malik Nabers, LSU (8.3)
16. Edge Chop Robinson, Penn State (8.2)
17. IOL Troy Fautanu, Washington (8.2)
18. DL Leonard Taylor III, Miami (8.0)
19. CB Denzel Burke, Ohio State (7.9)
20. IOL Graham Barton, Duke (7.8)
21. Edge Bralen Trice, Washington (7.8)
22. WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State (7.8)
23. IOL Zach Frazier, West Virginia (7.8)
24. S Kamren Kinchens, Miami (7.7)
25. WR Ja'Lynn Polk, Washington (7.7)
26. OT Amarius Mims, Georgia (7.6)
27. WR Tez Walker, North Carolina (7.6)
28. IOL Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State (7.6)
29. LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson (7.6)
30. IOL Jordan Morgan, Arizona (7.6)
31. S Kitan Oladapo, Oregon State (7.5)
32. OT Kingsley Suamataia, BYU (7.5)
33. Edge J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State (7.5)
34. LB Barrett Carter, Clemson (7.5)
35. IOL Cooper Beebe, Kansas State (7.5)
36. S Tyler Nubin, Minnesota (7.5)
37. OT Patrick Paul, Houston (7.5)
38. CB Khyree Jackson, Oregon (7.5)
39. WR Troy Franklin, Oregon (7.5)
40. QB Jayden Daniels, LSU (7.4)
41. CB Kamari Lassiter, Georgia (7.4)
42. Edge Jack Sawyer, Ohio State (7.4)
43. WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU (7.4)
44. WR Xavier Worthy, Texas (7.4)
45. DL Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson (7.3)
46. S Malachi Moore, Alabama (7.3)
47. OT Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma (7.3)
48. S Javon Bullard, Georgia (7.3)
49. DL Tyler Davis, Clemson (7.3)
50. CB T.J. Tampa, Iowa State (7.3)
51. IOL Dominick Puni, Kansas (7.3)
52. S Rod Moore, Michigan (7.3)
53. Edge Jonah Elliss, Utah (7.3)
54. S Andrew Mukuba, Clemson (7.3)
55. RB Trey Benson, Florida State (7.3)
56. QB Bo Nix, Oregon (7.2)
57. CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson (7.2)
58. DL Brandon Dorlus, Oregon (7.2)
59. CB Ricardo Hallman, Wisconsin (7.2)
60. RB TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State (7.2)
61. DL Tyleik Williams, Ohio State (7.2)
62. Edge Princely Umanmielen, Florida (7.2)
63. S Calen Bullock, USC (7.2)
64. TE Cade Stover, Ohio State (7.2)
65. DL Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State (7.2)
66. DL Kris Jenkins Jr., Michigan (7.2)
67. CB Cooper DeJean, Iowa (7.2)
68. QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado (7.2)
69. WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia (7.2)
70. CB D.J. James, Auburn (7.2)
71. LB Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State (7.1)
72. DL Nazir Stackhouse, Georgia (7.1)
73. S Lathan Ransom, Ohio State (7.1)
74. IOL Christian Mahogany, Boston College (7.1)
75. RB Braelon Allen, Wisconsin (7.1)
76. DL Maason Smith, LSU (7.1)
77. CB Cam Hart, Notre Dame (7.1)
78. IOL Zak Zinter, Michigan (7.1)
79. Edge Nelson Ceaser, Houston (7.1)
80. S Cole Bishop, Utah (7.1)
81. WR Xavier Legette, South Carolina (7.1)
82. DL Byron Murphy II, Texas (7.0)
83. IOL Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon (7.0)
84. WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas (7.0)
85. RB Bucky Irving, Oregon (7.0)
86. QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan (7.0)
87. DL T'Vondre Sweat, Texas (7.0)
88. CB Kalen King, Penn State (7.0)
89. IOL Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia (7.0)
90. Edge Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Washington (7.0)
91. TE Ja'Tavion Sanders, Texas (7.0)
92. LB Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Georgia (7.0)
93. CB Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri (7.0)
94. S Kenny Logan Jr., Kansas (7.0)
95. Edge Mohamed Kamara, Colorado State (7.0)
96. CB Jason Marshall Jr., Florida (7.0)
97. QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington (6.9)
98. WR Jermaine Burton, Alabama (6.9)
99. IOL Donovan Jackson, Ohio State (6.9)
100. QB Carson Beck, Georgia (6.9)
Quarterbacks
2 of 12
Scouted by Derrik Klassen
Most Accurate: Drake Maye
Best Arm Strength: Caleb Williams
Best Mobility: Jayden Daniels
Most Pro-Ready: Drake Maye
1. Drake Maye, North Carolina (9.3)
2. Caleb Williams, USC (9.1)
3. Jayden Daniels, LSU (7.4)
4. Bo Nix, Oregon (7.2)
5. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado (7.2)
6. J.J. McCarthy, Michigan (7.0)
7. Michael Penix Jr., Washington (6.9)
8. Carson Beck, Georgia (6.9)
Explain the Grade: J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
McCarthy does some nice things. There are flashes of high-level ball placement, and he sure has the aggressive mentality to test those throws when he needed. He is also a nifty athlete outside the pocket, which adds another little wrinkle to defending him.
The finer parts of his game can leave a person wanting more.
The junior prospect is quick to leave the pocket. He's also a one-speed thrower, meaning the touch necessary to layer certain throws often escapes him.
Above all, Michigan's offense is simplified for McCarthy, both from a volume and a conceptual standpoint. He's a decent prospect, but it's hard to envision him as a legitimate first-round talent.
Running Backs
3 of 12
Scouted by Derrik Klassen
Best Speed: Trey Benson
Best Power: Braelon Allen
Best Vision: Bucky Irving
Best Hands: Bucky Irving
Best Third-Down Back: Bucky Irving
1. Trey Benson, Florida State (7.3)
2. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State (7.2)
3. Braelon Allen, Wisconsin (7.1)
4. Bucky Irving, Oregon (7.0)
Explain the Grade: Braelon Allen, Wisconsin
Allen wins primarily as a bruiser between the tackles on under-center runs. Though the 19-year-old ball-carrier doesn't actually bring as much violence as his 6'2", 245-pound frame suggests.
However, he is tough to bring down with one tackler, and flashes of awesome vision are present.
Still, the oversized back lumbers a lot, especially when things get cloudy at the line of scrimmage. He also doesn't have any real ability to make things happen in space.
The two-time second-team All-Big Ten selection looks like a rare bell-cow option, but he'll more than likely serve as the thunder to someone's lightning at the professional level.
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Wide Receivers
4 of 12
Scouted by Derrik Klassen
Best Hands: Marvin Harrison Jr.
Best Route-Runner: Marvin Harrison Jr.
Best Speed: Devontez Walker
Best Slot Receiver: Emeka Egbuka
Most Pro-Ready: Marvin Harrison Jr.
1. Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State (9.7)
2. Keon Coleman, Florida State (8.8)
3. Rome Odunze, Washington (8.5)
4. Malik Nabers, LSU (8.3)
5. Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State (7.8)
6. Ja'Lynn Polk, Washington (7.7)
7. Devontez Walker, North Carolina (7.6)
8. Troy Franklin, Oregon (7.5)
9. Brian Thomas Jr., LSU (7.4)
10. Xavier Worthy, Texas (7.4)
11. Ladd McConkey, Georgia (7.2)
12. Xavier Legette, South Carolina (7.1)
13. Adonai Mitchell, Texas (7.0)
14. Jermaine Burton, Alabama (6.9)
Explain the Grade: Adonai Mitchell, Texas
It's hard to miss Adonai Mitchell. At 6'4" and 196 pounds, he is a dangerous athlete with long, explosive strides and enough wiggle for a guy his size. He's been an explosive play machine for the Longhorns at different points this season.
At the same time, something feels missing. His route-running is uninspired, and he doesn't attack the ball in a way a receiver taken with a premium pick should.
Mitchell has all the potential in the world, but he may be further from reaching it than others in the class.
Tight Ends
5 of 12
Scouted by Derrik Klassen
Best Receiver: Brock Bowers
Most Versatile: Brock Bowers
Best Blocker: Brock Bowers
Most Pro-Ready: Brock Bowers
1. Brock Bowers, Georgia (9.3)
2. Cade Stover, Ohio State (7.2)
3. Ja'Tavion Sanders, Texas (7.0)
Explain the Grade: Ja'Tavion Sanders, Texas
Sanders is an idea of the modern tight end. He has a sleek 6'4", 243-pound build and moves around the field with relative ease at the college level. Many of his best plays are explosive chunk gains with the ball in his hands.
However, he is merely a nice athlete, not an elite one. His average traits are a bit of an issue for a receiving tight end who relies so much on working in space, at the expense of blocking ability and contested catch skills.
Sanders could be useful in the pros, but he doesn't feel like an instant impact guy or a long-term starter right now.
Offensive Tackles
6 of 12
Scouted by Brandon Thorn
Best Run-Blocker: Joe Alt
Best Pass-Blocker: Olu Fashanu
Best Zone Blocker: Joe Alt
Most Pro-Ready: Olu Fashanu
Most Versatile: JC Latham
1. Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State (9.0)
2. Joe Alt, Notre Dame (9.0)
3. JC Latham, Alabama (8.4)
4. Amarius Mims, Georgia (7.6)
5. Kingsley Suamataia, BYU (7.5)
6. Patrick Paul, Houston (7.5)
7. Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma (7.3)
Explain the Grade: Amarius Mims, Georgia
From a pure physical tools perspective, Mims is in the running for the most talented blocker in next year's class. But those standout traits are counterbalanced with seven career starts and the expected lack of refinement from that inexperience.
At 6'7", 340 pounds, with the ease of movement and natural power of a high-level NFL tackle, he is still caught out of position several times per game, losing quickly across his face and generally struggles sustaining if his size and power don't win right away.
As with most uber-talented offensive line prospects, situation matters greatly for how well they adapt and develop once they're in the NFL. The upcoming SEC Championship Game and ensuing bowl/playoff games will be critical in Mims' final grade.
Interior Offensive Line
7 of 12
Scouted by Brandon Thorn
Best Run-Blocker: Graham Barton
Best Pass-Blocker: Troy Fautanu
Best Zone Blocker: Troy Fautanu
Most Pro-Ready: Zach Frazier
Most Versatile: Graham Barton
1. Troy Fautanu, Washington (8.2)
2. Graham Barton, Duke (7.8)
3. Zach Frazier, West Virginia (7.8)
4. Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State (7.6)
5. Jordan Morgan, Arizona (7.6)
6. Cooper Beebe, Kansas State (7.5)
7. Dominick Puni, Kansas (7.3)
8. Christian Mahogany, Boston College (7.1)
9. Zak Zinter, Michigan (7.1)
10. Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon (7.0)
11. Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia (7.0)
12. Donovan Jackson, Ohio State (6.9)
Explain the Grade: Troy Fautanu, Washington
Fautanu has the play strength, power and movement skills of a high-end starting guard in the NFL, with abnormally long arms on his 6'4" frame. He led the best tackle duo in the country this season with impact blocks and big-time traits littered throughout his film.
His ability to deliver knockback power and, most impressively, run through defenders to finish blocks has been his defining trait and is a key component of a potential transition inside to the pro game, where those skills can be a featured part of a run game.
With very good quickness, recovery skills and competitive toughness, the recipe is in place for an immediate starter at guard and someone who could play tackle in a pinch.
Defensive Linemen
8 of 12
Scouted by Matt Holder
1. Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois (8.4)
2. Leonard Taylor III, Miami (8.0)
3. Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson (7.3)
4. Tyler Davis, Clemson (7.3)
5. Brandon Dorlus, Oregon (7.2)
6. Tyleik Williams, Ohio State (7.2)
7. Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State (7.2)
8. Kris Jenkins Jr., Michigan (7.2)
9. Nazir Stackhouse, Georgia (7.1)
10. Maason Smith, LSU (7.1)
11. Byron Murphy II, Texas (7.0)
12. T'Vondre Sweat, Texas (7.0)
Explain the Grade: T'Vondre Sweat, Texas
T'Vondre Sweat made B/R's Top 100, but others may grade a little higher.
The 362-pounder is undoubtedly hard to move at the point of attack, but some concern exists about how productive he can be as a pass-rusher. While the nose tackle has made strides in that specific area this year, he doesn't move well and is a little stiff. As such, his recent surge in production might not translate well.
If the Texas product can have a good performance in the one-on-one drills at the Senior Bowl and put up decent numbers at the combine, he'll eventually shoot up the board.
Edge-Rushers
9 of 12
Scouted by Matt Holder
1. Jared Verse, Florida State (8.6)
2. Laiatu Latu, UCLA (8.5)
3. Dallas Turner, Alabama (8.5)
4. Chop Robinson, Penn State (8.2)
5. Bralen Trice, Washington (7.8)
6. J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State (7.5)
7. Jack Sawyer, Ohio State (7.4)
8. Jonah Elliss, Utah (7.3)
9. Princely Umanmielen, Florida (7.2)
10. Nelson Ceaser, Houston (7.1)
11. Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Washington (7.0)
12. Mohamed Kamara, Colorado State (7.0)
Explain the Grade: Nelson Ceaser, Houston
Ceaser will likely be found lower on other boards because he isn't a good run defender.
However, he's lightning-quick off the ball and can win with pure speed around the edge, which creates value as a pass-rusher. The 250-pound junior has a handful of moves he can win with to be a good third-down specialist at the next level, making him worthy of a mid-round pick.
If the Cougar can add some more girth and strength to hold up against offensive tackles down the line, he can develop into a more complete player since he displays decent technique against the run.
Linebackers
10 of 12
Scouted by Matt Holder
1. Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson (7.6)
2. Barrett Carter, Clemson (7.5)
3. Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State (7.1)
4. Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Georgia (7.0)
Explain the Grade: Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
In a linebacker class that doesn't have a clear No. 1 prospect and lacks talent overall, Trotter leads the way for B/R simply because he presents the best chance at being the most complete player among this positional class.
He's a good enough athlete and has impressive instincts to be solid in coverage. Also, he can be a thumper when coming downhill to make an impact as a run defender.
It doesn't hurt that the Clemson product has All-Pro genes as well.
Cornerbacks
11 of 12
Scouted by Cory Giddings
Best in Man Coverage: Kool-Aid McKinstry
Best in Zone Coverage: Denzel Burke
Best Slot Corner: Ricardo Hallman
Most Versatile: TJ Tampa
1. Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama (8.4)
2. Denzel Burke, Ohio State (7.9)
3. Khyree Jackson, Oregon (7.5)
4. Kamari Lassiter, Georgia (7.4)
5. T.J. Tampa, Iowa State (7.3)
6. Nate Wiggins, Clemson (7.2)
7. Ricardo Hallman, Wisconsin (7.2)
8. Cooper DeJean, Iowa (7.2)
9. D.J. James, Auburn (7.2)
10. Cam Hart, Notre Dame (7.1)
11. Kalen King, Penn State (7.0)
12. Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri (7.0)
13. Jason Marshall Jr., Florida (7.0)
Explain the Grade: Kalen King, Penn State
King came into this season as one of the top, if not the top cornerback for the 2024 NFL draft. He shows a smooth pedal and the versatility to play from man and zone coverage.
Downfalls in his game can be seen regarding his slight frame—he's listed at 5'11" and 190 pounds—and lack of elite speed. While playing against Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr., he didn't play up to expectations and failed to live up to the title as best cornerback in the country.
Some time still exists for him to improve his draft stock. At the moment, he has not solidified himself anywhere near as the best.
Safeties
12 of 12
Scouted by Cory Giddings
Best in Man Coverage: Andrew Mukuba
Best in Zone Coverage: Javon Bullard
Best Run-Stopper: Kitan Oladapo
Most Versatile: Kamren Kinchens
1. Kamren Kinchens, Miami (7.7)
2. Kitan Oladapo, Oregon State (7.5)
3. Tyler Nubin, Minnesota (7.5)
4. Malachi Moore, Alabama (7.3)
5. Javon Bullard, Georgia (7.3)
6. Rod Moore, Michigan (7.3)
7. Andrew Mukuba, Clemson (7.3)
8. Calen Bullock, USC (7.2)
9. Lathan Ransom, Ohio State (7.1)
10. Cole Bishop, Utah (7.1)
11. Kenny Logan Jr., Kansas (7.0)
Explain the Grade: Kamren Kinchens, Miami
Kinchens is one of the nation's most versatile safeties. He dsiplayed good athleticism and movement skill that results in fluid coverage, with quick feet and an ability to drive on the ball.
The 21-year-old underclassman is a physical defender, who plays with a high motor and quickly closes ground.
Kinchens does a good job keeping leverage and fighting through blocks. He runs through the ball-carrier when tackling, though he has been prone to poor angles and falling off some tackle attempts at times.
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