2024 NFL Draft: Week 13 Buzz and Best Prospect Fits for League's Worst Teams
Not all exciting NFL prospects play for the nation's top teams. Some toil in obscurity for squads that struggled throughout the season.
With conference championship weekend looming and bowl games set to begin shortly afterward, now is the perfect time to highlight some of those names.
In this week's trending up list, three of the five played for teams with losing records this season. The fourth is on a ranked team, but one that isn't playing for a conference championship.
On the other side of the ledger, there are those from winning programs who haven't quite met expectations as of late.
The Bleacher Report Scouting Department of Brandon Thorn, Cory Giddings, Derrik Klassen and Matt Holder provide insight for each of these talents and what they've seen from them as of late.
Injuries are playing a part in the evaluation process as well, with multiple key prospects dealing with significant issues. Only one is included, though, since his current situation may have the most lasting impact on his eventual draft status.
Those designations will flow directly into the class' top prospects and the latest top-10 projection based on the current NFL draft order. Overall, it's shaping up to be an exciting class.
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1. LB Nathaniel Watson, Mississippi State
There's something to be said about a sixth-year senior who continued to grind and showed continual improvement throughout his collegiate career.
Linebacker Nathaniel Watson entered the Mississippi State program as a 3-star recruit, redshirted as a true freshman, appeared in seven games in Year 2, started three games and played on special teams in 2020, became a starter in 2021, increased production during the subsequent two seasons and eventually became a defensive captain.
Watson punctuated his collegiate career by playing his best ball during his last two appearances, totaling 42 total tackles. He's also a major threat in blitz packages, with an SEC-leading 10 sacks.
"The graduate student put himself on the map with back-to-back weeks of 21-tackle performances," Holder said. "He's been highly productive this season with 137 total tackles (fifth in the nation) and is a sure tackler. Those are big reasons he's a Butkus Award finalist and should earn an invite to an all-star game, where Watson can potentially earn a draftable grade with a strong performance."
2. WR Malik Washington, Virginia
College football fans would likely guess LSU's Malik Nabers, Washington's Rome Odunze or Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. if asked who leads major college football in receptions. After all, they're this year's Biletnikoff Award finalists.
However, Virginia's Malik Washington led the way during the regular season with 110 catches. He's also second with 1,426 receiving yards. He posted at least 97 receiving yards in all but one game.
"Washington's 5'8", 194-pound frame shouldn't fool anyone. He's a legitimate playmaker," Klassen said. "Primarily a short-to-intermediate threat, Washington brings a ton of juice, both as a route-runner and with the ball in his hands. He has twitchiness to make someone miss in space, plus he's packed with muscle to help him stay balanced.
"Additionally, the first-team All-ACC performer is awesome at adjusting to the ball, especially on throws he needs to dig out of the dirt."
3. LB Payton Wilson, North Carolina State
Very few players fill the stat sheet quite like North Carolina State's Payton Wilson.
The ACC Defensive Player of the Year posted 10 or more tackles in nine games, including 14 or more in four of those contests. The 6'4" linebacker flows to the ball well. He's at his best working sideline to sideline, with seven career interceptions and 13 defended passes.
"Wilson has been very productive throughout his career, including this season where he's racked up 138 total tackles and 17.5 TFL," Holder said. "He's pretty athletic to help in coverage and can contribute as a pass-rusher with 10.5 sacks over the last two years.
"The graduate student is solid against the run but could afford to add some size to be a little more stout. Though, the biggest concern with him will be medical evaluations since he has a long injury history dating as far back as his high school days."
4. OT Kingsley Suamataia, BYU
The BYU Cougars coaching staff converted Kingsley Suamataia from right to left tackle this season. The transition took time, especially as he dealt with some injuries. But his play has been exceptional as of late.
"As a redshirt sophomore there have been expected technical deficiencies and recurring losses due to inconsistent positioning and leverage over the first half of the season for Suamataia," Thorn said. "But as he has settled into the position, he has been showing significant improvement over the last few weeks and against the best competition on the schedule (Texas and Oklahoma).
"Suamataia's physical tools were never a major question, but the elite athletic testing numbers from Bruce Feldman's list of exceptional athletes weren't always on display until as of late as his technique has cleaned up, allowing his natural talent to shine more as the year has progressed.
"Given his 5-star pedigree, age (20 years old), bloodlines (Penei Sewell's cousin), tools and ascension, his draft stock is clearly rising and for good reason."
5. DE Jared Verse, Florida State
Earlier this season, Florida State's Jared Verse found himself on the trending down list. His play never faltered, per se, but he didn't prove to be as productive as expected after entering this season with a top-10 projection.
Verse has been good against the run all year. He sets the edge and creates pressure. Sometimes, a prospects needs to finish. The two-time first-team All-ACC defender did with 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble against the rival Florida Gators.
"He's back on track," Holder said. "One particular play provided a glimpse of what we may see in the NFL. The Seminole had a physically dominant rep where he turned speed-to- power and pushed the Gators' offensive tackle into the quarterback's lap for one of his sacks."
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1. WR Devontez Walker, North Carolina
Once the NCAA cleared North Carolina wide receiver Tez Walker, he exploded on the scene with 321 yards and four touchdown grabs in his first three appearance. The Kent State transfer later added a career-high 162-yard effort in a double-overtime thriller against the rival Duke Blue Devils. He's been much quieter ever since.
"In games against Clemson and NC State, Walker combined for just six catches and 99 yards, which exemplifies the nature of Walker's skill set," Klassen said. "Walker is primarily a deep threat with outstanding speed and ball-tracking skills. But he's not a complete, consistent route-runner.
"If the deep throws aren't connected, Walker can go for long stretches without producing at a high clip."
His traits present a potential first-round pick, but such a selection must be made knowing exactly what skill set the underclassman brings to the table.
2. Edge Landon Jackson, Arkansas
The 6'7", 281-pound Landon Jackson looked like a world-beater against the Alabama Crimson Tide. During that contest, he registered 11 total tackles and 3.5 sacks.
Well, those tackles were a fourth of his production for his entire season, with only three more sacks in the other 11 games. In fact, Jackson managed one sack over Arkansas' last five games.
"Jackson made a name for himself against Alabama," Holder said. "However, he's disappeared for stretches since that point. He has great size and looks the part but is robotic and stiff in his movements.
"At this point, it might be best if he goes back to school for another year and improves his movement skills."
3. QB Frank Harris, UTSA
A bit of excitement swirled around UTSA's Frank Harris as the season began. After all, he was the 2022 Conference USA Player of the Year, with 4,059 passing yards and 41 total touchdowns.
His seventh season on campus (yes, you read that correctly) didn't play out well. The quarterback's numbers are down across the board. More importantly, his decision-making became suspect and too may bad plays showed up on film.
"Harris had a tough end to the regular season against Tulane," Klassen said. "The 24-year-old threw for just under 200 yards, as well as only one touchdown compared to two interceptions.
"Harris really needed to have a strong showing against a ranked opponent like Tulane opposite fellow quarterback prospect Michael Pratt to round out his college career. He didn't.
"At his best, Harris can be a decent game manager with quality accuracy, but he just doesn't have traits that pop. His margin for error is pretty slim."
4. WR Xavier Legette, South Carolina
Some might consider this inclusion unfair based primarily on a single play, but Xavier Legette's fumble set the tone for what turned out to be South Carolina's seventh loss of the season.
On the second play of the game, Legette went into orbit motion to set up a simple screen. The wide receiver didn't look the ball into his hands, the pigskin caromed to the turf and Clemson's Khalil Barnes picked up the lateral and ran it back 42 yards for a score.
Ultimately, the Tigers won 16-7. South Carolina never fully rebounded after the fumble. The lapse in concentration cost dearly.
To be fair, Legette did lead his team with six receptions for 68 yards. He had been tearing up opposition, though, with 431 yards and four touchdowns during the previous three contests. His recent play showed exactly why Saturday's performance turned into a slight disappointment against a rival and top competition.
5. IOL Zak Zinter, Michigan
Zak Zinter looked like a rock-solid bet for a Day 2 draft pick. Unfortunately, he suffered a lower leg injury against the Ohio State Buckeyes and required immediate surgery.
Others like West Virginia's Zach Frazier and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders are in similar situations with injuries endured late in the year. But Zinter's may have the most impact on his draft stock.
"Zinter suffered a broken tibia and fibula in the second half against Ohio State, forcing an air cast to be put on during his cart ride to the locker room, effectively ending his senior season and ensuring a relatively long road to recovery," Thorn said. "After surgery, he could potentially return for another year or declare and miss out on most of the draft process in terms of workouts.
"If the fourth-year senior does declare, he'll probably sacrifice some initial money because of a likely slip in draft slotting to get a head start on a pro career. Chances are he will come out, rehab and try to be ready for full activity next summer."
10. Tennessee Titans: Edge Jared Verse, Florida State
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The Tennessee Titans are staring at an opportunity to take the class' highest-rated defensive prospect.
Granted, general manager Ran Carthon could choose to address the offensive line. He must do so at some point during the 2024 draft. However, the way the AFC South is developing, the Titans can't go wrong with the addition of the class' best edge-defender.
Look around the division.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a significant advantage toward becoming back-to-back champs, with quarterback Trevor Lawrence leading the way. The Houston Texans' C.J. Stroud should easily win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. The Indianapolis Colts are outperforming expectations under head coach Shane Steichen, and the organization is giddy about Anthony Richardson's return next season from a shoulder injury.
The addition of another pass-rusher will help offset any potential deficiencies.
Florida State's Jared Verse is an every-down defender. He can help the void of Denico Autry's potential loss since the veteran is a pending free agent. Pressure packages could include Verse, Jeffery Simmons, Arden Key and Harold Landry III all on the field at the same time.
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9. Los Angeles Chargers: TE Brock Bowers, Georgia
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The Los Angeles Chargers' downfall continues with three straight losses and five defeats in their last seven games. They're rapidly reaching the point of no return, specifically for head coach Brandon Staley.
With multiple crushing losses, mind-numbingly bad in-game decisions and a defense that's never played at an elite level under a defensive-minded head coach, a reset is forthcoming unless the Chargers can somehow right the ship after a 4-7 start.
This particular pairing is simply about acquiring the best talent available.
Georgia's Brock Bowers will challenge Kyle Pitts as the best tight end prospect ever.
Bowers would add another weapon around quarterback Justin Herbert. But his inclusion isn't necessarily overkill.
Keenan Allen turns 32 next year. Mike Williams will be coming off a torn ACL. This year's first-round pick, Quentin Johnston, hasn't played well as a rookie. Plus, starting tight end Gerald Everett is a free agent after this season.
A top-10 tight end may feel like a luxury for a team trying to establish an identity. But Bowers is too good not to be under serious consideration.
8. New York Jets: WR Malik Nabers, LSU
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Not sure if anyone has heard about this yet, but Aaron Rodgers is already back on the field and lightly practicing after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon two-and-a-half months ago.
While the previous sentence comes across as glib, the reality is the New York Jets will likely bank on Rodgers either in the near future or next season. But this season's injury shows exactly why it's necessary to maximize his time with the team, even if it is fleeting.
Two paths can be taken to achieve the goal. Granted, both can be addressed. But prioritization takes place at this point.
The Jets need offensive line and wide receiver help. In this instance, the latter takes precedent based on what's available, with Penn State's Olumuyiwa Fashanu and Notre Dame's Joe Alt both expected to go higher.
LSU's Malik Nabers isn't a consolation prize by any means, even if he's the [spoiler alert] fourth wide receiver off the board.
In a stacked position class, Nabers leads the FBS with 1,546 receiving yards. His 18.0 yards per catch leads all receivers with 80 or more receptions. He can play all three receiver spots, and he's a big play waiting to happen, either as a deep threat or after the catch.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Rome Odunze, Washington
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It says something about an individual when he's a part of an elite passing attack with multiple future draft picks at wide receiver and a potential Heisman Trophy winner at quarterback and he's outshining all of them.
But that's exactly the case when it comes to Rome Odunze and this year's Washington Huskies.
"His ability to go up and high-point and catch the ball is something we definitely have in common, but besides that, he's his own problem, man," Washington's all-time leading receiver and former first-round draft pick Reggie Williams said, per Christian Capel of On Montlake. "The way he can twist, turn and manipulate himself to catch the ball and adjust to catch the ball is amazing."
Odunze has been on a tear as of late. In his last three appearances against two ranked opponents and in the Huskies' rivalry game with the Washington State Cougars, the junior prospect caught 17 passes for 337 yards and six touchdowns. He's been a big-play, scoring machine, which is exactly why he fits with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Buccaneers have had the luxury of another massive target working outside the numbers and down the field for the last 10 seasons. But Mike Evans is a free agent after this season. Even if Evans re-signs, the 2014 first-round pick turns 31 next summer.
6. New York Giants: WR Keon Coleman, Florida State
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New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen already planted his flag regarding his team's future quarterback setup.
"[Daniel Jones is] in there rehabbing right now. He's going to attack it," Schoen told reporters on Monday. "You guys all know Daniel and his work ethic; probably a guy we're going to have to pull back. But the expectation is when Daniel's healthy that he will be our starting quarterback."
Financially, the approach makes sense. The Giants are locked into Jones' $47.1 cap figure next season, unless some random suitor wants to trade for his services (which is unlikely).
However, Jones will need help. This season showed the Giants weren't nearly as close as they thought they were after last season's surprising playoff appearance.
Darius Slayton leads New York with 435 receiving yards. He's tied for 63rd overall in the category.
Florida State's Keon Coleman has been slowed as of late because of the Seminoles' quarterback situation, with Jordan Travis suffering a season-ending injury. But his status as a top-shelf wide receiver prospect remains unchanged. According to Pro Football Focus, the 6'4" prospect has yet to drop a pass this season despite being targeted 80 times.
Coleman is a big, reliable and dynamic target to serve as the Giants' WR1.
5. Washington Commanders: OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
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A lot could happen for the Washington Commanders over the next few months.
Head coach Ron Rivera already fired defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and defensive backs coach Brent Vieselmeyer. At 4-8, Rivera may not be far behind those he already let go.
Furthermore, a new ownership group may look to clean house altogether. A new front office and coaching staff may not view Sam Howell as the future, which means a reset could be forthcoming at the game's most important position.
Plenty will be decided between now and April's draft.
Until some of those decisions are made, the best step toward building the Commanders' roster is securing a strong offensive foundation. Howell leads the NFL in three categories: pass attempts, passing yardage and sacks taken. The final stat is due in part to a young quarterback trying to get a feel for the game and an underperforming offensive line.
The addition of Notre Dame's Joe Alt can go a long way in solving the latter problem. The Outland Trophy finalist is the class' best technician. He has a quality pass set and dominates in the run game.
"If you wanna get past me, let's go," Alt said.
Meanwhile, the Commanders can save $12 million toward the 2024 salary cap by designating veteran left tackle Charles Leno Jr. as a June 1 cut.
4. Chicago Bears: OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State
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Whether the Chicago Bears decide to go with a quarterback or not with the pick acquired from the Carolina Panthers in the Bryce Young trade, the team's own selection should center on adding the best available talent, particularly at a premium position.
Penn State's Olumuyiwa Fashanu is ranked as the top offensive lineman for the 2024 draft class, according to the B/R Scouting Department.
As Brandon Thorn wrote, "His ability to thrive on an island in pass protection right away with the tools, runway and flashes necessary to make improvements as a run-blocker indicates a franchise-caliber blind-side protector who can at least be average in the run game."
Keep in mind that Fashanu is a relatively young prospect. He doesn't turn 21 until next week. Yet he may be the easiest mover and smoothest pass-protecting tackle prospect over the last decade. Also, he's already showed significant improvement as a run-blocker just in the last few weeks.
Conference coaches named him the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year. Fashanu is a brilliant young man, too. He's a finalist for this year's William V. Campbell Trophy, i.e. the "academic Heisman," for his work in supply chain and information systems.
The Bears simply need to build a better cockpit for whomever starts behind center. Fashanu can immediately take over at left tackle and create a positive cascading effect through the rest of Chicago's offensive line.
3. New England Patriots: QB Caleb Williams, USC
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As the New England Patriots remain wishy-washy over who to start at quarterback, pretty much everyone outside of the organization has already moved on because the team's setup clearly isn't working.
The Patriots are in the thick of the quarterback market no matter what Mac Jones or Bailey Zappe does over the last six weeks of the regular season.
In this particular scenario, the Patriots are fortunate to land one of the two elite quarterback prospects. The season didn't end like USC's Caleb Williams had hoped. But the Trojans' finish doesn't necessarily detract from Williams' skill set as it projects to the next level.
Obviously, the program losing five of its last six games does create some questions, particularly with Williams' play against ranked opposition. Even so, the creativity and natural arm talent found within his game are far too tantalizing to drop him significantly.
After a poor performance against Notre Dame, Williams completed 67 percent of his passes with 12 total touchdowns over the next five contests. But the Trojans allowed at least 34 points in all of those games.
The Patriots could be primed to trade up for their future quarterback. The top two quarterback prospects could easily go first and second overall.
In this hypothetical, Belichick and Co. land their next franchise quarterback staying right where they are. Come April, they may need to be more proactive to do so.
2. Arizona Cardinals: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
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As the Ohio State Buckeyes stumbled to a third straight loss to the Michigan Wolverines, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. still looked like the best player on the field.
It's a common theme. Harrison is simply better than everyone else at what he does. He may not lead the nation in receiving yards because game situations and play calls don't always dictate him being featured. Yet he's an impact player who must be accounted for at all times.
Three aspects truly set Harrison apart and currently make him the highest-rated prospect since the B/R Scouting Department opened for business: His combination of size (6'4", 205 lbs), technical precision and effectiveness when a play needs to be made is unmatched.
Today's NFL defenses have curtailed chunk plays. They're geared to slow offenses in hopes of creating a mistake along the way. Scoring and yardage totals are down. So it's critical to capitalize when opportunities arise.
Going into Saturday's contest, Harrison led the FBS with nine red-zone touchdowns, per Pro Football Focus. He added another against the Wolverines, to go along with his five total receptions for 118 yards.
The skill set in Harrison's game to immediately produce and even excel is obvious. He's exactly the type of playmaker necessary to take some of the onus off Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray.
Marquise Brown isn't a true No. 1 threat. Besides, he's a free agent after this season. Even with Brown's potential return, his game will be elevated playing alongside Harrison.
1. Chicago Bears (from Carolina): QB Drake Maye, North Carolina
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If there are questions about whether a team has a franchise quarterback in place, the answer lies in the question: It doesn't.
This is where the Chicago Bears find themselves. Justin Fields still hasn't proved one way or the other whether he should be considered "the guy."
As such, this selection will automatically default to quarterback until proven otherwise. North Carolina's Drake Maye is the class' QB1 and third-ranked player overall, according to B/R's top 100 draft board.
Should this be the direction the Bears go? No.
Ultimately, Chicago should trade the No. 1 overall pick for a second straight year and continue to accumulate assets to build around Fields and improve the entire roster. The organization has yet to truly place the 2021 first-round quarterback in a situation to succeed. Yet he has continually flashed playmaking ability.
But these weekly projections don't include trade scenarios unless specifically noted—as was the case last week—and the situation has plenty of time to play itself out over the next few months.
If the Bears are determined to reset at the game's most important position since general manager Ryan Poles didn't select Fields, Maye is the logical choice.
As Klassen wrote in the underclassman's scouting report:
"Overall, Maye is a supremely talented passer. He has the athleticism, arm talent and baseline processing skills to become a weapon at the next level. All he needs to do is cut out some of the 'doing too much' plays. Maye has the skill set to fit in any system and develop into a star."
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