2024 NFL Draft: B/R NFL Scouting Dept.'s Risers and Fallers from CFB Regular Season
College Football celebrates with its end-of-the-year awards. Here at Bleacher Report, the site's scouting department decided to look at things a little differently by highlighting those prospects who outperformed or underperformed throughout the regular season.
Bowl games are ongoing, though many prospects sit out these contests as they begin their preparation for the 2024 NFL draft. Senior and Shrine Bowl festivities are a little over a month away from highlighting some of the class' top talents. But NFL personnel consistently mention how the majority of their evaluations are based on game performance.
As such, what's been seen so far will be the primary indicators of where prospects will land once April's festivities officially begin. B/R scouts Brandon Thorn, Cory Giddings, Derrik Klassen and Matt Holder have been toiling away all season and making their evaluations.
The following assertions are based purely on what they've seen to date from the positions they focus on.
Risers: Skill Positions
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1. QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
Daniels has undeniably seized the QB3 spot. While there's still some concerns with his slight frame and up-and-down accuracy to the intermediate area, Daniels just plays like a pro. He commands the pocket well and keeps his eyes up.
As a processor, Daniels isn't on par with North Carolina's Drake Maye or USC's Caleb Williams, but you see real moments of NFL vision, timing and footwork over the course of a game.
Oh yeah, Daniels is also a special athlete for the position. He could run a legit 4.4 in the 40-yard dash, with plenty of wiggle to create in the open field. Daniels should be more careful as a runner, but we've seen players get better in that area as they mature, a la Kyler Murray.
2. WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
It's time to go all-in with Thomas stock. At 6'4" and 205 pounds, Thomas screams out of his stance like a fighter jet, with all of the necessary speed to be an A-tier vertical threat. Even more potential can be found in his game.
While Thomas still needs some refinement as a route-runner, flashes of crafty work at the line of scrimmage and snappy ability at the top of his routes can be seen. A little more coaching and consistency could unlock something special with Thomas.
3. TE Ben Sinnott, Kansas State
Against the Texans Longhorns, Sinnott did not look particularly explosive as a receiver and he got bullied left and right in the run game. Further film study created a greater appreciation for what he does well.
Sinnott covers ground well in space, even if he isn't all that explosive. The hybrid offensive weapon is also a fairly flexible mover, which is a big reason Kansas State moved him around all the time.
Sinnott displays enough functional athletic skills and versatility to be a useful player in the pros as a tight end, fullback or wherever.
— Klassen
Fallers: Skill Positions
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1. RB Bucky Irving, Oregon
Size, or lack thereof, is the major concern with Irving. That's pretty much it.
It's easy to fall in love with the running back's burst and patience as a runner. Irving is exceptional at waiting for the right moment and hitting the gas as soon as he needs to do so.
Irving rocks as a receiver, too, which will help his draft status.
There just aren't starting running backs who look like the 5'10", 195-pound Irving, though. He's too small. He struggles to move piles or break head-on tackles, One has to be legitimately curious how many touches he'll be able to handle at the professional level.
2. RB Jawhar Jordan, Louisville
Much like Irving, Jordan is a smaller back who doesn't fit the NFL profile. His vision and footwork are delightful, and there's more than enough juice there for him to be a problem at the second level. But a smallish stature and lack of strength will hurt his effectiveness.
The 5'10", 185-pound Jordan just isn't someone built to fight for yards or sustain a heavy workload, which will hurt his draft stock. Jordan also did not play nearly as well down the stretch due to a hamstring injury.
3. WR Keon Coleman, Florida State
Coleman is an awesome prospect. In this case, "falling" is a relative term.
However, Coleman was B/R's WR2 for a long time. He entered the season as WR2 and held that ranking for a majority of the year.
The more he played, though, he felt a little further away from reaching his potential than initially thought. Coleman still has too many instances of approaching the ball poorly in the air, even if his best moments are outrageous. Coleman also isn't as snappy of a route-runner as, say, LSU's Malik Nabers.
The first-team All-ACC performer still rocks, but both Nabers and Washington's Rome Odunze feel like safer prospects at this juncture.
— Klassen
Risers: Offensive Linemen
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1. IOL Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
Powers-Johnson's rise this season is one of the more unexpected we've seen in recent memory. He is a former top-five center recruit who previously made a start at defensive tackle as a freshman and primarily served as a role player at four of the five positions along the offensive line. In 2023 he became a full-time starter for the first time and didn't just play well but became only the fifth unanimous All-American in Oregon school history while winning the Rimington Award in the process.
At a strapping 6'4" and 320 pounds with a barrel chest and ideal NFL size, Powers-Johnson brings a tone-setting, high-energy demeanor to the field with the athletic ability to make impact blocks.
Powers-Johnson is still learning the nuances of the position in terms of technique, leverage and timing, but he turns 21 years old in January with a long runway and not much tread on his tires. Paired with his physical traits and playing style, a strong foundation is in place for a longtime starting center with significant upside.
2. OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame
Alt's name recognition has been secure for a couple of seasons. Even so, before 2023 he was primarily a tackle with great size, sound technique and middling power.
He showed on film this season that the technical aspect of his game developed to the point of mastery on a level rarely seen from a college prospect, where it largely circumvents an average level of raw power due to how great his leverage is.
His technical growth slowly but surely vaulted his grade from mid-first-round option to a top-10 lock, with the possibility of becoming the highest grade B/R has given to an offensive line prospect during the last four draft classes.
3. OT/IOL Troy Fautanu, Washington
Extensive study of Fautanu's film shows the potential of a standout guard in the mold of many of the other high-level collegiate left-tackles-turned-NFL-guards.
Fautanu's ease of movement at 320-plus pounds paired with heavy, explosive hands on contact creates the ability to sustain and finish blocks consistently.
As the season progressed, Washington's heavy dropback passing game featured its offensive line and Fautanu in ways not often seen in college, forcing him to play in space and offering him an opportunity to expose or showcase his ability to maintain body positioning, balance and body control in pass protection. Fautanu passed the test with flying colors while making impact blocks in the run game.
A transitional period will be required upon switching positions due to minimal experience inside (two starts), but the tools and skill set clear the bar and then some. The recipe exists for an immediate starter with Pro Bowl potential.
— Thorn
Fallers: Offensive Linemen
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1. OT/IOL Jordan Morgan, Arizona
Morgan was a good left tackle in the Pac-12 over the last two seasons, relying heavily on starter-level play strength and a frame and build that allowed him to be a force in the run game with lockdown ability in pass protection. The issue with his profile as a prospect came in a defined situation when he had to take pass sets against wide rush alignments in the drop back passing game, exposing a fatal flaw in his inability to stay square long enough to prevent a two-way go from being created that quality rushers were able to routinely capitalize on.
The issue suggested a lack of range necessary to fit into all NFL schemes as a tackle that will likely become even more of an issue with the jump in competition.
These concerns led to a guard projection since his strengths align with what is needed to succeed there while also mitigating his one weakness.
Morgan still checked out with a high-quality, early Day 2 grade. But the designation came after gradually trending down as the season progressed.
2. IOL Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia
Van Pran's stock was a bit higher last season before more film confirmed some lingering questions about his body control on the move, lateral quickness and ability to stay in front of moves across his face.
Last year's center class also wasn't as good as this year's, which combined to slowly lower the Georgia Bulldog's stock.
Van Pran is a good run-blocker on the first level due to his stout build, physicality and power to deliver jolt on contact, work combinations effectively and pave lanes. But things break down deeper into the play as defenders have time to work off the block. Another issue of losing quickly against slippery defenders when he is isolated speaks to a lack of twitch or balance to match up consistently against higher-end competition.
The first-team All-SEC pivot has the traits to eventually earn a starting job, but his margin for error with his technique, footwork and hands is razor thin, thus lowering his ceiling as more of a middle-of-the-pack starter.
3. IOL Zak Zinter, Michigan
Zinter checks all of the boxes from an accomplishment, experience and makeup standpoint with flying colors. But his physical traits are closer to the middle of the pack. On top of those limitations, he is working his way back from a serious leg injury.
His profile is shaping up to be a classic case of a great collegiate career translating into a spot-starter or serviceable career as a pro, which became more apparent as the year progressed with the injury cementing that outlook.
— Thorn
Risers: Defensive Front Seven
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1. LB Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M
Heading into the season, Cooper was hardly on the NFL draft radar as an underclassman who didn't play well in 2022. However, he put together an outstanding campaign with 17 tackles for loss and eight sacks in 2023.
Quite simply, Cooper can fly. He displays elite speed that can help him cover deep routes and serve as an effective spy in coverage. Against the run, he beats offensive linemen to the spot and closes quickly on running backs.
The Aggie is an impressive athlete overall, which helps in man coverage against tight ends and running backs. His awareness in zone coverage is a work-in-progress, and he could afford to add some size and strength to be better at holding his ground versus the run.
But Cooper has a chance to become the top linebacker off the board in April with how well he played this season.
2. DL Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson
Orhorhoro is still a project, but his traits are extremely impressive. With a good blend of strength and athleticism that pops up on film, he's the definition of a high-ceiling prospect.
The 6'4", 290-pound Orhorhoro has very few flaws against the run and is a solid bull-rusher. He needs to improve his hand usage and develop a bigger pass-rush arsenal, but that's understandable given that he's still relatively new to the sport.
The defensive lineman primarily played basketball growing up and didn't start playing football until his junior year of high school. That's another reason the former Tiger's potential is through the roof and why he's climbed up to DL3 on B/R's big board.
3. LB Payton Wilson, NC State
Given Wilson's age—he'll turn 24 before being drafted—and a lengthy injury history, the reigning Butkus Award winner is a tough evaluation. If we're going solely off this past year's tape, he's one of the class' best linebackers.
Wilson flies around the field and racks up tackle after tackle, with impressive athleticism to be effective in coverage at the next level.
If an NFL front office is OK with the previously mentioned concerns, don't be surprised if he ends up being one of the first backers drafted.
— Holder
Fallers: Defensive Front Seven
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1. DL Tyler Davis, Clemson
For the past couple of years, Davis has flashed brilliance but just needed to be more consistent. This season validated that he's a prospect who struggles to put it all together.
Davis has a handful of qualities that could make him a good run defender at the next level, most notably his strength at the point of attack. But he hasn't taken that next step as a pass-rusher and appears to lack the athletic ability and quickness to grow in that specific area.
Also, the 6'2", 300-pound defender is bit of a tweener size-wise and looks to have shorter arms, which could impact his ability to play the run in the NFL.
All of these concerns are a big reasons the Clemson product dropped about 25 spots on B/R's NFL draft big board since it was last published.
2. DL Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
It might be best for Williams to return for another season at Ohio State. He's a classic player with flashes of brilliance—both as a pass-rusher and run defender—but down-to-down consistency is a major concern.
The junior prospect gets beat far too often for a player of his caliber, which could be tied to youth and inexperience. He turns 21 in February and has only been a full-time starter for one season.
If the Buckeye does declare this year, he's currently 88th on B/R's big board, which is nearly a 30-spot drop from the previous version.
3. LB Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State
Eichenberg would have been a good linebacker prospect about 10 years ago as an impressive run defender who can come downhill and create stalemates against iso blocks from fullbacks. However, in the modern era when coverage skills are more coveted, the Ohio State product falls short.
His linear movement skills and awareness in zone coverage are not up to par, and the latter is especially concerning given his experience. As such, Eichenberg has fallen from a potential Day 2 prospect to the fourth-round category.
— Holder
Risers: Secondary
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1. S Kamren Kinchens, Miami
Kinchens started this season as one of the top safeties in the draft. Throughout the campaign, his level of play has improved in both the run and pass games.
He has very good range as a deep safety, as well as the man-coverage skills when dropping down over the slot to cover receivers.
When playing the run, the two-time first-team All-ACC defender is physical and aggressive, as seen with bone-crushing tackles. His versatility makes him flexible to fit in almost any scheme.
Throughout the season, Kinchens legitimately established himself as the top safety on Bleacher Report's position rankings.
2. CB T.J. Tampa, Iowa State
Tampa has excellent size (6'2", 200 lbs) and length for the cornerback position. His build and physicality make up for the fact he's not a burner. He flashes the necessary speed to stay on top of routes in zone coverage and the ability to run with most receivers in press.
The first-team All-Big 12 performer uses his hands well in press and sinks his hips to get out of breaks. Tampa is also a willing tackler who will deliver a blow.
Any all-star appearances and a combine workout will allow him to answer some of the questions regarding his change of direction. If teams are content with his movement skills, Tampa will be considered one of the class' top cornerback prospects.
3. CB Cam Hart, Notre Dame
Hart is another cornerback in this year's draft with excellent length and size (6'2", 207 lbs). He stepped up his performance this season, proving he can play in multiple schemes and positions. He's a patient defender with a smooth backpedal and technique to stay square in press. However, he has some questionable change-of-direction movements to handle shiftier receivers out of breaks and lacks top-end speed to run with some of the fastest receivers.
As a run defender, Hart isn't afraid to get in the mix but can be lazy at times. He'll dive at ankles too often.
Ultimately, his natural frame and good ball skills make him an enticing prospect.
— Giddings
Fallers: Secondary
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1. CB Kalen King, Penn State
King started the season as arguably the class' top cornerback. He played well last year and posted good numbers. This fall, he didn't produce on the same level and struggled against some of the bigger-name receivers he faced.
With that said, the underclassman is a versatile player on the thinner side (190 lbs) who shows the ability to play both man and zone schemes.
King gets caught staring into the backfield at times. He does have the fluidity to sink hips and get out of breaks but can get stuck behind bigger receivers, thus allowing receptions. He plays with good tempo in press to stay square and redirect.
When in off-coverage, King can be slow to react and round breaks at the top of routes. Due to his lack of size and strength, he's a questionable tackler, too.
2. CB Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri
Abrams-Draine popped more toward the end of this season. A cornerback with good length, he needs to add bulk on his 178-pound frame. He does play outside or out of the slot, with a penchant for press coverage. He can be handsy when looking to control receivers at the line of scrimmage.
Despite his smaller stature, the first-team All-SEC performer experienced some trouble with sinking hips and changing direction.
Abrams-Draine makes up for any separation he allows with great ball skills and good hands to capitalize on turnovers. The corner's strength remains in question as a tackler and getting bumped off the top of routes.
3. CB Cooper DeJean, Iowa
DeJean is next in line of the talented defensive backs from Iowa. He's an athletically gifted player who has the rare combination of size (6'1", 207 lbs), speed and athleticism that put him in a class of his own. His value increased with his return ability.
Unfortunately, DeJean suffered a season-ending leg injury. It's unclear when he'll be cleared by doctors.
Due to the uncertainty, DeJean's draft stock will take a hit. Even so, he's still likely to be drafted relatively high (if he declares) while he continues to recover before being thrust back into competition.
— Giddings
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