2024 NFL Draft Prospects Who Won't Dominate Scouting Combine but Are Still Top Picks
Several of the 321 prospects invited to Indianapolis for the 2024 scouting combine stand out far more for their abilities on the field, not in the weight room or on the track.
Although these may not be the biggest players or the ones turning heads during testing, they have a proven ability to play football at a high level. For that alone, many of these prospects deserve to be picked near the top of the draft no matter how they fare at the combine.
Jordan Addison is the best recent example to prove this. The USC wideout didn't perform well at last year's combine, running a relatively pedestrian 4.49-second 40-yard dash and posting a 34-inch vertical leap. The 5'11", 174-pound receiver was given the 44th-best athleticism score at his position in his class, but the underwhelming measurables and drill numbers didn't stop the Minnesota Vikings from taking him No. 23 overall.
Addison's top-ranked collegiate production score proved to be a far more defining metric than any of his combine results, as he went on to have one of 2023's finest rookie campaigns. The emerging star reeled in 70 passes for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns, outperforming all three of the wideouts selected ahead of him on draft day.
More will surely follow in Addison's footsteps this year by having flawed combines that don't deter them from successful starts to their NFL careers. With that in mind, here are four prospects who could fit that bill in 2024.
Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
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Keon Coleman is one of the must-watch prospects at the 2024 scouting combine. The lengthy Florida State wideout possesses several unteachable traits—most notably standing an impressive 6'4", 215 pounds—but he did leave a bit to be desired when it came to on-field production at both Michigan State and Florida State.
B/R NFL scout Derrik Klassen described Coleman as a "throwback X receiver" due to his build and style of play, emphasizing the physicality and ball skills that allow him to dominate opposing corners.
Klassen did point out that Coleman only has average deep speed, and while describing it as "more than enough given his size," it's not going to turn heads the way someone like Washington speedster Rome Odunze is poised to when he gets to run in front of talent evaluators.
Scouts will still be watching Coleman closely when he goes through the drills. He appears to be a very solid athlete who puts decent burst on tape, but it remains to be seen if he's capable of posting a respectable 40-yard dash time. Failing to do so won't tank his draft stock, but it certainly won't do anything to help it.
It ultimately shouldn't matter how fast Coleman officially runs. There simply aren't many receivers in this class, let alone the NFL as a whole, that have Coleman's rare blend of size, skill and athleticism. He's the fourth-ranked wideout on the B/R Scouting Department's big board and should be a first-round pick barring a meltdown in Indy.
Ja'Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
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Ja'Lynn Polk showed the world he's a fantastic receiver last year, posting an eye-popping 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns on 69 catches. The wideout who shined for a Washington program that made it all the way to the national championship game now heads to the combine hoping to solidify his Day 2 draft status, but his workouts in Indianapolis probably won't do him many favors.
Polk isn't known for blazing speed or otherworldly athleticism. He's not a bad athlete, but he's not going to make a living blowing by NFL defensive backs. Instead, Polk relies on an elite set of hands, burst and raw strength to beat the coverage and get to his spots.
B/R NFL scout Derrik Klassen described Polk as a "ball-winning No. 2 WR" who can "dunk on DBs," but Klassen also pointed out his average "long speed" as a clear drawback.
Much like Jordan Addison last year, Polk's best traits won't show up in combine tests. His 40-yard dash time will likely fall toward the lower end of the class and his testing numbers overall aren't projected to be special.
Regardless, Polk has put enough on tape to warrant a pick in the second round. He's the No. 41 overall prospect on the latest Bleacher Report Scouting Department big board, and teams would be foolish to avoid taking him due to a subpar combine showing.
Bralen Trice, Edge, Washington
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Bralen Trice is one of the more intriguing pass-rushing prospects available in the 2024 NFL draft. Since emerging as a full-time starter for Washington in 2022, Trice has tallied up a commendable 16 sacks to go along with 63 tackles (28.5 for loss). He's now ready to dominate opposing quarterbacks in the NFL, even if he doesn't end up looking like a game-changer at the combine.
Trice measures in at a solid 6'4", 274 pounds, giving him adequate size to man the edge at the next level. However, there's a clear lack of quick-twitch ability in Trice's game. He doesn't change direction very fast and possesses relatively stiff hips. He's not the most agile defender either, and that could cause him to have a mediocre showing in Indy this week.
While he'll a good bet to put up a big number of reps on the bench thanks to some powerful upper-body strength, there's a decent chance his other testing marks fall short of his contemporaries.
None of that will matter to the team that ultimately selects Trice either late on Day 1 or early on Day 2. He's proved to be a strong, physical force with a relentless motor who can get off blocks quickly while using both speed and power in his rushes.
NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah explained how Trice's skills more than make up for a lack of show-stopping athleticism:
"Trice is a real gifted edge rusher. I don't think he's the most dynamic or explosive, but he's just a really, really skilled rusher who has been productive. He just knows how to play. He's really good with his hands. He's not going to wow you with his bend at the top of his rush, but he can just kind of pry that outside shoulder and go win."
Expect Trice to be able to suit up at either outside linebacker or defensive end in the NFL and perform his edge duties at a high level.
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Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson
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Jeremiah Trotter Jr. is the son of the longtime Philadelphia Eagles linebacker who shares the name, but it remains to be seen if the younger Trotter will live up to the hype in the NFL. Based on what he put on tape at Clemson, Trotter could be just as impactful, if not more, than his dad was during a 12-year pro tenure.
What sets Trotter apart from his linebacking peers is pure instinct. He's made a ton of plays during his tenure with the Tigers, amassing a total of 176 tackles, 12 sacks, four interceptions and three forced fumbles since emerging as a regular starter in 2022. He's also built a reputation as a massive hitter, leveling opposing ball-carriers when he gets a head of steam.
Many of Trotter's best traits won't show up at the combine, though. He's been an asset in coverage due to his ability to read quarterbacks and he's shown a strong nose for the ball. He's even adept at getting into the opposing backfield to come away with sacks, a solid bonus trait for an off-ball linebacker.
Trotter possesses just slightly above-average athleticism, however. He's not going to shock scouts with a blistering 40-yard dash or otherworldly leaping abilities. He's not the biggest linebacker either, standing 6'0" and weighing 230 pounds.
Regardless, Trotter's mental work more than makes up for any physical traits he may lack. He's firmly entrenched as one of the top linebacker prospects in the class and won't disappoint the team that takes him.
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