Category Archives: NFL Draft

2024 NFL Draft Notes

Welcome to a new series where I will be posting my notes on prospects for the 2024 NFL draft. These are not a final scouting report and are 99% based on the 2022 film I have watched. They are not in any specific order either. They are basically just some quick thoughts about a prospect off watching 2-3 games over the summer/early fall.

The plan is to do one at least every two weeks, but I might do it once a week depending on how much time I have. It will be about three to four players every article. Now, on to the first edition of my 2024 NFL draft notes!

2024 NFL Draft Notes: Episode 1

Photo Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Benjamin Yurosek, TE, Stanford:

Yurosek sets a wide base when blocking, keeps his hands working, stays low, and bends at the knees. Gives good effort and holds his ground in pass pro. Does well to extend and catch the ball with his hands. Can get caught up in the trash when blocking and is not exceptionally quick or explosive. Needs to keep his feet moving when blocking a moving target. Occasionally rounds off his out routes, leaving his QB in a bad spot. Was asked to block or run dummy routes a lot in 2022. Needs to extend his arms when getting off press. Versatile, can line up as a Y, F, or H-back.

Photo Credit: Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Virdel Edwards, DB, Hawaii:

Edwards does an unnecessary hop out of his back pedal occasionally. Seems to have good speed. Good size. Plays hard. Needs to get stronger; has some struggles getting off blocks. Better technique will help also; needs to get lower and develop better hand usage. Patient. Plays side saddle.

Is high-hipped and just an okay tackler. Needs to wrap up better but a physical player. Edwards’ history of safety play shows he’s not afraid to tackle. Plays too far off, gives his receiver too much of a cushion. Should play tighter coverage, as he looks more comfortable in press. Loops instead of click and close when transitioning in his back pedal. Can play both sides.

Photo Credit: Eakin Howard/Getty Images

Antwane Wells Jr., WR, South Carolina:

Wells can play inside and outside. Has good size with a solid build; can take a hit. Accelerates with easy speed and is fluid. Possesses sneaky build-up speed. Has little wasted motion when gearing down. Willing as a blocker, but could be better; needs to improve block sustain. Will sometimes lean and get off balance as a blocker. Has shown flashes of good blocking.

Needs to do better on scramble drills, working back to the QB. Not particularly explosive off the snap. Will use head bobs, stutter step, and single move outside fake, but hasn’t shown much outside those, and he uses them infrequently. Will occasionally round off routes and drift off his route.

Can get you some YAC; has been used on WR screens. Good hand-eye coordination. Maintains balance with any slightly off-target throw. Soft hands. Knows how to find the crease and squeeze through it. Has yet to show much speed/pace manipulation, but that doesn’t mean he can’t do it. Has a decent route tree, just needs to clean up and refine some technique issues.

As always check out any of my other articles or check out the draft database that I maintain almost daily.

Is Wisconsin’s Braelon Allen RB1 in the 2024 NFL Draft?

Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen finds himself with a tremendous opportunity to rise up NFL draft boards this season.

The running back position has never seen worse value than right now. The NFL has been telling the world, time and time again, that they no longer value the position. Whether it be the franchise tag ordeals of Josh Jacobs and Saquan Barkley, or the ongoing Jonathan Taylor controversy in Indianapolis; running backs are seeing teams draft their replacements before paying the star. 

With the way the game is going, teams are going to be looking for the next cheap running back. The 2023 NFL draft saw a running back picked in the top ten, with Texas Star Bijan Robinson going to the Atlanta Falcons. That simply will not be the case this year. There are a handful of guys battling for the coveted “RB1” crown, but the biggest name to watch resides in Madison, Wisconsin. Braelon Allen has the opportunity to fully cement himself as the top runner in the 2024 NFL draft class. 

Strengths on tape

Allen is the definition of a meat-and-potatoes runner. He finds the hole, bursts through, and keeps his legs moving to gain additional yardage. Allen pairs a strong and physical running style with nice vision and an ability to make cuts and find running room. He is also a patient runner who does a good job to allow his blocks to develop. Allen routinely breaks through arm tackles and does a great job to fall forward and pick up extra yards.

In the pass game, Allen can be an interesting option on screens and swing passes because of his ability to break tackles and follow blocks. And of course, the often-forgotten trait for running backs is pass protection. Allen brings the violence and had some beautiful blocks last season.

Areas of concern 

Allen probably won’t win too many foot races in the NFL. His long speed is modest, but nothing to be incredibly concerned about. Allen sometimes struggles to beat people to the corner when trying to bounce it outside. Quickness is easily his biggest weakness. While fast, Allen is not a twitchy mover. He is an explosive runner, but not a shifty one. He does not provide much in terms of route running or lining up in the slot or out wide. 

Verdict: Is Braelon Allen the RB1 for the 2024 NFL Draft?

Allen has a tremendous chance to be the first running back taken in April. A rare combination of size and speed make him a threat to hit a homerun at all times. Allen certainly has some competition for the spot, though. Players like Michigan’s Blake Corum and Arkansas’ Raheim Sanders are also names to watch for the top spot.

Packers Prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft: Defense

Welcome back to part two of our look ahead at the Packers 2024 NFL draft. If you missed the first part of this series looking at the offensive players, check it out here! Today, it’s time to look at the players on defense the Packers may look at in the 2024 NFL draft.

This list will include players eligible for the 2024 NFL draft that fit those typical Packers thresholds. With this season being such a mystery, the list will be longer than usual; although, like my previous part, I will not be including players like Jared Verse or Kool-Aid McKinstry, because I don’t see any possibility of Green Bay drafting them. The players are also in no particular order.

Defensive line:

Credit: John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

With the four defensive linemen the Packers have drafted recently, I don’t think they draft one early, but you never know.

  • Ruke Orhorhoro – Clemson
  • Keith Randolph Jr. – Illinois
  • Tyleik Williams – Ohio State
  • Leonard Taylor – Miami
  • DeWayne Carter – Duke
  • Brandon Dorlus – Oregon
  • Darrell Jackson Jr. – FSU
  • Kris Jenkins – Michigan
  • Ty Hamilton – Ohio State
  • Maason Smith – LSU
  • J.J. Pegues – Ole Miss
  • Justin Eboigbe – Alabama
  • Alfred Collins – Texas
  • Jordan Kelley – Oklahoma
  • Patrick Jenkins – Tulane
  • John Tuitupou – Hawaii

Edge Rusher:

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This is another position that the Packers have invested in heavily recently. I don’t see them drafting one early, but they might take one later for depth.

  • J.T. Tuimoloau – Ohio State
  • Laiatu Latu – UCLA
  • Bralen Trice – Washington
  • Jack Sawyer – Ohio State
  • Trajan Jeffcoat – Arkansas
  • Rondell Bothroyd – Oklahoma
  • Jordan Burch – Oregon
  • Zion Tupuola-Fetui – Washington
  • Deontae Craig – Iowa
  • Cedric Johnson – Ole Miss
  • Isaac Ukwu – Ole Miss
  • RJ Oben – Duke
  • Ashton Gillotte – Louisville
  • Dayon Hayes – Pittsburgh
  • Jack Sullivan – USC
  • Van Fillinger – Utah
  • Abi Nwabuoku-Okonj – James Madison

Linebackers:

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Another position they have somewhat invested in lately. De’Vondre Campbell has a $14 million dollar cap hit in 2024 and he will be 31. They may still keep him, but I could see them moving on in 2025, which means they may be looking for his eventual successor.

  • Tommy Eichenberg – Ohio State
  • Curtis Jacobs – Penn State
  • Jestin Jacobs – Oregon
  • Junior Colson – Michigan
  • Jamon Dumas-Johnson – Geogia
  • Jackson Sirmon – Cal
  • Edefuan Ulofoshio – Washington
  • Geoff Cantin-Arku – Memphis
  • Travion Brown – ASU
  • Dallas Gant – Toledo
  • Marlowe Wax Jr. – Syracuse
  • Steele Chambers – Ohio State
  • Ben Bywater – BYU
  • Jamoi Hodge – TCU
  • Jack Kiser – Notre Dame
  • Nikhai Hill-Green – Charlotte
  • Easton Gibbs – Wyoming

Cornerbacks:

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This group could be interesting, depending on what happens with Eric Stokes and Rasul Douglas. Can Stokes get healthy and back to the way he played as a rookie? Do the Packers keep Douglas and his $11 million cap hit at 30 years old? Do they extend Keisean Nixon?

  • Fentrell Cypress II – Florida State
  • Shyheim Battle – NC State
  • T.J. Tampa – Iowa State
  • Cam Hart – Notre Dame
  • Duce Chestnut – LSU
  • Jahdae Barron – Texas
  • DJ James – Auburn
  • Jason Marshall Jr. – Florida
  • Denzel Burke – Ohio State
  • Trey Amos – Alabama
  • Deantre Prince – Ole Miss
  • AJ Woods – Pittsburgh
  • Max Melton – Rutgers
  • Decamerion Richardson – Mississippi State
  • Devin Kirkwood – UCLA
  • Alex Hogan – Houston
  • Quinyon Mitchell – Toledo
  • Marcus Banks – Mississippi State
  • Nicktroy Fortune – UTSA
  • Christian Roland-Wallace – USC
  • Storm Duck – Louisville
  • Noah Avinger – SDSU
  • Jakorey Hawkins – Wyoming
  • Micah Abraham – Marshall
  • Daquan Evans – USF

Safeties:

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This is obviously a major position of need. The only safety under contract for 2024 is Anthony Johnson Jr. and he was just a 7th round pick. While he looks like he has some potential upside, they still need to fill out the rest of the group — and will probably be replacing Darnell Savage. They will need at least one starter, if not two.

  • Kamren Kinchens – Miami
  • Andrew Mukuba – Clemson
  • Calen Bullock – USC
  • LaMiles Brooks – Georgia Tech
  • Rod Moore – Michigan
  • Tyler Nubin – Minnisota
  • Caelen Carson – Wake Forest
  • Patrick McMorris – Cal
  • Beau Brade – Maryland
  • MJ Griffin – Louisville
  • Kitan Oladapo – Oregon State
  • Seyi Oladipo – Boise State
  • Bud Clark – TCU
  • Dez Malone – San Diego State
  • Morice Norris – Fresno State
  • R.J. Mickens – Clemson
  • Cooper DeJean – Iowa
  • Kenny Logan – Kansas
  • DeShawn Gaddie Jr. – Ole Miss
  • Evan Williams – Oregon
  • Tra Fluellen – Middle Tennessee State
  • Jack Howell – Colorado State
  • Ayden Hector – Colorado State

As always, you can always view my database if you want a deeper dive on these and other NFL draft prospects.

Packers Prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft: Offense

As most Packers fans know, the Packers’ front office has certain thresholds they tend to hold to when it comes to draft prospects. This list will include players eligible for the 2024 NFL draft that fit those typical Packers thresholds.

With this season being such a mystery the list will be longer than usual; although I will not be including players like Caleb Williams and Drake Maye, because I don’t see any possibility of Green Bay drafting them. The players are also in no particular order.

Quarterbacks:

Credit: Getty Images

I really doubt Jordan Love will be so bad that they give up on him after one year, but there is a chance the Packers look to the 2024 NFL draft for a developmental guy. Some guys to look for include:

  • Tyler Van Dyke – Miami
  • Jeff Sims – Nebraska
  • KJ Jefferson – Arkansas
  • Grayson McCall – Costal Carolina
  • D.J. Uiagalelei – Oregon State
  • Michael Pratt – Tulane

Running backs:

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Now this is definitely a position that will need some draft capital invested in. Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon are both free agents after this season, and the only other running back on contract past 2023 is Lew Nichols.

  • TreVeyon Henderson – OSU
  • Trey Benson – FSU
  • Donovan Edwards – Michigan
  • Raheim Sanders – Arkansas
  • Rasheen Ali – Marshall
  • Will Shipley – Clemson
  • Kendall Milton – Georgia
  • Devin Neal – Kansas
  • Isaiah Davis – South Dakota State
  • Larry McCammon III – FAU
  • George Holani – Boise State
  • Roman Hemby – Maryland
  • Treshaun Ward – Kansas State
  • Jo’quavious Marks – Mississippi State
  • Alton McCaskill IV – Colorado
  • Jalen White – Georgia Southern

Tight ends:

Credit: Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

After drafting two on day two just this past draft, I don’t see the Packers drafting another one early, but they could draft one on day 3 for depth. Probably someone who can block. So I don’t think we will see them draft a Brock Bowers or Benjamin Yurosek-type.

  • CJ Dippre – Alabama
  • Brevyn Spann-Ford – Minnesota
  • Theo Johnson – Penn State
  • Austin Stogner – Oklahoma
  • Cade Stover – Ohio State
  • Maliq Carr – Michigan State
  • Mason Fairchild – Kansas
  • Jared Wiley – TCU
  • Caden Prieskorn – Ole Miss
  • Ben Sinnott – Kansas State
  • Neal Johnson – Louisiana-Lafayette

Wide Receivers:

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Similar to tight end, the Packers have so many young guys on the roster that I doubt they draft someone — unless they are so bad they have a shot at Marvin Harrison Jr. or someone drops to them unexpectedly.

  • Keon Coleman – FSU
  • Ali Jennings III – Virginia Tech
  • Rome Odunze – Washington
  • Malik Nabers – LSU
  • De’Corian Clark – UTSA
  • Donavon Greene – Wake Forest
  • Javon Baker – UCF
  • Bru McCoy – Tenneesee
  • Moose Muhammad II – Texas A & M
  • Malachi Corley – Western Kentucky.
  • Antwane Wells Jr. – South Carolina
  • Ramel Keyton – Tennessee
  • Jahmal Banks – Wake Forest

Offensive Tackles:

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Now this is one of the more interesting positions. David Bakhtiari is 32, has a huge cap hit in 2024, and had three surgeries on one knee in a 20-month period. He also is rarely practicing. Additionally, Yosh Nijman will be a free agent. I don’t see Bakhtiari back in 2024, and Nijman is questionable. That leaves you with Zach Tom, but center might be his best position, and he has seen snaps there.

Rasheed Walker could be a guy, but it’s still too small of a sample size to feel confident. I could see them grabbing an OT early. I don’t see them having a shot at Olu Fashanu.

  • Joe Alt – Notre Dame
  • Patrick Paul – Houston
  • Delmar Glaze – Maryland
  • Graham Barton – Duke
  • Kingsley Suamatala – BYU
  • Matthew Bedford – Indiana
  • Marcus Bryant – SMU
  • Jordan Morgan – Arizona
  • Brandon Coleman – TCU
  • Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson – SDSU
  • Javon Foster – Missouri
  • Blake Fisher – Notre Dame
  • Trente Jones – Michigan
  • Jack Nelson – Wisconsin
  • Trey Bedosky – UAB

Interior Offensive Linemen:

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The Packers seem to be pretty set at guard with Elgton Jenkins and Jon Runyan Jr. and Sean Rhyan seems to have taken a couple steps forward and looks to be the #3 guard. However, JRJ will be a free agent after this season, and even if Rhyan is ready to take over there is no depth. The Packers also have no true back-up center, with Tom locking up the right tackle spot.

  • Christian Haynes – UConn
  • Jarrett Kingston – USC
  • Bryson Speas – NC State
  • X’Zauvea Gadlin – Liberty
  • Doug Nester – West Virginia
  • Isaiah Adams – Illinois
  • Noel Ofori-Nyadu – UConn
  • Dorian Hinton – FAU
  • Justin Osborne – SMU
  • Joshua Gray – Oregon State
  • Tanor Bortolini – Wisconsin
  • Quantavious Leslie – Western Kentucky
  • Lokahi Pauole – UCF
  • Dustyn Hall – Duke
  • Matthew Lee – Miami
  • Michael Jurgens – Wake Forest
  • J.D. Duplain – Michigan State
  • LaDarius Henderson – Michigan
  • Donovan Jackson – OSU
  • Sincere Haynesworth – Tulane
  • Rusty Staats – Texas Tech
  • Will Putnam – Clemson
  • Beaux Limmer – Arkansas
  • Sedrick Van Pran – Georgia
  • Jack Freeman – Houston
  • Ben Scott – Nebraska
  • Nick Kidwell – James Madison
  • Jacob Likes – Memphis
  • Troy Fautanu – Washington

As always check out my other writings and my draft database that I continually update. Check back later this week, as I give you a list of prospects to be on the look-out for on defense for the Packers 2024 NFL draft plans.

Pre-season 2024 NFL Draft Rankings: Defensive Backs

The final part of my pre-season 2024 NFL draft rankings, defensive backs! I combine the corners and safeties here, since there is so much crossover, plus some college corners move to safety in the NFL and even some safeties end up at corner. I have included honorable mentions, as well.

This year looks to be a good group. The corners are not real strong at the top, but the class has a lot of depth. The safety class looks miles better than the 2023 group. It’s strong at the top and has a lot of depth.

As always, check out my draft database as well as all of my previous work, including the most recent part in this series on the linebackers.

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2024 NFL Draft Defensive Backs: Top Five

  1. Kool-Aid McKinstry – CB – Alabama: McKinstry, had he been eligible, would have been a first round pick in 2023. He has been pretty much lock down since he stepped on campus. McKinstry is not a ball hawk, but more of a man cover specialist. He has just two interceptions in his career, but has 17 pass break ups. His play against the run needs to improve; he needs to play more physical. He is a very good tackler. The soon-to-be junior can also get a little grabby.
  2. Kalen King – CB – Penn State: King is almost the opposite of McKinstry. He is a bit smaller at 5’11, versus 6’1. He is also definitely a ball hawk with three interceptions and 9 pass breakups this past season. This also causes him to give up a bit more in coverage, but he still holds it down pretty well, giving up just 45.8% of targets. King is not exactly a burner, but his speed is more than adequate. He also has his struggles against the run.
  3. Kamren Kinchens – S – Miami (Fla.): Kinchens had a breakout season in 2022, after just a ho-hum one in 2021. He had six interceptions and four pass break ups. He can be undisciplined at times and give up receptions; he gave up two touchdowns this past season. Kinchens is a back-end free safety type with decent size at 5’11 202 pounds and 4.5 40-yard dash speed. His tackling also needs to be shored up.
  4. Calen Bullock – S – USC: Bullock is somewhat similar in play style to Kinchens. He is a little taller, and even had similar ball production. But, he has issues with his play against the run. Bullock is under-powered and could stand to add 10-15 pounds. While not a hitter, he is a solid tackler.
  5. Fentrell Cypress II – CB – FSU: Cypress didn’t become a starter until 2022. He is undersized at 6’0 184 pounds, but it doesn’t hinder him as a tackler. Cypress is a solid, but not flashy, type player who just goes out there and does his job. He still needs some technique work. If he gets there, he could be a very solid starter in the NFL.

2024 NFL Draft Defensive Backs: The Best Of The Rest

6. Cooper DeJean – CB/S – Iowa: DeJean is an interesting prospect in that he is on the bigger side for a corner. Add in the fact he has average speed and some teams might see him as a safety at the next level. He is 6’1 209 pounds, and runs in the sub-4.5 range. DeJean had a lot of ball production in 2022, with five interceptions and five pass break ups. He is also a good punt returner, averaging 16.5 yards a return. Like a lot of Iowa corners, he is better in zone.

7. Shyheim Battle – CB – NC State: Battle has been a starter since 2020. 2021 was his coming out party. He has four interceptions and 11 pass break ups the last two seasons. Even when he gives up a catch, he is very good at limiting YAC. He is a good tackler and plays physical. Battle is very quick and can even play in the slot. He can play a little high.

8. Nehemiah Pritchett – CB – Auburn: Pritchett has also been a starter since 2020. He has shown in his time that he can play, and excel, in either man or zone. He has a good size at 6’0 and 32″ arms, but is just 183 pounds and his frame is a little thin — and it shows in his hitting and tackling. Pritchett lacks ball production, with just two career interceptions, but he still stays in phase and is able to battle receivers for the ball.

9. LaMiles Brooks – S – Georgia Tech: Brooks barely played until this past season when he became a starter and played pretty much all over the secondary. Brooks really shined in coverage, where he had three interceptions and seven pass break ups. On film, he shows an ability to go up and get over thrown balls. His tackling needs to be cleared up; he missed too many tackles last season. He has shown he can lay the wood, though. He has the potential to really move up draft boards.

10. TJ Tampa – CB – Iowa State: Tampa has the idea corner size at 6’1 and almost 200 pounds, with a sub 4.45 40-yard dash time. He didn’t become a full-time starter until 2022. A strong, physical player who is just scratching the surface of his potential. He is already a good run defender and tackler. He plays better in man right now. Tampa has some eye discipline and technique issues that need to be ironed out.

Honorable Mentions (In no order):

DJ James – CB – Auburn, Cam Hart – CB – Notre Dame, Jahdae Barron – CB/S – Texas, Duce Chestnut – CB – LSU, Rod Moore – S – Michigan, James WIlliams – S- Miami (Fla.), Patrick McMorris, – S – Cal, Davonte Brown – CB – Miami (Fla.), Kamari Lassiter – CB – Georgia, Yam Banks – S – South Alabama, Dez Malone – S – San Diego State, Kris Abrams-Draine – CB – Missouri, Jabbar Muhammad – CB – Washington