The 2024 NFL Combine is underway in Indianapolis, and there are several sleeper prospects who have the potential to make a big impression this week. These players may not be getting as much attention as some of the more well-known prospects, but they have the opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially increase their draft stock.
One of these sleeper prospects is EDGE Austin Booker from Kansas. Booker is a junior who has decided to enter the draft early. He has good size and length, which allows him to dip his shoulders and flatten at the high side of his rush. While he was used more situationally at Kansas, he has shown quickness that suggests he can be an impact rusher early in his career. The fact that he only has one year of exposure playing college football could be seen as an opportunity for teams to work with a talented player whose best football is still ahead of him.
Another prospect to watch is DT Myles Murphy from North Carolina. Murphy has good size and can occupy space for an NFL defense. As a pass rusher, he needs to develop more moves and create a plan to win at the point of attack. However, he is a fluid mover who should test well at the Combine. As the NFL Draft progresses, teams will be hard-pressed to find an interior player with the potential of Murphy.
EDGE Javon Solomon from Troy is another sleeper prospect who could turn heads at the Combine. Despite being shorter than ideal for a pass rusher, Solomon makes up for it with his long arms. He is able to engage blockers and dictate action at the line of scrimmage. With 31.5 sacks over the past three seasons, Solomon has proven himself as a powerful player who should also perform well in Indianapolis.
On the offensive side of the ball, OT Nathan Thomas from Louisiana is a prospect with great mobility and flexibility. These are qualities that NFL teams look for in a developmental offensive lineman. Thomas, who stands at 6-foot-5 and weighs 330 pounds, has the build of a guard but has shown the ability to fit multiple schemes and work to the second level. His agility and pulling assignments make him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to bolster their offensive line.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash from Louisville may not have eye-popping numbers in terms of athletic testing, but his on-field performance is where he shines. Thrash is known for his ability to set up breaks and smoothly transition into his cuts. He has versatility in playing both inside and out and has been a consistent producer over the past two seasons. With 124 receptions, 1,980 yards, and 13 touchdowns in that span, Thrash has proven himself as a reliable target.
Finally, LB Trevin Wallace from Kentucky is a junior who has entered this year’s draft class. He is a young prospect who is still learning to read the game in front of him. However, Wallace has shown quickness and the ability to finish plays in the open field. With 80 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception in his best season, Wallace has the athleticism and size to potentially become a starting linebacker in the future.
As the NFL Draft approaches, these sleeper prospects have the opportunity to impress scouts and potentially increase their draft stock. While they may not be the most talked-about players leading up to the draft, their performances at the Combine could make teams take notice. Keep an eye on these six prospects as they look to make a name for themselves in Indianapolis.