NFL Combine 2024: Ranking Top Five Draft Prospects at Each Offensive Position, Including Surprise at WR1
With the highly anticipated 2024 NFL Combine just around the corner, it’s time to take a closer look at the top prospects for each offensive position. These rankings are based on individual assessments and may change as the combine progresses. So, let’s dive in and see who stands out among the talented pool of players.
Quarterback:
1. Caleb Williams, USC
2. Drake Maye, North Carolina
3. Jayden Daniels, LSU
4. J.J. McCarthy, Michigan
5. Spencer Rattler, South Carolina
Caleb Williams leads the pack with his spatial awareness and creativity, reminiscent of Patrick Mahomes. Drake Maye is compared to Justin Herbert for his style of play. Jayden Daniels brings a home run hitting ability as a scrambler and has demonstrated excellent downfield touch at LSU. J.J. McCarthy has the potential to be a better pro than he was in college, and Spencer Rattler’s talent and ability to handle pressure make him a strong contender.
Running back:
1. Trey Benson, Florida State
2. Bucky Irving, Oregon
3. Jonathon Brooks, Texas
4. Marshawn Lloyd, USC
5. Jaylen Wright, Tennessee
Trey Benson deserves more recognition for his exceptional contact balance and elusive style of play. Bucky Irving showcases lightning-quick explosiveness and agility. Jonathon Brooks boasts a well-rounded game with shake in the hole and burst downfield. Marshawn Lloyd and Jaylen Wright are solid rushers who can outrun defenders at the next level.
Wide receiver:
1. Malik Nabers, LSU
2. Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
3. Javon Baker, UCF
4. Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
5. Rome Odunze, Washington
Malik Nabers takes the top spot due to his impressive yards after catch (YAC) ability. Marvin Harrison Jr. has a diverse route-running repertoire, but Nabers’ explosive speed sets him apart. Javon Baker is an underrated athlete with great contested-catch skills and flashes of brilliance after the catch. Brian Thomas Jr. is well-known for his skills at LSU, and Rome Odunze’s assertiveness in playing the ball in the air makes him a promising prospect.
Tight end:
1. Brock Bowers, Georgia
2. Jaheim Bell, Florida State
3. Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas
4. Ben Sinnott, Kansas State
5. Cade Stover, Ohio State
Brock Bowers lives up to the hype with his versatility as a receiver and confident running back skills. Jaheim Bell and Ja’Tavion Sanders both possess H-back qualities, but Bell’s ability to elude defenders gives him an edge. Ben Sinnott and Cade Stover have the potential to be three-down players with receiving talent.
Offensive tackle:
1. Olu Fashanu, Penn State
2. Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State
3. JC Latham, Alabama
4. Amarius Mims, Georgia
5. Jordan Morgan, Arizona
Olu Fashanu would have been a first-round pick last year and continues to impress with his athleticism, balance, and pass protection skills. Taliese Fuaga showcases movement skills similar to Penei Sewell at over 330 pounds. JC Latham is a strong, complete blocker who could add more power to his game in the NFL. Amarius Mims is a classic right tackle with impeccable balance and composure. Jordan Morgan stands out with his fluidity and pass protection abilities.
Interior offensive line:
1. Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
2. Christian Haynes, UConn
3. Zach Frazier, West Virginia
4. Cooper Beebe, Kansas State
5. Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia
Jackson Powers-Johnson possesses natural abilities that are off the charts, despite some technical flaws that can be improved over time. Christian Haynes shows great potential as a starter but needs to work on his anchor. Zach Frazier’s ability to get under interior rushers and his athletic traits make him a standout. Cooper Beebe’s assignment-sound play is his biggest strength, and Sedrick Van Pran brings experience and athleticism to the center position.
As we eagerly await the 2024 NFL Draft, which will take place from April 25-27 in Detroit, it’s clear that there is no shortage of talent in this year’s offensive class. The combine will play a crucial role in determining the final rankings and draft selections. Stay tuned for more draft coverage and analysis on CBSSports.com, including updated draft orders, mock drafts, and profiles of eligible prospects.
