Pairing Top 2024 NFL Draft Prospects with NFL Teams at Senior Bowl
As the week of Senior Bowl practices continues in Mobile, Alabama, football fans and scouts alike are eagerly watching the top prospects showcase their skills. With the NFL Draft just around the corner, it’s time to speculate on which teams these talented players could end up with. While it’s impossible to know for certain what each team wants, we can identify size and skill-set trends that may give us a clue. Let’s take a look at five top prospects at this year’s Senior Bowl and their potential NFL fits.
Bo Nix – Oregon QB
Perfect NFL fit: Denver Broncos
When it comes to quarterbacks, every team has its own preferences. For the Denver Broncos, a play-within-the-system, get-it-out-quickly pocket passer seems to be the ideal choice. Bo Nix fits this description perfectly. Throughout his collegiate career, Nix transformed from a Russell Wilson-esque quarterback at Auburn to a methodical pocket passer with the Oregon Ducks. His completion rate improved significantly, reaching an impressive 77.4% in 2023. With his athleticism and maturation as a passer, Nix could be a great fit for the Broncos.
Laiatu Latu – UCLA EDGE
Perfect NFL fit: Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have seen the impact of adding a towering, springy athlete with pass-rush skills to their roster. After trading for Montez Sweat in 2023, the Bears witnessed his impressive performance on the field. This experience could lead them to consider another player with similar qualities in the first round of the draft. Laiatu Latu, a big and long-framed rusher from UCLA, fits the bill perfectly. With back-to-back seasons of 60-plus pressures, Latu has proven that he is not a one-year wonder. Adding him to their roster at No. 8 overall would be a fantastic fit for the Bears.
Darius Robinson – Missouri EDGE/DL
Perfect NFL fit: Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have always prioritized physicality in the trenches. They prefer larger, almost oversized defensive linemen who can dominate their opponents. Darius Robinson, with his imposing 6-foot-5, 280-pound frame, embodies the Ravens’ philosophy. While playing at Missouri, Robinson excelled at end in three-man fronts and consistently won one-on-one matchups. With the Ravens in need of a future defensive end, Robinson could be a great addition to their roster at No. 30 overall.
Quinyon Mitchell – Toledo CB
Perfect NFL fit: Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles experienced a collapse in their secondary, which contributed to their disappointing end to the season. With veteran cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry aging, the Eagles are in need of a young and talented cornerback who excels in man coverage. Quinyon Mitchell fits this description perfectly. Known for his exceptional man-to-man coverage skills and ball-hawking abilities, Mitchell defended 45 passes and recorded six interceptions during his time at Toledo. The Eagles would be wise to consider him at No. 22 overall to strengthen their secondary.
Jackson Powers-Johnson – Oregon C
Perfect NFL fit: Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins find themselves in need of a quality center once again. With Connor Williams dealing with injuries and set to become a free agent, the Dolphins require a reliable anchor for their offensive line. Jackson Powers-Johnson, a three-year starter at Oregon, fits the bill perfectly. With only four pressures allowed on 758 pass-blocking snaps, Powers-Johnson has proven himself as a solid pass protector. Additionally, his size and technique make him a force in the run game. The Dolphins would be wise to select him at No. 21 overall to solidify their offensive line.
As the Senior Bowl practices continue, these top prospects will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and impress NFL teams. While we can only speculate on their potential fits, it’s clear that each of these players brings unique qualities that could greatly benefit the teams mentioned. As the NFL Draft approaches, football fans eagerly await the moment when these prospects find their new homes in the league.
