.png){kind=small}
My 2024 NFL Combine Notes
The Chicago Bears Are Holding The NFL Draft Hostage, But Things Are A Bit Clearer
The 2024 NFL Combine has ended, yielding significant developments from Indianapolis, especially concerning the Chicago Bears. There are indications that the Bears might trade Justin Fields and potentially select a quarterback as the number one overall pick. This suggests a clearer picture of Ryan Poles' strategy, though it remains premature to draw firm conclusions.
Are the Patriots Interested in Trading Up? Not Down?
There is speculation that the New England Patriots are interested in a quarterback with the third overall pick and are open to trading up to secure their preferred candidate.
Atlanta Falcons Look Poised To Trade for, Draft, Pick Up A QB via Free Agency
The Atlanta Falcons' management and head coach Raheem Morris have also discussed their quarterback strategy, indicating they will explore options through the draft, trades, or free agency.
In player news from the Combine, Caleb Williams became the first known player to skip the medical evaluation, while Marvin Harrison Jr. opted out of workouts and media interviews. While Harrison Jr.'s absences may not significantly impact his draft status, Williams' decision to skip medical evaluations is particularly noteworthy.
So Many Teams Need A QB, But How They Procure Said Asset is Mostly Unclear
Several teams, including the Bears, Falcons, Patriots, Raiders, Broncos, and Vikings, interviewed top quarterback prospects, highlighting their potential needs at the quarterback position.
J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix Jr. Firmly In the First Round Conversation
Both J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix Jr. had a great NFL Combine. McCarthy interviewed well, weighed in almost 20 lbs heavier than expected at 219, and then went out and threw the ball well; he displayed great footwork, and the rumor mill is swirling that he is in the discussion to be a top 5 pick. Michael Penix cleared the medicals, threw well as expected and is now back in the first-round discussion. I had him in the first round, regardless as an NFL-ready QB with elite accuracy. He will be 24 years old in May, but he is a plug-and-play type of prospect.
There will be zero 1st round RB's, But Trey Benson Is In 2nd Round Discussion
Florida State RB Trey Benson had a great combine, running a sub 4.4. His workouts match the film. Blake Corum also had a good combine, running a 4.5 and excelling in on-field drills, where he displayed his elite reactive quickness. Jaylen Wright proved via the NFL Combine that he is the athletic freak we believed he would be. Audric Estime ran a 4.7, which does not match the tape; on film, Estime proved he can separate. Isaac Guerendo, out of Louisville, ran a 4.33, had a 41.5-inch vertical, and is getting the Isaiah Pacheco buzz; he is a player I need to look into more. Lastly, I like what I see from Marshawn Lloyd out of USC; he is a compact back at 220 lbs and ran a 4.4. I need to examine him a little closer.
The 2024 NFL Draft WR Class Could Be Historic
Xavier Worthy will grab all the headlines after running a 4.21 40-yard dash, setting a new record for the fastest 40 time in NFL Combine history. I compared him to DeSean Jackson when he was a freshman at Texas; I think he can be just that, and he ran his way back into the first-round discussion. The other Texas WR, Adonai Mitchell, also had an excellent combine, posting an elite 4.34 40-yard dash and a 39.5-inch vertical, which is evident in his film. Brian Thomas increased his draft stock to the middle of the first round, in my opinion. His film and the numbers he put up at LSU in 2023, combined with his NFL Combine performance, will elevate him. He ran a 4.33, posted a 38-inch vertical, and his broad jump was 10-6. This dude is going to be really good. Other notables, Ladd McConkey, Tez Walker, and Ricky Pearsall, solidified their second-round status. I expect 7 WR's to go in round one of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Rome Odunze WIll Challenge Malik Nabers For WR2
Odunze posted a 4.47 in the 40, a 39-inch vertical, and he was phenomenal in the on-field workouts. He is going to be a star. I've heard people discussing him in the same realm as Julio Jones.
What Happened to Keon Coleman?
Keon Coleman is the WR that people are most down on; he posted a 4.6 in the 40-yard dash, but do not be fooled. His on-field GPS clocked him at 20 MPH, the fastest WR in the gauntlet. He posted a 38-inch vertical, which matches the scouting report. His 40 time will be discussed heavily, but his talent at 6-3, 215 lbs is undeniable. Someone will get a steal.
The Defensive Side Of The Football Has A Lot Of Overshadowed Talent
The defense will be overshadowed by the offensive talent in this draft class, in fact, I have a hard time mocking a single defender in the first ten picks of any mock draft, but that is based more on team needs of the top ten needs which include the potential that 4 QB's can go in the first ten picks, we have two elite OT's in Joe Alt and Olu Fashanu, Marvin Harrison JR, Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze and Brock Bowers are all projected top ten picks.
The Cornerbacks Are Deep And Talented
In any other draft class, we could see three or four of the 2024 class's top corners go in the top ten picks. Toledo's Quinyon Mitchell posted elite combine numbers and has been a star at both the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine. Nate Wiggins posted a 4.29 in the 40, and his actual game film and measurables are very good. Cooper DeJean did not participate in the NFL Combine, but if he had, he would have also posted elite numbers. Terrion Arnold is another corner who is getting top-ten buzz. The depth of this group is very good, and it will be needed to neutralize this deep WR class.
Other notable Defenders
Dallas Turner is a certified freak. He posted a 4.47 in the 40-yard dash and a 40-inch vertical. Florida State defensive tackle Braden Fiske will be another player generating a lot of post-Combine buzz, while Chop Robinson is back in the first-round conversation after running a 4.49 40-yard dash. The linebacker class has a top guy in Payton Wilson.
