How on Earth are we halfway through football season already?
As the NFL nears the official midway point of the regular season, we now have nearly two months of updated film to break down from this year’s top college prospects.
It’s looking like a great year to need a wide receiver, offensive tackle or pass rusher early, or to take a stab at a promising quarterback on Day 2. If you’re looking for a superstar running back or linebacker, however, good luck.
As we look ahead to November, here’s how I stack the top 32 prospects in the 2024 NFL draft class.
1
WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
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2023 Stats: 48 receptions, 889 yards, 8 TDs
The son of a Hall of Fame pass catcher, the younger Marvin has all the traits to eventually earn his own gold jacket, too. October’s top-10 showdown against Penn State matched Harrison up against one of this year’s top cornerback prospects, Kalen King (No. 19 on this list), and it never even looked like a fair fight.
2
OT Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State2023 Stats: 266 pass-blocking snaps, 0 sacks allowed
Fashanu could have been a first-round pick in 2023 as one of the first offensive tackles off the board, but another year of experience and polish should make him even more prepared to make an immediate impact at the next level. He’s the prototypical franchise left tackle with size (6'6" 319 pounds), power and athleticism.
3
TE Brock Bowers, Georgia2023 Stats: 41 receptions, 567 yards, 4 TDs
An ankle injury and subsequent surgery will put a damper on his 2023 campaign, but at full strength, Bowers is simply one of the best football players in the country. He’s a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses and an explosive playmaker after the catch.
4
QB Caleb Williams, USC
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2023 Stats: 189-for-277 (68.2%), 2,646 yards, 34 TDs (9 rushing), 4 INTs
He’s still the current favorite to be the No. 1 pick, but Williams has struggled in back-to-back losses to Notre Dame and Utah, showing some flaws that might give NFL scouts some pause. Even so, Williams is an elite playmaker with ridiculous arm talent, and teams will still be enamored with his sky-high ceiling.
5
QB Drake Maye, North Carolina2023 Stats: 187-for-285 (65.6%), 2,559 yards, 22 TDs (6 rushing), 5 INTs
It feels like Maye is starting to close the gap between himself and Williams at the top of the quarterback class. His ceiling isn’t far off (if at all), and his consistency might give him a higher floor than the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. Both appear destined for the top five, but we might end up with a legit competition for the No. 1 pick.
6
Edge Laiatu Latu, UCLA2023 Stats: 26 tackles, 13 TFL, 9.5 sacks, 2 FF
Another polished pass rusher with an elite blend of explosiveness off the ball and a pro-ready range of moves, Latu has the technique and tools to be a problem for opposing blockers and quarterbacks. His injury history could give some teams pause, but when fully healthy, he’s dominant.
7
WR Rome Odunze, Washington2023 Stats: 51 receptions, 907 yards, 7 TDs
This year’s receiver class is loaded, and Odunze remains one of the more underrated members of the group. He was my WR2 behind Harrison throughout the offseason, and he’s only cemented that status so far this season. His skill set is the total package, with the size (6'3", 215 pounds), speed, athleticism, physicality, body control and hands to be a superstar in the NFL.
8
WR Keon Coleman, Florida State2023 Stats: 38 receptions, 538 yards, 9 TDs
Few players in this class had made themselves more money in 2023 than Coleman, who has emerged as one of the most dominant pass-catchers in college football. At 6'4" and 215 pounds, Coleman’s got a massive frame and rare athleticism for his size, plus the length, physicality and leaping ability to be uncoverable in the red zone. Oh, and he’ll take punts back for touchdowns, too.
9
OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame2023 Stats: 277 pass-blocking snaps, 1 sack allowed
Another legacy prospect, Alt’s dad was a Pro Bowl offensive tackle and clearly passed along some valuable traits for playing a premium position. Alt is as polished and pro-ready as any prospect in this class and should be a lock to come off the board at some point in the top 10.
10
CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama2023 Stats: 20 tackles, 5 pass breakups
One of the best names in the draft, McKinstry also happens to be the best cornerback prospect in this year’s class. He’s got all the physical and mental traits to be a shutdown artist at the next level, and he brings added value as an explosive playmaker in the return game.
11
WR Malik Nabers, LSU2023 Stats: 56 receptions, 981 yards, 9 TDs
This year’s receiver class is the gift that keeps on giving. Nabers is a smooth operator who runs sharp routes and excels after the catch thanks to his explosiveness, agility and physicality to break through tackles. He’s the next in a long line of Bayou Bengal pass catchers destined for NFL stardom.
12
DB Cooper DeJean, Iowa2023 Stats: 38 tackles, 5 pass breakups, 2 INTs, 1.5 TFL
Size, athleticism and versatility are all premium traits in the modern NFL defensive backfield, and DeJean checks all three boxes with ease. He can line up outside or in the slot at corner, patrol the deep middle or mix it up down in the box as a safety, and even play linebacker when necessary. He’s also another top prospect who excels in the return game.
13
Edge Chop Robinson, Penn State2023 Stats: 9 tackles, 5 TFL, 3 sacks
The top of this year’s class of edge defenders is impressive, but after Verse, Robinson is the guy that gets me the most excited. He’s already got a polished array of pass-rush moves and quality counters, with an explosive first step and violent hands to punish opposing offensive tackles.
14
DL Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois2023 Stats: 35 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks
The top interior defender in this year’s class, Newton might be a bit undersized at 6'2" and 295 pounds, but he more than makes up for it in every other area of his game. He’s got rare explosiveness for a defensive tackle, and brings the power to match. He’s consistently camped out in opposing backfields, and there’s no reason to think he won’t do the same at the next level.
15
Edge Dallas Turner, Alabama
John David Mercer/USA TODAY Sports
2023 Stats: 34 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 2 FF
Now that Will Anderson Jr. has moved on to the next level, Turner is making the most of his chance to shine as a full-time starter in Nick Saban’s defense. Turner’s an explosive rusher off the edge, with the athleticism and versatility to drop into coverage and make plays in space.
16
OT Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State2023 Stats: 218 pass-blocking snaps, 0 sacks allowed
The biggest riser on this list, Fuaga has announced his presence with authority this season as one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the country. He’s massive and powerful, with impressive athleticism for his size (6'6", 334 pounds), and looks like a plug-and-play starter at right tackle who should be a first-round lock.
17
Edge Jared Verse, Florida State2023 Stats: 24 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks
Another player who could have been a first-rounder last year, Verse is making the most of his opportunity to sharpen his skill set against college competition before jumping to the pros. His sack numbers may be down this year, but Verse is still creating tons of pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
18
DL Leonard Taylor III, Miami2023 Stats: 13 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack
Much like Newton, Taylor isn’t the biggest interior defender, but that doesn’t seem to matter much when he’s blowing up run plays in the backfield or collapsing the pocket as a pass rusher. He’s versatile enough to make an impact from multiple alignments, regardless of scheme, which gives him even more value.
19
CB Kalen King, Penn State2023 Stats: 20 tackles, 2 pass breakups, 1.5 TFL
King may have had a rough time against Harrison last week, but he’s still one of the best corner prospects in this class. He checks all the major boxes NFL teams are looking for at the position, and his ability to make splash plays when the ball’s in the air will set him apart. He should be the first Penn State defensive back ever drafted in the first round.
20
S Kamren Kinchens, Miami2023 Stats: 41 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1 sack, 4 pass breakups, 3 INTs
There’s plenty to like about this year’s safety class, but Kinchens is the clear-cut favorite of the group. He’s got the range, athleticism and instincts to excel in both man and zone coverage, as well as the toughness and tackling prowess to be a stout run defender in the box.
21
Edge JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch/USA TODAY Network
2023 Stats: 20 tackles, 5 TFL, 4 sacks
All Tuimoloau does is make big plays in big games. He is the ideal base defensive end in a 4–3 scheme, but he also has the athleticism and versatility to drop into coverage, and even slide inside on passing downs to get after the quarterback. He’s a pro-ready prospect who can make big things happen on any down.
22
CB Nate Wiggins, Clemson2023 Stats: 13 tackles, 5 pass breakups, 1 INT (TD), 1 sack, 1 TFL, 1 FF
Another player who has made the most of his 2023 campaign so far, Wiggins is proving to be a shutdown corner against some talented competition. At 6'2" and 185 pounds, he boasts an ideal height and length combination, even if he could use a few more pounds of quality bulk to help him hang with the bigger, more physical receivers at the next level.
23
OL Graham Barton, Duke2023 Stats: 166 pass-blocking snaps, 1 sack allowed
Here comes a run of offensive linemen who bring different things to the table, and also have different potential drawbacks. Barton is the most polished, versatile and well-rounded prospect in this cluster of blockers. His lack of length might shift him to guard at the next level (think Peter Skoronski in the 2023 draft), but he’s got the skills and experience to play all five positions.
24
OT Patrick Paul, Houston2023 Stats: 356 pass-blocking snaps, 0 sacks allowed
Next, we have the high-upside player in this run of offensive linemen. Paul has an elite combo of length and rare athleticism for his size (6'7", 315 pounds), plus all the power and strength you’d expect from such a massive blocker. He’s got superstar potential as a starting left tackle in the NFL if he can maximize those physical traits.
25
OT Amarius Mims, Georgia2023 Stats: 87 pass-blocking snaps, 0 sacks allowed
Mims is currently recovering from surgery to repair an ankle injury, and it’s still unclear when he’ll be able to return this season. When fully healthy, Mims showed plenty of promise, but his lack of starting experience (he’s missing valuable time this season in his first year as a full-time starter) could leave NFL teams with more questions than answers.
26
OT JC Latham, Alabama
Gary Cosby Jr./USA TODAY Network
2023 Stats: 254 pass-blocking snaps, 1 sack allowed
Latham was getting top-10 love in the preseason, but he’s been inconsistent at times throughout the season. That said, the physical tools are all there, and he’s surprisingly athletic for someone with his 6'6", 360-pound frame. He’s got tons of starting experience at right tackle against top competition, and could even slide inside and be a dominant guard in the NFL.
27
WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State2023 Stats: 22 receptions, 303 yards, 3 TDs
If he played for any other school, Egbuka would be the clear-cut No. 1 receiver. Even playing second fiddle to Harrison, Egbuka has a first-round skill set in his own right, with polished route-running ability and reliable hands that will make an NFL quarterback extremely happy.
28
DL Maason Smith, LSU2023 Stats: 15 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack, 2 pass breakups
A massive mountain of an interior defender (6'6", 315 pounds), Smith missed most of last season with a knee injury, but his five-star talent is shining through now that he’s back to full strength this season. His combination of size, power, athleticism and versatility will allow him to make a big impact in any scheme or alignment at the next level.
29
Edge Chris Braswell, Alabama2023 Stats: 32 tackles, 9 TFL, 6.5 sacks, 2 FF, 2 pass breakups, 1 INT
Speaking of five-star recruits who are living up to that billing this season, Braswell is enjoying a breakout campaign lined up across from Turner. He’s been a big-play magnet for the Crimson Tide, and his blue-chip talent is translating to impressive production that’s sure to catch NFL eyes in the first round.
30
TE Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas2023 Stats: 20 receptions, 357 yards, 1 TD
If your favorite NFL team is looking for a dynamic weapon who can make life miserable for linebackers and defensive backs alike, Sanders should be near the top of their list. He’s got the size (6'4", 243 pounds) and athleticism to be a mismatch machine against NFL defenses, particularly in the red zone.
31
Edge Bralen Trice, Washington
Steven Bisig/USA TODAY Sports
2023 Stats: 24 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks
Another dynamic edge rusher makes the list, as Trice brings a prototypical frame along with an explosive first step and pro-ready pass-rushing technique to the table. There may be more athletic or physical prospects in his position group, but he’s got a strong enough balance of both to warrant first-round consideration.
32
S Calen Bullock, USC2023 Stats: 47 tackles, 6 pass breakups, 2 INTs
I’m a sucker for a true ballhawk on the back end of the defense, and Bullock is the best of the bunch in this year’s safety class. Whatever he might lack in run support (thanks in part to a 6'3", 190-pound frame), Bullock makes up for with elite range, instincts and ball skills that make him a big-play magnet in the secondary.
What about the quarterbacks?
This year’s quarterback class could be loaded with rare depth, but there could be a massive drop-off between the Williams-Maye tier and the rest of the group. It’s anyone’s guess at this point when that third passer will come off the board, and a wide range of opinions on who it could/should be.
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Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy and Texas’s Quinn Ewers are both underclassmen with impressive traits who could battle for that QB3 spot. Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders might be better than both, but it feels more likely that he returns to school next season as the favorite to be the No. 1 pick in 2025. Duke’s Riley Leonard is another junior wild card with an intriguing skill set, as is Washington State’s Cameron Ward.
If you prefer experience, the senior class at quarterback is impressive, but not without question marks. Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. has been elite when healthy, but his injury history and age (he’ll be a 24-year-old rookie) might push him down the board. LSU’s Jayden Daniels has shown marked improvement this year, but can he sustain that consistency (and will his 6'4", 210-pound frame hold up in the NFL)?
Oregon’s Bo Nix has a million starts under his belt, and brings toughness and versatility, but does he have the arm talent to be a top-tier starter at the next level? Tulane’s Michael Pratt, Arkansas’s KJ Jefferson, Florida State’s Jordan Travis ... will the overall depth of this class cause more teams to wait and target value in the middle rounds instead of reaching early?
Sleeper alert
WR Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky
When a player is getting consistent comparisons to Deebo Samuel, you’re forced to pay attention. That’s happening with Corley, a short-but-stout (5'11", 210 pounds) playmaker with the explosiveness and versatility to make a similar impact at the next level. His toughness as a tackle breaker makes him a dangerous weapon after the catch.
OL Zach Frazier, West Virginia
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Centers don’t steal the headlines, but Frazier is going to make an NFL team extremely happy at some point on Day 2 of next year’s draft. His wrestling background (four-time heavyweight state champion in high school) is obvious on the gridiron, and his consistently high level of play against top competition prove he’s ready to anchor an NFL offensive line.
CB T.J. Tampa, Iowa State
Modern NFL defenses love corners with size, length and athleticism. Tampa checks all of those boxes, and his experience in high school playing wide receiver shines through in his ball skills. Players with Tampa’s measurements and physical/mental traits at this position don’t stay on the draft board long.
RB Bucky Irving, Oregon
Unlike the 2023 group, this year’s running back class lacks a clear-cut top prospect like Bijan Robinson, or even a do-it-all playmaker with first-round talent like Jahmyr Gibbs. But if we’re picking favorites, Irving might get my vote at this point. His smaller frame but explosive big-play ability will draw comparisons to Dolphins rookie stud Devon Achane.
WR Devontez Walker, North Carolina
After missing the first month of the season fighting for his NCAA transfer waiver to become eligible, Walker has made up for lost time, putting up huge numbers and showing off a professional-level skill set. With Maye throwing him the ball, it won’t be shocking if Walker makes a huge leap up the draft board down the stretch.
Edge Landon Jackson, Arkansas
Another name that’s seemingly come out of nowhere this season, Jackson is a towering defender who is putting his 6'7", 280-pound frame to good use. With his size and skill set, Jackson could be an impact player at multiple positions, depending on the scheme he lands in at the next level.
