2024 draft prospects follow fathers into NFL
A draft class featuring the offspring of notable former NFL players is not unusual.
The 2024 draft class, however, is an exception.
This year’s group of prospects features two who have fathers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame (and a third who could be a first-ballot selection once eligible). In all, eight prospects have fathers who were selected to at least one Pro Bowl (with the eight combining for an astonishing 39 Pro Bowl nods). That’s some incredible NFL pedigree about to enter the league.
With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of 2024 draft prospects who had fathers play in the NFL:
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio St. Famous father: Marvin Harrison.
Where might he get drafted? Top 10 as likely first wide receiver selected.
Living up to the expectations set by a Pro Football Hall of Fame father who played the same position won’t be easy, but Marvin Harrison Jr. possesses nextlevel route running, body control and ball skills that will make him the envy of any team selecting at the top of the first round that does not have an immediate need for a quarterback. His father was a first-round selection (No. 19 overall) in the 1996 draft and went on to play 13 NFL seasons.
Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame.
Famous father: John Alt.
Where might he get drafted? Top 10 as likely first offensive tackle selected.
In what is a strong 2024 draft class for offensive tackles, Alt is the clear top-rated prospect at the position. His father, John Alt, was a 6-foot-8 behemoth who played 13 seasons in the NFL, all with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was a first-round selection (No. 21 overall) in the 1984 NFL draft and a two-time Pro Bowl selection.
Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan. Famous father: Kris Jenkins.
Where might he get drafted? Likely second-day pick.
Jenkins could be the second former Michigan Wolverines player off the board during this year’s draft, following quarterback J.J. McCarthy. In addition to his skills, Jenkins brings the pedigree of being the son of a four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle. Jenkins the elder was a second-round pick in the 2001 NFL draft by the Carolina Panthers and went on to play 10 NFL seasons.
Brenden Rice, WR, USC.
Famous father: Jerry Rice.
Where might he get drafted? Possible mid-round selection who could hear his name called on Day 2.
Think Marvin Harrison Jr. faces pressure to live up to his Hall of Fame father? Brenden Rice is the son of the wide receiver G.O.A.T. who is arguably the best NFL player of all time, Jerry Rice.
Jonah Elliss, DE, Utah.
Famous father: Luther Elliss.
Where might he get drafted? Possible mid-round selection who could hear his name called on Day 2.
Jonah Elliss is in a family full of football players. His brothers Christian Elliss and Noah Elliss each have been on NFL rosters. Christian plays for the New England Patriots, while Noah has been on the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad. Their father, Luther Elliss, was a standout defensive lineman in the NFL. A first-round pick (No. 20 overall) by the Detroit Lions in the 1995 NFL draft, Luther Elliss played 10 seasons in the NFL and earned two Pro Bowl selections.
Luke McCaffrey, WR, Rice.
Famous father: Ed McCaffrey.
Where might he get drafted? Possible mid-round selection.
Here’s another family full of football players. Brothers Christian and Max McCaffrey each have NFL experience. Their father, Ed McCaffrey, was a thirdround selection by the New York Giants in the 1991 NFL draft.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson. Famous father: Jeremiah Trotter.
Where might he get drafted? Possible mid-round selection.
Jeremiah Trotter, a Philadelphia Eagles icon nicknamed the “Axe Man,” played 11 seasons in the NFL after being a third-round pick in the 1998 NFL draft and earned four Pro Bowl selections. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. was a first-team All-ACC selection, a finalist for the Butkus Award (presented to college football’s best linebacker) and the sort of tackling machine that NFL teams crave for their rosters.