Is top three best WR trio in draft history?
Grade: AOne of the most anticipated quarterback classes in NFL draft history features both of the Heisman Trophy winners from the past two years (Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels). In 2023, we saw 12 QBs taken in the first five rounds, an all-time high in the common draft era (since 1967). While we may not see that number matched in 2024, we could see four quarterbacks go in the first four picks, something that has never happened.
Running back
Grade: BWe saw two running backs taken in the top half of round one just a year ago in an era when veteran backs are being devalued as far as spending. Do not be fooled into believing the position is being pushed to the side altogether. This is simply a position where teams are looking for young, fresh legs that can impact the game both as runners and receivers. While there likely will not be a firstround back in this class, look for these guys to start coming off the board fast and furious on Day 2. Eight of the top nine rushers in the NFL last season were Day 1 or Day 2 picks.
Wide Receiver
Grade: A+
Another year, another deep group of explosive playmakers are ready to enter the NFL from college. This position is supplying fresh and capable legs and hands to the league each year while the top veterans are swallowing up a bigger chunk of team spending. Something has to give and the top three in this class (Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze, Malik Nabers) may be the best top three in draft history. The standout trait beyond physical gifts comes in their alignment versatility. More than a dozen of the projected starter grades in this class can routinely line up out wide and/or from the slot. That is a growing trend in the league to create matchup problems.
Tight end
Grade: C+
In 2023, we saw six tight ends selected in the first two rounds. Of all the talent that came out of that group, nobody matches the top dog in this upcoming class. Beyond Brock Bowers, however, is a mash of talented players who lack completeness. The receiving threats struggle to block and lack size. The bigger-bodied blockers lack fluidity and speed. 2023 spoiled us, but the 2024 group regresses to the mean.
Offensive tackle
Grade: A+
This group will be up there with the best tackle classes in draft history. There are blue-chip guys at the top, projected solid 10-year starters in the middle,and even some uniquely gifted athletes who check all of the physical boxes toward the bottom. And that’s just the firstround projections. If you want to draft true stars on the offensive line, you almost always have to use an early pick. Not this year. This group is deep and NFL-ready.
Guard
Grade: B
The tackles discussed previously do not include multiple prospects that we project to a higher level inside. The top two guards both played outside in college. While their respective skills set fits better inside, the versatility and options they present to their potential suitors can boost their grades a substantial amount.
Center Grade: A
While it is not a position that gets a ton of attention predraft, the center position is overlooked when it comes to importance and impact. In my 12 years grading players, I have never graded out five projected starters in one class at this spot (which does not include guard prospect Graham Barton, who some teams view as a center). This group as a whole is deep and its top dog (Jackson PowersJohnson) has the second-highest center grade I’ve ever given out.
Edge rusher
Grade: C+
With more blue-chip prospects at the top of this draft than we’ve had in a long time, it is surprising to not have any true elite edge rushers. While the group is strong overall, it lacks the star power at the top. The order in which they come off
the board will have everything to do with scheme and personnel of teams looking to add one. We have technicians who are short on top-end measureables. We have explosive benders who lack power. We have bull rushers who show tightness in their hips. What flavor do you want? That will dictate everything.
Defensive tackle Grade:
BThere is an underlying theme to this group of interior defensive linemen. It comes down to a lack of length and gap control against the run. If teams want to find a new penetrating three-technique, they’ll have their pick of the litter. But trying to find true staying power and every-down impact, pickings will be slim. Aaron Donald’s impact on the game and what teams look for is real, as the average defensive tackle is much lighter than it used to be as teams look to value speed and quickness more so than size and strength. This group adds to that notion.
Linebacker Grade:
CSimilar to the running back group, do not expect to hear a linebacker’s name called until Day 2. The difference will come in the form of depth, or lack thereof. As we see less and less defensive loss with three linebackers on the field, there are fewer spots open at this position. This group has tremendous speed and pass-rush capability from blitz packages, however. This is also a group that has the potential to produce several quality special teamers as well.
Cornerback Grade:
B
Similar to the edge group, there does not appear to be a sure top-10 lock. The top guys in the group lack a trait or two but there are over a dozen projected starters if you miss out on your initial target. There are a lot of interesting cover guys who bring size and length to the table. Receivers will know they are in for a fight at the line of scrimmage.
Safety Grade:
BThe position is one of the most demanding in the league when it comes to wearing multiple hats. Versatility is the word that comes to mind when looking at the top of this group, starting off with a guy who played more outside corner than in the middle of the field in college.