2024 NFL Draft: Hunter Haas’ Top 50 Big Board

With another new college football season comes a fresh batch of talent vying for early-round consideration in the 2024 NFL Draft. Predicting when a player is taken is hard enough days before the draft begins, but embarking on this task in the summer is even more difficult.

The 2024 NFL Draft Is Packed To The Brim With Talent

Keeping that in mind, these rankings are far from locked in. I still have several prospects to watch. I most likely haven’t gotten around to watching them yet if a high-profile name is missing. Now that the rambling is over, let’s jump right into this top 50 big board with a quarterback garnering rave reviews at No. 1.

No. 1: Caleb Williams, QB, USC

Williams flexes elite arm talent and an otherworldly ability to create something out of nothing. His overall skill set is unprecedented, as the former five-star talent rarely exhibits “textbook” mechanics. The USC star lacks the ideal size teams look for, but he checks every other box. Williams is a franchise-altering prospect.

No. 2: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

If Williams did not exist, Harrison Jr. would be far and away the best prospect available at the 2024 NFL Draft. He boasts WR1 size while showcasing body control and hands that will immediately rank him amongst the best in the league. The only concern I have on tape — and it is a small one — is Harrison’s top-end speed. He may not be as quick as his pops, but he makes up for it in many other areas.

No. 3: Olu Fashanu, OL, Penn State

If Fashanu had declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, he would have been taken inside the top 10. Going further, the Penn State standout was the top-rated offensive tackle on my big board. He is *that* good. So, why did he return to college?

Fashanu’s family values “finishing what you start”. The 20-year-old budding star aims to get his Master’s degree before taking his talents to the NFL. At 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds, the Junior lineman has the size and skill set to be a cornerstone on the blind side. Even if he needs some work in the run game.

No. 4: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

The Georgia Bulldogs have sent waves of starting-caliber players to the NFL in recent years. In 2024, it will be more of the same. Bowers is the best tight-end prospect I have ever evaluated. He is a tick undersized on paper, but given the intensity he plays with on-screen, this is easy to look past. Bowers is a cheat code in the modern NFL.

No. 5: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Drake Maye would be the favorite as QB1 in virtually any other class. But the No. 2 spot is a nice consolation prize in the 2024 NFL Draft. The North Carolina signal-caller has absurd accuracy in the pocket and is a deceptive runner in space. Maye evades tackles with ease and typically keeps his eyes glued downfield. He needs to clean up the mechanics when throwing on the run; the sky is the limit.

No. 6: Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

Verse began his collegiate career at Albany before transferring to Tallahassee for the 2022 college football season. As a result, the Dayton, Ohio native blossomed into one of the premier pass rushers in the country. He may not possess ideal length on the edge, but the fire he exhibits on a snap-to-snap basis will win over an NFL coaching staff early.

Kalen King Is “My Guy” In The 2024 NFL Draft

No. 7: Kalen King, CB, Penn State

A Penn State defensive back has never come off the board on Day 1 at any NFL Draft. I have tried my hardest to lead the way for a member of the Nittany Lion secondary in each of the past few draft cycles. Joey Porter Jr. was my top-rated cornerback, while Jaquan Brisker was a favorite of mine the year prior. Alas, neither heard their name called in Round 1.

Expect that to finally change in 2024. I will continue speaking it into existence until it happens. Kalen King graded as the fourth-best cornerback in coverage last season, allowing only 45.8 percent of passes to find their target. His three interceptions and nine pass breakups showcase top-tier ball skills. Clean up the tackling, and this Penn State drought will end.

No. 8: Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame

If you think Fashanu is a great player, wait until you see Joe Alt. He comes from the much-heralded Notre Dame pipeline on the offensive line. And as you might expect, he fits the bill.

At 6-foot-8 and 315 pounds, Alt is a physically imposing player. He displays power and a strong motor but could show better footwork in pass protection. Furthermore, Alt’s counter moves can be a tad slow against the twitchier pass rushers. But all in all, his tape is clean. He is an easy top-10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

No. 9: Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson

Are you looking for a do-it-all linebacker in the 2024 NFL Draft? If so, pour yourself a drink and flip on some Clemson tape. Dabo Swinney’s crew boasts the two best players at the position according to my big board. But Barrett Carter is the better prospect right now.

Carter puts his fingerprints all over the box score. His 52 tackles, five sacks, five pass breakups, and two interceptions cement his status as a versatile weapon. The underlying question with the 225-pounder: Is he strong enough to last in the NFL? I say yes.

Another NFL Draft, Another Superb Alabama Cornerback

No. 10: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

Currently, King and Kool-Aid McKinstry are 1a and 1b at the cornerback position. The latter is an Alabama star poised to break out even more in 2023. McKinstry is easily the most well-rounded prospect in the secondary. He is a sure tackler and shows the traits to be a versatile weapon on defense.

I would like to see the Crimson Tide defensive back be more comfortable and in control working downfield. If his assignment gains a step, McKinstry’s first instinct is to tug at their jersey and arms. In the NFL, the veteran wideouts will feast on this deficiency. The good news? Another year under Nick Saban should do the trick.

No. 11: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama

Depending on who you ask, the EDGE class is either a one-man race or a three-man race. Most NFL Draft analysts agree that Verse is the top dog. But for my money, Dallas Turner (and another name coming soon) is right on his heels.

Turner is not quite Will Anderson Jr., but that is an unfair comparison for anyone. The Crimson Tide star recorded nine sacks as a freshman before seeing his production nearly cut in half with five sacks in 2022. Turner has a chance to prove he’s worthy of early-round praise now that he is the unquestioned best pass rusher on the roster.

No. 12: Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington

The final head of the three-headed EDGE monster I referred to earlier is Bralen Trice. Washington has quietly been an NFL powerhouse over much of the past decade, and the 2024 NFL Draft will be another wringing success for the program.

Trice is nearly impossible to block in one-on-one situations. He is chiseled from stone and has the long arms NFL defensive coordinators love to see from a pass rusher off the edge. The Husky defender has an expansive catalog of moves in his arsenal and is a technician when hand-fighting. Can he hold up vs. the run? That is the only question.

No. 13: J.C. Latham, OL, Alabama

Nicknamed “Trench King”, J.C. Latham lives up to the moniker by bullying his assignments. The Alabama lineman has some experience at guard, but the bulk of his in-game action has come at right tackle. Although penalties litter his tape, Latham is incredible in pass protection and has the size to continue improving in the ground game.

The Impressive Illinois Defense Sends Another Player To The League Early In The 2024 NFL Draft

No. 14: Jer’Zhan Newton, DL, Illinois

Devon Witherspoon, Quan Martin, and Sydney Brown made Illinois football must-see television last fall. However, more often than not, Jer’Zhan Newton stole the show. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 295 pounds, he is hard to miss.

Newton is an elite run stuffer with untapped potential as a pass rusher. He forced 36 quarterback hurries in 2022, including four sacks from the interior. The Illini defender is a tad small in a conventional sense, but his brute strength and sneaky athleticism shield it well.

No. 15: Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

It is no secret: I love me some Rome Odunze. The Husky receiver is the prototypical size for a No. 1 option in the NFL. He possesses track star speed, remarkable body control downfield, and some of the best hands in the class. Odunze recently was clocked at a 4.34 40-yard dash at the Washington facility. Buy the hype — he is the real deal.

Don’t Sleep On Emeka Egbuka As WR2 In The 2024 NFL Draft

No. 16: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

The “other” Ohio State wideout is no slouch. Emeka Egbuka has frequented the slot during his time in Columbus, but he boasts a picturesque frame for a boundary receiver. Egbuka flexes top-tier concentration, highlighted by his 52.8 percent completion rate on contested catches (via PFF).

He may lack blazing speed, but the ability to change direction is equally important at the position. And the 20-year-old is a star in that regard. Expect Egbuka to hear his name early at the 2024 NFL Draft.

No. 17: Cooper Beebe, OL, Kansas State

The idea that only offensive tackles should go early at the NFL Draft is archaic and shortsighted, to say the least. Sure, in the perfect scenario, your highest-paid players will play the most “premium” positions. But teams are guilty of overthinking this at times. Elite is elite, regardless of where they line up.

Cooper Beebe has teach tape technique during his time with Kansas State. From exquisite hand usage to consistent leverage to a never-ending motor, what is not to like about the Wildcat veteran? He would have been the top-graded guard in the 2023 NFL Draft, and I can’t imagine it will change in 2024.

No. 18: Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State

I led the charge for Arnold Ebiketie at the 2022 NFL Draft. He finished as the No. 15 player on my big board before somehow falling to Day 2 of the event. Well, Penn State has another star pass rusher cut from the same cloth — and you guessed it, I am leading the charge yet again.

Chop Robinson possesses a similar build, and like Ebiketie, he has a nose for the football. The Nittany Lion standout put up the second-best pass-rushing grade in 2022 (via PFF). He is twitched up and is almost always the first person off the snap. NFL coaching would benefit Robinson exponentially, as he is on the cusp of putting it all together.

No. 19: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa

Iowa sent a white cornerback to the NFL in Riley Moss this past draft cycle. They are poised to do it again with Cooper DeJean. The Hawkeye defensive back is 6-foot-1 and 207 pounds with virtually zero flaws on tape. He posted elite PFF grades in run defense, tackling, and coverage in 2022, including five interceptions and 25 stops.

DeJean has a sparkling background in amateur sports. He won a state championship in track, holds several high school records on the football field, and even served as a top player on the basketball and baseball teams. I say all of this because his work ethic is lauded — for good reason. He is a surefire Day 1 talent in the 2024 NFL Draft.

J.T. Tuimoloau Could Be Biggest Wildcard In The 2024 NFL Draft

No. 20: J.T. Tuimoloau, DL, Ohio State

J.T. Tuimoloau has top-pick potential, but the inconsistent performances call into question his motor and effort level. When locked in, few would argue that Tuimoloau isn’t a future NFL star. However, the snaps in which he “takes off” are unacceptable in the eyes of a professional coaching staff.

The good news? Effort is 100 percent controllable. As far as God-given talent goes, the Buckeye defender has traits that cannot be taught. He is built like a brick house and oozes athleticism on the line. If Tuimoloau puts it all together, expect to hear his name early. If it is another year of inconsistency, that could spell doom for his NFL aspirations.

No. 21: Graham Barton, OL, Duke

I struggled to find a spot for Graham Barton on this list. Not because he lacks talent. But because I have no idea which position suits him best. During his time at Duke, Barton initially broke into the Blue Devil lineup as a center in 2020. He moved out to left tackle, a spot he has occupied since.

The worry for Barton sticking at left tackle in the NFL is his wingspan and inability to counter secondary pass-rushing moves at a high level. His initial punch tends to work in college, but he may operate better at guard by limiting the space between him and his assignment. Without any experience at guard, it makes this projection particularly tricky. All I know is that Barton is a stud. I’ll roll the dice in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

No. 22: Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson

The son of a former NFL All-Pro, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. isn’t quite as stout as his old man, but don’t let the compact frame fool you; he is a menace to opposing offenses. While Trotter impacts the game in several areas, he offers slightly less versatility than his teammate, Barrett Carter.

Still, Trotter profiles as an immediate starter on Sundays. His instincts are rare, and he sheds blocks effortlessly. The Clemson defender boasts a thicker build than Carter, but both should be quality players at the next level. Ultimately, it boils down to preference.

No. 23: Raheim Sanders, RB, Arkansas

The running back position is at an interesting point. Stars are struggling to secure or finish their second NFL contract, often being cut before the deal comes to an end. That brings an increased importance to nailing picks at the NFL Draft. After all, rookie contracts are some of the best bargains in the league, especially for ball carriers.

Raheim “Rocket” Sanders can’t do much about the way teams value the position, but he is the next in line to be a premier player at the NFL level. Sanders is as physical as he is explosive, thanks to a 6-foot-2, 227-pound frame. He is susceptible to running upright at times, but the Razorback star should be a durable bell-cow on Sundays.

No. 24: Trey Benson, RB, Florida State

Trey Benson is right on Sanders’ heels for the RB1 mantle. The Seminole running back excels at snatching the ankles of oncoming tacklers, evidenced by a whopping 79 missed tackles forced. Similar to Sanders, Benson is built to last with his sturdy 221-pound foundation. If he proves capable of blocking on third downs, he has the pass-catching potential to be an every-down threat.

No. 25: Leonard Taylor, DL, Miami

Few can match the physical prowess of Leonard Taylor at defensive tackle. He is 6-foot-3 and weighs 305 pounds and is a terror from the interior. He has assassin-level hands, exhibiting teach-tape hand usage when engaged with his assignment. Taylor never takes a play off, and his infectious energy seeps into the rest of the roster.

The gifted defender can show better instincts in the run game, but he has the entire 2023 season to improve this area. Without a consensus No. 1 defensive tackle in the class, keep an eye on Taylor as the 2024 NFL Draft approaches.

Cam Ward Is A Legit Sleeper In 2024 NFL Draft

No. 26: Cam Ward, QB, Washington State

This is where the cluster begins for the QB3 title. Admittedly, the leader in the clubhouse on my big board comes with a massive projection involved. Ward is an uber-talented passer with an extensive starting history at Incarnate Word and Washington State.

Still, he has a long way to go mechanically and from a decision-making standpoint. The young signal-caller has shown steady improvement each season, giving evidence that he is capable of hitting the next level. The 2023 campaign will tell us all we need to know — one way or another.

No. 27: Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas

Piggybacking off that thought, Longhorn quarterback Quinn Ewers checks in right behind Ward in the QB3 race. He has just as much arm talent as anyone in the class, but too often, his lower half is a mess fundamentally. Like Ward, Ewers showed progress throughout the 2023 season; now it is time to smooth out the rough edges.

No. 28: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas

Continuing the momentum in the Lone Star State, Xavier Worthy is a spectacular deep ball threat. He tracks the ball well while working downfield and displays exceptional concentration in the midst of tight coverage. However, it is the layups that bring concern for me — and his 163-pound frame.

Injuries have been an issue; a healthy slate would ease the frame concerns some. More consistency and some added weight, paired with his proficiency downfield and game-breaking speed, could be a recipe for success for Worthy.

Braelon Allen Is A Star In The 2024 NFL Draft

No. 29: Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin

The third running back inside my top 30 is Wisconsin’s Braelon Allen. The third-year player enters the season with a new head coach, Luke Fickell, guiding the ship. Expect Allen to see a bell-cow workload, the status quo for any Badger RB1.

With two years under his belt and at the ripe age of 19, Allen can solidify his standing as a premier ball carrier in the country. His contact balance is special, and even with a 240-pound frame, his top gear is more than enough for Sundays. We’ll see how his pass-catching traits develop — that likely determines just how early Allen will go.

No. 30: Andrew Mukuba, SAF, Clemson

Clemson may not be at the heights of the Trevor Lawrence era, but every spring we are reminded how much talent roams the locker room in South Carolina. With two linebackers already being featured, let’s highlight Andrew Mukuba next.

Mukuba moves all over the defense for Swinney, spending time at nickel, free safety, and even in the box during his collegiate career. The hard-hitting defensive back is smaller than I prefer, but considering his range and ball skills, this is easier to deal with. Not to mention his willingness to hunt down ball carriers, even if the form leaves room for improvement.

2024 NFL Draft: The Rest Of The Top 50

31. Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington

32. Maason Smith, DL, LSU

33. James Williams, DB/LB, Miami

34. Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

35. Sedrick Van Pran, C, Georgia

36. Kris Jenkins, DL, Michigan

37. Michael Hall Jr., DL, Ohio State

38. Ruke Orhorhoro, DL, Clemson

39. Zakhari Franklin, WR, Ole Miss

40. Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky

41. Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

42. Kingsley Suamataia, OL, BYU

43. Amarius Mims, OL, Georgia

44. Shyheim Battle, CB, NC State

45. Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson

46. Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

47. Dontay Corleone, DL, Cincinnati

48. Donovan Edwards, RB, Michigan

49. Jordan Travis, QB, Florida State

50. J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan