The 1st round of the 2024 draft is complete. For this Friday and rounds 2 and 3, there are still a lot of very good college players to select.
An exhaustive list before following these selections together from 1:00 a.m. on twitch.
Quarterbacks still available
Spencer Rattler had a magnificent 2023 season: a player with undeniable talent who finally seems to be reaching maturity. He can already be a quality replacement. He also offers the prospect of developing as a future starter in the NFL.
In the most important position, having a good replacement is essential! Michael Pratt has the perfect NFL backup profile: he lacks superior quality but he is reliable. And his 90 touchdowns for only 26 interceptions reassure us about his intelligence.
A sort of new Chase Daniel, Devin Leary could have a similar career: 13 NFL seasons with six franchises (and only 5 starts).
Tall, mobile and with a cannon for his right arm, Joe Milton III is attractive. Too irregular in passing, he can only be a second choice. But it represents a gamble worth taking.
Ditto for the dynamic but limited Jordan Travis: a sort of clone of Tyrod Taylor.
Attacking players still available
You've been hearing it for months: the crop of receivers is exceptional! Both in quality and quantity. After Marvin Harrison, Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze, Brian Thomas, Xavier Worthy and Xavier Legette on Thursday evening. There are still a lot of very good players left!
The speedy Troy Franklin and Roman Wilson. Track masters Ladd McConkey and Jermaine Burton. As well as Adonai Mitchell, Keon Coleman, Jalen McMillan, Ja'Lynn Polk, Malachi Corley and Javon Baker are still up for grabs.
Very competent in the aerial field, Ja'Tavion Sanders and Jared Wiley can become the safety valve for a young quarterback at the tight end position. Just like the very athletic Canadian from Penn State Theo Johnson. More complete but less decisive, Cade Stover and Ben Sinnott could also be chosen this night.
Ignored last night, the runners will be in the spotlight this evening. The completes, Jonathon Brooks, Trey Benson and Marshawn Lloyd have #1 profiles. Champion with Michigan, Blake Corum seems a sure bet. Powerhouses Braelon Allen and Audric Estimé are capable of winning first downs in the NFL. The “triple threat” Will Shipley (running, receiving and returning kicks) as well as the very lively Jaylen Wright are also still available in this position.
Because the offensive line is fundamental to winning games in the NFL, franchises still have plenty to use. Tackles Kingsley Suamataia and Patrick Paul can help. Just like the powerful Blake Fisher and Christian Jones as well as the very lively Roger Rosengarten. Intriguing because he is intelligent (educated at Yale) and very athletic, Kiran Amegadjie is the very definition of prospect to develop in this position.
At guard, Cooper Beebe, Christian Haynes, Dominick Puni, Zak Zinter and second-level university player Mason McCormick are still available. More centrally, Jackson Powers-Johnson was announced in the 1st round but he is still available. There also remains the complete Sedrick Van Pran, the imposing Beaux Limmer, the very lively Tanor Bortolini and the reliable Zack Frazier. All have the potential to be solid starters for the NFL.
Defending players still available
The 2024 vintage at the cornerback position is so rich that there are still many potential starters.
First and foremost Cooper DeJean and Kool-Aid McKinstry. But also Kamari Lassiter, Ennis Rakestraw and Max Melton. Although undoubtedly intended for slot only, Mike Sainristil (Michigan) could become a starter in the NFL for the next ten years! Still at the cornerback position, they don't lack size: TJ Tampa and NFL Combine 2024 sensation Decamerion Richardson should be recruited tonight.
Because putting opposing quarterbacks under pressure is essential, defenses will recruit specialists of the genre like Jonah Elliss, Bralen Trice or Austin Booker. Offering a more powerful profile, Marshawn Kneeland is also expected this night.
Only Byron Murphy was selected in the 1st round for defensive tackle. It is therefore this evening that the franchises will strengthen this position. Featuring Jer'Zhan Newton, T'Vondre Sweat, Braden Fiske, Maason Smith, Michael Hall and Michigan athletic phenom Kris Jenkins!
Two positions still offer all its players: safety and linebackers. In the center of the back line, from the versatile Tyler Nubin, Javon Bullard and Cole Bishop to the imposing Jadon Hicks, all the safeties are still available. Without forgetting the ball stealer Kamren Kinchens. Linebackers Edgerrin Cooper, Payton Wilson, Junior Colson, Trevin Wallace and Jeremiah Trotter will do the work from their rookie seasons on the back curtain.
