The 2024 class was once met with skepticism and now is heralded as a very exciting group. As usual, the truth regarding this class may fall somewhere in the middle. It is a fun group of players that will no doubt undergo some changes this 2023 season. Projecting ahead based on production and current and potential future player development, we still have a good idea of what the 2024 rookie class could be. Below is a possible projection of what rookie drafts may look like one year from now.
First Round
- Caleb Williams, QB USC
- Drake Maye, QB UNC
- Marvin Harrison Jr., WR Ohio State
- TreVeyon Henderson, RB Ohio State
- Raheim Sanders, RB Arkansas
- Emeka Egbuka, WR Ohio State
- Braelon Allen, RB Wisconsin
- Donovan Edwards, RB Michigan
- Malik Nabers, WR LSU
- Brock Bowers, TE Georgia
- Jase McClellan, RB Alabama
- Xavier Worthy, WR Texas
The top two quarterbacks in this class are very talented. After that, the QB class is not yet solidified, though we could easily see another riser emerge. The top WR of the 2024 class IS seemingly very much decided, however, as Marvin Harrison Jr. (MHJ) is such a great talent, though there are some other nice WR options that could end up in this first-round range as well. The running back class also appears strong, with some high-end options who have athleticism and size and really just need a strong 2023 season to solidify their future.
Second Round
- Will Shipley, RB Clemson
- Trey Benson, RB FSU
- JJ McCarthy, QB Michigan
- Blake Corum, RB Michigan
- Keon Coleman, WR FSU
- Troy Franklin, WR Oregon
- Rome Odunze, WR Washington
- JT Sanders, TE Texas
- Jarquez Hunter, RB Auburn
- Devin Neal, RB Kansas
- Antwane Wells, WR South Carolina
- Audric Estime, RB Notre Dame
While the talent falls off in the second round, there is still plenty to be excited about here. There are many RB options that could slide into this round, and the top RBs in this early second-round range are fun and alluring players who do have a few more question marks than the first-round guys.
McCarthy is one option at the QB position that has some underlying metrics and traits that indicate he could potentially rise. Some potential WR risers will likely slot into the second round, though I’m not sure they will be an amazing second-round group. Even a talented TE such as JT Sanders could deservedly slide into this range.
3rd Round and Beyond Consideration
- Dorian Singer, WR USC
- Luke Lachey, TE Iowa
- Bryson Nesbit, TE UNC
- Mar’keise “Bucky” Irving, RB Oregon
- Jonathan Brooks, RB Texas
- KJ Jefferson, QB Arkansas
- Riley Leonard, QB Duke
- Jalon Daniels, QB Kansas
- Michael Penix, QB Washington
- Bo Nix, QB Oregon
- Will Sheppard, WR Vanderbilt
- Marshawn Lloyd, RB USC
- Dominic Lovett, WR Georgia
- Roman Hemby, RB Maryland
- Devontez Walker, WR UNC
- Malachi Corley, WR Western Kentucky
- Benjamin Yurosek, TE Stanford
- Tre Harris, WR Ole Miss
- Kevorian Barnes, RB UTSA
- Tory Horton, WR Colorado State
- Adonai Mitchell, WR Texas
- Ja’Quinden Jackson, RB Utah
- Malik Benson, WR Alabama
- Ja’Corey Brooks, WR Alabama
- Jalen Milroe, QB Alabama
This is not an exhaustive list of guys who could rise into the third round or higher in 2024 rookie drafts. It feels strange not including an Ohio State QB, for example, but the uncertainty and lack of experience there doesn’t give us much confidence.
Many of these listed players have the possibility to rise, or some may fall off of our radar. Each year we lose options that ultimately stay another year, unfortunately suffer injuries, or deal with other circumstances that can arise. Regardless of the changes that will occur between now and next year, this overview of the 2024 class should be an exciting possibility for those looking ahead to next year’s drafts.
