2024 NFL DRAFT: Top Skill Position Players still available
By Brandon Lane
RUNNING BACK:
JAYLEN WRIGHT
Tennessee (JR), RB
A 3 star recruit out of high school, Wright played three seasons with Tennessee before opting out. A dynamic back with good size and impressive speed. His finessed style combined with his ability to grind the tough yards makes him one of my favorite running backs in the class. There might not have been any back that moved up the board more than Wright after his showing at the NFL Combine where Wright posted elite scores, 40 Yard Dash: 4.38 (2nd among RBs), Broad Jump: 11’2” (1st among RBs), Vertical Jump: 38” (4th among RBs). One of the youngest backs in the class at age 20 with lots of tread left on his tires, he is likely to be one of the top backs off the board in this year’s NFL Draft.
Pluses:
• Athleticism
• Powerful tackle breaking runner
• Good pad level
• Ball security (only fumbled five times in three seasons)
• Illusive runner who is great in space
• Solid receiver
Concerns:
• Pass pro needs improvement
• Needs to improve route running
• Currently lacks size/strength to be a goal line back
AUDRIC ESTIME, NOTRE DAME (JR), 5'11, 221
Playing a bellcow role for the Irish, Estimé is a powerhouse back but lacks elite speed (4.71 40-yard dash). While the lack of speed is a concern, he is able to make up for that with his tackle breaking ability and enough long speed to make big plays. Questions surrounding his pass catching ability will likely limit his draft capital.
KIMANI VIDAL, TROY (SR), 5'8" 213lbs
A compact back who runs with good power, leg drive, and excellent acceleration (4.46 40-yard dash). A workhorse back who possesses solid ball catching skills but needs to work on his pass-pro. Vidal was productive his entire career with the Trojans combining for 4,710 rushing yards and 34 total TDs.
RAY DAVIS, KENTUCKY (SR), 5'8" 211lbs
A complete back who is known for his production between the tackles, he impressed me at the Senior Bowl with his pass catching chops, especially an amazing one-armed catch. A productive back while playing two seasons with Temple, he transferred to Vanderbilt for two seasons and then to Kentucky for a 5th year. Questions behind his team jumping and five collegiate seasons might be a red flag for NFL teams but I think he is a well rounded back who brings enough to the table to be a contributor at the next level.
BRAELON ALLEN, WISCONSIN (JR), 6'1, 235lbs
The BIG BOY of this year’s draft class possesses the frame and speed to be a bruiser but often doesn’t play up to his size. He projects as a two-down back who needs to work on his physicality if he is to succeed in the NFL.
CODY SCHRADER, MISSOURI, (rSR), 5'9", 202lbs
A 6th year Senior who tested poorly may have fallen completely off most draft boards but I like him as a sleeper in this year’s class. A fluid runner who possesses good vision and doesn’t shy away from contact. Schrader possesses a three down skill set with plus blocking chops. He will likely need to work his way up a depth chart in the NFL, but if given the opportunity I think he could surprise those who wrote him off.
WIDE RECEIVER:
TROY FRANKLIN, OREGON (JR), 6'2", 176 lbs
Franklin is a player who can win at all three levels and possesses excellent body control. With his lanky frame, he struggles against physical play which will likely limit his ability to be a volume receiver in the NFL.
QUARTERBACK:
SPENCER RATTLER, SOUTH CAROLINA (SR), 6'0, 211lbs
Rattler is a pocket passer with an NFL caliber arm but struggles with deep ball accuracy. He moves well in the pocket but lacks a scambling upside to his game. He’s another name that has surfaced as a Round 1 possibility, but I don’t think we see his name called until Round 3.
TIGHT END:
THEO JOHNSON
Penn State (SR), TE
A 4-star recruit who has the size, speed and athleticism to make it at the next level. He was not highly utilized by the Nittany Lions due to target competition but tested well at the combine. At the Senior Bowl he stood out as the best tight end on the field on what was a mostly lackluster group. He consistently made catches, separated with ease and ran a full route tree.
Pluses:
• Size/Speed combination
• Catch radius
• Great hands
Concerns:
• Has room to improve as a blocker
• Lacks burst after the catch
JA’TAVION SANDERS
Texas (JR), TE
A 5-star recruit out of high school as a wide receiver who transitioned to tight end when he joined the Longhorns. A talented pass-catcher, he struggled to find consistent targets but showcased the ability to play in-line and from the slot. Sanders didn’t see much work as a freshman but made his presence known the following year catching 49 balls for 577 yards and 5 TDs. In his final season he equaled those numbers with 39 catches for 607 yards and 2 TDs. His limited blocking skill set coupled with his limited usage will likely have teams viewing him as a upside project who will need to hone his craft at the next level.
Pluses:
• Agile route runner
• Great hands
• Mismatch for defenses
• Leaping/Contested catch ability
• Good burst
Concerns:
• Speed (4.69 40-yard dash)
• Needs reps
• Blocking
ERICK ALL
IOWA (SR), TE
A 4-star recruit who spent his four years at Michigan before transferring to Iowa for a 5th year. All’s collegiate career was plagued by injuries which severely limited his resume, but when healthy he showed enough to be my favorite wild card at the tight end position. An all around player who is a willing and productive blocker with good hands and size to excel at the next level. IF…he can stay healthy All could be a late round win for the team that takes a chance on him.
Pluses:
• Agile route runner with good understanding of speed control
• Ability to beat man and zone coverage
• Plus blocking skills
• Big frame and strong hands
Concerns:
• Injury history including back-to-back season ending injuries (Back and ACL)
• Limited to short yardage duties/struggles with downfield separation
• Lacks power/physicality
CADE STOVER, OHIO STATE (SR), 6'4, 247lbs
Stover is a converted wide receiver who also logged reps at fullback, which explains his plus blocking skills. He offers good hands but needs to refine his route running. Stover will need to work on his physicality to make it at the next level.
