Reid’s new NFL draft rankings: Stacking the 50 best prospects, plus top names at every position

Reid’s new NFL draft rankings: Stacking the 50 best prospects, plus top names at every position

2024 NFL draft rankings: Jordan Reid’s top 50 prospects

We are officially entering college football’s 2023 bowl season, and that means we’re inching closer to the 2024 NFL draft. There are 42 bowl games on deck, followed by the pre-draft circuit of all-star games and the annual combine. A lot will change in this offense-heavy draft class, but where do things stand right now?

After months of film study and going on the road for games throughout the season, I ranked my top 50 prospects for the 2024 class. I also included in-depth scouting notes and interesting statistics on each player, as well as my top five positional rankings at the bottom. (Asterisks mark underclassmen.)

1. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State*

Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 205 pounds

Harrison has rare body control, strong hands and great flexibility, putting him in line with the top receiver prospects we’ve seen this century. Despite inconsistent QB play at Ohio State in 2023, he still managed to be arguably the most dangerous playmaker in the country, compiling 67 catches for 1,211 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. He’s able to win in a variety of ways, showing the route-running skills of a smaller receiver. And Harrison is an instant-impact type of prospect with the potential to be a top-10 receiver in the NFL as early as his rookie season.

2. Caleb Williams, QB, USC*

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 215

Williams hasn’t wavered as my QB1 in this class. I see a lot of “wow” moments on tape, a product of his confidence in his arm and terrific playmaking ability. He’s capable of dissecting defensive looks and delivering the ball quickly. But on the flip side, his all-or-nothing habits will need to be tempered, as he tends to want the highlight-worthy play rather than just taking what the defense gives him too often. Williams finished the season with a 72.9% completion percentage on throws from inside the pocket (fifth-best in the FBS), and his threw for 3,633 yards, 30 touchdown passes and five interceptions in 2023.

3. Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina*

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 230

Watch his tape, and you’ll see five or six plays per game that make you marvel at Maye’s overall ability. He has the arm strength to get the ball to all levels, completing 35 passes of 20-plus air yards — third-most in the country. He has prototypical size and is also an underrated runner. Progression effectiveness is an area where Maye will need to improve, as he tends to hang onto reads too long and compound mistakes instead of getting through to the next available option. I see some similarities to Justin Herbert, though Maye’s arm isn’t quite as strong. He has already declared for the draft.

4. Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State*

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 319

Fashanu could have entered the draft in 2023 and been the first offensive tackle selected. He’s as consistent as they come — one sack allowed during his three-year career as a starter — and his balance, strength and recovery ability in pass protection are NFL-ready. His run blocking remains a work in progress, but his physicality and hand placement have improved. His ability to identify and execute against different defensive scheme looks is exceptional — and a big key to Fashanu’s consistency. He has franchise left tackle written all over him and projects as a Day 1 starter.

5. Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame*

Height: 6-8 | Weight: 315

There isn’t another prospect I was more impressed with while out on the road live scouting this year. Alt came to the Irish as a tight end, but his transition to offensive tackle over the past three seasons has been seamless. He’s the most versatile blocker in this loaded OT class. Thanks to unique arm length, he is difficult for defenders to get around — but he also overwhelms pass-rushers. Alt had some technique and flexibility question marks coming into the season, but he has fixed those issues and become a model of consistency. After allowing one sack this season and declaring for the draft, Alt is a plug-and-play left tackle who will be a plus starter for more than a decade.

6. Malik Nabers, WR, LSU*

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 200

Explosive is the best word to describe Nabers’ game. The LSU offense involved him on quick screens, jet sweeps and reverses, as he’s a dynamic and competitive playmaker who can turn short passes into long gains. Nabers leads the country in receiving yards per game at 128.8 and has forced an FBS-leading 26 missed tackles on receptions, proving that he’s a well-rounded route runner who can put stress on defenses at any moment because of his ability to create extra opportunities. He has some shades of Bears receiver DJ Moore to his game.

7. Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama*

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 242

The biggest question for Turner entering the season was how well he would assume the Will Anderson Jr. role in the Alabama defense — and he has delivered with nine sacks and the FBS’ eighth-best pressure rate of 16.3%. Turner’s upside is immense, and while he still needs to add some nuance to his pass-rush arsenal, he already has an intriguing starter kit of tools. He’s also improving as a run defender, consistently setting a firm edge and using his length to contain runs. Turner has even shown he’s comfortable with dropping in coverage — he has a versatile skill set that can fit in many defensive fronts.

8. Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia*

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 240

Bowers’ formational versatility and reliability at the catch point are unmatched in this class. The clear TE1 can be a mismatch all over the field. One of the most impressive parts about his game is his run-after-catch ability; he’s difficult to bring down. His 494 receiving yards after contact this season lead all FBS tight ends. Positional value will come into the equation with Bowers, but he’s one of the best overall playmakers in this class.

9. Rome Odunze, WR, Washington*

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 215

A silky-smooth receiver, Odunze is the most polished player at the position in this class. He hardly ever allows defenders to dictate his route tempos while operating primarily from the outside, and with 81 catches for 1,428 receiving yards and 13 touchdown catches this season, Odunze is a sure-handed target who makes catches in all types of situations. His game has flourished in the Huskies’ vertical offense, as 10 of his touchdown catches have come on those patterns. And his 21 contested catches this season are the second-most in the FBS, as he has very strong hands and body control at the catch point.

0:31
Rome Odunze makes big-time TD catch for Washington

Michael Penix Jr. throws a 40-yard TD dime to Rome Odunze to give Washington the lead.

10. Laiatu Latu, EDGE, UCLA

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 265

Latu — who is skipping UCLA’s bowl game — is the most skilled pass-rusher in this draft class. His combination of get-off quickness, bend and finishing ability has helped him take his game to another level this season. He was one of three defensive linemen with a pressure rate above 20% (20.1%) this season, and he had 23.5 sacks since transferring in from Washington in 2022. Latu is also stout against the run and comfortable with dropping in coverage, even recording two interceptions this season.

Medicals remain the biggest question — he was forced to sit out for two seasons because of a 2020 neck injury — but Latu has the potential to be an impact player right away because of his pass-rush traits.

11. Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois*

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 295

Newton is explosive and plays every spot along the defensive line. Despite a lack of length, he is seemingly unblockable up front, finishing with 36 pressures (first in the FBS), 7.5 sacks (second) and a 10.7% defensive pressure rate (fifth). One of the more underrated parts of Newton’s evaluation is his endurance, as his 715 snaps played rank fourth among all FBS defensive linemen. He projects best as a 3-technique at the next level. Newton declared for the draft in November.

12. Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State*

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 260

A heavy-handed pass-rusher, Verse burst onto the scene after transferring from Albany prior to the 2022 season. He has plenty of knock-back strength at the point of attack, and he often displays speed-to-power moves to help generate pressure, collapsing the pocket by keeping offensive tackles off-balance. He had a slow start to the 2023 season but followed that up with a dominant back-end stretch — 6.5 of his nine sacks so far this season came during the final five regular-season games. Verse’s skill set is similar to that of Cowboys pass-rusher DeMarcus Lawrence in that he can win with speed, power and/or finesse while also having the versatility to play multiple spots up front.

13. JC Latham, OT, Alabama*

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 360

Latham is the definition of a people-mover. He’s a dominant run-blocker with the power to generate plenty of movement at the first level. I see impressive quickness for a blocker of his size, and his upper and lower body remain in sync as his base helps him anchor against pass-rushers. Once Latham gets his hands on defenders, he can quickly halt their pass-rush moves, evidenced by two sacks allowed in as many seasons in Tuscaloosa. He can be susceptible to inside countermoves, though. Latham will fit best with an NFL team that prioritizes downhill running.

14. Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State*

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 215

Coleman made an instant impact with FSU after transferring from Michigan State before this season. His big frame helps him play through contact, and he’s also a strong route runner and dominant at the catch point. He has consistent ball-tracking skills (11 touchdown catches this season); he seems to see the ball in slow motion. But creating consistent separation outside of the red zone and in the underneath areas has room for improvement.

15. Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 210

Every year, there’s a quarterback who makes a surprise ascension after a breakout season. That’s Daniels this time around. He is first in the FBS in Total QBR (95.6), touchdown passes from the pocket (35) and passing yards per attempt (11.7). An exceptional vertical passer, Daniels has a great feel for layering the ball, completing 67% of passes thrown 20-plus yards downfield. Daniels is also an instinctive runner who can turn quick scrambles into explosive plays.

The next step for him is learning to drive the ball in the intermediate areas and showcasing more consistent ball placement over the middle. But he is trending toward a top-15 pick.

16. Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama*

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 195

A long and active press-man corner, McKinstry is a polished outside defender who is hard to confuse at the line. He’s heavily reliant on his instincts, with great eye discipline to read and react to routes. And McKinstry’s skill set is strong but understated — he’s not flashy, he’s just a technician who consistently takes care of his assignments. He has adequate short-area quickness and the vertical speed needed to carry with matchups, and he frequently shows up to wrap up and finish his tackles on ball carriers against the run. Opponents have completed 32.1% percent of their passes (9 of 28) when targeting McKinstry this season, 16th-best in the FBS.

17. Cooper DeJean, CB/S, Iowa*

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 207

DeJean is an all-around defensive back who can wear multiple hats in the secondary, though he has primarily played corner at Iowa. An electrifying playmaker who can generate turnovers, he has three career pick-sixes. I like his projection better at safety because of all he can do in a defensive backfield, and with his physicality, fluidity and versatility, DeJean could quickly turn into a key contributor as a rookie after healing up from a lower-leg injury suffered in November.

18. Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson*

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 185

One of the most improved defenders in the country since the middle of last season, Wiggins is patient and sudden. He has the versatility in man and zone coverage to suffocate matchups. He hardly ever panics in his technique, staying glued to wide receivers. His vision and instincts in reacting to routes are among the best of this class, and he also has very good ball skills (three picks and 16 pass breakups over the past two seasons before declaring for the draft).

19. Troy Fautanu, G, Washington*

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 317

Fautanu has settled into the left tackle spot for Washington in 2023 after seesawing back and forth between tackle and guard throughout his career. He doesn’t have great length, and it becomes apparent occasionally as a pass-protector. So while I might try him at offensive tackle first in the pros, he has better upside as a high-level guard at the next level. A sudden and physical blocker, Fautanu plays the game with active feet and aggressive hands (two sacks allowed over 1,156 career pass-block snaps), and he looks to finish every defender he encounters. Because of his lower-half quickness, he’s hardly ever out of position, and he plays through the whistle.

20. Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 274

His game centers around power — he has an urgent first step and strong hands at the peak of his pass-rush attempts. He is more of a pressure-over-production defensive end, creating first pressure on 61 plays (most in the FBS) but getting just five sacks. Trice still needs to improve his pass-rush arsenal beyond those focused on using his power. As a run-defender, he understands how to use his length and consistently sets a firm edge. Trice is also always on the field, leading all FBS defensive linemen this season with 753 snaps.

21. Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama*

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 196

He came to Bama as a raw safety, but Arnold transitioned to cornerback in 2022, where the redshirt sophomore has an SEC-leading five interceptions. He is an effortless mover with the hip mobility to turn and run with receivers, and his time at safety has helped him when asked to play in the slot. Arnold tends to be grabby at the top of routes and when re-directing, and he will need to learn to trust his technique more, but his upside could make him the first corner off the board in April.

22. Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia*

Height: 6-7 | Weight: 340

The sample size is small with Mims — he has only started nine games over the past two seasons — but the film is very impressive. He has only played on the right side during his career but has the movement skills to transition to the left side. Mims has the lower-body quickness to mirror and match pass-rushers, and his balance helps him to re-direct and recover against countermoves. His frame makes it hard for rushers to get around him, too. And Mims is a mauler in the run game — his power can quickly overwhelm defenders at the point of attack. Durability, though, remains a major concern after he missed six games this season with an ankle issue.

23. Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas*

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 196

After originally starting his career with Georgia, Mitchell transferred to Texas before the 2023 season and quickly became a big part of the Longhorns’ offense. He has career-highs in receptions (51), receiving yards (813) and touchdowns (10) ahead of the College Football Playoff. And despite being a bigger receiver, Mitchell has impressive vertical speed and the body control to break off routes. He also has strong hands to make catches outside his frame and in contested situations. But he must become more consistent with his release plans against press coverage.

24. Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 334

As a pass-protector, Fuaga plays with enough balance to keep his frame in front of defenders. His hand power is his best trait, though — he shows unique strength to strike and end pass-rush reps quickly. Fuaga seeks to impose his will throughout games, and he allowed one sack over his two seasons as a full-time starter. He’s an ideal fit in a man-blocking scheme or one that would allow him to use his play strength and physicality. Fuaga must learn to play with more control, as six of his eight penalties this season came on false starts.

25. Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 325

Morgan suffered a torn ACL in 2022 and opted to return to Arizona for his 2023 senior season. He is a stout blocker with a dense frame, which enables him to anchor as a pass-protector. He’s able to quickly call out and communicate defensive structures. Scouts have mixed opinions on his NFL position, as some like him at tackle, while others believe he has more upside at guard.

26. Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State*

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 250

Robinson is among the most explosive players in this class, regardless of position, with the quickness to routinely race past blockers. He had four sacks this season, but his 18% pressure rate was fifth-best in the FBS. I see plenty of lower-body flexibility to quickly turn the corner and force blockers to abandon their technique. His run defense remains a work in progress, as he must be more physical and disciplined when setting the edge, but most of his value comes as a pass-rusher — where he excels. He’ll be a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL but still needs to continue to add weight to his frame.

27. Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma*

Height: 6-7 | Weight: 327

After beginning his career at TCU (2020-21), Guyton has developed quite a bit since arriving at Oklahoma, gaining experience at both tackle spots (zero sacks allowed this season). He has settled in on the right side this season, thriving in space where he can use his arm length. His footwork and quickness provide a dependable foundation to expand the pocket, but a lack of play strength is a problem. Guyton simply needs to get stronger to unlock the next stages of his development.

28. Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 205

A traditional X receiver, Thomas is a big target who just hit career-highs in catches (60) and receiving yards (1,079) while leading the FBS in touchdown receptions (15). With threatening vertical speed, he uses his long strides to accelerate past defenders. And thanks to excellent hands and good ball-tracking skills, he’s also great in contested situations. Thomas is an ascending talent who has a lot of upside as a complementary No. 2 option in the NFL.

29. Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 196

Mitchell caught scouts’ attention in 2022 after a four-interception performance against Northern Illinois. The linchpin of the Toledo secondary bounces between playing outside, nickel and safety. But wherever he is, he is a ball magnet; Mitchell is tied for second in the nation with 15 pass breakups this season. He plays with busy eyes and is quick to plant and drive on routes in front of him. And Mitchell has allowed a 35.6% completion percentage while he was the primary defender this season, top-30 in the country. His draft stock has steadily improved, and he now has a chance to be selected in Round 1.

30. Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU*

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 325

After spending his first season at Oregon, Suamataia transferred to BYU before the 2022 campaign and played right tackle for the Cougars. He transitioned to the left side as a redshirt sophomore this year, and he’s still feeling his way through the details of the position. Suamataia has all the traits that NFL teams covet, and his lower-half suddenness helps him stay square with most rushers.

But he’s still a projection for scouts. His balance and hand placement are inconsistent, and he often plays with too much forward body lean (which leads to an unstable base). With increased reps and added strength, Suamataia has the potential to be a dependable starter at either tackle spot in the future.

31. Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 213

It has been a long road for Penix, suffering four straight season-ending injuries while at Indiana. But after transferring to Washington, he has managed to stay healthy over the past two years — though durability will still be a major talking point with his evaluation. Penix is a hard-throwing lefty who can push the ball to any part of the field. He compiled 4,218 passing yards, 33 touchdown passes and nine interceptions through 13 games.

When he’s able to set his feet, Penix can layer and distribute with ease, as he has completed 68.8% of his passes this season when planted. That number has slipped to 58.3% when shuffling and 47.9% while on the move. Penix has some mobility, but he prefers to win from within the pocket.

32. Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 227

Legette only reached double-digit catches in one of four seasons before grabbing 71 receptions for 1,255 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 2023. He’s built like a linebacker but is able to sink his weight to get in and out of breaks with ease. Legette also works hard to fight through and win against press coverage — he is hardly ever knocked off his route stems and remains competitive through contact. Circle “Legette” as a name that could rise quickly throughout the pre-draft process.

33. J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan*

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 202

McCarthy will be one of the most talked about prospects in this draft cycle. In a Michigan offense that leans on the run and incorporates play-action principles, he has only reached 25 or more passing attempts in 11 of his 26 career starts. Scouts want to see more. That said, McCarthy has displayed ball placement, anticipation and mobility when he has been allowed to throw the ball, outside of an uncharacteristically poor three-interception performance against Bowling Green earlier this year. His 89.2 QBR and 74.2% completion percentage are both top-three numbers in the country.

0:27
Michigan go up 23-3 on J.J. McCarthy’s hard-nose rushing TD

J.J. McCarthy breaks a tackle and runs over a man on his way to a Wolverines touchdown.

34. Kamari Lassiter, CB, Georgia*

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 180

Lassiter’s game can be best described as steady. He’s at his best when allowed to play press-man, thriving when able to challenge matchups at the line. He has the transition ability to stick with receivers in routes in the short-to-intermediate areas (but tends to allow separation vertically). And his willingness as a tackler against the run is arguably the best of any defensive back in this class, showing consistency with balance and finishing. Lassiter has one career interception (2021), so scouts want to see more in the ball production part of his game.

35. Graham Barton, C, Duke

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 314

Barton originally began his career with the Blue Devils as a center but has been a starter at offensive tackle over the past two seasons. I see him ending up back at center in the NFL, where he has the potential to be a Day 1 starter because of his awareness. He’s a tough and gritty blocker who plays through the whistle. As a run-blocker, Barton is excellent with rolling his hips and running his feet on contact. His flaws are exposed when facing longer defenders, as he struggles with counter moves and re-adjusting his hands to gain winning positions.

36. Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas*

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 172

The first recruit that coach Steve Sarkisian signed after being hired at Texas, Worthy is a speedy but slightly built pass-catcher who can create separation in routes. He is the definition of a “sudden-change player” — a guy who can flip the scoreboard in one play. When he has the ball in space, his speed allows him to gain yards after the catch in a hurry (556 of his 969 receiving yards this season have come after the catch). Worthy is competitive and physical, too. And while drops have plagued him throughout his career, his drop percentage has reduced from 8.8% in 2022 to 4.4% this season.

37. Kalen King, CB, Penn State*

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 191

King came into the season as one of my top-ranked corners, but his junior campaign has been inconsistent. He had three interceptions and 15 pass breakups in 2022 but has managed one PBU this season. And after limiting opponents to a 34.3% completion percentage over his first two years, he is giving up a completion on 53.8% of balls thrown his way in 2023.

But the traits are still apparent on film — King is quick-footed with above-average change-of-direction skills and competes through the hands of receivers to create incompletions. King also has the speed to carry vertically with wide receivers, is savvy in zone coverage and can quickly pick up route concepts.

38. Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami*

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 205

Playing a true centerfield has become somewhat of a lost art in today’s NFL, but Kinchens is a single-high safety with elite ball production. He has plenty of range on the backend, helping him to 11 career interceptions. Great at reading and reacting, Kinchens takes advantage of passers by using their eyes to lead him to intended targets, and he can cover ground in a hurry to erase mistakes in the secondary. His lack of length shows up as a tackler, though.

39. Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas*

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 243

Sanders can be deployed from a variety of alignments. A sure-handed target, he excels in the middle of the field and on specialty plays, recording one drop this season (39 catches) and averaging 15.6 yards per reception (third-highest mark among all FBS tight ends). Sanders has made a catch that gained 15 or more yards in 10 out of the 13 games this season. As a run-blocker, he provides minimal value — his pro intrigue will center on his pass-catching ability.

40. Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 210

An interchangeable safety, Nubin has 13 career interceptions, the most in program history. He has the instincts to read and drive on passing concepts as a free safety, but he also has the versatility to play in the slot and match the physicality of tight ends. He’s a willing tackler, but Nubin must continue to improve his technique; he tends to come downhill off balance and out of control.

41. T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 362

A massive nose tackle, Sweat is an immovable force at the first level, but he’s far from just a gap-plugger. Eating up blocks and allowing second-level defenders to roam free is part of his game, but he’s also a pocket-pusher with value as a pass-rusher (two sacks, nine tackles for loss and 20 pressures this season). Sweat is a prototypical 0-technique, as his wide frame makes it challenging for blockers to displace him. He always maintains control at the point of attack, and he has the potential to immediately change a team’s run defense in the NFL.

Texas big man T’Vondre Sweat hits the Heisman after scoring TD

Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year T’Vondre Sweat catches the touchdown pass and breaks out the Heisman pose.

42. Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 230

It’s an underwhelming linebacker class, but Cooper — who declared — stands out as a model of the modern-day NFL second-level defender. He not only has the range and instincts to man the controls inside but also the traits to blitz off the edge. Cooper’s 26% pressure percentage leads all FBS linebackers, and he added 14 tackles for loss and eight sacks. His aggressive playing style can be a gift and a curse, though, as he occasionally becomes an arm tackler, which leads to missed opportunities (12 missed tackles).

43. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State*

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 206

Egbuka battled a nagging leg injury all season and has cracked 50 receiving yards in four of nine games. But when at full strength, he is a crafty slot receiver who finds soft spots in zone coverage and uses exaggerated body movements to create separation against man looks. He is a chain-mover who can be counted on in critical moments despite average speed and after-the-catch ability. Egbuka projects as a slot-only receiver who can be a dependable second option in an NFL offense.

44. JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State*

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 270

Tuimoloau’s game centers around his powerful hands at the point of attack, and he has NFL-ready strength to sustain. He’s a scheme-versatile pass-rusher who can play from multiple pre-snap stances, and he has picked up four sacks this season. The sack production has been sporadic, as he’s still working to understand the details of rushing the passer. Four of his 10 career sacks in three seasons have come against Penn State. But Tuimoloau is also well above average against the run, able to engage and shed with ease from blockers. He is a flash player who will grab your attention but then have long stretches in games without any type of impact.

45. Byron Murphy II, DT, Texas

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 308

Murphy is a versatile 3-technique coming off a breakout season (his first as a starter). He’s a stout presence against the run, consistently able to penetrate the first level to make plays in the backfield (five tackles for loss and 10 run stops this season). Murphy also has the hand quickness to defeat one-on-one blocks and the lower-body strength to hold up against double-teams. But his greatest asset is causing disruption as a pass-rusher. Murphy has recorded a 12% pressure rate while at defensive tackle this year, the highest rate in the FBS.

46. Patrick Paul, OT, Houston*

Height: 6-7 | Weight: 315

His quick feet and suddenness help Paul get into his pass sets quickly, which allows him to maintain in pass protection (one sack allowed this season). Paul also has the range to make plays on screens and pull blocks. A bit of a late-bloomer in his college career, he still needs to gain strength, and I see some inconsistent hand placement. So Paul is a developmental prospect — but there’s a pathway to him becoming a starting left tackle at the next level with proper coaching.

47. Brandon Dorlus, DT, Oregon

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 290

Dorlus is a bit of a tweener and plays a mixture of reps inside and off the edge. With a career-high five sacks this season, he shows strong hands to swipe away blockers and create negative plays. A wide frame and long arms help him win as a run-defender, as he’s able to extend and keep blockers away from his body. But as is the case with all tweener defensive linemen, the biggest question will be how his game translates schematically. I see Dorlus projecting best in a multiple-front defense that uses him all over but primarily plays him at defensive tackle.

48. Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 255

This class’ group of Day 2 edge rushers is stacked, and some scouts say Braswell should be at the head of it. He has an extensive repertoire of pass-rush moves, helping him to eight sacks this season. He just constantly generates pressure (15.7% pressure percentage when rushing off of the edge, 16th-best in the FBS). There’s a lot to like here, and Braswell is best-suited as a 3-4 outside linebacker who can drop into coverage as needed.

Chris Braswell catches tipped pass en route to a Bama pick-six

Alabama’s Chris Braswell intercepts a batted pass and returns it 28 yards for a touchdown.

49. Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon*

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 187

An explosive downfield target, Franklin is a coverage influencer who forces defensive backs to retreat immediately. He varies his route tempos to keep the opposition guessing and is excellent in tracking vertical throws — six of his 14 touchdown catches this season have come on passes thrown at least 20 yards. His role will need to be specific at the next level, as his slender frame limits his play strength and ability to win in contested situations. Franklin must get better with his hand physicality at the line and in his route stems, too.

50. Adisa Isaac, EDGE, Penn State

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 254

Isaac has continued to show growth since his return from a torn Achilles before the 2021 season. He is an explosive edge rusher who gets up the field in a hurry and has the bend to turn the corner and finish. He has 7.5 sacks and the nation’s ninth-highest pressure rate at 16.2% this season. His understanding and execution of pass-rush moves has improved this year, and he has value in late-down situations by creating pressure on stunts. Isaac will need to continue to add mass onto his frame — his lack of lower-body strength shows up when taking on blocks — and he will probably need to primarily be a designated pass-rusher at the beginning of his pro career.

Positional rankings

Quarterbacks

1. Caleb Williams, USC
2. Drake Maye, North Carolina
3. Jayden Daniels, LSU
4. Michael Penix Jr., Washington
5. J.J. McCarthy, Michigan

Running backs

1. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
2. Blake Corum, Michigan
3. Braelon Allen, Wisconsin
4. MarShawn Lloyd, USC
5. Trey Benson, Florida State

Fullbacks

1. Jaheim Bell, Florida State
2. Ben Sinnott, Kansas State
3. Dallin Holker, Colorado State

Wide receivers

1. Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
2. Malik Nabers, LSU
3. Rome Odunze, Washington
4. Keon Coleman, Florida State
5. Adonai Mitchell, Texas­

Tight ends

1. Brock Bowers, Georgia
2. Ja’Tavion Sanders, Texas
3. Cade Stover, Ohio State
4. Theo Johnson, Penn State
5. Bryson Nesbit, North Carolina

Offensive tackles

1. Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State
2. Joe Alt, Notre Dame
3. JC Latham, Alabama
4. Amarius Mims, Georgia
5. Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State

Guards

1. Troy Fautanu, Washington
2. Zak Zinter, Michigan
3. Cooper Beebe, Kansas State
4. Christian Haynes, UConn
5. Javion Cohen, Miami

Centers

1. Graham Barton, Duke
2. Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia
3. Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon
4. Zach Frazier, West Virginia
5. Matt Lee, Miami

Edge rushers

1. Dallas Turner, Alabama
2. Laiatu Latu, UCLA
3. Jared Verse, Florida State
4. Bralen Trice, Washington
5. Chop Robinson, Penn State

Defensive tackles

Linebackers

1. Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M
2. Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson
3. Cedric Gray, North Carolina
4. Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State
5. Junior Colson, Michigan

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