thespun.com
The NFL Draft is coming up, and football fans of all 32 teams are excited. It's the type of event that anyone can look forward to. This list is based on how talented the 2024 class is and who the top 30 players really are in this draft (when it comes to pure raw talent).
It should be noted that this list isn't a mock draft at all. This list is not being made on where they end up or whether their careers will pan out. Injury history and mental discipline matter a lot in those matters. Based on the tape they've put out, this list is just about which players have the best physical intangibles and abilities.
Nothing more, nothing less. Positional value doesn't matter either, so these prospects are being compared on how great they appear to be at their respective position. Sure, quarterback and wide receivers matter more, but that means absolutely nothing for this list. With that being said, let's get into it.
1. Joe Alt (OT)
Joe Alt is widely regarded as one of the best offensive line prospects the league has ever seen. He's in a class with Penei Sewell, and just look how he's turned out. Alt can and likely will play as a tackle, but his enormous size means he could play guard if he wanted to. He has insane speed and technique. Alt is just a perfect all-around offensive lineman.
2. Jer'zhan Newton (DL)
Jer'zhan Newton is an extremely underrated prospect, but there are talks that he'll fall into the second round. Newton has the size of a nose tackle and the speed/agility of an edge rusher. Newton's only weakness is that he struggles with pursuing and wrapping up tackles, but he isn't the type who will get double-digit sacks. It doesn't matter, though, because Newton's presence will produce double teams in runs and passes.
3. Laiutu Latu (EDGE)
4. JC Latham (OT)
5. Jackson Powers Johnson (C)
6. Brian Thomas Jr (WR)
7. Caleb Williams (QB)
If you only cared about arm and leg talent, Caleb Williams would undeniably be the number-one player on this list. Regarding those abilities, Williams is as freakishly gifted as Patrick Mahomes and Kyler Murray. That being said, Williams struggles with holding onto the ball and taking easy layups. That's not to say Williams will be a bust, but he has room for improvement in reading defenses.
8. Jared Verse (DL)
9. Amarius Mims (OT)
10. Byron Murphy (DL)
11. Marvin Harrison Jr (WR)
There's no doubt that Marvin Harrison Jr is an insanely talented receiver. Harrison Jr can make any catch, no matter who's around him, and he will transfer well at the pro level.
12. Quinyon Mitchell (DB)
13. Adonai Mitchell (WR)
14. Bo Nix (QB)
Bo Nix might not be the best prospect because of his age, but his extra years in college mean he is more refined than many of the other quarterbacks in the draft.
15. Jaylen Daniels (QB)
16. Troy Franklin (WR)
17. Brock Bowers (TE)
18. Olu Fashanu (OT)
19. Terrion Arnold (CB)
20. Cooper Dejean (DB)
Cooper Dejean might be a steal if he ends up falling to the right place. While Dejean's range of abilities means he'll likely succeed anywhere he goes, if he winds up playing for a defensive mastermind (Mike Tomlin or Todd Bowles), he'll be a stud.
21. Troy Fantanu (OT)
22. Graham Barton (OL)
23. Zack Frazier (C)
24. Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB)
25. JJ McCarthy (QB)
There's a lot to be said about JJ McCarthy. McCarthy has better improvisation skills and experience than Drake Maye but doesn't get the same recognition. McCarthy's arm talent is very similar, so it's bizarre that Maye gets all the love and McCarthy gets none. Neither quarterback is an all-time talent, but that's not to say they can't play and succeed in this league.
26. Rome Odunze (WR)
27. Malik Nabers (WR)
28. Drake Maye (QB)
29. Taliese Fuaga (OT)
30. Xavier Worthy (WR)
When it comes to raw talent, nothing comes to mind quicker than raw speed. Xavier Worthy certainly has that, as he recently broke the 40-yard dash record.
