2024 NFL Scouting Combine Blog

Welcome to the 2024 NFL Combine blog!

The annual NFL Combine in Indianapolis is a pivotal date on the fantasy football calendar. For many who have watched these prospects for years at the college level, it is an opportunity to see how they perform in a testing setting. For others just getting a handle on the rookie class, it is a first look at players they will be adding to their dynasty rosters in a few short months.

The process itself can be overrated but simply yelling into the void "the Combine does not matter" is too simplistic. Teams have specific thresholds for testing numbers at specific positions; if prospects do not hit them, they are off the board. We can definitely get caught up in flashy drills like the forty-yard dash but the Underwear Olympics can create some shuffling in the rookie ranks when you dive in beyond the surface numbers.

We will have you covered with the pertinent news from the proceedings, outlined below.

We are just waiting for these defensive backs to clear the field so we can get to everyone's favorite position: tight end.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Quarterbacks

It would not be an NFL Draft cycle without polarizing prospects at the quarterback position. This year, we may have more than ever. Caleb Williams has drawn eyes for his off-field antics, from painting his nails with colorful language to choosing to go without an agent to skipping out on Combine drills. Everyone will have an opinion on him - it is silly season - but I am undeterred. Williams certainly has his flaws but he dominated college football from day one and has tools for days. He is my clear QB1.

Behind him are two quarterbacks whose draft stock would appear to be going in different directions, if the internet is to be believed (when has it ever led us astray?). Drake Maye's game has been put under the microscope, with many questioning how he processes the game and believing his immense tools do not translate in important areas. Maye is not going to fall too far, but he may not have the stranglehold on QB2 as was previously believed.

On the flip side, the J.J. McCarthy steam is enough to power a locomotive. Many believe he is in play for the Commanders at number two, unseating the aforementioned Maye as either QB2 or QB3. Others will still dismiss him as merely a caretaker who never had do to do too much for the Wolverines, slapping a Round 2 grade on him and viewing him many tiers below the top three. Regardless of where you fall, McCarthy has his fans, and looks poised to go in the Top 10 if he has a strong offseason.

Just quietly minding his business is Jayden Daniels, who seems to be the only top quarterback prospect failing to be a heated topic of discussion. His time will likely come, but for now he looks to be steadily moving to the Top 5 of April's draft.

There are definitely some interesting quarterbacks behind the first-round group, led by Bo Nix, who rehabbed his entire image at Oregon. Michael Penix was a superstar at Washington, yet does not seem to be getting much NFL love. Spencer Rattler and Michael Pratt could mix into day two, making this a deep class at quarterback.

Running Backs

The Combine seldom leads to too much change in rookie rankings, but players within a middling running back class will have a chance to separate themselves in Indianapolis. My RB1 - Jonathan Brooks - is still rehabbing from a torn ACL and is thus unable to participate. But plenty of backs should be able to demonstrate their athletic prowess.

Trey Benson is an interesting player. He never had heavy workloads at Florida State yet was incredibly efficient and has solid size to go along with adequate athletic tools. He can make a statement this weekend, and could work his way into the RB1 mix, though none are going in round one this year.

Braelon Allen is a marvel, a massive running back who should crush some parts of testing. He finishes runs with gusto but has a limited receiving profile and may not have the long speed to become a big play runner. He looks like part of a RBBC, as does Audric Estime, another big runner who can rumble through arm tackles yet may lack the creativity and explosiveness to hold a backfield all to himself.

Blake Corum was one of college football's best players. He is neither big nor particularly explosive, but he is a high-effort runner who should carve out a long career. MarShawn Lloyd had a great year at USC and has many fans in the community. There is talent in this class, even if we are not talking about any of these backs as Top 12 dynasty backs from the jump.

Wide Receivers

This wide receiver class has a bit of everything. Whatever your flavor is, there is a receiver who can sate the appetite. You have the prototypical boundary receiver with NFL bloodlines in Marvin Harrison Jr. You have the explosive Malik Nabers, whose sheer athleticism can be too much for defenses. The well-rounded Rome Odunze rounds out the consensus top three, and all three are expected to go in the Top 10 given the glaring need many teams picking highly have.

The real strength of this class, however, lies in its depth. The record for receivers taken in the first round is seven; the 2024 class has a chance to match or top it as the position has taken on such importance in recent years. Beyond the big three, the following receivers should get looks within the Top 50 picks:

- Brian Thomas Jr., LSU

- Xavier Worthy, Texas

- Ladd McConkey, Georgia

- Keon Coleman, Florida State

- Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky

- AD Mitchell, Texas

- Troy Franklin, Oregon

- Devontez Walker, North Carolina

- Roman Wilson, Michigan

- Ricky Pearsall, Florida

- Ja'Lynn Polk, Washington

- Jalen McMillan, Washington

It is an impressive group with talent which is going to stretch well into day three. Both NFL and fantasy rosters are going to be refreshed with elite talent at the position.

Tight Ends

While it is highly unlikely 2024 matches the phenomenal 2023 class at tight end, there are some big-time players at the position.

Brock Bowers - Bowers is a unique weapon who can be utilized all over the field. It is always hard to place tight ends in mocks as many view them as a luxury pick, but if you view Bowers as a playmaker who immediately raises your offense's ceiling, it is easy to see many fits for him in the first half of the first round. Ignore the picture of him next to Gronk. He is a man amongst boys on the gridiron.

Ja'Tavion Sanders - In many years, Sanders would have claim to the top tight end in the class. He is a versatile chess piece who can line up across the formation and give defenders fits. He figures to hear his name called early on day two.

Theo Johnson - Johnson may go higher than people expect, as tight ends are always wild cards within the draft. He is a big target with soft hands who can settle into the middle of the defense to create chunk plays. Outside of the big two, he is the only tight end I currently have any interest in selecting in rookie drafts.