Risen Star
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Scout quotes from the offensive players in his current top 55.
In this initial three-part series, the projected top 55 players in the 2024 NFL draft will be examined. Personnel people offered their assessments of players last month before the start of workouts at the combine. Their comments were based almost exclusively on their exposure to players both in live looks and tape study. My rankings, arranged in order within each position, were influenced to an extent by results from the combine. For example, 40-yard dash times will play a critical role in stacking prospects at cornerback and wide receiver, among other positions. But remember, when these scouts were interviewed, they had almost no verified 40 times in addition to no verified heights and weights on underclassmen.
This projected Top 55 will lead to my NFL Draft Series, which I’ve been assembling annually since 1985.
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OFFENSE (32)
Wide receivers (9)
Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State (6-3, 209): Fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting. “He’s the real deal,” one scout said. “He’s legit. He’s everything they say. He’s huge, he’s quick, he’s got sneaky speed and he catches everything.”
Caught a mere 11 passes as a member of the Buckeyes’ loaded wide-receiver group as a true freshman before catching 144 passes for 2,474 yards (17.2 average) and 28 touchdowns in the past two seasons. “They had a bad quarterback (Kyle McCord) this year and he still averaged 18.1 yards a catch,” said a second scout. “He’s good on back shoulders, fades, traffic catches. He’s a lot bigger than his dad (Marvin Sr., who was 6-0, 180 coming out in 1996). He reminded me of Calvin Johnson with his size, quickness, hands, speed, body control and run after the catch.” One of the first players in combine history to shun the scheduled media interview; also didn’t work out. “Calvin’s much more gifted,” a third scout said. “I kind of liken him to Larry Fitzgerald. And, of the top handful of guys (wide receivers), his character is the cleanest. He’s going to be a great NFL player just like Larry Fitzgerald was. Very similar.”
Malik Nabers, Louisiana State (NA): NFL teams have no verified height, weight or speed after he declined measurements and testing in Indianapolis. “He’s not Harrison,” one scout said. “If you see that he’s better than Harrison, just ignore it. He’s more of that D.J. Moore kind of player. Thick running-back build. They do a lot of that underneath movement, slip-screen stuff with him. He’s a good player, a really good player. Tough, strong. I don’t think he has elite ball skills. He’ll be a good starter.” Had four dropped passes in the eight games broken down by another scout. “That was the only thing that disappointed me,” he said. “But they were all on slants and hitches so I think he’s so anxious to run after the catch that he doesn’t concentrate sometimes. He has the best run-after-the-catch of the group. After the catch this guy is just sensational. This guy’s quicker than Justin Jefferson but Justin Jefferson is stronger and better in traffic. Nabers is amazing after the catch, and that’s what it’s all about, really, today.” Finished second in college football last season with 1,569 receiving yards. “He’s more physically talented than Harrison but he’s not as big and not as much of a pro as Marvin is,” said a third scout. “He’s got some volatility, some immaturity. Of the top three guys, if there’s one whose makeup would not allow him to reach his potential, it might be Nabers. But he’s very passionate about football and plays the game that way and is highly competitive. The other (top) kids are just so damn clean.”
Rome Odunze, Washington (6-3, 212): Saved his best for last, compiling career bests in 2023 for receptions (92), yards (1,640), average (17.8) and TDs (13). “He might be faster than Harrison,” said one scout. “Harrison is more powerful. Who is he like? Tim Brown. He has Tim Brown’s smoothness. All of a sudden he’s on top of you and he’s gone. He’s a complete receiver, too. He can catch, run after the catch and he blocks.” His 40 time at the combine was 4.45, his vertical jump of 39 inches was excellent and his shuttle runs were outstanding. “He’s a great kid and it wouldn’t surprise me if Odunze ended up being the best of the class,” a second scout said. “What’s crazy is he has production and there were three receivers there (Washington) that are getting drafted. He could be the slam dunk of the group. He’s not getting as much (hype) now but let’s be honest, some of that is because he’s on the West Coast.” Finished with 214 receptions and a 15.3 average. “He’s good, but I have some issues with his quickness and his ability to separate,” a third scout said. “He’s strong, but his lack of explosiveness really bothered me. You hear, ‘He makes these great plays,’ but none of them are really high in the air. They’re all where he bodies guys and they’re lower catches. You just don’t do that in the NFL. You better go up over somebody. I think he’ll be a solid pro. Nothing special.”
Brian Thomas, Louisiana State (6-3, 209): Another in the long line of standout wideouts in Baton Rouge. “That’s ‘Receiver U,’” one scout said. “He’s completely different than Nabers. This guy is tall, long (32 ¾-inch arms), vertical. He can run now. Reminded me a little of Plaxico (Burress), that movement. Not a silky-moving athlete but can change direction. Has size, length and strength running routes.” Helped himself immensely with 4.34 clocking at the combine, the second best at the position. “He’s got huge speed but he’s not as good a receiver as Nabers,” said a second scout. “He can really fly. He’ll play a long time.” More than doubled his 2021-’22 production in ’23 with by far his finest season. “I see the talent in that guy but he has been an underachiever,” a third scout said. “Makeup-wise, it’s a little bit of a concern. He’ll go top 40. He’s just got too much.”
Xavier Worthy, Texas (5-11, 165): Records aren’t available from the early years of the combine that dates to the mid-1980s. His 4.21 clocking in Indianapolis was regarded as the fastest in recent years. “I compared him to Jaylen Waddle,” said one scout. “When they try to press him it’s (tough). Plus, he averaged 16.9 on punt returns. Only negative I had was the weight.” Extreme three-year production. “He’s got height — he’s just skinny,” a second scout said. “He’s like a taller Hollywood Brown. If you’re looking for a vertical big-play guy he’s the guy.” His vertical jump (41 inches) and broad jump (10-11) also ranked among the top five among wideouts. “You kind of have to have a special role for him,” one scout said. “He’s not going to be an every-down, let’s-get-this-guy-running-slants-all-day guy. His hands are a little suspect. He’s a Will Fuller kind of guy. That (Waddle) is a pretty good comparison. If he jumps out and runs a 4.3 somebody (team) will go crazy, which I think he might.”
Adonai Mitchell, Texas (6-2, 205): Undoubtedly shocked some personnel men by running a blistering 4.34. “It’ll depend on his speed,” one scout said Feb. 7. “He was more of the possession receiver and Xavier Worthy was more explosive. He’s something like Brian Thomas. All he does is catch the ball and gain yards. Good in traffic. He couldn’t get on the field at Georgia so he left. Had a good season.” Caught just 38 passes in two seasons for the two-time CFP champion Bulldogs but four were for touchdowns in playoff games. “He’s a big dude. Sneaky with his routes,” said a second scout. “Really good feel for using his body. He can change directions for a big guy. Can make big-time plays in the air. Knows how to get deep, setting up people by being strong in the middle.” His 11-4 broad jump led the position. “More third round,” said another scout who, of course, spoke last month (Feb. 28). “More of a perimeter player. He is a pretty talented athlete.”
Xavier Legette, South Carolina (6-1, 221): Played five years in Columbia, starting 32 of 53 games. “He reminds me of A.J. Brown,” one scout said. “Physical, strong, competitive, can run. He’s the one you think, ‘What are people missing on this guy?’ Kind of a late bloomer. He is talented.” Followed an impressive week at the Senior Bowl in January with a 4.39 40 and 40-inch vertical jump at the combine. “He’s a big ol’ country kid,” said a second scout. “Naïve, but he’s a good kid. He’s not a real good route runner but he’s big and has really strong hands. He can high-point it down the field as good as anybody. He might sneak into the first but I wouldn’t. I’d damn sure take him in the second.” Most of his 29 kickoff returns came in 2022-’23. Career average was 26.4. “He’s got some intelligence issues that might be a concern,” a third scout said. “But he’s big, physical and can run.”
Keon Coleman, Florida State (6-3, 213): Hard to say how much Coleman’s chances to be a top choice were damaged Saturday with his 4.61 time in the 40. That ranked 29th among the 30 wideouts that participated. “He’s almost 6-3, will run in the 4.4s, is really athletic, has great ball skills,” one scout said. “Big kid, very gifted. Not playing in a super dynamic pro offense. He’s got a little more developing than the other (top) guys but he’s not far off from those guys.” Two scouts regarded him as a surefire selection in the first round. “I don’t think he’s as explosive as the three top guys but he’s really good in traffic and he’s a good punt returner, too,” a second scout said. “He runs, catches and blocks.” Demonstrated his athletic ability with solid results in the vertical (38) and broad (10-7) jumps. Played a year of basketball at Michigan State, where he had a 58-reception season in 2022 before hauling in 11 TDs in ’23 for the Seminoles. “I just don’t see anything there,” a third scout said. “Big guy but doesn’t have any quickness, explosion or speed. Doesn’t separate well. They try to throw all these slip screens to him and he doesn’t have much run after the catch. Just a No. 3 type. Third round. I don’t see a first-round guy whatsoever.”
Troy Franklin, Oregon (6-2, 176): Worked out well in Indy with a 4.41 40 and a 39-inch vertical jump. “He’s kind of in the same mold as the Texas kid (Worthy),” one scout said. “Decent height but skinny. Fast. Kind of hard to play in Oregon’s offense if you’re not fast.” Sixth in the NCAA last season with 1,383 yards. Averaged 17.1 and led the Pacific-12 Conference with 14 receiving TDs. “Solid dude, knows how to play,” said a second scout. “Don’t see much explosiveness or playmaking. You like him in the second or third (rounds).” A third scout said junior Tez Johnson was the most impressive wideout in Eugene last season. “Big-play ability but disappeared in some games,” he said. “I questioned his strength and blocking attitude.”
In this initial three-part series, the projected top 55 players in the 2024 NFL draft will be examined. Personnel people offered their assessments of players last month before the start of workouts at the combine. Their comments were based almost exclusively on their exposure to players both in live looks and tape study. My rankings, arranged in order within each position, were influenced to an extent by results from the combine. For example, 40-yard dash times will play a critical role in stacking prospects at cornerback and wide receiver, among other positions. But remember, when these scouts were interviewed, they had almost no verified 40 times in addition to no verified heights and weights on underclassmen.
This projected Top 55 will lead to my NFL Draft Series, which I’ve been assembling annually since 1985.
-
OFFENSE (32)
Wide receivers (9)
Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State (6-3, 209): Fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting. “He’s the real deal,” one scout said. “He’s legit. He’s everything they say. He’s huge, he’s quick, he’s got sneaky speed and he catches everything.”
Caught a mere 11 passes as a member of the Buckeyes’ loaded wide-receiver group as a true freshman before catching 144 passes for 2,474 yards (17.2 average) and 28 touchdowns in the past two seasons. “They had a bad quarterback (Kyle McCord) this year and he still averaged 18.1 yards a catch,” said a second scout. “He’s good on back shoulders, fades, traffic catches. He’s a lot bigger than his dad (Marvin Sr., who was 6-0, 180 coming out in 1996). He reminded me of Calvin Johnson with his size, quickness, hands, speed, body control and run after the catch.” One of the first players in combine history to shun the scheduled media interview; also didn’t work out. “Calvin’s much more gifted,” a third scout said. “I kind of liken him to Larry Fitzgerald. And, of the top handful of guys (wide receivers), his character is the cleanest. He’s going to be a great NFL player just like Larry Fitzgerald was. Very similar.”
Malik Nabers, Louisiana State (NA): NFL teams have no verified height, weight or speed after he declined measurements and testing in Indianapolis. “He’s not Harrison,” one scout said. “If you see that he’s better than Harrison, just ignore it. He’s more of that D.J. Moore kind of player. Thick running-back build. They do a lot of that underneath movement, slip-screen stuff with him. He’s a good player, a really good player. Tough, strong. I don’t think he has elite ball skills. He’ll be a good starter.” Had four dropped passes in the eight games broken down by another scout. “That was the only thing that disappointed me,” he said. “But they were all on slants and hitches so I think he’s so anxious to run after the catch that he doesn’t concentrate sometimes. He has the best run-after-the-catch of the group. After the catch this guy is just sensational. This guy’s quicker than Justin Jefferson but Justin Jefferson is stronger and better in traffic. Nabers is amazing after the catch, and that’s what it’s all about, really, today.” Finished second in college football last season with 1,569 receiving yards. “He’s more physically talented than Harrison but he’s not as big and not as much of a pro as Marvin is,” said a third scout. “He’s got some volatility, some immaturity. Of the top three guys, if there’s one whose makeup would not allow him to reach his potential, it might be Nabers. But he’s very passionate about football and plays the game that way and is highly competitive. The other (top) kids are just so damn clean.”
Rome Odunze, Washington (6-3, 212): Saved his best for last, compiling career bests in 2023 for receptions (92), yards (1,640), average (17.8) and TDs (13). “He might be faster than Harrison,” said one scout. “Harrison is more powerful. Who is he like? Tim Brown. He has Tim Brown’s smoothness. All of a sudden he’s on top of you and he’s gone. He’s a complete receiver, too. He can catch, run after the catch and he blocks.” His 40 time at the combine was 4.45, his vertical jump of 39 inches was excellent and his shuttle runs were outstanding. “He’s a great kid and it wouldn’t surprise me if Odunze ended up being the best of the class,” a second scout said. “What’s crazy is he has production and there were three receivers there (Washington) that are getting drafted. He could be the slam dunk of the group. He’s not getting as much (hype) now but let’s be honest, some of that is because he’s on the West Coast.” Finished with 214 receptions and a 15.3 average. “He’s good, but I have some issues with his quickness and his ability to separate,” a third scout said. “He’s strong, but his lack of explosiveness really bothered me. You hear, ‘He makes these great plays,’ but none of them are really high in the air. They’re all where he bodies guys and they’re lower catches. You just don’t do that in the NFL. You better go up over somebody. I think he’ll be a solid pro. Nothing special.”
Brian Thomas, Louisiana State (6-3, 209): Another in the long line of standout wideouts in Baton Rouge. “That’s ‘Receiver U,’” one scout said. “He’s completely different than Nabers. This guy is tall, long (32 ¾-inch arms), vertical. He can run now. Reminded me a little of Plaxico (Burress), that movement. Not a silky-moving athlete but can change direction. Has size, length and strength running routes.” Helped himself immensely with 4.34 clocking at the combine, the second best at the position. “He’s got huge speed but he’s not as good a receiver as Nabers,” said a second scout. “He can really fly. He’ll play a long time.” More than doubled his 2021-’22 production in ’23 with by far his finest season. “I see the talent in that guy but he has been an underachiever,” a third scout said. “Makeup-wise, it’s a little bit of a concern. He’ll go top 40. He’s just got too much.”
Xavier Worthy, Texas (5-11, 165): Records aren’t available from the early years of the combine that dates to the mid-1980s. His 4.21 clocking in Indianapolis was regarded as the fastest in recent years. “I compared him to Jaylen Waddle,” said one scout. “When they try to press him it’s (tough). Plus, he averaged 16.9 on punt returns. Only negative I had was the weight.” Extreme three-year production. “He’s got height — he’s just skinny,” a second scout said. “He’s like a taller Hollywood Brown. If you’re looking for a vertical big-play guy he’s the guy.” His vertical jump (41 inches) and broad jump (10-11) also ranked among the top five among wideouts. “You kind of have to have a special role for him,” one scout said. “He’s not going to be an every-down, let’s-get-this-guy-running-slants-all-day guy. His hands are a little suspect. He’s a Will Fuller kind of guy. That (Waddle) is a pretty good comparison. If he jumps out and runs a 4.3 somebody (team) will go crazy, which I think he might.”
Adonai Mitchell, Texas (6-2, 205): Undoubtedly shocked some personnel men by running a blistering 4.34. “It’ll depend on his speed,” one scout said Feb. 7. “He was more of the possession receiver and Xavier Worthy was more explosive. He’s something like Brian Thomas. All he does is catch the ball and gain yards. Good in traffic. He couldn’t get on the field at Georgia so he left. Had a good season.” Caught just 38 passes in two seasons for the two-time CFP champion Bulldogs but four were for touchdowns in playoff games. “He’s a big dude. Sneaky with his routes,” said a second scout. “Really good feel for using his body. He can change directions for a big guy. Can make big-time plays in the air. Knows how to get deep, setting up people by being strong in the middle.” His 11-4 broad jump led the position. “More third round,” said another scout who, of course, spoke last month (Feb. 28). “More of a perimeter player. He is a pretty talented athlete.”
Xavier Legette, South Carolina (6-1, 221): Played five years in Columbia, starting 32 of 53 games. “He reminds me of A.J. Brown,” one scout said. “Physical, strong, competitive, can run. He’s the one you think, ‘What are people missing on this guy?’ Kind of a late bloomer. He is talented.” Followed an impressive week at the Senior Bowl in January with a 4.39 40 and 40-inch vertical jump at the combine. “He’s a big ol’ country kid,” said a second scout. “Naïve, but he’s a good kid. He’s not a real good route runner but he’s big and has really strong hands. He can high-point it down the field as good as anybody. He might sneak into the first but I wouldn’t. I’d damn sure take him in the second.” Most of his 29 kickoff returns came in 2022-’23. Career average was 26.4. “He’s got some intelligence issues that might be a concern,” a third scout said. “But he’s big, physical and can run.”
Keon Coleman, Florida State (6-3, 213): Hard to say how much Coleman’s chances to be a top choice were damaged Saturday with his 4.61 time in the 40. That ranked 29th among the 30 wideouts that participated. “He’s almost 6-3, will run in the 4.4s, is really athletic, has great ball skills,” one scout said. “Big kid, very gifted. Not playing in a super dynamic pro offense. He’s got a little more developing than the other (top) guys but he’s not far off from those guys.” Two scouts regarded him as a surefire selection in the first round. “I don’t think he’s as explosive as the three top guys but he’s really good in traffic and he’s a good punt returner, too,” a second scout said. “He runs, catches and blocks.” Demonstrated his athletic ability with solid results in the vertical (38) and broad (10-7) jumps. Played a year of basketball at Michigan State, where he had a 58-reception season in 2022 before hauling in 11 TDs in ’23 for the Seminoles. “I just don’t see anything there,” a third scout said. “Big guy but doesn’t have any quickness, explosion or speed. Doesn’t separate well. They try to throw all these slip screens to him and he doesn’t have much run after the catch. Just a No. 3 type. Third round. I don’t see a first-round guy whatsoever.”
Troy Franklin, Oregon (6-2, 176): Worked out well in Indy with a 4.41 40 and a 39-inch vertical jump. “He’s kind of in the same mold as the Texas kid (Worthy),” one scout said. “Decent height but skinny. Fast. Kind of hard to play in Oregon’s offense if you’re not fast.” Sixth in the NCAA last season with 1,383 yards. Averaged 17.1 and led the Pacific-12 Conference with 14 receiving TDs. “Solid dude, knows how to play,” said a second scout. “Don’t see much explosiveness or playmaking. You like him in the second or third (rounds).” A third scout said junior Tez Johnson was the most impressive wideout in Eugene last season. “Big-play ability but disappeared in some games,” he said. “I questioned his strength and blocking attitude.”
Thanks for posting Risen.
