We are under one week from the start of the 2024 NFL Draft, and that means my final rankings are here. Approximately one month ago, I released my initial rankings and there has been some major movement. The easiest way to read these graphs is to think of it like tiers. Marvin Harrison Jr, Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze are worthy of going picks 1-5. Brian Thomas Jr, Ladd McConkey, Adonai Mitchell, and Xavier Worthy are worthy of going somewhere between picks 6 and pick 32, so on and so forth.
To touch on some of the major deviations from the consensus:
Diverging from the consensus, Georgia's Ladd McConkey holds my WR5 spot. Despite his lack of high-end production, he's a nightmare for opposing cornerbacks due to his natural ability to separate. His film shows a receiver with the skill to spin around defenders at all three levels of the route. I disagree vehemently with those limiting him to a specific role; I believe he can thrive in the X, Z, and Slot positions at the next level. His size profile is scarily similar to Garrett Wilson, who has been able to play from all three alignments in the NFL.
Adonai Mitchell presents a polarizing profile. While possessing the physical makeup of a prototypical X receiver, concerns linger about his effort level, which you can see in his film - he occasionally takes plays off. Additionally, as a type one diabetic, his health management requires meticulous attention. Mitchell represents the biggest boom-or-bust prospect in this class, with the potential for All-Pro success or a rapid decline.
The top-to-middle of the second round boasts strong talent, with players like Florida's Ricky Pearsall, UCF's Javon Baker, Alabama's Jermaine Burton, and Michigan's Roman Wilson deserving of top-64 consideration. They form the upper echelon of this tier, positioning them as top-to-middle of the second-round prospects.
Troy Franklin, my WR12, falls considerably lower in my rankings than the consensus. While his production is noteworthy, his lackluster lateral agility, hands, and ball tracking raise concerns. His release package needs work; he occasionally struggles to get off the line of scrimmage and that will only get harder against NFL cornerbacks. His thin frame raises concerns about play strength and just how much he can improve against press coverage against more physical NFL cornerbacks. All of that said, his athleticism and height offer the potential for impact.
UNC's Tez Walker has seen a steady decline in stock since the season's end. Despite evident athleticism and vertical speed, he struggles as a route runner and has struggled with drops, including during Senior Bowl week. Though initially promising, his limitations have tempered my enthusiasm for his potential.
Another divergence from the consensus is my lower ranking of South Carolina's Xavier Legette. Despite his impressive physical attributes, his lack of significant production in his first four collegiate seasons raises questions about his sudden surge in his fifth season. While comparisons to "mini D.K Metcalf" are understandable, his limited route tree and stiffness in play style warrant caution, especially considering his late dominance in an underperforming offense.
Rounds 3-5 showcase intriguing prospects, such as Texas Tech's Ainias Smith, who possesses the potential to make significant contributions in the NFL, despite a pre-combine medical discovery revealing a stress fracture in his shin. Florida State's Johnny Wilson, with his unique blend of size and agility, presents an unconventional profile, though he struggles with contested catches. His development could offer a distinct advantage to an offense willing to harness his skills effectively.
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