2024: Higgs Big Board

Higgs’ Top 50 NFL rookie prospects for 2024

1. Brian Thomas Jr. (WR)

I believe BTJ and Worthy are the two best players in this year's draft. He is a monster that can't be stopped in the red zone. He makes it look too easy and will kill defensive backs on the deep ball. Don't be surprised if he gets 15 TD receiving right off the bat. With his length, speed and athleticism, I can't pass on this guy for anyone besides maybe Worthy. BTJ had two of the most impressive highlights I've seen in recent college football years, both were deep balls in the end zone, contorting his body to bring in the catch. He will start Moss’n guys come 1st day of camp and he sure ain't no rookie in my book.

Comp: Randy Moss

 

2. Xavier Worthy (WR)

Worthy can do whatever he wants. He is a once in a lifetime talent that you won't see come through the draft for a long time. Period. He is a special team and trick play demon. He can slash you in the middle or outside of the field, throw the ball and run the ball. I said 12 months ago he's a taller Tank Dell and Steve Smith Sr recently said the same thing. Tank Dell was my favorite WR in the draft last year and it's because he was quick, shifty, runs great routes, has soft hands, and is great in the open field because he can make guys miss. You can see it for yourself on tape with what he does with little space. Now take Worthy, who is not only taller than Tank Dell, but he's also shiftier, faster, weighs a little more, and is better in almost every way. Worthy is like the kids fable "If you give a Mouse a Cookie" or  "If you give a Moose a Muffin," when you give him an inch he's going to take a mile. He will have moments where you will just laugh and feel bad for the defense because he just embarrassed their whole team. Whether can seriously do it all, and some things he can do that we haven't ever seen before in the NFL. If Worthy doesn't have at least 10 TDs and 1000 all-purpose yards his rookie season then I will be convinced it's because his coach is using him wrong or his QB is blind. I'm writing this the night before the NFL and if he goes to the Ravens, Chiefs, or a team with that kind of caliber QB and offense, then this kids stock is through the moon.

If I was an NFL GM I wouldn't want to pass on this kid since he has too much upside and a ceiling like no other in this draft. His profile has gone up crazy since the combine as he beat John Ross with a 4.21 40-yard dash and he's still not getting the respect he deserves. He is a top 10 pick in my book and easily one of the best players in the 1st round. I believe he will be a future hall of famer and have a long prosperous career in the NFL. His frame is small so please for the love of God if you are his coach don't use him incorrectly or he will just end up with a concussion or injury like when the Texans had Tank Dell playing goal-line trying to block which ultimately ended his season.

Comp: Tyreek Hill, faster Marvin Harrison SR

 

3. Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR)

Maserati Marv is a killer and a dream for anyone to draft. He is a lock top 5 WR in the NFL from the beginning of his career to the end. I'm a little worried about his hops, but at 6'4 he doesn't have to jump crazy high. He has great body control and ball skills, my favorite route runner in the draft, high football IQ probably thanks to his father, as then his speed + size is just scary. You don't see a player this good come out of the draft. Another future hall of famer.

 Comp: Demaryius Thomas

 

4. Malik Nabers (WR)

 I could listen to someone argue that he's the best player in the draft. He's tough to tackle, faster than probably every player on the field, and is super athletic. NFL players will bounce off this guy, as he reminds me of a stronger Jamar Chase where he can take a 5-yard slant 80 yards. At 6ft, he's a bit shorter than these other receivers I've named but any other draft he would be the best prospect. These 4 receivers are the best WRs I've seen in any draft ever, even better than in 2020. I think by 2026, all four of these receivers will be in the Top 5 WR column. Nabers should be a future hall of famer as well. 

Comp: Jamar Chase, Dez Bryant

 

5. Brock Bowers (TE)

I'm sure you're wondering how I still haven't picked a QB. I'm wondering how you pick a QB over any of these players on the board. Bowers in the next Kelce and Gronk but better. He will be just as hard, if not harder to tackle. He will be a lot harder to catch since he's faster than both Kelce and Gronk. He has amazing mitts and catches anything thrown to his vicinity. Ultimately, any team that gets him doesn't have to draft another TE for at least 10 years. I am a little worried about him being injury prone as he drains to much energy into every play that he becomes more vulnerable on the next play. Future hall of famer.

 

6.  Jayden Daniels (QB)

I think Jayden Daniels will be a day one star and has the ability to be as good as CJ Stroud that is faster and can run the ball at will. He had the two best college WRs I've seen since Jamar Chase and JJ at LSU but Joe Burrow turned out fine, so why can't he? Jayden has this swagger about him that I love to see, he can take a lot of hits and he is durable. I'd like to see what he can do with a good offensive line a decent WR crew. He has the biggest ceiling out of the QB class so I am taking him at 6.

 

7.  Quinyon Mitchell (CB)

 I don't care if this guy is from Toledo, he is a straight baller. 4 INTs in one game, two of them being pick 6s, I would draft him alone based on that one game. He makes it look way too easy, like an NFL player playing in a college football uniform. He could play outside LB, CB and safety all better than most players in the NFL do today. I think he should be a top 10 pick but this draft is absolutely loaded with some of the best receivers I've ever seen so he had to fall. 

 

8. Jared Verse (DE)

 This guy can sack QBs by throwing the offensive tackle into him. I have seen his tape and he is unmatched. I feel bad for any tackle going against this guy every play, he will wear them down. With his 4.58 speed, strength and athleticism, he should be an absolute animal come day one and easily eclipse have 100+ sacks in his career. Oh and his 31 reps on the bench press for an edge rusher is crazy, tied for 4th best in his class and his broad jump is crazy too. Myles Garrett's had 33 bench presses during his combine for those wondering. Based on just skills alone, he might be the best player in this draft.

 

9. Drake Maye (QB)

 This kid is a stud with a very high football IQ. I love how he is tall at 6'5 so he can see over his lineman unlike Caleb williams who is only 6'1. I think he reminds me a little of Justin Herbert. He will make the right decision under pressure and I'm not afraid to say that he will be better than Caleb Williams. With his determination to get the 1st down, he will be any coaches dream to have.

10. Caleb Williams (QB)

He has a crazy ability to throw an accurate ball in a tough position. Reminds me of Pat Mahomes a little but no shot he will be as good as Mahomes, right? I think he has potential to be a bust, but maybe that's because I have a bias against him for only being 6 '1 and I think that's a problem. But hey, Drew Brees was only 6 ft, but then again, I don't see there being another Drew Brees for another 10-15 years at the minimum. Overall, he has a lot of potential and the tangibles are there, but I am not as high on this kid as everyone else. I feel like he makes it a lot harder than what it really has to be. I'm really struggling to pinpoint this guy, he has a high ceiling but I don't think he's the best QB and I could make an argument that he's actually the 4th best QB.

11.  JJ McCarthy (QB)

 JJ could be the best QB in this draft. I think any team that picks him will have a long term QB for their future. He is great on 4th down and has a high football IQ. I would've liked to see him throw more TDs but that's one of the only knocks I really have on this guy which is impressive. Don't sleep on JJ he will be a dream to any team if he falls in the late 1st round.

12. JC Latham (OT)

Absolute beast of a guy, haven't personally been high on a lineman like this guy since Tristan Wirfs which says a lot. I can't wait to see what this guy does in the NFL. He is going to be a dream for any RB or QB to have on their side of the ball.

 

13.  Joe Alt (OT)

Originally had Joe Alt as the best tackle. My knock on him is that he is a little too tall, believe it or not. At 6'8 his initial step off the o-line is too high. I'm a little worried he could get blown by the smaller, quick DE's in the league. With more reps though, he could easily be the best OT in the league for a long time. I am also worried about his longevity in the league as I believe he will have similar issues to Taylor Lewan in his late 20's which will make him more injury prone but I don't want to be negative or put him in a bad light at all I'm just concerned for his future after he plays 7 or so years in the league but you will have a all-pro tackle for those 7 years. His Dad being in the NFL too only makes me more hyped.

 

14. Rome Odunze (WR)

 Rome has a very special gift at putting himself in a position to win against defensive backs. He knows how to do pretty much everything really well. He is probably the most well-rounded receiver in the draft so you could easily argue he is the best receiver in this draft. But, I don't see him on tape breaking tackles enough. I also don't see the dog mentality in him as much. I think he will be a great receiver in the NFL come week 1, as he reminds me of a faster version of Keenan Allen almost.

15. Keon Coleman (WR)

Keon is the next DK Metcalf but he can hurdle guys and is harder to tackle. Keon was ranked the 3rd best WR in this class before the season started based on most google searches. Why I don't have him in the top 3 is because he doesn't have the natural ability to break coverage like most of these other receivers I mentioned. Corners in the NFL won't have a problem following him, but they will have a problem trying to prevent him from catching the ball as he is very tall and has a high catch point where most corners can't get to. Keon will make it look easy, and these DBs are going to struggle bringing him down. I wouldn't be surprised if he becomes the best receiver in this class just based on yards after catch, but if he can fine tune his game more, he will be a one of a kind receiver that I don't think the NFL has ever seen. Don't let this guy fall outside of the 1st round.

 

16. Dallas Turner (EDGE)

 All-around player, makes guys around him better, and has a knack for the football. If you're an RB or WR in the NFL reading this, make sure you know where this guy is at all times or else he will punch the ball out of your hands and make you look like a fool. QBs and O-linemen in the NFL, I'm sorry.

 

17. Amarius Mims (OT)

 Nothing that I don't like with this guy. He is a beast at 6 '7, 330 with long arms, sheeeesh. If he improves his balance and lateral agility, he could become the best OT in the league before we know it.

 

18. Olu Fashanu (OT)

 Olu was NFL ready last season and has only gotten better at run and pass protection. Standing at 6 '6, 320 pounds with long arms (35") to go together with great awareness and body positioning puts him up there with the best. You could argue he is the best OT in this draft but he needs to improve his balance. He can also bench 405 which is pretty nuts.

19. Michael Penix Jr (QB)

 Personally, Penix is my favorite receiver in this draft, but we're not going by fan favorites here. I love how he throws lefty, and can do-it-all with a great arm and quick legs to make tight throws while on the run or in traffic. He had 3 really good WRs, Polk was also super underrated and helped bail him out sometimes and he had probably the best O-line in all of college football. His deep ball and precision is undeniable. I am worried about his past as he is extremely injury prone, but he can also take a beating since he has the competitive toughness NFL teams are looking for. I love how he will get up and keep playing through it, but the NFL has refrained from keeping guys in when injured. Penix is the definition of boom or bust.

20. Taliese Fuaga (OT)

Fuaga, boasting massive size and power, excels as a run blocker and displays durability to handle being a NFL starter for years to come. He has limitations in lateral movement and needs to improve hand technique but I can see him more favorably at right tackle or guard positions.

21. Jackson Powers Johnson (OL)

Best interior NFL lineman in the draft hands down. For the Alamo Bowl they moved him to DT, showing his athleticism and how he can play on both sides of the ball.

 

23. Kool-Aid Mckinstry (CB)

Great size at 6'1 with natural ball skills. He was my favorite cornerback back in 2022 and is great at being very physical. He has the tape to back him up, as he showed he can stick with the best WRs in the country.  Kool-Aid needs to improve his recovery speed and play smarter to not draw as many penalties. If Kool-Aid gets turned around, he can get burnt but he will have plenty of time to fix this flaw. I'd love to see him be the next Patrick Peterson, as they both thrive in press man schemes and can disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage.

25. Jer'Zhan Newton (DT)

 Jer'Zhan reminds me of Vince Wilfork a lot. For such a big dude he has a low center of gravity. He will be an absolute plug in the middle of the field and should be a starter day one. Teams that run a 3-4 need this guy as their nose tackle. 

 

26. Xavier Leggette (WR)

 Has Boom or Bust potential but he could emerge as the number one or two receiver potentially in this draft. He's unlike any WR prospect I've seen since I can remember. I can see some Deebo Samuel in him as everyone's been saying since he's hard to tackle and is great after the catch. He was a beast in High School, starting at WR his first 3 years then transitioning to QB since his coaches felt he was so good, why not make him our starting QB. He never misses practice, continuously wanting to get better, and plays with a chip on his shoulder. He was a late bloomer in college but at 6'1 weighing at 220, he has wheels for his size. His broad jump and vertical were also both near the top of his class. He's awesome after catch but needs to improve his hands and route running. Unfortunately, both his parents passed away, but I like to see players who come into the NFL that have already dealt with adversity and that's one of the toughest things in life to overcome, never mind as a teenager.

27. Laiatu Latu (EDGE)

 Unbelievable with his hands, makes it look easy to get to the QB. Fast off the line and quick, he runs a 4.6 40. He was medically retired because of a neck injury which is the only reason he fell.

 

28. Cooper DeJean (CB)

Has a strong tendency to read the play before it happens. He looks like he knows the play and where the ball is going which is crazy. I would like to see him against top players in the NFL and see if he can still hang with those guys. He is a great all around player and has the skills to play at the next level no doubt. I can see Bill Belichick loving this guy which says enough.

28. Byron Murphy (DT)

 Reminds me of Aaron Donald a little bit which is why I have him here but I think he will be more of a boom or bust player. I think Braden Fiske is worth waiting for instead of Byron personally as I'd rather go size than speed at DT. 

 

28. Troy Fautanu (OT)

29. Edgerrin Cooper (LB)

29. Troy Franklin (WR)

29. Nate Wiggins (CB)

30. TJ Tampa (CB)

31. Terrion Arnold (CB)

32. Chop Robinson (DE)

33. Adonai Mitchell (WR)

34. Tyler Guyton (OT)

35. Tyler Nubin (S)

36. Malik Washington (WR)

37. Ricky Pearsall (WR)

38. Marshawn Lloyd (RB)

39. Jaylin Wright (RB)

40. Kamari Lassiter (CB)

41. Graham Barton (OT)

42. Dez Walker (WR)

43. T'Vondre Sweat (DT)

44. Jermaine Burton (WR)

45. Ja'Lynn Polk (WR)

46. Malachi Corley (WR)

47. Kendall Milton (RB)

48. Javon Baker (WR)

49. Braden Fiske (DL)

50. Brendan Rice (WR)

 

Best available players in no particular order:

 

Offense:

Joe Milton (QB)

Bo Nix (QB)

Jordan Travis (QB)

Bucky Irving (RB)

Blake Watson (RB)

Jonathan Brooks (RB)

Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB)

Isaac Guerendo (RB)

Trey Benson (RB)

Keilan Robinson (RB)

Jase McClellan (RB)

Ray Davis (RB)

Daijun Edwards (RB)

Will Shipley (RB)

Braelon Allen (RB)

Frank Gore Jr. (RB)

Blake Corum (RB)

Dylan Laube (RB)

Roman Wilson (WR)

Ladd McConkey (WR)

Jalen McMillan (WR)

Johnny Wilson (WR)

Luke McCaffrey (WR)

Ja'Tavion Sanders (TE)

Kingsley Suamataia (OT)

Jordan Morgan (OT)

Christian Jones (OT)

Christian Haynes (OG)

Zach Frazier (C)

Blake Fisher (OT)

Kiran Amegadhie (OT)

Cooper Beebe (OG)

Patrick Puni (OT)

Dominick Puni (OT)

Sedrick Van Pran (C)

Roger Rosengarten (OT)

Christian Mahogany (OG)

Brandon Coleman (OL)

Matt Goncalves (OT)

Zak Zinter (OG)

 

Defense:

Mike Sainristil (CB)

Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB)

Ruke OrHorhoro (DT)

Junior Colson (LB)

Payton Watson (LB)

Javon Bullard (S)

Jayden Hicks (S)

Darius Robinson (EDGE)

Chris Bradwell (LB)

Max Melton (CB)

Dadrion Taylor Demerson (S)

Renardo Green (S)

Andru Phillips (CB)