Spotlight on 2024- Top Draft Prospects to Keep an Eye On
The echoes of the 2023 Draft have barely faded, yet as a seasoned scout, I've already turned my lens towards the burgeoning talent of 2024. Last year's performances have set the stage, and some names have begun to distinguish themselves in the upcoming draft talks.
Marvin Harrison Jr.
No one can be sure about the final picks for the 2024 NFL Draft, but Harrison came close to the perfect choice. With his excellent performances, Marvin Harrison Jr. emerges as a rare gem for wide receiver prospects.
Harrison Jr. shows that he can react quickly in challenging situations. Not to mention, he possesses excellent footwork and agility. Even if defenders manage to keep pace, Harrison Jr.’s length and formidable hands ensure he snags passes thrown well beyond his reach. Again, nothing has been set in stone, but Harrison Jr. is one of the most likely candidates to be chosen for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Xavier Worthy
Xavier Worthy’s standout attribute is his breathtaking speed. Multiple clips show defenders struggling to catch up behind, almost as if running in slow-motion compared to Worthy’s speed. While his route-running finesse occasionally trumps his velocity in creating openings, he consistently shows the same quality.
If there’s one thing he should improve, it’s his grip strength. In the Alamo Bowl game against the Huskies, Worthy had three opportunities to score a touchdown easily. The defenders were left behind, and he stood in the perfect spot where he could catch and immediately get to the end zone. However, two out of Worthy’s chances to score failed due to his drops.
Worthy’s speed gives him a privilege, but he must balance all his techniques to prove he’s the right match for the 2024 Draft. Other than that, Worthy’s weight still falls outside the desired weight threshold for WRs.
Rome Odunze
If Worthy has his speed as a privilege, Rome Odunze has his physical build as a huge plus. Odunze has been showing exceptional body control and fluidity. He flaunts his skills through his trademark stutter step, followed by a vertical burst down the sideline. While his release from the line of scrimmage is commendable, addressing areas like maintaining posture during route changes, body-catching, and improving grip strength will be crucial to the 2024 Draft picking. Odunce has been constantly showing that he’s a threat. If he refines all his techniques, he might be a sure pick.
Malik Nabers
Malik Nabers possesses an extraordinary post-catch prowess that helps him stand out. He showcases his speed and agility in open spaces, which are helpful in stunning defenders. Nabers's performance in 2022, when he forced 21 missed tackles, secured his spot among the top SEC wide receivers and fifth among Power 5 counterparts.
Nabers is especially talented in making use of concealed spaces in his play. In addition, his agility lets him change direction swiftly. The way he can firmly come to a stop after reeling in deep passes also shows how much technique he has.
The blend of his speed, agility, and sheer determination marks him as a premier receiving prospect on a national scale. Candidates like Nabers are often called early on in the 2024 NFL Draft. Nabers isn’t just a speedster, but also a catch-point contortionist, adept at maintaining balance amidst contact.
Emeka Egbuka
Emeka Egbuka has been showing remarkable performances, especially in the final moments. He’s capable of transforming hard catches into seamless breakaways. A strategic shift to the slot position following Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s injury in 2022 amplified Egbuka’s prowess in using tight spaces. He understands how to convert modest gain into substantial yardage and even touchdowns consistently.
Egbuka can still improve his route precision, but remains a standout among Ohio State’s top-tier receiving prospects. He’s also really good at turning small progress into a bigger one, especially when things are crowded. With a skillset that resonates with those of the past few years, Egbuka emerges as a strong contender for an illustrious legacy at Ohio State and a firm candidate for a first-round selection.