Top 20 NFL Draft-Eligible Players in the 2024 Season: A Comprehensive Analysis

With the NFL Draft declaration deadline behind us, college football fans and NFL scouts alike are eagerly anticipating the 2024 NFL Draft. This year’s draft class is expected to be particularly strong, with a plethora of talented players across all positions.

While some top prospects have already declared for the draft, several others have opted to return to school for another season. These players are looking to improve their draft stock, gain more experience, or simply take advantage of the new NIL opportunities that have emerged in college athletics.

In this comprehensive analysis, we’ll take a closer look at the top 20 NFL draft-eligible players for the 2024 season. This list considers both NFL Draft stock and the value of these players to their respective teams. We’ll also include a mix of positions, with a notable emphasis on defensive players.

Quarterbacks:

1. Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas:
Quinn Ewers, a former top recruit, has shown flashes of brilliance despite battling injuries. Now in the SEC, he has the potential to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft if he can stay healthy and produce consistently.

2. Cam Ward, QB, Miami:
Cam Ward, who nearly declared for the draft this year, chose to stay at Miami, where he has a chance to improve his stock. Possessing the ability to make plays that few others can, Ward is a dynamic playmaker with a high ceiling.

3. Carson Beck, QB, Georgia:
Carson Beck impressed in 2023, emerging as one of the top passers in the country. With his strong arm and accuracy, Beck has a legitimate chance to be the No. 1 pick next season if he continues to develop and produce at a high level.

Running Backs:

1. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State:
Despite battling injuries, TreVeyon Henderson remains a highly-touted running back with big-play potential. When healthy, he’s a dynamic playmaker who can score from anywhere on the field. He’ll be a featured player in Ohio State’s potent offense in 2024.

Wide Receivers:

1. Luther Burden, WR, Missouri:
Luther Burden, a top recruit in 2022, exploded in 2023 with over 1,200 receiving yards. He’s a versatile playmaker who can line up anywhere on the field and make an impact. Burden could be on track for an even bigger season in 2024.

2. Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon:
Evan Stewart, another top recruit in 2022, has transferred to Oregon, where he’s expected to replace Troy Franklin in the Ducks’ offense. A big year in 2024 could propel him into the first round of the draft.

3. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State:
Emeka Egbuka, despite injury struggles, is an incredible talent. He’ll enter 2024 as the top receiving option in Ohio State’s offense, a position that often leads to first-round selection.

Offensive Linemen:

1. Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon:
Josh Conerly Jr., part of Oregon’s strong offensive line, excels in pass protection and has the traits to garner NFL attention. He’s a potential first-round pick if he continues to develop and improve.

2. Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State:
Donovan Jackson, a key player for the Buckeyes, stands out for his ability to hold up in pass protection and move people in the run game. He’s a versatile lineman with a bright future in the NFL.

Defensive Linemen:

1. J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State:
J.T. Tuimoloau, a nightmare for opposing offenses, tallied 37 pressures in 2023. He’ll be part of a formidable Ohio State defensive line in 2024 and is a potential top-five pick in the draft.

2. Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia:
Jalon Walker, with his combination of length, quickness, strength, and athleticism, has the potential to emerge as a top edge rusher in the class. He’s a disruptive force who can make a significant impact on the game.

3. Walter Nolen, DL, Ole Miss:
Walter Nolen, a monster on the defensive line, will be the best player on Ole Miss’s defense from day one. He has the potential to be a first-round NFL Draft pick if he continues to develop and dominate.

4. Mason Graham, DL, Michigan:
Mason Graham, a standout on Michigan’s defensive line, will be back next year and is considered an elite interior defender. He can stop the run and disrupt pockets, making him a coveted prospect for NFL teams.

5. Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan:
Kenneth Grant, like his teammate Graham, has developed into a monster at Michigan. He’s a giant human capable of overpowering opponents and chasing down running backs. He’s a potential first-round pick if he continues to produce at a high level.

Linebackers:

1. Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson:
Barrett Carter, bigger and stronger than most linebackers, is quick and athletic enough to excel in pass coverage. He’s a coveted three-down off-ball linebacker prospect with a bright future in the NFL.

2. Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma:
Danny Stutsman, with his heat-seeking ability and impressive tackle numbers, has the potential to succeed at the next level despite his athleticism not being overly impressive in a combine setting. He’s a productive player who can make an impact in all phases of the game.

Cornerbacks:

1. Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado:
Travis Hunter, a versatile player with incredible football skills, has the potential to be a perennial All-Pro at corner, just like his coach in Boulder, Colorado. He’s a dynamic playmaker who can change the game with his athleticism and playmaking ability.

2. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan:
Will Johnson, a long, strong, athletic cornerback with a bulldog demeanor, has lived up to the billing in Ann Arbor. His ability to shadow and slow down top receivers will attract NFL teams looking for a shutdown corner.

3. Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State:
Denzel Burke, despite not being the tallest corner, makes up for it with his length. He’s shown steady improvement each season and had his best season yet in 2023. He’s a potential first-round pick if he continues to develop and produce at a high level.

Safety:

1. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia:
Malaki Starks, a dream prospect at safety, possesses physical and mental attributes that make him a potential captain of a defense for a decade. He’s easily one of the most impressive players in the country, regardless of position. He’s a potential top-five pick in the draft if he continues to dominate at Georgia.

This concludes our comprehensive analysis of the top 20 NFL draft-eligible players for the 2024 season. These players represent the best of the best in college football and have the potential to make a significant impact in the NFL. As the season progresses, we’ll continue to monitor their development and provide updates on their NFL Draft stock.