2024 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch: Payton Wilson & Malik Washington

We’ve finally reached the college football season, and that means there are draft prospects playing meaningful games. Their performances in these games help determine where these prospects get drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. As we head into another week of the college football season, here are two college football prospects to watch for your dynasty and devy leagues.

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2024 NFL Draft Prospects

Payton Wilson (LB – North Carolina State)

One of the older players for the 2024 NFL Draft will be Payton Wilson from North Carolina State. In December of 2023, he will be 26 years old, so that will immediately make fans hesitant. In addition to that, his injury history is definitely shaky. He’s had two knee injuries and a shoulder injury. All of them were season-ending.

NC State LB 11 Payton Wilson is not your average defender. He plays anywhere and everywhere for the Wolfpack. He’s ferocious as a defender and plays every play like it’s his last.

Also, he’s a former lacrosse player & state champion wrestler. His brother, Bryse, pitches in the… https://t.co/AsD44zJqXp pic.twitter.com/eu19Er1idc

— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) November 7, 2023

That being said, Wilson plays with his hair on fire for the Wolfpack. He’s a versatile chess piece for their defense that gets after it. Whether he’s aligned as a single high safety, playing middle linebacker or rushing off-the-edge, Wilson treats every play as his last. That’s a big reason why he has 105 tackles this season. Furthermore, he’s added 10 tackles for loss, four sacks and two interceptions (one for TD) on the year.

In addition to playing football, he was also a state-champion wrestler in high school, and he played lacrosse. Meanwhile, his brother, Bryse, plays baseball for the Milwaukee Brewers in the MLB. It’ll be interesting how teams value the age and injury history of Payton Wilson, but the tape speaks for itself.

For teams that may be looking for immediate help on defense and special teams, Wilson can be their guy. He may need a more defined role on defense, but much of that will depend on where he lands in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Malik Washington (WR – Virginia)

If you’re looking for a sleeper at the wide receiver position, look no further. Malik Washington is a 5-foot-8 and 195-pound slot receiver who’s been very productive in his first season with Virginia. Through nine games this season, he’s got 79 receptions for 1,044 yards and six touchdowns. Per PFF, his 23 missed tackles forced are the best in the country, and his 90.0 PFF grade is third best in their database.

This past off-season, he transferred to Virginia after spending four seasons at Northwestern. Last season, he had 65 receptions for 694 yards and a touchdown. In addition to playing football in high school, Washington also ran track. His PR for the 100-meter dash was 11.44 seconds. He even claimed a State and National Championship in 2017 for the 4×100 relay.

When watching Washington play, you’ll notice that he’s got a smaller stature, but he’s got a strong lower half and is so efficient after the catch. Best suited to be a slot receiver at the next level, Washington should have no issues winning in the short areas of the field, and teams will love his ability in the screen game. There’s potential to shoot up draft boards once more eyes see his tape.

Meanwhile, it’s expected for him to appear in either the Shrine or Senior Bowl. Those opportunities should certainly help his draft stock. If you’re looking for an underrated receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft, Malik Washington can be your guy.