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    Mike Fanelli | Tue, Feb 20th 2024, 6:21am EST

2024 NFL Draft Risers & Fallers

The 2024 NFL Draft is still a few months away. However, the NFL Combine is just around the corner. While prospects will see their draft stock rise or fall after the week-long event in Indianapolis, much has changed since the end of the College Football season.

Let’s look at three prospects whose draft stock is rising and three whose stock is falling heading into the NFL Combine.

2024 NFL Draft Risers & Fallers

Draft Risers

J.J. McCarthy (QB – Michigan)

Many expect the first three picks in the 2024 NFL Draft to be quarterbacks Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels in some order. However, few agree about the quarterback class after the three big-name players. Yet, McCarthy is pulling away with the QB4 title despite not partaking in the Senior Bowl earlier this month. The former Michigan star is raw but has the tools NFL scouts look for at the quarterback position. Don’t be surprised if McCarthy ends up being a top-15 or higher draft pick.

Darius Robinson (EDGE – Missouri)

Robinson dominated the Senior Bowl week. The former Missouri star consistently won one-on-one matchups during practice, repeatedly winning against likely first-round offensive linemen like Tyler Guyton. The pass rusher also excelled when lined up inside, using his length and explosiveness to penetrate the backfield through the A-gap. Some say Robinson reminds them of Cameron Jordan or J.J. Watt because of his burst, power and flexibility. While that might be too high of praise, the former Missouri star should be a first-round draft pick after an impressive Senior Bowl week performance.

Braden Fiske (DL – Florida State)

While Fiske won’t be a first-round draft pick, the former Florida State star’s stock is heading in the right direction. NFL teams value interior defensive linemen who can rush the passer, an ability Fiske displayed in college, totaling six sacks last season. He showed scouts the ability to win one-on-one pass rush situations during Senior Bowl practices. Fiske consistently won with speed and power, forcing the pocket to collapse despite not having elite size and length measurements. Yet, he should have no trouble succeeding in the NFL.

Draft Fallers

Joe Milton III (QB – Tennessee)

The former Tennessee star drew a large crowd during Senior Bowl week. Milton has a legitimate cannon for an arm, easily pushing the ball downfield. While he has impressive size and arm strength, scouts had concerns about his accuracy and ability to read defenses. Unfortunately, Milton failed to put those concerns to bed, struggling in seven-on-seven type situations. The Tennessee quarterback was consistently inaccurate and had an awful red zone interception during practice. Any hope Milton had of being a Day 2 pick is gone.

Devontez Walker (WR – UNC)

Walker had some flashes during his limited action with North Carolina. Unfortunately, he struggled to connect with any quarterback during the Senior Bowl week. The former Tar Heel had issues holding onto the ball, including in the game, resulting in many ugly drops. He had trouble creating separation in one-on-one drills, displaying a lack of route running ability. Walker’s NFL future might purely be as a vertical threat designed to stretch the field. Unfortunately, he needs a strong showing at the NFL Combine to stay in the second-round mix.

Xavier Legette (WR – South Carolina)

At least one prospect shows up to the Senior Bowl, measuring smaller than everyone expected every year. Legette was that prospect this year, measuring two inches shorter than South Carolina had him listed. While that isn’t a massive problem, the wide receiver struggled on the first day of practice. The former South Carolina star had some issues holding onto the ball. While he rebounded to end the practice week, Legette will need an impressive performance at the NFL Combine to keep his draft stock inside the top 50 picks.

2024 NFL Mock Drafts

Here are a few early predictions for the 2024 NFL Draft. We’ll continue to add our 2024 NFL Mock Drafts leading up to the start of Round 1.

2024 NFL Draft Coverage

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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.

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