We’re approaching the 50-day mark until the 2024 NFL Draft! Now that the Scouting Combine is in our rearview, it’s time to lay out the final grades for prospects.

This means that over the next few weeks, we will see some players cemented in certain spots on NFL Draft big boards while others will move around due to athletic testing and film grades being finalized.

For now, here are the top 50 players on my big board for the 2024 NFL Draft! And check out our consensus 2024 NFL Draft Big Board and overall prospect rankings.

• 2024 NFL Mock Drafts
• Expert Consensus 2024 NFL Mock Draft
• 2024 NFL Draft Guide
• 2024 NFL Draft Prospect Profiles

2024 NFL Draft: Russell Brown’s Top 50 Big Board (1.0)

1. Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR – OSU)

There are not many 6-foot-4 and 205-pound receivers that move as fluid as Marvin Harrison Jr. The fluidity shows within his routes, and it helps him throttle down and change direction at ease. He will provide good inside-outside versatility for an NFL offense. His dominant ball skills should help him have immediate success in his career. Look for him to go early in the draft and for him to make an impact as a top wide receiver for an NFL team.

2. Caleb Williams (QB – USC)

I think I just highlighted the potential generational player in Harrison Jr., but that doesn’t mean Caleb Williams can’t be an elite player in the NFL. He certainly can, but he will need to make some better decisions with the football (i.e. USC vs. Notre Dame this past season). Taking what’s given from the defense is sometimes the right move, but there are times that he tries to do too much. That said, Williams can throw from different arm angles, and he makes off-platform throws better than anyone in the class. The tools he possesses are what teams look for in a franchise QB in today’s NFL.

3. Malik Nabers (WR – LSU)

Malik Nabers is the energizer bunny for wide receivers in the draft this year. Always on the go, he has great explosiveness and is incredibly gifted after the catch. Whether it be what he does in the short areas of the field or how well he tracks the ball downfield, there’s much to be desired with Nabers’s ability as a pass-catcher. His most underrated asset is the versatility he’ll offer an offense with how he can be motioned anywhere on the field and align anywhere.

4. Joe Alt (OT – ND)

Not many 6-foot-8 offensive tackles have the flexibility and fluidity that Joe Alt can provide a team. He moves well for a player of his size. Similar to Peter Skoronski from last year’s draft, he’s just a consistent player whenever you put on the tape. I think he’s better suited to align more frequently out of a 2-point stance because it should help with his hand placement, but he’s consistent as a run-and-pass blocker. He remains patient, and his length helps him keep defenders at bay. Parts of his game remind me of Taylor Decker, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Alt start over 100-plus career games for whichever team drafts him.

5. Brock Bowers (TE – UG)

Regardless of his position, the talent and production that Brock Bowers has translates to the NFL. He provides alignment versatility, and he consistently catches the ball away from his body. Much of what I like about Bowers are the adjustments he makes on the ball and the run-after-catch ability he’ll provide teams. His movement skills are comparable to Sam LaPorta and I could see him stepping in and contributing right away for whichever team selects him in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

6. Jayden Daniels (QB – LSU)

When Jayden Daniels became a starter at Arizona State, I was already a fan of his game. The ball jumped out of his hand then, and it still does today. Putting him in an offense with NFL caliber receivers led to plenty of success in college and the hope is that it continues in his transition to the NFL. With Daniels, he stands tall in the pocket and plays with good patience. However, there are times that his patience works against him and it leads to hesitation on some throws. That said, I think it’s fixable with NFL coaching. His mobility is desired at the next level, and it will continue to help him tuck it and run or extend plays outside of the pocket. Adding weight to his frame will be important with how he plays with reckless abandonment in the open field.

7. Drake Maye (QB – UNC)

It’s very close between Daniels and Drake Maye on my board, and I could see NFL teams having it the same way. With Maye, he’s got the size (6-foot-4 and 230 pounds) and the desired arm of a starting QB, as he makes some terrific throws on tape. This includes throws where he can throw across his body and drop it into a bucket. His mobility and toughness is an added bonus, as he’s been able to compile over 1,600 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns in his career. There are times that he forces some throws, and there are times on tape where he leaves the pocket early before there is pressure. Overall, he’s got the tools needed to become a starting quarterback at the next level.

8. Taliese Fuaga (OT – ORST)

One of the easiest evaluations so far has been Taliese Fuaga. Over the last two seasons, he’s started 25 games for the Beavers, and he’s an absolute force in the run game. Springing into the action with quick feet and physicality, it’s rare for it to be matched by the opposition. He’s consistent in pass protection, but there are times that he false steps or opens his hips against faster edge rushers. Regardless, he’s a pro-ready tackle that should be able to plug-and-play at right tackle.

9. Rome Odunze (WR – UW)

Put on the tape, and it’s easy to see how Rome Odunze translates to the NFL. Great overall size for the position, with plenty of speed and burst after the catch. He may not always create separation, but he’s physical and wins while contested at the catch point. There’s the ability for him to play inside or outside as a wide receiver, but he seems destined to be an ‘X’ receiver for an NFL offense.

10. Olu Fashanu (OT – PSU)

Watching the 2023 tape on Olu Fashanu, it just felt like he was a bit off this year. I wonder if some of his lower body quickness in 2022 went away due to the season-ending injury that limited him to only eight games. There were times that he looked lethargic, his footwork was clunky and he’d lean into defenders rather than drive them to the ground. With that, he’s got the desired length, frame and power needed to be successful in the NFL. His ability to anchor and lockout defenders is great in pass protection, and I could see him finding a home as a left tackle in the NFL. Much of his game reminds me of Andrew Thomas from when he was coming out of Georgia.

11. Dallas Turner (EDGE – ALA)

For my money, Dallas Turner is the best defensive prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. He’s got tremendous length and elite athleticism for the position. Additionally, he’s got a great get-off and is able to turn speed-to-power. What impresses me the most is how he can collapse the pocket and close to the quarterback in the snap of a finger. He’ll need to work his hands sooner in the NFL but the potential to be a premier pass-rusher is there for whichever team decides to take him in the 2024 NFL Draft.

12. JC Latham (OT – ALA)

When watching JC Latham out of Alabama, he flashed with brilliance and dominating style. He’s got a flexible lower half for a player of his size, but he may have some of the strongest hands in the draft. He can steer and drive defenders away from the ball consistently due to his grip strength. Speed rushers could give him trouble at times in the NFL, and he’ll need to not lead with his head down as much. Still, teams will always covet a powerful right tackle that can fluctuate his weight and still play at such a high level.

13. Jared Verse (EDGE – FSU)

It’s always a joy watching pass-rushers that can turn speed-to-power and are physical at the point of attack. Jared Verse is that type of player, leading to tons of production, but it still feels like an NFL team can tap into more. He’ll need to work on staying at heels depth in the backfield, but teams are getting a player with the physical tools and desired athleticism to take his game to another level. He’ll be a slightly older player (24 years old) after a few weeks into his rookie season but that shouldn’t cause any hesitation with selecting him early in the draft.

14. Terrion Arnold (CB – ALA)

Soon to be 21 years old, there’s so much potential with cornerback Terrion Arnold. His length and fluidity really stands out but I love the physicality he plays with on the perimeter. Arnold makes his presence known by flying upfield to tackle running backs and receivers. He’ll need to work on staying under control more, as he plays a bit wild, but it shouldn’t limit his ability to run with or trail receivers when defending the pass. While he has experience playing in zone coverage, his press-man ability stands out as some of the best in the class.

15. Laiatu Latu (EDGE – UCLA)

A neck injury forced Laiatu Latu to medically retire in the 2020 and 2021 seasons at Washington. This led to him getting cleared and ultimately transferring to UCLA. While it seems like he’ll be medically cleared by most teams, there will always be some hesitation from a few. That said, Latu is a fluid pass-rusher with great bend, flexibility and athleticism. He’s got the desired play strength needed to set the edge, but I would like to see him play with less hesitation when barreling down the line against the run. However, there may not be a more fluid pass-rusher in the draft this year that possesses the arsenal of moves that Latu does.

16. Johnny Newton (IDL – ILL)

The interior defenders with active hands, active feet and explosiveness tend to be near the top of that position group. It should be no secret to see Johnny Newton at the top of interior defensive line rankings. He’s got a great first step and just gets after it on about every single snap. Sometimes, he remains content with his pad level being high, but Newton wins with quickness and quick hands. He can win with a double swipe, chop-rip, swim and push-pull to get into the backfield consistently. Playing through a foot injury for part of the season should show teams how tough of a player he is. If he can get back to full health, he should provide a team the ability to start from day one as a prototypical 3-technique for an NFL defense.

17. Quinyon Mitchell (CB – TOL)

Whether it be against Ohio State in 2022, teams in the MAC or at the Senior Bowl, there may not be a more consistent defensive player in the class than Quinyon Mitchell. No matter the level of competition, Mitchell came to play, and he made an impact every time. Some of the best ball skills of any defensive back in the class, he’s produced 45 pass deflections and six interceptions over three seasons. He’s a fluid athlete who can run and change direction with receivers, but his ability to close passing windows makes him so special. There’s much to be desired with Mitchell’s skillset.

18. Byron Murphy II (IDL – TEX)

Byron Murphy II just pops whenever watching the Texas defense. Surely, he benefited by playing alongside the 366-pound frame of T’Vondre Sweat, but he is so efficient with active hands and active feet. He explodes upfield consistently and shows the desired change of direction ability to pursue and chase down quarterbacks and running backs. Versatile enough to play from a nose tackle to a 3-technique, Murphy II should be viewed as a plug-and-play for any defensive front in the league.

19. Troy Fautanu (OT – UW)

The more you watch of Troy Fautanu, the more that you can see his skill-set become translatable to offensive tackle in the NFL. He’s got quick feet with quick hands and some of the strongest finishes of any tackle in the class. In pass protection, he will often use a snatch-trap technique to bury defenders into the ground. His athletic profile and frame suggest he could play guard in the NFL, but I’d have to think teams will try him at tackle to begin his career.

20. Nate Wiggins (CB – CLEM)

Nate Wiggins is a long, athletic corner displaying tremendous effort on tape. He ran well, and he could very well end up being the top corner on some boards for teams. Efficient in man coverage due to his fluidity, he also appears to have some comfortability in zone coverage. He’ll drift from time-to-time while in zone, but his ball skills are promising with 19 pass deflections and three interceptions in two seasons.

21. Adonai Mitchell (WR – TEX)

Whenever Texas or Georgia needed a big catch in a big game, it felt like they would throw the ball to Adonai Mitchell. Listed at 6-foot-4, Mitchell glides in his routes with good overall speed and fluidity. He’s got a good catch radius and is able to win while contested at the catch point. His best football could be in front of him.

22. Kamari Lassiter (CB – UG)

In today’s game, you need physical defensive backs on the perimeter. There’s none more physical than Kamari Lassiter out of Georgia. He’s able to fly upfield and make his presence known, but he’s also fluid enough to open his hips and run with receivers. Comfortable in zone coverage (cover 3) and as a press-man corner (cover 1), Lassiter has the desired skill set to translate to a starting defender for an NFL defense.

23. Graham Barton (IOL – Duke)

Arm length could get questioned for Grham Barton, but he played left tackle and would align on the right side with Duke’s tackle-over package. Expected to play on the interior at the next level, Barton finishes his blocks with his aggressive style and should provide an immediate impact for teams as a run blocker.

24. Keon Coleman (WR – FSU)

When watching Keon Coleman, he’s the definition of play speed over track speed. He’s not a burner but his speed picks up as he gets moving and it shows with what he can do on designed screens. He’s got the desired frame to withstand contact at the catch point and plays with very good body control. Teams looking for a prototypical ‘X’ receiver who can create with the ball in their hands should look to Coleman.

25. Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB – ALA)

Expectations were high for Kool-Aid McKinstry this season, and while his tape doesn’t necessarily meet those expectations, he’s still a good football player. He’s got a foot injury that’s worth monitoring, but he plays with good patience and physicality (i.e. the game vs. Tennessee). In addition, he’s a good athlete who consistently plays through the hands of receivers.

26. Tyler Guyton (OT – OU)

Even though he needs some polishing, there are many tools to work with when watching Tyler Guyton out of Oklahoma. He’s got great length and packs a mean punch, but the foot speed for a player of his size is impressive. Sometimes, he plays high due to his height, which could lead to defenders getting underneath his pads. Still, overall, there’s so much to work with here. Guyton projects to be a starting right tackle if healthy.

27. J.J. McCarthy (QB – MICH)

In a run-first offense, J.J. McCarthy wasn’t always able to show what he was able to do with the ball in his hands. When given the chance, there are still many NFL-caliber throws on tape. Between the desired mobility and only losing one game in his career, McCarthy checks many boxes for teams. He’ll go much higher than where he’s placed on my board.

28. Jackson Powers-Johnson (IOL – ORE)

Seeing Jackson Powers-Johnston up close and personal at the Senior Bowl was the icing on the cake. I don’t think he lost a rep in Mobile, Ala., and it’s the same way when evaluating his tape. He rarely loses reps due to his grip strength and ability to move laterally, but he’s also a strong finisher in space. He moves so well for a player listed at 334 pounds and should be a starter for a team at guard or center.

29. Brian Thomas Jr. (WR – LSU)

It’s pretty remarkable that Brian Thomas Jr., could have played college hoops for Texas A&M, Florida and others but also had some of the top teams in College Football after him. Just an athletic specimen, I’d expect Thomas Jr. to shoot up draft boards due to his frame and athletic profile. He’ll provide a team the ability to play inside and outside, and I’d look for teams to use him frequently in the slot to create mismatches on fades and post routes.

30. Edgerrin Cooper (LB – TA&M)

Of all the linebackers in the draft, nobody put together the performance that Edgerrin Cooper did against Alabama. It was just a dominating performance, and his tape was fairly consistent every week. With that, Cooper flashes great range and should provide teams with the ability to blitz and rush the passer. I’d expect him to test well and go sooner than expected.

31. Xavier Worthy (WR – TEX)

Xavier Worthy is a true speedster who shows great tracking on deep throws and can go up and get it as a smaller receiver. Worthy suffered an ankle injury in 2023, so that’s worth monitoring as he moves to the NFL. Additionally, he struggles with drops in the short and intermediate areas of the field. However, teams are looking for a player who can take the top off a defense and provide splash plays. Worthy should be worth a first-round selection.

32. Ladd McConkey (WR – UG)

Up there as one of the best route runners in the draft, Ladd McConkey is so shifty. As a route runner, he uses a variety of releases and is able to manipulate defenders consistently. During the season, he dealt with a back issue, but he looks healthy now and there doesn’t appear to be any limitations. He’ll need to get stronger, but his route-running craftiness creates plenty of separation and should help him make plays in the NFL.

33. Amarius Mims (OT – UG)

With only seven career starts, I struggle with giving Amarius Mims an overall grade due to the small sample size. But there’s much to be desired with his potential due to his fluidity, flexibility and overall play strength. Mims did have tightrope surgery on his ankle this season, so that’s worth monitoring as he moves on. However, this is your man if you’re looking for an offensive lineman who can move in space and move defenders with ease.

34. Darius Robinson (DL – MIZ)

If it weren’t for the 3-3-5 Stack defense that Darius Robinson played in at Missouri, I think we’d be talking about him going even higher in the draft. There were times that he played out of position and truly looks like he’s got a bright future as a 5-technique in the NFL. With more power than speed, Robinson has a great frame and can use his power and length to his advantage. His hand speed will need to get faster in the NFL, but he can use a long arm and swim move consistently with his pass rush.

35. Cooper DeJean (CB – IOWA)

One defender who can flat-out fly with the ball in his hands is Cooper Dejean. His PR for the 100-meter dash was 10.71 seconds, and not only will he provide a team help at either cornerback or safety, but he’ll contribute on special teams. In zone coverage, he looks instinctive and fluid within his coverage drops. We’ll see if he can show the fluidity within his lower half to open his hips and run with receivers consistently, but there’s much to be desired with the athleticism and ball skills that Dejean shows on tape.

36. Michael Penix Jr. (QB – UW)

There’s no denying the velocity that Michael Penix Jr. puts on display when throwing the football. He’s all fastball and nothing else, so we’ll need to see if he can throw with more touch at the next level. That said, he’s a smart QB with good mobility and toughness. His injury history may raise questions about the longevity of his career, but there’s much to be desired for Penix Jr. to become an eventual starter for a team.

37. Chop Robinson (EDGE – PSU)

The athletic profile of Chop Robinson is exactly what you want out of top-edge rushers in the draft. He’s a violent disruptor who gets upfield in a hurry. However, Robinson lacks production as a pass-rusher and consistency against the run. There are reps where he can set the edge, and there are other reps where he turns his shoulders and gets washed against the run. Robinson has the tools and athleticism needed to be an effective 3-down player for an NFL defense. Much of that will determine if he can get home against the pass more consistently and if he can get stronger against the run.

38. Zach Frazier (IOL – WVU)

Zach Frazier is a former wrestler who only lost two matches in high school and won four straight state championships. He broke his leg during one of the final plays of his collegiate career, and he found a way to pick himself off the ground and hobble off the field. Teams will admire the toughness and his ability to anchor consistently. He plays with strong hands and looks to finish blocks consistently. His lower body can become lethargic as games go on, but he’s got plug-and-play ability at center or guard for an NFL offense.

39. Chris Braswell (EDGE – ALA)

In the shadows of his teammate, Turner, there’s so much to like when watching Chris Braswell out of Alabama. He’s a physical defender that is well balanced in stopping the run and rushing the passer. Displaying a good first step, he can get upfield quickly, and he shows great counters with his hands. Much of the counters are a quick arm-over after hitting a long-arm but teams should be able to tap into his skill-set and get more out of him in the NFL.

40. Troy Franklin (WR – ORE)

The length and speed of Troy Franklin are great for teams looking to add a pass-catcher that can challenge defenses vertically. Moving to the NFL, he’ll need to get stronger against more physical defenders at the catch-point. However, he does make some great adjustments on the football. Whenever you look at the Oregon offense for a big play in the passing game, it felt like it came from Franklin. He could easily go sooner than where I have him placed on my board.

41. Ennis Rakestraw (CB – MIZ)

Ennis Rakestraw is a physical defender with the desired arm length to jam and challenge receivers consistently. He’s not afraid of contact in the run game and shows the ability to flip his hips and run in-stride or in the hip pocket of receivers. He’ll need to not be so grabby in coverage, and staying healthy will be key for him as he transitions to the NFL.

42. Christian Haynes (IOL – CONN)

One of the best pure guards in the draft, Christian Haynes, is a physical offensive lineman who throws his body around consistently. Seeing his progress from 2021 to now is a promising sign for teams looking for help at guard in the NFL. Playing with good lateral quickness and the desired play strength, Haynes reminds me of Nate Davis and could be a day-one starter for some teams.

43. T’Vondre Sweat (IDL – TEX)

There are not many 360+ pound defensive linemen who can move the way Sweat can. He’s got good lateral movement for a player of his size, and he should provide immediate help in stopping the run. Most teams will have to send two blockers his way, but if he’s matched up 1-on-1 with an offensive lineman, his hands move quicker than expected. Teams may not get him to play every three-downs, but he’s a promising prospect who should carve out an immediate role.

44. Payton Wilson (LB – NCSU)

If it weren’t for shoulder and knee injuries, there’d be a good chance that Payton Wilson would be the first linebacker off the board. He’s got a terrific motor and shows the ability to drop into flats coverage, run with tight ends and be an an efficient pass-rusher. Wilson looks like he could be better suited to rush the passer more consistently than he did at N.C. State, but he’s got shorter arms than most, so that could cause some issues with creating separation within his rush. Whatever teams decide to do with Wilson, one thing is for sure; they’re getting a knowledgeable linebacker that’s a good athlete and will go 100 miles per hour.

45. Tyler Nubin (SAF – MINN)

The first thing I wrote down when watching Tyler Nubin from Minnesota was “physical and strong run defender that diagnoses quickly.” With how versatile defensive backfields are becoming, you need safeties that flash range and are willing to run downfield as buzz defenders. Nubin does that and should only get better with NFL coaching. Sometimes, he still plays with hesitation, and his lower body isn’t as fluid as others, but the potential is there for Nubin to be the best safety in the class.

46. Ricky Pearsall (WR – FLA)

Some may call Ricky Pearsall a slot receiver, but I’d just go ahead and call him a weapon. Get the ball in his hands, and good things seem to happen. Providing plenty of juice after the catch, Pearsall can go from zero-to-60 in an instant. His craftiness as a route runner puts him near the top of the class and he should provide a team immediate help as a pass-catcher.

47. Cooper Beebe (IOL – KSU)

Plug-and-play gets tossed around often, but it’s hard to see a scenario where Cooper Beebe doesn’t immediately step into a starting role. He has a strong anchor and can move defenders easily due to his overall play strength. With his frame, defenses must find ways to go around him rather than through him. He handles line stunts and blitzes well, but he will need to get faster and more fluid in space.

48. Braden Fiske (IDL – FSU)

Braden Fiske is a former high school baseball and football player who has carved out a nice collegiate career between Florida State and Western Michigan. He has shorter arms, but his explosive first step is dangerous and he should provide any defensive line a spark due to his versatility and high-motor.

49. Ja’Tavion Sanders (TE – TEX)

One of the youngest players in the draft, Ja’TaVion Sanders is set to be 21-years old as a rookie. He displays terrific ball skills for the position and is able to generate yards after the catch. Teams shouldn’t have issues moving him from the slot to playing in-line, either. He’ll need to get stronger when asked to run block, but teams looking to develop a day-two tight end into a starter should look no further.

50. Jordan Morgan (IOL – ARI)

Bouncing back nicely from a torn ACL, Jordan Morgan went on to play 12 games in 2023 at left tackle for the Wildcats. His hands are heavy and strong. Normally, once he latches onto a defender, he wins the battle. One of his best assets is in the run game when he climbs to the second level and seals off linebackers. He’s got the ideal frame to play tackle, but arm length and the consistency of opening his hips in pass protection could move Morgan to guard. Either way, he should provide a team guard/tackle flexibility.

Dynasty Rookie Mock Drafts

• Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft: Two Rounds (10-Team, 1QB)
• Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft: Two Rounds (12-Team, 1QB)
• Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft: Superflex, 5-Round
• Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft: 10-Team, Superflex
• Dynasty Rookie Mock Draft: 12-Team, Superflex

Dynasty Rookie Draft Advice

• 2024 Dynasty Superflex Rookie Draft Rankings: Fitz’s Top 40 Pick
• Erickson’s Top Dynasty Rookie Wide Receivers
• Erickson’s Top Dynasty Rookie Running Backs
• Dynasty Rookie Draft Rankings & Tiers: Wide Receivers
• How to Prepare for Your Dynasty Rookie Draft: Feb |
• 3 Overvalued Dynasty Rookie Draft Picks to Avoid
• 3 Undervalued Dynasty Rookie Draft Picks to Target

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