The NFL Combine is in the rearview mirror. While prospects still have pro days and private workouts to impress teams, the 2024 NFL Draft is less than seven weeks away. Several prospects have seen their draft stock improve or slip following their performance at the NFL Combine.
Let’s look at three prospects whose draft stock is rising and three whose stock is falling as we head into pro days and private workouts.
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NFL Draft Stock Up/Stock Down
Draft Stock Up
The former Michigan quarterback’s draft stock has been heading in the right direction for several weeks. McCarthy was a likely mid-first-round pick heading into the NFL Combine. While Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels decided not to throw, McCarthy took advantage of the opportunity, showing why he was the best quarterback on the field. He had some impressive downfield throws at the NFL Combine, showing solid footwork and timing on his attempts. No one should be surprised if McCarthy is a top 10 pick come April.
Several wide receivers improved their draft stock at the NFL Combine, led by Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell. While the two Texas stars had outstanding 40-yard dash times, McConkey locked himself into a top 40 pick following his performance in Indianapolis. The former Georgia star had a 4.39 40-yard dash, a faster time than many expected. He also built off his strong performance at the Senior Bowl, again displaying excellent route running ability, quick feet, and hands during the on-the-field drills. McConkey potentially could be a late first-round selection.
Quinyon Mitchell (CB – Toledo)
Multiple defensive players have seen their stock improve lately. At the top of the list is Mitchell. The former Toledo star was working his way into a top-20 selection before the NFL Combine. He ran a 4.33 40-yard dash in Indianapolis, the second-fastest among cornerbacks while posting a 1.51 10-yard split. Mitchell also showed off his explosiveness, totaling a 38-inch vertical jump. The former Toledo star was arguably the best cornerback with the on-the-field work. Mitchell should be a top-15 pick and could be the first cornerback off the board.
Draft Stock Down
Olumuyiwa Fashanu (OT – Penn State)
Fashanu started the pre-draft process in the mix with Joe Alt to be the first offensive tackle drafted. However, his draft stock began to slip, with Taliese Fuaga passing him in several mock drafts and positional rankings. Many believed the former Penn State star could improve his draft stock with a strong performance at the NFL Combine. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury running the 40-yard dash, ending his day before getting to do the on-the-field work. Fashanu could end up sliding behind JC Latham in many offensive tackles rankings.
Bralen Trice (EDGE – Washington)
The top three edge rushers in the draft class are locked in a tier by themselves. Meanwhile, Trice was the favorite to be the fourth edge rusher drafted heading into the NFL Combine. Unfortunately, his draft stock took a hit, weighing in at 245 pounds in Indianapolis after playing loser to 275 in college. More importantly, Trice ran a disappointing 4.72 40-yard dash at the lighter weight. His chances of being a first-round pick are slim, as he likely won’t get drafted ahead of Chop Robinson or Darius Robinson.
This year’s safety class lacks a clear-cut top guy. Kinchens is the top safety in many rankings and a potential first-round pick heading into the NFL Combine. However, he failed to lock up the No. 1 safety off-the-board status and saw his draft stock take a significant hit. The former Miami star ran a 4.65 40-yard dash, ranking last among safeties. Kinchens had some solid moments during the on-the-field work. Yet, he will need an impressive pro-day performance to put himself back in the first-round conversation.
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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.
