2024 NFL Draft: 1 Prospect At Each Position Rising Up Boards This Season

Jayden Daniels, LSU

Unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably witnessed Jayden Daniels’ rise to stardom this season. Daniels has cemented himself in the Heisman trophy conversation, but more importantly, in the first-round discussion.

Daniels is coming off an eight-touchdown performance against Georgia State and is having one of the most impressive quarterbacking seasons since another former LSU Tiger was drafted first overall in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Running Back

Mar’Keise “Bucky” Irving, Oregon

Few running backs are more exciting than Oregon’s Bucky Irving. Irving is averaging 6.7 yards per carry and has scored 11 touchdowns. He’s a rushing and receiving threat, sparking his rise up draft boards in the first 11 games.

Now more than ever, the NFL values the smaller, explosive receiving threats at running back, and Irving fits the bill perfectly. While his skillset speaks for itself, there is no consensus for RB1 in the 2024 NFL Draft, giving Irving more room to fly up draft boards. 

If Irving can stay healthy and continue hammering out explosive plays on the ground and through the air, evaluators will be chomping at the bit to add Irving to their running back room come April.

Wide Receiver

Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky

Listed at 5-foot-11, 210 pounds, Malachi Corley does not fit the wide receiver prototype, but that does not stop him. 

He proves every week he is one of the most dynamic receivers in this draft class with the football in his hands. 

It would be a mistake to overlook Corley in this loaded wide receiver class just because he’s from a small school. How he impacts games with his yards-after-the-catch ability and ability to create easy explosives is valuable. 

Testing will be critical for Corley to determine where he ends up, but there’s no denying how dynamic he can be in the right offensive system.

Tight End

Luke Lachey, Iowa

Iowa and tight ends, there’s just something about them. It should not shock anyone to see a Hawkeye tight end on this list, and it should not shock anyone when he’s drafted in the top 100 and outplays his draft stock. 

Like many Iowa tight ends, Luke Lachey’s evaluation isn’t easy due to having to project his receiving impact based on his traits more than his college production. 

Lachey has 131 receiving yards and has yet to find the end zone. However, when watching him on tape and considering his traits, it’s easy to dream of what Lachey could be in the right system as a run blocker and pass catcher. 

While his college stats will suggest otherwise, don’t be surprised to see Lachey fly up draft boards when more people get to his tape.

Offensive Line

Troy Fautanu, Washington

If you’re not familiar, this offensive tackle class is absolutely loaded, Washington LT Troy Fautanu is in the mix. Fautanu provides a calming presence for Michael Penix Jr. and the Washington offense all season. 

Whether in pass protection or as a run blocker, Fautanu is playing at an extremely high level and is a key reason for the Huskies’ offensive success in 2023. 

Some NFL teams might view Fautanu as an interior lineman due to his lack of ideal arm length, but he can survive at offensive tackle with few issues. 

While the offensive tackle class is loaded, the offensive guard class is not. Fautanu’s ability to play the interior — where he might have an even higher ceiling — bodes well for his draft stock.

Defensive Line

Bralen Trice, Washington

While you’re likely familiar with the name, Bralen Trice isn’t getting the love he deserves. Trice is near the top of college football in pressures despite only having four sacks.

Trice — listed at 6-foot-4, 274 pounds — has the versatility to play up and down the line of scrimmage in even-or-odd front schemes. Trice’s relentlessness as a rusher and strength at the point of attack will get him on the field early in his NFL career. 

The way he plays the game makes everyone around him better against the pass and the run.

Linebacker

Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M

In a class that lacks top-end talent and depth at linebacker, Texas A&M’s Edgerrin Cooper continues to intrigue me more than most. 

Cooper has had a tremendous season for the Aggies’ defense, showing up against the run, pass and when rushing the passer. Cooper has the size, speed and physicality to stay on the field on all three downs. 

His 75 tackles and seven sacks show he’s got plenty of juice to make an immediate impact at the next level.

Cornerback

Max Melton, Rutgers

Rutgers’ Max Melton is another guy who could get lost in the shuffle due to the depth at cornerback. 

However, Melton is also a guy who will get more love as the draft process progresses. Melton has drawn some tough matchups in the last few weeks — Ohio State, Penn State and Iowa — but has answered the call in all of them. 

Melton’s physicality, ball skills and traits make him an intriguing option on Day 2. He likely won’t land in the same tier as Kalen King, Kool-Aid McKinstry and Nate Wiggins. But if Melton continues to play like he has over the last month, he’ll climb into the next tier.

Safety

Tyler Nubin, Minnesota

Minnesota safety Tyler Nubin and Miami safety Kamren Kinchens are battling for SAF1. For me, Nubin is and will remain the SAF1, and he’s done nothing but solidify that ranking this season. 

Nubin has 50 tackles and four interceptions and is playing some of the best football of his career in his senior season.