2024 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper releases final Big Board, Top 25 draft prospect rankings
ESPN’s Mel Kiper released his final Big Board with his Top 25 NFL Draft prospect rankings ahead of Thursday’s first round.
There weren’t any huge surprises near the top but it’s interesting to see how the rankings shake out compared to the actual draft order. Quarterbacks, playmakers and some great linemen dominate the top 10.
Let’s dive into Kiper’s top 25 prospects going into the 2024 NFL Draft.
1. Caleb Williams, QB – USC
The general consensus and at this point, it might be the biggest shock if he doesn’t go No. 1 to the Chicago Bears. Williams won the Heisman in 2022 and is a generational talent at QB.
This ranking hasn’t budged at all when Kiper revealed updated versions of his rankings. Get ready to see him in navy and orange come Thursday night.
2. Jayden Daniels, QB – LSU
Daniels was this past season’s Heisman winner and he soared up draft boards this offseason. While he rose pretty high with his play on the field, more examination vaulted him to the No. 2 spot.
He won’t be the top player taken, but it’s hard to believe Daniels will get past No. 2 or 3 to a quarterback needy team. He’s an exciting prospect.
3. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR – Ohio State
Harrison Jr. is the top wide receiver prospect in the class and Kiper hasn’t moved him lower than the other pass catchers. Despite lack of workouts in front of scouts, just go look at the tape.
Any NFL team will salivate at the prospect of having Harrison Jr. on their roster. He can be a game changer Day 1 as a rookie.
4. Rome Odunze, WR – Washington
Odunze is the next man up when it comes to the wide receivers. He’s one that can run the entire route tree and Kiper is one of the few that actually have him No. 2.
Malik Nabers, more on him in a second, is the popular second guy at this position. But Odunze is also can’t miss and likely won’t last out of the top 10.
5. Malik Nabers, WR – LSU
Speaking of Nabers, some NFL analysts actually have him above Harrison Jr. Not Kiper though, but he still has him in the top five in terms of players overall.
Nabers can go up and get it and be that dynamic option on anyone’s offense. Make no mistake, Nabers, like the two wideouts mentioned before, is a fit in on any NFL team.
6. Drake Maye, QB – North Carolina
Maye has all of the prototypical tools going into this draft. There’s a clear ranking when it comes to the top three quarterbacks, but Kiper has Maye a distant third compared to Daniels.
Still, Maye has a rocket for an arm, great size and seems like a pro’s pro. It’s just a matter of where he goes at this point. No. 3 overall?
7. Brock Bowers, TE – Georgia
The projections regarding Bowers are very interesting since he’s a top 10 talent, but might fall out of the top 10. Kiper has him ahead of top offensive linemen and pass rushers, making him very valuable.
He’s certainly a can’t-miss prospect, but it’s a matter of where he will go. A new popular destination is the New York Jets at No. 10.
8. Joe Alt, OT – Notre Dame
The top offensive tackle in the draft, bar none, according to Kiper. He will be an instant starter as it seems he won’t fall out of the top 10 picks either.
He was a stud at Notre Dame and Kiper believes the former Fighting Irish offensive lineman will be at the pro level. Who gets him?
9. Dallas Turner, OLB – Alabama
Turner is a popular fit for the Atlanta Falcons within the top 10. Kiper hasn’t moved off that mock draft pick at all.
Turner is a menace off the edge though. Alabama was lucky to have him produce at a high level for years and he should transition quite well once he plays on Sunday.
10. Troy Fautanu, G – Washington
Another top offensive lineman is in the top 10 and this time it’s Fauntanu. As a guard, he can protect the interior better than anyone in the class.
It remains to be seen if he’ll actually go in the top 10 over some of the other linemen, such as tackles, in this draft. Still, Fautanu is a tantalizing prospect.
Rest of Top 25 players in NFL Draft
11. JC Latham, OT – Alabama
12. Laiatu Latu, OLB – UCLA
13. Olu Fashanu, OT – Penn State
14. Cooper DeJean, CB – Iowa
15. JJ McCarthy, QB – Michigan
16. Taliese Fuaga, OT – Oregon State
17. Brian Thomas Jr., WR – LSU
18. Xavier Worthy, WR – Texas
19. Graham Barton, C – Duke
20. Quinyon Mitchell, CB – Toledo
21. Terrion Arnold, CB – Alabama
22. Jared Verse, DE – Florida State
23. Amarius Mims, OT – Georgia
24. Michael Penix Jr., WR – Washington
25. Nate Wiggins, CB – Clemson
The NFL Draft is scheduled to take place Thursday through Saturday in Detroit (Mich.). All rounds will be televised on ESPN.