2024 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper names 10 players that helped their draft stock the most at NFL Combine

ESPN’s Mel Kiper named the 10 players that helped their stock ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft following the scouting combine.

Some players were already in the spotlight but could go even higher now. Not only that, there are some other players that need to be looked at over the next month-plus.

Let’s dive into the 10 players who Kiper Jr. said improved their draft stock at the combine.

Jaylen Wright, RB – Tennessee

Wright is part of a thinner running back class in 2024. But Kiper liked what he saw at the combine, particularly with his speed.

He ran a 4.38 40-yard dash, second at his position. Don’t forget his 38-inch vertical leap. This man also ran for over 1,000 yards last season, so his stock definitely went up.

Edgerrin Cooper, LB – Texas A&M

Cooper was already the No. 1 off-ball linebacker according to Kiper. But, he turned more heads over the course of the scouting combine.

Cooper has a long frame and he ran a 4.51 40-yard dash. Now, the numbers matched his tape according to Kiper and he could develop into a high-quality backer.

Jaylin Simpson, S – Auburn

Simpson is a versatile prospect going into the NFL. He played two-thirds of his time at safety, but had over 200 snaps at cornerback as well.

A 4.45 40-time certainly raises eyebrows as well. Kiper had Simpson at No. 6 in his safety rankings but good numbers at the combine could have him rise a few spots.

Brian Thomas Jr., WR – LSU

Thomas Jr. might be overshadowed by Marvin Harrison Jr. and teammate Malik Nabers. Maybe not so much anymore.

Thomas ran a 4.33 40, second for his position and his 10-yard split was a hair behind Xavier Worthy’s, the new record holder. An impressive workout improved the stock of a guy who had 17 touchdowns last season.

Dylan Laube, RB – New Hampshire

Laube is a running back who is very dynamic. He had nine rushing touchdowns and seven touchdown receptions. He had over 1,400 yards from scrimmage too.

Since it wasn’t Power Five competition, Kiper had to see the workout. After his workouts, Laube went from being possibly undrafted to as high as the sixth round. That might get him a roster spot.

Max Melton, CB – Rutgers

Melton was a very productive corner at Rutgers throughout four seasons. He logged eight interceptions in 40 games.

But Kiper said Melton’s speed really stood out. He ran a 4.39 40-yard dash and had a broad jump of 11-foot-4. Kiper projects Melton to possibly move up to Round 2.

Bub Means, WR – Pitt

Means was once a cornerback at Tennessee before transferring to Louisiana Tech and Pitt and becoming a wide receiver. He’s a dynamic athlete.

Means’ measurements were off the charts and had a 4.43 40 time. Kiper initially had a Round 4 grade on the wideout, but that could change for the better.

Brennan Jackson, DE – Washington State

Jackson went from six sacks to 8.5 last year and has a tenacity about him that should scare opposing quarterbacks. Kiper initially had questions about the Cougar pass rusher’s frame though.

However, he looked fluid during drills last week. With that, Jackson could end up being as high as a fourth-round pick this spring.

Quinyon Mitchell, CB – Toledo

Mitchell was already the No. 17 pick in Kiper’s latest mock draft. He even asked himself, why is Mitchell on this list if he’s already polished?

Mitchell rana  4.33 40, which was second at his position and he was also first in the bench press at 20 reps at 225 pounds. He might be starting to move into the top 10, per Kiper.

Edefuan Ulofoshio, LB – Washington

Ulofoshio was a late bloomer during his career at Washington. He broke out in 2023 to appear on draft boards and had 7.5 tackles for loss to go along with 94 total tackles.

With his 4.56 40-time and broad jump of 10-foot-8, Ulofoshio could vault into the middle of Day 3 of the draft. Kiper likes his stock right now.

The NFL Draft is scheduled for April 25th through the 27th in Detroit. It’s time to see who will rise and just how high.