Will a wide receiver be selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft?
Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. could be the answer to that question. The junior receiver is No. 1 on Sporting News' first Top 50 Big Board for next year's draft. A wide receiver has not been taken with the pick since the New York Jets took Keyshawn Johnson in 1996. Harrison – a unanimous All-American – will at least create a debate with the top quarterbacks in next year's draft.
USC's Caleb Williams — the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner – and North Carolina's Drake Maye, are franchise quarterbacks in waiting. They are among six quarterbacks in our top 50.
Harrison is one of eight Ohio State players on the list. That is the most of any school. Georgia and Washington are next with four players apiece. The Bulldogs feature tight end Brock Bowers, another freakish prospect who could push into the top five picks in the draft. Alabama and Clemson have three players each.
Those five schools have 22 of the 50 players on this list. Here is a look at the best 50 best players projected to be available in the 2024 NFL Draft regardless of position, and how high each might be selected based on team needs, position scarcity and other factors.
2024 MOCK DRAFT: Projecting where Caleb Williams, Marvin Harrison Jr. & more will go next year
NFL Draft prospects 2024: Big board of top 50 players
1. Marvin Harrison Jr.*, WR, Ohio State
Does a can't-miss prospect exist? Harrison (6-3, 202) totaled 77 catches for 1,263 yards and 14 TDs as a sophomore. That came with seven 100-yard games. Harrison is an outstanding route runner who had just three drops last season. Harrison can work on the outside, but Ohio State offensive coordinator worked the junior out in the slot this spring. There are no apparent weaknesses, and Harrison will put on an all-around show at the 2024 NFL Combine. Harrison's father Marvin was the No. 19 pick in that 1996 NFL Draft where Keyshawn Johnson went first. Marvin Harrison Jr. will have a case to be No. 1 depending on which teams need quarterbacks.
2. Caleb Williams*, QB, USC
Williams (6-1, 218) has drawn comparisons to Patrick Mahomes II because of his tremendous ability to extend plays and make throws that elicit the same familiar reaction: "How did he do that?" Williams totaled 4,537 yards, 42 TDs and five interceptions, and he will continue to produce prolific results in his second season with USC coach Lincoln Riley. The addition of Kliff Kingsbury to the staff will help, too. Williams' mechanics might get picked apart by draft scouts, but there is a greater chance he gets selected No. 1 because of the constant need for a franchise quarterback.
3. Drake Maye*, QB, North Carolina
Maye (6-5, 220) checks off a lot of boxes, too. He had a breakout season for North Carolina with 4,321 passing yards, 38 TDs and seven interceptions, but he also had 698 yards and seven TDs. Maye has size, but his ability to scramble and extend plays within that 6-foot-5 frame is going to elicit comparisons to Josh Allen. Maye does not have that level of arm strength, but he's a more accurate quarterback at this stage in his career. The Williams-Maye debate is going to run all the way into April, and there isn't a wrong answer.
4. Brock Bowers*, TE, Georgia
Bowers (6-4, 230) is one of the most unique tight ends to hit the NFL Draft. He has a 76.8% percent catch percentage for the Bulldogs. He's totaled 1,824 yards and 20 TDs the last two seasons, and he is a complete mismatch in the seam for opposing defenders because of his route-running ability. Bowers also has 165 rushing yards and four TDs. Bowers logged 259 snaps in the slot last year, according to Pro Football Focus. He's worthy of a top-five pick.
5. Joe Alt*, T, Notre Dame
According to Pro Football Focus, Alt ranked No. 2 among tackles with a 91.4 blocking grade last season. Alt (6-7, 316) allowed just six quarterback hurries and no sacks in 887 offensive snaps. He had his lowest-rated games against Ohio State and USC, and those are the ones to watch in 2023. He should be the first Irish offensive lineman to be taken in the first round since the Quenton Nelson and Mike McGlinchey combo in 2018.
6. Dallas Turner*, LB, Alabama
Turner (6-4, 240) is the Crimson Tide's next elite pass rusher. He's totaled 12.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss the last two seasons, and there are flashes of complete dominance off the edge. Turner needs to be more consistent, especially with Will Anderson moving on to the next level. Turner did have 21 quarterback hurries. He needs to land a few more sacks. He is a safe pick within the top 10, and he might learn a few new tricks with new Alabama defensive coordinator Kevin Steele.
7. Jared Verse*, EDGE, Florida State
Every draft has a high-riser off the edge position. Verse (6-4, 248) is a curious case of high-end production. He played two seasons at Albany in the FCS before transferring to Florida State, where he had nine sacks and 17 tackles for loss last season. If Verse duplicates that production, then there is a good chance he will be the first edge rusher off the board.
MORE: Ranking the top 10 quarterbacks for 2024 NFL Draft
8. Olumuyiwa Fashanu, T, Penn State
Fashanu (6-6, 321) would have been a first-round pick this year, but he opted to return to school for what should be a loaded Penn State team. He did not allow a sack last season, and he played two of his best games against Ohio State and Michigan. Fashanu is a team leader who should test well at the NFL Combine, and the extra year in college will not hurt his stock.
9. Javon Bullard*, S, Georgia
Bullard (5-11, 180) is the most-complete defensive back in the draft. He had 46 tackles and seven tackles for the Bulldogs last season, but he brings that rare combination where he can total 3.5 sacks and three interceptions. Bullard had two interceptions and a fumble in last year's College Football Playoff championship game, and he will be a team leader for another elite Georgia defense. That translates into high first-round material.
10. Jeremiah Trotter Jr.*, LB, Clemson
Trotter's father Jeremiah was a four-time Pro Bowl selection. Trotter Jr. (6-1, 210) is another classic middle linebacker who can wreck a game plan. He had 89 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss. That ability to make plays behind the line of scrimmage – he also had 6.5 sacks and two sacks – makes him a true game changer. Look for Trotter Jr. to build on that breakout season and solidify his standing as a top-10 pick.
11. Michael Hall*, DT, Ohio State
Hall (6-3, 290) had a dominant start to last season with 4.5 sacks in Ohio State's first five games. He's a disruptor on the interior, and he plays the run well. Hall battled injuries last season, and he's going to have to compete with LSU's Maason Smith to be the top defensive tackle in this draft. Another year with Ohio State defensive line coach Larry Johnson will not hurt.
12. Kool Aid McKinstry*, CB, Alabama
McKinstry (6-1, 195) is the top cornerback on the board. He totaled 16 pass breakups last season, and he limited opposing receivers to a 46.3% catch percentage. McKinstry also contributed as a punt returner and averaged 15.8 yards per return. He improved as a sophomore, and a similar jump would make him an easy first-round selection. It's not a deep cornerback class in 2024 at this point, so McKinstry needs to take advantage of the opportunity.
13. J.T. Tuimoloau*, EDGE, Ohio State
Tuimoloau (6-4, 272) put together one of the most dominant performances of the season against Penn State last season when he had two sacks, two interceptions, a fumble recovery and a TD. He had seven sacks in Ohio State's last seven games, and that kind of a production over a full season would bump him into the top 10. Tuimoloau also will be a hit in the interview process with NFL GMs.
14. Andrew Mukuba*, S, Clemson
Mukuba (6-0, 185) built on an impressive freshman season with 54 tackles and an interception as a sophomore. Mukuba missed just one tackle in Clemson's first seven games last season. He's a solid in-the-box defender, and he is not a liability in coverage. That is going to be an attractive get for a team in need of secondary help.
15. Denzel Burke*, CB, Ohio State
Burke (6-0, 189) has had ups-and-downs in Ohio State's secondary the last two seasons, but a second year with defensive coordinator Jim Knowles should help. Burke's strong showing in the spring game suggests he'll rack up more pass breakups this season, and he's proven to be a solid tackler. Some mocks might have Burke as the top cornerback. Let's see if he proves it.
16. Kingsley Suamataia*, T, BYU
Suamataia (6-6, 330) was part of a strong BYU offensive line that featured Blake Freeland and Connor Pay. According to PFF, the Cougars had four games where Suamataia had 40 or more pass blocking snaps. He allowed one quarterback hit in those games. Suamataia also didn't allow a sack last season, and the Oregon transfer has lived up to the five-star billing with room to move up.
17. Jack Sawyer*, EDGE, Ohio State
Sawyer (6-4, 240) is one of the most athletic defensive players in the country, and there have been flashes of that five-star talent the last two seasons. Sawyer will revert back to more of a hand-down defensive end this season, and that's going to lead to more production off the edge. Ohio State lacked a 10-sack player last season. If Sawyer fills that void in 2023, then he will land in the top half of the first round.
18. Ja'Tavion Sanders*, TE, Texas
Sanders (6-4, 249) will not get as much hype as Bowers, but the Longhorns tight end is a reliable pass catcher with huge upside. He had 54 receptions on 72 targets last season. Sanders also can line up in the slot and create mismatches. He needs to improve as a run blocker, but that's not a deal-breaker. Sanders is a classic possession-receiver type who will be a value pick in the back half of the first round.
19. Emeka Egbuka*, WR, Ohio State
Harrison isn't the only first-round talent at Ohio State. Egbuka (6-1, 205) is another five-star talent who caught 74 passes for 1,151 yards and 10 TDs. He had a 69.8% catch percentage. Egbuka is a clean route runner who uses his size to shield defenders well, and he's effective in the red zone. The 2024 NFL Draft will be the second time in three years where the Buckeyes have at least two receivers drafted in the first round.
20. Calen Bullock*, S, USC
Bullock (6-3, 190) carries the build of a receiver – but the play-making skills are off the charts. He had five interceptions for the Trojans last season, and he's averaged 44 tackles the last two seasons. Bullock has the versatility to play multiple positions in the secondary, but he still needs to put on a little more weight to stick at safety at the next level.
21. Shedeur Sanders*, QB, Colorado
Sanders (6-2, 215) totaled 6,963 yards, 70 TDs and 14 interceptions at Jackson State the last two seasons, and he's making the move up to the Pac-12 with father Deion Sanders. He is an accurate passer who excels in the intermediate and deep passing game. There will be ups and downs with the move to the Pac-12, and there is a decent chance Sanders sees it through and stays with the Buffaloes for the next two seasons. Still, the talent is there.
22. Cooper Bebee, G, Kansas State
Bebee (6-4, 322) is a versatile offensive lineman who spent two seasons at tackle before moving to his natural fit at guard last season. He earned SN first-team All-American honors. He didn't allow a sack and was part of a unit that averaged 209.6 rushing yards per game. That multi-position versatility could push him into the first round.
23. Xavier Worthy*, WR, Texas
Worthy (6-1, 163) has played ahead of schedule for the Longhorns the last two seasons, and he's caught 21 TDs in two seasons. If the spring game is any indication, then Worthy should be in line for his first 1,000-yard season with the Longhorns. He had 59 catches on 113 targets last season – a 52.2% catch percentage that will need to improve. He still is explosive enough to land in the first round.
24. Michael Penix, Jr., QB, Washington
Penix (6-3, 218) opted to stay in college for a sixth season after an impressive season at Washington in which he led the FBS in total offense at 364.1 yards per game. Penix also maintained a 65.8% completion percentage and has an upside that is similar to C.J. Stroud. Penix – who has suffered a torn ACL twice – can eliminate health concerns with another full season.
25. Quinn Ewers*, QB, Texas
If the spring game is any indication, Ewers (6-3, 206) will jump into the first-round conversation. The five-star quarterback has one of the strongest arms in college football, but he needs to be more accurate on deep passes. He was just 15 of 44 (3.41%) on passes of 20 yards or more last season. It's a now-or-never-year of sorts, too, with five-star quarterback Arch Manning waiting. Look for Ewers to make that breakthrough around a strong supporting cast at Texas.
26. Maason Smith*, DT, LSU
27. Connor Colby, G/T, Iowa
28. Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington
29. Rahiem Sanders*, RB, Arkansas
30. TreVeyon Henderson*, RB, Ohio State
31. Cole Bishop*, S, Utah
32. Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
33. James Williams*, S, Miami
34. Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
35. Blake Corum, RB, Michigan
36. Deshawn Pace, LB, Cincinnati
37. Ruke Orhorhor, DT, Clemson
38. Jer'Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
39. Kamari Lassister, CB, Georgia
40. Sedrick Van Pran*, C, Georgia
41 Tony Franklin*, WR, Oregon
42. Johnny Wilson, WR, Florida State
43. Bryce Foster*, C, Texas A&M
44. Zion Nelson, T, Miami
45. J.C. Latham*, T, Alabama
46. Braelon Allen*, RB, Wisconsin
47. Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina
48. Laiatu Latu, LB, UCLA
49.. Zion Tupuola-Fetui, EDGE, Washington
50. Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
NFL Draft prospect ranking by position
Quarterback
1. Caleb Williams, USC (2)
2. Drake Maye, North Carolina (3)
3. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado (21)
4. Michael Penix Jr., Washington (24)
5. Quinn Ewers, Texas (25)
6. Bo Nix, Oregon (32)
Running back
1. Rahiem Sanders, Arkansas (29)
2. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State (30)
3. Blake Corum, Michigan (35)
4. Braelon Allen, Wisconsin (46)
Wide receiver
1. Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State (1)
2. Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State (19)
3. Xavier Worthy, Texas (23)
4. Troy Franklin, Oregon (41)
5. Johnny Wilson, Florida State (42)
6. Rome Odunze, Washington (50)
Tight end
1. Brock Bowers, Georgia (4)
2. Ja'Tavion Sanders, Texas (18)
Offensive line
1. Joe Alt, Notre Dame (5)
2. Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State (8)
3. Kingsley Suamataia, BYU (16)
4. Connor Beebe, Kansas State (22)
5. Connor Colby, Iowa (27)
6. Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia (40)
7. Bryce Foster, Texas A&M (42)
8. Zion Nelson, Miami (44)
9. J.C. Latham, Alabama (45)
Edge rushers
1. Dallas Turner, Alabama (6)
2. Jared Verse, Florida State (7)
3. J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State (13)
4. Jack Sawyer, Ohio State (17)
5. Bralen Trice, Washington (28)
6. Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Washington (49)
Defensive tackles
1. Michael Hall, Ohio State (11)
2. Maason Smith, LSU (26)
3. Tyleik Williams, Ohio State (34)
4. Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson (37)
5. Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois (38)
Linebackers
1. Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson (10)
2. Deshawn Pace, Cincinnati (36)
3. Cedric Gray, North Carolina (47)
4. Lauatu Latu, UCLA (48)
Cornerbacks
1. Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama (12)
2. Denzel Burke, Ohio State (15)
3. Kamari Lassiter, Georgia (39)
Safety
1. Javon Bullard, Georgia (9)
2. Andrew Mukuba, Clemson (14)
3. Calen Bullock, USC (20)
4. Cole Bishop, Utah (31)
5. James Williams, Miami (33)