2024 NFL Draft Stock Up
Jonah Elliss, DE, Utah
Elliss has been one of the most dangerous pass rushers in college football season, and he has been a drive killer for opposing offenses. On the year, Elliss has 12 sacks and 37 tackles, plus has produced steady pressure on the quarterback. At 6-foot-2, 246 pounds, Elliss is undersized for to play edge rusher at the next level; he lacks height and length. However, Elliss plays low to dip under blockers and also possesses the functional strength to break free. The junior has put himself on the map for the NFL this season.
Jordan Jefferson, DT, LSU
The big and strong nose tackle Jefferson has impressed team evaluators with his play this year. The senior from Navarre, Florida has been a tough run defender in the middle of the defensive line for the Tigers. He has 22 tackles, a sack and pass defended on the year. As a junior, he recorded three sacks and 31 tackles. The 6-foot-4, 317-pounder has good size for the NFL and could be a physical interior defender at the pro level.
Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio State
Hall has not generated much production this season, but he has flashed his speed at the point of attack to knife into the backfield. With his speed and ability to fire a gap, Hall would be a good fit as a three-technique defensive tackle in the NFL. He has 4.5 sacks in 2023 and could be a contributor in the sub package as an interior rusher at the pro level.
Ty Hamilton, DT, Ohio State
Team sources say they like how Hamilton has played during his senior year. He has been a solid run defender this season and stout the point of attack. He has 28 tackles and a sack thus far in 2023. The 6-foot-3, 295-pounder has enough size to hold up in the ground game and flashes some quickness and athleticism on the inside of the line. Hamilton could be a sleeper who ends up being a nice value pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Byron Murphy, DT, Texas
Murphy has impressed team sources this season, showing the ability to defend the run and contribute to the pass rush. Thus far in 2023, he has 22 tackles and 2.5 sacks for the Longhorns. The 6-foot-1, 308-pounder has good size and is tough at the point of attack. Murphy could return to Texas for 2024, but team evaluators like what he has already put on tape.
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Daniels played his heart out against Alabama, but he had to leave the game early due to entering the concussion protocol. Against Florida a week later, Daniels dominated and had a prolific outing, including running for a 85-yard touchdown. He completed 17-of-26 passes against the Gators for 372 yards and three touchdowns. He also picked up for 234 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Daniels threw some beautiful deep balls and showed off game-breaking speed. With his arm talent and athleticism, Daniels is a dual-threat playmaker who could rise into being an opening night pick for the 2024 NFL Draft as the process moves forward.
Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
There has been a lot of attention around Brock Bowers’ return from injury, but Georgia also got right tackle Amarius Mims back from injury this past week. Mims is another first-round talent and had been out for a long time with an ankle injury. He returned to the field versus Ole Miss and dominated. Mims had no issues locking down the Rebels’ edge rushers and consistently generated a push in the ground game.
Mims is a special talent for the next level. He has massive size alongside shocking speed and athleticism. Georgia has had some skill set freaks on the defensive line in recent years with Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, and Mims is that type of specimen, but on the opposite side. For an offensive linemen, Mims has a rare body type with very little body fat. Sources have said that physically, Mims is similar to Cowboys great Tyron Smith. Mims will probably be a workout star, but he also has superb career tape, including a dominant performance against Ohio State’s highly hyped defensive ends at the end of the 2022 season. Getting back on the field and showing he is healthy were huge pluses for his draft stock, and he could be a high riser during the leadup to the 2024 NFL Draft.
2024 NFL Draft Stock Down
Tyler Van Dyke, QB, Miami
Van Dyke demonstrated excellent ball security in the early games of the 2023 season, but things fell apart for him after the first four games. Over the next four game, he threw 10 interceptions. Those turnovers led to Van Dyke getting benched for a freshman quarterback, and when that quarterback got injured, Van Dyke threw another interception in relief duty versus Florida State.
There are only a few games remaining this year, and Van Dyke has not had the season he needed to boost his draft grade. The best move for the junior could be to enter the transfer portal and try to produce a bigger 2024 season before entering the 2025 NFL Draft.
