2024 NFL Draft Stock Up
Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
Some team sources feel Worthy will be a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-1, 172-pounder is fast and dangerous with the ball in his hands. Worthy is a similar explosive receiver to players like Jordan Addison and Zay Flowers, two first-round picks in 2023 who have had success as rookies. Worthy should run fast times in the leadup to the 2024 NFL Draft and interest a lot of teams that are looking to for a playmaker.
Mohamed Kamara, DE, Colorado State
Kamara has been one of college football’s most productive and dangerous pass rushers this year. With 12.5 sacks, Kamara has been superb at getting to the quarterback. He had 8.5 and 7.5 sacks during the previous two seasons, respectively. While Kamara has natural pass-rush ability, the 6-foot-1, 250-pounder is very undersized for the NFL. Hence, he is viewed as a rotational player for obvious pass-rushing situations only, which makes him more of a mid-rounder for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio State
Hall showed against Michigan that he is a quick and athletic defender at the line. In the second quarter, Hall had an impressive rush, shedding the block from Wolverines guard Zak Zinter and closing on quarterback J.J. McCarthy in a blur to start a sack that forced a punt on the next play. Late in the fourth quarter with his team needing a critical stop, Hall got through the line to swallow up running back Blake Corum for a little gain. Overall, Hall helped his draft stock against Michigan by showing his pass0rush ability and some quality run defense.
Ohio State has played Hall out of position at nose tackle this season when he is a three-technique made to knife a gap. Hall is quick and thick to be a gap shooter who causes problems in the backfield. He could get late first-round consideration in the 2024 NFL Draft and will go in Round 2 if he is still available.
Zak Zinter, G, Michigan
The 6-foot-6, 322-pounder had a mixed performance against Ohio State. On the good side, he was strong at the point of attack and effective in the ground game. On the negative side, Michael Hall Jr. beat Zinter for a sack and Zinter ended up getting carted off the field. Assuming his injury isn’t serious, Zinter could be a second-day or mid-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-6, 322-pounder is big, strong, physical and tough. Zinter could be a starter early in his pro career.
Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina
Rattler does not get a lot of media hype, but there are team sources that really like him. The 6-foot-1, 217-pounder has serious arm talent with the ability to make special throws downfield. On top of his passing talent, Rattler has mobility and can make things happen with his feet. He is dangerous to ad lib his team into big plays and is able to make things happen for his team off script. While he was not been flawless, his decision-making and ball security were improved as a senior. Rattler completed 69 percent of his passes in 2023 for 3,186 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He notched four rushing touchdowns as well. Rattler has the potential to be a riser during the 2024 NFL Draft process.
2024 NFL Draft Stock Down
Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson
Orhorhoro flashed in 2021 and 2022 while rotating with some eventual early-round picks like Bryan Bresee. The hopes of Orhorhoro developing into a game-changer as a full-time starter in 2023 have not panned out. While Orhorhoro has not been bad, he has had some quiet games and has not been a highly impactful player. Pro team sources say they see him as a possible second-day pick for the 2024 NFL Draft rather than a first-rounder. Orhorhoro could use a strong leadup to the draft to help prevent a slide.
Caelen Carson, CB, Wake Forest
Carson looked like he could have early-round potential entering this season, but his play this year has not impressed team evaluators. Carson has tackled decently, but he has recorded zero interceptions in 2023. What has hurt Carson the most was NFL team sources seeing a lack of speed, which has left them thinking he is going to struggle to run with pro wideouts. They said they feel Carson is more of a backup zone corner and might have the potential to become a starter if he develops well. Carson is looking like a mid-rounder in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Penix has a quality arm capable making all the throws, but he has major accuracy issues. After a red-hot start to the season, Penix has demonstrated ball-placement flaws in the back half of the year. He sometimes has some issues passing in the face of the rush, and when he is thrown off rhythm, it can cause some of his passes go off the mark. Penix needs to improve his mechanics. His footwork needs a lot of development for the pro game, as it can lead to him having passes spray rather than fly as intended. Penix needs to improve his feet and accuracy significantly to be an effective starter at the pro level. Penix plays a position in demand, and that obviously helps him. For the 2024 NFL Draft, Penix looks like a second-day prospect.
