2024 NFL Draft Stock Up
Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M
Team sources said Cooper has been impressive this season, showing explosive speed and athleticism. They went on that while they feel Cooper is not as natural in coverage, he is very tough in the ground game. The 6-foot-3, 230-pounder has excellent size for the NFL, possessing ideal height and length. Due to having additional eligibility, Cooper could decide to return for another season to improve his pass-coverage skills rather than enter the 2024 NFL Draft. This year, he has 52 tackles, seven sacks, two forced fumbles, zero interceptions and a pass batted. Cooper is a riser and could turn into a first- or second-rounder for his draft class.
Kaimon Rucker, DE, North Carolina
The 6-foot-2, 265-pound Rucker has been a dangerous edge rusher for North Carolina this season, recording 7.5 sacks and 40 tackles so far. While he is short and lacks length for the NFL, he demonstrates some speed and athleticism off the edge. Last year, Rucker recorded 37 tackles and 3.5 sacks. He notched four sacks in 2021. Rucker may have to be a designated pass rusher in the NFL given his length and weight limitations.
Woodi Washington, CB, Oklahoma
Washington has played well for the Sooners this season, running with wide receivers and showing the ability to be a dependable player in coverage. He has 29 tackles and two passes defended on the year. In 2022, he recorded 67 tackles, an interception and six passes broken up. Washington (5-10, 202) might end up being better off as a slot corner in the NFL, but he has helped himself this season and could be a potential second-day selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Dallas Turner, OLB, Alabama
Team sources really like Turner and say the feel he could be an impactful player at the NFL level. He is a lightning-fast speed rusher off the edge, possessing serious first-step quickness and a burst to close. Turner is a legit threat to blow by offensive tackles and make game-changing plays as a pass rusher. While Turner (6-4, 242) is undersized, he plays physically for a leaner player and is better than expected against the run. Turner should test well before the 2024 NFL Draft and could end up as a top-20 selection.
2024 NFL Draft Stock Down
Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
Team sources label Carter as a fast and explosive linebacker with decent instincts, but say he has limitations in size and strength. They note there are times on tape where Carter gets destroyed in the ground game defending the inside run. He struggles to get off blocks and does not have a good fit in the base package. Carter really may be more of a sub-package linebacker for the nickel defense. Some in the media have projected Carter as a first-round pick for the 2024 NFL Draft, but teams are grading him lower than that.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson
Trotter has been a productive player for the Tigers over his college career, but team sources stated Trotter is a limited athlete in the NFL. They said they do not see him as having the ability to help in pass coverage. Given the importance of passing in the NFL, Trotter lacking coverage ability means he won’t have starting potential as a pro. Sources shared they like Trotter, but they think he is a backup middle linebacker. That’s why they are projecting him to the mid-rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.
T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas
Sweat, according to team sources, has not looked as good on tape this season compared to last year. Those sources said Sweat seems slower and less athletic. They noted they do not feel he is moving as well as he did in 2022, when he showed more speed and chase ability. Sweat played better against Oklahoma a few weeks ago, but pro evaluators don’t like a player who turns it on and off depending on the opponent. Sweat needs to perform better to close out the 2023 season.
Caelen Carson, CB, Wake Forest
Carson had a tough challenge with Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman over the weekend. Coleman got the better of Carson, but it wasn’t a tale of complete domination, as Carson kept good coverage on a number of plays as well. The performance against Florida State, however, still made Carson look more like a second-round pick as opposed to a first-rounder. He dropped a potential interception, which a huge lost opportunity. He also gave up two touchdowns and a pass interference that will likely harmhis draft grade. Carson is physical, gritty and athletic, but he might have a lack of special explosion, speed and instincts. After some pro coaching, Carson could turn into a solid NFL starter. That developmental potential means he could be a quality second-day pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
