2024 NFL Draft Stock Up
Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Some team sources are not high on Nix, saying the view him as a college system quarterback. However, there are other sources who say they believe Nix has the ability to be a starter in the NFL. They see a quarterback who is polished, athletic, and a capable passer. Some teams view Nix as a candidate to be the fourth quarterback prospect taken in the 2024 NFL Draft, ahead of Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy. Others don’t have Nix that high, but there is some buzz for Nix, who is rising with some teams.
Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona
The 6-foot-5, 325-pound Morgan had an impressive senior year to help himself with NFL scouts. Morgan has excellent size, including length, height and weight, as well as strength and quickness. Morgan was a mainstay for the Wildcats as a starter over the past three seasons. In 2022, he allowed one sack in 670 total snaps.
Morgan earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl. He could rise into being a first-round selection if he performs well over the pre-draft process.
Dominick Puni, OT, Kansas
Puni was a dependable left tackle for Kansas in 2023 and 2022. The 6-foot-5, 320-pounder has the size to block on the edge in the NFL and demonstrated improvement as he gained experience. Puni previously played four seasons at Central Missouri, where he spent time at both left and right tackle. Puni could rise with a strong showing at the Senior Bowl and might be a sleeper value pick.
McKinley Jackson, DT, Texas A&M
The 6-foot-2, 325-pound Jackson is a heavy nose tackle who did a nice job as a run stuffer for the Aggies in 2023. He recorded 27 tackles with three sacks on the year. For the NFL, Jackson is a heavy nose tackle who will probably come off the field in the sub package.
Nelson Ceaser, DE, Houston
The 6-foot-3, 250-pound Ceaser is undersized for the NFL, but he showed rush ability off the edge in 2023. With 9.5 sacks, Ceaser put heat on the quarterback for the Cougars. He had 43 tackles as well. In 2022, Ceaser collected four sacks. He recorded 3.5 in 2021. Ceaser might fit in the NFL as a designated pass rusher for the sub package. In the base defense, he would probably have to move to linebacker.
Andru Phillips, CB, Kentucky
Phillips was a solid cornerback for the Wildcats over the past two seasons. In 2023, he recorded 48 tackles and five passes broken up. In 2022, he totaled 31 tackles and three breakups. The 6-foot, 187-pounder could be a sleeper mid-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft who ends being a solid depth corner with upside.
Jaylin Simpson, S, Auburn
Simpson was a good defensive back for Auburn during his senior year. The 6-foot-1, 178-pounder needs to gain weight for the NFL, but he is a smart defender who is dependable to cover downfield. He also is a fabulous special teams player.
Simpson collected 38 tackles, four interception and three passes defended in 2023. In 2022, he recorded 37 tackles with two interceptions and five passes defended. Simpson could be a nice mid-round backup who contributes on special teams and has the possibility to develop into a bigger role as a pro.
2024 NFL Draft Stock Down
D.J. James, CB, Auburn
The infamous play where Auburn lost the Iron Bowl on the miraculous Hail Mary was the result of a blown coverage by James. James (6-1, 164) has issues with blown assignments and also is very thin for the next level. He was invited to the Senior Bowl, but he played like a late-round or undrafted free agent for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Nehemiah Pritchett, CB, Auburn
The 6-foot-1, 184-pound Pritchett is another Auburn cornerback who did not play well in 2023 but managed to receive an invitation to the Senior Bowl. Pritchett (6-1, 184) totaled 22 tackles, an interception and three passes broken up in his final season. For the 2024 NFL Draft, Pritchett looks like a late-rounder or undrafted free agent.
