2024 NFL Draft Stock Up
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Team sources said they feel Mitchell has the tape to be a potential first-round pick for the 2024 NFL Draft. During 2023, Mitchell recorded 41 tackles, an interception and 18 passes defended. He was one of the most dynamic ball hawks in college football during 2022, when he racked up 42 tackles, five interceptions and 19 passes defended. The 6-foot, 196-pound Mitchell has excellent skill set of size, speed and athleticism. With his physical talent, he could rise through impressive workouts and become a lock to go in Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Satoa Laumea, OT, Utah
Laumea started mostly at right tackle over the past two seasons after being a starter at guard for the Utes in 2021. Given his size, Laumea could be a better fit at guard in the NFL. However, the 6-foot-4, 311-pounder offers some versatility to play tackle in an emergency role. Laumea could climb with a strong week at the Senior Bowl.
Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
Fiske collected 43 tackles and six sacks for the Seminoles in 2023. In 2022 with Western Michigan, he notched 58 tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles and two passes batted. Fiske totaled 7.5 sacks over the 2019-’21 period at Western Michigan. The 6-foot-5, 297-pounder has some versatility up front and could be a nice rotational depth player. Fiske was a solid run defender who showed improved pass rush.
Marcus Harris, DT, Auburn
The 6-foot-3, 295-pound Harris was a tough defender for the Tigers in 2023, recording 40 tackles, seven sacks, one forced fumble and one pass batted. He had two sacks in each of the previous two seasons with Auburn. Harris faces some limitations due to lacking length and weight, but he has the potential to be a nice rotational backup in the NFL.
Jaden Crumedy, DT, Mississippi State
The Bulldogs had Crumedy for five seasons, and he was a solid defender for them. In 2023, Crumedy recorded 35 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Over the previous four years, he totaled six sacks. Crumedy (6-5, 305) is a nose tackle who will have to earn playing time as a pro by being a tough interior run defender. After being a solid defender at the point of attack for the Bulldogs, Crumedy earned a Senior Bowl invitation.
Tanor Bortolini, G/C, Wisconsin
Bortolini was a versatile blocker for the Badgers over the past three seasons. He started at left guard, right guard and center. He even started one game at tight end. For the NFL, Bortolini would fit best as a backup guard and center. The 6-foot-4, 310-pounder earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl thanks to his steady play from the past few seasons.
Keith Randolph, DT, Illinois
While Johnny Newton got a lot of attention, Randolph was a solid defender for the Illini over the past few seasons. In 2023, Randolph recorded 49 tackles and 1.5 sacks. As a junior, he totaled 53 tackles, 4.5 sacks, an interception and pass batted. Randolph (6-5, 300) could be a nice project who has the potential to be a big end in base defense or line up on the inside.
Andrew Raym, C, Oklahoma
The 6-foot-4, 309-pound Raym started for a couple of seasons at center for the Sooners. He was a steady blocker on the inside. Raym could stand to get stronger for the next level. If he blocks well in the one-on-ones at the Senior Bowl, he could rise for the 2024 NFL Draft.
2024 NFL Draft Stock Down
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Penix has some in the media hyping him as a first-round pick, but many NFL team evaluators are projecting him to Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft. The tape from the National Championship will validate the evaluation of team executives over the media. Penix missed a number of big-play opportunities against Michigan, throwing inaccurately and leaving a lot of big plays on the field due to not moving his eyes to locate wide-open receivers downfield. The National Championship game reinforces concerns about Penix’s vision, footwork, and inconsistent accuracy. In the 2024 NFL Draft, Penix could be more of a second-day pick who is a backup to start out his career but has the physical talent to develop into being a starter.
