5 prospects who will improve draft stock at the NFL Scouting Combine
YouTube: ESPN College FootballThe NFL Scouting Combine gives players from across the country a chance to impress all 32 teams ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Prospects begin the week by measuring and weighing in before immediately conducting interviews with several teams. Later, they take and answer questions from the media, getting a chance to let their personalities shine.
Then, the event culminates in on-field drills and workouts. The 40-yard dash is the headliner for most, while the quarterback-throwing portion draws in many fans.
The week is an opportunity for prospects to develop connections with coaches and general managers while introducing themselves to the NFL audience.
Of the 321 players headed to the NFL Scouting Combine, who has the best chance at improving their NFL Draft stock?
NFL Scouting Combine: 5 players to watch
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
McCarthy just turned 21 in January and boasts a sparkling 27-1 record as the starting quarterback at Michigan. He has droves of arm talent and is a threat to create yards as a scrambler.
McCarthy can show off his arm during the throwing session and boost his draft stock, as most of his peers at quarterback have opted out of the NFL Scouting Combine workouts.
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Mitchell was once labeled a sleeper heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, but after a strong Senior Bowl, that has changed. Now, scouts have Mitchell as a bonafide first-round prospect.
At the Combine, the Toledo star will likely run a 4.3 40-yard dash and should turn heads with his fluid movement during defensive drills. He’s a contender to be the first cornerback taken at the draft.
Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee
Wright takes “speed” to another level, as the explosive running back boasts legitimate track star speed. He ran a 4.28 40-yard dash last summer, which would rank in the top five times in NFL Scouting Combine history.
If Wright can reach this mark and tests well in other drills, there’s a chance he can climb running back rankings and earn a place on day two of the NFL Draft.
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
At 6’4” and 205 pounds, Thomas Jr. checks the boxes physically. He uses long strides to eat up turf, often looking like he’s gliding down the field. The LSU star is competitive at the catch point and boasts reliable hands.
Thomas Jr. can elevate his stock this week, with a real chance at earning the WR4 position in the 2024 NFL Draft. He is a top 20 player on the consensus big board.
Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama
After playing behind Will Anderson Jr. and Dallas Turner for the past few years, Braswell stepped into a starting role in 2023 and put up career highs across the board.
He is chiseled from stone and has arguably the best acceleration of any pass rusher in the class. This athletic profile will result in stellar testing numbers at the NFL Scouting Combine.
When teams pair his physical traits with the dominant reps he put on tape, Braswell could find his way into the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
