As the Dallas Cowboys are eliminated from the playoffs, the article highlights five reserve players—Joe Milton, Jay Toia, Phil Mafah, Jonathan Mingo, and Jaydon Blue—who will be key to watch in the final games and for future roster decisions, focusing on their potential and areas for improvement.
The article discusses the uneven progress of NFL quarterback Caleb Williams with the Chicago Bears, highlighting the challenges and potential in his development, and comparing him to past quarterbacks who faced similar early-career hurdles. It emphasizes that it's too early to label him a bust and underscores the importance of coaching and situation in his growth.
USA TODAY has compiled the results of five mock drafts for the 2024 NFL draft, offering potential first-round picks for each team. The drafts suggest a focus on offensive players, with the possibility of six quarterbacks going in the first round. The article also explores potential trade scenarios and features insights from USC QB Caleb Williams. Additionally, it provides mock draft predictions for each division in the AFC and NFC, as well as links to the detailed mock drafts.
Several NFL draft prospects in the 2024 class are being overlooked, including Brian Thomas Jr., Marshawn Kneeland, Jermaine Burton, Cooper DeJean, Jonah Elliss, Renardo Green, Xavier Legette, and Michael Penix Jr., who possess star potential and could be valuable additions to NFL teams despite not receiving as much attention as other prospects.
DJ Burns, the standout player leading NC State to its first Final Four appearance since 1983, has piqued the interest of NFL scouts as a potential offensive tackle due to his impressive 6'9" frame and nimble footwork. While Burns has been focused on basketball, his potential in football has garnered attention from multiple NFL executives, sparking discussions about his prospects in the NFL.
DBro's 2024 NFL Mock Draft 1.0 predicts Caleb Williams to the Chicago Bears, Jayden Daniels to the Washington Commanders, and Drake Maye to the New England Patriots as the top three picks. The mock draft also includes predictions for other first-round picks, such as J.J. McCarthy to the Minnesota Vikings and Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Los Angeles Chargers, with detailed scouting reports for each prospect.
The HBCU Legacy Bowl showcased over 100 2024 NFL Draft prospects from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, with standout performances from players like Zareon Hayes, who earned Defensive MVP honors with four sacks, and Davius Richard, who was named Offensive MVP before suffering a leg injury. Other notable prospects include Jeblonski Green Jr., Isaiah Major, Tairiq Stewart, and Jordan Toles, while honorable mentions went to Cedrick Anderson, Darrian Brokenburr, Loobert Denelus, LaDarius Owens, and Eric Smith. The event drew representatives from all 32 NFL teams and served as a platform for these talented players to showcase their skills ahead of the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.
The seven quarterbacks at the 2024 Senior Bowl failed to significantly improve their NFL Draft stock, with none managing to impress consistently throughout the week. While some showed progress, including Spencer Rattler and Carter Bradley, concerns and unanswered questions remained. The underwhelming performances have heightened anticipation for top underclassmen like Caleb Williams and Drake Maye at the upcoming Scouting Combine, suggesting that the Senior Bowl did little to sway opinions on the quarterback prospects.
The 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl, a key event for NFL Draft preparation, will take place on Saturday, Feb. 3 at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. The game will feature top prospects, including underclassmen, and provide an opportunity for talent evaluators to scout potential draft picks. Notable participants include UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu, Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson, and Texas defensive tackle Byron Murphy II. The event will also showcase quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix, as well as non-Power 5 prospects and coaching staffs from NFL teams.
The East-West Shrine Bowl in Frisco, Texas showcased NFL prospects from various college football programs, with standout performances from pass rushers, offensive linemen, wide receivers, and defensive backs. Notable players included Khristian Boyd, Xavier Thomas, Eyabi Okie-Anoma, Hunter Nourzad, Isaiah Williams, and Ro Torrence, among others, as they displayed their skills in 1-on-1 and team drills during the practices.
The 2024 East-West Shrine Bowl practices kicked off with Boston College guard Christian Mahogany and Virginia receiver Malik Washington standing out in the East and West team practices, respectively. Mahogany showcased his talent and physicality, while Washington impressed with his receiving skills. Other notable performances included Oregon State running back Deshaun Fenwick, USC's Tahj Washington, and South Dakota State guard Mason McCormick. The event also featured an "All Name Team" showdown with Steele Chambers covering Frank Gore Jr., who was in attendance to watch his son practice.
Tennessee Titans' Terrell Williams and New York Jets' Jeff Ulbrich will coach the Senior Bowl teams, with Williams leading the American team and Ulbrich coaching the National team. The coaching staffs for the Feb. 3 game were announced, with coordinators and assistant coaches from various NFL teams taking on elevated roles. The American team's staff includes coaches from the New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants, while the National team's staff features coaches from the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, and New Orleans Saints.
USC quarterback Caleb Williams, one of college football's top prospects, has drawn comparisons to NFL quarterbacks Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes. Williams possesses a vast skill set, excelling in the RPO game, displaying quick hands, and exhibiting the ability to release the ball from different angles. He thrives when improvising and making plays outside the pocket, showing elusiveness and good decision-making. However, he can improve in throwing the ball away instead of taking unnecessary sacks and in executing layer throws. Defenses struggle to contain Williams, whether they blitz or drop eight into coverage. He will face a tough challenge against Washington's talented defense, but his upside and potential are reminiscent of Allen's success in the NFL.