NFL Draft Prospects That Stole the Show
Photo Credit: New York Post
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Mar 4, 2023) - The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine whizzed by this past weekend, much like the college prospects who sprinted the forty-yard dash in Indianapolis. There’s excellent tape and data to review from each player’s performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. Numerous college prospects arrived with a host of question marks surrounding various aspects of their game or their overall prospect status.
That being said, let’s take a look at some players whose stock is on the rise post-combine as preparations for the 2024 NFL Draft in April get underway.
To kick things off, here are some honorable mentions. These players didn’t quite make the list but are worth noting for draft boards or as strong prospects to keep an eye on during draft weekend:
Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee
Tanor Bortolini, OL, Wisconsin
Brian Thomas Jr, WR, LSU
Nate Wiggins, DB, Clemson
Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
It feels just right to kick off this list with two wideouts from the University of Texas who made a significant impact during the Combine - Worthy and Mitchell. Both had standout seasons, excelling in different areas.
Xavier Worthy was initially projected as a late first-rounder to a day-two pick across multiple mock drafts. However, that changed when Worthy tied John Ross III’s 2017 NFL Combine record for the fastest 40-yard dash with a time of 4.22 seconds. He then broke this record on his second attempt, clocking in at 4.21 seconds. Worthy chose not to participate in any other wide receiver drills, but he still graded as the top WR overall with an Athleticism score of 98, according to NFL.com.
Worthy’s impressive performance at the Combine, coupled with his strong final year at Texas where he recorded 1,014 yards on 75 receptions along with 5 touchdowns, may position him as a mid-first-round pick. His speed and agility could make him a valuable asset for teams looking to stretch the field.
Adonai “AD” Mitchell, WR, Texas (Missouri City, TX)
Adonai Mitchell, on the other hand, also delivered a solid performance. At one point, he held the best time for wide receivers in the 40-yard dash with a time of 4.34 seconds. This was before LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. recorded a 4.33 and his Texas teammate, Xavier Worthy, ran a 4.21.
Mitchell had his most productive season at Texas after transferring from Georgia as a sophomore. This season, Mitchell racked up 845 yards on 55 receptions, along with 11 touchdowns, as a junior.
Mitchell looked smooth in the catching drills, especially in the gauntlet. He also ranked 4th among wideouts in athleticism. While there is room for Mitchell to improve in certain areas, there’s no doubt about his potential. He could start as a solid WR2 and eventually develop into a number 1 receiver.
Ultimately, the sky is the limit for both of these outstanding Texas wide receivers.
JJ McCarthy, QB, Michigan
In the draft process, quarterbacks often face numerous question marks, which can be seen as red flags. This is especially true for those emerging from a power run offense with a run-first approach.
This weekend, JJ McCarthy showed marked improvement in his throwing and footwork, which was a positive development. McCarthy stood out among his group and might have been the best of all the prospects when it came to accuracy and placement. Despite the lingering question marks, McCarthy has had two practically identical seasons in a pro-style offense at Michigan, where he threw for over 2,000 yards, scored 20-plus touchdowns, and had single-digit interceptions.
Combining his athleticism and leadership abilities with his charisma, McCarthy makes a strong case for being a top-three quarterback. With a pro day still coming up and various other visits among NFL teams, McCarthy is a player who could go fairly early in the first round to a quarterback-needy team. Alternatively, he could still be a valuable pick in the first round.
The future looks promising for this national champion quarterback.
Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
One of the most rewarding aspects of the draft season is studying and learning about new prospects who could become the next big thing when they take their first snaps in the NFL. Braden Fiske is a name that may not be familiar to many.
After transferring from Western Michigan, Fiske spent this past season at Florida State. He recorded 17 solo tackles and tied his career high in sacks, including a crucial game-ending sack that sealed the ACC title against Louisville for the Seminoles.
It’s not every day that defensive tackles, who do the heavy lifting down in the trenches, receive a lot of recognition. This is usually reserved for freak athletes who hail from prominent schools and check all the boxes during the Combine.
That being said, Braden Fiske is one such athlete. He checks all the boxes and more. Fiske’s performance at the Combine was nothing short of spectacular, blowing everyone out of the water with his testing.
Braden Fiske ran the first 40-yard dash of the entire scouting combine, clocking the fastest time among defensive tackles with a 4.78. He also ranked as the highest defensive tackle in Athleticism with a score of 87.
Fiske is a speedy, strong defensive tackle who can create a lot of pressure from the interior. However, there are areas that need improvement. As a six-year senior, Fiske has sparked discussions about when he will likely be drafted, most likely on day 2. Fiske would be a solid 2nd round pick for any team looking for someone to intensify the heat in the interior. Keep an eye on him as the draft season progresses.
Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State
Robinson, a three-year player at Penn State, didn’t produce more than five sacks in a single college season. However, this doesn’t diminish his potential as his stat sheet doesn’t tell the whole story. Robinson is a speedy, twitchy, and explosive edge rusher who poses a significant challenge for offensive lines.
Many have drawn comparisons between Robinson and another pass rusher from Penn State, Micah Parsons. Despite the statistical differences, Robinson’s potential is undeniable. His agility and explosiveness on the field could make him a formidable force in the NFL.
While Chop Robinson isn’t a direct sequel to Parsons, he does need more time to develop. However, having such a solid foundation coming out of the draft suggests that his potential is significantly higher.
Robinson excels as an athlete. Over the weekend, he clocked a 4.48 in the 40-yard dash, which is faster than some receivers and running backs. He also ranked 4th among edge rushers in athleticism.
Robinson was initially projected to go towards the end of the first round, or even as an early day 2 pick. However, with a loaded edge class, Robinson’s standout performance over the weekend has helped him rise above his peers. He could potentially be picked as early as the mid to late teens in the first round.
Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
Since the list began with two wide receivers, it’s only fitting that it rounds out with two cornerbacks who could very well be standing on the other side of the line of scrimmage from them or any other receiver in the NFL. Terrion Arnold and Quinyon Mitchell demonstrated that they belong to a different tier at the combine.
Starting with Terrion Arnold, he solidified himself as the number one corner in this class come draft day. While his 40-yard dash time wasn’t off the charts, nor was his athleticism score, his overall potential is sky-high. Arnold spent only two seasons in Tuscaloosa but put up solid numbers in those two years, particularly in 2023. He had 40 solo tackles, 5 interceptions, 12 passes defended, and a forced fumble.
Arnold showed versatility by lining up both in the slot and outside. Despite his size, he showed no mercy, playing with what can best be described as a “dog mentality.” Arnold excels in man coverage, and combined with his athleticism and a nose for the football, he’s an all-around solid prospect. It’s hard not to get excited about what he could bring to an NFL secondary.
There will undoubtedly be growing pains, but frankly, the sky isn’t just the limit for him, it’s space. As he said during his post-workout performance, “I’m just gonna keep on shining.”
Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
Quinton Mitchell excelled in Indianapolis over the weekend frankly I don't think there was a better word for it.. Mitchell showed how different he is as a corner he's built like an offensive skill player but hits like a truck and with great ball skills. Mitchell shot out like a Toledo Rocket during his 40 with a blistering 4.33 40-yard dash. He also showed how smooth his game is during the defensive back drill. Since the Senior Bowl and now and in Indy Mitchell has answered all the questions concerning him and turned them into gold. Mitchell will be a day-one pick without question but after the last few weeks may have just shot his way into the top 10 exosphere but at the very least the top 15 stratosphere. All in all the NFL Scouting Combine is a fun way to look at college prospects for the first time really since the fall now these test scores and results aren’t always a foolproof plan and a lot of these guys will be what many think they could be at the next level. But one thing is for certain: a lot of these guys proved who they are and how good they could be at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. The next question is when and where will their names be called come in Detroit in late April at the 2024 NFL Draft.
Quinton Mitchell truly excelled in Indianapolis over the weekend. Frankly, I don’t think there’s a better word for it. Mitchell demonstrated how unique he is as a cornerback. He’s built like an offensive skill player, but he hits like a truck and has exceptional ball skills.
Mitchell shot out like a Toledo Rocket during his 40-yard dash, clocking a blistering time of 4.33 seconds. He also showcased the smoothness of his game during the defensive back drill. Since the Senior Bowl and now in Indy, Mitchell has answered all the questions concerning him and turned them into gold.
Mitchell will undoubtedly be a day-one pick. After the last few weeks, he may have just shot his way into the top 10 exosphere, or at the very least, the top 15 stratosphere.
All in all, the NFL Scouting Combine is an exciting opportunity to examine college prospects for the first time really since the fall. Now, these test scores and results aren’t always a foolproof plan, and numerous players will likely meet expectations at the next level. But one thing is for certain: a significant number of these athletes demonstrated their potential and how effective they could be at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.
The next question is when and where will their names be called? We’ll find out in Detroit in late April at the 2024 NFL Draft.