The 2024 NFL Draft have quite a few notable players that will get the bulk of the spotlight this offseason. Players like projected #1 overall pick quarterback Caleb Williams, North Carolina’s Drake Maye, and Ohio State’s wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr are all expected to have the spotlight shining on them.
Meanwhile, there’s a few players that will have huge upside in theNFL for the team that drafts them. These players have shown great production, talent, and big time playmaking ability in big moments.
Here are 5 players to watch for in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.
Xavier Legette, WR South Carolina
South Carolina is one of those programs that produces NFL talent every year and Xavier Legette is next. Legette is 6’3 227 pounds of playmaking ability. He recorded 71 receptions for 1,255 yards and 7 touchdowns.
Legette has shown that he can high point the ball on 50/50 balls, but also dominate in short routes as well. Legette traits are similar to former South Carolina Gamecock Alshon Jeffery. A receiver with a very large frame that is reliable.
Jeffery’s turned into a Super Bowl champion and number 1 receiver for the Bears and Eagles during his time. Legette has good hands and has good separation talent as well.
Although he is projected to go in the 2nd to 3rd round before the NFL Combine, I can see him jumping up the draft boards for a lot of teams.
Teams that could use Xavier Legette: JAX, CHI, TEN, CAR
Ricky Pearsall, WR Florida
The Gators aren’t now for producing particularly dominating receivers for the NFL. Even their best receiver of recent memory is Percy Harvin, and he hasn’t played in years. Needless to say, Ricky Pearsall has the talent to make a dent in that perception.
Pearsall was a bright spot for an offense with zero identity. Pearsall has shown he can play the slot really well with his quick first step. He tends to find creative ways to get separation from defenders.
As Florida’s top target in 2023, Pearsall did a great job of finding openings in the defense. He was a reliable target for QB Anthony Richardson in 2022 and Graham Mertz in 2023.
In 2023, Pearsall recorded 65 catches for 965 yards and just 4 touchdowns. Slated as a 5th round selection, Pearsall could find his way into the 3rd or 4th round. Players like Zay Flowers or even Deebo Samuels offers us a glimpse into what he could be for an NFL offense.
Teams that could use Ricky Pearsall: CAR, ARI,
Graham Barton, OL Duke
Duke’s Graham Barton is a guy that will not be moved. Barton was an anchor for the Duke Blue Devils offensive line all year long. Against top competition, Barton held up his end of the bargain as the left tackle.
One of the key traits to Barton’s talent is his finish the play mentality. He plays past the whistle. Barton is much more comfortable in run blocking than he is in pass blocking. His hand placement and technique is excellent.
At the point of attack, Bartons tends to win his matchups and move on to the second level of the defense really well. Against the bull rush, stunts, and twists Barton holds his own in all situations.
Teams that could use Graham Barton: JAX, CAR, ARI, MIA, NE, DAL, CIN, LAC, NO
Max Melton, DB Rutgers
Rutgers is a NFL talent machine if there were any. The birthplace if the first college football game, Rutgers next product is Max Melton. Projected as a 3rd round selection, Melton is a hard-hitting corner.
Melton has great instincts that will translate well to the NFL. He has recorded 8 interceptions and a force fumble during his time at Rutgers. At 6’0 190 pounds, Milton is a big corner with smooth hips. A natural ball hawk.
Furthermore, Melton can read the offense like a book at times. It shows his commitment to the film room off the field. At corner, Melton is a good in zone or man coverage. But, Melton could have an even better career at safety.
The NFL of today is lacking safeties that put fear into the hearts of receivers and quarterbacks that throw them the ball. Melton can fill that void almost immediately.
Teams that could use Max Melton: JAX, PIT, LAC, DET, SF
Jaheim Bell, TE Florida State
The former South Carolina Gamecock made the most of his time in Tallahassee. ell recorded 39 receptions for 502 yards and 2 touchdowns. The standout tight end has similar traits to current Houston Texan Brevin Jordan.
In todays NFL, having a skillful tight end that can block but also make a few plays after the catch is essential. In the playoffs, we saw Brevin Jordan catch a short pass and run for a 70-yard touchdown. Bell has that same ability.
Although he is projected as a 3rd round guy, it is very likely that he gets picked up in the 2nd round due to his athletic ability.
Teams that could use Jaheim Bell: CAR, DAL, CHI, NO
