Tony Pauline's Top 50 NFL Rookie Power Rankings: Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. reigns supreme, Raiders' Brock Bowers at #4
In one final look back at the 2024 NFL Draft, I break down the top 50 players on my big board, see where they were actually selected in the draft, and let you all in on what I’m being told about these players from teams.
Top 50 NFL rookie power rankings
1] Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals, pick #4
The No. 1-rated player on my board, Harrison finds himself in a good spot with the Cardinals.
The team desperately needed a receiver, never mind a No. 1 wideout, and Harrison fills those needs. Having a veteran signal caller to catch passes from is a huge plus for both Harrison and the Cardinals.
2] Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears, pick #1
Williams was the second player on my big board, and the Bears drafting him with the top pick was the worst-kept secret in the draft.
Although a good fit for the scheme of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, this pick is no guarantee. Williams must be more disciplined playing in the pocket and freelance less than he did in college.
3] Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders, pick #2
From a structure point of view, Daniels could not have landed in a better spot. Dan Quinn is a no-nonsense head coach who will whip his team into shape, and Daniels fits Kliff Kingsbury’s scheme like a glove.
4] Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders, pick #13
After the Colts were unable to swing a deal and move up for Bowers and the Falcons surprised everyone by taking Michael Penix Jr., Bowers’ fall out of the top ten was complete.
Eventually, he landed in a great spot. Bowers is the antithesis of Michael Mayer, the Raiders’ second-round pick in 2023, as he’s a downfield, playmaking threat at the tight end position. The quarterback situation in Vegas also lends to Bowers having immediate success.
5] Malik Nabers, New York Giants, pick #6
From a talent point of view, Nabers is everything the Giants wanted and needed. He has all the traits necessary to be the No. 1 wideout the offense has desperately missed. Many of his postdraft actions have renewed concerns as to whether Nabers will succeed in a big city. We’ll see.
6] Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears, pick #9
Odunze offers an immediate weapon for Caleb Williams and should quickly establish himself as the team’s No. 1 receiver with two aged veterans on the roster.
Those veterans will surely expedite Odunze’s development. In time, Odunze could turn into the Bears’ top pick from this draft.
7] Joe Alt, Los Angeles Chargers, pick #5
Alt was the natural selection for the Chargers in so many ways. From a talent perspective, he’s a college left tackle with all the traits necessary to make the successful transition to the right side, which the Chargers need.
From an intangible point of view, Alt fits the smart, tough, hard-working profile head coach Jim Harbaugh demands from offensive linemen.
8] Dallas Turner, Minnesota Vikings, pick #21
Few expected Turner to fall out of the top 10, never mind the top 20, yet he’s a natural fit for the Vikings defense and, even better, he should quickly fill the shoes of Danielle Hunter, who departed via free agency.
9] Drake Maye, New England Patriots, pick #3
Maye has as much upside as any quarterback in this draft, but as his new head coach told the world recently, he needs a lot of work.
If New England allows Jacoby Brissett to sail the ship in the early going and allows Maye to develop at his own pace, this could be a great selection in time. If they rush Maye, it could turn into a disaster.
10] Olu Fashanu, NY Jets, pick #10
The belief was that the Jets would take Brock Bowers with this selection, but they made the right choice by taking Fashanu.
The premier pass-blocking left tackle in this draft, Fashanu won’t be pressed into action unless free agent Tyron Smith gets injured, which is a definite possibility. Three years down the road, Fashanu could be one of the best players to come from this draft.
11] Jared Verse, Los Angeles Rams, pick #19
When Byron Murphy II and Laiatu Latu were not available, the Rams chose Verse. He will be a terrific bookend pass rusher playing on the other side of Byron Young, and Verse is a much better run defender than the 2023 third-round pick.
12] Byron Murphy II, Seattle Seahawks, pick #16
Short of an offer they couldn’t refuse, Murphy was Seattle’s top target from the get-go. He’s a terrific fit for the system head coach Mike Macdonald will install, as Murphy is an explosive and athletic three-technique tackle who can rush the passer.
13] Chop Robinson, Miami Dolphins, pick #21
There was a lot of grumbling from Dolphin fans after they selected Robinson with the 21st pick. Eventually, the team selected the right player.
Robinson was the most athletic of all the edge rushers in the draft and will offer immediate help as Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb continue to rehab serious injuries they suffered late last season.
14] Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars, pick #23
Thomas was sandwiched between the draft’s top two cornerbacks, the position many believed the Jaguars would look to in Round 1.
Yet he’s faster than Gabe Davis, who was signed in free agency, and has much better size than Christian Kirk. He’s another weapon for Trevor Lawrence, and in time he could be the quarterback’s favorite target.
15] Taliese Fuaga, New Orleans Saints, pick #14
Everyone knew the Saints would draft an offensive tackle, and when Fashanu was off the board they went with Fuaga. With the future of Ryan Ramczyk still up in the air, expect Fuaga to be a Week 1 starter.
16] Quinyon Mitchell, Philadelphia Eagles, pick #22
As I reported the week of the draft, there was talk the Eagles wanted to trade for Denver’s 12th pick and select Mitchell. When that didn’t work out, they tried to move up with Seattle to grab the cornerback.
Fortunately, Mitchell fell into the Eagles laps at pick 22. This was a brilliant selection, as the Eagles filled a major need with the best player at the position in the bottom third of Round 1.
17] Amarius Mims, Cincinnati Bengals, pick #18
Like the Saints two picks earlier, all signs pointed to the Bengals drafting an offensive tackle. Despite the fact that Cincinnati signed Trent Brown in free agency, albeit to a one-year deal, expect Mims to move in with the starting lineup sooner rather than later.
18] Terrion Arnold, Detroit Lions, pick #24
When Arnold started sliding past pick 20, the Lions traded up with Dallas and then selected the cornerback. He’s presently penciled in as the starter and ironically has the playing style of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
19] Troy Fautanu, Pittsburgh Steelers, pick #20
It was not only strange that the Steelers bypassed the top-rated cornerbacks, but they selected an offensive lineman similar to the player they selected in the first round last year, Broderick Jones. Yet, eventually, they drafted a talented offensive lineman who is presently slated to play left tackle.
20] Kool-Aid McKinstry, New Orleans Saints, pick #41
McKinstry fell in large part due to the Jones fracture in his foot which was diagnosed at the combine and then surgically repaired in the middle of March. Once healthy, expect McKinstry to battle for the starting job, as he will make a great duo with Marshon Lattimore.
21] JC Latham, Tennessee Titans, pick #7
When the Titans selected Latham with the seventh pick of the draft, it was surprising. Expecting him to line up at left tackle on Sunday is shocking. Whether he's a good fit remains to be seen, though.
22] Laiatu Latu, Indianapolis Colts, pick #16
The Colts attempted to move up for Brock Bowers, but when that proved impossible, they filled a need with Latu. He will battle for the starting job this season, though it will be interesting to see how Latu does coming out of a three-point stance on a regular basis.
23] Adonai Mitchell, Indianapolis Colts, pick #52
Despite the rant from general manager Chris Ballard, the reasons Mitchell tumbled in the draft were obvious. Mitchell has all the ability to be a No. 1 wideout and could be a lethal combo with Michael Pittman Jr. if he applies himself on every snap.
24] Jer'Zhan Newton, Washington Commanders, pick #36
The Commanders got excellent value drafting Newton at the top of Round 2. Yet with established veterans like Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen on the depth chart, it may be tough for Newton to see the field anytime soon.
25] Tyler Guyton, Dallas Cowboys, pick #29
The Cowboys went for need and drafted a prospect with a lot of upside, but also a player with a good amount of risk. Despite his talent and athleticism, Guyton could not hold down the left tackle position in college. The Cowboys are betting that will change on Sundays.
26] Jackson Powers-Johnson, Las Vegas Raiders, #44
The Raiders continued to strengthen their offense and help their quarterback, this time on the offensive line. Powers-Johnson is presently slated to play right tackle, the position he dominated in 2022, but a move to center could be in the offing.
27] J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings, pick #10
The Vikings had to trade up to get a signal caller, though it was just one spot. Drake Maye was a better fit for head coach Kevin O’Connell, yet the head coach should be able to do wonders with McCarthy.
28] Nate Wiggins, Baltimore Ravens, pick #30
Though the belief was that the Ravens would choose a cornerback in Round 1, the selection of Wiggins was a bit strange. This is a defense that likes to employ bigger, physical corners versus the slender, sleek frame Wiggins brings with him.
29] Jordan Morgan, Green Bay Packers, pick #25
The Packers needed to fortify their offensive line and protect quarterback Jordan Love. Morgan is a terrific fit at left tackle, as he’s a mobile pass protector who needs only to improve his run-blocking strength.
30] Graham Barton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, pick #26
The Bucs were delighted Barton fell into their laps with the 26th pick. He’s a perfect fit for their offense and is expected to be a Week 1 starter.
31] Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs, pick #28
When Worthy fell into the late part of Round 1, the Chiefs made the move up to draft him, trading with the Bills.
It’s shocking that Buffalo would assist the Chiefs in drafting such a lethal playmaking weapon considering Kansas City has been such an obstacle for the Bills. For the Chiefs, they fill a need with a home run-hitting threat who will quickly see the field this season.
32] Darius Robinson, Arizona Cardinals, pick #27
People wondered prior to the draft where Robinson would land late in Round 1. The Cardinals bypassed some talented cornerbacks and selected the defensive lineman, who is a great fit in the Cardinals' three-man line and will be a big asset in the locker room.
33] Cooper DeJean, Philadelphia Eagles, pick #40
The Eagles broke the Packers’ heart, jumping ahead of Green Bay at the top of Round 2 to the draft DeJean.
This was the second defensive back the Eagles chose in the draft, and in DeJean they are getting a prospect they hope can play zone corner or, at the very worst, can slide inside to safety if need be.
34] Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers, pick #34
This was a brilliant pick in so many ways. McConkey fits the profile Jim Harbaugh wants in a player, as he’s smart, tough and disciplined. He also fills a desperate need at receiver and should build immediate rapport with Justin Herbert.
35] Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons, pick #8
There’s no reason to beat a dead horse with this selection, but Kirk Cousins and his team were right to be upset about this pick. Penix won’t help the Falcons win in 2024 and is unlikely to see the field.
36] Troy Franklin, Denver Broncos, pick #102
When Franklin fell out of Day 2, Denver moved up almost a full round to draft him. He’s now reunited with his college quarterback, Bo Nix, and the pair should once again be productive on the football field, but this time on Sunday afternoons.
37] Edgerrin Cooper, Green Bay Packers, pick #45
Cooper was one of the most underrated prospects leading towards the draft, and the Packers saw value in selecting him in the top half of Round 2. He’s small but athletic, and he’s a three-down defender who is an excellent fit for the Packers’ defense, which often uses just two linebackers.
38] Kingsley Suamataia, Kansas City Chiefs, pick #63
The Chiefs gave serious consideration to drafting Suamataia with the final pick of Round 1 before the opportunity to move up for Xavier Worthy was afforded them.
Suamataia has all the ability to start at left or right tackle, but he has an immature streak that he must resolve to reach the upside NFL teams rightly believe he possesses.
39] Patrick Paul, Miami Dolphins, pick #55
The belief was that Miami would draft an offensive lineman they could line up at guard before moving him out to tackle.
When that never came to fruition, they went with Paul, a pure tackle, in Round 2. With Terron Armstead close to the end of his career, Paul can develop at his own pace and won’t be forced into action immediately.
40] Ja'Tavion Sanders, Carolina Panthers, pick #101
Sanders was a Day 3 steal and is a player the Panthers are expecting immediate returns from.
They won’t solely use him as a traditional tight end, but rather as a big pass catcher who lines up all over the field. I expect Sanders to be a starter by the middle of the season, if not sooner.
41] Chris Braswell, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, pick #57
The Bucs needed a pass rusher, and they drafted a potentially lethal one at the end of Round 2. Braswell is a great fit for Todd Bowles’ system, and if the coach can transition Braswell’s outstanding athletic skills into football production, this pick will be a steal.
42] Christian Haynes, Seattle Seahawks, pick #81
There was talk that the Seahawks would draft an interior offensive lineman in the first round. Instead, they got great value in Haynes two rounds later. He’s a dominant power blocker with underrated movement skills if the Seahawks want to put him in motion.
43] Bo Nix, Denver Broncos, pick #12
Once the Falcons drafted Penix with the eighth selection and five quarterbacks came off the board in the top 10 picks, Denver had no alternative but to overdraft Nix. He’s perfectly suited to run the offense Sean Payton has installed in Denver and will start once ready.
44] Roger Rosengarten, Baltimore Ravens, pick #62
As much as I may question the Ravens selection of Nate Wiggins in Round 1, Rosengarten a frame later is a steal.
Moving towards the draft, I reported that the team was content with the available talent on the roster at right tackle, which precipitated the trade of Morgan Moses. Yet Rosengarten, who will battle for the starting right tackle job in camp, elevates the skill level at the position.
45] Junior Colson, Los Angeles Chargers, pick #69
Colson’s inability, or reluctance, to test for scouts before the draft hurt his stock. Yet Jim Harbaugh was able to scoop up one of his favorite Wolverines defenders in the third round.
Colson is now reunited with Jesse Minter, the former Michigan defensive coordinator who holds the same position with the Chargers, and he will unseat Denzel Perryman in the starting unit sooner rather than later.
46] Cooper Beebe, Dallas Cowboys, pick #73
The Cowboys continued to load up on offensive linemen, and in Beebe, they selected a blocker who fits their profile. He’s a nasty power gap blocker with a great head for the game, but he has short arms.
Beebe will move from guard to center in Dallas, and while there may be bumps in the road, I like this selection better than the Cowboys’ drafting of Tyler Guyton at the end of Round 1.
47] Ricky Pearsall, San Francisco 49ers, pick #31
Many believe the Niners reached taking Pearsall at the end of Round 1; I disagree. In the weeks leading up to the draft, I reported multiple times that Pearsall was rising faster than any other receiver and had him slated for the early part of Round 2. His route running, separation skills and sneaky speed are perfect for the Niners’ offense.
48] Kamari Lassiter, Houston Texans, pick #42
Lassiter is a tough, physical cornerback with excellent ball skills, all attributes needed for DeMeco Ryans’ system. A poor 40 time during pro day (high 4.5s) depressed his stock, though Lassiter plays much faster than he times.
49] Jaden Hicks, Kansas City Chiefs, pick #133
Hicks was another Day 3 steal, as many teams had him graded as the top safety available in the draft. The Chiefs will move him around the field, lining him up as a zone safety, weakside linebacker, coverage safety placed over tight ends and a blitzer on occasion.
50] Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, pick #92
This pick is as much to prepare for the future as anything else. Yet McMillan is more polished than present starter Trey Palmer; he’s a better route runner and is more dependable catching the ball and much more effective running after the catch.