2024 NFL rookies – Syndication Server

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: WR Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State

Marvin Jr. looks to improve the Harrison brand as an NFL wideout

There is a consensus best wide receiver in every NFL draft. But no rookie prospect has a father who was a Top-5 receiver in NFL history. To say that expectations are high is an understatement.

In high school, Harrison helped St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia to win three consecutive state championships while setting career receiving yardage (2,625) and touchdown (37) records for the Philadelphia Catholic League. He left as a four-star prospect and was heavily recruited as one of the top receivers entering college in 2021. He selected Ohio State over his father’s alma mater Syracuse.

Harrison was little used as a freshman, playing behind Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Chris Olave. With Wilson and Olave opting out of the Rose Bowl before entering the NFL draft, Harrison’s first start resulted in six catches for 71 yards and three touchdowns to help win the game.

As a sophomore, he became the primary wideout and recorded two straight 1,200-yard seasons with 14 touchdowns in each. Harrison played with C.J. Stroud in 2022 and recorded his career-best marks in catches, yards, and touchdowns. Harrison was considered the best wideout in college last year and won the 2023 Fred Biletnikoff Award as the best receiver in the NCAA.

Height: 6-3
Weight: 209 pounds
40 time: 4.3ish estimated

Harrison attended the NFL Combine and was measured but declined to participate in any drills. He had nothing to win by doing them. Harrison is not considered a burner per se, but then again, he recorded a 22.2 mph touchdown catch versus Youngstown State. That matches up with D.K. Metcalf’s 22.23 mph as the NFL’s fastest play for last year. There’s no concern about any physical attribute or measurement for the future star.

Marvin Harrison Jr. stats (2020-23)

Year	School	Games	Catch	Yards	Avg.	TD	Rush	Yards	TD
2021	Ohio State	13	11	139	12.6	3	0	0	0
2022	Ohio State	13	77	1263	16.4	14	2	32	0
2023	Ohio State	12	67	1211	18.1	14	2	26	1

Syndication: USA TODAY

Pros

Best college receiver for the last two years
Versatile and played on outside and in slot
Hall-of-Fame genetics at play
Elite hands and body control win on contested catches, deep routes, and over-the-middle receptions
High production came despite constant double teams and press coverage by defense
Rare combination of speed and a 6-3 frame
Tremendous instincts on all aspects of getting open and catching the ball
Knows how to influence defensive backs to break free and optimize positioning for the catch
Solid blocker

Cons

Doesn’t break many tackles despite size and strength
Disappointed when did not workout at NFL Combine or the Ohio State Pro Day
Some ball security concerns

Fantasy outlook

While a few believe Malik Nabers should be the first wideout taken, the majority of analysts and scouts expect Harrison to be the first selected, likely the fourth-overall after the Top-3 quarterbacks are selected. He is a lock for the Top-5 by all accounts and will be drafted by a team looking for an immediate difference-maker. Likely the Arizona Cardinals who currently hold the No. 4 pick, or the Los Angeles Chargers who pick at No. 5.

There is always a chance of a trade. Unless some team moves up to grab him or a different player which slides him back, Harrison should be paired with either Kyler Murray or Justin Herbert and either case bodes well for the rookie since both teams have a glaring need at wideout and above average-quarterbacks who are in their first or second year of a new offense.

Harrison is as hyped as any wideout in recent memory, boosted not only by the production of the last two seasons but also with his bloodlines. He’ll be an exciting pick in a fantasy football redraft league and an expensive acquisition in a dynasty league.

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB Bucky Irving, Oregon

Bucky Irving searches for a third-down role as a rookie

Bucky Irving was a productive running back in high school but did not play during his senior season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily shut down their football program. He joined the Minnesota Golden Gophers as a freshman and played in 12 games as a part of a three-man backfield and finished out the year as the primary rusher.

He transferred to Oregon in 2022, where he became the starting running back, playing alongside quarterback Bo Nix and wideout Troy Franklin. He led the team in rushing for two seasons while the Oregon Ducks enjoyed successful years, ending No. 6 in the nation for 2023. Irving topped 1,000 rushing yards in both seasons while quickly growing into a dangerous weapon as a receiver.

Height: 5-9
Weight: 192 pounds
40 time: 4.56 seconds

At 192 pounds at the NFL Combine, Irving was one of the lightest running backs in the class and his 4.56 40-time was just a tick below average for the group. Irving doesn’t stand out in size or speed. What has set him apart is his football IQ and overall ability to make a difference. Irving shouldn’t be measured by just his physical specs.

Bucky Irving stats (2020-23)

Year	School	Games	Runs	Yards	Avg.	TD	Catch	Yards	TD
2021	Minnesota	12	133	699	5.3	4	8	73	0
2022	Oregon	13	156	1058	6.8	5	31	299	3
2023	Oregon	14	186	1180	6.3	11	56	413	2

Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

Elite ability to make tacklers miss.
Superior balance lets him bounce off defenders and break through arm tackles
Determined runner who falls forward for extra yards
Decisive runner with excellent vision to pick the right lane and then bounce left or right at the right moment
Good fit for offenses relying on outside runs and gap schemes
Increased use as a receiver fits well into NFL backfields and sets him apart from most other rookie backs
Highly competitive

Cons

Smaller frame naturally causes durability and inside rushing concerns
Lack of top-end speed will limit long gainers
Pass blocking needs work and lack of size could limit
Occasionally sacrifices taking the moderate gains for attempts to break a longer run
Receiving could be expanded – relied on short passes and dump-offs at Oregon

Fantasy Outlook

The concerns with Bucky Irving are naturally about his size and speed, and how much he benefitted playing behind a great offensive line on a team with a great passing game. But Irving has undeniably shown the characteristics of an NFL-quality running back as a highly productive rusher and an equally valuable receiver. He’s not likely to step into a three-down role in the NFL and may not be a primary back from the start, but he can be a significant contributor at the next level.

Irving has been compared to Keaton Mitchell and De’Von Achane – though both showed great promise last year and yet dealt with injuries.

Irving is expected to be a Day 2 pick, likely in Round 3 when the first backs should show up. Irving has the look of a third-down back that can expand into more if a need arises. He’s been linked to the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Cincinnati Bengals. But as a likely third-rounder, he could end up nearly anywhere. He should produce fantasy value as a rookie, but his role and volume of work rely heavily on the scheme and backfield personnel of his new team.

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: WR Brian Thomas Jr., LSU

Brian Thomas led the NCAA with 17 receiving touchdowns

Louisiana-born Brian Thomas Jr. elected to remain at home when he committed to LSU in 2021. He played in 12 games as a freshman alongside Kayshon Boutte and Malik Nabers. The Fighting Tigers improved in 2022 with the addition of quarterback Jayden Daniels, but Malik Nabers was the only receiver to see a marked increase that season. Last year, Daniels threw for 40 touchdowns, and Nabers (89-1596-14) and Thomas (68-1177-17) led LSU in receiving and are in this draft.

It was a breakout season and has propelled him up the draft boards. Nabers may be drafted as early as fifth overall. Thomas is also expected to be selected in Round 1, and may be taken as high as the fifth wideout in the latter half of the initial round. The LSU passing offense was prolific for these last two years and Jayden Daniels is expected to be drafted among the first three quarterbacks that kick off the Day 1 selections.

Thomas was fortunate to have one of the best college quarterbacks for these last two years, but Daniels was also blessed with Nabers and Thomas. While Nabers ranked No. 2 in the nation with 1,569 receiving yards, the 17 touchdown catches by Thomas were No. 1 in the NCAA – two more than any other receiver.

Height: 6-3
Weight: 209 pounds
40 time: 4.33 seconds

Thomas did well at the NFL Combine. His 4.33 40-time was the second fastest of those who tested. His height and weight was identical to both Marvin Harrison Jr. and Rome Odunze who are expected to be among the first five receivers taken.

Brian Thomas Jr. stats (2021-23)

Year	School	Games	Catch	Yards	Avg.	TD	Rush	Yards
2021	LSU	12	28	359	12.8	2	2	6
2022	LSU	13	31	361	11.6	5	0	0
2023	LSU	13	68	1177	17.3	17	1	(-6)

Syndication: The Daily Advertiser

Pros

Elite combination of height, weight, and speed – very athletic
Superior speed and burst makes him a vertical threat
Solid body control to box out defenders and win contested catches
Big play threat whenever he lines up
Speed and burst that makes him hard to overthrow
Touchdown machine both breaking clear after catch and using physicality in the end zone in traffic
Fluid route runner that can influence defenders using cuts and double cuts
Respect for his speed opens him up for short passes and yards-after-catch

Cons

Should expand route tree to reach potential
Can be knocked off balance by defensive backs
Still has room to grow in consistency with focus
Just one season of note in college and that was in a top passing offense with Nabers there to concern secondary

Fantasy Outlook

Thomas had just one one monster season, and he was inside of a prolific offense. But he has all of the desired attributes of an NFL outside wide receiver and he led the country in receiving scores while playing in the SEC. He’d be a tremendous addition to an offense that already has a No. 1 wideout and wants to pair him with a talented rookie that may take a year or two to reach his potential.

Thomas started out this spring as a potential Top-10 pick but more recent projections have him somewhere in the middle. That means any NFL team could potentially move up or down to reach him.

Potential landing spots include the Bengals as an attractive option, especially if Tee Higgins were to be traded. The Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs have also been mentioned, though the Chiefs would need to move up to reach him. It’s not impossible for him to end up with the Chargers if they move back a few spots. The Bills and Steelers could also be interested.

Thomas may evolve into an elite No. 1 wideout for an NFL team, but he could be equally valuable as part of a tandem in any of the top passing teams. Thomas should offer at least moderate fantasy value even as a rookie, but his ceiling is not yet known.

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: QB Michael Penix Jr., Washington

Penix matches his obvious risk with being arguably the best rookie passer

You cannot say that Michael Penix Jr. is a raw recruit. His 13, 741 passing yards rank No. 15 all-time in NCAA football history. That trails No. 6 Bo Nix (15,352) and even the lesser known Sam Hartman (15,656 Notre Dame) and Dillon Gabriel (14,865 Oklahoma) who also played last year in the pass-happy NCAA, where additional years of eligibility thanks to COVID rewrite career records.

Both Penix and Gabriel had rare six-year careers in college. Penix spent four at Indiana where he was the starter for two years but never played in more than seven contests. Penix suffered season-ending injuries every year as a Huskie – two shoulder issues and two torn ACLs. He was productive when playing, but he always missed about half of the games each year.

Penix transferred to Washington for the final two years. He finally remained healthy and led the nation with 4,903 passing yards last season. In 2022, during his first campaign with the Huskies, he passed for 4,641 yards to rank No. 2 in the nation. He claimed he returned in 2023 just to prove that he was truly over his injury problems. That was two straight seasons as no worse than the No. 2 passer in the nation.

Penix excelled in Washington thanks to staying healthy and playing in their pass-intensive scheme. Head coach Kalen DeBoer parlayed his two seasons there into becoming the new head coach at Alabama for 2024. The last two seasons were a magical time for the Huskies offense.

Ironically, had his only time in college been the last two years, Penix would likely have been a candidate for the first quarterback selected this year. Still, he is a first-round grade that is a lock to be a Top-5 quarterback and may end up in the first half of Round 1.

Height: 6-2
Weight: 218 pounds
40 time: 4.46 seconds unofficial

Penix attended the NFL combine where his 6-2 height and 216 pounds are prototypical, and his hands (10 1/2″) and wingspan (81″) were the largest among all quarterbacks there.

Michael Penix Jr. stats (2018-23)

Year	School	Games	Runs	Yards	TD	Pass	Complete	Yards	Avg.	TD	Int
2018	Indiana	3	7	45	0	34	21	219	6.4	1	0
2019	Indiana	7	22	119	2	160	110	1394	8.7	10	4
2020	Indiana	6	18	25	2	220	124	1645	7.5	14	4
2021	Indiana	5	17	17	2	162	87	939	5.8	4	7
2022	Washington	13	35	35	4	554	362	4641	8.4	31	8
2023	Washington	15	35	35	3	555	363	4903	8.8	36	11

Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

Prototypical pocket passer
Mature, 24-year old with six years of experience in college; top NCAA passer over the last two seasons
Huge hands for ball security – only four fumbles total in six years
Monster arm can effortlessly connect on any deep throw and has the accuracy to make any NFL throw
Advanced ability to read defenses and exploit weaknesses
Aggressive passer who trusts his receivers and a respected leader in the offense.
Short memory keeps him consistently challenging defense
Can drop dimes anywhere on the field and throws passes that help receiver add yards-after-catch.
Skillset matches up well with offenses in the current NFL

Cons

Durability will always be a concern. Inarguably great the last two years, but four previous seasons with consecutive serious injuries
Not as effective passing outside of the pocket
Won’t tack on much yardage as a rusher but capable of goal-line runs
Needs improved footwork to survive in the pocket against an NFL rush

Fantasy outlook

Penix enters the NFL draft as a quarterback of extremes. That likely drops his draft stock slightly, but he is still much coveted after throwing for more yardage over the last two years than anyone in the NCAA. As he himself said, he cannot do anything about his extensive history with injuries other than point at the last two seasons of health and elite stats.

He’ll always carry risk after four straight years of landing on injured reserve, so his placement in the NFL depends on which team values his potential more than his risk. Penix isn’t likely to do much as a rusher in the NFL, but he just threw 1,109 passes over the last two years and is a perfect fit in the pass-happy NFL.

Penix is likely outside of the Top-10 picks in April, but the further he falls from that, the more likely a team will move up to grab him. He’s been linked to the Los Angeles Raiders, Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots, Minnesota Vikings, and Washington Commanders.

Penix doesn’t need the seasoning that most rookie quarterbacks do since he played for six seasons and the last two were as good as any college quarterback. All players are sensitive to the situation they find with their new team, but Penix deserves fantasy consideration, even as a rookie, no matter where he ends up. He’s not offering rushing production. He offers a scary history of injury. But he is also in the argument as the best passer entering the NFL this year.

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB Ray Davis, Kentucky

Ray Davis leaves his monster season in Kentucky for the NFL

Ray Davis began his collegiate career at Temple where he was the primary back as a freshman. He was still the most productive back in 2020 but his season was limited for four games due to the impact of COVID on their schedule and the Owls were only 1-6 on the year. Davis entered the transfer portal and landed at Vanderbilt.

After only appearing in three games in 2021 playing in the Commodores backfield committee, Davis took over as the clear starter and logged 1,042 yards on 232 rushes as a senior, and tacked on 29 receptions. His first season at Vanderbilt ended with a knee injury as his only notable health history.

Davis then transferred to Kentucky as a fifth-year senior where he ran for a career best 1,129 yards on 199 rushes and totaled 21 touchdowns. He attended the NFL Combine where he recorded solid results though at 5-8, he is one of the shortest rookie running backs. Davis needed an extra year in high school due to academic grades and coupled with his five seasons in college, he’ll turn 25 years old in November.

Height: 5-8
Weight: 211 pounds
40 time: 4.53 seconds

Ray Davis stats (2019-23)

Year	School	Games	Runs	Yards	Avg.	TD	Catch	Yards	TD
2019	Temple	12	193	936	4.8	8	15	181	2
2020	Temple	4	78	308	3.9	1	12	62	0
2021	Vanderbilt	3	44	211	4.8	1	5	27	0
2022	Vanderbilt	12	232	1042	4.5	5	29	169	3
2023	Kentucky	13	199	1129	5.7	14	33	323	7

Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

Shorter but compact and powerful, he is a decisive runner that is tough to bring down and gains added yards after contact
Above average balance that allows him to remain upright when defenders do not wrap up
Never lost a fumble in college
Good vision and patience in picking the right lane which shows up even more as a valuable goal line threat
Has workhorse ability and is durable
Capable receiver that can play on all three downs

Cons

Pass pro needs work
More of an inside rusher than a speedy outside runner and his power will be more tested at the pro level
Lower level of competition in college will make the switch to the NFL a tougher challenge
Lacks the top-end gear for long gains, burst is only adequate
Will turn 25 years old in November

Fantasy outlook

Ray Davis bounced around three schools over the last five years, finally gaining notice last season in Kentucky as a powerful rusher and capable receiver that can play on all three downs. He is already the same age as Travis Etienne and Jonathan Taylor, which is concerning in a long-term view.

This is considered to be a poor year for rookie running backs and none may be drafted until the third round. Davis will be a Day 3 pick but he can offer immediate help to his NFL team. He is considered to be one of the most fundamentally sound backs in this class and while he may not be elite in any area, he is very good in most.

He could go anywhere to a team that is looking for backfield depth and may end up becoming the immediate No. 2 back depending on the situation he encounters. The Los Angeles Rams, New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, and Dallas Cowboys would be the more advantageous landing spots, but Davis could end up almost anywhere. He’s one to track regardless of where he lands because he is older and more mature, and able to step into any needed role.

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: WR Adonai Mitchell, Texas

Adonai Mitchell offers fantasy points even as a rookie

Adonai Mitchell is still more potential than proven, having gone to two high schools and then initially playing for the Georgia Bulldogs. He started as a freshman and ended up as the No. 3 receiver behind tight end Brock Bowers and wideout Ladd McConkey as the team advanced to the 2021 national championship. While Bowers and McConkey excelled in 2022, Mitchell lost most of his second year to a high ankle sprain.

While that was a disappointment after his encouraging freshman campaign, he still ended with four receptions for 65 yards and two scores during the College Football Playoff games. After two seasons playing behind Bowers and McConkey and wanting to be closer to family, he entered the transfer portal and went to the Texas Longhorns for his junior season.

There he paired with Xavier Worthy as the top receivers for what would become the No. 3 Longhorns and Mitchell topped 100 yards on three occasions while his 11 receiving touchdowns easily led all Texas receivers.

Height: 6-2
Weight: 205 pounds
40 time: 4.34 seconds

Both Worthy and Mitchell declared for the NFL draft and attending the combine where they owned the 40-yard dash. Worthy set the new combine record with a 4.21 while Mitchell ranked No. 3 with his 4.34 40-time.

Adonai Mitchell stats (2020-23)

Year	School	Games	Catch	Yards	Avg.	TD	Rush	Yards
2021	Georgia	15	29	426	14.7	4	0	0
2022	Georgia	6	9	134	14.9	3	0	0
2023	Texas	14	55	845	15.4	11	2	1

Syndication: Austin American-Statesman

Pros

Elusive with the ball; can vary speed and direction instantly
Strength and size to win contested catches
Power to break tackles and gain the extra yard
Has quickness and physicality to beat press coverage
Knows how to bait defenders to get them out of position
Speed and burst to keep defensive backs on their heels
High-level ability to track the ball and navigate the sidelines vertically and horizontally

Cons

Needs work with run blocks
Route running needs refinement and consistency
Has worked only on the outside
Has occasionally misjudged deeper passes

Fantasy Outlook

Mitchell’s potential is hard to gauge since he only caught 38 passes in two seasons at Georgia and then only played one year at Texas. But there’s plenty to suggest that he’s already NFL-ready and may top out as an elite WR1 for his team. It speaks volumes when he is expected to be a mid to late first-round pick despite only 93 college receptions. He may be selected as highly as the fifth-overall wideout drafted.

He has it all – size, speed, power, and athleticism. The top four wideouts in the draft seem as near locks, but Mitchell should lead the rest of the rookie class and may be as good as any first-year receiver. He’s been linked to the Jaguars, Bills, Buccaneers, Panthers and Browns. The most ideal landing spot would be the Bills at pick No. 28 since they’ve dealt away Stefon Diggs and will be in the market for immediate receiver help. The Jaguars are another attractive landing spot as they try to replace Calvin Ridley.

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB Jabari Small, Tennessee

Jabari Small is an all-around back looking to join a committee backfield

Jabari Small was a four-year player for the Volunteers who took over as the primary running back as a sophomore. He shared the backfield with Jaylen Wright in 2022 and then took a step backward in 2023 when Wright became the primary rusher and Small mixed in with Dylan Sampson.

The Volunteers finished No. 6 in the final AP poll in 2022 with an 11-2 record, while Hendon Hooker was the starting quarterback. Hooker left last year and the Vols offense wasn’t as productive. Small was also banged up last year while Tennessee went to more of a committee backfield. Small also opted out of the Citrus Bowl to prepare for the NFL draft.

Height: 5-11
Weight: 213 pounds
40 time: 4.58 seconds

While Jaylen Wright attended the NFL combine, Small was not invited. Wright ended with the second fastest 40-time of 4.38, while Small unofficially runs around a 4.6 40-time. Not participating at the combine isn’t a plus for the 22 year old, but he will still be a consideration for teams looking to bulk up their backfield depth.

Jabari Small stats (2020-23)

Year	School	Games	Runs	Yards	Avg.	TD	Catch	Yards
2020	Tennessee	10	26	117	4.5	0	4	24
2021	Tennessee	11	140	792	5.7	9	9	77
2022	Tennessee	13	157	734	4.7	13	12	106
2023	Tennessee	11	95	475	5.0	2	7	40

Syndication: The Knoxville News-Sentinel

Pros

Elusive runner with above-average start-stop ability
Strong short-yardage rusher with compact frame
Strong blocker keeps him on the field
Effective inside runner who runs low and falls forward for the extra yard
Reasonable good hands when used as a receiver
While not elite in any area, he is good at everything
Good vision, follows the block and knows where to find daylight

Cons

Minimal experience as a receiver
Lack of top-end speed limits the chance of a big play, can get caught from behind
Not particularly explosive which limits him on outside runs
Projects as a lesser part of a committee backfield

Fantasy outlook

Jabari Small is expected to be drafted despite the NFL combine snub. But he’ll end up as a Day 3 pick and likely no better than Round 6. His teammate Jaylen Wright will be selected earlier thanks to his speed. Small can find a valuable role on an NFL team as backfield depth and his ability to block makes him more attractive.

Small’s NFL career depends on where he lands and what the situation is there. He’d need a set of fortunate backfield developments to occur before he’d be expected to offer more than occasional use. He is an all-around back and while he’s not likely to ever take over a game and make a major difference, he has something to offer to any NFL team.

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: WR Ja’Lynn Polk, Washington

Polk worked his way up to starting in the 2023 National Championship

Ja’Lynn Polk committed to Texas Tech as a freshman but was just a part of a revolving committee for wide receivers and transferred to Washington the next year. He injured his clavicle on his first play and missed nine games, while Rome Odunze (41-415-3) and Jalen McMillen (39-470-3) were the top receivers.

In 2022, Michael Penix Jr. took over as the starting quarterback and the Husky passing offense instantly flourished. While both Odunze and McMillen were still the top receivers, Polk started to exert his potential with 41 catches for 694 yards and six scores.

Polk finally came into his own as a senior, logging 69 catches for 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns. That was still second to Odunze (92-1,640-13), but Polk overtook McMillen as the No. 2 receiver in Washington’s high-powered passing offense that reached the National Championship.

Height: 6-1
Weight: 203 pounds
40 time: 4.52 seconds

Along with the rest of the Huskies’ passing offense, Polk enters the NFL draft and is expected to be a Day 2 selection.

Table: Ja’Lynn Polk NCAA stats (2020-23)

Year	School	Games	Catch	Yards	Avg.	TD	Rush	Yards	TD
2020	Texas Tech	10	28	264	9.4	2	0	0	0
2021	Washington	3	5	114	22.8	1	0	0	0
2022	Washington	13	41	694	16.9	6	1	15	0
2023	Washington	15	69	1159	16.8	9	4	32	1

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

Versatile and equally effective in the slot or on the outside.
Big-play receiver with a 17.1 YPC on his 115 catches with the Huskies
Large catch radius along with top ball-tracking skills
Precise route runner who consistently tacks on extra yards after the catch
While slender in build, has the strength and size to compete for the ball and superior hands that will not drop or fumble

Cons

Occasional lapses in concentration
Needs more experience in expanding route tree and competing against press coverage after playing as one of several talented receivers in a pass-heavy offense
Marginal blocker

Fantasy Outlook

Polk is a natural receiver that has responded well when given a higher volume of targets. He can fit into any offense in any receiving role, and while he may not be truly elite in any single area so far, he’s very good in everything and has no real weaknesses. If he lands in a pass-heavy offense, he is at his best when facing man coverage.

He’s big enough to be a red-zone weapon, fast and strong enough to do damage from anywhere on the field. A lack of top-end speed may limit him from being a common deep threat but Polk is a solid target with burst and strength.

He’s like a Round 2 selection which means he’ll end up with a team looking to add him immediately into the receiving equation. He’s potentially linked to the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans, and New England Patriots. If the Cards skip on taking Marvin Harrison Jr. with their first-round pick, Polk is a likely option and would land him in an offense with an above-average quarterback.

Polk may never be a Top-10 fantasy wideout, but he brings plenty of talent and upside to any NFL team and should become a fantasy starter if only eventually.

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB Emani Bailey, TCU

Emani Bailey cashes in his fine senior season in search of an NFL job

After a sterling career at Ryan High School in Denton, Texas, Emani Bailey signed with the University of Louisiana where he was never more than the No. 3 running back for two seasons. Bailey transferred to TCU as a junior but played behind Kendre Miller and Emari Demercado that year. He finally had his shot as the primary back in 2023, when he led the team with 1,393 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns.

He projects as a Day 3 selection in the draft due mostly from his smaller stature, lack of experience, and a slower 40-yard dash time.

Height: 5-7
Weight: 202 pounds
40 time: 4.61 seconds

Table: Emani Bailey NCAA stats (2020-23)

Year	School	Games	Runs	Yards	Avg.	TD	Catch	Yards	TD
2020	Louisiana	5	10	60	6.0	0	0	0	0
2021	Louisiana	11	102	642	6.3	8	15	153	0
2022	TCU	14	31	250	8.1	2	7	43	0
2023	TCU	12	223	1209	5.4	8	25	184	1

Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

Decisive North-South rusher that always falls forward
Tough competitor
Patient runner that waits for his blockers and the vision to see the cutback lanes and then find the clear space for big gains
Excellent burst that translates into being able to navigate traffic and break into the open
Elusive with superior footwork and acceleration
Minor experience in receiving but has always been sure-handed with sharp routes
Plays faster than his 40-time thanks to burst and top-end gear

Cons

Pass protection needs improvement
Will run wide looking for big play and give up the shorter but certain yards inside
Smaller size will challenge even more on inside runs in the NFL
Lack of long speed will be more apparent in the NFL

Fantasy outlook

Emani Bailey only produced one notable season in college and that took four years and two schools to get there. But he was a tough, competitive runner that could slice his way through the Big 12 as the best weapon for TCU last season. But his 40-time at the NFL Combine was a 4.61 for the fourth best time among running backs and each of the slower runners carried 15 to 20 more pounds.

History has not been kind to 5-7 running backs either.

Bailey had many impressive runs last year and he has a place in the NFL as a depth player or in a committee, but he’ll need to show up with impressive plays in the preseason to expect much 2023 fantasy value. As with many of the deeper drafted players, his production will rely heavily in the backfield situation that he lands and some luck in having the depth chart shaken up enough by injuries to allow Bailey the opportunity to produce as a rookie.

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: WR Jalen McMillan, Washington

Jalen McMillan is a slot-receiver searching for a team

Jalen McMillan only managed a single catch as a freshman but began to work his way into the receiver rotation as a sophomore when his 470 receiving yards led the Huskies, including the 415 yards by fellow second-year player Rome Odunze who is expected to become one of the first wideouts selected this year. McMillan is more likely to be a late Day 2 pick.

McMillan operated more as a slot receiver in college while Odunze and Ja’Lynn Polk handled the outside roles. McMillan peaked in 2022 with 1,098 yards and nine scores when quarterback Michael Penix Jr. took over. Odunze also saw a marked increase, heading the team with 1,145 yards.

As a senior, Penix blew up with 4,903 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, but those primarily went to Polk (69-1159-9) and Odunze (92-1640-13), while McMillan dropped to 45 catches for 559 yards and five scores. He was limited to only seven games due to a knee injury in Week 4.

All three wide receivers – Odunze, Polk, and McMillan declared for the NFL draft, along with quarterback Penix.

Height: 6-1
Weight: 197 pounds
40 time: 4.47 seconds

Table: Jalen McMillan NCAA stats (2020-23)

Year	School	Games	Catch	Yards	Avg.	TD	Rush	Yards	TD
2020	Washington	3	1	16	16.0	0	2	14	0
2021	Washington	11	39	470	12.1	3	0	0	0
2022	Washington	13	79	1098	13.9	9	1	2	0
2023	Washington	7	45	559	12.4	5	3	30	1

Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

Speed and burst are exceptional; nice fit into a vertical scheme
Strong and reliable hands meet the ball away from the body and almost never drop the catch
Polished route running with great speed control that adjusts to the pass, at his best with in-breaking routes
Understands how to influence defenders and create separation
Valuable deep threat thanks to his burst and top-end speed
Agility and fluidity makes him dangerous when in the open
Deadly receiver over the middle – gets open, catches in traffic and doesn’t let the ball get away from him
Tough and dedicated with solid instincts

Cons

Slender build and history poses durability concerns
Lack of physical bulk and strength impacts yards-after-catch when inside congested areas
Lacks elite balance and often tackled on first contact with defender
Likely limited to the slot in the NFL

Fantasy outlook

McMillan does offer a lot to an NFL team, even if it falls short of elite difference-making. He had the benefit of playing at Washington with a great quarterback who also benefitted his two fellow Husky receivers, who are both projected to be selected ahead of McMillan.

He’ll almost certainly be a slot receiver in the NFL and with that no better than their No. 2 receiver, if not their No. 3. But he has a valuable role to play on any team, and likely going in the third round, will be available to any team looking for a technician that can run precise routes and help create holes where the quarterback is throwing.

That means he’ll likely fall short of reliable fantasy value as a rookie but could show up as a starter in the right situation. He won’t be the No. 1 guy for an NFL team or a difference-maker in fantasy football, but he has solid NFL value as a piece of a larger passing puzzle.