NFL Draft prospects 2024: Big board of top 50 players overall, rankings by position

With the 2023 college football season beginning in earnest, it's time to look at which of the nation's best players are also some of the best prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft. That makes it a great time for Sporting News to reset the top 50 overall rankings and also look at how everyone stacks up against each other by position.

Once again, the biggest programs and CFP title contenders are loaded with premier talent. Also per usual, despite a lot of offensive talent available early on the big board, quarterbacks are the headliners, while edge rushers and cornerbacks get the typical marquee treatment on defense.

Here is Sporting News' preseason rankings for the top 50 players expected to be in the 2024 NFL Draft class:

MOCK DRAFT: Cardinals haul in Caleb Williams, Marvin Harrison Jr; Raiders, Seahawks also land QBs

NFL Draft prospects 2024: Big board of top 50 players 

1. Caleb Williams, QB, USC (6-1, 218 pounds)

The reigning Heisman winner is the latest Lincoln Riley dual-threat dynamo with his big arm and mobility, doing whatever it takes with his moxie and toughness to make plays, scoring and otherwise. He's the clear-cut franchise option from this class.

2. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State (6-3, 202 pounds)

Harrison has the size and speed of a classic perimeter No. 1 outside receiver with even more physical upside than his Hall of Fame Colts legend father. He has a case to go ahead of Williams should the team picking first already have a franchise QB.

3. Olumuyiwa Fashanu, T, Penn State (6-6, 321 pounds)

Fashanu is working to make sure he is the best overall tackle in this class with his size, frame and physical play that are equal assets in pass protection and run blocking.

4. Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia (6-4, 240 pounds)

Bowers is an explosive athlete in a powerful frame and has the look as the next great tight end, emerging from a strong offense that showcases his mismatch-creating skills.

5. Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame (6-7, 316 pounds)

Alt has incredibly nimble feet for such a big frame. He already uses his body well to move defenders out of his way.

6. Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama (6-4, 240 pounds)

Turner will step into the void of Will Anderson Jr. as the premier Crimson Tide pass rusher. He still has upside to become a more complete defender.

7. Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State (6-4, 248 pounds)

Verse is already a very productive pass rusher who made the smart decision to return to the Seminoles to polish some of his raw all-around skills. He likely isn't done moving up.

8. Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina (6-5, 220)

Maye has a nice combination of accuracy and athleticism reminiscent of new Commanders starter Sam Howell, a former Tar Heel. Maye is a just a better, strong passer with a more ideal frame.

9. Kool Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama (6-1, 195 pounds)

Beyond the awesome unique game, McKinstry has elite game with the ideal frame to be a shutdown corner who can show huge playmaking skills when tested.

10. Kalen King, CB, Penn State (5-11, 188 pounds)

King is getting more draft attention early for how dynamic he is making plays on the ball. He just needs to get more consistent in coverage but he's a great follow to Joey Porter Jr.

11. Javon Bullard, S, Georgia (5-11, 180 pounds)

Bullard is a natural upfield safety who plays like an extra linebacker with his run-stopping and pass-rushing skills. He's still working on being as reliable in coverage.

12. Laiatu Latu, DT, UCLA (6-5, 265 pounds)

Latu's explosiveness is standing out more as he made the wise choice to return to school to become a steadier all-around force to build on his inside pass-rush flash.

13. Graham Barton, OT, Duke (6-3, 311 pounds)

Barton is a prospect to watch to challenge Fashanu and Alt at the position as he can keep growing as an athlete and find improved technique in pass protection.

14. Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa (6-1, 209 pounds)

DeJean is an unique physical corner who is just as comfortable away from coverage as he is using good on-ball instincts.

15. Malik Nabers, WR, LSU (6-0, 200 pounds)

Nabers is a smooth route-runner whose calling cards are good hands and great quickness working in open field after the catch. He'll keep the pedigree strong from Baton Rouge.

16. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State (6-1, 205 pounds)

Ohio State once again has two worthy first-round wide receivers with Egbuka behind Harrison. Egbuka is a versatile route-runner who can excel lining up inside or outside, much like Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

17. Leonard Taylor III, DT, Miami (6-3, 305 pounds)

Taylor is already NFL-worthy as a run-stopper and force clogging things up with blockers but can tap more into his inside pass rush this season.

18. Maason Smith, DT, LSU (6-5, 300 pounds)

Smith has a favorable combination of power, relentlessness and technique that allows him to be effective along multiple fronts in multiple capacities.

19. Chop Robinson, EDGE, Penn State (6-3, 250 pounds)

Robinson does have good finishing pass-rush moves as his nickname suggests, but his signature right now is pure speed and explosiveness.20

20. Calen Bullock, S, USC (6-3, 190 pounds)

Bullock has the speed, quickness and footwork to become a well-rounded safety and already uses his size well in coverage.

21. Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington (6-3, 214 pounds)

Penix delivers the ball downfield with a strong arm and great accuracy and is working on making mobility more of an asset in his game.

22. Jer'Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois (6-2, 295 pounds)

Newton is a natural sound run-stopper who will work to developing  more pass-rush pop.

23. J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama (6-6, 326 pounds)

Latham can also challenge the top tackles in what's looking like a strong tackle class.  Latham has a little Tristan Wirfs pass-protecting and run-blocking upside.

24. Sedrick Van Pran, C, Georgia (6-4, 310 pounds)

Pran is an athletic and savvy anchor who's relentless in his run blocks. He projects as a long-term NFL starter.

25. Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami (5-11, 202 pounds)

Kinchens is already a rangy playmaking force who excels most in coverage like a nickel back and still growing in the other parts of his game.

26. Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan (6-3, 285 pounds)

Jenkins is an explosive relentless inside pass rusher who can get more stable in a short area against the run.

27. Josh Newton, CB, TCU (6-0, 195 pounds)

Newton is a nice-sized, speedy and quick zone corner who needs better technique to make big plays man-to-man.

28. Rome Odunze, WR, Washington (6-3, 201 pounds)

Odunze is looking good as a speedy vertical threat perimeter receiver in the Quentin Johnston mold for next year's class.

29. Bralen Trice, EDGE, Washington (6-4, 256 pounds)

Trice is a strong, relentless pass-rush prospect who can also rise into surefire first-round consideration.

30. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State (5-10, 214 pounds)

Henderson is a game-breaking power runner with some special and explosive receiving skills to ensure he can be a three-down workhorse. 

31. Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson (6-4, 295 pounds)

Orhorhoro's quickness into the backfield to blow up pass and run plays can fit well in any scheme.

32. Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State (6-4, 215 pounds)

Coleman is a strong technical receiver after the catch when willing and can be a first-rounder with some work on increasing his big-play threat.

33. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. LB, Clemson (6-0, 230 pounds)

Trotter has some of his father's skills in his ability to fly around and make plays with an upfield style to stuff the run and rush the passer with big stats to show for it.

34. J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State (6-4, 271 pounds)

Tuimoloau is a high-effort stat-sheet stuffer who does everything well as a Cameron Jordan comparison.

35. Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas (6-4, 243 pounds)

Sanders is another highly athletic receiver for the position who doesn't drop off much from Bowers' skill set.

36. Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas (6-1, 170 pounds)

Worthy is an explosive playmaker who can use the year to round into a more complete receiver.

37. Bo Nix, QB, Oregon (6-2, 217 pounds)

Nix can challenge to be the second quarterback off the board with his intriuiging blend of experience, deep arm and athleticism.

38. Trey Benson, RB, Florida State (6-1, 215 pounds)

Benson is a mighty between-the-tackles power runner who fits well in a downhill scheme.

39. Andrew Mukuba, S, Clemson (6-0, 185 pounds)

Mukuba is an absolute playmaker, either working in coverage downfield or in run support upfield.

40. Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin (6-2, 240 pounds)

Allen is a freakish big power runner with some unexpected juice.

41. Johnny Wilson, WR, Florida State (6-7, 240 pounds)

Wilson is massive-framed prospect with dangerous big-play skills on intermediate and deep routes.

42. Blake Corum, RB, Michigan (5-8, 213 pounds)

Corum is a dynamic, shifty perimeter change-of-pace back who needs get stronger in the passing game, both as a protector and receiver.

43. Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia (6-7, 340 pounds)

Mims is already a smooth outside pass protector with that kind of upside in the running game, too.

44. Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson (6-2, 185 pounds)

Wiggins is a versatile big cover corner who could use to play to his size in other areas of his game.

45. Brandon Dorlus, EDGE, Oregon (6-3, 290 pounds)

Dorlus is a physical imposting all-around player who uses his suddenness and relentlessness well.

46. Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati (6-2, 318 pounds)

With the appropriate "Godfather" nickname, he's a sturdy, reliable run stopper whom NFL teams can't refuse.

47. Javion Cohen, G, Miami (6-4, 305 pounds)

Cohen is an above-average pass and run blocker who can grow to be an elite in both areas inside.

48. Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas A&M (6-4, 196 pounds)

He's another speedy intermediate and deep threat who could be great with better hands and routes.

49. Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State (6-4, 265 pounds)

Sawyer's natural explosiveness can push up into a Nick Bosa comp after another year in Columbus.

50. Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU (6-6, 315 pounds)

Suamatala has a strong frame for run blocking but also is a reliable pass protector.

NFL Draft prospect rankings by position 

Quarterbacks 

1. Caleb Williams, USC
2. Drake Maye, North Carolina
3. Michael Penix Jr. ,Washington
4. Bo Nix, Oregon
5. Riley Leonard, Duke
6. Quinn Ewers, Texas
7. Jayden Daniels, LSU
8. Jordan Travis, Florida State
9. Joe Milton III, Tennessee
10. K.J. Jefferson, Arkansas

Running backs

1. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
2. Trey Benson, Florida State
3. Blake Corum, Michigan
4. Braylon Allen, Wisconsin
5. Raheim Sanders, Arkansas
6. Will Shipley, Clemson
7. Donovan Edwards, Michigan
8. Bucky Irving, Oregon

Wide receivers

1. Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State
2. Malik Nabers, LSU
3. Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
4. Rome Odunze, Washington
5. Keon Coleman, Florida State
6. Xavier Worthy, Texas
7. Johnny Wilson, Florida State
8. Adonai Mitchell, Texas A&M
9. Antwane Wells Jr., South Carolina
10. Ladd McConkey, Alabama
11. Troy Franklin, Oregon
12. Moose Muhammad III, Texas A&M

Tight ends

1. Brock Bowers, Georgia
2. Ja'Tavion Sanders, Texas
3. Cade Stover, Ohio State
4. Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse

Offensive tackles

1. Oluymuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State
2. Joe Alt, Notre Dame
3. Graham Barton, Duke
4. J.C. Latham, Alabama
5. Amarius Mims, Georgia
6. Kingsley Suamataia, BYU
7. Javon Foster, Missouri
8. Blake Fisher, Notre Dame
9. Zion Nelson, Miami

Guards/centers

1. Sedrick Van Pran, Georgia
2. Javion Cohen, Miami
3. Zak Zinter, Michigan
4. Zach Frazier, West Virginia
5. Christian Mahogany, Boston College
6. Jordan Morgan, Arizona

Edge rushers 

1. Dallas Turner, Alabama
2. Jared Verse, Florida State
3. Chop Robinson, Penn State
4. Bralen Trice, Washington
5. J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State
6. Brandon Dorlus, Oregon
7. Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
8. Nelson Ceaser, Houston

Defensive tackles 

1. Laiatu Latu, UCLA
2. Leonard Taylor III, Miami
3. Maason Smith, LSU
4. Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois
5. Kris Jenkins, Michigan
6. Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson
7. Dontay Corleone, Cincinnati
8. Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State
9. Tyler Davis, Clemson
10. Mekhi Wingo, LSU
11. Nazir Stackhouse, Georgia

Linebackers 

1. Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson
2. Barrett Carter, Clemson
3. Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State
4. Junior Colson, Michigan
5. Smael Mondon Jr, Georgia

Cornerbacks

1. Kool Aid McKinstry, Alabama
2. Kalen King, Penn State
3. Cooper DeJean, Iowa
4. Josh Newton, TCU
5. Nate Wiggins, Clemson
6. Kamari Lassiter, Georgia
7. Jason Marshall Jr., Florida
8. Max Melton, Rutgers

Safeties

1. Javon Bullard, Georgia
2. Calen Bullock, USC
3. Kamren Kinchens, Miami
4. Andrew Mukuba, Clemson
5. James Williams, Miami
6. Rod Moore, Michigan
7. Tyler Nubin, Minnesota