College football coaches eagerly follow the NFL draft, not just to monitor the players they’ve helped develop, but also those they’ve recruited or faced in recent years. They offer a unique perspective on draft evaluation, having been involved in the recruitment, coaching, and game-planning of many of these players.
After the draft, I had conversations with head coaches and assistants from various power conferences to gather insights on the players, teams, hits, and misses. Here’s an evaluation of the 2024 class through the lens of these college coaches:
**Biggest Takeaways from Round 1:**
The top of the draft unfolded largely as expected, with USC quarterback Caleb Williams going first overall to the Chicago Bears. However, the surprise came at No. 8 when the Atlanta Falcons drafted Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., despite signing Kirk Cousins to a big contract. Coaches had mixed feelings about this pick, noting Penix’s talent but also his injury history and age.
The early push for quarterbacks and offensive linemen stood out to coaches. Despite some surprises, such as Tyler Guyton’s selection by the Dallas Cowboys, coaches recognized the importance of physical traits, particularly for offensive tackles.
**Defensive Draft and Quarterback Tumble:**
Coaches observed the focus on offensive players in the first round but noted the value of defensive selections like Missouri’s Darius Robinson and Alabama’s Dallas Turner. They also discussed the slide of Spencer Rattler and Payton Wilson, offering insights into their potential contributions at the NFL level.
**Notable Picks and Sleepers:**
The draft’s later rounds featured both familiar names and potential sleepers. South Carolina’s Ricky Pearsall drew mixed reviews, while others like NC State’s Payton Wilson impressed despite falling in the draft.
**Evaluation of Top Schools:**
Coaches weighed in on the draft performances of top schools like Michigan, Texas, Washington, LSU, and Oregon. They highlighted standout players from each program and discussed how their college success might translate to the NFL.
Overall, college coaches provided valuable insights into the 2024 NFL draft, offering perspectives shaped by their experiences recruiting and coaching these talented players.
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