Midseason Strengths and Weaknesses Revealed for Top Offensive Prospects in 2024 NFL Draft

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ICARO Media Group
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01/11/2023 22h42

In the midst of the 2023 college football season, it is time to reassess and update the strengths and weaknesses for the top offensive prospects in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. The rankings are based on the prestigious PFF big board, a valuable resource for evaluating talent. Let's take a closer look at some of the notable prospects and what makes them stand out, as well as areas where they may need improvement.

Leading the way is Caleb Williams, the clear number one quarterback on the PFF big board. While Williams has shown his exceptional arm talent, recent struggles under pressure have raised concerns. Last season, he excelled under pressure, earning a 79.5 passing grade. However, this season has seen a decline, with Williams tied for the 156th passing grade under pressure in the FBS. His time to throw has also been an issue, with an average of 3.33 seconds, which ranks fourth highest in the FBS. Improving his decision-making and quickening his process will be crucial for Williams as he transitions to the NFL.

Graham Barton, an offensive tackle from Duke, has caught the attention of scouts with his impressive grip strength. Barton's ability to maintain control of defenders once he gets his hands on them is commendable. However, his size and length may limit him to an interior role in the NFL, as he lacks the measurements necessary to play tackle at the next level. Moving inside could showcase his movement skills while also requiring him to gain some weight to anchor against bigger defensive linemen.

In the running back department, Brooks is making a strong case for RB1 status. What sets him apart is his exceptional ability to force missed tackles, boasting a figure of 0.40 missed tackles forced per attempt. Furthermore, his lack of wear and tear due to limited previous playing experience is seen as an advantage, as teams often consider a running back's durability when evaluating their draft potential. However, Brooks' inexperience occasionally shows on the field, particularly in terms of field vision and coverage recognition when going out for passes.

Wide receiver Harrison has been on fire recently, with a streak of four straight 100-yard games and five touchdowns. His releases off the line, separation ability, length, and catch radius all mark him as an elite talent at the position. One area for improvement is his after-the-catch ability, which has seen improvement this season but is still an aspect he can refine. Additionally, his average depth of target has remained relatively consistent.

Tight end Brock Bowers has been a standout player for Georgia, showcasing remarkable balance after contact. His ability to haul in contested catches and gain significant yardage after contact has been impressive. However, his size may be a concern as an inline tight end, ranking in the 38th and 6th percentiles for height and weight, respectively. Comparing him to wide receivers, however, his measurements would fall in the 91st and 98th percentiles. Bowers' size is less of an issue as a pass-catcher, but he may need to bulk up if he transitions to an inline tight end role.

Fashanu, a highly regarded offensive tackle, is praised for his movement skills and pass-protection abilities. His kick slide and balance have allowed him to cover a significant amount of ground while maintaining effective pass protection. However, a recent matchup against Ohio State revealed a weakness in his game. Fashanu struggled against power moves, yielding six pressures and earning a low pass-blocking grade. Strengthening his anchor against power will be crucial for his success in the NFL.

As the college football season enters its final month, these top offensive prospects have the opportunity to further showcase their skills and address any weaknesses identified. The 2024 NFL Draft promises an exciting class of talent, and teams will surely pay close attention to these players as they strive to improve and solidify their draft stock.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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