BACK(Rookie) Class in Session: A 2024 NFL Draft Study Guide
Summer might be approaching, but school is just getting started. After months of mock drafts, rumors and speculation, the 2024 NFL Draft is finally upon us, and we’re here to offer all the knowledge you need for the newest rookie class.
Primarily, we must teach you all about a trio of quarterbacks that are viewed by many as can’t-miss prospects entering the first round. Coming out of Michigan is J.J. McCarthy, a quarterback that schools defenses with his dangerous dual-threat capabilities.
Joining him at the next level is Michael Penix Jr. from Washington, a southpaw that boasts grade-A arm talent and a willingness to air the ball out at any given moment. Rounding out the signal-callers to look for is Tennessee’s Joe Milton III, a prospect who can spell out T-R-O-U-B-L-E for any defense.
Now that you have those jotted down, let’s move to your next column of notes: the playmakers. Since there are plenty of names to know, this class will be divided into running backs and pass-catchers. Try to keep up.
Starting with the backs, we again have a trio of headliners that will make whoever drafts them look extremely smart. These are Jonathon Brooks of Texas, Blake Corum of Michigan and Audric Estime of Notre Dame. Defenders rarely bring any of them down for a loss in the backfield, as those stars all specialize in powering forward to pick up first downs.
If you don’t think you’ve gotten all the necessary notes so far, fret not, as there will plenty of time to study before the draft begins. For now, though, we must keep things moving and tell you about some phenomenal pass-catchers.
Headlining this group is Penix’s running mate, Rome Odunze. An elite talent, the receiver can line up anywhere on the field and make plays happen. Adonai Mitchell, a wideout with a penchant for finding the end zone, turns pro after schooling foes at Texas. Fellow Longhorn Ja’Tavion Sanders is a physical tight end who creates matchup nightmares no matter who he faces.
One final course. You’ll definitely be ready to go come draft night after putting the finishing touches on this wonderful lesson. Next up is a stern stopper whose name you will not want to forget: Terrion Arnold.
This cornerback will make life difficult for every offensive player we have mentioned so far, locking down pass-catchers and ensuring quarterbacks complete as few passes as possible. Teaching his lessons the hard way, he’ll quickly show everyone in the NFL that testing him is a bad idea.
How about some extra credit? Make sure to keep these next guys in mind to earn some bonus points come draft night. Brian Thomas Jr. out of LSU and Georgia’s Ladd McConkey both aim to go in the first round after spectacular careers in the SEC.
Braelon Allen is a studious sprinter who can ace any test the defense throws at him. The Wisconsin product rushed for 35 touchdowns over three seasons. Stepping back out wide, Xavier Legette is an ascendant wideout who earned gold stars for his work at South Carolina in 2023.
Well, that is it for Panini’s NFL Draft preview. Make sure you review your notes, memorize the names and come ready for the draft. It’ll be a good test for which NFL teams are ready to shine.
