Ranking top 10 players from loaded 2024 NFL Draft class: Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye at No. 1?
Former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks knows the ins and outs of this league and puts his knowledge deep into his notebook. Today’s installment highlights 10 second-year players with extremely bright futures…
It’s often said that NFL players make the biggest leap between the first and second grades — and we’re certainly seeing the rise of some players in the plentiful 2024 draft class.
As executives and scouts are re-evaluating players from last year’s draft to track their development and progress, I wanted to put on some tape, take some notes, and re-rank the top 10 players from the 2024 prospects list.
Here are my rankings, counting down from 10th to 1st.
Rank
10
Edgarrin Cooper
Edgarrin Cooper
Green Bay Packers · LB
Drafted: Round 2, 45th overall
One of the league’s best “see the ball, get the ball” defenders, Cooper boasts a dynamic linebacker with the ability to create splash plays (sacks, tackles for loss, and turnovers) in every corner of the field as per Jeff Hafley’s strategy. In a defense full of blue-chippers, Cooper’s presence in the middle creates challenges for opponents unprepared to deal with Green Bay’s playmakers at all three levels. A special athlete, Cooper does things every week that are evident on film. In last Sunday’s win over the Cardinals, the backer expertly covered Pro Bowl TE Tre McBride down the seams and broke up a potential touchdown.
Rank
9
Malik Nabers
Malik Nabers
New York Giants · WR
Draft: Round 1, No. 6 Overall
Despite a knee injury in Week 4, Nabers has been as good as promised as the Giants’ WR1. After a stellar rookie campaign (170 targets, 109 catches, 1,204 yards, and seven touchdowns), Nabers had a stellar performance (nine catches for 167 yards and two scores) against the rival Cowboys in Week 2 of this season. The 6-foot, 200-pound player approaches the game with a dog-like mentality. He is a skilled pass catcher with excellent hand-eye coordination and advanced route-running technique. While injuries will likely hinder Nabers’ ability to coordinate with the Giants’ emerging offensive stars, QB Jackson Dart and RB Cam Skattebo, there’s already buzz about the trio’s potential in the Big Apple in 2026.