Three prospects who can increase their 2024 NFL Draft stock at the Scouting Combine

The current NFL Draft cycle is about to ramp up.  With the NFL Scouting Combine kicking off next week, the top prospects from the 2024 NFL Draft are set to show off their athletic ability in front of all 32 teams.  And ahead of the event, I have three players who I think will shock […]

Destin Adams — NFL News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Nov 18, 2023; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Keon Coleman (4) catches a ball in the endzone to score a touchdown against the North Alabama Lions during the third quarter at Doak S. Campbell Stadium.
Morgan Tencza-USA TODAY Sports

The current NFL Draft cycle is about to ramp up. 

With the NFL Scouting Combine kicking off next week, the top prospects from the 2024 NFL Draft are set to show off their athletic ability in front of all 32 teams. 

And ahead of the event, I have three players who I think will shock people with their performances and, as a result, raise their draft stock. 

Three players who can increase their draft stock at the Scouting Combine

Keon Coleman, WR Florida State

Oct 28, 2023; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Keon Coleman (4) warms up during the first half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium.
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

A polarizing prospect this draft cycle is Florida State's WR Keon Coleman. During the college season, there was a point where many viewed him as the consensus WR 2 in this draft class, but multiple others have passed him since. He is currently considered the consensus WR 5 and even lower for some draft analysts. Some are concerned about his ability to create separation, and some are worried he may test poorly at the scouting combine. Personally, I think Coleman is going to test at a high-level next week, and if he proves me right, he could solidify himself as a first-round pick. 

Payton Wilson, LB, NC State

Oct 28, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack linebacker Payton Wilson (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown on an interception during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Carter-Finley Stadium.
Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

The top LB to come off the board is hard to predict, but my personal LB 1 is NC State's Payton Wilson. No one doubts his athletic ability, as it is evident on tape, but another element of the combine will be critical for his draft stock. That being the medicals that will be performed to give teams a better understanding of the overall health of each prospect. If Wilson can get a good bill of health, I expect him to skyrocket up team boards, and it could cement him as the top LB in this year's class. 

Jonathan Brooks, RB, Texas

 Another position that doesn't have an obvious option to be the first player drafted is RB. But one of the most mentioned players is Texas' Jonathon Brooks. Brooks is coming off an ACL tear, and it's not yet clear how many drills he will even participate in at the scouting combine. But teams will better understand where he is in his recovery to predict better when he could be ready to take the field for them if they draft him. I also think Brooks has a nice balance of speed and strength that, if he does get to test, he could put on a show. That would go a long way toward him being the first RB drafted in April. 

Related Articles