“My Guys” for the 2024 NFL Draft: Volume One

There is nothing in this world as pure and innocent as a draft crush. There are few things that bring me more joy than developing an obsession with a prospect and praying he lands on my team. I know that feeling is shared by plenty of NFL fans, so with a little over two months until the big day, these are some of “my guys” for the 2024 draft cycle. These players are ones whom I adore for one reason or another; They might have a singular game-breaking skill or a playstyle that I gravitate towards, and I have full faith all of them will be brilliant pros. Let’s dive in.

Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State

Photo Credit: Morgan Tencza-USA TODAY Sports

If you know me, you know about my never-ending affinity for big receivers who can run fast. So, naturally, I’m going to be pushing the Keon Coleman agenda pretty hard for the next couple months. He’s your classic super sized X receiver with out of this world athleticism and high-pointing ability. Coleman is an extremely raw player, and if he gets open right now, it’s far more likely to be due to his athleticism than his route running ability. Coleman is essentially starting from square one when it comes to the nuances of playing receiver. Those are all valid concerns with a prospect, but I’ll be on the guy who can do this any day:

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Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina

Speaking of big receivers who run fast! “X-man” has a chance to be the next size/speed dynamo in the league. His top speed and acceleration are upper-echelon; I made sure to pick a picture where he’s running away from someone to get the point across. I think there’s a chance he runs the fastest forty at the combine. That’s already awesome, but when combined with his muscular build, you get a devastating weapon after the catch. Legette also has great high pointing ability, giving him true three-level potential. Like Coleman, Legette is an understandably raw talent, and needs plenty of seasoning when he gets to the league. His route running needs a significant amount of work to reach his potential, but he’s coming into the league with some elite skills that he can fall back on while he’s becoming a more well-rounded player. You’re going to see a lot of DK Metcalf/AJ Brown comparisons for Legette, but I can’t help but see a carbon copy of Demariyus Thomas.

Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State

Photo Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

It’s extremely rare to see players who are going to be top-ten picks return for another year of school, but that’s precisely what Jared Verse did last year. Verse turned down the NFL for a chance at making one last run at a national title at Florida State. Now, a year later, he’s right back where he was in 2023. Verse is going to be a high first round pick for the same reasons he was last year: His effort, his high floor, and those slabs of concrete he calls hands. Verse is one of the best power rushing edge prospects we’ve seen in a few years, but he also has an elite first step that only makes his impact stronger. If you’re a fan of a team who’s picking high and needs edge help, here’s your guy.

Braden Fiske, IDL, Florida State

Does your team have a porous run defense? Does your D-line leave something to be desired? Does your front seven need an infusion of beef? Look no further than FSU’s Braden Fiske. If you’re a football purist, you are going to love this guy. He’s a beefy defensive tackle with a truly nonstop motor who is going to boost someone’s run defense on day one. He’s much more than just a run stuffer, though. Fiske’s explosion at the line of scrimmage is a pleasant surprise, with some reps where he displays some staggering suddenness. When combined with his power and effort, that makes for a player with a pretty nice pass-rushing floor, despite his athletic limitations. Fiske absolutely has some shortcomings, but at the end of the day, the draft is about adding good players. Braden Fiske is a damn good football player.

Tahj Washington, WR, USC

My first real sleeper of this cycle, Washington is a player that is finally getting some buzz after having a nice showing at the shrine bowl. I’ve had the pleasure of watching Tahj Washington quite a few times over the years, and every time I put on a USC game, it felt like number 16 was making a play. Washington is a really smooth player, with natural ball skills and good ability with the ball in his hands. His size and good-not-great athleticism will probably pigeonhole him into a slot role at the next level, but If he lands in the right place, I think he can thrive in that role. I don’t know if Washington will be an NFL star, but I do know he’s going to make your team’s offense significantly more fun to watch.