The 2024 NFL Combine has passed, and dozens of 2024 NFL Draft prospects are on the rise. But which prospects at each position did the most for their stock, and how might their athletic gifts help them project to the NFL?
Top Risers at the 2024 NFL Combine
Percentile data is derived from Kent Lee Platte’s (@MathBomb on X — formerly Twitter) Relative Athletic Score, or RAS, system.
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Michael Penix Jr. was quietly one of the bigger winners at the NFL Combine, but it didn’t have as much to do with his testing or on-field performance. Yes, Penix was one of the best QBs during the throwing portion, showing off his easy velocity. But his medical check might have the most implications.
Penix came into the NFL Combine with a shaky injury history, but it was reported during the event that Penix passed his medical evaluation. On tape, there’s little stopping Penix from fielding early-round consideration. The only major variable left was his medical check. Now that that’s no longer an issue, his ceiling may have risen.
Isaac Guerendo, RB, Louisville
Louisville’s Isaac Guerendo has flashed his athletic potential since his days at Wisconsin, and at the 2024 NFL Combine, that potential was quantified. Guerendo measured in at 6’0″ and 221 pounds and still managed to score a position-best 41.5″ vertical and a 10’9″ broad jump.
Guerendo’s most impressive number, however, was his 4.33-second 40-yard dash — a number that was also a position-best. Guerendo ran the 100-meter dash in the 10.5-second range in high school, and his speed and bend, combined with his physicality, make him a perfect wide-zone scheme fit. He scored a 9.99 RAS — the second-best ever recorded at RB.
Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
Xavier Worthy is now a record holder. He officially ran a 4.21-second 40-yard dash — one-hundredth of a second faster than John Ross’ time from 2017. His 40-yard dash is now the fastest ever recorded, and somehow, it’s not all too surprising if you watch his tape.
MORE: 2024 NFL Combine — Top RAS Results by Position Include Adonai Mitchell and Isaac Guerendo
Worthy’s speed is different, and it’s what makes him special. But the exciting part about Worthy is that he’s a better overall prospect than Ross was. He’s a surgical route runner who weaponizes his speed, and he has stellar ball-tracking ability in the deep third.
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Brian Thomas Jr. is my WR4 behind Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze. His NFL Combine essentially set that in stone while also showcasing how special of a physical talent Thomas is.
At 6’3″, 209 pounds, and nearly 33″ arms, Thomas recorded a 4.33-second 40-yard dash, 38.5″ vertical, and a 10’6″ broad jump. Thomas’ speed is what allows him to be so deadly on slot fades and go-routes, but his wingspan is just as overwhelming. He’s a unicorn athlete.
Ben Sinnott, TE, Kansas State
On tape, Ben Sinnott is arguably a top-three TE prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. He’s an incredibly versatile player with a vast route tree, crisp nuance, and strong hands. And now, after the NFL Combine, he has the testing to verify his raw talent.
Sinnott jumped out of the gym with a 40″ vertical, and he also logged a 10’6″ broad jump. Both numbers led all TE prospects at the event. For creative offensive coordinators, Sinnott’s easy integration will be a big plus, but he truly has the athleticism to be a weapon.
Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Amarius Mims somehow looks like a tight end at 6’8″, 340 pounds, and over 36″ arms. He carried no bad weight on the field at Indianapolis, ran a blazing 5.07-second 40-yard dash, and jumped 9’3″ in the broad. A tweaked hamstring ended Mims’ day early, but he’d already made an impression by that point.
At just 21 years old, Mims might have the highest ceiling of any tackle in the 2024 NFL Draft, and his NFL Combine showing reinforced that. And on tape, there’s more refinement than expected for someone with such little experience. He could end up going in the top 10.
Mason McCormick, OL, South Dakota State
After excelling at the East-West Shrine Bowl, Mason McCormick compounded his forward momentum with an incredible NFL Combine outing. His explosiveness and agility metrics all fell above the 97th percentile, and his 5.08-second 40-yard dash time was in the 91st percentile.
Overall, McCormick posted a RAS of 9.96 — good for seventh all-time out of almost 1,500 offensive guard prospects to test historically. McCormick’s athleticism, combined with his tape and All-Star success, could make him a top-100 pick.
Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State
There was not a single defensive tackle who performed better than Braden Fiske at the NFL Combine. Not only did Fiske test as one of the most athletic DT prospects, but he also looked phenomenal in positional drills, exuding fast feet, efficient torquing capacity, and relentless energy.
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At 6’4″ and 292 pounds, Fiske ran a 4.78-second 40-yard dash with a 1.69-second 10-yard split near the 93rd percentile, and he scored a 33.5″ vertical and a 9’9″ broad jump — both position-best figures at DT. Going further, his 4.37-second short-shuttle time was two-hundredths of a second better than Aaron Donald’s.
Fiske is an unhinged ball of energy, and his combined athleticism and motor could win over NFL scouts — and potentially earn him a selection inside the top 50 of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson
Ruke Orhorhoro impressed in interviews upon arriving at the NFL Combine. And on Thursday, he strengthened his impression with a stellar performance in athletic testing and position drills.
At 6’4″ and 294 pounds with 34″ arms, Orhorhoro’s size profile is very unique, but his elite athleticism — quantified by a 4.9-second 40-yard dash, a 32″ vertical, and a 9’8″ broad jump — helps facilitate his all-encompassing alignment versatility.
With his power implement and strength in run defense, Orhorhoro should field early-round capital. His testing numbers are just a confirmation of his exciting potential.
Jalyx Hunt, EDGE, Houston Christian
Circling back, one defensive end prospect who quietly tested very well at the NFL Combine was Houston Christian’s Jalyx Hunt. At 6’3 3/4″ and 252 pounds, with over 34″ arms, Hunt logged a RAS of 9.73, which consisted of a 4.64-second 40-yard dash, a 1.6-second 10-yard split, a 37.5″ vertical, and a 10’8″ broad jump past the 98th percentile.
Hunt already flashed his upside in a competitive setting at the Senior Bowl, using his brisk explosiveness, length, and energy to generate power in 1-on-1s. Now, there’s quantifiable proof that Hunt can match up in the big leagues. All the tools are there to mold.
Edefuan Ulofoshio, LB, Washington
Even after playing six seasons at the collegiate level, Edefuan Ulofoshio entered the NFL Combine as a relative unknown across the draft landscape. That’s now due to change after Ulofoshio put up eye-catching numbers across his testing.
At 6’0 1/2″ and 235 pounds, with near-33″ arms, Ulofoshio ran a 4.56-second 40-yard dash and showcased elite explosive capacity with a 39.5″ vertical. Medical concerns plagued Ulofoshio at times in college, but his testing could get him back on the radar.
Max Melton, CB, Rutgers
Max Melton piqued the interest of NFL teams at the Senior Bowl with his competitiveness and versatility between the boundary and the slot. At the NFL Combine, he confirmed his quantifiably elite athleticism with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, 40.5″ vertical, and an 11’4″ broad.
Melton’s physical talent is very evident on tape, especially when working vertically. And at 5’11” with 32″ arms, he has a very unique size profile in addition to his mobility. At his peak, Melton could be one of the best CBs from this class.
Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, S, Texas Tech
Dadrion Taylor-Demerson continues to be underrated, but he’s raising awareness with his offseason performance. He was one of the best players at the Shrine Bowl, and his athletic testing was another big step forward toward respect.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Combine Results — 40-Yard Dash, Bench Press, Vertical, 3-Cone, and More
At the Combine, Taylor-Demerson ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash and also logged a 38″ vertical and a 10’3″ broad jump. And in positional drills, his pedal technique and fluidity stood out as one of his best qualities.
On my board, Taylor-Demerson grades out as a top-75 prospect and one of the top safeties in the draft. He can be a starting safety with nickel capabilities very early in his career.
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