Best available players remaining in 2024 NFL Draft: Sam Hartman, Gabriel Murphy and more

There will be 257 picks made in the 2024 NFL Draft, so this list — which started with 300 prospects — should cover most, if not all, of the names you’ll hear called between Thursday night and early Saturday evening.. As the draft evolves, consider this a shopping list for your team’s ideal prospects (or even potential undrafted free agent candidates).

The list will update frequently throughout the draft.

(Note: The number listed next to each player is their final overall rank on my top 300.)

NFL Draft 2024 tracker: Live blog, picks and analysis
Draft pick grades: Round 1 | Rounds 2-3
Full draft order: Team picks for all 257 selections

127. Gabriel Murphy, Edge, UCLA (6-2, 247)

Murphy’s lack of length and desired size will be tougher to mask at the next level, but he was a pass-rushing nuisance in college, because of his skilled hands and quick feet. He has the juice to make an impact as a subpackage rusher who can also play on special teams.

134. Gabe Hall, DT, Baylor (6-6, 294)

Hall boasts disruptive traits (explosiveness, power, length) that jump off the screen, but he is too much of a flash player and needs further development to better impact the game on a down-to-down basis. He projects as a rotational three- or five-technique with starting upside, if he finds better consistency with NFL coaching.

149. Beau Brade, S, Maryland (6-0, 203)

Brade needs to be more consistent as a ballhawk and tackle-finisher, but his confident, cerebral trigger and athletic mentality are promising traits. He has the tools for an interchangeable nickel/safety role and will play on special teams from Day 1.

155. Leonard Taylor III, DT, Miami (6-3, 303)

Taylor doesn’t lack for talent, but the raw physical tools aren’t enough and won’t deliver consistent on-field production until he develops a more disciplined approach. While there is untapped potential there, it will require a patient coaching staff and complete buy-in from the player for him to work his way into an NFL rotation.

162. Nelson Ceasar III, Edge, Houston (6-2, 254)

Ceaser finds himself slowed down by power-based blockers, but he shows variety in his pass rush, and NFL teams should be encouraged by his athletic flashes and football character. He projects as a part-time rusher with promise.

165. Josh Proctor, S, Ohio State (6-1, 199)

Proctor has some hiccups in man coverage, but he sees the field well and offers the range and run-defending skills to work his way up an NFL team’s safety depth chart. He has a skill set that should shine on special teams, although everything will depend on his ability to stay healthy.

169. Curtis Jacobs, LB, Penn State (6-1, 243)

Jacobs’ lack of physicality is a concern for the next level, but he has subpackage value and will earn an immediate role on special-teams coverages. He projects as a backup and a poor man’s version of the Buffalo Bills’ Terrel Bernard.

174. Gottlieb Ayedze, G, Maryland (6-4, 308)

Ayedze doesn’t have overwhelming size and needs to prove himself against NFL power, but he plays with control and several baseline traits that will translate well. He projects as a developmental guard who can play tackle in a pinch.

176. Kingsley Eguakun, C, Florida (6-3, 304)

Eguakun doesn’t have the length or brute power to overwhelm the man across from him, but he is an assignment-sound blocker with appealing movement skills and an instinctive feel for staying on schedule with his hands. With his leadership and skill set, he projects as a rotational center and should appeal to any scheme.

177. Dwight McGlothern Jr., CB, Arkansas (6-1, 185)

McGlothern is an average athlete, and coaches won’t be using his technique for teaching tape. His route anticipation and play confidence, however, are the type of traits zone-scheme teams should target in the draft. He is an interesting mid-round prospect who reminds me of an underdeveloped version of Carlton Davis.

180. Eric Watts, Edge, UConn (6-5, 274)

Watts is a frenetic pass rusher and still figuring out how to properly unlock all his power, but the physical traits and competitive mentality are there for him to become a valuable part of a defensive line rotation with additional coaching. He might never put it all together, but he is worth a Day 3 draft pick to find out.

181. Cody Schrader, RB, Missouri (5-8, 202)

Schrader doesn’t run with desired tempo or elusiveness, but he is an attitude runner who sets the tone with his physicality and contact balance. There is a place in the NFL for his competitive run style and make-it mentality.

190. Ethan Driskell, OT, Marshall (6-8, 313)

Driskell has towering size, and leverage will always be an area of emphasis for him, but he displays the functional movement skills and encouraging power to earn meaningful snaps in the NFL. Though further development is needed, he has a realistic chance to grow into a swing tackle.

198. Javion Cohen, G, Miami (6-4, 324)

Cohen is a physical, square-cut blocker who can lock up targets when he stays centered, but he has trouble combating quick defenders on his edges. He projects as a backup with potential to be more.

203. Fabien Lovett Sr., DT, Florida State (6-3, 316)

Lovett is a slow-twitch big man with better flashes than consistency, but he is stout at contact with the God-given length and power to continue getting better as a pass rusher. He has a scheme-versatile skill set and projects as a rotational interior lineman.

206. Keith Randolph Jr., DT, Illinois (6-3, 296)

Randolph is missing an explosive element to his arsenal, but he maintains gap integrity with his ability to lock out, track and do his job in the run game. He projects as an NFL backup who offers scheme versatility and depth at multiple positions.

217. Ainias Smith, WR, Texas A&M (5-9, 190)

Smith doesn’t have ideal size or catch radius, but he is an instinctive athlete with the twitchy gear change and competitive toughness to be productive with the ball in his hands. He can be a team’s top punt returner as a rookie, and his offensive skill set shows similarities to Elijah Moore.

219. Frank Crum, OT, Wyoming (6-8, 313)

Crum needs continued refinement with his technique to mask some of his deficiencies, but he plays quick, stout and experienced. He will compete for a reserve swing tackle role in the NFL.

222. Dallin Holker, TE, Colorado State (6-3, 234)

Holker has limited value as a blocker, but his smooth athleticism and adjustment skills as a pass catcher can get him on the field. He projects as an F tight end or developmental H-back, who is at his best working from the slot and on the move.

223. Xavier Weaver, WR, Colorado (6-0, 175)

Weaver needs to prove he can produce when working against physicality in the NFL, but he is a quality athlete and route runner with ball-tracking skills. He projects as a backup Z with punt-return potential.

#Colorado WR Xavier Weaver had his individual pro day this past week for scouts. His results (from an NFL team):

6000, 175
40/10: 4.47/1.48
VJ: 37"
BJ: 10'7"
SS: 4.30
3C: 7.00

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) April 6, 2024

225. Mark Perry, S, TCU (6-0, 213)

Perry will occasionally lose his man when left on an island, but his explosive athleticism allows for quick recoveries and shows in the run game, as well. He projects as an NFL reserve with upside to see the field in subpackages and on special teams.

227. Khalid Duke, Edge, Kansas State (6-3, 246)

Duke is an energetic speed rusher who has lower body bend to win at the top of his rush, but his lack of ideal length and shed strength might always be restricting against NFL competition. He projects as a developmental Will linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.

228. Dillon Johnson, RB, Washington (5-11, 217)

Johnson is best suited for a complementary role at the next level that showcases his decision-making, traffic burst and diversity on passing downs. Although teams understandably have concerns about his body holding up, he has plenty to offer an NFL offense.

230. Johnny Dixon, CB, Penn State (5-10, 188)

Dixon is a feisty man-cover cornerback who is just as likely to lead the team in passes defended as he is coverage penalties. He has the talent to get onto an NFL field (defense and special teams), although he will need to make adjustments to stay there.

231. Braiden McGregor, Edge, Michigan (6-5, 254)

McGregor will need time to become more polished destructing blocks, but he is long, fast and explosive, making him an interesting draft-and-develop target on Day 3. His raw tools and upside remind me of Alex Wright, who was a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and has grown into a valuable role player for the Cleveland Browns

234. Ryan Rehkow, P, BYU (6-4, 235)

A four-year starting punter at BYU, Rehkow finished No. 2 in the FBS with a 48.4 punting average in 2023. If that last name sounds familiar, it is because Ryan’s brother, Austin, spent time with the Buffalo Bills, New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts as a kicker.

235. Sam Hartman, QB, Notre Dame (6-1, 211)

Hartman is a Greg Maddux-type of quarterback: He has average velocity and drive power in his arm, but his feel for accuracy when he makes the right read is what makes him effective. He offers the toughness and intangibles to earn a No. 2 or No. 3 quarterback role on an NFL depth chart.

238. Jalen Coker, WR, Holy Cross (6-1, 208)

Coker has a sizeable jump in competition waiting for him in the NFL, but he is a rangy athlete with the length, body coordination and ball tracking that won’t make him feel out of place. He projects as a rotational receiver capable of making an NFL roster as a rookie.

239. Austin Reed, QB, Western Kentucky (6-1, 220)

Reed is a competitive and instinctive passer with a natural feel for where to go with the ball, although several of his physical limitations will be difficult to overcome versus NFL speed. He projects as a No. 3 quarterback on a depth chart and practice-squad candidate.

242. Willie Drew, CB, Virginia State (5-11, 191)

Drew must show better trust in his cover instincts, but he has the length, speed and ball skills to stay on an NFL field. His developmental tools give him a chance, even if it takes some time on the practice squad.

245. Brevyn Spann-Ford, TE, Minnesota (6-6, 260)

Spann-Ford must improve his consistency — especially in the red zone — for him to stay on an NFL field, but he is a smooth athlete with the body flexibility and toughness that translates to the pro game. He will interest NFL teams looking for a promising Y tight end prospect with rotational upside.

247. Steele Chambers, LB, Ohio State (6-0, 229)

Chambers needs to continue developing his feel for blocking schemes and cover responsibilities, but his athletic range and play personality are solid foundational traits for the next level. He has the talent to compete for a rotational linebacker and special-teams role in the NFL.

248. Daijun Edwards, RB, Georgia (5-9, 213)

Edwards is more quick than fast and doesn’t have ideal size, but he is a shifty, change-of-pace runner with promising pass-protection skills. It won’t be a surprise if he sticks in the NFL, because of his run urgency and potential on passing downs.

249. Keaton Bills, G, Utah (6-4, 324)

Bills is a subpar athlete and won’t stand out with his movement skills, but he works well enough in short areas with the heavy hands and toughness to wear down defenders. Although his ceiling might not be very high in the NFL, he offers a functional skill set that can provide immediate interior depth.

250. Blake Watson, RB, Memphis (5-9, 200)

Watson might not have a featured role in the NFL, but his run balance and patient instincts make him a slippery threat with the ball in his hands. Despite his inconsistencies as a pass blocker, he projects best as a third-down back.

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251. Andrew Raym, C, Oklahoma (6-4, 314)

Raym has NFL toughness and instincts, but he might be forced to play with perfect technique/leverage to compensate for his lack of ideal athleticism and length — which will be a tall task versus NFL defenders. He projects as a potential backup who can become more in the right situation.

253. Garrett Greenfield, OT, South Dakota State (6-5, 311)

Greenfield must make improvements to his anchor and recovery skills to combat NFL opponents, but he is a smooth-moving big man who is at his best on wide and mid-zone plays. He projects as a potential swing tackle in the NFL.

256. Julian Pearl, OT, Illinois (6-6, 312)

Pearl is still rough around the edges, but if he can improve his oversetting and lunging tendencies as a pass blocker, he has the size, movement skills and run-blocking ability to make an NFL roster.

258. Brady Latham, G, Arkansas (6-5, 305)

Latham’s physical tools are very average, and he needs to play with better control and continue strengthening his core to secure an NFL roster spot. His grit and processing give him a chance to stick in the league and are why some NFL scouts grade him best as a developmental center.

259. Isaiah Williams, WR, Illinois (5-9, 179)

Williams is an undersized, yet explosive pass catcher with the nifty skills to make something out of nothing with the ball in his hands. He projects as a rotational slot option and punt returner.

263. Tulu Griffin, WR, Mississippi State (5-10, 181)

Griffin lacks polish as a route runner, but he can be dangerous with the ball in his hands, and his return talent is a strong selling point. He projects as a bottom-of-the-roster receiver or a practice-squad candidate with return upside.

265. Chigozie Anusiem, CB, Colorado State (6-1, 200)

Anusiem’s lack of on-ball production is concerning, but he plays with an edge and has the height/weight/speed blend that is coveted by NFL teams. He projects as a rotational press-man corner with zone experience.

270. Andrew Coker, OT, TCU (6-6, 315)

Coker is an experienced, wide-bodied blocker with the base fundamentals and toughness to survive in the NFL, but his margin of error will be very small against NFL speed and power. He projects as a depth piece at both tackle and guard.

274. Mason Tipton, WR, Yale (5-9, 179)

Tipton is undersized and unproven versus high-level corner play, but he is speedy and shifty enough to uncover with quick, focused hands to pluck the football (Tyler Scott-like).

276. Tyler Owens, S, Texas Tech (6-2, 216)

Owens boasts first-round physical traits in his length and explosive speed, but his key-and-diagnose skills have yet to mature and could make him a liability on an NFL field. A move to linebacker might be in his future, and his impact on special teams could be his saving grace to making an NFL roster.

277. Charles Turner III, C, LSU (6-5, 300)

Turner doesn’t have any dominant traits and needs to improve his composure (pre- and post-snap), but he can create seals in pass pro and the run game when his technique is right. He projects as a center only who will compete for a roster spot if he brings consistency with him to camp.

278. Carlton Johnson Jr., CB, Fresno State (5-10, 173)

Johnson works well from off coverage with his wide vision and drive speed, but he is an average-twitch athlete, and his lack of size and strength will be tough to overcome in the NFL. He needs to prove himself in the nickel and on special teams to make a pro roster.

279. Joshua Cephus, WR, UTSA (6-2, 193)

Cephus isn’t a burner and is only average after the catch, but his body control and quarterback-friendly ball skills are better than several pass catchers currently playing on Sundays.

280. Karsen Barnhart, G, Michigan (6-4, 306)

Barnhart doesn’t have any dominant traits that will help him stand out on an NFL field, but he has a functional skill set and prefers to play a physical brand of football. He projects as a potential NFL backup on the interior.

281. Beanie Bishop Jr., CB, West Virginia (5-9, 180)

Bishop won’t be an option for teams that prioritize length at the position, but his speed and ball skills can help a more forgiving club overlook his lack of inches.

282. Emani Bailey, RB, TCU (5-7, 206)

Bailey might not have ideal size or run power, but he easily strings moves together to create yardage in space and is dangerous when he works in concert with his blockers. His game reminds me of Eric Gray — another former Big 12 back, who was selected in the fifth round in the 2023 NFL Draft.

283. Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Edge, Washington (6-2, 244)

Tupuola-Fetui isn’t a dynamic athlete, which limits his NFL ceiling, but he allows his violent hands and dogged determination to do his talking, giving him a chance to make an NFL roster. He projects best as a rotational edge rusher.

286. Kalen DeLoach, LB, Florida State (5-11, 210)

DeLoach doesn’t have the size or strength to be an every-down player in the NFL, but he has subpackage potential in the right situation if he continues to develop in coverage. His ability to consistently be the first guy down the field on kickoffs might be his saving grace.

287. Trente Jones, G, Michigan (6-3, 305)

Jones is very average across the board, and NFL talent will feast on his inexperience, but he is a strong practice-squad candidate for a team that sees his development potential.

289. George Holani, RB, Boise State (5-10, 208)

Holani isn’t super twitchy, and his injury history might be an issue, but he has outstanding reactive instincts and a well-rounded skill set that NFL coaches will trust in any situation. He can be a depth piece on an NFL roster.

290. Aaron Casey, LB, Indiana (6-0, 230)

Casey’s aggressiveness is a classic double-edged sword, as his play style is more attacking than instinctive, which works on some plays and backfires on others. He has the baseline traits and special-teams background to potentially earn a rotational role in the NFL.

291. Kedon Slovis, QB, BYU (6-2, 223)

Slovis has the functional skills to be a productive passer when everything around him is going right, but he didn’t put enough on tape to suggest he can elevate an offense when things fall apart around him. He is practice-squad candidate who will have a chance to grow into a backup role in the NFL.

292. Anim Dankwah, OT, Howard (6-7, 349)

Dankwah is a work in progress, as he learns how to maximize his gifts and compensate for his tall center of gravity. But his promising movements and God-given size are the foundation of something an NFL coaching staff can mold. In several ways, he reminds me of an FCS version of Dawand Jones.

293. Jack Westover, TE, Washington (6-2, 243)

Westover isn’t a special athlete or smash-mouth blocker, but he is a well-rounded player in a smaller body who catches the ball really well. His special-teams background will help his chances, and he would fit best in an offense like those found in Miami or San Francisco (or maybe Seattle with the newly hired Ryan Grubb) — schemes that creatively use the H-back position.

295. Jontrey Hunter, LB, Georgia State (6-1, 236)

Hunter lacks explosive traits and is still refining his key-read process to play faster, but his physicality and pursuit stand out on tape. He will need to play well on special-teams coverages to make an NFL roster.

296. Jaden Shirden, RB, Monmouth (5-8, 187)

Shirden is a smallish, impulsive runner with average run strength, but his short-area quickness and explosive speed are NFL-quality traits. He will need to prove himself on passing downs and special teams to earn his way onto an NFL roster.

297. Easton Gibbs, LB, Wyoming (6-0, 232)

Gibbs doesn’t have the size or athletic profile to be in the same conversation as Logan Wilson or Chad Muma as an NFL prospect, but his instinctive tackle-hunting skills give him a chance. He projects best as a weakside linebacker and special teamer.

299. Drake Nugent, C, Michigan (6-1, 298)

Nugent is efficient, alert, tough and didn’t have many losses on tape, but sustaining against bigger, quicker defenders will be a daunting task.

300. Bayron Matos, G, South Florida (6-7, 313)

A native of the Dominican Republic, Matos was a standout baseball and basketball player in his youth, and he moved to the United States to further his athletic career. After two seasons on New Mexico’s basketball squad, he transferred to South Florida and came off the bench in 2021. Matos decided to walk on to the USF football team in 2022, despite having zero prior experience. Although he is a project, his testing numbers might get him drafted: 35 1/4-inch arms, 4.90-second 40-yard dash, 1.77 10-yard, 28-inch vertical, 7.64 three-cone.

(Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; Photo of Sam Hartman: Brandon Sloter / Image Of Sport / Getty Images)