2024 NFL Draft: 25 diamonds in the rough

There are certainly some red flags for All, coming off surgery for a torn ACL in October. However, he was productive in seven games and comes from an Iowa program that has been a factory for star tight ends like George Kittle, T.J. Hockenson, and Sam LaPorta. For the minimal investment of a Day 3 pick, All could pay off handsomely.

Allen is a big, bruising back listed at 6-foot-2, 245 pounds, and he has a terrific track record as the workhorse for the Badgers over the last three seasons. He also proved capable as a receiver in 2023, with 28 catches in 11 games.

Bishop proved he could do it all for the Utes over the last three seasons, and is coming off arguably his best year with 60 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions in 11 games. He could emerge as a starter from the middle rounds.

Braswell was often overshadowed last season despite a breakout season with eight sacks and 42 tackles in 14 games. He has the speed to be an exciting 3-4 linebacker, but probably lacks the size to play defensive end in 4-3 schemes.

Davis helped his stock immensely by transferring from Vanderbilt to Kentucky last year, averaging more than five yards per carry for the first time in his career. Undersized at 5-foot-9, Davis still has the body type to hold up as a workhorse back.

Elliss' breakout 2023 season put him on the NFL radar, recording 12 sacks and 16 tackles for loss in 10 games. He's put on enough weight to play as a 4-3 defensive end.

Franklin is sometimes overlooked in another strong wideout draft class, but he has elite potential. He was vital to the Duck's prolific offense with 81 catches for 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns and he has enough size at 6-foot-3 to be a major factor in the Red Zone.

Legette's college career was quiet until last season when he had 71 catches for 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns. He's now proven himself as both a Red Zone target at 6-foot-3 and a major threat after the catch.

Jackson made the most of playing time last season, recording three picks and two sacks. He's one of the biggest corners on draft boards at 6-foot-3, and could shoot up draft boards if he proves his athleticism at the combine.

Johnson wasn't a significant part of Penn State's offense, but he did his share of work in the Red Zone with seven touchdowns last season. The 6-foot-6 tight end has upside as a Red Zone target and blocker.

Kamara was extremely consistent and productive over the last three seasons, capping off his career with 13 sacks and 17 tackles for loss. He's somewhat lacking in height but still has the potential to play the edge in most systems.

We don't often see early picks used on safeties, but Kinchens could be an exception. He was a spectacular playmaker with 11 interceptions over the last two seasons.

Kneeland proved he could play the run and the pass well at 275 pounds, and could be a fit as a powerful edge rusher. He finished last season with 4.5 sacks and 57 tackles in only 10 games.

Knight was among the top tacklers in the county last season, tallying 140 along with 4.5 sacks. He was his second career 100-plus tackle season, and he could be a solid value as a late-round off-ball linebacker.

McConkey was plagued by injuries in 2023, limiting him to only nine games. Still, he's proven to be a reliable receiver in one of the countries top offenses over the last three seasons, and also has experience as a punt returner.

Milton has all the tools to be an interesting developmental quarterback, with a strong arm, improving accuracy and solid scrambling ability. He finished his career with 37/11 TD/INT, and also rushed for seven touchdowns last season.

Mitchell could get some attention late in the first round as dominating wideouts in the MAC over the last two seasons. He totaled 37 passes defensed over the last two seasons.

Odunze probably isn't getting the buzz he deserves because of other elite talents at wideout, but he could gain steam. He had an excellent final season at Washington with 92 catches for 1,640 yards and 14 scores, showing big-play ability and good route running.

Rattler didn't quite have the college career many envisioned and is slightly undersized, but his progress over the last two seasons after transferring to South Carolina is notable. He completed nearly 69% of his passes for his career and showed adequate mobility.

Schrader had an incredible career for the Tigers as a walk-on transfer, and profiles very well as a third down back after rushing for over 1,600 yards last season. His quickness could make him an immediate Day 3 contributor.

Solomon hopes to follow in the footsteps of DeMarcus Ware as an elite pass rusher from Troy, and he has a track record. He recorded 16 sacks in 2023 after recording 11 sacks in 2021.

Smith is a capable interior pass rusher who could really help his stock at the combine. He recorded 2.5 sacks and 28 tackles over nine games in 2023.

Sweat is usually the biggest man on the field at nearly 350 pounds and should be a plug-and-play nose tackle. While that role doesn't have much value in the modern NFL, he's a high-floor helper late in the draft.

Thomas's incredible physical tools are overshadowed by other players in the 2024 class, including teammate Malik Nabers. He has a chance to be an elite deep threat and first-round pick, standing at 6-foot-5 and averaging 17.3 yards per catch with 17 touchdowns last season.

Wingo demonstrated improved pass-rushing ability last season, with 4.5 sacks in only eight games. He missed time due to injury, but he should be a mid-round pick if he is healthy.