The 2023 NFL season saw plenty of surprises, standout rookies and difference makers who fell to the draft. As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, teams are hoping to find stars who will make a big impact in the upcoming season.
Sometimes the players who end up having the greatest seasons are the most obvious early round picks. But there are also the sleeper picks that teams get lucky with.
On CBS Sports’ “With the First Pick” podcast, NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson and former Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman gave their views on who the next release could be from some studs in the 2023 NFL Draft. From finding the next CJ Stroud to Puka Nacua to Sam LaPorta, see who they think can live up to last season’s rookie performances:
Who is the next instant impact quarterback?
Rick Spielman as Caleb Williams (USC)
Spielman made a bold prediction, saying there’s a 95% or better chance that Caleb Williams will achieve Stroud-level success next season. As long as the Bears handle him the right way, Spielman said he has more than enough athletic ability to have a great season, like Stroud. If they treated him badly, Spielman admitted he would be totally wrong.
Ryan Wilson: Jayden Daniels (LSU)
Wilson noted that Stroud “exceeded the expectations of everyone on earth,” so is there anyone who can have a season like his in 2024? His pick is Jayden Daniels, saying the QB has increased his draft stock over the past year and can continue that “arrow pointing up.” In the right system, which in this case he assumes would be that of Washington’s commanders, he can succeed. Wilson noted that Kliff Kingsbury would be a good choice and thinks Daniels could be “special.” If he ends up with the New England Patriots, Wilson will emphatically give both thumbs up and say, “This won’t work.”
WR Jayden Reed/Rashee Rice
Who is the next second-round impact wide receiver?
Spielman: Ricky Pearsall (Florida), Roman Wilson (Michigan)
Spielman predicted that his two picks, Ricky Pearsall and Roman Wilson, would both go in the second round. He compared Pearsall to Rice and Wilson to Reed in terms of body types and the spots they will fill. He thinks Wilson will have more success in the NFL than in college. If Spielman had to pick one first, he would choose Pearsall.
Wilson: Troy Franklin (Oregon)
Wilson noted that Franklin may be smaller, but thinks he showed some good qualities this offseason. He predicts that Franklin will be left out of the top 75. Spielman chimed in, saying that Franklin struggled when defenses got more physical with him, and that was something he needed to work on.
Who is the next late-round wide receiver?
Spielman: Malik Washington (Virginia), Jacob Cowing (Arizona)
“I love his build, he’s built like a running back,” Spielman said of Malik Washington, adding that he has run-after-catch skills. Another player who could be an impact receiver in the late round, according to Spielman, is Cowing, who he calls a “very good athlete.” He said he had good speed and size was the only concern. Spielman notes that slot receivers are becoming more valuable and believes Cowing will be beneficial to a team next year.
Wilson: Bub Means (Pittsburgh)
Wilson’s pick is Bub Means, who he says is a “big target” with a big catch radius. Means can make catches on defensive backs and make plays when needed. Spielman fought this take slightly, saying Means is rigid and that’s something teams will need to be aware of.
For more coverage of the project, you can hear in-depth analysis twice a week on “With the first choice” — our all year round NFL Draft podcast with NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson and former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. You can find “With First Choice” wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtubeetc. Listen below!
Who is the next high-impact tight end?
Player: Ben Sinnott (Kansas State), Jared Wiley (TCU)
Ben Sinnott is a “chip-on-his-shoulder guy” who will give teams everything he has, Spielman said. He added that Sinnott is one of the most complete tight ends and teams can do a lot with him. Spielman said Jared Wiley can create mismatches and, while he may not be a blocker, he can help an offense in its passing game.
Wilson: Theo Johnson (Penn State)
Wilson’s choice was Theo Johnson, citing a good Senior Bowl and strong athletic testing as reasons, as well as a large catch radius and run-after-catch ability. Spielman disagreed with this proposition, challenging each of Wilson’s benefits for Johnson.
Who is the next overlooked defensive back?
Spielman: Javon Bullard (Georgia), Max Melton (Rutgers)
Javon Bullard is “instinctive,” smart” and “plays hard,” Spielman said. He added that Bullard’s playing speed doesn’t match Branch’s, and while he is slightly undersized, he is a solid player who can make an impact Spielman noted that Max Melton can force turnovers, and he thinks Melton is moving up teams’ draft boards.
Wilson: Jaden Hicks (Washington State)
Wilson said Jaden Hicks could play deep, something Spielman quickly disagreed with. Spielman said he was better at the line of scrimmage and wouldn’t want him on the field. Wilson said if a team can get Hicks in the third round, they should feel good about the pick.
Who is the next dynamic running back for Day 2?
Player: Jaylen Wright (Tennessee)
Spielman said Jaylen Wright has a chance to be an “explosive playmaker.” He said the running back needs to be a little more physical and he’s curious to see if Wright can develop more as a receiver.
Wilson: Bucky Irving (Oregon)
Wilson said Bucky Irving is an asset in the passing game and while he is undersized, he can make tackles. Spielman said he looks explosive on tape, but some of his testing raises concerns that he’s not as fast or explosive as he appears on the field.
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Who is the next underrated defensive lineman who will make a difference?
Spielman: Michael Hall Jr. (Ohio State), Braden Fiske (Florida State)
Michael Hall Jr. will be an interior passer, Spielman predicted. Braden Fiske is fast and progressing through the pre-draft process. Spielman said they both struggle against bigger players and in combination blocks, but thinks both will make an impact in their rookie season.
Wilson: Brandon Dorlus (Oregon)
In a rare moment, Wilson and Spielman agree on a choice. Wilson said Brandon Dorlus has strong hands and a strong build. Spielman added that he has enough athleticism to become a very strong player, if someone can work with him and if Dorlus gets the job done.
Who is the next reliable Day 3 backup that can come in and start some games?
Spielman: Michael Pratt (Tulane), Spencer Rattler (South Carolina)
Michael Pratt has grown up with Spielman, saying he is a better athlete than he initially thought. His offseason work, including his Pro Day, has been outstanding, and Spielman predicts he will be a good backup capable of winning some games. Spielman also said: “I have to give [Spencer Rattler] credit… he was very mature,” recalled during his interview with the quarterback. The main concern is decision-making, emphasizing that it’s “feast or famine” with Rattler.
Wilson: Spencer Rattler
Wilson would take Rattler in the third round, but Spielman would take him later and take Pratt first. Wilson has been on the Rattler bandwagon for some time and maintains his stance that Rattler is a solid prospect.
The 2024 NFL Draft will take place April 25-27 in Detroit. More coverage of the draft can be found at CBSSports.com, including the weekly updated draft ordinancemock drafts and one available regularly look at eligible prospects.