The intersection of America's two favorite sports, the NFL draft is equal parts beginning and ending.
Here at the college level, the NFL draft is graduation day for the players and a referendum for the adults. How good is your favorite program at preparing players for the next level, and how adept are the recruiting services at identifying the pros of tomorrow? Do stars matter or not?
What I find most interesting is that for every Caleb Williams and Amarius Mims, guys who were universally selected as the top players at their position from the moment players started being rated, there's a Jared Verse. Not only did Verse sign with Albany out of high school, he redshirted his first year on campus. Even Albany's coaches didn't think he was prepared to contribute at the FCS level in 2019, and now he's about to be a first-round pick.
The draft is full of these types of stories:
-- The first wide receiver off the board, Marvin Harrison, Jr., was literally born to play the position; the first offensive tackle, Joe Alt, played tight end in high school and put on 80 pounds in four years.
-- The first tight end off the board, Brock Bowers, was the best tight end in college football the moment he showed up on campus; the first defensive tackle, Byron Murphy, didn't start until this season.
Projected 2024 first-rounders by high school star rating
5-stars: 6
4-stars: 18
3-stars: 7
Not rated: 1
Projected 2024 first-rounders by high school class
2021: 19
2020: 7
2019: 5
2018: 1
I dived into the background of all 32 projected first-round picks to see which guys were hidden gems and which shined like diamonds from the very beginning; which guys waltzed into the starting lineup and which needed time to learn the moves. I also wanted to highlight the "village" that raised each of these guys; roughly three quarters of players had multiple position coaches throughout their college career.
All info based on Dane Brugler's April 17 mock draft; all recruiting info via the 247Sports composite ratings.
1. Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams (QB, USC)
As a recruit: No. 7 overall player and No. 2 QB in the class of 2021. Was the No. 1 2021 QB until Quinn Ewers reclassified from 2022. Recruited by Shane Beamer and Lincoln Riley out of Gonzaga High School in Washington, D.C. Committed to Oklahoma on July 4, 2020, over Maryland and LSU.
As a player: Splashed on the scene by single-handedly sparking a 21-point comeback vs. Texas as a true freshman. Won the Heisman Trophy as a true sophomore in 2022 at USC. Coached by Lincoln Riley.
Note: Will become the seventh Heisman winner to go No. 1 since the 2009 draft. Only one Heisman winner went No. 1 from 1988 to 2009.
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels (QB, LSU)
As a recruit: No. 35 overall player and No. 3 QB in the class of 2019. Recruited by Antonio Pierce and Rob Likens out of Cajon High School in San Bernardino, Calif. Signed with Arizona State over UCLA.
As a player: A 5-year starter, totaled 1,438 pass attempts and 617 rushes across 55 games. Transferred to LSU ahead of 2022 season. Rose from 40th to first nationally in passing efficiency en route to 2023 Heisman Trophy. Coached by Rob Likens, Zak Hill, and Joe Sloan, and coordinated by Mike Denbrock.
3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye (QB, North Carolina)
As a recruit: No. 56 overall player and No. 9 QB in the class of 2021. Recruited by Phil Longo and Dre Bly out of Myers Park High School in Charlotte. Chose North Carolina over Alabama.
As a player: Redshirted behind Sam Howell in 2021, then started two seasons for the Tar Heels, hoisting 942 passes in 26 games. ACC Player of the Year and national freshman of the year in 2022, Second Team All-ACC in 2023. Coached by Phil Longo and Chip Lindsey.
4. Minnesota Vikings: JJ McCarthy (QB, Michigan)
As a recruit: No. 25 overall player and No. 5 quarterback in the class of 2021. Recruited by Sherrone Moore and Ben McDaniels out of IMG Academy; a native of La Grange Park, Ill. The highest-rated QB in Michigan history, committed to the Wolverines in May of his sophomore year.
As a player: A part-time player as a true freshman, won his way into the starting lineup early in his sophomore year. Went 36-2 as a starter in high school and 27-1 in college. Big Ten QB of the Year and Rose Bowl MVP. Coached by Matt Weiss and Kirk Campbell, coordinated by Josh Gattis and Sherrone Moore.
5. Arizona Cardinals: WR Marvin Harrison, Jr. (WR, Ohio State)
As a recruit: No. 97 overall player and No. 14 wide receiver in the class of 2021. Recruited by Brian Hartline out of St. Joseph's Prep School in Philadelphia. A lock to Ohio State throughout the recruiting process.
As a player: Caught 11 passes as a true freshman behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, then led the Buckeyes in receptions as a sophomore and a junior. The only two-time All-American WR in Ohio State history, and the second Buckeye to win the Biletnikoff Award. Coached by Brian Hartline.
Note: The son of former Indianapolis Colt legend Marvin Harrison.
6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers (WR, LSU)
As a recruit: No. 251 overall player and No. 39 wide receiver in the class of 2021. Recruited by Mickey Joseph and Steve Ensminger out of Southside High School in Youngsville, La. Chose LSU over Mississippi State.
As a player: A unanimous All-American and Biletnikoff Award finalist after catching 89 passes for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2023. Also caught 72 balls in 2022. Coached by Mickey Joseph and Cortez Hankton.
7. Tennessee Titans: Joe Alt (OT, Notre Dame)
As a recruit: No. 400 overall player and No. 32 offensive tackle in the class of 2021. Recruited by Jeff Quinn and Brian Polian out of Totino-Grace High School in Fridley, Minn. Chose Notre Dame over Iowa, Kansas State and Minnesota.
As a player: Put on 80 pounds from junior year of high school (where he played tight end) to junior year of college. A Lombardi Award finalist, a unanimous All-American, and a team captain in 2023. Joined starting lineup midway through freshman year. Coached by Jeff Quinn, Harry Hiestand and Joe Rudolph.
Note: The son of 13-year Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle John Alt. Will become fifth Fighting Irish offensive lineman taken in first round since 2014.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Dallas Turner (Edge, Alabama)
As a recruit: No. 9 overall player and No. 1 edge defender in the class of 2021. Recruited by Charles Huff and Pete Golding out of St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Chose Alabama over Georgia.
As a player: A Freshman All-American in 2021, and a consensus First Team All-American in 2023. Selected as a team captain as a junior. A Bednarik Award finalist, Turner led the SEC with 10 sacks and produced a team-high 14.5 TFLs and 13 QB hurries. Coached by Sal Sunseri and Coleman Hutzler.
Note: Will become the 45th first-round pick of the Nick Saban era at Alabama.
9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze (WR, Washington)
As a recruit: No. 225 overall player and No. 41 wide receiver in the class of 2020. Recruited by Junior Adams out of Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas. Chose Washington over Arizona State.
As a player: A consensus All-American and Biletnikoff finalist in 2023. A 2-time First Team All-Pac-12 honoree, and a 3-time Academic All-Pac-12 selection. Led the nation with a school-record 1,640 receiving yards on 92 catches with 13 touchdowns. Also topped the 1,100-yard mark in 2022. Posted seven career games with at least 100 yards and two touchdowns, including three consecutive in November. Coached by Junior Adams and JaMarcus Shephard.
10. New York Giants: Brock Bowers (TE, Georgia)
As a recruit: No. 105 overall player and No. 3 tight end in the class of 2021. Recruited by Todd Hartley and Scott Cochran out of Napa High School in Napa, Calif. Chose Georgia over Penn State, LSU, Clemson and Michigan. Both parents played Division I sports, sister played Division I basketball.
As a player: A consensus First Team All-American as a true freshman in 2021. Named national freshman of the year that fall. Posted another All-America season in 2022 en route to Mackey Award as nation's top tight end. Became first back-to-back Mackey Award winner in 2023. Joined Herschel Walker and David Pollack as Georgia's only 3-time All-Americans. Caught 175 passes and 26 touchdowns in 40 career games. Coached by Todd Hartley.
Note: If taken here or earlier, will become sixth top-10 tight end since 2000.
11. Los Angeles Chargers: JC Latham (OL, Alabama)
As a recruit: No. 3 overall player and No. 1 offensive tackle in the class of 2021. Recruited by Charles Huff and Kyle Flood out of IMG Academy; originally from Oak Creek, Wis. Chose Alabama over LSU, Ohio State, Georgia and Oklahoma.
As a player: After playing as a reserve as a true freshman, started at right tackle from 2022-23. A Second Team All-American and First Team All-SEC honoree in 2023. Coached by Doug Marrone and Eric Wolford.
Note: Will become Nick Saban's 30th offensive lineman drafted at Alabama and 10th first-rounder.
12. Denver Broncos: Taliese Fuaga (OL, Oregon State)
As a recruit: No. 1,608 overall player and No. 129 offensive tackle in the class of 2020. Recruited by Jim Michalczik and Legi Suiaunoa out of Mount Tahoma High School in Tacoma, Wash.
As a player: A consensus First Team All-American in 2023, and a Second Team All-Pac-12 performer in 2022. Coached by Jim Michalczik.
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Terrion Arnold (CB, Alabama)
As a recruit: No. 51 overall player and No. 3 safety in the class of 2021. Recruited by Charles Kelly and Sal Sunseri out of John Paul II Catholic High School in Tallahassee, Fla. Chose Alabama over Florida.
As a player: Redshirted in 2021, then became a Freshman All-American in 2022. A consensus Second Team All-American as a redshirt sophomore in 2023. Tied for the SEC lead with five interceptions and 17 passes defended. Coached by Jay Valai and Travaris Robinson.
Note: Will become the 26th defensive back selected and the ninth first-rounder in the Nick Saban era of Alabama football.
14. New Orleans Saints: Olu Fashanu (OT, Penn State)
As a recruit: No. 401 overall player and No. 32 offensive tackle in the class of 2020. Recruited by Tyler Bowen and Matt Limegrover out of Gonzaga High School in Washington, D.C. Chose Penn State over Alabama and Florida.
As a player: Did not join starting lineup until third year on campus. Grew from Second Team All-Big Ten player in 2022 to becoming Penn State's first consensus All-American offensive lineman since 1995 this past season. Also a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, the academic Heisman. Surrendered zero sacks in 382 pass plays in 2023. Coached by Phil Trautwein.
15. Indianapolis Colts: Quinyon Mitchell (CB, Toledo)
As a recruit: No. 1,830 overall player and 159 cornerback in the class of 2020. Recruited by ??? out of Williston High School in Williston, Fla. Chose Toledo over Illinois.
As a player: After not joining the team until the fall of 2020, started all 13 games at cornerback in 2021 and became a two-time First Team All-MAC honoree, and the first Rocket in more than 50 years to make an All-America team in two straight seasons. Set Toledo's all-time record with 46 pass breakups. Once intercepted four passes in a game vs. Northern Illinois. Coached by Hank Poteat, Cornell Ford, and Corey Parker.
Note: Would become the second Rocket taken in the first round.
16. Seattle Seahawks: Troy Fautanu (OL, Washington)
As a recruit: No. 367 overall player and No. 23 guard in the class of 2019. Recruited by Scott Huff and Jordan Paopao out of Liberty High School in Henderson, Nev. Chose Washington over Arizona State, BYU, Cal and Colorado.
As a player: Redshirted in 2019, did not join starting lineup until 2022. A two-time First Team All-Pac-12 selection, and won the Morris Trophy as the Pac-12's best offensive lineman in 2023, as voted on by the league's defensive linemen. Coached by Scott Huff.
17. Buffalo Bills (via Jacksonville): Brian Thomas, Jr. (WR, LSU)
As a recruit: No. 89 overall player and No. 13 wide receiver in the class of 2021. Recruited by Mickey Joseph and Jake Peetz out of Walker High School in Walker, La. Chose LSU over Alabama and Arkansas.
As a player: Started nine games as a true freshman in 2021. Grew from 28 catches in 2021, to 31 in '22, to 68 grabs for 1,177 yards in 2023. His 17 touchdown grabs are tied for the most by any FBS player since DeVonta Smith's 23 and Jaelon Darden's 19 in 2020. A Second Team All-SEC and Third Team All-American in 2023. Coached by Mickey Joseph and Cortez Hankton.
Note: Was named Most Outstanding Player in state championship basketball game as a high school freshman. Would become fifth LSU wideout taken in the first round since 2014.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Byron Murphy II (DT, Texas)
As a recruit: No. 393 overall player and No. 49 defensive lineman in the class of 2021. Recruited by Mark Hagen and Oscar Giles out of DeSoto High School in DeSoto, Texas. Chose Texas over Baylor.
As a player: Appeared in 39 of 39 career games, but did not join starting lineup until 2023. A consensus Second Team All-American and Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year this past season. Posted 8.5 TFLs, five sacks and seven QB hurries from his nose guard spot. The first Longhorn offensive or defensive lineman to catch and rush for a touchdown. Coached by Bo Davis.
Note: Would become the highest Longhorn defensive tackle selected since Kenneth Sims went No. 1 overall in 1982.
19. Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse (DE, Florida State)
As a recruit: An unrated recruit out of Central Columbia High School in Bloomsburg, Pa., in the class of 2019. Listed as 6-foot-4, 215 pounds coming out of high school. UAlbany head coach Greg Gattuso described him thusly: “He's a big, tall, long athlete. We brought him in as a pass-rusher at defensive end, but he's also a heck of a tight end and H-back. So we see him as a multi-purpose guy. Ultimately, we think he's going to be a big pass-rusher.”
As a player: Put on 40 pounds over the course of his college career. Redshirted in 2019. Named Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Rookie of the Year in spring season of 2021, then earned FCS Freshman All-America honors in the fall. Transferred to Florida State in 2022, where he posted 17 TFLs and nine sacks upon arrival. A consensus Second Team All-American in 2023, and FSU's first two-time First Team All-ACC defensive end since 1995-96. Coached by Bill Nesselt at Albany and John Papuchis at Florida State.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Graham Barton (C, Duke)
As a recruit: No. 671 overall player and No. 41 guard in the class of 2020. Recruited by Jeff Faris and Jim Bridge out of Ravenwood High School in Brentwood, Tenn. Chose Duke over Austin Peay, Boston College, Central Michigan and Charlotte.
As a player: Played in 40 career games with 39 starts. Won some sort of team award for commitment to strength and conditioning, performance on the field, or tenacity after all four seasons as a Blue Devil. A two time First Team All-ACC honoree. Coached by Greg Frey and Adam Cushing.
Note: Would become highest Blue Devil offensive lineman taken in NFL draft.
21. Miami Dolphins: Laiatu Latu (DE, UCLA)
As a recruit: No. 128 overall player and No. 6 defensive end in the class of 2019. Recruited by Pete Kwiatkowski and Jordan Paopao out of Jesuit High School in Carmichael, Calif. Signed with Washington over UCLA, USC and Alabama.
As a player: Played in 12 of 13 games as a true freshman at Washington, then did not see the field in 2020 or '21. Transferred to UCLA in 2022 and posted 10.5 sacks, but did not join starting lineup until 2023. Became the first Bruin to win the Lombardi Award as nation's top interior lineman, Ted Hendricks Award as the nation's top D-end, and the Polynesian Defensive Player of the Year. Led the nation with 21.5 TFLs and tied for fourth with 13 sacks. Notched three 3-sack games in his career. Coached by Ikaika Malloe and Chad Kauha'aha'a
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Amarius Mims (OT, Georgia)
As a recruit: No. 8 overall player and No. 3 offensive tackle in the class of 2021. Recruited by Matt Luke and Scott Cochran out of Beckley County High School in Cochran, Ga. Chose Georgia over Alabama, Auburn and Florida.
As a player: Started only eight games in his three seasons. Did not join starting lineup until the Bulldogs' College Football Playoff run in 2022. A full-time starter in '23, but missed seven games due to injury. Coached by Stacy Searels.
Note: Would become the sixth member of Georgia's 2021 national championship team taken by the Eagles.
23. Arizona Cardinals (via Minnesota): Cooper DeJean (CB, Iowa)
As a recruit: No. 359 overall player and No. 26 safety in the class of 2021. Recruited by LeVar Woods out of Battle Creek-Ida Grove High School in Ida Grove, Iowa. Chose Iowa over Illinois State, North Dakota State, and South Dakota State.
As a player: Set Iowa record with three pick sixes in 2022. A unanimous First Team All-American in 2023. Honored by Hawkeye coaches as Roy Carver team defensive MVP, Hayden Fry "Extra Heartbeat" Award for defense, Reggie Roby special teams MVP, and Coaches Appreciation Award for defense. MVP of the 2022 Music City Bowl. Coached by Phil Parker.
Note: Led high school to back-to-back state championships as a QB and DB, earned three letters in basketball, baseball and track.
24. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Guyton (OT, Oklahoma)
As a recruit: No. 902 overall player and No. 70 offensive tackle in the class of 2020. Recruited by Chad Glasgow out of Manor High School in Manor, Texas. Signed with TCU over SMU. Played primarily defensive line.
As a player: Redshirted in 2020, then split time between offensive tackle and H-back in 2021. Transferred to Oklahoma in 2022, where he started 14 of 20 games at right tackle. Allowed two sacks in 548 opportunities, per Pro Football Focus. Coached by Jarrett Anderson, Doug Meacham, and Bill Bedenbaugh.
25. Green Bay Packers: Jackson Powers-Johnson (OL, Oregon)
As a recruit: No. 197 overall player and No. 14 interior offensive lineman in the class of 2021. Recruited by Alex Mirabal and A'lique Terry out of Corner Canyon High School in Draper, Utah. Chose Oregon over BYU, Missouri, Nebraska and Liberty.
As a player: Played consistently throughout career (even one game as a defensive lineman) but did not join starting lineup until November 2022. Moved to center in 2023, and became Oregon's fifth unanimous First Team All-American and the Pac-12's first Rimington Trophy winner. Coached by Alex Mirabal, Adrian Klemm, and A'lique Terry.
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nate Wiggins (CB, Clemson)
As a recruit: No. 118 overall player and No. 7 cornerback in the class of 2021. Recruited by ??? out of Westlake High School in Atlanta. Chose Clemson over LSU.
As a player: Led the team with 12 PBUs as a true sophomore, then earned First Team All-ACC honors with a team-high nine PBUs in 2023. Coached by Mike Reed.
27. Arizona Cardinals (via Houston): Chop Robinson (Edge, Penn State)
As a recruit: No. 68 overall player and No. 4 edge defender in the class of 2021. Recruited by Brian Robinson and Brawley Evans out of Quince Orchard High School in Gaithersburg, Md. Signed with Maryland over Alabama, Clemson, Florida and Florida State.
As a player: Transferred to Penn State ahead of 2022 season. Registered 5.5 sacks as a sophomore, and four sacks as a junior. A First Team All-Big Ten honoree and split Team MVP honors with Olu Fashanu. Coached by Brian Williams, John Scott, Jr., and Deion Barnes.
28. Jacksonville Jagurs (via Buffalo): Kool-Aid McKinstry (DB, Alabama)
As a recruit: No. 18 overall player and No. 1 cornerback in the class of 2021. Recruited by Karl Scott and Pete Golding out of Pinson Valley High School in Pinson, Ala. Chose Alabama over Auburn and Clemson.
As a player: Appeared in 15 games as a true freshman, making the SEC All-Freshman Team. Finished second in the nation in punt return yards as a sophomore, and a consensus First Team All-American at corner in 2023. Coached by Jay Valai and Travaris Robinson.
29. Las Vegas Raiders (via Detroit): Michael Penix, Jr. (QB, Washington)
As a recruit: No. 548 overall player and No. 21 quarterback in the class of 2018. Recruited by Nick Sheridan out of Tampa Bay Technical High School in Tampa. Signed with Indiana over Florida State and Tennessee.
As a player: Appeared in 20 of 45 games over four seasons at Indiana, then 28 of 28 games in two seasons at Washington. Went 37-8 as a starter. Led the nation in passing yards each of the past two seasons. His 4,903 passing yards in 2023 were the second most in Pac-12 history, and his second-place finish in Heisman Trophy voting was the highest ever by a Husky. Voted by teammates as a team captain each of final four seasons. Coached/coordinated by Nick Sheridan, Mike DeBord, Kalen DeBoer, and Ryan Grubb.
30. Baltimore Ravens: Jordan Morgan (OT, Arizona)
As a recruit: No. 1,581 overall player and No. 137 offensive tackle in the class of 2019. Recruited by Joe Gilbert and Noel Mazzone out of Marana High School in Marana, Ariz. Chose Arizona over Arizona State.
As a player: Anchored the left side of Arizona's offensive line for final three seasons. Allowed two sacks over 787 attempts in 2023. A First Team All-Pac-12 honoree and Second Team All-American as a fifth-year senior. Coached by Kyle DeVan and Brennan Carroll.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Jer'Zhan Newton (DT, Illinois)
As a recruit: No. 1,043 overall player and No. 51 defensive end in the class of 2020. Recruited by Austin Clark out of Clearwater Central Catholic in Clearwater, Fla. Chose Illinois over Georgia Tech and Maryland.
As a player: Joined starting lineup as a true sophomore, a consensus Second Team All-American in 2022, and a consensus First Team All-American in 2023. Big Ten Defensive MVP, the only D-lineman named a finalist for the Nagurski Trophy as the nation's top defender, and played 73 more snaps than any Power 5 defensive tackle in 2023. Set an Illinois record with four blocked kicks in 2023. Recorded 8.5 TFLs and 7.5 sacks. Coached by Al Davis and Terrance Jamison.
Note: Wore No. 4, which is a bad ass number for a defensive tackle if you can pull it off.
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Adonai Mitchell (WR, Texas)
As a recruit: No. 383 overall player and No. 63 wide receiver in the class of 2021. Recruited by Cortez Hankton and Todd Monken out of Cane Ridge High School in Antioch, Tenn. Signed with Georgia over Ole Miss, Arkansas and Auburn.
As a player: Caught five touchdowns in five career College Football Playoff games. Won two national championships at Georgia, then a key cog on Texas's first CFP team upon transferring in 2023. Missed most of 2022 due to injury. Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year in 2023 after catching 55 balls for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns. Caught three passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns in UT's landmark win at Alabama. Coached by Cortez Hankton, Bryan McClendon, and Chris Jackson.
Note: 32 players is a lot.