To earn a first-round NFL draft selection, Milroe will have to show significant improvement as a pocket passer, but he has a head coach in Kalen DeBoer who can develop his accuracy and anticipation and, of course, already boasts elite size and athleticism. Milroe will be one of the most fascinating and closely scrutinized prospects in the country next season.
Jack Conklin and Dawand Jones are coming off knee injuries, and Jedrick Wills Jr. is entering the final year of his contract, making offensive tackle a high priority in Cleveland. A forceful and tenacious run-blocker, Emery Jones Jr. embarrasses defenders by imposing his will. He allowed four sacks in 2023 as a pass-protector, and his hand timing and placement must improve. But his power makes him an intriguing prospect.
The Browns could certainly be in the market for a QB if Deshaun Watson continues to flounder, but here I give them the reigning Doak Walker Award winner just in case Nick Chubb doesn't return to form after another knee injury. Next year's running back class is much better than this year.
One of the reasons Amarius Mims stayed at right tackle last season was because Georgia had Greene, a Freshman All-American, at left tackle. If Greene takes another jump in his development in 2024, he will have an NFL decision to make after the season.
Perkins is going to be a fascinating prospect to follow. While he has elite pass-rushing ability, he is too small to play edge defender full time (6-foot-1 and 220 pounds). As a true off-ball linebacker this past season, he struggled as a run defender but flashed in coverage (81.1 coverage grade). Perkins is more of a defensive chess piece than a pure linebacker, but he could shine in Jim Schwartz's defense alongside Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, assuming the team retains him once his contract expires.
There is a lot of hype around Quinn Ewers, but the tape just isn't there yet. There were a lot of missed throws last year, but he clearly has the talent to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. Can he take the next step in 2024? We shall see.
The Bulldogs could see one of their offensive tackles called on Day 1 for the third consecutive year with Greene, who holds down the left side for Georgia. The Browns might soon need to reshuffle their protection plan for Deshaun Watson with left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. entering the final year of his deal.
