The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine has finally arrived. With the Senior Bowl officially in our rearview mirror, the 2024 Combine represents the next major opportunity for prospects to improve their pre-draft stock ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. Every year, outstanding athletic testers elevate themselves a full round or two due to exiting Indianapolis as a point of conversation.
Some prospects require a bigger performance than others. Various players are entering the critical showcase with something to prove. Through analyzing individual situations, we've identified five hopefuls who must enjoy big-time showings at this week's NFL Combine.
TEZ WALKER, WR, NORTH CAROLINA
Tez Walker possesses an incredibly high ceiling. Walker is a vertical threat and big-play weapon on the outside. His official measurements at the Senior Bowl (6-foot-1, 197 pounds) proved he has the size and frame to be a starting boundary receiver at the next level.
However, some of Walker's raw traits were on display in Mobile, too. Focus drops and route-running issues overshadowed Walker's appearance at times. The NFL Combine offers Walker a much-needed do-over. Testing results are always key, but scouts will be paying attention to how Walker runs the gauntlet, too.
KALEN KING, CB, PENN STATE
Rewind to the summer and Penn State's Kalen King was being discussed as a first-round prospect, perhaps even the top-ranked cornerback in the class. King did not meet expectations, failing to replicate his standout 2022. King recorded two passes defensed compared to 21 the previous campaign.
King's struggles continued at the Senior Bowl. He was even hand-chosen by some receivers toward the conclusion of practice for one-on-one reps. King must remind evaluators of the potential he once carried at the NFL Combine.
BO NIX, QB, OREGON
With news that high-ranking quarterback prospects Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels won't be throwing at the NFL Combine, the door opens up for others to take center stage. Oregon's Bo Nix is one of those quarterbacks. Nix is still jockeying for position in a class that currently is perceived to contain at least five signal-callers ahead of him on most draft boards.
Nix didn't take full advantage of his opportunity at the Senior Bowl. Mobile is a difficult environment for signal-callers to first adjust to, and Nix never quite displayed the range of his capabilities. With increased interest now surrounding his throwing session, Nix could spin the narrative back in a positive direction.
BRENDEN RICE, WR, USC
Brenden Rice had a better-than-advertised Senior Bowl. Instincts and explosive play ability were routinely on display. Rice understands how to position his frame (verified 6-foot-2, 212 pounds) to shield defenders from incoming targets.
Long speed and lateral change of direction are often the questions that arise when analyzing Rice's tape. The Chandler, Arizona native enjoyed a quality performance in Mobile. If Rice runs an acceptable mid-4.5 40-yard dash, he'll have addressed the concerns that currently earmark his long-term outlook. Anything better will see Rice shoot even further up draft boards.
CARLTON JOHNSON, CB, FRESNO STATE
Carlton Johnson's invite to the 2024 NFL Combine didn't arrive overnight. The Moreno Valley, California native played college football in the JUCO ranks at Riverside City College, and then at Southern Utah before arriving at Fresno State. Johnson's journey has been a complicated one.
Johnson found his footing by recording a career-high four interceptions this season. Johnson ran the fastest high school 4x100 meter relay (40.29) among all NFL Combine invitees, per Tracking Football. Johnson also became one of five players to hit 22+ MPH at the Senior Bowl, timing as the second-fastest player since 2018, according to Jim Nagy and Zebra Technology. Johnson is a legit candidate to run the fastest 40 in Indianapolis. Low 4.3s is within the realm of possibility.
