DRAFT TRACKER 2024

Four-year starter and team captain who is sturdy at the point of attack. Haynes plays with football intelligence and sees every snap as a mandate to move opponents and finish blocks. His draft slotting could be affected by a lack of length and being limited to one position, but his determined playing style counters those factors. He’s not overly rangy but wipes out targets on pulling blocks and is capable in space, and in pass protection. The hand usage can get sloppy, allowing opponents to slip away from him, and he has a tendency to do too much grabbing. All things considered, he might outplay his draft slotting and become a solid NFL starter.

Watts is loaded with measurables that teams search for but still light on consistency and skill level as a three-down option. He will flash some edge when popping and pulling blocks or mixing it up with opponents, but he needs to become more proficient at beating blocks in front of him whether as a rusher or run defender. He’s high cut and plays a little too tall, which hurts his ability to impose his size and length with much-needed leverage. There might be upside to develop as a pass rusher, but it could come with even more weight on his frame and from an inside alignment. Watts’ traits will likely get him drafted but he might need a practice-squad year off the bat.

Linebacker with the sense of urgency and nose for the football that helped him stack big production totals. Mitchell is patient and efficient in play diagnosis, but he needs to improve his hands and take-on strength to make up for his lack of short-area athleticism. He ran poorly at his pro day and that shows up on tape with his inability to maintain leverage when pursuing runners wide. Mitchell’s tackle numbers look great, but the missed tackles are an issue, as are his athletic deficiencies in coverage. Mitchell is unlikely to be drafted but should find his way into a camp.