DRAFT TRACKER 2024

Penix will be a 24-year-old rookie with a history of season-ending injuries at Indiana and impressive production while at Washington. The Huskies’ offensive design helped declutter coverages for Penix, allowing him to throw a higher number of intermediate and deep passes. He plays with smart pocket mobility and a willingness to get rid of the football, which makes it difficult to sack him. His delivery is bundled and his release point is very low, but his monster game against Texas showed flashes of impeccable touch. Penix has plenty of arm but needs to work with more consistent timing between the numbers to eliminate unnecessary contested throws. He’s a pocket passer who was ineffective in 2023 when defenses were able to crank up the heat and make him move his feet. Playing in a shotgun-based spread attack might give him his best chance to succeed, but he needs to prove he can thrive outside of the Washington offense and stay free from injury.

In-line tight end who continues improving as a run blocker but is unlikely to offer much as a pass catcher. He was a captain at Indiana before transferring to Michigan, and scouts say he attacks practices and weight training with a single-minded obsession to get better and compete. He's technically sound in the early stages of the run block but needs to improve with his positioning to create better lanes for the runner. He can handle some pass protection but needs to keep improving. Barner's role might be a little limited as a blocking Y tight end with below-average pass-catching traits, but he should earn playing time in the future.

Casey looks like and hits like an NFL inside linebacker but doesn't always seem to see the game like one. The instincts and play recognition fall below par, but the production still stands out. His high number of solo tackles displays an ability to work through blocks and hammer ball-carriers or pass catchers. Casey will take shots downhill when he reads his keys but needs to balance that aggression with more patience to keep from running himself into traffic. He's not the best fit for pass coverage, but he's an instant "yes" for special teams. If he runs well enough, Casey could find a home as a backup inside linebacker and special teams ace.

Carter might have an untidy positional fit, as he projects somewhere between defensive end and defensive tackle. He gained 12 pounds between the Hula Bowl weigh-in and his pro day, which might signify an attempt to grow his way further inside. He has a powerful strike, with the ability to toss blockers off-balance when he’s flat-footed, but his stiff-legged posture might prevent him from finding enough anchor against downhill drive blockers. He won’t be a productive rusher, but he’s capable of putting pressure on blockers. Carter’s power might buy him time on a practice squad early on.