DRAFT TRACKER 2024

Hicks' testing will be extremely important for his draft outlook, as teams will want to see how he can run and change direction. He's aggressive as a run-and-hit striker but doesn't get as many squared-up, run-through tackles as expected. He plays in the box as an add-on run defender, but he might be a better cover man. Hicks is a straight-line mover and will have his issues when asked to flow with big bending route breaks -- however, he plays with good instincts, has impressive ball skills and can line up over pass-catching tight ends. There are qualities to his game that could make him a feast-or-famine safety, but ultimately, he has the traits and upside to bet on in the middle rounds.

Sixth-year senior who plays like he loves football and never wants the game to end. Jackson is a productive, effort-based pass rusher who wins with motor and force but is missing much-needed moves and counters to beat NFL tackles with skill. He plays with good bend and powerful hips to drive his way through a blocker's edge against run or pass blocks. Jackson is salty at the point of attack and will shed or spin off blocks to find his way to the football. Despite some limitations, Jackson is constantly near the football, thanks to his strength, effort and toughness, and he could become a reliable pro as a 4-3 end or 3-4 rush linebacker.

A slender cornerback with plus athleticism and speed, Smith-Wade is a capable defender in zone or man coverages. He’s below the desired NFL mark on height and weight for an outside cornerback, which could hurt his draft slotting. Smith-Wade is a sticky man-cover corner when he gets into the receiver and he has closing burst that can make up for lost ground. He can be feast-or-famine in zone coverage, as he tends to look to jump short throws and loses his deep-cover responsibility. He could end up outplaying his draft slot due to his ball skills, competitiveness and athletic traits.

Offensive lineman who has the grit, play strength and know-how to play guard, but his size and length could prevent it. Kingston has been well-trained in pass protection, with a steady posture and quick hand strikes, but he could have issues when he’s on an island and forced to defend both gaps against an athletic rusher. He’s capable of making zone-scheme blocks and does an admirable job of sustaining run blocks for as long as possible. While he never played the position in a collegiate game, Kingston’s future in the NFL might rest on his ability to prove he can snap and move to center. 

Undersized slot target whose chances for success will rest squarely on where he goes to compete for a job. Victor drops too many throws, won’t win enough contested catches and benefitted from quick-game catches that helped pad his stats. However, he’s effective using foot quickness and route leverage to uncover on possession catches and is a pain for defenses to deal with once the ball is in his hands. There is talent to work with for teams looking to develop a possession slot receiver.

Stand-up rush linebacker prospect and team captain who comes from NFL bloodline. Stone ran decently and displayed good-lower body explosion at his pro day, but on tape, his movement can be too gradual and not sudden enough. He plays hard and gives good effort against much bigger blockers, but he is overwhelmed by size and brute force as a run defender. Stone lacks burst and bend to threaten at the top of the rush and doesn’t have enough go-to moves and counters to beat NFL tackles.