2024 NFL Draft: 4 most deserving prospects for the No. 1 pick
While the playoffs are around the corner, it’s never too early to look ahead to the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit on April 25-27.
Whichever team claims the No. 1 pick will have an assortment of tremendous players to select from. In the meantime, you can use this BetMGM Bonus Code for exciting opportunities the rest of the season.
The Carolina Panthers selected Alabama quarterback Bryce Young with the first pick in last year’s draft. Defensive ends Jadeveon Clowney (2014) Myles Garrett (2017) and Travon Walker (2022) are the only non-quarterbacks to go No. 1 in the last 10 drafts.
Here’s the 4 most deserving prospects for the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

USC QB Caleb Williams
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Williams had a terrific two seasons at USC after transferring from Oklahoma.
Last season, Williams passed for 4,537 yards and a school record 52 total touchdowns en route to capturing the Heisman Trophy. Williams followed up with 3,333 passing yards and 41 total touchdowns this season.
Williams finished his college career with 10,082 passing yards and 120 total touchdowns.
Williams is blessed with tremendous arm strength and accuracy in each area of the field. There’s no dropoff in Williams’ accuracy, even when he doesn’t have time to square up.
Williams is nimble in the pocket and adept at rapidly locating open targets. Williams also does a stellar job of protecting the ball, reacting to defensive audibles and improvising on the fly.
Williams definitely has the dynamic tools to become a franchise quarterback.

North Carolina QB Drake Maye
The 6-foot-4, 230-pound Maye has a legitimate shot to become UNC’s first No. 1 pick. Four Tar Heels have been selected second overall, most recently quarterback Mitchell Trubisky in 2017.
In 2022, Maye was named ACC Offensive Player of the Yearafter throwing for 4,321 yards and 38 touchdowns along with 698 yards and seven scores on the ground. This season, Maye racked up 3,608 passing yards and 24 touchdowns along with nine rushing scores.
Maye’s prototypical build will serve him well as he adjusts to the increased athleticism of NFL defenses. Maye is extremely mobile for his size and accurately riffles passes to his targets into tight windows.
Maye is masterful at manipulating defenses with his eyes as he goes through his progressions. Maye is a gutsy and willing runner when opportunities present themselves.
Maye certainly has the potential to be one of the best Tar Heel quarterbacks to play in the NFL.

Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
Like father, like son would take on a special meaning for Marvin Harrison Jr.
His dad Marvin Harrison was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016 as one of the greatest wide receivers ever.
As of Dec. 21, Harrison Jr. hasn’t declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, but the wide receiver is forecasted as a dark horse for the No. 1 pick
The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Harrison Jr. had a sensational sophomore season in which he earned the Biletnikoff Award with 77 receptions for 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Prior to Ohio State’s matchup vs. Missouri in the Cotton Bowl, Harrison Jr. caught 67 passes for 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns this season.
Harrison Jr. has outstanding athleticism and explosion in the open field. Harrison Jr. has top-notch body control and can contort to make difficult catches. Harrison Jr. is elite at creating separation at the line of scrimmage through his footwork and physicality.
A wide receiver hasn’t been picked No. 1 since Keyshawn Johnson in 1996. Yet, Harrison Jr. is absolutely worthy of the distinction.

Penn State T Olu Fashanu
Penn State finished the regular season as the highest scoring team in the Big Ten. A major reason for that accomplishment is the tenaciousness of Fashanu.
As of Dec. 21, Fashanu has yet to declare for the draft but he’s forecasted as a high first round selection by various experts, making him a wild card for the No. 1 pick.
With the massive 6-foot-6, 319-pound Fashanu at tackle, Penn State led the Big Ten in rushing yards during the regular season. The team captain also allowed no sacks and only 11 pressures in his 382 pass blocking snaps for the 2023 regular season.
This season, Fashanu was selected as an All-American and Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year. Fashanu is just the second Penn State player to earn the award, along with A.Q Shipley in 2008.
Fashanu employs his strong and lengthy frame with phenomenal technique. Fashanu has the flexibility and leverage to dispatch defenders. Fashanu also has superb footwork and a stable center of gravity.
Overall, Fashanu projects as a sturdy anchor at the NFL level because of his tools and dimensions.

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