Scouting the Nation 2024 NFL Draft: Top Prospects From Top Programs

Who are this week's players that have the spotlight shined on them for the NFL Draft?

In this edition of Scouting the Nation, we take a look at two of the top prospects in the Big Ten and the best right tackle returning to college football next season.

QB JJ McCarthy, Michigan

In his first season as a starter for the Wolverines, McCarthy was fantastic. He helped Michigan get back to the College Football Playoff and outplayed CJ Stroud on the road at Ohio State. McCarthy throws with excellent anticipation and accuracy to all three levels of the field. He has a natural feel for pressure and he avoids it, using his speed and athleticism. McCarthy can create outside of structure and is really accurate on the move. There were several wow plays on McCarthy’s film where he showed off one of the best arms in the nation. McCarthy has all the tools to be a high-end starting quarterback at the next level, which is why he garners a pre-season first-round grade. Expect McCarthy to be in the running for the Heisman and lead Michigan on another postseason run.

OG Donovan Jackson, Ohio State

A former five star recruit, Jackson was arguably the best offensive lineman on an Ohio State team that could have two first rounders (Paris Johnson Jr., Dawand Jones) in the 2023 draft. Jackson has an elite combination of athleticism and play strength. On every rep, Jackson was in control, as he was almost never off balance or lunging at defenders. In the run game, Jackson plays with his hands in tight and uses his grip strength to sustain blocks. He is able to work to the 2nd level and is an impact blocker in space. Jackson has a level of explosiveness off the snap that is rare for a guard. When Jackson went up against better defensive tackles, his tape was excellent, showing that he plays up to his competition. Jackson is a scheme versatile guard who will be a plug-and-play starter at the next level. He will be competing to not only be the first guard off the board but the first offensive lineman drafted if he declares for the 2024 draft.

OT Roger Rosengarten, Washington

An under the radar prospect, Rosengarten was incredibly consistent for the Huskies last season. Rosengarten is a stand out run blocker, as he does a great job of sealing off defenders. A lot of Washington’s explosive runs happened because Rosengarten was creating holes for ball carriers. He is a loose athlete who can redirect his body with ease. Rosengarten takes proper angles in both the run and pass games as well. In pass protection, Rosengarten displayed impressive foot quickness and low pad level to stay in front of speed rushers. He didn’t give up a sack last season and the tape backed that up in 2022. He is a much better prospect than former Huskies right tackle Kaleb McGary, who went in the first round in 2019.

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