PFF's Mock Draft Simulator: NFL draft risers and fallers

• J.J. McCarthy on the rise: McCarthy is not a finished product, but he is a growing quarterback with experience in a pro-style offense and good tools (physical and mental) to be a starting QB in the NFL.

• Brenden Rice could be a value pick: Rice's name will come with high expectations, but in terms of how he plays the position, his ability to win as a route runner is better than most of the receivers in this class. His high football intelligence should enable him to be a high-floor player in the NFL.

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NOTABLE RISERS

TE Erick All, Iowa

Big board analysis: All could use a bit more nastiness in his game as a receiver and blocker, but this is a player with a versatile, contributing skill set who projects as a TE2 at the next level as long as he can stay healthy.

DI Braden Fiske, Florida State

Big board analysis: Fiske's measurements are not ideal, but he has an NFL-level football IQ and pass-rush quickness to be a potential impact player as a 4-3 defensive tackle, even with some run-defense deficiencies.

Edge Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan

Big board analysis: His competition wasn't the best, but he absolutely dominated it, especially in 2023. NFL teams will love his passion for physicality. Kneeland has the body, explosiveness and mentality of an NFL contributor.

QB J.J. McCarthy, Michigan

Big board analysis: McCarthy is not a finished product, but he is a growing quarterback with experience in a pro-style offense and good tools (physical and mental) to be a starting QB in the NFL.

iOL Cooper Beebe, Kansas State

Big board analysis: Beebe's high football IQ should lead to a long NFL career. Unfortunately, his athletic limitations will likely limit that career to that of a backup swing lineman.

WR Xavier Worthy, Texas

Big board analysis: Worthy must be identified pre-snap in all situations due to how easily he can take a pass to the house if not accounted for. If he can get stronger and learn to be a better hand fighter with defenders, he can be an impact pass-catcher as a WR2/3.

DI T'Vondre Sweat, Texas

Big board analysis: Sweat has the size you can't teach. At his best, he's an impact, versatile interior defensive player, but weight and conditioning will determine how often that can be in the NFL.

Edge Chop Robinson, Penn State

Big board analysis: Regardless of his lack of polish, Robinson is a gifted player athletically — likely on a level that is top of the class. A lot of what leaves you wanting more from Robinson is coachable. Unlocking that is the key for him to go from a boom-or-bust athlete to a dominant edge defender.

**Click here** to see Chop Robinson's 2024 NFL Draft profile!

WR Ricky Pearsall, Florida

Big board analysis: Ultimately, Pearsall won't intimidate defenders on the line of scrimmage, but he will once the ball is snapped. He is a ready-made slot receiver who can contribute early in his NFL career.

QB Spencer Rattler, South Carolina

Big board analysis: Rattler has a mature game with fundamentals and pocket presence in addition to good accuracy in and out of structure. His arm is adequate, but he needs to continue to improve at seeing additional coverage defenders post-snap. He projects as a Day 2 QB with starting potential.

NOTABLE FALLERS

WR Brenden Rice, USC

Big board analysis: Rice's name will come with high expectations, but in terms of how he plays the position, his ability to win as a route runner is better than most of the receivers in this class. His high football intelligence should enable him to be a high-floor player in the NFL.

CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Missouri

Big board analysis: Rakestraw possesses a high football IQ and does great work in off-coverage when he can anticipate with space. He is a quick and controlled cornerback who will provide plus reliability as a run defender. His traits are worthy of a top-50 draft pick, but his lack of ball production might have him drafted just outside that range.

WR Keon Coleman, Florida State

Big board analysis: Coleman is a top-tier athlete for the position from an explosiveness standpoint. His burst, top speed, and leaping ability are All-Pro caliber. However, his lack of agility limits his route tree and ability to separate from defensive backs. Those who love above-the-rim, alpha-type receivers will be big fans, but his inability to consistently separate means he won't be for everyone.

DI Leonard Taylor III, Miami FL

Big board analysis: When Taylor is on, he possesses the power and explosive athletic ability to be an impact player. We don't see that enough, though. He is a young, hot-and-cold interior defensive lineman — and a talent worth drafting in the top 100 to develop.

WR Troy Franklin, Oregon

Big board analysis: Franklin might get lost in the shuffle of a loaded wide receiver class, but he shouldn't. His smoothness comes from his athletic profile and his confidence in knowing how to win at the position. He needs to continue to get stronger but, overall, is a competitive player who can be a good WR2 for a vertical NFL offense.

**Click here** to see Troy Franklin's 2024 NFL Draft profile!

S Kamren Kinchens, Miami FL

Big board analysis: Kinchens is a solid all-around athlete with a good eye for where quarterbacks are going with the ball. He possesses great ball skills to come down with interceptions when he anticipates throws. A little lighter in size, he is projected as a potential starter at free safety.

CB Kalen King, Penn State

Big board analysis: Although King has a lot of athletic potential at outside cornerback, his anticipation, instincts and technique are too inconsistent. He projects as a mid-round prospect who needs time to develop, but he offers a starting-caliber payoff if he improves.

TE Ja'Tavion Sanders, Texas

Big board analysis: Sanders is a Tier 1 athlete for the tight end position. He is still mastering the nuances of tight end play, and he needs more of a mean streak consistently as a blocker. However, even with those concerns, what he brings to the table as a vertical threat is worth a top-50 pick.

**Click here** to see Ja'Tavion Sanders' 2024 NFL Draft profile!

QB Jordan Travis, Florida State

Big board analysis: Travis is a good athlete, a tough competitor, and a QB who has great intangibles for out-of-structure plays. His follow-through fundamentals are a mess, likely due to him needing more power on most throws, which leads to inconsistencies. He is a developmental quarterback who will be a fan favorite no matter where he goes (likely on Day 3).

RB SIONE VAKI, Utah

Big board analysis: If he fully committed to playing running back in the NFL, Vaki has the physical gifts, athletic ability and playmaker's vision to be a contributing player out of the backfield.