2024 NFL draft: Louis Riddick's favorite prospects, sleepers - ESPN

I've been watching a ton of tape on the 2024 NFL draft's top prospects to prepare for the three days of action, which begins just over one week from now. A few players really jumped out in film study, so I wanted to break down five potential first-rounders and five sleepers I really like this year. These are guys I'd be targeting if I were running an NFL team and players I think have a really good chance to be stars in the pros.

So here are my Day 1 favorites and some players to watch on Days 2-3. My 2023 list had C.J. Stroud on it, and I have another quarterback leading the way in 2024.

Jump to:
Players I love | Sleepers to watch

Daniels is the best quarterback in the draft — and that list includes USC's Caleb Williams. Don't believe me? Let's start with the numbers. Last season, Daniels was first in the nation in Total QBR (95.6), first in QBR outside the pocket (98.8), first in QBR against zone coverage (98.3), first in QBR on play-action (93.8), first in QBR on deep balls (99.7) and second in QBR while under pressure (78.6). He threw 40 touchdown passes, ran for 10 more scores and had only four interceptions. And that's just for starters.

At 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, he has just begun to grow into his frame. I see great decision-making, arm strength, touch and accuracy as a passer that will translate to the NFL. And on top of all that, Daniels is the kind of dual-threat runner who can change a game with his top-end speed and elusiveness once he breaks contain and gets into the open field. He is a student of the game, and I expect him to become a dynamic player in today's NFL.

Before the 2023 season began, the draft class's receiver rankings were essentially Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. and then everyone else. Now?