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2024 NFL draft: Mel Kiper's favorite prospects at every position

Former Clemson defensive tackle Ruke Orhorhoro had 20.5 tackles for loss over the past three seasons. Photo by Ken Ruinard/USA TODAY Sports

Every April, as the NFL draft gets closer and I lock in my final Big Board rankings, I like to pick my favorite prospects at every position for the class. It has become a tradition, highlighting players I like more than the consensus, regardless of where they get drafted and where I have them ranked at their position.

What follows below is not a list of the best overall prospects in the 2024 class nor is it a list of the guys I consider the best at each position. I try not to take the obvious prospects; only one player is in my top 25 rankings. These are the prospects I've:

  • Often rated higher than other evaluators within the draft media or higher than team evaluators with whom I discuss prospects or ...

  • Ranked higher in close debates within position groups or ...

  • Watched and rewatched on tape, just because I like the way they play.

Let's start with my favorite passer in this class -- a likely Day 3 pick -- and I'll include projections for the round in which each prospect is likely to be drafted. I'll also give a few notes and stats for each of the 13 prospects.

Round 1 will begin Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, ABC, ESPN+ and the ESPN App.

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