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Giants Now: Next Gen Stats' NFL Draft sleepers

Apr 25, 2024 at 06:00 AM

Giants.com

Next Gen Stats' NFL Draft sleepers

Well folks, the wait is over - the 2024 NFL Draft is finally here.

The festivities kick off tonight in Detroit with the first round of this year's draft.

32 players will be selected tonight, while 225 more will hear their names called on Friday and Saturday.

Next Gen Stats recently took a look at some of the players projected to go in Rounds 2-7 and listed the analytics site's Day 2 standout and Day 3 sleeper picks.

Let's start with the Day 2 standouts.

Jackson Powers-Johnson, IOL, Oregon

"At just 21 years old, Powers-Johnson stands out as one of the youngest offensive linemen in this year's draft class. Despite starting just 17 career games over three seasons at Oregon, Powers-Johnson has demonstrated enough skill and consistency on tape to merit early-round consideration."

Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon

"In a deep wide receiver class, Franklin emerges as a Day 2 prospect to keep an eye on thanks to a strong analytics profile. As a two-year starter in Oregon's prolific offense, Franklin has developed the athletic prowess and dynamic playmaking ability NFL teams highly value."

Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State

"No player may have capitalized on the offseason process more effectively than Fiske. Originally a standout at Western Michigan, the defensive tackle was highly sought after in the transfer portal just over a year ago. In his sole season at Florida State as a sixth-year senior, he earned second-team All-ACC honors, amassing 43 tackles, nine tackles for loss and six sacks as a 3-technique along FSU's four-man front. The 24-year-old prospect wrapped his college career with an impressive 43 starts in 58 games."

Payton Wilson, LB, N.C. State

"Wilson's draft profile is undeniably compelling, highlighted by an exceptional combination of physical traits, on-field accolades and noteworthy leadership qualities. As the recipient of the 2023 Bednarik and Butkus Awards -- honors bestowed upon the nation's top defensive player and linebacker, respectively -- Wilson demonstrated at the combine why he is more than just a decorated collegiate athlete. At just under 6-4 and 233 pounds, Wilson ran an impressive 4.43-second 40 time, the fastest among the 2024 linebacker class."

More names to know in the Day 2 range: Ja'Lynn Polk, WR, Washington; Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas; Ben Sinnott, TE, Kansas State; Cooper Beebe, IOL, Kansas State; Trey Benson, RB, Florida State; Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina

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146. Gabriel Murphy, Edge, UCLA

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144. M.J. Devonshire, CB, Pittsburgh

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142. Blake Watson, RB, Memphis

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140. Trey Taylor, S, Air Force

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135. Gabe Hall, DT, Baylor

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134. Khristian Boyd, DT, Northern Iowa

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126. Brenden Rice, WR, USC

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118. Drake Nugent, IOL, Michigan

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116. Mekhi Wingo, DT, LSU

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113. Cedric Johnson, Edge, Mississippi

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110. DJ James, CB, Auburn

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109. Hunter Nourzad, IOL, Penn State

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94. Malik Washington, WR, Virginia

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68. Tanner McLachlan, TE, Arizona

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Now let's dive into Next Gen Stats' Day 3 sleepers.

Brandon Coleman, IOL, TCU

"Coleman has a reasonable chance to hear his name called toward the end of Day 2, as the No. 99-ranked prospect on Jeremiah's list. Nevertheless, in this exercise, Coleman is our top Day 3 sleeper after posting the highest NGS athleticism score (97) among offensive guards at the combine."

Tanor Bortolini, IOL, Wisconsin

"When it comes to athletic testing, Bortolini proved he is an outlier relative to his peers. According to player tracking data collected at the combine, Bortolini recorded the fastest speeds among interior offensive linemen in several crucial drills. He reached a top speed of 20.45 mph in the 40 (including 13.74 mph within the first 5 yards), 12.38 mph in the short shuttle, 15.12 mph in the three-cone drill and an outstanding 15.85 mph in the pass-protection mirror drill. Bortolini ranked among the leaders in pull and fold blocking drills, while also breaking Jason Kelce's IOL-record three-cone official time with a run of 7.16 seconds."

Jordan Magee, LB, Temple

"The No. 1 athlete in the 2024 linebacker class according to the NGS athleticism score, Magee posted elite numbers across the board in every workout he participated in. At 6-1 3/8, 228 pounds, Magee ran a 4.55-second 40, while also posting a 35 1/2-inch vertical leap and 10-foot-4 broad jump on his way to a stellar combine performance. Magee added a blazing 4.16-second short shuttle and 6.9-second three-cone drill at his pro day, cementing his status as a blue-chip athlete."

Isaac Guerendo, RB, Louisville

"Day 3 of the NFL draft is often where strategic gambles on high-potential athletes can result in significant payoffs. Guerendo is a prime example of such an opportunity. Despite a modest college production score of 64 across 41 career games (one start) at Wisconsin and Louisville, Guerendo's exceptional physical traits position him as one of the most intriguing later-round prospects in this year's draft class."

More names to know in the Day 3 range: Mason McCormick, IOL, South Dakota State; Tip Reiman, TE, Illinois, Luke McCaffrey, WR, Rice; Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama; Christian Mahogany, IOL, Boston College; Jacob Cowing, WR, Arizona

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OT Paris Johnson - Arizona Cardinals (2023)

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OT Ikem Ekwonu - Carolina Panthers (2022)

4 / 89

WR Jaylen Waddle - Miami Dolphins (2021)

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QB Justin Herbert - Los Angeles Chargers (2020)

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QB Daniel Jones - New York Giants (2019)

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G Quenton Nelson - Indianapolis Colts (2018)

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S Jamal Adams - New York Jets (2017)

9 / 89

OT Ronnie Stanley - Baltimore Ravens (2016)

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DE Leonard Williams - New York Jets (2015)

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OT Jake Matthews - Atlanta Falcons (2014)

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DE Barkevious Mingo - Cleveland Browns (2013)

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CB Morris Claiborne - Dallas Cowboys (2012)

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WR Julio Jones - Atlanta Falcons (2011)

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OT Russell Okung - Seattle Seahawks (2010)

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OT Andre Smith - Cincinnati Bengals (2009)

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LB Vernon Gholston - New York Jets (2008)

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S LaRon Landry - Washington Redskins (2007)

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TE Vernon Davis - San Francisco 49ers (2006)

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CB Adam "Pacman" Jones - Tennessee Titans (2005)

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TE Kellen Winslow - Cleveland Browns (2004)

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DT Johnathan Sullivan - New Orleans Saints (2003)

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DT Ryan Sims - Kansas City Chiefs (2002)

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DE Richard Seymour - New England Patriots (2001)

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DT Corey Simon - Philadelphia Eagles (2000)

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WR Torry Holt - St. Louis Rams (1999)

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DE Grant Wistrom – St. Louis Rams (1998)

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OT Walter Jones – Seattle Seahawks (1997)

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RB Lawrence Phillips – St. Louis Rams (1996)

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DE Kevin Carter – St. Louis Rams (1995)

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QB Trent Dilfer – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1994)

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DE Eric Curry – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1993)

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QB David Klingler – Cincinnati Bengals (1992)

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DT Eric Swann – Phoenix Cardinals (1991)

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S Mark Carrier – Chicago Bears (1990)

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LB Broderick Thomas – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1989)

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WR Tim Brown – Los Angeles Raiders (1988)

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QB Kelly Stouffer – St. Louis Cardinals (1987)

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G Jim Dombrowski – New Orleans Saints (1986)

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OT Lomas Brown – Detroit Lions (1985)

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DB Mossy Cade – San Diego Chargers (1984)

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OT Jim Covert – Chicago Bears (1983)

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DE Jeff Bryant – Seattle Seahawks (1982)

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QB Rich Campbell – Green Bay Packers (1981)

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DE Curtis Greer – St. Louis Cardinals (1980)

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LB Barry Krauss – Baltimore Colts (1979)

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WR James Lofton – Green Bay Packers (1978)

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OT Warren Bryant – Atlanta Falcons (1977)

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QB Richard Todd – New York Jets (1976)

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LB Robert Brazile – Houston Oilers (1975)

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DT Carl Barzilauskas – New York Jets (1974)

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TE Charle Young – Philadelphia Eagles (1973)

53 / 89

OT Greg Sampson – Houston Oilers (1972)

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RB John Riggins – New York Jets (1971)

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LB Steve Zabel – Philadelphia Eagles (1970)

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WR Ron Sellers – Boston Patriots (1969)

57 / 89

DE Dennis Byrd – Boston Patriots (1968)

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RB Floyd Little – Denver Broncos (1967)

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K Charlie Gogolak – Washington Redskins (1966)

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DT Steve DeLong – Chicago Bears/San Diego Chargers (1965)

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DE Carl Eller – Minnesota Vikings (1964)

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LB Lee Roy Jordan – Dallas Cowboys (1963)

63 / 89

T Fate Echols – St. Louis Cardinals (1962)

64 / 89

DB Jimmy Johnson – San Francisco 49ers (1961)

65 / 89

RB Jack Spikes – Pittsburgh Steelers (1960)

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RB Nick Pietrosante – Detroit Lions (1959)

67 / 89

RB Walt Kowalczyk – Philadelphia Eagles (1958)

68 / 89

RB Jim Brown – Cleveland Browns (1957)

69 / 89

RB Joe Marconi – Los Angeles Rams (1956)

70 / 89

T Frank Varrichione – Pittsburgh Steelers (1955)

71 / 89

DB Stan Wallace – Chicago Bears (1954)

Harry Harris

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RB Billy Anderson – Chicago Bears (1953)

73 / 89

FB Ed Modzelewski – Pittsburgh Steelers (1952)

74 / 89

C Jerry Groom – Chicago Cardinals (1951)

75 / 89

HB/DB George Thomas – Washington Redskins (1950)

76 / 89

RB Bob Gage – Pittsburgh Steelers (1949)

77 / 89

QB Y.A. Tittle – Detroit Lions (1948)

78 / 89

QB Ernie Case – Green Bay Packers (1947)

79 / 89

RB Johnny Strzykalski – Green Bay Packers (1946)

80 / 89

C Frank Szymanski – Detroit Lions (1945)

81 / 89

HB Billy Hillenbrand – New York Giants (1944)

82 / 89

B Steve Filipowicz – New York Giants (1943)

83 / 89

B Spec Sanders – Washington Redskins (1942)

84 / 89

B George Franck – New York Giants (1941)

85 / 89

QB Doyle Nave – Detroit Lions (1940)

86 / 89

B Bill Osmanski – Chicago Bears (1939)

87 / 89

C Alex Wojciechowicz – Detroit Lions (1938)

88 / 89

QB Sammy Baugh – Washington Redskins (1937)

89 / 89

T Joe Stydahar – Chicago Bears (1936)

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A general view of the NFL Draft stage on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

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(AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

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The Q Line makes it way throughout the city on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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The Q Line makes it way throughout the city on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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A general view of the NFL Draft stage on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

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Decor around the Campus Martius area promoting the NFL Draft on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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A general view of the NFL Draft stage on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

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The people mover makes it way throughout the city on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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Decor around the Campus Martius area promoting the NFL Draft on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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Decor around the Campus Martius area promoting the NFL Draft on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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The Q Line makes it way throughout the city on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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A billboard promoting the NFL Draft is seen in Campus Martius Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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A billboard promoting the NFL Draft is seen in Campus Martius Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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The people mover makes it way throughout the city on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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Preparations ahead of the NFL Draft on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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The people mover makes it way throughout the city on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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The people mover makes it way throughout the city on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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A general view of the NFL Draft stage on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

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The people mover makes it way throughout the city on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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The people mover makes it way throughout the city on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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The people mover makes it way throughout the city on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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Decor around the Campus Martius area promoting the NFL Draft on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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The people mover makes it way throughout the city on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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The people mover makes it way throughout the city on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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Decor and signage around the Campus Martius area in preparation for the NFL Draft on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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Preparations ahead of the NFL Draft near Campus Martius Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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A billboard promoting the NFL Draft is seen in Campus Martius Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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The Q Line makes it way throughout the city on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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A general view of the NFL Draft stage on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

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A billboard promoting the NFL Draft is seen in Campus Martius Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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The Q Line makes it way throughout the city on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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A billboard promoting the NFL Draft is seen in Campus Martius Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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Decor around the Campus Martius area promoting the NFL Draft on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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The Q Line makes it way throughout the city on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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A billboard promoting the NFL Draft is seen in Campus Martius Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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The Q Line makes it way throughout the city on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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A billboard promoting the NFL Draft is seen in Campus Martius Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)

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A billboard promoting the NFL Draft is seen in Campus Martius Tuesday, April 23, 2024 in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Emily Elconin/AP Images for the NFL)