Ranking top 10 players from loaded 2024 NFL Draft class: Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye at No. 1?

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Former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks knows the ins and outs of this league, providing keen insight in his notebook. Today’s installment spotlights 10 second-year players with exceedingly bright futures …

It is often said that NFL players make the biggest leap in between Years 1 and 2 — and we are definitely seeing a rise out of certain individuals from the loaded 2024 draft class.

As executives and scouts are currently re-evaluating players from last year’s draft to monitor their growth and development, I wanted to pop in some tape, take some notes and re-rank the top 10 guys from the 2024 prospect crop.

Here is my ranking, counting down from No. 10 to No. 1.

DRAFTED: Round 2, No. 45 overall

As one of the league’s best “see ball, get ball” defenders, Cooper fills the stat sheet as a dynamic linebacker with knack for creating splash plays (sacks, tackles for loss and turnovers) all over the field in Jeff Hafley’s scheme. On a defense loaded with blue-chippers, Cooper’s presence in the middle creates problems for opponents ill-equipped to deal with Green Bay’s cadre of playmakers on all three levels. A special athlete, Cooper does things that pop off the film each week. In this past Sunday’s win over the Cardinals, the ‘backer capably covered Pro Bowl TE Trey McBride up the seam and broke up a would-be touchdown.

DRAFTED: Round 1, No. 6 overall

Despite suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 4, Nabers has been as good as advertised as the Giants’ WR1. On the heels of a prolific rookie campaign (170 targets, 109 catches, 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns), Nabers provided a transcendent performance (nine catches for 167 yards and two scores) against the rival Cowboys back in Week 2 of this season. The 6-foot, 200-pounder plays the game with a dog mentality. He is a polished pass catcher with outstanding hand-eye coordination and advanced route-running technique. Although the injury will prevent Nabers from building chemistry with the Giants’ emerging offensive stars, QB Jaxson Dart and RB Cam Skattebo, the Big Apple is already buzzing about the trio’s potential in 2026.

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