Two Texas A&M Aggies Projected to Go in Top-64 Picks of Latest NFL Mock Draft
Two Texas A&M Aggies Projected to Go in Top-64 Picks of Latest NFL Mock Draft
The road from college football to the NFL is one of the most scrutinized and talked-about journeys in all of sports. Every year, top players from around the country enter the NFL Draft hoping to realize their dreams of playing at the highest level. For players at Texas A&M, a program known for producing elite talent, the journey is no different. As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, two Texas A&M Aggies have firmly placed themselves in the conversation for being among the top prospects in the class, projected to go in the top-64 picks according to the latest NFL mock drafts.
With the Aggies’ football program continually producing pro-caliber players, it comes as no surprise that their pipeline of talent is being closely monitored by NFL scouts. As the latest NFL mock draft projects roll in, two Aggies in particular are catching the eye of analysts and scouts: Devon Achane, the explosive running back, and Jahmyr Johnson, a versatile defensive back. These two Aggies have turned heads with their performances at Texas A&M and are now considered among the top draft prospects for 2024.
In this article, we will break down the careers of Devon Achane and Jahmyr Johnson, explore why they are expected to go in the top-64 picks of the NFL Draft, and analyze their respective paths to professional football. Additionally, we will discuss what makes them unique as prospects and why NFL teams are so interested in adding them to their rosters.
Devon Achane: The Explosive Running Back
Devon Achane is one of the most electrifying players in college football. A standout running back for the Texas A&M Aggies, Achane has demonstrated a rare blend of speed, agility, and vision that has made him one of the top offensive threats in the country. With his impressive performances throughout his college career, Achane has made a name for himself as one of the most dynamic running backs eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Achane’s speed and elusiveness are his biggest assets. He has been clocked at a blazing 4.3-second 40-yard dash, which has helped him blow past defenders with ease. Throughout his time at Texas A&M, he became known for his ability to take any play the distance. Whether he was bursting through the line of scrimmage or outrunning defenders in open space, Achane had the kind of explosiveness that made him a game-changer. His vision and patience behind the line of scrimmage, combined with his incredible burst, allowed him to excel in both inside and outside running schemes.
Throughout his college career, Achane posted impressive statistics, amassing over 1,000 yards in each of his last two seasons. In addition to his rushing ability, he also proved to be a reliable receiving threat out of the backfield, which made him a dual-threat weapon. He finished his career at Texas A&M with multiple receiving touchdowns and showed a natural ability to contribute in the passing game—something that will undoubtedly help him at the next level in a league where pass-catching running backs are becoming more valuable.
Achane’s projection as a top-64 pick in the NFL Draft speaks volumes about his talents. Analysts project him as a potential early second-round pick, with some mock drafts having him sneak into the late first round. His speed, explosiveness, and versatility make him a great fit for modern NFL offenses, where running backs are often expected to catch passes out of the backfield and contribute in a variety of ways. Additionally, his work ethic and leadership on and off the field have further cemented his standing as a highly valued prospect.
Teams in need of a dynamic running back who can contribute immediately in both the running and passing game will be keeping a close eye on Achane as the draft approaches. His abilities fit perfectly with offenses that rely on speed and space, and he could be a perfect fit for teams that run outside zone schemes or those looking for a complement to their power back.
Jahmyr Johnson: The Versatile Defensive Back
While Devon Achane has made waves on the offensive side of the ball, Jahmyr Johnson has been equally impressive as a defensive player for the Texas A&M Aggies. Johnson, a versatile defensive back, has proven to be a standout at multiple positions in the secondary, showcasing his ability to excel as both a cornerback and a safety. With his elite athleticism, playmaking ability, and football IQ, Johnson has positioned himself as one of the top defensive prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft.
One of Johnson’s key strengths is his ability to excel in coverage. Whether he’s matched up against top wide receivers or making plays on the ball, Johnson has the instincts and the physicality to be a top-tier defender. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 200 pounds, Johnson has the ideal size for both cornerback and safety positions. He’s also fast and agile, with the ability to change directions quickly, which makes him a tough cover for opposing receivers. His length allows him to contest passes at the catch point, and his physicality makes him an asset in run support as well.
During his time at Texas A&M, Johnson was often tasked with covering some of the most talented wide receivers in the nation, and he showed the ability to lock down his assignments. Whether playing man-to-man or in zone coverage, Johnson was consistently in the right position to make plays on the ball. His ball skills—highlighted by several key interceptions throughout his career—make him a threat in the passing game. Johnson’s versatility also stands out, as he’s shown the ability to play both deep safety and as a closer, in-the-box safety when needed.
As with Achane, Johnson’s ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game is a major asset for NFL teams looking for defensive players who can contribute immediately. His speed and coverage skills give him the ability to match up against a variety of offensive players, while his physicality and ability to play multiple positions make him an intriguing option for teams looking for a versatile defender in the secondary.
Johnson has made his presence felt in multiple big games for the Aggies, and his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine and his pro day will likely solidify his status as a top-64 pick. NFL teams are always on the lookout for defensive backs who can contribute in multiple areas and match up with a variety of offensive schemes, and Johnson fits that mold perfectly. His ability to cover deep routes, make plays in the run game, and contribute as a potential nickel or safety makes him an ideal pick for teams looking to bolster their secondary.
The 2024 NFL Draft: What It Means for Texas A&M
The projections for Devon Achane and Jahmyr Johnson to go in the top-64 picks of the 2024 NFL Draft represent a major accomplishment for Texas A&M as a program. Historically, Texas A&M has been a breeding ground for NFL talent, and the fact that these two players are expected to be selected early in the draft highlights the continued success of the program in developing professional-caliber players.
For head coach Jimbo Fisher, the projected high draft picks represent the culmination of years of work recruiting and developing talent. Fisher has worked tirelessly to ensure that Texas A&M remains competitive on the national stage, and the presence of players like Achane and Johnson further solidifies the Aggies as a program that produces top-tier talent year after year.
Both Achane and Johnson have shown tremendous growth during their time at Texas A&M, and their success in the NFL Draft will only help raise the profile of the program and increase the Aggies’ ability to attract future recruits. Having two players projected to be taken in the top-64 picks sends a strong message to other top recruits that Texas A&M is a program where they can develop into NFL-caliber players.
What’s Next for Achane and Johnson
As the NFL Draft nears, Devon Achane and Jahmyr Johnson will continue to go through the evaluation process, attending pro days, meeting with team officials, and undergoing physical assessments that will shape their draft stocks. The next few months will be critical as both players showcase their talents in front of NFL teams and coaches, hoping to secure a spot in the first two rounds of the draft.
For Achane, his ability to run and catch the ball will be key factors in his evaluation, while for Johnson, his ability to cover multiple positions and make plays in all areas of the defense will be the focal points. Both players are expected to shine during the pre-draft workouts, and they will undoubtedly be major storylines leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft.
