Mel Kiper Jr.: QB Michael Pratt Highlights 'Favorite Prospects' in 2024 NFL Draft

Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt might not hear his name called until Day 3 of the 2024 NFL draft, but he has a fan in Mel Kiper Jr.

The ESPN draft expert placed Pratt among his "favorites" in this year's class, a distinction he gives to players he ranks higher than the consensus among draft experts.

Mel Kiper's Favorite 2024 NFL Draft Prospects

QB: Michael Pratt, Tulane
RB: Jaylen Wright, Tennessee
WR: Bub Means, Pitt
TE: Cade Stover, Ohio State
OT: Roger Rosengarten, Washington
G: Troy Fautanu, Washington
C: Zach Frazier, West Virginia
DT: Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson
DE: Brennan Jackson,, Washington State
OLB: Jalyx Hunt, Houston Christian
LB: Bookie Watson, Mississippi State
CB: T.J. Tampa, Iowa State
S: Javon Bullard, Georgia

Kiper wrote Pratt has "flown under the radar" during the predraft process but projects him as a long-time backup. That could be a coup for a team drafting in Day 3, especially given the low cost of a Round 4 or 5 contract for a quarterback.

Pratt threw for 2,406 yards and 22 touchdowns against five interceptions while adding 286 yards and five scores on the ground last season. He was a four-year starter at Tulane and earned All-AAC honors in 2022 and 2023.

Tulane went 21-3 with Pratt under center the last two seasons.

Elsewhere, Kiper clearly has an affinity for skill-position players who wow with their athletic performance. He touted Tennessee's Jaylen Wright, who put together jaw-dropping numbers at the combine (4.38-second 40-yard dash, an 11-foot-2 broad jump and a 38-inch vertical leap), as his second-ranked running back in the 2024 class.

Pittsburgh wide receiver Bub Means, who posted a 4.43-second 40-yard dash and a 39.5-inch vertical leap at the combine, was also among Kiper's favorites.