The Toughest Players in the 2024 NFL Draft

The toughest players in the 2024 NFL Draft feature some exciting prospects.

Brooke’s Bullies has returned for another year, breaking down the toughest players in the 2024 NFL Draft.

A bully-type prospect can come in all shapes in sizes. The frame doesn’t matter nearly as much as the mentality, with a player consistently showing competitive toughness (mental and physical) on film.

The 2024 NFL Draft features some really fun players who play with their hair on fire, so let’s take a look at this year’s “Brooke’s Bullies” winners.

Malik Mustapha, S, Wake Forest

With the nickname “The Nigerian Missile,” it’s not a surprise that Malik Mustapha ends up on this year’s list.

Mustapha may be the most fearless player in this draft class. Coming in at 5’10” and 209 pounds, he’s much shorter than the average safety prospect. However, his aggressiveness and play strength immediately jump out on tape.

Along with the ability to trigger downhill, Mustapha also comes into tackles consistently with good technique and leg drive to bring ball carriers to the ground.

There may be some questions about his abilities in coverage, but Mustapha is the ultimate downhill safety in run support, and his competitive toughness earns him a spot on this year’s Bullies.

Christian Haynes, OL, Connecticut

There are several offensive linemen who deserve some recognition as Bullies, including Duke’s Graham Barton and Georgia’s Sedrick Van Pran-Granger. However, considering the team he played for, it’s impressive that Christian Haynes consistently played with intensity and urgency.

Haynes comes into contact with great hip explosion, punch, and pad level to drive defenders in the run game. He’s also a very effective player in space, allowing UConn to scheme him up as a puller last season.

Where Haynes particularly stands out is in short-yardage situations. His ability to get underneath a defender’s pads and drive them back will make him an effective mover of bodies in tush push situations.

The Huskies only went 3-9 last season, but that didn’t stop Haynes from dominating at the point of attack all year.

Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan

Bullies don’t always have to be the biggest players. Just ask Michigan fans who watched Mike Sainristil last season.

Coming in at just 5’9” and 182 pounds, Sainristil is the pound-for-pound toughest player in the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite being a smaller nickel/slot corner, Sainristil was absolutely fearless attacking downhill, even when playing in the box.

The measurables might scare some away some NFL scouts, but coaches everywhere are going to want Sainristil on their team. He has a relentless motor, and can be a legitimate force player by attacking receivers attempting to block him, blowing up quick game concepts for opposing offenses.

There are some limitations as a coverage corner, but fans are going to fall in love with Sainristil wherever he ends up getting drafted.

Audric Estime, RB, Notre Dame

The haters (looking at you, Rcon) want you to believe that Audric Estime tested too poorly to be a legitimate NFL running back. Turn on the tape, however, and you’ll see a one of the most intriguing playmakers in this draft class.

Estime has outrageous upper body strength to shed tacklers who come in with poor pad level. His contact balance and constant driving of his feet allow him to consistently pick up yards after contact.

According to Pro Football Focus, Estime averaged an absurd 4.27 yards after contact per rushing attempt. There are some concerns about his 40-yard dash time, but at 221 pounds, he is able to consistently deliver punishment to defenders.

Running backs are coached to be the hammer instead of the nail. Estime may as well be a jackhammer.

Byron Murphy II, DL, Texas

Brooke’s Bullies tends to skew towards under-the-radar prospects, but it’s hard to pass up on Byron Murphy out of Texas.

All of the attention on Murphy as a first-round pick goes to his explosiveness off of the snap and ability to win with both speed and strength. However, it’s his outstanding motor and relentlessness that earns him a spot on this year’s list.

Even when double teamed or thrown off balance, Murphy continues to play through the whistle. His motor and refusal to quit on plays leads to him cleaning up on multiple occasions.

Although he’s a tick undersized for an interior defensive lineman at 6’0” and 297 pounds, Murphy has so many tools combined with outstanding effort at just 21 years old. If that’s not a first-round talent, I don’t know what is.