Javon Solomon
DE, Troy · 2024 NFL Draft, Round 5, pick #168 (BUF)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: availability. Details below.
The 2024 class is only 2 seasons in, so this verdict can still change a lot.
- Availability
Played 31 of ~34 possible regular-season games from 2024 through 2025 (~91%). Plus 6 games so far in 2026.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #158 (#18 at his position), close to where he went (#168). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
23 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.4% of the time (2,127 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Troy: not a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (1,426 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.72 40-yard dash at 246 lbs: faster than 81% of DLs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.6% of the time (973 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
DE (DL group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 53% of the time (966 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 37 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 0 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 4 |
| 2026 in-season credit (est.) | 0.4 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 4.4 |
| Defense | 25 tackles, 3 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2026 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2024 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2024 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| Age 23 | 50.4% n=2,127 | |
| School Non-Power school (Group of 5 / FCS / smaller) | 50.5% n=1,426 | |
| Athletic testing Top 25% at his position | 51.6% n=973 | |
| Position DL | 53.0% n=966 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 1", 246 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.72 s |
| Bench press | 23 reps |
| Vertical | 37" |
| Broad jump | 119" |
| Age at draft | 23 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #158 overall (#18 DE) |
Picked around him 2024 redraft
| 165 | Rasheen Ali | redraft #172 |
| 166 | Tyrone Tracy Jr. | redraft #26 |
| 167 | Keilan Robinson | redraft #227 |
| 169 | Kitan Oladapo | redraft #153 |
| 170 | Bub Means | redraft #197 |
| 171 | Jordan Travis | redraft #243 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.