I did this same concept last year for the 2023 NFL Draft and highlighted 23 prospects. For whatever reason it feels like 24 prospects is so much more. It’s like the meme of what girls see looking at a guy who is 5-foot-11 and another who is 6-foot — a substantial difference for the slimmest of margins. Anyway, this is a fairly simple concept that I’ve really come to like. With the 2023 NFL Draft just concluding and minds buzzing over what just happened this weekend… while I’m all for that too… I’m looking ahead to 2024 as well but not just the quarterbacks and not just the top guys. Come check out this collection of 24 prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft class. The elite, the underrated, the unknown.
Jacob Cowing WR — Arizona
Let’s get started right with one of my favorite prospects in the class. Jacob Cowing is a wideout that I’ve been infatuated with since Week Zero of the 2021 season. That season he erupted for 1,354 yards and seven tuddies on a nice 69 catches with UTEP. His stock rose a ton from week to week, and near the end of the season he became a draft Twitter favorite for a Day 3 pick. But the draft wasn’t in his plans as the Arizona native returned home to play for the Wildcats. 85 catches, 1,034 receiving yards, and seven more touchdowns later… I was certain the electric wideout would be entering the draft where I believe he would have been one of the top receivers in the class. But he had other plans. The 5-foot-11 receiver has caught a pass in all 44 games he’s played; that consecutive streak is the second-longest in the nation. He’s constantly getting open with sharp route-running and pristine footwork that is paired with remarkable quickness. Cowing does a superb job of recognizing coverages and finding soft spots. He does a really strong job in the short passing game by opening up to the QB, fading away from the nearest defender, and getting power from his legs to explode at the point of the catch as he begins to separate from the nearest defender. He’s a pain to try to tackle in open space. He’s such an aggressive runner with great vision and violent cutting. Then you watch this kid make a catch on the sidelines or over the top and just drool at the thought of him being on your fantasy football team in a few years. Natural ball skills, terrific tracking ability, elite body control. Cowing is gonna test well at the combine and be a fan favorite in what appears to be a loaded 2024 receiver class. Jacob Cowing is good at the football and is in store for a big fat payday a year from now.
Deontae Lawson LB — Alabama
When you think of the 2023 Alabama team, it’s unlikely that you think of Deontae Lawson. He played in 11 games last year and tallied 51 total tackles, 2.5 TFL, and four PBU. He didn’t see much time, but his role progressed as he notched four starts and had big opportunities in both the Iron Bowl and Sugar Bowl. I’m projecting a big year ahead for Lawson as he becomes draft eligible for the first time. He’s blessed with phenomenal instincts, has a brilliant mind for this sport, and is taking the necessary steps to be great. Teammate Malachi Moore, who is a stud 2024 prospect himself, noted that Lawson is just one of those guys who shows up to the facility at eight in the morning and clocks out at six or seven at night. A first one in, last one out type. I’m really excited for Lawson’s ascension to stardom and can’t wait for people to get acclimated with this talent. Moore stated that Lawson is always watching film and learning different positions so he can become the general of the defense… I love that. I’m confident in his athleticism to show up in a number of ways and that includes versatility. Lawson saw snaps at running back and wide receiver back in high school in addition to playing basketball. He’s just one of those star athletes that everyone wishes they could be. On the football field, you’re going to see a beast unleashed this fall… Lawson plays with terrific power, elite physicality, and crisp movement. He’s very good in pursuit, whether he’s looking to maul a ball carrier or close in to sack the quarterback for a big loss. I’m expecting big things from Deontae Lawson and believe he has what it takes to be the best linebacker in his class.
Devontez Walker WR — North Carolina
We go to Chapel Hill where a Kent State transfer is set to tear it up with Drake Maye. Devontez Walker is coming off a 2022 campaign in which he hauled in 58 catches for 921 yards and 11 touchdowns in the flash fast offense. His season was highlighted by a masterful performance against the mighty Georgia Bulldogs. Tez turned his seven catches into 106 yards and a touchdown against the eventual national champions… impressive. He would eventually enter the portal and was one of the most coveted players in there and rightfully so. Walker, a Charlotte native, made a brilliant decision in transferring to UNC. With the Heels losing their top two receivers in Josh Downs and Antoine Green, a spot for the WR1 job became wide open, and Walker will take that role. Let’s be aware of how many eyes will be on UNC this season thanks to Drake Maye. With so many watching for Maye, they’ll end up spotting Walker and his stock will rise plenty! What you’re going to see is a 6-foot-3 wideout who boasts majestic speed and takes very long strides. He runs with such grace. Walker has fantastic ball skills and does a good job of adjusting to the ball in mid flight or the last second. He thrives in the vertical passing game, and Maye loves taking chances deep. Those gambles might just turn into sure bets, and I think a sure bet is Devontez Walker being a Day 2 pick in 2024.
Micah Abraham CB — Marshall
We continue with another prospect that I believed could enter the 2023 draft. However, this might turn out to be a strong and tactical decision as the cornerbacks class in ‘23 was absolutely loaded, and it’s likely that this guy would have been left out of discussions. Make no mistake about it: Micah Abraham is a baller. The 5-foot-10 corner racked up six interceptions in 2022. He added 10 pass breakups last season and had 14 PBU in 2021. As an experienced leader on a stingy Marshall defense, I would expect a whole lot more excellent play in 2023. He’s got a solid frame and he’s sticky in man coverage. Micah just brings out the clamps on a weekly basis. Like former teammate Steven Gilmore, he’s got sick closing speed and makes breathtaking plays on the ball when you least expect it. Add in great technique, a radiant mind, and the way he trusts his eyes and you can see why I think so highly of this guy. He’s just so professional! And his dad? Oh yeah… Donnie Abraham. Pro Bowl corner who collected 38 interceptions in the NFL and tied for the league lead back in 1999. Some special bloodlines here. Micah Abraham has next up.
Oronde Gadsden II WR/TE — Syracuse
Speaking of NFL bloodlines… enter Oronde Gadsden II. You might know of Oronde Gadsden, who played for a bit in the NFL and won a Super Bowl with the Cowboys in his rookie season, made a few jaw-dropping grabs, and totaled for 3,252 yards and 22 touchdowns on 227 catches in his 74-game NFL career. He was a stud, and now his son is making the name popular once again. Oronde Gadsden II’s breakout came last fall as he hauled in 61 catches for 969 yards and six touchdowns. He did this while moving around the field as he began as an outside threat but began to see most of his reps come from the slot or tight end. He even saw reps out of the backfield lined up as a RB. He’s a straight up weapon in the offensive game, a matchup nightmare. He’s 6-foot-5 and 216 pounds, and he’s very confident in himself. After putting up 141 yards and two tuddies on eight catches vs. NC State, he was asked what was working for the offense. His answer? “Throwing me the ball.” How can you not love this kid? Gadsden II is set to turn 20 this summer, and it’s scary to think about what his development could turn him into. Equipped with a gargantuan catch radius, no ball is out of the reach of Gadsden II and I can’t wait to see what his wingspan measures in at. Incredibly reliable hands, jaw-dropping leaping ability, and freak athleticism are also killer traits he boasts. I’m a huge fan of his toe tapping and footwork on the sidelines. He does an outstanding job of getting not one but two feet in. I was really young when Oronde Gadsden was playing in the NFL but man… I can’t help but feel like people who watched him are going to be having déjà vu when they see Oronde Gadsden II play football in 2023 and beyond. He’s just like his dad but as a more modern version since the game has evolved. It’s wild. Oronde is going to blow up in 2023 and become a coveted prospect. I hope y’all are ready to see Oronde Gadsden II in the NFL.
Jalen Travis OT — Princeton
Jalen Travis is a 6-foot-7, 310-pound offensive tackle at Princeton. In 2022, he started every game and achieved a spot on the All-Ivy Second Team for his stellar play. Travis saw time at both left and right tackle. He’s got solid footwork and does a swell job in pass protection. He offers a very appealing frame for an offensive tackle and has a stellar athletic background and athletic bloodlines. Travis played basketball in addition to football back in high school. You might know his brother Reid who played basketball at Stanford and Kentucky. His brother Jonah played basketball at Harvard, and his cousin Ross played basketball at Penn State before transitioning to play tight end in the NFL where he caught 14 passes. The athletic tree that he comes from is super appealing, the size is enticing, and the building blocks are there for Travis to rise up draft boards. He does a really good job of playing with stout upper body strength and relying on his lower leg strength. I’m excited to learn more about Jalen Travis’ game this fall and could see him being drafted one day.
Jalen Catalon SAF — Texas
How do you overcome obstacles? It’s a question that Jalen Catalon will face this fall. The former Arkansas Razorback has seen his 2021 and 2022 seasons cut extremely short due to season-ending surgeries. The kid from Mansfield, Tex., chose to transfer to Texas, and it’s a fascinating move. With one strong season, many will remember who this kid is and what he’s capable of. A resurgence is on the horizon. It was the 2020 season where Catalon burst onto the scene with 99 total tackles, two TFL’s, three picks including a pick six, four PBU’s, and forced two fumbles. He’s everywhere, he’s a playmaker, and he’s a very fun watch. The 5-foot-10, 194-pound safety can hit harder than an enforcer checks a finesse forward into the boards in hockey. He’s violent and he connects with extreme force after honing in on you like a missile. Again… These hits are vicious. But it’s that closing speed that really shines because we see it all the time when he’s making a play on a pass. Not many will get this reference so I am very sorry but those who do will marvel at the thought… Catalon essentially uses flash like a League of Legends champion in a key situation. He’ll simply flash forward at the perfect moment to intercept a pass. It’s that quick. It’s a blur. It’s innate. Jalen Catalon possesses remarkable instincts too, as you might have expected. In 2021, he was a highly-coveted draft prospect, and now he’s flying a bit lowkey, but I promise you that will not be the case in a few months. Jalen Catalon is back playing football and with a Longhorns helmet on… the hype will be REAL! Jalen Catalon is back, baby. The hard hitting, ballhawking, fiery safety is back. Get ready folks.
Donte Kent CB — Central Michigan
Sound the siren! We have a MACTION MAN! Donte Kent. He’s a 5-foot-11, 185-pound cornerback from Harrisburg, Pa. Kent came onto my radar in late 2021 and continued to impress in 2022. He’s played in 30 college games and has racked up 124 total tackles, a sack, two interceptions, and a whopping 30 pass breakups. 29 of those PBU’s have come in the last two seasons. If you’re throwing the ball Kent’s way, just know bad things will happen to you. So good luck taking that major risk. He plays with extreme confidence, just like you want in a corner. It’s like Kent is attracted to the football with a magnetic force. He’s always in the play and making something positive happen whether deflecting a pass or shutting it down in run support. His physical tools are there and will only improve as he develops. Kent turns 22 in late September and should be ready to make the leap to the NFL after this season. I really like his ball skills and the tenacity with which he plays. I’m so excited to learn more about Donte Kent’s game this season as he’ll blossom into one of the top corners in the Group of Five. Let’s hope my projection here is correct and that Donte Kent rises to the top.
Rome Odunze WR — Washington
Rome Odunze is so smooth, so crafty, so good. The Washington wide receiver has DBs begging for help and screaming “RUH ROH!” after getting shredded by the 6-foot-3 phenom out of Las Vegas. Being a Las Vegas guy myself, Odunze has been on my radar for quite a bit, and his transcendence into one of college football’s top receivers is no surprise. Rome put up 1,145 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 75 catches in his first year working with Michael Penix Jr. The two of them, plus Jalen McMillan, are ready to explode in the passing game once again. Having genius offensive minds in Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb will only help… the production should be terrific for Rome this fall. What Odunze offers is a complete three-level receiver; he wins in a variety of ways and is dripping with enticing traits. As I mentioned at the top, he’s smooth and crafty but he also plays with a lot of physicality and doesn’t shy away from contact. His ball skills are a work of art. That’s just what happens when a 6-foot-3 wideout glides into the air for a pass, catches it at the perfect high point, and comes down with the pigskin while controlling his body like a trapeze artist. When Odunze is craftily getting himself open in the short and intermediate passing games… What happens next is frightening. This monster begins to perform after the catch with incredible elusive movement and stellar strength as it seems the defense will need a 12th man to bring him down. The 2024 WR class is really really good, and I believe that Rome Odunze will be one of the first three wideouts picked. Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Rome Odunze. Buy all the stock in Odunze, tweet about him, tell your friends about him… His time at the top of the game is near.
Aydan White CB — NC State
Asheville, N.C.’s very own arrives to the party. Aydan White broke out for the Pack in 2022 as he dominated in a monstrous way. In 13 games, he tallied four tackles for loss, four interceptions, and nine pass breakups. One of those picks did in fact go back to the crib. Per PFF, the 6-foot corner played the most coverage snaps (482) in the country without allowing a touchdown in 2022. I’m stoked to see what 2023 holds for this rising star. He’s a terrific athlete that played wideout and corner in high school in addition to track where he won three state titles in the 110-meter hurdles. Stud. His athletic abilities are showcased on the field as he boasts phenomenal closing speed and makes stellar diving plays on the ball to come up with picks or pass breakups. White’s background as a receiver pays off in a big way as his ball skills are in fact better than a multitude of receivers in this sport. He keeps using that background to his advantage as he dissects the route a receiver is running with the entire route tree running through his brain and analyzing each and every subtle movement with innate attention to detail. The extra work he puts into being great, the endless hours of film… it’s all paying off. White is sticky in man coverage and lethal in zone. I love his technique. I love his savvy play. I’m seeing massive things coming for Aydan White and I just need y’all to know that this dude is a PRO!
Caleb Williams QB — USC
Fine… if you insist… sure we can talk about Caleb Williams. The guy who is currently -550 to be drafted first overall in 2024. Unreal. USC’s star threw for 4,537 yards and 42 touchdowns while completing 333 of his 500 pass attempts. Good stuff. Only threw five picks. Added dynamic rushing ability. Won the Heisman, might just win a second. No biggie. He’s in a class of his own. He’s special. The 6-foot-1 gunslinger will draw millions of comparisons to Patrick Mahomes. It’s already happened and it won’t stop. And hey… Mahomes has to envy the collegiate career Williams is enjoying… right? There aren’t many words in the English or French dictionary to describe how good Caleb is. He is innate. The confidence Caleb has in himself is seen in a number of ways. For starters, his cannon of an arm can be seen on full display as it fires off pristine vertical throws, immaculate dots to the sideline, and so much more. He fits balls in between multiple defenders like he’s cheating. It’s like Williams constructed the perfect code to make something happen over and over and over again without fail. His confidence is then seen after plays as the adrenaline is pumping and he’s talking smack and letting you know just how much better he is than you. It’s pretty funny I won’t lie. Especially when you listen to him talk after a game or in the media, just the nicest guy with respectful answers and no sign of any hate. Just a different beast on that football field man… a unique dual threat who is as special in the pocket as he is out of it. Some of the throws this dude makes on the run are nothing short of sensational. The velocity on his throws on the run don’t take a dip. It’s almost as if though he throws harder when he’s moving to his left. Oh my… and he can throw on the run going to his left and he makes it look so easy. I have a lot more I could say about him and his game, but I have a lot of other players to write about here and you’ll be consuming non-stop Caleb Williams content for the next eon so… yeah… Caleb Williams is astronomically talented at this sport.
Olumuyiwa Fashanu OT — Penn State
Olumuyiwa Fashanu returned to Penn State despite having a first-round grade in the 2023 NFL Draft. It’s a risky move but a respectable one. As a college football fan, I love it because he’ll be helping Drew Allar out a ton. Fashanu doesn’t turn 21 years old until early December, so he’ll be 21 years old for the majority of his rookie season in 2024. That’s intriguing and plays into why he’ll be an early first-rounder. The fifth-year option of his rookie deal will play straight into his prime and year six will be as a 27-year-old that you view as a franchise left tackle. At least that’s the blueprint and here’s why… Olu is 6-foot-6 and 323 pounds, and offers quick, nimble feet in addition to extreme power and force. It’s the insane quickness off the snap that will really impress NFL front offices. I love the body control too and the balance he plays with. It’s absolutely wild to think that Fashanu was a three-star recruit in the 2020 class… and here he is just a year away from being a top-tier first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Olumuyiwa Fashanu is developing at a rapid rate, and teams do not want to miss out on this prize.
Joe Alt OT — Notre Dame
Another young offensive tackle that skies over his competition… Joe Alt of Notre Dame. He’s even younger than Fashanu as he’s got a Feb. 28, 2003 birthday. Alt just continues to grow at a monstrous rate as he’s now 6-foot-8 and 315 pounds. Alt’s athletic background is eye-popping. He played basketball in high school in addition to playing tight end, defensive end and offensive tackle for the football team. In fact, he was primarily a tight end in 2019! As Alt has transitioned to being a full-time tackle, we’ve seen a variety of fascinating traits on display. Very long arms, pure power and strength, and all about being physical. Of course, the tight end background helps make him a stupendous athlete in the trenches who moves with such grace. This is the exact kind of left tackle that you want going up against these edge rushers who boast freak athleticism. Alt’s a very smart player as well. He does a great job of dissecting his opponents’ pass-rushing repertoire and sniffs moves out well before they happen. Elite recovery skills as well. It will be a fascinating race to see who goes first between Olu and Alt. But for now… we should just pencil Joe Alt in as a top 10 pick in 2024.
Emeka Egbuka WR — Ohio State
Oh look. Another wildly talented receiver out of Ohio State… weird. Emeka Egbuka should quickly become a fan favorite of many. He put up 1,151 receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns on 74 catches in 2022. It’s hard to call such a superb player an outcast, but I think it’s fair to say. Egbuka has been in the shadows of Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr. 2023 provides an opportunity for Emeka to stand out in his role next to Marvin. Many eyes will be on Marvin, and many eyes will see Egbuka tearing it up too. The 6-foot-1, 205-pounder turns 21 years old in October. I hate player comparisons for a number of reasons, but I’m well aware of ones that will happen and I say it with great confidence that Egbuka will draw comparisons to Olave. Emeka is smooth and savvy. A creative route-runner that shines with fantastic footwork and prolific change of direction. Much like his fellow Ohio State wideouts, he’s SMOOTH! NFL teams will really want to get the ball in Egbuka’s hands, whether it’s downfield or with quick hitters and jet sweeps. When he has the ball in his hands, you really get to see the explosive athlete do lethal work. Very good vision and a high intelligence of where he needs to go because he understands angles so well. Why do you think he’s so dynamic after the catch? When you’re hitting Egbuka downfield, he gets to show off ludicrous tracking ability and immaculate hands. Emeka Egbuka is a star and one of the premier receivers in the 2024 draft class.
Zach Heins TE — South Dakota State
After losing Tucker Kraft to the pros, South Dakota State will be looking to rely on a new top tight end, and the Jackrabbits already know the man in charge. Zach Heins has seen an uptick in production each season and is finally ready for a big breakout with plenty of eyes on him. In 2022, Heins caught 29 passes and turned ‘em into 347 yards and four touchdowns. Modest work. What numbers can’t tell you is an impressive fact like this… Heins hurt his foot in practice the day before the FCS National Championship against bitter rival North Dakota State. He ended up playing in that game because… how could you miss it? Heins gave it his all and made some key blocks but didn’t catch a pass. After the game, Heins went on Twitter and let everyone know he played in that game with a BROKEN FOOT. Are you serious?! This is the kind of dude I want on my team — a pure football guy. In addition to being the toughest guy out there, Heins offers an intriguing profile. He’s 6-foot-7 and 260 pounds. While his receiving production is low, he’s proven to be a force when called upon as evidenced by a seven-catch, 127-yard effort vs. Missouri State last season. He’s really good at catching in traffic and possesses a significant catch radius. Sure hands and a lot of confidence in himself. He lacks top-tier speed, but he’s pretty quick and gets open over the middle. You can also spot him being a relentless blocker. If you play for the Jackrabbits and it’s a running play, expect to see a lot of hard work in the blocking game. Heins will continue to develop there too, and as he gets stronger and puts more weight on, it’s scary to think about how good of a blocker he could end up being. I think Zach Heins is well worth the investment, and I’d be shocked if people aren’t talking him up as a legit NFL prospect this fall.
Devin Neal RB — Kansas
Devin Neal headed to Kansas as a three-star recruit out of Lawrence, Kan., and will depart as a productive running back that helped the Jayhawks rebuild. Neal has rushed for 1,797 yards and 17 touchdowns on 338 carries in his two seasons thus far. The 5-foot-11, 210-pound back is intriguing thanks to stupendous burst, quick twitch, and a whole lot of juice. Neal runs through the tackles very well as he attacks the right gaps and shoots through with mad acceleration. He’s then looking to strike with a quick move and get to the next level. His angles are strong, instincts radiate as well. His instincts are seen in the receiving game as well, where he brings plenty of value. In 2022, Neal caught 21 balls and turned those into 183 yards and a touchdown. Expect more production there in 2023 as his route tree out of the backfield expands. Devin Neal is also just an all-around good human being. He’s dedicated to helping out the youth and making sure he’s connecting with inner city kids. At Big 12 Media Days in 2022, Neal shared that from a young age he knew… “I love football, but football’s not my calling.” Devin Neal is a great football player but an even better person who will make massive impacts on and off the field.
Jahmal Banks WR — Wake Forest
Despite losing A.T. Perry to the pros, Wake Forest boasts a really fun duo at wide receiver and will demand your attention on Saturdays this fall. I don’t like choosing to write about multiple players from one team for this, and I’m torn to shreds deciding between Jahmal Banks and Donavon Greene. Imma roll with the big-bodied wideout in the form of Banks. He’s 6-foot-4 and 208 pounds, and is entering his fourth season at Wake. He didn’t do much in the first two but showcased his talents in year three with 42 catches, 636 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns. The big receiver is poised for a big fall and you can take that to the Banks. See what I did there? I know you did… it wasn’t bad though… right? Whatever, his game is cool. Let’s focus on that. He lines up on the outside and boasts plenty of physicality. The former three-star recruit has begun to blossom into a shining star at Wake Forest and will have plenty of NFL eyes on him this fall. You should expect to see the big man box out DBs. He does a really swell job of using his frame and physical tools to punish DBs. You’ll spot Banks showing off a gargantuan catch radius, and he’s super confident in winning jump balls as he rises above almost every defender. I’m excited to see what his wingspan measures in at during the pre-draft process. Banks has decent speed but can do some work after the catch thanks to his strength. The big appeals of Jahmal’s game are the contested catch ability, being a huge downfield threat, and offering a monster target in the red zone. Not everybody will fancy a receiver like this, but Jahmal Banks will find himself on the radars of many.
Ajani Cornelius OL — Oregon
One of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal was a 6-foot-5, 310-pound offensive tackle from Rhode Island. His name? Ajani Cornelius. The kid from Harlem opted to play his ball at Oregon, and it’s with great confidence that I say he’s a NFL prospect who can leave for the pros after the 2023 season. He’s got a May 21, 2002, birthday so he’ll turn 21 in a few weeks. Cornelius is developing at a rapid rate and offers great play in both pass protection and run blocking. I love the work he does as a run blocker and actually see him playing guard in the NFL. He played guard in addition to tackle at Rhode Island, so there’s no real learning curve. He’s so good as a run blocker because of a flashy first step that helps him get a quick advantage on his matchup and so much force in his arms and hands. Ajani has a splendid combination of quickness and strength too. Great footwork is something he takes pride in. I believe that Ajani Cornelius will explode onto the college football scene and NFL draft world this fall. Trust me. Ajani has a bright future in this sport.
Ailym Ford RB — Chattanooga
Y’all sleep on FCS talent. Please do not overlook the 5-foot-9, 213-pound machine that is Ailym Ford. The Chattanooga back has produced plenty in three of his four seasons. He’s rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2019, 2021, and 2022. In those three years, he carried the ball 637 times for 3,339 yards and 32 touchdowns. Ford plays a big game, tough. His former teammate at UTC, Devonnsha Maxwell, praised Ford’s play strength, contact balance, and determination. What Ailym lacks in size, he makes up for in a relentless running style that has destroyed FCS defenses game after game after game. Terrific leg drive and force help Ford plow through defenders. If he’s not running through you and trucking you like a video game, watch out for a stealthy stiff-arm which he’ll find extra burst in his step from. Truly impressive. Ford has plenty of speed as well, so he’s running at dudes like a freight train. A good way to describe his running style would be that he’s in a horror movie running away from the bad guy and sees no end in sight. He’ll run full speed with so much power until he reaches the ocean. He plays his ball in Chattanooga, so he ain’t seeing that ocean for a LONG while. Oh, and he’s pretty dang good in pass protection too! Ford does whatever is necessary to help his team win. Ailym Ford will be a nice, lowkey sleeper in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Malachi Corley WR — Western Kentucky
It’s only right to transition from the biggest name in the class to an under-the-radar stud at Western Kentucky. Once upon a time, Malachi Corley was a two-star recruit who was being looked at to play WR or CB. Corley arrived at WKU and got to work as a receiver, where he’s been absolutely marvelous. In 14 games last fall, he caught 101 balls and turned that into 1,295 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. Malachi Corley has been cooking for a minute, he’s turning some heads, and he’s set to cash a check when he’s drafted next spring. Let me talk up his game right quick… Corley’s bio on Twitter gives you plenty of info on his game. The 5-foot-11 receiver wants y’all to know that he is “The YAC King” and it’s easy to see why. I think the best way for me to describe Corley to y’all is… he’s a game breaker. Corley has a unique skillset where he gives off the vibe of a running back in addition to all the incredible work he does as a wide receiver. When Corley has the ball in his hands, the only thing on his mind is how do I get to the end zone. He’s shifty — Corley forced 40 missed tackles after the catch last season… the second most in a single season since 2014. He makes it happen with a lot of determination and zero fear. Corley doesn’t shy away from contact. He’ll run right through you. He’s tough! And then it’s just the quick, violent cutting. The ability to get from 0 to 100 in a nanosecond with his breathtaking burst. He’s someone that you might watch on a Saturday and take for granted, but once you turn on the tape you’re going to appreciate him a heck of a lot more. He just plays an explosive brand of football when the rock is in his hands. I love the way he navigates too as he’s creative and always has defenders guessing. Corley also offers up the threat of a vertical receiver who toys with the defense and gets wide open over the top often. Malachi does a swell job of creating separation and can finish by flashing great ball skills or prolific athleticism. I like Malachi Corley a lot and hope you do too. Don’t forget about this kid in a loaded 2024 WR class.
Brevyn Spann-Ford TE — Minnesota
If I didn’t write about Brevyn Spann-Ford… an angry pack of Gophers fans were ready to report my Twitter account or something. I don’t know what they’d do. I just know they’d be very angry and rightfully so I suppose. BSF is a stud talent that more people need to be talking about. The St. Cloud, Minn., native stands tall at 6-foot-7 and weighs about 270 pounds. He’s made strides the last two seasons with 65 catches, 793 receiving yards, and three touchdowns in 26 games. The intrigue with Spann-Ford is due to freakish athletic traits that will help him make a ton of money at the NFL combine next spring. Just check out the height he gets when he hurdles over a defender… sheesh! He has enough speed to frighten defenders from playing too close and good enough skill in the open field that defenders don’t want to give him too much room to work. It’s an awkward situation to say the least. Spann-Ford is also the best blocking tight end in the country. The strength this dude boasts is absolutely innate, and he’s going to make a NFL franchise very happy due to the work he does as a pass blocker but especially as a run blocker. He plays with so much fire and force. You can just see all that work and development paying off. He’s learned a lot about blocking from former Gopher Ko Kieft. Now as the Gophers might just look to pass a bit more this season, expect an uptick in Brevyn’s production. I would keep your eyes peeled for Brevyn Spann-Ford next spring!
Tykee Smith DB — Georgia
Tykee Smith is mad underrated. When the 5-foot-10, 198-pound defensive back is healthy… look out. He balled out at West Virginia in 21 games as he burst onto the college football scene with 10.5 TFL, four picks, and nine pass breakups. He transferred to Georgia and couldn’t do anything in 2021 due to injury. Smith got back to playing some ball in 2022 and flashed plenty when he was on the field. 2023 is his year. It’s Tykee’s time. He excels with a brilliant display of football IQ and plenty of versatility. I love how tough he is, especially in run support where he brings so much value to his ball club. The physicality is so much fun to see. Tykee doesn’t shy away from going into the trenches and fighting off blockers. He wants to do it badly. I love his ball skills too, and we saw them on full display in Georgia’s spring game. In zone coverage, he had the flat in check and then drifted back to snatch the ball away from a wide receiver. He high pointed that thing and caught it like a stud receiver. As long as this guy is healthy… he’s a dang good ball player. He’ll be a 23-year-old rookie after being drafted. Look for Tykee Smith to pop off in 2023 and make a name for himself once again.
Jared Verse EDGE — Florida State
Ah. Well… this is awkward. Jared Verse was a top 10 player for me in the 2023 NFL Draft, and he opted to return to Florida State. I respect his decision and am stoked to watch him play another year of college ball. Y’all better be ready to talk about Verse A LOT in the coming year… this will be mandatory. In his first year of FBS ball, Verse compiled 48 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and nine sacks in his 12 games. There was an injury scare mixed in there and yet he still performed at the highest level week to week and crushed his competition while shutting up every doubter. So just wait for 2023 and see what he cooks up… Verse is a 6-foot-4, 248-pound menace off the edge. He’s a scary pass-rushing extraordinaire that wins with wicked speed, ferocious power, and breathtaking explosiveness. High effort and determination are seen on every single rep as well. Since his days at Albany, we’ve seen him quickly develop into one of the top defenders in our sport and I can’t wait to see his next step. This guy is a remarkable athlete who played basketball and won a state championship on the 4×400 relay team back in high school. Oh, and while doing that he was playing tight end and defensive end for the football team. We’ve seen his mind-boggling speed and burst on display on the football field so the question is… How nutty is Verse’s NFL combine going to be?! His RAS is gonna have to be a 9.7 at minimum… right? Other things that Verse showcases at a high level are impeccable leg drive and a bull rush that I’m just infatuated with. He’ll turn 23 this fall and has plenty of time to develop a few more moves for his pass rushing move set. It’s not finished yet, and I’m excited to see what he adds. Oh, and he’s got a superb get-off too, of course. I’m so eager to see what Verse does this season, and I fear for college offensive linemen and quarterbacks who have to face a bigger, faster, stronger, scarier Jared Verse this season. Good luck. Jared Verse has to be a top 15 pick in 2024… he’ll definitely be one of the top edge rushers in the class.
John Allen G — Southeastern Louisiana
The fastest man alive isn’t Usain Bolt, it’s not Chris Johnson, and it’s not anybody you’re thinking of. The fastest man alive is John Allen, a star guard at Southeastern Louisiana. He’s not actually the fastest man alive but when you see this 6-foot-1, 310-pound beast running full steam ahead looking to pancake a fool or two… you’ll understand why I’m calling him the fastest man alive. Because it’s just so much more impressive seeing this guy run so quickly, so violently as opposed to watching DeSean Jackson break free for a touchdown with crazy top-tier speed. Because this… this isn’t supposed to happen. Just check the video I clipped and watch it again and again. That video has well over one million views… John Allen is a viral star, and despite being undersized, he has crushed the competition and earned accolades for his play. In 2022, he was the Southland Offensive Lineman of the Year. Allen has stupendous footwork; he’s so dang good at getting to the next level as a run blocker. I love the speed he possesses and the power he’s got in his upper body. John Allen isn’t a known name by any means or expected to be a pro prospect. I’d love to see him defy the odds and make it to the pros… he’s a 6-FOOT-1 GUARD FOLKS! The fact he’s even succeeding at a high level in the FCS should tell you all you need to know… he’s a stud. I just hope John Allen gets a chance to show off his skills in the pros one day.
About the author
I am a diehard UCLA fan that has enjoyed (?) mediocrity year after year. My favorite CFB moment was witnessing UCLA comeback from 34 down against Texas A&M. Being at the Rose Bowl for that historic moment is something I’ll never forget. I have written about CFB since I was 14 and my favorite thing to do is give under-the-radar athletes the recognition they deserve. You might know me from @NoContextCFB !
