When I update my NFL Draft rankings in early November each year, I start with 75-80 names and whittle it down — easier said than done. I’m usually left with around 15 prospects whom I want to squeeze into the top 50 and can’t because I run out of room.
Some of these players are “risers,” and others appeared in my preseason top 50 but have fallen a little over the first two months of the season.
GO DEEPER
NFL Draft 2024 Big Board: Dane Brugler’s midseason top 50 prospects
This year’s midseason list of players who just missed the cut:
Only once in the history of the NFL Draft (2014) has there not been a running back selected in the top 50. It could happen again this year, but two backs were close to cracking the midseason Big Board. Brooks is one. He runs with terrific acceleration, run strength and body balance — and it helps that he is a very natural pass catcher. He has put himself in the mix for RB1 status.
The other running back who just missed my top 50, Benson has eclipsed 100 yards rushing just once in eight games this season, but he isn’t asked to be a bellcow for the Florida State offense (10.6 carries per game). Nonetheless, I come away from each game impressed with his ability to break tackles and make an impact in the passing game.
The Deebo Samuel comparisons are going to be prevalent during the draft process — and they aren’t a stretch. Corley has a strong, compact body type and runs through tackle attempts with the cutting skills and fearlessness of a running back. He’ll fit a specific role for an NFL offense, which will widen his projected draft range.
Despite missing the first month of the season because of his eligibility fight with the NCAA, Walker quickly established himself as the most dynamic receiving threat for the Tar Heels offense the past few weeks. His route running needs continued polish, but his long-striding speed and ball skills have him high on the NFL radar.
Only one tight end (Brock Bowers) made the top 50, but Sanders deserved consideration due to his athletic traits. With less than 50 receiving yards in six of eight games this season, though, he hasn’t been as impactful catching the football as expected, and his blocking has been mediocre at best.
A five-star recruit at Oregon, Suamataia transferred to BYU and started 12 games at right tackle last season before moving over to left tackle in 2023. I assumed he would make my top 50, because he has the traits of a future NFL starter, but he looks overmatched too often — like against Texas’ front seven last weekend.
My top-ranked center prospect over the summer, Frazier has elevated his game even higher in 2023 — he’s displayed NFL starter-level skills. A four-time state champion wrestler, Frazier needs to be more consistent in the run game, but he checks boxes for grip strength, physicality and intelligence.
GO DEEPER
NFL Draft order 2024 projections: Giants enter the mix for the No. 1 pick
After missing the 2021 season, Isaac teased flashes last season. He’s in the midst of a career year now and leads Penn State in tackles for loss (9.5), sacks (5.5) and pressures (23). He is still very much a work in progress, but he has length (33 3/8-inch arms) and big-time speed.
Third in the SEC in pressures (34), Umanmielen has been a disruptive edge player and taken the jump NFL scouts were hoping to see from him in 2023. With his length and quick-reaction play style, he has the versatility to stand up or put his hand on the ground. He has put himself in the Day 2 discussion.
Part of the reason Jenkins made my initial top 50 in August was the expectation he would take a jump this season. Through eight games, that hasn’t happened. The son of a former Pro Bowler, Jenkins is playing almost half the number of snaps per game as last year, and his impact has been sporadic at best.
Though I was optimistic about the 2024 defensive tackle class over the summer, the results haven’t been there. Williams has been one of the few bright spots, with his ability to affect the game in different ways. He makes plays at the line of scrimmage (8.0 tackles for loss) and has a knack for finding passing lanes (five pass breakups).
One of the biggest “risers” in the senior class, Cooper has had an All-America-worthy first two months of the season — he leads the FBS with 15.5 tackles for loss. He received mostly late-round grades from NFL scouts over the summer, but his 2023 tape shows a much better player who’s moving into Day 2 territory.
Carson gave up two touchdowns to Florida State WR Keon Coleman on Saturday, but overall, I was impressed with his compete skills against the future first-rounder. Although he needs to capitalize better on interception opportunities, Carson makes smooth adjustments and is aggressive playing through the hands of receivers.
Newton won’t be universally loved, due to his size (5 feet 10 7/8 inches, 189 pounds and 30 1/2-inch arms). But the tape shows a good football player with NFL starter-level talent. He limits big plays and has yet to allow a touchdown this season.
GO DEEPER
2024 NFL Draft QB Tracker: What the data tells us about this year’s top prospects
Kinchens entered the season with buzz and debuted at No. 27 on my initial top 50. With 41 tackles and three interceptions so far in 2023, he is filling up the stat sheet, but average speed and missed plays (versus both run and pass) have been concerns on this season’s tape.
(Photo of Devontez Walker: Grant Halverson / Getty Images)
2023-11-02 09:10:46
#NFL #Draft #Watch #prospects #hated #leaving #midseason #top
