For some teams, preparation for the 2025 NFL Draft begins now. For those following the NCAA, here are the draft-eligible players to watch for the 2024 season on offense.
Quarterbacks
The sport's top position isn't full of young talent. Some players need to bounce back, while others need to build on their last season. For many, it's the top spot in the 2025 Draft that's at stake.
Shedeur Sanders (Colorado)
Like Travis Hunter, he arrives in the 2023 season with a certain reputation. Son of the legend Deion 'Prime Time' Sanders, Shedeur Sanders plays the most important position in this sport. After a rather convincing first season, the quarterback will have to confirm in 2024 to hope to win the first place next April.
To do this, the Buffaloes player must improve his velocity when throwing. His readings sometimes leave something to be desired, but he is progressing. A dual-threat profile, he has everything it takes to convince an NFL team to make him their future quarterback.
Matches to watch: Kansas State (October 12), Utah (November 16), Oklahoma State (November 29)
Carson Beck (Georgia)
He doesn't have the hype that Stetson Bennet (Rams) had in the NCAA. But, he has more potential. Carson Beck has been a starter since last season for the Bulldogs. Favorite to win the NCAA, Beck has no choice but to lead this team to victory.
Another result would be disappointing. However, if the production is better than last year, the quarterback has a good chance of being called in the first 5 next April. With a very good arm, and good pocket management, he will have to show that he knows how to make his team win in difficult moments.
Matches to watch: Alabama (September 29), Texas (October 19), Ole Miss (November 9)
Quinn Ewers (Texas)
A quarterback with a perfect rating coming out of high school shouldn't last long in college. Yet Quinn Ewers is still here, determined to bring the ultimate title to Longhorns fans. The quarterback has all the makings of a future star. He's young, he's got the arm and a highly developed football IQ.
However, injuries and some irregularity prevent him from exploiting his immense potential for the moment. The schedule he has is more difficult than last season. A certain pressure that he will have to learn to manage, especially internally with the competition of Arch Manning, nephew of Peyton and Eli.
Matches to watch: Michigan (Sept. 7), Georgia (Oct. 19), Texas A&M (Nov. 30)
Jalen Milroe (Alabama)
2023 is the season when the University of Alabama realized it had an exceptional quarterback. Jalen Milroe has everything of the modern player at his position. Athletic with a powerful arm, he has a different style than the last 3 draftees coming out of his university: Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones and Bryce Young.
In 2024, he'll have to do without legendary Alabama coach Nick Saban. However, with Kalen DeBoer, who already made Michael Penix Jr. a top-10 pick in the draft, he could iron out flaws in his shot reading and accuracy.
Matches to watch: Georgia (September 29), Tennessee (October 19), LSU (November 9)
But also: Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss), Cameron Ward (Miami (FL)), Riley Leonard (Notre Dame)
Running backs
Heading into the 2024 season, the running back class is talented, and better than the 2024 draft. Loaded with future stars, these players must avoid injuries if they want a chance at being drafted in the first round.
Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State)
His transfer from Ole Miss to Ohio State was surprising. But it shows that Quinshon Judkins has ambition, he wants to win the national championship. The runner has scored 33 touchdowns in his first two seasons. His ability to make tackles miss is sometimes prodigious, while exuding a power that could turn the heads of NFL scouts.
In an aerial NFL league, he will have to improve his receiving ability. He can also sometimes be too cautious in order not to lose the ball, an area where there is no concern for the moment.
Matches to watch: Oregon (October 12), Penn State (November 2), Michigan (November 30)
Ollie Gordon II (Oklahoma State)
Best runner last season in the NCAA (1732 yards and 21 touchdowns), Ollie Gordon II has a combination of size, weight, speed and power at a very high level. The 2024 season will have to confirm that he has the shoulders to be a number 1 running back in the NFL.
Unfortunately, the offseason has not been easy for the Cowboy. Arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and speeding, the 20-year-old player is already starting his process very badly. Let's hope for his sake that his performances on the field do not decline.
Matches to watch: Utah (September 21), Kansas State (September 28), Colorado (November 29)
Omarion Hampton (North Carolina)
After Drake Maye, the new star of the Tar Heels is a runner. Omarion Hampton is powerful, with sure hands in reception. He is capable of very subtle changes of direction, useful in particular for offensive plays in zone.
His ability to control his speed can be a frustration when watching him play. He can be too aggressive at times, which can cost him fumbles. His patience is limited at times, which could hurt his development when it comes to playing solid defenses inside.
Matches to watch: Duke (Sept. 28), Florida State (Nov. 2), NC State (Nov. 30)
Ashton Jeanty (Boise State)
Boise State, where is it? A university in the state of Idaho. Go see this university very focused on the ground game, led by an exceptional running back. Ashton Jeanty produces 1347 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2023. Very versatile, with a very low center of gravity, he should dominate the Mountain West conference.
The flaw he will have to correct is the production of fumbles (5 lost in 2023). He will also have to improve a blocking technique if he wants to be a complete running back.
Matches to watch: Oregon (September 8), Washington State (September 28), Oregon State (November 29)
But also: TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State), Nick Singleton (Penn State), Donovan Edwards (Michigan)
Receivers/Tight Ends
This class looks weaker than last year when 8 receivers/tight-ends were drafted in the first round. There is talent, but for many, it will be a matter of producing before being sure of a draft.
Luther Burden III (Missouri)
Small, but mighty. That's the simple description of Luther Burden, the gem out of the University of Missouri. In detail, he has a unique ability to locate the ball in order to make contested receptions. Often playing on instinct, his best position in the NFL will probably be in the slot.
The improvement is in the way he runs the route and separation. His size deficit could also be detrimental to him if he shows up at the Combine.
Matches to watch: Texas A&M (October 5), Alabama (October 26), Oklahoma (November 9)
Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona)
The duo he forms with Noah Fifita did a lot of damage last season. This season, Tetairoa McMillan (T-Mac) will discover a new conference. The cornerbacks of the Big 12 should keep an eye on him. His great size (1.96m), his quality in the routes and his technique in reception make him a real threat on the outside.
However, he doesn't have the speed to create enough separation. But that just needs to be polished despite a power deficit. A flaw that could be seen against more seasoned cornerbacks.
Matches to watch: Kansas State (September 14), Utah (September 28), Colorado (October 19)
Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State)
He has been talked about since the first mock draft 2024. However, Emeka Egbuka is still in college. The Buckeyes receiver is an experienced player that the future Ohio State quarterback should often seek out. His enormous football IQ and his qualities in yards after reception make him the number 1 aerial threat of the favored university this season in NCAA.
Unfortunately, Egbuka has often struggled to be on the field for a season. This is due to injuries, but also to the emergence of other receivers. This season is his last chance to shine if he wants to see his name pronounced in the first round next April.
Matches to watch: Oregon (October 12), Penn State (November 2), Michigan (November 30)
Colston Loveland (Michigan)
The tight end already has everything it takes to become an NFL player. Size, lines, hands, a combination that could crack a team in the next draft. In the meantime, Colston Loveland will be the main target for a Michigan team weakened compared to last year, but still as competitive.
His physical power is not yet optimal, the consequence is that he can seem light when it comes to blocking pass rushers. Getting rid of his defenders defending in pressure (press coverage) is also part of his areas of improvement.
Matches to watch: Texas (September 7), Oregon (November 2), Ohio State (November 30)
But also: Evan Stewart (Oregon), Isaiah Bond (Texas), Oscar Delp (Georgia)
Offensive Line
Some players are already NFL ready, and may even be called up to the top 3. The offensive line of the 2025 class appears to be one of the most promising in recent years. There will be something for everyone.
Will Campbell (LSU)
His first and last name might make you think he's an actor. But no, Will Campbell is a football player, playing at LSU. A starter since he arrived in high school, the left tackle already has the ideal prototype to play in the NFL. Athletic, and very sure of his strength, he could be part of the future top 5 of the next Draft.
All that's left is to confirm a very rich 2023 season, where he spent his time protecting Jaylen Daniels. His area of progression lies in balance and technique to protect the quarterback on passing games.
Matches to watch: Ole Miss (October 12), Alabama (November 9), Oklahoma (November 30))
Kelvin Banks (Texas)
Along with Will Campbell, he is the other tackle who can claim the top 5 of the Draft. Consistent and very athletic, Kelvin Banks is a mobile player for his physique (1m96, 148 kilos). Complete in both areas, he already has the elements to become the left tackle of the future in an NFL team.
However, like any young player, he has flaws to correct. At home, he will have to be more consistent in maintaining the block on running plays. His fluidity in movements also needs to be further improved.
Matches to follow: Michigan (November 9), Oklahoma (October 12), Georgia (October 19)
Jonah Savaiinaea (Arizona)
The Wildcats player is one of many players whose position will be up for grabs during the Draft process. In Arizona, Jonah Savaiinaea plays right tackle, but he has a good chance of being a guard in the NFL. Why? His size is ideal for the position, and above all he is very physical.
His snap reaction time can be off at times. His initial hand placement in pass protection also needs to be reviewed. However, he remains a powerful player, capable of being an excellent anchor point.
Matches to watch: Kansas State (September 14), Utah (September 28), Colorado (October 19)
Tyler Booker (Alabama)
Nearly 6 feet tall and 350 pounds of muscle, Tyler Booker is Alabama's newest offensive line wonder. His specialty is the run game, where his initial hand placement is so violent that it can discourage defenders from making the effort to get around him.
On the other hand, his physique means that he lacks speed, lateral mobility, but also consistency in terms of balance. This is why in the NFL he will probably never be a tackle. On the other hand, as a guard, he could probably be a very solid player.
Matches to watch: Georgia (September 29), LSU (November 9), Oklahoma (November 23)
But also: Emery Jones (LSU), Blake Miller (Clemson), Donovan Jackson (Ohio State)
