With Week 1 of the college football season just around the corner, here’s a look at prospects who are currently considered potential first-round picks but whose draft stock could be significantly influenced by their play in the coming year. Here’s the full list of 12 players.
- 2024 NFL Draft Guide
- 2024 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch: QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | iOL | DL | EDGE | LB | S | CB
- 2024 NFL Mock Draft: First Round Picks & Predictions
- Dynasty Rookie Primers: QB | RB | WR | TE
2024 NFL Draft: 12 First-Round Prospects with the Most to Prove
Quinn Ewers (QB – Texas)
Ewers didn’t make the first round of my latest projection, but he certainly has the tools to end up there with a strong season in 2023. He topped 300 yards twice last season and threw two or more touchdowns in only four games. Increasing his overall consistency, decision-making, and play under pressure are all musts in a make-or-break season.
Joe Milton III (QB – Tennessee)
Having transferred from Michigan, Milton filled in admirably for Hendon Hooker at the end of last season and has an incredible combination of size and arm talent. There will be those who question whether Josh Heupel’s system translates to the NFL, but I expect him to pass many other quarterback prospects and end up in round one if he plays well.
TreVeyon Henderson (RB – Ohio State)
Right now, I suspect Henderson’s on the outside looking in, but some believe what he showed back in 2021, a year in which he ran for 1,248 yards and 15 touchdowns, could get him there. However, last year he was limited to just 106 carries in an injury-plagued campaign, so he’ll have to stay healthy and recover his freshman-year form.
Notice any prospects I missed? Feel free to let me know on Twitter @draftexaminer!
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