The NFL Draft represents a three-day bonding second between skilled and collegiate soccer that attracts in diehard followers of each ranges. It’s the expertise acquisition that entices NFL observers, and validation for individuals who comply with school soccer.
However there are variations that may go away school followers perplexed, like when productive and extremely adorned gamers tumble down the draft board. That’s been the case for the ten prospects under (Shedeur Sanders not included), who will enter the draft’s third and ultimate day nonetheless ready to listen to their names known as.
What are these gamers NFL outlooks’ — and why are they falling?
Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
Ewers (6-foot-2 1/8, 214 kilos) led Texas to the Faculty Soccer Playoff semifinals in every of the final two seasons (first as a member of the Massive 12, then of the SEC). In his Longhorns profession, Ewers threw for a mixed 9,128 yards, 68 touchdowns, 24 interceptions and accomplished 64.9 % of his makes an attempt.
His fast launch, toughness and competitiveness are amongst his high attributes. After one fall at Ohio State, Ewers transferred to his dwelling state and have become a three-year starter for the Longhorns. He was beloved as a teammate and carries himself with a contagious swagger.
Why is he nonetheless out there? Ewers actually wants to chop down on his turnovers. He fumbled 10 occasions in 2024 and 20 occasions mixed over his three seasons as Texas’ starter.
Donovan Edwards, RB, Michigan
Had groups evaluated Edwards solely on his big-game moments, he would have been chosen within the first spherical. Edwards rushed for 104 yards and two touchdowns in Michigan’s Faculty Soccer Playoff championship win over Washington two seasons in the past. In 2022, he ran for 216 yards and two touchdowns to assist the Wolverines beat Ohio State, then adopted up with 185 yards in opposition to Purdue to say Massive Ten Championship Sport MVP honors.
Edwards additionally was considered one of three athletes to grace the quilt of EA Sports activities’ Faculty Soccer 25 online game.
Why is he nonetheless out there? Edwards’ inconsistency coupled with this draft’s deep pool of operating backs pushed down his worth. However given his pace (4.44-second 40 time) and propensity for rising to satisfy the second, he ought to get an opportunity to turn into a tandem operating again — like he was at Michigan.
Tez Johnson, WR, Oregon
After beginning his profession at Troy, Johnson sizzled in two years at Oregon (169 catches for two,080 yards and 20 touchdowns). He was named Massive Ten Championship Sport MVP final December after catching 11 passes for 181 yards and a landing in opposition to Penn State.
Johnson makes powerful catches in visitors that belie his slender body (5-9 7/8, 154). He’s an elite punt returner, too, having averaged 8.9 yards per return in his profession. He totaled 519 profession punt return yards, together with an 85-yard landing.
Why is he nonetheless out there? His small body undoubtedly brings questions on sturdiness. As well as, he ran a 4.51-second 40-yard sprint on the mix, which was a bit slower than anticipated.
CJ Dippre, TE, Alabama
Over 4 seasons, two of which got here at Alabama, Dippre (6-4 7/8, 256) began 37 video games and performed in 52. He caught 65 passes for 782 yards and three scores for his profession and is a high quality blocker with in depth particular groups expertise. Dippre additionally bench pressed 225 kilos 32 occasions on the mix, the fifth-most reps by a decent finish since 2000.
Why is he nonetheless out there? Dippre didn’t catch a landing cross or make a red-zone reception in these two seasons at Alabama, though his blocking potential and time spent on particular groups ought to assist him make a roster.
Cooper Mays, C, Tennessee
Mays (6-2 3/8, 305) was a first-team All-American and Rimington Trophy finalist final season. He began 45 consecutive video games and performed in 53 in all for the Volunteers, all at middle. Final season, he performed a team-high 887 offensive snaps, in line with PFF, and allowed only one sack. He didn’t give up a quarterback hit all through your entire 2024 marketing campaign and gave up only one (however no sacks) in 2023.
Why is he nonetheless out there? With less-than-ideal size, Mays doesn’t measure as much as what scouts favor of offensive linemen. However his expertise in opposition to SEC defenses suggests he’s greater than able to overcoming his limitations as soon as he finds an NFL dwelling.
Willie Lampkin, C, North Carolina
Lampkin (5-10 3/4, 279) began 61 video games over 5 seasons, the final two coming at North Carolina. He was a first-team All-ACC guard in 2024 and unfold his profession begins throughout left guard (27), proper guard (20) and middle (14). His potential to get into defenders and drive them with leverage is an asset, as is his imply streak.
As a highschool senior, Lampkin received the Florida state heavyweight wrestling championship with a 47-0 report.
Why is he nonetheless out there? Lampkin’s dimensions make nearly each evaluator doubt that he may be profitable dealing with huge inside defenders. He’s a center-only prospect, regardless of solely beginning at that place in the course of the 2022 season for Coastal Carolina.
Antwaun Powell-Ryland, edge, Virginia Tech
Powell-Ryland (6-2 5/8, 258) completed third nationally final season with 16 sacks and second in sack yardage (102), incomes second-team All-American honors. After transferring from Florida, Powell-Ryland turned a deadly cross rusher at Virginia Tech, producing 28.5 sacks, 39.5 tackles for loss and 9 compelled fumbles over three seasons.
Why is he nonetheless out there? Powell-Ryland is a positional tweener as a cross rusher — historical past reveals these gamers typically have success in opposition to school competitors however lack a bodily trait to win matchups persistently. Powell-Ryland’s arm size will restrict him in opposition to elite tackles, though his manufacturing ought to assist him discover a dwelling.
Howard Cross III, DT, Notre Dame
One of many nation’s most efficient inside defenders whereas at Notre Dame, Cross (6-1 3/8, 285) began 35 video games for the Irish and twice was named a second-team All-American. He completed his profession with 169 tackles (19.5 for loss) and 11 sacks with 4 compelled fumbles. He has a top-shelf work ethic, and his relentless pursuit is one thing to behold.
Cross, the son of former New York Giants tight finish Howard Cross, earned a grasp’s diploma at Notre Dame after returning for a sixth season.
Why is he nonetheless out there? Howard Cross III doesn’t possess the prototypical physique for an NFL defensive sort out, with shorter arms than desired. However his all-out effort and intangibles not solely ought to get him on a roster however will assist him contribute straight away.
Jay Higgins, LB, Iowa
Higgins (6-0, 224) was missed as a highschool recruit, and he’s in the same state of affairs now. Regardless of unbelievable manufacturing the final two seasons as a first-team All-American (unanimous in 2024), Higgins’ bodily limitations overshadow his resume. In 2023, Higgins tied a faculty report with 171 tackles, for a crew that led the nation in yards per play allowed. Final fall, he notched one other 124 tackles plus 4 interceptions, two compelled fumbles and 9 passes defensed.
Why is he nonetheless out there? Higgins doesn’t look the half in relation to the height-weight-speed classes. He additionally didn’t take a look at properly on the mix (4.82 40). However he at all times makes performs, and that received’t cease within the NFL.
Jason Marshall Jr., CB, Florida
Blessed with the right body to play cornerback, Marshall (6-0 3/8, 195) was a five-star recruit in 2021 and barely left the sector at Florida. He began 39 video games over 4 seasons, together with each recreation by which he appeared the final three years. He completed with 27 profession passes defensed and performed man-to-man protection in opposition to most of the nation’s most gifted receivers.
Why is he nonetheless out there? Marshall didn’t intercept a cross however allowed seven touchdowns over the previous two seasons. He additionally missed his ultimate six school video games with a torn labrum. However given his pure presents and expertise, Marshall ought to compete for snaps as soon as he lands on a roster.
(High picture of Quinn Ewers: Todd Kirkland / Getty Photos)
