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.
- 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
Chop Robinson (DE – Penn State)
I currently have Robinson going #10 overall in my mock draft, despite the fact that he didn’t start a single game last year. Over the 455 total snaps he played in his first year at Penn State, he looked like the real deal, but showing that he can maintain his efficiency over a larger snap count while continuing to add bulk and strength will be critical in 2023.
Denzel Burke (CB – Ohio State)
Burke’s getting a lot of early-to-mid first-round hype at this point, but his status is largely projection-based at this point. He didn’t intercept a pass last year and still needs to improve his overall balance and recognition skills to stay in phase and put himself in a position to make plays on the ball. There’s some stiff competition in the corner class.
Andrew Mukuba (DB – Clemson)
I don’t think any of the safety prospects have solidified themselves as the best in the class, but Mukuba is one of the most talented of the bunch. He was able to step right in as a freshman and play well but got exposed last year, particularly down the stretch. Part of that may be because he was asked to play more extensively from the slot than in 2021.
Notice any prospects I missed? Feel free to let me know on Twitter @draftexaminer!
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