2024 NFL Draft: Top 20 Senior Bowl prospects as college football approaches midseason

Back in August, Reese’s Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy and his experienced scouting staff released their watch list for next year’s game, which included 720 prospects from more than 100 college football programs.

In the following, I list my top 20 players from that roster and suggest 30 additional 2024 NFL Draft prospects who may make it into the rankings when I revise this list at the season’s end.

The NFL Network will broadcast the 2024 Senior Bowl live at 1 p.m. ET on February 3, 2024. The event will take place at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama.

NOTE: Heights and weights are via school measurements.

20) Tommy Eichenberg, LB, Ohio State (6-2, 239)

Eichenberg is a sharp leader who consistently finds himself near the ball. He led the Buckeyes’ defense in their notable game against Notre Dame last month, making strategic decisions, positioning defensive linemen, and moving across the field to make plays. He flawlessly executed his downhill movement during an early run blitz (and again during a zone blitz in the second quarter). He was spot-on in zone coverage, tracking receivers across the field and keeping an eye out for backs heading into routes. As the brother of Miami Dolphins’ offensive lineman, Liam Eichenberg, Tommy is adept at shedding run blockers, though his average size sometimes allowed offensive tackles to overpower him. I anticipate a long and successful career for Eichenberg, expecting him to be a regular starter on Sundays.

19) Johnny Wilson, WR/TE, Florida State (6-7, 237)

Wilson scored twice in the first quarter of Florida State’s win over Virginia Tech on Saturday, first going low (despite being listed at 6-foot-7) to grab a Jordan Travis pass and later gaining position with a double move that became a corner route. He caught two other passes before leaving the game with an injury. The good news is head coach Mike Norvell told reporters he’s hopeful Wilson will be able to return this week. Wilson needs to play stronger at the catch point against better cornerbacks, as he lost some contested catches against Clemson and had two drops against LSU, per PFF. But he flashes the hands to make tough grabs away from his frame and has also given effort as a blocker downfield this season. Wilson should be coveted by NFL teams looking for a hybrid receiver/tight end.

18) Nazir Stackhouse, DT, Georgia (6-3, 320)

Like his predecessor, Jordan Davis, Stackhouse’s main contribution on defense is maintaining the line of scrimmage. He clogged up the middle against Auburn, swallowing ball-carriers between the tackles. His power and quickness to shoot a gap is excellent for a player listed at 6-3, 320 pounds. He flashes the foot quickness to disrupt plays when lined up on the tackle. Stackhouse might not rack up big production (nine tackles, two for loss, in six games this season) but don’t be surprised if you hear his name more often in the second half of the season.

17) Beaux Limmer, C, Arkansas (6-5, 307)

Limmer is a contender for the Rimington Trophy, which recognizes the nation’s best center. Despite his height, which is unusual for his position, he holds his ground effectively in the pivot. He has shown his ability to neutralize second-level targets in space on screens, as demonstrated in a touchdown run in the early second half against BYU last month. Even when a defensive lineman gains an early advantage, Limmer’s flexibility and determination enable him to maintain his block. His adaptability was evident last week against Ole Miss when he was switched to left guard by the coaches. Although he performed well as a pass and run blocker in that position, the experiment only lasted for a half. The three-year right guard starter seemed more at ease back in the center position.

16) T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State (6-2, 200)

In his senior campaign, Tampa has already made significant plays, such as securing an Iowa State victory over Oklahoma State by undercutting a trail technique pass from the slot with less than 90 seconds left in the game. A week later against Oklahoma, he was given credit for a pass breakup after recovering from a double move to disrupt the receiver’s touchdown catch. Tampa effectively uses his strength against the run, fending off smaller receivers trying to block and tackling ball-carriers in the open field. Despite giving up his first touchdown of the season against TCU last weekend after losing his man in a scramble drill, he also prevented a deep ball in the Cyclones’ 27-14 win.

15) Graham Barton, OL, Duke (6-5, 314)

Duke felt the absence of Barton in its defeat to Notre Dame last month, after the left tackle incurred an upper-body injury in the previous week’s game against UConn. During the season’s inaugural win over Clemson, however, Barton demonstrated his prowess in pass protection, exhibiting agility, resilience, and patience. He effectively used his strength to take down the skilled edge rushers of the Tigers several times. His speed in open spaces and his knack for identifying the right blocking angle also make him a formidable force in the running game. Barton could potentially be a better fit as a center, a role he assumed as a true freshman in 2020, but I believe he could excel in an external position if given the opportunity.

14) DJ James, CB, Auburn (6-1, 164)

Since transferring to Auburn from Oregon before last season, James has proven to be a reliable player. He intercepted a corner route against Cal last month and successfully halted a run from the slot against Georgia a few weeks later. He also made an impressive play against Bulldogs WR Ladd McConkey, gaining ground on a corner route while using inside leverage. However, he missed two fourth-quarter tackles against UGA; one on a quick pass to McConkey and another where he failed to take down tight end Brock Bowers on the game-winning score. Despite this, his physicality is an asset and teams are likely to overlook occasional missed tackles if he performs well as an outside cover man. This weekend, James faces a challenge as he goes up against a strong LSU offense, which includes receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr.

13) Princely Umanmielen, Edge, Florida (6-5, 255)

Umanmielen is currently leading the team with two sacks in the first six games. His impressive start when in pass-rush mode is noteworthy, but it’s his overall athleticism that should truly appeal to scouts. He consistently disrupted quarterback Joe Milton III by cornering and using long-arm/spin moves to reach the backfield during Florida’s victory over Tennessee last month. Umanmielen also successfully held his own against the Vols’ large offensive line in the run game. Interestingly, the coaches tasked him with jumping out in the slot for zone coverage against UT – an unusual role for an edge rusher of his size, further highlighting his athletic prowess.

T-11) Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington (6-3, 213)

T-11) Bo Nix, QB, Oregon (6-2, 217)

Nix and Penix, both fresh from a bye week, will clash this Saturday in Seattle. This match offers them the chance to advance in the Heisman Trophy competition and vie for the title of top senior quarterback prospect. This season, Penix’s precision in intermediate and deep throws has significantly improved, and he has been delivering accurate passes to a squad of NFL-level receivers. However, the Washington team will confront their most challenging defense yet in Oregon. The Ducks rank eighth in the FBS, averaging 3.6 sacks per game. Despite Penix’s history of injuries during his time at Indiana, NFL teams will need to consider his ability to perform under pressure in the pocket and make plays on the go. Contrastingly, Nix must demonstrate his ability to make strong throws and smart choices from the pocket against top-tier competitors, all while avoiding major errors. Although this single performance won’t exclusively determine either player’s final draft grade, coaches and general managers will undoubtedly be keen to observe their performance under the spotlight.

10) Blake Corum, RB, Michigan (5-8, 213)

Despite being less than a year post-knee surgery, Corum leads the FBS with 10 rushing touchdowns. His offensive line, winners of back-to-back Joe Moore Awards for most outstanding OL unit, certainly contribute to his success, but it’s evident that he’s gaining more confidence in his legs each week. Last month, Corum scored three times against UNLV, showcasing his ability to find gaps and speed into the open field. In the season opener against East Carolina, he demonstrated he’s recovering his long speed and evaded Bowling Green defenders in the open field on Sept. 16, illustrating his agility and vision. Corum only had to carry the ball nine times in the recent blowout win against Minnesota (69 yards, one TD), which enabled him to conserve energy for the Big Ten stretch run.

9) Josh Newton, CB, TCU (6-0, 190)

The TCU coaching team evidently has confidence in Newton, isolating him on the field. His agility and direct speed enable him to stick to receivers, compelling quarterbacks to look elsewhere. Newton has a knack for observing the eyes of receivers, which assists him in challenging their catches. He encourages offenses to hurl quick screens in his direction, enabling him to make a play while moving downhill. Plus, he’s not a bystander in the run game or when blitzing from the slot, as he aggressively tackles ball-carriers and wraps them up securely. Newton capitalized on a bad decision by SMU QB Preston Stone last month, intercepting a receiver at the end of the third quarter. Despite missing his jam at the line on that play, he demonstrated quick recovery speed and reflexes to make the interception.

8) Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State (6-4, 335)

Beebe’s robust and hefty physique enables him to maneuver opponents as a run blocker and provide a formidable barrier in pass protection. According to PFF, he hasn’t allowed a sack since 2020. In a challenging match against Missouri last month, Beebe generally managed to stick with his man, but occasionally allowed some breaches due to the quickness of the defenders. However, he shifted to right tackle in the first half due to injuries and was successful in either halting edge rushers or guiding them around the pocket. Beebe also demonstrated resilience in the defeat to Oklahoma State the previous Saturday, consistently connecting with targets in the open field.

7) Bralen Trice, Edge, Washington (6-4, 274)

Trice is a strong edge defender who utilizes a potent long-arm move and aggressive hands. He challenges blockers by going under their upfield shoulder to gain the edge in one play, then on the next, he switches tactics by cutting or spinning inside if he senses his opponent leaning outward. Despite frequently facing chip blocks in the Huskies’ last game at Arizona, Trice managed to secure his first sack of the season by overpowering left tackle Jordan Morgan with a bull rush during the initial part of the second half against the Wildcats. Though he may not be the quickest or most flexible edge rusher, he displays impressive short-area quickness for his size when he spots the ball in his vicinity. This weekend’s game against Oregon provides him with a potential opportunity to showcase his skills against the Ducks’ star quarterback, Bo Nix.

6) Ruke Orhorhoro, DT, Clemson (6-4, 290)

Orhorhoro’s chances to stack up statistics (11 tackles, 2.5 for loss, and two sacks in six games) are limited due to Clemson’s robust defensive line rotation. However, he consistently proves problematic for offensive lines. He utilizes his swift start to penetrate the backfield, positioning himself all across the front. Despite his somewhat lean frame and height, he effectively holds his own against blocks. Orhorhoro regularly outperforms gaps but couldn’t quite reach the ball for the crucial play in the Tigers’ initial loss to Duke. When given space inside, he made things challenging for quarterbacks in last month’s games against Florida State and Syracuse. He would be a great addition to an NFL one-gap system where his ability to quickly move upfield and disrupt plays can be fully utilized.

5) Rome Odunze, WR, Washington (6-3, 215)

Despite his size, Odunze is a dynamic mover, adept at giving smaller defenders a run for their money downfield and across the middle with his physicality and unexpected swiftness. His impressive skills were on full display in a match against Cal last month, where he made two Bears miss in tight spaces before swiftly moving behind secure blocking towards the end zone for a punt-return touchdown. Odunze’s tall frame and powerful grip came in handy in catching wide and underthrown passes early in that game. He later scored twice via passes, initially by positioning himself inside to catch a pass heading towards the sideline. Later, he scored after breaking through one tackle and wriggling out of another on a middle screen in the red zone. Odunze has maintained his top senior wideout status throughout this year without a hitch.

4) Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA (6-5, 265)

Latu began the season on a high note, easily outmaneuvering Coastal Carolina’s tackles to secure three sacks in the Bruins’ victory. Despite not achieving a sack in last month’s defeat at Utah, he demonstrated a range of skills to scouts. Latu displayed versatility by standing on both the left and right sides of the line, facing off against guards and tackles from a three-point stance. He skillfully dropped into coverage and pursued plays from the backside. When positioned inside, he displayed speed and used leverage in the run game. Tackles found it challenging to block him as he played with quick, strong hands and positioned himself under their upfield shoulder. Latu also effectively used his hands to free himself from blocks to tackle ball-carriers. He secured his fifth sack of the year in UCLA’s victory over Washington State last week, solidifying his status as a leading senior prospect.

3) Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois (6-2, 295)

This season, Newton has been a shining star in an otherwise dull Illinois team, recording 27 tackles, 3.5 for loss, and 2.5 sacks. His standout performance was against his toughest competition: a formidable Penn State offensive line. Newton frequently penetrated the backfield, maneuvering past guards and making significant plays. His dynamic style was particularly noticeable near the goal line in the first quarter, where he effectively halted multiple runs, forcing a field goal. Throughout his career, he has repeatedly demonstrated his agility and quick hands, chasing down plays from behind and along the line of scrimmage. He even blocked a 52-yard field goal attempt by the Nittany Lions in the second quarter, demonstrating his potential to be a problem for NFL offenses.

2) Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State (6-4, 260)

Verse is not quite on pace to match his production from last season, with 4.5 tackles for loss (2.5 sacks) through five games in 2023, but he is still making a major impact. He displayed his skill set in Florida State’s overtime win against ACC rival Clemson last month, posting half a tackle for loss and a pass breakup. Verse uses his hands better than any defender in the college game, chopping the tackle’s hands to get into the backfield when in attack mode and winning at the point of attack against the run. He did exactly that at the end of the third quarter against the Tigers, swimming over a tackle to make a stop. Verse’s awareness is also a plus; he nearly intercepted a third-down screen pass to his side in the first quarter. That combination of short-area quickness, power and football IQ makes him an elite prospect.

1) Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State (6-6, 319)

Fashanu remains at the pinnacle due to his comprehensive skill set: he is smart (having reached the semifinals for the William V. Campbell Trophy, often referred to as the academic Heisman), resilient, tall, and powerful. The team captain is seldom overpowered in pass protection, a fact that Illinois discovered earlier this season, thanks to his ability to move sideways, secure with strong hands, and stabilize with a broad base. He contended with Jer’Zhan Newton and his teammates in the run game, maintaining his blocks by actively moving his feet and utilizing his height while engaged. He was penalized for holding when he failed to block the inside lane towards the end of the first half, and Illini defenders were able to hold their positions on some running plays. However, NFL teams should be aware that Fashanu has unlimited potential.

Thirty more to watch

Listed in alphabetical order:

• Tyler Baron, Edge, Tennessee (6-foot-5, 260 pounds)
• Trey Benson, RB, Florida State (6-1, 223)
• Beau Brade, S, Maryland (6-1, 210)
• Chris Braswell, Edge, Alabama (6-3, 255)
• Edgerrin Cooper, a linebacker from Texas A&M, is 6’3″ and weighs 230 lbs.
• Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky (5-11, 210)
• Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU (6-4, 210)
• Ray Davis, RB, Kentucky (5-10, 216)
• Tyler Davis, DT, Clemson (6-2, 300)
• Javon Foster, OT, Missouri (6-5, 319)
• Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina (6-2 1/2, 235)
• Tre Harris, WR, Mississippi (6-2, 205)
• Christian Haynes, OG, UConn (6-2, 313)
• Ty’Ron Hopper, LB, Missouri (6-2, 221)
• Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State (6-2, 190)
• Adisa Isaac, Edge, Penn State (6-4, 254)
• Kris Jenkins, DT, Michigan (6-3, 305)
• KeAndre Lambert-Smith, WR, Penn State (6-1, 185)
• Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina (6-3, 227)
• Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo (6-0, 196)
• Jordan Morgan, OT, Arizona (6-5, 325)
• Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota (6-2, 210)
• Eyabi Okie, Edge, Charlotte (6-5, 244)
• Patrick Paul, OT, Houston (6-7, 315)
• Ben Sinnott, TE, Kansas State (6-4, 245)
• Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State (6-4, 251)
• T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas (6-4, 362)
• Sedrick Van Pran, C, Georgia (6-4, 310)
• Payton Wilson, Linebacker, N.C. State (6-4, 238)
• Zak Zinter, OG, Michigan (6-6, 322)