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.

Below, I have ranked my top 20 players from that list and included 30 other 2024 NFL Draft prospects who have the potential to break into the rankings when I update this list at the season’s end.

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

NOTE: Heights and weights are via school measurements.

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

Eichenberg is a smart leader who always seems to have a knack for being in the right place at the right time. He was the commanding figure in the Buckeyes’ defense during their high-profile game against Notre Dame last month, making strategic decisions, positioning defensive linemen, and constantly moving around the field to make his presence felt. He demonstrated great timing on a run blitz early in the game (as he did with a zone blitz in the second quarter). He showed precision in dropping into zone coverage, accompanied receivers across the field, and kept an eye on backs venturing into routes. Eichenberg, whose brother Liam plays as an offensive lineman for the Miami Dolphins, effectively shrugged off run blockers. However, his average size occasionally allowed offensive tackles to overpower him. I predict a long and successful career for Eichenberg, with plenty of starting appearances 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, an award for the country’s best center. Despite his height, which is usually a disadvantage for the position, he is able to maintain his balance and control in the pivotal role. On the field, Limmer has proven his capabilities, especially in open spaces during screens, and effectively neutralizing targets on the second level as demonstrated during a recent second-half touchdown against BYU. Even when faced with a D-lineman gaining an early advantage, Limmer’s resilience and flexibility allow him to hold his ground. His adaptability was showcased in a recent match against Ole Miss, where coaches moved him to the position of left guard. While he performed well in both pass and run blocking from this position, this change only lasted for half the game. The senior, who has started at right guard for the past three years, seemed more at ease in his original position.

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

In his senior season, Tampa has already made significant plays, including a crucial one that sealed an Iowa State victory against Oklahoma State. He intercepted a pass in trail technique from the slot with less than 90 seconds left in the game. In the following week’s match against Oklahoma, he was acknowledged for breaking up a pass, despite being confused by a double move and having to scramble to prevent the receiver from completing a touchdown catch. Tampa effectively uses his strength against the run, fending off smaller receivers trying to block and tackling open-field ball-carriers. He conceded his first touchdown of the season against TCU last weekend, after losing his man in a scramble drill. However, he also halted a deep ball, contributing to the Cyclones’ 27-14 win.

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

Duke felt the absence of Barton in their defeat to Notre Dame last month, due to an upper-body injury he sustained against UConn a week earlier. However, in the team’s season-opening victory over Clemson, Barton showcased his skills with exceptional pass protection, anchoring with strength and agility, and successfully tackling talented Tigers edge rushers multiple times. His agility in the open field and knack for finding the right blocking angle contributes to his strength in the run game. Though Barton may ultimately be considered a better fit at center, a position he filled as a true freshman in 2020, I believe he could excel as an outside player if given the opportunity.

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

Since transferring from Oregon to Auburn before the previous season, James has been impressive. He intercepted a pass on a corner route against Cal last month and, a few weeks later, halted a run while blitzing from the slot against Georgia. He also made an impressive play against Bulldogs WR Ladd McConkey, gaining ground on a corner route while maintaining inside leverage. However, in the fourth quarter of the UGA game, he missed two tackle attempts – one against McConkey on a quick pass and another where he was unable to stop tight end Brock Bowers from scoring the game-winning point. Despite these misses, James’s physicality makes him a valuable player, and I believe teams will tolerate the occasional missed tackle as long as he performs well in his role as an outside cover man. This weekend, he faces a significant challenge as he goes up against a formidable LSU offense featuring receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr.

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

Umanmielen has consistently proven his worth in the team, tying for the team lead with two sacks in the initial six games. His impressive get-off in pass-rush mode is notable, but it’s his overall athleticism that should truly capture scouts’ attention. In Florida’s victory over Tennessee last month, he regularly disrupted quarterback Joe Milton III by expertly turning the corner and using long-arm/spin moves to infiltrate the backfield. Umanmielen also held his own against the Vols’ sizable offensive line during the run game. Coaches have even requested for him to move out to the slot for zone coverage against UT. This unusual request for an edge rusher of his size is testament to 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 off a bye week, are set to compete this Saturday in Seattle. This game offers an opportunity to advance in the Heisman Trophy contention and establish themselves as the leading senior quarterback prospect. Penix has shown increased accuracy this season on intermediate and deep throws, delivering the ball to his NFL-level receivers. However, they will be up against Oregon, the toughest defense Washington has faced yet, with the Ducks ranking eighth in the FBS with an average of 3.6 sacks per game. NFL teams will have to consider Penix’s injury-riddled history at Indiana, but his ability to handle pressure in the pocket and make plays on the move could alleviate concerns. Nix, meanwhile, needs to demonstrate his ability to make strong throws and smart decisions against top-tier opponents, whilst avoiding critical errors. While this game won’t solely determine their final draft grades, coaches and general managers will be keen to see how they perform 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 performance is undoubtedly boosted by an offensive line that has won the Joe Moore Awards twice consecutively. However, it’s evident that he’s growing increasingly confident in his legs each week. Last month, Corum scored three times against UNLV, skillfully finding gaps and accelerating into the open field. In the season opener against East Carolina, he demonstrated his restored long speed by reaching the sideline. He showed off his agility and vision against Bowling Green defenders on September 16. In last week’s victory over Minnesota, Corum only had to carry the ball nine times, scoring one touchdown and covering 69 yards. This allowed him to conserve energy for the Big Ten stretch run.

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

The TCU coaching team has utmost confidence in Newton, allowing him to play independently. Newton’s agility and linear speed enable him to stick with receivers, making quarterbacks rethink their strategy. He skillfully observes receivers’ eye movements in order to challenge the catch. Newton welcomes the opportunity to intercept quick screens thrown his way, allowing him to make significant plays. He is also actively involved in the run game and as a blitzer from the slot, aggressively tackling ball-carriers and ensuring they’re securely wrapped up. Newton capitalized on a poor judgement call from SMU QB Preston Stone last month, intercepting a pass intended for a receiver towards the end of the third quarter. Despite missing his jam at the line during that play, Newton demonstrated his recovery speed and quick reactions to secure the interception.

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

Beebe’s robust and sturdy build empowers him to shift defenders as a run blocker and offer solid protection in passing. According to PFF, he hasn’t allowed a sack since 2020. Despite the challenging Missouri game last month, Beebe generally stuck to his man but occasionally allowed some penetration due to the defenders’ speed. However, injuries led him to shift to right tackle during the first half, where he successfully blocked edge rushers or guided them around the pocket. In the defeat against Oklahoma State last Saturday, Beebe proved his strength and consistently connected with targets in the open field.

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

Trice is a formidable edge defender who utilizes a strong long-arm move and aggressive hands. He challenges blockers by moving under their upfield shoulder to gain an advantage in one play, then switches to cutting or spinning inside in the next play if he notes his opponent leaning outside. Despite regularly having to navigate through chip blocks in the Huskies’ most recent game against Arizona, Trice notched his first sack of the season by overpowering left tackle Jordan Morgan with a bull rush early in the second half. Although he may not be the fastest or most agile edge rusher, Trice displays impressive short-range speed for his size when the ball is within his vicinity. His upcoming match against Oregon provides an opportunity for him to shine against Ducks’ star quarterback, Bo Nix.

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

Orhorhoro’s potential to rack up stats (11 tackles, 2.5 for loss, and two sacks in six games) is somewhat restricted by Clemson’s deep rotation of defensive linemen. However, he consistently pressures offensive lines with his presence. His versatility allows him to line up across the front line, using his swift reaction at the snap to infiltrate the backfield. Despite his height and relatively slim build, he effectively resists blocks. During the Tigers’ season-opener against Duke, Orhorhoro frequently managed to win gaps but fell short of reaching the ball for significant plays. However, he caused problems for quarterbacks in recent games against Florida State and Syracuse when they allowed him space inside. His ability to rapidly penetrate upfield makes him well-suited to a one-gap NFL system, where he can disrupt plays effectively.

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

Despite his size, Odunze is slick on the field, giving smaller defenders a run for their money with his physical strength and unexpected speed. He demonstrated his skills during last month’s game against Cal, evading two Bears and gliding to the end zone behind solid blocking, scoring a touchdown on a punt return. Odunze made good use of his height and strong hands to catch wide and underthrown passes early in the game. He later scored two more times, using his position to make a catch near the sideline and breaking through tackles to score on a middle screen in the red zone. Throughout this year, Odunze has maintained his position as the top senior wideout.

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

Latu began the season powerfully, 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 broad range of skills to scouts. Latu effectively positioned himself on both sides of the line, faced guards and tackles head-on from a three-point stance, skillfully retreated into coverage, and pursued plays from behind. When positioned inside, he infiltrated swiftly and exploited leverage in the run game. His quick and strong hands made blocking him a significant challenge for tackles, as he managed to get beneath their upfield shoulder. Latu also utilized his hands to break free from blocks and seize ball-carriers. He achieved his fifth sack of the year in UCLA’s recent victory over Washington State, solidifying his reputation as a leading senior prospect.

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

This season, Newton has been a standout player for an otherwise underwhelming Illinois team, recording 27 tackles, 3.5 for loss, and 2.5 sacks. His most notable performance was against his toughest adversary, the formidable Penn State offensive line. Newton frequently broke through the guards’ defenses to make plays on the ball in the backfield. His explosive speed and agility were particularly evident near the goal line in the first quarter, where he successfully thwarted several runs and forced a field goal. Throughout his career, Newton has consistently proven his skills, exhibiting quick footwork and hand movements to chase plays from behind and along the line of scrimmage. Impressively, he also blocked a 52-yard field goal attempt by the Nittany Lions in the second quarter. This level of performance suggests that Newton will pose a serious challenge 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 continues to lead the rankings due to his comprehensive skill set. He’s intelligent (a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, also known as the academic Heisman), tough, tall, and strong. The team captain is seldom bested in pass protection, a fact Illinois discovered earlier this season, due to his ability to move sideways, hold on with strong hands, and establish a solid base. He contested Jer’Zhan Newton and his team members in the run game, maintaining his blocks through active footwork and use of his height. Despite a holding call for failing to cut off the inside lane towards the end of the first half, and Illinois defenders holding their own on some run plays, NFL teams should be aware that Fashanu’s potential is immense.

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 is a linebacker from Texas A&M. His height is 6’3″ and he weighs 230 pounds.
• 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)
• Linebacker Payton Wilson from N.C. State, with a height of 6’4″ and weight of 238 lbs.
• Zak Zinter, OG, Michigan (6-6, 322)