College football is evolving rapidly, with smaller schools now producing top NFL talent for the 2024 Draft, challenging the dominance of Power 5 institutions. Notable players like Carson Wentz and Cooper Kupp have emerged from FCS and Div. II programs in recent years, with the upcoming draft lacking sure-fire first-rounders but showcasing Day 2 prospects like Kiran Amegadjie, Mason McCormick, and Dylan Laube.

By the Numbers
  • Carson Wentz, Trey Lance, Trevor Penning, Cole Strange, and Tytus Howard emerged as first-round prospects from lower-level college football in the past decade.
  • McCormick completed the short shuttle in 4.45 seconds at the NFL Combine.
Yes, But

The depth of the 2024 NFL Draft class from small schools presents challenges in identifying immediate impact players, with many prospects expected to require development time.

State of Play
  • Kiran Amegadjie, Mason McCormick, Dylan Laube among the top small-school prospects for the 2024 NFL Draft.
  • Ryan Flournoy, with exceptional athleticism, is pegged as a potential Day 3 gem.
What's Next

The 2024 NFL Draft is poised to showcase a new wave of talent from FCS, HBCU, and small-school programs, offering NFL teams unique opportunities for player development and strategic selections.

Bottom Line

The upcoming NFL Draft in 2024 highlights the increasing significance of talent from smaller colleges, emphasizing the potential for hidden gems and future stars among FCS and Div. II prospects, reshaping the traditional draft landscape.