Tag: underclassmen declarations

Notre Dame offensive lineman Blake Fisher declares for the 2024 NFL Draft

Notre Dame offensive lineman Blake Fisher declares for the 2024 NFL Draft

As the draft season draws nearer and nearer, it appears as though Notre Dame will have both of their starting offensive tackles as Blake Fisher just announced he is declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft.

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Fisher has played both sides of the line for the Fighting Irish and while he was not quite on the level of his running mate Joe Alt, he still found plenty of success over the last two seasons. Many expected Fisher to stick around and take over the left tackle spot, but with enough tape out there for evaluation and the potential to show off his athletic prowess in the pre-draft process, Fisher made the decision to jump ship early and take his talents to the next level.

Playing in 26 games and having the ability to play in multiple spots along the line only stand to benefit Fisher, and given his level of playing during his brightest moments he can expect to be drafted in the first few rounds. Whether it be at tackle or guard, Fisher should be able to step into a role right away and start at the NFL level.

Cameron Ward enters transfer portal but could still declare for the draft

Ward left his options open after leaving Washington State. If he declares, Ward projects in the middle rounds of the 2024 NFL draft

Cameron Ward is leaving Washington State. That much we know. Where the dynamic quarterback lands next remains to be seen.

Ward announced he is entering the transfer portal. However, he left open the possibility that he will instead declare for the 2024 NFL draft.

“After a lot of reflection, I will be evaluating entering the 2024 NFL draft as well as intending to enter my name into the transfer portal as a grad transfer,” Ward wrote in a social media post.

If he declares, Ward currently projects in the middle rounds — pending athletic testing and interviews. The 6-foot-2 Ward completed 67 percent of his passes in 2023, tossing 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Ward previously transferred to Washington State from Incarnate Word after the 2021 season.

Clemson CB Nate Wiggins declares for the 2024 NFL Draft

Wiggins will be in the competition to be the first cornerback drafted in 2024

The cornerback class in the 2024 NFL Draft just got even deeper after it was announced that Clemson defensive back Nate Wiggins will forgo his senior season and enter the draft.

Wiggins has been very productive over his last two seasons with the Tigers, punctuated by a breakout junior season where he was responsible for eight pass breakups as well as two interceptions.

There is little doubt that Wiggins sits in the first-round discussion as one of the best cornerbacks in this class; his height/weight/speed combination is among the best in the country. Wiggins has all the physical talent to be a number one corner in the league and could launch himself up draft boards through the pre-draft process.

The league is always looking for tall and speedy corners, and Wiggins absolutely fits the mold as the modern prototypical defensive back. Look for Wiggins to hear his name called at the top end of the first round this April as he looks to bring a boost to whichever secondary he lands on.

Herbstreit: Marvin Harrison Jr. Not a ‘slam dunk’ to enter the 2024 NFL Draft

Harrison is the early consensus best prospect, but Herbie believes he might return to Ohio State

In what is stacking up to be one of the most loaded draft classes in recent memories there seem to be multiple high level stars potentially choosing to stay in school as an effect of the lucrative NIL deals offered in college football. One of those stars is Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr., who is wildly regarded as the top receiver in the country and a locked-in Top-10 draft pick.

According to ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit in an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, although it is likely Harrison will eventually declare for the 2024 NFL draft, it is not necessarily a guarantee.

“It’s not just a slam dunk anymore, with some of these guys maybe staying because of the money they can make,” Herbstreit said.

Herbstreit went on to reference that due to the amount of money college players can get, those projected to go in the later rounds are more likely to stick around due to receiving lucrative NIL deals.

Harrison not entering the draft would certainly shake up the draft process, and while it remains unlikely it plays out that way, it’s true that the NIL has majorly thrown a wrench into draft projection.

Spencer Rattler declares for the 2024 NFL Draft

Though he may not be an early-round pick, Rattler will almost certainly hear his name called at some point during the latter rounds of the draft as a likely developmental backup

Early on in his college career, South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler was considered the top quarterback prospect in the country, but after multiple up-and-down seasons, his trajectory has fallen just a bit. After a solid 2023 season with the Gamecocks, Rattler will seek to take his talents to the NFL as he recently declared for the 2024 NFL Draft.

During his final season of college football Rattler managed to score 24 total touchdowns to just eight interceptions. Rattler ultimately led the Gamecocks to a 5-7 record, which was a bit of a letdown considering the team’s success the previous season. Rattler did take steps as a quarterback towards the next level and looks to be progressing as a passer.

While Rattler doesn’t boast the eye-popping stats like the other quarterbacks in this 2024 class, he still has all the physical tools needed to succeed in the NFL. Though he may not be an early-round pick, Rattler will almost certainly hear his name called at some point during the latter rounds of the draft as a likely developmental backup. There is plenty of quarterback talent in this class, and Rattler highlights the depth that can be obtained at the position in the later rounds.

Braelon Allen declares for the 2024 NFL Draft at just 19 years old

Allen could be one of the first RBs drafted and his precocious age should help him

In what may be a sign of trends in the modern day NFL, running backs are starting to come out as early as possible to help their shelf life in an unforgiving league that has ultimately devalued the running back position. Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen is taking full advantage of his young age and college success by taking the leap to the league at only 19 years old.

Allen has dominated during his time at Wisconsin since playing as a true Freshman. During his three-year stint with the Badgers, Allen managed to put up 3,494 rushing yards, for a 5.9-yard per-carry average, and punched it into the end zone 35 times. During his final season in Wisconsin, Allen matched a career-high 12 touchdowns and notched over 1,000 scrimmage yards.

In what is expected to be a very deep running back class, Allen sticks out as an obvious top-five player at his position. Allen is a violent runner who makes plays all over the field; he possesses solid hands and can be a three-down back in the NFL. His age only stands to benefit him given the current expected age of the RB position’s downturn is 30 years old. Allen will likely find himself going in the second-to-third round of the draft as one of the top backs in the class.

Jeremiah Trotter Jr. enters the 2024 NFL Draft

Trotter is a likely Day 2 selection after an impressive career at Clemson

The NFL is adding more bloodline talent as the son of former longtime Eagles player Jeremiah Trotter, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. will enter the 2024 NFL Draft.

A two-year starter for the Clemson Tigers Trotter showed out as one of the best and most versatile off the ball linebackers in the country. Over the last two seasons, Trotter managed to nab 176 tackles, 12 sacks, three forced fumbles, and four interceptions. This made him one of the most productive linebackers in all of college football.

Trotter boasts all the talent needed to be one of the first off-the-ball linebackers off the board. With excellent athleticism, speed, and versatility, he is built to play at the next level. The pre-draft process should only serve to help a guy with Trotter’s physical traits, and Trotter should find himself going within the first two rounds of the 2024 NFL draft.

Ohio State WR Chris Olave to return for senior season

Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave is bypassing the 2021 NFL draft, and will return to school for his senior season

Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave announced on Monday his intentions to return to school for his senior year, thus bypassing the 2021 NFL draft.

The news come as a surprise, as Olave was highly regarded as one of the top wide receivers in the draft and an early-round pick. The junior is coming off of his second season in the Buckeyes’ starting lineup, catching 50 passes for 729 yards and 7 touchdowns in just seven games.

With Olave’s return, Ohio State finds themselves in a favorable position on offense, regarding of whoever takes over the starting quarterback job from the NFL-bound Justin Fields. Pass-catchers like Olave, Garrett Wilson, and tight end Jeremy Ruckert should help ease the changing of the guard under center.

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