The 2024 NFL Draft is less than a month away. All-Star Games, pro days and the NFL Combine have all come and gone as former Florida State stars focus on increasing their draft stock in a variety of ways. If that happens, the multi-day event could be a very productive period for the Seminoles.
FSU has produced only six draft picks in head coach Mike Norvell's first four years in Tallahassee. The program could nearly double that total in late April, according to a recent mock draft published by ESPN's Matt Miller. In his predictions, Miller expects 11 Seminoles to be selected, including five top-100 picks.
The only projected first-round pick is star edge rusher Jared Barth. He performed well at the NFL Combine, capping off two solid seasons with the Garnet and Gold before being taken 19th overall by the Los Angeles Rams.
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“The Rams have a lot of freedom to attack value in the first round with a ‘best available player’ approach. Aaron Donald's retirement looms large, but breakout rookie Coby Turner will slide into the 3-technique slot. Where do the Rams really need help? He is relentless with his labor-intensive production – Vaas led FSU to an undefeated regular season with nine sacks and his 50 pressures. He's a plug-and-play 4-3 defensive end starter with Trey Hendrickson-like abilities. ”
This is a draft full of talented wide receivers. The New England Patriots could steal Keon Coleman with the No. 34 pick. Coleman's stock went down after his 40-yard dash in Indianapolis, but there's no questioning his ability as a playmaker between the lines.
“The Patriots acquired an OL protection (Olumuyiwa Fashanu) and a playmaker DB (Cooper Dejean) in the first round, so let's focus on the offensive skill positions. Coleman is a 6-3, 213-pound He is an elite post-up player. His time at the combine 40 was a disappointing 4.61 seconds, but his speed recorded by GPS during position drills was the highest among the group, so he plays fast.”
There aren't many prospects who have moved up the draft rankings more than Braden Fisk in recent months. He won the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine and was firmly in the top 50. Miller had the Houston Texans take Fisk at No. 42 in the second round.
“The Texans are playing their first game and need to work on the depth and prospects of their unit even after adding an impactful defensive lineman in free agency. Fisk is listed at 6-5, 292 pounds. He's a little undersized, but his quickness is good.'' His shooting gaps and ability to take over games are noteworthy. Coming off back-to-back six-sack seasons, Fisk is an all-around great combine who featured a 4.78 40-yard dash time. A few seconds of a dominant performance at the Senior Bowl before wrapping up my workout. ”
Somewhat surprisingly, Trey Benson is projected to be the third running back to go to the Cleveland Browns at No. 85, behind Texas' Jonathon Brooks and Tennessee's Jalen Wright. Benson dazzled at the combine and at FSU's pro day while being one of the most productive backs in the draft.
“Cleveland must find a reliable runner behind Nick Chubb, who is returning from a foot injury. Benson has 216 pounds of power, great burst, and very good receiving characteristics out of the backfield. .”
Renaldo Green completed Florida State's five top-100 selections with the No. 98 pick from the Pittsburgh Steelers, who acquired him from the Philadelphia Eagles. Green is one of the few defensive backs in the draft that limits Malik Nabors and LSU's elite group of wide receivers.
“Green is probably the NFL's nickel cornerback and potentially a very good cornerback. He has 4.49 speed and 24 career pass breakups.”
Miller also named Jarrian Jones (Carolina Panthers, No. 141), Jordan Travis (Atlanta Falcons, No. 187), Fabian Lovett (Buffalo Bills, No. 189), and Jaheim Bell (New Orleans Saints, No. 189). Johnny Wilson (Green Bay Packers, No. 219) went in the sixth round, and Karen DeLoach (Dallas Cowboys, No. 244) got her name called in the seventh round.
Travis is Miller's favorite prospect going into the sixth round. He could be the next growing prospect behind veteran Kirk Cousins, who is returning from a season-ending foot injury. Travis expects to be fully healthy within the next few months and should be able to return in time for training camp.
“Atlanta made a splash by signing quarterback Kirk Cousins in free agency, but they don't have a developing backup behind the 36-year-old. Travis battled a shoulder injury early in the season and then He is a touch thrower with excellent mobility who is suitable for a late round flyer. ”
If this mock draft is true, it would be the most former Florida State players selected in a single year since 2015, when 11 were selected. Never before in program history have more than 10 Seminoles been selected in a single NFL draft (1995, 2013, 2015).
The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit from April 25th to 27th.
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