The 2024 NFL Draft is swiftly approaching. With pre-draft events such as the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine in our rearview mirror, risers and fallers have been present throughout the entire process.
Every year, underrated prospects fly undeservingly under the radar. With that in mind, we've identified five players who deserve more attention than they're currently receiving.
JUSTIN EBOIGBE, DL, ALABAMA
A defensive lineman from Alabama rarely flies under the radar but that's exactly what's happening with Justin Eboigbe. A rotational defender in 2021, Eboigbe unfortunately suffered a season-ending injury midway through 2022. He returned to full health in 2023 and earned All-SEC First Team honors by the conference coaches.
Eboigbe recorded career highs in tackles (63), tackles for loss (11.5), and sacks (7) this past campaign. He's extremely powerful at the point of attack and consistently plays with a red-hot motor. Eboigbe's combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him a potential sleeper top-64 selection.
ELIJAH JONES, CB, BOSTON COLLEGE
I rarely see Boston College's Elijah Jones mentioned among the top 10 overall cornerbacks in the class. Jones is an extremely instinctive corner who recorded seven interceptions in his final two seasons of college football. He routinely displays good awareness and ball skills. I foresee Jones developing into a starting-caliber corner at the next level.
Jones put forth a solid performance at the NFL Combine, too. The Eagles standout ran a 4.44 40, had a position-best 42.5-inch vertical, and his 10-foot-11 broad jump placed fourth across all participating cornerbacks. Jones is an uber-athletic and productive prospect.
MASON MCCORMICK, IOL, SOUTH DAKOTA
The Missouri Valley Conference continuously develops pro-ready offensive linemen. Cody Mauch and Cordell Volson are excellent examples in recent drafts. South Dakota State interior offensive lineman Mason McCormick appears next in line to join that list.
McCormick plays with rare aggression as a blue-chip finisher. He's also an elite athlete after displaying a 35.5-inch vertical and 9-foot-9 broad jump at the NFL Combine. McCormick may require a redshirt season to acclimate to professional football, but he ultimately projects as an eventual starter at left guard—the position he's most familiar with.
RYAN FLOURNOY, WR, SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE
Don't let Ryan Flournoy get lost in an extremely deep receivers class. The Southeast Missouri State standout received a well-deserved opportunity to travel to this year's Senior Bowl. He checked a lot of boxes by competing alongside Power Five prospects. Flournoy belonged in Mobile.
Flournoy produced nearly 1,900 yards and 15 total touchdowns in two seasons at Southeast Missouri State after previously playing at Iowa Western and Central Missouri. At the NFL Combine, Flournoy had a 39.5-inch vertical and a fourth-best 11-foot broad. Play strength was evident through 19 bench-press reps, which placed second among receivers behind Ainias Smith (21).
ERICK ALL, TE, IOWA
Death, taxes, and Iowa tight ends developing into legitimate contributors. Erick All possesses excellent size for the position at 6-foot-4 and 252 pounds. All is an alignment-versatile tight end who mastered a pro-scheme Hawkeyes offense. All is particularly physical as an in-line blocker and also possesses the burst necessary to threaten the seam.
All has untapped potential as a pass catcher due to Iowa's run-heavy offense. The Fairfield, Ohio native recorded 21 receptions for 299 receiving yards and three touchdowns this past season. Medicals will be crucial as recurring injuries limited All in 2022 and 2023.
