These ten college stars are seeing their draft stock slip just one week before the NFL Draft.
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A lot of times, college stardom translates into being a high pick for many draft prospects. But, these ten college stars are seeing their draft stock slip a bit throughout the draft process.
Texas OT Kelvin Banks Jr.
Kelvin Banks was a consensus top-ten pick entering the 2024 season. It’s not that he played poorly, but he wasn’t as dominant as people wanted to be, and his testing numbers haven’t really helped him. He’s still going to go in the 1st round, but could slide down the board a bit.
Ohio State CB Denzel Burke
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Burke was one of the top draft-eligible corners in the country coming into the season. But, a nightmare game against Tez Johnson and Oregon during the regular season and so-so testing numbers mean he could possibly fall all the way to Day 3 next week.
Tennessee DE James Pearce Jr.
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Prior to the season, Pearce was projected by some as the best prospect in the entire draft based on his raw tools and solid production in Knoxville. His production in 2024 was, indeed, solid, but he wasn’t dominant and teams are a bit worried about his slender frame. He probably will find a home in the 1st round somewhere, but he could definitely slide all the way out of Day 1.
Ohio State DE JT Tuimoloau
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Tuimoloau’s frame and power has always intrigued teams. But, frankly, he’s just not a very explosive athletes compared to edge players in the NFL, and that’s hurt him in the draft process. He’s likely a mid-to-late Day 2 pick.
Texas WR Isaiah Bond
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Bond has always struggled with off-field issues, and a recent arrest for sexual assault has teams backing off the speedster, for obvious reasons. Who knows when, or if, Bond will be drafted next week.
Missouri WR Luther Burden II
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Burden, a former five-star, was a star at Mizzou from the start of his career. With the ball in his hands he’s dynamic, and he can get separation in man coverage. But, teams are docking him for his inability to read coverages and find soft spots, and the fact that he’s essentially a slot-only player means it’s a good possibility that he drops into Round 2.
Arizona Wildcats WR Tetairoa McMillan
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He’s still probably the top pure wide receiver prospect in the draft. But, after getting some top-five buzz a month or two ago, the big-bodied wideout is falling a bit. Some of that is due to questions about just how much he truly loves footbal. He’s going to go pretty early, but maybe not as early as some thought not too long ago.
Texas QB Quinn Ewers
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Ewers was as highly-touted as any quarterback prospect in recent memory out of high school. But, injuries have piled up, and his arm just isn’t what it once was. He’s never taken a big step as a processor, and has really struggled when under pressure. Once thought of as a can’t-miss future franchise quarterback prospect, Ewers could slip as far as the 5th Round if the draft falls a certain way.
Ohio State DE Jack Sawyer
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Sawyer, the leader of the Buckeye defense, had a monster postseason. But, like his aforementioned teammate, there are real concerns about his athleticism and explosiveness. He’s a Day 2 pick and could fall into the 3rd Round.
Michigan CB Will Johnson
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Johnson was considered by some to be the best prospect in the country this time last year. But, an injury-plagued season plus some so-so tape has people backing off a bit on the lanky corner. He’s going to go in the 1st Round, but it seems like he won’t go in the Top Ten.