New 2024 and 2025 NFL Draft prospects pop up weekly, while some fly under the radar. With the bowl season almost here, our focus shifts to a mixture of 2024 prospects, transfer portal entrants, and 2025 emerging names.
In this edition of Scouting the Nation, we take a look at one of the best prospects from the Midwest, a left tackle from the Patriot League to keep an eye on, and Notre Dame’s next great tight end.
Emerging 2024-25 NFL Draft Prospects Entering Bowl Season
Marshawn Kneeland, DL, Western Michigan
A long and powerful defensive lineman, Marshawn Kneeland was phenomenal for the Broncos this season. He has the size and play strength to be utilized all over the defensive line. His efforts earned him an invite to the 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl.
As a 5-tech, Kneeland displayed good bend for his size. His pass-rush moves were effective, and he has the acceleration to finish wins with sacks. He excels at setting the edge and then shedding blocks to make the play. Kneeland doesn’t get washed out of plays and will be a plus-run defender early on in his career.
Kneeland’s a loose athlete who was essentially used as a defensive chess piece for Western Michigan. The athleticism he has is so freaky that Kneeland looked natural dropping back into coverage at over 270 pounds. His hips are incredibly fluid, too.
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As an interior rusher, Kneeland shows off the ability to convert speed to power and penetrate the pocket. He overwhelms guards with his athleticism and power, consistently wreaking havoc from the inside. In every game I watched, Kneeland was the best player on the field, and his traits will translate well at the next level.
I have a second-round grade on Kneeland, and a good pre-draft process will solidify him as a high pick.
Ryder Langsdale, OT, Lafayette
Every year, there are a few small-school prospects that not only deserve NFL attention but are legitimate top 100 prospects. From the likes of Trevor Penning, Spencer Brown, Quinn Meinerz, Cody Mauch, and Dillon Radunz, small-school offensive linemen have done very well in the draft as of late.
Ryder Langsdale, who came into Lafayette as a defensive lineman, has a chance to join that group in 2025. He didn’t give up a sack last season on film and was very impressive against Lafayette’s top opponent, Duke. The goal is for a small-school prospect to stand out, and that was the case with Langsdale.
He has a tackle size of 6’7” and a big frame. Langsdale’s foot quickness is very good, and he’s a knee bender. Langsdale has strong hands to sustain blocks and finish defenders. He consistently displaced defenders on film, driving them off the ball. When the running back ran behind Langsdale, he always had an open lane.
Climbing to the second level, Lansgdale played with control and did a good job of staying attached to second-level defenders. He kept his hands in tight and would use that power to put the defender in the dirt. Langsdale is also a fluid athlete who can easily redirect his body to seal off defenders.
His tape from this season was as good as it gets. Langsdale looked like an NFL player against Duke and the rest of his games on tape. He has the tools to be viewed as an elite FCS prospect and should be a big-time riser next year.
Mitchell Evans, TE, Notre Dame
After a breakout game in Week 4 against Ohio State, it looked like Mitchell Evans was on his way to being a top tight end in this year’s class. Unfortunately, a knee injury ended his season early, but Evans’ tape was excellent beforehand.
He possesses NFL size and is a big target for quarterbacks. Evans has very good hands and makes the most of his opportunities.
When quarterback Sam Hartman threw to Evans, he always seemed to come down with the football. Evans does a good job of building up speed and then getting in and out of his breaks at the top of his route.
For a tight end, Evans can create separation but will also shield off defenders with his body to make the catch. His willingness as a blocker stood out on film, as well.
Evans plays through the whistle and has great technique as a run blocker. His combination of pass catching and blocking is hard to find.
To step in for Michael Mayer and have the success Evans did was very impressive, and he will only continue to get better. Evans projects as an NFL starter and will come into 2025 as the top senior tight end in the country.