New 2024 NFL Draft prospects pop up weekly, with some flying under the radar. Each week, I’ll highlight a few prospects that need more attention. As we enter conference schedule season, we’ll see iron sharpening iron more often.
In this edition of Scouting the Nation, we look at the best linebacker in the Big 12, the next Deebo Samuel, and one of the best transfers to the SEC.
Top Underrated 2024 NFL Draft Prospects To Watch in CFB Week 6
Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Sooners’ defense has been very impressive this season, and a big reason for that is Stutsman’s play. He already has nine tackles for a loss, two sacks, and a pick-six this season. His instincts and downhill trigger have been fantastic so far, allowing him to make plays near the line of scrimmage.
Stutsman is listed at 6’4” and 241 pounds but is a loose athlete who does an excellent job sorting through traffic. He can shed offensive tackles’ blocks at the second level or dip under them to get to the ball carrier. Stutsman shows off his speed and ability to change direction in coverage.
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He can cover running backs and tight ends at a high level. The biggest thing I wanted to see in Stutsman’s film this season was improved play strength. He has looked much stronger, taking his game to the next level. His instincts, tackling, and play level should translate well to the NFL.
Stutsman projects as a Day 1 starting MIKE at the next level, but he also has the versatility to be a WILL.
Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky
When it is all said and done, Malachi Corley will become a top-15 player from this draft class. He is on the same level as Deebo Samuel after the catch, and in the right situation, Corley will end up being a Pro Bowl-caliber player.
His contact balance is second to none in this class, and he makes several “wow” plays with the ball in his hands. Western Kentucky lines him up everywhere and does everything they can to get him the football.
Every defense they face keys in on Corley, but he is still hard to stop. Corley does a very good job changing direction and doesn’t drop passes, either. As a route runner, Corley should be able to run a full route tree in the NFL.
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Several offensive coordinators and head coaches are from the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree, and they’ll be able to get the most out of Corley in a Samuel-like role.
Even when Corley has faced top-tier teams such as Ohio State and Auburn the past two seasons, he has played up to the competition. Corley is a top-50 pick, but he could sneak into the first round with a good pre-draft process.
Nick Gargiulo, G, South Carolina
A Yale transfer, Nick Gargiulo has been the best offensive lineman on the South Carolina Gamecocks this season.
After playing left tackle and then center, he has transitioned to guard for his final season at the collegiate level. Gargiulo will have guard/center versatility, only helping his draft stock. The biggest thing that stands out on Gargiulo’s tape is consistency. He is strong, anchors well, and uses his length to sustain blocks.
Gargiulo is a solid mover who understands angles to seal off defenders. He keeps his balance in pass protection and has quick feet to mirror defenders.
Further, Gargiulo plays with physicality and doesn’t take snaps off. To make the transition from the Ivy League to the SEC so easily won’t go unnoticed by scouts.
Gargiulo is a scheme versatile player, but he can be maximized in a zone scheme, where he has starter upside.