New 2024 NFL Draft prospects pop up weekly, while some continue to fly under the radar. Each week, I’ll highlight a few prospects that need more attention. As we continue through the conference schedule season, we’ll see iron sharpening iron more often.
In this edition of Scouting the Nation, we look at one of the best senior offensive tackles, a stout run defender in the Big Ten, Kentucky’s No. 1 cornerback, and a safety who impressed against Ohio State.
Top Underrated 2024 NFL Draft Prospects To Watch in CFB Week 7
Christian Jones, OT, Texas
Of all the tackles in college football, Christian Jones has taken the biggest leap from his 2022 to 2023 tape. The flashes were always great on film, but Jones has been consistent this season.
Against Dallas Turner and Alabama, Jones had a clean sheet in pass protection, displaying excellent foot quickness and angles to keep pass rushers outside of the pocket. He kept his balance and used his length to stop defenders in their tracks.
In the run game this season, Jones’ clamp strength and the power he’s generated from his lower half have been impressive. He can easily displace defenders and has been very good when asked to block at the second level.
A former soccer player, Jones has always been a gifted athlete, but things are clicking for him this season. My pro comparison for Jones is Terence Steele, who has developed into one of the best right tackles in the NFL.
They are similar players who excel as run blockers, and Jones has played his way into being a Day 2 prospect.
Ty Robinson, DT, Nebraska
A massive defensive tackle for “Big Red,” Ty Robinson will play in the league for a long time. It’s hard to find defensive tackles with his measurables and play strength.
Robinson is a ready-made NFL run defender who overpowers interior offensive linemen. He can stack and shed guards at a high level, and his length allows him to get to ball carriers and wrap them up near the line of scrimmage.
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Robinson can plug gaps and take on double teams, which doesn’t go in the stat sheet, but this skill will be very valuable at the next level.
He wins with power as a pass rusher, and he’s explosive off the line. Robinson’s flashes show he has a lot of upside as a pass rusher. Players with his tools don’t last long in the draft.
He will be a top-100 pick and contribute at the next level from Day 1 as a rookie.
Andru Phillips, CB, Kentucky
Last season, Andru Phillips was a big part of Kentucky’s defense down the stretch. He has been the top outside cornerback for the Wildcats this year.
A two-time all-state triple jumper, Phillips’ explosiveness might just be the best in the country for cornerbacks. His closing burst is elite, and he has the instinct to make plays on the football. Phillips matches wideouts’ tempos throughout their routes, and his fluidity makes it easy for him to change direction.
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His feel for zone coverage has improved greatly, which is an area I wanted to see him get better at this season. Phillips will be scheme-versatile at the next level, and he can also play inside or outside. This season, Phillips has rarely been beaten in coverage, as he has sound technique and doesn’t lose his balance.
Phillips should be near the top of the leaderboard for the broad and vertical jumps at the NFL Combine and run in the 4.40s. SEC experience, inside/outside versatility, and great tape will bode well for Phillips’ draft stock.
Beau Brade, S, Maryland
The game that scouts circled coming into the year for Beau Brade was against Ohio State.
With many weapons and one of the best offenses in college football, Ohio State would be a big-time test for Brade. He passed that test and had one of the best performances of his career.
Brade was flying all over the field, displaying elite speed and athleticism. His instincts and ability in man and zone coverage were also fantastic.
He had some key plays on the football, including a pass breakup in coverage against WR Emeka Egbuka. Brade also impressed as a run defender and looks to have even better play strength and physicality this season.
There are several similarities between Brade and Washington Commanders’ star safety Kamren Curl, but Brade will test much better.
