New 2024 NFL Draft prospects pop up weekly, while some 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 take a look at a Missouri cornerback on the rise, the best nickel in the draft, and a DT1 candidate.
Top Underrated 2024 NFL Draft Prospects To Watch in CFB Week 9
Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri
With four interceptions and eight pass deflections so far, Kris Abrams-Draine has been the definition of a playmaker this season. A former wide receiver, Abrams-Draine’s natural ball skills will translate in the NFL.
In coverage this season, Abrams-Draine has been more physical at the top of the route and near the line of scrimmage. Abrams-Draine is dictating the route and then using his instincts and explosiveness to make a play on the ball. Receivers have gotten little separation against him in coverage, and he hasn’t given up any big plays this season.
MORE: 2024 NFL Draft Big Board
His footwork has improved, and his overall understanding of the game is at another level. The high-end speed, loose hips, and ball skills were always there, but the little things have separated Abrams-Draine in the senior cornerback class.
With his tackling and short-area quickness, Abrams-Draine will have the ability to kick inside to the slot. Abrams-Draine is a Senior Bowl lock who should compete to be one of the first senior defenders drafted next April.
Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan
Another former wideout, Mike Sainristil, has made a lot of money this fall. He should be one of the fastest cornerbacks in the draft, and he has shown he can take away the football this season, generating three interceptions.
Sainrisitl’s route recognition is phenomenal, and he is explosive when breaking on the football. The initial burst is there, but when asked to travel with receivers vertically, Sainristil stays stride for stride with them. He is a willing run defender who doesn’t shy away from contact.
With his movement skills, speed, and instincts, he could be used as a defensive chess piece and play some safety. Ohio State is the game scouts will want to key in on, as he should see a lot of projected first-round pick Emeka Egbuka.
If he plays well against Egbuka, Sainristil will move up even further than he has now. Sainristil has the makings of a long-time NFL starting nickel who is a plug-and-play cornerback. He should hear his name called on Day 2.
Michael Hall Jr., DT, Ohio State
A freaky athlete, Michael Hall Jr. has been an excellent pass rusher for the Buckeyes this season. He possesses a quick first step, really good bend for a defensive tackle, and a multitude of ways to beat interior offensive linemen.
Hall has expanded his pass-rush plan, which has allowed him to keep linemen guessing. His quick and strong hands will lead to swift wins at the next level. As a run defender, he’s continued to get better at stacking and shedding defenders. He looks stronger this season, too. It is hard to find impact interior rushers in the draft, and Hall is exactly that.
MORE: Free Mock Draft Simulator With Trades
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted Calijah Kancey 19th because of his ability to get after the quarterback, and Hall is an even better pass rusher. The run defense is enough. Going into the season, it was supposed to be a good defensive tackle class, but outside of Hall and Jer’Zhan Newton at Illinois, most of the projected first-round defensive tackles have disappointed.
If Hall tests as well as he should, he could end up as DT1 in the draft.
