Last year, Kansas State Wildcats head coach Chris Klieman produced his best season in Manhattan yet. The Wildcats finished 10-4, winning the Big 12 and notching 10 wins for the first time since 2012. Another 10-win campaign would give the program its first stretch with back-to-back double-digit wins since 2011 and 2012. But how will their 2024 NFL Draft shake out?
Kansas State Wildcats Roster and Depth Chart Changes
Reaching as high as No. 11 in the AP Poll last season, there’s no question the Wildcats had serious NFL talent on both sides of the ball. They produced two top-50 prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft, with star edge rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah and cornerback Julius Brents being picked within 15 selections of each other. Running back Deuce Vaughn was also drafted after finishing second all-time in program history in rushing yards, and safety Josh Hayes also heard his name called.
Additionally, Kansas State saw starting quarterback Adrian Martinez depart the program after one season with the team. He was solid in 10 games, sparking an offense that benefitted from his rushing ability and increased passing efficiency. However, Will Howard was the more productive passer of the two and will slot in as the permanent starter in 2023.
The key transfer addition is former Florida State RB Treshaun Ward. With Vaughn gone, Ward will split the backfield duties with DJ Giddens. Ward has two straight seasons with 515 or more yards and averaging at least 6.4 yards per carry.
Kansas State NFL Draft Prospects
Will Howard, QB
With a prototypical 6’4″, 235-pound build, Howard looks the part of an NFL passer. He has an NFL-caliber arm that allows him to deliver deep attempts with touch and enough velocity to force defenses to respect him. He’s comfortable standing in the pocket as deeper route concepts develop and hunts chunk plays downfield.
We’ll be watching to see whether Howard improves his pocket movement, where he shows heavy and slow feet. He’s not a quality creator when he has to buy time, yet his pre- and post-snap recognition may jump significantly with more experience. Howard could jump into becoming a Day 3 prospect.
Treshaun Ward, RB
After falling short of 100 carries for the Seminoles in each of the last two years, Ward has the chance to prove himself capable of handling a bigger workload. At 5’10” and 195 pounds, he’s not someone who will break tackles often.
However, he is a patient runner who fits Kansas State’s zone scheme nicely and fights through contact as well as he physically can. Ward projects as a potential backup in the NFL thanks to his agility and receiving potential.
Ben Sinnott, TE
A move tight end at 6’4″ and 245 pounds, Ben Sinnott has experience both inline and in the slot as a receiver. He’s not a speedy threat who can get vertical like some recent top tight end prospects, but he’s comfortable making catches through traffic. Sinnott has good coordination and power with the ball in his hands, giving him value on short and intermediate targets.
His reliability as a pass catcher and blocker gives him TE2 value in the NFL.
Cooper Beebe, G
Arguably the top guard in the 2024 class, Cooper Beebe has a real chance to land in the first round. Beebe is excellent in pass protection thanks to a strong base and consistently well-placed hands inside the chest of the defender’s frame. His athleticism is good enough to be routinely featured on pulls, and he effectively landmarks on the second layer of defenses.
Though Beebe isn’t an elite athlete, his strength and activity level project to become a very good NFL starter early in his career.
Kansas State Wildcats Schedule
- Week 1
BYE - Week 2
Sept. 2: vs. Southeast Missouri State Redhawks - Week 3
Sept. 9: vs. Troy Trojans - Week 4
Sept. 16: at Missouri Tigers - Week 5
Sept. 23: vs. UCF Knights - Week 6
BYE - Week 7
Oct 7: at Oklahoma State Cowboys - Week 8
Oct. 14: at Texas Tech Red Raiders - Week 9
Oct. 21: vs. TCU Horned Frogs - Week 10
Oct. 28: vs. Houston Cougars - Week 11
Nov. 4: at Texas Longhorns - Week 12
Nov. 11: vs. Baylor Bears - Week 13
Nov. 18: at Kansas Jayhawks - Week 14
Nov. 25: vs. Iowa State Cyclones - Week 15
BYE
