Finishing just 3-9 and ousting head coach Herm Edwards after only three games, the Arizona State Sun Devils want to forget about 2022 quickly. Now under head coach Kenny Dillingham, who has had success with quarterbacks Bo Nix and Jordan Travis, the Sun Devils have revamped its roster with transfers. We’re looking at those roster changes and the Sun Devils’ 2024 NFL Draft prospects.
Arizona State Sun Devils Roster and Depth Chart Changes
The Sun Devils only produced one NFL Draft pick in 2023, with defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera landing in the seventh round. But the team also lost star rusher Xazavian Valladay to graduation and once-prized recruit and backup quarterback Emory Jones to the transfer portal. Considering how much Arizona State struggled, Dillingham can’t sweat any departure too much.
ASU’s roster looks completely new after almost 30 new players transferred in. That includes former Notre Dame quarterback Drew Pyne, three offensive linemen, two rushers, five receivers, and as many as seven new defensive starters. Watching the Sun Devils this fall will be similar to watching a brand-new team.
With little known about the majority of these players who have yet to log serious snap counts elsewhere, our NFL Draft preview for the team is light. But there’s room for the program to grow quickly.
Arizona State NFL Draft Prospects
Jalin Conyers, TE
At 6’4″ and 250 pounds, Jalin Conyers already has an NFL-ready body. The thick-built pass catcher could even stand to be leaner in order to sell his routes and create separation more effectively. However, Conyers is surprisingly quick, given his upper body is so large. And that strength certainly shows as a blocker and while he’s carrying the ball upfield.
Conyers easily boxes out defenders even when he’s not trying to. He projects as a solid TE2 in the NFL and could see a boost beyond that as his body transforms more. He carries an early Day 3 grade.
Ben Coleman, G
Joining the Sun Devils from Cal, Coleman split his time playing both left tackle and left guard. He’ll be a guard at the next level regardless due to his 6’4″ frame. Unfortunately, Coleman suffered a “serious lower leg injury” in the spring that has his season in jeopardy.
Coleman has a good initial punch that features plenty of strength. He’s not a good athlete in space, but Coleman occupies defenders effectively. More of a throwback, power blocker, Coleman will have value in gap schemes and as a pass-blocking guard if he’s healthy.
Ro Torrence, DB
Coming from Auburn, Ro Torrence quickly found a major role for the Sun Devils in 2022. The massive 6’3″, 195-pound defensive back more closely resembles a linebacker than a cornerback, which could lead to a positional change at the next level. Torrence’s length was an obvious asset in coverage, but he struggled to make impact plays in his first season playing full-time.
Some of Torrence’s warts may have been due to inexperience and being out of position at corner. He can prove to be a draftable talent if he shows cleaner footwork and improved physicality throughout coverage. For now, he’s more of someone to watch for development.
Arizona State Sun Devils Schedule
- Week 1
BYE - Week 2
Aug. 31: vs. Southern Utah Thunderbirds - Week 3
Sept. 9: vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys - Week 4
Sept. 16: vs. Fresno State Bulldogs - Week 5
Sept. 23: vs. USC Trojans - Week 6
Sept. 30: at California Golden Bears - Week 7
Oct. 7: vs. Colorado Buffaloes - Week 8
BYE - Week 9
Oct. 21: at Washington Huskies - Week 10
Oct. 28: vs. Washington State Cougars - Week 11
Nov. 4: vs. Utah Utes - Week 12
Nov. 11: at UCLA Bruins - Week 13
Nov. 18: vs. Oregon Ducks - Week 14
Nov. 25: vs. Arizona Wildcats - Week 15
BYE
