The UL Monroe Warhawks don’t have a large 2024 NFL Draft class on deck, but one prospect, in particular, could help them see their first selection since the 2019 cycle. Which eligible players give UL Monroe the best chance at NFL Draft representation?
UL Monroe Warhawks NFL Draft Prospects
The Warhawks haven’t finished above .500 since 2012, and their losses in the 2023 offseason may make it difficult to improve on their 4-8 record from a season ago.
Two of the more impactful pieces on UL Monroe’s offensive unit — quarterback Chandler Rogers and running back Malik Jackson — transferred out, with Rogers heading to North Texas and Jackson joining up at Jacksonville State.
Past those two departures, the Warhawks also lost several top receivers to exhausted eligibility, as well as standout defensive lineman Caleb Thomas. Meanwhile, versatile defensive end Anthony Campbell — viewed as a potential breakout candidate — leveraged his raw talent into an opportunity with the Miami Hurricanes.
The Warhawks will have a new quarterback, new receivers outside of standout Tyrone Howell, and a defensive front largely made up of newly acquired transfers.
Louisiana Monroe has a relatively strong offensive line — anchored by redshirt freshman Tellek Lockette and tackles Stacey Wilkins and Keydrell Lewis, and they have some playmaking ability in the secondary. But change will bring adversity for UL Monroe in 2023.
Tyrone Howell, WR
The Warhawks’ best prospect — who may, in fact, have an outside chance of being selected — is Howell. Originally transferred from Kansas State, Howell was a bright spot in an up-and-down passing attack last season.
He amassed 852 yards and six touchdowns on 50 catches, with several outbursts of 175+ yards. The 6’2″, 202-pound Howell has fantastic hip flexibility and a wide catch radius that allows him to snare off-target throws.
Donell Harris, EDGE
UL Monroe’s sack leader in 2022 had just three quarterback takedowns. That’s a low bar to pass for the 2023 group, and the Warhawks are hoping the natural talent of Donell Harris will help in that department.
Harris only had one career sack in three years at Texas A&M, but the 6’3″, 220-pound rush linebacker was a four-star recruit who attracted lofty NFL comparisons out of high school. Perhaps he could resurrect his career in Monroe.
Tristan Driggers, LB
Tristan Driggers came to UL Monroe from Kilgore College and immediately established himself as a competent defender in 2022. At 6’2″, 204 pounds, he’s noticeably undersized at the second level, and his NFL projection is unclear. Still, Driggers managed 63 tackles this past season and showed off his coverage instincts and playmaking ability with three interceptions. He gets depth with ease and can track lofted throws like an outfielder.
Deuce Mayberry, CB
The Warhawks added Deuce Mayberry as a transfer from Kansas for the 2022 campaign. After receiving limited reps with the Jayhawks, Mayberry was able to show more of his traits at UL Monroe, putting up 31 tackles, a tackle for loss, a pick, and five pass deflections in the process.
Though he’s underweight at 6’1″, 170 pounds, Mayberry has decent length to go along with solid foot speed and natural sinking ability.
A.J. Watts, S
Though he’s set to play safety at UL Monroe, A.J. Watts gained experience at both cornerback and safety in his time with the Akron Zips. Watts was a major contributor right out of the gate in 2019, with six pass breakups that year. Then, in 2020, he scored his first two interceptions.
Watts missed the 2022 campaign, but the 6’1″, 192-pound defensive back brings experience, versatility, and some playmaking upside to the Warhawks’ roster.
Other Notable Names
- Jiya Wright, QB
- Thad Franklin Jr., RB
- Isaiah Woullard, RB
- Stacey Wilkins, OT
- Keydrell Lewis, OT
- Markell Smith, G
- Adin Huntington, DT
- Kenard Snyder, EDGE
- Lu Tillery, CB
- Car’lin Vigers, CB
UL Monroe Warhawks Schedule
- Week 1
BYE - Week 2
Sept. 2: vs. Army Black Knights - Week 3
Sept. 9: vs. Lamar Cardinals - Week 4
Sept. 16: at Texas A&M Aggies - Week 5
BYE - Week 6
Sept. 30: vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers - Week 7
Oct. 7: vs. South Alabama Jaguars - Week 8
Oct. 14: at Texas State Bobcats - Week 9
Oct. 21: at Georgia Southern Eagles - Week 10
Oct. 28: vs. Arkansas State Red Wolves - Week 11
Nov. 4: at Southern Miss Golden Eagles - Week 12
Nov. 11: vs. Troy Trojans - Week 13
Nov. 18: at Ole Miss Rebels - Week 14
Nov. 25: at Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns - Week 15
BYE