West Virginia Mountaineers head coach Neal Brown has produced a winning record only once in four years, making the 2023 season a pivotal moment for the program’s future. Brown is tasked with developing a young core of talent that is far from proven. We’re previewing the Mountaineers’ 2024 NFL Draft prospects, roster changes, and schedule.
West Virginia Mountaineers Roster and Depth Chart Changes
The Mountaineers only saw defensive lineman Dante Stills drafted last year, but wide receiver Bryce Ford-Wheaton was certainly talented enough to also be picked. West Virginia also saw several leading producers graduate or transfer, including quarterback JT Daniels, receiver Kaden Prather, and defensive lineman Jordan Jefferson. However, the Mountaineers were largely unable to replace them in the transfer portal.
That means the onus is on this roster to improve from within. With only three expected senior starters on offense and another three on defense, the Mountaineers are far from a lock to be competitive each week.
West Virginia NFL Draft Prospects
Zach Frazier, C
At 6’2″ and 310 pounds, Zach Frazier is one of the strongest interior linemen in the country. He may not excel in space as an athletic player who is skilled at making landmark moves on the second level of defenses. But he effectively handles players in front of him, whether in the running game or as a pass blocker.
With the NFL seeing more freakishly athletic defensive tackles enter the league, having a strongman who can anchor in place and require little help is valuable. Frazier has good awareness and is a solid help blocker. His athleticism will limit which schemes he fits, but he enters the fall with a midround grade as a potential NFL starter.
Sean Martin, DL
A massive defensive lineman capable of playing as a 5-technique in 3-4 fronts or a 4-3 tackle, Sean Martin is a good athlete for his size.
He’s 6’5″, 292 pounds, boasting excellent strength at the point of attack, opening opportunities for others as he demands the attention of blockers. Martin is not overly explosive or bendy, so he’ll be relied upon more in the run game early in his career.
There are some flashes of pass-rush capabilities in Martin’s game. He can power through blockers when he stays low off the snap and is capable of cleaning up when edge rushers flush quarterbacks up from their drop. Martin figures to be a later-Day 3 prospect but can have a role thanks to his build and skill set.
West Virginia Mountaineers Schedule
- Week 1
BYE - Week 2
Sept. 2: at Penn State Nittany Lions - Week 3
Sept. 9: vs. Duquesne Dukes - Week 4
Sept. 16: vs. Pitt Panthers - Week 5
Sept. 23: vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders - Week 6
Sept. 30: at TCU Horned Frogs - Week 7
BYE - Week 8
Oct. 12: at Houston Cougars - Week 9
Oct. 21: vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys - Week 10
Oct. 28: at UCF Knights - Week 11
Nov. 4: vs. BYU Cougars - Week 12
Nov. 11: at Oklahoma Sooners - Week 13
Nov. 18: vs. Cincinnati Bearcats - Week 14
Nov. 25: at Baylor Bears - Week 15
BYE