NFL Analysis
11/27/24
9 min read
7 Potential First-Round Prospects After Breakout 2024 season
If you've been scouring 2025 NFL mock drafts since summer and are tired of seeing the same 32 names in each projection, then you've come to the right place. With the college football regular season wrapping up this weekend, draft enthusiasts will start catching up to what NFL personnel have to say about this class and make their own evaluations.
We're ahead of the curve on the latter point, as we've diligently been paying attention to as many games as possible each week. Although the 2025 NFL Draft will produce 257 selections, our big board will have well more than 300 players evaluated.
With the all-star circuit, NFL Scouting Combine, and pro days yet to come, we have seven individuals who aren't regularly projected in the first round who have put themselves into the discussion after a breakout 2024 campaign. Each of these players has maximized their opportunity thus far and will cash in if that trend continues into April.
Sleeper First-Round Prospects
Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia 
Going from a part-time player in 2023 to the star of Georgia's defense this fall, Jalon Walker has easily distinguished himself as the top linebacker. His elite 6-foot-2, 245-pound frame promises versatility, and Walker delivers as a quality pass-rusher and hammer against the run. Linebackers rarely garner first-round interest anymore, but teams will overlook Walker's limited playing time until 2024 because he's a three-down contributor with impressive traits.
With 21 quarterback pressures, 5.5 sacks, and only six missed tackles to 24 run stops, Walker will step in as a Day 1 impact box presence. His length isn't as impressive as 2024 third-round pick Payton Wilson's, but Walker's bulky frame and speed for his thick build translates better on passing downs. It's easy to envision Walker moving from the Mike linebacker to a pure edge threat when needed.
Georgia LB Jalon Walker (No. 11) is the real deal.
— Brian Lamb (@brianlamb_ISN) November 26, 2024
Moves well when dropping into coverage. Reads and attacks the ball across the field. ID’s very well through traffic. Incredible range to pressure the QB from the 2nd level.
STUD. pic.twitter.com/OpXSq5kyfx
What makes Walker more of a fringe candidate besides his low positional value is his lack of experience in coverage. Georgia keeps him moving downhill instead of dropping into zones or playing in man assignments often. He's only been targeted seven times on the season, giving up five receptions for 65 yards.
However, teams won't expect Walker to be the next Fred Warner in coverage. He's more like Patrick Queen but a more effective player when getting after the quarterback.
Jalon Walker's Full Scouting Report, Pro Comp
Wyatt Milum, OT, West Virginia
The offensive tackle class has largely been a disappointment in 2024. Texas' talented duo are arguably the top individual talents. Then, there's Josh Simmons from Ohio State dealing with a torn ACL, LSU's duo who might be better guard prospects, and then a few other intriguing options with limitations. However, West Virginia's Wyatt Milum looks to be a late-blooming savior for the group.
Milum, at 6-foot-6, 317 pounds, looks the part and plays with the physicality you'd hope for someone with his length. He hasn't allowed a sack in three seasons, logging an outstanding pass block efficiency of 98.2 percent over 1,355 snaps. That's especially impressive because he faced Abdul Carter and a few other impact pass-rushers just this season.
A respectable athlete and run blocker, Milum's best attribute is blending raw power, length, and quick feet to create a stonewalling presence. His first year will bring some hiccups as Milum has to continue improving his functional strength in space and withstanding stronger defenders, but he has the tools and efficiency to believe in as a first-round talent.
Wyatt Milum's Full Scouting Report, Pro Comp
Darien Porter is a superhuman athlete. Elite size speed length but his instincts are awesome. Was originally a WR recruit he changed positions and has picked it up well with awesome ball skills. He’s gonna tear up the senior bowl and right now is my CB2@DarienPorter10 pic.twitter.com/i1CgAED3Dc
— ColeNFL (@colep_nfl) November 18, 2024
Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
The cornerback class has been in even worse shape than the tackle class, largely due to injuries and letdown seasons from the second tier of defenders. Denzel Burke, Shavon Revel Jr., and Benjamin Morrison may not make the first round despite so much excitement around each only a few months ago. Instead, the likes of Darien Porter and Zy Alexander (LSU) could fill the void.
The NFL will always love size, and Porter has plenty. The 6-foot-4 corner is tied with Arizona's Tacario Davis as a gigantic presence, but Porter went from an unknown to a star in a hurry. He had fewer than 100 coverage snaps in three straight seasons before 2024.
Playing in Iowa State's zone-heavy defense, Porter is a better prospect than 2024 fourth-rounder T.J. Tampa from the Cyclones' program. He's more effective with his length and understands his physicality better. He's allowed only four receptions on 15 targets while also producing three interceptions and two pass breakups without a penalty.
He'll have to test well to make the first round, but the door is open for him to make that jump.
Nick Emmanwori, SAF, South Carolina
Another super-sized defender in the class is Nick Emmanwori. The 6-foot-3, 227-pounder looks like a linebacker on the third level of the defense, but he holds up in any role extremely well. He's been one of several tremendous breakout performers for the Gamecocks' defense this fall.
Trustworthy enough to finish 53 solo tackles with only seven misses, Emmanwori demands the offense's attention at all times. He's been tried plenty as offenses desperately look for answers against the Gamecocks' powerful defense. However, in addition to being an elite tackler, Emmanwori is also a formidable player in coverage.
He's given up 20 receptions on 34 targets but has limited receivers to 156 yards and forced four interceptions. With experience lining up in the box, free safety, and the slot, Emmanwori has a lot of Kam Chancellor to his game. We'd like to see him reduce the number of penalties produced (five), but I'd feel comfortable taking Emmanwori in the first round after Malaki Starks.
I'm a big fan of Ole Miss CB Trey Amos, day 1 starter in a press scheme. Leads CFB with 9 passes defended, great zone IQ, competitive run defender pic.twitter.com/svcCmfpnQ9
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) November 12, 2024
Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
Trey Amos is the best option for teams not in the market for a mega-sized or recovering cornerback. The Ole Miss star has had success at three different programs throughout his collegiate career, including Alabama in 2023. His lone season with the Rebels has been his best yet.
The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder checks almost every box of what teams want to see from a production standpoint. He's allowed only 28 receptions on 54 targets, resulting in 262 yards, two touchdowns, and three penalties. Offenses are generating only a 54.7 passer rating when going in his direction. Amos' three interceptions and 10 pass breakups are a big reason why.
A playmaker with the ball in the air, Amos also brings physicality to the run game. He competes well, finishing 30 solo tackles with an 11.3 career missed tackle rate. He's far better in run support than most corners will ever be.
His blend of size and straight-line speed make it relatively easy to see Amos land in the top 40, and he deserves to hear his name called night one.
LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
The last month has been quieter for LT Overton, but it's hard to deny his growth since transferring from Texas A&M to Alabama. The massive 6-foot-5, 285-pounder can slide between defensive end and tackle in multiple fronts and be a matchup nightmare. He's tremendously strong, quick, and agile enough to shed blocks while pursuing the ball carrier.
Although Overton has only finished two sacks, he's been a constant pain for offenses. He's registered 18 run stops and 31 quarterback pressures while moving between alignments. It's been especially impressive given Alabama's lack of other quality pass-rush presences.
Whoever takes Overton knows they're getting a bit of a project. His size and movement ability are too uncommon to let fall too far, though. He simply has an upside that most lack, and his flashes of high-level play are worth gambling on.
#Iowa‘s Kaleb Johnson possesses clean, decisive eyes in zone allowing him to break off huge gains when he can hit the backside of zone.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/X6IMMEvJ2H
— NTB_43 (@NTB_43) November 21, 2024
Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
Everyone is aware of Ashton Jeanty, and it's hard to imagine the Boise State star landing outside of the first round. However, another back has made a strong case to eek his way into the top 32 selections. That's Iowa's Kaleb Johnson.
The hulking 6-foot, 226-pound bowling ball is far more than just a power back. While his incredible production after contact confirms his strength, he's explosive and quick enough to immediately be a star in the NFL. 1,004 of Johnson's 1,490 yards have come after contact, and he averages 4.5 yards after contact per carry.
Forcing 62 missed tackles on 223 attempts, Johnson profiles as an ideal answer to the defense's embracing of Cover 2 alignments. Not dropping a safety in the box to help gang tackle Johnson as he bulldozes through the line can be fatal. Hoping that defensive back can bring Johnson down 1-on-1 is equally threatening.
With 20 receptions for 117 yards on the season, Johnson has shown he's simply a terrific athlete who will produce regardless of his role and scheme.
Put him on a more prolific passing unit, and his efficiency will further skyrocket. The best part of Johnson's history is that he'll have under 600 career carries when he enters the NFL, so there are no concerns about being overworked.
Kaleb Johnson's Full Scouting Report, Pro Comp
