New 2024 NFL Draft prospects pop up weekly, while some fly under the radar. Each week, I’ll highlight a few prospects that need more attention. As we continue through the conference schedule season, we’ll see iron sharpening iron more often.
In this edition of Scouting the Nation, we look at the best wide receiver from Week 7, a pass rusher with 3.5 sacks against Alabama, and a Kansas offensive lineman making waves in the Big 12.
Top Underrated 2024 NFL Draft Prospects To Watch in CFB Week 8
Devontez Walker, WR, North Carolina
It is fantastic just to see Devontez Walker back on the field, and he put the entire country on notice in Week 7.
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Walker had 132 yards and three touchdowns on the day and seemed too fast for the Miami defense to handle. Unreal stat lines are nothing new for Walker, who had over 100 yards against Georgia last season while at Kent State. That was when I first noticed Walker as a legitimate top prospect.
He was consistently blowing by some of the best cornerbacks in the country and was too fast and explosive to be stopped. It was only his second game back, but the combination of Walker and quarterback Drake Maye gives North Carolina arguably the best quarterback-wide receiver duo in the country.
Miami has a great defense, and it was still effortless for Walker. He is big and long and will compete to be the fastest wide receiver at the NFL Scouting Combine. That doesn’t last long in the NFL Draft. He has also looked more refined as a route runner this season.
Expect Walker to crush the pre-draft process and, with continued success, end up as one of the first receivers drafted.
Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
At 6’7” and 281 pounds, Landon Jackson has incredible size. He is long and has an impressive frame. For a 281-pound defensive end, Jackson has really good speed and bend to threaten the tackle’s outside shoulder.
He has a wide array of pass-rush moves that were on full display against Alabama, leading him to record 3.5 sacks. Jackson’s excellent at converting speed to power, overwhelming offensive tackles, and pushing the pocket.
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As a run defender, Jackson uses his length and quickness for his size to either lock out tackles and then disengage from their block to make the play or avoid their block entirely. He will be a plus-run defender early on in his career. The size, frame, length, and athleticism will cause scouts to fall in love with Jackson, but coaches will like his advanced pass rush plan and how he can step in and contribute from Day 1.
Jackson is a Day 2 prospect trending up in a weak defensive end class.
Dominick Puni, OL, Kansas
Dominick Puni has taken his game to the next level by playing left tackle for the Kansas Jayhawks this season. Transferring from Central Missouri, Puni played left guard last season and was viewed as an early Day 3 pick. He won’t get out of Day 2 with how he has looked this season.
Puni displays great foot quickness and agility in pass protection to keep defenders in front of him. His core strength makes it hard for rushers to win with power, and he is so consistent. At times, Puni’s film as a pass blocker was almost boring; he was that good.
His angles and athleticism allow him to get to defenders and seal them off on the move in the run game. His hand placement and natural power are also stand-out traits. Because his arm length is under 33 inches, Puni will have to kick back inside at guard in the NFL.
He will be viewed as a Day 1 starter at left guard, and his tape this year has justified that projection.