It’s time to check in on the {at least reasonably assumed} players that could make up the 2024 rookie class- here we look at the stock down propsects as of October. Some of these fallers could be trending to return for another year of college, but some of these players are out of eligibility. For this year and the next couple of years, until we run out of these players’ extra COVID eligibility year, it’s going to be hard to tell if players have more eligibility to return or not. Some of the assumed elite running backs are showing some flaws early in the season, whether due to injury or just play on the field. And we’re potentially seeing in real time a usual Devy powerhouse fall apart.
Donovan Edwards (RB, Michigan)
There were a lot of analysts out there that believed Donovan Edwards might be the better prospect out of him and Blake Corum and could even take over the backfield this year post-Corum injury. That has absolutely not happened as Corum has over 3 times as many rushing yards. But, as expected, Edwards is outproducing him through the air. That being said, Michigan has been gliding through their schedule that has consisted of Eastern Carolina, UNLV, Bowling Green, and Rutgers. We really won’t know what this offense actually looks like until probably November 11th versus Penn State. Donovan has already proven to be a receiving threat, but he has to prove himself on the ground this year to be considered a high end 2024 prospect.
Alabama Crimson Tide Offense
We’ve seen the Crimson Tide send out fantasy relevant prospects on a consistent basis at just about every position from Tua Tagovailoa to DeVonta Smith to Josh Jacobs in recent years. This consistency has dated back all the way to Julio Jones, Mark Ingram, and Amari Cooper. Well it might be one of the few years we don’t see a first round fantasy relevant Alabama player this year as none of them look impressive enough to make a fantasy impact at the next level.
Jermaine Burton had some hype when he transferred from Georgia to Alabama, but he’s been relatively disappointing despite being the most productive receiver in this room. Ja’Corey Brooks is a former 5-star recruit, the overall WR2, and number 27 prospect in his respective recruiting class. Brooks even had a fairly productive sophomore year, just three yards shy from leading the team in receiving yards, but has recorded just one catch through four games this season. Then there is Jase McClellan that came into the season with some hype but has been fairly pedestrian. Finally, Jalen Milroe, or any quarterback in that room in Tuscaloosa, hasn’t shown anything to be regarded as a high end NFL talent at the quarterback position.
Joe Milton (QB, Tennessee)
Milton is a player with all of the tools, specifically his size at 6’5” and 244 lbs. He started his career at Michigan, transferred to Tennessee last year, and waited his turn to finally start this season. The dual threat upside is there, but with the opportunity presented this year, he’s fallen short so far. He’s provided explosive plays, but has struggled to pass the ball consistently. He rarely puts touch on the ball on close passes, misses deep often, and doesn’t threaten the middle of the field consistently. The offense has lost a step from Hendon Hookers’ consistent passing ability and it’s noticeable. Granted, they’ve lost a few NFL receivers too, but Milton has yet to elevate this offense like many expected him to.
Treveyon Henderson (RB, Ohio State)
This one is all about expectations. The expectations were that Treveyon Henderson could enter the NFL as one of the top backs from the get go. Before last season, many thought Henderson rivaled Bijan Robinson as the RB1 in college football. Now, he’s lost in a crowd that includes Will Shipley, Raheim Sanders, Braelon Allen, and others. He’s fallen short of expectations, but I fully expect Treveyon to provide high end upside to this draft class. He has good size at 5’10” and 212 lbs, excellent top end speed, and is an overall explosive athlete with pass catching ability. But he’s struggled to get back to the glory of his freshman year, much less continue to improve upon his freshman year. Even with the lack of other proven backs in the backfield this year, he hasn’t taken over.
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Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas – USA TODAY Sports
2024 Rookie Class Stock Down October
