2024 NFL Draft: Small-school prospects who will make a big impact in the NFL

Not many impact players come out of the Ivy League, but Amegadije has a chance to be an NFL starter. He has experience at both guard and tackle with ample size at 6-foot-5.

A transfer from Northwestern, Hampton finished off his college career at Tulane. He’s slightly undersized but has elite coverage skills to play in the slot.

Burton wasn’t overly productive in three seasons for FAU, but he has elite speed that could translate well to special teams or as a slot receiver.

Clark’s college career was halted by injury, but he could be a nice find for an NFL team after recording 15 total touchdowns in 2021-2022. He was a key contributor for UTSA.

A highly productive wideout over the last three seasons, Corley scored 11 touchdowns in back-to-back seasons. He has a chance to be a Day 2 pick.

Driskell would be one of the biggest offensive linemen the NFL has seen at 6-foot-9. He’s played both tackle spots in college.

Gadlin transferred from Tulsa to Liberty for the final two seasons of his college career and became an effective player at guard and tackle. At 6-foot-4, his NFL future is likely on the interior.

The son of the legendary NFL back Frank Gore, Junior was a workhorse over four seasons at Southern Miss. He finished his career with over 4,000 yards rushing, including two 1,000-yard campaigns. He has bulk and a running style that resembles his father.

Unfortunately, Hardison’s college career ended prematurely due to an arm injury, but he has the arm strength to get a look in the NFL. He would be a major development prospect, with a sub-54% completion rate for his college career.

Height is a concern for Haynes at only 6-foot-2, but he was a consistent starter in his college career at right guard for the Huskies. He looks to be a possible Day 3 selection.

Holker transferred from BYU to Colorado State for his final college season, which was fruitful. He showed his receiving chops with 64 catches for 767 yards and six touchdowns, making Holker one of the top receiving tight ends available in the draft.

Horton transferred from Nevada to Colorado State after two seasons and found his footing with his new team. He had back-to-back 1,100-yard seasons, showing off plenty of size and speed.

Janke became a star at South Dakota State and is a potential deep threat at 6-foot-3. His college competition is a knock against him, but Janke can help his cause on the workout circuit.

Kamara was more productive with each season in college, capping off his impressive career with 13 sacks and 56 tackles in 12 games. He had 29.5 sacks for his career, and could be a developmental prospect on Day 3.

Kneeland didn’t tally huge sack numbers in college, but his size and athleticism should get him a long look on draft boards. He finished off his four-year career with 12.5 sacks and 28 tackles for loss.

Knight was a crucial part of UTEP’s defense over the last three seasons and finished his four-year career with nearly 400 tackles. He had 140 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 15.5 tackles for loss last season.

Laube contributed as both a running back and on special teams, finishing the 2023 season with over 200 all-purpose yards per game. He has the potential to be a third-down back in the NFL.

Mitchell could see his name called in the first round of the NFL Draft after an outstanding college career. He shined in 2022 with five interceptions and proved to be a lockdown corner for the Rockets.

The younger brother of Saints lineman Trevor Penning, Jared has made a name for himself at Northern Iowa with his strong performance. He has experience at both guard and tackle.

Pratt was a highly productive four-year starter at Tulane, finishing his career with 90 touchdown passes. He also showed plus mobility and could be a Day 3 developmental prospect.

Suamataia is in the early draft conversation with elite performance and athleticism. He started his college career at Oregon before transferring south to BYU.

Soloman showed elite production at Troy, including 16 sacks and 56 tackles in his final season. He also recorded 11 sacks in 2021, numbers that should be eye-opening for NFL teams.

Thomas has the potential to play either guard or tackle in the NFL with plus size and athleticism. He projects as a likely Day 3 selection.

Roberts had five picks over the last two seasons at Louisiana Tech. He could fit as a slot corner at 5-foot-11.

Woods transferred from West Virginia to see a significant role at SMU last season. He recorded 11 pass breakups, showing ability at both corner and safety.