3 NFL Draft Prospects Takeaways from Week 6

As more meaningful games get underway, teams and fans alike are getting a deeper look at players that will likely be entering their names in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Texas QB Quinn Ewers

Quinn Ewers has been an NFL Draft name since he was coming out of high school and the redshirt sophomore has shown why throughout his college career. Ewers is in a unique situation as he has Arch Manning chomping at the bit right behind him as the Longhorns starting QB for 2024, making it more likely that he declares for the draft as opposed to transferring again.

Ewers has physical tools that NFL teams will love: a fast release, a strong enough arm to make all of the throws, quick eyes, and elite accuracy for a prospect. Where he has struggled is when facing defenses that do a good job of disguising coverages and pressures. Enter: Brent Venables and the Oklahoma Sooners.

The Red River battle might be the last true test for Ewers during the regular season. With all eyes on Ewers facing Venables’ Sooners blitzes and post-snap shifts coverages, we put up a 300yd passing performance. Unfortunately, he was hampered by three turnovers (two interceptions, one fumble) he had on the day for Texas. After back-to-back weeks with interceptions thrown, he’ll need to clean it up for NFL scouts.

Missouri LB Ty’Ron Hopper

Last season was a breakout season for Ty’Ron Hopper in his first year in Missouri after spending his first few years with the Florida Gators. This year, production has fallen off a bit for Hopper but a good part of that is his usage has changed.

Hopper has thrived as an off-ball blitzer throughout his career, but this year, he has only been used as a blitzer on 51 snaps, 20 of which came against Middle Tennessee State. The usage from Hopper continued this week in the matchup against the LSU Tigers.

LSU has been able to put up points almost at will this year, and with Jayden Daniels’ dual-threat ability at quarterback, they’re more dynamic than ever.

Hopper had to be the trigger man to come down when Daniels started using his legs. He led the Tigers with 8 tackles. Unfortunately, and despite his hustle, Daniels put up 135 yds rushing. On the positive, Hopper was able to produce pressure vs Daniels, securing his first sack of the season.

Long-term, Hopper’s best fit at the next level might be with an aggressive defense that allows him to play man coverage and operate as a blitzer. 

Notre Dame OT Joe Alt

The NFL is becoming increasingly diverse, with offenses built around the wide zone, power run scheme, and everything in-between. Finding a scheme-versatile offensive tackle is extremely difficult; it’s why they get drafted so high and paid so much just for the potential of being the answer on the edge.

Notre Dame’s Joe Alt has the potential to be the first tackle off the board in the 2024 NFL Draft. He faced one of his toughest tasks this weekend against a Louisville defense that’s been carried by a dominant pass-rush. Louisville had registered 106 pressures this season, with 47 of them coming from Ashton Gillotte and Stephen Herron off the edge.

Alt had all he could handle vs the Cardinals, giving up two sacks on three pressures. Most concerning was a bull rush where he hit the turf on a night when the Irish struggled up front on offense.

Alt and this o-line teammates must regroup as the season picks up steam toward the 2024 NFL Draft.