Five Big 12 Players That Could Go in the First Round of the 2024 NFL Draft
It’s never too early to look ahead to next year’s NFL Draft. After an exciting weekend in Kansas City where the Big 12 saw six of their stars go in the first round, and many more in the rounds to follow, who are some of the top Big 12 prospects to follow this upcoming season that could break into the first round in 2024?
Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
Despite an up-and-down campaign last season, Ewers could jump into the conversation of being a top-five pick by showing growth and putting up big numbers in 2023. His arm talent is undeniable and he was knocking on the door of being top five in big-time throw rate. If he can be more consistent and up his completion percentage, Ewers will be right there behind Caleb Williams as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft class.
Cooper Beebe, OL, Kansas State
Beebe has been dominant for Kansas State for the past three seasons. He started his career at tackle before moving to guard this past season. His 94.0 pass-blocking grade led all college football offensive linemen and he hasn’t allowed a sack in 770 pass-blocking snaps since 2021. If Beebe doesn’t go in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, there will be many teams left with regrets.
Kingsley Suamataia, OL, BYU
Suamataia is a former five-star recruit who transferred to BYU from Oregon this past season. He flashed his elite tools at right tackle and earned an impressive 80.9 pass-blocking grade in 2022. Suamataia, like Beebe, also didn’t allow a sack in 2022 as well as looking strong as a run-blocker. There’s a good chance Suamataia will move to left tackle for the Cougars in 2023 with the departure of recently drafted left tackle Blake Freeland out of the picture. That could boost Suamataia’s stock even more if he has a successful season as the starting left tackle for BYU. Remember this name next spring when draft season comes back around.
Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
One of the fastest wide receivers in college football, Worthy would definitely be worthy of being selected in the first round in next year’s draft. With wide receiver being such a premium position, Worthy could climb draft boards with a solid junior season that shows even more growth. He took off his freshman season before taking a small step back in year two. Worthy should be one of the top receivers in college football and playing with one of the top quarterbacks in the nation will only enhance his profile. Keep an eye on Worthy this upcoming season.
Ja’Taveon Sanders, TE, Texas
I didn’t want to add another Texas Longhorn to this list, but it’s undeniable that this team has several prospects who have the potential to be first-round draft picks in 2024. Sanders is one of those guys. He is the #1 ranked tight end in the Big 12 and maybe the second-best draft-eligible tight end in the nation behind Georgia’s Brock Bowers. He had 613 receiving yards on 54 catches and that included five receiving touchdowns. He will look to improve on those numbers and expand his game in 2023. He is a freak athlete who stands at 6’4” and weighs 242 lbs and that will excite scouts and general managers at the next level. He would be a nice addition to any team looking to add an athletic playmaker to their tight-end room.
Like at this year’s draft, there will be many Big 12 players selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. Some will be deserving of a first-round selection while others will go a little bit later. There could be others that rise, and maybe some of these guys won’t live up to the hype, but it will be another fascinating season leading up to next year’s draft class.
