The NFL Draft represents a three-day bonding moment between professional and collegiate football that draws in diehard fans of both levels. It’s the talent acquisition that entices NFL observers, and validation for those who follow college football.
But there are differences that can leave college fans perplexed, like when productive and highly decorated players tumble down the draft board. That’s been the case for the 10 prospects below (Shedeur Sanders not included), who will enter the draft’s third and final day still waiting to hear their names called.
What are those players NFL outlooks’ — and why are they falling?
Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
Ewers (6-foot-2 1/8, 214 pounds) led Texas to the College Football Playoff semifinals in each of the last two seasons (first as a member of the Big 12, then of the SEC). In his Longhorns career, Ewers threw for a combined 9,128 yards, 68 touchdowns, 24 interceptions and completed 64.9 percent of his attempts.
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His quick release, toughness and competitiveness are among his top attributes. After one fall at Ohio State, Ewers transferred to his home state and became a three-year starter for the Longhorns. He was beloved as a teammate and carries himself with a contagious swagger.
Why is he still available? Ewers really needs to cut down on his turnovers. He fumbled 10 times in 2024 and 20 times combined over his three seasons as Texas’ starter.
Donovan Edwards, RB, Michigan
Had teams evaluated Edwards solely on his big-game moments, he would have been selected in the first round. Edwards rushed for 104 yards and two touchdowns in Michigan’s College Football Playoff championship win over Washington two seasons ago. In 2022, he ran for 216 yards and two touchdowns to help the Wolverines beat Ohio State, then followed up with 185 yards against Purdue to claim Big Ten Championship Game MVP honors.
Edwards also was one of three athletes to grace the cover of EA Sports’ College Football 25 video game.
Why is he still available? Edwards’ inconsistency coupled with this draft’s deep pool of running backs pushed down his value. But given his speed (4.44-second 40 time) and propensity for rising to meet the moment, he should get a chance to become a tandem running back — like he was at Michigan.
Tez Johnson, WR, Oregon
After starting his career at Troy, Johnson sizzled in two years at Oregon (169 catches for 2,080 yards and 20 touchdowns). He was named Big Ten Championship Game MVP last December after catching 11 passes for 181 yards and a touchdown against Penn State.
Johnson makes tough catches in traffic that belie his narrow frame (5-9 7/8, 154). He is an elite punt returner, too, having averaged 8.9 yards per return in his career. He totaled 519 career punt return yards, including an 85-yard touchdown.
Why is he still available? His small frame undoubtedly brings questions about durability. In addition, he ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash at the combine, which was a bit slower than expected.
CJ Dippre, TE, Alabama
Over four seasons, two of which came at Alabama, Dippre (6-4 7/8, 256) started 37 games and played in 52. He caught 65 passes for 782 yards and three scores for his career and is a quality blocker with extensive special teams experience. Dippre also bench pressed 225 pounds 32 times at the combine, the fifth-most reps by a tight end since 2000.
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Why is he still available? Dippre didn’t catch a touchdown pass or make a red-zone reception in those two seasons at Alabama, although his blocking ability and time spent on special teams should help him make a roster.
Cooper Mays, C, Tennessee
Mays (6-2 3/8, 305) was a first-team All-American and Rimington Trophy finalist last season. He started 45 consecutive games and played in 53 in all for the Volunteers, all at center. Last season, he played a team-high 887 offensive snaps, according to PFF, and allowed just one sack. He did not surrender a quarterback hit throughout the entire 2024 campaign and gave up just one (but no sacks) in 2023.
Why is he still available? With less-than-ideal length, Mays doesn’t measure up to what scouts prefer of offensive linemen. But his experience against SEC defenses suggests he’s more than capable of overcoming his limitations once he finds an NFL home.
Willie Lampkin, C, North Carolina
Lampkin (5-10 3/4, 279) started 61 games over five seasons, the last two coming at North Carolina. He was a first-team All-ACC guard in 2024 and spread his career starts across left guard (27), right guard (20) and center (14). His ability to get into defenders and drive them with leverage is an asset, as is his mean streak.
As a high school senior, Lampkin won the Florida state heavyweight wrestling championship with a 47-0 record.
Why is he still available? Lampkin’s dimensions make just about every evaluator doubt that he can be successful handling massive interior defenders. He’s a center-only prospect, despite only starting at that position during the 2022 season for Coastal Carolina.
Antwaun Powell-Ryland, edge, Virginia Tech
Powell-Ryland (6-2 5/8, 258) finished third nationally last season with 16 sacks and second in sack yardage (102), earning second-team All-American honors. After transferring from Florida, Powell-Ryland became a lethal pass rusher at Virginia Tech, producing 28.5 sacks, 39.5 tackles for loss and nine forced fumbles over three seasons.
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Why is he still available? Powell-Ryland is a positional tweener as a pass rusher — history shows those players often have success against college competition but lack a physical trait to win matchups consistently. Powell-Ryland’s arm length will limit him against elite tackles, although his production should help him find a home.
Howard Cross III, DT, Notre Dame
One of the nation’s most productive interior defenders while at Notre Dame, Cross (6-1 3/8, 285) started 35 games for the Irish and twice was named a second-team All-American. He finished his career with 169 tackles (19.5 for loss) and 11 sacks with four forced fumbles. He has a top-shelf work ethic, and his relentless pursuit is something to behold.
Cross, the son of former New York Giants tight end Howard Cross, earned a master’s degree at Notre Dame after returning for a sixth season.
Why is he still available? Howard Cross III doesn’t possess the prototypical body for an NFL defensive tackle, with shorter arms than desired. But his all-out effort and intangibles not only should get him on a roster but will help him contribute right away.
Jay Higgins, LB, Iowa
Higgins (6-0, 224) was overlooked as a high school recruit, and he’s in a similar situation now. Despite incredible production the last two seasons as a first-team All-American (unanimous in 2024), Higgins’ physical limitations overshadow his resume. In 2023, Higgins tied a school record with 171 tackles, for a team that led the country in yards per play allowed. Last fall, he notched another 124 tackles plus four interceptions, two forced fumbles and nine passes defensed.
Why is he still available? Higgins doesn’t look the part when it comes to the height-weight-speed categories. He also didn’t test well at the combine (4.82 40). But he always makes plays, and that won’t stop in the NFL.
Jason Marshall Jr., CB, Florida
Blessed with the perfect frame to play cornerback, Marshall (6-0 3/8, 195) was a five-star recruit in 2021 and barely left the field at Florida. He started 39 games over four seasons, including every game in which he appeared the last three years. He finished with 27 career passes defensed and played man-to-man coverage against many of the nation’s most talented receivers.
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Why is he still available? Marshall didn’t intercept a pass but allowed seven touchdowns over the past two seasons. He also missed his final six college games with a torn labrum. But given his natural gifts and experience, Marshall should compete for snaps once he lands on a roster.
(Top photo of Quinn Ewers: Todd Kirkland / Getty Images)
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