NFL Draft watch: Does Spencer Rattler belong in Day 2 conversation?
Every week during the college football season, Yardbarker will post a brief look at 2024 NFL Draft prospects and how their play over the weekend either helped -- or hurt -- their draft stock.
Spencer Rattler | South Carolina | QB | Pro Football Focus Big Board: No. 11 QB, No. 93 overall
In a 37-30 win over Mississippi State, Rattler was 18-of-20 for 288 yards, three touchdowns and no turnovers, and he out-dueled Will Rogers, who threw for 487 yards. Rattler has thrown for 250 or more yards in every game this season, including back-to-back 300-yard games to open the season. Former NFL scout Daniel Kelly, who writes for Yardbarker, is a big fan of his game.
The 22-year-old Rattler has essentially reinvented himself since transferring from Oklahoma in 2022, and with more performances like Saturday's, he could potentially work his way into Round 2 of the draft.
Malachi Corley | Western Kentucky | WR | PFF Big Board: No. 11 WR, No. 55 overall
Corley followed up an eight-reception, 88-yard, one-touchdown game against Ohio State with nine catches, 107 yards and a touchdown in a 27-24 loss to Troy. He has great acceleration and top-end speed. He also plays well in traffic and battling for balls, which helps him find success against some of the more physical defensive backs in the country.
The 2024 draft is loaded at receiver, and Corley, who finished fourth in the NCAA in receptions and yards in 2022, has a chance to work his way into the conversation with Malik Neighbors (LSU), Keon Coleman (Michigan State) and Xavier Worthy (Texas) in the tier below Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State).
Byron Murphy | Texas | DT | PFF Big Board: NR
In a dominating 38-6 win over Baylor, Murphy got into the backfield at will. He finished with four tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks. Through four games, he has already exceeded his career-high in sacks and matched his career best in tackles for loss. Playing on a line that includes defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat, another draft prospect, Murphy will only get better.
Although he’s not ranked on PFF’s Big Board, Murphy is the No. 10-ranked draft-eligible underclassman defensive tackle by The Athletic. Teams never have enough pass-rushers, so it wouldn’t be surprising if the 308-pound junior has an outside chance at sneaking into the first round. He seems to have a second-round ceiling now.
Eugene Asante | Auburn | Edge | PFF Big Board: NR
Although Auburn lost to Texas A&M, 27-10, Asante had a strong showing with nine tackles and the Tigers’ only touchdown of the game — a 67-yard fumble return. Through four games, Asante has been a wrecking ball, totaling 28 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, a pass breakup and a defensive touchdown.
He has great speed coming off the edge, is a disruptive force in the backfield and he’s a violent pursuer of the ball. Asante has natural playmaking skills and athletic ability to play off-ball or with his hand in the dirt. With a big junior season, especially if he can consistently get to the quarterback, Asante could be in the mix on Day 2.
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