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2024 NFL Draft Big-name players who will go in the later rounds

Most of the NFL mock drafts focus on the early rounds, but there are still many prominent college players who will hear their names called later. These are just some of the big names that could hear their names in the later rounds. 

1 of 25

Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin

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Allen doesn't have the speed of an early-down back, but he certainly has the production. He started for three years at Wisconsin, totaling 3,494 yards rushing and 35 touchdowns.

2 of 25

Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas

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Brooks emerged as the Longhorns starter this season after sitting behind Bijan Robinson previously. He's one of the backs at the head of the class after averaging 6.1 yards per carry, but that probably won't be enough for his name to be called on Day 1 of the draft.

3 of 25

Javon Bullard, S, Georgia

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A key player for two seasons on the Bulldogs defense, Bullard had two picks in each of the last two seasons. With safeties now going later in the draft, he could last until Day 3.

4 of 25

Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama

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Burton contributed in four seasons for the Crimson Tide, and he was an elite deep threat with 18.0 yards per catch for his career. Questions remain about his route running otherwise, which could push Burton until late in the draft.

5 of 25

Ray Davis, RB, Kentucky

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Davis was one of the top backs in the SEC over the last two seasons with Vanderbilt and Kentucky. He capped off a five-year career between three schools with over 3,600 yards rushing.

6 of 25

Blake Corum, RB, Michigan

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Corum's lack of size could get in the way of making him a high draft choice, but he's been incredibly productive. He had over 3,700 yards rushing over four seasons, including 1,245 yards and 27 touchdowns last season for the National Champs.

7 of 25

Frank Gore Jr., RB, Southern Miss

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The son of the former superstar NFL back, Gore Jr. had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons at Southern Miss. He could lack the speed to be picked before Day 3, however.

8 of 25

Sam Hartman, QB, Notre Dame

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Hartman was a reliable and productive game manager at Wake Forest and Notre Dame. Most recently, he threw for over 2,600 yards and 24 touchdowns for Notre Dame and should have his name called on Day 3.

9 of 25

Devin Leary, QB, Kentucky

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Leary transferred from NC State to replace Will Levis at Kentucky last season. He struggled with interceptions but has the pure talent to be a backup pocket passer in the NFL.

10 of 25

Jase McClellan, RB, Alabama

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McClellan ascended in the Alabama offense each season, finishing last season with 890 yards rushing and eight touchdowns. He should find his name called on Day 3.

11 of 25

Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia

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McConkey was a key player for the Georgia offense over the last three seasons, though his final season was disrupted by injury. Still, he was a playmaker with the ball in his hands, used as a receiver, runner, and punt returner.

12 of 25

Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

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McKinstry's stock fell slightly in his final season at Alabama, as he struggled to make big players on the ball. He should still draw plenty of interest if he shows in workouts.

13 of 25

Joe Milton III, QB, Tennessee

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Milton did a fine job leading the Vols offense last season, including 2,813 yards passing and 299 yards rushing. He has all the physical tools but is likely to be a developmental Day 3 pick.

14 of 25

Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

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Nix made the most of his talents in Oregon's offense after transferring from Auburn. He completed more than 77% of his passes last season, also showing excellent mobility. Nix has a chance to work himself into Day 2 of the draft.

15 of 25

Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

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Penix was a star in Washington's offense with back-to-back 4,000-yard passing seasons. The lefty could still be a tough early sell for NFL teams with struggles in big games and an unorthodox throwing motion.

16 of 25

Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina

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A former top recruit at Oklahoma, Rattler found his footing at South Carolina over the last two seasons. He was a playmaker but never an elite passer, which likely pushes him to early Day 3 of the draft.

17 of 25

Cody Schrader, RB, Missouri

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A former walk-on, Schrader was a Heisman candidate in 2023 after rushing for more than 1,600 yards and 14 touchdowns. His lack of size and elite speed limits the upside, but he should hear his name called with a good combine performance.

18 of 25

Jack Plummer, QB, Louisville

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Plummer has played all over the country, from Purdue to Cal to Louisville. An efficient senior season with the Cardinals has put him late on draft boards.

19 of 25

Kedon Slovis, QB, BYU

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Injuries plagued Slovis throughout his college career, which included stops at USC, Pitt, and BYU. His accuracy also took a hit with arm issues, but the throwing upside could interest teams late in the draft.

20 of 25

T'Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas

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Sweat is tough to miss at nearly 350 pounds, so he quickly became one of the faces of the Texas defense. His skill set type tends not to go early in the draft, but he could be a solid run stuffer later on Day 3.

21 of 25

Taulia Tagovailoa, QB, Maryland

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Tua Tagovailoa's younger brother, Taulia is unlikely to be handed a starting role in the NFL but remains a prospect after producing at Maryland. He completed at least 66% of his passes in each of the last three seasons.

22 of 25

Jordan Travis, QB, Florida State

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A leg injury suffered by Travis late in the season doomed Florida State's playoff hopes and should also hurt his draft stock. However, Travis offers decent accuracy and mobility for a team willing to be patient.

23 of 25

Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB, Clemson

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The son of the 11-year NFL linebacker, Trotter was the key to Clemson's defense over the last two seasons. He had nearly 90 tackles in each season and also totaled 12 sacks.

24 of 25

Nathaniel Watson, LB, Mississippi State

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It's hard to fill the stats sheet more than Watson did in his final season at Mississippi State. He finished with 137 tackles, 10 sacks, and one interception to significantly boost his NFL stock as a potential Day 3 pick.

25 of 25

Johnny Wilson, WR, Florida State

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Wilson looks like a man amongst boys at 6-foot-7, and could contribute in the NFL at either wideout or tight end. He's a tremendous deep threat but did show some regression in 2023, declining to 617 yards receiving in 10 games.

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