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College players who have helped their NFL draft stock the most this season
Maria Lysaker/USA Today Images

College players who have helped their NFL draft stock the most this season

NFL draft stock is fluid. Fortunately for these 25 players, their stock for the upcoming NFL Draft has increased based on showing improvement in 2023.

 
1 of 25

Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri

Kris Abrams-Draine, CB, Missouri
Jordan Prather / USA Today Sports Images

Abrams-Draine has put himself in the conversation as a Day 2 pick with his excellent season. Not only have his coverage skills improved, but Abrams-Draine has already recorded four interceptions for the vastly improved Tigers.

 
2 of 25

Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin

Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin
Mark Hoffman / USA Today Sports Images

Wisconsin has long been a running back factory, and Allen appears to be next in line. He has a chance to be one of the top running backs drafted in 2024.

 
3 of 25

Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama

Chris Braswell, EDGE, Alabama
John David Mercer / USA Today Sports Images

After biding his time in Tuscaloosa, Braswell is making the most of his opportunities this season. He's in the first-round conversation after recording eight sacks through 14 games.

 
4 of 25

Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas

Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas
Sara Diggins / USA Today Sports Images

Stuck behind Bijan Robinson before this season, Brooks is proving worthy of attention. He's been a playmaker both as a runner and receiving, recording nearly 1,000 yards from scrimmage in his first seven games. He could be a Day 2 prospect, as a result.

 
5 of 25

Ray Davis, RB, Kentucky

Ray Davis, RB, Kentucky
Jordan Prather / USA Today Sports Images

Davis has taken the long road in his college career, now with his third school after time at Temple and Vanderbilt. His elite performance with the Wildcats puts Davis on the NFL radar as a powerful runner, as he's averaged nearly six yards per carry.

 
6 of 25

Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Danny Wild / USA Today Sports Images

Daniels doesn't have the perfect profile as an NFL passer, but he's certainly helped his stock this season. He's completed over 72% of his passes and won the Heisman, and is likely an early first-round pick.

 
7 of 25

Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon

Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
Darren Yamashita / USA Today Sports Images

Already a known wideout at Oregon after his breakout 2022 season, Franklin has taken his game to the next level with well over 1,000 yards receiving. With ample size at 6-foot-2, Franklin could climb to late first-round pick status.

 
8 of 25

Sam Hartman, QB, Notre Dame

Sam Hartman, QB, Notre Dame
Jamie Rhodes / USA Today Sports Images

Hartman has the prototypical NFL backup quarterback, somewhat limited physically but showing enough mental toughness and accuracy to run an offense. He's been everything Notre Dame could have hoped after transferring from Wake Forest, showing enough efficiency and accuracy to garner mid-round NFL draft consideration.

 
9 of 25

Jimmy Horn Jr., WR, Colorado

Jimmy Horn Jr., WR, Colorado
Chet Strange / USA Today Sports Images

A transfer from South Florida, Horn Jr. has been key to Colorado's offensive resurgence.  Although undersized, Horn Jr. can be a mid-round pick and solid slot receiver at the next level.

 
10 of 25

Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas

Landon Jackson, EDGE, Arkansas
Petre Thomas / USA Today Sports Images

Jackson is emerging as one of the top edge rushing prospects in the class, particularly after a 3.5 sack performance against Alabama. He had 6.5 sacks in 12 games, and could be a late first-round prospect if the improvement continues.

 
11 of 25

Laiatu Latu, DE, UCLA

Laiatu Latu, DE, UCLA
Orlando Ramirez / USA Today Sports Images

Latu recorded 10.5 sacks in his first season with UCLA, and the progress continued this season. He had 13 sacks in 12 games, nearly solidifying his status as a first-round prospect.

 
12 of 25

Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina

Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina
Jim Dedmon / USA Today Sports Images

Legette wasn't much of an NFL prospect prior to this season, breaking out to record over 1,200 yards in 12 games. He appears to be an elite deep threat and a possible first-round pick.

 
13 of 25

Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Matthew Hinton / USA Today Sports Images

Nabers accumulated over 1,000 yards receiving last season, but he's taken his game to the next level this year. He's been one of the top yardage receivers to date and averaged 17.6 yards per catch. Nabers has done more than enough to earn first-round draft status.

 
14 of 25

Bo Nix, QB, Oregon

Bo Nix, QB, Oregon
Craig Strobeck / USA Today Sports Images

Nix's NFL prospects were the subject of some debate before this season, but he's significantly helped his stock. Showing incredible accuracy, Nix has completed over 77% of his passes. The strong play has put Nix squarely on the Round 1 radar.

 
15 of 25

Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota

Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
Matt Krohn / USA Today Sports Images

A very productive player during his career at Minnesota, Nubin's continued production has helped his draft stock. He's recorded 53 tackles, and could go as early as Day 2 next year.

 
16 of 25

Rome Odunze, WR, Washington

Rome Odunze, WR, Washington
Joe Nicholson / USA Today Sports Images

Odunze had a breakout year in 2022 but continues to help his case as a first-round prospect. He's been an elite deep threat with nearly 18 yards per reception.

 
17 of 25

Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington

Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
Joe Nicholson / USA Today Sports Images

Penix certainly has the athleticism, but there have been questions if he has enough arm talent to start at the next level. The Indiana transfer has done well to answer those questions this season, completing over 66% of his passes and leading the Huskies to the National Championship game.

 
18 of 25

Ja'Lynn Polk, WR, Washington

Ja'Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
Jayne Kamin-Oncea / USA Today Sports Images

Polk took a step forward with Michael Penix Jr. under center last season, and he continues to progress. He's averaged 17 yards per catch for the second straight year and nearly matched last year's stats through only seven games. Polk has helped his stock to be a possible Day 1 pick.

 
19 of 25

Kaimon Rucker, LB, North Carolina

Kaimon Rucker, LB, North Carolina
Neil Redmond / USA Today Sports Images

Rucker has become the heart and soul of the Tar Heels defense, recording 8.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. The breakout season should make NFL teams take notice when he enters the NFL draft.

 
20 of 25

Cody Schrader, RB, Missouri

Cody Schrader, RB, Missouri
Jerome Miron / USA Today Sports Images

Schrader is an incredible story, and could be a late-round pick after gaining over 1,800 yards from scrimmage for the Tigers. He looks like a potential third round pick at the highest level.

 
21 of 25

Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State

Cade Stover, TE, Ohio State
Adam Cairns / USA Today Sports Images

The 2024 class should be another strong one for tight ends, and Stover's emergence is a big reason. The Buckeyes tight end could hear his name called in the early rounds with the improvement he's shown this season, with over 500 yards receiving.

 
22 of 25

Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Danny Wild / USA Today Sports Images

The 6-foot-5 Thomas had the physical tools of an NFL player before this season, and now he has the production. He recorded 1,177 yards receiving and 17 touchdowns to become a first round prospect.

 
23 of 25

Dallas Turner, DE, Alabama

Dallas Turner, DE, Alabama
John David Mercer / USA Today Sports Images

Turner was very productive in his first two seasons for the Crimson Tide, but he's taken his game to another level this year. He's recorded seven sacks, filling the void left by Will Anderson Jr. and earning first-round consideration.

 
24 of 25

Nathaniel Watson, LB, Mississippi State

Nathaniel Watson, LB, Mississippi State
Matt Bush / USA Today Sports Images

Watson has been everywhere for the Bulldogs, filling up the stats sheet and earning some professional consideration. He's recorded 137 tackles and 10 sacks.

 
25 of 25

Caleb Williams, QB, USC

Caleb Williams, QB, USC
Kirby Lee / USA Today Sports Images

Williams was considered the most likely No. 1 pick in the draft heading into this season, but he's only strengthened his case. The defending Heisman Trophy winner appears to be a generational prospect, despite some team struggles down the stretch.

Seth Trachtman is a fantasy sports expert and diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan. He doesn't often Tweet, but when he does, you can find him on Twitter @sethroto.

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