D2 NFL Prospects for 2024 NFL Draft

[KleShreen]

Here is an early look at an updated top 15 D2 prospects for me at the mid-way point of the CFB season.

A few notes for this list. Drew was not #1 in preseason but has been very good this year and has been pushed there for now.

Jiles, Heyward, and Garrison have made the biggest jump for me while the only faller so far has been Vaval.

Heyward is probably not going to get much of a buzz because he does not have great numbers but he is a HWS player who should test well and might even sneak into late rounds.

Rank	Pos	First Name	Last Name	School	Class	Projection
1	CB	Willie	Drew	Virginia State	RSSr.	6th-7th
2	DT	Andre	Jefferson	Lenoir-Rhyne	Sr.	PFA
3	WR	John	Jiles	West Florida	RSSr.	PFA
4	CB	Josh	Heyward	Benedict (SC)	RSSr.	PFA
5	OT	Blake	Larson	Augustana (SD)	RSSr.	PFA
6	OT	Aiden	Williams	Minnesota Duluth	RSr.	PFA
7	TE	Devon	Garrison	Pittsburg State	RSSr.	PFA
8	WR	DeWaylon	Ingram	Northern State	RSSr.	PFA/FA
9	TE	Sam	Pitz	Minnesota Duluth	RSSr.	PFA/FA
10	WR	Max	McLeod	Colorado School of Mines	RSr.	FA
11	WR	Kameron	Johnson	Barton College (NC)	Sr.	FA
12	CB	Shon	Stephens	Ferris State	RSr.	FA
13	DE	Deshawn	McCarthy	East Stroudsburg	SSr.	FA
14	OT	Michael	Jerrell	Findlay (OH)	RSSr.	FA
15	CB	Tre	Morrison	Wingate (NC)	RSr.	FA
16	WR	Drew	Dixon	Limestone (SC)	RSSr.	FA
17	DE	C.J.	Ravenell	Missouri Western State	RSSr.	FA
18	FS	Major	Williams	Carson-Newman	RSr.	FA
19	CB	Rico	Payton	Pittsburg State	RSSr.	FA
20	CB	Trey	Vaval	Minnesota State-Mankato	SSr.	FA

Overall, looking at the projections, it seems like this is a pretty weak class for top end D2 NFL talent, would that be accurate? Usually you have a handful of guys projected to be drafted and then double digit guys as PFA's.

[Turbonium]

Overall, looking at the projections, it seems like this is a pretty weak class for top end D2 NFL talent, would that be accurate? Usually you have a handful of guys projected to be drafted and then double digit guys as PFA's.

Seems GV usually has at least 1 guy on the list also, same with Pueblo (or at least one of the two does). Both teams look to be pretty young based on a quick look at rosters. Think GV only has ilke 10 seniors, not sure if they all contribute. I wonder if the covid year and the changes to eligibilty has impacted senior class sizes this year. When you only have 36 scholarships to give and guys are given an extra year of eligibility it has to show up down the road at some point. Just a random thought, who knows.

[Purple Mav Man]

Seems GV usually has at least 1 guy on the list also, same with Pueblo. Both teams look to be pretty young based on a quick look at rosters. Think GV only has ilke 10 seniors, not sure if they all contribute. I wonder if the covid year and the changes to eligibilty has impacted senior class sizes this year. When you only have 36 scholarships to give and guys are given an extra year of eligibility it has to show up down the road at some point. Just a random thought, who knows.

Could it be that the transfer portal is gobbling up the fringe talent and they are at FCS schools now rather than D2? Is it a combo of both?

It’s like trying to figure out how many licks it takes to get to the center of a tootsie pop…

[Turbonium]

Could it be that the transfer portal is gobbling up the fringe talent and they are at FCS schools now rather than D2? Is it a combo of both?

It’s like trying to figure out how many licks it takes to get to the center of a tootsie pop…

Yes, also very possible. The landscape has certainly changed the last few years now, for better or worse.

[playersdad]

CB

Shon

Stephens

Ferris State

RSr.

plays pretty impressive, good speed, great at angles and change of direction and should get a shot. also saw Davison, (Mercyhurst) play a couple times (I travel weekly to watch games). he's very versatile and can play numerous rec. spots, special teams, and rb but i also saw him get inured. he's got 2 more years left

[FortLewis4Lyfe]

Great list as always! I'm surprised that Matocha isn't in the top 20. Clear #1 QB in D2 from what I've seen and looked much better than Bagent in their matchup last year. Glad to see Bagent Orange getting some changes in the NFL but I think John Matocha is just as good of a passer and is far more elusive in and out of the pocket.

Also Mines related, I think Max McLeod has another year of eligibility due to the Covid year and redshirting. Wouldn't be surprised to see him run it back with Mines for a sixth year to get a Masters and another shot at the ship.

[KleShreen]

Great list as always! I'm surprised that Matocha isn't in the top 20. Clear #1 QB in D2 from what I've seen and looked much better than Bagent in their matchup last year. Glad to see Bagent Orange getting some changes in the NFL but I think John Matocha is just as good of a passer and is far more elusive in and out of the pocket.

Also Mines related, I think Max McLeod has another year of eligibility due to the Covid year and redshirting. Wouldn't be surprised to see him run it back with Mines for a sixth year to get a Masters and another shot at the ship.

Matocha is a D2 QB under 6 foot, with average arm strength. He's a great D2 QB, but he's nowhere close to what is looked for by NFL teams at the position. Bagent is the first D2 QB to get in an NFL game since....Keith Null? Is that right? And he happens to be 6'3" lol.

Not trying to downplay Matocha's ability, just the reality of the situation when it comes to evaluating QB's by the NFL. They are just now barely getting around to accepting QB's under 6' tall from Power 5 schools, let alone D2 schools. And Matocha doesn't have a big arm. He has an average college arm. His money is made in being accurate, but that isn't gonna cut it for the NFL teams. I mean look at Ken Dorsey. One of the most prolific college QB's ever at Miami in the early 2000's, but he got run out of the NFL quick because he couldn't get balls to the sidelines in time. Not a big enough arm.

[Turbonium]

Matocha is a D2 QB under 6 foot, with average arm strength. He's a great D2 QB, but he's nowhere close to what is looked for by NFL teams at the position. Bagent is the first D2 QB to get in an NFL game since....Keith Null? Is that right? And he happens to be 6'3" lol.

Not trying to downplay Matocha's ability, just the reality of the situation when it comes to evaluating QB's by the NFL. They are just now barely getting around to accepting QB's under 6' tall from Power 5 schools, let alone D2 schools. And Matocha doesn't have a big arm. He has an average college arm. His money is made in being accurate, but that isn't gonna cut it for the NFL teams. I mean look at Ken Dorsey. One of the most prolific college QB's ever at Miami in the early 2000's, but he got run out of the NFL quick because he couldn't get balls to the sidelines in time. Not a big enough arm.

Agreed, zero way Matocha gets a real NFL shot. He will have a great career I'm sure, it'll just be outside of football.

[Ram Tough]

Great list as always! I'm surprised that Matocha isn't in the top 20. Clear #1 QB in D2 from what I've seen and looked much better than Bagent in their matchup last year. Glad to see Bagent Orange getting some changes in the NFL but I think John Matocha is just as good of a passer and is far more elusive in and out of the pocket.

Also Mines related, I think Max McLeod has another year of eligibility due to the Covid year and redshirting. Wouldn't be surprised to see him run it back with Mines for a sixth year to get a Masters and another shot at the ship.

Again, you confuse Mines having a better team than Shepherd with Matocha being better than Bagent. He isn't.

[Predatory Primates]

Again, you confuse Mines having a better team than Shepherd with Matocha being better than Bagent. He isn't.

For that matter, he could be a better college qb than Bagent and still not have the physical gifts to get to the NFL. You can't teach physical gifts..

Not saying he is, but the higher you go, the more rigid they demand the physical tangibles.

[Josh Buchanan]

Great list as always! I'm surprised that Matocha isn't in the top 20. Clear #1 QB in D2 from what I've seen and looked much better than Bagent in their matchup last year. Glad to see Bagent Orange getting some changes in the NFL but I think John Matocha is just as good of a passer and is far more elusive in and out of the pocket.

Also Mines related, I think Max McLeod has another year of eligibility due to the Covid year and redshirting. Wouldn't be surprised to see him run it back with Mines for a sixth year to get a Masters and another shot at the ship.

I have Matocha just outside of that and about to post updated ratings so you can see all the new names on the radar. I have Matocha second in this class behind the UWF QB who has size and a little stronger arm. Matocha is the top D2 QB though. Alt at Bemidji State is getting some interest this fall as well.

I am sure several on my list will come back. Until they announce publicly or a 2024 roster is posted I keep them in this class.

[Josh Buchanan]

Matocha is a D2 QB under 6 foot, with average arm strength. He's a great D2 QB, but he's nowhere close to what is looked for by NFL teams at the position. Bagent is the first D2 QB to get in an NFL game since....Keith Null? Is that right? And he happens to be 6'3" lol.

Not trying to downplay Matocha's ability, just the reality of the situation when it comes to evaluating QB's by the NFL. They are just now barely getting around to accepting QB's under 6' tall from Power 5 schools, let alone D2 schools. And Matocha doesn't have a big arm. He has an average college arm. His money is made in being accurate, but that isn't gonna cut it for the NFL teams. I mean look at Ken Dorsey. One of the most prolific college QB's ever at Miami in the early 2000's, but he got run out of the NFL quick because he couldn't get balls to the sidelines in time. Not a big enough arm.

Matocha is actually getting looks but your points are reasonable on why he is not getting heavy interest. Matocha is a great D2 player but I don't expect him to make it in the NFL. He is considered a tryout player by those I have spoken to.

[Josh Buchanan]

Here is my updated list that is expanded to a top 40.

Rank	Pos	Stock	First Name	Last Name	School	HT	WT	Cls	Projection
1	CB	up	Willie	Drew	Virginia State	5113	185	RSSr.	5th
2	DT		Andre	Jefferson	Lenoir-Rhyne	6012	295	Sr.	PFA
3	WR	up	John	Jiles	West Florida	6026	209	RSSr.	PFA
4	CB	up	Josh	Heyward	Benedict (SC)	6005	195	RSSr.	PFA
5	OT	up	Blake	Larson	Augustana (SD)	6063	300	RSSr.	PFA
6	CB	up	Shon	Stephens	Ferris State	5092	180	RSr.	PFA
7	OT		Aiden	Williams	Minnesota Duluth	6053	295	RSr.	PFA
8	TE	up	Devon	Garrison	Pittsburg State	6047	240	RSSr.	PFA
9	WR		DeWaylon	Ingram	Northern State	6010	190	RSSr.	PFA/FA
10	TE		Sam	Pitz	Minnesota Duluth	6055	245	RSSr.	PFA/FA
11	WR		Max	McLeod	Colorado School of Mines	6007	200	RSr.	FA
12	WR		Kameron	Johnson	Barton College (NC)	5084	170	Sr.	FA
13	DE		Deshawn	McCarthy	East Stroudsburg	6030	265	SSr.	FA
14	OT		Michael	Jerrell	Findlay (OH)	6042	294	RSSr.	FA
15	CB		Tre	Morrison	Wingate (NC)	6010	185	RSr.	FA
16	OT		Marshall	Foerner	Minnesota State-Mankato	6060	305	RSr.	FA
17	CB		Dalen	Peeks	Wayne State (MI)	5112	195	SSr.	FA
18	DE		C.J.	Ravenell	Missouri Western State	6054	287	RSSr.	FA
19	FS		Major	Williams	Carson-Newman	5110	190	RSr.	FA
20	CB		Rico	Payton	Pittsburg State	5107	182	RSSr.	FA
21	CB		Trey	Vaval	Minnesota State-Mankato	5111	170	SSr.	FA
22	CB		C'Darius	Kelley	Lenoir-Rhyne	5110	185	RSr.	FA
23	WR	up	Jelani	Baker	Limestone (SC)	6010	195	RSSr.	FA
24	DE	up	Maven	Kretche	Minnesota State-Mankato	6050	265	RSr.	FA
25	DE		Christian	McCarroll	Grand Valley State	6022	260	RSSr.	FA
26	QB		Byron	Jarrett	West Florida	6024	240	RSr.	FA
27	WR		Preston	Smith	Davenport (MI)	6034	210	Sr.	FA
28	WR		Kashan	Griffin	Northwest Missouri State	5103	162	Sr.	FA
29	WR		Drew	Dixon	Limestone (SC)	6020	200	RSSr.	FA
30	ILB		Landon	Honeycutt	Mars Hill	6024	225	SSr.	FA
31	WR		Xavier	Wade	Ferris State	6010	195	RSSr.	FA
32	FS		C.J.	Brown	Kutztown	5105	190	RSr.	FA
33	TE	INJ	CJ	Kiss	Notre Dame College (OH)	6036	230	RSr.	FA
34	FS		Daniel	Mendoza	Adams State	5112	195	Sr.	FA
35	QB		John	Matocha	Colorado School of Mines	5110	180	SSr.	Tryout
36	CB		Eli	Pittman	CSU-Pueblo	5100	187	RSr.	Tryout
37	OT		Keith	Russell	Missouri Western State	6045	308	Sr.	Tryout
38	OG		Jake	Edwards	Concordia-St. Paul	6031	300	RSSr.	Tryout
39	FB		Ian	Hall	Ferris State	5107	265	RSr.	Tryout
40	QB		Brandon	Alt	Bemidji State	6002	220	Sr.	Tryout

[Josh Buchanan]

Overall, looking at the projections, it seems like this is a pretty weak class for top end D2 NFL talent, would that be accurate? Usually you have a handful of guys projected to be drafted and then double digit guys as PFA's.

That is the case indeed. You have to remember that a lot of programs who were putting players on these lists are now FCS such as Abilene Christian, Texas A&M Commerce, Tarleton State, etc. Between the portal and players moving up it has depleted the numbers some.

[Josh Buchanan]

Here is a list of D2 players getting looks based on what I have compiled from talking to NFL connections and some names I liked enough to get a look based on what I saw.

Pos	First Name	Last Name	School
FS	Daniel	Mendoza	Adams State
RB	Gei'vonni	Washington	Ashland
OT	Blake	Larson	Augustana (SD)
WR	Kameron	Johnson	Barton College (NC)
QB	Brandon	Alt	Bemidji State
CB	Josh	Heyward	Benedict (SC)
FS	Quentin	Gaskill	Bloomsburg
FS	Major	Williams	Carson-Newman
DT	David	Olajiga	Central Missouri
WR	Max	McLeod	Colorado School of Mines
QB	John	Matocha	Colorado School of Mines
RB	Noah	Roper	Colorado School of Mines
OG	Jake	Edwards	Concordia-St. Paul
CB	Eli	Pittman	CSU-Pueblo
CB	Daniel	Bone III	CSU-Pueblo
FS	Cory	McLellan	CSU-Pueblo
WR	Preston	Smith	Davenport (MI)
ILB	Julius	Wilkerson	Davenport (MI)
DE	Deshawn	McCarthy	East Stroudsburg
CB	Shon	Stephens	Ferris State
WR	Xavier	Wade	Ferris State
FB	Ian	Hall	Ferris State
OT	Michael	Jerrell	Findlay (OH)
DE	Christian	McCarroll	Grand Valley State
TE	Michael	Harding	Hillsdale
TE	Cole	Laney	Indiana (PA)
WR	Derek	Lockhart	Indiana (PA)
FS	C.J.	Brown	Kutztown
DT	Andre	Jefferson	Lenoir-Rhyne
CB	C'Darius	Kelley	Lenoir-Rhyne
WR	Jelani	Baker	Limestone (SC)
WR	Drew	Dixon	Limestone (SC)
ILB	Landon	Honeycutt	Mars Hill
SS	Tristan	Rankin	Mars Hill
OT	Aiden	Williams	Minnesota Duluth
TE	Sam	Pitz	Minnesota Duluth
OT	Marshall	Foerner	Minnesota State-Mankato
CB	Trey	Vaval	Minnesota State-Mankato
DE	Maven	Kretche	Minnesota State-Mankato
DE	C.J.	Ravenell	Missouri Western State
OT	Keith	Russell	Missouri Western State
WR	TJ	Davis	Nebraska-Kearney
TE	Kevin	Foelsch	New Haven
RB	Corey	Watkins	North Greenville (SC)
DE	Curtis	Ryans	North Greenville (SC)
WR	DeWaylon	Ingram	Northern State
WR	Kashan	Griffin	Northwest Missouri State
TE	Carl "CJ"	Kiss	Notre Dame College (OH)
WR	Michael	Marshall	Oklahoma Baptist
TE	Devon	Garrison	Pittsburg State
CB	Rico	Payton	Pittsburg State
OLB	Dubem	Okonkwo	Pittsburg State
SS	Michael	Woolridge	Saginaw Valley State
WR	Jairus	Grissom	Saginaw Valley State
WR	Kyle	Sheets	Slippery Rock
OT	Grant	Smith	South Dakota Tech
RB	Gage	Porter	Southern Nazarene (OK)
WR	Anthony	Lowe	Tiffin (OH)
FS	Jermaine	Wimpye	Tiffin (OH)
DT	Branden	Spencer	UNC-Pembroke
CB	Willie	Drew	Virginia State
OT	Matt	Foster	Virginia State
CB	Dalen	Peeks	Wayne State (MI)
OT	Blake	Bustard	Wayne State (MI)
WR	John	Jiles	West Florida
QB	Byron	Jarrett	West Florida
DE	Demetrice	Lofton	West Georgia
RB	Wesley	Kennedy III	West Georgia
WR	Damon	Hickok	Western Oregon
CB	Tre	Morrison	Wingate (NC)
ILB	Jaquan	Edwards	Wingate (NC)
WR	RJ	Mobley	Winston-Salem State (NC)