5 Underrated 2024 NFL Draft Prospects Primed for Round 1 Impact

Syracuse v Florida State / Don Juan Moore/GettyImages

With the NFL Draft approaching in 2024, attention will inevitably turn to the elite talents who are predicted to dominate the first round. Nevertheless, wise NFL general managers understand the importance of finding undiscovered talents who, albeit going unnoticed, have the ability to have an instant impact. The following five underappreciated players might be big names in Round 1:

5. Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State

Keon Coleman's ability on the field speaks loudly even though his performance at the Combine was a little lackluster. With his outstanding length and ball abilities, Coleman, who stands 6-foot-3, can win contested receptions against any defender. His ability to create separation and his readiness to run interior routes put him in a position to be the next level's top wide receiver.

4. Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State

Braden Fiske stands out in a draft class that lacks exceptional defensive line prospects because of his agility and disruptiveness in the opposing backfield. Fiske makes up for his lack of bulk with his unwavering motor and ability to slip through openings in the defense. Fiske can develop into a useful asset against the run and the pass if he continues to hone his technique.

3. Patrick Paul, OT, Houston

Patrick Paul is a promising potential at tackle because of his commanding stature and quickness. Paul, who is about 6-foot-8 and weighs 331 pounds, has exceptional athleticism for his size, especially when it comes to pass protection. Paul has the potential to be a franchise left tackle, so even if his run-blocking may need improvement, teams looking for long-term offensive line stability should consider investing in him.

2. Payton Wilson, LB, NC State

Payton Wilson stands out as a playmaker in a draft class devoid of talented linebackers because of his ability to influence games from sideline to sideline. Wilson was an NC State tackling machine, and his ability to create turnovers and negative plays makes any defense more dynamic. Though Wilson's injury history may hurt his draft value, there is no denying his ability to be a game-changing linebacker.

1. Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina

Xavier Legette is an unheralded wide receiver prospect who has all the makings of a first-round talent. Legette is a serious threat to opposing defenders with to his output, athleticism, and catch radius. Even though he might have difficulties with press coverage, Legette is an intriguing talent deserving of first-round consideration because of his potential to become a top target for any quarterback.

When NFL clubs get ready to pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, these five undervalued prospects offer interesting choices for those who want to go beyond the typical top picks in search of value and impact players. Each of these prospects has the ability to leave a lasting impact on the league in the years to come, given the correct opportunity and growth.