The 2024 college football season has officially begun! From the 2025 NFL Draft perspective, we now have a chance to do some in-game scouting, and see how players have developed. In a weekly addition, I’m going to put out some recent scouting takes and opinions.
That includes notes from a big game from Week Zero, as well as some potential defensive sleepers in the 2025 NFL Draft class. Here are the players to know, with some background information, verified information and video analysis.
Obviously the Florida State versus Georgia Tech matchup in Dublin was the main attraction this past weekend, and for good reason. That game did not disappoint, ending with the Yellow Jackets coming out with a 24 to 21 upset victory over the Seminoles. With that contest, it provided a lot of scouting takeaways.
It starts with Georgia Tech running back Jamal Haynes. A smaller back at 5-9 and 190 pounds, Haynes actually looked pretty well put together compared to 2023. The junior quickly showcased his short area explosiveness and feel in space. What was especially great to see was his high level vision. Haynes seemed to be playing chess, while the defenders were playing checkers.
While he wasn’t used a ton in the passing game against Florida State, Haynes also showed that he could make a lot of plays in space when the opportunities come. In 1-on-1 situations, defenders are in a tough spot against Haynes. He is the ultimate weapon.
You won’t be hearing his name until the 2026 NFL Draft cycle but Georgia Tech wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. has some dynamic ability. If Haynes King was a consistent passer, he would have had a huge game against the Seminoles. That track speed pops on film constantly.
Arguably the top prospect on either team, on either side of the football, was Florida State EDGE Patrick Payton . At 6-5 and 250 pounds, he is a long and athletic pass rusher that looks the part of a difference maker on the NFL level. As a pass rusher, you saw big time tools in 2023. Run defense was the spot you wanted to see improvements.
This was a game to forget for Payton. His impact wasn’t made as a pass rusher. As a run defender, he was invisible for the most part. In a lot of instances, Payton also looked disinterested. It was an alarming performance.
As bad as Payton was, Florida State defensive tackle Darrell Jackson Jr. may have been even worse. A former transfer from Miami, Jackson had to sit out last year due to the transfer portal. He looked like a player who was rusty, and Jackson really never got into a groove. He looked slow, and was getting moved off of the ball. Throw out this game film.
The two best defensive linemen for Florida State were EDGE Marvin Jones Jr. and defensive tackle Joshua Farmer. Both had their moments, although they were inconsistent. Jones showed a nice spin move, and some twitch but he really needs to gain more experience.
Farmer also flashed in 1-on-1 opportunities. He needs to be more consistent playing the run, and being disciplined, but he still had his moments. It’s going to be about being a lot more active consistently.
A lot of people came out of the game with the opinion that the Florida State linebackers were bad. After watching, the defensive line did come across as the much bigger issue. There were actually some impressive reps from linebacker DJ Lundy, who the NFL has a good opinion on early on. Lundy is dense and explosive at 6000v and 237v. He’s a player to keep a close eye on.
More NFL Draft notes
Linebackers and safeties were the position groups of focus this past week. At linebacker, Virginia Tech standout Keli Lawson was a very interesting player. He has a very slender frame at a listed 6-4 and 220 pounds, but Lawson makes up for that size with outstanding explosiveness. Lawson is going to have to get stronger, but athletically there is a lot to work with. This could be the mid round developmental linebacker you need to know.
It’s very unfortunate that Michigan safety Rod Moore suffered a left knee injury this offseason, which has put his 2024 season in serious question. On film, he was a tremendous player for the Wolverines. He isn’t the biggest safety in the world at 6-0 and 185 pounds, but wow he’s athletic. The movement skills are really, really impressive. If healthy, he’s one of the very best safeties in the 2025 NFL Draft class.
If you love sleepers, make sure you get an eye on Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. He’s only going to be a junior this fall, but he just put together an outstanding season for the Rockets in 2023. At 6-2 and 202 pounds; McNeil-Warren has the size and length you like, but the movement skills are what make him special. He’s physical enough to play down in the box, while also having the range to make a ton of plays over the top. Don’t be surprised if he’s in the day two conversation before too long.
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