In 2023, three Conference USA prospects were selected in the NFL Draft. Western Kentucky defensive lineman Brodric Martin was the first CUSA player selected, going in the third round to the Lions.
Now looking forward, here are the top Conference USA prospects who could be chosen in the 2024 NFL Draft, which begins on April 25 and goes on until April 27 in Detroit.
NFL Draft Conference USA Big Board
Rank | Player | Position | School |
1 | Malachi Corley | WR | WKU |
2 | Austin Reed | QB | WKU |
3 | Tyrice Knight | LB | UTEP |
4 | X’Zauvea Gadlin | OL | Liberty |
5 | Willie Roberts | DB | La. Tech |
6 | Donovan Manuel | LB | FIU |
7 | Tra Fluellen | DB | MTSU |
8 | Trevor Williams | LB | Sam Houston |
9 | Gavin Hardison | QB | UTEP |
10 | Smoke Harris | WR | La. Tech |
NFL Draft: Top Conference USA Prospects
Malachi Corley, WR, WKU
Corley, a 5-foot-11, 210-pound junior, was one of the best G5 wide receivers heading into the 2023 season. He was an All-CUSA first-team selection as he led the league and was fourth in the FBS with 1,293 yards on 101 receptions and scored 11 touchdowns. He also led all Group of Five wide receivers with 975 yards after catch.
In 2023, he was a HERO Sports G5 College Football All-American after recording 984 yards and 11 touchdowns on 79 receptions.
Austin Reed, QB, Western Kentucky
Reed was the leading passer in the FBS in 2022 with 4,744 yards. As an All-CUSA second-teamer, he threw for 40 touchdowns and 11 interceptions that season.
In 2023, he recorded 3,340 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 11 picks. He completed 63% of his throws in two years at WKU.
Reed was a productive passer in college, so NFL teams may think he could continue to play at a high level in the pros.