In 2023, seven MAC prospects were selected in the NFL Draft. Eastern Michigan offensive lineman Sidy Sow was the first MAC player selected, going in the fourth round to the Patriots.
Now looking forward, here are the top Mid-American Conference 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 MAC Big Board
Rank | Player | Position | School |
1 | Quinyon Mitchell | DB | Toledo |
2 | Marshawn Kneeland | DL | WMU |
3 | Dallas Gant | LB | Toledo |
4 | Judge Culpepper | DL | Toledo |
5 | Nolan Potter | OL | NIU |
6 | Brian Dooley | OL | EMU |
7 | Deiyantei Powell-Woods | OL | CMU |
8 | James Ester | DL | NIU |
9 | Odieu Hilaire | WR | BGSU |
10 | Joe Sparacio | LB | EMU |
NFL Draft: Top MAC Prospects
Quinyon Mitchell, DB, Toledo
Mitchell is widely regarded as the best Group of Five prospect this year.
The Rockets cornerback was first in Pro Football Focus’ grades of FBS cornerbacks in 2022 and 2023. The NFL passer rating on throws his way was 34.8, which was the eighth-best among those who played at least 200 snaps in 2022, and this past year that passer rating was 51.1.
The 6-foot, 196-pound junior also led the country with 25 passes defended in 2022. He was second in the FBS with 18 pass breakups this last season.
Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE, Western Michigan
NFL Draft experts believe Kneeland has the potential to be picked in the first round of this year’s draft.
At 6-foot-3, 267 pounds, Kneeland racked up 37 total pressures, six sacks, and 28 hurries to go with 38 total tackles last season. Kneeland tied for ninth among all EDGE players in Pro Football Focus’ grades at the position.
Kneeland also impressed with his athleticism at the NFL Combine. He was first in his position group in the three-cone drill (7.02 seconds) and 20-yard shuttle (4.18 seconds) while also ranking in the top 10 in the vertical (35.5 inches) and bench press (21 reps).