In 2023, nine Sun Belt prospects were selected in the NFL Draft. Old Dominion offensive lineman Nick Saldiveri was the first Sun Belt player selected, going in the fourth round to the Saints.
Now looking forward, here are the top Sun Belt 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 Sun Belt Big Board
Rank | Player | Position | School |
1 | Frank Gore Jr. | RB | S. Miss |
2 | Nathan Thomas | OL | Louisiana |
3 | Rasheen Ali | RB | Marshall |
4 | Javon Solomon | DL | Troy |
5 | Ethan Driskell | OL | Marshall |
6 | Kimani Vidal | RB | Troy |
7 | Carter Bradley | QB | South Ala. |
8 | Richard Jibunor | EDGE | Troy |
9 | Jamree Kromah | DL | JMU |
10 | Jalen Green | DL | JMU |
NFL Draft: Top Sun Belt Prospects
Frank Gore Jr., RB, Southern Miss
Gore obviously has the pedigree with his father being an NFL legend.
But the 5-foot-10, 200-pound running back has been successful himself and is among the best Sun Belt running backs after ranking second in the conference with 1,382 rushing yards while adding nine touchdowns on the ground in 2022. He added 1,131 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground this past season.
Gore should be able to find his own way in the NFL.
Nathan Thomas, OL, Louisiana
Thomas has been rising up draft boards, and his resume shows he’s worthy of that.
At 6-foot-5, 332 pounds, Thomas gave up just 12 pressures in 2023. That put him among the top 30 tackles in the FBS who played at least 1,000 snaps.
He was also 17th in Pro Football Focus’ grades for run blocking. He gave up five QB hurries, two QB hits, and five sacks in 2023 while playing primarily left tackle.