The 2024 NFL Draft was full of surprises, none more so than the absence of seven former 5-star recruits. These sportsmen, once hailed as future NFL stars, have taken surprising turns in their careers.
From Elite to Undrafted: Revisiting 7 Former 5-Star Recruits Who Missed Out in the 2024 NFL Draft
Let’s dive into the full story of what went wrong and what could still go right for each.
JT Daniels
JT Daniels was the standout of USC’s 2018 recruiting class, beginning as a true freshman. However, a torn ACL in 2019 triggered a series of transfers: from USC to Georgia, then West Virginia, and eventually to Rice. Daniels showed flashes of brilliance, particularly during his brief stint at Georgia, but he could never maintain consistency or stay healthy.
Despite his background and arm power, scouts questioned his longevity and adaptability to different offensive systems. With his NCAA eligibility exhausted, Daniels now faces the challenging task of resurrecting his career in alternative leagues or coaching.
Akeem Dent
Dent was a hard-hitting, versatile safety from Florida State who excelled in tackling and leadership. Over five years, he recorded 189 tackles and 17 pass breakups. However, his lack of quickness and injuries during critical periods kept him off most selection boards.
Dent went undrafted but was briefly picked up by the Los Angeles Chargers, then taken in the 2024 UFL College Draft by the Michigan Panthers, giving him a new opportunity to prove himself.
Lorenzo Lingard
Lingard, who was once regarded as one of the best running backs in the country, began his career at Miami but had serious knee injuries. He transferred to Florida, but his opportunities were restricted in a crowded backfield. In a last-ditch effort to restart his career, he transferred to Akron, where he put up good numbers (641 yards and 4 touchdowns).
His size, burst, and sharper vision convinced the Jacksonville Jaguars to sign him as an undrafted free agent. He is a dark horse for a deep role.
Kendall Milton
Milton was a member of Georgia’s back-to-back national championship teams, known for his hitting style and aggressiveness. After a poor start to his college career due to recurring injuries, he finished strong in 2023 with 790 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Although his lack of top-end speed harmed his draft stock, the Philadelphia Eagles saw enough to sign him after the draft. He’ll compete in camp for a spot on the roster or the practice squad.
Teradja Mitchell
Mitchell was a top linebacker prospect out of high school who signed with Ohio State. Despite being a loud leader, he was never fully integrated into the Buckeyes’ starting lineup. A move to Florida promised a fresh start, but he was unable to considerably improve his draft stock.
Scouts were concerned about his lack of sideline-to-sideline range and issues with pass coverage. He has yet to sign with an NFL or UFL team, therefore, his football future is uncertain.
Eyabi Okie-Anoma
Eyabi Okie-Anoma might have had the most chaotic college career of all. Initially signed by Alabama, he was dropped from the program and moved between Houston, Michigan, and Charlotte. Despite outstanding pass-rushing abilities and a 5-star pedigree, off-field troubles and program instability hindered his progress.
He had five sacks in his final season at Charlotte, but questions about his devotion and maturity contributed to his undrafted status. He has yet to connect with a professional team.
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Mark Pope
Pope arrived at Miami as one of the best receivers in the country, but he struggled with consistency, drops, and confidence. After several seasons of modest outcomes, he transferred to Jackson State to play under Deion Sanders, but he still failed to make an impact.
He remained unsigned after the draft and is now a free agent. Despite his inherent quickness and agility, the opportunity for a professional breakout is gradually closing.
The path from high school glory to NFL success is rarely straightforward. These seven players all have the necessary skills, but their careers demonstrate how injuries, uneven play, coaching changes, and other circumstances can derail even the most promising prospects.
However, with free agency, the UFL, and the CFL in play, their football careers may not be done.
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