ESPN Analyst Predicts Two FSU Football Stars to Go First Round in 2024 NFL Draft
The Florida State Seminoles went undefeated in the regular season before winning the ACC Championship game against Louisville. They did so with a stacked roster, and naturally, a team that performed so well will have multiple NFL prospects.
For the Seminoles, there are two likely first-round talents that helped them in their 13-1 efforts for the 2023 college football season. Mel Kiper of ESPN recently released a 2024 NFL mock draft in which both Keon Coleman and Jared Verse were selected in the first round.
In the mock, Coleman was the first Seminole off the board, at No. 15 by the Indianapolis Colts.
"One of the top edge rushers could be in play here for the Colts, but I'm leaning toward a like-for-like replacement, as Michael Pittman Jr. could get a megadeal in free agency and leave the team," Kiper wrote. "If that happens, there will be a massive need for a big, physical pass-catcher, which describes Coleman's game."
Not only would this be a great, natural scheme fit for the Colts, but it would also allow Coleman an excellent opportunity to develop and grow his game. He'd be playing alongside quarterback Anthony Richardson, a former Florida standout, who is also young and has promising talent.
Four picks later, Kiper's predictions have Jared Verse landing at pick No. 19 with the Los Angeles Rams.
"The Rams got outstanding play from two rookie defensive linemen in edge rusher Byron Young (8 sacks) and tackle Kobie Turner (9 sacks), but they're relatively thin along the defensive line," Kiper continued. "Can they find another impact edge rusher, this time in Round 1, to help a defense that finished 30th in takeaways (15)?"
Verse would be a big addition for two reasons. His 6-foot-4, 253-pound frame is full of potential, and he's a big-time playmaker, which only adds to his locker-room presence. He's mature for his age and will greatly impact a team on and off the field.
The two Seminoles were transfer-ins who shined in Tallahassee, likely making them both early picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.
READ MORE: Former FSU Football QB Announces Third Transfer Destination
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