Trio Of Former FSU Football Stars Projected To Be Selected In First Two Rounds Of 2024 NFL Draft
The 2024 NFL Draft is getting closer by the day. With all-star games in the rearview mirror, prospects are now shifting the focus to the upcoming NFL Combine and their respective pro days.
Throughout the last couple of weeks, there haven't been many players who have improved their draft stock like former Florida State standout defensive tackle, Braden Fiske. Following one productive season in Tallahassee, he hasn't missed a beat during his transition to the professional level.
Fiske was one of the MVPs of the Senior Bowl after a strong week of practice and dominating performance in the exhibition. The showing quickly has him rising across draft boards with his quick get-off and relentless effort on every given play. He also displayed his unselfishness after becoming the first player in the history of the contest to switch teams on the day of the game.
The Western Michigan graduate transfer has an opportunity to be selected in the top-100 picks in April. That was reflected in PFF's post-Super Bowl mock draft as Fiske rounded out a trio of Seminoles that are projected to be draften within the first two rounds.
The projection has defensive end Jared Verse landing with the Minnesota Vikings (No. 11), Keon Coleman being selected by the Kansas City Chiefs (No. 32), and Fiske going to the Detroit Lions (No. 61). If the prediction rings true, it would be the first time that at least three Seminoles are selected in the top-100 since 2015. Florida State produced six third-round or higher selections, including No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston.
Minnesota would be a good landing spot for Verse, though probably a little farther than he would prefer to fall, just one pick out of the top-10. Verse is coming off another big season with the Seminoles where he was named First-Team All-ACC after recording 41 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and three pass deflections.
"The Vikings will be one of those teams that could aggressively move up for a quarterback. If they can’t find a deal, look for them to shift their focus to the defensive line. Interior or edge could be in play here, but with Verse still on the board, he is the pick here."
You probably couldn't predict a better franchise for Coleman to begin his professional career with than the back-to-back Super Bowl Champions. Despite the tandem of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, Kansas City is still looking for a star wide receiver to boost its offense after trading Tyreek Hill a couple of years ago. Coleman's prototypical size, athleticism, and contested catch ability would add another weapon to the Chiefs arsensal.
"Coleman’s draft stock has been anywhere from top-10 pick to second-rounder this draft season. He’s an incredibly gifted athlete, but his game lacks consistent separation. Still, his talent level is too high for a team like the Chiefs — who desperately need an alpha X receiver — to pass up."
Speaking of perfect fit, the hard-nosed Dan Campbell and Fiske seem like they're built for another. The Lions are all about grit and toughness which are qualities that resonate with Fiske. A return to Michigan, the state where he played most of his college ball, could be in the cards.
12 Seminoles will be participating at the NFL Combine later in February. It's possible that Verse, Coleman, and Fiske don't end up at the last former stars to be projected as top-100 picks.
There are about two months to go until the NFL Draft festivities begin on April 25 in Detroit.
Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the offseason.
