Scouting the Nation: Top 2024 Offensive Tackles and Underrated Quarterbacks

Who are this week's players that have the spotlight shined on them for the NFL Draft?

In this edition of scouting the nation, we take a look at two of the top tackles returning to college football and two quarterbacks destined to make waves once the season starts.

OT Joe Alt, Notre Dame

The Fighting Irish have a long history of top-tier offensive linemen and Alt is next in line. The two-year starter was far and away the best left tackle in college football last season. He was in a tier of his own and didn’t have a bad game on film. His technique, balance and consistency were rare for only a true sophomore. He can easily handle power and has the foot quickness to mirror pass rushers. Notre Dame faced some good edge defenders but Alt didn’t have an issue with any of them. In the run game, Alt has grip vices for hands and does a good job staying attached to defenders throughout the entirety of the rep. He had a plethora of wow plays in the run game on tape. Had he been able to come out this year, Alt would have been the easy OT1. Alt is the cleanest offensive tackle prospect in recent memory and will be in the running to be the first non-quarterback drafted if he declares for the 2024 draft.

QB Joe Milton III, Tennessee

In terms of upside, it doesn't get much better than Milton III. He is taking over for Hendon Hooker, who would have been a first-round pick had he not torn his ACL. Milton III played sparingly throughout the season and then made his first start against a very talented Clemson defense in the Orange Bowl. In the win, Milton III showed us what is in store for his 2023 campaign. He has special arm strength, with the ability to throw the ball 70 yards downfield like it's nothing. His velocity is also outstanding, and his arm can get him out of difficult situations. For a 245-pound quarterback, Milton III moves well in and out of the pocket and can pick up yards with his legs. Teams are going to be enamored with his arm talent and he flashed the accuracy to complement it against Clemson. The sky's the limit for Milton III. Every quarterback coach will want to work with him, as he has immense potential. Milton III has the tools to be an even better quarterback prospect than Hooker.

OT Anthony Belton, NC State

A gifted athlete, Belton will be a household name next spring. He checks every box scouts look for in a left tackle. He is a knee bender, explosive off the line and has an NFL-ready body. His length showed up on film and Belton keeps his pad level low for a bigger tackle. Belton has a pop in his hands that jolts defenders in pass protection. In the run game, Belton displayed the ability to get to the 2nd level with ease. He is excellent when asked to work in space and does a good job of sealing off defenders. It is hard to find coordinated athletes, who have length and natural power. Belton has all three, which is why he projects as an excellent starting left tackle at the next level. As Belton improves his hand placement and angles, he will be an elite prospect. Expect Belton to be among the biggest risers next fall.

QB Michael Pratt, Tulane

A considerable part of Tulane’s massive turnaround was the play of Pratt. He was one of the best quarterbacks in the nation last season, elevating his play against the top teams in the country. Pratt has NFL size and a very good frame. He has a great arm but Pratt also showed the ability to throw with touch to all levels of the field. His ball placement also stood out. Pratt is going to win with his arm but he is a good athlete who displayed the ability to be a threat as a runner. Pratt excelled at protecting the football last season, with very few errant passes on film as well. Pratt will be a Senior Bowl quarterback who is going to leave a strong impression on teams when they sit down with him. He sees the game very well based on his film and that, combined with his tools, makes him one of the top quarterbacks in the 2024 class.

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