With the NFL Draft just around the corner, let’s take a look at some of the biggest potential steals coming out of college. Among them, standout defensive players Elijah Nash, Kaimana Tafuna, and Jay Jackson are making waves due to their impressive college performances, despite not having the prototypical measurables often sought after at the professional level.
Elijah Nash, a defensive standout from the University of Louisville, made major waves during the 2023 season. He put up 25 bench reps and ran an impressive 4.57 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the combine. His clutch efforts carried Louisville to a surprising run to the ACC title match and him All-America honors. During the course of the season, Nash added 11 sacks. He recorded 14.5 tackles for loss over a dominant 2021 season, showcasing his ability to wreck havoc on opposing offenses.
Nash’s impressive performance extends beyond his statistics. He led Wisconsin in tackles during his final season with 71 and added six pass breakups for good measure. Most impressively, he tied the school record with six interceptions, placing second in the country in interceptions. Louisville coach Jeff Brohm couldn’t have been more complimentary of Nash’s productivity saying, “What’s unique about him—he’s strong, he’s durable, he’s played a lot of football. He’s not your prototypical 6-4, 6-5 defensive end, so he doesn’t have the length, but man, he’s productive.”
In addition to Tafuna, who ranked 167 overall, the Utes have been known for their stable of stars along the defensive line. Tafuna did not disappoint, winning the Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors in 2022. He has gone on to earn second-team all-league honors each of the past three seasons. His stubborn work ethic has carried him to scoring at least three tackles for loss each year during the last four year stretch. This devotion eventually led to him receiving honorable mention All-Big 12 accolades in 2024. His coaches rave about his ability to come in and contribute on any level.
“Wherever he goes, he will not only be a really good defensive player for them, he’ll change their culture,” said Boise State coach Spencer Danielson.
Jay Jackson emerged as the Bulldogs’ full-time starter late last season and enters 2024 entrenched as the man. That makes him a fascinating wild card choice for NFL teams. After sitting out his first two seasons, Jackson shattered expectations, making a splash in his third season with a 64-tackle year. His phenomenal year resulted in him being named third-team All-SEC. Coaches aren’t worried about Jackson’s intelligence and adaptability not serving him well at the next level.
“Jay’s being underrated,” Bruins coach DeShaun Foster told ESPN. “He’s somebody that’s going to come in and be like an early leader. He takes it seriously.”
Other than the release of a once-in-a-generation draft prospects like Simmons. He greatly increased his production from only 1.5 TFL’s in 2023 to a formidable nine last year, plus four quarterback hurries. So much of his development suggests a player able to immediately step into greater challenges at the professional level.
Teams are looking towards their future options with the NFL Draft coming soon. Their profiles may be unconventional, but these players can provide tremendous value. Their respective college achievements are evidence of their ability to perform under pressure. This proves that they are poised to have a ground floor impact on professional rosters.
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