Scouting three years out is usually a fool's errand. You're basically trying to predict how a teenager’s brain and hamstrings will hold up under the pressure of NIL deals, transfer portals, and SEC defensive ends. But the 2028 NFL draft prospects we’re seeing right now? They aren't your typical projects.
We are looking at a class that might actually break the mold of how we evaluate underclassmen.
Take Jeremiah Smith at Ohio State. Most scouts usually wait until a kid’s junior year to start whispering "generational talent," but people were doing that when Smith was still moving into his dorm in Columbus. Honestly, if the NFL didn't have that pesky three-year rule, he probably would have been a top-five pick last year as a true freshman. That’s not hyperbole. That’s just reality when you're 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, and snagging one-handed fades over All-Big Ten corners like they're junior varsity backups.
Why the 2028 Class is Already Putting Scouts on Notice
The hype machine is loud. You’ve probably heard the names, but the context matters more. We are entering an era where the jump from high school to the "big leagues" of the Power Four is shrinking. These kids are training like pros at 15. By the time they hit the 2028 NFL draft prospects cycle, they’ll have four years of semi-pro experience under their belts.
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It's weird to think about.
A few years ago, a freshman QB was a liability. Now? They’re the centerpiece. Dylan Raiola at Nebraska is the perfect example. He didn't just walk into Lincoln and take the job; he walked in and looked like a seasoned vet from day one. He has that Patrick Mahomes-lite flair—the sidearm throws, the off-platform stuff—that makes NFL GMs drool. He finished his freshman year with over 2,800 passing yards. For a 19-year-old at a program that has struggled for a decade, that's insane.
But it’s not just the QBs.
The Skill Position Revolution
Jeremiah Smith is the headliner, sure. But look at Ryan Williams at Alabama. The kid reclassified—basically skipped his senior year of high school—and still turned the SEC into his personal playground as a 17-year-old. He’s thin, yeah. He’s maybe 175 pounds soaking wet. But his speed is "deleted from the server" fast. In the 2028 draft, teams are going to be looking for that "X-factor" speed, and Williams has it in spades.
Then you have the guys in the trenches. Usually, these take the longest to develop. Not this time.
- Dylan Stewart (Edge, South Carolina): He looks like he was built in a lab. He was terrorizing veteran tackles from the first snap of the 2024 season.
- Jordan Seaton (OT, Colorado): Protecting Shedeur Sanders is a high-stress job. Seaton handled it as a true freshman. He’s got the footwork of a much smaller man.
- Colin Simmons (Edge, Texas): He might be the most natural pass rusher the Longhorns have had since Brian Orakpo.
The Quarterback Landscape for 2028
If you’re a fan of a team that needs a savior under center (looking at you, Giants and Raiders fans of the future), the 2028 NFL draft prospects at QB are going to be your obsession.
Right now, it’s a two-horse race at the top with Raiola and Bryce Underwood. Underwood is a fascinating case. He’s the top-ranked recruit heading to Michigan, and the expectations are astronomical. If he hits, we’re talking about a 6-foot-4 dual-threat monster who can make every throw on the field.
Then there’s Julian Sayin. He’s at Ohio State now, sitting behind some veterans but the pedigree is there. The "arm talent" buzzword gets thrown around a lot, but with Sayin, the ball just looks different coming off his hand. It's effortless.
Wait, there's a wild card.
Keep an eye on Keelon Russell at Alabama. In the new Kalen DeBoer system, Russell has the tools to be a Heisman contender by the time 2027 rolls around. If he develops his intermediate accuracy, he’s a lock for the first round.
Don't Forget the High School Kids
It feels weird to talk about 16-year-olds as NFL prospects. It’s a little gross, honestly. But if you want to know who is going to be the "next next" thing, you have to look at the Class of 2028 high school rankings.
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Jayden Wade out of IMG Academy is the name everyone is circling. He’s already 6-foot-3. He plays against the best competition in the country every Friday night. By the time he’s eligible for the NFL, he’ll have been in a pro-style environment for nearly eight years. That kind of experience is what differentiates a "prospect" from a "project."
What Most People Get Wrong About Draft Cycles
Most fans think the draft is a linear progression. Player is good in high school -> player is good in college -> player gets drafted.
It never works like that.
Injuries happen. Just look at Raiola’s sophomore year—he dealt with a nagging injury that slowed his momentum. Coaching changes happen. A kid might commit to a spread offense and then find himself in a "three yards and a cloud of dust" system after a firing.
The biggest thing people get wrong about 2028 NFL draft prospects is assuming the current rankings will hold. They won't. About 50% of the five-star recruits currently on your screen will either transfer, flame out, or end up as mid-round picks. The real "pros" are the ones who can adapt to the chaos of modern college football.
Actionable Insights for the Deep-Dive Scout
If you’re trying to stay ahead of your dynasty league or just want to sound smart at the sports bar, here is what you should actually be watching for over the next 24 months:
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Watch the "Snap Count" for Freshmen: Don't just look at highlights. If a true freshman is playing 40+ snaps a game in the SEC or Big Ten, the coaches trust his brain. That’s a massive indicator of NFL readiness.
Monitor the Transfer Portal Movements: If a top-tier prospect like Ryan Williams or Jeremiah Smith stays put despite coaching turnover, it speaks to their stability. If they start hopping schools every year, NFL teams start asking questions about "coachability" and "locker room fit."
Look at Track Times: For wide receivers and corners, look for verified 100m and 200m times from high school. NFL speed is different. If a kid isn't running a sub-10.5 100m, he’s going to have a hard time being a "burner" at the next level.
The 2028 draft is a long way off, but the foundation is being built right now on Saturday afternoons. Keep your eyes on the guys who don't just have the physical tools, but the ones who aren't overwhelmed by the stage. That's the difference between a Saturday hero and a Sunday star.