2024 NFL Draft Team Preview: Florida State Seminoles

After a strong season last year that was up and down throughout, the Florida State Seminoles are in for a big year. Not only that, but they are producing tremendous talent for the 2024 NFL Draft. With a schedule filled with solid matchups on both sides of the ball, we’ll get a great look at just how good these players are.

With NFL-level talent on offense and defense, there will be many eyes on every Florida State game this season. Here are the players to watch for the Seminoles each week leading up to the NFL Draft.

5. #6 TE Jaheim Bell

Bell is a versatile tight end who excels in various positions, making him a mismatch threat against linebackers and safeties. He possesses reliable hands and precise route running, making him a valuable asset in the passing game. Not only that, but he makes for a strong blocker on the edge of the line, sealing off edge rushers and picking up blitzes. Bell’s athleticism allows him to gain yards after the catch, and he showcases a high football IQ for recognizing defensive coverages.

As for his areas of improvement, Bell could be a stronger tight end and will benefit from adding strength to his frame to be more consistent taking on bigger defenders. But with his versatility and highly-developed skills in the passing game, Bell will be one of the better tight ends in the 2024 NFL Draft class.

4. #14 WR Johnny Wilson

Wilson boasts exceptional strengths that start with his size. With his length and frame, he’s tremendous in contested catch situations and is solid at tracking the ball. He can box out defenders, keeping them at his back, allowing him to extend to the ball with his wide catch radius. He’s a physical red-zone threat, with his physicality translating to his blocking on the outside.

Wilson needs to work on refining his route tree and working on his release. He’s not the fastest receiver, so creating separation needs to come from his technique. With his unique size and overall skillset, there’s a little bit of Mike Williams to his game. If he can develop more to his game, Wilson could be a decent NFL player and a highly drafted wide receiver.

3. #3 RB Trey Benson

Benson brings impressive strengths to the field, including power and physicality for breaking tackles. With his size, he’s tough to bring down in the open field or between the tackles. Pair that with his speed and burst to accelerate quickly through the line, making him a dangerous weapon in the running game. He’s shown promising vision and patience in finding running lanes with the ability to set up blockers and wait for the proper lane.

However, Benson needs to be more consistent as a receiving threat while mostly improving his route running out of the backfield. Across the board, Benson is a promising, talented running back with the potential to be a featured back at the next level.

2. #4 WR Keon Coleman

Coleman’s strengths come from his imposing size and physicality. With his frame, he can shield off defenders, and with his length, he can snatch the ball with strong hands away from his body. For his size, he has impressive speed and agility, making him a solid route runner and tough to tackle in the open field. He’s a dangerous red zone threat in one-on-one situations, whether it’s going up top, or running through traffic, Coleman is a reliable target.

However, Coleman must improve on being more consistent and a better blocker. With his size and strength, if he can develop into a strong blocker on the outside, he has the potential to be the entire package. He draws comparisons to NFL receiver Mike Evans, making him a highly sought-after wide receiver in the upcoming Draft.

1. #5 EDGE Jared Verse

Verse is a promising NFL edge rusher prospect with several strengths. He has ridiculous burst off the line of scrimmage with various pass rush moves. He has the ideal size to play any position on the edge, making him a great fit for any NFL defense. Additionally, he’s a versatile player who can transform the trenches at the next level. To go along with the rest of his strengths, his football IQ, paired with his strong hand technique, make him a force on the line.

However, despite being a top-edge rusher in the class of 2024, he’s playing in just his second season in the FBS, and there is still some development left in his game. He needs to refine his counter moves against blockers and improve his consistency in run defense. Overall, he has the potential to be a high first-round NFL Draft pick with his physical attributes, football IQ, and versatility.

Honorable Mention

#13 QB Jordan Travis
#0 iDL Fabien Lovett
#55 iDL Braden Fiske
#11 EDGE Patrick Payton
#23 CB Fentrell Cypress II
#1 S Akeem Dent

Florida State Seminoles 2023 Schedule

Prediction: 12-0

DATE	OPPONENT
Sun, Sep 3	vsLSU
Sat, Sep 9	vsSouthern Miss
Sat, Sep 16	@Boston College
Sat, Sep 23	@Clemson
Sat, Oct 7	vsVirginia Tech
Sat, Oct 14	vsSyracuse
Sat, Oct 21	vsDuke
Sat, Oct 28	@Wake Forest
Sat, Nov 4	@Pittsburgh
Sat, Nov 11	vsMiami
Sat, Nov 18	vsNorth Alabama
Sat, Nov 25	@Florida