The Post’s best NFL talents start the 2024 college football season

The defense is cool again.

After the 2024 NFL Draft began with a record 14 consecutive picks on the offensive side, early estimates for the 2025 draft suggest that the top could be loaded with pass rushers and cornerbacks.

At least until the games start and some quarterbacks change their minds that a bad year is ahead after a record six quarterbacks were selected in the first twelve picks.

Here is The Post’s unranked list of the top 10 NFL prospects in college football, based on conversations with NFL talent scouts.

Carson Beck, QB, Georgia

In this transfer-happy era, Beck sat on the bench for three seasons before finishing third nationally in passing yards and fourth in completion percentage last season.

What was even more impressive was that things improved as the season progressed.

Beck has the typical size (1.93 m, 100 kg) and arm strength and can also play passes with sensitivity.

NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah compared Beck to a young Eli Manning.

A new element in Beck’s life: a relationship with his influencer girlfriend Hanna Cavinder, which has received a lot of attention on social media.

Shedeur Sanders, quarterback, Colorado

As you would expect from Deion Sanders’ son, Shedeur is brimming with talent, toughness and confidence.

What he needs to show under his father/head coach is more consistency, including better performances against quality Big 12 opponents.

Sanders threw just three interceptions in 430 attempts last season – he trusts his instincts before the snap – but took 52 sacks because he didn’t want to give up on a losing play.

He will struggle, but he is not a real threat to either side and is not built to take big hits all the time.

Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

The irony is that Hunter is more of an exact replica of Sanders’ explosive versatility.

Hunter shows more sensitivity as a catch-and-run receiver, but also has tantalizing potential as a press cornerback who drives the ball forward and shows quick ball recovery.

Could he focus on defense while also adding some offensive packages and special teams returns to his program?

As Deion proved, you don’t have to be a great tackler to seal off your side of the field.

Last season, Hunter played over 100 snaps seven times!

Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Winning 50/50 balls against Johnson will not be easy.

Johnson plays even bigger than his 6’2″, whether he’s competing at the catch point with bigger receivers or lowering his shoulder against a running back.

The best defensive player in the 2023 national championship game recorded the seventh interception of his career in this game.

New coordinator Wink Martindale’s scheme gives Johnson a chance to shine in man coverage, but he already has a safe base.

Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

The former three-star recruit was one of two interior defensive players in the country to receive top-10 ratings from Pro Football Focus as a pass rusher and run-stuffer.

This is what happens when you combine a quick first step with a comprehensive understanding of leverage.

Perhaps best of all, the versatile Graham still plays with the tireless motor of someone who is overlooked.

With more pass rush (5.5 sacks in his career) he could be in the conversation for the number 1 pick.

Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

The hybrid linebacker wears the same jersey (No. 11) as Micah Parsons at Penn State and comparisons to Parsons in 2021 are justified.

Carter had the second-best pass-rush win rate (24.8 percent) among Power Five Conference players playing off-ball last season and will now be moved to a pass-rush-specific role to capitalize on his responsiveness and finishing speed this season.

He was arrested in April for simple assault and harassment.

James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee

Don’t let the scale (243 pounds) fool you.

Pearce has a good combination of size – he uses his lower body to initiate a rush – and speed, which allows him to maintain a tight angle when bending the edge.

He recorded 10 sacks (on 52 pressures) among his 18.5 tackles for loss, as he played almost as many snaps against the run as against the pass last season.

If necessary, Pearce can also take cover.

Mykel Williams, DL, Georgia

The next alpha of an always talented defensive line recorded a total of nine sacks in a deep rotation over the last two seasons.

He is compared to Travon Walker, the No. 1 overall pick in 2022, and is considered an exceptional athlete who is potentially more dangerous in the pros than in college.

Williams is already an elite run-stuffer who handles blocks with ease, but his pass-rush moves still need to be refined and diversified.

It offers versatility both indoors and outdoors.

Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

The way Morrison mirrors receivers in man coverage allows him to lure quarterbacks and shorten routes.

The natural ball hunter has recorded nine interceptions in two seasons, but will also get to the line of scrimmage (4.5 tackles with loss of yardage).

What he loses in size, he makes up for with his athleticism and IQ, which allow him to quickly grasp complex schemes.

The word “technician” is used frequently.

Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas

Banks was a starter from the moment he stepped on campus, allowing two sacks in 27 games over two years.

In the last two drafts he blocked the first running back in each case.

The former top recruit in football-crazy Texas has lateral agility that belies a 6-foot-4, 300-pound player, and he’s already good at recognizing stunts and using his hands.

It would damage his reputation if he acted as a security guard.