The biggest concern about Jaxson Dart‘s game happened to be how he’d handle top competition when Ole Miss’ quarterback-friendly offense didn’t provide an expansive runway.

Last week’s performance against the Georgia Bulldogs was supposed to be his defining movement. Instead, the 21-year-old signal-caller couldn’t hold it together against the Florida Gators.

“Dart started the game strong and fast,” Parson said, “but his performance dwindled. He struggled to complete passes outside the numbers and down the field. His processing and field progressions were concerning as the coverage became tighter.

“His decision-making with the game on the line was particularly troublesome. He threw passes into multi-defender windows, showcasing uncontrollable aggressiveness, leading to two interceptions and losing the game for his team. If things are not easily schemed up/open, Dart has not responded well.”

2. Edge Nic Scourton, Texas A&M

Texas A&M’s Nic Scouton should be a consistent presence on a weekly basis because of his outstanding all-around skill set.

That’s not always the case, though.

“While Texas A&M’s heart-breaking loss to the Auburn Tigers didn’t fall on Scourton’s shoulders, he didn’t help the cause,” Holder said. “He was a ghost, failing to record a single tackle and didn’t get much pressure as a pass-rusher.

“The Purdue transfer had the potential to establish himself as the top edge defender in this year’s draft class but has been rather pedestrian for the majority of the campaign.”

3. CB Will Lee III, Texas A&M

In Auburn’s four-overtime win over the Aggies, the Tigers eclipsed 300 passing yards.

Texas A&M cornerback Will Lee III showed a lot of promise early in the season, but he hasn’t been the same player as of late.

“Lee’s draft stock is on a slight down trend due to inconsistent play and coverage lapses that have been exposed in recent games,” Giddings said. “While his size (6’3”, 190 lbs) and athleticism are promising, He has struggled with his transitions with off-coverage, often losing ground and giving up leverage to receivers, especially when pressed with speed.

“A notable example came in the Auburn game, where he gave up a touchdown early due to these issues, leading to him being limited to under 20 snaps in that contest and none in the second half of that game.

“His habit of sitting on routes and struggling to regain leverage has made him vulnerable to bigger plays, and his hand-usage in press coverage has been too aggressive, sometimes resulting in penalties.

“Although Lee’s physical traits and tackling ability are strong, these coverage inconsistencies and mental lapses are raising questions about his readiness for the NFL, leading to concerns about his development at the next level.”

4. OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas

Josh Simmons’ season-ending leg injury opened the door for another prospect to secure the mantle as the 2025 class’ OT1.

Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. was the obvious option. He’s failed to do so, though.

“Banks has maintained a solid level of play over the last couple of weeks but has recurring balance and re-leveraging issues after initially getting overextended that has led to him falling off of a couple of blocks a game against slippery defenders,” Thorn said. “These typically occur on angle-drive blocks on the frontside when he has to navigate space before contact and defenders are able to shift prior to contact. This changes the aiming points and Banks doesn’t always adjust well to a shifting target causing him to lean and then lose control when defenders sidestep, creating soft edges. This is also something that occurs in pass protection and is one of the primary reasons why many evaluators have mentioned Banks being a best fit at guard at the NFL level.

“Banks is executing his job at a fairly high level this year. Upon deeper inspection, these issues remain a concern when projecting to him dealing with NFL defenders.”

5. QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama

Jalen Milroe’s draft stock may be the most volatile of any prospect in recent memory. He looked phenomenal against the Georgia Bulldogs and LSU Tigers. Yet the Crimson Tide QB played poorly against the Tennessee Titans and Oklahoma Sooners.

Which version is going to show up at the next level?

“Milroe continues to be a roller-coaster ride of quarterback play,” Parson said. “Against Oklahoma, he threw three interceptions and zero touchdowns. His explosive running ability was contained, and, without it, he was ineffective in throwing the football from the pocket.

“Milroe’s 2024 season has been nothing more than a flash of passing ability and inconsistency from the pocket. He has some tremendous traits. But he’s a high-risk option.”