South Carolina Football: Gamecocks receive varied NFL Draft projections

Last week, South Carolina football wide receiver Antwane “Juice” Wells was chosen as one of the top wide receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft by PFF’s Trevor Sikkema. Sikkema ultimately projected Wells as one of the top-10 receivers in the Draft, which would put him squarely inside the top-3 rounds of the Draft and, potentially, in the top-2 rounds.

Sikkema has also released projections for the quarterback position, running back position, and tight end position. Several Gamecocks (and former Gamecocks) were listed in his 2024 NFL Draft projections.

At quarterback, Sikkeman released his top-10 NFL Draft prospects but did not include South Carolina football signal caller Spencer Rattler. After his ranking, Sikkema made sure to mention Rattler as a “notable” quarterback to watch as he believes Rattler could play himself into the top-10 with a more consistent showing in 2023.

At running back, with the Gamecocks’ questions at the position, it is no surprise that Carolina was not included. However, a former USC back made the cut. MarShawn Lloyd, now at Southern Cal, slotted in at 10th in Sikkema’s projections. The projection is interesting given Lloyd’s inconsistent production, proclivity for injuries, and lack of a guaranteed starting role with Southern Cal.

Sikkema’s most recent 2024 NFL Draft projection article was about the tight end position. One current Gamecock and a former one cracked his list. Former do-it-all playmaker Jaheim Bell ranked 4th in Sikkema’s projection, and current Gamecock tight end Trey Knox sits in the 7th spot. Sikkema called Bell “polarizing” and believes Knox is in for his best season in 2023.

PFF is sure to release more NFL Draft projections in the coming weeks, and South Carolina football fans will be interested to see where their favorite players might rank. Sikkema has yet to release his offensive line rankings, any of his defensive lists, or a list of kicker and punter projections (if he even has plans to do one).

The most-likely Gamecocks to find themselves on another Sikkema list for the 2024 NFL Draft are defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway, cornerback Marcellas Dial, punter Kai Kroeger, and kicker Mitch Jeter. Former Gamecock defensive end Jordan Burch could also be projected highly by PFF.