The NFL Draft is a platform for athletes to share their stories and the different paths taken to achieve the ultimate goal of playing at that level. Some transfer in search of more exposure, more opportunities and a variety of other reasons.
Here are the transfers ranked by whose draft stock will benefit the most:
Note: There were seven transfers taken in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, including four of the six quarterbacks.
7. WR Ja'Mori Maclin, Kentucky (from North Texas)
Given the track record of head coach Mark Stoops and the arrival of offensive coordinator Bush Hamdan, Kentucky will want to establish the run. Maclin, who was previously coached by Hamdan at Missouri, was the go-to option for North Texas last season, finishing the year with 1,004 yards and 11 touchdowns on 57 receptions. He was the only member of the Mean Green to exceed 500 receiving yards. UK is littered with pass-catching outlets, such as Barion Brown and Dane Key. If Georgia quarterback transfer Brock Vandagriff can live up to his five-star high school billing and lead an efficient passing attack, Maclin stands to benefit.
6. OT J.C. Davis, Illinois (from New Mexico)
Davis has quick footwork but needs a bit of refinement in terms of technique. The cliché is that he has tools with which he can work. The New Mexico transfer has played left tackle and joins an operation that has recently produced Nick Allegretti, Kendrick Green, Isaiah Adams and others.
5. WR Julian Fleming, Penn State (from Ohio State)
Fleming was 247Sports' No. 4 overall recruit in the 2020 recruiting class, but it can be hard to find playing time behind players like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, etc. Fleming finished with the fourth most targets on Ohio State's roster last season and now steps into a leading role with Penn State. The Nittany Lions boast 247Sports' No. 3 overall recruit in the 2022 recruiting class, Drew Allar, at quarterback. Fleming, a Pennsylvania native, has a great opportunity to revitalize his draft stock.
4. WR Malik Benson, Florida State (from Alabama)
Benson joined the Crimson Tide as the nation's No. 1 junior college wide receiver in 2023. It took awhile for the offense to find its rhythm and Alabama had Jermaine Burton, among others. The Kansas native ran just 12.3 routes per game and finished the year with 13 receptions for 162 yards and 1 touchdown. Benson should find more opportunities in a Florida State offense now led by Oregon State quarterback transfer D.J. Uiagalelei.
3. RB Damien Martinez, Miami (from Oregon State)
Coming into the year, the running back conversation has been centered around Ohio State's Quinshon Judkins and perhaps Treveyon Henderson, as well as Oklahoma State's Ollie Gordon. Boise State's Ashton Jeanty and Martinez, who transferred from Oregon State, are the top two for me right now. Fans should have a greater appreciation for the running back after the coming season as long as the offensive line does its part. Martinez has great size and shows the footwork to break defenders down in space. He was a key piece of Miami's large, talented transfer portal haul.
2. EDGE Trey Moore, Texas (from UTSA)
The Texas-San Antonio transfer is a really fun player. He is a twitchy edge rusher who embraces his responsibilities in the run game as well. Moore has a good collection of pass-rush moves and does a good job setting them up. His draft ceiling will be impacted by his official height and wingspan, but the new Longhorn should be in the top-100 conversation. In his final season for the Roadrunners, he amassed 14.0 sacks.
1. QB Cam Ward, Miami (from Washington State)
Ward was highly erratic in 2022 but showed growth in his final season at Washington State. After initially declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft, the Texas native reversed course and joined the cause to bring Miami back to the national scene. Ward is a unique talent, throwing from different arm slots with high velocity. Ward, who began his collegiate career at Incarnate Word, is not a chunk runner but does show elusiveness in the pocket. With another strong season, Ward will have an opportunity to be picked among the top-50 overall selections next spring.
