Five Indiana football players who could make way on 2024 NFL Draft radar

With the 2023 NFL Draft in the rearview mirror, it’s time to take a look at the 2024 Draft. While the Indiana football program’s streak of nine consecutive years with a draft pick ended, there is still some talent on the roster for this upcoming season.

The Hoosiers were one of seven power five programs to not have a single draft pick in the 2023 Draft. There were numerous players who signed as free agents, however.

With that, there are a few players who could boost their stock this upcoming season.

Here are five notable Indiana football players who could play their way on to the 2024 NFL radar.

WR Cam Camper

Camper was off to a terrific start last season before suffering a torn ACL, ending his season. But before then, Camper was one of the best wide receivers in the Big Ten.

He finished 2022 with 46 catches for 569 yards in seven games. His biggest game was the season-opener against Illinois. He had 11 catches for 156 yards while defended by Devon Witherspoon. Witherspoon was just selected No. 5 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. 

There is no denying the skillset is there for Camper. He beat defenders across the middle of the field, on short routes and on deep routes. What’s best about Camper is his ability to be a possession wide receiver and very reliable.

He could be limited by the injury and being 100% mentally over it. Also, the potential for the running back room to be heavily involved on the ground and in the passing game could be a factor.

Overall, Camper has clear NFL upside. Depending on how he’s utilized, he could be a big riser if he can build off of the seven games in 2022.

DE Andre Carter

Carter was not only a standout on the defense during spring practice, he was one of the best players on the field on either side of the ball. The Western Michigan transfer is looking to be the pass rusher that the Indiana football program was missing the last few years.

At 6-foot-5 and 273 pounds, Carter has now played every position on the defensive line this spring and he has the body to be disruptive at the next level.

IU head coach Tom Allen had high praise for the senior.

“He is the biggest, most physical one we’ve had here since I’ve been here. Very, very disruptive … Got to get him in elite shape. He is not there yet.”

Carter comes to Indiana after totaling 70 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. Granted there is a different level of competition at times between the MAC and the Big Ten, those are eye popping numbers.

If Carter can even put up half of those numbers this season, his career should speak for itself.

WR DeQuece Carter

Carter is a 5-foot-11 quick wideout who could do wonders in the Indiana offense. With Indiana’s inexperienced quarterbacks, having quick passes to proven playmakers could be in store.

Carter had 56 catches for 1,166 yards and 13 touchdowns last year at Fordham. There were five 100+ yard receiving games for him.

Walt Bell now has numerous potential playmakers on the roster for skill positions and Indiana needs to utilize them. Similarly to Jaylin Lucas, Carter is someone you want to get the ball quickly to and let him go.

At the moment, Indiana is lacking that significant receiver who can make plays after the catch. Carter fits that mold. While he has breakaway speed down the field, the priority should be short and quick routes to get him the ball.

If that’s the case, a big season could be in store for the transfer wideout.

LB Aaron Casey

Casey has spent a long time waiting for his opportunity. This year, he’ll finally get it. After playing behind Micah McFadden and alongside Cam Jones for his career, he’s now the leader of that linebacking core.

In 2022, Casey had 88 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He had double-digit tackles in four games and averaged eight tackles a game.

Indiana lost nine of its top 10 leading tacklers from a season ago. Aaron Casey is the lone returner.

Despite not overwhelming athleticism, the ability to play under a new defensive play caller with Matt Guerrieri could be extremely beneficial.

“He can process, too … Then he has athleticism to play in space and he’s got physicality to play in the box,” Guerrieri said. “So to me, if you can do those things at linebacker, you check all the boxes.”

Staying healthy has been something Casey has been able to do throughout his career. He’s played in at least 11 games in each season, outside of the covid year. Then, he played eight games.

With Casey as experienced as he is, and having a breakout year in 2022, a big 2023 could help him drastically.

WR Donaven McCulley

At 6-foot-5 and 200-pounds, McCulley is an ideal threat at the wide receiver position. This is now his second season at the wide receiver position after entering college as a quarterback.

Last year, McCulley had 16 receptions for 169 yards and one touchdown. He had at least one reception in nine of 12 games played.

Now, it’s about taking the next step. Something Tom Allen is expecting — and needs.

“You have no idea how good you can be,” Allen said to McCulley during spring practice.

“He (McCulley) made some more plays today. Every day he’s made plays, and so that’s what I expect,” Allen continued. “We’ve had some really good heart to hearts about it, and he knows where he wants to be and where I believe he can be. And just having continued growth at that position and learning and being able to just find a way to get open and make plays and then go score football.”

With McCulley’s size, he can be a true game changer inside of the 20. He has good speed and great athletic ability as well. If he can become a consistent threat from 20 to 20 and be a game changer in that aspect, he can jump up the NFL radar.

Other Indiana football players on the radar:

RB Josh Henderson

RB Christian Turner

LB Myles Jackson

LB/DE Lanell Carr

DB Jamier Johnson

SEE ALSO: Indiana football enters phase two of prep work as a critical summer approaches

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