Purdue may be one-and-done in 2024 NFL draft

MORE: NFL.com mock 2024 draft | Purdue Pro Day: All eyes on Tracy | Purdue Pro Day photo gallery

Tyrone Tracy is ready. He’s seemingly checked all boxes he can in advance of the 2024 NFL draft, which kicks off for three days in Detroit on Thursday.

“I’ll say an ‘A,’ ” said Tracy about grading his post-college NFL draft prep. “Sometimes, I’ve tried to be hard on myself, but I’ve been through a lot. And this is one of the moments where I want to sit back and just witness what God has done.”

The Purdue running back has the best chance to be selected among Boilermakers who worked out at the school’s pro day in March. This, a year after Purdue had five players picked, its most since 2004. WR Charlie Jones, QB Aidan O’Connell, TE Payne Durham, LB Jalen Graham and CB Cory Trice all were tabbed in 2023.

If Tracy hears his name, most draft-watchers feel it likely will be on Day Three (Saturday) when Rounds 4-7 are selected. The first round takes place Thursday, while Rounds 2-3 are on Friday. A recent ESPN.com mock draft had Tracy going in the 5th round/175th overall to the Saints.

“Tracy certainly helped himself at the combine,” a scout for an NFL told GoldandBlack.com off the record. “I still don’t think he always plays to those numbers. I see him as a backup/rotational-type back who would need to play on special teams to make it.

“I don’t think there are any other draftables (at Purdue).”

It has been a long road for Tracy, a 2018 graduate of Decatur Central High in Indianapolis who signed with Iowa, where he spent four seasons as a wideout. He transferred to Purdue prior to the 2022 season and had mixed results. But, a coaching change–and position change to running back–proved to be a god-send.

“It was a huge benefit coming here,” said Tracy, who points to Ryan Walters as the one who pushed for the switch from wideout to running back. Running backs coach Lamar Conard also had a big influence on Tracy.

The next Boilermaker with the best chance to be selected: safety Sanoussi Kane.

“I feel I can do a lot of things at the next level,” said Kane. “I started games at corner, I started games at safety, I started games in the box, I can pass rush if I need to. … Wherever they need me, I’m willing to play.”

Offensive lineman Daniel Johnson is an interesting prospect. He began his career at Kent State before playing the last two years at Purdue. The 6-6, 320-pounder hails from Canada, where he could land in the CFL.

“Football is football,” said Johnson. “Whatever opportunity comes, I’m willing to jump on it.”

But, Johnson’s eyes are on the NFL for now. And his background as a basketball player is an asset.

“It’s being comfortable being in space, being on an island,” said Johnson. “That’s how I feel basketball helped me. Playing a different sport puts you in different positions. You get to move different muscles.”

Another Boiler draft hopeful: safety Cam Allen, who was productive in his five years in West Lafayette. His 13 interceptions rank second in school annals. And he tallied 203 career tackles, while being a three-time All-Big Ten honorable mention selection.

“Talking to (former Purdue players in the NFL) and some of those guys are gonna be my best friends for the rest of my life,” said Allen. “Just talking to them, them telling me it’s not always gonna be sunshine and rainbows when you get there. It’s gonna be a lot of ups and downs. Keeping your head right mentally and just staying the course.”

OLs Ben Farrell and Preston Nichols, DL Malik Langham and CB Marquis Wilson also are looking for an opportunity. That opportunity likely will have to come as an undrafted free-agent.

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