The NFL Draft will take place next week (April 24-26) in Green Bay, WI. It will be broadcast by ESPN, ABC, NFL Network and other networks and is expected to draw 12 million or more viewers (in line with last year’s viewing). 

Many of the top prospects have also become marketing and advertising stars in college thanks to a Supreme Court ruling Four years ago that college athletes were entitled to earn money from their names, images and likenesses, lifting a longstanding ban imposed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.   

Platinum Rye, a division of TMA has put together a brief that highlights the draft prospects with the greatest commercial appeal to marketers. 

The Top-5:  

Below are 11 other players Platinum Rye believes offer marketing potential.  In alphabetical order: 

*Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss: Earned All-SEC First Team Honors and has crept his way up the Draft board to QB #3. Dart has had multiple brand integrations throughout the season such as Fortnite, Stanley 1913 and Uber Eats.  

Emeka Egubka, Ohio State: The savvy route runner ranks 2nd in all time receiving yards at Ohio State. Egubka has been a brand ambassador for Alo and Celsius throughout his final collegiate season. 

Matthew Golden, Texas: The big play threat ran the fastest 40-yard dash among receivers at the NFL Scouting Combine held in late February. Golden is working with Missing Element Sports to hold a youth football camp the week before the draft.  

*Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky: The star cornerback recorded the fastest 40-yard dash time at the combine and his quickness results in a high turnover rate. Before his 2024 season with Kentucky, Hairston and his teammates starred in a campaign for Hilton Hotels.  

TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State: The Ohio State National Champion is super speedy and is credited with the ability to make defenders miss in space. Henderson has worked with Chipotle, Hollister, and Arby’s in past brand campaigns. 

Ashton Jeanty, Boise State: This Heisman runner-up recorded the 2nd most all-time rushing yards in a single season in NCAA history. Jeanty is working with brands such as Opendoor and Newell Brand’s Sharpie around the Draft.  

*Will Johnson, Michigan: A top-2 defensive back in the draft class who uses his athleticism and size to secure leverage in passing lanes. He has had brand deals with Toyota, Uber and Alo. 

*Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State: The National Champion possesses a dynamic blend of speed and strength that makes him a complete three-down back. His brand partners have included Raising Cane’s, JLab Headphones and Kane Footwear. 

Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona:  A top-2 wide receiver in the draft who showcases his ability to make circus-catches fueled by his size and body control. Brand deals for McMillan include Sharpie, Raising Cane’s and JLab Headphones. 

Shedeur Sanders, Colorado: He’s projected to be the number two quarterback to be picked in the draft has superior accuracy from the pocket. Shedeur has worked with brands including Beats by Dre, Gatorade and JD Sports. 

Tyler Warren, Penn State: The John Mackey Award winner for most outstanding tight end of the year offers versatility to any offense he ends up in. He has brand partnerships with Planet Fitness and Rockin’ Protein. 

Full disclosure: An asterisk before a name denotes draftees who are working with TMA on brand activations centered around the Draft. 

Pictured above is Travis Hunter in a new Snickers campaign.