Kaelen Culpepper is an exceptional athlete who has shifted defensively from 2B/3B to SS in his junior season at Kansas State. With a strong offensive performance in 2024, he could provide a jolt to a weak draft demographic that's usually coveted (college SS).

At the plate, Culpepper has a strong overall skill set. He generates good bat speed, although a flatter bat path hasn't produced much loft to date. Additionally, he has good contact skills, solid plate discipline, although he does expand the zone a little too much at times.

Culpepper has had a solid 2024 season in which he’s walking more and has amassed 32 extra base hits in 61 games, in addition to 17 stolen bases. Defensively, it's a plus arm, with good defensive actions and athleticism. Regardless of whether Culpepper ends up sticking at SS as a pro, or slides over to 2B or 3B, it should be an above average defensive profile.

Culpepper made some mechanical adjustments to his swing that helped him catch fire at regionals, hitting a home run off Hagen Smith and hitting for the cycle in the process. This is a solid all around college hitting profile.