The 2020 NFL draft is still months away, but it’s never too early to see which prospects are moving up and down on the draft board.
Now that we’re a few weeks into the 2019 college football season, let’s take a look at a handful of prospects who are already improving their draft stock with impressive performances on the field.
Joe Burrow | QB | LSU
In a class with plenty of intriguing options at QB, Burrow may be the biggest riser. A second thought in this class all offseason, he has steadily played himself up from UDFA to potential day two pick. The former Ohio State recruit transferred to LSU and had a modest season in 2018. In 2019 however, he is thriving in a more opened up offense.
He has completed over 80 percent of his passes on the year while throwing for 1,122 yards (second most in NCAAF) and 11 touchdowns. He is on pace to shatter his stats from last season and could potentially see himself in the Heisman race if he continues this high level of play.
Jalen Hurts | QB | Oklahoma
Speaking of intriguing quarterback options, could Jalen Hurts be the next Oklahoma QB to find his way to the NFL? A former national champion with Alabama, Hurts has come a long way since his benching in the National Championship.
In 2019, he has already passed for 880 yards and 9 touchdowns while throwing no interceptions. He has also 373 yards and 4 touchdowns as well. The struggles he had as a Freshman throwing the ball seem to have evaporated as he now looks like a bonafide NFL prospect. He could be the next Lincoln Riley success story as he enters the draft after this season.
J.K. Dobbins | RB | Ohio State
In a running back class that is loaded with talented players such as Jonathan Taylor and Travis Etienne, Dobbins may be one of the more underrated players. Coming off back to back 1,000 yard seasons for Ohio State, he is continuing his strong play with a fast start to 2019.
He already has 425 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns while averaging 7.1 yards per carry. He may not be a first round caliber runner but if he continues his strong play and can show more versatility in his game, an NFL team is going to be very happy adding him in the middle rounds.
Tylan Wallace | WR | Oklahoma State
The 2019 wide receiver class is looking to be historically good with so many top notch prospects potentially coming out. One player flying under the radar thus far though is Wallace. The big-play receiver already has 390 yards receiving on the year on only 15 catches.
That is an insane 26 yards per catch. He also has 6 touchdowns on those 15 catches. The explosive receiver is showcasing himself as a player who needs to be considered among the elite players at the position in this upcoming draft class.
Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama
Speaking of explosive playmakers, Ruggs May be the fastest player to enter the draft in years. The fastest player in the country has showcased that track speed on numerous occasions as he has 12 catches for 202 yards and 2 touchdowns on the year.
He also has a 75 yard rushing touchdown on the year. Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy said the other day that Ruggs could be the first player in a long time (maybe ever) to clock in the 4.1’s at the combine. When you turn on his tape, it is very easy to see that speed.
Curtis Weaver | EDGE | Boise State
Weaver could be this year’s big riser as an edge rusher who pushes his way into the first round. After posting over 20 sacks in his first two years at Boise State, Weaver is on pace for another outstanding season for the Broncos. He already has 6 sacks on the season which is tied for the most in all of college football at this point.
He also has 7 tackles for a loss and is disrupting nearly every offensive play. His speed and quickness on the edge for a player who is 265 pounds is very enticing and if he continues this strong play all season long, he cold find himself in the first round conversation come April.
Oluwole Betiku, Jr. | DL | Illinois
The first surprise on this list is likely Betiku. When you look at his play though, he is tearing it up in his Junior season for Illinois. A former 5 star recruit for USC, Betiku grad-transferred to Illinois for more playing time this season.
The move appears to have paid off as he is tied for the most sacks in college football with 6. He also has 7.5 tackles for a loss and a fumble recovery to go along with it. With his size and strength along with his newfound production, Betiku appears to be playing himself into a favorable draft spot come next April.
David Woodward | LB | Utah State
Overshadowed by Utah State’s star quarterback Jordan Love, Woodward is quickly climbing up draft boards with his strong play. Coming off a season where he eclipsed over 100 tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss, and 5 sacks, Woodward looks even better in 2019. So far through just two games, he has 28 tackles, 1 sack, and 2 forced fumbles.
With his improved play and the notable injury to Alabama linebacker Dylan Moses this offseason, Woodward could be on the path towards the first linebacker taken in the 2020 Draft class.
Jeffrey Okudah | CB | Ohio State
All offseason, draft analysts have gushed about the play of corners such as Paulson Adebo and CJ Henderson. Early in the 2019 season, it is already looking like Okudah could be that top guy. A big, lengthy corner, Okudah has the size to match up with any receiver in the country. On top of that, he is an excellent athlete as he was a former 5 star recruit out of high school.
He hasn’t recorded an interception yet in this young season but he does already have two pass deflections and a forced fumble through three games. If he continues to lock down receivers and show off his physicality, he will be a near lock for the first round next April.
Antoine Brooks, Jr. | S | Maryland
A player who has seemingly been in college football for a decade, Brooks is playing some really good football this season. The hybrid linebacker/strong safety has had a productive career for Maryland as he has accumulated 175 tackles and 20 tackles for a loss in his four seasons up to this point.
This season, he is already near the top of the country in tackles with 25 and has a pass deflection and fumble recovery up to this point. A versatile player who has been around for a while, Brooks could be a valuable mid round draft pick in 2020 if he continues his strong play this season.
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