It’s almost here. The 2019 NFL draft is just a week out, which means teams across the league are getting ready to lock in their draft boards.
For The Win is doing the same. After reviewing all the film and looking over the numbers, Steven Ruiz has put together his list of the top-50 prospects in this year’s class. And just to give you an idea of how these guys will play at the next level, he’s also offered an NFL player comparison for each prospect.
One note before we get started: Comparisons are based on play style and not necessarily how successful a prospect will be in the NFL.
The Top-25
1. Kyler Murray, QB Oklahoma
NFL comparison: Russell Wilson
Not gonna lie: I had a difficult time coming up with a good comparison for Murray, because, at this point in his development, I think he’s more comfortable in the pocket than Wilson was coming out of school. He’s also more of a home run hitter as a runner. But in terms of poise and play-making ability, Wilson is the closest comparison.
2. Quinnen Williams, DT Alabama
NFL comparison: Gerald McCoy
Alabama deployed Williams all over the line, so NFL teams may have a hard time envisioning him in a specific role, but there’s no reason to overthink this: Williams is special in that he can serve as a run-stuffing nose tackle on early downs and transition into a penetrating 3-tech on passing downs.
3. Nick Bosa, Edge Ohio State
NFL comparison: Joey Bosa
A lazy comparison? Sure, but the brothers have similar games. Like Joey back in 2016, Nick is the most polished edge rusher in his class. He has a nice arsenal of pass rush moves, including counters, and the requisite physical abilities to be an elite pass rusher at the next level. Injury concerns move him down my board.
4. Ed Oliver, DT Houston
NFL comparison: Geno Atkins
Based on the chatter we’re now hearing, it’s looking like Oliver’s stock is back to where it was before last season, when he sacrificed his own game to help out Houston’s undermanned defense. He played at nose tackle for the Cougars, where he did just fine, but his best spot is at 3-technique, where he can use his other-worldly first-step quickness to blow up the pocket.
5. Greedy Williams, CB LSU
NFL comparison: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
When the major knock against a cornerback prospect is his ability to stop the run, maybe we’re overthinking things. Williams is a long, fluid corner who will excel in man coverage. Bigger receivers with speed could give Williams trouble, but that’s true for any corner and how many of those receivers actually exist?
6. Josh Allen, Edge rusher Kentucky
NFL comparison: Anthony Barr
Allen might be a player ahead of his time, as NFL defenses rarely utilize a player as both an off-the-ball linebacker and pass rusher. A creative defensive coach will get the most out of him. The Kentucky product is the rare defensive player who can hold up in coverage and rush the passer with a variety of moves.
7. Jonah Williams, OT Alabama
NFL comparison: Mitchell Schwartz
Let’s just stop with the guard talk right now. Sure, Williams could play that role in a pinch (and probably do so at an all-pro level) but he is a franchise left tackle prospect who dominated against SEC pass rushers. Scouts may be worried about Williams 33.5 inch arms, but I’m not.
8. D.K. Metcalf, WR Ole Miss
NFL comparison: Dez Bryant
Metcalf didn’t run a diverse route tree at Mississippi. He didn’t put up huge numbers. His short shuttle time at the combine was a concern. None of it matters. Metcalf is a monster with blazing speed who can win off the line and dominates on 50/50 balls. He’ll be a good pro no matter where he ends up.
9. Andre Dillard, OT Washington
NFL comparison: David Bakhtiari
If you argued that Dillard should be the top-rated tackle in the draft, I wouldn’t blame you. He is the class’s best pass protector and he has a lot of experience in the kind of situations he’ll face on Sundays.
Dillard isn’t overly powerful, which is more of a concern in the run game, but it’s 2019 and the run game doesn’t matter all that much.
10. Brian Burns, Edge Florida State
NFL comparison: Aldon Smith
Burns may have been a one-year wonder, but the tape he produced in that one year was special. He is the ideal pass rusher. He’s got length, strength and the body control to bend around the edge and get to the quarterback.
11. Jawaan Taylor, OT Florida
NFL comparison: Lane Johnson
Taylor is a good pass blocker at the right tackle position, but he makes his money as a nasty run blocker. If a team wants to improve its run game, forget about drafting a running back. Draft a dude like Taylor.
12. Byron Murphy, CB Washington
NFL comparison: Asante Samuel
Gonna be honest: I’m stealing this Samuel comp but it’s too good to pass up. Like Samuel, Murphy is a bit undersized but just knows how to get his hands on the ball. He’ll be at his best in a scheme that allows him to play off and read the quarterback’s eyes.
13. Montez Sweat, Edge Mississippi State
NFL comparison: Danielle Hunter
Sweat is a raw prospect who will have to add strength if he’s going to be a three-down player at the next level, but his physical gifts are undeniable. He has the length and bend scouts dream of, and, oh yeah, he ran the 40 in 4.41 seconds, which would be fast for a receiver.
14. Dwayne Haskins, QB Ohio State
NFL comparison: Less-athletic Mitchell Trubisky
Haskins is the safest QB prospect in the class, but, because of his athletic limitations (don’t tell Stephen A.) and inconsistent deep ball accuracy, his ceiling is pretty low. But he’s a smart passer who stands tall in the pocket.
15. Devin White, LB LSU
NFL comparison: Myles Jack
The Jack comparison is almost too easy. Like Jack, White was a running back in high school and it shows on tape. He attacks the line of scrimmage like a downhill runner but also has tremendous lateral range as a tackler. He’ll need some time to develop his football intelligence, but he’ll be an impact linebacker from the jump.
16. T.J. Hockenson, TE Iowa
NFL comparison: Hunter Henry
Hockenson is a dominant blocker but don’t sleep on his receiving ability. And, yeah, he didn’t put up mind-blowing numbers, but playing in a Kirk Ferentz offense will do that. Just look at George Kittle. Hockenson makes contested catches and can make things happen with the ball in his hands.
17. Jeffery Simmons, DT Mississippi State
NFL comparison: Chris Jones
If not for an ACL tear during the draft process, Simmons would have been a consensus top-10 pick. The injury, along with off-the-field concerns, could push him down teams’ draft boards. He’s a physically imposing defensive tackle who will impact both the run and pass games. If he develops some pass rusher counters, he’ll be unblockable.
18. Jerry Tillery, DT Notre Dame
NFL comparison: Tommie Harris
Tillery’s pre-draft workouts aren’t overly impressive, but the same cannot be said about his tape. Just watch him dominate a good Stanford offensive line, and you’ll see why he’s worthy of a first-round grade.
19. Marquise Brown, WR Oklahoma
NFL comparison: Brandin Cooks
Brown is known as a speed merchant, but he offers so much more than that. While his main strength is his deep speed, he’s also a smart route runner with a good set of hands. Cooks was better with the ball in his hands, but they’re similar receivers when running routes.
20. Daniel Jones, QB Duke
NFL comparison: Matt Ryan
It’s easy to look at Jones and just assume he’s your typical stiff white dude that scouts love to hype, which partially explains why Draft Twitter is so low on him. His awful supporting cast didn’t help either. Jones has a little more to his game. He’s a good runner — check out his game vs. UNC — and gets through his progressions in a hurry. Jones is tough in the pocket and his mechanics are flawless.
21. Devin Bush, LB Michigan
NFL comparison: Darius Leonard
Scouts have dinged Bush because of his size, which could limit him in the run game, but he’s a perfect linebacker for the modern game because of his range and coverage skills.
22. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S Florida
NFL comparison: Malcolm Jenkins
Gardner-Johnson could hold up as a centerfield safety but he’ll be best used as a Swiss-army defender who can play anywhere in the secondary and be included in creative blitz designs.
23. Christian Wilkins, DT Clemson
NFL comparison: Kawann Short
Wilkins can play as a big end in base packages but he’s at his best when he can rush the passer from a defensive tackle position. He’ll have to get stronger in his base if he’s going to be a three-down tackle.
24. Garrett Bradbury, C North Carolina St.
NFL comparison: Jason Kelce
Bradbury came to Raleigh as a tight end and it shows on tape. He’s moves well for a big guy but can also make an impact block at the point of attack.
25. A.J. Brown, WR Ole Miss
NFL comparison: Adam Thielen
Brown doesn’t look like your typical slot but and he doesn’t play like one either. While he is a quick route runner, he’s also an explosive athlete who will make plays downfield. Like Theilen, who’s an underrated athlete in his own right, he’ll be a reliable chain mover on third down while also offering big-play potential.
The best of the rest
26. Julian Love, CB Notre Dame
NFL comparison: Jonathan Joseph
27. JJ Arcega-Whiteside, WR Stanford
NFL comparison: Alshon Jeffery
28. Joshua Jacobs, RB Alabama
NFL comparison: James Conner
29. Cody Ford, T/G Oklahoma
NFL comparison: La’el Collins
30. Nasir Adderley, S Delaware
NFL comparison: Karl Joseph
32. Chase Winovich, Edge Michigan
NFL comparison: Jerry Hughes
33. Miles Boykin, WR Notre Dame
NFL comparison: Michael Gallop
34. Clelin Ferrell, Edge Clemson
NFL comparison: Michael Johnson
35. Noah Fant, TE Iowa
NFL comparison: Jared Cook
36. Chris Lindstrom, OG Boston College
NFL comparison: Joel Bitonio
37. Amani Oruwariye, CB Penn State
NFL comparison: Pierre Desir
39. Deebo Samuel, WR South Carolina
NFL comparison: Anquan Boldin
40. David Long, CB Michigan
NFL comparison: Malcolm Butler
41. Dexter Lawrence, DT Clemson
NFL comparison: Sylvester Williams
42. Rashan Gary, Edge Michigan
NFL comparison: Malik Jackson
43. Duke Shelley, CB Kansas State
NFL comparison: Brent Grimes
44. Deandre Baker, CB Georgia
NFL comparison: Brandon Browner
45. Darnell Savage, S Maryland
NFL comparison: Damarious Randall
46. Kelvin Harmon, WR North Carolina State
NFL comparison: Davante Adams
47. Justin Layne, CB Michigan State
NFL comparison: Josh Norman
48. Terry McLaurin, WR Ohio State
NFL comparison: Kenny Stills
49. N’Keal Harry, WR Arizona State
NFL comparison: Allen Robinson
50. Darrell Henderson, RB Memphis
NFL comparison: Kareem Hunt
