The work is never done. It just isn’t. Draft pundits are scrambling to watch the footage, write up their scouting reports, formulate draft strategies, and grade players accordingly. Every Big Board is fluid, meaning that nothing remains constant.
Every time you watch the tape for an individual player, your opinion changes, sometimes significantly. But that’s what makes this time of year so fun for the scouts. We love the constant action and the difference a single day can make.
As of today, here is how I view prospects leading into the NFL’s Combine in just a short couple of weeks. Remember, this is a working Top-100 Big Board, and plenty will change before the Combine, and even more after.
1. Chase Young – EDGE, Ohio St – Young is the most complete EDGE prospect in years, which is saying something considering the impact his former teammate Nick Bosa made just this past season.
Young plays with outstanding leverage, has a tremendous burst at the snap, uses his hands well, and has a wide range of counters to get after the quarterback. He seems to be a virtual lock to go No. 2 in the draft, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t have him as my top graded prospect overall.
2. Joe Burrow – QB, LSU – Burrow is the most pro-ready QB prospect I have scouted in years. His accuracy at all levels of the defense is unparalleled. While he doesn’t have the strongest arm in the draft, he’s plenty capable of making every throw at the NFL level. He’s mobile, he’s smart, tough, and he seems to always make the most difficult plays look routine.
3. Derrick Brown – DT, Auburn – Brown is everything you’d want in an interior presence on your defensive line. I like him best as a 3-technique penetrator, but he can play the nose or kick out to 5-technique in a 3-4 alignment. Either way, his combination of strength, burst, technique, and agility will make him a star, and quickly.
4. Isaiah Simmons – LB, Clemson – Simmons is the Swiss Army Knife for any defense. He’s going to be a linebacker, by trade, but fits in anywhere depending on what you need. He can drop as a safety, he can rush the passer, he can cover the slot, TEs or RBs, or can play out on the perimeter. This particular player is a fit for any defense due to his size, speed, and defensive awareness.
5. Jeffrey Okudah – CB, Ohio St – Okudah is an excellent cover corner with the size to match up with just about anyone. He possesses unbelievably quick feet, fluid hips, and the speed to match up on an island. He’s also not a diva, has played well within the scheme of the defense, and isn’t afraid to stick his nose into the play in run support.
6. Tua Tagovailoa – QB, Alabama – Tua may not have the ideal size for the QB position, but he always seems to make the right play. He’s deadly accurate while not being afraid to fit throws downfield. The hip injury is a significant concern, but he should be able to recover and resume his professional career.
If he does, his leadership, his toughness, his passion, and his overall ability would fit just about any offensive scheme. His mechanics are not ideal, but his quick trigger and ball placement are not questioned. Heading into the 2019 season, he was the odds-on favorite to be the top pick.
With the rise of Joe Burrow and his injuries, a team will find a steal and a true face of the franchise a few picks later than originally expected.
7. CeeDee Lamb – WR, Oklahoma – Lamb is an excellent prospect on the perimeter. He can win all over the field, possesses plenty of speed to get deep, but runs fluid routes. Once the ball is in his hands, he’s a threat to score as he simply has a knack to make defenders miss in the open field.
Lamb’s route running is pristine, and his body control is simply mesmerizing. He could quickly find himself being labeled as one of the best receivers in football.
8. Jedrick Wills – OT, Alabama – Wills benefits from the fact that NFL teams now covet elite players on both ends of their offensive line. He’s a true right tackle prospect, but an elite one at that. He’s unbelievably strong, and that is on display in both the run game and in pass protection.
Whoever drafts Willis may attempt to move him over to the blindside, but I don’t think it’s worth it as just about every defense in the league can rush from all over the field. Wills is a plug and play starter from day 1, with a ceiling as an All-Pro.
9. Jerry Jeudy – WR, Alabama – Jeudy has everything you’d want in a #1 WR. How does he win? Well, I just haven’t seen any defenders that can stay with him. He’s ultra-crisp in and out of his breaks, and the defense simply never seems to know where he’s going at the top of his routes.
Jeudy should run in the 4.45-range, which is plenty fast given his quickness, agility, and ball skills. He can fit any offense as a player that can win off the line, understands where to settle against zone defenses, and has the big-play ability to score from anywhere on the field. Good luck to NFL defenses.
10. Tristan Wirfs – OT, Iowa – I’ve seen a lot of scouts that think Wirfs will be best suited inside at guard, but, like Wills, I think he’s a right tackle. He’s another strong, strong man that dominates in the run game, but also possesses the ability to get out in front in a zone-based scheme.
Wirfs has natural movement skills allowing him to get to the second level and create massive lanes. He may struggle with speed rushers initially, but he’s smart and creates proper angles to shield rushers around the QB.
11. Mekhi Becton – OT, Louisville – Becton is the “create-a-player” version of an offensive lineman. Standing 6’7” and nearly 375 pounds, there isn’t a human alive that should be that size with his functional movement ability. His feet are smooth, his hands are like vice grips, and he can simply dominate.
Becton is the best left tackle prospect in this draft, and only stands to get better with NFL coaching helping his technique.
12. Henry Ruggs – WR, Alabama – Another Crimson Tide player that will go in the top half of the first round. If you like speed, Ruggs is your guy. He may threaten John Ross’ combine 40 record, but should fare no worse than a 4.3.
Despite speed being his best attribute, Ruggs can break down and get in and out of breaks extremely well. He’s agile and should test extremely well in his vertical leap, as well. He sometimes takes a false step or rounds off certain routes, but can get away with it due to the constant fear he instills in opposing defenders.
Ruggs may struggle with the press early on, but that’s nitpicking as this is an excellent prospect with a legit chance to be the first receiver off the board.
13. Andrew Thomas – OT, Georgia – Thomas is a big, physical left tackle prospect. At this point, he’s better in the run game than he is in pass protection. While not as naturally athletic as Becton, he’s a further ahead in his technique and will be an immediate starter on the blindside (as will Becton). He is another guy that may struggle dealing with speed early on, but he has the potential to become a pro-bowl quality left tackle.
14. Justin Herbert – QB, Oregon – Herbert has all of the natural tools you look for in a franchise signal-caller. He’s big, has a strong arm, and is athletic. He does have a tendency to stare down receivers rather than get through his progressions, but that is something NFL coaching can help with.
Herbert is a long strider, which will make dealing with an inside pass rush tough to deal with when he tries to escape a collapsing pocket. With the tools he has, he will go inside the top 10 as the biggest boom/bust QB in this draft.
15. Javon Kinlaw – DT, South Carolina – Kinlaw is a toolsy interior lineman in the Fletcher Cox mold. His initial burst is amazing to watch for a player of his size. And, he has the ability to turn that quickness into power and penetrate on the inside of the line. He’s more of a true 1-gap penetrator at this point, but should become more versatile as he refines his technique.
16. CJ Henderson – CB, Florida – Henderson really needs to (and will) fill out as he simply is too wiry. But there is no denying his athleticism and short-area quickness. There just aren’t that many 6’1” corners with that agility and stickiness. With extremely long arms, he makes it difficult for receivers at the catch point.
Henderson’s physicality is the biggest question mark, but it works in both ways. He gets a little too handsy downfield while simultaneously being a little reluctant in run support. But, as he fills out and gets stronger, neither should be as much of a concern, as he wouldn’t need to use his hands as much to work into the receiver and defending at the catch point.
17. Jalen Reagor – WR, TCU – He plays so much bigger than his 5’11” frame would indicate. His ability to high-point the football is very real and allows you to use him in the red zone more than a typical player of that size.
Reagor is an absolute blur that will threaten 4.3 at the combine but also possesses insane COD ability. He beats press coverage routinely with an excellent burst and gets to top speed very quickly. I think TY Hilton is a fair NFL comp, but I believe he can be better as a receiver threatening all 3 levels of the defense.
18. Kristian Fulton – CB, LSU – He’s another bigger corner at 6’ even. And, he’s another corner with excellent hips and stickiness. The tape from the title game against Clemson certainly wasn’t flattering, but that seems to be more of an anomaly than anything.
Fulton’s best suited to play press coverage as he has the ability to remain on the hip of receivers throughout the route. Not afraid to get his hands dirty in run support, he will be Day 1 starter.
19. K’Lavon Chaisson – EDGE, LSU – A polarizing prospect, Chaisson’s production doesn’t match his physical traits. Still, there is no denying his explosiveness. Now more than a full year removed from his ACL tear, I think there is even more explosion yet to come.
Chaisson may be best suited as a 3-4 rusher, but he’s plenty strong to hold the edge in run support while showing the bend and agility to win around the edge or on inside counter moves. Chaisson will be another boom/bust selection, but the upside is too tantalizing to let fall outside of the top 20-25 picks.
20. Laviska Shenault Jr – WR, Colorado – His Year 1 impact may be limited to a few touches per game, but his long-term prospects are very intriguing. He’s excellent with the ball in his hands, which will provide him an early role in the Deebo Samuel mold. Screens, reverses and underneath routes will give him ample opportunities to make plays after the catch.
Shenault’s route running is extremely raw, but there certainly is promise. If he ever becomes even above-average in that department, you’re looking at a true game-breaker.
21. Xavier McKinney – S, Alabama – I keep seeing Minkah Fitzpatrick as McKinney’s NFL Comp, but didn’t want to buy it. But that does seem to be the guy. He’s versatile enough to play in any role you’d ask of him. He was tasked with playing deep most frequently, though he’s very quick to abandon centerfield and move up toward the line of scrimmage.
McKinney’s got the adequate range to play deep, but I like him more in a Harrison Smith-type role near the line of scrimmage and getting physical in the run game, defending the slot, and as a blitzer.
22. AJ Epenesa – EDGE, Iowa – Epenesa is the definition of a power rusher. He’s a bully and isn’t afraid to tell you about it. He should have a role as a true 3-down player, but as a base end and kicking inside in sub-packages.
The college production is there, with 22 sacks and 30.5 TFLs, and that translates to the next level. Teams in a 3-4 scheme should love Epensea, but 4-3 squads should be able to make great use of his power, as well.
23. Jonathan Taylor – RB, Wisconsin – I want to be clear. Having a player listed 23rd in my ranks does not mean I would take him at No. 23. As good of a running back prospect some of these next few guys are doesn’t outweigh the lack of positional importance the RB position comes with.
Taylor is my top-ranked guy at the position due to his 3-down abilities. Its true that his workload is a source of concern, but he has proven to be capable of contributing both as an elite runner and a more than capable receiver out of the backfield. He is a 1-cut-and-go type of runner that is extremely tough to bring down and always falls forward. He is an instant starter at the next level.
24. Patrick Queen- LB, LSU – Queen is a little undersized, but he’s aggressive and FAST. He’s extremely agile and has a knack for using his quickness to beat blocks and pursue the football. He’s very aware and closes windows in zone schemes very quickly. As a sideline-to-sideline defender, Queen should step right into a MIKE role as a starter impacting the game immediately.
25. JK Dobbins – RB, Ohio St – Dobbins is a do-it-all back that fits any scheme. He’s fluid with his cuts, has ample speed to go the distance, is shifty enough to break tackles and avoid big hits, but able to deliver shots himself when its necessary. He’s very reliable as a receiver and should be utilized to create mismatches with linebackers early on. Dobbins is a very willing blocker in pass protection and that should keep him on the field more often than not.
26. D’Andre Swift – RB, Georgia – Swift is a playmaker, plain and simple. He is dynamic and a threat to score from anywhere on the field. His speed is not a question mark, nor is his physicality. He showcases excellent receiving ability and demonstrates true 3-down ability.
Georgia’s constant ability to produce excellent RBs could be considered a knock (I guess?), but Swift could certainly be the best of the recent bunch of Bulldogs to reach the next level. My only concern is going to be his pass protection, but he’s able to get low and generate power to keep blitzers out of his QB’s face.
27. Yetur Gross-Matos – EDGE, Penn St – Gross-Matos has all of the traits you’d want in a franchise EDGE player. College production is there with 17 sacks over the last two seasons. He has the build/strength to hold up against the run while possessing ample explosion to get after QBs. Some teams will want to deploy him in a stand-up role, but he should be best suited in a 4-3 defense on the strong side.
28. Justin Jefferson – WR, LSU – Jefferson took a big step forward in 2019 as a route runner and overall player. I think he’s best suited as a slot receiver in the Tyler Boyd mold, but he’s far more dynamic. He has excellent hands, runs pristine routes, and understands when to settle down against zone coverages. While he doesn’t have elite speed, his ability to set up routes allows him to win downfield on post, corner, and go-routes.
29. Kenneth Murray – LB, Oklahoma – Murray is another fast LB with sideline-to-sideline ability. He’s more of a thumper than Queen but doesn’t possess the same ability in coverage. He’s shown excellent downhill ability and projects as a 4-3 SAM in an attacking defense. He should make an impact in both run support and getting after QBs.
30. Neville Gallimore – DT, Oklahoma – Best suited as a 1-technique Nose, Gallimore would fit really well playing in an attack style defense. He has a knack for showcasing agility inside and disrupting as a penetrator rather than holding up as a lane-clogger. Showed some dominance in Mobile and could be a day 1 starter in the right scheme.
31. Josh Jones – OT, Houston – Jones will fit really well in a zone-blocking scheme. His athleticism is real and he’s able to get to the second level rather easily. Jones is extremely raw in terms of his hand placement and footwork, but his athleticism and movement skills will probably land him in the latter half of Day 1. His week at Mobile was quite impressive, stonewalling everyone.
32. Jeff Gladney – CB, TCU – He provides some scheme versatility as a corner that can play in both man and zone. I prefer him as a true man cover-corner. He trusts his feet and hips, not getting out of his backpedal too early. He accelerates out of his hip-turn quickly and shows excellent recovery speed. Gladney doesn’t undercut routes enough or create a lot of turnovers, but he could certainly become a shutdown perimeter corner.
33. Lloyd Cushenberry III – C, LSU – An athletic interior lineman with the ability to play in just about any scheme. Showed a much better anchor in Mobile than on tape, so the upside goes well beyond what was expected. He excels at recognizing rushes and making the right decisions on who to block and where to go.
Cushenberry gets to the second level rather easily and has shown that he can pull and get out in front. He should be an upper-echelon NFL starter on the interior.
34. Tee Higgins – WR, Clemson – Higgins is a massive receiver, with excellent ball skills and body control. He has shown the ability to win at the LOS, which bodes well for his transition to the next level. Immediate red zone threat and extremely difficult to bring down after the catch. Higgins’ ability to track the ball on deep shots is evident and he uses his big body and strong hands to shield offdefenders in contested catch situations.
35. Grant Delpit – S, LSU – Many have Delpit at the top of their safety rankings, well inside their top 20 overall. Personally, I’m left needing to see a lot more. His tackling is a major concern, despite his ability to lay the lumber and create turnovers on the back end.
I like Delpit coming forward, but I never want uncertainty on the back end of my defense. His coaches will need to help him get into a better tackling position and not lunging so much as reacting. The potential is there, but I’m not sure about him as a first-rounder at this point.
36. Ross Blacklock – DT, TCU – Blacklock is one of the more underrated players in this draft. He has everything you’d want in an under tackle. He reminds me so much of former Vikings DT Kevin Williams with his ability to hold up against the run and create an inside rush.
If it weren’t for an Achilles injury in 2018, Blacklock’s 2019 season would have been even more dominant. He is an immediate starter with the potential for becoming a perennial pro bowler.
37. Cesar Ruiz – C/G, Michigan – Ruiz is a pretty solid center prospect. He’s freakishly strong, but could stand to lose a few pounds to create a bit more functional athleticism. He can pull pretty well and profiles in a power-based scheme.
Ruiz loves to get out in front as a road-grader in the run game, and rightfully so. This is where he’s at his best. He has positional versatility and could slide over a spot and fill either guard spot, but his shorter arms will most likely keep him in the middle.
38. Jordan Love – QB, Utah St – Love checks off every box from a trait perspective. He has a big arm, is plenty mobile, has the requisite size, and showcases natural arm talent. His decision making, on the other hand, has left a lot to be desired.
Love has been extremely turnover prone, which will cause plenty of hesitation among NFL front offices. However, the tools are tantalizing. If the right coach can mold him, this could be a future star. Aside from Herbert, Love is the most polarizing quarterback in this draft.
39. Damon Arnette – CB, Ohio St – A pure press corner, Arnette is at his best near the LOS, which will allow him to play on the outside of in the slot. His lack of elite speed may be his worst trait, though he isn’t exactly slow. I love his physical nature in press, but also stepping up in run support. A fearless player, Arnette wants to be challenged and has more than held up throughout his Buckeye career.
40. Brandon Aiyuk – WR, Arizona St – Aiyuk is a big play waiting to happen. At 6’0 even, he’s not the biggest receiver, but he finds a way to constantly create chunk plays. He’s extremely gifted at tracking the football on deep shots, though I’d like for him to continue to work on his hands catching.
Aiyuk has a gear that most players don’t have, so he will make an early impact on 8 and 9 routes, as well as being dynamite after the catches on slants and crosses. He doesn’t yet run the full route tree, but he should be a much better NFL receiver than his former college teammate, N’Keal Harry, who went in the first round last season.
41. Trevon Diggs – CB, Alabama – Diggs is best suited in zone coverage due to his outstanding recognition skills and ability to jump routes. He’s physical at the LOS and plays well in trail technique with safety help.
Diggs’ ball skills are elite for the position and he will create turnovers when the opportunities present themselves. He trusts his feet and hips, and doesn’t get overly jumpy. He could certainly end up in round 1, but he’s a starter early on, with room to grow.
42. Zack Baun – LB/EDGE, Wisconsin – I’m not sure if he’s a better fit as a 3-4 EDGE or as a 4-3 SAM. Either way, Baun has been productive. On productivity alone, he should be a first-round pick. He uses proper technique in his rushes, and does have adequate pass rush chops, but he reads the game so well and can certainly make plays in space.
43. Julian Okwara – EDGE, Notre Dame – The physical traits are ever-present. The athletic gifts are there and are why he is being considered as a potential Day 1/early Day 2 selection.
However, the production doesn’t match. Okwara must get stronger to hold the edge in the run game, which will also help him disengage when rushing the passer. He should be a third-down rush specialist early, with the room to become an every-down player early in his career.
44. Justin Madubuike – DT, Texas A&M – Madubuike is a versatile interior presence that could fit a number of roles relatively well. I like him inside as a 3-technique or kicking out as a 5-technique in a 3-4 base.
Madubuike has an explosive first step for a player of his size and strength, which should allow him to be a disruptor early on. The technique when holding up blockers leaves a lot to be desired, but there is no denying his skill set as translating well to the next level. He is an immediate starter in the right situation.
45. Clyde Edwards-Helaire – RB, LSU – An all-around back, CEH doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses. I don’t think he’s necessarily great in any aspect, but he’s above average across the board. A good receiver with short-area quickness, he will make a big impact in the pass game.
Edwards-Helaire runs with excellent pad level and gets under potential tacklers, often delivering the blow rather than being on the receiving end of the big shot. Fast enough to create chunk gains, though nobody will confuse him with a true burner.
In the right situation, “CEH” can become a workhorse back that doesn’t need to come off the field.
46. Antoine Winfield Jr – S, Minnesota – Winfield is not the best athlete on the field. Far from it. But there is no denying his football instincts, his toughness, and his ability to create big plays. He’s undersized for a safety, but he’s always around the ball, seeming to always be 2-3 steps ahead of anyone else around him.
Winfield Jr. uses his knowledge to jump routes, and uses his excellent ball skills to create turnovers. His pedigree is there, with his father being former NFL Pro Bowler himself. Winfield won’t wow anyone at the combine, but this is an example where the tape will tell a much better story than his test numbers would indicate.
47. Austin Jackson – OT, USC – Jackson passes the eye test in terms of his measurables and his athleticism. He could stand to get stronger in his sets, but some proper coaching could really enhance this skill. He may struggle early on with speed off the edge, but his football instincts are there to become a high-level starter.
Jackson fits best as a right tackle in a zone scheme, but will be able to adapt. A good prospect that may be over-drafted at the tail end of Day 1.
48. Lucas Niang – OT, TCU – Niang dealt with a hip injury in 2019, limiting his mobility. If he can recover from that, he could be a very good starter on the blindside, and very early in his career. He anchors very well against bull rushers, and handles speed pretty well, also.
Niang is not as nasty as you’d want and doesn’t finish blocks as often as you’d expect. He extends well, creating first contact with a solid punch, which allows him to gain control in his sets. He is a very good prospect that could make an immediate impact.
49. Curtis Weaver – EDGE, Boise St – Weaver will not check off every box for every scout. If you like him, you probably really like him. If not, well, the exact opposite. I project him best as a 3-4 DE due to his power and relatively quick burst. I don’t see him as a true 4-3 rusher due to his lack of bend and agility.
Weaver holds up very well setting the edge in the run game due to his long arms and ability to keep his outside shoulder free. He is a good player with a limited ceiling.
50. Noah Igbinoghene – CB, Auburn – When talking about boom/bust prospects, Igbinoghene tops the list when it comes to defensive backs. He is extremely raw at the position but is an absolute freak athlete. He is smart, so it shouldn’t take him too long to pick up the nuances of the position, but he, at this point, relies too much on his natural athleticism.
Igbinoghene doesn’t yet trust himself to get into position to fight for the ball, often face guarding throughout the catch point. If he develops more confidence, more interceptions should follow.
Outside of Okudah, Igbinoghene may have the highest upside of any DB in this draft. However, the floor is also quite low. Proper coaching is key here.
51. Cam Akers – RB, Florida St – As tough of a film study at the RB position as you could find, Akers was crushed by horrible OL play. He didn’t have much of a chance to shine as a receiver as he was often needed to help in protection.
Akers is a very willing blocker, he’s physical and shows decent technique. As a runner, he is powerful and initiates contact and creates a lot of hidden yardage. If he shows well in receiving drills at the combine, he could rise up boards as a true three-down lead back.
52. Terrell Lewis – EDGE, Alabama – Lewis has had some major injuries throughout his college career, which will give front offices a reason to second guess his talent. He has a very explosive burst off the snap, when paired with his long arms, allows him to turn speed to power rather easily.
If Lewis can be coached up with counter moves, he could become a dominant force off the edge. He needs to stay healthy, but somebody will take a chance on him early in the draft.
53. Prince Tega Wanogho – OT, Auburn – An athlete at the OT position, Tega Wanogho has the chance to really become a top-level starter. He is big but has plenty of room to fill out and add good weight and become stronger. His feet are excellent, though he is unrefined in his technique. His athleticism reminds me of second-year Vikings right Brian O’Neill, given his raw talent and agility for a man of his stature.
54. Jacob Eason – QB, Washington – He will wow you with his ability to throw a football. It’s effortless. But, the finer points to the quarterback position can cause some erratic play. Under pressure, he’s prone to high throws, either putting his receivers in harm’s way or turning the ball over.
If given time, you are hard-pressed to find a player with more natural arm talent than Eason. I wouldn’t call him overly athletic, but he has the ability to move around and create some plays with his legs. Current Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is the easy comp for me.
55. Cameron Dantzler – CB, Mississippi St – Dantzler has put together some outstanding games. He allowed a passer rating of just 57.0 in 2019, good for fourth-best among cornerback in the talent-laden SEC. Against the top-scoring team in the nation, LSU, he allowed two catches on four targets for 13 yards, though I’m not quite sure the tape was as friendly as the stats indicate.
Dantzler trusts himself and his natural talent, allowing him to keep his eyes on the QB and create turnovers. He stands to get stronger, which can only help with press coverage. A player with excellent production with room to grow. He is a solid pick in the second round.
66. Ashtyn Davis – S, California – Davis is more of a Cover-2 safety than a true centerfielder due to his average burst and closing speed. He’s a smart player and keeps himself in great position to get over the top when playing halves.
Davis is not a great tackler when coming downhill as he often will take poor angles. He can drop down and play press coverage in the slot, but I wouldn’t leave him in the box too often. He is a good prospect that profiles as an above-average starter in a zone concept.
67. Raekwon Davis – DT/DE, Alabama – He can play a number of positions along the DL, depending on the scheme. I prefer to play him as a 5-technique in a 3-4 alignment. He shows plenty of burst and penetration for a man of his size, but the strength to hold up in run support, as well.
Davis lacks a lot of lateral ability, but should find himself in the offensive backfield plenty. The right scheme is needed, but a player that will get plenty of game action early in his career.
68. Collin Johnson – WR, Texas – Johnson is enormous at 6’6” and 221 pounds. He actually could stand to gain a few pounds and fill out his thin frame. He dominated in Mobile, often showing outstanding ability to chop his steps and get in and out of breaks.
Johnson is an immediate red zone threat, also showcasing excellent ability on deep routes. Some scouts are on him as a potential “move” tight end, but that would require adding weight, and I think it’s unnecessary given his athleticism.
Johnson should test really well, which will only help his stock. Moving him inside into the slot would create nightmares for nickel defensive backs, safeties, and linebackers. I might be the highest on him, but I think he’s going to be a star.
69. Zack Moss – RB, Utah – Moss is all about balance. He bounces off tacklers routinely and adds plenty of hidden yardage. He is quite shifty with his COD skills, as well, constantly keeping defenders off balance.
You never know if he’s going to run through you or around you. He’s an excellent pass-catcher and has a nice initial burst which helps on short-yardage plays and on screens. He doesn’t have breakaway speed, but can still create plenty of chunk gains.
Moss is a very good player that will take on a large role, even as a rookie.
70. Jaylon Johnson – CB, Utah – A physical outside corner, Johnson is best suited in a press-man scheme. He doesn’t have the best change of direction ability to thrive in off coverage, but can win at the line of scrimmage and throw off the timing for opposing quarterbacks.
Johnson is a long player, who is unafraid to take chances and create turnovers. Ideally, would constantly play press-trail coverage with safety help over the top. Can kick inside and cover TEs in certain coverages due to length. He is not an immediate starter but has the potential to make a lot of plays.
71. AJ Terrell – CB, Clemson – A very good athlete with fluid hips and quick feet, Terrell has shadow coverage ability against most receivers. Great at using boundary as extra defender. He is not a blazer and can be beaten deep with double moves. Needs to add strength to succeed with press at the next level. Terrell often gets caught looking into the backfield, but he is very coachable and should be a starter early on.
72. Bryan Edwards – WR, South Carolina – His stock will be dependent on his 40 time. If he runs in the 4.5-4.55 range, he could shoot up draft boards. He hasn’t shown the ability to consistently separate, but he is extremely physical at catch point and after the catch.
Edwards has excellent body control and a late hands catcher when defensive backs face guarding him. I would like to see better releases from Edwards when pressed, especially for a player of his size, but certainly has the makings of an impact player.
73. Joshua Uche – EDGE, Michigan – Single year starter at Michigan, but productive. I love him in a wide-nine rush role to give him an extra step to use his agility to keep offensive linemen off balance.
Uche can also win with inside moves due to an ultra-quick first step. His frame is capable of adding good weight without sacrificing athleticism. May be used as a SAM linebacker at times due to athletic ability to drop into coverage. Uche is a nice prospect with both short and long-term upside.
74. Brycen Hopkins – TE, Purdue – A very nice athlete for the tight end position, Hopkins makes route running look rather easy. He needs to become a better blocker, both as a lead in the run game and in pass protection. He is a natural hands catcher who had some drops, mostly due to turning upfield before securing the grab. Hopkins shows the ability to high-point and plays taller than his 6’4” frame.
75. KJ Hamler – WR, Penn St – A slot receiver that must be accounted for at all times. A home run hitter with the ball in his hands. Hamler can run every route, but better suited near LOS and utilizing his after-catch ability. He is extraordinarily shift as he will create a lot of mismatches and could make a big impact in Year 1. Hamler needs to add some mass, but carefully, as to not sacrifice any of his agility.
76. Bryce Hall – CB, Virginia – Hall is not the greatest natural athlete for the position, but he is extremely smart. He is extremely physical from snap throughout catch point. He can get too handsy, at times, but he makes life very difficult for opposing receivers.
I think Hall’s best suited for press-zone schemes due to lack of quickness, but will make an impact in the right defense. He has excellent ball skills and will stick his nose into the play in run support.
77. Robert Hunt – G, Louisiana – Hunt is a huge, physical road-grader. He possesses a mean streak that you love to see from your guys up front. He has a lot of work to do in terms of technique but uses his strength and arm length to create leverage and seal blocks. Hunt won’t fit a zone scheme but could be a very good starter for a long time in a power system.
78. Hunter Bryant – TE, Washington – A dynamic receiving threat at the tight end position, Bryant is much in the mold of Evan Engram. Only 6’2,” which is relatively short for the position. But what he lacks in height and strength, he more than makes up for in speed, agility, and hands. There aren’t many linebackers or safeties that can match up with Bryant athletically, so he could have a major impact from Day 1.
79. Jonathan Greenard – EDGE, Florida – Greenard is a scheme-versatile EDGE that could play base end in a 4-3 or stand up in a 3-4. He has good size and strength. Greenard has a solid burst at the snap allowing him to turn speed into power, given his size.
Greenard shows adequate bend to turn the corner, but not close to elite there. He has a constant effort that chases a lot of plays down from behind. Strong enough to hold the edge in run support.
80. Jordan Elliott – DT, Missouri – Elliott is an interesting player with scheme versatility. He is an enormous man with more than enough get-off to fit any scheme. Perhaps his best fit will be as a 5-technique, but could certainly play inside in a 4-3 base. He is a major disruptive force as a penetrating defensive lineman and will have a role early on, with the potential to be much more as he refines his hand placement, gap control, and anchor.
81. Nick Harris – C/G, Washington – Harris is not the biggest or strongest guy in the world but plays with solid leverage. He uses his athleticism to position himself and creates lanes for backs. He loves to pull and get to the next level.
Harris will struggle initially with inside power rushes but has room to add good weight and get stronger. He is a zone-scheme-specific prospect with plenty of upside.
82. Bradlee Anae – EDGE, Utah – The biggest problem with Anae is his lack of length. He has extremely short arms that made it challenging for Anae to initiate contact and drive blockers off their spot. He has to win with quickness, agility, bend, and an assortment of chops and rips.
When Anae wins, he gets to the quarterback very quickly, but he doesn’t win enough. The splash plays are there, which will keep him in a rotational role early.
83. Malik Harrison – LB, Ohio St – Harrison was much quicker to react to plays in 2019, which allowed him to have his best season. He is a big, physical linebacker with a nice burst to the ball. Solid tackler.
He isn’t great in coverage, which will likely limit him to a two-down role early on. Harrison possesses adequate speed in straight lines, but forfeits a lot of momentum when working between blocks. He is not as agile as one would like when shedding blocks.
84. Jalen Hurts – QB, Oklahoma – Hurts is not the most accurate passer, but he is a winner. He is extremely mobile and that will boost in his stock thanks to the success of guys like Lamar Jackson, Russell Wilson, and Patrick Mahomes.
Hurts does not have the strongest arm, but he is capable of threatening at all levels. He has great pocket awareness showing elite escape ability. Hurts is better out of the pocket than in it. He will need to redshirt but could be a viable starter in the right system that utilizes his athletic prowess.
85. Darrell Taylor – EDGE, Tennessee – Taylor is a good athlete for the position. He will be used early on as a rotational pass rusher, as he needs to get stronger to hold up against the run. He possesses a decent array of pass rush moves and counters. He has the flexibility and quickness to get the edge, but still has room to develop. An upside pick, Taylor should come off the board on Day 2.
86. Denzel Mims – WR, Baylor – Mims absolutely dominated in Mobile. He has good size and speed for the position, while showcasing more than enough agility in and out of his breaks. He is stronger than his frame would indicate and is extremely physical when hand-fighting downfield. Mims’ ball skills are truly elite and he has a huge catch radius thanks to his impressive body control. He is also very good after the catch.
87. Cole Kmet – TE, Notre Dame – Most are higher on Kmet than I am, but I don’t see the athletic traits necessary to be an impact player at the next level. His ball skills are excellent and he will hold up as a blocker, but not the dynamic threat some of the other tight end in this class. He has a solid release off the line of scrimmage and beats press coverage rather routinely, but separation is lacking. Kyle Rudolph is my closest NFL comparison. He is a good player, not an elite one.
88. Troy Dye – LB, Oregon – Dye is a downhill linebacker that uses his speed and converts it into power. He is very aware of his surroundings and almost always finagles his way through traffic unscathed. He’s good in coverage on tight end, utilizing his speed to stay in the hip pocket and disrupt the catch point. He definitely needs to add strength to hold up against the run and the more physical tight ends in coverage, but Dye is a talented player who can play in sub-packages early on.
89. Matt Hennessey – C, Temple – Hennessey is a smart center that can handle all of the complexities being an NFL center comes with. He’s not the biggest interior lineman, but he plays with proper leverage and understands how to anchor. He is mobile for a man his size and I like him in a zone scheme, but he could certainly fit a power scheme as well with a little more weight.
90. Kyle Dugger – S, Lenoir-Rhyne – A rangy centerfield-type, Dugger possesses the skill set to shut down the back end of a defense. He is an incredible athlete with good size for the position, he will eventually make an impact. The lack of experience vs top-end competition prevents him from being further up draft boards.
As Dugger becomes more acclimated to next level schemes, he certainly has pro-bowl potential. This could be a home run pick near the end of Day 2 for someone in need of help on the back end of their defense.
91. Alton Robinson – EDGE, Syracuse – Robinson has tantalizing athletic traits, but he is raw. Big, strong, long, and explosive, Robinson will be a steal if his legal issues are truly a thing of the past. He relies on speed and athleticism but certainly has the traits to be coached into some counters. If he takes to the coaching, lookout.
A moldable ball of clay, many defensive line coaches are salivating at the opportunity to work with a player like Robinson with such natural gifts.
92. Van Jefferson – WR, Florida – Quite possibly the second-best route runner in this class behind Jerry Jeudy, Jefferson understands how to get open. And, at 6’2” and nearly 200 pounds, that’s not all that easy.
He sets up his routes with precision and has no false steps. Jefferson doesn’t sacrifice speed when it is not necessary. He is a hands catcher that snatches the ball with purpose. However, he is an older prospect that lacks top-end speed, but a ready-made pass catcher for the next level.
93. Ben Bartch – OT, St John – Bartch has hands of steel! He is as strong as a bull. But he is raw in his technique and his footwork. He will often take a false step in getting into his set, leaving him off balance and vulnerable to a bull rush. Bartch is agile enough to handle speed rushers and counter moves. There is a lot to work with, but Bartch will take time until he’s ready to step in on the blind side of an NFL line.
94. Donovan Peoples-Jones – WR, Michigan – Peoples-Jones is an advanced receiver with the ability to win at the line of scrimmage against press coverage. He has plenty of speed to win deep and tracks the ball well. It’s tough to gauge his production due to inconsistent quarterback play.
Peoples-Jones is not completely refined in route-running and could use some coaching to avoid false steps in and out of breaks. He should be a better pro than a college player due to better quarterback play.
95. Thaddeus Moss – TE, LSU – Randy Moss’s son doesn’t possess the same athleticism (who does?) as his father, but he understands route running and how to get open, especially versus zone coverage. Moss has good hands and doesn’t let the ball travel into his body too often. He’s a good blocker who will see the field early on due to his ability to win as a lead blocker and in pass protection. Moss isn’t overly dynamic, limiting his ceiling, but a good player with plenty of value.
96. James Lynch – DL, Baylor – Lynch played mostly on the edge at Baylor, and was productive in doing so. He should move inside at the next level given his size and strength. He has plenty of pass-rushing chops to create havoc as an interior presence. Lynch best fits as a 1-gap penetrator that should have an early rotational role.
97. Darnay Holmes – CB, UCLA – Holmes is a bit of a tweener between having the stature of a nickel but the traits of a perimeter corner. He has quick feet and smooth hips should afford him some positional flexibility depending on the scheme. He has plenty of speed to handle the fleet-footed receivers, but the short-area quicks to handle the jitterbugs. He’ll need to work on his physicality and his tackling, but a nice prospect that should see plenty of field action.
98. Marlon Davidson – EDGE, Auburn – A man without a true position at this point, Davidson projects best as a 5-technique in a 3-4 scheme or as a 3-technique in an even front. I prefer to let him use his quick first step and size in a penetration role on the interior. He has a strong initial punch, despite his lack of arm length for the position. He can handle himself in the run game and should carve out a nice role early on.
99. Adam Trautman – TE, Dayton – His basketball background is evident as he possesses the height, length, and explosion to win as a receiver. Trautman is pretty advanced as a route runner and uses his speed and quickness to create separation. He is not nearly the blocker of some of the other tight ends in this draft, and that may keep him off the field early, but he could become a difference-maker as a matchup nightmare for linebackers and safeties.
100. Jake Fromm – QB, Georgia – Fromm will need to play in the right system, but he has the “it” factor you look for in a leader. He does not have the strongest of arms, and will not be able to make every throw, but should fit well in a West Coast Offense utilizing his quick release and underneath accuracy.
Fromm understands how to read defenses and get through his progressions. He will certainly redshirt for a year or two, but could become a serviceable starter. Fromm is a winning football player.
