Evaluating an entire draft class worth of prospects is a lengthy process. I’ve spent the last eight months watching film on every single player ranked here. The 2021 draft is just over a week away. My board has taken shape.
Without further ado, here goes my top 150.
150. Israel Mukuamu | DB | South Carolina
Mukuamu is a big and physical defensive back that has shown the versatility to play snaps at both outside corner and safety. That’s why I have him listed as a “DB” here. He’s a little stiff in the hips, but I like what he brings to the table.
149. Seth Williams | WR | Auburn
Williams has an intriguing skill set that was wasted in Auburn’s anemic passing offense. He was often the target of throws that were deemed uncatchable. Williams has the size and vertical ability to be a better and more productive player at the next level.
148. Monty Rice | LB | Georgia
Rice isn’t the biggest or longest linebacker prospect in the class, but he reads the game at such a high level. He’s a sound and secure tackler in the run game. He’s also flashed some ability to play in coverage.
147. Damar Hamlin | S | Pittsburgh
Hamlin’s testing numbers were average at best, but the film is a lot of fun. Pittsburgh moved him all over their defense and the results were encouraging. He flies around the field on tape. He has the potential to become a fun and versatile weapon for a defense in the NFL.
146. Patrick Johnson | EDGE | Tulane
Johnson is a toolsy pass rusher that was incredibly productive at Tulane. He’s smart, strong and understands how to get after the passer. I really enjoyed watching both of Tulane’s pass rushers (the other being Cameron Sample). Johnson isn’t the longest guy, but there’s a lot to like here.
145. James Wiggins | S | Cincinnati
Wiggins is a terrific athlete on tape that made a lot of big plays while playing a versatile role in a good secondary. He missed all of 2019 with a torn ACL, but rebounded nicely in 2020. He’s been well coached by the always excellent Marcus Freeman.
144. Tony Fields II | LB | West Virginia
Fields played his senior year at West Virginia after spending his first few seasons at Arizona. Nobody is going to describe him as a H/W/L prospect, but he’s rangy, smart and athletic. I love the way he sifts through the trash in the run game.
143. Kary Vincent Jr. | CB | LSU
Vincent is a slot-only corner due to his size (5-9, 185). He relies on his natural ability more than technique at this point in time. He has the speed and athletic tools to stick at the next level. Vincent ran a blazing 4.38 in the 40-yard dash at LSU’s Pro Day.
142. Shaka Toney | EDGE | Penn State
An undersized but explosive EDGE player, Toney should be able to find a role for himself on obvious passing downs at the next level. He currently lacks the frame to play an every down role, but he’s so much fun when you let him pin his ears back and get after the QB.
141. Jack Anderson | OG | Texas Tech
Anderson is an offensive guard prospect that plays the game with a ton of power. If you aren’t familiar with Anderson, I would recommend that you watch him against Oklahoma State this past season. I thought he was terrific in that game.
140. Shakur Brown | CB | Michigan State
Brown doesn’t have much experience under his belt, but he has exciting skills as a nickel corner. His size will limit him to the slot in the NFL, but he’s shown some flashes of being able to play the position at a high level. He was very productive in 2020 (five interceptions).
139. Robert Hainsey | OL | Notre Dame
Hainsey has two things that NFL decision makers love. He’s versatile and experienced. He started at right tackle for Notre Dame, but played both guard and tackle at the Senior Bowl. I think there’s a good chance he has to kick inside at the next level. He’s smart and savvy enough to develop into a starter.
138. Demetric Felton | RB\WR | UCLA
Whether he lines up in the backfield or out wide, Felton is simply put a big play waiting to happen. The testing results weren’t great, but don’t get caught up in that with this prospect. He’s dynamic and elusive with the ball in his hands. Felton is going to create for himself at the next level.
137. D’Ante Smith | OT | ECU
Smith is more of a project than finished product at this point in time, but his natural ability is worth betting on. His 35-inch arms are some of the longest of any tackle prospect in this class. He needs to pack on some pounds (he was just 294 pounds at the Senior Bowl), but Smith is a player worth taking a chance on.
136. Sage Surratt | WR | Wake Forest
Surratt was incredibly productive at Wake Forest. He “wins” by making plays downfield. He also excels in contested catch situations. I’ve never been a fan of these types of receivers. Winning on 50-50 balls is a tough trait to hang your hat on. I’m lower on him than most.
135. Victor Dimukeje | EDGE | Duke
Dimukeje is raw but has some fun baseline traits. He’s quick, powerful and understands how to set the edge and defend the run. He’s still putting things together despite having plenty experience under his belt. He has a chance to be a solid depth piece rather quickly.
134. Tutu Atwell | WR | Louisville
I remember seeing Atwell mocked in the first round just a few months ago. I thought that was awfully premature. I’m still convinced he doesn’t get drafted inside the first 100 picks. He’s 5-foot-8 and 155 pounds. He’s a fun and sudden athlete, but he’s going to have a tough time fighting through contact in the NFL.
133. Divine Deablo | S | Virginia Tech
There are plenty of fun safeties in this draft class and Deablo is one that appeals to me in the middle rounds. He’s extremely physical near the line of scrimmage. He does his best work inside the box. He might be a linebacker at the next leveI. think a pro team will find a spot for him on their defense.
132. Marvin Wilson | DT | FSU
Wilson was once seen as a potential first round pick. He’s trended in the wrong direction since then. A former 5-star recruit that has shown some flashes, Wilson needs to play with more consistency at the next level. I can’t wait to see how early (or late) he ends up going.
131. Hamilcar Rashed Jr. | EDGE | Oregon State
Whichever team is willing to invest a pick in Rashed has to figure out why registered 0 sacks in 2020 (in 7 games) after totaling a whopping 15 sacks in 2019. Rashed is a bit undersized at 6-foot-2 and 251 pounds, but has some nice athleticism to his game.
130. Milton Williams | DT | Louisiana Tech
Williams has been climbing draft boards since putting up some crazy numbers at his Pro Day. 284 pound defensive lineman aren’t supposed to run the 40 in 4.63 seconds, but that’s exactly what Williams did. I think this bandwagon has gotten a bit too full. The tape has flashes, but has plenty of inconsistencies as well.
129. Dazz Newsome | WR | North Carolina
Newsome is an explosive athlete that keeps the secondary on their toes. He has the foot speed to beat any cornerback deep. He’s also a threat on underneath routes because he’s so dynamic and elusive with the ball in his hands. He’s not the biggest or most physical receiver, but he has the potential to turn into a solid slot receiver.
128. Shaun Wade | CB | Ohio State
Once seen as a potential first round pick, Wade’s draft stock has plummeted since then. I still think Wade has a chance to be a good pro, especially if he plays in the slot where his speed and aggression gets to take a front row seat. I have no idea how early (or late) he’s going to get drafted.
127. Jordan Smith | EDGE | UAB
I never really understood the early round buzz on Smith. He ended up at UAB after getting kicked out of Florida. He had a stop at JUCO en route to the Blazers. He was incredibly productive in 2019 and 2020. There are some exciting flashes on tape, but he’s still very raw. He relies on length and athleticism, but his testing numbers didn’t do his draft stock any favors. A 4.79 in the 40, 4.75 short shuttle and 7.82 in the three-cone weren’t the expected results here.
126. Benjamin St. Juste | CB | Minnesota
St. Juste is a massive man for the position. He comes in at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds with an 80-inch wingspan and 32-inch arms. He understands how to use his length to fight through the catch point. He’ll be higher than this on most big boards. I have some concerns about his long speed and ability to keep up with receivers as they get in and out of their breaks.
125. Darius Stills | DT | West Virginia
I’m a fan of what Stills brings to the table. He’s undersized but understands how to get after the quarterback. He fires off the line of scrimmage and plays with built-in leverage. His motor is always running red hot. He needs to show more in the run game in order to play a three-down role, but Stills has the skills to develop into a quality NFL’er.
124. Jamien Sherwood | S | Auburn
Sherwood is as big and physical as they come at the safety position. He has the size and ability to play in the box as a sub package linebacker. He’s fun and versatile. He can also cover tight ends in the slot and suffocate them at the line of scrimmage.
123. Janarius Robinson | EDGE | FSU
NFL teams will be trying to figure out why Robinson wasn’t more productive at FSU. The baseline traits are incredibly exciting but Robinson has yet to unlock his full potential. The flashes have been fun, but they’ve been just that. He’ll likely get drafted much earlier than this.
122. Charles Snowden | LB | Virginia
Snowden is incredibly long and rangy. He comes in at 6-foot-6 and 232 pounds with an 82-inch wingspan and 34-inch arms. There are so many things you can do with him on the field. Snowden can stop the run, rush the passer and play in coverage. We’re not talking about him enough. It’s worth noting that he’s still recovering from ankle surgery he had in November.
121. Ben Cleveland | OG | Georgia
Cleveland is a nasty and smart interior offensive line prospect that has spent the majority of his time at right guard. He’s incredibly tough and physical in the run game. Nobody would describe him as a particularly good athlete. He’ll lean on his football I.Q. and technique at the next level.
120. Osa Odighizuwa | DT | UCLA
One of the Senior Bowl’s standout performers, Odighizuwa is a fun prospect that loves getting after the quarterback. He plays with terrific effort and built-in leverage. He has good length with 34-inch arms and an 84-inch wingspan. He’s a bit undersized. He’s also raw as a run defender, but the arrow is pointing up.
119. Ambry Thomas | CB | Michigan
Thomas’ draft stock would have probably benefited from playing in 2020 but I don’t blame any player for opting out. Thomas is at his best when he’s allowed to play man coverage. I think he’s going to develop into a nice nickel corner at the next level. He loves getting his hands on his man at the line of scrimmage.
118. Tay Gowan | CB | UCF
Gowan lives and dies in press coverage on the outside. He’s big, physical and long. UCF often trusted him to play on an island out there on the boundary. There aren’t many corners in this class that specialize in press coverage the way Gowan does.
117. Quincy Roche | EDGE | Miami
I really enjoyed watching Roche on tape. He fires out of his stance and is extremely explosive. He has the speed and flexiblity to bend around the edge on a consistent basis. I’d like to see him play with a better motor, but Roche has a lot of tools in his arsenal.
116. Kendrick Green | OG | Illinois
An experienced interior prospect with more than 30 starts under his belt, Green has spent most of his time at guard but has also started a few games at center. Green is still a bit new to the position, but he’s very impressive. I hope he lands in an offense that is heavy on outside zone concepts. That’s where his athletic ability really shines.
115. Keith Taylor Jr. | CB | Washington
Taylor is a big and long corner that was meant to play on the outside. I like every single prospect coming out of that Washington defense this year. Taylor is a physical cover-man that excels in press coverage. He understands how to use his length to make receivers uncomfortable off the snap. He loves to tackle. Ball skills is the question mark here, but I’m a fan.
114. Alim McNeill | DT | NC State
I love Alim McNeill. He’s a big guy that moves incredibly well for his size. He’s very explosive for a 300 pound defensive lineman. There’s something about NC State and DL prospects. There have been several good ones over the years. McNeill is strong, quick, tough and plays with terrific effort.
113. Ade Ogundeji | EDGE | Notre Dame
I really enjoyed watching both of Notre Dame’s pass rushers on tape. Ogundeji has 35-inch arms and an 85.4-inch wingspan. Can you say length for days? He knows how to use it, too. He was incredible at this year’s Senior Bowl. He fires off the snap. He’s going to be more productive in the NFL than he was at Notre Dame.
112. Jamie Newman | QB | Wake Forest
Newman is my favorite of the “Tier 2 quarterbacks.” I personally think he’s the mid-round QB to gamble on. He has an incredibly strong arm. He has excellent size for the position. Newman will have to do a better job reading coverages and going through his progressions at the next level, but the baseline traits are there.
111. Elerson Smith | EDGE | Northern Iowa
I probably have Smith higher than most. I’m in love with the traits. He had a terrific Senior Bowl. The measurements are excellent. The tape is very good, albeit against lesser competition in most instances. Smith has the length and overall athleticism to develop into a good pass rusher at the next level.
110. Cornell Powell | WR | Clemson
Powell had to bid his time waiting in the wings but made the most of an opportunity in 2020. He finished the year strong. The sample size is obviously small, but Powell showcased some impressive abilities in 2020. I love his hands and how dangerous he is after the catch.
109. Kenny Yeboah | TE | Ole Miss
Yeboah is a really interesting tight end prospect. He began his career at Temple, where he learned how to block a little bit. At Ole Miss, he became a big time pass catcher. He has the skills, experience and athletic ability to make plays in the passing game.
108. Daelin Hayes | EDGE | Notre Dame
Hayes is the second of the Notre Dame pass rushers that I mentioned just a few players ago under the Ade Ogundeji heading. Just like Ogundeji did, Hayes had an excellent Senior Bowl. He has great burst off the edge and his hands are incredibly refined and advanced. He’s my favorite Round 3/4 pass rusher.
107. Nico Collins | WR | Michigan
We didn’t get to see everything Collins was capable of in Michigan’s terrible passing offense. He’s a big play waiting to happen but Michigan didn’t have the QB play to take advantage of his skill set. He’s a big-bodied target that wins downfield. He should excel if he lands in a vertical passing offense.
106. Tristen Hoge | OG | BYU
Brady Christensen is getting all the attention when it comes to offensive line prospects coming out of BYU, but Hoge deserves some love as well. Hoge is a smart and technically advanced blocker that should develop into a starter at the guard position.
105. Paulson Adebo | CB | Stanford
Much like his teammate Walker Little, Adebo was once seen as a first round pick. Things have gotten muddy since then, but I’m still excited about him as a prospect. He’s an outside cornerback that has the ability to stick with his man in coverage. He’s long, patient, smooth and athletic.
104. Trey Smith | OG | Tennessee
Smith was a big-time prospect before suffering a medical scare in 2018. We are thrilled that he’s gotten past those issues and is now ready to play in the NFL. He’s a powerful guard prospect that should thrive in a run heavy scheme that allows him to operate in a phone booth as opposed to one that asks him to do too much athletically.
103. Marlon Tuipulotu | DT | USC
I may be higher on Tuipulotu than most. He’s an excellent run defender that also has enough juice to get after the quarterback. He moves well for his size and his bull rush is tremendous. He had a good showing at this year’s Senior Bowl.
102. Dylan Moses | LB | Alabama
Moses is another prospect that was once seen as a first round pick. That’s no longer the case. Moses is incredibly athletic and offers sideline-to-sideline ability, but he needs to process things quicker. His football I.Q. isn’t as high as it should be. He’ll be a great player if his mind catches up to his physical traits.
101. Dayo Odeyingbo | EDGE | Vanderbilt
I would have had Odeyingbo in my Top 75 if not for an unfortunate achillies injury in January of this year. It’s a terrible injury. On film, the talent is obvious. He’s a big-bodied defensive lineman that can line up at any position across the D-line. He has tremendous length and knows how to use it. He took a huge step forward in 2020. I hope he recovers from the injury well and reaches his full potential. If he gets drafted late because of the injury, he has a chance to be a steal.
100. Aaron Banks | OG | Notre Dame
An experienced starter that’s seen a little bit of everything at Notre Dame, Banks is a big and tough interior offensive line prospect. Like the next player on this big board, he won’t fit into every team’s plans. He makes the most sense in a power scheme. Banks does his best work in a phone booth.
99. Deonte Brown | OG | Alabama
Brown won’t be on every team’s draft board. He lacks elite movement skills and is a below average athlete. He is not a scheme-transcendent player. Brown does however makes sense for a team that runs a power scheme on offense. He could be a plug-and-play starter in the right situation.
98. Kyle Trask | QB | Florida
Trask exploded in 2020 while playing in Florida’s spread west coast offense. Trask is a smart QB prospect that goes through his progressions and makes good decisions. The ceiling isn’t particularly high here, but at worst, Trask projects to being a high level backup at the next level.
97. Andre Cisco | S | Syracuse
The tape is inconsistent here, but the highs are incredibly high. Cisco recorded 13 interceptions in 24 career games at Syracuse. He’s a better athlete than football player right now, but Cisco is going to be a quality player if he learns how to play with more consistency.
96. Tyler Shelvin | NT | LSU
A former five-star recruit, Shelvin is a big boy. He checked in at LSU’s Pro Day at 6-2, 350 pounds. Shelvin is a traditional nose tackle. There is little to no upside here as a pass rusher, which hurts him in today’s pass-happy game. But Shelvin is a dominant run stopper, and should be able to play himself into a two-down role in the NFL as a big body in a 3-4 front.
95. Kenneth Gainwell | RB | Memphis
Darrell Henderson. Tony Pollard. Antonio Gibson. Kenneth Gainwell is the next exciting running back prospect pouring out of Memphis. On film, he’s a dynamic runner that’s incredibly elusive in the open field. He’s also a terrific pass catcher that totaled an impressive 610 receiving yards in 2019. The Pro Day numbers were shockingly disappointing, but I’d be surprised if Gainwell wasn’t one of the first five running backs to hear his name called on draft weekend.
94. James Hudson | OT | Cincinnati
A former four-star recruit as a defensive lineman, Hudson is raw and has to make some strides before an NFL team can trust him as a starter on the outside. Hudson is an exciting prospect with a rare blend of size, power and length. He’s going to make a lot of money if his technique catches up to his natural ability.
93. Patrick Jones II | EDGE | Pittsburgh
Jones is a smart and disciplined pass rusher that was incredibly productive at Pittsburgh. He wins with a great get-off, and has a wide variety of moves in his arsenal including an impressive club-rip. I really enjoyed watching Jones on tape. But a lackluster week at the Senior Bowl and less-than-ideal results at his Pro Day may limit the upside here. Jones is a good run defender, and should be able to get on the field as a rookie at least in a rotational role.
92. Brady Christensen | OT | BYU
It’s easy to notice Christensen on tape when watching BYU. He was tasked with protecting Zach Wilson’s blind side in 2020 and impressed while doing so. He needs to add some weight to his frame if he hopes to hold up at the next level. His Pro Day results were fantastic, but 302 pounds isn’t going to cut it. Christensen may get drafted in the Top 60, but I’m personally not as high on him as some others are. His hands need a lot of work, and I have some questions regarding his true position.
91. Joshuah Bledsoe | S | Missouri
Bledsoe has been a bit underrated throughout this process in my opinion. He’s a versatile defender that especially impressed against Alabama this past season. When you play your best ball against the top team in the nation, NFL scouts take notice. Bledsoe does his best work in the slot where he can cover tight ends and receivers. He’s also a strong defender in the run game that can slice into the backfield and make plays. I’m a big fan.
90. Aaron Robinson | CB | UCF
Robinson ran the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds and recorded a 37-inch vertical jump at UCF’s Pro Day. The testing numbers confirm what we saw on film, where Robinson showcased his quick movement skills and explosive ability to drive on the ball. He’s going to be a good cover-man in the slot.
89. Talanoa Hufanga | S | USC
Hufanga is a big, physical safety that impacts the game in a variety of ways. USC lined him up all over the field and allowed him to use his instincts, movement skills and aggressiveness to create headaches for opposing offenses. His NFL coaches would be wise to utilize him in a similar manner.
88. Hunter Long | TE | Boston College
Long isn’t getting as much as hype as some of his counterparts, but he’s a fascinating tight end prospect in his own right. A big target that comes in at 6-foot-5 and 254 pounds, Long understands how to use his size and massive catch radius to his advantage. He’s going to be a nightmare for NFL defenses in the red zone. Unlike most tight ends coming from the college ranks, he’s also a sound, experienced blocker. He’s going to be a versatile player.
87. Walker Little | OT | Stanford
Little was once seen as a future first round pick, but even if he starts Week 1, it’ll mark two years since he last strapped on the pads. A 2019 knee injury followed up by opting out of 2020 has murkied these waters a little. Turn the tape on and it’s easy to see why he was once so highly regarded. Little is a massive blocker that was born to protect the edge. Little is a terrific athlete that has the potential to turn into a high-level starter if he can stay healthy.
86. Pete Werner | LB | Ohio State
Werner isn’t the sexiest or flashiest linebacker prospect, but he’s simply put a good football player. He’s also a better athlete than he gets credit for (as evident by his excellent testing results). He has the size and ability to be a three-down player at the next level.
85. Chazz Surratt | LB | North Carolina
I’m a fan on tape. Surratt plays the game with great range, which is a key trait at the linebacker position. Surratt needs to bulk up (229 pounds) and he’s not the longest guy either, but I love what he brings to the table. He’s tough, physical and covers a ton of grass.
84. Spencer Brown | OT | Northern Iowa
Brown is a massive blocker (6-8, 311). He’s also an excellent athlete that ran a 4.88 in the 40, a ridiculous 7.03 in the three-cone and leaped a 30-inch vertical. If I had to compile a list of my favorite Day 2 and/or 3 targets, Brown would be incredibly high on that list. I’m a huge fan.
83. Tommy Togiai | DT | Ohio State
They don’t come bigger and tougher than Togiai. One of the strongest players in this class, Togiai put up an impressive 40 reps on the bench press at Ohio State’s Pro Day. This is an excellent run defender that isn’t going to make much of an impact in the passing game. NFL defenses still need players that can do the dirty work up front. Togiai is that type of player.
82. Tylan Wallace | WR | Oklahoma State
One of the most prolific players in Cowboys history, Wallace hangs his hat on his terrific ability to win vertically. I like the player and I understand that the skill-set is fun and exciting. He’ll probably be higher than this on most boards you see. In my personal opinion, receivers that make a living by winning 50-50 balls down the field are dangerous evaluations. I always take a “buyer beware” approach with that type of player.
81. Trill Williams | DB | Syracuse
I list Williams as a “DB” because he did a bit of everything at Syracuse. They lined him up on the boundary on the left and right side, he played some snaps in the slot and even lined up as a safety at times. I personally like him best at outside cornerback where his length and aggressiveness often wins out. This is one of “my guys.”
80. Payton Turner | EDGE | Houston
The arrow is very much pointing up for this player. Turner initially played defensive tackle at the 4i spot for Houston. He was a bit miscast there, and a move to defensive end changed everything for his pro ceiling. He became explosive and learned how to bend. Playing on the edge allows Turner to take advantage of his terrific length and quickness. Turner is an ascending talent that may get drafted a lot earlier than you’d expect.
79. Jay Tufele | DT | USC
Tufele is an explosive interior player. As a pass rusher, he often leans on how much power he generates. As a run stopper, he fires off the ball and holds up well at the point of attack. He’s going to be a difficult assignment for guards at the next level.
78. Chris Rumph II | EDGE | Duke
I’ll probably have Rumph higher than most. It wouldn’t surprise me if he gets selected in the second round. Rumph lacks great size for the position, but he’s a smart player with the ability to line up all over the front seven. He may have to move to an off-ball role at the next level, but Rumph is a player that can rush the passer, stop the run and play in coverage. A smart defensive coordinator would love to get his hands on this player.
77. Brevin Jordan | TE | Miami
Jordan reminds me so much of Jonnu Smith coming out. They’re both undersized tight ends that make up for their natural shortcomings by playing the game with a special level of physicality. Like Smith has done in the NFL, Jordan can move all around the formation and even line up in the backfield. Jordan’s testing results were underwhelming, but he’s a great athlete on tape that routinely made big plays happen, especially after the catch.
76. Jamar Johnson | S | Indiana
Confession: Johnson was one of the last players I evaluated in this class. He popped up on my radar after he started appearing on other big boards. That’s the honest truth. But I took a deep dive into his tape and felt silly for not getting around to him earlier. Hey, I’m only human. On film, Johnson is a physical safety that can do just about anything you ask of him from a coverage perspective. The ball production has been terrific over the years. He has great size for the position and plays the game with high level instincts.
75. Dyami Brown | WR | North Carolina
Brown has been incredibly productive in what’s been a fun offense to play in over the past few years. He’s a terrific athlete for the position that loves threatening cornerbacks vertically. He’s a smart receiver that understands how his ability to go deep opens up things for him underneath. I don’t see a Top 40 talent like some other evaluators do, but I’m excited about his potential at the next level.
74. Quinn Meinerz | OG | Wisconsin-Whitewater
One of the best stories of this draft cycle, Meinerz captured the nation’s heart with a breathtaking performance at the Senior Bowl. D-III players aren’t supposed to look this good, but Meinerz has completely aced this process. No player has improved their draft stock more over the past few months than Meinerz has. At this point, I’ll be surprised if he gets out of the second round.
73. Amari Rodgers | WR | Clemson
One of my favorite players in this class regardless of position, I would bet the farm on Rodgers being a successful player in the NFL. He finally got a chance to shine in 2020 after waiting in the wings for a few years. He made the most of his opportunity. Rodgers is small-ish at 5-foot-9, but he’s built like a brick house and he’s incredibly effective after the catch. I love what he does once he gets the ball in his hands. He can start in the slot on my team any day of the week.
72. Michael Carter | RB | North Carolina
One of the most exciting running backs to watch in all of college football during the 2019 and 2020 seasons, Carter has a plethora of traits at his disposal. He runs the ball with excellent vision and he’s incredibly dangerous in the passing game as well. Carter may be undersized, but he can hang with the best of them. He was one of the big standout performers at the Senior Bowl. He’s going to be an excellent 1B to a pro team’s 1A at the running back position.
71. D’Wayne Eskridge | WR | Western Michigan
Eskridge was one of the most exciting players to study in this class. A former two-way player that spent a lot of time at defensive back, Eskridge shouldn’t be this advanced of a receiver prospect considering he rarely got to pour 100% of his focus into it. But I see a well-developed player on film that can run every route in the route tree. Eskridge went to the Senior Bowl in January and proved he could handle a step up in competition. He also has the potential to be an excellent kick and punt returner in the NFL. Draft this player and prosper.
70. Ronnie Perkins | EDGE | Oklahoma
Perkins is an incredibly tough and physical player. I think he’s going to be a really good run defender at the next level. He plays the game with a terrific amount of power. As a pass rusher, he relies on that power, speed and length. He loves using the long-arm and he had a lot of success with it against potential first round pick Teven Jenkins. I don’t think he’s an elite athlete, but he has a lot of traits that should translate well to the pro ranks.
69. Ifeatu Melifonwu | CB | Syracuse
Athleticism, length and physicality are the name of the game here. It’s impossible not to fall in love with Melifonwu’s traits on tape. He went down to the Senior Bowl and was one of the toughest and most talented players in attendance. He uses his closing speed and range to drive forward on the ball. His length and overall size makes him incredibly disruptive at the catch point.
68. Liam Eichenberg | OT | Notre Dame
An experienced starter that fit well into Notre Dame’s offense, Eichenberg is a long and strong offensive tackle prospect. Notre Dame loved running the football right behind him. His best chance at immediate success would be in a gap or power scheme.
67. Amon-Ra St. Brown | WR | USC
This is a wide receiver prospect that I don’t think we’re talking enough about. St. Brown was electric in 2020, catching seven touchdowns in just six games. He’s a good route runner that understands how to create separation. He pairs his technical ability with an exciting blend of athletic traits. He may get drafted a bit later than this. He’s going to be a steal if that’s the case.
66. Tommy Tremble | TE | Notre Dame
I love Tremble and I don’t care who knows it. Notre Dame didn’t throw him the ball enough. They asked him to block a ton in their offense, and he proved he could handle it. Tremble never complained. He did his job at a high level but I sense that everyone in the league (and probably at Notre Dame, too) knows that the untapped potential as a pass catcher is exciting. He has every trait imaginable to be an excellent tight end at the next level.
65. Jamin Davis | LB | Kentucky
There’s been some first-round buzz on Davis lately. That would be a tad early for my liking, but I understand why it’s easy to get excited about this player. Davis is today’s linebacker. He’s long and rangy. He has excellent sideline-to-sideline ability. He’s still learning how to play the position with better instincts. Davis is a better athlete than football player at this point, but the potential is through the roof.
64. Creed Humphrey | C | Oklahoma
It wouldn’t surprise me if Humphrey gets drafted earlier than this. There are a ton of reasons to believe that Humphrey will be a 10-year NFL starter at the center position. His coaches have described him as an excellent communicator. He’s tough, physical and smart. Humphrey could be a Week 1 starter next season.
63. Jevon Holland | Oregon | S
Oregon moved Holland all over their defense and he handled every task with ease on tape. He’s a great athlete that can command the back end of a secondary. He can also creep up towards the line of scrimmage and cover tight ends and receivers in the slot or make an impact in the run game. Holland also adds value as a kick returner. This is a good football player.
62. Jabril Cox | LB | LSU
Another example of being “today’s linebacker,” Cox turned heads in 2020 after transferring to LSU from North Dakota State. He passed the biggest test of all this past season by handling the step up in competition. He’s an incredibly athletic and explosive prospect. He needs to continue developing his mind and how he sees the game, but Cox has all the desirable physical traits at his disposal.
61. Hamsah Nasirildeen | S | FSU
There’s a lot to love here. Nasirildeen has incredible size at 6-foot-3, 215 pounds. He plays up to his frame on tape. You can move him all over your defense with great success. Not only does Nasirildeen understand how to use his physical gifts to his advantage, but he also moves impressively well for his size. There’s no stiffness in his hips. Nasirildeen can do anything you ask him to.
60. Jackson Carman | OT | Clemson
Carman was made in a lab. General managers and scouts put a ton of value in size and length and Carman has both in bunches. He moves well for his size and looks to finish every rep with violence. He reminds me of that nasty schoolyard bully you looked to avoid during recess. He’s going to be a road grader at the next level.
59. Tyson Campbell | CB | Georgia
A big and long cornerback prospect, Campbell was born to play press coverage on the outside. His agility testing times were poor, but he ran a ridiculous 4.4 in the 40 and his split times were also elite. It’s easy to spot Campbell’s athletic ability on tape. His smooth hips help him stay in phase with his man on the boundary. He loves driving forward on the ball with great click-and-close ability. Cornerbacks with his measurements and athleticism typically don’t last long on draft weekend.
58. Kelvin Joseph | CB | Kentucky
Joseph was one of the last cornerbacks I watched. Like many others, I fell in love with his tape against Alabama from this past season. I thought he was also really good against Georgia, too. Kentucky trusted him so much that they asked him to shadow Kyle Pitts on occasion when they played Florida. Joseph is a long and aggressive cornerback that contests the catch point with violence. He hasn’t played a lot of football with just 20 games to his name, but the sky is the limit here. He was born to play press coverage.
57. Rashad Weaver | EDGE | Pittsburgh
A big and explosive prospect, Weaver returned to Pittsburgh in 2020 and played at an extremely high level after suffering an ACL injury in 2019. He proved he quickly moved past the injury by recording 7.5 sacks this past season. Weaver played in a well coached Panthers defense and is ready for the next level. He’s long and he knows it. The long-arm is his go-to move and he uses it to great effect. He uses a sturdy base to generate power. Weaver is also a quality run defender. He’s going to be a good NFL player.
56. Wyatt Davis | OG | Ohio State
One of my favorite players in the draft, Davis plays every rep with a physical and aggressive mindset. He’s tough, strong and powerful. It wouldn’t shock me to see Davis sneak into the back end of the first round. He moves incredibly well at his size and several teams picking in the late 20’s to early 30’s could use that type of athlete on the interior of their offensive line.
55. Richie Grant | S | UCF
Grant has a huge fan base on Draft Twitter. I don’t personally see a first round pick here, but I do understand why so many love him. Grant went down to the Senior Bowl back in January and boosted his stock by having a terrific week in practice. He’s an excellent athlete that knows how to create turnovers. He can move all over the defense and impact the game however you need him to. He’s going to be a fun chess-piece for a smart defensive coordinator.
54. Josh Myers | C | Ohio State
The No. 2-ranked center on my board, Myers is a smart player and excellent communicator that also happens to be an incredible athlete for the position. He was nursing a foot injury during his Pro Day, so we didn’t get any official testing numbers. But from what I see on tape, I fully expected Myers to impress. He’s going to be the pivot for a good NFL offense.
53. Jayson Oweh | EDGE | Penn State
It’s so easy to get excited about Oweh’s potential at the next level. It’s also dangerous. Oweh is a freak athlete. He ran the 40-yard dash in a ridiculous 4.37 seconds. He also posted a 2.59 20-yard split and 1.59 10-yard split. His shuttle time was a 4.2 flat. He scored a 6.9 flat in the three-cone. All of these results place him in an ELITE category for the position. EDGE rushers aren’t supposed to move the way he does. He’s going to get picked early, and an NFL coaching staff will be tasked with molding his tools into more production.
52. Cameron McGrone | LB | Michigan
I went into McGrone’s tape knowing very little about the prospect. Mind you, this was several months ago. I just hadn’t heard any buzz on him. I came away pleasantly surprised by what I watched. McGrone is a physical player with sideline-to-sideline ability. I think we’d be talking about him a bit more if Michigan played a full season in 2020. He has all the tools to be a good NFL linebacker.
51. Daviyon Nixon | DT | Iowa
Nixon has a chance to be the first defensive tackle prospect to hear his name called on draft weekend. Nixon is an ascending talent that’s just scratching the surface of his potential. He fires off the ball with good burst and plays with a red hot motor on a snap-by-snap basis. A former JUCO transfer, Nixon is still figuring things out, but the ceiling is incredibly high here.
50. Rondale Moore | WR | Purdue
Moore is a shifty and exciting receiver after the catch. Purdue made it a priority to manufacture touches for him, and it’s easy to see why on tape. He’s a threat to score every time he has the ball. Moore is undersized at just 5-foot-7, and there aren’t many examples of successful NFL players at that height. But what Moore lacks in size, he makes up for in breathtaking ability.
49. Alex Leatherwood | OT | Alabama
A tough, hard-nosed offensive tackle, Leatherwood is going to make an NFL team very happy. If he hears his name called on Day 2, which many are projecting to be the case, a franchise will be getting a starting calibre offensive tackle outside the Top 32 picks. Leatherwood is an aggressive blocker that does his best work in the run game.
48. Mac Jones | QB | Alabama
Many are projecting Jones to get drafted inside the Top 5. There are whispers that Jones is who the San Francisco 49ers are targeting at third overall. I don’t buy that. I’m not as high on Jones as some other people in the industry are. I do understand why Jones is considered a first-round pick when taking positional value into account. He’s a clean thrower of the football and he rarely makes mistakes. His football IQ may be his best asset. I have concerns that his arm strength and inability to make plays outside of structure will limit his upside.
47. Elijah Molden | DB | Washington
Molden is one of the most fun players to study in this class, regardless of position. A nickel cornerback who also saw reps at safety, Molden is going to be a fun chess piece for an NFL defense. Instincts and ball skills are the name of the game when watching Molden on film. He was coached by the wonderful Jimmy Lake, and you can tell that Molden soaked up every word.
46. Christian Barmore | DT | Alabama
The sample size is relatively small, but the sky is the limit for Barmore. I don’t have him ranked inside my Top 32 like many others do, but I can see why a team may use a first-round selection on him. Barmore possesses a tremendous amount of raw power. If he reaches his full potential, he’s going to cause havoc in the backfield. The arrow is very much pointing up for this player.
45. Baron Browning | LB | Ohio State
I’ve seen some big boards that rank Browning inside the Top 25. I’m a tad hesitant to place him that high. Browning is an athletic freak. His tape is littered with exciting, flashy plays. It’s littered with inconsistencies as well. For now, Browning is a prospect that relies on his athletic traits more than anything.
44. Levi Onwuzurike | DT | Washington
Onwuzurike moves incredibly well for his size. He’s an excellent athlete that has some juice as a pass rusher. He’s also a solid run defender. Watching Onwuzurike on tape is a clean and easy process. This is a player that should be able to play a three-down role relatively early in his NFL career.
43. Boogie Basham Jr. | EDGE | Wake Forest
Basham ran a 4.64 in the 40-yard dash at 274 pounds. A man shouldn’t move that well at his size. On tape, Basham is a smart player that understands the game at a high level both as a pass rusher and as a run defender. He was incredibly productive at Wake Forest and plays the game with a tremendous amount of effort. Some may view him as a tweener without a true position. This is probably true of all prospects, but Basham’s pro success will largely depend on his landing spot.
42. Pat Freiermuth | TE | Penn State
Freiermuth is a big tight end prospect that does an incredible job attacking the ball in the air. He’s dominant at the catch point. He’s going to be a match-up nightmare for NFL defenses. Freiermuth runs incredibly crisp routes for a man of his stature. This is a player that feels like a lock to be a good one at the next level. Tight ends are rarely major contributors as rookies, but it wouldn’t shock me to see Freiermuth hit the ground running in Year 1.
41. Gregory Rousseau | EDGE | Miami
It’s been a rough few weeks for Rousseau. He’s been a popular prospect to discredit. His Pro Day results unfortunately didn’t do him any favors. Despite the lackluster numbers, I’m still somewhat high on him as an NFL prospect. In a conversation with pass rushing coach Chuck “Dr. Rush” Smith, I was told that, up close, Rousseau’s body and build reminds many of Myles Garrett when he entered the league. Rousseau has some things to clean up technique-wise, but you can’t teach length, which he has in abundance. It’s something he should be able to use in an effective manner at the next level.
40. Elijah Moore | WR | Ole Miss
A.J. Brown’s best friend is a popular prospect in Tennessee right now. Moore was absolutely electric at his Pro Day, scoring a 4.35 in the 40-yard dash, a 6.67 in the three-cone and a 4.00 in the 20-yard shuttle. All three of those results place him in the 90th percentile (or better) among all wide receivers according to RAS. Moore is more than a workout warrior. On tape, he’s a dynamic receiver that is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Ole Miss manufactured touches for him. This is the type of player that puts a tremendous amount of stress on a defense. He’s going to make a living in the slot (and in the end zone) at the next level.
39. Joe Tryon | EDGE | Washington
Tryon was made in a lab. At 6-5, 259, Tryon has an 82-inch wingspan, 34-inch arms and ran the 40-yard dash in a mesmerizing 4.65 seconds. When I began scouting this class back in the summer, Tryon was one of my favorite and most surprising tape studies. I was confused regarding why I hadn’t heard more about him. It’s been nice to see the rest of the nation wake up to his talent in recent months.
38. Jalen Mayfield | OL | Michigan
I list Mayfield as an “offensive lineman” because his NFL position will depend on which team drafts him. Mayfield played right tackle for the Wolverines, but many view him as a prospect that needs to kick inside at the next level. His Pro Day results did nothing to quiet that chatter. If you look at Mayfield as an offensive tackle prospect, the testing results were quite poor. If you look at him as a guard however, the results were a lot better. That doesn’t mean he’s definitely a guard at the next level. Some teams will still view him as a tackle. It’ll be interesting to see which position he ends up playing.
37. Nick Bolton | LB | Missouri
Bolton is a physical linebacker prospect that led the SEC in stops in 2019 and 2020. On tape, he’s a tough finisher that punishes ball-carriers and would-be blockers alike. I have some questions about his ability to play in pass coverage, and there are some size concerns (5-11, 237) here as well. Bolton did a great job answering the speed question at his Pro Day with a respectable time of 4.60 seconds in the 40. He’s going to make an NFL coaching staff very happy with his traditional skill-set.
36. Joseph Ossai | EDGE | Texas
An aggressive linebacker with a ton of upside, Ossai had an incredibly explosive showing at Texas’ Pro Day, highlighted by an impressive 41.5-inch vertical and nearly 11-foot broad jump at 256 pounds. He’s raw as a pass rusher, and he spent a lot of time playing as an off-ball linebacker at Texas, but Ossai has all the tools to turn into a sack artist at the next level. Outside linebacker coaches will be pounding the table for him on draft day.
35. Dillon Radunz | OT | North Dakota State
Radunz didn’t get to play much football in 2020 due to the impact COVID-19 had on the season, but he went down to the Senior Bowl back in January and had an excellent showing against some of the best players in the nation. That performance did a lot to quiet the competition concerns. Radunz is an excellent athlete on tape and he tested like one. His 7.26 time in the three-cone and 32-inch vertical are elite numbers for the position he plays. He possesses great length for an offensive tackle and is a physical, tough player. Radunz is going to be a steal on Day 2.
34. Javonte Williams | RB | North Carolina
Williams is undersized at 5-9, 212 pounds, but was one of the most dynamic running backs in all of college football this past season. He may be considered “small” by many, but he plays big. He is tough to bring down and has a ton of production after initial contact. Williams can also catch passes and is relatively polished in pass protection. Williams’ exciting three-down skill set should get him on the field quickly.
33. Asante Samuel Jr. | CB | FSU
One of my personal favorites in this class, Samuel is, simply put, a good football player. The NFL bloodlines are strong here. As you probably know, Samuel Jr. is the son of 2x Super Bowl champion Asante Samuel. Studying Samuel’s tape is a treat. It’s easy to see that he grew up around the game. He is a natural corner that has a great feel for playing the position. Ball skills were a question mark coming into 2020, but he did a great job quieting those concerns with three interceptions in just eight games this past season. Samuel reminds me of a bit of Antoine Winfield Jr. He may be small, but like Winfield, I’d be shocked if he doesn’t become a very good NFL player.
32. Terrace Marshall Jr. | WR | LSU
Marshall has terrific measurements (6-2, 205) and he pairs it with speed and strength. He understands how to use his size to his advantage. Marshall is a big pass catcher that can really move. Marshall ran a ridiculous 4.38 at LSU’s Pro Day. He also posted a 39-inch vertical jump. A bully at the catch point, Marshall was a nightmare assignment for cornerbacks in both 2019 and 2020. He’s played both inside and outside and is an excellent route runner. His ball skills are outstanding. This is a first-round player on film.
31. Trevon Moehrig | S | TCU
My No. 1 ranked safety in the class, Moehrig can play all over the field. He can line up as a single-high safety and get his hands on the football (seven career INT’s and 21 PBU’s), or he can line up in the slot and play man coverage against tight ends and wide receivers. He’s a smart player who has a great feel for passing concepts and how quarterbacks are trying to attack the field.
30. Landon Dickerson | C | Alabama
It’s impossible not to love this player. Dickerson has a fun and goofy personality off the field but is all business when he puts the pads on. Studying Dickerson’s tape will have you believing that he has a 10-year NFL career in front of him. A smart blocker that excels at moving his man from Point A to Point B, Dickerson should be able to step into a starting role immediately.
29. Kadarius Toney | WR | Florida
An electric playmaker with the ball in his hands, Toney is one of the most fun offensive players in this class. He lacks great size for the position at 5-foot-11, 193 pounds. Toney is incredibly slippery after the catch. His abilty to make something out of nothing is truly special. Florida didn’t ask Toney to run a full route tree, and some may question whether or not he can make a successful transition to a more traditional role, but Toney is way too intriguing of an all-around weapon to pass up.
28. Eric Stokes | CB | Georgia
I’m a big fan of this player and may have him higher than most. I haven’t paid super close attention to where other analysts rank Stokes, but he’s a first-round talent in my books. Cornerbacks that have great size, production and are excellent athletes simply don’t last long on draft weekend. Stokes has good size at 6-0 and 194 pounds, ran a ridiculous 4.25 in the 40-yard dash and also posted a 38.5-inch vertical. On tape, he plays with great instincts and has the ability to mirror his man in coverage. A former track star, his 40 time wasn’t surprising or questionable. He showcases an ability to open up his hips and run on film. There have been some ball production concerns associated with his name, but four interceptions in nine games in 2020 plus 22 career PBUs alleviate those concerns for me.
27. Zaven Collins | LB | Tulsa
Collins is a unicorn on the defensive side of the ball. He can rush the passer, stop the run and drop in coverage. What more do you need? He’s a fluid defender with sideline-to-sideline ability. There aren’t many 260 pound linebackers that move like Collins can. He’s a terrific athlete that will be a fun weapon for an NFL defensive coordinator to mold. Some see Collins as an EDGE player in the NFL, but he tells me that he personally sees himself as a SAM or WILL at the next level. Wherever he plays, he’s going to impact the game.
26. Greg Newsome II | CB | Northwestern
This is another player that was one of my favorite studies in the entire class. I went into Newsome’s tape several months ago with low expectations. I’ll admit that I knew very little about him at the time. I was floored by what I saw. It’s been nice to see the media-hype-machine catch up to Newsome’s talent in recent months. He’s an exciting prospect with great size, length and ability. His ball skills (20 PBUs in 17 career games) jumped off the screen for me. You may read that and question me since Newsome only had one career interception at Northwestern, but INTs are a volatile stat, and any player that gets his hands on the ball as consistently as Newsome does is due for an increase in takeaways at the next level. There’s no questioning his athletic ability either. Newsome ran a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash and posted a 40-inch vertical. There are some durability concerns here. Newsome never played a full season in college, but he also hasn’t suffered any major injuries. It’s always been something small and nagging that caused him to miss time. That’s not enough for me to change my high opinion of him.
25. Jaelan Phillips | EDGE | Miami
This is a tough one. Phillips’ draft stock should be an easy one to figure out, except it’s not (this is likely true for general managers and scouts as well), and in fact Phillips may be the most polarizing talent in this entire draft class. It’s impossible not to love him on tape. He’s a natural pass rusher with excellent length, flexibility, speed and get-off. Phillips also blew up Miami’s Pro Day by posting a 4.58 40-yard dash (an incredible time at 260 pounds), a 4.18 in the 20-yard shuttle and a 36-inch vertical. What more could you want? If only it were that simple… Instead, medical red flags and questions about his love for the game have muddied up these waters, making them much murkier than the tape and talent would suggest. I can’t wait to see where he ends up on draft day.
24. Samuel Cosmi | OT | Texas
I promise you, if you ever get a chance to have a conversation with Cosmi, you’ll instantly fall in love with him as a prospect. The son of two hard-working parents that fled a communist state in search of a better life, Cosmi understands the value of hard work. So much so that he drove for DoorDash and Instacart during quarantine. This is a young man that has been raised the right way. But hey, lots of “good people” make bad NFL players. To that I say, turn on the tape. Cosmi is a freak of an athlete at the offensive tackle position. He moves incredibly well for his size, and he’s smart. Cosmi posted a perfect score of 9.99 on his RAS. I can see him getting drafted in the Top 15.
23. Travis Etienne | RB | Clemson
One of the more well known names in this class, Etienne has been on the NFL draft radar for years now. It was a shock when he decided to return to school for the 2020 season after he had an excellent 2019 campaign. True three-down bell-cows are becoming rare at the next level, but Etienne has the ability to be that guy. Etienne is a breathtaking runner with the burst, acceleration and elusiveness to outrun and outmaneuver defenders. What Etienne lacks in elite size (5-10, 215), he makes up for with great contact balance and the ability to fight through the first tackle attempt. He’s gotten better as a pass catcher over the years, and is great in pass protection as well. Etienne has every trait to be a true game-changer at the position.
22. Teven Jenkins | OT | Oklahoma State
Jenkins is one of the toughest players in this class. He also happens to be one of the most talented and athletic offensive lineman available. In a conversation that I had with Jenkins back in March, he told me that an offensive lineman has to “go out there and be a d*ckh**d.” When I asked him why he took such a big step forward in 2019 (he opted out of 2020), he responded, “My strength coach told me that I needed to start road grading motherf***ers. So that’s what I did.” Well then. Jenkins is more than a colorful personality. As you can probably put together after reading those quotes, he’s nasty, mean, physical and tough on tape. On the athletic front, Jenkins put up an astounding 36 reps on the bench press, an impressive 32.5-inch vertical and ran the 40 in 5.01 seconds (a 9.36/10 RAS score). I’m a huge fan of this player.
21. Najee Harris | RB | Alabama
It’s impossible to not be mesmerized by how Harris runs the football. His energy is infectious. He’s a natural-born leader. He’s also an excellent player and prospect. The phrase “plays through the whistle” is usually reserved for offensive lineman, but it absolutely applies to Harris as well. He’s an absolute nightmare for would-be tacklers in the open field (and possibly the best hurdler in college football history). Defenders often look like they want no part of his 6-foot-2, 230 pound frame. It’s hard to blame them. He’s also a good catcher of the football. The RB1 debate between Etienne and Harris has been a fun one to discuss. For me, Harris has the slight edge.
20. Rashod Bateman | WR | Minnesota
Bateman is a popular name ’round these parts. I’ve been driving the Bateman-to-Tennessee bus for a while now. Bateman is an exciting talent. He’s a natural when it comes to plucking the football out of the air. He runs good routes and does excellent work after the catch. I’ve said it time and time again this offseason, his run-after-catch ability may be his best asset as a prospect. He’s incredibly tough to tackle in the open field. Bateman lacks elite size at 6-0, 190 pounds, but he passes the eye test and was an excellent contested catch winner at Minnesota. He’s a great fit for an NFL passing offense that relies heavily on the play-action game with a quarterback that gets the ball out quickly. I’d love to see him a run a bunch of quick crossing routes across the middle at the next level.
19. Kwity Paye | EDGE | Michigan
Paye is an athletic freak that lacks great size for the position. His Pro Day times of 4.52 in the 40, 2.61 in the 20-yard split and a 1.54 in the 10-yard split are elite results. He didn’t run the three-cone because he opted to stand by a previously recorded video that had him running it in 6.37 seconds. We don’t necessarily blame him. It’s a result that would rank him No. 1 out of 1,032 defensive ends since 1987 for whom we have documented three-cone data on. On film, Paye is a pass rusher that generates a ton of power thanks to his excellent short area explosiveness (which the testing results confirmed). He’s not a guy that plays with great bend, and I wonder if he may be a better run stopper than pass rusher, but Paye has the traits and tools worth betting on.
18. Azeez Ojulari | EDGE | Georgia
Ojulari has been the top EDGE player on my board all along and I’ve seen nothing to change my mind. This class lacks an elite talent (a la Joey Bosa or Myles Garrett) at the position, but I believe Ojulari has the most upside to become a true sack artist at the next level. An exciting talent with a great first step and explosive get-off, Ojulari terrorized offensive tackles in 2020. His motto is, “Beat the hands, beat the man,” and he plays like it. His hands are incredibly advanced as far as draft prospects go. He uses a club-rip and quick-hand swipes to beat his man one-v-one. His poor 30-inch vertical and 7.27 three-cone raised some question marks, but I’m standing by what I saw on film here.
17. Alijah Vera-Tucker | OL | USC
A versatile prospect that can play both tackle and guard, Vera-Tucker is a great athlete that does his best work as a blocker in the run game. He’s an excellent mover that reaches the second level with ease. He played left tackle for the Trojans in 2020 after starting 13 games at left guard in 2019. I began this process thinking he would definitely have to kick inside at the next level, but now I’m not so sure. On one hand, he lacks great size and length to play on the outside. On the other hand, he’s a terrific athlete for the position. Whoever drafts him is going to get a good, versatile football player.
16. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah | LB | Notre Dame
Don’t overthink it. Owusu-Koramoah lacks traditional size for the position, but simply put, he’s a good player. He weighed in at 221 pounds at his Pro Day, placing him in the one-percentile when it comes to weight for a linebacker… and that’s after he added weight. He played lighter than that at Notre Dame. Some see him as a safety. I don’t care where he plays. Just put him on the field. His rangy skill-set impacts the game. He has exciting sideline-to-sideline ability. This is a three-down player who can be a fun chess-piece for your defense. He can play as a WILL or he can come up in the slot and cover tight ends (which he did a bunch of in college).
15. Christian Darrisaw | OT | Virginia Tech
My OT3, Darrisaw is plenty long and athletic. He possesses excellent lateral quickness. Darrisaw earned a starting job as a true freshman for the Hokies, a truly rare accomplishment. It means he has plenty of experience as he gets ready to enter the NFL. An expert vertical pass setter, Darrisaw gets to his spot and gets his hands ready for combat. He always keeps his feet moving. Darrisaw is a scheme-transcendent player. That’s one of the reasons I rank him so highly. He’s been exposed to outside zone and inside zone. This past year, they became a run-heavy offense. They ran a ton of passing plays in a spread look. He’s played in a gap scheme. Whichever team drafts Darrisaw can do so with the comfort of knowing he can slot right into their offense.
14. Caleb Farley | CB | Virginia Tech
When watching his film, you would never guess that Farley played quarterback in high school and came to Virginia Tech as a wide receiver. He would eventually find his home at cornerback, where he looks like an absolute natural at the position. A back injury and procedure robbed us of watching Farley test at his Pro Day, and it’s a shame because I believe his numbers would have reflected the type of athlete we saw on tape. He has excellent click-and-close ability, he’s long, tough, physical and has great size. This is a player with elite physical tools. It’s a shame he didn’t play football in 2020 and didn’t get to test throughout his process. I can’t wait to see where he ends up. A draft-day slide isn’t out of the realm of possibility due to the question marks surrounding his back. I would have ranked him a bit higer than this if not for the injury.
13. Jaycee Horn | CB | South Carolina
A big riser throughout this process, Horn first announced himself with quite the standout performance against Auburn this past season. Horn recorded two interceptions in that game in addition to several other impressive pass break-ups. You can say that his meteoric rise began then and he’s never looked back. He tested like the elite athlete he is with a 4.39 in the 40, 41.5-inch vertical jump and 11’1″ broad jump. He has great size at 6-0, 205 and is built to play press coverage at the next level. This is an elite cornerback prospect.
12. Micah Parsons | LB | Penn State
The consensus No. 1 linebacker available in this draft, Parsons is a special athlete for the position. Parsons is an explosive prospect that quickly finds the ball and gets on his horse. He possesses high-level instincts and quickly sifts through traffic en route to the ball-carrier. He is one of the easiest film studies in this entire class. There are some off field concerns/maturity question marks here, but I would be shocked if Parsons doesn’t get drafted in the Top 15.
11. Zach Wilson | QB | BYU
I am fully expecting Wilson to be the second quarterback and player off the board, but he’s QB4 in my eyes. It’s not that I dislike him, but I personally have higher grades on Trey Lance and Justin Fields. But Wilson is today’s QB. Quarterbacks that can make plays outside of structure and evade pressure are all the rage after the success that Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen have found in recent years. Wilson is that type of player. He cemented himself as the [big] Apple of NY’s eyes at his Pro Day, where he impressed with his ability to move around and make every throw from any platform.
10. Rashawn Slater | OT | Northwestern
Slater has been my OT2 throughout the entire process. There’s no reason for that to change now. Slater is a technically advanced blocker that moves exceptionally well laterally. He won’t meet the desired measurements for every team at just 6-4, 304, but plenty of teams would happily select him in the Top 10. His name first started making the rounds when he did an excellent job holding Chase Young in check during their meeting in 2019 (Slater didn’t play in 2020). You can go back and study that game right now and it still holds up. He leaves some to be desired in the size and arm length categories, but Slater was an easy evaluation for me. He’s an elite offensive tackle prospect.
9. Trey Lance | QB | North Dakota State
The sky is the limit for Lance at the next level. Lance is an incredible athlete for the position. He can escape pressure and make any throw from all platforms. He can take off and hurt you with his legs. COVID-19 held him to just one game in 2020, but he was incredibly productive in 2019. His release is quick and efficient. He’s an effortless thrower of the football. I understand the question marks here. He played in a friendly offense, didn’t have a 2020 season and there are some obvious competition concerns as well. It would make sense for him to sit behind a veteran signal caller for a year or two, but I would feel comfortable betting the house on Lance.
8. Patrick Surtain II | CB | Alabama
My CB1, Surtain checks every box. He features terrific size at 6-2, 208. He’s incredibly patient in coverage. You can tell that he grew up around the game. His father, Patrick Surtain Sr., was a terrific cornerback in his own right. Surtain’s hand placement is excellent. He understands how to use his hands to disrupt the timing of a receiver’s route. He has great ball-skills and the production to back that claim up with 24 career pass break-ups. He also tested like an elite athlete with a 39-inch vertical leap and 10-foot broad jump. He ran the 40 in an impressive 4.42 seconds. There isn’t much I would change about Surtain’s game. He should be the first cornerback off the board.
7. Jaylen Waddle | WR | Alabama
Let me start this off by saying that I’m incredibly high on all of the top receivers, as evident by this ranking for my WR3. What can I say about Waddle that hasn’t already been said? His game-breaking speed is absolutely electric. He’s a nightmare assignment in coverage. He has the deep speed to run past the best of the best. This isn’t a one-trick pony, though. He’s also an elite route-runner in the short and intermediate areas of the field, where he’s a tough cover when running slants and shallow crossers. He should also add a ton of value on special teams as a kick and punt returner. Waddle is the closest thing to Tyreek Hill in this draft class.
6. DeVonta Smith | WR | Alabama
Please don’t overthink it. No, DeVonta Smith doesn’t weigh a lot. Yes, DeVonta Smith is a very, very good football player. In fact, there wasn’t a better one in college football in 2020. Smith can line up at any receiver position and punish a defense with his exceptional route running ability and soft hands. He can run every route to any and every area of the field with great success. This is a receiver that understands how to create separation. He’s incredibly nuanced and well-developed in this area. I understand the weight concerns, but he plays a lot stronger than he looks. NFL teams never cease to amaze me, but I’ll be a bit surprised if his weight pushes him down the board on draft day.
5. Justin Fields | QB | Ohio State
NFL draft season is always crazy as plenty of false reports and rumors make their rounds. With that said, I truly don’t understand why Fields isn’t universally regarded as the second-best QB in this draft. Fields is an incredibly natural thrower of the football. His arm talent is tremendous. From top to bottom, his throwing mechanics are clean and efficient. The ball jumps out of his hand with excellent zip. He can make every throw. He fits the ball into tight windows. He has every physical tool in the book. He was incredible at his Pro Day. He proved his toughness in the Sugar Bowl against Clemson. He can extend plays with his legs. He can get outside the pocket and run the ball. If he lands in the right place, Fields has the potential to light the league on fire as a rookie.
4. Penei Sewell | OT | Oregon
My OT1, Sewell is an incredibly advanced offensive tackle prospect. He’s quick to get out of his stance and take control of a rep. He especially fires off the ball in the run game where he can be described as “a people mover.” He has tremendous latch strength in his hands. Sewell hits the 33-inch arm threshold and should hold up just fine in pass protection at the next level. This is a young prospect who should only get better and better with each passing season.
3. Ja’Marr Chase | WR | LSU
Chase has always been my WR1. I never wavered on that. I never allowed recency bias to creep into my evaluation here. Chase didn’t play in 2020, but he did set the single-season SEC record for touchdowns and yards as a true sophomore in 2019. He was the clear-cut No. 1 option on a team that also had Terrace Marshall Jr. and Justin Jefferson as receiving options. Chase checks every box. His size, ball skills, route-running ability, release package and hands are elite. His skill-set is superior. He’s also an excellent athlete. I wouldn’t change a single thing about his game.
2. Kyle Pitts | TE | Florida
There isn’t much I can say about Pitts that you probably haven’t already read elsewhere. He’s the best tight end prospect I’ve ever scouted. He’s an absolute matchup nightmare at 6-foot-5. Pitts blew up social media by running a 4.44 in the 40-yard dash. 245-pound tight ends aren’t supposed to move like that. An NFL offensive coordinator would be wise to move him all over the field and take advantage of his advanced skill-set. I have no idea how linebackers and safeties are supposed to cover Pitts at the next level. His speed, frame, massive catch radius and route-running ability are uncanny at his position and size. Don’t you dare talk about positional value here. Just draft Pitts and prosper.
1. Trevor Lawrence | QB | Clemson
Lawrence has all the physical gifts to be an exceptional quarterback at the next level. He’s the best QB prospect since Andrew Luck. His size, arm talent, athletic ability and football I.Q. are A-plus traits. He reads defenses at an incredibly high level. He has excellent pocket awareness and can evade pressure while keeping his eyes downfield and delivers the ball well from both traditional and untraditional platforms. He is incredibly poised, calm and in control at all times. His throwing mechanics are perfect. Jacksonville can’t possibly screw this up… right?
Agree with these rankings? Disagree? Let us know in the comments below!
