As mock drafts begin to circulate, these are six players that I’m considerably higher on than the consensus.
Kerby Joseph | S | Illinois
Kerby Joseph is a senior safety with outstanding ball skills. While he lacks elite speed for his position, he’s a fluid athlete with good short-area quickness. He’s also an extremely reliable run defender, who would thrive in a split-safety system.
Consensus Big Board Rank: 82
My Big Board Rank: 38
NFL Comparison: Justin Simmons
Dylan Parham | G | Memphis
Dylan Parham was listed at 285 lbs on Memphis’s website, but weighed in at 313 lbs at the Senior Bowl, which put to rest questions about his size. Parham plays with excellent pad level, and he’s an easy mover who is very under under control in space. In pass protection he has an impactful punch and accurate hand placement, and his balance and raw strength create a strong anchor. I view Parham as a high-end guard prospect who can play in a zone or gap scheme.
Consensus Big Board Rank: 136
My Big Board Rank: 25
NFL Comparison: Matt Paradis
Jalen Tolbert | WR | South Alabama
Unlike Parham, Tolbert’s Senior Bowl measurements were a disappointment; after being listed as 6’3, Tolbert measured as 6’1 in Mobile. This doesn’t change the fact that Tolbert is an exciting receiver prospect, but those two inches take him out of the first round on my board.
Jalen Tolbert has tremendous ball skills, but he’s not just a contested-catch receiver. He has the necessary speed to be an elite vertical threat, and he also has a refined release package. He played in the slot and outside in college, but I view him as an X-receiver in the NFL.
Consensus Big Board Rank: 54
My Big Board Rank: 35
NFL Comparison: Corey Davis
Travis Jones | DL | Connecticut
Travis Jones was the singular bright spot of Connecticut’s season. Jones is a nose tackle with 34″ arms and an absolute unwillingness to move off the line of scrimmage. His length and hand-power allow him to be in complete control of every matchup, and unlike most nose tackles, he offers some value as a pass rusher.
Consensus Big Board Rank: 85
My Big Board Rank: 26
NFL Comparison: Eddie Goldman
Jalen Pitre | S/SCB | Baylor
Jalen Pitre played in the slot for Dave Aranda, but projects as a safety in the NFL. There wasn’t a better run-defending DB in the country than Jalen Pitre, but his quickness and instincts in coverage are phenomenal as well.
Consensus Big Board Rank: 73
My Big Board Rank: 22
NFL Comparison: Jimmie Ward
Brian Asamoah | LB | Oklahoma
Brian Asamoah is an undersized linebacker with unreal range for his position. His athleticism and ability in pursuit make him the perfect linebacker for the modern NFL, but he’ll likely struggle engaging with blocks, due to his size.
Consensus Big Board Rank: 161
My Big Board Rank: 48
NFL Comparison: David Long
