Quarterback
1) Joe Burrow, LSU (Top 5)
2) Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama (Top 5)
3) Justin Herbert, Oregon (Top 10)
4) Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma (Round 1-2)
5) Jordan Love, Utah State (Round 2-3)
6) Jacob Eason, Washington (Round 2-3)
7) Jake Fromm, Georgia (Round 2-3)
The entire outlook of the 2020 NFL Draft depends on where the top three quarterbacks land. Joe Burrow, who’s currently predicted to go Cincinnati at first overall, has remained the top quarterback prospect in teams’ eyes since the National Championship Game concluded with an LSU victory. Coming off of arguably the greatest passing season in college football history, Burrow could end up in Miami if they’re willing to part with enough of their draft stash, but will likely return to his home state of Ohio and dwarf the hype that Baker Mayfield and Myles Garrett received with the Browns a few years ago.
Tua Tagovailoa remains the most polished quarterback prospect by far, outside of Burrow. All cleared to play after suffering a hip injury during the 2019 season, Tua will likely enter the 2020 season as the first starting lefty quarterback since the likes of Michael Vick and Tim Tebow could be found on NFL rosters. He likely won’t have to wait long, either, due to his high football IQ and scheme versatility that makes him a fit for any offense.
Justin Herbert might have the highest ceiling of the three top quarterback prospects. While Herbert didn’t reach the College Football Playoff as a member of the Ducks, he displayed flashes of being something very special throughout his college career. Those flashes were once again on show during the NFL Combine. If Herbert can find himself a solid mentor for his transition to the pros, the senior might emerge as the best passer when it’s said and done.
The potential to pick up a day one starter under center falls significantly once the top three QBs are gone from the board. Jalen Hurts and Jordan Love have received attention as potential developmental prospects worth taking late in day one or towards the start of the second round. Hurts reached similar heights in his college career to his replacement at Alabama, Tua Tagovailoa, but needs the right home in order for a coach to overcome some physical shortcomings and tap into his winning ability consistently at the next level. Love is further behind the 8-ball than Hurts but has the physical tools necessary to be developed into a generational quarterback. Viewed as a Josh Allen type with a lower floor and a higher ceiling, the braver scouts have compared Love to a Patrick Mahomes-type prospect.
A tier under that, you will find Jacob Eason and Jake Fromm. Jacob Eason could very well have been a first-round pick this year with a solid offseason but has similar red flags around him that have plagued Josh Rosen to begin his career. Eason didn’t help himself at the Combine either on or off the field but remains a physically talented quarterback that could surprise at the next level if he proves teams wrong on the “partier,” label. Jake Fromm, who replaced Eason at Georgia, comes with better character and showed more of an ability to lead his team to wins in Athens after Eason’s injury. However, he also comes with scheme limitations due to his small arm. Fromm is virtually undraftable to any vertical offense but could win a team some games in a shorter-range system.
Running Back
1) D’Andre Swift, Georgia (Round 1-2)
2) Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin (Round 1-2)
3) J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State (Round 2-3)
4) Cam Akers, Florida State (Round 2-3)
5) Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU (Round 2-4)
6) Zack Moss, Utah (Round 2-4)
7) Lamical Perine, Florida (Round 3-4)
8) Anthony McFarland Jr., Maryland (Round 3-5)
9) A.J. Dillon, Boston College (Round 3-5)
10) Eno Benjamin, Arizona State (Round 3-5)
While Jonathan Taylor was the bigger producer in college, D’Andre Swift is more likely to be picked up on day one despite the volatility of the league’s need for running backs. Swift is fantastic both in-between the tackles and in space, showing impressive agility and footwork during his college career and pre-draft process. His skills in the passing game need a little work between his hands and in pass protection, the speedster could end up being an Alvin Kamara like presence out of the gate for someone. Meanwhile, Taylor helped himself stave off draft critics with some impressive numbers at the combine. Ever the productive runner in college, Taylor still needs to work on ball control and receiving ability in order to be considered a lock in the first round.
Despite running behind a shoddy offensive line at Florida State throughout the last three years, Cam Akers has shown the potential to scare a lot of defenses, even without the help of a serviceable front. Akers is adept at weaving through the first wave of defenders and breaking free for some plays. J.K. Dobbins is a “thunder,” type running back that doesn’t provide much value in passing situations for the most part, but remains a hardnosed bell-cow back that could lead an offense’s running game. Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Zack Moss trail behind the pair of runners in terms of their ceiling, both running backs could form a role for themselves in nearly any scheme. Edwards-Helaire doesn’t have the long speed to match, but the LSU back showed some shiftiness and overall usefulness out of the backfield. Zack Moss put up big numbers for the Utes. He’s not the type to pick up splash plays for his offense at the next level but remains very skilled at squeezing the most out of his carries.
The depth at running back in the 2020 draft class is filled with multiple different skillsets for teams to select from. Lamical Perine flew under the radar at Florida but could make a team very happy through combining his acceleration with a surprising amount of power, even after losing weight throughout his time as a Gator. Anthony McFarland Jr. is the most likely on the list (outside of Swift) to develop into a viable receiver out of the backfield. Shifty and fast, the Maryland product could thrive as half of a backfield duo. A.J. Dillon surprised a lot of scouts with his 4.5 40-yard dash at 247 pounds. The running back could thrive in run-heavy situations or possibly surprise again in the pros if he can serve a purpose in the passing game as well. Lastly, Eno Benjamin is a little rough around the edges with some ball-handling and vision issues but could be the rare developmental prospect worth taking at the running back position. Benjamin showed that he has star potential once he finds a bit of space for himself.
Wide Receiver
1) CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma (Top 15)
2) Jerry Jeudy, Alabama (Top 15)
3) Henry Ruggs III, Alabama (Top 20)
4) Justin Jefferson, LSU (Round 1)
5) Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado (Round 1-2)
6) Denzel Mims, Baylor (Round 1-3)
7) Tee Higgins, Clemson (Round 1-3)
8) Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State (Round 1-3)
9) Jalen Reagor, TCU (Round 2-3)
10) K.J. Hamler, Penn State (Round 2-4)
The 2020 NFL draft is loaded with talent at wide receiver, top to bottom. At the top, CeeDee Lamb and Jerry Jeudy seem like bona fide number one receivers. Lamb enters the draft as arguably the best receiver prospect since the likes of Mike Evans and Amari Cooper entered the NFL. A combination of size, speed, athleticism, and production, Lamb’s route-running skill also remains underrated. The Oklahoma receiver could end up being the complete package at wide receiver. Jeudy, while more productive during his college career, comes into the pros with a slightly undersized build. However, what he lacks in size he makes up for in polish. Jeudy remains the best route runner in the draft class and is coveted off the field for his likeability.
While not a genuine number one at the next level, Henry Ruggs III is a better receiver prospect than John Ross was heading into the NFL. An absolute burner that doesn’t shy away from contact or overly rely on his speed, Ruggs is another underrated route runner due to the media’s infatuation with his athleticism. While best suited as a number two receiver, Ruggs could step into that role instantly for teams like the Raiders or Eagles. Justin Jefferson is the last receiver that’s likely guaranteed a selection on night one. A talented route runner that can line up at any spot, Jefferson also brings deceptive athleticism with him to the pro level, reminding some of Keenan Allen.
Laviska Shenault Jr. has been hampered with a hamstring ailment throughout the offseason, which ended up mattering less post-combine due to coronavirus-related shutdowns across the league. Still, teams remained concerned with Shenault’s durability due to his physical playstyle. If all goes well, Shenault projects as a dangerous runner/receiver that can break tackles like a running back. Tee Higgins has also lost some attention due to not participating in the NFL combine’s drills. Higgins’ value to a team is as a big-bodied threat for 50-50 balls. The draft lacks size at the position heading into the second day, so a team might ensure they take their matchup nightmare on the outside before he falls into another team’s laps on round two.
Denzel Mims is another athletic star that his risen up draft boards due to a stellar combine. Mims could sneak into the first round as a relatively raw, but athletically gifted playmaker. Aiyuk hasn’t received the same national attention as most receivers rated this high, but the Arizona State product is well-regarded in scouting circles as a terrific after the catch receiver with underrated speed and acceleration.
Jalen Reagor is the outlier of the NFL Combine as an athletic receiver that struggled to make the most of his opportunity during testing. The tape at TCU cannot lie, though, as Reagor looks like a DeSean Jackson-lite. A team in search of an extra kick to their offense will enjoy their second-day selection. Reagor and K.J. Hamler also provide a lot of value in the slot. Hamler lacks versatility as an outside receiver but is very polished inside with a high motor.
Tight End
1) Cole Kmet, Notre Dame (Round 1-2)
2) Brycen Hopkins, Purdue (Round 2-4)
3) Thaddeus Moss, LSU (Round 2-4)
4) Adam Trautman, Dayton (Round 2-4)
5) Chase Claypool, Notre Dame (Round 1-4)
6) Harrison Bryant, FAU (Round 3-5)
7) Albert Okuegbunam, Missouri (Round 3-5)
Cole Kmet stands out as the best pure tight end prospect in the draft class. Kmet tested well at the combine, proving that he has the necessary size and speed in order to function as a functional blocker and receiver that a team looks for in a starting tight end.
Brycen Hopkins and Thaddeus Moss do not fit the mold of a prototypical tight end. Both are limited in their blocking capacity, yet offer a lot of promise as complementary receivers. Hopkins improved statistically every year with Purdue while Moss completed LSU’s championship season with zero drops. Teams with designated blockers could be interested in taking a chance on these prospects sometime during day two. Chase Claypool might not switch from wide receiver to tight end at the next level after proving that he can run like a wideout. He’s close to entering my top ten prospects at receiver, but his versatility as either a designated receiver or lead blocker in the open field allows for teams to find value for putting Claypool at either spot.
Adam Trautman didn’t test well athletically in February, but the Dayton tight end is highly regarding in the draft community for his football IQ and his comprehension of the fundamentals at the tight end position. Teams that ignore his combine performance could be getting a steal towards the end of day two. Harrison Bryant fared a little better during the pre-draft process but needs a little more work on his fundamentals and looks more like a developmental prospect.
Albert Okwuegbunam is another player who helped himself with a solid 40-yard dash. Known as a one-dimensional tight end with no real blocking skills, Okwuegbunam’s hope is to emerge as a complementary receiver down the line.
Offensive Tackle
1) Andrew Thomas, Georgia (Top 15)
2) Tristan Wirfs, Iowa (Top 15)
3) Mekhi Becton, Louisville (Top 15)
4) Jedrick Wills Jr., Alabama (Top 20)
5) Josh Jones, Houston (Round 1-2)
6) Austin Jackson, USC (Round 1-2)
7) Prince Tega Wanogho, Auburn (Round 2-4)
8) Ezra Cleveland, Boise State (Round 2-4)
9) Isaiah Wilson, Georgia (Round 2-4)
10) Lucas Niang, TCU (Round 3-4)
Andrew Thomas tested the worst athletically out of the top tackles at the combine. Compared to the average tackle, however, he tested relatively well. While Mekhi Becton, Tristan Wirfs, and Jedrick Wills are currently projected as prospects with higher upsides due to their physical and athletic measurables, Thomas is the most battle-tested of the group. The Georgia product has protected for some talented running backs over the years, successfully paving the way for all of them. With the best overall technique and the highest floor of any offensive lineman in the draft, Thomas could end up surprising everyone as the first one taken.
On the opposite side of the spectrum as Thomas stands Becton. While Becton was a standout performer at Louisville, displaying his impressive athleticism and body control on the field before proving it to scouts at the combine. Becton still struggles with leverage, not abnormal for offensive linemen 6’7″ and over; teams aren’t likely to worry about that issue given the massive potential. Wills and Wirfs may not translate to the NFL as left tackles. Wills was a blindside protector at Alabama for the left-handed Tua Tagovailoa, though he might be better remaining at right tackle regardless of quarterback in the pros. Meanwhile, Wirfs has a similarly high floor to Thomas, as well as the versatility to play multiple positions along the line. Most teams see Wirfs as a solid left tackle who could possibly be even better at guard or right tackle due to his run blocking chops.
There is a noticeable dropoff in reliability after the top four tackles, but the overall talent remains strong. Josh Jones doesn’t translate as well to the professional level as the players above him, but outperformed everyone on this list aside Thomas and Wirfs. If the physical limitations don’t hinder him, he could prove to be a valuable selection once the blue-chip prospects are off the board. Austin Jackson performed well and proved to be a fantastic athlete. Jackson needs to work on his technique and looks to be a project of sorts, but projects better to the professional level better than USC alumn and former second-round pick, Chuma Edoga.
Prince Tega Wanogho might have the highest floor outside of the top four and Josh Jones. However, Wanogho’s love for the game has been questioned by critics and might not put forward his best effort on the field, leading to potential struggles or a lack of development from the former Tiger. If he’s selected into the right locker room, he could absolutely end up proving those doubts wrong.
The final three, Ezra Cleveland, Isaiah Wilson, and Lucas Niang, are all more developmental athletes rather than potential day one starters. Wilson’s exceptional size puts him a step ahead of the others in terms of viability as a rookie, but Cleveland and Niang are viewed as the “Lane Johnson” type down the road as mobile right tackles.
Interior Offensive Linemen
1) Cesar Ruiz, Michigan (Round 1-2)
2) Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin (Round 2)
3) Lloyd Cushenberry III, LSU (Round 2-3)
4) Shane Lemieux, Oregon (Round 2-3)
5) Solomon Kindley, Georgia (Round 2-4)
6) Nick Harris, Washington (Round 3-4)
7) Matt Hennessy, Temple (Round 3-4)
In an interior line group that lacks high-ceiling players, Cesar Ruiz and Tyler Biadasz stand out as the most polished prospects going into this draft. Neither player is likely to escape round two, as teams looking for a plug-and-play center or guard will likely pick them up. Ruiz offers more athleticism and functional strength than Biadasz, especially after the Wisconsin center underwent hip surgery this past winter. Both, however, offer years of starting experience on the interior offensive line.
Lloyd Cushenberry might end up going higher than anticipated after quietly leading LSU’s offensive line on and off the field. Though some struggles in lateral movement and leverage provide slight concerns to teams, someone is bound to take the likable lineman due to his length and makeup.
Shane Lemieux, meanwhile, isn’t as mobile as most of the athletic offensive linemen prospects that could occupy a team’s guard spot, yet also serves as a high floor prospect on day two. Lemieux, like Ruiz, plays with a lot of functional strength. Lemieux is another potential day one starter in power running schemes similar to the 49ers’. Solomon Kindley, despite impressive size and strength, is also specific to similar schemes as Lemieux due to a lack of lateral speed. Kindley ranks behind the Oregon guard because he translates less of a day one starter and more of a developmental type.
Nick Harris was one of the stars of the combine along with tackles Ruiz, Tristan Wirfs, and Mekhi Becton. Possessing similarly impressive athleticism to Vikings’ center Garrett Bradbury, Harris lacks the length necessary to be considered a standout power blocker at the next level. Matt Hennessy, like Harris, is a three-year starter that could be among the top tier of center prospects if he displayed more strength on the field. The pair of blockers could use some time to physically develop before being thrown to the wolves.
Defensive Tackles
1) Derrick Brown, Auburn (Top 10)
2) Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina (Top 15)
3) Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma (Round 2-3)
4) Raekwon Davis, Alabama (Round 2-4)
5) Jordan Elliot, Missouri (Round 2-4)
6) Leki Fotu, Utah (Round 2-4)
7) Davon Hamilton, Ohio State (Round 3-5)
Derrick Brown is criminally underrated by the media due to a limited physical display during the combine. However, he remains a top-five prospect regardless of position due to his combination of strength, technique, scheme versatility, and hustle. Javon Kinlaw is the only defensive tackle in a similar tier to Brown. Kinlaw has garnered national attention with an impressive pre-draft process, including a dominant Senior Bowl. Kinlaw brings more athleticism to the trenches than Brown as well. Explosive and strong, Kinlaw has some work to do on play diagnosis.
Raekwon Davis could have been a first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, but has largely been figured out as a one-dimensional run-stopper by scouts. That being said, Davis does is very well. He’s doesn’t possess the same athleticism that most of the top-end defensive tackle prospects in this draft do but remains a force to be reckoned with in the trenches.
After the top tackles are off the board, the athleticism drops off. However, some interesting prospects remain as physically imposing trench-stuffers. Jordan Elliot, like Davis, specifically fits this mold. Jordan Elliot is a hulking defensive tackle that moves relatively well for his size. His size, however, occasionally works against him due to some leverage issues. Leki Fotu is another player that doesn’t necessarily win through his athleticism. Still, he translates well to the pro game as a high-motor force with the potential to develop into a solid interior pass rusher. Davon Hamilton is a similarly physically imposing force in the trenches while also being tied for the worst pass rusher on this list with Davis. Still, his physical traits allow him to transition into a run-stuffing role at the professional level.
Defensive Linemen
1) Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State (Round 1)
2) Ross Blacklock, TCU (Round 1-2)
3) Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M (Round 1-2)
4) A.J. Epenesa, Iowa (Round 1-2)
5) Marlon Davidson, Auburn (Round 1-2)
6) James Lynch, Baylor (Round 3-5)
7) Jason Strowbridge, North Carolina (Round 3-5)
Yetur Gross-Matos and A.J. Epenesa are best deployed at defensive end on 3-4 techniques while offering a versatile edge presence for interested teams. Neither put on much of a show during their combine performances, but performed admirably throughout multiple years as starters for their respective colleges. Gross-Matos is an underrated athlete with a knack for getting into the backfield during his Penn State tenure. Epenesa won’t win at the next level with his athleticism. On the bright side, he provides a polished skillset with deceptive power.
Ross Blacklock displayed some instances of becoming a stellar interior pass rusher at the next level. While Blacklock needs to increase his repertoire of moves in order to consistently get to the backfield at the next level, the TCU product enters the NFL as a better prospect than former teammate and former first-rounder, L.J. Collier. Neville Gallimore is another stellar athlete that needs some development in order to consistently use that physical talent on the field. The Oklahoma prospect might night be an instant contributor, but could end up terrifying opposing linemen in the NFL one day.
Madubuike is similarly athletic and slightly raw. An explosive force off of the snap, Madubuike could succeed as a 3-4 defensive end or a defensive tackle in most schemes, especially if those occasional work ethic issues turn out to be a false alarm. Marlon Davidson, meanwhile, doesn’t compare athletically to the interior defensive linemen listed above him (except for Epenesa). What he provides instead is overwhelming power, versatility, and a sneaky pass rush cabinet. The 300-pound lineman could situationally be deployed on the edge due to his skills against offensive lineman.
James Lynch and Jason Strowbridge offer similar versatility along the defensive front despite not athletically translating to the pro game as full-time starters at first. Lynch’s production at Baylor was never the question, but the franchise’s sack leader might struggle to physically acclimate to the pro game. Strowbridge can contribute as a situational run stopper instantly, even if he struggles to overcome issues with length at the next level.
Edge Rushers
1) Chase Young, Ohio State (Top 3)
2) K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU (Round 1)
3) Zack Baun, Wisconsin (Round 1-2)
4) Curtis Weaver, Boise State (Round 2-3)
5) Terrell Lewis, Alabama (Round 2-3)
6) Jonathan Greenard, Florida (Round 2-3)
7) Julian Okwara, Notre Dame (Round 2-4)
Making a solid case for the best player of the draft, Chase Young rivals the Bosa brothers, Bradley Chubb, and Myles Garrett as the top pass-rushing prospect in recent history. Combining insane athleticism with impressive production during his tenure with the Buckeyes, Young is likely the first non-quarterback pick in this draft.
K’Lavon Chaisson has built on his draft stock due to an impressive final year at LSU paired with a similarly solid combine. A gifted athlete and natural run-stopper, Chaisson needs a few more pass-rushing moves under his belt, but translates fantastically to the pros as a scheme-versatile edge.
Zack Baun is another standout producer during his college tenure. Based off his production alone, Baun would be a lock for the first round. However, questions regarding his size might limit his effectiveness on the edge. While mainly an edge rusher as Wisconsin, Baun offers versatility as an off-ball linebacker for 4-3 defenses. Curtis Weaver has also encountered similar questions about his size. Similarly productive to Baun in the FBS, Weaver has more to prove at the next level due to a lack of versatility away from the edge as well as a lack of quality competition at Boise State.
Terrell Lewis struggled to stay on the field at times for the Rolling Tide, but has had scouts intrigued since declaring to stay at Alabama as opposed to entering the 2019 draft. While Lewis’ production never seemingly matched the potential at Alabama, he brings the necessary physical tools to translate to a quality edge rusher if he can stay on the field. Staying in the SEC, Jonathan Greenard rivals former third-round pick Jachai Polite as the best pass-rushing prospect out of Florida since Dante Fowler. Better in a 4-3 than a 3-4, Greenard has the on-field production with the off-field makeup.
Julian Okwara entered the 2019 season as a popular pick in mock drafts before ending his season early due to injury. Ever the producer at Notre Dame, Okwara is very athletic but raw. If Okwara can stay on the field, he has some to answer some questions on how he fares in run support, an area he struggled in during college.
Linebackers
1) Isaiah Simmons, Clemson (Top 10)
2) Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma (Round 1)
3) Patrick Queen, LSU (Round 1)
4) Josh Uche, Michigan (Round 2-3)
5) Akeem Davis-Gaither, Appalachian State (Round 2-4)
6) Malik Harrison, Ohio State (Round 2-4)
7) Jordyn Brooks, Texas Tech (Round 2-4)
A generational athlete whose biggest problem is being too versatile for his own good, Isaiah Simmons enters the NFL Draft with a loose positional label of “linebacker,” the reality is since Simmons dazzled at the combine, proving he has the top-end speed to situationally play safety in the pros, will be deployed everywhere under the sun. Comparable to a larger, stronger Minkah Fitzpatrick, a defensive coordinator will end up very happy in the top 10 if Simmons makes it to their pick.
Kenneth Murray and Patrick Queen are relatively similar prospects. Both linebackers are athletic enough to fly around the field and physical enough to complete some crushing tackles. The biggest difference between the two is the four-inch size differential, allowing Murray to play more physically in the box.
Josh Uche, like Zack Baun, is an undersized edge rusher at college that could look to transition off of the line of scrimmage at the next level. Uche’s small stature makes him difficult to play as an on-ball linebacker, but mirrors Murray and Queen in athleticism and speed.
Akeem Davis-Gaither hasn’t attracted too much national attention due to his small-school pedigree. Another accomplished edge rusher in college, Davis-Gaither is more experienced off of the line of scrimmage and holds his own in coverage despite some issues with lateral agility.
Malik Harrison and Jordyn Brooks are seemingly paradoxical prospects that are slated to succeed in different defensive schemes in the pros. Malik Harrison is best used as a downhill run stopper and blitzer due to his impressive size for the position, while Brooks is an undersized flyer that enters the NFL as a proficient cover linebacker.
Cornerbacks
1) Jeffrey Okudah, Ohio State (Top 10)
2) C.J. Henderson, Florida (Top 15)
3) Kristian Fulton, LSU (Round 1-2)
4) A.J. Terrell, Clemson (Round 1-2)
5) Jeff Gladney, TCU (Round 2)
6) Trevon Diggs, Alabama (Round 2)
7) Damon Arnette, Ohio State (Round 2-3)
8) Cameron Dantzler, Mississippi State (Round 2-3)
9) Bryce Hall, Virginia (Round 2-4)
10) Jaylon Johnson, Utah (Round 2-4)
The 2020 cornerback class features a lot of unique prospects heading into the third day. Whether a coach is looking for man, zone, or press-specific coverages, they can find a cornerback that has experience in their respective system. Headlining this position group is Jeffrey Okudah. Okudah has all of the physical and athletic traits to glue himself to number-one wide receivers at the professional level. He’s not a perfect cover corner, as evidenced by his relatively stiff hips at the combine, but his physical traits and personality make up the difference. Okudah translates to a day one locker room leader.
C.J. Henderson is not as physically imposing as Jeff Okudah, though he might be a better technician at the cornerback position. Henderson and Okudah possess similar heights and weights, but Henderson is not as physical as Okudah. While that occasionally gets him into less trouble in terms of penalties, it also put Henderson ever so slightly behind the former Buckeye in terms of reducing the opposing receiver’s room to work.
Kristian Fulton and A.J. Terrell were among the top cornerbacks for their respective teams throughout LSU and Clemson’s runs to the National Championship Game. While Isaiah Simmons and Grant Delpit earned the headlines as incumbent stars for their teams, the pair of cornerbacks were ignored despite solid seasons against solid competition. Fulton has been a little injury prone and Terrell proved ineffective in coverage in the championship game, hurting the pair’s stock, but overall remain valuable pickups in the late first or early second round.
Jeff Gladney’s draft stock might be hurt by some off-field issues, but remains one of the most complete and competitive corners in this draft class. Despite some size issues, Gladney can line up inside or outside and limit his receiver’s options down the field. Trevon Diggs, meanwhile, was arguably the best cornerback prospect going into the 2019 season after deciding to return to Alabama. Diggs, like Terrell, was burned when it mattered most, in a meaningful conference matchup versus LSU. Diggs showed signs of struggles in spurts throughout his most recent season. On the bright side, the former Rolling Tide defensive back enters the league technically proficient in both man and zone coverage.
Damon Arnette is another cornerback with some character concerns who balled out on the field. Though he was overshadowed by Jeff Okudah at Ohio State, Arnette held his own and enters the NFL with impressive physical traits, despite struggling with some penalties during his collegiate career.
Cameron Dantzler is another competitive cornerback, similar to Gladney. While his forty-time left much to be desired, the Mississippi State product showed a lot of instincts on the field and could flourish as a press cornerback if he struggles to run with professional wide-outs. Bryce Hall would have been mentioned as a borderline first-round pick if not for the accumulation of injuries through his senior year. However, like Dantzler, Hall struggled with his top-end speed even when at full health. Still, Hall is a scheme versatile cornerback that consistently finds a way to disrupt catches. Sticking with the trend of slower cornerbacks that can make up for it through their proficiencies in press coverage, Jaylon Johnson showed a lot of chops as an instinctual, if not occasionally risk-taking, defensive back.
Safeties
1) Xavier McKinney, Alabama (Round 1)
2) Antoine Winfield Jr., Minnesota (Round 1-2)
3) Grant Delpit, LSU (Round 1-2)
4) Jeremy Chinn, Southern Illinois (Round 2)
5) Kyle Dugger, Lenoir-Rhyne (Round 2-3)
6) Ashtyn Davis, California (Round 2-3)
7) Terrell Burgess, Utah (Round 2-4)
Xavier McKinney is the crown jewel of this safety class. Able to play both safety spots, McKinney has a knack for finding his way near the ballcarrier to make a play. There are some issues with his deep speed, but McKinney is capable of sliding to the strong safety spot if defensive coordinators don’t trust him as the single deep safety. Grant Delpit has been inconsistently magnificent as a box safety for LSU. Like McKinney, he instinctually finds his way to the ball. However, you’d like to see more consistent tackling from such a physically imposing defensive back.
Antoine Winfield Jr. was lost in the mix for most of the pre-draft process, but remains a candidate to slide into the first night due to his instincts and ball skills. Like McKinney, Winfield is unlikely to scare anyone as a deep safety, but he remains skilled and athletic enough to continuously get in position to make a play on the ball as a free safety.
Originally small school prospects that were devoid of attention from draft writers, Jeremy Chinn and Kyle Dugger have emerged into the national spotlight through the pre-draft process. Chinn might be better suited at linebacker at the next level, but like Isaiah Simmons, Chinn doesn’t necessarily struggle when deployed deep. Meanwhile, Kyle Dugger might not come with the 6’4″ frame that Chinn does, but he comes with similarly freakish athleticism for an in-the-box safety. Both prospects would likely benefit from the presence of an experienced defensive coordinator in order to aid the transition from smaller schools to the professional level.
Ashtyn Davis has a lot of fans in media circles due to his impressive athleticism and range as a deep safety. Davis would likely struggle outside the free safety position and could find a home somewhere that prefers to employ a single deep safety often in their system. Terrell Burgess is reliable in coverage over the middle of the field, both at the safety and slot corner positions. Burgess combines impressive athleticism and instincts to make up for a relatively small frame and could emerge as a value pick that features Kareem Jackson-like versatility in the defensive backfield.
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