As the NFL season has reached it quarter point, and the draft nears, we now have a clearer view of what teams are contenders, pretenders, and just bad.
We also have more recent film on this year’s draft class, and with it we know who has continued to improve they’re draft stock from last season, who hasn’t lived up to expectation, and who came out of nowhere and played themselves into a draft selection.
This year’s draft class has it’s strengths and weaknesses like any class. It’s the most talented defensive line class in years, and it also boast multiple quality offensive tackles for the first time in years.
Its weaknesses include a scarcity of running backs after last years deep class, and it also lacks a clear “franchise” quarterback; last season’s first-round quarterback crop is incredibly unlikely to repeat itself. I imagine two passers will go in the first fifteen picks, with maybe one more getting taken in the late first round. However, I think there were three passers in last year’s class that would go before anyone in this years.
This year’s class has some top-tier talent including the best offensive tackle, interior defensive lineman, and cornerback I’ve ever evaluated. Granted, this is only my third year really evaluating, and only my second writing about it. The top-tier talent is elite, and we could see trade ups for players that aren’t quarterbacks. Today, we’re gonna rank that talent. Take a look at my top ten rankings at each position!
Quarterbacks
Honorable Mention: Dwayne Haskins – Ohio State
When it’s all said and done, Dwayne Haskins could very well be No. 1 on this list. He has a strong arm, with a feel for deep ball accuracy. He typically does well reading through his progressions, but can get caught locking in on a target every once in awhile. He has good size, but could stand to put on some muscle, and serviceable athleticism. If Haskins keeps performing at this rate, there’s no reason he can’t be the first quarterback taken. He takes care of the football and has shown the ability to drive down the field. I’m excited to see his growth for the rest of the season.
No. 5 – Deondre Francois – Florida State
I think in terms of natural ability to fit the ball in a tight window, Deondre Francois is the most natural. He can put some heat on it. Unfortunately, Florida State isn’t as good as their pedigree would expect them to be. The Willie Taggart era has gotten off to a rocky start, and in the sacrifice of Francois. I think once Francois gets into an NFL system, and develops his mind, he can be a great NFL passer.
No. 4 – Will Grier – West Virginia
Will Grier has started off the season as hot as anyone. He’s not gonna wow you with his measurables or athletic abilities, but he gets the job done. He moves the sticks, and can drive down the field. He puts the ball where he needs to and can throw it deep. Grier has led a very good Mountaineers offense for years, and will look to translate his college success to the NFL. Grier doesn’t have what some call a “trump” card. He doesn’t have any particular skill that will bail him out of a game, but he’s smart with the football and can command an offense. I’d be most comfortable starting Grier before any other quarterbacks in this class.
No. 3 – Jarrett Stidham – Auburn
My preseason QB1, Jarrett Stidham has actually dropped in my rankings since the beginning of the season. I don’t think he’s played particularly well this season. He had an average game against Washington, and made a number of mistakes in his loss against LSU. Stidham has an NFL arm, and has shown he can compete at the highest level with wins last year against teams like Alabama and Georgia. If Stidham can get better at processing the the play and moving through his reads, theres no reason he can’t be an excellent NFL starter.
No. 2 – Drew Lock – Missouri
Size, athleticism, and arm strength. Lock has every physical trait you could ask for, he can throw it any where on the field. He can put the ball in any window, and he does it with great speed. Lock has been crippled by a group of receivers who seemingly drop the football better than they can catch it. Lock needs to develop mentally, but he will be a better pro when he has a competent receiving corps.
No. 1 – Justin Herbert – Oregon
Similar to Lock, Herbert has all the physical tools of an elite NFL quarterback, his has a great arm, elite size, and upper tier athleticism. Elevating Herbert over Lock is Herbert natural feel for ball placement. Herbert puts the ball exactly where it needs to be, he can float it or zip it in depending on what the situation requires. He can gain first downs with his legs, adding variety to an offense as option plays become real threats. He will need to take a step mentally as he can get flustered when under pressure, but if he can learn to step up and read through the play consistently he’ll be fine. Herbert is in a good position to be the first quarterback taken, and maybe even the first overall pick.
Running Backs
Honorable Mention – Benny Snell – Kentucky
The heart and soul of the Kentucky football team, Snell is an old-school downhill runner. He has excellent vision and contact balance which leads to him to finds yards on runs that should’ve been stopped in the backfield. He doesn’t have much production as a receiver but he does have the ability to catch the ball, and he’s also a willing and able pass protector. Snell’s biggest weakness if that he lacks top end speed, in the NFL he’ll need to be paired a change of pace back to reach his full potential. However, Snell will be a great NFL back making his mark on goal-line scenarios, and late games battles where time management is key.
No. 5 – Myles Gaskin – Washington
Gaskin was one of my favorite late round sleepers in last years draft class, since he returned he’s done nothing but raise his draft stock. He’s had a good start to the season, and this years draft calls is dismal compared to last years stacked group. Gaskin can immediately make an impact as a 3rd down specialist, while also working a complimentary piece in the run game. He has excellent body control and finds a way to bounce of tackles and stay upright despite his small frame.
No. 4 – Rodney Anderson – Oklahoma
If Anderson had never gotten injured, he’d probably be RB1. Unfortunately, Anderson’s year was cut short for the third time in his career. He’s a great blend of size and speed, he’s electric with good vision and there really ins’t anything negative to say about his play on the field. However, I’m very adamant the the best ability is availability, and if Anderson can’t get on the field, he can’t showcase his talents.
No. 3 – David Montgomery – Iowa St.
Naturally bouncing off tackles, Montgomery has a rare knack of staying off the ground and always picking up extra yards. He’s not particularly big, but is built compactly enough to pack a bunch. Excellent open field vision is complemented by active feet and convincing head fakes. Has some value as a three-down back but has unnatural hands when asked to catch the balls, willing and capable pass protector.
No. 2 – Damien Harris – Alabama
The best all around skill-set in this years class belongs to Damien Harris. He brings excellent vision, runs with power, and has some shake to his game while also containing some breakaway speed. Harris also comes in with minimal tread on the his legs thanks in part to Alabama’s regular season dominance leading Harris to only be needed for the first quarter or so. My biggest knock is the lack of an elite second gear, he can run past some guys but won’t be a threat to go the distance on every play.
No. 1 – Bryce Love – Stanford
Bryce Love is an elite breakaway threat. Love has an off-putting injury history, but when he’s healthy, man, is he good. He’s a legit threat to score everytime he touches the ball. He projects as a change of pace back in the NFL, but I think he can be just as good as Alvin Kamara was for the Saints. Love isn’t as good a receiver, but has better vision and toughness in between the tackles. Teams like the Jaguars would be a great fit, as Love would provide a great contrast to Leonard Fournette while also bringing another scoring threat to the offense.
Wide Receivers
No. 5 – A.J. Brown – Ole Miss
Ole Miss has the best trio of wide receivers in college football….ever. I don’t actually know if that’s true or not, but it’s the best I’ve ever seen. A.J. Brown leads the trio in terms of production. With over 2,000 career receiving yards, and 16 touchdowns, he’s a well-oiled machine. He has great strength for the position with above average size and speed. The biggest issue with Brown is his poor play against better teams. Most of his gaudy numbers came against the Southern Illinois and South Alabama’s of the world.
No. 4 – Kelvin Harmon – North Carolina State
Harmon has an NFL skill-set. He’s understands what he’s doing in his routes, and he runs them crisply. He doesn’t have elite speed but gets natural separation, and excels win the balls in the air. Good size at 6-foot-3. The only reason Harmon is No. 4 as of right now is the lack of production I was expecting. Harmon was set-up to have a phenomenal season and hasn’t lived up to the hype yet, having only reached the end zone once thus far.
No. 3 – Deebo Samuel – South Carolina
The best route runner in the class, with the best splash for spectacular catches, Deebo Samuel is a prototypical Z receiver. You can line him up anywhere, and ask him to run any route. He won’t ever be the go to guy when you need yards and have no choice but to throw it up, but he will be your go to guy on every other play. Doesn’t have blazing speed, but in the right scheme, he should be able to get the job done down the field.
No. 2 – N’Keal Harry – Arizona State
One of my favorite prospects in the draft, Harry is just a polarizing player. Great size at 6-foot-4, 213, with adequate speed. Harry can play above the rim, or make his own yards after the catch. He’s incredibly strong and has an alpha male mentality that means if you need five yards, he will get you five yards. Just put the ball in his hands.
No. 1 – D.K. Metcalf – Ole Miss
WR1 was built in Madden’s “Create-A-Player” mode, and you can’t change my mind. 6-foot-4, 225 pounds, with legit 4.3 speed. Metcalf has the physical tools comparable to Calvin Johnson. I understand that Metcalf isn’t the same level of prospect; he runs very basic routes and sturggles with easy drops, but from a simple Height/Weight/Speed perspective, Metcalf has Megatron level abilities.
Tight Ends
No. 5 – Kaden Smith – Stanford
Good NFL size, but doesn’t have great speed. Has shown improvement as a route runner since last season. Does his best work when cutting through the middle of the field, in between the hashes. Has good enough hands. Willing as a blocker, but does a poor jobs with his hands and lets defenders across his face to easily.
No. 4 – Dawson Knox – Ole Miss
Former quarterback, which means he understands overages, and can out himself where he needs to be when he needs to be there. Excellent speed, can move in out of breaks easily and quickly. Reminds me a lot of Jordan Reed, but a little bigger. Yeah, imagine that. However, being compared to Reed does have it’s negatives, like blocking. Knox is a weapon in the passing game, but a liability as a blocker, which hurts his value. Also lacks much production, this season he has only four catches so far.
No. 3 – Albert Okwuegbunam – Mizzou
Great size, 6-foot-5 and filled in at 260. Great hands with a huge catch radius. Doesn’t have great speed and runs extremely sloppy routes. Stepped up when asked to in the game against Georgia and became Drew Lock’s No. 1 target. Must improve as a blocker and route runner if he wants to become and NFL starter, but has Pro Bowl potential.
No. 2 – Caleb Wilson – UCLA
An injury plagued season last year, and a rebuilding year for UCLA this year means a lack of production from Wilson. However, great hands, size, and speed tell a different tale. Wilson presents a mismatch, and has a natural ability to create separation. Willing as a blocker, but doesn’t have great strength to move defensive lineman.
No. 1 – Noah Fant – Iowa
Fant is an elite talent. 6-foot-5 with legit 4.4 speed. Deadly in the red zone, considering a third of his receptions have gone for touchdowns. Capable and willing blocker.Underused at Iowa, Fant is the NFL’s next great tight end, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets picked in the top 16 picks of next year’s NFL Draft.
Offensive Tackles
Honorable Mention – Dalton Risner – Kansas State
The Kansas State left tackle has been as consistent as they come. Excellent technique and understands pass protection and how to set up a pocket. Good run blocker, but can have issue getting his hands on lighter defenders. I believe he projects better as a right tackle or guard.
No. 5 – Greg Little – Ole Miss
The best natural athlete of the class, Little has the size and athleticism to be an elite NFL tackle. 6-foot-5, 325, he has the size to deal with bull rushes, and fantastic natural athleticism to neutralize speed rushers. He struggles with porous technique and is not ready to play in the NFL. Proper coaching is needed, but the potential is undeniable.
No. 4 – Trey Adams – Washington
A career derailed by injuries, if Adams had never gotten hurt he’d be my OT2 in the draft. However last year his season was ended by an ACL tear, and this year he had season ending back surgery. Adams is excellent in pass protection as, unlike Little, he lacks elite athleticism but makes up for it with pre-snap reads and great technique. Adams doesn’t have top-tier athleticism or strength, but is stout in pass pro and can move people in the run game. As long as he can stay healthy, he’s a cornerstone left tackle in the NFL.
No. 3 – David Edwards – Wisconsin
The best run blocker in the draft class, David Edwards just moves people. If there’s someone in front of him, he’s gonna move them backwards. Edwards isn’t technically complete yet, he has lapses where he relies on his size and athleticism instead of hand placement and leverage. Edwards is a prototypical right tackle in the NFL Draft with left tackle upside.
No. 2 – Yodney Cajuste – West Virginia
The biggest riser on this list, I didn’t think much of Cajuste last season, but he’s shown a lot of improvement this year. He’s been a wall for Will Grier, excellent technique combined with good size and speed. Cajuste has the versatility to play anywhere along the line, and while I don’t know if he has all-pro caliber, but he can be a a quality starter for the next ten-plus years.
No. 1 – Jonah Williams – Alabama
The best offensive tackles I’ve ever evaluated. Williams is a player that you draft and plug right into your left tackle position. He has size strength and speed, along with excellent technique. He’s a shutdown pass protector, and a road mauler. He’s a top five player in the draft class for me, and he’s got all-pro potential.
Interior Offensive Line
No. 5 – Ross Pierschbacher – Alabama
Alabama run mauler. Has received great coaching, and it shows in his technique. Value comes as a run blocker, can struggle in pass protection. Average length, average athlete. Unlikely he’ll ever be an All-Pro player, but can have a long career as an NFL starter.
No. 4 – Lester Cotton – Alabama
Absolute unit. Cotton moves people, plain and simple. He’s the most powerful interior offensive lineman in this class. Coached well at Alabama, has good footwork and uses his hands well. Size limits his movement skills, specifically in pass protection against shiftier interior pass rushers. Will make a living as a top interior run blocker.
No. 3 – Michael Deiter – Wisconsin
Size and versatility, has played center, left tackle, and now left guard. Great size, could potential fit as a right tackle, but projects best as a guard. Technically sound, does well against speed or power rushes. Moves people in the run game, and holds his own in pass protection.
No. 2 – Tyler Biadasz – Wisconsin
Strong overall player with no glaring weaknesses. Great size and an above average athlete. Moves people in the run game, while doing well in his pass protection at the center position. Smart, identifies blitzes and calls the pass pro for the line. Biadasz is an plug and play starter with the best upside in the class.
No. 1 – Chris Lindstrom – Boston College
If I had to plug and play one offensive lineman in the entire class to perform well, I’d choose Lindstrom ten out of ten times. He’s a four-year starter, has played all along the offensive line, and has performed well. Extremely smart player, understand pre-snap reads. Excellent technique with good power and is an adequate athlete. Lindstrom will be the best rookie offensive lineman year one, but I’m not sure how much higher his ceiling is.
Defensive Line
Honorable Mention – Quinnen Williams – Alabama
Williams has had a fantastic start to the season. He’d be the top defensive lineman on 99% of college teams. He has active hands and generates good pressure by slipping by offensive lineman. He’s possess good play strength and holds his ground well. I want to see how he progresses throughout the rest of the season, as he doesn’t have much film to go off prior to this season. Occasionally plays high.
No. 5 – Gerald Willis III – Miami
Very potent pass rush due to quick hands and natural power. Very strong at the point of attack. Occasionally gets moved back by double teams but does a good job mitigating the damage by get away from it. Works from the nose or or the b-gap. Occasionally gets too far up field. Light for a prototypical NFL nose, but has play strength to get the job done. Some off the field questions.
No. 4 – Derrick Brown – Auburn
Massive human being, and very strong. A force in the run game, Brown escorts offensive lineman into the backfield before dropping the running back. Very aggressive, Brown plays angry generates constant pressure. Does well in pass rush situations, but may be viewed as a two-down player in the NFL. Prototypical NFL nose-tackle.
No. 3 – Raekwon Davis – Alabama
Another future Alabama first round defensive lineman. Davis may be the best one yet. An elite run defender, Davis is extremely long allowing him to keep blockers off of him. 6-foot-6 but plays low, well as low as he can. Still developing as a pass rusher. Can play any spot on the defensive line, but best fits in a 4-3 defense.
No. 2 – Jeffrey Simmons – Mississippi St.
Elite potential. Best combination of size and speed in the class. Immediate value as a pass rusher and run stopper. Quick hands and good bend considering his size. Best projects as a B-gap player but can be used as an edge defender or nose tackle. Occasionally runs himself out of a play. Incident off the field years ago will raise questions but unlikely to effect his draft stock.
No. 1 – Ed Oliver – Houston
Ed Oliver is my No. 1 player. A little undersized, but otherwise a total package. Lives in the backfield. Hasn’t faced elite competition but could take awhile to get going in the NFL, but has true All-Pro potential. Athleticism unlike anything I’ve ever seen in an interior defensive lineman. Just too quick for any interior lineman to deal with. Translates speed into power and isn’t afraid to embarrass offensive lineman. Constantly doubled and even tripled team, Oliver forces opposing offensive coordinators to game plan around him completely.
Edge Defenders
Honorable Mention – Jachai Polite – Florida
Polite has shown flashes that would give Nick Bosa a run for his money. Unfortunately the flashes are relatively recent, and they come with stretches of average play. Incredibly athletic and bendy, Florida has proven to produce quality NFL pass rushers, can polite follow the mold? If he continues his level of play this season and works well at the combine he could run himself into the late first round.
No. 5 – Anfernee Jennings – Alabama
Uses power to push the pocket and set the edge. Not an elite athlete, but make up for it with lengthy frame. Keeps blockers off him in pass rush and run defense. Smart player, plays the option well and rarely bites on head fakes or play action. Instant starter with high floor but low ceiling.
No. 4 – Montez Sweat – Mississippi St.
High motor player. Hands and feet are always moving. Not overly big or athletic. Keeps arms extended to stay clean. Needs to develop more pass rush moves, but has the arm length and hand speed to do so. A bit of a project player with high upside once he fills in his frame.
No. 3 – Brian Burns – Florida St.
Very polished pass rusher. Good athlete, very twitchy. Good first step and natural technician in pass rush. Occasional gets overpowered but will add mass in the NFL. High ceiling but i’m afraid Burns isn’t ready to be more than a pass rush specialist early in his career.
No. 2 – Clelin Ferrell – Clemson
Clemson’s best player, Ferrell has excellent size and length. Solid athlete, very quick. Contains an arsenal of pass rush moves. Long arms and very strong. Not overly bendy, but I don’t think it will effect him at the next level. Plug and play starter with an NFL ready skill set.
No. 1 – Nick Bosa – Ohio St.
Nick Bosa is arguably the best edge defender prospect in the past five years not named Myles Garrett. He’s a great run defender with strength to disrupt game plans. Productive pass rusher with a plethora of moves. Not overly athletic and won’t win with speed at the next level. Mentally ready for the NFL and is a franchise cornerstone type player.
Linebackers
No. 5 – Joe Giles-Harris – Duke
Good blend of size and speed that will help in the draft. Giles-Harris had had an incredibly productive career for Duke thus far. Value as a three-down player with a strong feel for coverage. Can get overpowered when offensive lineman get their hands on him and occasionally gets washed in the trenches.
No. 4 – Kendall Joseph – Clemson
Kendall Joseph is undersized, but makes up for size with an understanding for the game. Relies on film study and instinct to be in the right place at the right time. Reliable tackler with nearly 20 career tackles for loss. Physical abilities may limit his ability in the NFL Draft.
No. 3 – Devin White – LSU
Excellent athlete, will light up the draft combine, and help himself in the draft. Makes play sideline to sideline and is the heart of LSU’s defense. Undersized, needs to work on his ability to disengage blockers. Has speed to excel in coverage but must work on his spacial awareness. He lets up to many easy receptions into his zone and plays for the tackle instead of playing for the ball.
No. 2 – Paddy Fischer – Northwestern
Excellent size standing at 6-foot-4, 245, Fischer has the best natural physical abilities of anybody in this years class. For how large he is, he’s also quick and possess elite instincts. He doesn’t have great sideline to sideline speed, but reads plays well and uses his length and quickness to get where he needs to be. Reminds me a lot of Ravens linebacker C.J. Mosley.
No. 1 – Mack Wilson – Alabama
I was lower on Wilson than most going into the season, but his play this year, added onto his performances in the CFB Playoffs last year, have changed my mind. Excellent speed combined with the ability to identify a play an shoot through the gaps. Playing at Alabama, Wilson has received great coaching and is the most mentally prepared for the NFL Draft.
Cornerbacks
No. 5 – DeAndre Baker – Georgia
Baker has had a very good season thus far. He plays best in press man despite being a smaller corner. Plays like a 6-foot-3 corner in a 5-foot-10 body. Struggles dealing with receivers that take the top off. Can play any corner position, but projects well as a rookie nickel corner after the draft.
No. 4 – Kris Boyd – Texas
Through the years, Kris Boyd has grown into a very complete draft cornerback. Average in zone coverage, tends to focus more on the receivers than watching the quarterback which has it’s pros and cons. Best in man coverage when it’s him vs his man, has an alpha mentality. Excellent against the run. Gets his hands on the ball to contest catches but has poor ball skills in terms of takeaways.
No. 3 – Julian Love – Notre Dame
Good size and speed. 34 career pass deflections in less than three years of playing. Very good when ball is in the air. Needs to clean up technique but possess excellent instincts. Does well in bump and run but can get too aggressive in coverage. Good instincts for zone and good feet for man.
No. 2 – Amani Oruwariye – Penn State
Excellent press coverage, long arms and adequate speed. Oruwariye is a height weight speed guy with excellent ball skills. Comfortable in man or zone coverage. Incredibly body control making numerous interceptions he had no business snagging. Excellent when the ball is in the air, times jump balls better than receivers do. Will be 23 when drafted and 24 before the end of his rookie year.
No. 1 – Andreaz “Greedy” Williams – LSU
In terms of upside, Williams is the best corner I’ve ever evaluated. Excellent height at 6-foot-2, and uses it. Alpha mentality, when the ball’s in the air, it’s his. Locks down a side of the field in man, and plays with great instincts in zone. Should’ve been a receiver with his ball skills. Not quite as quick as Denzel Ward, but but better natural length.
![ORLANDO, FL – SEPTEMBER 01: Deionte Thompson #14 of the Alabama Crimson Tide intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for Jaylen Smith #9 of the Louisville Cardinals in the second quarter of the game at Camping World Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)\](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_16,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/a2ba1532091b07cd7f61aae4b19ac6a45f52debd4b5e6499d43ce3295ee06b30.jpg "ORLANDO, FL – SEPTEMBER 01: Deionte Thompson #14 of the Alabama Crimson Tide intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for Jaylen Smith #9 of the Louisville Cardinals in the second quarter of the game at Camping World Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)\")
Safeties
No. 5 – Brandon Jones – Texas
Jones draft stock is based mostly on projection. He has played at a high level this season, but I didn’t see anything special prior to this year. Elite speed and good length. Has the physical tools to ply all over the secondary. Lacks experience as a nickel cornerback, but has the skill-set to do it. Reminds me of a poor mans Minkah Fitzpatrick. Sounds tackler in the open field. Still developing mentally in coverage and occasionally misses assignments. Very high ceiling, should out on a show at the combine.
No. 4 – Taylor Rapp – Washington
Another swiss-army knife player, Rapp can play free or strong safety, along with nickel corner and dime linebacker. Doesn’t have outstanding physical tools, but uses reliable technique in coverage and tackling. Has a knack for causing fumbles. Average ball skills. Physical limitations will limit his draft stock, but hustle and instincts will keep him on the field.
No. 3 – Jaquan Johnson – Miami
Plays like a missile, Johnson is always looking to get into the action. Creates turnovers and impact plays. Leader of a great Miami defense. Limited to mostly strong safety, plays best when he keeps things in front of him. Impact defender with little weaknesses.
No. 2 – Daniel Thomas – Auburn
Someone I feel is under appreciated and almost disrespected. Thomas played most of last season with a hand injury that still performed nicely. Best games have been against top tier opponents like Alabama, LSU, and Washington. Big hitter with adequate ball skills. Has a skill set that will translate nicely to the NFL Draft.
No. 1 – Deionte Thompson – Alabama
True center fielder with elite ball skills. Thompson covers the filed sideline to sideline with ease. Flashed against Louisville to start the season, and has been nothing but impressive since. Malik hooker type of player. Would like to see him sustain his play before crowning him an elite prospect though.