2023 NFL Draft: Top 50 Big Board and Positional Rankings

April 27, 2023April 26, 2023 Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NFL 2023 NFL Big Board, 2023 NFL Draft, Big Board, NFL Draft

We are in the home stretch. The 2023 NFL draft is just one day away. I am putting the finishing touches on my work for this draft cycle and starting to peak ahead to 2024 as well.

With so much being finalized, I am putting together my final rankings for this class. My overall impression is that this group is on par with last year’s draft, which puts it firmly behind the 2021 draft class. There will be some diamonds in the rough as always, but it is not as dominant a group as I think many had hoped for entering this cycle.

If you are looking for my final player rankings, you can scroll to the bottom. I have also added the links to all of the scouting reports I have published on the site this year. Enjoy!

Quarterbacks
1. Bryce Young, Alabama
2. C.J. Stroud, Ohio State
3. Anthony Richardson, Florida
4. Hendon Hooker, Tennessee
5. Will Levis, Kentucky

We have picked these quarterbacks to death at this stage. Young comes out in front for me as the most polished of any of the quarterbacks in this class. His stature holds him back from being an elite prospect, but he brings everything else you want to the table. Stroud is a close second for me. His poise, accuracy and touch make him a prototypical fit for the NFL. Richardson is all about potential. He has a rocket arm and incredible athleticism. If he can put it all together, he will be a star. It is a huge risk though, because he could just as easily be out of the league in four years. Hooker is a much better player at present than Richardson, but he is 25 and coming off a torn ACL. Levis is a bit of a tricky evaluation, but for all the splash plays, he is not a starting-caliber quarterback right now. This is a decent quarterback class, with a few intriguing late-round prospects as well.

Running Back
1. Bijan Robinson, Texas
2. Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama
3. Tyjae Spears, Tulane
4. Zach Charbonnett, UCLA
5. Devon Achane, Texas A&M

Arguably the deepest position group in this draft, there are a ton of running backs who play meaningful roles over the next few seasons. Robinson is a borderline generational prospect, perhaps earning that presidential tag instead. His contact balance, change of direction and power make him the best running back prospect since Saquon Barkley. Gibbs is a speedy player with soft hands and impressive agility. He is a major liability as a pass blocker though. Spears can do it all and demonstrated that time and time again during this draft cycle. Charbonnett is a finished product who can contribute from Day 1. I don’t know if he will ever be one of the top backs in the league, but I think he has a few Pro Bowls in him. Achane is surprisingly powerful for a back his size. He posted the fastest time at the combine as well. There are a ton of other running backs that likely would have found their way into the Top 100 of my rankings if I went that far. It is a good year to need some help in the backfield.

Wide Receiver
1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State
2. Zay Flowers, Boston College
3. Jordan Addison, USC
4. Quentin Johnston, TCU
5. Josh Downs, UNC

Smith-Njigba seemed like he might be on the path to being a top-five pick when the season began. Instead, injuries cost him pretty much the entire season. He is still my favorite receiver this year. Flowers is undersized, but plays bigger. He will be a reliable playmaker at the next level. Addison is a crafty player with tons of college production. If he is allowed to play in the slot, he will flourish. Johnston is an exciting blend of size and speed. Downs is a smooth operator and has great hands. He has been overlooked in this class in my opinion. This receiver class is deep, just like it seems to be almost every year. It does not have the same type of top-end talent as years past, but there is plenty of quality to be found in the middle rounds of this draft.

Tight End
1. Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
2. Dalton Kincaid, Utah
3. Darnell Washington, Georgia
4. Luke Musgrave, Oregon State
5. Sam LaPorta, Iowa

After a few years of fairly disappointing tight end classes, the 2023 group should deliver some high-quality starters. Mayer is the top option for me. There is nothing flashy about his game, but he is rock solid and well-rounded. Kincaid is about as polished as they come from a receiving aspect. He leaves a bit to be desired as a blocker. Washington is a converted offensive tackle playing tight end. He is an incredible athlete, but it might take a year or two before he is able to impact the game at a high level. Musgrave is a bit unrefined still and coming off a knee injury that ended his 2022 season, but there is a lot to like about his body of work. LaPorta is the latest Iowa tight end to catch the attention of NFL scouts. The fact that he eclipsed 600 yards receiving in the Hawkeyes anemic passing offense is a testament to his skill. All five of them should be drafted before the end of the second round and there are a few who could join them as well.

Offensive Tackle
1. Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State
2. Broderick Jones, Georgia
3. Darnell Wright, Tennessee
4. Anton Harrison, Oklahoma
5. Dawand Jones, Ohio State

This tackle class has some shortcomings. There is not a ton of depth and certainly no elite prospects to match that of Penei Sewell. Still there should be some decent options for teams looking to fill the position. Johnson stands out to me from the rest. He has experience at both right guard and left tackle. He has the size, length and athleticism to contend at the next level. Jones is likely the most polished pass blocker of the group. He did not allow a sack in the 2022 campaign. He has room to add to his frame, but he more than held his own at Georgia over the past two seasons. Wright has drawn a lot of praise during the pre-draft process. He is the top right tackle on the board. He is very powerful, but still has some room to improve his technique. Harrison is an experienced option who should be more than capable of stepping and competing from Day 1. Jones is a massive man, measuring 6’8″, 374 pounds with 36-inch arms. He will need to prove that he has the stamina and movement skills to survive at tackle in the NFL.

Interior Offensive Line
1. Peter Skoronski, Northwestern
2. Steve Avila, TCU
3. John Michael Schmitz, Minnesota
4. O’Cyrus Torrence, Florida
5. Joe Tippmann, Wisconsin

Many believe Skoronski can be a tackle at the next level. However, he has 32-inch arms, which is in the 4th percentile for NFL tackles. I worry about his ability to contend with long, bendy edge rushers in the NFL. He also has a background on the interior, being recruited to Northwestern as a center. Avila flew under the radar for many in this draft process, but has been getting some late buzz. Schmitz is my top center in this class. He is rock solid and recently began drawing comparisons to Chiefs All-Pro center Creed Humphrey. Torrence proved he could hold his own in the SEC after spending three years at Louisiana. He should be a plug-and-play option. Tippmann is a good athlete who brings above-average power to the table. He is a center by trade, but I could see him being an option at guard as well.

Edge Rusher
1. Will Anderson Jr., Alabama
2. Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech
3. Nolan Smith, Georgia
4. Myles Murphy, Clemson
5. Lukas Van Ness, Iowa

If you need a pass rusher, this is your year to cash in. Anderson headlines a stacked class. He has incredible college production and seems like a natural-born leader. If there is a player in this class I am willing to bet will end up with a gold jacket one day, it is him. Wilson is a long, athletic disruptor off the edge. He is rock solid against the run and has some good production as a pass rusher. Smith’s college career came to an abrupt end with a torn pectoral muscle, but he is a twitchy player off the edge with the right tools to be a long-term difference maker. Murphy is still a bit raw, but his athleticism is really impressive. He has an incredibly high ceiling, but will need some good coaching to get there. Van Ness is a unique case coming from Iowa, where Kirk Ferentz insists on starting seniors. He has some good tape, but I do have some questions about his ability to be an every down player, simply because we haven’t seen it from him yet. If we are going by athleticism and power though, there is no doubt he will find a way to be impactful. All five of those players are ranked in my top 18 prospects. This is a really dynamic group with depth behind it. I have eight edge rushers in my top 50.

Interior Defensive Line
1. Jalen Carter, Georgia
2. Bryan Bresee, Clemson
3. Mazi Smith, Michigan
4. Calijah Kancey, Pittsburgh
5. Keeanu Benton, Wisconsin

There is a big gap between Carter and the rest of this group, which says more about him than anything else. He is the most physically talented player in this class. However, an arrest for reckless driving and a lack of on-field production raise enough question marks to keep him out of the generational prospect conversation for me. I still love his ability and think he will translate well to the next level. Bresee never quite lived up to the hype at Clemson. A COVID-shortened season and a torn ACL in 2021 largely hampered his ability to deliver on being the top recruit in the 2020 class. Still, he had a strong combine and I believe his best football is ahead of him. Smith is a dynamic athlete, who topped Bruce Feldman’s 2022 “Freaks” list. Former No. 1 designees include Evan Neal, Kwity Paye and Tristan Wirfs, if that means anything. Kancey has drawn comparisons to Aaron Donald, but I don’t think he has the same play strength as his fellow Pitt Panther. He is undersized and has short arms, which makes him a liability in the run game, but he certainly makes a big impact as a pass rusher. Benton is essentially the opposite of that, playing with great power and length, but lacking the same high-end athletic traits. This is a pretty solid group with some quality depth behind it.

Off-Ball Linebacker
1. Drew Sanders, Arkansas
2. Jack Campbell, Iowa
3. Trenton Simpson, Clemson
4. Henry To’oTo’o, Alabama
5. Owen Pappoe, Auburn

Much like running backs, NFL teams don’t quite value off-ball linebackers the way they used to. There are still good players at the position, you just don’t see them drafted as highly. I don’t expect any linebackers to be selected in the first-round this year, but I think we should see several come off the board on Day 2. That starts with Sanders. The Alabama transfer flies around the field and made a big impact in the middle of that Arkansas defense in 2022. Campbell is one of my favorite players in this draft. He has excellent instincts and great athleticism to make the play. The lackluster 40 time at the combine does not worry me. Simpson is another athletic prospect, but he needs a bit more refining before he is ready to start in the NFL. To’oTo’o has loads of experience after starting for both Tennessee and Alabama over the past four years. However, he lacks the elite athleticism to push himself higher up draft boards. Pappoe simply wowed me at the combine and I would be willing to gamble on his athletic upside.

Cornerback
1. Devon Weatherspoon, Illinois
2. Joey Porter Jr., Penn State
3. Deonte Banks, Maryland
4. Christian Gonzalez, Oregon
5. Julius Brents, Kansas State

Corner is always one of my favorite position groups to evaluate this year and this group did not disappoint. Each of my top five corners brings something a little different to the table. Weatherspoon plays downhill and his aggressive play style is rewarded more often than not. Porter has uncommon length for the position, allowing him to make up for any technique missteps. If he can refine his technique and footwork a bit, I think he will be one of the best corners in the league. Banks has impressive speed on the outside. Even when he is beat off the line, he is never really out of a play. Gonzalez has great length and routinely has himself in the right position. However, he will need to get stronger if he is going to survive in the NFL. Brents is one of “my guys” in this class. I love his blend of size and agility. He posted the best three-cone and 20-yard shuttle time of any corner at the combine. In fact, the only player to beat his times at any position was Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Safety
1. Sydney Brown, Illinois
2. Brian Branch, Alabama
3. Jartavius Martin, Illinois
4. Ji’Ayir Brown, Penn State
5. Christopher Smith, Georgia

It would be easy to look at this safety group and say it was disappointing. Only Brown cracks my top 50. However, there is a lot of depth to the position this year. Branch, Martin and both Browns should be Day 2 picks. Smith will likely end up going on Day 3, but he is a personal favorite. Brown and Martin left quite the impression at Illinois. Brown tore up the combine and should have the speed to contend at the next level. Martin has experience at outside corner, safety and nickel corner. His versatility and athleticism should serve him well in the NFL. Branch is another versatile player, with experience in the slot and at safety. He had a really strong career at Alabama, but his athleticism could end up letting him down in the pros. Brown is coming off a productive career at Penn State and has the right instincts to continue that success. Smith is a playmaker and another guy I think deserves more love in this class. He isn’t a great athlete, which could hold him back, but he was a key piece on the back end of that Georgia defense that won back-to-back titles.

Final Big Board
1. Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama
2. Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
3. Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
4. Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
5. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
6. Tyree Wilson, EDGE, Texas Tech
7. Devon Weatherspoon, CB, Illinois
8. C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
9. Nolan Smith, EDGE, Georgia
10. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
11. Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
12. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
13. Peter Skoronski, OL, Northwestern
14. Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
15. Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
16. Myles Murphy, EDGE, Clemson
17. Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
18. Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, Iowa
19. Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
20. Darnell Wright, OT, Tennessee
21. Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
22. Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
23. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Alabama
24. Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
25. Jordan Addison, WR, USC
26. Julius Brents, CB, Kansas State
27. Steve Avila, G, TCU
28. Will McDonald IV, EDGE, Iowa State
29. Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
30. Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
31. Jack Campbell, LB, Iowa
32. Bryan Bresee, DL, Clemson
33. Mazi Smith, DL, Michigan
34. Felix Anduike-Uzomah, EDGE, Kansas State
35. John Michael Schmitz, OL, Minnesota
36. Luke Musgrave, TE, Oregon State
37. Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane
38. Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
39. Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
40. O’Cyrus Torrence, G, Florida
41. B.J. Ojulari, EDGE, LSU
42. Calijah Kancey, DL, Pittsburgh
43. Josh Downs, WR, UNC
44. Sydney Brown, S, Illinois
45. Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
46. Dawand Jones, OT, Ohio State
47. Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State
48. D.J. Turner, CB, Michigan
49. Keelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
50. Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss

2022 NFL Draft Big Board: A pair of quarterbacks help round out the Top 50

April 20, 2022 Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NFL 2022 NFL Big Board, Big Board, NFL, NFL Draft, NFL Draft Daily

NFL Draft Daily looks at top stories, historical trends, player performances and more all through the lens of the NFL Draft. After all, there are only 8 days until the 2022 NFL draft. Check back in tomorrow for another entry.

We have reached the single digits in the countdown to draft day. I posted my top 25 players on Monday. I am continuing those rankings here.

A few things to note about how I do my big boards. I rank the best players in the class based on talent and ability to translate to the NFL, not necessarily where they will be drafted. Let’s use Malik Willis as an example. I expect him to be drafted well above where I have him ranked, but that is because the league puts a premium on the position he plays. Same thing goes for Kyle Hamilton, but in reverse. He is a top-five player in this draft class, but he will probably drop out of the top 10 on draft day because the NFL does not value safeties as highly.

26. Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
One of the best interior linemen in this class, Linderbaum was a lot higher on my board prior to the pre draft process. He fell well short of the measurables you want from an NFL offensive linemen, ranking in the first percentile for wingspan and arm length, the fifth percentile for weight and the sixth percentile for height. That does not mean he cannot translate to the next level, but it does point to him being a bit more limited with what we can expect, especially as a run blocker. He still has incredible athleticism for the position and the drive to finish blocks. Since 2010, there have been no centers drafted in the first round that weighed under 300 pounds. Linderbaum weighs 296 pounds.

27. Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
One of my favorite prospects in this class, appearing on my draft crushes list for 2022 as well, Walker is a rangy linebacker with great size and instincts. He ran well at the combine, which backed up the speed you see watching him on film. He has true sideline-to-sideline capability. He is a plus in coverage as well. While he did not produce much as a pass rusher, he is still an effective blitzer when his number is called. All-around solid linebacker with great traits. I think he will fit into just about any defense at the NFL level.

28. George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
One of the most exciting edge rushers in this draft class, Karlaftis flashes all kinds of a pass rush ability on film. The biggest challenge for NFL teams will be getting him to produce consistently. His technique as a rusher is all over the place and his run defense leaves a lot to be desired. So far, he has not been able to match his freshman season where he posted 7.5 sacks, totaling just five in his final 15 collegiate games. He measured in with shorter than ideal arms as well, but that is something he can overcome with his speed and quickness off the line. There is a lot of room for growth, which should see him go in the first round.

29. Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
This is one of the trickiest evaluations of this draft process. On film, Burks showcased impressive playmaking skills with an exciting blend of size and speed. He posted impressive numbers for the Razorbacks, eclipsing 1,100 yards receiving to go with 11 touchdowns. He torched Alabama for 179 yards and two scores. That being said, he also had four games this season where he was held under 50 yards receiving, including a 16-yard outing against LSU and a 10-yard day when facing Georgia. That paired with a lackluster 40-time and a disappointing three-cone time and you get to where we are now. He could end up being a really solid playmaker, but there are a couple of red flags.

30. Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
Another Georgia defender makes the top 50. Dean is an explosive playmaker who excels playing downhill as a blitzing linebacker. He is decent in coverage and shows good range in run defense. He is a bit undersized at 5’11”, which is one of the only real knocks on Dean. If he can continue to play with good technique and capitalize on his speed, I think he will still be successful. There will be some teams who will not have him high on their boards because of his size. I think he can still be a solid starter with the capability to contribute right away.

31. Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State
Another edge rusher still learning to play the sport, Ebiketie’s draft stock skyrocketed in his one season at Penn State after transferring from Temple. He only started playing football during his sophomore year of high school. He didn’t start at Temple until 2020, but did enough to impress James Franklin and his staff. It paid off with 9.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss during his redshirt senior season. He is a bit small by NFL defensive end standards at about 6’3″, 250 pounds, but he has ideal length and impressive athleticism. However, he is one of the older prospects in the draft, having turned 23 in January. He is going to be a very scheme specific fit early on unless he can learn to play in more of an outside linebacker role.

32. Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Another player that I have struggled in evaluating, Elam checks a lot of boxes for what I look for in a corner. He is tall at 6’1″ and ran sub 4.4 for his 40 time. He excels in press man with solid length and good fluidity in his movement. I can see him being a really good fit for any team that runs a lot of Cover 1 or Cover 0 sets. So that’s the good news. The bad news is he struggles in zone coverage and has some work to do as an open-field tackler. He won’t be a fit for everyone, but if lands in the right spot, he could be a starter on the outside right away.

33. Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State
The first tight end to appear on my big board, McBride is a bit of a mix between new age and old school when it comes to the position. He is capable of lining up split out on the boundary, in the slot or inline next to the tackle as a receiver. He posted ridiculous numbers this past season with 90 receptions for over 1,100 yards, practically unheard of for a college tight end. What’s more, he is an above average blocker with solid speed. He was clocked running somewhere in the mid 4.5s at his pro day. He might not be on the same level as Kyle Pitts, but he is scheme versatile. I think he has Pro Bowl potential.

34. Jaquan Brisker, S, Penn State
Kyle Hamilton gets all the publicity, but this is a deep class of safeties. Brisker is one of a few I expect to see drafted in the second round come draft day. He is big at 6’1″ and he tested well at the combine. He flies around the field on his tape, making plays from a variety of positions in Penn State’s defense. I think he has the physicality and instincts to play strong safety and the range to play free safety. That versatility will be coveted at the next level.

35. Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
NDSU is becoming quite the breeding ground for NFL talent. Watson should be the latest player to earn his way to the next level. He is a rare combination of size and speed, measuring in at 6’4″ and running a 4.36 40-yard dash at the combine. He is a bit limited as a route runner, but he showcased his ability to win in one-on-one coverage at the Senior Bowl. There will be some growing pains as he continues to improve his hands and quickness, but the potential for him to become a matchup nightmare is enticing.

36. Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
The next quarterback to come up on my board, Pickett is the most pro ready passer of this group. He has a good arm, a consistent throwing motion and the mobility needed to succeed in today’s NFL. He took a massive leap in his development during his redshirt senior season at Pittsburgh. His completion percentage jumped six points and he threw for more touchdowns (42) than he did in his first four seasons (39). Was he a one-season wonder? Only time will tell. There are a few other concerns with Pickett as well. He has the smallest hands in the league, which could prove to be an issue when the weather gets cold late in the season. He will also turn 24 this June. It is hard to tell exactly how much more room for growth there is.

37. George Pickens, WR, Georgia
One of the most tantalizing prospects in this draft class, Pickens is a bit of an unknown. He had a fantastic freshman season in a limited role before turning in a much more muted sophomore campaign. Expecting a big junior season, he tore his ACL in spring practice, but worked his way back to appear in the final few games of the season. He only recorded five catches in those four games. He posted solid, but not spectacular numbers at the combine, but the fact that he participated gave a good indication that he is back to full strength. Pickens has the body type and skill set to be a No. 1 receiver. It will be on whatever team drafts him though to help him take that next step in his development.

38. Desmond Ridder, QB, Cincinnati
Ridder is not just a fairy tale story anymore. Cincinnati showed it truly belonged in 2021, even if they did come up short against Alabama in the College Football Playoff. Ridder showcased in that game both what makes him an enticing prospect and why he is a bit of a project. He stood in against a heavy rush all night and delivered some solid passes outside the numbers. Unfortunately, we also saw him struggle to adjust when his passes were getting batted down at the line and his inaccuracy over the middle became a problem. There is a lot to like about his leadership, mobility and arm strength, but it will take time for him to put them all together.

39. Lewis Cine, S, Georgia
Yet another Georgia player. Kirby Smart sure knows how to recruit and develop NFL talent. Cine was already on the NFL’s radar, but he really caught the nation’s attention with the performance he put on in the National Championship Game against Alabama. He racked up seven tackles, including one for loss against the Tide, making plays in space the whole game long. It capped off a season where he recorded 73 tackles and showcased his speed. He has great size for the position and checks just about every box from a physical standpoint.

40. Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota
An up-and-coming pass rusher in this draft class, Mafe turned in a seven-sack performance in his senior season. He is a speed rusher who flashes moments of power on film. His quick first step makes him tough to combat for slower tackles. He also showed that he can drop into coverage in both man and zone on film, so I think he could comfortably play outside linebacker at the next level. Mafe is also very comfortable playing with his hand in the ground as a defensive end. He has some room to improve as a run defender, but I think he will find his way onto the field early in his career.

41. Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan
Raimann feels like an athlete who just so happens to play offensive tackle. He put together a very impressive workout at the combine, dominating the three-cone, broad jump and bench press. My biggest knock on him would be his arm length, which was a bit below average. Still, I think he has the athleticism to make up for that. There will be a bit of a learning curve jumping from Central Michigan to facing NFL talent every week, but he has the look of a future starter in the league, especially if he can fill out his frame a bit more.

42. Sean Rhyan, OL, UCLA
Another college tackle whose future likely lies at interior lineman, Rhyan is close to NFL ready. He has good play strength and is a clear asset as a run blocker. He does sometimes lack a clear plan in the ground game, which leads him to miss a few blocks. Additionally, he does a solid job of keeping pass rushers in front of him. Unfortunately, he lacks the length to likely survive at tackle, but he could be a potential backup at the position given his history there in college.

43. Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington
NFL teams should probably just set up scouting posts in Seattle, because Washington continues to produce NFL caliber defensive backs. Elijah Molden, Byron Murphy, Taylor Rapp, Marcus Peters, Budda Baker and Kevin King are some of the more famous Huskies in the NFL right now. But I digress. Gordon seems poised to join that group, with recent buzz suggesting he might not get out of the first round. He is a bit bigger than his teammate Trent McDuffie at 5’11” and a half. However, he lacks the same kind of explosiveness that makes McDuffie such a coveted prospect. He shows a willingness as a run blocker. The more I watch him, the more I think I might be a little too low on him.

44. Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State
At long last, we have a running back in the rankings. Hall is a well-rounded back with potential home run speed. He broke 4.4 on his 40-time and had a really impressive workout all the way around. On top of that, his production at Iowa State was impressive. He scored 50 touchdowns on the ground and hauled in 83 catches over three years. He will certainly be a factor in the passing game even if he isn’t quite on the same level as Christian McCaffrey or Alvin Kamara. To me, he is the clear top back in this class and could even sneak into the end of Round 1 if a team like Buffalo decides it needs an upgrade in the backfield.

45. Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
This is a really tough one for me. From a production standpoint, I think Dotson is closer to a first-round pick. He has a great set of hands and posted over 1,100 yards on 90 catches with 12 touchdowns. The measurables are where I start to have an issue. He is only 5’10” and weighed in under 180 pounds at the combine. He also posted a dismal three-cone time. I think he can still be a very productive player at the next level, but I don’t know that he will ever be a true No. 1 option, which pushes him into the second round for me.

46. Darian Kinnard, OL, Kentucky
At this point, it is tough to project exactly where Kinnard will best fit in the NFL. He started three years at right tackle for Kentucky. However, he tested really poorly at the combine, showing he might lack to requisite athleticism to play tackle at the next level. That being said, he has long 35-inch arms and massive 11-inch hands. Those are incredible numbers. His play style probably points to a future on the interior, but only time will tell. Either way, I think he has a future as an NFL lineman with his raw power and size.

47. Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State
Thomas broke out in his junior season, recording 20.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. He has really solid play strength, which allows him to sort through traffic well against the run. San Diego State asked him to play inside a lot more than I think he will at the NFL level. He will likely be a 4-3 defensive end. He still has a lot of work to do as a pass rusher as he mostly wins reps based on effort at this point. The one thing he does really well as a pass rusher is use his hands to create leverage. If he starts adding a few moves, he will be a very effective player.

48. Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA
Definitely a bit of a project, Woolen has exciting intangibles. He showed out at the combine, measuring in at just over 6’4″ before running a 4.26 40 and a 42-inch vertical. Mix in roughly 33 and a half-inch long arms and you have the makings of a potential superstar at the position. It is all going to depend on his development. He had a good year at UTSA and has a good understanding of how to break up passes without getting called for interference. I think I would like to see him get a bit more physical and improve when it comes to mirroring receivers. He is a really exciting prospect though.

49. Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota
One of the largest human beings to ever be at the combine, Faalele became the heaviest player to weigh in over 20 years. He tipped the scales at 384 pounds. At 6’8″, he carries that weight pretty well, but those numbers are just mind boggling. That size alone makes him an asset, but it comes with its drawbacks. He lacks elite quickness and struggles with his pad level given his immense size. There is a lot to work with, but those limitations likely will keep him on the right side of the line for his career. Still, I think he can be a quality starter if he keeps his weight under control and works on his pass protection.

50. Alec Pierce, WR, Cincinnati
Opinions seem to be split on Pierce. On one hand, he has an enticing blend of size and long speed. He posted elite numbers in the vertical and broad jump. He was a big-play threat all year long at Cincinnati. On the other, can he really be more than just a big-play option? His film shows the ability to get open if he does not have elite quickness. Some of it can be blamed on a quarterback who seemingly struggled on intermediate routes over the middle. There is enough there that I think you can take a second-round flier on him and see if he can develop into a mid-tier No. 1 option.

Follow the Aftermath via email to get every article delivered right to your inbox. Enter your email in the text box to subscribe. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter. You can also check out our weekly podcast Draft Season Never Ends with new episodes every Friday, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

2022 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 25 dominated by offensive and defensive linemen

November 8, 2021 Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NCAAF, NFL 2022 NFL Big Board, 2022 NFL Draft, Big Board, Football, Kayvon Thibodeaux, NFL, NFL Draft

It is hard to believe it is already November. The first round of College Football Playoff rankings have already dropped and the second edition will already see a new top 4 following Michigan State’s loss to Purdue. While I have thoroughly enjoyed this wild college football season, I am also looking ahead to the 2022 NFL draft. This class is one of the most interesting ones we have had in recent years. Without an elite quarterback prospect, this group is dominated by elite offensive and defensive linemen. For the countless general managers who love to build in the trenches, this class is going to be a really fun one.

I already dropped my first mock draft of the year last week, but now I turn my attention to my first big board of the 2022 draft cycle. Mock drafts focus more on team fits, positional value and need. Big boards solely look at who the best prospects are to compete at the next level. While yes, it is likely that a quarterback goes in the top five picks, I do not have any ranked among my top 15 prospects. It is also unusual to see teams taking a safety in the top five, and just because Kyle Hamilton is a top-five player, it does not mean I think he will be a top-five draft pick.

This group has already been a fun one to break down and I have tons more film to go through before we reach draft day. I’ve watched at least two games for just about all of the prospects I have ranked below. This is far from set in stone. It is merely my initial assessment of where these prospects stack up. Without further ado, let’s get to these future NFL stars.

1. Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
There really isn’t anything Kayvon Thibodeaux can’t do. He is dominant as a pass rusher and disruptive against the run. He brings all of the projectables you want to see from a top-end edge rusher. With his length, bend and burst off the edge, he can line up with hand in the dirt or as a standup pass rusher. His ability to change the game makes him the top prospect in this class.

2. Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
Size, speed and power. Evan Neal has it all. At 6’7”, 360 lbs, he is a mountain of a man, but moves like someone at least 100 pounds lighter than him. He has experience on both sides of the line, but has shown he is more than capable of holding his own in pass protection this year in the SEC. He has all the tools to be a franchise left tackle. He flashes some moments on film where he just flat out dominates opposing linemen. He did it to DeMarvin Leal earlier this season. I think he will be one of the top five players off the board come April.

3. Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
Independent of position, Kyle Hamilton is one of the best players in this draft. Obviously, we don’t see too many safeties that go in the top three, but Hamilton could genuinely be worth the selection. Unlike Jamal Adams, he has the coverage ability to make him worth the selection this early in the draft. However, he is still a hard hitter who wraps up well and can play just about anywhere you want in coverage. His range makes him a complete player.

4. Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
If it is possible, breaking his leg in 2020 was likely a great thing for Aidan Hutchinson. He was in the mix to go in the top 50 last season. Now, it will be a surprise to see Hutchinson fall out of the top 10. He is a problem for opposing offensive lines in pass protection. He has six sacks this season and the length needed to succeed in the NFL. I expect him to test pretty well at the combine and at his pro day as well to bolster his draft stock.

5. Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
Injuries have started to hurt Derek Stingley Jr.’s draft stock. When he has played this year, he has not looked like the elite shutdown corner we saw in 2019 and much of 2020. He has the physical tools and tape to be a top-five pick. However, he is going to need to answer a lot of questions in the pre-draft process. Otherwise, we could see Stingley start sliding much further down draft boards.

6. Kenyon Green, OL, Texas A&M
Pick a position on the offensive line, Kenyon Green has most likely played it. He has taken snaps at every spot except center this year. Many see him fitting best as a guard at the next level, but he has been Texas A&M’s starting left tackle for much of this season. He has not done much to indicate he cannot play tackle in the NFL, but measurements and testing numbers might dictate how teams view him.

7. George Karlaftis, EDGE, Purdue
Purdue has been a giant killer this season. George Karlaftis is a big part of the reason the Boilermakers are making noise on the national stage. He has not put up the huge pass rushing numbers so far this season, but his impact can be seen on tape. He is very capable of turning the corner and chasing down opposing running backs and quarterbacks. He is a quick-twitch athlete with plenty of upside that should land him in the top 10.

8. DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M
Something of a tweener, DeMarvin Leal has plenty of experience at end and at tackle from his time at Texas A&M. I like him best on the interior. That’s not to say he cannot play out on the edge, but I think he projects best as a defensive tackle. His ability to beat interior offensive line off the snap with his quickness is incredibly impactful. He has the strength to fight through run blocks as well. Teams needing a 1-technique or 3-technique player should be all over Leal.

9. Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
One of my favorite players in this draft class, I’ve been banging the drum for Devin Lloyd since 2019. He jumped out to me on film when watching Bradlee Anae. His athleticism and nose for the football stood out. He can do a little bit of everything, evidenced by his 81 tackles, 6 sacks and 3 interceptions in 2021. Sometimes, he is guilty of being over aggressive and not reading his keys, but he is usually an instinctive, downhill player with good production.

10. Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
Given his size, Tyler Linderbaum won’t be for everyone. He is listed at 6’3”, 290 lbs, which is definitely a little light for interior linemen in the NFL. However, he is one of the most agile linemen in the country and has some nastiness to his blocking. For any team that runs a zone blocking scheme or one that emphasizes pulling linemen to block, he would be an excellent fit. Despite that slightly smaller frame, he is still more than capable of blowing opposing defensive linemen off the ball and putting them on the ground.

11. Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
The man known as Sauce is certainly no secret. He is arguably the best player on Cincinnati. Desmond Ridder and Myjai Sanders might have something to say about that. One thing is for sure, he is definitely the best NFL prospect on this team. A big corner, Ahmad Gardner is a press man corner with experience in zone schemes. I think he has the size and traits to be a true No. 1 corner at the next level.

12. Drake London, WR, USC
Despite a broken ankle, Drake London is my No. 1 wide receiver right now. He reminds me a lot of Mike Evans in his play style. Given his size and ability to catch the ball away from his body, he is a mismatch for most opposing corners. His production this season certainly points to that. He eclipsed 1,000 yards in just eight games. USC threw at him a lot too, as he recorded at least nine catches in all but one game this year. He certainly has room to improve his route running, but I like what he brings to the table.

13. Jordan Davis, DL, Georgia
After watching Jordan Davis, it is fair to wonder how people that large are able to move that fast. Davis is 6’6”, 340 lbs, but he has burst off the line of scrimmage. He can collapse the pocket and stuff the run. On tape, he displays good play strength and a solid understanding of gap assignments. It is fair to wonder how much he benefits from playing with the talent around him. That being said, there is no way Georgia linebackers would look as good without him eating up blocks in front of them.

14. Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
Garrett Wilson’s production won’t blow you away. It is solid, with 687 yards and 6 touchdowns on 43 catches, but far from breaking any records. However, his tape tells a different story. He has the stop-and-start ability to make defenders miss, reliable hands and a well-developed route tree. He is an all-around receiver who can fit some different roles as needed.

15. Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC
When you look at Drake Jackson’s athletic profile, it is easy to see how he fits at the NFL level. He is built like a prototypical 3-4 outside linebacker, standing 6’4″, 255 lbs. While primarily serving as a pass rusher, Jackson does have a couple of snaps where he drops into coverage, mostly in the flats. It definitely his not is strong suit, but it is good to see him show he is capable of being a three-down player. Why teams will be interested though is because of his quick first step and tantalizing length. He understands the importance of keeping contain, but still has room to grow as a block shedder. He is an intriguing prospect.

16. Ikem Ekwonu, OT, North Carolina State
The Athletic called him the most feared offensive linemen in the ACC. Put on the film and it is easy to see why. Ikem Ekwonu blocks to the whistle on just about every play, many of which involve him putting defenders on the ground. He shows some incredible raw power as a run blocker and is fairly polished in pass protection. There is room for improvement when it comes to his balance and footwork, but that mostly points to a higher ceiling for him to reach given all his physical gifts.

17. Sean Rhyan, OT, UCLA
There are a few things I really like about Sean Rhyan’s game. He always keeps the play in front of him. He slides his feet well and keeps his head up to see what he is hitting. I can’t tell you how many offensive linemen I watch that drop their heads as they lean into a block. You won’t see that very often with Rhyan. He has decent athleticism for the position but it won’t blow you away. If he can take the next step as a run blocker, he could push himself even higher up my board.

18. Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss
This is not the year to desperately need a quarterback. That’s not to say Matt Corral won’t succeed in the NFL. His play style and traits are reminiscent of Baker Mayfield, maybe without the same arm strength. Corral does show nice zip on his passes, but his ball placement is inconsistent. He has a good internal clock, but there are moments where he hangs onto the ball too long. He has enough athleticism to hang in the modern NFL, but he won’t be putting up huge rushing numbers. There is definitely a bit of room for improvement if he can improve his accuracy.

19. Christian Harris, LB, Alabama
The latest example of the modern day NFL linebacker, Christian Harris is built like a linebacker, but moves like a safety. He has great closing speed and flashes impressive strength as a pass rusher against backs and tight ends. He is a very effective blitzer and has more than enough range to play in coverage. So far, he has not shown the awareness or ability to work through run blocks to be a middle linebacker, but he could fit really well as an outside backer in a 4-3 scheme.

20. Andrew Booth, CB, Clemson
I tend to be a fan of taller corners. If you take a look at the top outside corners around the NFL, most are at least 5’11”. Jaire Alexander is pretty much the only elite corner below that threshold, and he is 5’10”. All of that to say that Andrew Booth Jr. checks all the physical boxes for a top outside corner. He has plus athleticism and good ball skills as well. This is more of a projection as to where he could end up, but there is a lot to like so far.

21. Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
This offensive line class is shaping up to be a pretty good one. Charles Cross has all the physical tools to be a really good right tackle and the potential to start as a blindside protector down the line. He is physical in the ground game, even if Mississippi State’s offense does not run the ball much. Cross’ 2021 film shows some improved hand placement and technique in pass protection, but I am concerned by how consistently he is beaten across his face, a cardinal sin in pass blocking. If he can fix the problem, likely oversetting in pass blocking kick, he will move up on my board.

22. Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
Another long, tall corner, Kaiir Elam has all the traits to be a good press-man corner. He is 6’2” with good open field speed and shows physicality on film. I haven’t been able to watch too much of his 2021 film yet, but his 2020 film shows some room for improvement in zone and off coverage. He is definitely better when he is allowed to keep contact with opposing receivers. I’m excited to dig into more of his tape from this year.

23. Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Much like Trey Lance and Jordan Love as prospects before him, Malik Willis has exciting physical traits and some truly spectacular plays on film, but struggles with consistency and has a lot of developing to do before he is ready to be a starting NFL quarterback. The arm talent is clearly there, but he holds onto the ball way too long and has not learned to throw it away. Following a hot start, he has come back down to earth. He now has three games this season with three interceptions. He also took a staggering nine sacks against Ole Miss. Some of that is on his offensive line, but Willis needs to identify the rush and learn to get rid of the football when he knows the pressure is coming.

24. Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
Another year, another incredibly talented Alabama wide receiver. Jameson Williams is not quite as polished or physically dominant as Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs, Jaylen Waddle or DeVonta Smith, but he is a solid route runner with good hands and a knack for the big play. He has surpassed John Metchie as the top receiver in Alabama’s offense. I will be really interested to see how he tests during the pre draft process.

25. Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
Much of the early scouting process is focused on identifying traits in players that can translate to the NFL. It does not take long to start seeing how Daxton Hill’s traits could translate. He posted the highest SPARQ rating in the 2019 recruiting class and you can see his clear speed and burst when you watch him fly around in Michigan’s defense. He also has reps in man-to-man coverage out of the slot. With experience at both safety spots, he could be a versatile chess piece for defensive coordinators to move around at the next level.

Follow the Aftermath via email to get every article delivered right to your inbox. Enter your email in the text box to subscribe. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Final Top 100 Big Board and positional rankings for the 2021 NFL draft

April 28, 2021April 28, 2021 Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NCAAF, NFL, Uncategorized 2021 NFL Draft, Big Board, DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, Justin Fields, Kyle Pitts, Mac Jones, Micah Parsons, NFL, NFL Draft, Patrick Surtain, Penei Sewell, Trevor Lawrence, Trey Lance, Zach Wilson

The countdown has reached one. On the final day before the NFL draft, I decided to have some fun with my player rankings. I am going to dive into my top 100, my positional rankings and even rank the position groups in this class.

This was easily the most difficult year I’ve ever had trying to nail down my final rankings. With no combine, incomplete medical information and the pandemic truly testing my mental fortitude, I certainly struggled. However, as I sit here in late April, I still feel pretty good about the list I have put together. I will dive into more of the specifics for some of these rankings when I get into the positional rankings. I also noted the cut off for where I have players graded by round. Without further ado, here are my top 100 players in this draft.

Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
Alijah Vera-Tucker, G, USC
Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB/S, Notre Dame
Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
Greg Newsome, CB, Northwestern
Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami
Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
Christian Barmore, DL, Alabama
Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan
Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU
Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa (First-round cut off)
Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma
Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State
Wyatt Davis, G, Ohio State
Liam Eichenburg, OT, Notre Dame
Jaelan Phillips, EDGE, Miami
Carlos Basham, DL, Wake Forest
Jabril Cox, LB, LSU
Joe Tryon, EDGE, Washington
Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky
Jayson Oweh, EDGE, Penn State
Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
Terrace Marshall, WR, LSU
Javonte Williams, RB, UNC
Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia
Daviyon Nixon, DL, Iowa
Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia
Joseph Ossai, EDGE, Texas
Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami
Nico Collins, WR, Michigan
Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State
Jevon Holland, S, Oregon
Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford
Quincy Roche, EDGE, Miami
Rashad Weaver, EDGE, Pittsburgh
Teven Jenkins, OT, Oklahoma State
Patrick Jones II, EDGE, Pittsburgh
Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse
Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse
Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
Kelvin Joseph, CB, Kentucky
Baron Browning, LB, Ohio State
Landon Dickerson, C, Alabama
Jay Tufele, DL, USC
Elijah Moore, WR, Ole Miss
Peter Werner, LB, Ohio State
James Hudson III, OT, Cincinnati (Second-round cut off)
Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
Chazz Surratt, LB, UNC
Amari Rodgers, WR, Clemson
Richie Grant, S, UCF
Trey Smith, G, Tennessee
Ronnie Perkins, EDGE, Oklahoma
Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State
Levi Onwuzurike, DL, Washington
Davis Mills, QB, Stanford
Benjamin St-Juste, CB, Minnesota
Walker Little, OT, Stanford
Shi Smith, WR, South Carolina
Spencer Brown, OT, Northern Iowa
Michael Carter, RB, UNC
Aaron Robinson, CB, UCF
Tylan Wallace, WR, Oklahoma State
Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama
Kyle Trask, QB, Florida
Marvin Wilson, DL, Florida State
Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC
D’Wayne Eskridge, WR, Western Michigan
Dyami Brown, WR, UNC
Payton Turner, EDGE, Houston
Tommy Tremble, Notre Dame (Third-round cut off)
Tyler Shelvin, DL, LSU
Nolan Laufenburg, G, Air Force
Robert Rochell, CB, Central Arkansas
Monty Rice, LB, Georgia
Quinn Meinerz, C, Wisconsin-Whitewater
Cameron McGrone, LB, Michigan
Jackson Carmen, G, Clemson
Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State
Kenny Yeboah, TE, Ole Miss

Let’s get into the nitty gritty now and take a look at each of the position groups. I tried to get very granular with these. Too often we just use the terms “EDGE” or “Linebacker” for so many front seven players. I wanted to really dive into which players fit into which schemes in my eyes.

Quarterback

Trevor Lawrence, Clemson
Trey Lance, North Dakota State
Zach Wilson, BYU
Mac Jones, Alabama
Justin Fields, Ohio State
Davis Mills, Stanford
Kyle Trask, Florida
Kellen Mond, Texas A&M
Jamie Newman, QB, Wake Forest
Shane Buechele, SMU

I don’t think there should be any surprise at No. 1. Trevor Lawrence checks all the physical boxes and enters the NFL with a wealth of high-level college experience. Meanwhile, my No. 2 quarterback lacks a lot of that polish that teams love about Lawrence. Trey Lance is incredibly physically gifted and has an incredibly high ceiling. I like his size a lot and think he is more likely to hold up at the next level than Zach Wilson. I do believe that Wilson has the best arm in this draft class, but I worry that he will not last long in the NFL. He runs with abandon and we saw that lead to a few injuries in college. Mac Jones is the most pro-ready passer in this class, but lacks the physical traits that wow fans and scouts alike. His ball placement is special though and I think he will be successful in the NFL, even if he is a bit unathletic by today’s standards for the position. Justin Fields is more of a project than I think most people realize. His speed is incredible, but his throwing motion and technique lack refining. I still believe in his potential, but I think his floor is lower than anyone else in the top five. Davis Mills is the biggest question mark in this class. Between injuries and a lack of experience, this is all about projection for him. I think he is a third-round prospect who will come off the board much sooner. Kellen Mond and Kyle Trask have some encouraging traits, but don’t bring enough to the table to make me believe either one of them will be high-end starters. I think both could be successful, but it will be more because of their surrounding talent than their raw skill. Jamie Newman is a wild card. He transferred from Wake Forest to Georgia only to opt out of the 2020 season after losing the starting job to Stetson Bennett. He is an intriguing project, but needs a ton of work. Shane Buchele is one of my favorite late-round quarterbacks. I think he could develop into a low-end starter or a reliable backup at the next level.

Running Back

Najee Harris, Alabama
Travis Etienne, Clemson
Javonte Williams, UNC
Michael Carter, UNC
Rhammondre Stevenson, Oklahoma
Trey Sermon, Ohio State
Khalil Herbert, Virginia Tech
Kenny Gainwell, Memphis
Chuba Hubbard, Oklahoma State
Kylin Hill, Mississippi State

The top six running backs in this class feel like they could be regular starters in the NFL. Najee Harris is an exciting blend of size and skill. He is a big back with good vision and incredible hands. He will be an asset in the pass game, which is rare for a player his size. Travis Etienne is a home run hitter with reliable hands out of the backfield. He has impressive burst and balance with the ability to turn the corner on just about any play. Javonte Williams runs how you would expect a former linebacker to. He seeks out contact, pushes through arm tackles and keeps his legs churning through the hit. His backfield mate Michael Carter was the lightning to Williams’ thunder. He is elusive and agile with good hands as a receiver. He carries his weight well and seems sturdy enough to survive in the NFL despite being a bit undersized. Rhammondre Stevenson reminds me a lot of LeGarrette Blount. He will probably only be a two-down back in the NFL, but he is a slasher who can pick up good yardage whenever he touches the ball. I believe Trey Sermon’s draft stock would have been much higher if he did not miss the national championship game. He runs with purpose and showed flashes of being an elite back. Those flashes were just a bit too inconsistent to rank him higher. Khalil Herbert wraps up his college career with a fair amount of tread on his tires. He is far from Jonathan Taylor levels, but it is still a concern for me. He was an exciting player to watch in his one year at Virginia Tech and would be a solid addition to just about any backfield in the league. On the opposite end of the spectrum, we haven’t seen Kenny Gainwell take the field since his incredible 2019 season. He has low usage, but can he replicate his success, or will he be a one-season wonder? Chuba Hubbard is closer to the Hebert end of this spectrum. He had an outrageous 351 touches in 2019 before scaling things back in a shorter 2020 season. He definitely waited a year too long to leave school, but if he recreate his 2019 form, he will be a mid-round steal. Kylin Hill feels like a quality No. 2 back, ready to handle 8-to-12 touches per game right away.

Wide Receiver

Ja’Marr Chase, LSU
Jaylen Waddle, Alabama
DeVonta Smith, Alabama
Rashod Bateman, Minnesota
Kadarius Toney, Florida
Terrace Marshall, LSU
Nico Collins, Michigan
Elijah Moore, Ole Miss
Rondale Moore, Purdue
Amari Rodgers, Clemson
Shi Smith, South Carolina
Tylan Wallace, Oklahoma State
Amon-Ra St. Brown, USC
D’Wyane Eskridge, Western Michigan
Dyami Brown, UNC
Sage Surratt, Wake Forest
Anthony Schwartz, Auburn
Demetric Felton, UCLA
Tomorrion Terry, Florida State
Josh Imatorbhebhe, Illinois

This is another loaded receiver class. The top three are about as good as they come. Ja’Marr Chase might just be the best receiver prospect since Julio Jones. Jaylen Waddle might have been on his way to the Heisman before breaking his ankle. The actual Heisman winner, DeVonta Smith, is a technician with great hands and an impressive catch radius. Rashod Bateman could be a really strong possession receiver in the NFL. Few players are as fun to watch as Kadarius Toney, but he needs a bit more consistency in his play. Terrace Marshall was the third option in LSU’s historic 2019 passing offense, but he still won his matchups and looked sharp as the top guy in 2020. Nico Collins is a big-body receiver with great ability to adjust to the ball in the air. He still has some refining to do, but Michigan receivers have excelled after getting out of Ann Arbor in recent years. If you are looking for a slot machine, Elijah Moore is your best bet in this year’s class. Rondale Moore has first-round level talent, but undrafted levels of experience and injury history. In a year where the medicals are tough to confirm, he could definitely slide. He was rarely the star of the show, but Amari Rodgers deserves a bit more credit for Clemson’s offensive success. Shi Smith is one of my favorite sleepers in this draft. Tylan Wallace seemed like he should not be able to get open as frequently as he did in college. His good technique helps him overcome his lack of elite athleticism. Amon-Ra St. Brown strikes me as a future No. 2 in the right offense with his strength and leaping ability. Small-school star D’Wayne Eskridge could be the latest MAC receiver to take the NFL by storm. Dyami Brown can win downfield, but struggled with drops in his career. His game feels like a great fit for the Chargers offense. I had high expectations for Sage Surratt heading into 2020. He definitely didn’t meet them, capped off by an injury-riddled Senior Bowl week. When healthy, he is a nightmare for undersized corners. Someone is going to take a chance on Anthony Schwartz and his 4.27 speed. Demetric Felton showed out at the Senior Bowl and could be a fun player for offensive coordinators to move around. Tommorrion Terry instant brings value as a vertical threat. Much like Donovan Peoples-Jones, I think Josh Imatorbhebhe’s athleticism is going to translate very well to the NFL.

Tight End

Kyle Pitts, Florida
Pat Freiermuth, Penn State
Brevin Jordan, Miami
Tommy Tremble, Notre Dame
Kenny Yeboah, Ole Miss
Hunter Long, Boston College
Tre’ McKitty, Georgia
Quinton Morris, Bowling Green
Noah Gray, Duke
Kylen Granson, SMU

This tight end class is better than last year’s, but that’s not saying much. Kyle Pitts is truly a generational talent at the position. Pat Freiermuth is a borderline first round talent with his physical skill set. I like how Brevin Jordan’s game should translate to the NFL. He fits the mold of these athletic tight ends allowed to operate in space. He is definitely a bit of a throwback, but Tommy Tremble provides immediate value as a blocker. Kenny Yeboah showed impressive ball skills and athleticism at the Senior Bowl. Hunter Long could be a solid second option at the position. Same goes for Quinton Morris and Tre’ McKitty. If you are looking for a late-round flier at the position, Noah Gray and Kylen Granson are my picks.

Offensive Tackle

Penei Sewell, Oregon
Rashawn Slater, Northwestern
Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech
Samuel Cosmi, Texas
Liam Eichenburg, Notre Dame
Jalen Mayfield, Michigan
Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State
Teven Jenkins, Oklahoma State
Alex Leatherwood, Alabama
James Hudson III, Cincinnati
Walker Little, Stanford
Spencer Brown, Northern Iowa
Brady Christiansen, BYU
Stone Forsyth, Florida
D’Ante Smith, East Carolina

Unlike the tight end class, the offensive line group brings both sizzle and substance. Penei Sewell is an outstanding athlete with plenty more room for growth in his game. Rashawn Slater could be a rock-solid tackle or an All-Pro guard. That versatility is enticing. Good luck moving Christian Darrisaw once he has anchored down. Getting Samuel Cosmi to an NFL squat rack could see him realize his immense potential. Liam Eichenburg is definitely one of my draft crushes. He just screams unheralded Pro Bowl right tackle for the next eight years to me. He has not developed quite as quickly as many hoped, but Jalen Mayfield still brings plenty to the table and could be a Day 1 starter at right tackle. While Trey Lance deserves the buzz, Dillon Radunz has the makings of a quality starting tackle who can kick inside to guard if the transition from I-AA ball proves to be too difficult. Teven Jenkins has all the necessary athleticism to be a great tackle, but his measurables worry me a little bit. It is unclear if Alex Leatherwood’s future is at tackle, but he has the versatility and experience to be a fit somewhere along the offensive line. James Hudson is still new to the position and would be a great project to work with. When healthy, Walker Little has looked like a first-round talent, but after seeing him play just one game across 2019 and 2020, it is hard to buy into his intangibles. His injury history and lack of experience scare me a bit. Spencer Brown is raw, but few human beings can move the way he does at 6’8″ and 300-plus pounds. Without a doubt, Brady Christiansen is a bit more polished than some of the guys ahead of him, but at 25-years-old, he is one of the oldest prospects in this class. In the later rounds, you look for traits to build upon. Stone Forsyth and D’Ante Smith both bring great size and length to the position.

Interior Offensive Lineman

Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC
Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma
Wyatt Davis, Ohio State
Landon Dickerson, Alabama
Trey Smith, Tennessee
Nolan Laufenburg, Air Force
Quinn Meinerz, Wisconsin-Whitewater
Jackson Carman, Clemson
Drew Dalman, Stanford
Aaron Banks, Notre Dame
Ben Cleveland, Georgia
Drake Jackson, Kentucky
Jimmy Morrissey, Pittsburgh
Deonte Brown, Alabama
Robert Hainsey, Notre Dame

This is a deep group of starting caliber centers, but the best interior lineman in this draft is definitely Alijah Vera-Tucker. I love Creed Humphrey and the experience he brings after four seasons starting at Oklahoma. I think he is pro-ready with some more potential still to be unlocked. Wyatt Davis is a road grader who will improve any running game. Landon Dickerson’s injury history holds him back after yet another knee injury. He will be a solid starter if he can get back to his pre-injury form. Trey Smith tested very well at Tennessee’s pro day and should be a starter at either guard spot in the NFL. Nolan Laufenburg is not getting much press, but he is a beast as a run blocker and has solid lateral quickness for the position. His crop top drew a lot of attention at the Senior Bowl. Quinn Meinerz backed it up with some solid play and could be a starting center come 2022. Drew Dalman tested incredibly well and could be the latest Stanford lineman to find success at the next level. Similar to Stanford, Notre Dame has a good track record of sending offensive linemen to the pros and I think that trend will continue with Aaron Banks. Ben Cleveland might be a steal in the later rounds of the draft with his combination of size and agility. While a bit undersized, Drake Jackson played really well at the Senior Bowl. Jimmy Morrissey is one of my favorite late round interior linemen. Deonte Brown is massive, but his lack of athleticism showed up in Mobile. Robert Hainsey feels like he will last a long time in the NFL as a swing guard providing depth.

4-3 Defensive End

Gregory Rousseau, Miami
Kwity Paye, Michigan
Jaelan Phillips, Miami
Carlos Basham, Wake Forest
Joe Tryon, Washington
Jayson Oweh, Penn State
Azeez Ojulari, Georgia
Joseph Ossai, Texas
Rashad Weaver, Pittsburgh
Patrick Jones II, Pittsburgh
Ronnie Perkins, Oklahoma
Payton Turner, Houston
Dayo Odeyingbo, Vanderbilt
Hamilcar Rashed Jr., Oregon State
Shaka Toney, Penn State

Time to really break things down. Gregory Rousseau is definitely raw and unrefined, but his tape makes me believe he can find success as a down lineman. Kwity Paye’s athleticism will likely see him drafted in the first round, but there is a lot of room for improvement. Without the injury concerns, Jaelan Phillips would be the top edge rusher in this class, but they are too big to ignore. Carlos Basham is quietly one of the best defensive linemen in this draft class. He got double-teamed a lot at Wake Forest. With his size and length, Joe Tyron can add or drop from his frame to fit what scheme he is drafted to play in. Jayson Oweh raw athleticism definitely points to him being more successful in the pros than he was in college. Azeez Ojulari only does one thing as a speed rusher, but he does it really well. Joseph Ossai is still learning how to play on the edge after starting his career as an off-ball linebacker. After missing 2019 with a torn ACL, Rashad Weaver impressed me in 2020. I’m willing to bet he looks even better another year removed from his injury. His teammate, Patrick Jones II, fell a bit in the draft process, but was incredibly productive and consistent throughout his college career. He missed part of the season due to a suspension, but Ronnie Perkins was nearly unstoppable down the stretch for Oklahoma. Both Payton Turner and Dayo Odeyingbo bring elite length to the position. Even if they are not the most refined prospects, those intangibles are worth targeting in the middle rounds. Hamilcar Rashed Jr. took a major step back production wise in 2020, leaving scouts to wonder if his 2019 breakout was actually an anomaly. While not quite as athletic as his former Penn State teammate, Shaka Toney is still an intriguing project.

3-4 Defensive End

Gregory Rousseau, Miami
Christian Barmore, Alabama
Kwity Paye, Michigan
Carlos Basham, Wake Forest
Joe Tryon, Washington
Daviyon Nixon, Iowa
Rashad Weaver, Pittsburgh
Jay Tufele, USC
Levi Onwuzurike, Washington
Marvin Wilson, Florida State
Payton Turner, Houston
Milton Williams, Louisiana Tech
Dayo Odeyingbo, Vanderbilt
Osa Odighizuwa, UCLA
Alim McNeil, NC State

I won’t belabor the point with players I already talked about. Christian Barmore has tons of exciting traits, but rumors that he is resistant to coaching could cause him to slide. Daviyon Nixon has some incredible moments on film at Iowa. If he can find some consistency, he will be a star in the NFL. Jay Tufele lost a lot of his traction after opting out, but he projects as a future starter in the league. As the league trends towards finding interior pass rushing, Levi Onwuzurike fits the profile of a disruptive interior player. No player likely hurt their draft stock worse than Marvin Wilson. Still, I’m willing to bet on him rediscovering his 2019 form with a change of scenery. Milton Williams turned some heads with the testing numbers he posted. His athleticism will be something teams covet. Osa Odighizuwa is longer than he is tall, which bodes well for him at the next level. It seems like every year NC State produces another NFL defensive lineman. I expect Alim McNeil to do his part as a rotational player.

4-3 Defensive Tackle

Gregory Rousseau, Miami
Christian Barmore, Alabama
Carlos Basham, Wake Forest
Joe Tryon, Washington
Daviyon Nixon, Iowa
Jay Tufele, USC
Levi Onwuzurike, Washington
Marvin Wilson, Florida State
Payton Turner, Houston
Tyler Shelvin, LSU
Milton Williams, Louisiana Tech
Osa Odighizuwa, UCLA
Alim McNeil, NC State
Darius Stills, West Virginia
Marlon Tuipulotu, USC

Believe it or not, I think this is Gregory Rousseau’s best fit in the NFL. At 6’7″, he has room to add to his frame. He dominated interior linemen while at Miami. If he can bulk up a bit, I think he could be an elite 3-tech. Tyler Shelvin enters the conversation here. He is definitely best suited as a nose tackle, but I think he could survive as a run-stuffer paired with an interior pass rusher in a 4-3 scheme. Darius Stills and Marlon Tuipulotu both bring a lot of experience, which could serve them well as potential backups in the league.

3-4 Defensive Tackle

Christian Barmore, Alabama
Daviyon Nixon, Iowa
Jay Tufele, USC
Marvin Wilson, Florida State
Tyler Shelvin, LSU
Alim McNeil, NC State
Marlon Tuipulotu, USC
Tommy Togiai, Ohio State
Tedarrel Slaton, Florida
Bobby Brown, Texas A&M

This is not a good draft to need a nose tackle. Tommy Togiai plays bigger than he really is, which is good because he is a bit undersized in this spot. Tedarrel Slaton and Bobby Brown are space eaters who can contribute as two-down players and goal line defenders at the next level.

3-4 Outside Linebacker

Zaven Collins, Tulsa
Jaelan Phillips, Miami
Joe Tyron, Washington
Jayson Oweh, Penn State
Azeez Ojulari, Georgia
Joseph Ossai, Texas
Quincy Roche, Miami
Patrick Jones II, Pittsburgh
Baron Browning, Ohio State
Ronnie Perkins, Oklahoma
Payton Turner, Houston
Hamilcar Rashed Jr., Oregon State
Shaka Toney, Penn State
Malcolm Koonce, Buffalo
Chris Rumph II, Duke

While I believe he is best suited to play off the ball, Zaven Collins is a solid pass rusher with great size. For the record, this is where I think Ojulari, Ossai, Perkins and Rashed Jr. fit best. Quincy Roche had a great week in Mobile, but he lacks the size to play in a 4-3 scheme. He could be a great situational pass rusher right out of the gate. Much like Collins, I like Baron Browning as an off-ball linebacker, but he has the athleticism to play on the outside. Malcolm Koonce and Chris Rumph II are lean edge rushers who could contribute in a rotational role.

4-3 Outside Linebacker

Micah Parsons, Penn State
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame
Zaven Collins, Tulsa
Jabril Cox, LSU
Jamin Davis, Kentucky
Azeez Ojulari, Georgia
Joseph Ossai, Texas
Baron Browning, Ohio State
Pete Werner, Ohio State
Nick Bolton, Missouri
Chazz Surratt, UNC
Dylan Moses, Alabama
Monty Rice, Georgia
Cameron McGrone, Michigan
K.J. Britt, Auburn

I considered putting Micah Parsons in the 3-4 group as well, but I think he does his best work when he is allowed to attack downhill and react without having players put their hands on him at the snap. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah won’t last long on draft night because of his ability to cover players in space. I also have him listed as my top strong safety. That’s the type of ability we are talking about here. Jabril Cox is not quite as fast as JOK, but he can still flex out and match up tight ends and slot receivers on occasion. Jamin Davis tested off the charts and his potential is as one of the best all-around linebackers in the game. Pete Werner seems like the next great undersized linebacker to start racking up 150-plus tackles at the next level. While he has great straight-line speed, I worry Nick Bolton is going to struggle given his lack of agility. Chazz Surratt is still learning the position, which points to untapped potential. However, he is also already 24 years old. A year ago, Dylan Moses seemed like a lock to go in the first round, even coming off a torn ACL. Now, he will be lucky to go in the first three rounds after a rocky season in his return from injury. Cameron McGrone is a bit undersized, but has a nose for the football. Monty Rice and K.J. Britt would be solid cover linebackers capable of coming in on third downs.

Inside Linebacker

Micah Parsons, Penn State
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame
Zaven Collins, Tulsa
Jabril Cox, LSU
Jamin Davis, Kentucky
Baron Browning, Ohio State
Pete Werner, Ohio State
Nick Bolton, Missouri
Chazz Surratt, UNC
Dylan Moses, Alabama
Monty Rice, Georgia
Cameron McGrone, Michigan
K.J. Britt, Auburn
Riley Cole, South Alabama
Charles Snowden, Virginia

Much of this list is the same, but we lose a few of the more natural pass rushers here. Riley Cole got his name on the radar at the Senior Bowl coming off a strong redshirt-senior season. Look for him in the later rounds. Same goes for Charles Snowden, whose size for the position will grab the attention of teams right away.

Cornerback

Patrick Surtain II, Alabama
Jaycee Horn, South Carolina
Greg Newsome, Northwestern
Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech
Eric Stokes, Georgia
Tyson Campbell, Georgia
Paulson Adebo, Stanford
Ifeatu Melifonwu, Syracuse
Kelvin Joseph, Kentucky
Asante Samuel Jr., Florida State
Benjamin St-Juste, Minnesota
Aaron Robinson, UCF
Robert Rochell, Central Arkansas
Shaun Wade, Ohio State
Israel Mukuamu, South Carolina
Elijah Molden, Washington
Marco Wilson, Florida
Tay Gowan, UCF
Keith Taylor Jr., Washington
Shakur Brown, Michigan State

This is a solid corner class that starts to drop off around the 13 or 14 mark. Patrick Surtain II could fit into any defensive scheme. His size and top end speed make him my top corner. Jaycee Horn and Greg Newsome move ahead of Caleb Farley as reports of his back issues seem to keep getting worse. Eric Stokes ran a 4.31 40-yard at his pro day, which ranks in the 97th percentile. Finding that type of speed in a 6’0″ corner is rare. His former Georgia teammate, Tyson Campbell, also ran well and is a bit taller, but he lacks the same fluidity as Stokes. Paulson Adebo fell off the radar after missing the end of 2019 with an injury and opting out of 2020. He tested great and his film makes me believe he could be a starter early in his career. If you are looking for long, toolsy corners, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Kelvin Joseph and Benjamin St-Juste deserve your attention. Asante Samuel Jr.’s tape is better than being the 10th corner in this draft, but his lack of size and length caps his upside. He would be a great nickel corner though. Aaron Robinson showed he has the physicality to be a good press corner at the Senior Bowl. Robert Rochell is a bit untested coming out of Central Arkansas, but his length and speed make him an interesting project. Shaun Wade and Israel Mukuamu are both long and physical, but have struggled in man coverage in their career on the outside. Those traits could be very useful in the right scheme though or at safety, if teams want them to switch positions. Elijah Molden and Marco Wilson could both be solid nickel corners. Tay Gowan is a bit of an unknown with only 13 career appearances, but could be worthy of a late flier. I came away very impressed by Keith Taylor Jr. at the Senior Bowl. He did not win every rep, but he was not afraid to compete with the top receivers in attendance. Shakur Brown has a nose for the football and could carve out a role for himself in the slot.

Strong Safety

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame
Trevon Moehrig, TCU
Jevon Holland, Oregon
Richie Grant, UCF
Divine Deablo, Virginia Tech
Hamsah Nasirildeen, Florida State
Talanoa Hufanga, USC
Tyree Gillespie, Missouri
Caden Sterns, Texas
Shawn Davis, Florida

I already talked about it, but it’s worth repeating. Owusu-Koramoah is a true hybrid player. However, the best all-around safety in this draft is Trevon Moehrig. Jevon Holland brings tons of versatility. He can play in either safety spot and even line up in the slot. Richie Grant had an impressive career at UCF and backed that up with a strong week at the Senior Bowl. Don’t sleep on Divine Deablo. In addition to having a great name, he can be a heat-seeking missile. Hamsah Nasirildeen is a bit of a conundrum. I’m still not sure if he is a big safety or an undersized linebacker. While he lacks elite speed, Talanoa Hufanga is a playmaker and a leader. Tyree Gillespie has good long speed, but his lack of short-area quickness limits his upside. Shawn Davis and Caden Sterns are both long, hard-hitting safeties. Sterns has a bit more speed those, which gives him the edge.

Free Safety

Trevon Moehrig, TCU
Jevon Holland, Oregon
Andre Cisco, Syracuse
Ifeatu Melifonwu, Syracuse
Richie Grant, UCF
Jamar Johnson, Indiana
Shaun Wade, Ohio State
Israel Mukuamu, South Carolina
Christian Uphoff, Illinois State
Ar’Darius Washington, TCU

I’ve already praised Moehrig and Holland. I also love Andre Cisco. He was a ballhawk at Syracuse, but needs to improve as a tackler to really be a quality starter. Melifonwu has the size and range to be a potential centerfielder. Jamar Johnson sees the field well, but he does not bring any elite traits to the table. Christian Uphoff could be the latest D-III star to make the NFL jump. He lacks elite top speed, but his size and first step could see him hang around in the NFL. Ar’Darius Washington on the other hand is very undersized, but makes up for that with consistent effort and impressive initial quickness.

Ranking the position groups

Wide Receiver – Top-end talent is among the best we’ve ever seen. There are plenty of good receivers that will slide into the later rounds.
Offensive Tackle – With a few elite prospects and a good amount of depth, this offensive tackle class should produce a good number of starters.
Quarterback – While extremely top heavy, this might be one of the best groups we’ve seen come out in a long time. All five quarterbacks could legitimately go in the top 10 picks. There just isn’t much depth in this year’s class.
Cornerback – Without a standout prospect, this group is a bit more about volume. I have a ton of corners with second-round grades. I think we will see a decent group of starting corners come out of this class, even if they aren’t stars.
Linebacker – There are a handful of really good players that could come off the board in the first three rounds. The quality of this group fades quickly after you make it through the first 11 or 12 players though.
Running Back – There is no Saquon Barkley or Ezekiel Elliott in this class. Nor is there a ton of late-round backs that I feel confident in. I do have three running backs in my top 50, but only four in my top 100.
Safety – Perhaps I am underrating this group a little. There are a number of fun and interesting safeties as you move down the board. There just aren’t many that you feel like are slam dunks.
Interior Offensive Line – No Quenton Nelsons or Zach Martins to be found in this class. If you add Rashawn Slater to the mix, that does tip the scales a bit, but I think teams view him as a tackle.
Edge Rushers – No elite prospects and not a ton of depth. This is a tough year to need a pass rusher. When only two players earn first-round grades, which is what I have, it’s an underwhelming class.
Interior Defensive Line – Somehow, this group is even worse. It was difficult to come up with 10 potential nose tackles from this draft. Several of those players are better suited playing elsewhere. Overall, this interior line class stinks.

Final 2020 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 150 and Position Rankings

April 22, 2020April 24, 2020 Chris McGlynn Draft, Football, NFL 2020 NFL Draft, Big Board, Chase Young, Isaiah Simmons, Jeffrey Okudah, Jerry Jeudy, Joe Burrow, NFL Draft, Position Rankings

Draft day is practically here. I have thrown myself into draft prep in the midst of the coronavirus shutdown. This is a really amazing draft class to dive into as well. It might be the greatest receiver class in recent memory. There are some special playmakers on defense and a good crop of offensive tackles. It isn’t a bad year to need a quarterback either.

I will definitely have some surprises compared to the consensus here, but that’s what makes big boards worth reading. I know I am a bit higher on Michael Pittman, Bradlee Anae and Tyler Biadasz, whereas I am definitely a lot lower on K.J. Hamler, Raekwon Davis and CJ Henderson. With my final mock draft dropping tomorrow, I am just about ready to sit back and just watch the draft unfold! Here are my top 150 prospects for Thursday’s draft. I have noted along the way where I stopped giving out grades for each round. I am well aware that I have fewer first-round prospects than there are first round picks, but I also have way more second and third-round grades than there are picks.

Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina
Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama
Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn
Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State
Josh Jones, OT, Houston
Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
A.J. Epenesa, DL, Iowa
Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia
Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
Zach Baun, LB, Wisconsin (End of round 1 grades)
This cut off feels right for me. After this point, I start to feel a bit less confident in any number of things that makes me feel like taking this player in the first round is not worth the pick. If I am on the clock at pick 30 and all 29 of these players are gone. I am looking to move down.
Ross Blacklock, DL, TCU
Grant Delpit, S, LSU
Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC
Cesar Ruiz, C, Michigan
Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
Austin Jackson, OT, USC
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU
Neville Gallimore, DL, Oklahoma
Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn
Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
Matt Hennessy, OL, Temple
Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota
Lucas Niang, OT, TCU
Lloyd Cushenberry, OL, LSU
Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir Rhyne
Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
Josh Uche, EDGE, Michigan
Tyler Biadasz, C, Wisconsin
Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois
Curtis Weaver, EDGE, Boise State
John Simpson, G, Clemson
Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame
Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU
Bradlee Anae, EDGE, Utah
Marlon Davidson, DL, Auburn
Ashtyn Davis, S, Cal
Ben Bartch, OT, St. John (Minn.)
A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
Julian Okwara, EDGE, Notre Dame
Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan
Prince Tega Wanogho, OT, Auburn
Troy Pride, CB, Notre Dame
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin (End of round 2 grades)
I think there are going to be a few players worth spending a second round pick on that slip into the third. This second round is loaded with corners and receivers and it would not be a surprise to me to see a run on one or both position groups to happen during the round.
Justin Mandubuike, DL, Texas A&M
Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton
Cam Akers, RB, Florida State
Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State
Amik Robertson, CB, Louisiana Tech
Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech
Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State
Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas
Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State
Robert Hunt, OL, Louisiana
Troy Dye, LB, Oregon
Leki Fotu, DL, Utah
Darrell Taylor, EDGE, Tennessee
Terrell Burgess, S, Utah
Larrell Murchison, DL, North Carolina State
Van Jefferson, WR, Florida
Jacob Eason, QB, Washington
Kenny Willekes, EDGE, Michigan State
K’Von Wallace, S, Clemson
Thaddeus Moss, TE, LSU
Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama
Eno Benjamin, RB, Arizona State
Ben Bredeson, OL, Michigan
K.J. Hill, WR, Ohio State
Matt Peart, OT, UConn
Jonah Jackson, OL, Ohio State
Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia
Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming,
Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State
Davon Hamilton, DL, Ohio State
Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia
Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue
Collin Johnson, WR, Texas
Jonathan Grennard, EDGE, Florida
Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota
James Lynch, DL, Baylor (End of round 3 grades)
There is a ton of third round talent available. 38 players by my estimation. This is definitely my cut off for players I would look to target on the first two days of the draft. I debated making the cut after Grennard, but Johnson and Lynch had such great years that it would be hard for me to pass on them if they were sitting there at the end of round three.
Logan Stenberg, OL, Kentucky
Jordan Elliott, DL, Missouri
Bryan Edwards, WR, South Carolina
Solomon Kindley, OL, Georgia
Trevon Hill, EDGE, Miami
K.J. Hamler, WR, Penn State
Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama
Evan Weaver, LB, California
Gabriel Davis, WR, UCF
Darrynton Evans, RB, Appalachian State
Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State
Jason Strowbridge, DL, UNC
Julian Blackmon, S, Utah
Willie Gay Jr., LB, Mississippi State
Lynn Bowden, WR, Kentucky
Ke’Shawn Vaughn, RB, Vanderbilt
Josiah Deguara, TE, Cincinnati
Quintez Cephus, WR, Wisconsin
A.J. Green, CB, Oklahoma State
Francis Bernard, LB, Utah
Tanner Muse, S, Clemson
David Woodward, LB, Utah State
Shadiq Charles, OT, LSU
Khalid Kareem, EDGE, Notre Dame
Darnay Holmes, CB, UCLA
Alohi Gilman, S, Notre Dame
Isaiah Hodgins, WR, Oregon State
Javelin Guidry, CB, Utah
Alex Highsmith, EDGE, Charlotte
Rashard Lawrence, DL, LSU
Damien Lewis, OL, LSU
Hunter Bryant, TE, Washington
Netane Muti, OL, Fresno State
Nick Harris, OL, Washington
Quartney Davis, WR, Texas A&M
Anthony Gordon, QB, Washington State
Alton Robinson, EDGE, Syracuse
Harrison Bryant, TE, FAU
Nick Coe, EDGE, Auburn
James Proche, WR, SMU
Zach Moss, RB, Utah
Brandon Jones, S, Texas
Dane Jackson, CB, Pittsburgh (End of round 4 grades)
This is where we start to get into players who can contribute on special teams or potentially have some red flags that pushed them down draft boards. The final three rounds are where we see teams start to take more risks on players from small schools or with unique physical traits they hope to develop.
A.J. Dillon, RB, Boston College
Antonio Ganady-Golden, WR, Liberty

So that’s my top 150 prospects! That should get you through at least the first two days of the draft. It is easy to get lost scrolling through that many names, so let’s break it down by position. There are even a couple of names on here that didn’t quite crack my top 150, but were my next favorite player in that position group.

Quarterback

Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Jordan Love, QB, Utah State
Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
Jacob Eason, QB, Washington
Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia
Anthony Gordan, QB, Washington State
James Morgan, QB, Florida International
Cole McDonald, QB, Hawaii

Running Back

J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State
D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
Cam Akers, RB, Florida State
Eno Benjamin, RB, Arizona State
Darrynton Evans, RB, Appalachian State
Ke’Shawn Vaughn, RB, Vanderbilt
Zach Moss, RB, Utah
A.J. Dillon, RB, Boston College
Anthony McFarland, RB, Maryland
Antonio Gibson, RB, Memphis
Lamical Perine, RB, Florida
James Robinson, RB, Southern Illinois
Joshua Kelley, RB, UCLA

Wide Receiver

Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama
Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
Michael Pittman, WR, USC
Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan
Devin Duvernay, WR, Texas
Van Jefferson, WR, Florida
K.J. Hill, WR, Ohio State
Collin Johnson, WR, Texas
Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota
Bryan Edwards, WR, South Carolina
K.J. Hamler, WR, Penn State
Gabriel Davis, WR, UCF
Lynn Bowden, WR, Kentucky
Quintez Cephus, WR, Wisconsin
Isaiah Hodgins, WR, Oregon State
Quartney Davis, WR, Texas A&M
James Proche, WR, SMU
Antonio Ganady-Golden, WR, Liberty

Offensive Tackle

Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia
Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville
Josh Jones, OT, Houston
Austin Jackson, OT, USC
Lucas Niang, OT, TCU
Ben Bartch, OT, St. John (Minn.)
Prince Tega Wanogho, OT, Auburn
Matt Peart, OT, UConn
Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia
Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State
Shadiq Charles, OT, LSU
Jack Driscol, OT, Auburn
Hakeem Adeniji, OT, Kansas

Interior Offensive Lineman

Cesar Ruiz, OL, Michigan
Matt Hennessy, OL, Temple
Lloyd Cushenberry, OL, LSU
Tyler Biadasz, OL, Wisconsin
John Simpson, OL, Clemson
Robert Hunt, OL, Lousiana
Ben Bredeson, OL, Michigan
Jonah Jackson, OL, Ohio State
Logan Stenberg, OL, Kentucky
Solomon Kindley, OL, Georgia
Damien Lewis, OL, LSU
Netane Muti, OL, Fresno State
Nick Harris, OL, Washington
Shane Lemieux, OL, Oregon
Michael Onwenu, OL, Michigan

Tight End

Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame
Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton
Thaddeus Moss, TE, LSU
Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue
Josiah Deguara, TE, Cincinnati
Hunter Bryant, TE, Washington
Harrison Bryant, TE, Florida Atlantic
Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Missouri
Colby Parkinson, TE, Stanford
Devin Asiasi, TE, UCLA

Edge Rusher

Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State
K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU
Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
Josh Uche, EDGE, Michigan
Curtis Weaver, EDGE, Boise State
Bradlee Anae, EDGE, Utah
Julian Okwara, EDGE, Notre Dame
Darrell Taylor, EDGE, Tennessee
Kenny Willekes, EDGE, Michigan State
Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama
Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Florida
Trevon Hill, EDGE, Miami
Khalid Kareem, EDGE, Notre Dame
Alex Highsmith, EDGE, Charlotte
Alton Robinson, EDGE, Syracuse
Nick Coe, EDGE, Auburn
Jabari Zuniga, EDGE, Florida
Anfernee Jennings, EDGE, Alabama
Kendall Coleman, EDGE, Syracuse
Jonathan Garvin, EDGE, Miami

Defensive Lineman

Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina
Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn
A.J. Epenesa, DL, Iowa
Ross Blacklock, DL, TCU
Neville Gallimore, DL, Oklahoma
Marlon Davidson, DL, Auburn
Justin Madubuike, DL, Texas A&M
Leki Fotu, DL, Utah
Larrell Murchison, DL, North Carolina State
Davon Hamilton, DL, Ohio State
James Lynch, DL, Baylor
Jordan Elliott, DL, Missouri
Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama
Jason Strowbridge, DL, UNC
Rashad Lawrence, DL, LSU

Linebacker

Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson
Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech
Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State
Tory Dye, LB, Oregon
Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming
Evan Weaver, LB, California
Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State
Willie Gay Jr., LB, Mississippi State
Francis Bernard, LB, Utah
David Woodward, LB, Utah State
Joe Bachie Jr., LB, Michigan State
Justin Strnad, LB, Wake Forest
Markus Bailey, LB, Purdue

Cornerback

Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State
Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia
CJ Henderson, CB, Florida
Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU
Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn
Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
Jaylon Johnson, CB, Utah
A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
Troy Pride Jr., CB, Notre Dame
Damon Arnette, CB, Ohio State
Amik Robertson, CB, Louisiana Tech
Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State
A.J. Green, CB, Oklahoma State
Darnay Holmes, CB, UCLA
Javelin Guidry, CB, Utah
Dane Jackson, CB, Pittsburgh
Michael Ojumedia, CB, Iowa
Harrison Hand, CB, Temple
Kindle Vildor, CB, Georgia Southern

Safety

Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama
Grant Delpit, S, LSU
Antoine Winfield, S, Minnesota
Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir Rhyne
Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois
Ashtyn Davis, S, California
Terrell Burgess, S, Utah
K’Von Wallace, S, Clemson
Julian Blackmon, S, Utah
Tanner Muse, S, Clemson
Alohi Gilman, S, Notre Dame
Brandon Jones, S, Texas
J.R. Reed, S, Georgia
Geno Stone, S, Iowa
Antoine Brooks Jr., S, Maryland

And lastly, as a fun bonus, here is how I think each position group stacks up.

Wide Receiver
Incredible top-end talent, tons of depth. This is the best year to need a receiver in a long time. You can definitely find starting quality receivers in the third and fourth rounds in this draft. Devin Duvernay is my 12th ranked receiver, and I really like Duvernay!
Offensive Tackle
There has been a lot of talk about the top four tackles in this class. Honestly, I have a difficult time separating at least three of them. However, there are a couple of solid options beyond that quartet. The depth is not overwhelming, but there a number of interesting project players that should go in the middle rounds.
Quarterback
Joe Burrow stands head and shoulders above the rest. Tua Tagovailoa brings his injury concerns to the table, but comparison to Drew Brees feel apt. Justin Herbert checks all the boxes physically. If a coach can bring him up to speed on reading a defense and making the right decisions, he will thrive. In Jordan Love, some see Patrick Mahomes and others see JaMarcus Russell. He has tons of arm talent. I think comparing him to Josh Allen feels right.
Defensive Tackle
Javon Kinlaw and Derrick Brown headline this class, but there is a lot of depth. I have round three or better grades on 11 interior defensive linemen. Whether you need a nose tackle, a three-tech or a five-tech, just about every team can find the right fit for their system.
Edge Rusher
Chase Young is the cream of the crop, but there is a really wide gap between him and the rest of the class. The depth here is no inspiring. Most of this class comes with a lot of room to grow, or some major question marks about their ability to transition to the next level.
Running Back
At one point, this running back class looked like one of the best position groups of the 2020 draft. Then Travis Etienne, Najee Harris and Chuba Hubbard all returned to school, robbing this class of a lot of it’s depth. With no elite prospect to carry this group like an Ezekiel Elliott or Saquon Barkley, it’s solid, but unspectacular.
Cornerback
Much like the edge rushers, there is one great prospect at the top from Ohio State, and then a drop off. I’m not as high on CJ Henderson as most. The drop off from Okudah to Bryce Hall is steep. There a decent number of purely nickle corners, which I think hurts the overall depth of the group. There will be some solid starters to come out of the group, but the impact might take a few years to be felt.
Linebacker
Isaiah Simmons is an elite prospect, but does he really count as a linebacker. I think that is probably his best fit, so let’s say yes. Patrick Queen and Kenneth Murray earn first-round grades, but there is a massive drop from there. 49 spots to be exact. There are some interesting developmental options in the third and fourth rounds, but this group is lacking in proven talent.
Safety
This group is pretty thin even if you did include Isaiah Simmons as a safety. Xavier McKinney and Grant Delpit could end up in round one. There are a couple of small school studs in Kyle Dugger and Jeremy Chinn as well. Antoine Winfield Jr. is a wildcard as well given his size. Overall, I don’t think this is a great year to be looking for safety help.
Interior Offensive Lineman
This is a rough year for interior offensive line help. No one earned a first round grade from me and I don’t think I am alone in that conclusion. There is a run that should happen early in round two and some potential depth. It doesn’t help that the draft often doesn’t value the position, but I am unimpressed.
Tight End
I am not a fan of this tight end class. I don’t have a single one of them ranked in the top 50. There is some interesting depth down the line, but most of these guys are developmental prospects. I am not buying the ceiling on most of these players.

The Aftermath

When sporting news breaks, we cover the fallout.

Big Board

2023 NFL Draft: Top 50 Big Board and Positional Rankings

2022 NFL Draft Big Board: A pair of quarterbacks help round out the Top 50

2022 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 25 dominated by offensive and defensive linemen

Final Top 100 Big Board and positional rankings for the 2021 NFL draft

Final 2020 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 150 and Position Rankings

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this: