11. Mekhi Becton – OT, Louisville – Becton is the “create-a-player” version of an offensive lineman. Standing 6’7” and nearly 375 pounds, there isn’t a human alive that should be that size with his functional movement ability. His feet are smooth, his hands are like vice grips, and he can simply dominate.
Becton is the best left tackle prospect in this draft, and only stands to get better with NFL coaching helping his technique.
12. Henry Ruggs – WR, Alabama – Another Crimson Tide player that will go in the top half of the first round. If you like speed, Ruggs is your guy. He may threaten John Ross’ combine 40 record, but should fare no worse than a 4.3.
Despite speed being his best attribute, Ruggs can break down and get in and out of breaks extremely well. He’s agile and should test extremely well in his vertical leap, as well. He sometimes takes a false step or rounds off certain routes, but can get away with it due to the constant fear he instills in opposing defenders.
Ruggs may struggle with the press early on, but that’s nitpicking as this is an excellent prospect with a legit chance to be the first receiver off the board.
13. Andrew Thomas – OT, Georgia – Thomas is a big, physical left tackle prospect. At this point, he’s better in the run game than he is in pass protection. While not as naturally athletic as Becton, he’s a further ahead in his technique and will be an immediate starter on the blindside (as will Becton). He is another guy that may struggle dealing with speed early on, but he has the potential to become a pro-bowl quality left tackle.
14. Justin Herbert – QB, Oregon – Herbert has all of the natural tools you look for in a franchise signal-caller. He’s big, has a strong arm, and is athletic. He does have a tendency to stare down receivers rather than get through his progressions, but that is something NFL coaching can help with.
Herbert is a long strider, which will make dealing with an inside pass rush tough to deal with when he tries to escape a collapsing pocket. With the tools he has, he will go inside the top 10 as the biggest boom/bust QB in this draft.
15. Javon Kinlaw – DT, South Carolina – Kinlaw is a toolsy interior lineman in the Fletcher Cox mold. His initial burst is amazing to watch for a player of his size. And, he has the ability to turn that quickness into power and penetrate on the inside of the line. He’s more of a true 1-gap penetrator at this point, but should become more versatile as he refines his technique.
16. CJ Henderson – CB, Florida – Henderson really needs to (and will) fill out as he simply is too wiry. But there is no denying his athleticism and short-area quickness. There just aren’t that many 6’1” corners with that agility and stickiness. With extremely long arms, he makes it difficult for receivers at the catch point.
Henderson’s physicality is the biggest question mark, but it works in both ways. He gets a little too handsy downfield while simultaneously being a little reluctant in run support. But, as he fills out and gets stronger, neither should be as much of a concern, as he wouldn’t need to use his hands as much to work into the receiver and defending at the catch point.
17. Jalen Reagor – WR, TCU – He plays so much bigger than his 5’11” frame would indicate. His ability to high-point the football is very real and allows you to use him in the red zone more than a typical player of that size.
Reagor is an absolute blur that will threaten 4.3 at the combine but also possesses insane COD ability. He beats press coverage routinely with an excellent burst and gets to top speed very quickly. I think TY Hilton is a fair NFL comp, but I believe he can be better as a receiver threatening all 3 levels of the defense.
18. Kristian Fulton – CB, LSU – He’s another bigger corner at 6’ even. And, he’s another corner with excellent hips and stickiness. The tape from the title game against Clemson certainly wasn’t flattering, but that seems to be more of an anomaly than anything.
Fulton’s best suited to play press coverage as he has the ability to remain on the hip of receivers throughout the route. Not afraid to get his hands dirty in run support, he will be Day 1 starter.
19. K’Lavon Chaisson – EDGE, LSU – A polarizing prospect, Chaisson’s production doesn’t match his physical traits. Still, there is no denying his explosiveness. Now more than a full year removed from his ACL tear, I think there is even more explosion yet to come.
Chaisson may be best suited as a 3-4 rusher, but he’s plenty strong to hold the edge in run support while showing the bend and agility to win around the edge or on inside counter moves. Chaisson will be another boom/bust selection, but the upside is too tantalizing to let fall outside of the top 20-25 picks.
20. Laviska Shenault Jr – WR, Colorado – His Year 1 impact may be limited to a few touches per game, but his long-term prospects are very intriguing. He’s excellent with the ball in his hands, which will provide him an early role in the Deebo Samuel mold. Screens, reverses and underneath routes will give him ample opportunities to make plays after the catch.
Shenault’s route running is extremely raw, but there certainly is promise. If he ever becomes even above-average in that department, you’re looking at a true game-breaker.
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