Tag: Jeremy Chinn

2020 NFL Draft rankings: Safeties

Not the best year to need a safety but some of these guys could thrive in the right situation

The Cleveland Browns are going to be extremely focused on adding a new offensive tackle to protect Baker Mayfield, but they will also be looking at the safety position long and hard. They currently only have one-year rentals roaming at the back end of the defense. This safety class is one of the worst we have seen in recent years at the top, but there is still some talent that can provide help.

I grade players extremely generous and like to think with an open mind. Most writers only rank 20-25 first round grades and that is probably more indicative of their talent rather than where they are selected. I rank prospects based on the highest I could possibly see them be snagged.

1st Round

1. Grant Delpit, LSU, 6-2, 213 pounds

Delpit possess the ideal instincts for a starting-caliber safety and has the athletic ability and ball skills to capitalize on said instincts. The major concern with Delpit is that his play appeared to plateau in 2019 and the 2018 version was better. Comparing his stats from the past two years is just one piece of evidence to his obvious dip in play.

2. Xavier McKinney, Alabama, 6-0, 201 pounds

McKinney is an extremely versatile defender. He has the necessary range to be effective in coverage and the instincts to be in the right place at the right time as a run defender. The biggest flaw with McKinney’s game is his lack of elite athleticism, which may hurt his abilities as a single-high safety.

2nd Round

3. Ashtyn Davis, California, 6-1, 202 pounds

Davis is the opposite of McKinney, as he is a freak athlete with track star speed that can allow him to thrive in single-high. Davis would have a first-round grade, but he is built thin. He is close to the same size as McKinney, but Davis does not have the same frame and might be maxed out already.

4. Kyle Dugger, Lenoir-Rhyne, 6-1, 217 pounds

Dugger was an absolute stud during Senior Bowl week where he washed away nearly all doubt that he can hang with the big boys after coming from such a small school. He has shown that his athleticism is rare no matter the level of competition. With all that said, Senior Bowl week was just one week and playing in the Division II ranks is still going to raise some questions.

5. Antoine Winfield Jr., Minnesota, 5-9, 203 pounds

Winfield can be a starting-caliber free safety in the NFL and like his dad, Antoine Winfield Sr., has elite instincts that allow him to overcome his small stature and play larger than his listed size. With that said, you can’t just ignore his less than ideal size and lengthy injury history. That is the reason he is this far down the list.

6. Terrell Burgess, Utah, 5-11, 202 pounds

Burgess has fantastic athleticism to go with impressive instincts. Those make him the total package at safety able to work wonders in a zone-heavy scheme. He can also stick to receivers in man like few safeties can. Like Winfield, Burgess lacks the ideal size you want starting on the back-end and his frame appears tapped out.

7. Brandon Jones, Texas, 5-11, 198 pounds

Jones is a former High School All-American and lived up to that hype with 30 career starts and despite his listed size, has the body to play strong safety in the NFL with an impressive physique. Jones has a ton of tackles to his name, but he is not the most fearsome tackler and rarely gets a solid hit on anybody with the ball instead electing to bring them down by the ankles.

3rd Round

8. Jeremy Chinn, Southern Illinois, 6-3, 221 pounds

Like Jones, Chinn is a perfect fit for the strong safety role in the NFL. Despite coming from an FCS program, Chinn showcased his ability to hang with the big boys during Senior Bowl week. He has the type of attitude and personality to win over a front office. The biggest obstacle in Chinn’s way is still the fact that he played against lower competition in college.

9. Julian Blackmon, Utah, 6-0, 187 pounds

Blackmon has some great film, especially when he is tasked with covering the running back. He can be a versatile weapon for any defense as he can play nickel CB at a high level in addition to safety. Blackmon did have an injury during the PAC-12 Championship that warrants deeper investigation and he doesn’t always have flawless footwork in coverage.

10. K’Von Wallace, Clemson, 5-11, 206 pounds

Wallace is a prototypical free safety, but is versatile enough to lineup wherever asked, just like he demonstrated at Clemson. He was truly the unsung hero of that defense with a resume that includes 36 career starts and a school-record 59 career games played. Wallace does lack ideal size though and his frame appears to be maxed out.

11. J.R. Reed, Georgia, 6-1, 202 pounds

Like Wallace, Reed checks many of the boxes you want in a starting free safety, but he also plays with a unique aggressiveness and can impact the game from the box. He maybe the best safety in this class against the run. Despite being a better fit at free, Reed is not the smoothest in coverage and really struggles when tasked with man assignments.

4th Round

12. Geno Stone, Iowa, 5-10, 207 pounds: Has good instincts in coverage, but needs to clean up tackling.

13. Brian Cole II, Miss. St., 6-2, 213 pounds: Intriguing upside as a strong with limited experience as he transferred from Michigan as a wide receiver to East Mississippi Community College then Miss. St.

14. Jordan Fuller, Ohio St., 6-2, 203 pounds: Has solid range, has to play free as he struggles in the box.

15. Josh Metellus, Michigan, 5-11, 209 pounds: Moves where he wants to with great speed, but sometimes goes to wrong spot.

16. Jeremiah Dinson, Auburn, 5-11, 191 pounds: Instincts make him arguably the best in the class in zone, but his lengthy injury history hurts his stock.

5th Round

17. Antoine Brooks Jr., Maryland, 5-11, 220 pounds: Former linebacker still plays like it and is best when moving towards the line of scrimmage, most obvious fit at strong.

18. Jalen Elliott, Notre Dame, 6-0, 205 pounds: Ideal fit with zone reliant team, but is not the smoothest tackler.

19. Alohi Gilman Notre Dame, 5-10, 201 pounds: Former Navy transfer, fairly versatile with athletic limitations. Best game was against Clemson in 2018 and his best fit is at free.

20. Kamren Curl, Arkansas, 6-1, 206 pounds: Starter since freshman season, provides some versatility, but better fit at strong. Fairly low ceiling but decently high floor.

21. Shyheim Carter, Alabama, 5-11, 194 pounds: Versatile with the ability to play nickel, but lacks ideal athleticism.

6th Round

22. David Dowell, Michigan St., 6-0, 199 pounds: 36 consecutive starts and eight career interceptions isn’t too shabby. Solid free fit.

7th Round

23. Myles Dorn, North Carolina, 6-2, 205 pounds: Solid athlete but too often gets lost, best fit is at free.

24. Jared Mayden, Alabama, 6-0, 205 pounds: Didn’t start until senior season. Fairly versatile, best fit is at strong.

25. Levonta Taylor, Florida St. 5-10, 190 pounds: Great athlete with the versatility and experience to play free safety or corner, but has lengthy injury history.

26. Kenny Robinson, St. Louis (XFL), 6-1, 202 pounds: Decided to go the XFL route after West Virginia, best fit is at strong.

27. Jaquarius Landrews, Mississippi St., 6-0, 200 pounds: Had okay week at NFLPA Bowl, could play strong.

28. Khaleke Hudson, Michigan, 5-11, 224 pounds: Great blitzer, too small to play linebacker and too slow to play safety.

29. Reggie Floyd, Virginia Tech, 6-0, 222 pounds: Like Hudson, stuck as a tweener linebacker/safety, obvious fit at strong.

Priority Free Agent:

30. Jaylinn Hawkins, California, 6-1, 208 pounds

31. Douglas Coleman II, Texas Tech, 6-0, 173 pounds

32. Luther Kirk, Illinois St., 6-4, 194 pounds

33. Jalen Julius, Ole Miss, 5-10, 192 pounds

34. D.Q. Thomas, Southern Miss, 5-10, 220 pounds

35. Daniel Thomas, Auburn, 5-10, 215 pounds

36. Xavier Lewis, Southeastern Louisiana, 5-11, 200 pounds

37. Alijah Halliburton, Wyoming, 6-0, 197 pounds

38. Patrick Nelson, SMU, 6-1, 215 pounds

39. Marc-Antoine Dequoy, Montreal, 6-3, 198 pounds

40. Nigel Warrior, Tennessee, 6-0, 192 pounds

 

 

5 safeties for the Philadelphia Eagles to consider in the 2nd-round of 2020 NFL Draft

5 safeties for the Philadelphia Eagles to consider in second-round of 2020 NFL Draft

The Philadelphia Eagles will certainly address their glaring wide receiver needs in next weekend’s NFL draft, but it’ll be interesting to see if Howie Roseman chooses to add a young safety to the roster after switching Jalen Mills’ position and signing Will Parks.

The safety position is not as deep as cornerback or edge rusher, but the Eagles could land a pretty good player in the second round.

With the draft stacked at receiver, the Eagles would be better-served targeting a safety early on, with a talented receiver still likely to be on the board in the later rounds.

Here are five safeties the Eagles should consider in the second round.

***

Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

1. Antoine Winfield Jr., Minnesota

Winfield Jr. announced that he was skipping his final two years of eligibility after earning consensus All-American honors and tying the single-season Gophers record with seven interceptions.

Winfield led the Gophers with 88 total tackles while helping them knock off Auburn in the Outback Bowl to finish 11-2 for the most wins in program history since 1904.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5

10 Players the Philadelphia Eagles could target in round-2 of 2020 NFL Draft

10 players the Philadelphia Eagles could target in round-2 of the 2020 NFL Draft

[jwplayer 25TEMUeW]

The NFL draft is now just under two weeks away and although the intrigue has been about what the Eagles will do with their first-round pick, there’s plenty of drama surrounding the second-round as well.

The Eagles will again have pick No. 53 and if Howie Roseman chooses to stand pat, there are a number of intriguing options, including a bevy of talented wide receivers.

The Eagles could choose to go cornerback, safety or linebacker with the pick as well.

We’ve provided a list of ten players the Birds could target in round two of the 2020 NFL Draft.

***

Chase Claypool — Notre DameMandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

1. Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame

Considered a second- or third-round pick before the 2020 NFL Combine, Claypool brought back visions of Calvin Johnson with his movements.

At 6-4, 240-pounds with the ability to line up as a tight end, Claypool may have given coaches pause about a position change after he ran a 4.42, making him the first receiver over 230 pounds to run sub-4.45 since Calvin Johnson in 2007.

Claypool is strong, can jump out the gym and could be an option for the Eagles if they move on from Alshon Jeffery.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7, Page 8, Page 9, Page 10

2020 NFL Draft: 5 safeties for Bills to consider in second round

Here are five safeties who could be on the board when Buffalo picks on the second day of the draft at No. 54.

The Buffalo Bills first scheduled draft selection won’t occur until Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft, as the team picks at No. 54 overall.

Luckily, the Bills do not have a glaring need on their roster, making this year’s draft quite intriguing. Buffalo’s front office, led by general manager Brandon Beane, can go in a multitude of directions with the pick, leaving quite a bit of interest and uncertainty with whom the Bills could select.

This installment of our position-by-position series looks at the safety prospects and which players could still be on the board when the Bills make their first selection at the upcoming draft:

Buffalo Bills safety Micah Hyde. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Current roster

The Bills aren’t in desperate need for a safety. In fact, they’re really not in need of a safety at all. Jordan Poyer signed a two-year extension that keeps him in Buffalo through 2022. Micah Hyde’s contract, which he signed prior to the 2017 campaign, will expire after the 2021 season. The duo has combined to be one of the most productive safety combinations since their pairing in 2017. 

Dean Marlowe, Siran Neal, and Jaquan Johnson are currently signed as depth players. Neal spent some time playing as the “big” nickel cornerback when called upon. 

Hyde and Poyer are cemented on top of the depth chart. Buffalo could draft a player later in the draft, possibly Day 3, and see if this player can battle for a depth spot. However, they could also look for a player who could play in multiple roles, similar to how Neal is used against certain matchups. 

When the Bills pick in the second round, they have to make the choice of selecting the best player available, who could be a safety, or looking to a position of where greater depth is needed. They might also look for a player who could be the heir apparent to either Hyde or Poyer, since the team lacks any glaring needs on the roster. A safety could be a luxury at this point, giving head coach Sean McDermott another tool to use on defense. 

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4

Eagles take Denzel Mims, Southern Illinois’ Jeremy Chinn in latest Draft Wire mock draft

Eagles take Denzel Mims, Southern Illinois’ Jeremy Chinn in Draft Wire’s latest mock draft

The NFL Draft is almost two weeks away and the intrigue surrounding the leagues’ selection process is certain to ratchet up with the announcement that format will have a virtual, “fantasy football” feel to it.

Draft Wire just released its latest three-round mock and the Eagles address some needs, landing a fast-rising wide receiver, one of the top safeties available and Jason Kelce’s eventual replacement at center.

21. Philadelphia Eagles
Denzel Mims | WR | Baylor
After filling their biggest need on defense by trading for Darius Slay, the Eagles free themselves up to do the same for their offense with this pick. Mims backed up his strong film by blowing up the NFL Scouting Combine, showing off the size and athleticism it takes to be a top target at the next level.

53. Philadelphia Eagles | Jeremy Chinn | S | Southern Illinois

103. Philadelphia Eagles | Nick Harris | OL | Washington

The selection of Mims would ensure that analyst were correct about him moving up draft boards, while the Eagles would either have the steal of the NFL draft or likely face more criticism for passing on guys like Brandon Aiyuk, Laviska Shenault, Chase Claypool, Jalen Reagor, Justin Jefferson, and others.

[vertical-gallery id=632128]

Touchdown Wire’s 2020 NFL Draft rankings: Top 25 defensive players

Jeff Okudah of Ohio State leads a deep draft class of defensive backs. Xavier McKinney, Antoine Winfield and Trevon Diggs aren’t far behind.

Southern Illinois S Jeremy Chinn could be the perfect addition to the Bucs secondary

Bucky Brooks of NFL.com talked about Southern Illinois safety Jeremy Chinn and the versatility he brings to the table.

The main priority for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers entering this month’s NFL draft will likely be finding protection for quarterback Tom Brady. While the six-time Super Bowl champion certainly brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Bucs, none of that will do them any good if they can’t keep him upright.

Last season, the Bucs’ O-line allowed Jameis Winston to be sacked 47 times, so it’s no wonder most mocks have the Bucs targeting an offensive tackle with the 14th pick in round one.

But, let’s not forget about the Bucs’ secondary. While Tampa Bay’s rush defense ranked first in the NFL last season, allowing just 73.8 yards per game on the ground, their pass defense was 30th in the league. So, while Tampa Bay may address tackle in the first round, looking for a safety or cornerback may take precedence in round two.

In his recent two-round mock draft over at ESPN, Todd McShay had the Bucs taking Southern Illinois safety Jeremy Chinn with the 45th pick in round two. Chinn has many people excited with his size and versatility, standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 221 pounds.

Bucky Brooks over at NFL.com talked about Chinn recently and how he could turn out to be a Day 1 guy.

Per Brooks:

“As a run defender, Chinn is an instinctive playmaker with a strong nose for the ball and rock-solid tackling skills. He stones running backs in the hole and displays dependable wrap-up skills while corralling receivers in the open field. Chinn’s tackling skills, aggressiveness and overall physicality make him a potential disruptive force as a box-area defender at the next level. He has a knack for finding the ball and his instincts stand out when studying the tape. With Chinn also showcasing explosive playmaking skills on blitzes, he could be an intriguing defender to build a scheme around.”

Chinn could certainly help improve Tampa Bay’s secondary. The Bucs have young pieces to be excited about in both Sean Murphy-Bunting and Jamel Dean, but with Drew Brees and Matt Ryan both in the NFC South, the Bucs’ pass defense needs to improve. Chinn may not be available after round one, but if he is, the Bucs should consider adding him to their roster.

[lawrence-related id=30199,30192,30183,30173]

Full 7-round Browns mock draft: Spring Break edition

Full 7-round Browns mock draft: Spring Break edition projects all the 2020 NFL Draft picks for the Cleveland Browns

It’s Spring Break for most school districts right now, though with buildings closed it’s hard to tell much of a difference. Spring Break means the NFL Draft is coming very soon, and that means it’s time for an updated Browns mock draft.

These projections are the players I believe the Browns would take in the given situations. They do not necessarily represent the choices I would make at the given picks, though in the later rounds my own preferences do hold influence.

For context with the first pick at No. 10 overall, I simulated the first nine picks 20 times at The Draft Network and averaged out the players’ draft positions. The results:

1 – Joe Burrow

2 – Chase Young

3 – Jeff Okudah

4 – Mekhi Becton

5 – Tua Tagovailoa

6 – Justin Herbert

7 – Isaiah Simmons

8 – Tristan Wirfs

9 – Derrick Brown

The No. 10 pick is going to be an offensive tackle, more than likely. With South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw still on the board I do think Browns GM Andrew Berry and his draft crew will at least discuss taking him. The same would be true if Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons, whose draft slot appears quite volatile, is still there. But unless the Browns make a move for Trent Williams, left tackle has to be the top priority.

Becton and Wirfs, my top two choices personally for the No. 10 pick, are gone. That leaves Andrew Thomas, Jedrick Wills and Josh Jones as the viable options for the Browns. My belief is the Browns would target Wills in that scenario as the best fit for Kevin Stefanski’s offense and the higher floor.

I don’t see this Browns regime being overly enamored with Thomas and his technical inconsistencies he showed at Georgia, not over what Wills showed at Alabama anyway. Jones is very intriguing but is the least NFL-ready, a rough gamble for a Browns team built to win right now. In a trade back, or if the Browns land Trent Williams in a trade to buy a year or two, I think Jones becomes much more viable.

The pick: Jedrick Wills, OT Alabama

Pages: Page 1, Page 2

Prospect for the Pack: Southern Illinois DB Jeremy Chinn

Breaking down the draft profile of Southern Illinois DB Jeremy Chinn, a potential pick for the Packers in the 2020 draft.

The Green Bay Packers must use the 2020 NFL Draft to provide the finishing touches on a team that won 13 regular-season games and got within one game of the Super Bowl during Matt LaFleur’s first season as head coach.

Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect fitting the Packers’ roster needs.

Next up is Southern Illinois defensive back Jeremy Chinn:

What he can do

– Looks like a linebacker (6-3, 221) but has multi-dimensional abilities as a safety

– Playmaker. Intercepted 13 passes and broke up 31 others. Had at least three interceptions and five pass breakups during each of his four collegiate seasons. Also forced six fumbles. Terrific ball skills. Will go get it in the air. Turnover creator

– Iffy in man-to-man coverage. Lost several one-on-one reps at the Senior Bowl. Big question mark as he transitions from DII to the NFL

– Way too passive at times. Instincts issue? Processing issue? Urgency could use improvement

– Explosive mover. Ran 4.45 at 221 pounds and hit 41″ in the vertical leap and 138″ in the broad jump

– Big hitter. Confident hitting the strike zone of the ball carrier

– Can be a devastating blitzer and quarterback spy. Explodes through gaps and closes down the quarterback in a big hurry

– Didn’t affect the run game as much as size/athletic profile suggested he should

– Missed two huge tackles on long touchdown runs vs. North Dakota State

– Can show great burst closing downhill or with range side to side from deep safety

– Versatility should be one of his top assets, but might lack instincts to play more than one position at a high level

How he fits

Chinn’s size and athleticism could provide an ideal fit for Mike Pettine’s defense. He needs development in many areas, but it’s easy to project him as an interchangeable safety who can line up deep but also play the overhang defender role as a hybrid linebacker. He’s big enough and certainly athletic enough to handle the duality of the position. His range and the flashes of playmaking ability help provide the groundwork for a potentially impactful player at the next level. Taking Chinn could provide a re-do on failed second-round pick Josh Jones, who never fully developed into a multi-faceted role and was released after two seasons.

NFL comp

Jones. Like the former Packers safety, Chinn is a physical and athletic marvel, but concerns about his football instincts and coverage ability make him a boom-bust project. Potential high reward player if development stays on track. The risk is him following Jones’ path and flaming out before he’s ready to be a difference-maker.

Where Packers could get him

It will depend on how much the NFL loves him. He could be the first safety off the board in the first round, or he could fall deep into the second round. The NFL loves big, athletic players with potential versatility. Teams are also wary of big projections from small schools. It’s a balancing act. Chinn could be a possibility at No. 30 or No. 62.

Previous Prospects for the Pack

WR Tee Higgins
LB Kenneth Murray
LB Patrick Queen
WR Jalen Reagor
WR Justin Jefferson
TE Harrison Bryant
WR Denzel Mims
WR Brandon Aiyuk
WR/TE Chase Claypool
LB Zack Baun
LB Akeem Davis-Gaither
OT Josh Jones
OT Austin Jackson
S Antoine Winfield Jr.
DL Raekwon Davis
DB Xavier McKinney
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones
DL A.J. Epenesa
TE Hunter Bryant
RB Jonathan Taylor
RB Zack Moss
WR Michael Pittman
WR K.J. Hamler
WR John Hightower
LB Jordyn Brooks
LB Troy Dye
LB Willie Gay Jr.
OT Jack Driscoll
WR Devin Duvernay
OT Ezra Cleveland
WR Van Jefferson
OT Andrew Thomas
S Grant Delpit
TE Cole Kmet
OT Tristan Wirfs
QB Jordan Love
RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Touchdown Wire’s 2020 NFL Draft rankings: Top 25 defensive players

Jeff Okudah of Ohio State leads a deep draft class of defensive backs. Xavier McKinney, Antoine Winfield and Trevon Diggs aren’t far behind.

With the 2020 NFL Draft fast approaching, it is time to start finalizing draft boards. Not just for NFL teams, but for the team here at Touchdown Wire. Here is Touchdown Wire’s list of the top 25 defensive prospects in the 2020 draft class.

1. Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State

(AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)

If there’s one thing NFL teams need more than anything else on defense right now, it’s the prototypical lockdown cornerback who can take an opponent’s No. 1 receiver through any route in any coverage. Of the cornerbacks in this draft class, Okudah is the one who raises no questions regarding his ability to do so. After playing 70% of his snaps in man coverage in 2018, per Sports Info Solutions, Okudah dipped down to 54% man coverage last season, upped his zone percentage and still allowed just 21 catches on 54 targets for 280 yards, three interceptions, one touchdown, and an opponent passer rating of 46.8. There may be more physically talented players in this class, but outside of the top quarterbacks, none are more positionally important.

2. Isaiah Simmons, Defense, Clemson

(John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports)

In his 2019 season, per Pro Football Focus, Simmons played 299 snaps in the box, 262 snaps at slot cornerback, 132 snaps at free safety and 116 snaps at defensive line. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Simmons also played 13 snaps at outside corner, to make his versatility even more impressive. Asked at the scouting combing what his position was, Simmons simply responded, “Defense.” In the modern NFL, a player who can do everything from blitzing, to taking on the run game as a linebacker, to coverage as a slot defender and safety, is of prime value as defenses move to nickel and dime defenses as their base.

3. Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State

(Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports)

Young has often been compared to fellow Ohio State alums Joey and Nick Bosa, and from a traits perspective, those are pretty good matches. In 2019, Young put up 16.5 sacks, 21 tackles for loss, seven quarterback hits and 31 quarterback hurries. And if you’re concerned about his getting shut out in sacks through his last three college games, a cursory look at the tape will tell you that he still had a massive effect on opposing offenses.

4. Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina

(AP Photo/Sean Rayford)

At 6 feet 6 and 302 pounds, Kinlaw fits the physical profile of the ideal multi-gap defensive lineman who can get nasty everywhere from over the center to outside the offensive tackles. In 2019, he raised his sack total from four in 2018 to six in his final college season, adding seven quarterback hits and 28 quarterback hurries. Perhaps the most impressive thing about Kinlaw’s potential is that he’s turned himself into a wrecking machine without the benefit of advanced hand technique. Once he reaps the benefits of NFL-level coaching, he projects well as an All-Pro-level disruptor.

5. Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

(John Reed-USA TODAY Sports)

Brown’s relatively weak combine performance might debit him in the eyes of those who haven’t studied his tape. Similarly, his total of 12.5 sacks over four seasons at Auburn could push him under other defenders in your mind if you’re just box-score scouting. But when you watch Brown do his thing on the field, the perspective is entirely different. At 6-5 and 326 pounds, Brown had 10 quarterback hits and 20 quarterback hurries in 2019, adding four batted passes and two forced fumbles to his statistical arsenal. Brown is an ideal three-down defender who can stop the run as well as he can blast through double teams.

6. Xavier McKinney, DB, Alabama

(Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports)

Multi-positional defensive backs are all the rage in today’s NFL, and Nick Saban has been grooming them at Alabama for a while. Minkah Fitzpatrick of the Steelers was an early part of paradigm, and McKinney is ready to follow in Fitzpatrick’s footsteps. Last season, per Pro Football Focus, McKinney played 285 snaps in the box, 271 snaps at free safety and 227 snaps in the slot. The 6-1, 200-pound McKinney also played 38 snaps on the defensive line and five snaps at outside corner. Playing all those positions, he allowed an opponent passer rating of 73.6 and came away with three interceptions, as well as 21 total pressures in just 71 pass-rushing snaps. If you can’t get Isaiah Simmons in your 2020 draft because he goes too early, McKinney is more than an acceptable substitute.

7. Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

(Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)

In 2019, Queen established himself as one of the linchpins of the Tigers’ championship defense after lining up for just 255 total snaps in his first two collegiate seasons. The 6-foot, 229-pound first-year starter proved to be the model of the modern linebacker when he finally got his shot, playing 780 snaps in 2019 and showing the ability to excel everywhere from the box to the slot to the occasional go at outside cornerback. More impressively for Queen’s NFL future is his ability to face up against top running backs and make stops when stops are needed. Not every light linebacker can do that, and once Queen gets the hang of the intricacies of coverage (especially zone coverage), he could be one of the NFL’s best three-down linebackers.

8. Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota

(Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports)

Winfield missed all but a total of eight games in his 2017 and 2018 seasons due to injuries, but he came back with a full head of steam in 2019, picking off seven passes and giving up just 11 catches on 22 targets and an opponent passer rating of 45.5. A healthy Winfield has all the athleticism and range you’d want in a deep-third safety, but what really makes him the best in this class at that particular designation is his ability to read offenses and coverages on the fly — as he detailed to me in a recent film session, he learned a lot from his father, who played cornerback for the Bills and Vikings from 1999 through 2012.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3