Tag: NFL draft rankings

NFL Draft Defensive End, Edge Rusher Rankings 2020: From The College Perspective

Who are the defensive ends and edge rushers who’ll matter in the 2020 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on the top prospects?

Who are the defensive ends and edge rushers who’ll matter in the 2020 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

2020 NFL Draft Defensive End, Edge Rusher Rankings

– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

It’s one of the glamour positions now, more than ever. The pass rushers are fantastic in this draft with a big group of deep, talented, and all-around great prospects are there in bunches.

From the college perspective, here are the top quarterbacks in your 2020 NFL Draft, starting with the ones who’ll be in the mix, and then diving into the five who’ll actually matter over the next ten years of the pro football world.

BetMGM: bet on who’ll be the 1st Overall Pick …

15. Trevis Gipson, Tulsa

Size: 6-3, 261

The Good: Emerging as a big-time pass rusher last season, he grew into the role on the Tulsa line, and then came up with eight sacks, 15 tackles for loss and 49 tackles. He’s got good size to go along with quickness off the ball. He has game-wrecking upside.

The Not-So-Good: Even with all of the production, it’s going to take a little bit of NFL coaching to get all the finer points down. His production was good, but with a little work he could do a whole lot more.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: There’s the potential for fantastic value here. He might need a little while and some work to be more consistent and do something with all of his tools, but there’s massive pass rushing value in the later rounds.

Projected Round: Fifth

14. Jonathan Garvin, Miami

Size: 6-4, 263

The Good: Versatile enough to work as a hybrid pass rusher, he could end up as a solid outside linebacker or a defensive end if he’s around bulk up front. He might be tall and not all that bulky, but he can hit.

The Not-So-Good: It would be nice if he could get a little bit bulkier. He’s a true tweener who’ll get pounded on against a decent NFL running game.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: When he was on as a sophomore, he was a flash into the backfield with 17 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. He can be a disruptive force, but he might need to get functionally stronger to be a three-down option.

Projected Round: Fifth

CFN in 60: 2020 1st Overall Draft Pick Odds
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13. Alex Highsmith, Charlotte

Size: 6-3, 248

The Good: Ultra-productive, he followed up a big three-sack, 18.5 tackle for loss junior season with an unstoppable 15-sack senior campaign with 75 tackles. He’s not huge, but he’s fast – he ripped off a 4.7 – with the hybrid ability to be a specialist as an outside linebacker.

The Not-So-Good: He’s too small and doesn’t really have a sure-thing NFL role. He’s not a true linebacker; he’s a way-undersized defensive end. He’ll get hammered on against the run.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: One of the nation’s most productive pass rushers over the last two seasons, everyone tried to stop him, and no one could do it on a consistent basis. He might not have ideal size, but he’ll be a cheap/value pass rusher late.

Projected Round: Sixth

12. Bradlee Anae, Utah

Size: 6-3, 257

The Good: A pass rushing machine, he was unblockable at times for a fantastic Utah line that was alway pressing. Great over the last three seasons, he finished his career with 29.5 sacks with 40 tackles for loss. There will be knocks on his tools, but he’s a pure football player who’s always working.

The Not-So-Good: Does he have the NFL stuff at just 257 pounds? He’s just okay against the run, and he’s too much of a tweener to be a regular defensive end. He’s a pass rusher without the high-end NFL athleticism needed.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: Don’t get caught up in the negatives and the potential concerns, He’s a consistent producer, a leader, and there’s nothing much to worry about when he’s wound up and let go into a backfield. A coaching staff will love him.

Projected Round: Third

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11. Alton Robinson, SYracuse

Size: 6-3, 264

The Good: One of the fastest and most explosive defensive ends at the combine, he was fantastic in the short drills, ripped off a sub-4.7 40, and did everything right to look the part. He can close, with 19 sacks and 32 tackles for loss in three years.

The Not-So-Good: He’s not really an outside linebacker and he’s a tad undersized for a true defensive end. More disruptive in 2018, he was a bit too inconsistent last season with his production in the backfield cut in half.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: As long as he’s being used as a pass rusher on pure passing downs, he could crank up a ton of stats as a specialty playmaker in the backfield.

Projected Round: Fourth

NEXT: 2020 NFL Draft Defensive End, Edge Rusher Rankings Top Ten

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7

NFL Draft Tight End Rankings 2020: From The College Perspective

Who are the tight ends who’ll matter in the 2020 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

Who are the tight ends who’ll matter in the 2020 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

2020 NFL Draft Tight End Rankings

– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

The tight ends are okay, but there aren’t the stars like there have been over the past few years. However, there’s enough mid-round value to get excited.

From the college perspective, here are the top tight ends in your 2020 NFL Draft, starting with the ones who’ll be in the mix, and then diving into the five who’ll actually matter over the next ten years of the pro football world.

BetMGM: bet on who’ll be the 1st Overall Pick …

15. Dalton Keene, Virginia Tech

Size: 6-4, 253

The Good: Now that’s a workout a workout. Keene dominated at the combine by leading the way in the broad jump and doing a fantastic job in all of the other main categories. Able to do a little of everything right, he’s a solid receiver and has no problems doing what’s necessary as a blocker.

The Not-So-Good: He’s  built like a small forward without a whole lot of bulk. Yes, he can do a little of everything right, but there isn’t a sure-thing NFL trait that makes him standout. His receiving production at Virginia Tech was fine – 59 career catches for 748 yards and eight scores – but nothing special.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: Someone will take him and he’ll be a tough cut. He’s an almost perfect backup tight end with all he can do, but he’s a fill-in. Something will have to pop right away in a camp to be a starter.

Projected Round: Seventh

14. Mitchell Wilcox, USF

Size: 6-3, 247

The Good: Productive, he caught 100 career passes for 1,326 yards and 11 touchdowns. With a good combination of pass catching skills and blocking ability, he can stay on the field for all three downs.

The Not-So-Good: He’s missing the NFL tools. He’s not quite big enough, he’s not quite powerful enough, and he’s not quite fast enough. He’s a good football player, but there’s not enough wow.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: There’s always a place in the NFL for a decent tight end who can catch.

Projected Round: Sixth

CFN in 60: 2020 1st Overall Draft Pick Odds
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13. Josiah Deguara, Cincinnati

Size: 6-2, 242

The Good: Fantastic at the combine, he was one of most athletic all-around tight ends at the workout. Fast, quick, and with a knack for getting his nose dirty as a blocker, he can do a little of everything right. However …

The Not-So-Good: He’s WAY undersized. He’s a fullback-sized player who’ll need to find a role. Yeah, he was athletic in Indy, but he doesn’t have freakish enough skills to overcome the lack of bulk.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: There could be a nice upside here in the later rounds. He’s not built like an NFL tight end, but he’s an ultra-reliable receiver 77 catches and 12 scores over the last two years – and he’ll do whatever is needed.

Projected Round: Sixth

12. Devin Asiasi, UCLA

Size: 6-3, 257

The Good: There’s hope to emerge as a bigger part of a passing game once he finds the right role. He didn’t do much in his UCLA career, and then last season it started to work with 44 catches for 641 yards and four scores. There’s enough on-field explosion to work into downfield playmaker.

The Not-So-Good: There’s a strange body type here to work with. He’s not all that big in a good way, but he’d be better at around 245 pounds – there’s a risk he could be 265ish. There’s upside, but he’s a project.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: There’s a little bit of a boom-or-bust thing happening with him. He could bulk up a bit and become an athletic H-back, or he could crank down and be a matchup problem of a receiver. There’s enough to his game to like the upside.

Projected Round: Fifth

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11. CJ O’Grady, Arkansas

Size: 6-4, 253

The Good: A productive target with good size, he might not do too much down the field, but he caught 84 passes with 11 touchdowns over the last three seasons. He has nice hands and good enough football speed to work his way open.

The Not-So-Good: How worried are you about the way his Arkansas career ended? Suspended a few times, he ended up only playing seven times last year before he left the team. The overall NFL athleticism is just okay and he doesn’t use his size well enough as a run blocker.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: There’s enough talent and pass catching ability to find a job in someone’s offense, but he’s going to be a mid-range threat.

Projected Round: Fifth

NEXT: 2020 NFL Draft Tight End Rankings Top Ten

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7

NFL Draft Guard, Center Rankings 2020: From The College Perspective

Who are the guards and centers who’ll matter in the 2020 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

Who are the guards and centers who’ll matter in the 2020 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

2020 NFL Draft Guard, Center Rankings

– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

The guards are fine, but it’s a center-rich draft with a few excellent starting prospects to be had from – likely – the second round on.

From the college perspective, here are the top guards and centers – interior linemen – in your 2020 NFL Draft, starting with the ones who’ll be in the mix, and then diving into the five who’ll actually matter over the next ten years of the pro football world.

BetMGM: Bet on the 2020 NFL Draft

15. Calvin Throckmorton, Oregon

Size: 6-5, 317

The Good: He bulked up a bit between the end of the season and the combine, but he should maintain his versatility and potential to be tried out at tackle. Able to be tried out anywhere, at worst he’s a good all-around possibility as a swing backup.

The Not-So-Good: A true-tweener, even at his bigger weight he’s still not quite a traditional bulk guard, and the athleticism isn’t there to be a tackle. There’s nothing that stands out at an NFL level.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: Just take him and figure out a spot. He’s a tough blocker who can serve as good, reliable reserve at absolute worst, but he should be able to fight his way through to be a starting NFL quarter.

Projected Round: Fourth

14. Darryl Williams, Mississippi State (C/OG)

Size: 6-2, 304

The Good: Try to blow off the measurables. He’s got the versatility to be a rock-solid center from the start, or could move to either guard spot in a pinch.  A true leader, he can take over a line from the middle.

The Not-So-Good: The NFL body type isn’t there. He’s not long enough and doesn’t have the raw mass to be any sort of a power blocker for a consistent basis. It’s not a knock that he’s probably just a center, but he’s only a backup at guard.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: More than able to hold his own for a long time as an SEC center, he was more than able to handle the work against the nation’s top defensive tackles. He’s too smart of a player to not be someone’s center.

Projected Round: Fifth

CFN in 60: 2020 1st Overall Draft Pick Odds
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13. Shane Lemieux, Oregon

Size: 6-4, 310

The Good: Very dependable and very experienced, he’s ready to go right now with the toughness to be a good grinder for the ground game. There isn’t any finesse about his style – he’s a true guard.

The Not-So-Good: Can he move well enough? He moved well enough at the combine to think he can do more in pass protection, but he’ll need to be flanked by athletic linemen.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: He doesn’t necessarily look the part of a more modern day athletic NFL lineman, but get past it. He’s a veteran pounder who’ll start for a long time.

Projected Round: Fourth

12. Jonah Jackson, Ohio State (C/OG)

Size: 6-3, 306

The Good: Equally promising at any of the three interior spots at the next level, he’s a superior run blocker who gets great leverage and can maul. He’s not massive, but he uses his bulk and technique well enough to produce, especially if he becomes a next-level center.

The Not-So-Good: Good luck against the ultra-quick interior defensive linemen. He can pound, and he isn’t that bad at moving in short areas, but he isn’t enough of a pass protector to rely on.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: The former Rutgers-transfer turned-Buckeye has all of the intangibles to be someone’s starting center for a long time. He might not be an elite athlete, but he can pop.

Projected Round: Third

11. Matt Hennessy, Temple (C/OG)

Size: 6-4, 307

The Good: Able to play anywhere in the interior, he’s a center with just enough toughness and grit to work as a guard. There’s even the potential to try him out at right tackle if needed.

The Not-So-Good: He’s not quite big enough to not be scheme-specific – he’s not going to maul anyone at the next level – and he might be a center-only. The want-to is there to work as a guard, but the bulk isn’t.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: He can be a leader of someone’s line as an athletic center who can get on the move. It would be nice if he could work at around 315 and bring a little more power, but he’ll be fine early on the second day.

Projected Round: Third

NEXT: 2020 NFL Draft Guard, Center Rankings Top Ten

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7

NFL Draft Quarterback Rankings 2020: From The College Perspective

Who are the quarterbacks who’ll matter in the 2020 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

Who are the quarterbacks who’ll matter in the 2020 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

2020 NFL Draft Quarterback Rankings

– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

It’s one of the more interesting NFL Draft years for quarterbacks in a long, long time. There aren’t a lot of teams that need to draft a quarterback, but the ones that do really need a one.

From the college perspective, here are the top quarterbacks in your 2020 NFL Draft, starting with the ones who’ll be in the mix, and then diving into the five who’ll actually matter over the next ten years of the pro football world.

BetMGM: bet on who’ll be the 1st Overall Pick …

15. Cole McDonald, Hawaii

Size: 6-3, 215

The Good: Very athletic with good size, a live arm, and with the ability to wing it all around the yard, he knows how to keep on pressing a passing game and has a necessary fearless streak.

The Not-So-Good: He’s got a funky throwing motion that doesn’t seem to matter on his rhythm throws, but requires effort on big passes. He’ll be an interception machine at times.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: A nice late-round flier as a guy who can come off the bench in an emergency and make a passing game go.

Projected Round: Free Agent

14. Bryce Perkins, Virginia

Size: 6-3, 215

The Good: A terrific leader and all-around baller who stepped up his passing game against a terrific Florida pass defense in the Orange Bowl. Mobile, he runs well to go along with a live arm.

The Not-So-Good: He doesn’t feel the pressure well enough and relies on his mobility a bit too often. He’ll force a few too many throws and had problems with picks when he tried to do too much.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: The skills and upside are there to develop into a reliable backup who’ll get his shot to start with a little time. He’s a veteran who can grow into a role.

Projected Round: Free Agent

CFN in 60: 2020 1st Overall Draft Pick Odds
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13. Kelly Bryant, Missouri

Size: 6-3, 229

The Good: He’s got a nice all-around combination of skills and tools. Just fine for Missouri when he was healthy, he played through his problems and gave it a go late in the season. The NFL arm is there.

The Not-So-Good: He’s missing the steady accuracy. He can throw,  run, and do all the things to become an intriguing prospect, but he’s missing the next-level all-around passing ability.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: It will take an overhaul to make him a consistent NFL passer, but there’s a whole lot to like about his game and his upside to develop into a good backup.

Projected Round: Sixth

12. Steven Montez, Colorado

Size: 6-4, 231

The Good: Everything is there. The NFL size, the mobility, the experience, the mobility, the moxie, the look, and even the upside to do a whole lot more. When he was on, he played like a quarterback with the tools to be fantastic, but …

The Not-So-Good: He’s just never been able to put it all together. He’ll look like a world-beater one game, and then something’s a little off the next. It always seemed like he was about to turn a corner and be massive, but it never happened.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: There’s too much talent to ignore. He’ll show off enough in practices to keep him on a roster, but there has to be a steadiness to his game to make any step forward. Someone will like the possibilities.

Projected Round: Fifth

11. Jake Luton, Oregon State

Size: 6-6, 224

The Good: Very big with a live arm and a ton of experience, he’s got the pure-passing skills and talent to quickly step in and at least push the ball down the field. Give him a little time in the pocket and he can produce.

The Not-So-Good: There’s not enough mobility to matter, and he’s going to be pegged as a pure pocket passer. His passes don’t quite look effortless, but he gets the ball there.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: He’s the type who ends up being in the background on Hard Knocks in the quarterback meetings. His size and deep ball passing skills will get him at least a No. 3 spot in the league for a long time.

Projected Round: Sixth

NEXT: 2020 NFL Draft Quarterback Rankings Top Ten

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7

2020 NFL draft: Post-combine rankings for every position

Luke Easterling updates his prospect rankings for every position group in the 2020 NFL draft class

The NFL offseason, if there’s ever truly such a thing, is about to kick into a higher gear.

The 2020 NFL Scouting Combine is in the books, as well as the all-star circuit for this year’s top draft prospects. Teams are now preparing for official visits with draft hopefuls, as well as getting ready for the frenzied free-for-all that is free agency, which kicks off next week.

As the action heats up across the league, here’s an updated look at our prospect rankings for every position group in the 2020 NFL draft:

Quarterback

Running Back

Wide Receiver

Tight End

Offensive Tackle

Interior Offensive Line

Edge Defender

Interior Defensive Line

Linebacker

Cornerback

Safety

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2020 NFL Combine: Top 250 Prospects, Draft Projections

Ranking the top 250 2020 NFL Draft prospects invited to the 2020 NFL Combine.

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Ranking the top 250 2020 NFL Draft prospects invited to the 2020 NFL Combine.

2020 NFL Combine Top 250 Prospects

… before the combine.

Date: Thursday, February 27: TE, QB, WO
Friday, February 28: PK, ST, OL, RB
Saturday, February 29: DL, LB
Sunday, March 1: DB
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)
Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
Network: NFL Network

From the college perspective. here are rankings of the top 250 prospects – there are more who’ll be in Indianapolis – at the 2020 NFL combine. The prospects are broken down by where we think they all belong talent-wise, and with where they probably should go. For a quick look at each player by position …

2020 NFL Combine Prospects: What To Look For 
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | OTs | OG & C
DEs | DTs | OLBs | ILBs | CBs | Safeties

The numbers in parentheses are the predicted draft round.

250. WR Binjimen Victor, Ohio State 6-4, 199 (Free Agent)

249. DT McTelvin Agim, Arkansas 6-3, 300 (7)

248. CB James Pierre, Florida Atlantic 6-2, 185 (Free Agent)

247. WR Austin Mack, 6-1, 215 Ohio State (Free Agent)

246. WR Juwan Johnson, Oregon 6-4, 231 (Free Agent)

245. CB Thakarius Keyes, Tulane 6-1, 200 (Free Agent)

244. DE Chauncey Rivers, Mississippi State 6-3, 275 (7)

243. TE Cheyenne (CJ) O’Grady, Arkansas 6-4, 256 (7)

242. ILB Chapelle Russell, Temple 6-1, 230 (Free Agent)

241. CB Javelin Guidry, Utah 5-9, 193 (Free Agent)

240. DE Derrek Tuszka, North Dakota State 6-5, 246 (6)

2020 NFL Combine Prospects: What To Look For 
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | OTs | OG & C
DEs | DTs | OLBs | ILBs | CBs | Safeties

239. CB Nevelle Clarke, UCF 6-1, 187 (7)

238. S Kamren Curl, Arkansas 6-2, 198 (Free Agent)

237. ILB Michael Divinity, LSU 6-2, 241 (OLB) (Free Agent)

236. DT Darrion Daniels, Nebraska 6-3, 325 (7)

235. QB James Morgan, FIU 6-4, 213 (Free Agent)

234. WR Joe Reed, Virginia 6-1, 215 (Free Agent)

233. S Tanner Muse, Clemson 6-2, 230 (Free Agent)

232. ILB Daniel Bituli, Tennessee 6-3, 252 (Free Agent)

231. DT Carlos Davis, Nebraska 6-2, 320 (Free Agent)

230. QB  Shea Patterson, Michigan 6-1, 202 (6)

229. S Jalen Elliott, Notre Dame 6-1, 205 (Free Agent)

228. CB John Reid, Penn State 5-10, 181 (Free Agent)

227. WR Dezmon Patmon, Washington State 6-4, 228 (Free Agent)

226. ILB Scoota Harris, Arkansas 6-0, 245 (Free Agent)

225. OG Cameron Clark, Charlotte 6-5, 294 (Free Agent)

NEXT: 2020 NFL Draft Seventh Round Talents

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2020 NFL Combine: Inside Linebacker Prospects, Invites, What To Watch For

Rankings and what to watch for out of all the inside linebacker prospects invited to the 2020 NFL Combine.

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Rankings and what to watch for out of all the inside linebacker prospects invited to the 2020 NFL Combine.

2020 NFL Combine: Inside Linebackers

Date: Saturday, February 29: DL, LB
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)
Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
Network: NFL Network

From the college perspective. here are rankings and quick looks at all of the inside linebackers invited to the 2020 NFL Combine.

Before getting into the top five breakdown, here’s a ranking of the best of the rest and what to look for.

2020 Pre-NFL Combine Inside Linebacker Best of the Rest Rankings

Number in parentheses is the projected round drafted before the NFL Combine.

23. Clay Johnston, Baylor 6-1, 232 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: A try-hard tackler who turned into more of an all-around playmaker last season, he doesn’t have NFL tools. However, he has to be just athletic enough to look like a special teamer who can potentially fill a role as an emergency option on the inside.

22. Chapelle Russell, Temple 6-1, 230 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: A very good, very tough, very steady producer over the last three seasons, he was a good college football player with decent potential as a late flier, but medical evaluations on a banged up knee after two  ACL tears will be an issue.

21. Michael Divinity, LSU 6-2, 241 (OLB) (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: He can play a variety of positions, and he’s got a decent combination of size and pass rushing skills, but he was just okay for the Tigers and missed most of last season. The interview process will be big, but he has to show off enough tools to be worth a draft pick.

20. Daniel Bituli, Tennessee 6-3, 252 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: A great hitter who’ll be a tough guy’s tough guy in practices, but he’s got to show some semblance of NFL athleticism. He’s got the size, and someone will love to take a chance, but he has to be able to move.

19. Scoota Harris, Arkansas 6-0, 245 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: Moving through the short drills will be his key. There’s no questioning his thump, an he’ll beat everyone up when he gets a chance, but he can’t be brutally slow.

18. Shaun Bradley, Temple 6-1, 230 (OLB) (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: Does he have a set spot, and does he have the NFL tools to find a job anywhere on a defense? He’s not quick enough for the outside, and he’s not enough of a thumper for the inside. He’ll make a squad on special teams, though.

17. Willie Gay, Mississippi State 6-2, 240 (OLB) (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: He’s big and can run, but he didn’t do a whole lot in the Miss State linebacking corps with 99 tackles in three years. However, he has all the tools. The interview will be the big part of the weekend after missing half of last year suspended.

16. Joe Bachie, Michigan State 6-2, 231 (6)
NFL Combine What Matters: Just how much are teams going to care about him getting nailed for PEDs? He’s a great player who’ll hit everything, but he has to workout well enough – he’s hardly a blazer – to overcome the concerns.

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15. David Woodward, Utah State 6-2, 235 (7)
NFL Combine What Matters: Here’s the problem – his injury concerns might be too much to overcome. He was ultra-productive, he’s just big enough to be fine, and he was a terrific all-around volume tackler for the Aggies. However, the medical evaluation is going to be a big, big concern after missing half of last year.

14. Francis Bernard, Utah 6-1, 230 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: A great all-around playmaker for a fantastic defensive front, he’s great at getting to the ball and he never quits on a play. Can he move, though? He needs to be smooth through the short drills – and quick, too.

13. Mykal Walker, Fresno State 6-3, 230 (OLB) (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: He’ll never be a big-time athlete who’ll fly all over the field, but he’s a good-sized tackler who’ll make a roster as a special teamer and will offer the versatility to play any linebacker position.

12. Cale Garrett, Missouri 6-3, 230 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: It really, really stinks that he got knocked out for the year with a pectoral injury. A hitting machine, he needs the medical evaluation to check out fine. He might not be the most athletic of NFL prospects, but he’s the type who finds his way on a team and turns into a sneaky-good starter.

11. Jordan Mack, Virginia 6-2, 230 (6)
NFL Combine What Matters: Everyone will want him on their team as a possible coach on the field. He’s one of the best and smartest leaders in the entire draft at any position, but he won’t do a thing in pass coverage and he’s missing the raw thump against the run. Someone will want him, and on the field in the workout, he needs to provide a reason why.

10. Markus Bailey, Purdue 6-1, 240 (5)
NFL Combine What Matters: A great leader and a thumper, he’ll deliver against the run and he’s always moving – he never quits. However, he’s had major knee issues – the medical evaluation will mean everything.

9. Dante Olson, Montana 6-3, 240 (6)
NFL Combine What Matters: He’ll bring the right frame and size, and he’ll bring  the resumé with a whole lot of tackles and great tape. Can he run at all, though? He’s a one-gear guy – he’ll stop everything against the run, but that’s it – and it’s just fine.

8. Davion Taylor, Colorado 6-1, 225 (OLB) (5)
NFL Combine What Matters: He’s way too small, but he can really, really move. There will be others who’ll come up with more impressive workouts, but he’s going to fly around the drills. He needs a workout to be worth the mid-round flier.

7. Jacob Phillips, LSU 6-4, 233 (5)
NFL Combine What Matters: A great volume tackler, he might not offer a whole lot of splash at the next level, but he’ll get on the field and work his way into a rotation. If he can show any flash, he’ll quickly move up.

6. Shaquille Quarterman, Miami 6-1, 241 (6)
NFL Combine What Matters: So what that he’s not all that fast and is only a run stopper – get him on your defense and just see if he doesn’t take it over. Just a little bit of movement will be enough to make someone want him – he’s the guy everyone would love to have, leadership-wise.

NEXT: Top Five Pre-NFL Combine Inside Linebackers

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2020 NFL Combine: Outside Linebacker Prospects, Invites, What To Watch For

Rankings and what to watch for out of all the outside linebacker prospects invited to the 2020 NFL Combine.

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Rankings and what to watch for out of all the outside linebacker prospects invited to the 2020 NFL Combine.

2020 NFL Combine: Outside Linebacker

Date: Saturday, February 29: Linebacker
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)
Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
Network: NFL Network

From the college perspective. here are rankings and quick looks at all of the outside linebackers invited to the 2020 NFL Combine.

Before getting into the top five breakdown, here’s a ranking of the best of the rest and what to look for.

2020 Pre-NFL Combine Outside Linebacker Best of the Rest Rankings

Number in parentheses is the projected round drafted before the NFL Combine.

18. Azur Kamara, Kansas 6-4, 235 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: A good-sized prospect with a decent pass rushing burst, he a true tweener who needs to show off the explosiveness, needed to be more than a special teams flier.

17. Tipa Galeai, Utah State 6-5, 235 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: There’s edge rushing potential after a five-sack season, but he’s not quick enough to be an outside linebacker and not big enough to hang on a line. He’s got the frame, though, and the playmaking resumé to get a look.

16. Khaleke Hudson, Michigan 5-11, 220 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: Way undersized, he’s a quick outside prospect who’ll have to make a roster on special teams. He’ll move and look like the pumped up defensive back that he is. He needs to look and workout like a possible pass rushing specialist.

15. Kamal Martin, Minnesota 6-3, 245 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: How smooth is he? He was hurt throughout the 2019 season with a knee problem, but he still made a whole lot of things happen when he was on the field. As is he wasn’t really all that smooth without the knee, but he can hit.

14. Michael Pinkney, Miami 6-1, 226 (ILB) (6)
NFL Combine What Matters: It stinks that he’s so undersized. He’s a fantastic baller of a linebacker who’ll hit, get nasty, and has the smarts of a veteran who played four years at a high level. He’s missing the tools, but someone will want to give him a shot if he can look quick at all in Indy.

13. Carter Coughlin, Minnesota 6-3, 234 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: The guy just made plays. He’s a true tweener without a position, he should run okay but he needs to rock in the shorter drills. He needs to be able to bulk up and still show a pass rushing burst.

12. Casey Toohill, Stanford 6-4, 247 (6)
NFL Combine What Matters: All that matters is his pass rushing ability. He’s not going to beat up anyone, but he looks the part and has the right frame, but he’s a tweener who’ll end up being a specialist if he sticks.

11. Justin Strnad, Wake Forest 6-3, 235 (ILB) (6)
NFL Combine What Matters: Hardly surprising for a Wake Forest player, he’s a very smart all-around player, but he has the speed and the flash, too. He doesn’t have an NFL linebacker frame, and everything has to be fine after suffering an arm injury this season, but he’s versatile enough to make an impact.

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10. Darrell Taylor, Tennessee 6-4, 255 (4)
NFL Combine What Matters: What is he? He’s not really a defensive end, and he’s not quite refined enough to be sure-thing pass rushing edge guy on the outside, but there’s SO much to like. He looks out of central casting with a sky-high ceiling as a mid-round prospect.

9. Cameron Brown, Penn State 6-5, 233 (4)
NFL Combine What Matters: Can he rock the combine? He’s got great on-field athleticism – he plays fast – and there’s a whole world of upside once he bulks up to around 240ish. A great edge rushing prospect, he can turn into a top 100 pick if he can rip it up.

8. Akeem Davis-Gaither, Appalachian State 6-2, 215 (3)
NFL Combine What Matters: Just find a spot for him. He’s built like a big safety, he can move, and he’s a big-time producer. He’ll never be a bulky run stuffer, but he might be a tweener in a good way – just get him out there in some role and let him get to the ball. However, he had better time well for his size.

7. Troy Dye, Oregon 6-4, 224 (3)
NFL Combine What Matters: He’s undersized, he’s too thin for a big-time linebacker, and he’ll get steamrolled over by any NFL blocker, but he’s the type of player you want leading your D. He’s a guided-missile who’s always around the ball and in the backfield. In Indy, he has to give scouts who love him a reason to be a must-have.

6. Logan Wilson, Wyoming 6-2, 241 (ILB) (4)
NFL Combine What Matters: One of the best pure tacklers in the draft, now he has to find a real role. His versatility is a major plus, but is his a sideline-to-sideline guy on the inside, or a dangerous pass rusher who can hold his own against the run on the outside? No matter what, he might lead a team in tackles right away.

NEXT: Top Five Pre-NFL Combine Outside Linebackers

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2020 NFL Combine: Wide Receiver Prospects, Invites, What To Watch For

Rankings and what to watch for out of all the Wide Receiver prospects invited to the 2020 NFL Combine.

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Rankings and what to watch for out of all the Wide Receiver prospects invited to the 2020 NFL Combine.

2020 NFL Combine: Wide Receiver

Date: Thursday, February 27: Wide Receivers
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)
Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
Network: NFL Network

From the college perspective. here are rankings and quick looks at all of the wide receivers invited to the 2020 NFL Combine.

Before getting into the top five breakdown, here’s a ranking of the best of the rest and what to look for.

2020 Pre-NFL Combine Wide Receiver Best of the Rest Rankings

Number in parentheses is the projected round drafted before the NFL Combine.

50. KJ Osborn, Miami 6-0, 206 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: Does he have the raw tools? He’s not a deep threat at the next level, and he’s more of a reliable inside target than a thriller. He’ll likely have to stick on a roster as a special teamer.

49. Chris Finke, Notre Dame 5-10, 184 (Free Agent) 
NFL Combine What Matters: Can he make it as a punt returner? He’s a smallish, shifty receiver who can find his way open, but he’ll need to latch on as a special teamer. His quickness will be everything in his workout.

48. Cody White, Michigan State 6-3, 215 (Free Agent) 
NFL Combine What Matters: The looks are there with a great size and perfect NFL look, but he’s just not fast enough – at least, he doesn’t appear to be – to grow into an NFL playmaker. That can all change with one fantastic 40 time.

47. Jeff Thomas, Miami 5-10, 174 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: He’s really fast, and he’s got the upside to be a good value late deep threat pick, but he’s inconsistent and he wasn’t nearly productive enough. With him, the interview process will mean everything, considering question marks stemming from a suspension.

46. Kendrick Rogers, Texas A&M 6-4, 204 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: While he’s got the size and he has a whole lot of playmaking upside, but he just never put it all together. He’ll time and test well enough to make scouts look harder at the tape, but he needs to play up to his size.

45. Darnell Mooney, Tulane 5-11, 175 (Free Agent) 
NFL Combine What Matters: While he’s not a volume catcher at the next level, he’s a deep threat who could latch on as a No. 4 outside target. There’s no physical aspect to his game – he’s all about the speed and quickness.

44. Darrell Stewart, Michigan State 6-2, 216 (6)
NFL Combine What Matters: A sturdy, dependable receiver with good size and a physical style that some will love, he’s not going to blow the doors off the combine, but he’s athletic enough to deserve a long look.

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43. Binjimen Victor, Ohio State 6-4, 199 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: Get ready for him to generate a buzz. He’s got all the athleticism everyone wants, all the size, and the great catching radius, but he wasn’t productive enough. He needs to look like a guy worth developing.

42. Austin Mack, 6-1, 215 Ohio State (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: Never really healthy, he wasn’t as productive as he should’ve been. However, he could be a free agent steal with the NFL look and tools needed to be worth developing.

41. Juwan Johnson, Oregon 6-4, 231 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: The Penn State transfer has terrific size and is more than physical enough, but he’s always been banged up and he’s never quite been able to bust out on a consistent basis. He might make a roster as a tweener who could be used as a second receiving tight end.

40. Joe Reed, Virginia 6-1, 215 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: A tough reliable short-range receiver, his NFL future will likely start out as a kick returner. He needs to dominate in the quickness drills and potentially be something of a downhill target.

39. Dezmon Patmon, Washington State 6-4, 228 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: Is there any NFL quickness or speed to his game? He was a fine route-runner in the Wazzu offense, and he’s reliable when he has to battle for the ball, but he might just be a good short-range target prospect.

38. Tyrie Cleveland, Florida 6-2, 205 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: He’s got the size and the tools, but he didn’t produce nearly enough as he needed to with the Gators – catching just 25 passes for 351 yards and a score last year. He’ll look great, but something has to be otherworldly about the workout to get drafted.

37. Tony Brown, Colorado 6-1, 195 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: A nice route-runner who isn’t going to blow the doors off a defense, he’s a shifty player who might stick as a No. 3 midrange target. He has to show a draftable tool and not be just another guy.

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36. Aaron Parker, Rhode Island 6-3, 208 (6)
NFL Combine What Matters: He needs to show off just enough to get drafted late as an interesting flier. A very, very good, big-guy target at the lower level, there could be something to get excited about after a little polish. A big 40 would be a game-changer.

35. John Hightower, Boise State 6-2, 172 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: A productive deep threat who can be used as a kick returner, he’s only a speed receiver at the next level. If it’s possible to show any toughness and strength, that would be a huge help.

34. Freddie Swain, Florida 6-0, 199 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: The NFL abilities are all there to get someone excited as a returner or a No. 3 target. He didn’t produce at a high level for the Gators, but he came up with seven touchdowns on his 38 catches and he’s got the next-level upside to find a job.

33. Malcolm Perry, Navy 5-9, 190 (RB) (7)
NFL Combine What Matters: He might get drafted just because someone will want to take a flier on the ultra-quick Navy guy, but he has to learn how to be a wide receiver. Give him a little while to figure it out, and there’s tremendous upside considering his open-field speed and quarterback mentality. Remember, Julian Edelman was a college quarterback, too.

32. Trishton Jackson, Syracuse 6-1, 191 (6)
NFL Combine What Matters: He’s going to fly. He might not be the best all-around receiver, and he’s not going to be anything but a one-trick deep threat at the next level, but if he goes 4.4 or better and looks smooth, he could earn a draft slot.

31. Quez Watkins, Southern Miss 6-2, 190 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: The productivity was there, and he was a difference-maker when he got his shot to rise up, but does he have the quickness and next-level speed, or is he just a guy? He needs to look smooth.

30. Lawrence Cager, Georgia 6-5, 220 (Free Agent) 
NFL Combine What Matters: How much upside is there? He’s really big, he looks the part, and he can move, but his time in Indy is about the medical evaluation after having surgery on his ankle.

29. Marquez Callaway, Tennessee 6-2, 204 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: 40, 40, 40. He’s never going to be anyone’s No. 1 receiver, and he’s never going to be an NFL volume catcher, but he can hit the home run. If he’s not REALLY fast, he’s a flier of a return guy and No. 4 outside target.

28. Quartney Davis, Texas A&M 6-1, 200 (6)
NFL Combine What Matters: He didn’t do enough with the Aggies to be a must-have draft pick as anything more than a flier, but he’s got decent size and he’s versatile enough to play just about anywhere.

27. James Proche, SMU 5-11, 193 (5)
NFL Combine What Matters: Try to blow off that he doesn’t necessarily have the NFL tools to be anything special. He’s a good football player who’ll catch everything, but can he stand out at all in the drills? He’ll be the guy in camp who becomes a brutally tough cut if he doesn’t standout on special teams.

26. Kalija Lipscomb, Vanderbilt 6-0, 201 (5) 
NFL Combine What Matters: His production dropped as the Vandy offense went into the tank, but he’s a sound, reliable receiver with excellent quickness. He has to show off the deep speed that wasn’t there at times in college, and he might not be physical enough for some teams.

NEXT: Top 25 Wide Receiver Prospects Before the 2020 NFL Combine

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2020 NFL Combine: Offensive Guard, Center Prospects, Invites, What To Watch For

Rankings and what to watch for out of all the offensive guard, center prospects invited to the 2020 NFL Combine.

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Rankings and what to watch for out of all the offensive guard, center prospects invited to the 2020 NFL Combine.

2020 NFL Combine: Offensive Guard, Center

Date: Friday, February 28: Offensive Guards, Centers
Live Stream: fuboTV (click to watch for free)
Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
Network: NFL Network

From the college perspective. here are rankings and quick looks at all of the offensive guards and centers invited to the 2020 NFL Combine.

Before getting into the top five breakdown, here’s a ranking of the best of the rest and what to look for.

2020 Pre-NFL Combine Offensive Guard, Center Best of the Rest Rankings

Number in parentheses is the projected round drafted before the NFL Combine.

28. Andy Pinter, Ball State 6-4, 300 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: A good all-around blocker who can move a little bit, he’s not a tackle at the next level, and he’s not bulky enough or physical enough for the inside. He has to show something amazing athletically to look draftable.

27. Cordel Iwuagwu, TCU 6-3, 311 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: Too smallish to be a regular power blocker on the inside, he’s got the fight and he’s productive, but he has to come out with a few NFL tools to be more than a flier.

26. Simon Stepaniak, Indiana 6-4, 321 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: A tough guy blocker for the run, he’s a brick wall with ridiculous strength. He doesn’t have the feet – he can’t be lumbering in the drills.

25. Cameron Clark, Charlotte 6-5, 294 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: There’s a whole lot to his game to like, but he’s not bulky enough. He’s not a tackle at the next level, and he’s not going to be a punishing guard. There’s a show his workout is good enough to earn a longer look as a must-have versatile free agent.

24. Tremayne Anchrum, Clemson 6-2, 310 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: He’s just not big enough. He might have been an ultra-productive tackle at the highest of college levels, and something has to stand out about his workout to get everyone over his lack of bulk.

23. Mike Onwenu, Michigan 6-3, 350 (6)
NFL Combine What Matters: Way big and way bulky, good luck getting around him. Can he move at all? The length might not be there, but he’s a tough, strong hitter who can crank up his stock by looking solid in the quickness drills.

22. John Molchon, Boise State 6-5, 318 (Free Agent)
NFL Combine What Matters: A good blocker without a set position, he’s a tweener who could see time anywhere on a line, but needs to work inside without the pop to be a top guard. If he can show power, this would be it.

21. Cohl Cabral, Arizona State 6-5, 304 (C/OT) (6)
NFL Combine What Matters: A true center with the blocking ability to be a starter for a long, long time. He’s ready to lead an NFL line right away, but if he can show off good feet, he could be thought of as a versatile backup at tackle, too.

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20. Trystan Colon-Castillo, Missouri 6-4, 315 (C/OG) (6)
NFL Combine What Matters: He has the size and versatility to play anywhere on the inside, but he doesn’t have the length NFL teams will want. He has to look and be a bit stronger and more powerful, if possible.

19. Logan Stenberg, Kentucky 6-6, 317 (5)
NFL Combine What Matters: There’s a whole lot not to like. He might not look like a bulky guard, and he’s not going to come up with great times, but he’s a baller who was outstanding for the UK line over the last few years. The short drills will mean everything.

18. Jack Driscoll, Auburn 6-5, 296 (5)
NFL Combine What Matters: Good luck figuring this one out. He doesn’t have NFL size, and he’ll never flatten anyone, but he can move, and he can produce. He’ll be easy to pass up because of his lack of bulk, but someone will love his upside as an option for either guard spot.

17. Hakeem Adeniji, Kansas 6-4, 302 (5)
NFL Combine What Matters: A tackle-sized blocker who’ll end up working on the inside, he doesn’t have the size of an NFL guard. Someone will want him as a jack-of-all-trades, but he has to look like a possible next-level starter.

16. Jake Hanson, Oregon 6-5, 297 (C/OG) (5)
NFL Combine What Matters: One of the meanest – in a good way – blockers in the draft, he’s the leader everyone will want. Now he has to show off the NFL ability and quickness to get past the lack of raw bulk.

15. Matt Hennessy, Temple 6-4, 302 (C/OG) (4)
NFL Combine What Matters: Can he move well enough to get scouts past his lack of bulk and size? He’s a smart, quick, veteran blocker who knows how to handle a line, but can he add any more pop to his frame?

14. Darryl Williams, Mississippi State 6-3, 310 (C/OG) (4)
NFL Combine What Matters: He’s not big enough, but he was a high-end SEC blocker with the versatility to work in a variety of ways in the middle of a line. He’s got a nice enough mix of skills to get drafted, but he has to look like the most athletic center.

13. Calvin Throckmorton, Oregon 6-5, 309 (4)
NFL Combine What Matters: Draft him and he’ll find a starting home somewhere. Talented enough to play any position, he might be a true tweener without a true spot, and he doesn’t have one NFL tool in the box, but he’s a fantastic football player. Something has to stand out, though.

12. Jonah Jackson, Ohio State 6-4, 310 (C/OG) (4)
NFL Combine What Matters: Able to play anywhere in the interior, he can move well and he’ll fit for the faster-paced teams that like to wing the ball all over the place. If it’s possible to show pure power in this workout, he has to do it.

11. Shane Lemieux, Oregon 6-4, 316 (5)
NFL Combine What Matters: He looks the part of a big, tough guard who’ll bring his pop on every snap, can he move at all? There’s a whole lot to not like about his style and his game, but he’ll take over a line and make it his.

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10. Nick Harris, Washington 6-1, 293 (C) (3)
NFL Combine What Matters: Opinions on him will be all across the board. On production, toughness and skills, he’s it. He’s a special center who can move as well as any middle man in the draft. But he just doesn’t have the size, and there’s no way to fix that.

9. Keith Ismael, San Diego State 6-3, 300 (C/OG) (4)
NFL Combine What Matters: He’s one of those guys who’ll drop a bit because he’s not the right size and he doesn’t have a set spot, and then he mans the pivot of a line for a decade. Is his shoulder okay after having it fixed up?

8. Netane Muti, Fresno State 6-3, 307 (4)
NFL Combine What Matters: One of the best pure guards in the draft in pure talent and ability, he’s a strong, feisty blocker who someone will love to have as a good-value pick. So what’s the issue? He’s been way too banged up. The medical evaluation will be everything.

7. Solomon Kindley, Georgia 6-4, 335 (4)
NFL Combine What Matters: Here’s the bulk that’s so sorely missing. He’s got an NFL mindset who’ll destroy his many, and he has the size to be a dominant force. Just a wee bit of athleticism will make him a possible top 100 pick.

6. Cesar Ruiz, Michigan 6-4, 319 (C/OG) (3)
NFL Combine What Matters: The size is there to go along with the versatility. Watch out – everyone in Indy will love him. He’s going to have the athleticism to go along with the bulk, and he has a shot to win the combine and move up.

NEXT: No. 5 Pre-NFL Combine Offensive Guard, Center

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