The 2020 NFL Draft still has plenty to offer, even in the later rounds of the class, and perhaps particularly at the quarterback position. Only one quarterback went on Day 2 (Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts) after four went on Day 1. That has left a few of college’s best starters in the mix for Day 3.
After the NFL set a record of receivers drafted in the first two rounds, the pass-catchers are looking less impressive. And the tight end group, which was never particularly awe-inspiring, has one big name leftover. Defensively, there are a handful of starting-caliber talents, too. Here’s a look at the 13 best prospects available.
Jacob Eason, QB, Washington
He’s an enticing physical talent, but clearly, NFL teams are concerned about his processing power. He didn’t show an advanced ability to read defenses or handle pressure. Even so, NFL.com gave him a second-round grade with the potential to be an average starter. He’ll likely go off the board early.
Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia
Fromm is a quarterback with equally uncertain pro prospects to Eason, but they’re totally opposite. Fromm has all the brains and work ethic to hang in the NFL, but his arm talent doesn’t seem to match. Those physical tools (or lack thereof) seem to be scaring off teams.
Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty
He blew up at the Senior Bowl with a strong set of practices, but his measurements didn’t wow at the 2020 NFL Combine. His 40-yard dash was 4.6-seconds and 3-cone drill was 7.33-seconds — neither is particularly impressive. But perhaps at 6-foot-4, 225 pounds, he can be a big, possession receiver in the NFL.
John Hightower, WR, Boise State
His athletic profile is impressive, at 6-foot-1 and 190 yards and a 4.43-second 40-yard dash, 7.07-second 3-cone drill and a 38-inch vertical leap. He can stretch the field with his speed and route-running, and also works well after the catch. He’s an example of how deep this class is.
Hunter Bryant, TE, Florida Atlantic
Look, I may or may not have pegged him as a potential first-rounder — and at the time, I was willing to admit it was a little crazy. But I do think he can be a productive tight end in the NFL, in the same vein of Austin Hooper. He eclipsed 1,000 yards in his final season at FAU.
Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Missouri
He’s a really good athlete with solid production in his three seasons as a starter, and in the process, he’s found ways to be productive in a number of ways. He had a career-high 11 touchdowns in his first season, a career-high 43 catches and 466 yards in his second season. But he didn’t quite develop over his college career.
Saahdiq Charles, OT, LSU
He missed six games for disciplinary reasons, but he’s a starting tackle on a National Championship-winning team. He saw no shortage of excellent pass rushers, and showed enough size and athleticism to give promise of being an NFL starter.
Curtis Weaver, Edge, Boise State
He was a three-year starter, and managed impressive production with 128 tackles, 34 sacks and 47.5 tackles for loss. It seems his promise as a pass-rusher hasn’t outweighed his shortcomings as a run defender.
Bradlee Anae, Edge, Utah
He popped in his senior season with 13 sacks, 41 tackles and 14 tackles for loss. NFL.com touted his “revved-up motor and salty disposition,” with the ability to work on all four downs.
Geno Stone, S, Iowa
He’s a super smart safety, whose athleticism isn’t necessarily as impressive. There’s a good chance he can work his way up a depth chart into a starting role.
Reggie Robinson, CB, Tulsa
He has the right size, speed and athleticism that NFL teams want in a cornerback. But he’s still on the board, likely because of his difficulties as a tackler while competing at a lower level of competition
Amik Robertson, CB, Louisiana Tech
He’s a physical, nasty cornerback who is on the smaller side, but has the potential to earn a starting role in the NFL, specifically in the slot.
Larrell Murchison, DT, NC State
He’s a smaller and less athletic interior defensive lineman, whose effort and technique have helped him be a disruptor.
[vertical-gallery id=913479]