As we’re counting down the final days until the 2020 NFL Draft, experts like ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. — who recently released his latest mock draft with a lot of changes — are sharing as much information and analysis about players as possible before the first day of the draft Thursday.
And that includes Kiper breaking down his favorite prospects. These players aren’t the same as the projected top-10 picks. Instead, while some are among those expected to be selected in the very beginning ahead of the rest of this year’s draft class, Kiper’s favorite players are “guys that are fun to watch on tape,” as he recently explained while on SportsCenter.
Kiper broke his favorite prospects ahead of the draft and explained why he likes them, even if they’re not his highest-rated players at a certain position.
1. Quarterback: Joe Burrow, LSU
Projected: No. 1 pick to the Bengals
“I love guys that handle pressure,” Kiper said. “Who could have more pressure on them? The guy wins the Heisman Trophy, then has to go out and finish the season when it’s basically national championship or bust. … Joe Burrow, one word that describes him: special.”
2. Running back: J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State
Projected: No. 37 pick to the Chargers
“He’s not my highest-rated back — that would be D’Andre Swift — but J.K. Dobbins as a runner? You’ve gotta love it,” Kiper explained. “This guy attacks the line of scrimmage. Five-foot-nine-and-a-half, 210 [pounds]. He’s got that low center of gravity. He’s got that game-breaking ability.”
3. Wide receiver: Michael Pittman Jr., USC
Projected: No. 56 pick to the Dolphins
“This kid’s 6-[foot]-4, 220 pounds, ran 4.52 [in the 40-yard dash] at the combine, which was better than people thought. He’s a route-runner, he catches everything, he’s got a catch radius.”
4. Defensive end: Chase Young, Ohio State
Projected: No. 2 to the Redskins
“I love guys who are adept at the strip sack. Can’t hit the quarterback like you could. You get in that backfield, you’ve gotta be able to strip that football. Six forced fumbles this year. Phenomenal player.”
5. Linebacker: Isaiah Simmons, Clemson
Projected: No. 4 to the Giants
“The most versatile player maybe in the history of defensive football at the collegiate level, Isaiah Simmons. You see him down the field making plays like a corner, safety. You see him getting behind the backfield, in that backfield wreaking havoc.”
6. Safety: Antoine Winfield Jr., Minnesota
Projected: No. 26 to the Dolphins
“Antoine Winfield Jr., like his dad, is a playmaker. He had seven interceptions this year, ran 4.45 [in the 40-yard dash] at the combine. Now, he’s gotta stay healthy. He’s had a couple injury years, but when he’s been out there on the field, he’s been saving games.”
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