NFL Draft 2019 player rankings, Week 4: Defensive linemen rule

Ranking the 50 best NFL Draft prospects fans of college football should be keeping their eyes on Saturday to see who will make an impact on Sundays.

It’s never too early to look to the draft in April, especially with football season beginning. The NFL Draft has almost become a year-round spectacle anyway, so talking draft in September is nearly routine. Big boards are flying off everywhere, and draft enthusiasts have more and more places to look for coverage.

Every draft is different, and each draft has different strengths and weaknesses. The 2017 draft had a ridiculous amount of depth at corner, while the 2018 draft had what many people believe as three to four studs at quarterback.

This year, things change. One of the most important spots to have elite players, the defensive line, is loaded for 2019. Obviously, not all of the players will necessarily declare, but it’s good to know who might. If you are a team looking for pass rush help and help along the interior, this is the draft for you. It will be talked about a lot through this board.

Also, don’t overlook the wide receiver position. The 2014 draft was dynamite when it came to receivers, and the first round saw a lot come off the board. It’s possible we could see that again, with lots of players coming out with great size and explosiveness.

This board will constantly evolve over the season, but it has to start somewhere. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the initial top 50 prospects for the 2019 NFL Draft.

50. Sutton Smith, EDGE, Northern Illinois

• Height: 6’1″
• Weight: 238
• Class: Senior

Edge defender Sutton Smith is the first prospect to grace this season-long big board. The small school standout has plenty to be excited about heading into his final season for the Huskies. One trait that jumps out immediately is his quickness at the snap. Sutton has the lateral quickness to win on the inside and he sets up tackles with that move constantly. He also uses his hands well and has a solid bend around the edge.

Based on his tape so far, expect Smith to test very well at the combine, especially in the agility drills. If there was a weakness to highlight in Smith’s game, teams may look at his size as an issue. Against more refined offensive tackles, Sutton Smith may get bullied and taken out of plays. Nonetheless, he’s a very intriguing prospect to watch.

49. Anthony Johnson, WR, Buffalo

• Height: 6’1″
• Weight: 207
• Class: Senior

Another small school prospect sneaks his way onto the first top 50 of the season. Anthony Johnson has a solid stature, listed a six foot one and 207 pounds. He plays the ball very well in the air for his size, boxing out defenders well and winning at the catch point with strong hands and an attacking mentality. Johnson won’t kill you with speed, but he can win down the field and tracks the ball well into his hands.

When it comes to after the catch, Johnson has the short area burst to accelerate up the field, and he brings good vision after the catch as well. Johnson still is a bit raw as a prospect and needs to refine his route running, but there is plenty of potential for him to rise as April gets closer.

48. Dre’Mont Jones, DL, Ohio State

• Height: 6’2″
• Weight: 295
• Class: Redshirt Junior

A running theme on this board will be the number of defensive linemen and edge defenders on the list. Ohio State defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones just sneaks onto the list here. Jones could’ve left for the NFL Draft last season, but he decided to stay a year and refine his game. That decision will likely prove to be very beneficial for Jones. He makes the list because of the potential he has and where he could be by season’s end. Jones is very quick off the snap, and wins in the trenches with lateral quickness, often employing a quick spin move to get off linemen.

He also shows very good gap discipline. Where Jones struggles is when he doesn’t get his hands on linemen right away. He likely ends up off balance and out of the play when it happens, which shows inconsistencies with his pad level. If he improves, he will likely climb the ranks as the season goes on.

47. Justice Hill, RB, Oklahoma State

• Height: 5’10”
• Weight: 185
• Class: Junior

Oklahoma State running back Justice Hill is a name to get familiar with this fall. The NFL Draft has had fantastic running back classes the past couple years. The 2019 class might not be as top-heavy, but it can be as deep as previous classes. Hill can work his name into day two consideration with another strong season. He has the burst when he hits the hole to turn any run into a home run. That burst also helps him turn the corner on runs to the outside.

Hill has great vision, good change of direction, and doesn’t try to do too much. He will often take what is there when a hole doesn’t open up rather than kicking it outside immediately. Many doubters will look to Hill’s 185-pound frame and say he won’t be able to handle an NFL workload, and that is something he will carry until next April.

46. Jarrett Stidham, QB, Auburn

• Height: 6’2″
• Weight: 215
• Class: Redshirt Junior

Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham makes the top 50 and is the fifth-ranked quarterback at the start of the season. Stidham possesses a fairly strong arm and can make any throw on the field when the pocket is kept clean. He possesses good touch on the ball when he needs it and can make throws on the move.

The biggest issue with Stidham right now is his processing and when he is under pressure. Stidham needs to work on reading the field better and working to his second and third options. Also, when the pressure gets in his face, he often gets frantic and fails to deliver the ball on time and accurately. With another full season to go and plenty of tough competition to face, Stidham can certainly elevate his stock and work his way up the top of the quarterback leaderboard, but for now, he needs to keep working.

45. Paddy Fisher, LB, Northwestern

• Height: 6’3″
• Weight: 245
• Class: Redshirt Sophomore

Paddy Fisher was someone I wasn’t familiar with back in June, but after checking out some games on Fisher, it’s clear he has tons of potential heading into the 2018 season. He looked excellent as a downhill linebacker, showing strong hands to shed blocks and make plays in the run game. He is a strong tackler with good instincts to hit the hole when necessary.

Right now, it’s hard to project him as a three-down linebacker because of his lack of reps in coverage. I want to see how smooth he moves in zone coverage and if he can anticipate throwing lanes and make plays. Also, in his first game of 2018 against Purdue, he looked much slower and wasn’t as big of a factor. The 2018 season will show us a lot though.

44. Ahmmon Richards, WR, Miami

• Height: 6’1″
• Weight: 190
• Class: Junior

Ahmmon Richards makes the list in a loaded wide receiver class compared to the last few classes. Richards is a taller, lankier receiver at only 190 pounds, and his game is a bit different than most on this board. Richards is much more polished as a route runner than I expected. His best route that he sets up is the slant, which west coast teams will absolutely love. He has a good change of direction and lateral quickness to separate on short routes. He wins more than expected above the rim with his frame.

One of the issues with Richards’ game is his speed and explosive ability. He won’t separate as much downfield with his lack of deep speed. Durability is also a concern, as he is dealing with another injury early in 2018. When he’s healthy, he has plenty of potential.

43. Zach Allen, DL, Boston College

• Height: 6’5″
• Weight: 285
• Class: Senior

Continuing with defensive linemen, Boston College star Zach Allen appears on the board. He’s listed as a defensive lineman only because Boston College has moved him around along the defensive line. Based on his size, defensive end seems like the right spot for him. As a defensive end, Allen shows good functional strength to shed blocks to get into the backfield.

He probably won’t end up testing well and isn’t a dynamic athlete, but when he guesses the snap count correctly, he shows some lateral quickness with an inside move. He also has a good handle on the inside arm move to get offensive tackles off balance. Allen needs to work on his pad level a bit to stay low and work through blocks more, but the potential shows when he puts it all together.

42. Devin Bush, LB, Michigan

• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 235
• Class: Junior

Devin Bush rightfully secures a spot on this list despite a weaker linebacker class at this point in the process (it is very early though). Bush has a chance to really move up boards by the end of the 2018 season. He is a smaller linebacker at 222 pounds, but in today’s NFL, that size fits in just fine. At that weight though, teams will look to see if he has three-down potential in the NFL. Bush has pretty solid speed and can work as a sideline-to-sideline player. He has strong instincts and is a very good tackler.

Michigan uses Bush very well as a blitzer and he gets up to speed in a hurry to get into the backfield. He won’t hurt in coverage either. The main issue is how his frame holds up as a downhill player. Most players of that size don’t have the functional strength to succeed at shedding and taking on blocks in the run game. The good news is that his current skill set is something teams covet.

41. Lukas Denis, S, Boston College

• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 190
• Class: Senior

A later find for me as a player to watch, Boston College safety Lukas Denis did not disappoint on tape. Boston College moved him around a lot, from playing a deep third to a single high, and he even got reps in the box and as a slot corner. Denis comes downhill as a very good tackler, and while he can be aggressive, he doesn’t overrun potential tackles. He sometimes looked flat-footed in coverage in the slot, but he has the good recovery speed to make up for it.

On the back end, Denis has solid range and reads the quarterback’s eyes very well. If there’s anything Denis can work on, it’s his flat-footed tendency, which will help him in coverage and on the back end to get to the ball quicker. With all his positive traits, Denis is a candidate to rise as the season goes on.

40. Jalen Jelks, DE, Oregon

• Height: 6’6″
• Weight: 252
• Class: Redshirt Senior

While it may not seem like it (seven sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss), Jalen Jelks has not yet had a full season playing in his best spot. The Oregon Ducks have been putting him on the interior defensive line in past seasons, but Jelks belongs on the edge. This season, he will have the opportunity, and he will make the most of it. Jelks possesses some traits that could elevate his stock in his senior season.

For one, Jelks has an excellent get-off at the line of scrimmage and has the twitch and quickness to get around linemen to make plays. He also has strong hands and engages right away at the snap. All this said, a lot will be determined in this switch for Jelks to the edge. There is plenty of potential there for him to make a big rise.

39. Dexter Lawrence, DL, Clemson

• Height: 6’3″
• Weight: 340
• Class: Junior

There is a ton of hype surrounding the Clemson defensive line this season and in draft circles. Many believe three of the four could be first round picks, and some even think four of them can. However, let’s pump the brakes and check out the tape on these guys. While the potential is there for them, there is work to be done before a couple of these guys earn high ranks. Dexter Lawrence is a very solid presence in the middle of Clemson’s line, and he is very good at eating up space and holding up double teams.

When Lawrence gets a good jump he has the strength to push linemen off balance and collapse the pocket. The issues with Lawrence are his pad level at times and his lack of quickness at the line. He doesn’t have crazy explosiveness and the ability to quickly get around blockers. We will see if that changes at all this season.

38. Will Grier, QB, West Virginia

• Height: 6’1″
• Weight: 214
• Class: Redshirt Senior

Will Grier might be the most polarizing quarterback in the 2019 class at this point, and for good reason. Many optimists will point to the arm talent that Grier brings to the table. Grier has the NFL arm and has made some special throws in his career to all levels of the field. He can also make throws from weird arm angles and with his feet out of sorts. Like all young gunslinger types, there are improvements that need to be made.

Grier absolutely has to work on his footwork going forward. He can get by sometimes in college, but the NFL is a different animal. Getting everything lined up to your target on time is essential to development as a future franchise quarterback. Grier also needs to work more on reading the entire field. All that said, he is an exciting prospect with loads of potential.

37. Rashard Lawrence, DL, LSU

• Height: 6’3″
• Weight: 300
• Class: Junior

Rashard Lawrence is a defensive lineman that hasn’t gotten a ton of attention yet, but that will soon change once SEC play begins. Like Dexter Lawrence before him, Lawrence wins with a lot of power off the snap. His strength and hand usage are the way he wins most often off the snap. He also keeps really good gap integrity and makes a ton of plays in the run game.

Lawrence doesn’t have a ton of explosiveness on the interior, but his skills described above are enough to show potential. He can definitely work on his pad level senior year, as that will help him get linemen off balance more and wreak havoc from the inside. Another quick note is that Lawrence plays a lot at nose tackle on the center, and it’s unlikely he does that in the NFL with his current frame.

36. Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

• Height: 6’5″
• Weight: 225
• Class: Junior

Justin Herbert is many analysts’ top quarterback for the 2019 NFL Draft. He is brimming with plenty of tools to make the case to be that. However, he isn’t the top quarterback here. There’s a pattern with these quarterbacks for 2019: good arm talent with other things to refine in his game. Herbert is another guy with the arm to make throws all over the field. He can also make accurate throws on the run.

When it comes to his pocket presence, Herbert is ahead of most quarterback prospects in that department. He climbs the pocket well and sets himself to make throws on target. Herbert needs to improve this season by handling the blitz better and working more through his reads. He often doesn’t hang in the pocket long enough for full-field reads when the blitz comes.

35. Ben Banogu, DE, TCU

• Height: 6’3″
• Weight: 245
• Class: Redshirt Senior

TCU edge rusher Ben Banogu is in line for a big season in the Big 12, and there is plenty to like about his game that draft analysts will like. He is an explosive presence off the edge and uses a good jump to win on the edge as a pass rusher. Banogu also displays good hand usage to get around blocks and enough quickness to able to win inside. He has the football IQ to get his hands up to deflect passes as well.

The issue with Banogu comes with the run game and his strength. He isn’t a super strong pass rusher and won’t win with anything other than speed moves. As of right now, he doesn’t provide a ton of help in the run game, often getting locked out by offensive linemen quick after the snap.

34. Christian Wilkins, DL, Clemson

• Height: 6’4″
• Weight: 300
• Class: Senior

We talked about one Clemson lineman earlier in Dexter Lawrence, and now Christian Wilkins shows up on the list. Wilkins is a much different player at the line of scrimmage than Lawrence is. Wilkins wins with much more quickness at the line of scrimmage and actually possesses some pass rushing skills. He has above average quickness for a defensive lineman and uses that quickness to work around blockers to make plays in the backfield. Wilkins uses his hands well quick off the snap to get around blockers as well, showing his prowess as a pass rusher from the inside.

However, his size and quickness result in a player that doesn’t win with power. He doesn’t have the pad level to win with power, and he often gets locked by stronger offensive linemen and gets moved off the ball as well. He has to improve his functional strength if he wants to prove to teams he has the whole package.

33. Dawson Knox, TE, Mississippi

• Height: 6’4″
• Weight: 250
• Class: Redshirt Junior

The receiver class has a ton of names on this board, and a couple tight ends find their way on as well. Mississippi is loaded with pass catchers, and tight end Dawson Knox will show a lot this season for the Rebels. Plenty of his game also reminds many of former first round pick Evan Engram. Knox is an excellent receiver with strong hands and an ability to run after the catch. He is good at adjusting to the ball in the air and coming down with it.

Another part of his game he uses well is his athleticism. He gets out of his breaks to gain quick separation for his quarterback. The issue with Knox right now is his ability to help out as a blocker in the run game. He will need to improve in that area this season if he wants to become a tight end.

32. Jaquan Johnson, S, Miami

• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 190
• Class: Senior

Another ACC safety makes the cut on this big board. Miami’s defense has plenty of guys to watch for the 2019 NFL Draft, but Jaquan Johnson is the best of the bunch right now. Miami used him both near the line of scrimmage as a box safety and in a deep third last season, and expect it to be the same this year. He will likely not see much time in coverage with his style of play. Johnson is a very good tackler at the line of scrimmage and attacks well to make plays in the backfield.

When he plays deep, Johnson finds the ball well and is good defending the catch point. What he can work on is his anticipation on the back end so he can get to more plays downfield, and work on not being too aggressive near the line of scrimmage.

31. Damien Harris, RB, Alabama

• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 221
• Class: Senior

Damien Harris continues the trend of top running backs that come out from Alabama. Harris brings a lot to the table and has the potential to be one of the best running backs to ever come from the Crimson Tide. Harris is a unique blend of speed and power at the running back position. He is one of the quickest to get to the second level and has good burst for his size. He also runs very well through contact and has great balance as a runner.

The stigma that comes with Alabama running backs may hurt Harris’ value in the draft. Many say that Bama running backs are often overworked while they are in college and then underperform when they reach the NFL. Harris is looking to reverse the trend, and his talent should garner plenty of attention.

30. Greg Little, OT, Mississippi

• Height: 6’5″
• Weight: 325
• Class: Junior

Mississippi offensive tackle Greg Little is the first tackle to see his name on the board. While he may not be a finished product ready for the NFL, there is plenty to like with his game. He is a very athletic tackle, and it shows with quick footwork and an ability to adjust when dealing with speed and quickness on the edge. His athleticism is also evident in his movement to the second level to secure blocks. Little is also a physical player who likes to attack at the snap when he gets the chance.

Despite his strengths, Little needs to refine his game to become a franchise left tackle. Too often Little is stiff and stands a little too high, opening himself up as vulnerable to power rushers. The good news is that he has time this season and plays in a tough conference where he will be tested.

29. Taylor Rapp, S, Washington

• Height: 6’0″
• Weight: 215
• Class: Junior

Washington safety Taylor Rapp is quickly becoming one of my favorite players in college football. The Huskies used Rapp in a variety of ways, playing him deep as well as asking him to work in coverage in the slot. Rapp excelled in both spots last season. In coverage, he has plenty of speed to stay with receivers and a good change of direction to mirror them in coverage. He anticipates well on the back end and has plenty of speed to recover to get to the football down the field.

Rapp is also a willing and very good tackler in the open space. It’s likely he will remind many of Budda Baker, but Rapp might be an even better player. If there was one thing to work on for him, it’s to stay disciplined and watch his over-aggressive nature.

28. Brian Lewerke, QB, Michigan State

• Height: 6’2″
• Weight: 215
• Class: Redshirt Junior

Brian Lewerke currently sits as quarterback two on this board. Again, like the rest of this quarterback class, there are plenty of things for Lewerke to iron out in 2018. However, Lewerke brings a lot to the table that the other quarterbacks in this class have yet to do. For one, Lewerke does very well reading the field, consistently working to his second and third options. He also possesses great touch to all areas of the field. Another thing Lewerke does well is his ability to move around the pocket. His footwork is right up there with the best in the class.

As far as concerns go, Lewerke tends to become a gunslinger when under pressure. He doesn’t always live to fight another down, which contributes to bad turnovers. Also, teams want to see players perform against top competition, so good games against Michigan and Ohio State will elevate Lewerke in draft circles.

27. Amani Oruwariye, CB, Penn State

• Height: 6’0″
• Weight: 210
• Class: Redshirt Senior

Penn State corner Amani Oruwariye is the first corner to be revealed on the board. There wasn’t a ton of game film available on him in the summer, but a good indication is gained after watching Penn State’s games so far this season. Oruwariye brings a lot to the table as a corner. He has optimal size and length for a corner in today’s NFL, and that helps him gain an advantage to get off blocks and be successful in press at the line of scrimmage.

Oruwaryie also uses his size and athleticism to his advantage at the catch point, and that has been evident the last couple of weeks with two very good interceptions in key spots. One thing to work on for him is his ability to change direction and mirror receivers. The good news is we will finally see him in a starting role this season to see how much he can improve.

26. Kelvin Harmon, WR, North Carolina State

• Height: 6’2″
• Weight: 215
• Class: Junior

North Carolina State receiver Kelvin Harmon is the classic big receiver in this draft class. He sits at six foot three and plays to his height. He is strong above the rim as a red zone target, and uses his body to stack defenders and gain great position to catch the ball. Harmon has the strongest and softest hands in the draft, and he makes every catch look easy, something that is often overlooked with wide receivers. Reliable hands are something that needs to make its way back into the top traits to look for in receivers.

As far as weaknesses go, Harmon isn’t as polished as a route runner and needs to learn how to set up his routes to exploit defender’s weaknesses. He also needs to get better with his release off the ball, but his size will certainly help in press. Overall, though, he’s set up well to succeed today’s NFL.

25. David Montgomery, RB, Iowa State

• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 225
• Class: Junior

When looking at Iowa State running back David Montgomery, many thoughts come to mind. For one, many draft analysts will make the Kareem Hunt comparison right away. Montgomery has that bowling ball nature about him, breaking tackles at every turn with his power and contact balance or his natural change of direction skills. Montgomery is especially good at setting up his cuts for defenders, which contributes to a large number of the missed tackles he forced last season. He also shows natural hands as a receiver, erasing doubt about him as a three-down player.

The only real issues with him are his speed and a certain tendency. Montgomery doesn’t have the elite breakaway speed that some of the others on this board have. His other small issue, which comes from his tackle-breaking ability, is that he tends to bounce out runs and doesn’t take what’s there. Overall though, Montgomery looks like a very good prospect.

24. Noah Fant, TE, Iowa

• Height: 6’4″
• Weight: 245
• Class: Junior

It is likely that Noah Fant will be the consensus top tight end in the 2019 NFL Draft throughout the process, and it is easy to see why. Fant will be talked about a lot when it comes to his athleticism. He looks like a receiver on the field even at his size. Fant has the ability to stretch the seam and be an explosive threat at the tight end spot, as his 16.5 yards per catch from last season shows. He’s also a big red zone threat with his size and ability to play above the rim. Teams will like the 11 touchdowns on the stat sheet from last season as well.

Like discussed earlier with Dawson Knox, Fant has to work on his ability to play inline as a tight end to become the complete package. He doesn’t help a lot in the run game at this point. However, in the passing league that is the NFL, teams are looking at his receiving prowess.

23. Drew Lock, QB, Missouri

• Height: 6’3″
• Weight: 225
• Class: Senior

Drew Lock ends up as my top quarterback right now for the 2019 NFL Draft class. Lock has the NFL arm to start, and it’s likely he will get Josh Allen comparisons because of it. However, Lock does things that Allen did not. Lock can make all of the throws around the yard, and actually possesses some decent touch on the intermediate part of the field. He will make those jaw-dropping throws every week. He also stays calm under pressure and keeps his eyes up to read the field.

The issue with Lock, and here’s where the comparisons come in, is his accuracy down the field. Lock will make those fantastic throws, but there will be throws way off target. He also needs to work on NFL reads (see a theme with this class?) and work through his progressions. Right now, though, Lock is the top quarterback in the class.

22. N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State

• Height: 6’3″
• Weight: 220
• Class: Junior

N’Keal Harry will probably be one of the more difficult players to analyze in the draft process. At six foot three and 216 pounds, Harry is another receiver who plays strong at the catch point and wins up there with strong hands and a good catch radius. The difference with Harry is that he is a downfield threat despite what his size tells you. He has the explosive playmaking ability that teams covet in the passing game. Harry also is dynamic after the catch, with great moves in space and the speed to run away from defenders.

He needs to improve as a route runner and learn the route tree, along with his release. Many will look for him to refine his game a bunch more before having him this high on their board, but the downfield threat alone makes Harry a top receiver in this draft.

21. Dalton Risner, OL, Kansas State

• Height: 6’5″
• Weight: 300
• Class: Redshirt Senior

Dalton Risner is a name not yet known as much when it comes to draft twitter, maybe because he doesn’t play left tackle for Kansas State, but the talent cannot be denied. He looks natural on the right side of the line, but teams might think about playing him at guard. When a look is taken at Risner, it shows that he is a very technical player in multiple facets. Risner is a powerful tackle in the run game, and he reaches well and gets tough on the second level of the defense.

When it comes to pass protection, Risner holds his own. He gets his hands on you quick in pass protection and handles power rushers extremely well by anchoring into the ground. The one area he can work on is his footwork on a kick slide. Speed rushers are his kryptonite, and he needs to be more refined at getting out and anchoring out there as well.

20. Rashan Gary, DL, Michigan

• Height: 6’4″
• Weight: 285
• Class: Junior

Many people believe Rashan Gary is a top 10 prospect right now, and some even think he is a top-five player. Gary has plenty of reasons why he could end up as a top-five player in the draft come next April, but right now, he isn’t a finished product. The freakish athleticism is there for Gary, and that definitely translates to his position. Gary has the initial jump off the snap to win around the edge and also possesses the quickness to win inside. That athleticism also helps in the run game, where he can work around blockers to create stops.

The issue with Gary is the refinement in his game. When he doesn’t get that initial burst off the line, he gets held up very often by offensive linemen. That comes from a lack of good pad level on Gary’s part, along with not much of a rush plan. To gain top five attention, Gary needs to become more refined and work on an array of different moves.

19. Devin White, LB, LSU

• Height: 6’0″
• Weight: 240
• Class: Junior

Devin White is consistently talked about as the best talent at linebacker in the draft. While this could eventually be true, he sits right now as my number two linebacker. There is plenty to like with White’s game at this point. White has the speed to make plays in the backfield as a blitzer, but can recover to make plays and has the range to move sideline-to-sideline. He can play well in coverage with his quickness and movement skills.

The biggest issue for White at this point is his ability to diagnose plays and anticipate what is going to happen. He will often overrun plays and fall victim to plays like the counter and ones with baiting action. If White works at diagnosing plays and becoming more comfortable running the defense, he has all the physical tools to become a star defender.

18. D.K. Metcalf, WR, Mississippi

• Height: 6’3″
• Weight: 225
• Class: Redshirt Sophomore

In the preseason, D.K. Metcalf’s teammate, A.J. Brown, was the talk in draft circles. However, Metcalf has much more potential to be a top pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. At six foot three, 225 pounds, Metcalf has the size to become a big-time target in some team’s passing game. He wins at the catch point consistently with strong hands and will be a red zone threat immediately. He won’t be wowing anyone with his pure downfield speed, but he makes up for it by having a very smooth release off the line of scrimmage.

That smooth release will get plenty of attention from teams throughout the draft process. Metcalf also possesses strong hands at the catch point. He can work on the finer points of his route running, but he is Mississippi’s best receiver right now.

17. Tyler Biadasz, OL, Wisconsin

• Height: 6’2″
• Weight: 315
• Class: Redshirt Sophomore

Offensive linemen at Wisconsin always end up getting compared to one another, and it won’t be any different in this case. When looking at Tyler Biadasz, shades of Travis Frederick show up in his game, and he has a case to end up as the best player on that Wisconsin line. Biadasz is dynamite in the run game, getting nose tackles and linemen at the one technique turned outside to open big running lanes.

He engages quickly off the snap to get defenders off balance and works well to the second level to create even bigger holes for Jonathan Taylor and also holds well against pass protection with strong hands. The real question for Biadasz is if he will, in fact, declare when the time comes to do so.

16. Levonta Taylor, CB, Florida State

• Height: 5’10”
• Weight: 190
• Class: Junior

Another name that will continue to be more and more known during the season is Florida State corner, Levonta Taylor. Despite his five foot 10 inch, 180 pound frame, there is plenty to be excited about with Taylor this year. Taylor is a great athlete with plenty of speed and quickness to hang with the best of receivers on the boundary. He does well to mirror routes of receivers and can hang with them for a long period of time. Taylor also possesses good ball skills, and already has a pick six this season.

One thing to watch with Taylor is how he performs in press coverage and how he does against bigger receivers. Right now, teams will look at him more of a slot corner than a boundary corner, but there’s a lot to like with his game.

15. David Edwards, OT, Wisconsin

• Height: 6’6″
• Weight: 315
• Class: Redshirt Junior

Another Wisconsin offensive lineman makes the first board of the season. Like Dalton Risner, Edwards plays on the right side and doesn’t get as much love. However, also like Risner, there’s plenty to be excited about. Edwards has plenty of power to his game, and he gets his hands on defenders early and jabs well to throw defenders off balance. He is a great player against the run, pushing defenders out of position and consistently opening holes. He even hangs well in pass protection if he can get his hands on defenders quick enough.

The issue with him is that it’s unlikely he can play on the left side because he doesn’t have the smoothest footwork. Speed rushers give him a problem with their quickness at times. Overall though, he projects well to the next level.

14. Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina

• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 215
• Class: Redshirt Senior

Deebo Samuel is the top receiver in the draft for me right now. While others in the draft have the size and speed combo, Samuel might be the most polished of any of them. Despite sitting at a height of five feet and 11 inches, Samuel is every bit the receiver a franchise is looking for. He is an explosive playmaker down the field and can create so much after the catch. He is an excellent route runner and creates separation at will.

Samuel will concern many scouts for a couple of reasons. One of them will be his height throughout the draft process. Many will point to the other talent in this class with the height to become a boundary receiver, while Samuel could get viewed as a slot receiver. Durability will be a concern for Samuel as well after a broken leg in 2017. What we have seen so far from his college career is excellent.

13. Rodney Anderson, RB, Oklahoma

• Height: 6’1″
• Weight: 220
• Class: Redshirt Junior

Rodney Anderson is the best prospect at running back headed into the 2019 NFL Draft. There are many traits that separate him enough from the pack and warrant his high ranking. No one in the class looks as silky smooth as Anderson does carrying the ball, and his combination of vision and burst are evidence of that fact.

Playing with Baker Mayfield last season showed everyone how fluid he looks as a pass catcher, and how electric he can be as a playmaking threat, whether it be out of the backfield as a pass catcher or a runner between the tackles. Anderson even shows some promise picking up blitzes on tape.

The biggest concern for Anderson is he suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2. He’ll have to field questions about his durability and recovery, especially during the combine and pre-draft workouts, but the potential there is great for someone to take a chance should he declare.

12. Montez Sweat, EDGE, Mississippi State

• Height: 6’6″
• Weight: 241
• Class: Senior

Now we are getting into some truly elite prospects for the 2019 NFL Draft. Montez Sweat is a top edge defender in the class right now. Sweat is a taller, longer edge rusher with a similar build to that of Arden Key and Leonard Floyd. There is plenty to like with Sweat despite the comparisons. Sweat possesses good bend around the edge for his stature and turns the corner well when he positions his hands to do so. He has a very underrated inside arm move that throws offensive linemen off balance. Sweat also does well with his hand usage to win around the edge and has good quickness along the line.

Despite all those good traits, he can still work on getting low and having good pad level along with his hand placement. Even with that, Sweat is in the elite category of rushers for the 2019 draft.

11. Trey Adams, OT, Washington

• Height: 6’8″
• Weight: 327
• Class: Senior

If you’re looking for an athletic tackle prospect, look no further than Washington Huskies tackle Trey Adams. The athleticism is certainly there despite a huge frame. Adams moves so well in many different ways. For one, he has a very smooth kick slide that looks like one of a veteran tackle in the NFL and is very helpful against speed rushers. He also moves very well in space, working to the second level and getting out to blockers on the second level and the boundary. What also shows up on tape is his quickness to mirror and stay in front of rushers on the edge, a very savvy trait.

The concern for Adams is mostly centered on his health. He missed a ton of time last season and is now nursing a back injury in 2018, which is something to watch closely.

10. Greedy Williams, CB, LSU

• Height: 6’1″
• Weight: 185
• Class: Redshirt Sophomore

The top cornerback on this board, Greedy Williams has gotten plenty of hype entering the 2018 college season. He also has hype in NFL Draft circles and is almost the consensus top guy for 2019. Williams sits at six foot one, an ideal height for corners in the NFL that plays on the boundary. Along with that, he boasts traits that everyone wants to see out of a top corner. Williams is tough at the line of scrimmage, getting his hands on receivers to get them off rhythm.

He also doesn’t need to always press, as he possesses the quickness to change direction and flip his hips with ease. He has great change of direction and good ball skills. One thing to watch for Williams this season is his ability to stick with receivers in a straight line down the field. He sometimes gets caught peeking too much at the quarterback.

9. Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama

• Height: 6’2″
• Weight: 196
• Class: Junior

It is almost tradition to have Alabama safeties this high. We can talk about how good the position has been in recent drafts, from Landon Collins a couple years ago, to both Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ronnie Harrison back in April of this year. Now, the next guy in line is ready to make his name heard early in 2019. Deionte Thompson has all the tools to be the top safety prospect in 2019. Thompson can play both deep and at the line of scrimmage. He has great instincts at the line of scrimmage to blow plays up for negative yardage.

Thompson is a great tackler and rarely ever gets beat when he has his sights on someone, and he possesses good quickness and the ability to stick with receivers down the field and has great anticipation to get to the ball. He possesses a lot of Fitzpatrick’s and Harrison’s best traits.

8. Mack Wilson, LB, Alabama

• Height: 6’1″
• Weight: 230
• Class: Junior

By far the most polished linebacker at this point, Mack Wilson continues the trend of top-tier linebackers to come out of Alabama in the last few seasons. It’s tough to follow in the shoes of someone like Reuben Foster, but Wilson has the chance to be just as good if not better. Everything is set for him to become the top linebacker in the country. He is a smart and disciplined linebacker capable of diagnosing plays and attacking downhill. He does well to get around blocks to make plays in the run game.

Plus, at only 231 pounds, Wilson also fits the mold of a hybrid linebacker capable of staying on the field all three downs. He has the speed and range to be a middle linebacker at the next level and to excel in coverage. Despite getting around blocks, his size will be an issue for more disciplined offensive linemen. Overall, Wilson is a very talented player.

7. Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State

• Height: 6’4″
• Weight: 250
• Class: Junior

There always seems to be an edge player in every draft who has the elite bend to turn the corner with ease. That guy for the 2019 NFL Draft is Florida State pass rusher, Brian Burns. With shades of Harold Landry from the 2018 draft, Burns looks so smooth in his ability to turn the corner and get to the quarterback. He gets his hands where they need to be when he is turning the corner as well.

Despite him being labeled as mostly that type of guy, Burns has other moves in his arsenal. He is quick enough athletically for an inside move and can use hand placement as well. It will be interesting to see if he can develop more of a pass rush plan this season, but other than that, he looks to have a pretty high ceiling going forward.

6. Jeffery Simmons, DL, Mississippi State

• Height: 6’3″
• Weight: 305
• Class: Junior

Another dominant presence on the Mississippi State defensive line is Jeffery Simmons. He had plenty to like on tape from 2017 and he’s already looking more dominant this season. He completely destroyed Kansas State’s interior offensive line, consistently winning with good pad level and great strength to collapse the pocket. He is quick off the ball and gains leverage quick, making it very difficult for opposing teams to stop him. Simmons uses his hands very well to disengage from blocks and make stops in the run game as well.

You won’t see a ton of quickness with Simmons, but he certainly makes up for it in every other area. It’s possible Simmons could rise up this board and be the second best interior lineman in the draft.

5. Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama

• Height: 6’5″
• Weight: 305
• Class: Junior

When discussing left tackles, it’s important to highlight consistency and reliability, and that’s what Alabama tackle Jonah Williams brings to the table. Williams shows week after week how valuable he is to that Alabama team, and soon he will be valuable to an NFL team to protect a franchise quarterback.

While he isn’t the greatest athlete to play left tackle, Williams makes up for it in other ways. He does a great job staying balanced and has great body control and hand usage to keep defenders on their heels. Williams has good footwork overall, but can be susceptible to letting some speed rushers get around the corner. The good news for him is that he can continue to build a strong case as the top tackle by playing another year in the tough SEC.

4. Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama

• Height: 6’6″
• Weight: 305
• Class: Junior

Alabama players are all over the top 10, which is nothing really new here. Raekwon Davis is the latest in yet another position that Alabama consistently churns out to be top picks. He will definitely remind teams of both Jonathan Allen and Da’Ron Payne, two players who were first round selections the last two years.

Davis is big, but he has a strong, lean frame that helps him be present as a run-stopper and a pass rusher from the interior. He is quick off the snap and does a great job sifting through blockers to make plays in the backfield. He possesses strong hands and solid pass-rushing moves for a guy his size. Like players before him, it’s important to watch his pad level this year, as he has a tendency to be a bit more upright than he should.

3. Clelin Ferrell, EDGE, Clemson

• Height: 6’4″
• Weight: 260
• Class: Redshirt Junior

Noticing a trend in this top 10? Yeah, the 2019 class is loaded on the defensive line, as has been mentioned throughout this board. While Clemson has other talented players on their line, Clelin Ferrell is the tops of that group. It’s likely he would have been a first round selection last year, but he opted to return to school. This time around, he has a chance to go even higher, as he’s proving he can do a lot on the edge.

Despite his size and frame, Ferrell is very good at turning the corner and possesses plenty of bend around the edge. He is a vicious hand usage guy and can get linemen off balance quickly with a good jump off the snap. Ferrell also looks great in the run game, showing good discipline to hold the edge and keep his gap integrity. He has the makings of a big-time player if he keeps it up.

2. Ed Oliver, DL, Houston

• Height: 6’2″
• Weight: 290
• Class: Junior

Maybe it’s a little odd to see Ed Oliver in the two spot, but it’s likely these last two guys are a 1A-1B type of situation. Ed Oliver might just be the best player in college football right now, and he won’t get a lot of Heisman respect because of his position. However, the draft circles are swooning at his potential. There’s a reason he’s getting Aaron Donald comparisons. Oliver is a dynamic athlete playing on the interior and has wicked quickness at the snap. He works around blockers like a pass rusher, and can also use leverage and strength to bull rush right over them.

Some teams are having trouble throwing a pair of linemen and a back at him to pass protect. He is very good at keeping integrity in the run game too, and has great hand placement to shed blockers. There is so much to like with Oliver and that’s why he’s likely to come off real early next April.

1. Nick Bosa, EDGE, Ohio State

• Height: 6’3″
• Weight: 270
• Class: Junior

Oliver could easily hold this spot, but Nick Bosa is another animal when it comes to edge players. Many will compare him to his brother, former No. 3 overall pick, Joey, but like most people, I believe he’s even better. Bosa is a bit more twitchy than his brother off the edge, and he has the quickness and bend to turn the corner. However, that isn’t the only move where he looks elite. He can do it all, from getting inside to a club-rip to a simple stack and shed.

Bosa really stands out with his hand placement and usage, and he consistently uses it to get tackles off balance and get around them. He is good at processing what the tackle wants to do and attacks their weaknesses. Bosa is plenty strong in the run game too and can set an edge with easy to force the running back inside. Bosa looks the part of a future All-Pro player.

Bosa suffered a groin injury in the win over TCU and will miss the Tulane game this week. His health moving forward is important to monitor, especially relating to his availability for the Sept. 29 game vs. Penn State.