7. Christian Wilkins, Defensive Lineman, Clemson
As if I haven’t said it enough already in this article: this Clemson defensive line is stacked. In any order (of which this article is not), Wilkins would probably be the second highest Clemson defensive lineman on my list, as he brings great versatility to the table in terms of his skillset. Playing multiple positions this year for the Tigers after a down year in 2017, he hasn’t disappointed.
With plus athleticism, Wilkins has played both the two-gap and the pure pass-rush this year for the Tigers. While Wilkins doesn’t have one specific strength that stands out, his strength, speed and highly motivated work ethic will be loved at the NFL level. Slated to go somewhere in the middle of the first round by most, Wilkins has the potential to slide right in and become a staple on the defensive line for the NFL franchise that drafts him.
8. Mack Wilson, Linebacker, Alabama
Another Alabama player who will have to decide whether to throw his hat into the ring for the 2019 NFL Draft is junior linebacker Mack Wilson. Wilson is a 6-foot-2, 239 pound inside linebacker who has the speed and awareness to step right into an NFL defense. He excels in both run and pass defense and can play all four downs on defense.
Wilson has plus speed and range, which has rewarded him greatly during his three years at Alabama, as he has racked up 65 tackles so far this year, with one sack to go along with two interceptions and five passes defended. Wilson has more solo tackles than assisted tackles this year and sits second on the team in solo tackles behind only sophomore linebacker Dylan Moses.