NFL Draft 2019: What prospects could move into the first round?

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 31: Jace Sternberger #81 of the Texas A&M Aggies runs with the ball after catching a pass against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl at TIAA Bank Field on December 31, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. Texas A&M won 52-13. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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DENTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 29: North Texas Mean Green quarterback Mason Fine (6) gets sacked by Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defensive end Jaylon Ferguson (45) during the game between the North Texas Mean Green and the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs on September 29, 2018 at Apogee Stadium in Denton, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3) Jaylon Ferguson, EDGE, Louisiana Tech

Jaylon Ferguson is an interesting case study in this year’s NFL Draft. The first-round prospect was uninvited from the combine due to a background check that revealed off-the-field misconduct which made him ineligible to participate as per NFL rules.

However, despite that reality, Ferguson could still find himself a target at the end of the first round for edge-hungry teams like the Kansas City Chiefs or Green Bay Packers. This is especially true if there is an early run that sees players like Clemson’s Clelin Ferell go in the top 15, and none of the bottom-of-the-first-round teams are able to trade up.

Ferguson fits the bill of what scouts are looking for in an edge rusher. He’s fast, he’s strong, he’s got a long frame and he has great technical precision. If not for his red-flagged history, we may be talking surefire first-round choice. He was extremely productive in college, where an astonishing 27 percent of his tackles were for loss.

It’s hard to see Ferguson making it to the end of the second round, like some have speculated. Teams have been more willing to take a chance for athletically gifted players with checkered pasts in recent history. This draft will be a true test of just how much those character concerns matter. For players like Ferguson, it could make all the difference in the world.

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