NFL Draft: 10 best players available after Round 1

2019 NFL Draft: 10 best players available after Round 1

GAINESVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 10: Florida Gators offensive lineman Jawaan Taylor (65) lines up for a play during the game between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Florida Gators on November 10, 2018 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field in Gainesville, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 1: J J Arcega-Whiteside #WO01 of the Stanford Cardinal is seen at the 2019 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 1, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

8. Stanford WR JJ Arcega-Whiteside

An absolute weapon in critical situations, JJ Arcega-Whiteside has the kind of killer instinct that makes him deadly in crunch time. Arcega-Whiteside’s basketball skills and jump-ball ability in the red zone are highly acclaimed, but more fans should give the Stanford product his due when it comes to stretching the field.

During the draft process, Arcega-Whiteside ran a sub-4.5 forty at 6’2″, 223 pounds, and few receivers have his size/speed combination. He’s also sneaky-agile and can win in many different ways at the next level, making him a potential steal in the second round.

Arcega-Whiteside didn’t just exceed 1,000 receiving yards and catch 14 touchdowns last season; he also averaged more than 16 yards per reception for the second straight college football campaign. Prospects like Hakeem Butler and even N’Keal Harry received more buzz, but Arcega-Whiteside’s production shouldn’t be overlooked.

Perhaps Arcega-Whiteside could be Russell Wilson’s next big weapon, and another contending team like the New Orleans Saints could do well to add a receiver with Arcega-Whiteside’s intelligence and physical tools. An elite route-runner, Arcega-Whiteside can be a game-changing secondary option for many teams in his rookie year.

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