2020 NFL Draft Big Board: Tua Tagovailoa locked in as top QB, Chase Young dominating

Ohio State’s Chase Young continues to move closer to the top of the 2020 NFL Draft big board and Tua Tagovailoa establishes himself as the top quarterback.

Another week of the 2020 NFL Draft big board brings about some change while many things stay the same. It’s hard not to overreact to one week and change the board a bit to keep things fresh. However, as long as the cream of the crop continues to dominate, the top will not change.

There are a couple of new bits of information as this board comes out. Stanford tackle Walker Little will miss the remainder of the season with an injury, and that likely means he will return for another year. Also, Purdue linebacker Markus Bailey will miss the season as well. As a senior, he can still apply for another year of eligibility.

This week on the board, a new QB1 emerges, while more offensive linemen and another quarterback join the list. Let’s take a look at the updated top 50!

1. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

Another strong week for Jerry Jeudy, who put together six receptions for 96 yards and two touchdowns. We’ve seen his explosive ability, but he can work the field with his quickness to every level and succeed.

2. Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State

Seven sacks already for Young in his junior season, and he continues to get better as an edge rusher. His athletic traits are off the charts and I couldn’t argue him being at the top of other boards.

3. Grant Delpit, S, LSU

Delpit drops one spot on the board at no fault of his own. He still can do it all as a safety near the box or deep. One thing to continue to monitor is that he has missed a few tackles from time to time, due to that aggressive nature he brings to the table.

4. A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa

Despite not filling the stat sheet as much this season, Epenesa continues to show dominance along the edge. His lack of numbers can be attributed to teams scheming around him to avoid his ability to wreck a game upfront.

5. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

A new top quarterback emerges. Tua Tagovailoa has been just as dominant as he was last season and has even made some improvements to his game. He’s still extremely accurate as a passer, but his patience in the pocket and ability to stay calm under pressure is the area where there has been the most improvement.

6. Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

Thomas continues to separate himself as the top tackle in the class. He provides the power in the run game to create openings for running lanes while also being powerful enough to stop top edge rushers. He did have a couple of reps where he struggled against Notre Dame’s rushers, but he had others where he dominated.

7. Tyler Biadasz, OL, Wisconsin

It was an excellent game from Biadasz against the Michigan Wolverines, showing he’s a true force and the leader of the offensive line group. If he can control gaps on Sundays as he did on Saturday, he’s going to be a top half of the first round selection.

8. Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

Herbert has had a very good start, with 14 touchdowns, zero interceptions, and 74 percent completion. So why the slight drop on the board? He’s played very well, but his game against Oregon will be the game that stands out to scouts, where pressure made his play a bit more inconsistent.

9. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

Just one catch for Lamb against UCLA in Oklahoma’s last game, but it did go for a touchdown. Oklahoma’s game scripts haven’t favored Lamb, but Big 12 play will help fuel his production. He should still see a 1,000-yard season.

10. Creed Humphrey, OL, Oklahoma

Humphrey continues to be the most powerful interior lineman in the country, and his ability to keep the pocket clean for Jalen Hurts has been huge for this Oklahoma team.

11. Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

The big plays for Henry Ruggs continue to build up as the season goes on. He had 148 yards and two touchdowns on just four catches. There’s a chance that Ruggs goes higher than any other receiver in the class because of the playmaking speed he brings to the table.

12. Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn

Derrick Brown was a force to be reckoned with against Texas A&M, getting two sacks and three tackles for loss in the game. He also batted two passes away. Brown is the best defensive lineman in the class and could end up being a top 10 selection with more games like Saturday.

13. D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia

Swift played a really good game against Notre Dame, carrying the ball 18 times for 98 yards and a score. His ability to make defenders miss in open space is unparalleled in the class. The question that still remains is how effective he can be on all three downs.

14. Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia

No interceptions yet this season for Hall, who finished with eight a year ago. However, he continues to be lockdown for the Cavaliers, and he will likely gain more attention in ACC play, where he will be targeted more.

15. Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

Since his move to left tackle after Alaric Jackson’s injury, Wirfs has been very solid on that side of the line. He’s shown his power and quickness out of his stance. There are rumors he will stay at school but he’s a top 15 player if he declares.

16. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin

Taylor absolutely carved up the Michigan defense, with eight carries and a score on his first drive. He surpassed 200 yards on the day on just 23 carries. Taylor has the vision, power, and speed to be a great player at the next level.

17. Isaiah Simmons, S/LB, Clemson 

Simmons is a truly unique player in this class, having the hard-hitting ability of a linebacker and the speed to cover in the slot. His two sacks and the ability to reach both sidelines make me believe his best spot is linebacker for now.

18. Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State

Okudah picked up his first interception this season that set up the Buckeyes for a 21-5 lead they never relinquished. He is fluid in his movements and breaks on the ball, but will he be able to handle the size of Big Ten wide receivers at the line of scrimmage? Time will tell.

19. Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State

Penn State hasn’t played since beating Pitt, so Gross-Matos should get back on the field against Maryland this weekend. He can be a big factor in stopping the Maryland offense with a strong game moving around the defensive line.

20. Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford

There have been struggles for Adebo so far this season, especially against UCF’s receivers. He’s struggled to stay in coverage with receivers who have mastered the nuanced quickness in their routes. Adebo is a physical receiver, but he isn’t a superfluid defender, and we are seeing that more now.

21. Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado

Shenault is averaging 11.2 yards per play so far this season, but he didn’t have much against Arizona State after leaving the game with an injury. The comparisons and expectations have been lofty since the start of the year, and he keeps sliding down the board because we just haven’t seen it from him consistently in 2019.

22. Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

Just 61 yards this week for Etienne on the ground, but he shouldn’t be overused in a game against Charlotte. With more ACC play coming around, it would be a perfect time for Etienne to improve as a pass catcher and in pass protection to prove his three-down worth.

23. Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

Like Hall, Kristian Fulton has yet to log an interception in 2019, but he does have five passes defensed and played a pretty solid game against Vanderbilt, where most of their offense came on the ground. He played well against wide receiver Kalija Lipscomb for the most part in coverage.

24. Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson

Just a casual 58-yard touchdown catch for Higgins in the win over Charlotte. He didn’t get much due to the game being out of hand from the jump, but once again, Higgins has improved significantly so far in 2019.

25. Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama

It still seems like McKinney is underrated in draft circles, as his attacking nature and quick diagnosing skills are up there with the top defensive backs in the class. It could be because he lacks a bit in the playmaking department, but he does the dirty work and soon he will be recognized.

26. K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU

Chaisson notched a sack against Vanderbilt in Week 4 and generated significant pressure against the Commodores with his patented speed rush. The more he develops a repertoire, the more dangerous he will be, and the higher he could go next April.

27. Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama

While it’s nice to see players showing up on the stat sheet, not everything is documented there. Davis is a prime example of a player who re-routes running backs and gets pressure on the quarterback without getting the credit he deserves for his play.

28. K.J. Hill, WR, Ohio State

With the plethora of weapons in Columbus right now, there will be few games where one player gets to have a truly dominant day. K.J. Hill makes the most of what he can get, catching two passes for 78 yards and a score last weekend.

29. Jabari Zuniga, EDGE, Florida 

Zuniga has now missed a couple of games in a row but should be back on the field for Florida’s tougher SEC games. Everyone is circling the Georgia game as a big one for Zuniga’s stock.

30. Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

The script didn’t favor Love this week in a big win over San Diego State, but he made some tight window throws from the pocket and continues to show off his quick release and accuracy. He did let one throw slip that should’ve been picked, but also got hampered by drops as well.

31. Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

Diggs came away with another pick this past week, his first in a few weeks. He has improved his stock more than any corner so far this season, with the understanding of receivers and their tendencies while also having the ball skills.

32. Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU

Extremely pedestrian game from Reagor against SMU on Saturday, with just two catches for two yards. He did get a big gain on the ground though. The offense has been run first, but Reagor hasn’t lived up to expectations this year, which is contributing to his stock dropping.

33. Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue

Hopkins is definitely still the leader in the clubhouse at the tight end position. He can stretch the field very well and I’m excited to see what he can do against the Big Ten West.

34. Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota

Tyler Johnson still doesn’t get as much love as he should. Hopefully, his three-touchdown game brought him into the spotlight a bit more, and I expect him to succeed against Big Ten corners because of his nuanced route-running ability.

35. Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia

Fromm once again played well and did what was asked of him against Notre Dame. He didn’t make explosive plays happen, but he managed the game well and continues to be the top processor of defenses in the class.

36. A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson

Zero picks so far in his junior season, but he looks better in coverage and continues to impose his physical presence. It’s tough to know at this point if he will declare because of the strength of the class, but right now, he’s firmly entrenched in this top 50.

37. Lucas Niang, OT, TCU

Niang still shows how great of a mover he is in the run game and how athletic he is for his build. If he continues to improve in pass sets, there’s a chance he shoots up boards because of the need for tackles at the next level.

38. Rashard Lawrence, DL, LSU

Lawrence has battled an ankle injury recently, and his availability right now is in doubt against Utah State. Hopefully, he can get back on the field soon and show teams his upside and violent nature in the trenches.

39. C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida

He missed Florida’s most recent game and is starting to get overshadowed by Marco Wilson. The talent is still there, but I’m concerned for his stock right now as it continues to tumble in 2019.

40. Curtis Weaver, EDGE, Boise State

Six sacks already on the season for Curtis Weaver, well on pace for a double-digit total. He attacks gaps so well when he plays on the interior and has rushing skill when lined up on the outside. Watch for his rise as the season goes on.

41. Jacob Eason, QB, Washington

It’s the first time Jacob Eason finds his way onto the board, and funny enough, his stock was falling after a couple of weeks of the season. However, things can change, and Eason is finding his stride as the quarterback of the Huskies. He has made the position look fairly easy in his recent games, firing the ball confidently to all levels of the field. Eason has also vastly improved his abilities while on the run.

42. Trey Sermon, RB, Oklahoma

With Jalen Hurts and Kennedy Brooks on the team, Sermon may not truly carry the load this season in games, but his seven yards per carry is noticeable, and the fact that he has the quickness and speed combined with his ability to block makes him a top running back. Not sure if anyone is as high on him as I am.

43. Jake Hanson, OL, Oregon

We’ve talked about Hanson on a previous board, and that he has the strength and the processing to dominate at the position, and he held his own against Auburn. Well, he’s dominated in the last few weeks and been part of Justin Herbert’s start this season.

44. Trey Smith, OL, Tennessee

The only bright spot of this horrid Tennessee team is the play of Trey Smith. We’ve heard the talk of his potential and his medical scare, but his resiliency to come back and play well is awesome, and he’s a good bet to go in the first two days of the draft.

45. Shane Lemieux, OL, Oregon 

There’s a chance Lemieux becomes the top guard in the class, as his game is so technically refined. I watched his game against Auburn, and it was even better than I was expecting. He’s so powerful and uses others’ leverage against them.

46. Zack Moss, RB, Utah

Moss got hurt against USC and was averaging just over three yards per carry against them. The good news? He’s still averaging over six yards per carry on the season. His power is unmatched in the class and he can make defenders miss at his size.

47. Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina

Kinlaw had a nice start to his season with a sack in every game, but his game against Missouri was at another level. He notched another sack, batted a pass down and recovered a fumble. He lived in the backfield and needs to be recognized with the top defensive tackles in the class.

48. Kenny Willekes, EDGE, Michigan State

The run for Willekes continues this season. He has three and a half sacks so far, on pace for his first double-digit year. His motor and finishing ability is excellent, and his advanced hand usage makes him a top edge rusher in the class.

49. Grant Calcaterra, TE, Oklahoma

It’s a pedestrian start for Calcaterra so far this season, which puts him on the fringe of the top 50. He’s competing for targets in a loaded offense, so that will hurt his numbers.

50. Marvin Wilson, DT, Florida State

We don’t bring up a lot of players from Florida State, but Marvin Wilson is playing his way into the top-tier defensive lineman conversation. He’s a problem in the middle, already tallying three sacks on the season. He effects plays in the backfield, and that’s what teams need out of that position.

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