Which 2020 NFL Draft prospects have risen up boards the most in the month of October?
We have seen a number of 2020 NFL Draft prospects rise throughout the season this year, the most notable of which is LSU’s Joe Burrow. His excellent play this season has shot him up near Tua Tagovailoa on a lot of big boards, and he was the biggest riser of September.
But he’s not the only one making a big rise. There are a lot of players making moves this season, and they’ve shown development and growth in 2019.
Burrow was a big September riser, so who have been the biggest risers in October? Let’s take a look at several players who have done just that.
Hunter Bryant, TE, Washington
The 2020 NFL Draft tight end class looks a little underwhelming at this point. Brycen Hopkins has been the leader in the clubhouse all season, but Hunter Bryant is on the rise. Bryant isn’t the typical Washington tight end in that he can do it all. His ability to play inline and block isn’t the greatest at the moment, but he’s a very athletic player who can be a flex tight end to create mismatches in the passing game.
Bradlee Anae, EDGE, Utah
The edge class is dominated by Chase Young and A.J. Epenesa, but the race is on for EDGE3 in the 2020 NFL Draft. While he isn’t that highly touted yet, Bradlee Anae has been sensational for the Utes this season. He has eight sacks on the year and has looked unblockable at times during games. Anae has a variety of moves as a pass rusher, including a great inside move and a quick spin move. Trey Adams handled him early on Saturday, but Anae eventually broke through late in the game with a sack. Anae has lots of upside at the next level.
Trey Smith, OL, Tennessee
Trey Smith played tackle at Tennessee until a blood clot put his playing future in doubt. Smith is back this season and playing at a very high level at the guard spot. He is very powerful and an aggressive finisher at the point of attack. Smith is also a great processor, anticipating stunts well and picking up late blitzing defenders. He played extremely well against South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw, a big riser in his own right.
Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama
Everyone talks up Alex Leatherwood on the Alabama offensive line, but Jedrick Wills has been the better player this season. Wills has great footwork and is very quick off the snap and quick into his pass sets. His lower half is up there with the best in the class in terms of balance and quickness. Wills also is great on the move and a powerful finisher. He’s getting a lot of round one buzz right now.
Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama
Speaking of that race for the third-best edge defender, Terrell Lewis is also making a case for that spot. He has six sacks on the season and shows so much promise as a pass rusher who can consistently create pressure and affect the quarterback. He can win with a quick inside move or by converting speed to power and with great hand usage. His variety of moves will entice teams at the next level. Lewis has a big game this week where he can boost his stock even more on a national stage.
Bryan Edwards, WR, South Carolina
Bryan Edwards returned to South Carolina for his senior season, and it has paid off. He has 726 yards and five touchdowns this season and is much more than just a receiver who wins in contested situations. He’s developed more of a route tree this season and is more fluid in the hips which helps create separation. He will be a good one to keep an eye on down in Mobile and throughout the process.
K.J. Hamler, WR, Penn State
Hamler wasn’t talked about a whole lot before the month of October, maybe because he’s a redshirt sophomore. However, he’s been fantastic for Penn State this season, hauling in 37 passes for 620 yards and eight touchdowns thus far. Hamler is an electric playmaker who can line up anywhere in a formation and find a way to separate. He’s also dynamic after the catch and can turn any play into a touchdown. He’s getting Marquise Brown comparisons for a good reason.
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