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10 best players available after Round 1 of the NFL Draft

By Logan Jakubajtys

ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 23: D'Andre Swift #7 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs with the ball during a game between Texas A&M and the Georgia Bulldogs. (Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 23: D'Andre Swift #7 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs with the ball during a game between Texas A&M and the Georgia Bulldogs. (Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /
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Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State Nittany Lions
Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State Nittany Lions. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

2. EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State

Pass rushers are always in need in the NFL, and Penn State’s Yetur Gross-Matos could morph into a superstar in that role. Surprisingly, he didn’t wind up with the Seattle Seahawks, who many thought would be in the market for his skill set. They instead took Texas Tech linebacker Jordyn Brooks.

At Penn State, Gross-Matos earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors as a junior after leading the team with 15 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks among 40 total tackles. He will want to add some more weight onto his lanky frame before taking an NFL snap, but any good strength program in the league will have no problem doing just that. His length and fluidity make him a fun prospect for a team to work with, and Gross-Matos’ athleticism in the box can help him excel. The added weight and strength will only add to Gross-Matos’ ability to overpower any opposing offensive lineman.

On day two, there is no shortage of team’s looking to improve their pass rush. The New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins are both solid options, as well as teams like the Colts, Panthers, and Jets. The Jacksonville Jaguars could also be in play if they move on from Yannick Ngakouae.

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