NFL Draft Megalist: Eckel's full list of top players by position with opinions from NFL execs
A panel of experts, including a long-time executive in personnel with two Super Bowl rings, have agreed to share their opinions on this draft.
QUARTERBACKS
Joe Burrow, LSU
Height/Weight: 6-3, 216
Class: Sr.
Stats: 2019: 5,671 yards, 76.3 percent, 60 TD/6 Int
Quote: “What he did last year was unbelievable, but he also had a great team around him and never faced much adversity.’’
Jordan Love, Utah State
Height/Weight: 6-4, 225
Class: Jr.
Stats: 2018: 3,567 yards, 64 percent, 32/6
2019: 3,402, 61.9 percent, 20/17
Quote: “He’s really grown on me. He had nothing to work with (at Utah State) last year, nothing. He lost his top five receivers from the year before. Everything he did he did on his own. I think he has a chance to be really good with the right team and coach.’’
Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama
Height/Weight: 6-1, 215
Class: Jr.
Stats: 2018: 3.966 yards, 69 percent, 43/6
2019: 2,840, 71.4 percent, 33/3
Quote: “I had some red flags on him before the injury and one of those was durability. Now, you have to be real careful. But obviously he has talent."
Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma
Height/Weight: 6-1, 220
Class: Sr.
Stats: 2019: 3,851 yards, 69.7 percent, 32/8
Quote: “He’s a great competitor and a winner. All he does in win (career record 38-4). He could be a steal in this draft.’’
Justin Herbert, Oregon
Height/Weight: 6-6, 225
Class: Sr.
Stats: 2019: 3,471 yards, 66.8 percent, 32/6
Quote: “He’s just OK. (He’s) gonna get drafted a lot higher than he should.’’
Underrated: Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma
Overrated: Jacob Eason, Washington “He’s just not that good.’’
Small School Star: James Morgan, FIU
RUNNING BACKS
D’Andre Swift, Georgia
Class: Jr.
Height/Weight: 5-9/215
40 Time: 4.46
Stats: 2019: 1,218 rushing yards, 7 TDs
Quote: “He’s the best. He’s the complete package and he’ll come ready to play right away. And he doesn’t have a lot of wear and tear on him.’’
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU
Class: Jr.
Height/Weight: 5-8/210
40 Time: 4.55
Stats: 2019: 1,414 rushing yards, 16 TDs, 55 receptions, 453 yards
Quote: “I like him a lot. I think he’s going to be really good. He’s a good receiver, too, and teams are looking for that more and more.’’
Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin
Class: Jr.
Height/Weight: 5-10, 220
40 Time: 4.54
Stats: 3-years: 6,174 yards, 50 TDs
Quote: “He’s a big, strong, old-school kind of guy. My red flag with him is he had over 900 (926) carries in college.’’
Darryton Evans, Appalachian St.
Class: Sr.
Height/Weight: 5-11, 200
40 Time: 4.41
Stats: 2019: 1,678 total yards; 18 rush TDs, 5 Rec. TDs
Quote: “He’s my sleeper. Some team is going to get a real good player later (in the draft). He can really run. He can catch the ball. He’s a good player.’’
J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State
Class: Jr.
Height/Weight: 5-10, 216
40 Time: 4.5
Stats: 2019: 2,003 rushing yards, 21 TDs
Quote: “He’s not as good as the hype, but he’s good all-around back. In the right offense he’ll be very productive.’’
Overrated: Cam Akers, Florida St.
Underrated: Evans, Appalachian St.
Small School Star: Pete Guerriero, Monmouth
WIDE RECEIVERS
Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
Height: 6-1; Weight: 190
40 Time: 4.45
Stats: 2019: 77 receptions, 1,163 yards, 10 TDs
Quote: “I think he’s the best and he’ll be good. I’m not sure he’ll be great. I don’t think he will be great.’’
CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma
Height: 6-1; Weight: 190
40 Time: 4.5
Stats: 62-1,327-14
Quote: “He’s right there (with Jeudy), again good, but not great.’’
Jalen Reagor, TCU
Height: 5-11; Weight: 190
40 Time: 4.47
Stats: 2018:72-1,061-9; 2019: 43-611-5
Quote: “Yeah, I like him more than most. He’s dangerous. He’s a home-run hitter.’’
Chase Claypool, Notre Dame
Height: 6-3 1/2; Weight: 235
40 Time: 4.42
Stats: 66-1,037-13
Quote: “He was my sleeper, then he went to Combine, blew it up and now everyone is on him.’’
Laviska Shenault, Colorado
Height: 6-2; Weight: 225
40 Time: 4.58
Stats: 2018: 86-1,011-6 2019: 56-764-4
Quote: “Injuries knock him down a bit. But he’s talented. In he right offense he can do a lot of things for you.’’
Justin Jefferson, LSU
Height: 6-3, Weight: 190
40 Time: 4.43
Stats: 111-1,540-18
Quote: “He’s a slot guy, and a good one. That’s where you want to use him.’’
Henry Ruggs, Alabama
Height: 6-0, Weight: 190
40 Time: 4.27
Stats: 40-746-7
Quote: “His speed is straight line speed. I just don’t get it with him. He was the third best receiver on his team and people want to make him the best receiver in the draft.’’
Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State
Height: 6-0; Weight: 195
40 Time: 4.50
Stats: 65-1,192-8
Quote: “He’s solid, dependable. He doesn’t jump out at you, but he can do a lot of things.’’
Tee Higgins, Clemson
Height: 6-4, Weight: 215
40 Time: 4.55
Stats: 59-1,167-13
Quote: “He’s got size and he used it in college. But he’s not going to be able to do a lot of what he did in college (in the NFL).’’
Denzel Mims, Baylor
Height: 6-3, Weight: 205
40 Time: 4.38
Stats: 66-1,020-12
Quote: “Baylor receiver, you watch the film and you see a good possession type guy. He killed the Combine so now people are inventing him.’’
OVERRATED: K.J. Hamler, Penn State. “He’s not good enough to make up for his size.’’
UNDERRATED: Jalen Reagor, TCU
SMALL SCHOOL STAR: Antonio Gandy-Golden, Liberty
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
Andrew Thomas, Georgia
Class: Jr.
Height/Weight: 6-5, 315
Arm size/Hand size: 36.1/10.2
Quote: “To me, he’s the best one overall. I like his game. He’s smart, he’s tough; he can do it all.’’
Tristan Wirfs, Iowa
Class: Jr.
Height/Weight: 6-6, 320
Arm size/Hand size: 34/10.2
Quote: “He’s good, you could say he’s No. 1. I just like Thomas better.’’
Mehki Becton, Louisville
Class: Jr.
Height/Weight: 6-7, 357
Arm Size/Hand size: 35.6/10.7
Quote: “Big, big man. For a guy his size he can move. He’s right there (with top 2). He’s gonna be good.’’
Josh Jones, Houston
Class: Sr.
Height/Weight: 6-5, 311
Arm size/Hand size: 33.6/10.1
Quote: “I like him. He went and worked out well and now everyone is on him. He really helped himself (at the Combine).’’
Jedrick Wills, Alabama
Class: Jr.
Height/Weight: 6-4, 312
Arm size/Hand size: 34.2/10.2
Quote: “I don’t like him as much as others do. He’s going to go higher than he should. He’s not as good as the top four guys.’’
OVERRATED: Austin Jackson, So.Cal
UNDERRATED: Isiah Wilson, Georgia
SMALL SCHOOL STAR: Ben Bartch, St. John’s (Minn)
BEST GUARD: Ben Bredenson, Michigan
BEST CENTER: Cesar Ruiz, Michigan
TIGHT ENDS
Cole Kmet, Notre Dame
Class: Jr.
Height/Weight: 6-6, 262
40 Time: 4.70
Stats: 2019: 43 receptions, 515 yards, 6 TD
Quote: “He could go bottom of the first round, because there isn’t anyone else. If you need a tight end, he’s your guy.’’
Adam Trautman, Dayton
Class: Sr.
Height/Weight: 6-5, 251
40 Time: 4.80
Stats: 70 receptions, 916 yards, 14 TD
Quote: “Was very good at that level, in the right system with time he could be pretty good.’’
Harrison Bryant, Florida Atlantic
Class: Sr.
Height/Weight: 6-4, 242
40 Time: 4.73
Stats: 65 receptions, 1,004 yards, 7 TD
Quote: “He’s going to have to get stronger to play (in the NFL). There is some potential though.’’
Brycen Hopkins, Purdue
Class: Sr.
Height/Weight: 6-5, 240
40 Time: 4.66
Stats: 61 receptions, 830 yards, 7 TD
Quote: “He ran well and that will help him. But he’s more of a move guy, H-back than your classic tight end.’’
Colby Parkinson, Stanford
Class: Jr.
Height/Weight: 6-6, 245
40 Time: 4.83
Stats: 48 receptions, 589 yards, 1 TD
Quote: “He comes out of a pro ready offense, but I’m not sure he’s ready. (Stanford) lined him up everywhere, so again not sure he’s a legit tight end.’’
CORNERBACKS
Jeff Okudah, Ohio State
Class: Jr.
Height/Weight: 6-1, 205
40 Time: 4.48
Stats: 2019: 3 Ints; 9 PBUs
Quote: “He’s good, very good. But he’s not Deion Sanders, like some people are making him out to be. I wouldn’t take him at No. 3.”
C.J. Henderson, Florida
Class: Jr.
Height/Weight: 6-1, 204
40 Time: 4.39
Stats: Career: 6 Ints, 22 PBUs
Quote: “I think he can be just as good as Okudah, maybe even better.”
Kristian Fulton, LSU
Class: Sr.
Height/Weight: 6-0, 197
40 Time: 4.46
Stats: 2019: 1 Int, 14 PBUs
Quote: “Another very good player who should be a starter right away. Good size/speed combination.”
Damon Arnette, Ohio State
Class: Sr.
Height/Weight: 6-0, 195
40 Time: 4.56
Stats: 5 Ints, 22 PBUs
Quote: “What he lacks in speed, he makes up for with his physical play. He’ll be very good in a cover-2 type scheme.”
Bryce Hall, Virginia
Class: Sr.
Height/Weight: 6-1, 202
40 Time: 4.53
Stats: Career: 5 Ints, 39 PBUs
Quote: “I like him more than most. Great instincts and ball skills. Would probably be better with a zone team.”
OVERRATED: Jeff Gladney, TCU
UNDERRATED: Troy Pride, Notre Dame
SMALL SCHOOL STAR: Kindle Vildor, Georgia Southern
INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINEMEN
Derrick Brown, Auburn
Class: Sr.
Height/Weight: 6-4, 326
40 Time: 5.16
Stats: 4 sacks, 12 TFL
Quote: “He’s legit. He’s going to be a real good player. He’s top 10 for sure. He might be better than that.”
Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina
Class: Sr.
Height/Weight: 6-5, 315
40 Time: 5.10
Stats: 6 sacks, 6 TFL
Quote: “He’s going to get drafted very high and I don’t get it. I must be missing something. I don’t see what everyone else sees in him.”
A.J. Epenesa, Iowa
Class: Jr.
Height/Weight: 6-6, 277
40 Time: 5.04
Stats: 11.5 sacks, 14.5 TFL
Quote: “He’s a 3-4 end, he doesn’t fit a 4-3 scheme inside or outside.”
Jordan Elliott, Missouri
Class: Jr.
Height/Weight: 6-4, 302
40 Time: 5.02
Stats: 2.5 sacks, 8.5 TFL
Quote: “Real good against the run, but he’s a two-down guy. Maybe even a one-down guy these days. But if you want a run defender, he’s your guy.”
Davon Hamilton, Ohio State
Class: Sr.
Height/Weight: 6-4, 327
40 Time: 5.14
Stats: 6 sacks, 10.5 TFL
Quote: “He’s not bad at all. He’s better than a lot of guys getting more hype. He’ll come in and play.”
Marlon Davidson, Auburn
Class: Sr.
Height/Weight: 6-3, 303
40 Time: 5.04
Stats: 7.5 sacks, 12.5 TFL
Quote: “He’s sold, but not a difference maker. I see people saying he’s a first-round pick. I wouldn’t take him in the first round.”
Ross Blacklock, TCU
Class: Jr.
Height/Weight: 6-4, 290
40 Time: 4.90
Stats: 3.5 sacks, 9 TFL
Quote: “Another guy who is getting a lot of hype but watch him play he doesn’t do anything. He doesn’t make any plays.”
Rashard Lawrence, LSU
Class: Sr.
Height/Weight: 6-2, 308
40 Time: 5.07
Stats: 2.5 sacks, 6 TFL
Quote: “Real tough, good run stuffer, one of those good early-down players.”
Leki Fotu, Utah
Class: Sr.
Height/Weight: 6-4, 330
40 Time: 5.15
Stats: 1.5 sacks, 8 TFL
Quote: “Big nose tackle, takes up space, but nothing special.”
Raekwon Davis, Alabama
Class: Sr.
Height/Weight 6-7, 311
40 Time: 5.12
Stats: Career: 11.5 sacks, 19.5 TFL
Quote: “One of those Alabama guys, so you kind of know he’s ready to play. But again, much better against the run.”
OVERRATED: Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma “He’s just a workout warrior.”
UNDERRATED: Rashard Lawrence, LSU
SMALL SCHOOL STAR: Auzoyah Alufohai, Western Georgia
EDGE RUSHERS
Chase Young, Ohio State
Class: Jr.
Height/Weight: 6-5, 265
40 Time: 4.69
Stats: 2019: 16.5 sacks, 21 TFL
Quote: “He’s the real deal. Is he as good as (Nick) Bosa (of h 49ers who was Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2019)? I wouldn't go that far. But he’s really good.”
K’Lavon Chaisson, LSU
Class: Soph.
Height/Weight: 6-4, 260
40 Time: 4.69
Stats: 6.5 sacks, 13.5 TFL
Quote: “He’s good. He’s going to have to get stronger and he will. But he’ll come in and be a pass rusher right away.”
Zack Baun, Wisconsin
Class: Sr.
Height/Weight: 6-3, 240
40 Time: 4.65
Stats: 12.5 sacks, 19.5 TFL
Quote: “Good player, real versatile, you can use him a lot of ways. He’ll be a good pro.”
Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State
Class: Jr.
Height/Weight: 6-5, 265
40 Time: 4.69
Stats: 9.5 sacks, 15 TFL
Quote: “Teams are always looking for pass rushers so he’ll go earlier than he should. I think he’s ok, nothing special.”
Terrell Lewis, Alabama
Class: Jr.
Height/Weight: 6-5, 262
40 Time 4.71
Stats: 6 sacks, 11 TFL
Quote: “He’s had some injuries (elbow in 2017; ACL in 2018) in his career. There’s some good upside, but to me he’s a little bit of a project.”
OVERRATED: Curtis Weaver, Boise State
UNDERRATED: Bradlee Anae, Utah
SMALL SCHOOL STAR: Cam Gill, Wagner
LINEBACKERS
Isaiah Simmons, Clemson
Class: Jr.
Height/Weight: 6-4, 230
40 Time: 4.39
Stats: 2019: 8 sacks, 16 TFL, 3 Ints
Quote: “They schemed everything for him at Clemson and he did a good job. Can an NFL team do that? Some team is going to fall in love with him and take him too high. I don’t know if you’re going to be able to use him the way he was used in college.”
Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
Class: Jr.
Height/Weight: 6-2, 240
40 Time: 4.52
Stats: 4 sacks, 17 TFL
Quote: “He can really run and run all day, sideline to sideline. In the championship game (against LSU) he was the only one (on OU’s defense) that played hard all night.”
Evan Weaver, California
Class: Sr.
Height/Weight: 6-2, 235
40 Time: 4.76
Stats: Career: 8.5 sacks, 23.5 TFL
Quote: “I love this guy. He should have won the Butkus Award (as the nation’s best linebacker). He just comes out and gets after you right from the go.”
Jacob Phillips, LSU
Class: Jr.
Height/Weight: 6-4, 229
40 Time: 4.66
Stats: 113 Tackles, 7.5 TFL
Quote: “He’s my guy. He’s solid at every level. He might turn out to be the best of the group, just watch.”
Patrick Queen, LSU
Class: Jr.
Height/Weight: 6-1, 229
40 Time: 4.5
Stats: 85 Tackles, 12 TFL
Quote: “I don’t see what everyone else does with this guy. He’s small. He gets beat up on blocks and he misses a lot of tackles.”
OVERRATED: Troy Dye, Oregon
UNDERRATED: Evan Weaver, Cal
SMALL SCHOOL STAR: Dante Olson, Montana