I’ve talked before about a false consensus that emerges among media scouts. Most websites and experts who aren’t affiliated with teams will have remarkably similar rankings, while actual NFL teams vary quite a bit. I try not to allow the rankings of others influence my own rankings, but I use other sites to see which players I might need to reevaluate.
After looking at positional rankings for nearly a dozen experts, I found a few players that I have ranked significantly higher than most other public rankings.
Of course these are all opinions, and a player can be greatly influenced by the team that drafts them. But in the right situation, these players could turn into absolute steals.
Players are listed by position, not in any other order.
Jake Luton, QB, Oregon State
The top-7 quarterbacks aren’t really up for debate (Burrow, Tagovailoa, Herbert, Love, Hurts, Fromm, and Eason), but after that you’ll find plenty of variation.
In my opinion, Luton is the clear cut #8 quarterback. I’m actually really surprised that more people wouldn’t agree.
He certainly looks the part: Standing a hair over 6’6″, weighing about 225 pounds, and has huge hands.
But the best part of Luton’s game is his intelligence and experience in a pro-style offense. After dealing with injuries throughout 2018 and 2017, he finally got to see a mostly-healthy season in 2019, where he threw 28 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. He is very poised in the pocket, willing to throw the ball away, and has a strong enough arm to make any throw in the NFL with solid accuracy.
Mobility is a negative for him, but he has the size, intelligence, and arm that teams will love, and came off a very productive season despite not having a lot to work with.
Many people expect to see him go late on day 3, but I’d expect to see him early on day 3 with the chance to develop into a Mike Glennon style quarterback.
Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota
Tyler Johnson is one of a couple players on this list who I feel like I need to passionately defend. He’s also a prime example of scouts hearing a scouting report of him and mindlessly repeating it without watching any film.
During the year I didn’t expect Johnson to be a big time draft prospect since he doesn’t have elite size or athleticism, but the extent to which that’s coming up is ridiculous. A lot of scouts and websites have him as their #28-#30 receiver, behind extremely slow receivers like Quintez Cephus and Jauan Jennings. Here’s what you need to know: When people say he’s not fast, they are jsut mindlessly repeating someone else’s scouting report. He’s not a 4.30 guy, but he is plenty fast for the NFL.
Take the Auburn bowl game as an example. In Minnesota’s win over Auburn to end the 2019 season, Tyler Johnson was facing off against one of the most athletic defensive backfields in the nation, featuring 4 draft prospects; Noah Igbinoghene (track star), Javaris Davis (4.39 40 time), Daniel Thomas (4.51 40 time), and Jeremiah Dinson. Regardless, he torched them for over 200 yards receiving.
Auburn’s defense faced superstar after superstar during the season, including Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs, George Pickens, Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, Van Jefferson, Freddie Swain, Quartney Davis, and more. None came close to matching the production of Johnson.
And that one game is just an example of his ability to beat NFL-caliber athletes. Throughout the season, Johnson garnered the top PFF wide receiver rating of any receiver in the entire country. He accounted for a gopher record 1318 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. This accounted for 40% of his team’s receiving yardage, the highest of any power 5 conference receiver in the draft (by quite a bit).
Johnson didn’t run the 40 at the combine, but film looks like a he’d be in the 4.52-4.6 range. Not great, but plenty fast when combined with his excellent route running ability and body control. He’s worked hard on his hands and had few drops in 2019, and is as good at anyone at pulling down contested catches.
The two-time all-conference first teamer is a clear cut NFL guy, and it’s embarrassing if anyone thinks he should last beyond the 5th round, even in this draft class. I give him a late 3rd round grade.
Zimari Manning, WR, Tarleton State
From a passionate defense of a Big Ten wide receiver to a diamond in the rough from a division 2 school.
Zimari Manning dominated the division 2 level at perennial powerhouse Tarleton State.
The video linked about was his junior year highlights, and he took things to a new level as a senior. In 12 games, the 6’2″ 200+ pound receiver put up 1462 yards and 22 receiving touchdowns.
His body control and sticky hands stand out on film as being obvious NFL-caliber traits. He has good size for the position, and is a decent route runner.
He just looks the part of an NFL receiver with his strength, elusiveness, and natural hand catches. The biggest problem on film is top end speed, which is hard to judge given lesser competition.
In terms of NFL projection, it’s tough for Zimari to prove he can get separation in the NFL since he wasn’t at the senior bowl or East-West shrine game, and didn’t get to have a pro day.
This guy isn’t given a draftable grade anywhere online other than my site, but I’d be surprised if he goes undrafted. I expect him to be a flier pick as early as the 5th round, and could turn into a legit NFL starter.
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
The second player I feel the need to passionately defend is Jonathan Taylor.
Taylor is generally ranked as the 2nd or 3rd running back in the draft class, but I think he’s the clear cut #1.
While stats can be misleading, production matters. And make no mistake: Taylor is the most productive rusher in the history of college football.
Jonathan Taylor ranks 6th all-time in career rushing yards, and is the only player in the top 15 to have done it in just 3 seasons. He eclipsed 1900 yards rushing all 3 seasons, totaling 6,174 rushing yards, 50 rushing touchdowns, and 6.7 yards per carry in just 3 years. He was an All-American all 3 years.
Lots of players have productivity, but Taylor has a lot more. He has never missed a game due to injury despite his high usage rate, and put up monster numbers at the combine. One of the biggest running backs in the class at 5’10” 226 pounds, Taylor tied for the fastest 40 by a running back at 4.39 seconds. He also measured average or better in all other 5 athletic measurements.
The biggest knock on Taylor is his receiving ability, but that’s extremely overblown. Time for a true stat that doesn’t fully represent the situation: Taylor had more receiving yards in 2019 than D’Andre Swift, JK Dobbins, and Cam Akers, who are all revered for their receiving ability. Now, I admit that Taylor isn’t as good of a receiver as some of these guys (he slows down a bit going into the catch and isn’t a route runner), but he proved this year that he has good hands and will be more than serviceable catching the ball.
He also has elite patience, is extremely difficult to tackle, rarely ever loses yards, and has a fast cut.
Tell me how this isn’t the number one running back taken: Elite strength, elite speed, elite vision/patience, elite production, elite between the tackles or running off-tackle, never had an injury, good football IQ and leadership, no off-field issues, good blocker, and good receiver.
10 years ago, he would have been in contention for a #1 overall pick with the skillset. In today’s game, he should still be clearly first round caliber and a star for years to come.
Bronson Rechsteiner, FB/RB, Kennesaw State
Please watch that video. I promise it is the most entertaining fullback highlight video you’ll ever see. In fact, it’s the first time I shared a fullback’s highlight video with others.
The son of a former pro wrestler, Bronson Rechsteiner looks like he knows what he’s doing if the NFL doesn’t work out.
I don’t like the fullbacks in this class, and Rechsteiner is the obvious #1. It’s not even close.
He measured in short at his virtual pro day, a little over 5’10” and a little under 230 pounds, granted he could easily put on more weight since he likely has less body fat than DK Metcalf.
Highlight tapes aren’t a legitimate way to scout since you only see the good, but the tape shows you everything you need to see: Running back speed (4.46 at his pro day), decent agility, solid hands, and a guy who LOVES to hit people and finish blocks. Rechsteiner is as good of a blocker from the fullback position as you’ll find, and he’s got the rest of the game you need to fit into a modern NFL offense where fullback isn’t a priority.
Despite the fast 40 time I definitely view him as a fullback instead of a running back because I’m not too complementary of his vision, but the ability to offer some versatility at that position will help him find a spot, and his speed will help him excel in special teams.
Coming from a triple option offense at FCS Kennesaw State, he’ll have a big transition to start playing in a pro style offense. Still, that’s a lesser transition than players who are switching from tight end or running back.
His athleticism, blocking ability, hands, and build make him a clear cut #1 at his position group, which other online analysts haven’t called him.
Charlie Woerner, TE, Georgia
Scouting tight ends can be tough, and many of the best tight ends in the league were mid round picks. I wouldn’t be too surprised if Woerner ends up being that guy in this year’s class.
I wouldn’t blame you for not being impressed looking at the measurables. He showed extremely average athleticism at the combine, ranking in the middle third for every number except bench reo, where he was slightly above average.
At 6’4 1/2″ and 244 pounds, his size is nothing too special either. Combine that will an abysmal 78 receiving yards his senior season, and he looks like a 7th rounder at best.
But everything changes when you watch him at the NFLPA collegiate bowl. Against solid competition, Woerner dominated and was a key piece of the receiving game. Not only did he show to be one of the better blockers in the class during his time at Georgia, he showed natural hands and incredible route running prowess.
His blocking form is solid for a tight end and he has experience in-line blocking in the best conference in football. He does a good job in play fakes and engages blockers properly.
Woerner is one of the rare tight ends who is NFL ready, and could become a surprising late round find for a team who needs a tight end.
Ezra Cleveland, OT, Boise State
Ezra Cleveland is an insane athlete who had no issues with MWC defensive ends. Despite dealing with turf toe all season, Cleveland graded as one of the best linemen in the Mountain West, en route to his second consecutive 1st team all-conference selection. A 3 year starter at left tackle who weighs 6’6″ 311 pounds, Cleveland has the size, athleticism, and experience that is coveted in a left tackle.
Evaluations from him range from low first round to 3rd round, with most people giving him a second round grade. While I grade him as a fringe round 1 prospect, I think he’ll almost certainly go in the first round with all the OT-needy teams.
Playing strength and anchoring will be the biggest concern for Cleveland, but he is able to get a little stronger still and has insane upper body strength to help and he strengthens his core and lower body some more.
Teams that use a lot of motion or screens will love his athleticism, as he ranked in the top 10th percentile for almost every athletic measurement at the combine, and was used creatively at Bosie State. Of the top 8 offensive tackles in the class, he has the second most experience as a redshirt junior, and should be more ready than most to step into a starting role.
Michael Hoecht, DT, Brown
Michael Hoecht is more of a deep sleeper than an underrated prospect, but I’m including him here anyway because he should really be getting more attention.
Hoecht was a good player in the Ivy league, always being the centerpiece of opposing offenses’ scouting reports. As a junior, he racked up 69 total tackles as he got sideline to sideline with ease. Senior year the number was down to 42, but he had 9 tackles for loss from the inside of the line and garnered 2nd-team all conference measures.
That’s all fine and dandy. The reason he’s a big time NFL prospect was his pro day, where the 6’4″ 295 pounder reportedly ran a 4.65 40 yard dash, coupled with a 33.5″ vertical. That would have been the fastest time ever by a DT at the NFL combine.
Now, this was a virtual pro day and pro day numbers are often faster than combine numbers. But this guy is scary fast. And it will show on film.
Hoecht has a very fast first step and can engage the linemen with power. He is very raw in terms of pass rushing moves, but has the size and athleticism that will make coaches drool.
I’m sure he’s heard a lot from the NFL since his fast run, and as an Ivy leaguer likely made for a good interview. Most don’t even know his name, but he’ll likely be drafted.
Jonathan Greenard, DE, Florida
I have Greenard as my #3 defensive end, over the likes of AJ Epenesa and Bradlee Anae.
Greenard is a hybrid edge rusher with good speed who bends well around the edge and is extremely quick. At 6’3 1/2″ 263 pounds, he has enough size to be a legitimate 4-3 defensive end, and enough athleticism to offer a speed presence around the edge.
As a Louisville transfer, Greenard stepped into a solid Florida offensive line that was led by fellow prospect Jabari Zuniga. Whenever I watched the Florida defense, Greenard stole the show. In 11 games, he totaled 10 sacks and 16 tackles for loss, along with 53 total tackles which is a great number for the position.
His pass rushing technique is a lot more refined than some of the other top prospects, and he’s one of the best run defenders thanks to his quickness in closing holes and overall intelligent play.
He’s dealt with a number of injuries over his career but there’s been no reports of medical red flags, and he’s shown some great toughness and ability to play successfully through pain, which will help him transition to a tougher and nastier NFL game. He also possesses the NFL trait of forcing fumbles, raking down on the football when tackling.
His stock rose greatly at the senior bowl after a great week.
In a draft class that is weak for edge rushers, Greenard is one of the best so long as his wrist and ankle aren’t too concerning to teams.
Austin Edwards, DE, Ferris State
You may think this is a sleeper, but Austin Edwards is very well known in the scouting community despite coming from a division 2 school. He was invited to the East West Shrine Game and got good exposure there, while playing solid throughout practices.
At 6’5″ 280 pounds, Austin Edwards has great size for the position. He also has incredible quickness for his size and much better speed than other big defensive ends like Epenesa.
My favorite part of his game is his ability to get sideline to sideline. In 2018, he led the nation in total tackles by a true defensive lineman with 97. The athleticism and work ethic it takes to rack up that many tackles from the defensive line is hard to find.
In 2019 he worked on improving his pass rush, and demanded double or triple teams on every play, much like Chase Young. Granted, Edwards was facing division 2 linemen, I’m not saying he’s Chase Young. But I do legitimately think that when we look back on this class in 10 years, people will be wondering how they missed out on Austin Edwards.
Not many players check the boxes of elite size, above average athleticism, reliable productivity, and impressive skill set.
While media analysts are too afraid to rank him high, I think you could make an argument he’s a top 5 defensive end in the entire draft. And I guarantee a couple NFL teams think the same thing. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him sneak into the 3rd round.
Kamal Martin, OLB, Minnesota
A second Golden Gopher who is on here for a very different reason.
When on the field, Kamal Martin was an absolute difference maker. Unfortunately his senior season was derailed by multiple injuries, which seemed like bad luck more than a sign of things to come.
Most analysts have Martin rated as a 7th round guy, and I have no clue where he’ll go due to the injuries. But I can promise this: He’ll have a good NFL career.
Very few linebackers check off every box: Size, athleticism, instincts, and skill. Martin does.
He has not been used much as a pass rusher, but that’s largely because he’s one of the better coverage linebackers in the draft, which is a very underappreciated skill. Martin is a high school QB, and you can tell that by the way he reads the eyes and progressions of QBs.
At 6’3″ 240 pounds, he has great size as an outside backer with the instincts to play inside. Had he not been injured, he likely would have opened eyes with a fast 40 time as well. He’s been starting since his freshman year for the Gophers, and has developed into a guy who can contribute early at the NFL level.
Logan Wilson, ILB, Wyoming
There’s no doubt in my mind that Logan Wilson is the 3rd best ILB prospect in the draft.
Productive linebackers are a dime a dozen at this position so I’ll list out the 2019 stats really quick: 13 games, 105 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 11 passes defended, and 4 interceptions.
The numbers that stand out to me are in pass coverage. As I mentioned with Kamal Martin, pass coverage is incredibly important and often overlooked. When comparing with a guy like Jordyn Brooks, it’s a deciding factor for me.
Wilson isn’t an elite pass rusher but he roams the middle of the field well, getting sideline to sideline, diagnosing plays very fast and taking the right angle to the ball.
In my aggregate All-America system, he earned All-America 3rd team recognition (this was chosen by combining all All-America selecting groups). He was also a 3 time all-conference honoree in the MWC.
At a very solid 6’2″ 241 pounds, Wilson ran a 4.63 along with other solid numbers.
He combines athleticism with smarts and productivity in a way not many other inside linebackers do. He should be productive from day 1 in the right system with the potential to blossom much further.
Antonio Jones-Davis, ILB, Northern Illinois
Antonio Jones-Davis may sound like the name of a law firm, but he’s one of the most instinctive linebackers in all of college football.
Entering 2019, Jones-Davis was ranked as the 2nd best player in the MAC, a small FBS conference which has produced some great defensive players through the years including Khalil Mack.
While he’s undersized at 5’11” 231 pounds, that is plenty big for an inside linebacker. Devin Bush last year was one of the best defensive rookies in the league at just 5’11” 234 pounds.
I’ve been quiet about him because I wasn’t sure if he was going to receive a medical hardship waiver after being limited to 4 1/2 games in 2019 due to a knee injury. After participating in his pro day, it looks like he’s going to the NFL.
Embarrassingly, no one has given him a draftable grade that I’ve seen.
Jones-Davis has legit NFL speed, and diagnoses plays as quickly as anyone. In 2018 he was All-MAC 1st team, totaling 130 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and 6 pass break ups in 14 games.
He’s still recovering from an injury which will hurt his stock, but the instincts, coverage ability, and football IQ were well on display in previous years.
I consider him the best sub-6’0″ inside linebacker prospect, above prominent names like Michael Pinckney, DeJon Harris, and Chris Orr.
Parnell Motley, CB, Oklahoma
I’m surprised more people don’t like Motley.
He wasn’t entirely shutdown on the outside at Oklahoma, but he was a lot better at limiting receptions in 2019.
Motley has everything you need from an NFL cornerback. 6’0″ 183 pounds is good size (although a thin frame), he was generally consistent as a tackler, ran a 4.50 at his pro day, and had 28 passes defended and 4 interceptions over the past 2 seasons. Most important in my eyes is the translatable skill of forcing fumbles. Motley forced FIVE fumbles this past year, which is an insanely high number for a cornerback. Raking at the ball is a great way to get on a coach’s good side if you do it at the right time.
His play overall was good enough to garner 2nd team all conference recognition, and his combination of length, tackling, and athleticism makes him worth of a mid round draft pick despite not receiving a combine invite.
Lavert Hill, CB, Michigan
Entering the year, I liked Hill so much that he was one of my top 5 corners in the draft class. I was surprised to see him return for his senior year and excited to watch. When watching more, he’s fallen to a mid round grade due to poor run defense and a questionable position fit. Still, I think his skill set will help him overcome size issues.
Hill was dominant as an in-your-face press corner at the college level. QBs learned to rarely even look his direction because he blankets receivers as well as anyone in the draft. That is easily displayed in the stats as he had 12 passes defended compared to only 16 tackles, another way of showing he allowed only about 40% of completions thrown in his direction and seeing how little offenses tested him.
He isn’t an elite athlete which will hurt him if he moves inside, but he doesn’t have great size for playing outside. Still, I think he’s skilled enough to overcome that. 5’10” isn’t that small for a corner, and his wingspan is longer than 6’2″ which will help overcome height issues a bit. Most importantly, he hounds wide receivers and shuts them down as well as anyone.
It’s not very often that you see someone receive Big 10 1st team in back to back years at cornerback while totaling only 30 tackles in the 2 years combined. Let me emphasize: Low tackling numbers as a corner is often a sign that they just don’t throw in their direction (it also shows that they don’t get many tackles against the run, which I mentioned as his big downfall).
Hill was the second most feared Big10 cornerback (behind Okudah) for a reason, and the skillset should help him counter any size issues. Teach him to set the edge and take better angles in the run game, and you could find yourself a Josh Norman type starter.
