NFL.COM’S TOP 20 draft PROSpects for 2019

Well, it took a little doing; but I was finally able to compile a list of all the 2019 Combine invitees with their numbers and grades. The grades were compiled by nfl.com’s Lance Zierlein, whose opinions I’ve had some issues with in the past. Nevertheless, it’s a baseline by which we can go concerning this class. That said, here’s the list with their overall grade in parenthesis:

1A) Josh Allen – DE – Kentucky (6.70): A borderline physical freak whose most amiable quality is rushing the passer, which is a premium at the NFL level.

1B) Quinnen Williams – DT – Alabama (6.70): The quintessential 3-technique for a 4-3 alignment with an excellent ability to collapse the pocket from inside.

3) Nick Bosa – DE – Ohio State (6.52): Much to my surprise, Bosa was not the highest rated player at the combine. Perhaps his season-ending injury had some affect on that.

4) Rashan Gary – DT – TSUN (6.37): Having a reputation of disappearing for a series or two at a time, I’m quite surprised that his grade is anywhere in the top ten.

5) TJ Hockerson – TE – Iowa (6.35): Rarely is a player at this position rated within the top five of a draft, but Hockerson is the exception to the rule.

6) DeKaylin “DK” Metcalf – WR – Mississippi (6.33): Physical freak and nightmare-ish matchup for defenders, Metcalf has been recovered from a neck injury that sidelined him since October.

7) Montez Sweat – DE – Mississippi State (6.32): Another nightmare for offensive tackles, Sweat spent a significant amount of time last season in the opposing backfield reaping havoc in the process.

8) Josh Jacobs – RB – Alabama (6.31): The embodiment of an every down running back.

9) Jonah Williams – OT – Alabama (6.30): While he could plat LT at the next level, I think he’s much better suited as a RT.

10) Marquise Brown – WR – Oklahoma (6.29): Small, but talented receiver in the Desean Jackson mold.

11) Ed Oliver – DT – Houston (6.26): 53 TFL over 24 games is the stat that stands out for me.

12) Dwayne Haskins – QB – Ohio State (6.25): Only one season as a starter, but he’s got all the physical traits you can want in a quarterback – except mobility. Very strong and accurate thrower of the football.

13) Kyler Murray – QB – Oklahoma (6.24): A natural thrower of the football, the big question was whether he’d measure in taller or shorter than 5′-10″. Another one season starter at QB.

14) Andraez “Greedy” Williams – CB – LSU (6.21): Ball-hawking corner with some length and a TON of speed and great instincts.

15) Devin White – LB – LSU (6.20): Speedy linebacker with a nose for the football. White was my selection for the Browns at 17th overall in my pre-combine mock for a couple reasons; the Browns need help at the position and he would make an instant positive impact.

16) Andre Dillard – OT – Washington State (6.19): Nice OT prospect with decent arm length. Ran a sub 5.00 40 and put up 24 reps at 225.

17) Dexter Lawrence – DT – Clemson (6.17): At 6′-4″ and 342 lbs., I see him as more of a nose tackle and not a 3-technique; but I’ve been wrong before.

18) Deandre Baker – CB – Georgia (6.15): Good (but not great) size with an ability to find the football.

19) Jawaan Taylor – OT – Florida (6.14): Perhaps the most natural LT in this draft class. It’ll be interesting to see how soon he comes off the board.

20) Clelin Ferrell – DE – Clemson (6.13): Good length for the position and extremely productive as a collegiate.

All righty then. That’s the list. If you have any issues with who made it and who didn’t, then I suggest you have a conversation with Lance Zierlein and not with Bill Wunkle.