2019 NFL Draft Big Board 1.0

We are still very early in the pre-draft process, so Big Board 1.0 has 50 prospects, and things are sure to change over the next few months. By draft day, the Big Board will be comprised of 300 players, and I will have full scouting reports for at least the top 50 prospects. If you missed positional rankings from earlier this week, you can check them out, too.

 

1. Nick Bosa | EDGE | Ohio State

Nick Bosa—the younger brother of 2016 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Joey Bosa—only appeared in three games this season before an abdominal injury turned his attention to the 2019 NFL Draft, but it didn’t take long for him to make an impact with 4.0 sacks, 6.0 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a touchdown. The early favorite for the No. 1 overall pick has an all-around game similar to his brother and should be a force at the next level.

 

2. Josh Allen | EDGE/LB | Kentucky

Last year, I originally had Josh Allen as a top-ten prospect under the assumption he would be an excellent standup linebacker in the NFL, but all he did was return to school and explode for 17.0 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss as a game-wrecking edge defender on an emerging Kentucky team. It’s worth noting that Allen not only returned for his senior season, but also played in the Citrus Bowl, compiling 3.0 sacks against Penn State.

 

3. Christian Wilkins | DL | Clemson

A top-end athlete with prototypical size for an interior defensive lineman, Christian Wilkins was the heartbeat of Clemson’s championship season, but he’s still being undervalued as we begin the pre-draft process. I think Wilkins has the makings of a perennial Pro Bowler that can lift an entire locker room with his leadership.

 

4. Dexter Lawrence | DL | Clemson

The way Dexter Lawrence moves at six-foot-four, 350 pounds is almost unfair, and I think he’s currently the most undervalued player in the draft considering many view him as a borderline first-round pick. Lawrence will have to answer for the PED suspension that kept him out of the College Football Playoff, but I don’t think this is too high for a dominant interior player that demands constant double teams.

 

5. Deandre Baker | CB | Georgia

College football’s premier eraser on the outside, Deandre Baker didn’t allow a touchdown in either of the past two seasons, consistently frustrating receivers by staying in their pocket and playing the ball better than anyone. Baker has the length, instincts, and experience to be a top-end cornerback from Day 1.

 

6. A.J. Brown | WR | Ole Miss

He mostly played the slot at Ole Miss, but A.J. Brown has an NFL skillset that translates to the outside and could make him a star as the focal-point of a passing attack similar to Kyle Shanahan’s in San Francisco. Overall, Brown is a smooth wideout that is deadly after-the-catch thanks to his size, athleticism, and craftiness in the open field.

 

7. Greg Little | OT | Ole Miss

The top left tackle in the class, Greg Little is patient, poised, and aware in pass protection, which allows him to easily mirror pass rushers as an elite blindside bodyguard. He doesn’t project to be a mauler in the running game, but I think Little can significantly improve there if he plays with more of an edge as a pro.

 

8. Jonah Williams | OT | Alabama

While probably not the natural talent in pass protection that Greg Little is, Jonah Williams has more than held his own there, including against Clemson’s all-world defensive line in each of the past three seasons. Williams has experience at both tackle spots—he started as a true freshman at right tackle before switching to the blindside over the past two years—and can quickly develop into one of the more well-rounded players at the position.

 

9. Kyler Murray | QB | Oklahoma

The reigning Heisman winner and No. 9 overall pick of last year’s MLB Draft, Kyler Murray sounds like he is leaning towards playing football, and I think that would be a wise decision. If he plays baseball, Murray will have to work his way through the minors—which is no guarantee—and even then, who knows if he will be able to hit MLB pitching? At quarterback, the 21-year-old has unmatched mobility/quickness and a cannon arm despite a small frame. It’s still early, Murray is the clear top quarterback in the class for me.

 

10. Quinnen Williams | DL | Alabama

I know there is a debate about Quinnen Williams potentially being the top player in the draft, but he only had one year of big-time production and was basically invisible in Alabama’s playoff games. Williams has undeniable natural ability and scheme-versatile traits; I just feel better about the Clemson guys as top-five picks at this point.

 

11. Devin White | LB | LSU

12. Greedy Williams | CB | LSU

13. Clelin Ferrell | EDGE | Clemson

14. Jaquan Johnson | S | Miami (FL)

15. Rashan Gary | DL | Michigan

16. Ed Oliver | DL | Houston

17. Noah Fant | TE | Iowa

18. David Montgomery | RB | Iowa State

19. Jachai Polite | EDGE | Florida

20. Hakeem Butler | WR | Iowa State

21. Dwayne Haskins | QB | Ohio State

22. Mack Wilson | LB | Alabama

23. Julian Love | CB | Notre Dame

24. Damien Harris | RB | Alabama

25. Josh Jacobs | RB | Alabama

26. Jeffery Simmons | DL | Mississippi State

27. Tre’Von Coney | LB | Notre Dame

28. D.K. Metcalf | WR | Ole Miss

29. Amani Oruwariye | CB | Penn State

30. J.J. Arcega-Whiteside | WR | Stanford

31. Byron Murphy | CB | Washington

32. Deointe Thompson | S | Alabama

33. N’Keal Harry | WR | Arizona State

34. Devin Bush | LB | Michigan

35. Isaiah Prince | OT | Ohio State

36. Dre’Mont Jones | DL | Ohio State

37. Montez Sweat | EDGE | Mississippi State

38. Zach Allen | EDGE | Boston College

39. Jerry Tillery | DL | Notre Dame

40. Daniel Jones | QB | Duke

41. Kendall Joseph | LB | Clemson

42. Kris Boyd | CB | Texas

43. David Edwards | OT | Wisconsin

44. Yodny Cajuste | OT | West Virginia

45. Caleb Wilson | TE | UCLA

46. Darnell Savage Jr. | S | Maryland

47. Trayvon Mullen | CB | Clemson

48. Trace McSorley | QB | Penn State

49. Drew Lock | QB | Missouri

50. Cody Ford | OT | Oklahoma