2020 NFL Draft: Ranking the Top 20 SEC Prospects
If durability concerns weren’t a problem, there is a good argument for Tua Tagovailoa being the best prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft, however, this is the reality we are living in. Tua is still a very talented quarterback and can be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL if he stays healthy. It is believed that his most likely landing spot is to Miami, whether they stay put at 5 overall or trade up with Detroit to ensure they get their guy.
Derrick Brown is an absolute force on the interior. He has rare movement skills for someone at his size. His power and pass-rush nuance are so intriguing. Brown will likely be a top-10 selection in the 2020 NFL Draft because of his ability to penetrate the backfield in a number of ways. His versatility on the defensive line will entice defensive coordinators all around the league.
The SEC has some of the top offensive line prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft, but Andrew Thomas is still holding onto the top spot in my rankings. He is a complete offensive tackle prospect that will step in and make a huge contribution day one for an NFL franchise. Whether it’s run blocking or pass protection, Thomas is a technician with strong hands and good movement skills. I don’t see him falling out of the top-10 in April.
Arguably the best receiver in the 2020 NFL Draft class, Jerry Jeudy is a problem for opposing defenses. He runs some of the smoothest routes I have ever seen out of a receiving prospect. The suddenness and quickness in his footwork are unheard of. The ability to separate is a trait that most commonly translates to the NFL for wide receivers and Jeudy does that better than most. He should have a very successful NFL career and is unlikely to fall past 12th overall to the Raiders.
Probably the best offensive tackle in pass protection, Jedrick Wills has been an ascending prospect as we are nearing the 2020 NFL Draft. I have yet to dive in for his final film evaluation, but I would not be surprised if he passes Andrew Thomas as my top offensive tackle prospect from what I have seen. Look for Wills to continue to rise up people’s boards throughout the draft process. He is, unquestionably, a top-15 prospect in this year’s draft class.
Talk about somebody who has made themselves some money. Javon Kinlaw has been one of my favorite prospects in this year’s class, and he has just solidified my thoughts with his dominance all week of Senior Bowl practices. Kinlaw has a unique blend of athleticism and strength that is primed to find a lot of success in the NFL for many years. I currently project him to be taken in the top-20, but look for that to rise after his performance in Mobile, Alabama.
No more eyes will be on someone running the 40-yard dash in the combine this year than Henry Ruggs III. He may very well break the record for the fastest time in this drill. Ruggs III can run, and he typically wins after the catch, unlike Tyreek Hill who wins with his speed on deep plays downfield more often. I expect Ruggs III to be a top-20 selection in the 2020 NFL Draft.
After an impressive season, K’Lavon Chaisson has declared for the 2020 NFL Draft. This guy has rare athleticism for his position. Some people believe that he doesn’t contribute much against the run, however, I think that is one of his best traits. Chaisson is one of the most athletic and bendy edge rushers in this year’s class. I wouldn’t be surprised if we have yet to see his best ball yet.
A combination of a disappointing season for Grant Delpit and the ascension of other SEC players has made a reality something I wouldn’t have believed in August. Delpit is my 10th ranked draft prospect in the SEC. He is one of the most talented players in the country and is still thought of as a clear first-round prospect, but I would’ve loved to see a more complete season from Delpit than I did.