2020 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 50 players Post-Senior Bowl week
31. Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Somewhat overshadowed by his teammate Ja’Marr Chase, LSU’s Justin Jefferson was still an important cog in LSU’s offense. Jefferson shows a natural ability to run smooth routes, displaying flexible hips that allow him to out fake his opponents. Additionally, Jefferson offers just enough physicality to play on the boundary vs playing predominately in the slot, allowing for a lot of interesting matchups to be created.
32. Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State
Penn State’s Yetur Gross-Matos, while a bit of an athletic projection, has a potentially high ceiling in the NFL. A long framed pass rusher, Gross-Matos displays a high-octane motor that causes offensive tackles to become overwhelmed, as well as showing an admirable amount of bend and a good set of moves. Gross-Matos has the potential to be a successful pass rusher at the next level.
33. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin
If it weren’t for the gargantuan amount of carries he had at Wisconsin or the nearly 20 fumbles he had in college, Jonathan Taylor would probably higher in my rankings. Despite these negatives, Taylor is a bruiser on the field, displaying great contact balance and an ability to hit the third gear when in the open field. But what I think will make him a must-have amongst teams is his ability to be a receiver out of the backfield.
34. Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Justin Herbert ranked outside of the top-32 may be a shock to most people, given the hype surrounding his name. While there are definitely things that intrigue me mightily about Herbert in terms of overall arm talent and physical traits, however his pocket awareness, inconsistent mechanics and some of his decision making keep me from ranking him in the first round.
35. A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson
Often the forgotten man in a deep corner class, A.J. Terrell remains one of the better players at his position in the 2020 NFL Draft. What I like about Terrell is his feistiness in man coverage and press, showing a knack for giving receivers a headache. He’s a fluid athlete who shows some very smooth transitions on film and although he will sometimes lose the ball or misread the quarterback, Terrell is a solid Day 2 kind of corner who would be a nice addition to any defense.
36. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
Brandon Aiyuk got a chance to shine this year after his former teammate in N’Keal Harry left for the NFL, and overall, Aiyuk did not disappoint in his star role at ASU. Aiyuk displays an exceptional release while showing explosion in his route-running, proving to be one of the better route salesmen in the 2020 NFL Draft.
37. Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama
Terrell Lewis had a solid Senior Bowl week, practically winning the weigh-ins, coming into Mobile at 6-5, 258 pounds with 34-inch arms. Overall, Lewis is a bit of a projection since injuries and lack of playing time have stunted his development. However, Lewis displays great athletic traits and plays with an energetic motor, which should be enough to get teams excited.
38. Justin Madubuike, DT, Texas A&M
Coming into the year, Justin Madubuike was not very high on my scouting radar, but now having seen his 2019 tape, I have done a complete 180 on Madubuike. On film, Madubuike shows that he is one of the better gap penetrators in the 2020 NFL Draft, keeping his pad level low and using his strength to get good leverage on opponents.
39. Lloyd Cushenberry, IOL, LSU
My current top interior offensive lineman is LSU center Lloyd Cushenberry III, supplanting Tyler Biadasz for the number one spot. Cushenberry proved to be a key cog in the LSU offense this past year, bringing stability to one of the better groups in the nation. And with a solid showing at the Senior Bowl where he displayed strength and solid technique, Cushenberry has the potential to be a high impact starter for many years.
40. Curtis Weaver, EDGE, Boise State
Boise State pass rusher Curtis Weaver is a very interesting player. He has a thick build, weighing in about 270 pounds, giving him the ability to get good leverage on guys. While I don’t think he offers much versatility, Weaver has some nice rush moves and plays with a consistent motor, which will translate well at the next level.