2020 NFL Draft: Ranking the Top 20 Big Ten Prospects
Jeffrey Okudah is my top cornerback prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft class. He is such a smooth coverage corner with great size and length. Okudah has smooth footwork that allows him to be sticky in man coverage. Expect him to be selected in the top-ten of the first round and make a significant impact for an NFL defense week one.
This offensive tackle class is one of the strongest groups at the top we have experienced in years. Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs is right there at the top potentially being drafted in the top ten. With so many teams needing help on the offensive line, Wirfs’ size and strength will warrant him a top selection. He projects as a versatile piece that can play on the interior if needed.
The consensus number two edge rusher in the class, A.J. Epenesa can bring a versatile presence on the defensive line for an NFL defense. His strength and hand usage make him one of the best pass-rushers in college football. He finds a lot of success against the run as well where he moves well laterally to manipulate gaps and running lanes. He should be a top 20 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
J.K. Dobbins is arguably the best running back prospect in this year’s class. He came on strong during the 2019 season and solidified himself as a top guy. He sees holes and attacks them consistently and has some of the best vision I have seen. He is a future three-down back in the NFL that has first-round selection potential in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Yetur Gross-Matos is a toolsy prospect whose potential is through the roof. His size and athleticism are perfect for today’s NFL. If he can develop his hand usage and pass-rush plan, he could be a Pro Bowl-caliber defensive end at the next level.
One of the most prolific and productive college football running backs in history, Jonathan Taylor is one of the best prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft. His usage concerns many people, but we have so many examples of running backs finding success in the NFL after carrying a large workload in college. My biggest concern with Taylor is his ball security, as he fumbled the ball 18 times in his three-year career at Wisconsin.
The speed at the wide receiver position has become more prominent in today’s NFL. KJ Hamler has a lot of speed and can be a valuable weapon for an NFL offense that can get creative with his speed. I think his best ball is ahead of him. His development of releasing off of tight man coverage can aid him in becoming a productive slot receiver at the next level.
Antoine Winfield Jr. is a true playmaker. He is always looking to find a takeaway. He has a very high football IQ and can really benefit a defense in today’s NFL with the growing importance of turnovers.
A very well-rounded cornerback prospect, Damon Arnette will translate well into the NFL. I don’t think he will ever have the number one corner potential, but he can be a solid number two guy and strengthen a defensive backs group.