2020 NFL Draft: Ranking the Top 20 Big Ten Prospects

Arguably the best tight end prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft, Brycen Hopkins should hear his name called early day two in April. He is a natural athlete that has so much more to learn to become a top tight end in the NFL.

In a weak interior offensive lineman class, Cesar Ruiz could be atop of the list. He is a great athlete at the center position that is quick to reach blocks. I have seen him mocked as early as round one, but I could see him realistically drafted mid-day two.

Josh Uche brings so much versatility to a defense. He can win around the edge with speed and athleticism or counter inside using his hands and strength. He can even effectively drop back into coverage. His versatility provides value to a multiple-front defense and is rising up draft boards after a strong Senior Bowl performance.

Much like Uche, Zack Baun is a versatile edge rusher that can find success in a number of different ways. He is a nuanced pass-rusher with plenty of moves to disengage blockers and get in the backfield. His long and athletic frame gives him a high ceiling that will excite NFL defensive coordinators heading into the 2020 season.

In a deep wide receiver class, Donovan Peoples-Jones often gets lost. He, however, is one of the top prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft and is overlooked by many. He can pick apart defenses in the short-to-intermediate areas of the field. His physicality and strength allows him to create quick separation and can produce extra yards after the catch.

Kenny Willekes is a well-rounded defensive end prospect that can be a difference-maker against the run. He has an amazing inside counter move that he uses often to penetrate the backfield. Willekes’ floor as a sub-package contributor makes me believe he will likely be an asset in the NFL for many years.

Malik Harrison brings a strong presence against the run that many linebacker prospects do not. He loves to hit and when he does, it’s with authority. He can be a contributor when blitzing the quarterback by shedding blocks and shooting gaps. He needs to develop as a coverage linebacker, but he should be a sub-package player early in his career.

Early on, it looked like Tyler Biadasz would be the consensus number one interior offensive lineman in the 2020 NFL Draft. However, he had a very disappointing 2019 season and has seen his name drop-down everybody’s big boards. He has shown the potential to become a premier starting lineman in the NFL, but he has experienced some alarming regression throughout his career.

One of the most polarizing prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft, Tyler Johnson is a crafty route runner that projects best as a big-slot at the next level. He has made some unreal catches in his career, but many worry about his inability to work against long and physical corners.

K.J. Hill is a savvy route runner that can pluck the ball from many angles. He really impressed during the week of the Senior Bowl and showcased that there aren’t many corners that can cover him one-on-one on an island.

The Big Ten conference is one of the most competitive from top-to-bottom in the country. They are home to some of the most talented players in the 2020 NFL Draft and look to add to their resume of talent in the NFL.