Big men and youngsters appear likely to dominate the top of the draft in April.
All draft boards are basically looking the same right now in December, but there are a handful of guys guys I'm much higher or lower on than most.
1. Nick Bosa* | OLB/DE | Ohio St
The shorter version of Joey is billed as a can't miss edge player. Power and athletic ability are standout attributes and he's versatile enough to play multiple schemes/roles. I see him in the mold of Justin Houston and think he could have a similar pro trajectory.
2. Ed Oliver** | DT | Houston
A squatty, powerful DT that runs around like a LB qualifies as a freak. But Oliver's physical measurables aren't going to add up favorably for every team. I see him as a smaller, but potentially more explosive Jurrell Casey.
3. Quinnen Williams** | DT | Alabama
Possibly the fastest rising prospect after a completely dominant season in which he was the nation's best defensive player. Stout and explosive, he reminds me of a smaller Fletcher Cox.
4. Byron Murphy** | CB | Washington
As a redshirt sophomore, Murphy was a little off the radar to start the season but his dominant play has likely earned him the CB#1 spot in April if he declares.
5. Devon White* | LB | LSU
White's an impressive size/speed athlete that can cover and fill. Plays on fire and prone to overrun plays but will likely become more disciplined as a pro.
6. Mack Wilson* | LB | Alabama
Wilson's really just a big safety playing LB. He can run, cover and tackle with power in space.
7. Jachai Polite* | OLB/DE | Florida
Polite's one of the most explosive guys off the edge in this class.
8. Dalton Risner | OT | Kansas St
Risner has few weaknessess and he looks like the kind of OT that becomes a fixture upfront for year's.
9. D.K. Metcalf** | WR | Ole Miss
Metcalf might be the freak athlete in this class.
10. Zach Allen | DE | Boston College
Strong, forever motor guy that has impressive mobility and burst for a large man. Sets the edge and finds a way to pressure and make plays consistently.
11. Chase Hansen | LB | Utah
Former safety remains a little undersized for the position but makes up for it with great range, instincts and toughness.
12. David Montgomery* | RB | Iowa St
Montgomery is a Kareem Hunt clone that utlizes elusiveness and burst to great effect. A solid pass pro guy that can catch as well, the only question I have is just how strong he is.
13. N'Keal Harry* | WR | Arizona St
Harry's a physical, good sized clutch catcher in the mold of a Dez Bryant or Anquan Boldin. Quick for a big WR but his overall speed and explosiveness remains a question mark.
14. Clelin Ferrell | DE | Clemson
Character guy with size, explosive ability and production. Versatile enough to play in space or put his hand down.
15. Jeff Simmons* | DT | Mississippi St
A freak athlete for a DT, Simmons is a closer inside with enormous upside. His off field history, however will drop him off some teams' boards.
16. Jerry Tillery | DT | Notre Dame
Explosive interior guy built like the prototype but just doesn't consistently dominate like it looks like he should.
17. J.J. Arcega-Whiteside | WR | Stanford
The best college 50/50 ball catcher I've seen since Golden Tate. Unstoppable post up guy with enough burst and cod to create enough space. Reminds me of Oakland Micheal Crabbtree.
18. Raequan Williams* | DT | Michigan St
Special range and quickness from the inside and knows how to get stout when he needs to.
19. Chase Winovich | OLB/DE | Ohio St
Winovich is an impressive hand fighter with burst and a big time motor.
20. Dre'Mont Jones* | DT | Ohio St
Jones is a great athlete on the interior and wins with quickness and anticipation. Just scratching the surface.
21. Dwayne Haskins** | QB | Ohio St
Big armed, accurate and clutch, Haskins breakout year has him atop most team's QB board. His pedestrian pocket mobility and misfires under pressure are significant obstacles but he's still a work in progress as a RS Soph and has plenty of upside. He reminds me of a raw Kerry Collins.
22. Derrick Brown* | DT | Auburn
Flashes serious dominance at times but also disappears for stretches
23. David Long Jr* | OLB/DE | West Virginia
Explosive linear mover that always looks shot out of cannon toward the ball carrier. A great overall athlete as well, if he can hone his instincts and technique he'll become a star.
24. Justin Layne* | CB | Michigan St
Part time WR has great speed and quickness and is more hard nosed than he looks.
25. Greedy Williams** | CB | LSU
Prototype quickness and mirror ability but he's raw on strength and discipline.
26. Josh Allen | OLB/DE | Kentucky
Smart, super sized LB that can do a little bit of everything. A little inconsistent but he's racked great production. Reminds me some of Preston Smith.
27. Marquise Brown | WR | Oklahoma
Pint size speed guy in the mold of DeSean Jackson but not as gangsta.
28. Benny Snell* | RB | Kentucky
Snell's like a chippy Jordan Howard and is well suited to be a pro #1 back.
29. Devin Singletary* | RB | FAU
Explosive natural runner that moves like a smaller LeSean McCoy. If he gets a little stronger as a pro he'll be big time playmaker.
30. T.J. Hockensen** | TE | Iowa
Angry blocker with great hands and deceptive athletic ability.
31. Micheal Deiter | OG | Wisconsin
Not pretty, as with most Badger OL, but brutally effective and versatile. Arguably the most well rounded interior prospect in this class, capable of playing every position upfront.
32. DeAndre Baker | CB | Georgia
Physical coverage guy and big time playmaker but could face questions about his overall athletic ability.