Joe Burrow is the name that you are mostly hearing a lot these days as we get closer and closer to the 2020 NFL Draft. But surprise (!), he’s not the only one hoping to get drafted into the NFL this year. Many are forgetting to talk about the prospects projected to go late in the first round or later, but some of them could get selected inside the top 10. Here are five guys we think could clear their expected draft slots.
Alabama has manufactured quite a number of talents who turned out to be elite offensive pieces in the NFL, and Jerry Jeudy could be among those in line. In three years in Tuscaloosa, Jeudy collected 2,742 receiving yards and 26 touchdown catches. In his last season with the Crimson Tide, Jeudy had 1,163 receiving yards and 10 touchdown receptions. He also led the Crimson Tide that season in receptions with 77. The Jacksonville Jaguars, who have the No. 9 pick, could be enamored with Jeudy, as they look to shore up their receiving corps now that Gardner Minshew is all set to have full reins of the quarterbacking duties in Jacksonville.
CeeDee Lamb – Wide Receiver, Oklahoma Sooners
All Lamb did in college was wreak havoc. Scouts drool over the former Sooners star’s ability to control his body and evade defenders while not losing sight of the ball. In 2019, he played 13 games and recorded 1,327 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns on 62 receptions, helping Jalen Hurts become a bigger individual star in Norman than in Tuscaloosa.
K’Lavon Chaisson – Outside Linebacker, LSU Tigers
Chaisson and LSU’s stop unit was easily dwarfed by what Joe Burrow and the team’s offense did all throughout the season in 2019, but the linebacker still found a way to stand out. Chaisson led the team with 6.5 sacks, and while that’s not a staggering number, his potential points to more success in the pros. He uses his exceptional athleticism and length to dominate and embarrass offensive tackles. He’ll be in a radar of most NFL teams looking to shore up their defenses.
Yetur Gross-Matos – Defensive End, Penn State Nittany Lions
Gross-Matos’ size is an asset scouts often notice, but there’s more about the former Penn State Nittany Lion than his 6-5 frame. Even at his size, Gross-Matos has the explosiveness of smaller defensive ends plus he occupies a great deal of space with his steps, helping take away the desired position of opposing offensive tackles. He’s going to have to learn a lot in reading plays, but he’s got a nice set of traits to begin what could be a solid career in the NFL. Gross-Matos had 94 tackles and 17 sacks over his last two seasons in college.
Grant Delpit – Safety, LSU Tigers
Delpit, another LSU defensive piece that made major contributions to the team’s national championship run, is a ball of energy on the field. He is effective in both man and zone coverages, with good speed to get to the football quickly. At 6-3, he’s got great size to blend with his mobility. His tackling leaves a lot to be desired, but he’s going to get there once he sharpens up his techniques.
