My top 100 will consist of players who I view as the top 100 most talented NFL prospects, based solely on their performance in college. Ive highlighted in red some of the players that may have injury concerns, character problems, etc. I do NOT factor these concerns into my rankings. Its impossible to guess how 32 different teams adjust a guys value whos coming off an ACL injury or a drug problem. I dont try to read their minds.
Heres my Top 100 prospects based off my evaluations and how I believe theyll transition over to the NFL and develop as their career progresses at the next level. Chris Gordy and I will be doing a special NFL Draft show on Wednesday, April 23rd. If you strongly disagree or are looking for more information on why I rank a certain player so high or low, please call in to discuss.
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10 Jimmie Ward Northern Illinois Free Safety/SS
- Fluid enough to play slot corner, can man up a tight end or stick with a shifty receiver. Great closing speed, instincts of a MLB, cleans up others messes, sees the blueprint of the offense. Hes a game changer.
9 Louis Nix Notre Dame 3-4 NT/4-3 DT
- A true NT that can play three downs if needed to. Strong at the point. Scheme diverse
8 Taylor Lewan Michigan Tackle
- Great kick, smooth, can handle speed. Awareness is second to none. Plays with a mean streak and has great hand location.
7 Zack Martin Notre Dame OT/OG
- Hes technically flawless. Great lateral movement, able to step in and play the left or right side, inside or out, power or zone. He has awareness to the complete defense, hes smart and calculated to overcome arm length.
6 Eric Ebron North Carolina Tight End
- Good hands and the ability to immediately look for YAC. Matchup problem and a headache for opposing defenses to lineup against his NFL teams personnel grouping. Much better blocker than what he gets credit for.
5 Aaron Donald Pittsburgh 4-3 DT (3 Tech)
- Exceptional get off. Good leverage to hold off 1 man, insane 1 gap penetrator. Ability to win with under arm rip, spin, swim, etc. Great movement skills.
4 Khalil Mack Buffalo 4-3 SOLB
- A killer when operating in space. Great COD and boxers feet. Gets the OL dancing when creating in space. Sure tackler that zeroes in on the ball and makes textbook tackles. Solid in coverage. Struggles disengaging from talented tackles when in the trenches.
3 Justin Gilbert Oklahoma State CB
- Sure tackler, return specialist, special teams killer. Shutdown corner with great size, length, and speed. Reminds me of a young Champ Bailey.
2 Sammy Watkins Clemson WR
- Top notch, world class acceleration. Shifty outside receiver that can beat the jam and teams have to respect as a decoy. Great hands and a YAC machine, big play threat. Hes a taller, Percy Harvin.
1 Jadeveon Clowney South Carolina 4-3 DE/3-4 OLB
- Its Jadeveon Clowney. No comparison needed, no rhetoric. This kid is special and you dont pass on him, trade him, or even acknowledge him without written consent from Chuck Norris.