NFL Draft 2019: Player Position Rankings

Miles Sanders, No. 2 RB

With the NFL Draft now just over a week away, we have gotten a good idea about what each prospect is going to offer, and which ones are sliding down draft boards. Over the last few months, I've been working hard on not only mock drafts but analyzing each position group, and where each prospect ranks in each unit. With that in mind, here is my analysis of where the top prospects rank up at each spot.(Note: not the order in which I believe these players will go, but how I view them as a prospect)

Quarterbacks
1. Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State: Look no further than his stats this past season at Ohio State to understand why Haskins is locked in here at the top spot. He threw for 4,831 yards, completed 70% of his passes, while accounting for 54 total touchdowns. The former Buckeye has the arm strength, size and pocket mobility to be the real deal at the next level.
Projected Range: Early first round to mid-first round
2. Kyler Murray, Oklahoma: Murray is sure to be the most controversial prospect in this Draft cycle. He looks like the likely No. 1 selection and has all the talent, but there are concerns. Most pressing is his size; for all the Drew Brees and Russell Wilsons, there are guys that just can't make it in the NFL. Also, Oklahoma's O-Line did a great job of protecting the Heisman winner from big hits, which won't be the case in the league.
Projected Range: Early first round to mid-first round
3. Drew Lock, Missouri: Haskins & Murray get most of the attention when talking about this QB Draft Class, but don't forget about Drew Lock. Lock is is a well-rounded gunslinger, who has experience playing in NFL-style offenses, working under OC Derek Dooley this past season. He'll have to work on his vision and occasional overthrows, but nobody can question his arm strength.
Projected Range: Early first round to late first round
4. Will Grier, West Virginia: I'm a pretty big fan of Grier, and think he has a chance to sneak into the bottom of the first for a team willing to trade up. He doesn't have the natural arm talent of others, but he is incredible accurate and plays like a seasoned veteran. He'd be the perfect pick for a team able to sit him for a year or two as he learns the ropes of the NFL.
Projected Range: Early second round to mid-third round
5. Daniel Jones, Duke: The list of successful Duke quarterbacks that have played in the NFL isn't lengthy, but don't judge Daniel Jones on where he played in the collegiate ranks. He has great size and a rounded skillset, and has spent three years learning under David Cutcliffe, who just happened to be the mentor of the Manning brothers.
Projected Range: Early first to late first round
Dark Horse: Tyree Jackson, Buffalo

Runningbacks
1. Josh Jacobs, Alabama: Despite splitting carries with Damien Harris and Najee Harris this past season in Tuscaloosca, Jacobs was one of the best rushers in the nation. He didn't run very fast at the Combine, but he is not known for his speed. He makes up for it with his vision and powerful running, and he is also an excellent pass blocker.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to early second round
2. Miles Sanders, Penn State: The backup to Saquon Barkley a season ago, Miles Sanders has been shooting up boards as of late. He ran a 4.49 40 at the Combine, while displaying impressive overall athleticism and the ability to cut on a dime. He could also help out on special teams, which is another plus.
Projected Range: Early second round to early third round
3. Damien Harris, Alabama: The "feature" back the last few years while with the Crimson Tide, Damien Harris is well worth a high Draft selection. Much like Jacobs, Harris doesn't breakaway speed, but he is a well-built, physical rusher. He ran for over 3,000 yards in his 'Bama career, including over 7 YPC in '16 and '17.
Projected Range: Early second round to mid-third round
4. Benny Snell Jr., Kentucky: After a tremendous senior season, Benny Snell seems like a dark horse running back in this Draft Class. He doesn't have overwhelming speed either, but has excellent burst in the open field and a tremendous feel for the game. He could really be a steal in the mid-rounds for a number of teams in the league.
Projected Range: Early third round to mid-fifth round
5. Rodney Anderson, Oklahoma: If not for a knee injury that ended his 2019 before it really got going, Anderson might even be higher on this list. He runs with so much ferocity and power, but still has a little wiggle to him. He checks in at 220 pounds, running a 4.50 40, which is one heck of a combination.
Projected Range: Early third round to mid-sixth round
Dark Horse: Bryce Love, Stanford

Receivers/Tight Ends
1. A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss: While his former Ole Miss teammate, D.K. Metcalf, is getting most of the attention, A.J. Brown seems like the most logical receiver pick in this Draft. He ran faster than expected at the Combine and is blessed with an NFL frame and soft hands. Brown fits really comfortably in any West Coast offense, where he is a matchup problem.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to mid-second round
2. Parris Campbell, WR, Ohio State: Parris Campbell is not a traditional NFL receiver prospect, but he is absolutely explosive. He runs extremely well in the 40 and performed well in passing drills throughout the Combine and Pro Day, despite drop concerns. Campbell reminds me of Tyreek Hill, without the off-the-field question marks.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to late second round
3. T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa: Far from flashy, T.J. Hockenson is a well-rounded, intelligent pass-catcher. He is able to recognize weak spots in the defense and attack them, and he is adept at catching balls in traffic. Hockenson also appears to be one of the best TE blockers in this Draft as well.
Projected Range: Early first round to late first round
4. D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss: Based just on his physique, Metcalf is well worth a high selection. He's 6'3", 228 and looks superhuman, while running a blazing fast 40 time. With that being said, Metcalf's production never matched his skills with Ole Miss and he is not at an NFL level in terms of route running.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to late second round
5. Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma: "Hollywood" Brown is yet another blazing fast weapon in the open field, who could wreak havoc as a home run target. He doesn't have ideal size (5'9", 166) but fits well as a slot weapon who can get to the outside. I do have concerns about his health; he is recovering from a Lisfranc injury that forced him to miss the Combine.
Projected Range: Late first round to early third round
Dark Horse: Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina

Offensive Line
1. Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama: Williams is the best blocker in an underwhelming OL Draft Class. He has experience, size and understands the finer technique of the game at an incredibly high level. He seems like the safest OL prospect at the top of this Draft.
Projected Range: Early first round to late first round
2. Andre Dilliard, OT, Washington State: Dilliard has really grown on me as a prospect over the last few weeks and I think he has a good chance to be a steal. He has incredible athleticism for his position and was overall consistent at Washington State. Dilliard seems like the perfect left tackle for an NFL moving more up-tempo every season.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to early second round
3. Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida: Talent-wise, Jawaan Taylor is Top 10-pick worthy without much of a debate. Yet, most NFL evaluators describe him as "extremely raw" and "needing time to adjust to the speed of the NFL". Slightly concerning, but if he lands in the right spot, Taylor is going to be a stud.
Projected Range: Early first to mid-first round
4. Cody Ford, OL, Oklahoma: Cody Ford was part of Oklahoma's O-Line the last few seasons and has been a major contributor to two Heisman campaigns. He is a skilled pass blocker with the versatility to play multiple positions. Ford possesses all the tools to be a rock-solid performer for years to come.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to early second round
5. Dalton Risner, OL, Kansas State: The bottom of the first round and early second should have a number of quality offensive linemen available, and Dalton Risner would fit the bill. He's a high-character, impact blocker who was the leader of the K-State offensive front the last few years.
Projected Range: Late first round to late second round
Dark Horse: Nate Davis, OL, Charlotte

Defensive Line
1. Quinnen Williams, DL, Alabama: If you watched Alabama's imposing defense at all this season, you couldn't help but be impressed by Quinnen Williams. He absolutely took over the LSU game and was truly an un-blockable force. The amazing thing is, this was his first year of starting snaps. He seems like the type of defender with nowhere to go but up.
Projected Range: Early first round to mid-first round
2. Nick Bosa, DL, Ohio State: The younger brother of a Pro-Bowl defender certainly elevates Nick Bosa's name, but he has backed it up with impressive play. He's incredibly quick and powerful off the edge with the lateral quickness to move inside in a flash. There also don't seem to be the character concerns that hung over Joey, who still went Top 5.
Projected Range: Early first round to mid-first round
3. Ed Oliver, DL, Houston: There are bound to be some pass rushers dropping in a Class loaded with them and Ed Oliver looks like a candidate. He didn't have an overwhelming Combine, but somebody is going to get a steal with the Houston product. Extremely athletic, impressive motor and an NFL frame, he should be highly productive.
Projected Range: Early first round to mid-first round
4. Rashan Gary, DL, Michigan: Formerly the nation's No. 1 recruit, Rashan Gary has always been incredibly talented. With that being said, he never fully claimed his potential in college, albeit he wasn't 100 percent this fall. He still possesses a real nose for the ball and fits in while either in a modern 4-3 defense. He could really breakout into something special with the right type of guidance.
Projected Range: Early first round to mid-first round
5. Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson: Even in a defense stacked with future NFL contributors, Clelin Ferrell seemed to be the most impactful out of all of them. He was an absolute force off the edge and his long arms clogged traffic. He impressed enough in workouts I think he could work his way up the boards late.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to early second round
Dark Horse: Oshane Ximines, DE, Old Dominion

Linebackers
1. Josh Allen, Kentucky: Allen was one of the main reasons for Kentucky's special 2018 season where they won ten games and went to a New Year's Six bowl. He's a twitchy athlete with incredible instincts and a feel for the game. He certainly has serious pass rushing potential in the pros, although he can do so much more.
Projected Range: Early first round to mid-first round
2. Devin White, LSU: After an All-American career during his time with LSU, Devin White locked in a high Draft selection with a strong showing at the Combine and workouts. White is a terrific defender with a great range of abilities. He projects favorably as an every-down linebacker who can make plays all day long in the heart of a defense.
Projected Range: Early first round to mid-first round
3. Montez Sweat, Mississippi State: Sweat ran a 4.41 40 at the Combine, setting a record for defensive linemen, although he'll likely line up as an outside linebacker in the NFL. Despite that speed, he has impressive size, with immense length at 6'6". A minor heart condition may scare away some suitors, but Sweat is still well worth a Top 15 pick.
Projected Range: Early first round to late first round
4. Devin Bush, Michigan: At 5'11", 234, Devin Bush is a little bit undersized by normal NFL standards of an inside linebacker. Despite that, Bush has locked himself in as a likely first-rounder thanks to blazing fast speed and refined coverage skills. He has been the leader of a top-notch Michigan defense the last two seasons.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to early second round
5. Jaylon Ferguson, Louisiana Tech: Despite coming from a smaller school, Jaylon Ferguson has big-time talent. He can play either defensive end or linebacker, fitting more naturally as a standup 3-4 OLB. He has an explosive first step and knows how to use his strength and power to his advantage; Ferguson managed a whopping 26 tackles for loss in 2018.
Projected Range: Late first round to late second round
Dark Horse: Terrill Hanks, New Mexico State

Secondary
1. Greedy Williams, CB, LSU: After just missing out on the Jim Thorpe Award (given to nation's best defensive back) to UGA's DeAndre Baker, Greedy Williams will try to beat him out to be the top CB taken in this Draft. Williams is a little bit on the thin side, but he is a tremendous athlete who has proven himself as a playmaker, with six interceptions in 2017.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to mid-second round
2. Byron Murphy, CB, Washington: While other corners in this Draft rely on insane athleticism or closing speed, Byron Murphy gets it done with his instincts and understanding of the game. He can play inside or outside and excels in every coverage scheme. He doesn't have as high of a ceiling as others, but he seems like the safest corner option.
Projected Range: Mid-first round to late second round
3. DeAndre Baker, CB, Georgia: DeAndre Baker has been a star and leader in Georgia's elite secondary for some time now and he looks like a first-rounder come Draft time. He's an excellent coverage corner in man-to-man and can also pick off passes. Again, he might not have some of the potential of other defenders in this class, but he's proven himself as a well-built CB who could start right away.
Projected Range: Late first round to late second round
4. Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State: Despite not getting a lot of attention throughout the 2018 college football season, Johnathan Abram has likely cemented himself as the top safety prospect in this Draft with a superb Combine and strong workouts. He's a physical, hard-hitting defender that has the range and closing speed to be an impact player right away at the next level.
Projected Range: Late first round to mid-second round
5. Nasir Adderley, DB, Delaware: Don't let the small school fool you either with Nasir Adderley, who looks like has worked his way into the back-end of the first round. Adderley has been one of the best defensive backs in the FCS ranks the last three seasons, displaying impressive ball skills and excellent coverage abilities. He played safety in college, but most NFL people think his skill set better suits a corner in the pros.
Projected Range: Late first round to late second round
Dark Horse: Will Harris, S, Boston College