Rookie Rankings, Pre-Draft


 

The NFL Draft begins tonight. As always, the final landing spots, draft capital and opportunity for touches will tweak the rankings some but going into tonight here’s my Top 6 at QB, Top 10 at RB and Top 10 at WR. Aside from Trey McBride as the best, I don’t have a strong feeling on the tight end group.

Quarterback:
1. Matt Corral, Mississippi
2. Sam Howell, North Carolina
3. Malik Willis, Liberty
4. Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati
5. Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh
6. Carson Strong, Nevada

About: I know Corral likely won’t go in the First Round, but he’s still my No. 1. I like the potential with Howell, too. Willis is the hardest to rate. He might have the highest upside, but he also feels like a raw prospect. His landing spot and development will be key. Pickett is also one where I differ. He may well be the first quarterback selected, but I’m not as high as other.

Running Back:
1. Breece Hall, Iowa State
2. Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State
3. Isaiah Spiller, Texas A&M
4. James Cook, Georgia
5. Brian Robinson, Jr., Alabama
6. Kyren Williams, Notre Dame
7. Zamir White, Georgia
8. Jerome Ford, Cincinnati
9. Dameon Pierce, Florida
10. Rachaad White, Arizona State

About: After the Top 3, it’s kind of a mixed bag for me. It seems like weekly I’ll see something that causes adjustments. Given that, I think this might be the position that sees some of the most post-draft shifting. How do teams see these backs? Who will get a good opportunity? That will be the fascinating thing to watch. Even with Spiller, landing spot and draft capital could have a big impact.

Wide Receiver:
1. Garrett Wilson, Ohio State
2. Drake London, USC
3. Treylon Burks, Arkansas
4. Jameson Williams, Alabama
5. Chris Olave, Ohio State
6. George Pickens, Georgia
7. Skyy Moore, Western Michigan
8. John Metchie III, Alabama
9. Jahan Dotson, Penn State
10. Christian Watson, North Dakota State

About: Wide Receiver is the strongest group among the offensive skill players. There are some great prospects here and based on recent mock drafts, this could be the value for fantasy players, too. It’s also another group where draft capital beyond the top five or six could sway my thinking a bit. I love Moore, and he’s seemingly been on the rise, but he needs draft capital to ensure that he’ll get opportunities. Likewise, Metchie could be a riser depending on how teams see him and where he lands. When you’re planning for your rookie draft, keep an eye on this receiver class.

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