College football is almost upon us, which means the 2017 NFL draft will be here before you know it. Those of us at Scouts Inc. -- Kevin Weidl, Steve Muench and I -- spent the summer scouring tape and ranking the top players at each position from a draft perspective.
Here is our preseason evaluation of the best players at every position. Click the links below to jump ahead to a specific position.
Note: Underclassmen are marked with an asterisk.
QB | RB | WR | OL | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S
QUARTERBACK
1. Deshaun Watson, Clemson*
Grade: 88
A dynamic playmaker, Watson has the ability to throw from the pocket and extend plays with his mobility. He played his best football down the stretch of 2015, throwing for 405 yards and four touchdowns in Clemson's 45-40 loss to Alabama in the College Football Playoff National Championship. At 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, Watson lacks ideal size and will need to adjust to a pro-style system, but he has the tools to develop into a good starter in the NFL if developed and used properly.
2. Brad Kaaya, Miami*
Grade: 87
Kaaya is listed at 6-4, 215 pounds, so he'll need to add some bulk and strength to his frame. But he can really excel in a precision/timing-based offense. Decisive with his full-field reads, Kaaya showed very good accuracy on short-to-intermediate throws and consistently made good pre-snap decisions.
3. C.J. Beathard, Iowa
Grade: 75
Beathard showed great toughness and leadership last season, when he played through injury and led the Hawkeyes to a Rose Bowl berth. He can drive the ball vertically with his quick, compact delivery and has the quickness to slide in the pocket to elude pressure. If Beathard continues to improve his footwork, he could be an early-rounds pick in 2017.
4. Luke Falk, Washington State*
Grade: 74
Playing in Mike Leach's passer-friendly spread offense, Falk will have to adjust to the NFL game whenever he turns pro. But he has an intriguing skill set, with the ability to go through full-field progressions. A good fit for a timing-based offense, Falk has very good anticipatory accuracy. He consistently leads receivers to spots between defenders in zone coverage.
5. Chad Kelly, Mississippi
Grade: 70
A highly competitive player, Kelly can create his own play at times, but he also gets himself into trouble by trying to do too much. Ole Miss' spread offense runs a lot of quick screens and features a lot of half-field reads, so Kelly still needs to prove that he can work through progressions. He's naturally accurate on short-to-intermediate throws, but he must become a better overall decision-maker and rein in his gunslinger mentality.
6. Mitch Leidner, Minnesota
Grade: 62
Leidner does not have a big arm, but he can improve his ball velocity by getting his lower body more involved in his throws. He plays in a zone-read-heavy run offense and is a competitive runner with above-average vision, speed and toughness. Leidner hung tough in the pocket behind an offensive line that struggled to protect. He has elite intangibles.
7. Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma*
Grade: 60
A former walk-on and Texas Tech transfer, Mayfield exceeded expectations in his first season as the Sooners' starter. He has the football intelligence, accuracy and mobility to develop into one of the better backups in the NFL, but his 6-foot, 201-pound frame could prevent him from becoming a full-time starter. Although Mayfield shows above-average decision-making as a passer, he takes a lot of punishment trying to extend plays.
8. Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State*
Grade: 59
A true junior, Rudolph has started just 15 career games, so his grade could change drastically. He has the frame and mental makeup that you look for, but his below-average arm strength is a concern. The ball hangs in the air too long, and he throws a lot of floaters. A promising sign: Rudolph has led six come-from-behind-in-the-second-half victories in his career.
9. Gunner Kiel, Cincinnati
Grade: 56
Kiel has an ideal frame and good arm strength, and he can pound the strike zone on short-to-intermediate throws when he's on a roll, but his accuracy is pretty streaky. His biggest issue? Questionable decision-making. He takes too many chances and repeats mistakes. Kiel will need to make substantial strides in this area to improve his stock.
10. Seth Russell, Baylor
Grade: 50
Russell is coming off a season-ending neck injury, and he has just eight career starts, but his frame and athletic ability give him some upside. His short-to-intermediate accuracy is erratic, which is an issue, considering he plays in Baylor's passer-friendly scheme. Russell faces a steep learning curve transitioning to an NFL-style offense, but his nearly elite arm strength helps make him an intriguing prospect.
RUNNING BACK
1. Leonard Fournette, LSU*
Grade: 95
Where do you start? Fournette led all running backs last season with 162.7 rushing yards per game and ranked fourth in touchdowns (22). He has a rare combination of size, power, agility and speed for the position. Fournette runs angry and violent, consistently initiating contact with defenders. Despite his punishing style and heavy workload (513 carries in 25 games), he has proved to be pretty durable, though he suffered an ankle sprain in a preseason scrimmage. Fournette belongs in the same conversation as elite RB prospects such as Adrian Peterson, Todd Gurley and Ezekiel Elliott. Fournette has the potential to be a top-10 pick.
2. Dalvin Cook, Florida State*
Grade: 90
Cook doesn't need much of a crease to explode through the hole. He's not an ankle breaker, but he makes defenders miss with subtle changes in direction and speed. And he has an uncanny ability to keep on his feet and make defenses pay for sloppy tackling. Lower-body injuries hampered him last season, and he underwent offseason shoulder surgery. Cook, a 2015 team captain, has the tools to be a three-down back in the NFL, so teams will do their due diligence on his durability issues and his off-the-field red flags.
3. Christian McCaffrey, Stanford*
Grade: 90
McCaffrey's 2,664 total yards from scrimmage last season were 354 more than the next-closest player (Derrick Henry). And that doesn't even count his impact in the return game (28.9 yards per kickoff; 8.7 yards per punt). On top of McCaffrey's off-the-charts production, coaches and teammates rave about his work ethic and tireless motor. What really makes him special is his ability to make defenders miss. He has a rare combination of vision, lateral agility and acceleration, which more than makes up for his lack of ideal size (6-foot, 197 pounds). McCaffrey projects as a 2017 or 2018 first-round pick.
4. Nick Chubb, Georgia*
Grade: 80
Chubb had rushed for more than 100 yards in 13 consecutive games before tearing multiple knee ligaments, but not his ACL, in 2015. A thickly built RB with a powerful lower body, Chubb proved he can churn out yards after contact and push a pile in short-yardage situations. Chubb's ability to return to his old self once he gets back on the field will go a long way toward determining his 2017 draft stock, should he declare early.
5. Samaje Perine, Oklahoma*
Grade: 75
A hard-nosed runner who doesn't shy away from contact, Perine has rushed for 3,062 yards over the past two seasons (fifth in the FBS) and 37 touchdowns (tied for fifth). Defenders tend to bounce off him if they don't wrap up. Perine has the potential to excel in offenses that feature a power running game, such as Seattle and Carolina. His pass-catching ability could use some work, though.
6. Wayne Gallman, Clemson*
Grade: 73
Gallman doesn't have the size, power or top-end speed of an elite prospect, but he has the potential to develop into an effective third-down back. He fights to stay on his feet and pick up extra yards, and, with 45 catches over the past two seasons, Gallman has some upside in the pass game. He shows the ability to catch the ball in stride, but he's not much of a breakaway threat after the catch.
7. James Conner, Pittsburgh*
Grade: 70
Conner appeared poised for a monster season in 2015 after rushing for 1,765 yards and 26 touchdowns as a true sophomore in 2014. But he suffered a season-ending MCL injury in his right knee in the 2015 opener, and in December, he announced he had Hodgkin lymphoma. He has since been declared cancer-free and is expected to return to the field. Conner profiles as a bruiser who can make an immediate impact as a short-yardage runner. He has the brute strength to push the pile and carry defenders for extra yards when he runs north-south and maintains a wide base.
8. Kareem Hunt, Toledo
Grade: 68
Hunt has a thick lower body and consistently breaks multiple tackles on the same play. His lack of production in the passing game isn't ideal, with just 32 catches in three seasons, but he flashes potential to develop into an effective receiver. Plus, he has proved to be a willing blocker in pass protection. While Hunt has quick feet for his size (6-foot, 225), he lacks a second gear and isn't a breakaway threat when he gets a seam.
9. Jalen Hurd, Tennessee*
Grade: 66
Hurd shares comparable measurables and traits to former Alabama star Derrick Henry. The differences? Hurd doesn't have Henry's top-end speed, but he has better lateral quickness and brings more versatility in the passing game, with 57 catches in two seasons. A highly competitive and determined runner, Hurd fights for hidden yardage at the end of runs.
10. Royce Freeman, Oregon*
Grade: 65
There's a reason Freeman has averaged 6.0 yards per carry the past two seasons: He's rarely tackled for a loss, and he's patient when he needs to be but decisive when a crease appears. With 42 catches for 506 yards, Freeman has added value in the pass game, though his lack of ideal suddenness and breakaway speed hurts his grade a little bit. He projects as a middle-rounds prospect for the 2017 or 2018 draft.
WIDE RECEIVER
1. JuJu Smith-Schuster, USC*
Grade: 90
A very reliable pass-catcher, Smith-Schuster has compiled 2,178 yards and 15 TDs the past two seasons. He does a great job of creating late separation when the ball is in the air, but his route running needs some work. With good but not elite speed, Smith-Schuster is silky smooth in the open field and does a very good job of weaving through traffic.
2. Ricky Seals-Jones, Texas A&M*
Grade: 87
Seals-Jones stands 6-5 and weighs 240 pounds, so he causes all kinds of mismatch problems, particularly in the red zone. His big, strong hands swallow the ball, and his length and leaping ability give him a wide catch radius. While Seals-Jones doesn't have home run speed, he is shifty and agile enough to create yards in the open field.
3. Malachi Dupre, LSU*
Grade: 84
Dupre, who has averaged nearly 18 yards per catch in his first two seasons at LSU, is at his best in one-on-one situations downfield or red zone battles. He's fearless working the middle of the field and shows excellent focus in traffic. Dupre needs to add polish as a route runner, but he has the size (6-4), athleticism and ball skills to be a big-play threat in the NFL.
4. Mike Williams, Clemson*
Grade: 82
Williams was on this list before last season because of his ability to stretch the field, posting 18.1 yards per catch in 2014. But he missed nearly every snap of the 2015 season after suffering a fractured neck in Week 1. While he projects as a mid-to-late-second-round pick, Williams could move up boards if he returns to form and checks out medically.
5. Jehu Chesson, Michigan
Grade: 81
After catching just 29 passes in his first two seasons, Chesson had a breakout season in 2015, compiling 50 receptions for a team-high 764 yards (15.3 yards per carry) and nine TDs. With the size (6-3), speed and fluidity to separate, he creates a ton of matchup problems for defenses on 50-50 balls. He's a guy you love watching play every week: He gives excellent effort as a blocker and shows no fear over the middle.
6. Mack Hollins, North Carolina
Grade: 78
A constant threat to take the top off the coverage, Hollins averaged more than 24 yards per catch last season. He's fast enough to run by corners, and his second gear makes it tough for a quarterback to overthrow him. Hollins has the frame (6-3) to develop into a productive No. 2 receiver in time, as long as he can become more consistent with his ball skills.
7. Travis Rudolph, Florida State*
Grade: 75
At 6-1, 192 pounds, Rudolph is on the leaner side, but he shows good competitiveness, doing the dirty work over the middle and bouncing up from big hits. While he doesn't appear to have elite top-end spend, Rudolph is fast enough to stretch the field vertically. Inconsistent ball skills notwithstanding, he can make an immediate impact as a slot receiver.
8. KD Cannon, Baylor*
Grade: 74
Cannon has averaged 17.4 yards per catch the past two seasons and is a threat to take the top off the coverage when he gets a clean release. He's still developing as a route runner and needs to do a better job setting up DBs. At 6-foot, 180 pounds, Cannon profiles as a sub-package receiver early in his career, with the chance to develop into a No. 2.
9. Travin Dural, LSU
Grade: 71
A true burner, Dural has a clear second gear when he hits daylight. But his big-play ability is hampered a bit by his inability to consistently win jump balls. Lacking ideal strength, Dural really struggles to shake physical press corners. A hamstring injury that cut his 2015 season short is worth monitoring.
10. Corey Davis, Western Michigan*
Grade: 70
With 1,436 yards and 12 TDs, Davis was one of the most productive receivers in the country last season. He doesn't appear fast enough to develop into a breakaway threat at the NFL level, but he keeps defenders off-balance with above-average route-running skills. By all accounts, Davis has an excellent work ethic, and with experience playing outside and in the slot, he brings some versatility to the table.
TIGHT END
1. O.J. Howard, Alabama
Grade: 87
Turn on last year's College Football Playoff National Championship and it won't take long to see Howard's big-play ability. He scored touchdowns of 53 and 51 yards, exploiting Clemson for 208 receiving yards. He possesses top-end speed for the position and is a constant threat up the seam or after the catch. Howard needs to continue to refine his route running, but he comes with excellent work ethic and natural ability.
2. Jake Butt, Michigan
Grade: 86
At 6-6 and 250 pounds, Butt has very good speed and fluidity for his size. He will be able to stretch the seam in the NFL and make tough catches in traffic. He needs to get stronger as a run-blocker, but he gives solid effort in that area. Butt has big, reliable hands as well as the versatility to play in line, flexed out or split out wide.
3. Jordan Leggett, Clemson
Grade: 75
Leggett is coming off a breakout junior season in which he posted 40 catches, 525 yards and a team-leading eight touchdowns. He has the frame (6-5, 260) and natural ability to make an impact as a receiver early in his career. While his pass-catching ability gives him some upside, Leggett's blocking needs a lot of work. With a history of knee injuries, his medical situation will be monitored closely.
4. Jeremy Sprinkle, Arkansas
Grade: 72
Sprinkle should be the Razorbacks' featured tight end with Hunter Henry, a 2016 second-rounder, now in the NFL. While Sprinkle can't match Henry's polish and ball skills, he has better size (6-6, 256) and has a higher ceiling thanks to his athleticism. Sprinkle needs to showcase his vertical route running and in-line blocking capabilities this season.
5. Bucky Hodges, Virginia Tech*
Grade: 70
Hodges, who checks in at 6-7 and 245 pounds, is versatile enough to move around the formation and create favorable matchups. At that size, he's a tough cover for less physical cornerbacks when he aligns out wide. He gives adequate effort as a blocker, but his technique needs work. Teams will also have questions about his 2015 arrest for public intoxication.
6. Evan Engram, Mississippi
Grade: 65
An undersized and versatile player, Engram is a Jordan Reed-type tight end. Ole Miss flexes him out a lot, and he flashes after the catch. Focus drops have been an issue; he needs to be more consistent with his hands in 2016. Engram doesn't provide much as an in-line blocker but gives what he has.
7. Pharaoh Brown, Oregon
Grade: 60
Brown is one of the true wild cards in this draft because of prior medical issues. He suffered such a bad knee injury in 2014 that there were concerns about a possible amputation. Instead, he sat out the entire 2015 season and now claims to be 100 percent healthy. Before the injury, Brown had flashed the physical tools to develop into one of the more complete tight ends in the country. His draft stock will depend on how he rebounds physically and how his knee checks out.
OFFENSIVE LINE
1. Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama*
Grade: 89
An elite run-blocker, Robinson consistently drives defenders off the ball when he's playing with leverage. He battled through injuries in 2015, but he was playing his best football at the end of the season, particularly against Michigan State in the College Football Playoff. Teams will need to investigate Robinson's character after an arrest in May 2016 for possession of marijuana and illegal possession of a stolen firearm, though charges were eventually dropped.
2. Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame*
Grade: 89
Nelson established himself as one of the best offensive guards in the country last season. He shows good effort, toughness and technique in the run game. And, at 6-5 and 325 pounds, it's tough for pass-rushers to get around him. Nelson projects as a Day 1 NFL starter barring a setback in 2016.
3. Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame
Grade: 88
McGlinchey will take Ronnie Stanley's spot on the left side after Baltimore selected Stanley at No. 6 in the 2016 draft. McGlinchey is long enough to protect the edge against most speed rushers when his footwork is sound, but his future appears to be on the right side in the NFL. He has the tools to develop into an effective starter.
4. Roderick Johnson, OT, Florida State*
Grade: 87
Johnson cracked the starting lineup with five games left in his freshman season in 2014, and he has started every game since. He has the quickness and length to protect the edge at the NFL level with improved technique. We gave Johnson a second-round grade for now; he'll need to play with better pad level and balance to warrant a first-round grade.
5. Ethan Pocic, OC, LSU
Grade: 83
Pocic will be a three-year starter, and his experience shows up on tape. He has strong recognition skills in pass protection, and he quickly locates targets on the move when pulling around edge. Pocic has the experience, size (6-7, 302) and awareness to potentially line up at guard in the NFL.
6. Pat Elflein, OC, Ohio State
Grade: 74
A fifth-year senior, Elflein will make the move to center after starting 29 games at both guard spots. Coaches rave about his intangibles and football IQ, and his love for the game shows up on tape. Elflein plays smart, knows his assignments and picks up on his opponents' tendencies. His best scheme fit in the NFL will be a team with a zone-blocking-heavy run game.
7. Mason Cole, OT/OC, Michigan*
Grade: 70
Cole has 25 starts at left tackle, but he's moving inside to center this season. He is a very effective run-blocker, particularly on the move, and he has the length to excel at his new position. Cole projects as a possible Day 2 pick in 2017, but he might be best suited to return to school. He'd benefit from one more offseason of strength training and another year of experience at his new position.
8. Caleb Peterson, OG, North Carolina
Grade: 69
Peterson, a three-year starter, is a leaner guard prospect who fits best in a zone-heavy scheme. He is an average athlete whose inconsistent technique affects his ability to stay in front of assignments. But Peterson plays with an edge and consistently finds a way to get the job done, thanks in large part to his effort.
9. Chad Wheeler, OT, USC
Grade: 68
Wheeler has the tools you look for in an offensive tackle, with a good combination of size (6-6, 310) and athleticism, but he misfires and falls off of too many blocks. With 34 career starts, Wheeler has outstanding game experience at the highest level. His injury history will need to be monitored; Wheeler has missed six games over the past two seasons.
10. Jon Heck, OT, North Carolina*
Grade: 67
The son of former Notre Dame All-American offensive tackle and current Kansas City offensive line coach Andy Heck, Jon Heck has started 37 career games, all at right tackle. He has a prototypical frame for a right tackle prospect (6-7, 300), but he'll need to play with better pad level and balance to develop into a starter at the NFL level.
DEFENSIVE END
1. Jonathan Allen, Alabama
Grade: 94
Allen, a fourth-year senior, has 43 games and 23 starts to his name. He's coming off a highly productive 2015 season in which he led the Tide with 14 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. With an excellent combination of quickness and power, Allen constantly pushes the pocket as a pass-rusher, particularly from the interior. He has the length, frame and athletic ability to develop into an every-down NFL defensive end, regardless of scheme.
2. Myles Garrett, Texas A&M*
Grade: 93
Garrett has been highly productive in his first two seasons with the Aggies, posting 33.5 tackles for loss and 24 sacks in 25 starts. He played the final six games last season with his left hand wrapped, but he still finished with 19.5 TFLs and 11.5 sacks. The wrist and thumb injuries required surgery this offseason. Long-levered, explosive and slippery, Garrett is one of the top returning edge rushers in college football.
3. Dawaune Smoot, Illinois
Grade: 92
A gifted pass-rusher, Smoot keeps offensive tackles on their heels with his ability to win with speed, power and redirection quickness. He has parlayed his explosive first-step quickness into 22.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks the past two seasons. Smoot, who plays a high percentage of snaps and shows a good motor, has a reputation as a smart, hardworking player.
4. Charles Harris, Missouri*
Grade: 90
Harris' relentless motor, quickness and athleticism translated to an SEC-leading 18.5 tackles for loss last season. He needs to add some bulk and get stronger against the run, but Harris is a versatile and disruptive edge defender who appears to be just scratching the surface as a pass-rusher.
5. Derek Barnett, Tennessee*
Grade: 89
Barnett, a true junior, has had outstanding production his first two seasons, recording 33 tackles for loss and 20 sacks. He plays with very good discipline, a consistent motor and impressive physicality. Barnett also has quality versatility, with the ability to line up at both DE spots and reduce inside on pass-rushing downs.
6. Carl Lawson, Auburn*
Grade: 87
With a powerful upper body and heavy hands, Lawson is an elite run defender who brings a tone-setting mentality on and off the field. He has the skill set of a potential first-rounder but has appeared in just seven games the past two seasons because of injuries: a torn ACL in 2014 and a hip injury in 2015. Lawson will need to put together a healthy 2016 season to ease durability concerns.
7. Isaac Rochell, Notre Dame
Grade: 85
Rochell is strong enough to set the edge in the run game and occupy multiple blockers. With just average burst and bend, he isn't going to run around many NFL offensive tackles as a pass-rusher. But he has been more disruptive off the edge than his 3.5 sacks the past two seasons suggest.
8. Deatrich Wise Jr., Arkansas
Grade: 84
With 35-inch arms, Wise's rare length and explosive power provide him with a very high ceiling as a pass-rusher. But he's very green as a prospect, with just two career starts in his first three seasons. The good news is that Wise made big strides in the second half of the 2015 season, accumulating all eight of his sacks in his final eight games.
9. DeMarcus Walker, Florida State
Grade: 80
A two-year starter and 2015 team captain, Walker is a hard worker coming off a breakout junior season in which he finished with 15.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. He fits best at left defensive end in the NFL, but he's versatile enough to kick inside on obvious passing downs.
10. Tyquan Lewis, Ohio State*
Grade: 79
After redshirting in 2013 and serving as a reserve in 2014, Lewis burst onto the scene as a full-time starter in 2015 and finished with 54 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss and a team-high eight sacks. Lewis is a better run defender than pass-rusher at this point, but he has shown the ability to convert speed to power.
DEFENSIVE TACKLE
1. Malik McDowell, Michigan State*
Grade: 93
An elite athlete, McDowell shows very good range for his position and closes on the quarterback in a flash. He also has the strength to generate push while engaged. He tallied 41 tackles, 13 TFLs and 4.5 sacks in his first season as a full-time starter in 2015, and, if his play continues to ascend in 2016, McDowell could be one of the first defenders off the board in the 2017 draft, provided he leaves school early.
2. Charles Walker, Oklahoma*
Grade: 89
Walker has yet to start a game at Oklahoma, but he looks like an early-rounds pick when you throw on the tape. He has shown the quickness to shoot gaps and disrupt run plays in the backfield when he kicks inside. Walker has plenty of room to grow as a pass-rusher, but his lower-body strength and low center of gravity give him a lot of upside.
3. Caleb Brantley, Florida*
Grade: 87
Brantley showed a lot of improvement in his first season as a full-time starter and finished with 4.0 tackles for loss in his final eight games. He popped off the screen against Alabama in the SEC championship game, and that tape will serve as a snapshot of his upside for NFL teams. A disruptive interior run defender, Brantley has the combination of quickness and functional strength to excel as an interior player at the next level.
4. Lowell Lotulelei, Utah*
Grade: 82
The younger brother of former Utah standout DT Star Lotulelei (Panthers), Lowell has combined for 59 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 5 sacks the past two seasons. He needs to continue to work on his conditioning and improve as a pass-rusher, but Lotulelei is a dominant run defender with the ability to occupy blocks and make plays on his own.
5. Chris Wormley, Michigan
Grade: 77
With excellent size (6-6, 302) and good overall strength, Wormley flashes the ability to win one-on-one battles in the run game. He tied for the team lead with 6.5 sacks last season, but 4.5 of those came against marginal offensive lines (Oregon State, Penn State and Rutgers), and his sack against Michigan State was a protection breakdown. Although Wormley has just adequate first-step quickness, he's agile for his size and shows impressive stamina.
6. DeAngelo Brown, Louisville
Grade: 76
Brown isn't as disruptive as former Louisville DT and 2016 first-rounder Sheldon Rankins (Saints), but he's coming off a breakout junior season in which he recorded 6.5 TFLs and two sacks. Brown is an above-average run-stopper with the frame (6-1, 306) and work ethic to anchor a defensive front at nose tackle, regardless of the scheme.
7. Taco Charlton, Michigan
Grade: 73
Charlton has just four starts under his belt, but he has gotten better each season in Ann Arbor, progressing from a reserve DE as a freshman to a regular contributor in 2015, when he had 8.5 TFLs and 5.5 sacks. A power-based pass-rusher, Charlton does a good job of using his long arms to get into offensive linemen's pads and grind through contact.
8. Eddie Vanderdoes, UCLA*
Grade: 72
Vanderdoes tore his ACL in UCLA's 2015 season opener and sat out the remainder of the year. The last we saw him, he played with a good motor and was very tough to move off the ball. While he possesses the versatility to fit within a 3-4 or a 4-3, Vanderdoes needs to play with better pad level and improve his consistency as a pass-rusher.
9. Jaleel Johnson, Iowa
Grade: 70
Johnson emerged as a full-time starter in 2015 and accounted for 45 total tackles, 5.5 TFLs and 4 sacks. He needs to improve his point-of-attack strength and develop a better array of pass-rush moves, but he has a quick first step off the ball. A disruptive interior defensive lineman with adequate size (6-4, 310), Johnson should continue to improve with more game experience.
10. Jarron Jones, Notre Dame
Grade: 68
There's a lot to like about Jones' upside: He has the frame (6-5½, 315) and length to anchor the middle of a run defense, regardless of scheme. Plus, he's athletic enough to line up at defensive end in a 3-4. The two red flags? Durability and pass-rush skills. He missed all of the 2015 season because of a knee injury and lacks polish in getting after the quarterback.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
1. Tim Williams, Alabama
Grade: 92
Williams needs to work on his technique a bit, but he has a high ceiling as a pass-rusher. With excellent first-step quickness, he notched seven of his 10.5 sacks last season in his final seven games. Williams is effective setting up blockers with initial speed before quickly planting and generating speed-to-power to rock offensive linemen on their heels. He has yet to make a start in his first three seasons and is still raw, particularly versus the run, but Williams possesses rare upside off the edge.
2. Devonte Fields, Louisville
Grade: 91
Fields struggled to stay out of trouble at TCU and was dismissed from the program after being accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend. Although the charge was eventually dropped, his character is still a major concern. But Fields shows tremendous potential as a pass-rusher, recording 11 sacks last season while playing with a shoulder injury, so teams will have to weigh his on-field ability with his off-field issues.
3. Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Tennessee
Grade: 88
An undersized linebacker (6-foot, 230), Reeves-Maybin has started all 26 games the past two seasons while either tying or leading the Vols in tackles each year, with 206 total. With elite sideline-to-sideline ability in the run game and good instincts, Reeves-Maybin has similar traits to Lavonte David (Bucs) and Darren Lee (Jets).
4. Jarrad Davis, Florida
Grade: 87
Davis finished second on the Gators with 98 tackles in 2015, adding 11 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in his first year as a starter. An explosive athlete and high-impact tackler, he has excellent range and a relentless motor. He brings added value on special teams and plays similar to Bucs OLB Kwon Alexander.
5. Ryan Anderson, Alabama
Grade: 79
A career reserve without a single start, Anderson managed to record 11.5 tackles for loss and six sacks despite being on the field for only roughly half of Alabama's defensive snaps in 2015. He doesn't have elite athleticism or ideal length (30 7/8-inch arms), but Anderson has good instincts and efficient hands and plays with a physical edge.
6. Josh Carraway, TCU
Grade: 68
At 6-4, 250 pounds, Carraway doesn't have a big enough frame to play defensive end and projects as a 3-4 outside linebacker. He does a good job of reading and tracking quarterbacks when he drops into coverage and shows the ability to chase down ball carriers from behind. He needs to improve his strength as a pass-rusher, but there's a lot to like about Carraway's upside, and he reportedly has the work ethic to realize his potential.
INSIDE LINEBACKER
1. Reuben Foster, Alabama
Grade: 90
An explosive and impactful tackler, Foster gets downhill in a hurry. He has a good combination of agility and speed for a 240-pounder and was a standout on special-teams coverage units before starting eight games last season at inside linebacker. As Foster steps into a full-time starter role in Alabama's defense, he needs to sharpen his instincts and recognition skills.
2. Raekwon McMillan, Ohio State*
Grade: 86
McMillan, who has shown some savvy taking on blocks, made big strides in terms of his recognition skills and technique as a sophomore in 2015. But he comes off the field on some obvious passing downs, and he needs to improve in coverage to convince NFL teams that he's an every-down linebacker. That could be the difference between being a first-round pick or falling to Round 2 like former Alabama standout ILB Reggie Ragland.
3. Zach Cunningham, Vanderbilt*
Grade: 76
Cunningham, who shows plenty of range in zone coverage, has the athleticism and length to carry tight ends and slot wide receivers down the field. He's light on his feet and covers sideline to sideline with ease. Cunningham can contribute in multiple roles while bringing quality value on third downs (six career sacks and five pass breakups).
4. Kendell Beckwith, LSU
Grade: 75
A thick and powerful run-stuffer, Beckwith (6-3, 247) enters 2016 having started 19 consecutive games. A fourth-year senior, he provides some upside as a pass-rusher with 6.5 career sacks, including three last season, and is serviceable in coverage. But Beckwith needs to trust his eyes more and improve his recognition skills.
5. Ben Boulware, Clemson
Grade: 69
A special-teams standout his first two seasons at Clemson, Boulware finished third on the team with 82 tackles and established himself as one of the best linebackers in the country last year. While concerns linger about his frame (6-foot, 235) and top-end speed, he has the instincts, toughness and motor to eventually develop into an NFL starter.
6. Keith Kelsey, Louisville
Grade: 60
Kelsey, who led Louisville with 107 tackles last year, has the work ethic and motor to overcome his physical deficiencies and become a reliable backup/special-teams contributor. But his shorter arms and merely adequate top-end speed more than likely will prevent Kelsey from becoming an every-down player in the NFL.
CORNERBACK
1. Jordan Thomas, Oklahoma*
Grade: 91
Thomas tracks the ball well and routinely comes down with 50-50 balls. He finished last season with five interceptions, including one that he returned for a touchdown. He projects as an early-rounds pick because of his combination of size (6-foot, 192), athletic ability and instincts. But Thomas' off-field decision-making, including two suspensions in 2015 and an arrest, deserves attention from teams.
2. Teez Tabor, Florida*
Grade: 88
Tabor has a knack for finding the ball, posting 22 pass breakups and five interceptions in his first two seasons at Florida. This season, he won't have the benefit of playing opposite 2016 first-rounder Vernon Hargreaves III (Bucs), and we'll be keeping an eye on whether he can maintain his production with fewer opportunities.
3. Desmond King, Iowa
Grade: 87
King has played in all 40 games during his Iowa career, starting 39 and racking up 205 total tackles with 26 pass breakups and 11 interceptions. He's very adept at reading the quarterback's eyes in zone coverage, and, when the ball is in the air, he attacks it as if he's the intended target. A versatile playmaker, King can play in the slot and on the perimeter and is more than willing to help out against the run.
4. Cordrea Tankersley, Clemson
Grade: 86
After shining on special teams in his first two seasons at Clemson, Tankersley started all 15 games and led the Tigers with five interceptions in 2015. At 6-1 and with the strength and length to disrupt bigger receivers, he fits best in a press-heavy scheme. Tankersley is confident enough to hold up on an island and has borderline outstanding ball skills.
5. Cameron Sutton, Tennessee
Grade: 85
Sutton's production dipped a bit in 2015, when he had six pass breakups and one interception, but his overall career numbers are strong: 26 breakups and six interceptions in 38 career starts. He looks smooth and natural in coverage and shows good eye discipline when playing zone. But he still needs to improve his strength and become more aggressive and reliable in run support.
6. Jourdan Lewis, Michigan
Grade: 84
Lewis enjoyed a breakout 2015 season, finishing with 52 tackles, 20 pass breakups and 2 interceptions. His lack of size is an issue (5-11, 186), but Lewis is one of the best man-to-man cover corners in college football, and he plays the game with very good toughness and confidence. A twitchy athlete, Lewis shows good deep speed and redirection quickness on tape.
7. Cole Luke, Notre Dame
Grade: 83
A two-year starter and the nephew of former Cowboys safety Darren Woodson, Luke does a good job of reading the quarterback and is fast enough to turn and run with most wide receivers. There's a lot to like about his work ethic and commitment to the game, but his shorter stature (5-11) raises concerns about his ability to match up with bigger receivers in the NFL.
8. Ashton Lampkin, Oklahoma State
Grade: 82
A confident player who flashes ability to hold up on an island, Lampkin shows good balance and toughness in press coverage. He has had trouble staying healthy, and his slighter frame amplifies concerns about his long-term durability, but Lampkin has the instincts and cover skills to compete for early playing time as a sub-package corner in the NFL.
9. Tre'Davious White, LSU
Grade: 81
White, a fourth-year senior with 34 starts to his credit, rarely seems panicked on tape. He has elite football instincts and a good overall feel for route combinations. He brings added value as a punt returner, with 11.4 yards per return and two touchdowns, but he has just average ball production, including 19 pass breakups and four interceptions.
10. Adoree' Jackson, USC
Grade: 80
Jackson is unique because of his heavy involvement on both sides of the ball and as a return specialist. He had 35 tackles, 8 pass breakups and 1 interception as a cornerback last season. On offense, Jackson caught 27 passes for 414 yards and two TDs. He also contributed 23 yards per kickoff return and 10.5 yards per punt return. He has the elite speed and body control to develop into a starting-caliber cornerback in the NFL, but Jackson's instincts and recognition skills are still a work in progress.
SAFETY
1. Jamal Adams, LSU*
Grade: 92
Adams is coming off a season in which he did a little bit of everything for the Tigers' defense, recording 67 tackles, 6 pass breakups and 4 interceptions. He's a difference-maker in the run game, and, although Adams has room to improve his technique and footwork in coverage, he has an excellent blend of size, length and athleticism. He compares to former LSU safety Eric Reid as a prospect. Like Reid, Adams has a chance to become a top-20 selection should he declare for the 2017 NFL draft.
2. Jabrill Peppers, Michigan*
Grade: 86
Peppers is still very much a work in progress after missing the majority of his freshman season because of a leg injury. He bounced back in 2015, starting 12 games at safety and recording 10 pass breakups but zero interceptions. He also contributed on offense and in the return game. An elite athlete, Peppers has lots of experience playing man coverage in the slot and on the perimeter.
3. Marcus Maye, Florida
Grade: 85
Entering his third year as a starter, Maye set career highs last season in tackles (82), pass breakups (6) and interceptions (2). He's not as physical against the run as former teammate and 2016 first-rounder Keanu Neal, but he's more well-rounded and steadier in coverage. Maye shows excellent field awareness and shoulders a lot of responsibilities in Florida's defense, making pre-snap checks and getting teammates lined up.
4. Justin Evans, Texas A&M
Grade: 80
A junior college transfer, Evans started 11 games in his first season at Texas A&M and infrequently missed tackles; he finished third on the team with 78. He plays with a bit of an edge and is able to get a good pop when he has built up some steam. He also covers enough ground to play center field when he makes the correct read. Evans could play either safety position at the next level.
5. Eddie Jackson, Alabama
Grade: 75
A fourth-year senior, Jackson appeared in 18 games (15 starts) at cornerback in his first two seasons before switching to free safety in 2015. He appears more comfortable at safety, where he showed quality instincts and ball-hawking skills, recording 10 pass breakups and six interceptions. His tackling is a concern, as is his durability after he suffered a torn ACL in the spring of 2014, but Jackson's versatility gives him added value.
6. Tony Conner, Mississippi
Grade: 74
Conner was limited to five games last season because of a torn meniscus, but, in his first two years at Ole Miss, he recorded 134 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 2 sacks and 2 interceptions. At 6-foot, 225 pounds, Conner has good size and strength for the position, proving to be an exceptional run defender. He tracks the ball well in coverage, but his ball skills need some work; he has only eight pass breakups in his career.
7. Max Redfield, Notre Dame
Grade: 72
Redfield was one of six Notre Dame players arrested Aug. 19 after police found a handgun and marijuana during a traffic stop. Coach Brian Kelly dismissed Redfield from the team Sunday. This isn't the first off-field red flag for Redfield: He was suspended for last year's Fiesta Bowl for violating team rules. On the field, he has good athletic ability but shows some limitations in coverage.
8. Dominick Sanders, Georgia*
Grade: 69
Sanders had a highly productive first two seasons in Athens: 25 starts, 11 pass breakups and 9 interceptions. He also comes with excellent makeup, having had to take on a lot of responsibilities at an early age for his mother and four younger siblings after his father died when Sanders was 6. Sanders isn't an overly explosive athlete, but his durability and intangibles are exactly what you'd hope for.
9. Josh Harvey-Clemons, Louisville
Grade: 67
Georgia suspended Harvey-Clemons three times before dismissing him in 2014. He started 13 games for Louisville last season, compiling 88 total tackles and three interceptions. At 6-5, 212 pounds, he has the frame to develop into an effective safety or possibly move to linebacker, provided NFL teams feel comfortable taking on his off-field baggage.
10. Ahmad Thomas, Oklahoma
Grade: 63
Thomas rarely gets caught out of position in zone coverage, and he has more than enough range to cover a deep half. But his lack of top-end speed raises concerns about his ability to play center field in the NFL. And because of his undersized frame (6-foot, 215), Thomas has trouble bringing down bigger players in the run game or after the catch.