The 2018 college football season enters rivalry week and the 2019 NFL draft season draws ever closer. Every passing week makes the 2019 NFL draft class a tad more clear but there is still plenty of time for change over the next five months.
Four new players enter the top 32, including a running back (gasp!). But make no mistake. With just one quarterback on the board, this draft remains heavily loaded on the defensive side of the ball.
Here are my top 32 players for next year's draft, updated from the Oct. 30 version.
Note: Underclassmen are marked with an asterisk.
1. Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State*
Grade: 95 | Height: 6-foot-4 | Weight: 263 | Previous: 1
An elite talent (with elite bloodlines), Bosa isn't just a gifted pass-rusher; he always knows where the ball is and is active against the run. He projects best as a 4-3 defensive end in the NFL but is scheme-versatile with his length and power. Bosa had six tackles for loss (TFL) and four sacks in three games before suffering an abdominal injury against TCU on Sept. 15. He has since withdrawn from school to focus on recovery and preparing for the draft. This isn't the type of injury that will worry NFL scouts.
2. Ed Oliver, DT, Houston*
Grade: 95 | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 292 | Previous: 2
Oliver has missed the past four Cougars games with a knee injury and had an explosive exchange with coach Major Applewhite on the sideline during Thursday night's win over Tulane. But on the field, you don't want to have to block this dude. He explodes out of his stance, has elite initial quickness and is totally disruptive and usually unblockable one-on-one. Oliver has great range and always plays hard. He compares to Aaron Donald and has 51 tackles, including 13.5 for a loss and three sacks, through seven games. Oliver is expected to return this weekend against Memphis.
3. Greedy Williams, CB, LSU*
Grade: 94 | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 184 | Previous: 3
A tall corner with long arms and at his best in press-man coverage, he has great quickness and is smooth for a dude with his length. Williams can bait quarterbacks into mistakes, and then he has the closing speed to take advantage; he has two interceptions and eight passes broken up this season for the Tigers. He looks like a play-right-away type when he gets to the next level.
4. Devin White, ILB, LSU*
Grade: 94 | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 240 | Previous: 4
A converted running back, White is a physical specimen who moves with explosiveness and control. Always around the ball, he shows good range in coverage, and he won't have to come off the field much in passing situations. White has 98 tackles, including eight for loss, while also forcing a fumble. You see some Eric Kendricks in him.
5. Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan*
Grade: 93 | Height: 6-5 | Weight: 283 | Previous: 5
Two years after he arrived in Ann Arbor as the most celebrated recruit in the country, Gary has somehow matched the hype. A powerful run defender and edge setter, he has an outstanding combination of size and athleticism and will fit any scheme: explosive, sudden and a nightmare to block. His closing burst, high motor and natural instincts have helped him to 3.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss in eight games. He missed three straight games earlier this season with a shoulder injury, but he has been productive since returning.
6. Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama*
Grade: 93 | Height: 6-4 | Weight: 295 | Previous: 20
Williams is just flying up draft boards. He does a great job with his hands and has a nose for putting pressure on the quarterback with a terrific first step. Through 11 games, he has 15 TFL and six sacks, along with nine quarterback hurries. He also is stout against the run. I'm really impressed with how he has taken his game to another level this season, cruising up from No. 20 to No. 6 in my top 32. Williams is outperforming more highly touted members of that Alabama front seven.
7. Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
Grade: 93 | Height: 6-5 | Weight: 340 | Previous: 7
Lawrence has remarkable agility and athleticism for his size, giving him great range for a run defender. He needs to be better about pad level, but single blockers can't move him at all. His power is overwhelming, and he looks more fluid this season after dealing with injury in 2017. He has recorded just five TFL, but there's a lot of talent here, and he is playing with one of the best lines in the country.
8. Greg Little, OT, Ole Miss*
Grade: 92 | Height: 6-6 | Weight: 325 | Previous: 9
The one-time top high school offensive tackle in the nation, Little has carried it over into SEC play. A smooth mover for his size, he can be outstanding in pass protection if he gets a little better with his hands. He has good quickness as a run-blocker and takes smart angles, though he's not a mauler.
9. Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn*
Grade: 92 | Height: 6-5 | Weight: 325 | Previous: 6
Tall but still bulky, Brown is a versatile defensive lineman who likely will fit best in a 3-technique role in a one-gap-heavy NFL scheme. While his sack production has been just OK over his career at Auburn, he does have 3.5 this season, and the tape indicates he is a disruptive pass-rusher who can consistently stand up offensive linemen. Brown is a very easy mover for his size and shows good initial pop at the line. Through 11 games, he has 9.5 TFL and five QB hurries.
10. Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama*
Grade: 92 | Height: 6-5 | Weight: 301 | Previous: 11
An immediate starter in Tuscaloosa, Williams has progressed as you might expect -- going from starter at right tackle, then to left, and he now is squarely on the radar of NFL scouts. After a bad year for offensive tackles in the 2018 draft, Williams could be part of a rebound in 2019. He handles speed off the edge extremely well and is quick out of his stance, but he occasionally fails to finish.
11. Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson*
Grade: 91 | Height: 6-5 | Weight: 265 | Previous: 12
Ferrell has very good, if not elite, physical tools. He grades out as an every-down NFL starter, though he could be used as a 3-4 outside linebacker or a 4-3 defensive end. His hands aren't overly violent at the line, but they are quick and active. Through 11 games, his quick first step has helped him to 16 TFL and 10.5 sacks (fifth in the nation).
12. Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida*
Grade: 91 | Height: 6-5 | Weight: 328 | Previous: 10
Taylor lacks length but shows quickness, often riding faster rushers past the quarterback if he's able to get his hands on them. He still needs to work on his angles and play with better body control when coming to the second level, but there is pop in his game. He has the athletic ability to develop into a strong zone blocker.
13. Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson*
Grade: 91 | Height: 6-4 | Weight: 310 | Previous: 8
At his best in a 3-technique role, Wilkins is scheme-versatile and has experience playing inside and outside -- and he wreaks havoc either way. He has great foot speed, and when he doesn't get home, he gets his hands in passing lanes. He brings a high motor and excellent awareness to a talented Clemson defensive line. Well-liked and a leader in the locker room, Wilkins projects as a three-down starter. With Clemson this season, he has 11.5 TFL, four sacks and a forced fumble.
14. Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama*
Grade: 91 | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 196 | Previous: 13
Thompson has two interceptions, five passes broken up, a pair of forced fumbles and 58 tackles this season through 11 games. In short, he does a little bit of everything in the Alabama secondary. Thompson has good range and can make plays on the ball when it is in the air. He's a real ball hawk.
15. DeAndre Baker, CB, Georgia
Grade: 90 | Height: 5-11 | Weight: 185 | Previous: 14
An instinctive corner, Baker does a good job of reading receivers' routes in man coverage and is excellent in dealing with route combinations. While not big, he contains well and has no fear mixing it up in run support. Extremely experienced, Baker has a pair of interceptions this season with 82 return yards, and he has broken up nine passes.
16. Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State*
Grade: 90 | Height: 6-4 | Weight: 300 | Previous: 15
Simmons plays with a natural leverage at the line. He has above-average awareness, good range and more strength than his frame would suggest, but he certainly can improve his hand usage. The junior has 12.5 TFL this season. He fits best in a one-gap-heavy scheme and plays a lot of snaps. There is some character history here, though, that teams will take into account.
17. Zach Allen, DE, Boston College
Grade: 90 | Height: 6-5 | Weight: 285 | Previous: 16
He is sudden with his movement, and his quick first step and lateral agility have turned into sacks. He also converts speed to power as a pass-rusher. And he is a solid run defender, one of only two linemen who had 100 tackles in 2017. (He has 56 tackles so far this season, including 14.5 for a loss and 6.5 sacks.) You see a little Cameron Jordan of the Saints in Allen.
18. Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon*
Grade: 89 | Height: 6-6 | Weight: 233 | Previous: 17
Herbert has elite size and good arm strength. He mixes some zip with touch but tends to stare down his primary target a tad too long. He will be a running threat -- he has four games with at least 30 rushing yards this season -- and he also has some athleticism. Herbert already has nearly 3,000 yards passing this season, and he has a 27-8 touchdown-interception ratio for the Ducks. He has a lot of room for development, including in the decision-making process, but there is talent here.
19. Devin Bush, OLB, Michigan*
Grade: 89 | Height: 5-11 | Weight: 233 | Previous: 22
Bush has good instincts as a pass-rusher, displaying patience and good closing speed when he gets a line to the quarterback. He shows good range and quickness, as well as decent tackling ability. However, he is undersized, and he struggles to disengage when a blocker gets into his pads. He has the potential to be a three-down starter in the NFL and is still trending up. Through 11 games, he has 72 tackles, including 9.5 for loss and five sacks.
20. Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State
Grade: 88 | Height: 6-6 | Weight: 241 | Previous: 19
Excellent take-off quickness and flexibility make Sweat a handful for offensive tackles, who are frequently off balance while trying to slow him down. He has good range against the run, but he struggles if you run right at him. That's really the issue: He needs some added bulk to his frame. However, his elite speed and strong change-of-direction skills off the edge have produced 9.5 sacks (tied for seventh in the nation) and 12 TFL this season for the Bulldogs.
21. Josh Allen, OLB, Kentucky
Grade: 88 | Height: 6-5 | Weight: 260 | Previous: 21
A versatile linebacker with the ability to play on the inside or the outside, regardless of the front, Allen has outstanding range as a run defender with above-average closing speed. He does need to work on his change-of-direction skills in coverage, however. The one-time high school wide receiver now has 17.5 TFL (tied for 10th in the nation), 13 sacks (third) and five forced fumbles (tied for first) this season, along with four passes broken up and five QB hurries. He is an absolute beast for the Wildcats.
22. Brian Burns, DE, Florida State*
Grade: 87 | Height: 6-5 | Weight: 235 | Previous: 24
A versatile edge defender, Burns has experience on both sides, as well as with his hand in the dirt or in coverage. He has flashed outstanding snap awareness and is quick off the edge when rushing the passer, but he still needs to develop a full toolbox of pass-rush moves. Burns also tends to be a little inconsistent in locating the ball, but his closing burst is terrific. Through 11 games for the Seminoles, he has an absurd 15.5 TFL and 10 sacks (sixth in FBS).
23. Jachai Polite, OLB, Florida*
Grade: 87 | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 242 | Previous: 25
Polite is a top-tier talent. With fantastic speed and athleticism, he is a force off the edge. Polite is slippery and displays good instincts as a playmaker. In 11 games for the Gators, Polite has 8.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles.
24. Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma*
Grade: 87 | Height: 5-9 | Weight: 168 | Previous: 26
Brown is a burner, and though he lacks ideal size, he has the ability to win vertically and create chunk yardage after the catch. Brown also has soft hands and can pluck the ball away from his body, even while he's in fifth gear. He will get pushed around a bit at times by bigger press-man corners, but he is a savvy route runner and explodes from the line of scrimmage. Averaging 17.3 yards per catch, Brown has eight touchdowns and 1,021 yards this season for the Sooners. He rolled out 142 yards and a touchdown at Bedlam two weeks ago, helping Oklahoma outlast Oklahoma State, 48-47.
25. Noah Fant, TE, Iowa*
Grade: 86 | Height: 6-5 | Weight: 241 | Previous: NR
He has the burst to regularly separate from linebackers and his size creates matchup problems for defensive backs. Fant also possesses the speed to stretch the field and the quickness to threaten after the catch. He has great body control and is a natural pass-catcher, but his blocking needs work. He lacks the strength to be effective as an in-line blocker, but he does have the frame and quickness to develop into an adequate space blocker. Through 11 games, Fant has 38 catches for 507 yards and seven touchdowns.
26. Dre'Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State*
Grade: 86 | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 286 | Previous: NR
Jones has been more consistent with his hands and is finishing more frequently than he did over the past two years. He displays a good first step and above-average straight-line speed for his size. But he does lack a consistent plan as a pass-rusher, despite a solid motor and good instincts. Jones has 12 TFL, 7.5 sacks and a pick-six for the Buckeyes through 11 contests.
27. Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama*
Grade: 85 | Height: 6-4 | Weight: 241 | Previous: 27
Smith just continues to get attention in the Crimson Tide's electric offense. On 32 receptions this season, Smith has 586 yards. He wasn't on the radar in the preseason, but he has a lot of speed and athleticism for a big tight end. He has catches for 76, 68, 47 and 42 yards this season, and he now has seven trips to the end zone. He can be a tough matchup, especially when in multiple-TE sets.
28. Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
Grade: 85 | Height: 6-0 | Weight: 215 | Previous: 30
A hard-hitting strong safety with a very good size-speed combination, Abram can intimidate the opposition. He is a powerful finisher with an explosive closing burst, and he flies to the line of scrimmage in run support. Abram holds up well in the deep-half zone and is very quick. He has 89 tackles this season -- including 6.5 for loss -- and an interception.
29. A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss*
Grade: 85 | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 230 | Previous: 28
Brown often looks longer than his 6-foot-1 frame, with a better-than-average catch radius and the ability to pluck the ball out over his head; he also will make tough catches in traffic. And he moves quicker than most players his size. He needs to improve his route running and clean up the occasional focus drop. Brown has 81 catches for 1,259 yards and six touchdowns this season. With D.K. Metcalf down for the year, Brown has gone four straight games with triple-digit yardage, including a 212-yard performance at Vanderbilt on Saturday.
30. Damien Harris, RB, Alabama
Grade: 84 | Height: 5-11 | Weight: 215 | Previous: NR
Harris is strong, patient and decisive, and he checks two big NFL boxes with excellent pass protection and ball security. The downside is that Harris isn't a burner, and you don't see a major weapon in the passing game. But the hands are reliable. Damien has just 108 rushes for 678 yards, but has managed seven touchdowns. Against The Citadel on Saturday, Harris suffered a mild concussion.
31. N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State*
Grade: 84 | Height: 6-4 | Weight: 220 | Previous: 29
A big target with good body control, Harry will go and get it for you, and he consistently rewards his quarterback for throwing him 50-50 balls. Even at 6-foot-4, he is a threat after the catch and regularly runs right through contact. Not a flier, he is still a dangerous deep threat. Additionally, he isn't afraid to do the dirty work in the middle of the field, and he is a tough blocker. He has been held under 60 yards receiving just once this season, and he is at 1,033 yards on the season and has collected nine touchdowns (plus an additional rushing score). A 9-161-3 stat line against Utah in early November started a three-game 100-plus-yard streak. He can absolutely ball and will be a weapon in the NFL.
32. Elgton Jenkins, C, Mississippi State
Grade: 83 | Height: 6-4 | Weight: 310 | Previous: NR
With a ton of experience as a three-year starter, Jenkins is very good in pass protection and light on his feet. He is strong in the run game and always seems to get to where he needs to on the second level. He rarely shows issues when facing speed.