The 2019 college football season is about to kick off, which means it's time for my preseason ranking of the best prospects in the 2020 NFL draft. This class is going to be quite a bit different from 2019's, which was dominated by pass-rushers.
A few notes on my new Big Board for 2020, in which I rank my top 25 prospects:
These aren't detailed scouting reports just yet. I still have a lot of work to do on these players, and what they do this season really matters.
Keep in mind that several prospects here have started only one season, so a lot of projection is involved.
Height and weight are based on what we have from schools. We don't get official numbers until the 2020 combine in March.
I've also included my position-by-position rankings below my top 25 overall. You can jump to those rankings here.
Note: One asterisk denotes that the prospect is a junior, and two asterisks denote that the prospect is a third-year sophomore.
1. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama*
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 192 | Previously: 1
The last time a receiver went No. 1 overall? It was Keyshawn Johnson in 1996. Now, I'm not saying that's going to be Jeudy in 2020, but he has that kind of talent. I said in May that he's the most talented receiver to enter the NFL since the duo of Julio Jones and A.J. Green went in Round 1 in 2011. Jeudy can run every route, has elite ball skills, and he dominates SEC defensive backs every week -- he had 68 catches for 1,315 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Here's a great nugget from my friends at ESPN Stats & Information: Tua Tagovailoa's QBR was 94.1 with Jeudy on the field last season. Without Jeudy? Tagovailoa's QBR was just 41.2.
Week 1 matchup: vs. Duke, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC and the ESPN app.
2. Chase Young, DE, Ohio State*
HT: 6-5 | WT: 265 | Previously: 3
The NFL loves twitchy edge rushers who can get after quarterbacks, and that's Young. I wouldn't be surprised to see him go off the board first next April. He caught my eye as a true freshman in 2017, and he really came on last season, picking up the production with Nick Bosa sidelined. Young finished with 9.5 sacks and 14.5 total tackles for loss, and he should be even better in 2019. Watch his first step off the ball against Lane Kiffin's FAU team in the Buckeyes' opener -- he's going to wreak havoc.
Week 1 matchup: vs. Florida Atlantic, Saturday, noon ET, Fox.
3. Grant Delpit, S, LSU*
HT: 6-3 | WT: 203 | Previously: 2
After going through the 2018 LSU tape again, it's easy to see why NFL scouts raved about Delpit last fall. He made plays everywhere for this defense, picking up 74 tackles, five interceptions and five sacks. Delpit is a complete safety in the mold of former LSU star Jamal Adams -- both can stick running backs in the hole on one play, cover the slot receiver on the next, then play the deep middle of the field on the same drive. I really like watching him play.
Week 1 matchup: vs. Georgia Southern, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU and the ESPN app.
4. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama*
HT: 6-1 | WT: 218 | Previously: 4
I'm keeping Tagovailoa at No. 4 in my rankings because nothing has changed since the end of the season. I know he's a fantastic talent, but I want to see him do it again. The one-year sample size just isn't enough to declare him the surefire No. 1 pick, and there were some worrying moments in the games against Georgia and Clemson. I want to see how he plays on the road in College Station in October, and of course what he does at Auburn to end the season. Now, Tagovailoa showed in 2018 that he's an extremely accurate thrower with great athleticism and advanced footwork. He's an athlete, too. He's a big part of the reason why the Crimson Tide are favored by more than 30 points to open the season against Duke.
Week 1 matchup: vs. Duke, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC and the ESPN app.
5. A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa*
HT: 6-6 | WT: 280 | Previously: 5
It's worth noting that Epenesa led the Hawkeyes in sacks last season while playing only 30 snaps per game. He was a part-time player for a deep front seven, and yet he still had 10.5 sacks and 16.5 total tackles for loss. What could he do in a full-time role this season? With great size and length, Epenesa has the skill set to be dominant against the run while pitching in double-digit sacks. He could end up as an end in a 3-4 defense at the next level.
Week 1 matchup: vs. Miami (Ohio), Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, FS1.
6. Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia*
HT: 6-5 | WT: 320 | Previously: 9
There haven't been many top-tier offensive tackle talents lately -- the last time a tackle was picked in the top five was 2015 (Brandon Scherff). Could 2020 be the year of the tackle resurgence? I'm not going to go that far just yet, but there are some talented big men to watch. I wouldn't be shocked to see a couple of them in the top 10. Thomas, who started at right tackle as a true freshman in 2017, then switched to the left side last season, has long arms and good feet. He's a steady player who doesn't make mistakes.
Week 1 matchup: at Vanderbilt, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network and the ESPN app.
7. Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa*
HT: 6-5 | WT: 322 | Previously: 17
Left tackle, right tackle -- it really doesn't matter anymore. NFL teams aren't differentiating between the value of the two positions. Just look at the $36.75 million guaranteed the Raiders gave Trent Brown, who's going to play on the right side this season. Teams just want good tackles, period. Wirfs, a former high school wrestling champion, plays right tackle for the Hawkeyes, and he just mauls defenders. Dominates them. He has incredible strength and power -- check out this video -- and he can also move his feet. Wirfs is a rare talent who could keep moving up.
Week 1 matchup: vs. Miami (Ohio), Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, FS1.
8. Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
HT: 6-6 | WT: 237 | Previously: 10
As I wrote in May, Herbert just looks like a potential No. 1 overall pick -- great size, a powerful arm to make every throw, limited interceptions, good athleticism. And yet, he took a step back in consistency in 2018, and that's why I thought he made a good decision to return to Oregon for his senior season. I want to see him be more accurate on throws of 10-plus yards. I want to see him make better decisions in his reads. And most of all, he needs to stay healthy. If Herbert puts it together, he's going to be a Heisman contender and top-five pick.
Week 1 matchup: vs. Auburn in Arlington, Texas, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC and the ESPN app.
9. Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
HT: 6-5 | WT: 318 | Previously: 14
Brown is another prospect with top-five talent, but I really want to see him finish this season. That means sacks -- he had only 4.5 in 2018. NFL teams want interior disruptors who can knock down quarterbacks, and Brown hasn't shown that he can consistently do that. Yet. There are flashes of it on tape, but he's still raw, and he uses his power more than pass-rushing moves. If he puts it all together this season, he could rise.
Week 1 matchup: vs. Oregon in Arlington, Texas, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC and the ESPN app.
10. Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson*
HT: 6-4 | WT: 205 | Previously: 16
It's the size that sticks out with Higgins -- he has a huge frame to create mismatches. But he's also a better-than-expected route runner, and he can stretch the field for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. He can box out smaller cornerbacks in the red zone, and he can high-point the ball on sideline throws. Check out this catch and run. Higgins was a touchdown machine last season, scoring 12 times on 59 catches, and he's going to have a big 2019 season.
Week 1 matchup: vs. Georgia Tech, Thursday, 8 p.m. ET, ACC Network and the ESPN app.
Trevor Lawrence connects with Tee Higgins who dives for Clemson's second touchdown.
11. Isaiah Simmons, OLB, Clemson*
HT: 6-4 | WT: 225 | Previously: 12
A converted safety who had 89 tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss last season, Simmons is exactly what NFL teams look for in three-down linebackers in today's game. He has the size and speed to run sideline to sideline to chase down tailbacks, and he has the athletic ability to cover tight ends in the slot. He could even flip his hips and play some safety. Simmons is a combo player in the mold of Keanu Neal.
Week 1 matchup: vs. Georgia Tech, Thursday, 8 p.m. ET, ACC Network and the ESPN app.
12. Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama*
HT: 6-1 | WT: 200 | Previously: NR
The more I watched the tape of the 2018 Alabama defense, the more I liked McKinney's game. He's just a gifted all-around safety who makes his presence felt all over the field. He's an excellent tackler (74 last season), and he also pitched in with three sacks, two interceptions, 10 pass breakups and two forced fumbles. Nick Saban wants defensive backs who can do everything, and McKinney outplayed Deionte Thompson over the second half of the season.
Week 1 matchup: vs. Duke, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC and the ESPN app.
13. Dylan Moses, ILB, Alabama*
HT: 6-3 | WT: 233 | Previously: 15
Update: Moses suffered a knee injury during practice on Tuesday, Aug. 26, that will likely cause him to miss the entire season, sources told ESPN.
I'll stick with this anecdote from May: When Quinnen Williams visited Bristol before the draft, I asked him to give me the name of the next great Alabama defender. He picked Moses, an athletic linebacker who had 86 total tackles with 10 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in 2018. Moses is now the face of Bama's D, and he's taking over the coveted middle linebacker spot for the Crimson Tide. Expect him to stuff the stat sheet again.
Week 1 matchup: vs. Duke, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC and the ESPN app.
14. Walker Little, OT, Stanford*
HT: 6-7 | WT: 309 | Previously: 7
Another left tackle who started as a true freshman for a big-time program, Little is a great pass-blocker who can sometimes get overpowered on bullrushes. If Wirfs is the best mauler in this class, Little is the top finesse tackle. The Stanford offensive line wasn't great overall last season, but Little stood out. If he can get stronger -- and keep his quickness -- he could be a top-10 pick.
Week 1 matchup: vs. Northwestern, Saturday, 4 p.m. ET, Fox.
15. Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State*
HT: 6-1 | WT: 200 | Previously: NR
McShay has been all over Okudah, putting him No. 4 overall in his first ranking for 2020. And when I went back through the 2018 tape, I see why Todd is so fired up. This is a potential top-five pick with a high ceiling based on talent alone. The problem? I'd like to see Okudah make more plays -- he hasn't picked off a single pass in two seasons for the Buckeyes. If I'm going to put a corner in the top five, he needs to have some ball skills. And while Okudah did break up eight passes last season, I want to see him turn those breakups into interceptions. With Kendall Sheffield gone to the NFL, Okudah is the No. 1 corner for this Ohio State team. I'm excited to see if he can take his game to the next level.
Week 1 matchup: vs. Florida Atlantic, Saturday, noon ET, Fox.
16. Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State*
HT: 6-5 | WT: 262 | Previously: 6
When I rewatched the Penn State defensive line to get a feel for 2019 draft pick Shareef Miller's season, I kept coming back to Gross-Matos, who was the most productive player from the group. He had eight sacks and 20 total tackles for loss. Gross-Matos is a pure pass-rusher with a big frame -- he wears size 17 shoes -- who still has room to grow. He's raw, but I expect big things this season.
Week 1 matchup: vs. Idaho, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network.
17. CJ Henderson, CB, Florida*
HT: 6-1 | WT: 202 | Previously: 8
Florida has one of the best defenses in the country, and Henderson is the team's lockdown cover corner. It's all about ball skills here, as he has six interceptions in two seasons. He has the athletic traits to be a No. 1 corner in the NFL, too. I'm excited to see him against the Hurricanes this weekend.
First game: vs. UT Martin, Sept. 7, 7:30 p.m. ET
18. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma*
HT: 6-2 | WT: 191 | Previously: 13
Lamb had 65 catches for 1,158 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, and that was as the Sooners' No. 2 target. With Marquise Brown off to the NFL, what kind of numbers could Lamb put up as the go-to receiver? He's going to be super important for Jalen Hurts this season, as Lamb is an advanced route runner, has outstanding hands, and can get open against any defender. He doesn't have elite speed, but he'll test well athletically.
Week 1 matchup: vs. Houston, Sunday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC and the ESPN app.
Alabama's Jerry Jeudy is a star, but he's not the only stud WR in college football. Look out for Laviska Shenault, Justyn Ross, CeeDee Lamb and more.
19. Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado*
HT: 6-2 | WT: 220 | Previously: 19
Shenault plays wide receiver like a running back. He's phenomenal after the catch, and the Colorado staff has been smart in moving up all over the field to get the ball in his hands, even playing him as a Wildcat quarterback at times. He had 86 catches for 1,011 yards and 11 total touchdowns (five rushing) in 2018. Though he's not as developed as a route runner as the other receivers in my top 25, that should come with more reps. It's the versatility and traits that will have NFL teams interested.
Week 1 matchup: vs. Colorado State, Friday, 10 p.m. ET, ESPN and the ESPN app.
20. Julian Okwara, DE/OLB, Notre Dame
HT: 6-5 | WT: 248 | Previously: NR
Okwara is probably going to end up as an outside linebacker in the NFL, but he has shown some versatility as a combo defensive end/OLB for the Fighting Irish. He has good length and burst off the line, though he has a ways to go to improving his pass-rushing moves. With eight sacks and 21 quarterback hurries, Okwara had an impressive 2018 season. His brother, Romeo, plays for the Lions.
Week 1 matchup: at Louisville, Monday, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN and the ESPN app.
21. Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
HT: 6-0 | WT: 200 | Previously: NR
It's hard to watch LSU and not focus on its defensive backs, as Delpit and Fulton were spectacular in 2018. Because of an NCAA suspension that wiped out his 2017 season, Fulton really didn't get any playing time for two years before standing out a year ago. He's a gifted corner who had nine pass breakups and an interception, and I expect him to test extremely well once he enters the NFL. If the Tigers are going to challenge Alabama in the SEC West, it will be because of their stellar play from their defensive backs.
Week 1 matchup: vs. Georgia Southern, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU and the ESPN app.
22. Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
HT: 6-2 | WT: 207 | Previously: 11
A broken foot limited Diggs to only six games last season, but he was great in those games, breaking up six passes and adding an interception. Can he stay healthy for a season and give NFL scouts a bigger sample size of success? Diggs, whose brother is Stefon, is fully recovered from his foot injury. He's a versatile defensive back who can excel in man-to-man coverage, and he's a decent tackle. Again, this will all come down to whether Diggs can show that he's at full strength.
Week 1 matchup: vs. Duke, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC and the ESPN app.
23. Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama*
HT: 6-0 | WT: 190 | Previously: 22
As I said in May, Ruggs is the early favorite to be the fastest prospect in the 2020 class. His game is all about speed, though he improved as a route runner last season -- he had 46 catches for 741 yards and 11 touchdowns. You're going to see vertical routes and easy throws that help Tagovailoa -- just check out this tunnel screen. Between Ruggs and Jeudy, the Crimson Tide have two elite field-stretchers who can take the top off defenses.
Week 1 matchup: vs. Duke, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC and the ESPN app.
24. Tyler Biadasz, C, Wisconsin*
HT: 6-3 | WT: 321 | Previously: 21
Biadasz, who has started 27 straight games at center for the Badgers, is a really good athlete and anchor for a program with a long history of producing offensive linemen. Wisconsin uses him to pull at times, and it's fun to watch him get his hands on defenders on the edge. He's also really strong technically. Biadasz had hip surgery earlier this year and was held out of spring practice, but he's good to go for the season.
Week 1 matchup: at South Florida, Friday, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN and the ESPN app.
25. Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia*
HT: 6-2 | WT: 220 | Previously: 18
With 54 touchdown passes and only 13 interceptions over two seasons as the Bulldogs' starter, Fromm has already shown that he's a really good college quarterback. How can he become a first-round pick? It starts with arm strength, which is what I really want to see him improve upon this season. We've seen quarterbacks improve their arm strength at the next level -- Tom Brady is the best example -- but it's important for Fromm to show that he can make every throw. He's already a great anticipatory thrower who doesn't make many mistakes. He could take a leap as a junior in 2019.
Week 1 matchup: at Vanderbilt, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, SEC Network and the ESPN app.
Top prospects by position
Quarterbacks
Seniors
1. Justin Herbert, Oregon
2. Nate Stanley, Iowa
3. Steven Montez, Colorado
4. Jake Bentley, South Carolina
5. Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma
Underclassmen
1. Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama
2. Jake Fromm, Georgia
3. Jacob Eason, Washington
4. Jordan Love, Utah State
5. K.J. Costello, Stanford
Running backs
Seniors
1. Ke'Shawn Vaughn, Vanderbilt
2. Zack Moss, Utah
3. Reggie Corbin, Illinois
4. Scottie Phillips, Mississippi
5. Patrick Taylor Jr., Memphis
Underclassmen
1. Travis Etienne, Clemson
2. D'Andre Swift, Georgia
3. Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin
4. J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State
5. Najee Harris, Alabama
A.J. Epenesa gets to Trace McSorley to force the Penn State turnover.
Wide receivers
Seniors
1. Collin Johnson, Texas
2. Bryan Edwards, South Carolina
3. Kalija Lipscomb, Vanderbilt
4. K.J. Hill, Ohio State
5. Marquez Callaway, Tennessee
Underclassmen
1. Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
2. Tee Higgins, Clemson
3. CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma
4. Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado
5. Henry Ruggs III, Alabama
Tight ends
Seniors
1. Jared Pinkney, Vanderbilt
2. Brycen Hopkins, Purdue
3. Harrison Bryant, Florida Atlantic
4. Sean McKeon, Michigan
5. Charlie Woerner, Georgia
Underclassmen
1. Albert Okwuegbunam, Missouri
2. Colby Parkinson, Stanford
3. Cole Kmet, Notre Dame
4. Grant Calcaterra, Oklahoma
5. Hunter Bryant, Washington
Offensive tackles
Seniors
1. Trey Adams, Washington
2. Prince Tega Wanogho, Auburn
3. Lucas Niang, TCU
4. Calvin Throckmorton, Oregon
5. Colton McKivitz, West Virginia
Underclassmen
1. Andrew Thomas, Georgia
2. Tristan Wirfs, Iowa
3. Walker Little, Stanford
4. Alex Leatherwood, Alabama
5. Mekhi Becton, Louisville
Guards
Seniors
1. Ben Bredeson, Michigan
2. Shane Lemieux, Oregon
3. Logan Stenberg, Kentucky
4. Tre'Vour Wallace-Simms, Missouri
5. John Simpson, Clemson
Underclassmen
1. Solomon Kindley, Georgia
2. Jack Anderson, Texas Tech
3. Josh Sills, West Virginia
4. Trey Smith, Tennessee
5. Navaughn Donaldson, Miami (Fla.)
Centers
Seniors
1. Cohl Cabral, Arizona State
2. Darryl Williams, Mississippi State
3. Jake Hanson, Oregon
4. Nick Harris, Washington
5. Adam Holtorf, Kansas State
Underclassmen
1. Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin
2. **Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma
3. Cesar Ruiz, Michigan
4. Keith Ismael, San Diego State
5. Michal Menet, Penn State
Jeff Gladney literally steals the ball out of Dylan Cantrell's hands and takes it 93 yards to the house for a TCU touchdown.
Defensive ends
Seniors
1. Kenny Willekes, Michigan State
2. Khalid Kareem, Notre Dame
3. Jabari Zuniga, Florida
4. Alton Robinson, Syracuse
5. Bradlee Anae, Utah
Underclassmen
1. Chase Young, Ohio State
2. A.J. Epenesa, Iowa
3. Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State
4. Nick Coe, Auburn
5. Jonathan Garvin, Miami (Fla.)
Defensive tackles
Seniors
1. Derrick Brown, Auburn
2. Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina
3. Raekwon Davis, Alabama
4. Lorenzo Neal, Purdue
5. Rashard Lawrence, LSU
Underclassmen
1. Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M
2. Corey Bethley, TCU
3. Nyles Pinckney, Clemson
4. Ross Blacklock, TCU
5. Marvin Wilson, Florida State
Inside linebackers
Seniors
1. Shaq Quarterman, Miami (Fla.)
2. Troy Dye, Oregon
3. Evan Weaver, California
4. Joe Bachie, Michigan State
5. Logan Wilson, Wyoming
Underclassmen
1. Dylan Moses, Alabama
2. Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
3. Paddy Fisher, Northwestern
4. Jacob Phillips, LSU
5. Patrick Queen, LSU
Outside linebackers
Seniors
1. Julian Okwara, Notre Dame
2. Malik Harrison, Ohio State
3. Anfernee Jennings, Alabama
4. Josh Uche, Michigan
5. Darrell Taylor, Tennessee
Underclassmen
1. Isaiah Simmons, Clemson
2. Terrell Lewis, Alabama
3. **K'Lavon Chaisson, LSU
4. Curtis Weaver, Boise State
5. Charles Snowden, Virginia
Cornerbacks
Seniors
1. Kristian Fulton, LSU
2. Trevon Diggs, Alabama
3. Bryce Hall, Virginia
4. Jeff Gladney, TCU
5. Essang Bassey, Wake Forest
Underclassmen
1. Jeff Okudah, Ohio State
2. CJ Henderson, Florida
3. **Paulson Adebo, Stanford
4. Jaylon Johnson, Utah
5. A.J. Terrell, Clemson
Mel Kiper Jr. shares why he ranked Tua Tagovailoa as his No. 1 quarterback and the No. 4 overall player on his 2020 NFL draft Big Board.
Safeties
Seniors
1. Shyheim Carter, Alabama
2. Julian Blackmon, Utah
3. Brandon Jones, Texas
4. Jalen Elliott, Notre Dame
5. J.R. Reed, Georgia
Underclassmen
1. Grant Delpit, LSU
2. Xavier McKinney, Alabama
3. Alohi Gilman, Notre Dame
4. Greg Eisworth, Iowa State
5. Hamsah Nasirildeen, Florida State
Punters and kickers
Seniors
1. Braden Mann, Texas A&M (P)
2. Tommy Townsend, Florida (P)
3. Blake Cusick, Fresno State (P)
4. Rodrigo Blankenship, Georgia (K)
5. Sterling Hofrichter, Syracuse (P)
Underclassmen
1. Alex Kessman, Pitt (K)
2. Drue Chrisman, Ohio State (P)
3. Grayson Atkins, Furman (K)
4. Zach Von Rosenberg, LSU (P)
5. Jet Toner, Stanford (K)