The 2020 NFL draft class is slowly starting to take shape as we hit the midpoint of the college football season. Yes, there are still more than a month's worth of games in the campaign, bowl games, showcase events, pro days and the combine, but we are getting a good idea of who the best NFL prospects are at this point in the process.
The class isn't disappointing. It's loaded with offensive playmakers, especially at the wide receiver position, and a third quarterback joins the top 32. But on defense, Ohio State pass-rusher Chase Young's strong season has him climbing the board and even making a bid to be the No. 1 overall pick in April.
Here is my evaluation of the top 32 players for 2020, updated from my Sept. 18 edition. Rankings will continue to be updated throughout the college football slate and right into draft season.
Note: Underclassmen are marked with an asterisk, and grades are from Scouts Inc.
1. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama*
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 218
Grade: 94 | Previous rank: 1
Simply put, Tagovailoa is a special talent. The lefty has elite accuracy at all three levels, displaying a smooth delivery, solid arm strength and excellent touch. His anticipation and fast eyes are high-end, and he has some twitch to him. Durability is a bit of a concern, but he's still my top prospect at this point in the process. Tagovailoa has 1,718 passing yards and 23 touchdown passes this season -- and he somehow has yet to throw an interception in five games. His 96.5 Total QBR is second in the nation -- just behind former teammate Jalen Hurts -- and he has thrown at least five touchdowns in three straight contests.
2. Chase Young, DE, Ohio State*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 265
Grade: 93 | Previous rank: 5
Young already has 8.5 sacks (second in the country), 9.5 tackles for loss (tied for ninth) and three forced fumbles (tied for fourth) through six games. Those are crazy numbers. He has quickness and above-average bend, and he flashes the ability to convert speed to power, though I'd like to see some improvement getting off blocks. He best fits as a 4-3 defensive end, but he has experience dropping into coverage and could end up converting to a 3-4 outside linebacker role.
3. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama*
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 192
Grade: 93 | Previous rank: 2
Jeudy is a really fun prospect to watch. He's a truly polished route runner with soft hands, and he does an excellent job tracking the deep ball. Although he doesn't have elite size and strength, Jeudy should be an immediate impact player in the NFL. Consider that he already has 38 catches for 488 yards (18th in the country) and six touchdowns (tied for 11th) in five games while playing alongside other big-time playmakers.
4. Grant Delpit, S, LSU*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 203
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 3
A smooth safety, Delpit has good speed and ball skills. He shows great instincts on the back end (one interception), but he's inconsistent as a tackler: He has 19 tackles, including 1.5 for loss, in 2019. Delpit is really effective in an overhang position, where he can play closer to the line of scrimmage and affect the game against the run and pass.
5. Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State*
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 200
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 4
A big, long corner, Okudah has smooth hips and quick feet. He occasionally lunges, but he also shows the ability to recover quickly when in press coverage with his athleticism. He has the tools to become a No. 1 corner. I love his versatility, as he lines up on both sides and in the slot while helping out in run defense. In six games, Okudah is tied for fourth in the nation with three interceptions -- including a highlight-reel-worthy snag -- and he has 17 tackles, a forced fumble and three passes broken up.
Adrian Martinez's overthrow is tipped, and Jeff Okudah makes the catch from the turf.
6. Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 237
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 6
Remember when Herbert was considered a potential top-10 pick for the 2019 draft? Well, he's right back in the fold this time. The big QB has a huge arm and good mobility, and in that regard he reminds me a little of the Bills' Josh Allen. There's a whole lot of ability there, but Herbert needs to find some more consistency and iron out some decision-making issues. He has thrown for 1,341 yards, 15 scores -- tied for seventh in the FBS -- and one interception thus far.
7. Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 318
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 7
Brown is an easy mover for his size and does a good job locating the ball. He has quick hands, though he needs to be more effective with them. Brown has some versatility but probably ends up as a three-technique in a one-gap-heavy scheme in the NFL. He has three sacks, two forced fumbles, 17 tackles and three passes broken up this season. Against Florida, the big man returned a pair of fumbles for 53 total yards -- and it would have been more had he kept his balance on one of them while breaking down the sideline.
8. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 191
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 8
Lamb is an above-average route runner with excellent separation skills and the ability to settle into pockets when facing zone coverage. He has some wheels to challenge vertically, the hands and body control to haul in the pass and the instincts to create after the catch. As a bonus, he can return punts. Lamb has hauled in at least one touchdown in each of his five games this season, totaling seven on the season (tied for seventh) with an additional rushing TD, and he has caught 18 passes overall for 439 yards.
9. Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 320
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: 19
Thomas is a powerful left tackle who will need some time to develop his hands and footwork, but you can see the strong movement and natural ability. Although he will occasionally give up some ground to bull rushers, he shows initial pop. His game is raw, but the athleticism and potential are there.
10. Isaiah Simmons, OLB, Clemson*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 225
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: 13
The biggest question about Simmons at this point: What position does he play at the next level? He's a bulked-up converted safety who can play all over -- corner, safety, linebacker -- thanks to his excellent athleticism. He has smooth hips and long arms, and he is pretty talented in coverage. He has done it all so far, recording a trio of sacks, 43 tackles, six tackles for loss and two passes broken up.
11. Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 200
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: 9
I really like the way Fulton makes "splash" plays. He has really good ball skills and stops and starts so quickly, despite average straight-line speed. He bats balls and shows good instincts in coverage. Now Fulton needs to get a bit stronger, as bigger receivers can push him around at times. Scouts will also be mindful of off-field concerns; the corner was suspended for the 2017 season after allegedly tampering with a drug test. Although he has yet to make an interception in 2019, he has five passes broken up through five games.
12. Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama*
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 190
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: 10
Ruggs is a burner who explodes off the line of scrimmage and is very savvy in his route running. He isn't afraid to work the middle of the field, but Ruggs needs to build some strength to generate better late separation. Thanks to that elite speed and some crisp cutting ability, he is a real threat to opposing defensive backs. Despite two games of fewer than 15 receiving yards this season, Ruggs has four touchdowns and 361 yards. He is averaging 21.2 yards per catch.
13. CJ Henderson, CB, Florida*
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 202
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: 11
Primarily an outside corner who is at his best in man-to-man coverage, Henderson possesses smooth hips and easy speed -- he doesn't stress to stay in stride with receivers going vertical. Henderson locates the ball well and displays good ball skills, breaking up five passes this season. Run support and physicality at the line of scrimmage are his weaknesses, but those will improve as he gets stronger.
14. Raekwon Davis, DT, Alabama
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 312
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: 18
Davis flashes the ability to jar offensive linemen with initial contact and frequently gets pressure when turned loose. Davis lacks some body control and can be slow to redirect, which leads to some sacks being left on the field (he doesn't have any yet this season), but he is stout enough to control single blocks when he keeps his pad level low enough. He is highly gifted and scheme-versatile, but discipline will be a concern for scouts. Davis has 25 tackles this season.
15. Jacob Eason, QB, Washington*
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 227
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: NR
Eason has a big, strong frame and an even bigger arm. I'm really starting to see his timing and anticipation improve on his throws. In six games, Eason has 1,449 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and three interceptions. He still needs more game experience. Although he played in 13 games for Georgia in 2016, he threw just seven passes during the 2017 season before redshirting when he transferred to Washington in 2018. But he has high-level natural tools, including some good mobility for a quarterback with his size.
Jacob Eason tosses a dart to Aaron Fuller for the 37-yard touchdown to increase Washington's lead against Hawai'i.
16. Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford*
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 190
Grade: 87 | Previous rank: 14
Adebo is a long corner with tons of speed and elite ball skills. Cardinal coach David Shaw raves about his work ethic and professional approach to the game. After recording four interceptions a season ago, Adebo has one this season to go with nine passes broken up (tied for third in the nation) and 24 tackles.
17. Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 220
Grade: 87 | Previous rank: 15
This guy is a real weapon for any offense. Shenault can play any receiver position and is terrific with the ball in his hands. Don't expect him to run a normal route tree, instead snagging a lot of short catches underneath, but he is good on contested balls, and his ability to create after the catch stands out as a plus trait. Shenault will need some time to develop and learn effective deep routes, but his short-area quickness is something else. He has 17 catches for 226 yards and nine carries for 66 yards through four games, and he has three total touchdowns. But he has missed some time with a core muscle injury.
18. Julian Okwara, DE, Notre Dame
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 248
Grade: 87 | Previous rank: 16
Okwara is a long, athletic hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker with good range. He flashes good speed to power as a pass-rusher -- he has five sacks (tied for 16th in the FBS) and two forced fumbles so far in 2019 -- and stacks tight ends as a run defender. Okwara is just scratching the surface in terms of his potential, though. He needs to develop an effective inside move and improve his ability to counter. He fits better as a 3-4 OLB than a defensive end.
19. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin*
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 219
Grade: 87 | Previous rank: NR
Taylor has been nothing short of incredible this season. After seasons of 1,977 and 2,194 rushing yards, he has gained 745 yards (tied for third) and scored 12 times (tied for second) on the ground in 2019. Taylor is an instinctive between-the-tackles runner who displays patience and burst. He will make defenders miss both in the hole and at the second level. In years past, he wasn't featured in the passing game, but Taylor has already set career highs in that regard this season, with 12 catches for 114 yards and four more touchdowns through five games.
20. Bryce Hall, CB, Virginia
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 200
Grade: 86 | Previous rank: 28
After leading the nation with 22 pass breakups in 2018, Hall is getting plenty of draft attention, with four more in five games in 2019. He's a big corner with enough top-end speed to compete on vertical routes, and he has the frame and length to develop into an effective press corner. Hall is tight with average burst, making him more effective in zone than man coverage. He's also an aggressive run defender who wraps up (19 tackles this season).
21. Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 205
Grade: 86 | Previous rank: 24
I like Higgins' game a lot. He's an athletic playmaker who will catch anything in his neighborhood, as shown by his 22 catches for 505 yards (14th in the country) and three touchdowns this season. Higgins doesn't have elite speed and still has some work to do getting off press coverage, but he has tremendous size. And he can make guys miss with his strength.
22. Jared Pinkney, TE, Vanderbilt
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 260
Grade: 86 | Previous rank: 22
Pinkney flashes as a route runner, separates well for his size and has enough speed to threaten down the seam. He tracks the ball well and shows good body control adjusting to passes and a wide catch radius. As an in-line run-blocker, he has some problems sustaining and needs to get stronger at the point of attack, but his athletic ability and frame make him an effective blocker in space when his technique is sound. Pinkney has 11 catches for 127 yards in five games this season, averaging 11.5 per reception, though he has just two catches for 8 yards in his past two contests.
23. Trey Adams, OT, Washington
Height: 6-8 | Weight: 314
Grade: 86 | Previous rank: NR
Adams is a powerful run-blocker who gets into position and moves defenders off the ball. He does an adequate job of climbing up to the second level and cutting off linebackers. He isn't an elite athlete, so he struggles with quick inside and fluid double moves, but he's a mauler who plays with an edge and finishes. Adams has some injury history, having missed a chunk of the 2017 season with an ACL injury before sitting nearly the entire 2018 campaign because of back woes. Teams will keep an eye on that.
24. Tyler Biadasz, C, Wisconsin*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 321
Grade: 85 | Previous rank: 23
Biadasz is a positional run-blocker who does a good job of walling off his assignments, though he isn't a powerful drive blocker who regularly moves defenders off the ball. He has above-average range and takes sound angles when climbing to the second level. He gets set quickly in pass protection, but power rushers give him some problems.
25. Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 207
Grade: 85 | Previous rank: 17
Diggs played only six games in 2018 because of a broken foot, but he already has two picks and 14 tackles in five 2019 games. He is a versatile athlete with great size and good straight-line speed. He has experience working on the perimeter but has also played the overhang and free safety roles on defense -- and returned kicks. Diggs has tightness in his hips and will give up separation to quicker receivers out of their breaks, but he can be effective in coverage in press man and zone defense. He closes well and limits gains after the catch. And he will mix it up physically.
Jack Abraham's pass attempt is intercepted by Alabama's Trevon Diggs in the first quarter.
26. Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 208
Grade: 85 | Previous rank: NR
Peoples-Jones will line up outside or in the slot, but no matter where he is running routes, he displays natural hands and the ability to adjust to passes thrown outside his frame. He is really smooth in transitioning upfield after the catch and will occasionally lower the shoulder as a tough open-field runner. He might not have a high-end second gear, but he is a physical route runner. Peoples-Jones does a good job tracking deep balls, too. After a late start to the season, he has nine catches for 93 yards and a touchdown through three games played, along with four punt returns.
27. Prince Tega Wanogho, OT, Auburn
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 305
Grade: 85 | Previous rank: 30
I remember watching Wanogho struggle as a freshman, and he has come a long, long way. He has great size and very long arms, and I like his athleticism and the way he moves for that size. There are some inconsistencies in his technique, but Wanogho has a lot of potential.
28. Terrell Lewis, OLB, Alabama*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 252
Grade: 85 | Previous rank: 20
Lewis missed the 2018 season because of a torn ACL, but he is a menace off the edge, as evidenced by his two sacks, four tackles for loss and four QB hurries in four games this season. He has the ideal size, speed and athleticism to develop into an every-down edge rusher in the NFL.
29. D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia*
Height: 5-9 | Weight: 215
Grade: 85 | Previous rank: 21
His game is all about explosion. He's a one-cut-and-go type who just explodes through the line of scrimmage, rushing for 460 yards and four touchdowns so far this season. But Swift also has good hands and can run routes as a pass-catcher (10 catches for 147 yards and a score), which is unusual for a college running back. He is well built with good strength, and if he gets going, he can be a real problem for opponents. However, he dances a little too much sometimes and gets into trouble.
30. A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa*
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 280
Grade: 84 | Previous rank: 25
Epenesa is an active hand fighter and displays good effort when rushing the passer, getting his arms in passing lanes. He has the strength -- and size -- to set the edge against the run when he needs to. But Epenesa lacks lower-body flexibility and closing speed, and he still needs a little improvement getting off blocks. He has produced two sacks and five QB hurries in five games in 2019.
31. Curtis Weaver, DE, Boise State*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 265
Grade: 83 | Previous rank: 26
Weaver uses his power to be effective as a pass-rusher. He extends his arms against tackles to find the quarterback. That ability shows up on the stat sheet, as he has 9.0 sacks this season in five contests, the most in the nation. Weaver also has the ability to make plays in the backfield as a run defender and can set the edge when his technique is sound. But there's some room for improvement when it comes to getting off his blocks.
32. Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 310
Grade: 82 | Previous rank: 27
Kinlaw has four sacks so far in 2019. He is twitchy with a quick first step and some good initial power to walk offensive linemen back, though I think he needs to develop a better counter off his bull rush. Kinlaw has a good motor, but I would like to see a little more nastiness fighting through double-teams. He waves the white flag a bit too early. He fits best in a one-gap-heavy scheme and is at his best when active as a run defender.