The 2020 NFL draft is getting closer and closer. The college season is over, the Senior Bowl is in the rearview and only one NFL game remains.
Big performances during Senior Bowl week have a few upperclassmen climbing up my board, including a physical freak on the defensive line and two big-armed quarterbacks. The draft class is certainly taking shape, but there's plenty of time for more players to rise and fall over the three remaining months of pro days, combine workouts and team interviews ahead of the draft's opening night in Las Vegas this April.
Here is my evaluation of the top 32 players, updated from my Jan. 15 edition. Rankings will continue to be updated right through draft time.
Note: Underclassmen are marked with an asterisk, and grades are from Scouts Inc.
1. Chase Young, DE, Ohio State*
Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 265 pounds
Grade: 96 | Previous rank: 1
Despite missing two games, Young led the nation in sacks with 16.5, tied for fourth in tackles for loss (21.0) and ranked second in forced fumbles (6). Let those numbers sink in for a minute. He has quickness and above-average bend, and he flashes the ability to convert speed to power, though he still has room for a little improvement getting off blocks. And I currently have a higher grade on Young than I had on former Buckeyes pass-rushers Joey and Nick Bosa. 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. He is head and shoulders above the rest of the edge rushers in the class.
2. Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 216
Grade: 93 | Previous rank: 2
Burrow appeared to be a fringe NFL prospect in August but is now perhaps the No. 1 overall pick. He made quicker decisions with the football in his senior season, displaying complete control of the LSU offense and extending plays. And he has elite anticipatory accuracy throwing into tight windows, as evidenced by an FBS-best 76.3% completion percentage. His pocket presence and toughness really stand out to me. He moves around the pocket like a pro, sensing pressure and protecting the football all while keeping his eyes downfield. And when he takes a hit, he pops right up. Burrow finished the 2019 season No. 1 in the nation in passing yards (5,671), passing touchdowns (60) and Total QBR (94.9).
3. Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State*
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 200
Grade: 93 | 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 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 14 games, Okudah hauled in 3 interceptions -- including a highlight-reel-worthy snag -- and he had 35 tackles, 2 forced fumbles and 9 pass breakups.
4. Isaiah Simmons, OLB, Clemson*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 225
Grade: 93 | Previous rank: 5
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 -- because of his excellent athleticism. He has smooth hips and long arms, and he is pretty talented in coverage. He did it all this season: 8.0 sacks, 102 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 8 pass breakups, 3 interceptions and 1 forced fumble in 15 games. Simmons is exactly the type of player NFL defenses are looking for in today's game.
5. Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 318
Grade: 92 | Previous rank: 6
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 3-technique in a one-gap-heavy scheme in the NFL. He had 4.0 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 55 tackles (12.5 for loss) and 4 pass breakups this season. Against Florida in October, the big man returned two 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.
6. Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 310
Grade: 92 | Previous rank: 14
Kinlaw had six sacks 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. He's a physical freak and showed just how much havoc he can create while at the Senior Bowl. If he ends up on the right team and is developed properly, he can be a premier interior lineman.
7. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama*
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 192
Grade: 92 | Previous rank: 3
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 had 77 catches for 1,163 yards and 10 touchdowns even while playing alongside other big-time playmakers. He fell short of 50 receiving yards only twice in 13 games and ended his season with a 204-yard outburst against Michigan in the Citrus Bowl.
8. Jedrick Wills Jr., OT, Alabama*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 320
Grade: 92 | Previous rank: 23
The Crimson Tide's right tackle had a huge 2019 season, outplaying Alex Leatherwood for most of the year. Wills has good size and is strong at the point of attack, though his mobility is limited. He displays a good base and anchor, and he is a nasty finisher. Wills projects as a right tackle or guard in the NFL.
9. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama*
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 218
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 7
Tagovailoa's season ended when he suffered a dislocated hip and posterior wall fracture, but he is expected to make a full recovery. NFL teams will have to take his medical concerns -- along with his previous durability concerns as a whole -- into serious consideration. But he is a special talent. The lefty has elite accuracy at all three levels, a smooth delivery, solid arm strength and excellent touch. And his anticipation and fast eyes are high end. One thing to watch post injury will be whether Tagovailoa regains his suddenness and the ability to keep his feet aligned with his eyes as he moves quickly and smoothly through his progressions. He ended his season with 2,840 passing yards, 33 touchdown passes (tied for eighth in the FBS) and only 3 interceptions. His 94.6 Total QBR was second in the nation, and he completed 71.4% of his passes (fifth).
Tua Tagovailoa shares an update on his recovery from his hip injury.
10. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 191
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 9
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 -- his 21.4 yards per catch ranked No. 3 in the country. Lamb hauled in at least one touchdown in nine of his 13 games this season, giving him 14 (tied for fifth in the FBS) with an additional rushing score, and he caught 63 passes overall for 1,327 yards (sixth). As a bonus, he can return punts.
11. CJ Henderson, CB, Florida*
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 202
Grade: 91 | Previous rank: 10
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 11 passes this season. Run support and physicality at the line of scrimmage are his weaknesses (only 33 tackles in nine games), but those will improve as he gets stronger.
12. Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 305
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 13
Blacklock is one of the more underrated prospects in the country. He missed the entire 2018 season with an Achilles injury, but he returned in 2019 with 40 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 9 tackles for loss. He is an athletic lineman with great size and power, and he plays with good effort.
13. Grant Delpit, S, LSU*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 203
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 8
A smooth safety, Delpit has good speed and ball skills. He shows great instincts on the back end (two interceptions and seven pass breakups), but he's inconsistent as a tackler. He had 65 tackles, including 4.5 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.
LSU safety Grant Delpit bursts through the line and sacks Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence to force the punt on the opening drive.
14. Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 237
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 18
The big quarterback 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 iron out some decision-making issues. Establishing consistency in his game was a real problem this season, and the more tape I watch, the more it concerns me. But a great showing at the Senior Bowl upped his draft stock, as he was in full control of the offense all week and exhibited some leadership qualities that scouts had been looking for. During the 2019 season, Herbert threw for 3,471 yards, 32 scores -- tied for 11th in FBS -- and only 6 interceptions.
15. D'Andre Swift, RB, Georgia*
Height: 5-9 | Weight: 215
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 16
His game is all about explosion. He's a one-cut-and-go type who just explodes through the line of scrimmage, rushing for 1,218 yards and 7 touchdowns this season. But Swift also has good hands and can run routes as a pass-catcher (24 receptions for 216 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.
16. Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama*
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 200
Grade: 90 | Previous rank: 22
McKinney is a real leader on defense, getting teammates lined up in the right scheme and then playing hard and showing toughness on every snap. In 13 games, McKinney had 3 sacks, 4 forced fumbles (tied for fifth in the nation), 3 interceptions, 5 passes broken up and 95 tackles. He shows really good range in coverage and fills alleys in the run game.
17. K'Lavon Chaisson, DE, LSU*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 250
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: 12
Chaisson is big, athletic and fast. His production was a bit inconsistent during the 2019 season, and he needs to add power to his game and refine countermoves. But he had 13.5 tackles for loss and made 60 tackles in 13 games. Chaisson was a big riser late in the season, posting 4.5 of his 6.5 sacks in his final four games.
18. Josh Jones, OT, Houston
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 310
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: NR
I hadn't seen enough of Jones' tape during the season, but after a tremendous week at the Senior Bowl, I dug back in. He has good length, is very athletic and is tough to beat in pass protection. But I'd like to see the senior continue to get stronger. Jones has been the starter at left tackle for the Cougars since his freshman season.
19. Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn*
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 200
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: 17
Igbinoghene is a long and instinctive corner, and he displays great speed for his size. He made 42 tackles and broke up seven passes in 2019, though he did not have an interception.
20. Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama*
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 190
Grade: 89 | Previous rank: 15
Ruggs is a burner who explodes off the line of scrimmage and is savvy in his route running. He isn't afraid to work the middle of the field, but Ruggs needs to build strength to generate better late separation. Thanks to that elite speed and crisp cutting ability, he is a real threat to opposing defensive backs. Despite four games of fewer than 35 receiving yards this season, Ruggs had 7 touchdowns and 746 yards while averaging 18.6 yards per catch.
21. Kenneth Murray, ILB, Oklahoma*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 234
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: 30
Murray has elite straight-line speed and shows high-end closing burst. He plays with great effort and is a strong tackler, as evidenced by his 102 tackles, 17 tackles for loss (tied for 19th in the country) and 4 sacks this season. However, Murray lacks the man-to-man coverage skills you'd want to see from an inside linebacker in the NFL.
22. Zack Baun, OLB, Wisconsin
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 235
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: NR
I really love Baun's versatility and motor. He plays with great effort and has some shock in his hands coming off the edge. In 14 games, Baun had 12.5 sacks (ninth in FBS), 19.5 tackles for loss (tied for seventh), 76 tackles, an interception and 2 forced fumbles. Injuries have limited him over his college career, but NFL evaluators are starting to see his upside, especially after a strong Senior Bowl week. He is instinctive and has some quickness to his game.
23. Terrell Lewis, OLB, Alabama*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 252
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: NR
Lewis missed the 2018 season because of a torn ACL, but he is a menace off the edge, as evidenced by his 6 sacks, 11.5 tackles for loss and 16 QB hurries in 11 games this season. He has the ideal size, speed and athleticism to develop into an every-down edge rusher in the NFL. But Lewis is a pure speed rusher, and he needs to be more consistent using his hands and could get a little stronger.
Joe Burrow slips a pass to Justin Jefferson, who speeds up the sideline and fools a Clemson defender to the turf.
24. A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa*
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 280
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: 32
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 produced 11.5 sacks (tied for 11th in the FBS) and 4 forced fumbles (tied for fifth) in 2019, and he was on a tear to close the season, with 8.0 sacks in his final five games.
25. Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 322
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: NR
Wirfs has the ability to shoot his hands and lock on in pass protection, and he's athletic enough to mirror when he wins with his hands. But he loses inside-outside leverage at times, and explosive speed rushers give him some issues. Wirfs can move defenders off the ball, but he's not a fundamentally sound run-blocker at this point. His initial footwork and angles are inconsistent, and he plays on his toes and leans. Wirfs grades out as an intriguing right tackle with good upside yet lacks polish.
26. Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 192
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: 19
Jefferson established himself as Burrow's go-to guy in the passing game, racking up 1,540 yards (third in the FBS) and 18 touchdowns (second) on 111 catches (tied for first). In the Tigers' two playoff games alone, he caught 23 balls for 333 yards and four scores. Jefferson doesn't have elite physical tools, but he has good size and speed, and he will continue getting bigger and stronger. I really like the way he adjusts his routes, coming back to his quarterback on scrambles and finding windows in zone coverage. He has the ability to generate late separation and make contested catches.
27. Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 205
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: 20
I like Higgins' game a lot. He's an athletic playmaker who will catch anything in his neighborhood, as shown by his 59 catches for 1,167 yards and 13 touchdowns (tied for seventh in the FBS) this season. His 19.8 yards per catch tied for seventh in the country. 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. If you need an example, just rewatch his rushing score in the national title game.
28. Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville*
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 369
Grade: 88 | Previous rank: NR
Becton is a massive right tackle with versatility. And while he has some limitations in pass protection and isn't an elite athlete, he moves well for his size and sets a strong anchor with his wide frame once he's in position. In the run game, Becton is a pile-mover, flashing the ability to move defenders off the ball and neutralize linebackers when he climbs to the second level.
29. Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 320
Grade: 87 | Previous rank: 11
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.
30. Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 220
Grade: 87 | Previous rank: 24
This guy is a real strength 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. He is good on contested balls, and his ability to create after the catch stands out as a plus trait. Shenault will need time to develop and learn effective deep routes, but his short-area quickness is something else. He had 56 catches for 764 yards and 23 carries for 161 yards in 11 games, and he had 6 total touchdowns.
31. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 206
Grade: 87 | Previous rank: 29
His 65 catches for 1,192 yards (15th in the nation) and eight touchdowns had Aiyuk turning heads during the season. The big receiver comes with great versatility, lining up in the slot and on the outside. Aiyuk has been really good after the reception, aiding his 18.3 yards per catch, and he has certainly developed as a route runner. He has pretty good speed, which shows in his explosive return game -- he had 446 kickoff return yards and 226 more returning punts.
32. Jordan Love, QB, Utah State*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 225
Grade: 87 | Previous rank: NR
The fourth-year junior still has work to do processing in the pocket and protecting the football, as evidenced by a 20-17 touchdown-interception ratio this season. But he has great size, a live arm and the ability to extend plays with his legs. And let's not forget he's only a year removed from 32 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2018, before the Aggies lost most of their offensive weapons. When his feet are right and he's in balance, Love can be very accurate. He threw for 3,402 yards this season and was impressive all week at the Senior Bowl.