The 2020 college football season has set up a bit different than normal years, but every Power 5 conference is finally in play in early November. And we've seen enough football to start to get an idea of the top prospects in the 2021 NFL draft class. I have five quarterbacks breaking into my top 32 ranking, including a pair of big risers, and four wide receivers make my top 10. But remember, we have a lot of work still to do on this class with five-plus months until the clock starts on the first pick of the draft.
Here is my most recent evaluation of the top 32 players in the class, updated from my preseason 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. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson*
HT: 6-foot-6 | WT: 220 | Grade: 97
Lawrence is the best quarterback prospect I've seen come out of college since Andrew Luck was drafted by the Colts in 2012. Lawrence's intangibles are high-end, and I love his huge arm and the mobility he brings at his size. He'll need a little refining with his pocket presence, and his footwork is still progressing, but this kid is the real deal. He is currently out for Clemson as he recovers from COVID-19, but the junior has already amassed 17 passing touchdowns, 1,833 yards through the air and a 70.7% completion percentage while throwing only two interceptions in six games this season, all wins. He also has another four scores on the ground.
2. Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State*
HT: 6-3 | WT: 228 | Grade: 93
Fields starred in 2019 with 41 touchdown passes and only three interceptions, and he has really progressed under Buckeyes coach Ryan Day. So far in 2020, he has 11 passing touchdowns -- and the same number of total incompletions. You read that correctly; he has only 11 incompletions all year. Fields has completed 85.7% of his passes for 908 yards in three games, and he has yet to commit a turnover. He is very accurate throwing downfield and throws effectively off-schedule and off-platform. There is some zip on his ball, and he displays a quick release. Fields can make things happen with his legs too -- he is mobile in the pocket and has already rushed for two scores this season. He is dynamic and grades out as a good NFL starting QB, as his nation-leading 96.2 Total QBR might suggest.
3. Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon*
HT: 6-6 | WT: 330 | Grade: 92
Sewell gave up only one sack during 2018 and 2019 combined, starting 20 games along the way, but he opted out of this season. The only sophomore offensive lineman to win the Outland Trophy, Sewell is massive in pass protection and plays a disciplined game. He has the feet to excel as a zone blocker and the power to move defenders in the run game. Sewell has rare upside and can be a starter from day one in the NFL.
4. Ja'Marr Chase, WR, LSU*
HT: 6-0 | WT: 208 | Grade: 92
The 2019 Biletnikoff Award winner set SEC records in receiving yards and touchdowns last season, tallying 1,780 yards and 20 scores through the air for LSU. He is explosive off the line, a smooth route runner and tough in the open field. His body control stands out, and his speed is solid. Despite opting out this season, he headlines yet another talented wide receiver class.
5. Micah Parsons, ILB, Penn State*
HT: 6-3 | WT: 244 | Grade: 92
Parsons had 109 tackles in 2019, including 14 for loss, and forced four fumbles. He's long and is pretty good in coverage, with plenty of range. He is an above-average tackler and shows the burst to shoot gaps and be disruptive in run defense. Parsons has the instincts and speed to blitz, tallying five sacks last season. Another 2020 opt-out, he will need work in getting off blocks at the next level, but consider him a day one starter in the NFL.
6. DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
HT: 6-0 | WT: 170 | Grade: 92
Over the past two seasons, it has been difficult to stand out among Alabama wide receivers. Henry Ruggs III and Jerry Jeudy were both top-15 picks last April, and Jaylen Waddle probably will join Smith as a high pick in 2021. But Smith continues to find ways to pop. He rarely drops anything in his vicinity and displays some jump after the catch, compiling 56 catches (fourth in the country) for 759 yards (fourth) and eight touchdowns (tied for third) through six games this season. He has gone over 160 receiving yards in half of those games, and he is coming off a four-TD performance against Mississippi State on Halloween. Smith explodes off the line, is crisp in his route running and tracks the ball well vertically.
7. Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State*
HT: 6-3 | WT: 224 | Grade: 91
Lance has size and toughness at the quarterback position. He played only one game in 2020, a win against Central Arkansas in which he completed half his passes for south of 150 yards, but he shined last season. In 2019, he didn't throw a single interception, picked up 1,100 rushing yards and combined for 42 scores in all. He has only one career 300-plus-passing-yard game, and we never saw him in action against an FBS foe. But the third-year sophomore is effective dropping from under center and selling play-action, and his downfield touch is strong, despite some inconsistent placement on shorter throws.
8. Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota*
HT: 6-2 | WT: 213 | Grade: 91
Bateman opted out, and then opted back in to the 2020 season, and he has 24 catches for 302 yards through three games. His most impressive outing of the year came this past Saturday, when he caught 10 balls for 139 yards and a touchdown in a win against Illinois. Bateman will work the middle of the field, uncovers quickly and then has the soft hands to haul in the pass. He is a crafty route runner, and while his speed isn't game-breaking, he will make an impact thanks to his versatility, ability to gain separation and terrific ball skills.
9. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama*
HT: 6-2 | WT: 206 | Grade: 91
Surtain, a true shutdown cover corner, has a pick-six, five passes broken up and 22 tackles in six games. I love his instincts and the way he quickly diagnoses wide receivers' routes and funnels them where he wants them to go. He is also a natural playmaker, with good ball reaction skills and soft hands. His father, Patrick Surtain Sr., was a Pro Bowl corner in the NFL and a second-round pick in 1998.
10. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama*
HT: 5-10 | WT: 177 | Grade: 91
Waddle will miss the rest of the 2020 season because of an ankle injury, finishing his junior campaign with 25 catches for 557 yards and four TDs. His 22.3 yards-per-reception average stands at 15th in the country. Waddle's game is all about elusiveness, part of the reason he also pops in the return game. Put the ball in his hands and let things happen. He tracks the deep ball well, isn't afraid to work the middle of the field and shows excellent lateral agility and field vision.
11. Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida*
HT: 6-6 | WT: 239 | Grade: 90
Pitts sets up as a versatile matchup in the NFL with great size, a big catch radius and the hands to produce. In only five games this season, he has 414 receiving yards on 24 catches and has found the end zone eight times, tied for the third-most scores in the FBS. The junior amassed 170 yards and four end zone trips in the Gators' opener in September. He flashes as a route runner and possesses above-average separation skills for a tight end. He has some speed to be a threat downfield, and he figures to be a real coverage problem for opponent defenses in the NFL. One thing to monitor: Pitts left Saturday's game against Georgia after a big hit, though it is unclear if he will miss more time.
Mac Jones throws to DeVonta Smith for a 35-yard Alabama touchdown vs. Mississippi State.
12. Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami*
HT: 6-7 | WT: 253 | Grade: 90
Rousseau is tall, long and quick off the edge. He has power to overwhelm blockers and works back inside once he is even with the quarterback. He opted out of the 2020 season, but he had 15.5 sacks last season for the Hurricanes -- which ranked him No. 2 in the country behind Chase Young -- and he totaled 19.5 tackles for loss (tied for seventh). As a run-defender, Rousseau can set the edge and make plays. He has future Pro Bowl talent.
13. Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas*
HT: 6-7 | WT: 313 | Grade: 90
Cosmi shows some quick feet for a big lineman and can redirect really well in pass protection. He isn't overpowering, but his hand placement is very good and he doesn't fall off many blocks. As a run-blocker, his angles are strong, and he frequently walks defensive linemen off the line. Cosmi has played both left and right tackle.
14. Rashawn Slater, C, Northwestern
HT: 6-4 | WT: 308 | Grade: 90
Slater had significant starting time both at right and left tackle before opting out of the 2020 season, but his frame and athletic ability lend themselves to a better trajectory inside, probably at center. He gives up ground too much and speed rushers cause him problems at tackle. But I really like his feel for angles, and he is smooth getting set. Power is there in the run game, and his body control in pass protection is strong.
15. Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State*
HT: 6-1 | WT: 191 | Grade: 90
Wade is still looking for his first interception of the season, but he did have four in 2018 and 2019 combined. He played primarily inside for the Buckeyes in 2019 with Jeff Okudah and Damon Arnette on the roster, but he slid outside this year. He shows quick feet, fluid hips and good closing burst. His recognition skills are stronger in zone than man coverage, and he is still improving his finishing ability when playing the ball. But he is a strong open-field tackler and brings versatility to the table.
16. Zach Wilson, QB, BYU*
HT: 6-3 | WT: 210 | Grade: 90
What a rise for Wilson. He has navigated his Cougars to an 8-0 start by completing 75% of his passes for 2,511 yards (second in the country), 21 touchdowns (tied for fourth) and two interceptions. If that weren't impressive enough, Wilson also has eight rushing TDs. I love his competitiveness and toughness in the pocket, and he has a high-end ability to extend plays. His deep-ball accuracy is also outstanding. If he continues playing this well, he's going to deserve first-round consideration come April.
17. Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan
HT: 6-3 | WT: 270 | Grade: 90
Paye can slip blocks and make plays in the backfield. He is still developing as a pass-rusher -- though he had 6.5 sacks last year and has 2.0 in three games so far in 2020 -- but the ceiling is high. I like his range, and he has a professional approach to the game. Paye is probably a 3-4 OLB candidate in the NFL. He did suffer an injury this past weekend against Indiana; it is still unclear if he will miss time.
18. Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU*
HT: 6-2 | WT: 208 | Grade: 89
Moehrig is a playmaker. He breaks quickly on the ball, times his jump and has the ball skills to haul in interceptions -- he has one through six games after grabbing four in 2019 and has broken up seven additional passes this season. Moehrig is above average as a tackler (26 in 2020) and even has some return game experience.
19. Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech*
HT: 6-2 | WT: 207 | Grade: 89
The first high-end draft prospect to opt out of the 2020 college season, Farley broke up 12 passes and intercepted four in 2019. His blend of size, length and speed is rare, and he has burst to his game. A former wide receiver, he has strong ball skills and flashes the ability to recognize route combinations. Farley is still developing, but the toolbox is there.
20. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, ILB, Notre Dame*
HT: 6-2 | WT: 220 | Grade: 89
I love Owusu-Koramoah's tape. He is fast, he is instinctive and he is only getting stronger as he develops. His recognition skills are very good, too, as he always seems to be around the ball. Owusu-Koramoah is fluid in coverage and even flashes the ability to get home on the quarterback, thanks to his suddenness. He does it all: In 2020, he has 35 tackles (8.0 for loss), 1.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and an interception. Against Clemson on Saturday night, Owusu-Koramoah made nine tackles and returned a fumble for a TD.
21. Wyatt Davis, G, Ohio State*
HT: 6-4 | WT: 315 | Grade: 89
Davis' size and mobility are pretty ideal for a guard prospect. His foot quickness is above average, and his awareness is very good. In 2019, he did not give up a sack or hit on the quarterback in 400-plus pass pro reps. He takes good angles and has the strength to consistently get movement in the run game.
22. Trey Smith, G, Tennessee
HT: 6-5 | WT: 333 | Grade: 89
After two seasons at left tackle, Smith kicked inside for 12 starts at left guard in 2019, which is where he remains in 2020 and projects long term. He has some injury history but is explosive on the inside, flashing the ability to push defenders right off the ball and overwhelm at the second level. Smith is a mauler, but he tends to fall off blocks too frequently.
23. Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson*
HT: 5-10 | WT: 212 | Grade: 89
Etienne has above-average speed with an explosive second gear when he hits daylight. He's a real home run hitter in space, breaking off 11 plays for 30-plus yards already this season. I like his contact balance, too. Etienne has 66 career rushing touchdowns, including 10 in 2020, and he bested 1,600 rushing yards for the second straight season in 2019 before gaining 634 through eight games this year. The one big area to continue to watch: He already has 491 receiving yards this season, better than his totals in any of his other three seasons, showing massive improvement in that area.
24. Najee Harris, RB, Alabama*
HT: 6-2 | WT: 232 | Grade: 89
Harris has great size and speed, and he has shown good ball security. He is strong on contact, but he does run a little high. I was previously a bit concerned he danced too much, looking for the home run, but Harris is staying in his lane more this season. Alabama has had quite a few productive runners enter the NFL draft over the past 10 years, and Harris is the next in line, averaging 6.0 yards per carry over his career. His 14 rushing touchdowns rank No. 1 in the country this season, and his 714 rushing yards are No. 11. He looks improved in pass protection, too, and remains underrated as a pass-catcher.
25. Carlos Basham Jr., DE, Wake Forest
HT: 6-4 | WT: 274 | Grade: 89
Quickness, power, active hands and length are what you get with Basham off the edge. He has 5.0 sacks this season (11.0 last season), along with 26 tackles and a forced fumble. I've seen him still be disruptive against double-teams, too. He can set the edge against the run, but his gap discipline is inconsistent.
26. Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State*
HT: 6-5 | WT: 259 | Grade: 89
The top tight end prospect for 2021, Freiermuth has 197 receiving yards in three games. And while he has found the end zone only once in 2020, he did have 15 TDs over his previous two seasons. He can make plays over the middle or box out defenders when lining up outside. The speed is there to produce down the seam, and he has the toughness to make contested grabs. Don't expect Freiermuth to make many defenders miss, but his frame and speed make him a problem for opponents. He is an adequate blocker, too.
27. Nick Bolton, ILB, Missouri*
HT: 6-0 | WT: 232 | Grade: 88
Bolton is a solid off-the-ball linebacker with great instincts and a good motor. He is very good in coverage, has pop at the point of attack and plays faster than his straight-line speed would suggest because he locates the ball quickly. Bolton is a bit undersized, but it hasn't stopped the production. In five games, he has 53 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 3 passes broken up, a sack and a fumble recovery.
28. Mac Jones, QB, Alabama*
HT: 6-3 | WT: 214 | Grade: 88
Jones is a big riser in the QB class, and I really like his touch, ball placement and trajectory on vertical shots. He anticipates really well, leading receivers and throwing them open. Jones also processes quickly and has really fast eyes in getting through progressions. In the pocket, he has poise and toughness, and while he isn't a dangerous runner, Jones has a good feel for how to extend plays all while keeping his eyes downfield. He is completing 78.5% of his passes this season, gaining 2,196 yards through the air (fourth in the FBS) and throwing 16 touchdowns to two interceptions. And his 95.4 Total QBR is second in the country to Fields' mark.
29. Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State*
HT: 6-1 | WT: 185 | Grade: 88
Olave is explosive and fast. In high school, Olave ran a 10.8-second 100-meter dash and posted a 23-foot, 6-inch long jump. It helps him generate vertical separation, something he does better than any other receiver I've watched on tape for this class. Olave also has soft hands and transitions upfield well after the catch. All that has led to 18 catches for 288 yards and four TDs in three games this season.
30. Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama*
HT: 6-5 | WT: 310 | Grade: 88
Barmore has emerged this season, with two sacks and a forced fumble from the interior of Alabama's defensive line. He is still developing as a pass-rusher, but he can get home. Against the run, Barmore shows strong gap control. As an added bonus, he is versatile along the line, too. But keep in mind that Barmore is a third-year sophomore and entered the year with only one career start.
31. Jevon Holland, S, Oregon*
HT: 6-1 | WT: 208 | Grade: 88
A talented open-field tackler with the ball skills to make plays, Holland had four or more interceptions in each of the past two seasons (nine total). An opt-out for 2020, he reads routes and closes well, helping him reduce yards after the catch from opponents. And he is productive as a punt returner.
32. Joseph Ossai, ILB, Texas*
HT: 6-4 | WT: 253 | Grade: 88
Ossai does a little bit of everything, and does it all well. In seven games, the hybrid linebacker has 49 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and 2 passes broken up. He can play off the ball, can cover as an overhang and can blitz. He makes plays when he is turned loose upfield, thanks to good closing burst. And Ossai is instinctive as a pass-rusher and disciplined as a run defender.