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NFL Draft Big Board: Defensive tackles drop due to off-field issues
by Rob Rang | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst
Dec. 15, 2015 11:12 PM ET
Anyone paying attention can identify the biggest, strongest and fastest athletes in college football and theoretically project them to the NFL.
NFL scouts make their living looking beyond the obvious. They are trying to determine which players have the intangibles to work even harder after landing a multi-million dollar NFL contract -- and those whose lack of them could cap their natural potential.
Fair or not, decisions outside of the game by defensive tackles Robert Nkemdiche (Mississippi) and Adolphus Washington (Ohio State) have scouts questioning each player's maturity. Each finds his stock slipping in my latest ranking of the top 32 draft-eligible prospects in college football.
1. Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State, 6-5, 275, 4.82, Junior: With just five sacks among his 47 tackles, Bosa's production over the regular season is perhaps bit disappointing. His ability to disrupt, however, is obvious on tape. Powerful, athletic, technically sound and ultra-competitive, Bosa is a threat to make a big play on every snap, whether it be rushing the passer or defending the run. He projects best in the left defensive end role in which he's starred for much of his career with the Buckeyes but has experience rushing out of the two-point stance, as well. He is agile and instinctive enough to handle the transition to a 3-4 alignment should the team lucky enough to get him favor that approach.
2. Laremy Tunsil, OT, Mississippi, 6-5, 305, 5.23, Junior: Tunsil was suspended for the first seven games of the season by the NCAA for multiple rules violations that include accepting improper benefits. Since he has returned, he has shut down first-round-caliber pass rushers in Texas A&M's Myles Garrett and Auburn's Carl Lawson. Tunsil possesses a remarkable combination of size, agility and strength that has scouts comparing him to Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro Jason Peters.
3. Jalen Ramsey, CB, Florida State, 6-1, 202, 4.49, Junior: A freakish athlete with legitimate Olympics hopes and the physicality required for the NFL, Ramsey has the look of a top-10 pick, regardless of where he ultimately lines up in the secondary. He has starred at safety, cornerback and even linebacker over his three seasons with the Seminoles. He doesn't have the ball skills you'd expect of a blue-chip prospect, failing to turn a single one of his 10 pass breakups during the regular season into an interception.
4. Jaylon Smith, OLB, Notre Dame, 6-3, 235, 4.67, Junior: The Irish annually produce NFL talent, but Smith is a different caliber of athlete than recent prospects out of South Bend. Some scouts consider him the best player in the country. A truly explosive player who wins with speed and power, Smith is position- and scheme-versatile and a future three-down standout in the NFL. He's a shoo-in to enter the draft early and will be the highest drafted defender from Notre Dame since Bryant Young was taken seventh overall by San Francisco in 1994.
5. Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA, 6-1, 222, 4.56, Junior: The NFL will have to carefully evaluate Jack's health after UCLA announced Oct. 6 that the true junior was leaving for the pros despite suffering a season-ending knee injury. The decision was bold but not reckless. Put simply, Jack is a "natural" whose fluidity, instincts and knack for game-breaking plays made him the only player in Pac-12 history to be named both the Offensive and Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2013. Given Jack's talent and the gains made in players' recovery from surgeries, Jack remains very much in the early-first-round conversation despite his injury.
6. Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson, 6-3, 275, 4.64, Redshirt Junior: Lawson, who entered the 2015 season with more buzz and production (79 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks) than career starts (one), steadily rose up draft boards in 2015. With Vic Beasley and Grady Jarrett off to the NFL, Lawson finally got his turn and he's responded with a breakout campaign, nearly matching those numbers (55 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks) with the Orange Bowl (and potentially the National Championship) still to go. Quick off the ball, powerful and tenacious, he's a threat on every snap. Better yet, he may only be scratching the surface of his potential. Lawson announced Dec. 8 that he's heading to the NFL.
7. Jared Goff, QB, California, 6-4, 210, 4.82, Junior: After a tough month against the Pac-12's top defenses, Goff was dynamic down the stretch, including helping the Bears overcome a 21-point deficit and stun Arizona State on Nov. 28 -- in what may have been his final game at Memorial Stadium. Goff completed 30 of 51 passes for a school-record 542 yards and five touchdowns in the comeback. Sure, coach Sonny Dykes' up-tempo spread offense has inflated Goff's production (11,733 yards and a 90/30 TD/INT ratio in 35 starts), but of the quarterbacks potentially available in the 2016 draft, the lanky junior offers the best combination of awareness, functional mobility, accuracy and toughness -- the traits believed to be the best indicators of future success at this position for the NFL.
8. Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame, 6-6, 315, 5.17, Redshirt Junior: Stanley has the length, agility and balance to remain at left tackle in the NFL, where he's starred the past three seasons for the Irish. Stanley isn't as powerful or tenacious a run blocker as my top-rated tackle (Tunsil) but he's athletic, technically sound and battle-tested.
9. Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Mississippi, 6-4, 296, 4.86, Junior: Nkemdiche -- and his draft stock -- took a dip on Dec. 12 when police found him hurt after falling through a hotel room window. On its own, the fall might be just a bizarre accident. Frankly though, there were scouts worried about Nkemdiche's commitment prior to the incident, which earned him a citation from Atlanta police for marijuana possession. Even with growing concerns about his decision-making, Nkemdiche remains in my top 10 prospects. He might just be the most gifted prospect in the country, boasting a combination of power and athleticism sure to intrigue every team in the league.
10. DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon, 6-7, 290, 4.87, Senior: All of the attention goes to Vernon Adams III and Oregon's offense but the imposing Buckner has been one of the few consistent bright spots for the Ducks this season. Buckner isn't an explosive edge rusher but his length, strength and balance will intrigue coaches at the next level, especially as a five-tech defensive end. He's my top-rated senior, regardless of position.
11. Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida, 5-11, 198, 4.44, Junior: A rare three-time First Team All-SEC pick, Hargreaves combines instincts, agility and controlled aggression to shut down one side of the field in coverage. He lived off of his reputation a bit this season and Alabama beat him for two long gains in the SEC Championship. Hargreaves doesn't possess ideal size, but he's highly aggressive, which includes fighting off blocks and looking to tackle backs in run support. Further, he possesses excellent ball skills, as his 10 career interceptions can attest.
12. Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi, 6-2, 212, 4.52, Junior: Just over a year removed from a horrific leg injury that some thought might threaten his career, Treadwell was one of three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver (ultimately losing out to Baylor's Corey Coleman, listed 19th). There remain concerns about his top-end speed, but Treadwell's NFL-ready frame, body control and raw power make him a frightening draw as both a receiver and downfield blocker.
13. Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State, 6-4, 275, 4.76, Redshirt Junior: Ogbah was recognized by Big 12 coaches as the conference's top defensive lineman a year ago and was even better this season, leading the Cowboys in tackles for loss (17.5), sacks (13) and forced fumbles (three) to earn co-honors with Baylor DT Andrew Billings (14th on these rankings). Ogbah isn't just productive, he's gifted, boasting an exciting length, power and agility.
14. Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor, 6-1, 300, 5.04, Junior: Given the success of Aaron Donald, Jurrell Casey and similarly "undersized" defensive tackles in the NFL, it is easy to get excited about the Billings, whose bowling-ball style can be tough for offensive linemen to handle. Billings' regular season numbers (38 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks in 11 games) are deceptive. He just might be the most disruptive defensive lineman in college football.
15. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State, 6-0, 225, 4.42, Junior: Elliott reacted poorly following Ohio State's loss to Michigan State, publicly calling out his coaches and announcing his intentions to leave the Buckeyes after this season for the NFL. He's since apologized, and anyone who watches Elliott knows that he's a passionate, selfless and certainly very talented player. Elliott isn't the second-coming of Todd Gurley, but he's clearly the top draft-eligible back this year.
16. Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA, 6-3, 308, 5.22, Junior: Clark doesn't get as much national attention as Nkemdiche or Billings as he lacks their eye-catching athleticism. He's proven a standout since Day 1 for the Bruins, however, and is viewed by some scouts as the safest of the trio. He is an assignment-sound tough-guy with the broad frame and power to plug holes in the running game, projecting nicely to three- and four-man fronts, alike.
17. Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama, 6-3, 283, 4.73, Junior: Despite limited opportunities due to Alabama rotating its defensive linemen, Allen has surged up draft boards this season, leading a defense filled with future draft picks in both sacks (nine) and tackles for loss (11.5). Significantly lighter and quicker than his battery mates, Allen is nonetheless stout, showing the ability to anchor as well as chop through would-be blockers with heavy hands.
18. Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State, 6-4, 220, 4.89, Redshirt Senior: Cook comes out of a pro-style attack that features plenty of challenging downfield throws, making him theoretically more NFL-ready than the other top-rated quarterbacks in this draft. He is a polarizing prospect who notably was not voted a captain by teammates and had an awkward encounter with Ohio State legend Archie Griffin caught on live television. Cook doesn't possess elite traits but he has shown the poise, arm strength and accuracy to start early in his pro career.
19. Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor, 5-10, 190, 4.45, Redshirt Junior: After racing to an eye-popping 20 touchdowns over the first eight games of the 2015 season, Coleman was kept out of the end zone over the final games of the regular season, three of which (not surprisingly) the Bears lost. While Coleman's blinding speed makes him a perfect fit in coach Art Briles' vertical attack, he's more than just a big-play threat, showing the combination of strength, agility and vision to make plays underneath, as well.
20. Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis, 6-6, 230, 4.95, Redshirt Junior: Boasting more exciting traits and better production than either Goff or Cook, Lynch is viewed by some as a possible top-10 pick. He has a hose for an arm, terrific size and surprising mobility, but for all of his talents, Lynch has been aided by a spread offense and relatively weak competition.
21. Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson, 5-10, 195, 4.43, Redshirt Sophomore: I rarely include redshirt sophomores on this list, but the NFL's constant need for cornerbacks and Alexander's talent warrant it. Sporting an athletic, compact frame more like a running back than most corners, Alexander already passes the eye test. He doesn't have the preferred height but offers excellent man-to-man cover skills.
22. Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State, 6-7, 317, 5.21, Senior: They don't come much safer than Decker, the Big Ten's Offensive Lineman of the Year. Massive and athletic, he has enough agility to potentially remain at left tackle in the NFL and possesses the power, grit and tenacity to project nicely to the right side, as well.
23. Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU, 5-11, 191, 4.48, Junior: Few programs can match LSU's regular production of NFL defensive backs and White is as fluid in coverage as any of the past Tigers, including current Arizona Cardinals Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu. His lack of ideal strength was exposed by Treadwell in the Nov. 21 showdown of future first-round picks, with the Ole Miss wideout pulling free for additional yardage and a touchdown in the Rebels' win.
24. Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State, 6-6, 318, 5.43, Redshirt Junior: A former walk-on, Conklin is a favorite among scouts due to his blue-collar work ethic and powerful, no-nonsense style. He isn't as agile as some of the other top tackles on this board and may be pushed inside at the next level. He's long, powerful and tenacious, however -- traits that make him one of the nation's best run blockers, as proven by a starring role in the Spartans' wins over Ohio State and Iowa.
25. Jarran Reed, DL, Alabama, 6-3, 313, 5.14, Senior: Country-strong with tree trunks for thighs and long arms, Reed is a classic two-gap run-stuffer stout enough to play inside at defensive tackle or outside at end. He's not a quick-twitch pass rusher who'll ever lead the team in sacks but he changes directions surprisingly well for a big man, accelerates smoothly and hustles to the ball.
26. Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia, 6-3, 232, 4.73, Redshirt Junior: Floyd emerged as one of the SEC's most feared edge rushers over the past two seasons, beating opponents with first-step explosiveness, length and surprising functional strength for his relatively slim frame. He was asked to play off the line of scrimmage more often in 2015 and while the positional versatility could theoretically help his stock, Floyd has looked hesitant in his new role.
27. A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama, 6-3, 312, 5.18, Junior: The stoutest of the three-headed monster of future first-round picks Alabama is hoping to ride into a national championship, Robinson could earn top-20 consideration should he elect to leave school early. Robinson is surprisingly agile for his size but his game is all about power, making him a better fit in a two-gap alignment.
28. Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State, 6-5, 252, 4.78, Redshirt Senior: Calhoun was reportedly given a "first day" projection by the NFL Advisory Committee a year ago when he considered jumping into the NFL early. By returning, he's shown greater strength at the point of attack, along with intriguing burst and agility for a player with his height and length. Scouts appreciate prospects who respond to the pressure of big games and Calhoun stood out against rival Michigan, Ohio State and Iowa in the Big Ten Championship Game.
29. Jonathan Bullard, DE, Florida, 6-3, 283, 4.86, Senior: Bullard is aptly named as he possesses brute strength to control opponents at the point of attack, gumming up rushing lanes. He's quick enough to challenge the corner and split gaps but isn't a traditional speed rusher. Bullard inspired this season by playing through shoulder and knee injuries to emerge as Florida's most consistent defender.
30. Germain Ifedi, OL, Texas A&M, 6-5, 325, 5.34, Redshirt Junior: The latest in the A&M train of offensive linemen going full steam ahead to the NFL, Ifedi has experience at left guard, right tackle and left tackle and possesses the mass, light feet and active hands to maintain this versatility at the next level.
31. Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech, 6-0, 197, 4.50, Junior: Like Jack (No. 5 overall on this board), Fuller elected to forego his final year of amateur eligibility despite missing virtually the entire season due to a knee injury which required surgery. The younger brother of former Virginia Tech standouts and current NFL players Vincent, Corey and Kyle Fuller, he is a fluid and savvy defender whose instincts and poise when the ball is in the air helped him record eight interceptions and an NCAA-best 34 pass breakups over his first two seasons at Virginia Tech.
32. Adolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State, 6-4, 290, 4.96, Senior: A Dec. 10 arrest for solicitation left Washington suspended for the Buckeyes' Fiesta Bowl matchup with Notre Dame, abruptly ending his collegiate career and putting his NFL stock in flux. Washington has a chance to remain in the first round because he's strong enough to hold up to double-teams and quick enough to split gaps, making him scheme and position diverse. To do so, however, he'll need to reassure NFL personnel of his commitment in the months prior to the draft.
by Rob Rang | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst
Dec. 15, 2015 11:12 PM ET
Anyone paying attention can identify the biggest, strongest and fastest athletes in college football and theoretically project them to the NFL.
NFL scouts make their living looking beyond the obvious. They are trying to determine which players have the intangibles to work even harder after landing a multi-million dollar NFL contract -- and those whose lack of them could cap their natural potential.
Fair or not, decisions outside of the game by defensive tackles Robert Nkemdiche (Mississippi) and Adolphus Washington (Ohio State) have scouts questioning each player's maturity. Each finds his stock slipping in my latest ranking of the top 32 draft-eligible prospects in college football.
1. Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State, 6-5, 275, 4.82, Junior: With just five sacks among his 47 tackles, Bosa's production over the regular season is perhaps bit disappointing. His ability to disrupt, however, is obvious on tape. Powerful, athletic, technically sound and ultra-competitive, Bosa is a threat to make a big play on every snap, whether it be rushing the passer or defending the run. He projects best in the left defensive end role in which he's starred for much of his career with the Buckeyes but has experience rushing out of the two-point stance, as well. He is agile and instinctive enough to handle the transition to a 3-4 alignment should the team lucky enough to get him favor that approach.
2. Laremy Tunsil, OT, Mississippi, 6-5, 305, 5.23, Junior: Tunsil was suspended for the first seven games of the season by the NCAA for multiple rules violations that include accepting improper benefits. Since he has returned, he has shut down first-round-caliber pass rushers in Texas A&M's Myles Garrett and Auburn's Carl Lawson. Tunsil possesses a remarkable combination of size, agility and strength that has scouts comparing him to Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro Jason Peters.
3. Jalen Ramsey, CB, Florida State, 6-1, 202, 4.49, Junior: A freakish athlete with legitimate Olympics hopes and the physicality required for the NFL, Ramsey has the look of a top-10 pick, regardless of where he ultimately lines up in the secondary. He has starred at safety, cornerback and even linebacker over his three seasons with the Seminoles. He doesn't have the ball skills you'd expect of a blue-chip prospect, failing to turn a single one of his 10 pass breakups during the regular season into an interception.
4. Jaylon Smith, OLB, Notre Dame, 6-3, 235, 4.67, Junior: The Irish annually produce NFL talent, but Smith is a different caliber of athlete than recent prospects out of South Bend. Some scouts consider him the best player in the country. A truly explosive player who wins with speed and power, Smith is position- and scheme-versatile and a future three-down standout in the NFL. He's a shoo-in to enter the draft early and will be the highest drafted defender from Notre Dame since Bryant Young was taken seventh overall by San Francisco in 1994.
5. Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA, 6-1, 222, 4.56, Junior: The NFL will have to carefully evaluate Jack's health after UCLA announced Oct. 6 that the true junior was leaving for the pros despite suffering a season-ending knee injury. The decision was bold but not reckless. Put simply, Jack is a "natural" whose fluidity, instincts and knack for game-breaking plays made him the only player in Pac-12 history to be named both the Offensive and Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2013. Given Jack's talent and the gains made in players' recovery from surgeries, Jack remains very much in the early-first-round conversation despite his injury.
6. Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson, 6-3, 275, 4.64, Redshirt Junior: Lawson, who entered the 2015 season with more buzz and production (79 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks) than career starts (one), steadily rose up draft boards in 2015. With Vic Beasley and Grady Jarrett off to the NFL, Lawson finally got his turn and he's responded with a breakout campaign, nearly matching those numbers (55 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks) with the Orange Bowl (and potentially the National Championship) still to go. Quick off the ball, powerful and tenacious, he's a threat on every snap. Better yet, he may only be scratching the surface of his potential. Lawson announced Dec. 8 that he's heading to the NFL.
7. Jared Goff, QB, California, 6-4, 210, 4.82, Junior: After a tough month against the Pac-12's top defenses, Goff was dynamic down the stretch, including helping the Bears overcome a 21-point deficit and stun Arizona State on Nov. 28 -- in what may have been his final game at Memorial Stadium. Goff completed 30 of 51 passes for a school-record 542 yards and five touchdowns in the comeback. Sure, coach Sonny Dykes' up-tempo spread offense has inflated Goff's production (11,733 yards and a 90/30 TD/INT ratio in 35 starts), but of the quarterbacks potentially available in the 2016 draft, the lanky junior offers the best combination of awareness, functional mobility, accuracy and toughness -- the traits believed to be the best indicators of future success at this position for the NFL.
8. Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame, 6-6, 315, 5.17, Redshirt Junior: Stanley has the length, agility and balance to remain at left tackle in the NFL, where he's starred the past three seasons for the Irish. Stanley isn't as powerful or tenacious a run blocker as my top-rated tackle (Tunsil) but he's athletic, technically sound and battle-tested.
9. Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Mississippi, 6-4, 296, 4.86, Junior: Nkemdiche -- and his draft stock -- took a dip on Dec. 12 when police found him hurt after falling through a hotel room window. On its own, the fall might be just a bizarre accident. Frankly though, there were scouts worried about Nkemdiche's commitment prior to the incident, which earned him a citation from Atlanta police for marijuana possession. Even with growing concerns about his decision-making, Nkemdiche remains in my top 10 prospects. He might just be the most gifted prospect in the country, boasting a combination of power and athleticism sure to intrigue every team in the league.
10. DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon, 6-7, 290, 4.87, Senior: All of the attention goes to Vernon Adams III and Oregon's offense but the imposing Buckner has been one of the few consistent bright spots for the Ducks this season. Buckner isn't an explosive edge rusher but his length, strength and balance will intrigue coaches at the next level, especially as a five-tech defensive end. He's my top-rated senior, regardless of position.
11. Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida, 5-11, 198, 4.44, Junior: A rare three-time First Team All-SEC pick, Hargreaves combines instincts, agility and controlled aggression to shut down one side of the field in coverage. He lived off of his reputation a bit this season and Alabama beat him for two long gains in the SEC Championship. Hargreaves doesn't possess ideal size, but he's highly aggressive, which includes fighting off blocks and looking to tackle backs in run support. Further, he possesses excellent ball skills, as his 10 career interceptions can attest.
12. Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi, 6-2, 212, 4.52, Junior: Just over a year removed from a horrific leg injury that some thought might threaten his career, Treadwell was one of three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver (ultimately losing out to Baylor's Corey Coleman, listed 19th). There remain concerns about his top-end speed, but Treadwell's NFL-ready frame, body control and raw power make him a frightening draw as both a receiver and downfield blocker.
13. Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State, 6-4, 275, 4.76, Redshirt Junior: Ogbah was recognized by Big 12 coaches as the conference's top defensive lineman a year ago and was even better this season, leading the Cowboys in tackles for loss (17.5), sacks (13) and forced fumbles (three) to earn co-honors with Baylor DT Andrew Billings (14th on these rankings). Ogbah isn't just productive, he's gifted, boasting an exciting length, power and agility.
14. Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor, 6-1, 300, 5.04, Junior: Given the success of Aaron Donald, Jurrell Casey and similarly "undersized" defensive tackles in the NFL, it is easy to get excited about the Billings, whose bowling-ball style can be tough for offensive linemen to handle. Billings' regular season numbers (38 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks in 11 games) are deceptive. He just might be the most disruptive defensive lineman in college football.
15. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State, 6-0, 225, 4.42, Junior: Elliott reacted poorly following Ohio State's loss to Michigan State, publicly calling out his coaches and announcing his intentions to leave the Buckeyes after this season for the NFL. He's since apologized, and anyone who watches Elliott knows that he's a passionate, selfless and certainly very talented player. Elliott isn't the second-coming of Todd Gurley, but he's clearly the top draft-eligible back this year.
16. Kenny Clark, DT, UCLA, 6-3, 308, 5.22, Junior: Clark doesn't get as much national attention as Nkemdiche or Billings as he lacks their eye-catching athleticism. He's proven a standout since Day 1 for the Bruins, however, and is viewed by some scouts as the safest of the trio. He is an assignment-sound tough-guy with the broad frame and power to plug holes in the running game, projecting nicely to three- and four-man fronts, alike.
17. Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama, 6-3, 283, 4.73, Junior: Despite limited opportunities due to Alabama rotating its defensive linemen, Allen has surged up draft boards this season, leading a defense filled with future draft picks in both sacks (nine) and tackles for loss (11.5). Significantly lighter and quicker than his battery mates, Allen is nonetheless stout, showing the ability to anchor as well as chop through would-be blockers with heavy hands.
18. Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State, 6-4, 220, 4.89, Redshirt Senior: Cook comes out of a pro-style attack that features plenty of challenging downfield throws, making him theoretically more NFL-ready than the other top-rated quarterbacks in this draft. He is a polarizing prospect who notably was not voted a captain by teammates and had an awkward encounter with Ohio State legend Archie Griffin caught on live television. Cook doesn't possess elite traits but he has shown the poise, arm strength and accuracy to start early in his pro career.
19. Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor, 5-10, 190, 4.45, Redshirt Junior: After racing to an eye-popping 20 touchdowns over the first eight games of the 2015 season, Coleman was kept out of the end zone over the final games of the regular season, three of which (not surprisingly) the Bears lost. While Coleman's blinding speed makes him a perfect fit in coach Art Briles' vertical attack, he's more than just a big-play threat, showing the combination of strength, agility and vision to make plays underneath, as well.
20. Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis, 6-6, 230, 4.95, Redshirt Junior: Boasting more exciting traits and better production than either Goff or Cook, Lynch is viewed by some as a possible top-10 pick. He has a hose for an arm, terrific size and surprising mobility, but for all of his talents, Lynch has been aided by a spread offense and relatively weak competition.
21. Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson, 5-10, 195, 4.43, Redshirt Sophomore: I rarely include redshirt sophomores on this list, but the NFL's constant need for cornerbacks and Alexander's talent warrant it. Sporting an athletic, compact frame more like a running back than most corners, Alexander already passes the eye test. He doesn't have the preferred height but offers excellent man-to-man cover skills.
22. Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State, 6-7, 317, 5.21, Senior: They don't come much safer than Decker, the Big Ten's Offensive Lineman of the Year. Massive and athletic, he has enough agility to potentially remain at left tackle in the NFL and possesses the power, grit and tenacity to project nicely to the right side, as well.
23. Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU, 5-11, 191, 4.48, Junior: Few programs can match LSU's regular production of NFL defensive backs and White is as fluid in coverage as any of the past Tigers, including current Arizona Cardinals Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu. His lack of ideal strength was exposed by Treadwell in the Nov. 21 showdown of future first-round picks, with the Ole Miss wideout pulling free for additional yardage and a touchdown in the Rebels' win.
24. Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State, 6-6, 318, 5.43, Redshirt Junior: A former walk-on, Conklin is a favorite among scouts due to his blue-collar work ethic and powerful, no-nonsense style. He isn't as agile as some of the other top tackles on this board and may be pushed inside at the next level. He's long, powerful and tenacious, however -- traits that make him one of the nation's best run blockers, as proven by a starring role in the Spartans' wins over Ohio State and Iowa.
25. Jarran Reed, DL, Alabama, 6-3, 313, 5.14, Senior: Country-strong with tree trunks for thighs and long arms, Reed is a classic two-gap run-stuffer stout enough to play inside at defensive tackle or outside at end. He's not a quick-twitch pass rusher who'll ever lead the team in sacks but he changes directions surprisingly well for a big man, accelerates smoothly and hustles to the ball.
26. Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia, 6-3, 232, 4.73, Redshirt Junior: Floyd emerged as one of the SEC's most feared edge rushers over the past two seasons, beating opponents with first-step explosiveness, length and surprising functional strength for his relatively slim frame. He was asked to play off the line of scrimmage more often in 2015 and while the positional versatility could theoretically help his stock, Floyd has looked hesitant in his new role.
27. A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama, 6-3, 312, 5.18, Junior: The stoutest of the three-headed monster of future first-round picks Alabama is hoping to ride into a national championship, Robinson could earn top-20 consideration should he elect to leave school early. Robinson is surprisingly agile for his size but his game is all about power, making him a better fit in a two-gap alignment.
28. Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State, 6-5, 252, 4.78, Redshirt Senior: Calhoun was reportedly given a "first day" projection by the NFL Advisory Committee a year ago when he considered jumping into the NFL early. By returning, he's shown greater strength at the point of attack, along with intriguing burst and agility for a player with his height and length. Scouts appreciate prospects who respond to the pressure of big games and Calhoun stood out against rival Michigan, Ohio State and Iowa in the Big Ten Championship Game.
29. Jonathan Bullard, DE, Florida, 6-3, 283, 4.86, Senior: Bullard is aptly named as he possesses brute strength to control opponents at the point of attack, gumming up rushing lanes. He's quick enough to challenge the corner and split gaps but isn't a traditional speed rusher. Bullard inspired this season by playing through shoulder and knee injuries to emerge as Florida's most consistent defender.
30. Germain Ifedi, OL, Texas A&M, 6-5, 325, 5.34, Redshirt Junior: The latest in the A&M train of offensive linemen going full steam ahead to the NFL, Ifedi has experience at left guard, right tackle and left tackle and possesses the mass, light feet and active hands to maintain this versatility at the next level.
31. Kendall Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech, 6-0, 197, 4.50, Junior: Like Jack (No. 5 overall on this board), Fuller elected to forego his final year of amateur eligibility despite missing virtually the entire season due to a knee injury which required surgery. The younger brother of former Virginia Tech standouts and current NFL players Vincent, Corey and Kyle Fuller, he is a fluid and savvy defender whose instincts and poise when the ball is in the air helped him record eight interceptions and an NCAA-best 34 pass breakups over his first two seasons at Virginia Tech.
32. Adolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State, 6-4, 290, 4.96, Senior: A Dec. 10 arrest for solicitation left Washington suspended for the Buckeyes' Fiesta Bowl matchup with Notre Dame, abruptly ending his collegiate career and putting his NFL stock in flux. Washington has a chance to remain in the first round because he's strong enough to hold up to double-teams and quick enough to split gaps, making him scheme and position diverse. To do so, however, he'll need to reassure NFL personnel of his commitment in the months prior to the draft.
