Derin’s Top 50 Rookie Prospects

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1. Derrick Brown (DT): This guy is an absolute animal. As far as potential goes, I say he’s the best pick in the draft and is going to be a major problem for offenses to block. No more running up the middle with this guy on the field. 

Comparison: John Henderson or a taller version of Vince Wilfork

2. Chase Young (DE): This guy has amazing speed off the ball and can beat lineman with his quick hands and feet. I predict he could have a few 20+ sacks seasons with the right coaching and once he gets polished, he will be a nightmare for opposing QB’s, coaches, and lineman.

3. Isaiah Simmons (LB): As a previous safety playing linebacker, he has the skill set to transition quickly into the NFL with his size, agility, speed, and awareness. He runs downhill and is a hard hitter. I think he should be used as a hybrid OLB/DE but I would love him to play safety to help confuse opposing offenses. He should blossom very quickly his rookie season and contribute in both the sacks/INT columns and is a dream come true for most D coordinators.

Comparison: Adrian Wilson or a bigger Derwin James

4. Jerry Jeudy (WR): Jerry Jeudy is the best route runner in this draft and can easily create open space against defenders stopping on a dime, making him the most dangerous WR in this draft class. I see very little flaws in his game that can easily be corrected at the next level by good coaching. He just needs a good QB that he can build a strong bond with and he will be dominant against opposing offenses for years to come.

Comparison: Calvin Ridley or Chad Johnson lite. Deion Branch on crack or knock-off Marvin Harrison.

5. Henry Ruggs III: Had to pick him over CeeDee Lamb just because I think he has more potential at the next level and will be a nightmare for opposing defenders to stop. He has game-breaking speed and he could easily break 1,000 total yards from scrimmage his rookie season if he gets enough reps (which he should). Coaches would be stupid to not use him in trick plays, reverses, punt returns, or the run game. 

Comparison: Tyreek Hill, Desean Jackson, Marquise Brown

6. CeeDee Lamb (WR): His Senior year of High School he had over 2,000 yards receiving off of 98 receptions for 33 TDs. It is hard for me to put him behind any of these other receivers because he was one of my favorite players to watch in college this past season. He can put on a show with his unique ability to track the ball in the air. I believe he can play any of the three WR positions at the next level and will be an instant contributor on offense. 

Comparison: Deandre Hopkins

7. Jeff Okudah (DB): Has great size, ball skills, and tackling ability and should be able to transition to the NFL very easily. Many defensive backs don’t know how to tackle at the next level so coaches are going to be looking at taking him around the top 5. I love his confidence and how he said he wants to go against Michael Thomas and see where he stands. 

Comparison: Jalen Ramsey 

8. Justin Jefferson (WR): Great all around the receiver and has the ability to make an instant impact in the NFL. Has the potential to be the best WR in this draft class.

Comparison: Reggie Wayne

9. Joe Borrow (QB): Great football IQ. Has a good arm with pinpoint accuracy but lacks the arm strength. 

10. Tristan Wirfs (OL): He ran a 4.86-second 40-yard dash in the combine. He also broke the vertical record with his leap of 36.5 inches and tied the broad jump record for NFL lineman with 10ft 1 inch. With his rare size and athleticism, he will be any QB’s best friend and will make an instant impact on Day 1.  

Comparison: Joe Thomas lite

11. JK Dobbins: Easily one of the best players in this draft and will be a steal for any team outside of the top 10. He is underrated and is extremely hard to tackle due to his strong legs and quickness. His explosiveness knocks defenders off balance and he runs low with great awareness and backfield vision. He shows some promising flashes in his receiving game and isn’t afraid to lower the shoulder to gain an extra yard or 10. He will be an instant starter in the NFL as a 3rd down back and will be a nightmare for defenses to try and slow down.

Comparison: Lil Ricky Williams or Demarco Murray

12. Jonathan Taylor (RB): His stats pretty much say it all, he is gifted in every which way. He will be one of the fastest and shiftiest backs in the league and will make an immediate impact on both the receiving and rushing game. He has great vision and is very slippery between tackles.

Comparison: Ezekiel Elliot, Josh Jacobs or Saquon Barkley

13. Javon Kinlaw (DT): Has the ability to collapse the pocket and deflect the ball from the line of scrimmage. Should help contribute heavily to stopping the run game and putting pressure on opposing QB’s.

14. Tee Higgins (WR): Has the ability to be a Red Zone threat and will be able to challenge defenders on 3rd down passing plays. Has the ability to beat defenders in the air for the ball with great hands. He will make an immediate impact on offense because he has the ability to catch anything thrown in his vicinity. 

Comparison: Cortland Sutton

15. Mekhi Becton (OL): Based on his size, he has the potential to be the best offensive lineman in this class. With the right coach, he should be an impact starter at the NFL level.

  

16. Jedrick Wills Jr. (OL)

17. Kenneth Murray (LB) 

18. K'lavon Chaisson (DE)

19. Andrew Thomas (OL)

20. CJ Henderson (CB) 

21. Trevon Diggs (CB)

22. Kristian Fulton (CB)

23. Jalen Hurts (QB)

24. Tua Tagovailoa (QB)

25. Patrick Queen (LB) 

26. Xavier McKinney (DB)

27. Josh Jones (OL)

28. AJ Terrell (CB)

29. Noah Igbinoghene (S)

30. Grant Delpit (S)

31. Brandon Aiyuk (WR)

32. Marlon Davidson (DT)

33. Neville Gallimore (DT)

34. Deandre Swift (RB)

35. Jalen Reagor (WR)

36. K.J. Hamler (WR)

37. Jordyn Brooks (LB)

38. Cesar Ruiz (OL) 

39. Jeff Gladney (CB)

40. Isaiah Wilson (OL)

41. Justin Herbert (QB)

42. Damon Arnette (CB)

43. Jaylon Johnson (DB)

44. Ross Blacklock (DL)

45. Jordan Love (QB) 

46. Yetur Gross-Matos (DE)

47. Denzel Mims (WR)

48. Cam Akers (RB)

49. Ezra Cleveland (OL)

50. Bryce Hall (CB)

Just missed the cut: Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB), Robert Hunt (OL), Lloyd Cushenberry (OL), Raekwon Davis (DL), Kelly Bryant (QB), Terrell Lewis (DE), Laviska Shenault Jr. (WR), A.J. Epenesa (DE), Jacob Eason (QB), Austin Jackson (OL), Kyle Dugger (S), Justin Madubuike (DL), Matt Peart (OL), Cole Kmet (TE), Jeremy Chinn (DB), Curtis Weaver (DL)