College football look aheads
10 to watch for ’19 draft
Evaluating an NFL draft class a full year out can be a fool’s errand. After all, Baker Mayfield wasn’t even in the conversation for the No. 1 pick in the immediate aftermath of the 2017 season, let alone before it.
But with several stars already emerging, it’s worth taking a look at which college players could make waves next April. The presumed 2019 class already looks loaded on the defensive line while a less-heralded quarterback group could still produce interesting options.
Here are the top 10 players to watch — for now — a year away from the 2019 draft:
Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State: He’s not just riding the coattails of older brother Joey, another former Buckeyes standout and current Pro Bowl pass rusher for the Chargers.
The younger Bosa racked up 16 tackles for losses last year and has the blend of speed and power that will make him an attractive early selection.
Rashan Gary, DE-DT, Michigan: The former No. 1 overall recruit has already delivered on his considerable hype, and the best could be yet to come. Displaying moves far more refined than one would expect from a player his age (he’s 20), he looks comfortable pressuring the quarterback and making plays against the run.
Ed Oliver, DT, Houston: The firstever underclassman to win the Outland Trophy as the nation’s top interior lineman, he already has his sights on the next level after announcing he intends to enter the draft next year.
Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson: Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins and Austin Bryant opted to bypass this year’s draft, making the Tigers line the most imposing in the country. Yet it’s massive Lawrence (6-4, 340) who shapes up to be the biggest threat of all considering his ability to command double teams yet still blow up plays in the backfield.
Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon: At 6-6 and 225 pounds, he can deliver strikes downfield with impressive efficiency (65% completion rate in two years).
Teams will want to see him bring his skill set together for a full campaign, though, given that he has played just 16 games total.
Shea Patterson, QB, Michigan: The Mississippi transfer is on track for what could be a star-making campaign after getting a waiver to play right away. Patterson completed nearly 64% of his passes last year and is a dynamic distributor capable of making plays outside the pocket.
Greg Little, OT, Mississippi: NFL teams hungry for a blindside protector after a pedestrian crop of offensive tackle prospects this year should fall for Little. He and Alabama tackle Jonah Williams have the sizable frame and nimble footwork to shut down opposing edge rushers.
Andraez “Greedy” Williams, CB, LSU: The “Greedy” nickname is apt, as he recorded six interceptions and 17 passes defensed last season. At 6-2 and
183 pounds, he should turn heads if he decides to declare after his redshirt sophomore year.
Jarrett Stidham, QB, Auburn: Deciding to return for his redshirt junior year should pay off, as he will benefit from another year of seasoning. If Stidham displays a quicker trigger and cleans up some of his turnover issues, he should be an attractive first-round option given his size (6-3, 214 pounds) and accuracy.
Raekwon Davis, DT, Alabama: A mountain at 6-7 and 316 pounds, he led the Crimson Tide with 81⁄ sacks. But Da
2 vis isn’t solely reliant on his physical tools. He regularly exhibits impressive technique and pad level for a player of his size, tools that will serve him well in the NFL.