By JC Nevils
As we wind down towards the end of the season for both college
football as well as the NFL, we have numerous mock drafts as well
as leaderboards. In my opinion this is a strong class with numerous
potential stars. Here I explain my top five picks as the draft order
stands now regardless of need.
1. New England Patriots (3-13)
WR/DB Travis Hunter, Colorado
The newly awarded Heisman trophy winner Travis Hunter,
which goes to the most outstanding player in the country, is by far
the best prospect in this draft class. We have never seen a player do
what he did this past season. He started on both sides of the ball as
well as being elite. He’s the best wide receiver along with being the
best defensive back. Whoever has this pick by the end of the
season should take a very strong look.
2. Tennessee Titans (3-13)
QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
While he only had a couple of seasons starting at the FBS
level, the tape doesn’t lie. Sanders has every intangible you would
want at the quarterback position. His IQ, accuracy, and playmaking
are undeniable. This past season he threw for 4,134 yards with 37
touchdown passes on a 70% completion rate, which earned him the
Johnny Unitas award (best senior QB). He’s not the most athletic,
but he has just enough to elude and make plays. If I were the Titans
this would be a no-brainer if the order sticks.
3. Cleveland Browns (3-13)
QB Cam Ward, Miami
The next best quarterback in the class is a flamethrower.
To be exact, it could actually be a toss-up depending on who you
ask. Cam Ward is that good. He led the Miami Hurricanes to one of
their best seasons in recent memory, while also leading the country
in touchdown passes with 39 and the second-most passing yards, finishing with 4,313.
He also had the highest QBR (88.8), which sent him to New York as
a Heisman finalist. His arm strength along with his ability to extend
plays is uncanny. Can’t really go wrong here.
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4. New York Giants (3-13)
OLB Abdul Carter, Penn State
If it weren’t for Hunter, Abdul Carter may have
taken home the Bednarik award as the best defensive player in the
nation. For the past three years, he has been a menace for the Nittany
Lions. The first couple of seasons he was a stud linebacker, but this
past season he has added the pash rushing to make him a complete
player. On the season so far he has amassed 63 tackles, 11 sacks,
and 2 forced fumbles.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12)
DT Mason Graham, Michigan
If the picks stand as is, Jacksonville has to go with the best
defensive player left on the board. They have been downright
terrible on defense, which they are ranked dead last in the
NFL. In comes enforcer Mason Graham. He has every tool to be a
disruptive force in the league. Offensive lineman just can’t deal with
his abnormal strength to go along with his quickness at 6’4″ 320
pounds. On the season he put up 52 tackles with 7.5 for a loss to go
along with 3.5 sacks. I expect a lot of the same at the next level.
