NFL Draft News & Analysis

Best remaining draft prospects for Day 3

DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 08: Wide receiver Dede Westbrook #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs the ball in to the endzone in their game against the Texas Longhorns at Cotton Bowl on October 8, 2016 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

With Day 2 of the 2017 NFL Draft in the books, the Pro Football Focus analysis team takes a look at the top remaining players on our draft board. Edge defender Carl Lawson and wide receiver Dede Westbrook are among the highest-ranked prospects headed for Rounds 4–7.

1. Carl Lawson, Edge, Auburn

Big Board Rank: 14

Position Rank: 4

(Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The pass-rushers in the SEC last season kept a good number of quarterbacks up late on Friday nights. Lawson registered nine sacks, 13 hits, and 42 hurries in 2016 on only 364 pass-rushing snaps. Lawson wins the edge on offensive tackles as much as anyone in this class and makes them worry about getting out of their stance quickly with his first step. He pairs that up with some of the strongest hands I’ve seen in the class that keep him in control of interactions. — Mike Renner, @PFF_Mike

2. Dede Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma

Big Board Rank: 43

Position Rank: 4

Westbrook was one of if not the most productive receiver in college football last season, winning the Biletnikoff Award as well as getting an invite to the Heisman Trophy ceremony as a nominee. While it’s easy to dismiss Westbrook as a product of the wide-open Big 12 offense of Oklahoma, he’s much more than that. Westbrook is more than just fast, he’s incredibly quick out of his breaks and knows how to run every route. He knows how to set up routes with double moves and head fakes, and once he has a step on a defender they probably aren’t catching him. He’s got great hands, and is very impressive after the catch. While on tape he seems to play bigger than he is, his size may force him into the slot early in his NFL career. But watching him play outside, he definitely has the potential to move out there in the future. — Bryson Vesnaver, @PFF_Bryson

3. Joe Mathis, Edge, Washington

Big Board Rank: 46

Position Rank: 11

(Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Mathis is the wild card of this edge class. His games against Oregon and Stanford were of first-rounder quality, but a foot injury suffered in that Oregon game cost him the majority of his senior year. In those two games, Mathis racked up 14 QB pressures, which is more than he averaged in his previous two full seasons at Washington. — Mike Renner, @PFF_Mike

4. Caleb Brantley, Defensive Interior, Florida

Big Board Rank: 53

Position Rank: 3

Brantley’s college production, or lack thereof, was based predominantly on limited exposure rather than quality. In his first three years at Florida, he managed just over 1,100 snaps, never seeing more than 48.3 percent of reps in any season. Like the other members of the top three, Brantley’s skill-set is ideal for the modern NFL. His quick hands and rapid first step ensure that linemen consistently fail to tie him up effectively. Brantley is a zone scheme’s kryptonite; his fast-twitch style makes executing reach blocks nearly impossible. Although he failed to register a high volume of QB pressures (only 29 total as a junior), Brantley amassed that total on just over 190 snaps. Even in a rotational role as a rookie, he could dramatically improve any defensive line. — John Breitenbach, @PFF_John

5. Vincent Taylor, Defensive Interior, Oklahoma State

Big Board Rank: 63

Position Rank: 5

The first nose tackle to crack the list, Taylor’s intriguing potential will likely see him selected some time on Day 2. Although far from perfect, his flashes of brilliance are hard to ignore. Taylor ticks the boxes for size, athleticism and production. His length is instantly noticeable, particularly on first contact. Centers have a difficult job at the best of times, and Taylor compounds the problem with his capacity to overwhelm blockers heads up. If there is one weakness, he might be overly-reliant on dominating early in reps. He does not always win his duels if the first contact is neutral, and he can be vulnerable to chips from a second blocker as well as genuine double-teams. Those concerns are mitigated somewhat by the dual-threat he represents. Taylor moves extremely well for a man his size, helping him generate pressure with finesse as well as power. He is a potential Day 1 starter. — John Breitenbach, @PFF_John

6. Desmond King, CB, Iowa

Big Board Rank: 64

Position Rank: 14

King was the victim of one of the most notable plays during Senior Bowl practice, with East Carolina wide receiver Zay Jones leaving him in the dust on a double move, but that one play shouldn’t overshadow an outstanding college career. Impressive in coverage and one of the nation’s best run defenders among defensive backs, he has recorded 14 interceptions and 24 pass breakups from the 182 passes thrown into his coverage since 2014. — Gordon McGuinness, @PFF_Gordon

7. Corn Elder, CB, Miami

Big Board Rank: 66

Position Rank: 15

Elder spent time at both outside and slot cornerback for the Hurricanes, but his skill-set transitions best as a slot corner in the NFL. He allowed a mere 0.33 yards per coverage snap from the slot last year, and missed just four of the 70 solo tackles he attempted, so he really shouldn’t slip beyond Day 2 of the draft. — Gordon McGuinness, @PFF_Gordon

8. George Kittle, TE, Iowa

Big Board Rank: 70

Position Rank: 5

While Kittle may not possess the size to become a reliable, in-line blocker, his sound technique, willingness to block and above-average athleticism make him a great No. 2 tight end in a “move” role. He’s one of the best in the class at blocking on the move, where he can use his athleticism and instincts to take advantage of angles and leverage. Kittle possesses the quickness and speed that should make him a versatile receiving threat capable of running routes from multiple positions, as well. At the very least, he’ll be a reliable underneath threat capable of gaining yards after the catch and moving the chains. — Billy Moy, @PFF_Billy

9. Deatrich Wise Jr., Edge, Arkansas

Big Board Rank: 71

Position Rank: 15

Another “tweener,” Wise’s best position is likely as a 3-4 defensive end. He had some issues holding up to double teams at Arkansas that limited his playing time, but he was incredibly productive on the 488 snaps he saw see as a senior. Then at the East-West Shrine Game, he utterly dominated, racking up two sacks, a hit, and five hurries. He’s still very raw, but Wise has some freakish tools to work with in the NFL. — Mike Renner, @PFF_Mike

10. Roderick Johnson, OT, FSU

Big Board Rank: 72

Position Rank: 4

(Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Johnson wins the “looks the part” award, measuring in at 6-foot-7 with 36-inch arms. He’s also demonstrated the ability to utilize that length in pass protection and execute every block in the run game. That being said, he’s at No. 4 on this list because he’s still very raw. Johnson has a bad habit of overextending, and he’ll need a ton of work in pass protection. — Mike Renner, @PFF_Mike

11. Xavier Woods, S, Louisiana Tech

Big Board Rank: 77

Position Rank: 7

Woods has had three years of strong grading, and he showed the skills to make an impact at both free safety and while covering the slot. His 85.0 coverage grade ranked 16th in the nation in 2016. — Steve Palazzolo, @PFF_Steve

12. Eddie Jackson, S, Alabama

Big Board Rank: 79

Position Rank: 8

Jackson is a converted cornerback with the size and athleticism to be a versatile coverage defender at the next level when healthy. He offered little in terms of run support at Alabama, however, as he managed just one tackle and no stops on 66 snaps lined up within 8 yards of the line of scrimmage in 2016. — Josh Liskiewitz, @PFF_Josh

13. Ejuan Price, Edge, Pittsburgh

Big Board Rank: 80

Position Rank: 18

Most 5-foot-11 players simply can’t hold up on the edge in the NFL. There’s good reason to think Price is different. His balance and pass-rushing repertoire are both superb. His 29 combined sacks and hits were the second-most in the country last year. — Mike Renner, @PFF_Mike

14. Tanzel Smart, Defensive Interior, Tulane

Big Board Rank: 81

Position Rank: 7

Although shorter than ideal at just a shade over 6-foot, Smart monopolizes that advantage in leverage consistently. Sufficient length offsets his height deficiency significantly. A low center of gravity and powerful arms combine to facilitate probably the best bull-rush in the class. It is a joy to watch Smart tossing and toying with lineman who are helplessly hoping to re-anchor against the tide that is the former Green Wave product. Attempts to blow him off the ball in the ground game are also fruitless. In fact, Smart is much more likely to win his battles against the run. He flashed astounding ability to change direction in the backfield, consistently regaining his balance to fly to the football and generate tackles for loss. Smart could stand to improve as a tackler, but he represents one of the more consistently disruptive interior defenders in the class. — John Breitenbach, @PFF_John

15. Tedric Thompson, S, Colorado

Big Board Rank: 82

Position Rank: 9

Thompson was statistically the most impressive coverage safety in the country this year, although his lack of top-end speed and athleticism pushes him down the list of draft-eligible prospects at the position. He tallied seven interceptions and seven pass break-ups in 2016, and gave up completions on just 40.3 percent of passes thrown into his coverage. — Josh Liskiewitz, @PFF_Josh

16. Bucky Hodges, TE, Virginia Tech

Big Board Rank: 88

Position Rank: 6

Standing at 6-foot-6 with out-of-the-stadium leaping ability, Hodges should step in and become a red-zone weapon for an NFL offense. He has minimal experience lining up with his hand in the dirt, and doesn’t offer a whole lot as a run blocker or pass protector, but he’s capable of lining up both in the slot and out wide, and he’s productive at all three levels. Hodges’ limited ability as a blocker, paired with his limited ability to create yards after the catch—he averaged just 3.0 yards after the catch last season—will likely cap his role within an NFL offense, but in terms of being a big-bodied target, he has a lot to offer. — Billy Moy, @PFF_Billy

17. Chad Hansen, WR, California

Big Board Rank: 95

Position Rank: 9

(Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Hansen was never considered to be an elite or even a much above-average college wide receiver, yet whenever the ball went his way, he kept making plays for Cal in 2016. Even though Hansen does not necessarily have the measurables (6-2, 202 pounds) and ran a 40-yard dash of just 4.53 seconds, he excelled at catching deep passes and winning contested catches last year. Perhaps most impressively, the wide receiver did not drop any of his 16 deep targets at Cal. The fact that he can high-point passes and go up and outmuscle defensive backs for the ball makes him very effective in coming down with contested catches in close coverage. The biggest knock on Hansen is how he was used and the lack of experience he has running different type of routes as he lined up almost exclusively on the right side and 73.6 percent of his targets came on screens, hitches and go routes. — Bryson Vesnaver, @PFF_Bryson

18. Isaiah Ford, WR, Virginia Tech

Big Board Rank: 97

Position Rank: 10

Ford is one of those guys who does a lot of things well, but just doesn’t seem to have enough pieces to be a No. 1 receiver. What he is good at, though, is using his hands while running routes to create separation, which is good because he isn’t really fast enough to separate on speed alone. He’s not the strongest receiver, but he has good body control that allows him to haul in contested catches even when the ball isn’t thrown perfectly. He also has a very good release off the line of scrimmage, which helps him consistently beat press coverage. Ford may not have what it takes to be the No. 1 guy on a team, but he should be able to provide a very valuable complementary role wherever he ends up. — Bryson Vesnaver, @PFF_Bryson

19. Vince Biegel, Edge, Wisconsin

Big Board Rank: 98

Position Rank: 20

Biegel is a freakishly talented athlete, but unrefined football player at this point. He also packs very little punch, and may have to move to an off-ball role in the NFL. Still his movement skills make him intriguing, as he racked up 52 QB pressures on only 255 pass-rushing snaps last year. — Mike Renner, @PFF_Mike

20. Nathan Gerry, S, Nebraska

Big Board Rank: 99

Position Rank: 12

Gerry is most effective in the box, as he is a solid run defender and can make plays against the pass underneath with his excellent feel for the game. In three years of play at Nebraska, he gave up a completion percentage of just 51.5 percent and picked off 13 passes, but his limited change of direction and playing speed could make him a liability in man coverage at the next level. — Josh Liskiewitz, @PFF_Josh

21. Samaje Perine, RB, Oklahoma

Big Board Rank: 100

Position Rank: 9

Perine has seemingly become the forgotten player after being surpassed by Mixon in Oklahoma’s offense, but his lesser role should not be indicative of what kind of impact he could have in the NFL. Perine is a big, physical back that shows impressive balance through contact. He’s most effective as a downhill runner, and while he could handle a full workload, he’s probably best suited as a power back that is paired with a more dynamic player to handle part of the workload and passing situations. — Matt Claassen, @PFF_Matt

22. Mack Hollins, WR, North Carolina

Big Board Rank: 101

Position Rank: 11

(Jeff Gammons/Getty Images)

Hollins is a sleeper prospect here with not a lot of college production to back him up. But he’s ranked this high because of what he can do when he’s on the field. At 6-4 and 221 pounds, Hollins is one of the biggest receivers in the class. But he also has phenomenal straightaway speed. He effortlessly blew by defenders throughout his career, evidenced by his 20 career touchdowns on just 71 receptions. Hollins was also a workhorse on special teams, a captain who played on every single unit. There are certainly issues with Hollins, such as a very limited route tree and the mystery about lack of production for a receiver with his tools. But watching his tape you can see that Hollins can play. With the natural size and speed he has, if Hollins can develop his route-running and show the ability to compete in contested catch situations, it’s not such a crazy stretch to say that Hollins has No. 1 receiver potential. — Bryson Vesnaver, @PFF_Bryson

23. Chase Roullier, C, Wyoming

Big Board Rank: 103

Position Rank: 2

Roullier, as much as any center in this class, has shown the ability to execute any block asked of him in the run game. Whether it’s pulling to the edge, reaching a shade, or tracking down a linebacker on the move, Roullier did it all at Wyoming. The change in competition level will be drastic for Roullier, and it may take him awhile to develop into an NFL starter. — Mike Renner, @PFF_Mike

24. Conor McDermott, OT, UCLA

Big Board Rank: 104

Position Rank: 5

If you turn on McDermott’s tape against Texas A&M and Myles Garrett, you might not even draft him. In that game, he allowed a ridiculous 11 total QB pressures, including four hits and a sack. He would only allow seven total QB pressures the rest of the season, but the damage was done. McDermott moves like an NFL tackle, but with how much he struggled against power, the former UCLA Bruin will still need to put on considerable strength to start in the NFL. — Mike Renner, @PFF_Mike

25. Nathan Peterman, QB, Pittsburgh

Big Board Rank: 105

Position Rank: 5

The best quarterback during the week at the Senior Bowl, Peterman showed an impressive combination of big-time throws and intermediate accuracy during the 2016 season. He also had one of the highest percentages of turnover-worthy throws, and his natural tools don’t jump off the tape, but there’s a lot to like about Peterman’s game. — Steve Palazzolo, @PFF_Steve

26. Jamaal Williams, RB, BYU

Big Board Rank: 106

Position Rank: 10

Williams is a physical, aggressive runner who plays bigger than the 212 pounds he weighed in at at the combine. He gains more yards after contact than other backs his size, and utilizes stiff arms and spin moves to extend runs. He may not have the speed to turn as many runs into long ones as he did in college, but is a solid rusher capable of running inside and gaining more than what his offensive line provides. — Matt Claassen, @PFF_Matt

27. Elijah Qualls, Defensive Interior, Washington

Big Board Rank: 107

Position Rank: 10

Qualls has good quickness off the ball and moved around the formation to pick up four sacks, two QB hits, and 29 hurries on 324 rushes in 2016. His short arms are less than ideal, as he’ll get engulfed at the line of scrimmage, but his quick hands allowed him to grade at a solid 84.3 in the run game last season. — Steve Palazzolo, @PFF_Steve

28. Jake Butt, TE, Michigan

Big Board Rank: 110

Position Rank: 7

Expecting Butt to be the complete package as an NFL tight end is probably asking too much. He has blatant limitations as a run blocker, both at the line of scrimmage and as he moves up the field. Butt isn’t overly-athletic, but he doesn’t mess around with the ball in his hands; he turns up field as soon as he’s secured the catch and looks to squeeze out as many yards as he can. Big plays are going to be few and far between for Butt in the NFL, and he isn’t going to have much success creating separation when manned up in coverage, but his penchant for finding the holes in zone coverages—especially in the short-to-intermediate range—and getting upfield will help an offense move the chains. — Billy Moy, @PFF_Billy

29. Jaleel Johnson, Defensive Interior, Iowa

Big Board Rank: 112

Position Rank: 11

Grade-wise, Johnson does not stand out, but his dependability is a feature of all quality interior defensive linemen. He is one of the best in the class at avoiding negative plays, even if he is also one of the least likely to make a play in the backfield. For some schemes, a run defender who consistently holds his ground and plays his gap, despite occasional double-teams, will be ideal. In contrast, Johnson can be relied upon to make splash plays as a pass-rusher. He fires off the ball, and then reaches into a bag of moves so varied it is the envy of the class. Once Johnson reaches full speed, he can deliver the full force of his frame, demolishing centers on stunts, in particular. A disappointing workout might see him fall, but the focus should instead be on his game-defining performance against Michigan. — John Breitenbach, @PFF_John

30. Ryan Glasgow, Defensive Interior, Michigan

Big Board Rank: 114

Position Rank: 12

Ryan Glasgow is a rare prospect capable of aligning almost anywhere on the defensive front. He played nose tackle at Michigan, but could plausibly have played the three had Jim Harbaugh not built a defensive line rotation filled with NFL-level talent. Glasgow illustrated an adaptable skill-set with the tools to succeed at the next level. A player with few weaknesses, he combined a stout anchor with surprising quickness to make plays throughout his college career. Glasgow also stands out because of his instincts; he rapidly diagnoses run and misdirection concepts. — John Breitenbach, @PFF_John

31. Brad Kaaya, QB, Miami

Big Board Rank: 115

Position Rank: 6

When throwing within the flow of the offense, Kaaya looks like a reasonable quarterback, able to make good decisions and get the ball out of his hand with solid short-area accuracy. He doesn’t have great zip to drive the ball downfield, and most concerning about his game is how much he drops off when pressured, illustrated by his completion percentage falling from 68.5 percent in a clean pocket to 32.9 percent when under pressure. — Steve Palazzolo, @PFF_Steve

32. Danny Isidora, G, Miami

Big Board Rank: 116

Position Rank: 5

(Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Isidora played in a pro-style scheme at Miami and has already excelled in pass protection. He allowed fewer than 10 total QB pressures as a senior. Isidora has rare physical traits for the position, but needs to add strength, as evidenced by him repeatedly getting bull-rushed at the Senior Bowl. — Mike Renner, @PFF_Mike

33. Blair Brown, LB, Ohio

Big Board Rank: 119

Position Rank: 5

Brown is an outstanding tackler who consistently defeats blocks despite his size because of his instincts. He consistently blows run plays up because of his ability to read blocks and beat them to the point of attack; that ability reflected in the fact he finished third among FBS inside linebackers last season in run-stop percentage. While his short-area quickness and aggressiveness serve him well against the run, his speed and size issues are very apparent in coverage. While he is likely a two-down run defender at the next level, he is still worth an early Day 3 pick because he is so proficient against the run, and his competitiveness suggests that he can develop into an top contributor on special teams as well. — Josh Liskiewitz, @PFF_Josh

34. Josh Reynolds, WR, Texas A&M

Big Board Rank: 120

Position Rank: 15

For teams looking for deep threats in the middle rounds, Reynolds might be the guy. He’s a long strider, which means he likely won’t develop into an underneath receiver, but his deep speed and tracking ability, coupled with his great hands and contested catch ability, works in his favor. His 2.35 yards per route run mark last year was ninth-best among SEC receivers. — Bryson Vesnaver, @PFF_Bryson

35. Jeremy McNichols, RB, Boise State

Big Board Rank: 121

Position Rank: 11

McNichols has experience in both zone and gap blocking schemes, though the latter may be a better fit. He had a below-average line in 2016, and sometimes cut away from the intended point of attack before it was necessary as if he wasn’t trusting his blockers. McNichols has good balance through contact and plays bigger than his size at times. He may fit the definition of “jack of all trades, master of none” more than any other back in the draft class. He was an above-average receiver out of the backfield, and that may be where he contributes most in the NFL early on. — Matt Claassen, @PFF_Matt

36. Justin Senior, OT, Mississippi State

Big Board Rank: 122

Position Rank: 7

Senior showed continued improvement at Mississippi State before allowing only 14 total QB pressures on 473 attempts in 2016. He has technique issues to iron out in both the run and pass game, but he’s worth a look in a developmental role. — Steve Palazzolo, @PFF_Steve

37. Trent Taylor, WR, Louisiana Tech

Big Board Rank: 124

Position Rank: 16

Taylor will find a role as a slot receiver right out of the gate thanks to his high-level quickness and incredible hands. His 3.28 yards per route run out of the slot last year was the second-most in the country. He knows how to get open against different coverages and that will be a huge advantage for him at the next level.  — Bryson Vesnaver, @PFF_Bryson

38. Damontae Kazee, CB, San Diego State

Big Board Rank: 125

Position Rank: 19

While size and speed are less than ideal, Kazee has a good feel for zone coverage and he excelled in San Diego State’s scheme that had him playing off coverage the marjority of the time. He picked up seven interceptions and four pass breakups in 2016 while allowing a passer rating of only 43.7 into his coverage. — Steve Palazzolo, @PFF_Steve

39. Kenneth Olugbode, LB, Colordao

Big Board Rank: 128

Position Rank: 6

(Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

Olugbode broke out in 2016 to finish sixth overall among the nation’s linebackers with an 88.1 overall grade. He flies to the ball in the run game and shows good range in zone coverage, and he should at least compete for snaps in sub-package sets at the next level. — Steve Palazzolo, @PFF_Steve

40. Grover Stewart, Defensive Interior, Albany State

Big Board Rank: 129

Position Rank: 14

Stewart is a massive human being, strong enough to win with bull-rushes and fast enough to win with athleticism. He possesses an elite combination of production (albeit against lesser competition), size and athleticism (23.5 career sacks, 33.5-inch arms, 30 bench press reps at 225, and a 7.65-second 3-cone). Being such a shallow interior class, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Stewart drafted very early on Day 3. — Jordan Plocher, @PFF_Jordan

41. Robert Leff, OT, Auburn

Big Board Rank: 130

Position Rank: 8

Leff put up solid grades in Auburn’s scheme, particularly in the run game, where his 81.9 grade ranked 12th in the nation. There’s a natural learning curve coming from Auburn’s offense into the NFL, but Leff can make a roster on the back of his run-blocking potential as he develops in pass protection. — Steve Palazzolo, @PFF_Steve

42. Marlon Mack, RB, South Florida

Big Board Rank: 131

Position Rank: 12

Mack is one of the most athletically talented running backs in the draft class and always a threat for a big play. He gained 52 percent of his rushing yards on his 15 runs of 15-plus yards, the fourth-highest breakaway percentage in the draft class. He has issues with bouncing runs and fumbling too often, but if he can curb those bad habits, he could turn out as one of the best backs in the draft class. — Matt Claassen, @PFF_Matt

43. Jon Toth, C, Kentucky

Big Board Rank: 132

Position Rank: 4

Toth brings good size to the position, and he ran Kentucky’s offense well, grading among the nation’s top centers for three straight years. He took a slight step back in 2016, allowing 10 pressures and ranking 30th in the draft class in pass-blocking efficiency, but he’s a solid option in a downhill run scheme. — Steve Palazzolo, @PFF_Steve

44. Howard Wilson, CB, Houston

Big Board Rank: 133

Position Rank: 20

Wilson broke out with a strong 2016 season, finishing with five interceptions and eight pass breakups on his 80 targets, good for an 85.4 overall grade that ranked 22nd in the nation. Opponents recorded a passer rating of only 44.6 when targeting Wilson. — Steve Palazzolo, @PFF_Steve

45. Jacob Hollister, TE, Wyoming

Big Board Rank: 134

Position Rank: 8

Hollister showed continued improvement in college, putting together a strong 2016 that showed off his playmaking ability. He’s a nifty route runner who can go up and make plays in traffic, and he did a fine job after the catch, averaging 7.1 YAC/completion in 2016. — Steve Palazzolo, @PFF_Steve

46. DeAngelo Brown, Defensive Interior, Louisville

Big Board Rank: 135

Position Rank: 15

A surprise Senior Bowl and combine omission, Brown could legitimately start in a base package as a rookie. He is one of the best prospects in this class against double-teams. Brown displays tremendous technique against multiple blockers, sinking his powerful lower body to deny lineman vertical movement. Even when initially unbalanced, he displays a consistent capacity to re-anchor and earn a draw at worst. Admittedly, Brown is unlikely to emerge as a nickel pass-rusher, yet a mid-round investment is almost certainly worthwhile for a valuable member of any defensive line rotation. — John Breitenbach, @PFF_John

47. Carlos Watkins, Defensive Interior, Clemson

Big Board Rank: 136

Position Rank: 16

(Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Clemson produced three prospects capable of contributing on NFL rosters in 2015. The fourth member of that starting front will follow suit this season. Watkins is more solid than spectacular, especially for a three-technique, but his versatile skill-set will appeal to the majority of pro teams. He’s a player built on length and strength, working through blocks, rather than around them, to make plays. While Watkins rarely embarrassed offensive lineman as a pass-rusher, he restricted the pocket frequently enough to represent a threat to opposing quarterbacks. Containing some of the athletes at the position in the NFL can be simplified significantly by Watkins’ deployment. He may have been overshadowed at times by Clemson’s freakish athletes, but Watkins is a fine player in his own right. — John Breitenbach, @PFF_John

48. Austin Carr, WR, Northwestern

Big Board Rank: 137

Position Rank: 17

Carr was incredibly productive last season, finishing as our highest-graded receiver at 89.5 overall. He runs smart routes out of the slot and has good hands to finish with. He could develop into a reliable security blanket for an NFL QB much like he was with Northwestern last year. QB Clayton Thorson had a rating of 118.6 when targeting Carr and 77.6 when targeting any other receiver.  — Bryson Vesnaver, @PFF_Bryson

49. Jordan Evans, LB, Oklahoma

Big Board Rank: 138

Position Rank: 7

Evans is a frustrating player to watch on film because he is an excellent athlete but doesn’t finish nearly enough plays because he lacks physicality. He is frequently in position to make plays because he uses leverage well to defeat blockers and can win with speed, but he missed 12 tackles last season and finished just 108th in tackling efficiency at the position. His athleticism serves him well in coverage, which will likely be his primary responsibility at the next level. — Josh Liskiewitz, @PFF_Josh

50. Channing Stribling, CB, Michigan

Big Board Rank: 139

Position Rank: 21

Stribling doesn’t have great athleticism, but had a strong 2016, allowing a passer rating of only 22.7 into his coverage, good for second-best in the nation. He got his hands on 15 passes (11 pass breakups, four interceptions) while allowing only 19 receptions into his coverage. — Steve Palazzolo, @PFF_Steve

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