2017 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 30 players after Week 6

After six weeks of college football, these 30 players have stood out and impressed NFL scouts around the country.

As we near the midway point of the college football regular season, there are a number of players around the country who have stood out as legitimate NFL draft prospects.

We’ve gotten a much better idea of who are the most legitimate NFL draft prospects through six weeks of college football compared to the beginning of the season. Guys like Deshaun Watson continue to impress, while others like Derek Barnett have exploded onto the scene.

Things will change as the season rolls on, but after Week 6, these are the 30 most impressive NFL draft prospects.

Note: Not all prospects on this list are guaranteed to go pro. Some prospects on this list are underclassmen who could return for at least one more year of school.

Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Cam Robinson (74) blocks USC Trojans linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (42) during the game at AT&T Stadium. Alabama defeats USC 52-6. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Cam Robinson

OT, Alabama

You’ve probably heard by now that this isn’t a great class of offensive tackles. However, there is at least one name that deserves some recognition at the position, and that’s Alabama’s Cam Robinson.

Robinson is an intimidating matchup for any defensive player, with the Alabama prospect coming in at a whopping 6’6” and 327 pounds. What makes Robinson stand out over the other tackles in this class is the fact that he’s an absolute monster in the run game. He stays low and uses his raw strength to bully defenders and open up rushing lanes.

The problem with Robinson is that he’s still developing in pass protection. That’s not what you want from a franchise left tackle. However, Robinson looks like he could translate best as a right tackle in the NFL due to his strength and aggressiveness.

Robinson isn’t a guaranteed first-round pick, but a team that desperately needs help on their offensive line could reach for the Alabama tackle.

Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Solomon Thomas

DL, Stanford

We have no idea whether or not Stanford redshirt sophomore Solomon Thomas will declare for the NFL draft after this season. However, if he does, we genuinely believe that he could be worth a first-round pick.

In one and a half seasons with the Cardinal, Thomas has made a major impact on defense. As a redshirt freshman, Thomas racked up 10.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. This year, he’s kept it rolling with plenty of plays made in the backfield.

Thomas isn’t going to be the biggest defensive lineman at the next level, coming in at a modest 6’3” and 273 pounds. That doesn’t mean that the Stanford prospect isn’t strong, however, because he does a great job using leverage and athleticism to disengage with blockers. Heck, he’s even taken up boxing to work on developing more violent hands.

This is the kind of guy 3-4 defenses would love to develop into a starting 5-technique defensive end. He might not declare for the draft this year, but there’s no denying that this guy will be playing on Sundays in the near future.

Dec 30, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Louisville Cardinals linebacker Devonte Fields (92) celebrates after a sack during the first half in the 2015 Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Devonte Fields

EDGE, Louisville

This year’s draft class has a number of really impressive edge rushers. That might hurt Louisville’s Devonte Fields and prevent him from being selected in the first round. Regardless, Fields is one of the 30 most promising prospects in this class so far.

What I like about Fields is his burst off of the line of scrimmage. He does a great job of bending around the edge and getting to the quarterback. He also can make plays at the line of scrimmage by reading the quarterback’s eyes and betting down basses.

However, Fields can be frustrating to watch due to his inconsistency. Some plays we shows flashes of greatness, but it’s not often that he can string those kind of plays together.

The next few weeks will go a long way in determining whether or not those flashes can be sustained over an NFL career.

Oct 1, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) returns a punt against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Desmond King

CB, Iowa

NFL teams looking for a cornerback in the draft in April will be in luck, because this year’s class is filled with great talent at the position. One of those names you could hear getting called on the first day of the draft is Iowa’s Desmond King.

King could have declared for the draft after an impressive junior season, but the Iowa Hawkeyes cornerback decided to finish out his senior season with the program. Even at 5’10” and 203 pounds, King has the speed, athleticism and ball skills to immediately come in as a slot cornerback in the NFL.

Iowa’s star defensive back has the potential to move to the outside as he adds size and gets comfortable with the competition, making him worthy of a Top 30 slot on my big board.

Adoree Jackson

CB, USC

The USC Trojans may be struggling to pick up wins this season, but don’t tell that to star cornerback Adoree Jackson. The star cornerback turned some heads and moved up my draft board on Saturday.

Jackson played a great game in the upset win over the Colorado Buffaloes. He made a few tackles, contained Colorado’s passing attack and came up with this jaw dropping interception while going out of bounds.

What I love about Jackson is his incredible speed and athleticism. Combine that with his natural and fluid hip turn and he’s capable of staying with receivers at their hip. Jackson also uses those skills to make plays in the return game.

The top cornerbacks in this draft will continue to shuffle around, but Jackson has just about sold me as someone who deserves a Round 1 grade.

Sep 17, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive end Charles Harris (91) celebrates after a sack against the Georgia Bulldogs in the first half at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Charles Harris

EDGE, Missouri

In a class with so many guys that can get to the quarterback, Missouri’s Charles Harris tends to be overlooked. It probably doesn’t help that the Tigers are just 2-3 to start this season.

However, Harris has still been a productive pass rusher this season, picking up 3.5 sacks and four quarterback hurries in only five games.

While a lot of pass rushers near the top of this class are raw talents, Harris is already a surprisingly polished pass rusher. He knows how to create separation from blockers with a number of moves. His athleticism and technique should help him make an impact immediately as a rookie.

However, since Harris is already so polished, there are questions as to his upside. It might be more limited than most first-round players, but the talent is already there. If a team is looking for someone to make an immediate impact on defense, then Harris is their guy.

Jan 1, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Jake Rudock (15) throws a pass as he pressured by Florida Gators linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during the second quarter in the 2016 Citrus Bowl at Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Jarrad Davis

LB, Florida

The Florida Gators have a number of players on defense that could go in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft. While I didn’t include cornerback Quincy Wilson in my top 30 because I haven’t dived into his tape just yet, I did include his teammate in linebacker Jarrad Davis.

I keep focusing on Davis when the Gators play because I love the guy’s instincts. He knows where the ball is going and is able to get to the ball carrier before he can break off a big gain. He has nice size at 6’2” and 238 pounds and has the skills to stop the run, rush the passer and even drop back in coverage.

What makes Davis so exciting is that he’s still developing, and his skill set could translate to multiple defensive schemes. As long as he keeps developing, Davis has the potential to be a starting inside or outside linebacker in the NFL.

Oct 8, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Keon Hatcher (4) catches a pass for a touchdown as Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) defends during the second quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Marlon Humphrey

CB, Alabama

As the college football season continues, I’m not entirely sure that Alabama’s Marlon Humphrey should go pro after his redshirt sophomore season. There’s a lot to like about Humphrey, but if he stays for at least one more season with the Crimson Tide, he could potentially be the No. 1 cornerback in next year’s draft class.

If Humphrey does decided to go pro, there’s still a lot to like about the Alabama corner. He excels in man coverage thanks to his solid 6’1” and 198-pound frame. He has good speed and is aggressive enough that he isn’t afraid to make the big hit for his team.

Humphrey hasn’t been as dominant since his season opener against USC, but this is still a guy with first-round potential. Again, it would probably be best if Humphrey stays another year given the talent at the position in this class, but he’s still one of the top players on my big board this far into the season.

Oct 8, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Tim Williams (56) returns a fumble by Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Austin Allen (not pictured) for a touchdown as defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) trails the play during the second quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports

Tim Williams

OLB, Alabama

We go from one Crimson Tide draft prospect to another on the big board. While Humphrey could arguably take another year before going pro, Alabama’s senior linebacker Tim Williams is ready to take the next step.

Williams had a big game against Alabama’s toughest opponent of the season so far on Saturday against Arkansas. Not only did Williams have a sack, but he also recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown. This season, Williams already has 3.5 sacks, seven QB hurries, two forced fumbles and 5.5 tackles for loss.

The senior linebacker is an explosive pass rusher that is incredibly athletic. However, Williams is still a really raw prospect that needs to focus on the details when it comes to stopping the run or dropping back in pass coverage.

Williams is going to continue to develop as the season rolls on, and if he can show flashes of potential in other areas besides rushing the passer, he’ll be a no-doubt first-round pick.

Oct 10, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines cornerback Jourdan Lewis (26) celebrates with teammates after he scores a touchdown on an interception in the second quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Jourdan Lewis

Michigan, CB

Scouts love to focus on the size of a defensive back to determine whether or not he can play in the NFL. However, there are always a few guys who play bigger than their frame would suggest, and Michigan’s Jourdan Lewis is a perfect example of that.

Lewis is only a generous 5’11” and 186 pounds, but he plays like he’s a shutdown corner on the college football stage. He’s fast, has fluid hips and has the outrageous ball skills to break up passes or grab interceptions like this one.

The one thing that will stand out for scouts is Lewis’ willingness to tackle. The Michigan prospect does a great job of wrapping up in open field, not hesitating when going after the ball carrier.

Lewis might not be the biggest guy, but given his skill set and the fact that the nickel corner is becoming a full-time position, he’ll be going in the first round in April.

Oct 8, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) throws a pass during the first half against Florida State Seminoles at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Brad Kaaya

QB, Miami

I’ll admit that I’m not nearly as high on Miami’s Brad Kaaya as others are, and I think it’s crazy to say that he’s a better prospect than Clemson’s Deshaun Watson.

That being said, I came away impressed with some of the throws that Kaaya made on Saturday against Florida State. He had some beautiful touch on a pair of touchdowns he dropped perfectly into the end zone.

Kaaya’s appeal comes in large part thanks to his smooth throwing motion and tight spiral. He can drop a deep pass on a dime or zip a ball into a receiver running a slant.

However, there is a lot that I don’t like about Kaaya. The Miami quarterback can make some questionable decisions, and with any semblance of pressure he’s going to fall apart in the pocket and make a bad throw.

Kaaya has the potential to be a first-round pick, but I’m going to need some more convincing before I move him ahead of guys like Watson on my big board.

Nov 14, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers safety Jamal Adams (33) intercepts a pass intended for Arkansas Razorbacks tight end Jeremy Sprinkle (83) during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Jamal Adams

S, LSU

Arguably the most talent at any position in this draft class is at safety, at least near the top of the group. Teams that need a safety in the first round, especially early on, will have their choice of a number of different players.

While I am a big fan of LSU’s Jamal Adams, there are some other safeties I’m an even bigger fan of. That shouldn’t take away from what Adams has done with the Tigers, however, because he has become a true impact defender.

Adams is a great matchup guy for defenses, as he can go toe-to-toe with receivers, running backs and tight ends. He’s a great safety at the line of scrimmage and can make the big tackle in traffic to make a stop.

There are a few questions about Adams that he needs to answer in the next few weeks. We have rarely seen Adams tested deep, and he tends to miss tackles when it’s just him and the ball carrier in open space.

If Adams can answer those questions, then the LSU prospect could move ahead of some other safeties in this draft class.

Sep 5, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end DeMarcus Walker (44) reacts after a sack in the fourth quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Camping World Stadium. Florida State Seminoles won 45-34. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

DeMarcus Walker

DE, Florida State

Florida State defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker had arguably his quietest game of the year on Saturday against the Hurricanes. However, Walker still found a way to help the Seminoles win the game, blocking the potential game-tying extra point late in the fourth quarter.

Even with the quiet game Saturday, Walker is putting up monster numbers this season with 6.5 sacks and three forced fumbles on the year. He might not be fast enough to play as an edge rusher at the next level, but he’s still one of the 20 best players in this class.

Walker translates best as a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4 system with his 6’4”, 280-pound frame. What he lacks in speed he makes up for in strength and explosiveness. Walker does a great job staying low out of his stance and uses that leverage to drive blockers back and collapse the pocket.

A five-tech defensive end isn’t as sexy of a pick as an edge rusher, but a team with a need at the position will likely scoop Walker up before the first round is over.

Sep 17, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Teez Tabor (31) during the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Teez Tabor

CB, Florida

I mentioned earlier that I have yet to get a chance to jump into the film for Florida defensive back Quincy Wilson, but I have gotten a chance to watch some film on his teammate Jalen “Teez” Tabor.

For those who have watched Tabor play, you already know about his incredible playmaking ability. Since the start of the 2015 season, Tabor has already racked up seven interception while breaking up a number of passes as well.

Those ball skills are what NFL scouts are going to be praising in their respective war rooms on draft day. Tabor’s size at 6’0” and 201 pounds will also help scouts make their case that he can become a legitimate No. 1 cornerback in the NFL.

The biggest weakness in Tabor’s game so far is his difficulty tackling. With the right coaching, Tabor could get over that hump and eventually become one of the best cornerbacks in college football.

Oct 7, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) catches a pass as Boston College Eagles defensive back Isaac Yiadom (20) defends on the play during the first quarter at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Williams

WR, Clemson

Having an elite college quarterback will help you put up some big numbers. Even still, Clemson’s Mike Williams has stood out as the most talented wide receiver in a disappointingly thin draft class of receivers.

That’s not to say that Williams isn’t good, because he definitely is. Few receivers in the league today have the speed and size combination that Williams has. The Clemson prospect comes in at 6’3” and 225 pounds and has been a big-play threat all year, averaging 16.0 yards per reception.

Along with that size and speed, Williams also has the soft hands to make the difficult catches that a lot of college receivers tend to struggle with. A lot of Williams’ mistakes will be overshadowed by Clemson’s elite offense, but the talent is obviously there.

It’s hard to find a good pro comparison for Williams, but any team that drafts him will have a solid weapon for their quarterback to work with.

Sep 24, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) talks to teammate during the second half of a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Malik McDowell

DL, Michigan State

A lot of media outlets have compared Michigan State’s Malik McDowell to former first-round pick DeForest Buckner. While there are some similarities, I think that McDowell might be a better overall prospect than Buckner was coming out Oregon.

Despite the Spartans losing three straight games, including a blowout Saturday against BYU, McDowell has still been one of the most impressive defensive players in the Big Ten. He’s a powerful and versatile defensive lineman that can play inside as a defensive tackle or outside as an end.

I see McDowell projecting best as a defensive end in a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme, but he’s still a developing prospect that a franchise could move around until he finds a permanent home. I love McDowell’s ability to generate pressure in the pocket, although he struggles mightily any time that an offense throws a double team on him.

There’s a lot to like about McDowell as a prospect, and although he feels a big like a tweener on the defensive line, the potential is there for him to be a star.

Oct 8, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) returns the interception during the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Malik Hooker

S, Ohio State

The longer I watch Ohio State safety Malik Hooker, the more convinced I am that he’s one of the best safeties in this year’s class. I was blown away when watching the film of Hooker in the season opener against Bowling Green, and the Buckeyes safety hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down.

As a redshirt sophomore, Hooker already looks wise beyond his years with four interceptions already this season. What makes Hooker such a dominant ball hawk safety is his insane vision and range. Hooker will watch the quarterback’s eyes, and as soon as he sees the QB start to make a decision he will book it to the intended receiver to either jump the pass or break it up.

Hooker could always come back to Ohio State, but he already looks like one of the most polished safeties in this class. Any team in need of a rangy safety who can create turnovers will have Hooker near the top of their draft boards come April.

Sep 30, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) rushes the ball against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Husky Stadium. Washington won 44-6. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Christian McCaffrey

RB, Stanford

It has been a long team since we’ve seen a draft class of running backs quite like this one. There are three running backs that will all likely be going in the first round, while other names like Nick Chubb and Royce Freeman could hear their names being called in the second round as well.

Anyone that’s doubting Christian McCaffrey’s skill hasn’t been watching him play at Stanford. Yes, the Cardinal are having a bad season, but that’s not on their talented running back. Ignore his stats this season, because opposing teams only really have to worry about McCaffrey when planning for Stanford’s offense.

McCaffrey is a speedster with the vision and burst to break off huge plays, whether that’s as a runner or in the passing game. He’s a surprisingly polished route runner for a running back and will be a versatile weapon wherever he plays in the NFL.

If McCaffrey is going to be a workhorse at the next level, he’s going to need to get stronger. Other than that, the Stanford prospect looks like an offensive weapon who could thrive in a high-powered NFL offense.

Sep 3, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Raekwon McMillan (5) against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 77-10. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Raekwon McMillan

LB, Ohio State

He might not be the No. 1 ranked linebacker on my big board, but Ohio State’s Raekwon McMillan looks like a future playmaker in the middle of an NFL defense.

It helps that McMillan has so much talent around him on Ohio State’s defense, but the linebacker shows up on tape on a weekly basis. The junior linebacker does a great job with play recognition before using his size and speed to make plays.

McMillan does a great job of plugging up rushing lanes or dropping into zone coverage when needed. His size and speed make him a nightmare for opposing offenses to block.

We’ve seen before the speed doesn’t always translate to the NFL, and that’s a question I have for McMillan. He already has the NFL frame at 6’2” and 240, so if he can translate that speed he could be a legitimate playmaker for an NFL team in the middle of their defense.

Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Justin Evans (14) celebrates the win over the Tennessee Volunteers during the second overtime at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeated the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Evans

S, Texas A&M

I’m a sucker for a defensive back with some swagger, I’ll admit it. I think that head games are an undervalued trait for a defensive prospect provided that they don’t get too out of hand. Texas A&M’s Justin Evans is a pure playmaker on a stacked Aggies defense, and he’s not afraid to let his opponents know it.

Evans might be one of the biggest hitters in college football right now. Just look at this hit to break up a completion on Saturday against Tennessee, and that’s one of his less violent hits on his highlight tape during his time with the Aggies.

Not only is Evans a heavy hitter, but he’s also developed some elite ball skills this season as well. So far in 2016 Evans already has three interceptions and six passes broken up, making play after play for Texas A&M.

Given his aggressive mindset, Evans could be an elite strong safety at the next level provided that he continues to bulk up and add weight to his 6’1”, 200-pound frame. If he can do that, there’s no telling how good Evans could be in the NFL.

Sep 24, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) runs for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Duke Blue Devils at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

DeShone Kizer

QB, Notre Dame

Take Saturday’s game against the NC State Wolfpack and throw it out the window. Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer’s stat line was terrible, but that’s because the Fighting Irish were playing in the middle of Hurricane Matthew while head coach Brian Kelly for some reason thought it would be a good idea to try airing it out. I’d love for you to show me a quarterback that can air it out while playing through gale-force winds.

Kizer hasn’t been helped by the play calling or his offensive line this year. However, when Kizer is on it he looks every bit like a legitimate NFL franchise quarterback. He has a great build at  6’4” and 230 pounds with a strong arm and some beautiful touch on his throws.

The Notre Dame quarterback is also mobile, although he will primarily rely on his mobility to extend plays or escape the pocket when under pressure. Kizer’s decision making could improve, but that’s something that could develop under the right coaching staff.

As of right now, Kizer is essentially 1B on my quarterback big board, nearly tied with a certain Clemson star as my best QB in this draft class.

Oct 1, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up prior to the game against the Louisville Cardinals at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Deshaun Watson

QB, Clemson

We are finally starting to see the Heisman Trophy candidate that everyone thought Clemson’s Deshaun Watson would be at the beginning of the season. Watson and the Tigers offense have officially shaken off the rust after this week’s win over Boston College. Watson finished the game with four touchdowns and zero interception, giving him nine scores through the air in the last two games.

Watson isn’t as big as Kizer at 6’3” and 215 pounds, but he arguably has a better arm and is more mobile. The Clemson quarterback consistently places the ball where it needs to be and can move the Tigers down the field with his elite arm talent.

Although a lot of my concerns are with Clemson’s system, I’d still like to see Watson go through his reads more often. He rarely goes to his second or third read, instead tucking the ball and running when his No. 1 target isn’t open.

If the Tigers can keep rolling and Watson can keep putting up big numbers, then the Clemson quarterback should wind up securing his spot as the first QB taken in the NFL draft.

Oct 1, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) runs the ball past North Carolina Tarheels linebacker Jonathan Smith (7) during the game at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

Dalvin Cook

RB, Florida State

If we’re talking about offensive playmakers, Florida State’s Dalvin Cook is a better pro prospect than any quarterback in this year’s class, even if he’s not the best running back.

Facing a stacked box, Cook continues to make huge plays for the Seminoles. Over the past three games, Cook has put up an absurd 557 yards on the ground while adding 197 receiving yards and six total touchdowns.

One running back that reminds me a lot of the Florida State star is a young Chris Johnson. During his time with the Tennessee Titans, CJ2K would explode through a rushing lane and take off for a huge game. Cook has that similar skill set with the vision, acceleration and top-end speed to take any run to the house.

In any other year, Cook would easily be the best running back in this class, so no one will be criticizing an NFL team for taking the Florida State prospect in the first round.

Sep 10, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Allen

DL, Alabama

Alabama has more prospects in the Top 30 of my big board than any other school. Believe it or not, but defensive lineman Jonathan Allen isn’t even the last Crimson Tide prospect on this list.

Allen is the best defensive lineman in this class, plain and simple. At 6’3” and 294 pounds, he has elite strength and explosiveness to disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage. His set of skills make his translate best as a 4-3 defensive tackle or even a 3-4 defensive end.

The Crimson Tide defensive lineman isn’t going to speed by someone around the edge, but what he is going to do is create a ton of interior pressure when rushing the passer.

Depending on the draft order in April, Allen could rise or slide a pretty long way, so we’ll have to wait and see where the Alabama star winds up at the next level. Wherever he goes, you can be  sure that he’ll be given plenty of chances to succeed.

Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) rushes past Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Avery Gennesy (65) during the second half at Kyle Field. The Aggies defeat the Volunteers 45-38 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Derek Barnett

EDGE, Tennessee

I was so excited for Saturday’s SEC showdown between Tennessee and Texas A&M because it was a great chance to look at two of the most dominant defensive prospects in the country. Although Myles Garrett was limited due to an ankle injury, Tennessee’s Derek Barnett showed up and stood out on Saturday.

With Cameron Sutton out for a significant period of time, Barnett has stepped up as the leader for the Volunteers defense. Even head coach Butch Jones praised Barnett after their game against Florida for “taking the game over“.

Barnett has been developing into a complete edge defender before our eyes this season. He’s aggressive and powerful, which has led to an impressive 9.5 tackles for loss already this season to go along with 5.0 sacks.

The Tennessee prospect could thrive as a 3-4 edge rusher or 4-3 defensive end. His development this season has turned him into an SEC superstar, and he should be a top-10 pick by the time the draft rolls around.

Oct 1, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) is blocked by Kentucky Wildcats running back Jojo Kemp (3) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Crimson Tide defeated Kentucky 34-6. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Reuben Foster

LB, Alabama

Of the five Alabama prospects that have made it into my Top 30 NFL draft prospects, Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster has stood out time and time again as the most impressive player on the team.

Foster is the next in a long line of talented Alabama linebackers, but few have had the big-play potential that he has showcased this season. Foster doesn’t hesitate when he sees a lane and comes in with a full head of steam to meet ball carriers, as made evident by plays like this one.

Foster is an incredibly gifted linebacker, both physically (6’1”, 245 pounds) and mentally. He has elite instincts that allow him to thrive against the run or dropping back in coverage. I’m not completely convinced of his value as a blitzer on pass plays, but everything else is there.

Whoever selects Foster will be getting a legitimate talent that could find up being a future Pro Bowler at the position for years to come.

Nov 14, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) walks on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Carl Lawson

EDGE, Auburn

Health was the biggest concern for Auburn edge rusher Carl Lawson entering this season. The junior has quickly put those concerns to rest with a dominant start to the 2016 season.

Lawson racked up another two sacks on Saturday against Mississippi State in the 38-14 win. Teams know that Lawson is Auburn’s top threat, but that hasn’t stopped him from picking up six sacks and double-digit QB hurries.

The Auburn edge rusher is able to disengage with blockers thanks to his ideal arm length on his 6’2”, 260-pound frame. His arm length and power allow him to drive blockers back as well, helping him generate pressure on a consistent basis.

Garrett is the No. 1 overall player on my board and a complete edge defender, but Lawson has arguably a higher upside as a pure pass rusher.

Oct 8, 2016; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Jabrill Peppers (5) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during their game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports

Jabrill Peppers

DB, Michigan

While he might not be the No. 1 player on my big board, I still believe that Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers could become a consistent Pro Bowl player if he finds the right fit at the next level.

Peppers is by far the most athletic and versatile prospect in this class. The Michigan defensive back has played safety, linebacker, cornerback, returned kicks and punts, wide receiver, running back and probably kicker and punter at practice for all we know.

The only concern that scouts may have is that Peppers has never really specialized at one position. However, hybrid players like Shaq Thompson have quickly found a home in modern NFL defenses.

The fact that Peppers is in the Heisman Trophy conversation shows you just how dominant of a player he can be. NFL scouts won’t ignore that.

Sep 24, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) carries against the Auburn Tigers during the first quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

Leonard Fournette

RB, LSU

This is my fourth year actively scouting NFL prospects, and I have yet to see a running back quite like LSU’s Leonard Fournette. Don’t worry about the injuries that are keeping him sidelined, because he’ll be glad he sat out in the long run once his NFL career kicks off.

Fournette is a rare breed of running back with elite speed and acceleration while still coming in at 6’1” and 235 pounds. The LSU star knows he’s not small, either, because he’s not afraid of contact and will stiff arm you into the ground if you come in too high.

You can argue about his box score stats this season all you want, but when Fournette is healthy and has a talented offense around him, he could become one of the most dominant running backs in the NFL.

Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in game action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Myles Garrett

EDGE, Texas A&M

Despite spraining his ankle, Texas A&M edge rusher Myles Garrett still played on Saturday night against the Tennessee Volunteers. He played sparingly and started to slow down late in the game, but he showed everyone why he is the clear No. 1 best NFL draft prospect in this year’s class early on.

Garrett claims that he was only 65-70 percent after the game, but the edge defender still made plenty of big plays, including a crucial stop on third down and a strip sack on the ensuing drive.

What makes Garrett the best prospect in this draft is his unique skill set. Garrett is a huge edge rusher at 6’5” and 270 pounds, relying on his incredible strength to manhandle would-be blockers. He’s also surprisingly versatile and capable of playing inside on defense when needed.

With all of the big plays that Garrett has made this season, there’s no denying that his skill set will translate directly to the next level.

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