Each and every year the most talent-laden conference in the FBS division one football is the South Eastern Conference. Over the last three years 80 underclassmen from the SEC have declared themselves eligible early for the draft.
This year the SEC’s top prospects are loaded with underclassmen talent yet again as they cloud the conference top players by position. The pro-potential is stacked and here is a breakdown of the most NFL ready senior prospects and also including the top draft-eligible underclassmen.
By: Austin Baumer
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Quarterbacks
- Dak Prescott- Mississippi State
- *Jeremy Johnson- Auburn
- *Maty Mauk- Missouri
- Jacob Coker- Alabama
- Brandon Allen- Arkansas
Dak Prescott is a very dangerous dual-threat quarterback. He utilizes a good field awareness to make smart precise decisions with his eyes downfield. Not afraid to tuck and run if nothing is there, Prescott is a load at 230 lbs. with break tackle ability. Look for Prescott to improve on his footwork and more consistency through the air instead of relying on his legs. The “veteran” of the group, Prescott could hear his name called as high as the 2nd round with another mistake free season.
Jeremy Johnson will be the new starter at Auburn. Johnson, a junior, showcases a NFL-ready frame at 6’5” and 230 lbs. From a skill set, Johnson has a big, live arm that projects well into the NFL level. He can sling it downfield and also zip it into tight spots. Johnson doesn’t have much game tape out, but if he can show consistency passing accurately this season for the tigers, Johnson could land himself as a high draft pick with plus upside.
Maty Mauk is another underclassman on this list. Also undersized by NFL standards (6’1”, 190 lbs), where Mauk lacks in size he makes up for in competitiveness. Mauk has a passion for leading his team, evidence by a 14-4 start as the starter for a team in a new conference. Mauk is a big play quarterback, he showcases a good arm with quick zip passes, but struggles with his footwork and his carelessness making decisions. Look for him to improve this year on his decions-making.
Jacob Coker, a former high-profile recruit that lost out on the starting spot to Jameis Winston at Florida State also lost last year’s battle to Blake Sims. There isn’t a whole lot of tape on Coker, but he has prototypical size for the NFL at 6’5”. With a productive year against SEC defenses, Coker could find his way to a mid-round pick.
Brandon Allen is a 3rd-year starter for the razorbacks and has been among the nation’s most efficient quarterbacks. Allen is a great decision maker, but lacks elite skills as a quarterback. He projects to be an Alex Smith-type quarterback and is a fringe draft pick.
Running Backs
- *Derrick Henry- Alabama
- *Alex Collins- Arkansas
- Jonathan Williams- Arkansas
- Russell Hansbrough- Missouri
- Kenyan Drake- Alabama
Derrick Henry headlines the list at running back and it wasn’t close in my opinion. An absolute monster from his frame to his running style. Henry is a masher and loves contact, but don’t think he is a one-dimensional player. Henry has great vision out of the backfield and into the holes where he hits with superb acceleration. Henry has underrated speed and when moving downfield is a terror to try and stop. He does have a few weaknesses, ball security and being more consistent on taking over games.
Alex Collins comes off back to back 1,000 yard season. He predicates himself as an explosive one-cut runner. Collins has all the necessary running skills and quick feet to be a contributor in the NFL, but he needs to be more polished as a whole. If he blocks better and can be an effective threat on 3rd downs he can be up to a 3rd round potential.
Johnathan Williams, Collins backfield mate at Arkansas is more of a power back than Collins. A big, durable rusher who runs through defenders and has good lateral quickness. A between-the-tackles runner he won’t make many miss, but he will fight for tough yards. One of the top senior backs in the nation that had over 1,100 yards last year.
Russell Hansbrough is a small, change-of-pace back looking to become the full-time starter as a senior. Hansbrough, despite being small, can carry a full load as last year he had over 1,000 yards. His bread and butter play is his explosiveness and juking ability. A true home run threat, Hansbrough is shifty and lateral agility to spell some carries and be a 3rd down back in the NFL. A Branden Oliver- type player.
Kenyan Drake a senior, will take a back seat to starter Derrick Henry, but Drake has a unique skill set that will warrant him a mid-round draft pick. At 6’1” he is a tall, speed back. Drake has solid hands out of the backfield and is very versatile. Drake can be an every down back, a receiver, a kick returner. He has considerable skills to be taken in the draft. A healthy senior season will make for an interesting tandem in the Alabama backfield.
Wide Receiver
- *Laquon Treadwell- Ole Miss
- *Pharoh Cooper- South Carolina
- D’Haquille Williams- Auburn
- *Josh Reynolds- Texas A&M
- *De’Runnya Wilson- Mississippi State
Laquon Treadwell came into the college football as the top ranked wide receiver recruit and he has done nothing but impress. Treadwell is a big body much in the mold of Dez Bryant, and like Bryant he has a superb leaping ability, but what makes Treadwell special is his separation. He is able to just “uncover” when he needs to like for instance, when a play is broken. Treadwell is the guy you just have to get the ball to, which results in many screens thrown his way. Look to see if Treadwell is fully recovered from a gruesome leg injury last season to become the nation’s best pro prospect at wideout. A top 15 pro prospect.
Pharoh Cooper is the most versatile receiver in the country if he chooses to opt for the draft. He can be used a multitude of ways whether that’s in the slot, screens, return game, out of the backfield, and even is a key blocker for the gamecocks. Cooper is dangerous with the ball in his hands and has game-breaking speed. Has really good hands, but routes need work and he struggles in contested jump ball plays. Look to see how he battles versus the press this year. He should make his way into 1st round consideration.
Duke Williams from Auburn is the only senior to make the top five list. Last year he was the go-to guy even over NFL receiver Sammie Coates. Duke has a rare blend of size, strength and speed. At 6’2” and 225 lbs, Duke is able to use his body to position himself for jump balls and he has the strength to box out defenders and block on the edge when he applies himself. Duke’s skillset predicates on his speed. With elite speed and size, Duke will be able to have a monster season and should warrant 1st-2nd round consideration.
Josh Reynolds from Texas A&M isn’t the most athletically gifted receiver in the nation, or even his own team (Speedy Noil, Ricky Seals-Jones), but where Reynolds shines is his consistency. He doesn’t “wow” in any one category, but he is solid across the board and when a big catch is needed he is the go-to receiver. Reynolds had 13 touchdowns last year and should have another solid season showcasing his reliability. Reynolds is a 2nd round talent.
De’Runnya Wilson has freakish ability and raw talent to become a perennial pro bowler. When you watch this guy play you can just drool over the potential to be great. Wilson a former Mr. Basketball from Alabama utilizes those basketball skills through the air to box out defenders and make incredible catches. Wilson is still very raw in the critiques of a receiver, but he is adapting quickly and has made some absurd advances going into his junior year. Wilson can be a top pick in the draft with another strong season and improved technical skills on the edge.
Tight Ends
- *Hunter Henry- Arkansas
- *O.J. Howard- Alabama
- *Evan Engram- Ole Miss
- Jake McGee- Florida
- Jay Rome- Georgia
Hunter Henry is the most complete tight end available this year if he opts to forgo his senior season. Henry, has great size and is a bulldog competitor. A poor man’s Jason Witten, Henry has strength at the point of attack and can set the tone on the edge in the running game (Arkansas has a really good ground attack), which can also be attributed to a strong edge. A mismatch in coverage for smaller safeties and slower linebacker (Henry has speed for a big man), Henry has a throwback tight end feel and produces all-around. Henry could be the first tight end off the board next year as high as the 2nd round.
O.J. Howard from Alabama is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. At 6’6” and 4.5 est. 40-yard dash speed, Howard could be a red zone star in the NFL. Howard is a polished route runner and in a more pass heavy offense would see more targets. The more he improves his blocking, the higher his draft grade will be. Right now I have him in the 2nd-3rd round range should he forgo his senior season.
Evan Engram is more of a receiver than a “normal” tight end. An explosive playmaker, Engram is the best of the crop this year as a receiver and has Jimmy Graham-type tendencies as a pass catching tight end. A definite mismatch, look for Engram to become more of a complete player with in-line blocking this season, otherwise look for him to be used as a hybrid receiver/tight end at the next level. He currently carries a 3rd-4th round grade.
Jake McGee, not to be confused with the major league pitcher, is a transfer from Virginia with an H-back like skill set. In what will be his 6th season, McGee is a veteran that bring leadership and an all-around versatile feel to his game. He doesn’t do any one thing great, but does everything well. Lok for McGee to be a late round pick.
Jay Rome is a former top recruit, but has been derailed by foot injuries. Rome showcases all of the skills to be an elite player and has magnificent size at 6’6” and 250 lbs. If Rome can stay healthy in his last season you will see a player that can enforce the edge on the run, and also step out and become a solid reliable receiver much like former dawgs Ben Watson and Orson Charles.
Offensive Line
- *Laremy Tunsil- OT- Ole Miss
- Vadal Alexander- OG- LSU
- *Germain Ifedi- OT- Texas A&M
- *Jerald Hawkins- OT- LSU
- Mike Matthews C- Texas A&M
Laremy Tunsil amid off-the-field issues (punching step-dad), is the top offensive linemen in the SEC and could be the first tackle taken off the board come April. Tunsil has no glaring weaknesses, but should continue to get more functional strength. Where he shines is in his footwork and adjusting to pass rushers. Look for Tunsil to be a top-15 pick.
Vadal Alexander is a run blocking mauling machine with exceptional leverage. He utilizes his anchor better than anybody in the country and drives through opposing defenders at the 1st and 2nd levels. Not many guards are considered to be potential 1st round picks, Alexander is one of them if he continues to expand on his footwork.
Germain Ifedi offers versatility having played both sides of the line. This season he looks to be the starting left tackle moving over from right tackle. Ifedi is a mammoth and using his tree branch arms to keep defenders from penetrating inside. Ifedi looks like a lock to be a 10-year NFL veteran, certainly while he figures out how to muster up his upper body strength including his hand placement.
Jerald Hawkins has tremendous potential and upside with many scouts praising him to be better than last year’s anchor La’el Collins. I am in limbo with their views, while I certainly agree he can become a monster and a franchise tackle, I think there is work to be done with his quickness and his ability to block versus the speed rushers. Either way, Hawkins is still viewed by many as a top-25 pick.
Mike Matthews is the last in line of the Matthews football family. A starter over the last few years Matthews, like his father mans the middle of the line and does a superb job of using fundamentals and mental awareness to win versus his opponents. Matthews is quick off of the line and would be a great fit in a zone-blocking scheme. Currently carries a 4th round grade.
Defensive Linemen
- *Robert Nkemdiche- DE/DT- Ole Miss
- *Leonard Floyd- OLB- Georgia
- *A’Shawn Robinson- Alabama
- *Chris Jones- Mississippi State
- Curt Maggitt- DE/OLB- Tennessee
Robert Nkemdiche headlines the top defensive line prospects and with well regard. Nkemdiche showcases extraordinary athleticism for a defensive lineman and his quickness is unparalleled on the inside. Nkemdiche could be a top-5 pick on the edge or a top-10 pick on the inside. Much like Aaron Donald he uses his arms and hands being undersized as a 3-technique to get on offensive lineman and explodes off of the ball into the backfield. The only knock on Nkemdiche is that he is undersized on the inside and potentially too heavy on the edge. I love this kid’s tenacity.
Leonard Floyd is a pass-rushing specialist from Georgia. Floyd has been very productive as an edge rusher and is a classic boom or bust prospect. A one-dimensional edge rusher that has a substantial upside, also poses many arguments in the draft community as many want more of a complete 3-down edge rusher. If Floyd can set the edge better versus the run look for him to be talked about in the 1st round. His explosiveness and power off of the edge is reason enough to be intrigued.
A’Shawn Robinson is the top rated 3-technique on the inside. He has an uncanny ability to stack and shed defenders and penetrate the gaps versus double teams even. Robinson is a must for any team looking to upgrade their power and size on the inside. Look for number 86 this year clogging the middle. Robinson is a top-20 potential talent.
Chris Jones has a great feel for the field and can line up at tackle or end. Jones showcases great leverage at the point of attack. Jones can beat you with speed or power, which you don’t see often from a guy his size. Make no mistake, Jones will get into the backfield and wreak havoc. Look for Jones to be selected in the 2nd round should he declare for the draft.
Curt Maggitt by many isn’t a top five defensive lineman/edge rusher, to me however, I see a player who does nothing but go 100% all the time. Maggitt will line up wherever you want him and will play his heart out. Last season he had 11 sacks with a relentless pass rush. Maggitt doesn’t pose any one specific thing he excels at, but doesn’t most things well. An NFL team is going to be very happy with its return on this prospect. He may not be the top five drafted, but he will produce. Look for Maggitt to get drafted in the 4th round range.
Linebackers
- Reggie Ragland- ILB- Alabama
- Kentrell Brothers- OLB- Missouri
- Cassanova McKinzy- ILB- Auburn
- Kris Frost- OLB- Auburn
- *Kendell Beckwith- ILB- LSU
Reggie Ragland is my top-rated SEC linebacker for good reason. Ragland is a complete linebacker that can do it all from rush the passer effectively through the middle gap, stout against the run with the ability to shed blockers, and can drop back in coverage and compete with even the most athletic receivers. He provides excellent burst and pop in the run game, look for Ragland to be a solid 2nd round pick.
Kentrell Brothers from Missouri is an absolute beast in open space. A rangy linebacker, Brothers can run and has exceptional footwork to change directions and stay away from blockers. IF he can keep blockers off of him and be a run-and-chase linebacker he will produce effectively. Brothers currently rates as a 2nd-3rd round prospect.
Cassanova McKinzy is the better of the two Auburn linebackers especially in the running game. Not super-fast or agile, McKinzy’s bread and butter is as a tenacious physical attacker between the tackles. McKinzy will be an inside backer in the NFL and brings the thump with him. 3rd round.
Kris Frost, the other Auburn linebacker is also solid in the run game, but can compete in coverage. Frost has a good blend of size, speed, agility, and awareness that he uses on the strong side to chase players back inside. He doesn’t get enough credit for disrupting plays, although he makes plenty. If Frost can improve between the tackles as a run stopper he could be the higher drafted Auburn player. 4th round.
Kendell Beckwith, a junior, showcases virtuous strength and adequate speed to get on the edge, but I see him as more of an inside linebacker at the next level. Beckwith looks to have a strong junior year showing off his athletic ability and awareness and I think will declare early. 4th round.
Defensive Backs
- *Vernon Hargreaves III- Florida
- *Cam Sutton- Tennessee
- Jalen Mills- LSU
- Jonathan Jones- Auburn
- J. Stamps- Kentucky
Vernon Hargreaves is without a doubt the top defensive back in the draft, but Cam Sutton is close behind. Hargreaves body control is so advanced and elite that when the ball is in the air he plays like the intended target. His awareness, fluid hips, and quick foot speed allow him to stay right off the shoulder of receivers. A true shutdown cover corner, many quarterbacks refuse to throw his way and for good measure. Hargreaves is likely a top 10 pick.
Cam Sutton out of Tennessee in most years would be the top corner selected, unluckily he has Hargreaves to compete with. Sutton has bigger size than Hargreaves at 6’1” and is less heralded, but make no mistake, this man is a shutdown corner that uses his physical hands to stall receivers before they can even get into their breaks. Sutton will make quick lines to the ball and often baits quarterbacks to throw his way. If Sutton declares we could see two corners go in the top 15.
Jalen Mills from LSU is my top safety in the SEC. Mills, the leader of the tigers secondary, a 4-year starter. Mills has great athletic ability and possesses skills in the passing game to cover in man and zone coverages. Mills displays terrific positioning to balls in the air. Where he struggles is in the run. If he wants to be successful in the NFL he is going to have to break down and wrap up. Mills currently carries a 2nd round grade.
Jonathan Jones a corner out of Auburn, is another exceptional corner in coverage staying in receivers hip pockets and making plays on the football. He does struggle in many aspects of the game though like run support, getting off of blocks, and he is small in stature versus bigger receivers. Jones still packs a 2nd round grade due to his feisty competitiveness and man coverage.
A.J. Stamps the second best safety in the league hails from Kentucky. Stamps is very good in the running game and adds good tackle ability. Stamps has good long and short speed, but struggles in one-on-ones. Look for him to improve his coverage and could be drafted in the 3rd round range.
Other top names to keep an eye on:
Alabama: OT Dominick Jackson, CB Cyrus Jones, *CB Eddie Jackson, *LB Reuben Foster, S Geneo Smith
Arkansas: WR Keon Hatcher, OG Sebastian Tretola, C Mitch Smothers, S Rohan Gaines
Auburn: WR Ricardo Louis, WR Melvin Ray, *DE Carl Lawson, *DT Montravious Adams
Florida: DT Johnathan Bullard, *WR Demarcus Robinson, *DE Bryan Cox Jr., OLB Antonio Morrison, CB Brian Poole
Georgia: WR Malcolm Mitchell, DE Sterling Bailey, OLB Jordan Jenkins, CB Devin Bowman, K Marshall Morgan, *S Quincy Mauger, *ILB Reggie Carter
Kentucky: ILB Josh Forrest
LSU: TE Dillon Gordon, *CB Tre’Davious White, *OLB Ronnie Feist, *WR Travin Dural
Mississippi: G Justin Bell, G Aaron Morris, DE C.J. Johnson, *S Tony Conner
Mississippi State: WR Joe Morrow, CB Taveze Calhoun, CB Will Redmond
Missouri: C Evan Boehm, *DT Harold Brantley
South Carolina: RB Brandon Wilds, DT Gerald Dixon Jr, *DE Gerald Dixon, S T.J. Gurley
Tennessee: WR Pig Howard, *RB Duval Kamara, DT Trevarris Saulsberry, *WR Marquez North
Texas A&M: RB Tra Carson, C Mike Matthews, *WR Ricky Seals-Jones
Vanderbilt: DT Caleb Azbuike
Top 10 Juniors
- CB- Vernon Hargreaves- Florida
- WR- Laquon Treadwell- Ole Miss
- OT- Laremy Tunsil- Ole Miss
- DE/DT- Robert Nkemdiche- Ole Miss
- RB- Derrick Henry- Alabama
- CB- Cam Sutton- Tennessee
- OT- Germain Ifedi- Texas A&M
- DT- A’Shawn Robinson- Alabama
- OLB- Leonard Floyd- Georgia
- RB- Alex Collins- Arkansas
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