Daniels' Draft Top 5's: Defense
The NFL Draft is around the corner and it is time to finalise my prospect rankings. We finish up with defense and each group will get a small blurb to give you an understanding of my thinking. I am sure there will be plenty you disagree on, but that’s the beauty of the draft! Enjoy and be sure to click on the players’ names for an in-depth scouting report from Simon Carroll and the rest of the NFL Draft team.
Defensive Tackle
- Jordan Davis, Georgia
- Devonte Wyatt, Georgia
- Travis Jones, UConn
- Logan Hall, Houston
- Perion Winfrey, Oklahoma
I’ve been back and forth with Davis and Wyatt. Ultimately, the testing swung it in Davis’ favour. Applying himself to reach his physical peak suggests he can be more than the two-down option some see him as.
If a team drafts Logan Hall and utilises his versatility I believe he can be great, if someone tries to pigeon-hole him into an every down 3-tech I’m not as sure. Winfrey beats out DeMarvin Leal purely on his dominance as a pass rusher during Senior Bowl.
Edge Rusher
- Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan
- Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon
- Travon Walker, Georgia
- Jermaine Johnson III, Florida State
- George Karlaftis, Purdue
I’m not rocking the boat with the top two here. I’m uneasy having Travon Walker so high with the lack of production but the physical tools are too immense to ignore. Karlaftis is often derided, but he is a solid all-round prospect and that consistency gave him the edge over the flashier choices of Arnold Ebiketie or Boye Mafe.
Linebacker
- Quay Walker, Georgia
- Devin Lloyd, Utah
- Nakobe Dean, Georgia
- Leo Chenal, Wisconsin
- Troy Andersen, Montana State
A surprise in the linebacker category. Quay Walker may not have dominated the discussion on Georgia’s defense but for me projects as a better NFL linebacker than Nakobe Dean. His size and athleticism are mouth-watering and he has a sky high ceiling. There is not much between Dean and Lloyd but statistically it’s more like likely the Utah man enjoys sustained success. Chenal could be better than both but left me wanting more in coverage.
Cornerback
- Derek Stingley Jr, LSU
- Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati
- Andrew Booth Jr, Clemson
- Kyler Gordon, Washington
- Trent McDuffie, Washington
Derek Stingley made a business decision after his freshman year. I believe that player still exists and if it does, he is a true lockdown corner at the next level. I’m a big fan of Andrew Booth so long as the injury concerns are put to bed. Kyler Gordon would have been higher with a better 40 but his size gives him the edge on teammate Trent McDuffie. McDuffie may hang on the outside in the NFL but could ultimately be best as a nickel or safety.
Safety
- Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame
- Lewis Cine, Georgia
- Daxton Hill, Michigan
- Jaquan Brisker, Penn State
- Jalen Pitre, Baylor
Lewis Cine is difficult not to fall in love with. I probably have him closer to Hamilton than most. He has excellent range and speed and loves to lay down the law in the secondary. Daxton Hill needs to add bulk but will be an immediate contributor as a nickel or third safety. In a deep class Bryan Cook was unfortunate to miss out but I am betting on Jalen Pitre being able to become more of an all-rounder at the position rather than the limited way he was used at Baylor.
Rory-Joe Daniels
Cfb contributor
formerly writing for the inside zone, rory will be breaking down college tape and keeping you up-to-date with all things CFB for the touchdown. an avid bengals fan, you can also find some of rory’s work at stripehype.com