By Jack McNicholas 

February 22, 2020

1. Chase Young. Ohio State, Defensive End 

Young consistently looked like a man amongst boys in his years as an Ohio State Buckeye. I believe that he will be the first Non- Quarterback selection. With the recent news of teams wanting to trade up for quarterbacks in the top three picks of the draft. It is clear unless something changes at the number two spot, and could become a member of the Washington Redskins. His tape is just fun to watch as he has so many different ways to beat opposing blockers. He can be a cornerstone of any NFL defense that he becomes apart of next season. He ends his collegiate career with 30.5 career sacks. It is certain he will need to get a larger trophy case as he won the Naguiski, and Camp awards for best defensive player. As well as being a Unanimous All-American, a Heisman candidate this season (College Football’s highest honor.) As my top defensive line man his size and speed will make an almost immediate impact in the NFL.

2. Derrick Brown, Auburn, Defensive Tackle 

Saying Derrick Brown is going to go in the top 10 is not a stretch in my mind. He is the number one rated defensive tackle on my list and almost every other analysts lists. 

Brown’s 6’2, 244. Frame is truly a problem for offensive linemen on either side who have the assignment of blocking him. With the ability to line up anywhere on the line. In 2019 alone his statline of 55 tackles, four sacks and two forced fumbles. Most players with his frame can’t move as fast as he can. The rush off of the edge his combine will give him the opportunity to shine and meet teams. I can see him going in the top ten because of the lack of depth at the position. 

3. A.J Espenesa, Iowa, Defensive End

2019 First Team All-Pro and All Big Ten nods helped Espenesa. In three years as a starter 61 tackle, 37.0 TFL, 26.5 sacks, and 9FF. At 6’6 280lbs. I project that Espenesa would go in the first round. I’ve seen drafts of him going as high as the 11th pick to the New York Jets. With a good combine where his work ethic will be on display. His talent has been obvious to Iowa fans but he has been on the college football map since being an Freshman All-Big 10. I was very impressed with his ability to pursue the quarterback for so long, he could have been blocked for more than three seconds he consistently made plays. With an arsenal of both power moves to pressure quarterbacks his strength will impress man scouts at next week in Indianapolis. 

4. Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina, Defensive End

Standing at 6’6 310 the largest man on my rankings comes in at number four. Javon Kinlaw plays against some of the best offensive line competition in college football. Time and time again he proved to be a force even though the stats don’t show it all. Just for an example; If you watched the down to the wire victory The GameCocks had this year against the #3 Georgia Bulldogs. Kinlaw made a huge hit on star quarterback Jake Fromm in the second quarter this forced a pick-six. Kinlaw however had a ball this year, he was a force as a five technique. Although character concerns are something to keep an eye on most of that is usually up to the combine interview sessions. While he will be going in with a fine resume, as he was voted First Team All- SEC this past season. I believe Kinlaw will fit nicely into most NFL defenses. His size is that of an NFL tackle with a great power rush move and run stopping ability. 

5. Yetur Gross-Matos, Penn State, Defensive End

This year Gross- Matos had a change of position this season. While many NFL scouts don’t think this will hurt his draft stock. This wont stop the 2 x First Team Big 10 defensive end from showing teams he is capable of being an NFL Edge Rusher. He was put at defensive tackle this year which by the film you can tell didn’t allow him to be as free as he would have liked. In his last two years as a starter. Matos posted an impressive statline was posted. 94 tackles with 17.5 sacks. As well as forcing two fumbles in his two years as a starter. If he can get a pass rush arsenal and a better burst off the edge he can be a weapon in the NFL for years to come. His pursuit is impressive and you can tell he does not quit. I believe despite the position change he will be join many other great penn state players as Defensive stars in the NFL.