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2018 NFL draft: Creating a Patriots’ top 50 big board for the draft

The top 50 prospects in the 2018 NFL Draft from a Patriots’ perspective.

NCAA Football: TaxSlayer Bowl-Louisville vs Mississippi State Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

As we wrap up the pre-draft process, the following big board is a culmination of all the players I’ve studied over the last few months scouting potential Patriots targets in this year’s draft.

The grades reflect my grading on the player based on watching their film but fit and connection to the Patriots influenced the rankings within those tiers.

It also assumes no trade up’s and any unforeseen slides by one of the drafts top players. These are players that have a legitimate chance to be within range for the Patriots.

First Round Grades

1. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

Finding Tom Brady’s successor is item number one on the Patriots’ list of draft needs and the number one target ought to be the best running quarterback since Michael Vick. Jackson has elite playmaking ability with his legs both as a runner and by using his mobility to buy time in the pocket. He also has an underrated ability to complete tight window throws with anticipation between the hash marks, read defenses, and has plenty of arm strength. Jackson’s accuracy issues are real as he’ll need to re-work his lower half to eliminate his tendency to throw with a narrow base. His ball placement outside the numbers can be sporadic at times, but he’s a rare combination of a mobile quarterback that’s already capable of making all of the throws and reads in the pocket. Jackson ran NFL concepts with pro-style progressions at Louisville, and did it as well as anyone at the collegiate level over the last two seasons. Jackson has a chance to be an exceptional talent in the NFL. I wrote about Jackson’s fit in the Patriots’ offense earlier this draft season.

2. Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State

Rudolph won’t “wow” you with arm strength or elite playmaking ability, but all he did at Oklahoma State was produce and throw accurately to all three levels. Rudolph was one of the most accurate and consistent quarterbacks at the collegiate level over the last few seasons and received a grade of above 90 from Pro Football Focus in each of the previous three seasons. He’s the best passer in the class at throwing outside the numbers as his tape shows excellent timing, accuracy, and touch on deep throws down the sidelines. His arm strength comes and goes as his feet can get sloppy at times which significantly diminishes the zip on his throws, but he’ll do his part within a well-coached offense with good surrounding talent. Rudolph may never develop into a perennial MVP candidate like the quarterback he’d be replacing in New England, but the Patriots’ offense will remain efficient with him at the helm.

3. Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State

My top non-quarterback target for the Patriots in this year’s draft. Before the combine, I wrote about how the Patriots needed to find linebackers this offseason that could stay on the field no matter the situation or the offense the opponent was running. Vander Esch is a rare breed of linebacker that has the size and play strength to be a dominant run defender and the speed, range, and mirroring ability to be a dominant defender in coverage as well. The Boise State product is still developing as he hasn’t played a ton of football to this point, but by the end of last season he was one of the most dominant off-ball linebackers in the nation, and his performance against Oregon in Boise State’s bowl game was as dominant as it gets. If Vander Esch is available at 23, and the Patriots don’t select a quarterback, he should be the pick.

4. Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame

Nate Solder’s departure to the New York Giants left a giant void at left tackle for the Patriots. Second-year tackle Tony Garcia’s health has improved since blood clots forced him to miss his entire rookie season, but Notre Dame’s Mike McGlinchey should be a ten-year starter at left tackle in the NFL. McGlinchey is a dominant run blocker that’s both a people mover in the trenches and has enough athleticism to make blocks on the move and at the second level. There are some concerns about his technique in pass protection which could cause him to slide into the 20’s, however. He needs to work on his punch in his pass set as it’s not always accurate and can come too late against speed rushers. Ideally, he’d also get a little bit more depth in his kick-slide when coming out of his stance as well. McGlinchey has all the physical tools to be a day-one starter on the left side, and with some refining, he could develop into a Pro Bowler. Don’t expect to see McGlinchey available when the Patriots are on the clock.

5. Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College

Arguably the best pure pass rusher in a weak class is Boston College’s Harold Landry. Landry battled injuries and inconsistent play last season, but his 2016 campaign was flat out dominant. Landry has a wide variety of pass rush moves and terrific bend around the edge. He has violent hands and long arms that he puts to good use, and often dominates tackles with either a speed rush bending around the edge a la Von Miller or an arm-bar move that’s a specialty of the Raiders’ Khalil Mack. Landry will likely be off the board by the time the Patriots pick in the first round, but he has superstar potential as a sack artist.

6. Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama

The Alabama product might be the most likely first-round selection for the Patriots in this draft. Evans has the pedigree coming from Nick Saban’s system and the skill set that fits the Patriots’ mold at the position. Evans played a very similar role to Dont’a Hightower in Alabama’s defense as a thumping off-ball linebacker that also flashed pass rush skills from an edge position on passing downs. He’s dominant in the run game as someone that’s extremely physical at the line of scrimmage taking on blockers and has good instincts for the game to sniff out ball carriers. There are some concerns about him playing in space in coverage, however, which likely means he’ll be used as a blitzer or edge rusher in obvious passing situations. The Patriots typically ask their linebackers to either cover running backs out of the backfield or drop into shallow zone coverages over the middle of the field, and although Evans doesn’t have elite coverage skills, he’s certainly an improvement in those areas.

7. Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan

Hurst’s heart condition could see him slide to the end of the first round, but he’s one of the best defensive players in the draft based on his tape. Hurst is a penetrating three-tech defensive tackle that has elite get-off and pass rushing ability. The Patriots added nose tackle Danny Shelton to improve a so-so interior defensive line group, but they don’t have any high-end penetrators that can create consistent pressure up the middle. Hurst’s explosiveness is rare, and he plays with good pad level which helps him win leverage battles in the trenches despite being undersized. He could be the player that the Patriots wanted 2014 first rounder Dominique Easley to be when they selected him out of Florida four years ago.

8. Connor Williams, OT, Texas

Texas’ Connor Williams is every offensive line coach’s dream come true. Williams can play all five spots along the offensive line, doesn’t take plays off, and plays the game with that nastiness that you love to see. He has violent and strong hands that punish defenders and is extremely smart for a young offensive lineman. The only issue with Williams will be finding his ideal position at the next level. He played left tackle at Texas and had dominant stretches particular in 2016, but he’s built more like a guard. Whether he plays inside or outside in the NFL, Williams is going to be a starter for years to come at the next level.

9. Isaiah Wynn, OG/OT, Georgia

Wynn is almost a lock to be moved inside to guard at the NFL level, but he was so dominant at left tackle for Georgia the last few seasons that he’s still a top 15 talent in this class. Wynn only allowed five pressures last season playing left tackle in the SEC, an incredible feat. He’s undersized for an NFL tackle, but he has fluid hips, plays with excellent leverage and hand usage. In my opinion, Wynn deserves a chance to play tackle at the next level before team’s kick him inside. I’d be stunned if Wynn was still on the board when the Patriots pick in the first round, but if he is, he’ll likely be the best player available.

10. Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville

My top cornerback in the 2018 class is Louisville’s Jaire Alexander. Alexander has incredible movement skills and makes sticking with receivers look easy. He also plays the game with a chip on his shoulder and takes matchups with top wideouts personally. He’s a competitive player that’s always making plays on the ball whether it’s in the air or trying to strip the football out of a ball carriers arms. Alexander battled injuries last season but was dominant when healthy and in 2016 when he played every game for Louisville. Alexander and Stephon Gilmore would make a great cornerback duo with Gilmore handling the bigger-bodied receivers and Alexander tracking the shiftier guys. His game reminds me a lot of the BroncosChris Harris.

11. Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado

The best fit for the Patriots in this cornerback class is Colorado’s Isaiah Oliver. Oliver fits the Patriots’ outside cornerback mold perfectly as a taller prospect than Alexander with extremely long arms. He uses those long arms and quick feet best in press-man coverage which is a staple of the Patriots’ coverage schemes defensively. Oliver has smooth hips, is more than capable of sticking with receivers on the outside, and uses his length to break up passes regularly. There are some minor things that Oliver needs to clean up such as standing too tall in his backpedal, but he checks every box for a Patriots cornerback.

12. Ronald Jones, RB, USC

The second-best running back in the 2018 class behind Penn State’s Saquon Barkley. Jones has elite burst, balance, and lateral agility as a runner and get’s downhill faster than any running back in this class. He also has a great feel for blocking schemes and combines his short-area quickness with the right amount of patience to break off big runs. Jones has a little bit of beast mode in him as he’ll run through contact and carry defenders almost to a fault at times. After the departure of Dion Lewis, the Patriots don’t have a three-down factor back that can take over games. Jones would be the most gifted running back they’ve had in quite some time.

(Other first-round grades given this year: Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, Baker Mayfield, Vita Vea, Roquan Smith, Denzel Ward, Saquon Barkley, Bradley Chubb, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Derwin James, Taven Bryan, Calvin Ridley. Tremaine Edmunds – 27 total first rounders)

Second Round Grades

13. Lorenzo Carter, EDGE, Georgia

Carter plays the game at a different speed and flashed stretches of dominant play at Georgia over the last few seasons. At times, he looked to be the best defensive player on the field on a loaded defense. However, he’s far too inconsistent and raw to garner a first round grade at this point. The flashes and athletic ability are there, but Carter has yet to put it all together on a down-to-down basis. He’ll need to improve his overall feel for the game and figure out his ideal position (edge or off-ball linebacker) to reach his ceiling at the next level.

14. Justin Reid, S, Stanford

Reid is another player that you’d expect to be near the top of the Patriots’ draft board. Reid did it all at Stanford lining up as a deep safety, in the box, in the slot, and as an outside corner at times. He’s a rare athlete that can mirror most receivers in man coverage and should have no problems defending tight ends and slot receivers at the next level. He’s also an incredibly smart football player that has excellent instincts and knowledge of defensive schemes. The Patriots are getting old at the safety position as Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung near the ends of their careers, and Reid plays the game a lot like McCourty.

15. Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama

If the Patriots want to add some attitude and swagger to the back end of their defense, they could look to add Alabama’s Ronnie Harrison. Harrison wants to punish offensive players every time he comes in contact with anyone, but he also has the athletic ability to play in space or matchup in man coverage. Harrison can be aggressive to a fault at times but his versatility, tackling ability, and smarts will likely make him an instant contributor.

16. Derrius Guice, RB, LSU

When healthy, Guice is a special talent that at times looked like a better prospect at LSU than Leonard Fournette. He’s an explosive runner that has great feel in the open field, balance, and finishing ability. It’s very rare to find a running back with his kind of speed and power. He also flashed the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and run routes like a wide receiver. Health is the only major concern.

17. Mike Hughes, CB, UCF

The Patriots’ quest to replace Malcolm Butler could end with a Malcolm Butler clone. Hughes has the best pair of hips of any cornerback in this class and has tremendous speed to close on receivers. In cornerback speak, Hughes is a dog, as he’s always stuck to receivers and hounding them through the whistle. He’s still raw at this point and isn’t the best at diagnosing route concepts just yet, but he’s a natural in man coverage.

18. Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State

The top tight end in the 2018 class is South Dakota State’s Dallas Goedert. The Patriots need to start thinking about life after Rob Gronkowski, and Goedert plays the game a lot like a mini-Gronk. He has an incredibly large catch radius which makes him a nightmare for defenses in the red zone and has tremendous after the catch ability as a ball carrier. Like most of the top tight ends in this class, Goedert will have to improve his in-line blocking technique, but he’ll be a productive receiver right away.

19. Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa

Jackson is one of the most polarizing prospects in this year’s class. Some have him as the top corner in the class while others, including me, have him a bit further down the board. Jackson is a ballhawk on the outside that’s most comfortable in off-coverage where he can read and react. However, his ball skills and production are off the charts, and if the Patriots want to pair an interception machine with Stephon Gilmore, they could go with Jackson. Jackson isn’t as consistent in coverage as other corners in this class, but the Pats defense needs to create more turnovers.

20. Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State

Hubbard checks a lot of the boxes the Patriots typically look for in their defensive ends. He has good height, length, and lateral quickness as he posted the best three-cone time of any defensive lineman at the combine (6.84 seconds). Hubbard is more of a high-motor guy than a flashy athlete, but he has an excellent feel for the game, knows how to use his body to leverage offensive lineman, and had tremendous production at Ohio State. He’s a safe pick somewhere in the first two rounds.

21. Dante Pettis, WR, Washington

My favorite receiver in this class is Washington’s Dante Pettis. Pettis can run every single route both inside or outside, has an extremely high football IQ, and is an underrated athlete. Pettis is a terrific route runner that understands coverage schemes and can react accordingly based on what the defense is trying to accomplish on any given play. He’s also the most technically sound route runner in this class. There weren’t very many opponents at the collegiate level that could stick with his long speed and short-area explosiveness either. Plus, he’s arguably the best returner in the history of college football with nine career punt return touchdowns. Pettis would be a perfect fit in New England.

22. Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma

Andrews is a very intriguing tight end prospect as his skill set would translate very nicely to the Patriots offense. He’s a gifted route runner that knows how to get open on underneath routes but also has the speed to stretch defenses vertically. You could easily see Andrews running those short option routes over the middle as a big slot receiver that the Patriots love. Plus, he has an uncanny ability to find the openings in zone coverages. From a scheme fit perspective, Andrews is likely the best tight end option for the Patriots in this draft.

23. Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State

Right behind Andrews in my tight end rankings is Penn State’s Mike Gesicki. Gesicki is essentially a big wide receiver. He’s incredibly smooth in his releases and has blazing speed for a man his size. He showed flashes of wiggle at the top of routes, but his specialty is beating defenders on deep routes and in jump-ball situations due to his massive catch radius. Gesicki will have to put in better effort to develop as an in-line blocker, but his receiving skills are rare.

24. D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland

If there’s one receiver that’s always open in this class, it’s Maryland’s D.J. Moore. Moore is more of an underneath and intermediate receiver, but he’s one of the better route runners in this class. He’s incredibly explosive and shifty within the first ten to 20 yards and is an absolute YAC machine. Moore can also play inside or outside, and although there are some concerns about him creating downfield separation, he’d be a perfect “z” receiver for the Patriots.

25. Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M

Kirk’s fit with the Patriots is obvious as he could be a day-one contributor in the slot. Kirk is a big-play machine due to his explosiveness and game-breaking speed. He doesn’t create as much downfield separation as Pettis or Moore but once the ball is in his hands he’s a threat to take it to the house on any given play. This year’s class of receivers is underwhelming compared to past years, but Kirk is one of the surer bets due to his defined role in the slot. He also adds value as a returner on special teams.

26. Josh Sweat, DE, Florida State

Most talent evaluators in the media have Sweat as a first-round pick, but I’m not as high on him as others. He flashes rare get-off speed and pass rushing ability at times, but his motor runs hot and cold. Florida State has a very similar philosophy to the Patriots regarding how their defensive lineman approach each snap. They ask their lineman to react off the snap to how the offensive line moves instead of watching the ball. This is often looked at as an approach aimed to stop the run first rather than get after the quarterback. In that scheme, Sweat seemed out of place and was often behind the play as he struggled to process blocking schemes quickly. He could develop into a star in the right system, but I don’t believe it will be with the Patriots.

27. Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU

If the Patriots want to add a true “X” receiver on the outside in this draft, it could be SMU’s Courtland Sutton. Sutton is a huge target that has some highlight reel catches where he shows off that large catch radius and giant hands. Although he can run routes, Sutton’s route tree will likely be limited to fades, slants, and posts that will allow him to win in contested catch situations. Sutton’s not as explosive or technical as the receivers ranked above him on this list, but he’s an absolute freak attacking the football in the air.

28. Sony Michel, RB, Georgia

Michel is an incredibly talented running back that has tremendous acceleration, vision, and one-cut ability. He also showed off above-average receiving skills at Georgia and was a problem for opposing defenses coming out of the backfield. He’s a natural runner in zone schemes which makes you worry about his fit in a heavy man blocking system as we see in New England, but his talent is undeniable.

29. Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State

Arguably the most natural ball carrier in this class is San Diego State’s Rashaad Penny. Penny combines excellent vision with home run speed and power between the tackles. He’s by far the best running back in this class at seeing running lanes inside and in traffic, and piled up big gainers with impressive long speed once he found those openings. There are serious concerns about his pass blocking skills and his route running as a receiver needs work, but he might be the best pure runner in this class.

30. Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford

Phillips is only this low on the list because the Patriots don’t have a massive need for a run-stuffing interior defensive lineman. Phillips was impressive at the combine showing off great explosiveness and movement skills for a man of his size, and we already knew he would hold up well against the run. He’s a top 50 prospect in this draft that will fit in very well playing over the nose or guard at the next level.

Third Round Grades

31. Kyle Lauletta, QB, Richmond

There’s a high probability that Lauletta will be the Patriots’ selection at the backend of the second round, but he’ll likely be slightly overvalued because he’s a quarterback. I wrote at length on Lauletta in a strengths and weaknesses piece earlier this draft season.

32. Kolton Miller, OT, UCLA

The buzz around UCLA tackle Kolton Miller has been insane ever since he dominated the combine in February. Miller is a tremendous athlete, one of the best we’ve seen at the position, but he’s more of an athlete than a football player at this point. Miller has a long way to go in pretty much every facet of pass blocking. He has weak hands that he carries too low on his punch, he has a false step in his kick-slide that often sees him take his first step forward, and his balance and body control are lacking. Miller is a complete project that’s solely in the first round discussion because of his athletic ability and measurables. He’ll go a lot higher than the third round because it’s a weak tackle class and teams are desperate for players with his physical traits, but he’s going to get significantly over-drafted based on the tape.

33. Duke Ejiofor, EDGE, Wake Forest

Ejiofor has the best set of hands of any defensive line prospect in this class. They are heavy, and he knows exactly how to use them to win at the point of attack. The Wake Forest product is just one of those players that get the game of football. He studies offensive tackles to learn their tendencies, understands the importance of hand usage and leverage, and has a wide variety of pass rush moves in his arsenal. He may not be the most explosive athlete in this class, but he’s going to be an excellent football player at the next level.

34. Brian O’Neill, OT, Pittsburgh

If the Patriots opt to wait on a left tackle the top target from this perspective ought to be Pittsburgh’s Brian O’Neill. O’Neill is an exceptionally smooth athlete as a converted tight end. He’ll need to increase his play weight and strength to deal with power at the next level, but his kick-slides are as smooth as anyone in this class. He gets out his stance in pass sets effortlessly and can mirror pass rushers with ease. Plus, his athleticism allows him to get out and block in the run game as a plus-blocker on the move. O’Neill checks every box from a Patriots standpoint at the position and reminds me a lot of both Tony Garcia and Nate Solder.

35. Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina

Hurst has received a lot of pre-draft hype because of his unique background and intriguing receiving skills. He’s a smooth athlete that can track the ball in the air well and has soft hands. He’s also one of the better in-line blockers in this tight end class. However, he’s already 25 years old after failing in professional baseball, and he isn’t as explosive on tape as a route runner as the hype would suggest.

36. Fred Warner, LB, BYU

I loved Fred Warner’s tape from last season. Warner is precisely the type of prospect you’d imagine when thinking about how to improve the Patriots’ defense. Warner played at outside linebacker and in the slot at BYU and is an athletic freak who can play in space and cover receivers in man. His click and close in zone coverage, ability to slip blockers in the run game and ball skills are among the best in this class. If he can become a more consistent tackler, he’ll be a starter at the next level.

37. Josey Jewell, LB, Iowa

Jewell is more of an old-school linebacker. He’s going to take on blocks, blitz from inside, and rack up tackles in the run game with great instincts and fundamentals. However, his combine was underwhelming, and he could be a liability in coverage based on the tape as well. Ultimately, Jewell was so dominant throughout his career at Iowa and so well-respected by everyone that has come in contact with him that you expect him to find a role on an NFL defense.

38. Quenton Meeks, CB, Stanford

Meeks has a chance to be a steal for a team in the third round. He’s an excellent outside corner that has ideal measurables, a high football IQ, and plenty of athleticism for a corner of his size. Meeks is most comfortable in cover-2 or cover-3 where he can use his length and craftiness to bait quarterbacks into interceptions. However, his size and mirroring skills still allow him to play in press-man. Meeks is an intelligent football player that could contribute instantly.

39. DaeSean Hamilton, WR, Penn State

Hamilton is another heady and tactical route runner that has lightning quick feet which creates easy separation at the top of routes. He’s one of the better route runners in this class and has reliable hands. He’d fit in nicely in the slot.

40. Komoko Turay, EDGE, Rutgers

Have to have at least one Rutgers product. Turay has a lot of intriguing physical traits at 6-5. 250 pounds with elite explosiveness off the edge. He’s still learning the game and needs to develop a better feel for blocking schemes, but he has a lot of potential.

41. Genard Avery, LB, Memphis

Avery is another potential hidden gem that would bring a healthy amount of speed to the front seven. The Memphis product is a versatile linebacker that mostly played off-ball on early downs and as an edge rusher in obvious passing situations. His closing speed to ball carriers is off the charts, and he has excellent instincts in the run game. Avery’s tape and combine results both suggest he’ll be a starter in the NFL.

42. Hercules Mata’afa, DL, Washington State

There’s a lot of discussion surrounding Hercules Mata’afa. He was one of the most productive players at the collegiate level over the last few seasons and displays excellent quickness, and balance on tape. However, his combine was disappointing and he doesn’t have a defined role at the next level because he’s undersized. If he can land with a smart defensive mind like Bill Belichick who will know how to use him, Mata’afa could flourish like he did at Washington State.

43. Tyrell Crosby, OT, Oregon

Crosby is one of the better prospects among the third rounders. He has superhuman strength and brings defenders to the ground on a regular basis. His foot speed is a question mark, and he had trouble with speed rushers in college, but once he gets his hands on you, it’s over. Some teams may give him a shot at tackle, but he may have to kick inside to guard due to his limitations sliding and bending in pass protection. Either way, he’s going to be an absolute mauler.

44. Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas

Jefferson is someone that I studied way back at the beginning of the draft process because his size/speed combination reminded me a lot of Jamie Collins. Jefferson is without a doubt one of the more athletic players in this draft and has an immense amount of potential. However, his feel for the game is sorely lacking. He guesses too much reading blocks and is slow to react in coverage. If you point Jefferson in the right direction his physical gifts flash, but it will take a patient and smart coaching staff to help him reach his potential.

45. Dane Cruikshank, S, Arizona

Cruikshank is another combine standout that will likely play a slot defender/strong safety role in the NFL. He has a unique combination of speed and physicality that’s very intriguing. Cruikshank isn’t as polished as top defensive back prospects Minkah Fitzpatrick and Derwin James, but he’s cut from the same cloth as those two.

Fourth Round Grades

46. Jamarco Jones, OT, Ohio State

Jones is another potential mid-round option to fill the void at left tackle. He’s one of the better pass protectors in this class and is very fundamentally sound in his pass sets. However, he did not test well at the combine which makes you wonder if the fluidity he flashed on tape isn’t as impressive as it appears. Either way, he’s going to make an NFL roster as a swing tackle at the very least.

47. Chuks Okorafor, OT, Western Michigan

Another high-upside tackle prospect that could be a long-term project for Dante Scarnecchia. Okoroafor is extremely raw. He has the physical gifts to mirror pass rushers on the edge but he needs to be taught how to use his hands and balance is a significant issue. He has the potential to develop into a starter, but you’ll need to be patient with him.

48. Nyheim Hines, RB, N.C. State

Hines’ tape at N.C. State is a highlight reel of long touchdown runs. He was the fastest running back at the combine and has positional versatility as a former slot receiver. Hines fires through rushing lanes and has a good feel for finding space to maximize runs. He’s not overly elusive but is deceptively powerful for a smaller back averaging 3.8 yards after contact per carry in 2017 according to Pro Football Focus. Hines may be more of a gadget player than a workhorse, but he’d bring a new dimension to the Patriots’ offense.

Fifth Round Grades

49. Skai Moore, LB, South Carolina

I’d feel more comfortable with Moore in the fifth round because of his injury history, but he’s very talented on tape. His skill set has garnered a lot of suitors as he’s an undersized linebacker that flies to the ball and can cover in space. Moore had 14 career interceptions at South Carolina combining excellent ball skills with good range in instincts dropping into zone coverage from an off-ball linebacker position. If he can stay healthy, he’ll be a steal.

50. Kalen Ballage, RB, Arizona State

Ballage will help a team instantly as a receiving back and has excellent vision as a ball carrier in the open field. He was underutilized at Arizona State and has the potential to breakout if he can become a more decisive runner between the tackles.