The 2020 NFL draft class is slowly starting to take shape as we hit the midpoint of the college football season. Yes, there are still more than a month's worth of games in the campaign, bowl games, showcase events, pro days and the combine, but we are getting a good idea of who the best NFL prospects are at this point in the process.
The class isn't disappointing. It's loaded with offensive playmakers, especially at the wide receiver position, and a third quarterback joins the top 32. But on defense, Ohio State pass-rusher Chase Young's strong season has him climbing the board and even making a bid to be the No. 1 overall pick in April.
Here is my evaluation of the top 32 players for 2020, updated from my Sept. 18 edition. Rankings will continue to be updated throughout the college football slate and right into draft season.
Note: Underclassmen are marked with an asterisk, and grades are from Scouts Inc.
1. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama*
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 218
Grade: 94 | Previous rank: 1
Simply put, Tagovailoa is a special talent. The lefty has elite accuracy at all three levels, displaying a smooth delivery, solid arm strength and excellent touch. His anticipation and fast eyes are high-end, and he has some twitch to him. Durability is a bit of a concern, but he's still my top prospect at this point in the process. Tagovailoa has 1,718 passing yards and 23 touchdown passes this season -- and he somehow has yet to throw an interception in five games. His 96.5 Total QBR is second in the nation -- just behind former teammate Jalen Hurts -- and he has thrown at least five touchdowns in three straight contests.
2. Chase Young, DE, Ohio State*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 265
Grade: 93 | Previous rank: 5
Young already has 8.5 sacks (second in the country), 9.5 tackles for loss (tied for ninth) and three forced fumbles (tied for fourth) through six games. Those are crazy numbers. He has quickness and above-average bend, and he flashes the ability to convert speed to power, though I'd like to see some improvement getting off blocks. He best fits as a 4-3 defensive end, but he has experience dropping into coverage and could end up converting to a 3-4 outside linebacker role.