We're less than a week away from the 2020 NFL draft, which means it's time to unveil my annual list of favorite prospects at every position.
This isn't a list of the best overall prospects in the class -- though, how could I not pick Joe Burrow? -- nor is it a list of the guys I consider the best at each position. These are the prospects whom I've:
Often rated higher than other evaluators within the draft media or than team evaluators with whom I discuss prospects, or ...
Ranked higher in close debates within position groups, or ...
Just liked the way they play the game.
Let's get to the 2020 class, with projections on the round in which each will be drafted. On deep positions, I also picked out a few extra Day 3 prospects I liked:
Quarterback
Joe Burrow, LSU
Yes, this is an obvious pick, but you really can't overstate Burrow's amazing 2019 season. I've been grading NFL prospects for 42 years, and I've never seen a quarterback go an entire season without putting a string of bad plays on tape. I mean, 60 touchdown passes and 5,671 passing yards? Completed 76.3% of his passes? Burrow, whom I thought was a fifth- or sixth-round pick before the season, had an unbelievable year for the national champs. Coaches and teammates rave about his leadership, too, so it's not just about what he does on the field. Burrow is the total package, and I can't wait to see him at the next level.
Projection: He's the favorite to go to the Bengals with the No. 1 overall pick.
Day 3 guy I like: James Morgan, Florida International. The 6-foot-4 Morgan didn't put up big numbers in college, but I love the way he competes. He was one of the standouts at the East-West Shrine Bowl.