With April just around the corner, it is now the time of the year where all eyes are on the college kids. The NFL draft combine began on February 27th and since then many players have made different impressions on NFL coaches and fans. For me, this is one of the most exciting times of the NFL year. It truly feels as if there is no off season due to the constant action. That being said, here are 5 of my favorite NFL prospects in no particular order:
1. Saquon Barkley (RB) (Penn State)
Barkley is getting the most hype going into the draft. Evaluators have been quoted as to saying that Barkley is a better prospect than Ezekiel Elliot was 2 years ago. One evaluator even told Sports Illustrated that he is only the 5th prospect in 20 years to receive a perfect grade from them. Barkley, standing 6 feet tall 233 pounds, is an ideal running back for today's NFL. His footwork along with his route running and hands makes him hard to pass up. Fantasy football owners should take notice.
2. Bradley Chubb (DE) (NC State)
Chubb, weighing 270 lbs and standing at nearly 6'5" is a pass rushing machine. His raw strength and speed makes him an opposing QB's worst nightmare. In addition, he specializes in the "strip-sack." Any NFL team looking to create more turnovers and pressure the QB should snag Chubb if he is on the board. He is big enough to play defensive end and athletic enough to play outside linebacker. Look for him to go early first round.
3. Christian Kirk (WR) (Texas A&M)
Kirk has been seriously impressing scouts in the combine standing at 5'11" and 200 lbs. What may be the most impressive about Kirk is his grit and toughness with the ball in his hands. He is built like a full back with wide out speed. Also, his route running abilities are top notch for his draft class. After watching his tape, I cannot help but compare Kirk to one of my favorite WRs of all time, Steve Smith SR. His hard-nosed, bully ball technique is exactly what I love to see in a WR. I would love to see the Ravens draft him at #16.
4. Quenton Nelson (G) (Notre Dame)
Nelson is by far my favorite offensive lineman in this year's draft. He weighs an absurd 325 pounds and stand 6'5" tall. Don't let those numbers fool you however, this guy can move. His best strength is most likely his hand speed and power, something that cannot be taught at the professional level. His huge body mixed with his quickness and determination will make him nearly impossible to rush past. Also, he has excelled in run block for Notre Dame, pancaking players with ease. This guy is gonna be a beast.
5. Shaquem Griffin (LB) (UCF)
Griffin not only is a great football player, but he has a great story as well. He lost his left hand due to a rare prenatal condition and plays with a prosthetic hand. Griffin ran an absurd 4.38 on the 40 yard dash and was able to do 20 bench press reps... with a prosthetic hand! This guy has the heart and skill to make an immediate difference on any NFL defense. His raw speed and strength makes him a great open field tackler. He is projected to go in the later rounds.
