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The NFL Draft is fast approaching, which means dozens of SEC players soon will hear their names called from April 28-30. The SEC had 54 players selected last year, most of any conference for the ninth consecutive year.
Here’s a look at the SEC’s 10 top NFL draft prospects:
10. Germain Ifedi, OL, Texas A&M: Finding a versatile 6-6, 335-pounder is a rarity, but that’s exactly what Ifedi offers the NFL. He’s played left guard and left tackle as well as right tackle. Outstanding footwork and good size make him an attractive prospect in the draft. Good hands with an ability to lock up defenders puts Ifedi in line to be a standout blindside blocker.
9. Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas: Perhaps the top tight end in the draft, the 6-5, 253-pounder is a huge target and an even better run blocker. Henry hauled in 51 passes for 739 yards and three touchdowns last season. Excellent hands for a big guy, it’s a rarity that Henry drops a pass. He’s the prototypical tight end and a potential late first-round pick.
8. Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia: Quick off the edge, Floyd led the Bulldogs in sacks (17 total) the past three seasons and had 74 tackles alone last year. He has the size (6-4, 231) and exceptional quickness of the edge to wreak havoc. His strength and versatility could lead to playing with his hand in the ground to further use his abilities to get to the quarterback.
7. Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama: The third of three potential first-round prospects from the Tide’s national championship defense could be the best nose tackle prospect in the draft. An elite run-stuffer, the 6-4, 313-pounder has the size and strength to clog up running lanes. He’s not a big pass rusher, but Reed is immovable along the defensive line. He will be of significant value in helping any NFL team in stopping the run.
6. Robert Nkemdiche, DL, Ole Miss: As far as talent goes, there’s few better than the 6-4, 296-pound athlete. His best quality could be in tying up two blockers for most of his college career after coming out of high school as the county’s top prospect. It’s kept his stats lower than expected but also allowed for his teammates to make plays. However his stock has slipped somewhat because of diminished stats (29 tackles in 2015) and off-field concerns. Still, he remains first-round talent.
5. A’Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama: It shouldn’t come as a surprise to see Alabama defensive players at the top of the draft list. At 6-4, 312, Robinson’s stock continues to climb as a quick-off-the-ball solid run-stopper. Overshadowed by other other teammates at the beginning of the season, Robinson came into his own last season as a junior. His athleticism and leadership qualities put Robinson in a solid first-rounder category.
4. Reggie Ragland, MLB, Alabama: The heart and soul of the Alabama defense last season, Ragland defines the position. The 6-2, 252-pounder is an excellent run-stopper, recording 102 tackles last season and also uses lateral quickness and exceptional instincts to cover the pass as well. Not the fastest linebacker in the draft, his imposing presence more than makes up for a lack of speed.
3. Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss: The SEC’s top receiver with 1,153 yards (88.7 yards per game), Treadwell returned with a vengeance from a devastating injury that ended his 2014 season. Bigger and better than ever, the 6-2, 210-pounder has the size and speed to be the big-play prospect with an ability to add yards after the catch, as well as using his strong yet soft hands to play the role of a possession-type receiver at the next level.
2. Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida: Although his 2015 season didn’t grade out quite as well as the previous, he is still considered among the top prospects in the SEC. He certainly won’t back down to any receiver, getting the most out of his 5-11, 199-pound frame. With blanket coverage and a ball-hawk to boot, Hargeaves is not only a top cover-guy but also quick to the ball against the run as well.
1. Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss: You’d be hard-pressed to find a weakness in his game. Most would agree that Tunsil, a 6-foot-5, 305-pounder, will be the first SEC player selected, with most mocks projecting him to go No. 1 overall. Not only is he solid at the point of attack, with quick feet and agility to fend off the better edge rushers, but also excels as a blocker on the second-level as well.
Glenn Sattell is an award-winning freelance writer for Saturday Down South.
