Considering how well the SEC recruits on a perennial basis, the simple math of why they annually lead all other conferences in number of first-round draft picks and total picks is simple to understand. A big reason is the annual exodus of underclassmen who decide to take their talents to the league.

Last year, 26 SEC players left school early. For some, like Minkah Fitzpatrick and Roquan Smith, it’s proven to be a wise choice. For others, like Trent Thompson and Toby Weathersby, it’s proven to be a mistake.

Here are 20 of the top underclassmen prospects in the SEC who could declare early for the 2019 NFL Draft — and whether they should leave or return to school. You will notice a dearth of quarterbacks, i.e. Jarrett Stidham and Jake Bentley. Frankly, each has regressed and shouldn’t be considered among the SEC’s top 20 junior prospects. Both would be best-served by heading back to school — unless Auburn decides to retain Gus Malzahn, in that case Stidham should go ahead and test the waters.

20. Benny Snell, RB, Kentucky

Projected round: 4th

Stay or go? With 3,538 career rushing yards on a whopping 667 carries in not even 3 full years, he’s taking on a lot of miles right now – miles he’s not getting paid for. Every carry he takes at Kentucky is one less he’ll take in the NFL. I’m of the belief running backs should always leave early due to the limited shelf life of the position, and Snell is no different. Go.

19. Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

Projected round: 3rd

Stay or go? After enduring a bizarre NCAA saga that sidelined him all of last year, Fulton has made the most of his opportunity playing opposite Greedy Williams, and has played very well this year. He has good size (6-0, 192), is strong in press and has played his best in big games. Sticking around another year could prove to be beneficial, though. Stay.

18. Jamel Dean, CB, Auburn

Projected round: 3rd

Stay or go? Dean is a remarkably gifted physical specimen at 6-1, 215 pounds with elite speed and burst. He’s really come on strong the past two years, but NFL teams will be very wary of Dean’s well-documented history of injuries. With that said, risking injury for another season of play-for-free ball isn’t worth it, especially in a thin year for cornerbacks. Go.

17. Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Mizzou

Projected round: 2nd/3rd

Stay or go? Few tight ends can match Okwuegbunam’s production over the past two years (72 receptions, 881 yards, 17 TDs in his past 18 games), and the 6-5, 260-pounder has flashed the kind of strength and athleticism across the middle and down the seams that remind some of Travis Kelce. Considering Mizzou will be losing star QB Drew Lock and with the outside possibility of a coaching change in Columbia, it’s time to move on. Go.

18. Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

Projected round: 2nd/3rd

Stay or go? The 6-2, 200-pounder was playing his way into first round consideration this year before breaking his foot and ending his season prematurely. He has the size, speed and athleticism you look for, but foot injuries tend to linger. Another year in Tuscaloosa to prove he’s back healthy and where he was prior to the injury would put him in early first round discussion for 2020. Stay.

15. Mack Wilson, LB, Alabama

Projected round: 2nd

Stay or go? Wilson struggles to disengage blockers at times against the inside run game but has outstanding range and playmaking ability in coverage. His skill set should fit in very well in the modern NFL defenses that prioritize speed and athleticism over size and strength to combat the passing attacks prevalent in today’s game. Go.

14. Irv Smith, TE, Alabama

Projected round: 2nd

Stay or go? Very good athlete with impressive playmaking potential who has quickly become a favorite target of Tua Tagovailoa’s with his hands and leaping ability. He’s still coming along as a blocker and route runner, and another year of catching passes from the No. 1 draft pick of 2020 would improve his stock even further. Stay.

13. Greg Little, OT, Ole Miss

Projected round: 1st/2nd

Stay or go? He’s still coming along as a drive blocker, but he’s a dancing bear in pass protection, showing good footwork and shuffle. With his natural athleticism and length, he should have a long NFL career. He’s not the same caliber of prospect that Laremy Tunsil was, but he’s not far behind. Go.

12. Nick Coe, DE, Auburn

Projected round: 2nd/3rd

Stay or go? He’s really come on strong this year, tallying 13.5 TFLs and 7 sacks, and manhandled Greg Little, and while I think he’s a terrific prospect, this year’s defensive line class is insane. Stick around for another year, continue to develop, and take advantage of a much weaker defensive line class in 2020. Stay.

11. A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss

Projected round: 1st/2nd

Stay or go? Brown is already the greatest WR in Rebels history with a bevy of school records under his belt. There’s absolutely nothing left for him to accomplish statistically and the Rebs won’t be competing for championships next year with a new QB and potentially a new offensive coordinator/scheme. His stock won’t rise any higher with another year in Oxford, so it’s time to head to the league. Go.

10. Jachai Polite, Edge, Florida

Projected round: 1st/2nd

Stay or go? The 6-2, 245-pound edge rusher has enjoyed a breakout year in Todd Grantham’s new scheme, racking up 12.5 TFLs, 7.5 sacks and forcing 4 fumbles. He’s twitchy and explosive off the edge with the ability to dip, bend and run the arc. He needs to get stronger at the point of attack, but he’s ready to make an impact on passing downs at the next level right now. Go.

9. D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss

Projected round: 1st/2nd

Stay or go? Injuries are the big concern for Metcalf (two of his three seasons in Oxford have ended prematurely), but he’s likely to blow people away when he gets to the Combine. At 6-4, 235 pounds, he’s built like a DE but moves like a 200-pound receiver. He has good bloodlines, too, which scouts always like. Don’t risk any more injuries, especially in what should be a down year for Ole Miss in 2019. Go.

8. Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama

Projected round: 1st

Stay or go? As the best lineman on the best line of the past 3 years, Williams has been an absolute rock up front for the Tide, excelling in both drive blocking and pass protection. Along with Greg Little, he’s in the running to be the first OT off the board, meaning it’s time he move up to the next level. Go.

7. Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

Projected round: 1st

Stay or go? A 6-5, 325-pound monster with elite strength and surprising quickness and lateral mobility, Brown is a nightmare in the middle who can play 2 gaps and collapse the pocket. Even in an historically loaded defensive line class, Brown is ready for the next level. Go.

6. Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State

Projected round: 1st

Stay or go? Simmons has been a force of nature spearheading the vaunted Bulldogs defensive line the past two years, showing a great first step and elite lower body strength to constantly disrupt the run behind the line of scrimmage. The notorious tape from 2016 is all that could keep him from being a top-20 pick next spring, and another year in Starkville won’t change that. Go.

5. Greedy Williams, CB, LSU

Projected round: 1st

Stay or go? Finding 6-3 corners with his level of fluidity and recovery speed are rare, even more so in today’s pass-happy game. He gave up some catches against Alabama (who doesn’t?), but he’s still widely considered the top underclassman corner in this draft class. Go forth, young man, and get paid. Go.

4. Raekwon Davis, DE/DT, Alabama

Projected round: 1st

Stay or go? Arguably the most physically gifted talent I’ve seen in this draft class, the 6-7, 315-pound Davis has a rare combination of size, power, quickness and agility. His production dipped this year but his potential is off the charts, and in the football scouting world, potential always outweighs production. Go.

3. Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama

Projected round: 1st

Stay or go? Along with the guy at No. 1 on this list, perhaps no prospect has risen higher or quicker than Thompson, a rangy ballhawk who has shown the ability to excel in coverage and coming up to stop the run. As arguably the top safety prospect in this draft class, he should take his talents to the NFL. Go.

2. Devin White, LB, LSU

Projected round: 1st

Stay or go? White’s production has been insane (222 tackles, 20.5 TFLs, 5.5 sacks in past 23 games). He is blessed with fantastic size (6-1, 240), strength to stack and shed and range to make plays sideline-to-sideline. He’s widely considered the best LB prospect in the 2019 draft, meaning it’d be foolish to come back to Baton Rouge for another year. Go.

1. Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama

Projected round: 1st

Stay or go? Arguably no one in the country has improved their draft stock more this year than Williams, who’s speed, quickness, hands, burst and lower body strength have helped him accumulate 14 TFLs and 5 sacks on the year. He’s being mentioned as a top-10 pick, and his stock won’t get any higher if he returns next year, so of course he should leave early. Go. Obviously.