There are plenty of uncertainties that surround each spring’s NFL Draft, but one known commodity is that numerous SEC underclassmen will leave school early with the hopes of being a first-round draft pick and a crisp four-year contract.

If this year was any barometer, the NFL up will scoop plenty of them. Six of the first 22 picks in the recent draft were SEC underclassmen, and a similar class appears set to carry the latest SEC baton into next year’s first round.

Virtually every position but quarterback is represented in early projections and mock drafts.

Here are seven players expected to be at or near the top of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Arden Key, LSU defensive end

Off-the-field questions will be the focus for Key following an extended absence from the LSU team. His weight will also be raised following the tweet below where he apparently referred to weighing 255 pounds, up about 20 pounds since before the absence. But there’s no denying his 12 sacks in 2016, which were second in the SEC and an LSU record.

https://twitter.com/ArdenKey49/status/850134047724535811

Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama defensive back

Expected to be one of the top defensive secondary prospects on the board, Fitzpatrick in 2016 was named a first team All-American by the Associated Press, and first team all-SEC selection by both the coaches and the writers. Look for the Alabama defensive back to be among the top 10 picks. He was versatile as a cornerback and safety for the Crimson Tide last season, so there should be plenty of chatter to see which position the pros expect him to play.

Calvin Ridley, Alabama wide receiver

In the mix to be the first wide receiver taken in 2018, Ridley was a freshman All-American, but had a dip in production as a sophomore from 89 to 72 catches and 1,045 to 769 yards. Still, Ridley has at least five  catches in 20 of his 30 career games and has a catch in every game of his career.

Derrius Guice, LSU running back

Guice is arguably the best running back in the league after he led the SEC with 1,387 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2016. He was named to the All-SEC first team, and might be most remembered for his school-record 285 yards and four touchdowns against No. 22 Texas A&M, but he was as consistent as he was productive.

Ronnie Harrison, Alabama defensive back

A big hitter at 6-3, 216 pounds, the safety blocked a field goal attempt against LSU, and had a 55-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown against Kentucky. He has started since his freshman season, so all he needs in 2017 is to maintain the standard he has established.

Christian Kirk, Texas A&M wide receiver

A dark-horse Heisman Trophy contender in 2017, Kirk scored 12 touchdowns and had 928 receiving yards, which was fourth in the SEC. As the primary target in the Aggies’ offense last season, Kirk led the SEC with 83 receptions. Depending on how long he stays in College Station, he’s expected to break even more school records.

Martez Ivey, Florida offensive lineman

The versatile lineman, who previously played guard, is expected to return to left tackle in 2017. This wouldn’t be the first time. After an injury to starter David Sharpe kept him out against South Carolina, Ivey stepped in and earned SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors for a second time last season.