The college football regular season is over, conference titles have been settled and bowl games are set to kick off in the coming weeks.
Without a doubt, the 2020 NFL draft picture is becoming more and more clear with each passing week. But there is also plenty of time still for draft-board shuffling, with four-plus months of bowls, showcase events, pro days and the scouting combine ahead of the first draft pick next April.
Here is my evaluation of the top 32 players right now, updated from my Nov. 20 edition. Rankings will continue to be updated right through draft time.
Note: Underclassmen are marked with an asterisk, and grades are from Scouts Inc.
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Nuggets for every team | Projected order
1. Chase Young, DE, Ohio State*
Height: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 265 pounds
Grade: 96 | Previous rank: 1
Despite missing two games, Young leads the nation in sacks with 16.5, is tied for fourth in tackles for loss (21.0) and ranks second in forced fumbles (six). Let those numbers sink in for a minute. He has quickness and above-average bend, and he flashes the ability to convert speed to power, though he still has room for a little improvement getting off blocks. And I currently have a higher grade on Young than I had on former Buckeyes pass-rushers Joey and Nick Bosa. He best fits as a 4-3 defensive end, but he has experience dropping into coverage and could end up converting to a 3-4 outside linebacker role. He has been nothing short of dominant this season, head and shoulders above the rest of the edge rushers in the class.
2. Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 216
Grade: 93 | Previous rank: 2
Burrow appeared to be a fringe NFL prospect in August, but he has become a potential first-rounder and perhaps even the No. 1 pick. He is making quicker decisions with the football, displaying complete control of the LSU offense and extending plays. And he has shown elite anticipatory accuracy throwing into tight windows, as evidenced by an FBS-best 77.9% completion percentage. His pocket presence and toughness really stand out to me. He moves around the pocket like a pro, sensing pressure and protecting the football all while keeping his eyes downfield. And when he takes a hit, he pops right back up. Burrow is currently No. 2 in the nation in passing yards (4,715) and Total QBR (93.7) and is No. 1 in passing touchdowns (48).
3. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama*
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 192
Grade: 93 | Previous rank: 3