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The 10 riskiest draft prospects this year
Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

The 10 riskiest draft prospects this year

All 32 teams exclaim how happy they are with their drafts every year, but the reality is that most draft classes don't pan out for various reasons. Here's a look at 10 early prospects who could be the riskiest entering the draft.

Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan

A likely top 10 pick, Gary's production doesn't back up his athleticism and pedigree. He was the top recruit in the country in 2016 but has only 9.5 sacks to show for his three-year college career at Michigan. He also missed time to injury last season.

Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State

Haskins was considered a possible No. 1 overall pick after last season, but his stock has been dropping rapidly. At this point, it remains to be seen if Haskins will even go in the top 10. While he had great production last season with 4,831 yards passing, 50 touchdowns and a 70 percent completion rate, some of his numbers are seen as a result of the system he played in and the great talent around him.

Daniel Jones, QB, Duke

While Haskins showed great production in college, Jones didn't show nearly as much at Duke. He fits all of the NFL specs physically but completed less than 60 percent of his passes during his three-year college career and never had a 3,000-yard passing season. Despite the lack of performance, Jones is likely to hear his name called in the first round of the draft.

Greg Little, OT, Ole Miss

The top offensive lineman in this year's class at one point, the more recent reviews of Little have been mixed. He didn't test well at the combine, and the concerns could push him well into the second day of the draft.

Drew Lock, QB, Missouri

Lock throws a beautiful deep ball and is willing to stand in when there's pressure, unlike former Mizzou first-round pick Blaine Gabbert. However, his accuracy and ability to read defenses have been works in progress, and last year was his first season completing more than 60 percent of his passes. He will need some development time and the right system to succeed.

D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss

Metcalf made noise by running a 4.33 40-yard dash, but his agility drills included an extremely sub-par three-cone time that was the third worst at the position. He might not survive in the NFL just running deep routes. Also, he missed significant time to injury last season. Likely the first wideout off the board, Metcalf has his fair share of risk.

Ed Oliver, DT, Houston

Considered the possible No. 1 overall draft choice entering last season, Oliver's stock dropped due to a knee injury. There are also questions about his lack of size at defensive tackle, and he's had only 13.5 sacks in three seasons at Houston. These are all blemishes that could make Oliver overvalued as a top 10 pick.

Jachai Polite, DE, Florida

Polite entered the first round conversation after an outstanding 2018 season at Florida, finishing the year with 11 sacks in 13 games. However, his combine was the stuff of nightmares with poor interviews and physical testing. He had a chance for a reprieve during Florida's Pro Day but injured his hamstring, preventing him from running the 40-yard dash. The red flags are mounting for Polite.

Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina

It doesn't take an NFL scout to see Samuel's playmaking ability when he has the ball in his hands. The problem has been injuries and inconsistency. He played only three games in his junior season due to a fractured leg and also has a history of hamstring issues. Samuel has first-round upside but is a major risk as an early-round pick.

Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State

Simmons was considered a likely top 10 pick before tearing his ACL while preparing for the combine. His "rookie" season could be a redshirt year as his NFL team waits for him to heal. Still, the defensive tackle will likely require a pick late in the first or early in the second round.

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