By Michael Maio









Left to right: J.K. Dobbins, Jonathan Taylor, D'Andre Swift (us.as.com)









1. D’Andre Swift (RB)





At the top of such an impressive class, D’Andre Swift is my favorite. Swift encompasses that rare ability to be a three-down back in the NFL. There’s something in that Georgia water that makes the running backs they produce so special. Swift is no different. Not only is he a good pass catcher, but he’s got the vision, burst, and power to be a meaningful running back in his rookie year. Expect him to be an early day two selection on draft day.





2. Jonathan Taylor (RB)





Taylor’s elite combination of size and speed is what bolsters him to be my number two rookie in 2020. Between Taylor and Swift, I wouldn’t fault you for liking one more than the other. However, with over 950 touches in college, there are some worries. Nevertheless, if Taylor is there at the 1.02, do not over think taking one of the best prospects of 2020.





3. J.K. Dobbins (RB)





Of the next four players, I have no problem picking any of them at the 1.03. That being said, Dobbins was one of the most productive running backs in all of College football last year. With just over 2000 yards rushing on 6.7 yards per carry, Dobbins is a dominant downhill runner who plays with aggression. He has the ability to be a great starting running back and could potentially have a very high ceiling if drafted by the right team.





4. Cam Akers (RB)





I absolutely love Cam Akers. The 20-year-old managed to put up solid numbers amidst an atrocious offensive line. Akers was able to generate his own production and score 18 times in his final season at Florida State. Akers may be one of the more riskier running backs in this draft, however, if he lands in the right spot, he has the ability to be the most productive running backs in the draft.





5. CeeDee Lamb (WR)





As the first wide receiver on the list, Lamb has the ability to make a huge impact no matter which team drafts him. Although Lamb lacks the fantastic route running ability that Jeudy encompasses, Lamb is still the best receiver in the draft. What Lamb lacks in route running, he makes up in his playmaking. Between his great hands, his explosiveness, and his acrobatic in-air adjustments, Lamb is a future NFL Pro Bowler.





6. Jerry Jeudy (WR)





Drafting Jeudy at the 1.06 is an absolute steal. Jeudy is the best route runner in the class and is arguably one of the most NFL ready prospects in the draft. Jeudy is a nifty receiver who has the acceleration to consistently separate and make cornerbacks look silly. Not the most physical receiver, but with his elite separation he shouldn’t need to catch too many contested catches.





7. Justin Jefferson (WR)





With over 1500 yards and 18 touchdowns on 111 receptions, Jefferson was a top option on one of the most dominant college football teams we have seen in a while. Running a 4.43 40-yard dash at the combine speaks for itself. Jefferson has good burst and acceleration; however, he needs to improve in some minor areas. Jefferson excels in the slot and he could be a great asset for any team that uses him correctly.





8. Henry Ruggs (WR)





Ruggs has blazing speed that would force a defense to play over the top coverage. He has the ability to consistently separate as long as he doesn’t need to be too physical. Ruggs has a huge ceiling and can be a fantastic receiver in the NFL. I don’t think he will be a huge contributor in his rookie year, but once he adjusts to the physicality of the NFL he will be dangerous.





9. Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB)





Although the top tier running backs in this class are all at the top of the list, do not reach too far on CEH. At 5’7” CEH is a smaller running back who still manages to dominate. Despite his small size, CEH runs with power and has the ability to break tackles. CEH is very quick and agile but lacks that top end speed. CEH is a great pass catcher and will have no problem seeing the field as an NFL running back.





10. Tee Higgins (WR)





At 6’4” and 216 pounds, Higgins is a big target with a large catch radius. Higgins has great hands and is all around an athletic wide receiver. Although landing spot will affect Higgins, in the right spot he could be a big contributor. I expect Higgins to rise or fall a few spots depending on where he lands.





11. Jalen Reagor (WR)





If you have the 1.07, you just missed out on the top tier rookies. Nevertheless, this draft class has some depth. For example, this TCU graduate is a dangerous deep threat. For his size, he has the ability to high point balls and come down with some difficult catches. Depending on which NFL team drafts Reagor, they could have a lot of fun with his versatility.





12. Joe Burrow (QB)





Assuming the Heisman trophy winner lands in Cincinnati, I wouldn’t mind drafting him with the last pick in the first round. After producing one of the best seasons in college football history, Burrow should not be overlooked. For QB needy teams I think Burrow is a great pick here, however if your dynasty team is all set at the QB position, I would rather take a chance on someone else.





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1. Laviska Shenault (WR)





As one of the more physical wide receivers in the draft, Shenault is raw. Shenault is a fun player to watch when he has the ball in his hands. With that being said, injury is a major concern. Shenault is a somewhat risky selection, but at this point in the draft the risk is definitely worth the reward.





2. Brandin Aiyuk (WR)





The 22-year-old isn’t as young as some of the other receivers, however Aiyuk had a much more difficult path to the NFL. Aiyuk has been a hard-working prospect ever since his time in JUCO. I don’t think Aiyuk will generate production his rookie year, but in the right system with the right coaches, I think he could develop into a good receiver over time.





3. Denzel Mims (WR)





I like Mims a lot, especially at this point in the draft. At 6’3” with a 4.38 40-yard dash, Mims will be a threat to NFL defenses in more ways than one. He’s another somewhat raw player, but with the right NFL team, I have no doubts that he could be a great addition to a dynasty team.





4. Zach Moss (RB)





I’m not sure how I feel about Zach Moss. Moss is a power running back with solid vision, but he doesn’t have speed. With an unimpressive 4.65 40-yard dash, he is not going to burn any defenders. Nevertheless, Moss still managed over 1,000 rushing yards at Utah. He would need a great landing spot to be relevant in his rookie year, I’m expecting him to move down the board after the NFL draft.





5. Tua Tagovailoa (QB)





So much uncertainty with Tua. Currently I think Tua can still be a great NFL talent, but a lot of things can happen from now until the start of the season that may change my mind. Don’t forget, if it were not for injury concerns and the amazing season Burrow had, Tua would be the best QB in the draft. Hopefully your draft isn’t any time soon because Tuas impact in the NFL is currently very unclear.





6. KJ Hamler (WR)





Hamler may be an unknown name to some, and I may be higher on him than most. Hamler can separate well by using his elite speed and acceleration. By looking at the success of the Chiefs and Ravens, the league seems to be moving towards being faster on the field. Hamler can be a surprisingly early NFL draft pick.





7. Tyler Johnson (WR)

If you want to draft Tyler Johnson, make sure he has a chance to play the slot on his new NFL team. Obviously, Johnson is going to either rise or fall from this spot after the NFL draft. He was very productive in his last two years in Minnesota by putting up over 1,000 yards and 12+ TDs in each season. Johnson is a big slot receiver who has potential in the right scheme.





8. Bryan Edwards (WR)





Never an elite receiver in college but he consistently put up around 800 yards in his last three years at South Carolina. He has good size and strength along with some quickness. By improving his route running and hands, Edwards can be a solid NFL receiver. He won’t blow you away, but after a few years of learning he could be a solid WR2 or WR3.





9. Ke’Shawn Vaughn (RB)





Having a productive last couple years at Vanderbilt, Vaughn posted over 1,000 yards and double-digit TDs in his last two years. His size fits the dimensions of an NFL running back; however, he does not have any elite traits. I can’t see him being more than a backup running back in the NFL. Maybe he gets a chance at the starting role for a few games and will put up solid production, but I can’t picture long-term productivity for Vaughn.





10. A.J. Dillon (RB)





If you’re a running back needy team without a top 6 pick, you don’t have much to choose from at this point. Dillon gets a lot of comparisons to Derrick Henry due to his size, speed (for his size), and play style. He has no pass catching ability or lateral speed to make defenders miss. If he goes to a team that uses him to his strengths, he may have some upside. But, don’t get your hopes up.





11. Justin Herbert (QB)





There’s a good chance Herbert will be a starting quarterback in the NFL at some point in time. He’s got a chance to be a pretty good quarterback if he can develop behind a good coach and/or a veteran quarterback. At this point in the draft, Herbert may have a better chance at fantasy relevance than some of these other dart throws. So why not?





12. Chase Claypool (WR)





6’4” 238 lbs., 4.42 40-yard-dash. Claypool has an impressive combination of size and speed. This late in the draft, Claypool has a very high ceiling. With some coaching and polishing, I see no reason why Claypool can’t be a great NFL receiver. He has a lot to improve on, but for his rare attributes, plenty of NFL teams will be willing to work with him.