24 minute read
Offensive Tackle
Jedrick wills (JR)
1
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Height: 6’4”
Weight: 312 lbs.
Arms: 34¼”
Wingspan: 83½”
40 Time: 5.05
1.82 10-yd split
nfl COMbinE:
34.5” vertical
113” broad
4.84 sec. 20 yd
in A nuT SHEll:
A five-star and top-50 recruit from Lexington Kentucky, Wills spent the last two seasons protecting Tua Tagovailoa’s blind side at right tackle for the Crimson Tide.
Pass Pro: Wills displays an elite kick slide, with quick feet, enabling him to cut off edge rushers. Once in his pass set, he mirrors well with a wide base (sometimes too wide) and, with top-notch mobility attributes, easily adapts to any kind of pass rush move. Wills extends his arms to keep rushers from getting into his chest but could stand to throw a more jarring punch. He overreaches sometimes but manages to still keep a solid base and anchor.
Run Block: Wills is fast off the ball and does his best work in short yardage—straight ahead or down blocking is where he just overpowers opponents. Otherwise, when on the move, he doesn’t always lock on and maintain, letting defenders slip away after initial contact. Wills gets to the second level easily and aggressively but needs to improve his targeting.
While he doesn’t have the length of many of his peers, his NFLready skills put him at the top of this list.
COllEGE CArEEr:
An All-State selection from Kentucky, Wills considered staying in his home state before opting to take on a bigger challenge at Alabama. And a challenge it was. The top-50 national recruit could not break into the Crimson Tide’s starting lineup as a freshman, although he did see some playing time. Wills won the starting right tackle job as a sophomore and started 28 straight games over the next two seasons, allowing only one sack during that time. Wills has shown massive improvement in his two years as a starter and was named a second team AllAmerican in 2019.
fiT wiTH THE PACkErS:
Adding an offensive tackle of Wills’ caliber would be a dream come true for the Packers. With Bryan Bulaga leaving the Packers, Wills could step in as the new starter or, at worse, spend a year as a swing-tackle backup. Wills’ presence would relieve a lot of worries in Titletown, but alas, the Packers don’t possess the top-10 pick it would likely take for this to happen. Sitting at the 30th pick in the draft, they don’t even have the draft capital to trade up significantly.
Mekhi becton (JR)
2
Height: 6’7”
Weight: 364 lbs.
Arms: 35⅝”
Wingspan: 83¼”
40 Time: 5.1
1.77 10-yd split
nfl COMbinE:
23 bench reps
in A nuT SHEll:
It seems like in every draft season there is one incredibly large offensive tackle with astonishing athletic ability for a human that size. This year, it’s Mekhi Becton.
Pass Pro: Becton has an invaluable physical characteristic that he uses well: a seven-foot wingspan. He uses those long arms to keep rushers from getting into his body, although hand placement and lack of forceful punch can be an issue at times. Becton shows nimble feet but needs to refine his slide technique. His length and good instincts for where his opponent is headed lets him stay in front of most pass rushers, whether facing outside speed or counter moves. His overall mobility and prowess at changing directions on the fly without looking like a lumbering big man is uncanny.
Run Block: As you would expect, Becton can engulf opponents in power blocking assignments. He does not always lock on, though, often using his powerful arms to push-block opponents. What’s really eye-opening is how well he moves in executing zone blocks (especially outside zone), making him unusually scheme-versatile for such a big man. Cut blocks, however, are a noticeable weakness, as he misses his target way too much.
COllEGE CArEEr:
A two sport athlete (football and basketball) in high school, Becton helped lead his football team to two straight State Championships before choosing to play football at Louisville. Becton was an immediate starter as a freshman at right tackle. As a sophomore, Becton started at both tackle spots (mostly on the left) and sometimes swapped sides within drives under the prevailing game plans. Junior year brought a new coaching staff, and Becton was put at left tackle and left there. Not coincidentally, Becton thrived and earned first team All-ACC honors and took home the ACC Jacobs Trophy for being named the best blocker in the ACC.
fiT wiTH THE PACkErS:
Becton would be an unusual choice for the Packers, but not a bad one. Recent Green Bay general managers have not been known for bringing in overly large (heavier) tackle prospects, preferring more nimble players with arguably more ability to block on the move. But Becton has shown that he can be schemeversatile, assuming that maintaining a reasonable weight is not a problem going forward.
Tristan wirfs (JR)
3
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 320 lbs.
Arms: 34”
Wingspan: 80¼”
40 Time: 4.85
1.70 10-yd split
nfl COMbinE:
36.5” vertical
121” broad
4.68 sec. 20 yd
7.65 sec. 3-cone
24 bench reps
in A nuT SHEll:
Coming from the school of Kirk Ferentz, you can expect an offensive lineman to be technique-sound, a weight room warrior, possibly have a wrestling background and generally be proready. With Tristan Wirfs, you get it all.
Pass Pro: Wirfs shows nimble feet but a short kick slide, so pass set angles need some work. Still, he maintains a wide base with very good pad level. Wirfs sets a solid anchor and delivers a strong punch with proficient hand usage/placement. He diagnoses stunts proficiently and shows high football IQ. A short, choppy kick-slide can sometimes cause issues trying to stay in front of outside speed and smaller, quick-twitch rushers that he can’t control with his hands.
Run Block: His wrestling and powerlifting background shows in his blocking style, as he locks on and doesn’t let go. Wirfs is a monster in short yardage/goal line situations and is an effective downfield blocker. His elite burst off the snap is seen on tape and was on full display in the combine pulling drills and his 10 yd split time in the 40-yard dash.
COMbinE:
Wirfs is this year’s winner of our coveted “Best in Shorts” Award. How a 320-pound offensive tackle was able to put up some of the numbers that Wirfs did is beyond explanation. It’s hard to decide what was more impressive: those numbers or the size of Wirfs’ thighs. He shows incredible power in those legs, which was on full display during the field drills. His get-off on the pulling drills left your mouth agape in wonder.
fiT wiTH THE PACkErS:
This would be an interesting choice if Wirfs were to fall to the Packers. While not having the overall length most teams prefer at offensive tackle, the Packers have never been too bothered by that. Wirfs could man the right tackle spot for the Packers and likely ascend to top 10-15 RT status in the league. His best move, however, could be a move to guard, where he could likely reach Pro Bowl or even All-Pro status.
4 5
MEASurAblES: Height: 6’5” | Weight: 315 lbs. | Arms: 36⅛” |
Wingspan: 83½” | 40 Time: 5.22, 1.83 10-yd split
nfl COMbinE: 30.5” vertical | 109” broad | 4.66 sec. 20 yd |
7.58 sec. 3-cone | 21 bench reps MEASurAblES: Height: 6’5” | Weight: 319 lbs. | Arms: 33⅞” |
Wingspan: 79⅞” | 40 Time: 5.27 | 1.82 10-yd split
nfl COMbinE: 28.5” vertical | 109” broad | 24 bench reps
in A nuTSHEll:
Yet another five-star, top-50 recruit, Thomas enters the 2020 draft as a three-year starter who has played both tackle spots for the Bulldogs.
Pass Pro: Thomas displays the quick feet coaches covet but with a somewhat suspect kick slide. Despite that, he still manages to stay with speed rushers most of the time. Part of that is his excellent recovery and redirect ability. Thomas shows excellent placement and use of his hands, although the initial punch could be more forceful. He takes an aggressive early approach to pass blocking, perhaps because of that marginal kick slide. Thomas needs some technique work, but his future as a quality offensive tackle in the NFL is secure.
Run Block: Thomas explodes off line and also pulls and gets out on screens very well. He excels at down blocking but core strength may be a limiting factor blocking interior defensive linemen straight up. Overall, he does an excellent job locking on, staying with his blocks and walling off defenders. Thomas’ game is fast and aggressive. He’s a high effort guy that plays to the whistle, always looking for someone else to block. Thomas gets to second level easily and mostly hits his targets.
fiT wiTH THE PACkErS:
With three years of playing offensive tackle from both sides in the SEC, Thomas is one of the more battle-tested offensive tackle prospects in this draft class. The fact he couldn’t break into the top-three here speaks to the strength at the top of this position group. His best traits are currently in the run game, which could help coach LaFleur’s goal to run the ball more. A quick passing game fits Thomas’s aggressive pass protection tendencies, so that could be an issue if Rodgers continues to resist getting the ball off quickly. Regardless, tthe Packers would be in fine shape with Thomas as their right tackle.
in A nuTSHEll:
A two-sport athlete in high school, Jones chose playing football for the Cougars, but the basketball skills are evident in his play.
Pass Pro: Jones sets a balanced anchor and mirrors very well despite some unpolished footwork. He shows strong hands with good placement and punch, generally keeping rushers out of his body. He stays with speed rushers like he’s guarding them on a basketball court. Decision-making on stunts and blitzes is an area in need of improvement.
Run Block: Jones moves fluidly and is adept at pulling, getting out on screens and getting to the second level. He’s just super comfortable playing in open space. He generally stays with blocks and is an effective down blocker. The small quantity of straight ahead blocking he shows on tape sees him get a bit too upright but with a strong leg drive and the ability to lock on to defenders.
Jones is aggressive with some nasty and plays to the whistle. According to Pro Football Focus, his 54 percent win rate at the Senior Bowl in the one-on-ones was the highest of any tackle in attendance. He looks more athletic on film than his “just okay” combine numbers would indicate.
fiT wiTH THE PACkErS:
If the Packers are looking for a rising high-upside tackle that excels on the move and playing in open space, Jones is their man. He may not be ready to start in his first season—there are some technique and strength issues to tend to, and he may need time to adapt to a more traditional NFL system. Still, Jones has shown improvement every year since focusing on football, so you can likely expect that to continue.
6 7
MEASurAblES: Height: 6’6” | Weight: 315 lbs. | Arms: 34¼” |
Wingspan: 83⅛ ” | 40 Time: n/a
nfl COMbinE: Did Not Participate MEASurAblES: Height: 6’5” | Weight: 322 lbs. | Arms: 34⅛” |
Wingspan: 82” | 40 Time: 5.07 | 1.73 10-yd split
nfl COMbinE: 31” vertical | 115” broad | 7.95 sec. 3-cone |
27 bench reps
in A nuTSHEll:
Niang had surgery for a torn hip labrum halfway through last season and missed the combine, but medical reports there were all positive.
Pass Pro: Niang uses physicality more than technique, which needs some work—especially footwork. The 83” wingspan helps him keep rushers out of his chest and stay with spin/ inside moves, but he needs to develop a stronger punch to better use those arms as a weapon. Niang maintains good pad level in his pass sets and mirrors well. He should be able to handle speed rushers comfortably with improved footwork. Niang accurately diagnoses stunts/blitzes and did not give up a sack in two and a half seasons at TCU.
Run Block: Physical player that looks comfortable with varied blocking styles. Niang moves well down the line in zone blocking or pulling and shows good leg drive in man blocking. Gets to the second level easily and finds his targets.
fiT wiTH THE PACkErS:
Niang is one of the more well-rounded tackles in this draft class and that fits perfectly with Green Bay’s preferences for the position. Niang has an even blend of athleticism and power that would fit perfectly on the right side of the Packers’ line. He needs to improve on his footwork but is capable of starting at right tackle in year one and manning the position for years to come.
in A nuTSHEll:
The 20-yr old Jackson is the grandson of former USC and Packers guard Melvin Jackson, who was with the Packers from 1976 to 1980.
Pass Pro: Jackson’s feet are plenty quick for a left tackle. However, he’s too upright in his pass sets and can get knocked off balance too easily. He has excellent length and tries to use it, but his hand placement is scattered. Jackson relies too much on hand fighting, and he’s just not good at it yet. When he does set a solid anchor, his lower body strength cancels out the hand/ arm issues. Jackson can be slow to diagnose and react to counters and stunts, giving up too many sacks in the process.
Run Block: Jackson is most effective in down blocking and reach blocks where he just needs to wall off a defender. He’s not a people mover; he gets stood up, stacked and shed too often. He can get to the second level and mobility is a plus. However, he doesn’t show to be a play to the whistle type of guy.
Jackson has the physical attributes that teams covet, but he’s young and still needs a lot of work for a likely first round pick. Besides technique improvements, Jackson also needs to add upper body strength. While his athleticism is top-notch, it doesn’t always show up on tape. The concern with Jackson is, how bad does he want it? His effort level on the field is not always stellar.
fiT wiTH THE PACkErS:
Agile and athletic, Jackson could be a worthwhile pick for the Packers as long as he wouldn’t be expected to be an immediate starter. Jackson donated bone marrow for his sister last summer, robbing him of valuable training time and functional strength for several months. With improved technique and added strength (and if he really wants it), he could aptly hold down the right tackle spot for Green Bay.
8 9
MEASurAblES: Height: 6’5” | Weight: 308 lbs. | Arms: 33½” |
Wingspan: 80¾” | 40 Time: n/a
nfl COMbinE: Did Not Participate MEASurAblES: Height: 6’5” | Weight: 323 lbs. | Arms: 33½” |
Wingspan: 82” | 40 Time: n/a
nfl COMbinE: Did Not Participate
in A nuTSHEll:
It was a mere five years ago that Wanogho left Nigeria to play basketball at Edgewood Academy in Alabama. Everything changed after Edgewood’s football coach convinced him to try his hand at a different sport.
Pass Pro: Wanogho meets rushers sooner rather than later and mirrors well. He has nimble quick feet, but they are not always coordinated (technique issue) so balance and anchoring can be a problem. His kick slide also needs work. Wanogho is a willing puncher but hand placement is too scattered. On tape, Wanogho is seen reaching too often which results in more balance issues. He’s a hard worker, and, if not engaged with a rusher, looks to help out a teammate.
Run Block: His get off can be sluggish. His pad level is generally too high and he lacks the leg strength to drive block. He wasn’t asked to block downfield very often, so inexperience there results in too many misses, but he does get to the second level well enough.
Wanogho is new not just to the sport of football, but also to the offensive tackle position after being recruited to Auburn as a defensive end. He has all the physical tools, but plenty of technique and strength work is needed.
fiT wiTH THE PACkErS:
Even though Wanogho is likely to be drafted on Day 2 of the draft, he’d surely be adding to offensive line coach Adam Stenovich’s workload. Wanogho’s deficiencies are all correctable, though, and if Stenovich can pull it off, the Packers can turn this diamond in the rough into a quality starter at one of the tackle spots.
in A nuTSHEll:
Hunt is a wide-body tackle with surprisingly better athleticism than some leaner tackles in this draft. Hunt was a four-year starter, spending his first two years as a guard and the final two as a right tackle.
Pass Pro: Hunt sets up quickly but needs to develop a real kick slide to get deeper in his pass sets and mirror better. He looks to initiate contact more than absorb it, which sometimes gets him leaning forward too much. Despite that, he is not easily knocked off balance and is not easy to push through when he sets his anchor.
Run Block: Hunt is quick off the snap and moves fluidly to execute outside zone blocks, pull or get out on screens. He’s also an above average man blocker that looks to deliver a strong blow on contact. Hunt is especially effective at down blocks, often taking his man to the ground.
fiT wiTH THE PACkErS:
Being scheme and position versatile is a big feather in Hunt’s cap.WIth some improved footwork, Hunt would make a very capable replacement for Bryan Bulaga, with the potential to start as a rookie (ala David Bakhtiari). Failing that, a move to guard would be a comfortable one for Hunt. In all, Hunt fits the Packers offense under LaFleur quite well and would be a worthy “sleeper” pick for Green Bay if they don’t draft an offensive tackle in Round 1 or 2.
10 11
MEASurAblES: Height: 6’6” | Weight: 350 lbs. | Arms: 35½” |
Wingspan: 84⅜” | 40 Time: 5.32 | 1.82 10-yd split
nfl COMbinE: 29” vertical | 110” broad | 5.07 sec. 20 yd |
8.26 sec. 3-cone | 26 bench reps MEASurAblES: Height: 6’6” | Weight: 311 lbs. | Arms: 33⅜” |
Wingspan: 80⅜” | 40 Time: 4.93 | 1.73 10-yd split
nfl COMbinE: 30” vertical | 111” broad | 4.46 sec. 20 yd |
7.26 sec. 3-cone | 30 bench reps
in A nuTSHEll:
Eyebrows were raised when this Brooklyn-born offensive tackle declared for the draft after only two seasons at Georgia.
Pass Pro: Wilson is long and strong but not a great mover. He attacks in pass protection, likely to make up for average foot speed and unpolished technique. Wilson shows poor hand placement, often outside the shoulders, but he’s saved by his power in many cases. His slow change of direction and recovery ability translates to being most effective against power rushers where he can set his feet and anchor—he’ll win the power versus power battle. Speed rushers are a problem for him to stay in front of or handle inside/spin moves.
Run Block: Wilson is the mauler type. He’s best in short yardage, straight ahead blocking and shows powerful leg drive when he latches on. Downfield blocking is a weakness with too many whiffs; his lack of mobility allows defenders to easily avoid him.
Wilson is a right tackle prospect that needs to go to school on offensive line skills/ techniques. He presently wins with strength, determination and his 84⅜” wingspan over athleticism and technique.
fiT wiTH THE PACkErS:
Wilson should prove to be a worthwhile Day 2 project for a team employing a man blocking scheme that doesn’t need a starting right tackle for a few years yet. None of that applies to the Packers situation, so the fit is just not a good one.
in A nuTSHEll:
Cleveland was an under-the-radar prospect until he burst onto the draft media spotlight with a sub-5 second 40-yard dash and the best 3-cone and 20-yard shuttle times among all offensive linemen at the combine.
Pass Pro: Cleveland displays quick feet, but his narrow base can cause him to be easily knocked off balance. He shows good hand placement but is not able to maintain control with them. He often had tight end help on his side, so he lacks much experience with solo pass blocking out in space.
Run Block: Cleveland was on the move a lot in the Broncos’ offense, which played to his strengths. He is quite adept at zone blocking but can get bullied and stood up in straight-up man blocking. He doesn’t seem to be able to latch on or stay with blocks, but he does try.
fiT wiTH THE PACkErS:
After his fine combine performance, Cleveland is getting a lot of attention from Packers fans. Well, this one is going to hurt, folks, so buckle up. On tape, Ezra Cleveland is somewhat reminiscent of none other than...Jason Spriggs. The Packers were enamored with Spriggs’ athleticism and may have overlooked some of the same weaknesses Cleveland exhibits. However, Cleveland shows more of a willingness to “get dirty” so perhaps he can overcome his shortcomings with hard work and have more success than Spriggs did.
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MEASurAblES: Height: 6’6” | Weight: 309 lbs.
in A nuTSHEll: A converted tight end, Bartch has only two years experience playing tackle. His athletic profile is a good one, but he was getting by purely on that at a Div III school. Bartch has put on a lot of weight in only two years but needs to convert more to muscle and basically learn proper blocking and pass pro techniques. Despite his definite project status, Bartch appears to have the drive and desire to eventually reward the team that takes a chance on him. Much patience will be required, though.
MEASurAblES: Height: 6’7” | Weight: 318 lbs. | Arms: 36⅝” |
Wingspan: 86½” | 40 Time: 5.06 | 1.75 10-yd split
nfl COMbinE: 30” vertical | 113” broad | 4.92 sec. 20 yd |
8.01 sec. 3-cone | 26 bench reps
in A nuTSHEll:
The Jamaican-born Peart measured in with the second longest wingspan of all offensive linemen at the combine.
Pass Pro: Peart has quick feet but is a bit slow to get deep in his pass sets. He picks up stunts and passes off rushers correctly. Despite his incredible length, Peart allows rushers into his body too frequently. He just doesn’t know how to use those weapons yet.
Run Block: He’s quick off the snap and executes reach blocks easily. Peart is not a power blocker, but he does try to latch on. He plays to whistle, always looking for more work if not engaged. Peart is adept at blocking on the move. He moves fluidly in space, is comfortable pulling and easily gets out in front on screens.
fiT wiTH THE PACkErS:
Peart is an intriguing prospect that would need to live in the Packers’ weight room for at least a year before he could be trusted to be thrown in against NFL edge rushers. Despite that, Peart has the physical attributes worth developing at either tackle spot and is a better athlete on film than his combine 3-cone and 20 yd shuttle times would indicate.
14 Alex Taylor (rSR) South Carolina St
MEASurAblES: Height: 6’8” | Weight: 308 lbs.
in A nuTSHEll: As a basketball player from a football family, Taylor flip-flopped between the two sports in high school and college before deciding his pigskin future was more promising. After two years manning the right tackle spot for the Bulldogs, Taylor enters the draft as an intriguing prospect. His body type still reeks of hoopster: a lean 308 pounds with 36” arms and an 88” wingspan. However, a poor 25” vertical at the combine might help explain why basketball didn’t work out. Taylor has the quick feet and lateral movement skills you would expect, but is still learning the nuances of the position and how to play with proper technique and pad level. All-inall, an investment in Taylor could pay off nicely in a few years with proper development and coaching.
15 Jack Driscoll (rSR)
Georgia
MEASurAblES: Height: 6’5” | Weight: 306 lbs.
in A nuTSHEll: A graduate transfer from UMASS, Driscoll started for two years at right tackle for Auburn. He plays with high intelligence and effort, which helps him overcome some physical limitations. Driscoll lacks strength to hold up to physical opponents and lateral movement skills to handle edge rushers. Driscoll would need to land with a zone blocking scheme team and live in the weight room to succeed at the NFL level.
MEASurAblES: Height: 6’4” | Weight: 321 lbs.
in A nuTSHEll: Charles lined up at left tackle against some of the best of the best in the SEC and held his own through athletic ability and battling. He will need more than that in the NFL. His feet and lateral movement are excellent, but there is no discipline in his technique. Perhaps one issue could be lack of reps, as he missed nine games the last two seasons; three due to injury, six for unspecified disciplinary reasons. Charles has the NFL-level tools to be successful if an offensive line coach can teach him how to play under control with proper technique.
MEASurAblES: Height: 6’6” | Weight: 331 lbs.
in A nuTSHEll: A left tackle mauler type? That’s basically what Durant was for the Tigers. His athletic ability is average at best, which was confirmed by the field drills at the Combine. On the positive side, he’s aggressive in pass pro and not easily moved once he anchors. Durant was originally a guard for the Tigers before moving to left tackle and starting there for two seasons. He could give right tackle a shot in the pros, but a move back to guard may be his best chance for success.
18 Colton Mckivitz (rSR) West Virginia
MEASurAblES: Height: 6’6” | Weight: 306 lbs.
in A nuTSHEll: A durable workhorse you can’t get off the field (close to 3500 snaps in four years), McKivitz is a grinder more than an athlete or technician. His pad level is poor; he gets too high almost immediately off the snap and has trouble maintaining leverage or anchoring. Despite his limitations, he successfully handled a move to left tackle as a senior. McKivitz has the nasty attitude offensive line coaches love, but he would need a year or two on a practice squad to determine if he can be “fixed.”
19 Charlie Heck (SR) North Carolina
MEASurAblES: Height: 6’8” | Weight: 311 lbs.
in A nuTSHEll: As the son of Andy Heck (12-year NFL tackle and now Kansas City offensive line coach), one might expect Charlie to be higher on this list. Unfortunately, he plays with poor pad level and thus struggles maintaining leverage and balance. Physically, he has the requisite body type and moves well enough for the position, but he still needs to work on lowering his center of gravity and getting stronger.
20 Trey Adams (SR)
Arizona Satate Washington
MEASurAblES: Height: 6’8” | Weight: 318lbs.
in A nuTSHEll: Adams showed a lot of promise as an up-andcoming college tackle a few years ago, but then the injuries came. After ACL and back surgeries, Adams is just not the same player. He doesn’t show the strength one would expect from a man his size and struggles keeping up with speed rushers. Teams will need to be convinced he is past the injuries and can regain his old form to take a flier on him. 21 Hakeem Adeniji (SR)
22 branden bowen (rSR)
23 Scott frantz (SR)
24 Drew richmond (rSR)
25 Terence Steele (SR)
Kansas
Ohio St
Kansas St
USC
Texas Tech
iOl
1. Tyler biadasz, Wisconsin 2. Lloyd cushenberry III, LSU 3. cesar Ruiz, Michigan 4. ben bredeson, Michigan 5. Damien Lewis, LSU
6. Jonah Jackson, Ohio St 7. Shane Lemieux, Oregon 8. John Simpson, Clemson 9. Logan Stenberg, Kentucky 10. Netane Muti, Fresno St
11. Matt Hennessy, Temple 12. Tyre phillips, Mississippi St 13. kevin Dotson, Louisiana-Lafayette 14. calvin Throckmorton, Oregon 15. Soloman kindley, Georgia
16. Michael Onwenu, Michigan 17. Jon Runyan Jr, Michigan 18. keith Ismael, San Diego St 19. Nick Harris, Washington 20. Tremayne Anchrum, Clemson
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