Around this point, the first round of the NFL Draft is pretty much set. Not so much the order, but more the names. Once you get towards the end of the first round, there’s always that one name that makes you scratch your head and say, “Who?” or “Why?” This year, we’re going to try to predict who that guy could be.
Dallas Goedert
The tight end from South Dakota State will undoubtedly be the guy that makes you say, “Who?” The big-bodied tight end is drawing comparisons to Zach Ertz, with his incredibly reliable hands and fluid route running. He’s one of those former basketball players that turned into a tight end that NFL teams love so much. Just to reference a few of those guys, Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez and Jimmy Graham. Goedert definitely has a very high ceiling, and if he is used correctly, he could potentially be a Pro Bowler. Watch for him to go to the Saints (Pick 27), Jaguars (29) or the Patriots (31).
Harrison Phillips
A big defensive tackle from Stanford, Phillips will definitely be taken inside the top 50 picks. He’s been overshadowed by some of the other defensive tackles in this class like Vita Vea and Da’ron Payne. Phillips has superhuman strength, he put up 42 reps on the bench press, and he has an insane motor on the field. He never takes a play off and has a nose for the football from his interior lineman spot. He led Stanford in tackles last season with 103 tackles, that number is unreal. Start your Harrison Phillips watch with the Bills (Pick 21) Titans (25) or Falcons (26).
DJ Chark
The wide receiver from LSU has terrific playmaking potential. He led all receivers with his 4.34 40 yard dash time at the NFL Combine this year, and for a 6’3 receiver that’s an incredible number. He has the ability to blow by people and is a pretty good route runner for someone his size. 36% of his touches at LSU went for 25+ yards, so there is significant play potential written all over him. Someone who can also help in the punt return game, he could be an excellent weapon for NFL teams. Chark watch starts with the Panthers (Pick 24) and Eagles (32).
