Star Tribune staff writer Andrew Krammer sorts out the college stars and ranks the top NFL prospects for this year's draft.
1. Chase Young, DE, Ohio State: The top talent in this draft, Young should follow the Bosa brothers — Nick and Joey — as former Buckeyes and top picks transforming the front of whichever defense drafts him.
2. Joe Burrow, QB, Louisiana State: The Heisman Trophy winner and national champion-winning QB is the projected No. 1 pick for Cincinnati. He is not a strong thrower at this point, but he is a quick on his feet and throws with rare anticipation.
3. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama: Extremely accurate and improvisational, Tagovailoa has the talent to lead an NFL team for the next decade if his surgically repaired hip is OK. He threw for 87 touchdowns to just 11 interceptions when healthy for the Crimson Tide.
4. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama: The most refined route runner in a highly anticipated wide receiver class, Jeudy can make an instant difference for any quarterback.
5. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma: The complete package with short-area quickness and long speed to dominate at every level of the field, Lamb averaged 21.4 yards per catch last fall for the Sooners.
6. Mekhi Becton, T, Louisville: An NFL general manager will jump at the chance to draft a 6-7, 364-pound giant as agile as Becton.
7. Isaiah Simmons, LB/S, Clemson: Modern secondaries need talents like Simmons, a hybrid defender capable of stepping into the box against the run with speed to cover deep.
8. Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State: The top cornerback in a strong class, Okudah was sticky in coverage for the Buckeyes and is expected to be among the next wave of shutdown NFL corners.