2019 NFL Draft: Names to keep an eye on at NFL Combine

Edge Defenders

Again, the defensive front-seven may have the most talent in this year’s class than any other class in recent years. With names like Nick Bosa and Josh Allen expected to come off of the board in the top-five of the draft, there are a lot of other talented players off of the edge that could wind up being taken in the top 45.

Jaylon Ferguson, Louisiana Tech

Entering the combine as the most prolific collegiate pass rusher of all time with 45 career sacks, Jaylon Ferguson still has a lot to prove. Finishing his senior season with 17.5 sacks and 26 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, Ferguson has the production that every scout will be looking for, however teams will want to know if his production in Conference-USA will translate to the next level.

Mocked anywhere from late in the first round to the middle of the second round, Ferguson could see his stock improve, possibly into the middle of the first, if he can make teams fall in love with him. Standing at 6-5 and weighing in at 260 pounds, he definitely passes the eye test, but will need to test rather athletically if he wants to solidify himself as a day one pick.

Oshane Ximines, Old Dominion

Oshane Ximines is slated to become the first player drafted in Monarch history this spring, and as it stands now, he will hear his name called in the first half of the draft. Mocked anywhere from the middle of the second and into the third, there is talk that some teams may be willing to take a chance on him late on day one if he tests well.

Measuring at 6-4 and weighing 255 pounds, if there is one thing that teams already know about Ximines, it is that he is fast around the edge; it will be exciting to see exactly what he is able to run during the 40. Finishing his four-year career at Old Dominion with 32.5 sacks, Ximines is eager to prove that his skill set will translate to the NFL.

Brian Burns, Florida State

It would be hard to find a player more widely mocked in the first round than Brian Burns. It is not hard to find mock drafts that have him slated anywhere from the top-ten to the last few picks in the draft. Although he stands at a towering 6-5, he is only listed at 235 pounds, quite undersized for a defensive lineman in the NFL.

While Burns has the frame to put on more weight, he will need to prove that he can do so without compromising his speed and quick burst off of the edge. Burns recorded 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss in the ACC during his junior year, and he should be eager to prove his worth and find some stability in the top half of the draft.