2019 NFL Draft: 10 Players who will get drafted too high

The 2019 NFL Draft represents a tremendously deep class of prospects, but which players are going to be valued a bit too high?

After months, weeks and days worth of waiting, it’s time for the 2019 NFL Draft. The 32 first-round picks will be announced on Thursday night, followed by the remaining 222 selections throughout Friday and Sunday.

There are always going to be hits and misses when it comes to the draft — guys taken too low and some taken too high. The 2019 NFL Draft isn’t going to be any different. While we’re looking at guys that have yet to play a down of NFL football, we can look at their traits and tape and then at their perceived value and make assessments.

Sometimes, the hype simply gets out of control for prospects. That is the case for the following 10 prospects, who will all get drafted a bit higher than they should.

10. Lonnie Johnson, CB, Kentucky

The cornerback class isn’t what many hoped it would be. There are only a handful of guys at the top who could come in right away and contribute. The other guys are developmental or scheme-specific prospects.

One of the names floating around Round 1 is Kentucky’s Lonnie Johnson. The reason why? Traits. Johnson is 6-2, 213 pounds with solid speed (4.5-second 40) and long arms. Outside of his physical gifts, though, Johnson doesn’t possess the necessary skills to warrant a first-round pick.

There are questions regarding his instincts and ball skills. Over the past two seasons, Johnson only has eight pass defense and no interceptions. That’s not the production you want from a first-round prospect.

9. Rock Ya-Sin, CB, Temple

Early on, Rock Ya-Sin looked like he could become a Day 2 or 3 steal. Things shifted quickly and now he’s being looked at as a potential first-round pick. As I’ve said before, the corner class is a little thin, so guys are getting pushed up draft boards.

The positives about Ya-Sin start with how he’s physical at the line of scrimmage. He’s patient with his feet and displayed quick hands on tape. However, when he gets away from the line of scrimmage, he struggles. In fact, his footwork is his greatest weakness, according to The Draft Network‘s profile:

"“Fails to step with anticipation: will force himself into multiple gather steps by losing width in his side-shuffle or losing balance in his backpedal. When forced to close downhill, frequently false-steps and has to re-plant, which takes time. Must learn how to keep his footwork more measured and controlled.”"

Because of Ya-Sin’s weaknesses, he’s more of a developmental prospect. He’s physical with great ball skills and potential, but he’s hardly worth the first round buzz he’s been getting as of late.