Grant Delpit, S, LSU
As a sophomore, Grant Delpit elevated himself to the rank of the consensus top safety entering the 2019 college football season. Unfortunately, he suffered a dip in production against both the run and pass. Legitimate criticism also arose about his tackling technique. Now, Delpit could conceivably slide to the second round.
Injuries also aided his decline in 2019. With enough time to stay healthy, Delpit could regain some of his 2018 form. While Xavier McKinney currently sits above Delpit in the safety rankings, the LSU product could reach a higher peak in the NFL.
Re-evaluations may cause Delpit to drop in the draft, but NFL teams should trust what he put on film. For all of his faults, Delpit is capable of making an impact as a pass rusher and a run-stopper. When everything is said and done, Delpit will be the top safety to come out of this draft class.
Prediction: Boom
Austin Jackson, OT, USC
Raw, athletic offensive linemen are some of the easiest players to tag as busts because they often fall behind their competition quickly at the NFL level. Sometimes, technically skilled players with average athleticism are better than physically gifted prospects who rely too much on their dominance at the collegiate level.
Austin Jackson‘s length and strength get offset by his poor hand placement, inconsistent footwork, and questionable balance. Essentially, his technique needs retooling before he can perform at a consistent level in the NFL.
However, a left tackle with Jackson’s sheer physical prospects will likely hear his name called in the first round. Many of the league’s most recognizable left tackles are already in their 30s, meaning the position needs an infusion of youth.
Prediction: Bust