2018 NFL Draft: Prospects who should rise after Scouting Combine

Leighton Vander Esch is one of the top 25 prospects on my personal big board. Many around the NFL Draft world are beginning to move him up their boards, due in large part to the fact that scouts and executives have already done so.

As franchises look for a confirmation of their suspicions, expect Vander Esch to validate the hype and solidify his place as a first-round draft pick.

Vander Esch is a 6’4″ and 240-pound linebacker with long arms and the speed to play all over the field. He’s one of the best run defenders in this draft class, which is reason enough for teams to be intrigued within the first two rounds.

What makes Vander Esch such a compelling prospect is that he’s just as effective in coverage, where he can drop back and match up against contemporary tight ends.

As teams search for clues against the tight ends who are dominating the modern NFL, Vander Esch could be the answer. He’s fast enough to play against a Zach Ertz type of player, and strong enough to hold his own against those of a Travis Kelce mold.

This is mostly upside talk due to Vander Esch’s inexperience, but he has the size, length, strength, and athleticism to be a special player.

Must Read: The big question facing Lamar Jackson at the Scouting Combine

After the Scouting Combine, Leighton Vander Esch should lock in his Round 1 grade at the 2018 NFL Draft.