The Big 12’s Top Five 2019 NFL Draft Prospects
Which NCAA football conference produces the most draft-worthy prospects? A look at each of the Power Five conferences and their 5 best NFL draft-bound prospects.
We move on with the series to examine the Big 12’s top NFL draft prospects. The Big 12 has sent many big-name players into the NFL over recent years including the 2018 ’s first overall selection of the NFL Draft Baker Mayfield of Oklahoma.
Here’s a look at the Big 12’s top five NFL draft prospects for 2019.
#5. Hakeem Butler, Wide Receiver Iowa State:
In a draft full of tall, athletic receivers it’s hard to find one bigger than Hakeem Butler. Iowa State’s 6’6 junior had a career year in 2018 making 51 catches, racking 1,226 yards and catching nine touchdowns earning him second-team all-Big 12 honors.
If the junior declares he can immediately become a top red-zone target for the team that drafts him. Butler can also be trusted to go up and catch a big third and short play as he has proved to have reliable hands.
Add Butler, to the long list of Wide Receivers who will likely be drafted in the first three rounds of the 2019 NFL draft. If Hakeem Butler tests well at the combine he could see his draft stock skyrocket.
#4. Dalton Risner, Offensive Tackle Kansas State:
You can never have too many good offensive linemen and Kansas State’s Dalton Risner can offer a high level of offensive line plan at just about any position on the line.
The 6’5 300 pound Risner had made an impact in each of his four seasons with the Wildcats. He was named second-team Big 12 his first two seasons and first team Big 12 his last two. He proved to be both an elite run and pass blocker.
Whichever team drafts Risner will be adding an effective and versatile player to their offensive front. Risner will be a coveted player this April who should hear his name called in the top 50 picks.
#3. David Montgomery, Running Back Iowa State:
A second Cyclone makes this list as Running Back David Montgomery should be among the top running backs selected if he chooses to declare for the NFL draft a year early.
The 2018 first team Big 12 running back is dynamic in both the run and pass game. In each of the last two seasons, Montgomery has been a workhorse finishing with well over 1,000 yards and over 230 rushing attempts in each season. Montgomery is a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield as he has made 67 career receptions in his three years at Iowa State.
Montgomery is the definition of a three-down back and can wear down a defense with his versatility. David Montgomery may find his name among the best running backs in the NFL in a few years.
#2. Will Grier, Quarterback West Virginia
Quarterbacks always seem to get the most buzz heading into each NFL Draft. This year is no different, and one of the signal callers generating the most attention, for better or worse, is West Virginia’s, Will Grier.
Transferring from Florida seemed to be an excellent decision by Grier as he became one of the nation’s top quarterbacks after two seasons at West Virginia. Grier’s senior year was his best yet as he was a finalist for the Maxwell Award given to the top college football player of the year. Grier had an outstanding 175.5 quarterback rating after completing 68% of his passes, throwing for 3,864 yards and 37 touchdowns.
Unlike many quarterbacks in today’s NFL Grier isn’t the most mobile but if put into a situation where he has an offensive line that can give him time to throw and reliable weapons Grier will be able to thrive as he has as good an arm as any quarterback in the 2019 draft class.
#1. Marquise Brown, Wide Receiver Oklahoma
When you share blood with the Pittsburgh Steelers Antonio Brown, you’re probably pretty good at football. Oklahoma’s Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, cousin of Antonio, will be something his cousin was not if he heads to the NFL a year early; a first-round draft choice.
Brown is among the most dominant receivers in college football. The AP All American had a monster 2018 hauling in 75 catches while averaging 17.6 yards per reception. He racked in 1,318 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns and will have a chance to do even more damage in the college football playoffs when his Sooners take on Alabama on December 29th.
Brown is a wide receiver that has it all. Speed, hands, and great awareness. He is also capable of setting up on both the outside and in the slot. There are some concerns about his size, listed at 5’10, but the success of players like Tyreek Hill in the NFL should help alleviate that concern.
Wherever Brown lands he will bring a dynamic weapon to an offense and should produce highlight reel plays for years to come. Brown will benefit from a wide-open pass-first offense. It is fun to imagine if the younger Brown got to play in Pittsburgh with his cousin Antonio, a pairing that would certainly be a nightmare for defenses.