2020 NFL Draft: Prospects to watch in Hawaii v. Arizona
By Seth Steere
Arizona
RB JJ Taylor
It’s not often we see running back prospects who are Taylor’s size — 5-foot-6, 185 pounds. The fact he has buzz as a draft prospect speaks volumes for his talent. He doesn’t project as a starter in the NFL but with players like Tarik Cohen and Darren Sproles proving size isn’t everything for a running back, Taylor will have every chance to play himself into a draft pick.
QB Khalil Tate
Tate is considered more athlete than quarterback by some draft analysts, making him a very difficult evaluation in 2019.
He had his fair share of struggles last season for the Wildcats due to injuries, but we can’t forget 2017 when Tate was arguably the most explosive player in college football. In his first season as a starter, he ran for over 1,400 yards, matched with nearly 1,600 yards in the air.
Tate will never be the type to stand in the pocket and attempt 40 passes, but if Lamar Jackson can get drafted in the first round, then Tate can certainly work his way into Day 3.
CB Jace Whitaker
Whitaker struggled to get on the field last season due to injuries. He had issues with his hamstring and his elbow that led to him missing the entire season. His year off the field combined with a loaded cornerback class has resulted in Whitaker not being mentioned among the better cornerbacks in the country.
In his junior year — his last healthy season — Whitaker recorded 13 pass deflections and 3 interceptions. He’s a skilled zone corner who displays good anticipation and ball skills.
Whitaker could take the league by storm this season with everyone’s focus tied to the other top corners around college football, and it could all get started in Week 1 against Hawaii.