With The First Pick
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Diamond in the rough: 5 underrated prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft

By Cory Kinnan

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Hunter Bryant #1 of the Washington Huskies makes a catch during the second half in the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2019 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Hunter Bryant #1 of the Washington Huskies makes a catch during the second half in the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2019 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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EUGENE, OREGON – NOVEMBER 30: Defensive back David Morris #24 of the Oregon State Beavers closes in on running back CJ Verdell #7 of the Oregon Ducks during the second half of the game at Autzen Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won the game 24-10. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OREGON – NOVEMBER 30: Defensive back David Morris #24 of the Oregon State Beavers closes in on running back CJ Verdell #7 of the Oregon Ducks during the second half of the game at Autzen Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Eugene, Oregon. Oregon won the game 24-10. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

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C.J. Verdell RB

Oregon Ducks Football
Oregon Ducks Football /

Scouting Report

In addition to a deep edge rushing class, a lot of NFL teams are going to get solid contributors at the running back position in the 2020 NFL Draft as well. There are just a few big name backs, but the middle of the draft could see a ton ball carriers come off the board; among those names could be Oregon’s C.J. Verdell should he decide to declare for the draft after the 2019 season is over.

Only a redshirt sophomore, Verdell is looking at his second straight 1,000 yard rushing season for the Ducks as they look to take home the Pac-12 championship next week. He is a versatile back as well, able to be an efficient receiver out of the backfield for the Ducks as well; this would make him a huge weapon at the next level for NFL teams.

Last year averaging five yards per carry, Verdell bumped his average to six yards per carry and has scored 17 touchdowns in his career at Oregon. Verdell is electric with the ball in space and has the speed and agility to break a big play at any point in the game.

He may not declare as he is only a redshirt sophomore and the 2020 NFL Draft is a deep class of backs. However, if he does, Verdell could be a late day-two or early day-three back who could have a significant impact on his team.

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