Positional Breakdown- Post NFL Combine

Each year during the NFL Draft, mine as well as many people's idea on who the best players are at each position differentiates from the players actually taken at any specific time. This article is a breakdown of who I believe is the best player, likely bust, and first off the board at every position.

QUARTERBACK

Best Player- Brett Hundley (UCLA). People tend to forget that if Hundley had declared for the draft last year that he may indeed have been a top 10 pick. His decision to stay in school an extra year may have dropped him out of the first-round talk, but his skill set is still in tact. He will have to adapt to the pro-style (he only took 7 snaps under center last year), but he shows good pocket presence and his speed makes him a dual threat.

First Drafted- Jameis Winston (FSU). Winston is assumed to be the most pro-ready of the quarterback crop. His size and play style fit well in the NFL, but i question his decision making skills. He has obvious maturity issues that i think he can rise above top be successful in the NFL.

Bust Alert- Marcus Mariota (Oregon). Mariota could very well develop into a starter in there NFL. The problem I have with him is his style of play. The obvious ideal landing spot would be with Chip Kelly in Philly, but what if that doesn't happen? Mariota is more of a system player at this point, and could lead to be a potential bust if he doesn't walk into the right situation.

RUNNING BACK

Best Player- Melvin Gordon (Wisconsin). Gordon has the size and speed most teams are looking for in a running back. He runs well between the tackles and has big play ability. He has improved his pass-catching ability, and will keep improving, increasing his likeliness to be a three-down back. Has issues with fumbling, but shouldn't be a concern. He is reliable and can break out in space with quick feet and agility.

First Drafted- Melvin Gordon

Bust Alert- Ameer Abdullah (Nebraska) Abdullah does a lot of things right, but lacks the size that teams want in a primary back. Has comparable size to Andre Ellington, but isn't as fast, and has trouble with passing routes and catching the ball. Best case scenario in my opinion, is a career change of pace back.

WIDE RECEIVER

Best Player- Kevin White (West Virginia). White will be competing with Amari Cooper to be the first receiver taken in the draft this year. White has explosive speed and caught everything in sight last season at West Virginia. He already has a pretty impressive route tree coming into the NFL. He has some room for improvement in down-field blocking, but all in all has a slight edge as the best receiver as of now.

First Drafted- Amari Cooper (Alabama) Cooper is already drawing comparisons to former Tide receiver Julio Jones. He is already a polished route runner, and has no problem with going across the middle to get the ball. He's very good at getting corners out of position and making breaks. Little concern about him breaking his route, and adjusting on the fly which has led to some interceptions.

Bust Alert- Dorial Green-Beckham (Oklahoma). The speculation that DGB could be a bust is based solely on his off field issues. Theres even more risk of this if he's taken in the first round, because of the value to teams' first round picks. There are no questions that he is an athlete, but he also hasn't played since he took the field for Missouri. May take a little while to shake off the rust in there NFL.

TIGHT END

Best Player- Nick O'Leary (FSU). O'Leary is the best overall at the position. He can be used in multiple spots wether it be on the line, as an H-Back, or in the slot. His size will allow him to immediately take hit from pro defenses, and he isn't afraid to make catches in the middle of the field. He has great hands and coiuld be a threat in the red-zone.

First Drafted- Maxx Williams (Minnesota). Maxx Williams has decent speed and can beat most linebackers in coverage. Uses his body well in the redone and can win battles for the ball. Whichever teams drafts him will have to move Williams around the field to create space and mismatches but he should be a good starter.

Bust Alert- Tyler Kroft (Rutgers). Kroft has the body to be a potential star in the NFL. The problem with him at this point, is his catching ability. He has decent speed off the ball, but doesn't have a full grasp of how to use his arms or where to put them to get the ball in his hands, making him rely heavily on body-catching.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN

Best Player- Andrus Peat (Stanford). Peat has the size to play tackle, and the versatility to play guard as well. His footwork is great for a guy his size, and he does a good job at using his arms to keep separation from defenders. Peat is the type of player that could be a Pro-Bowl caliber player for many years.

First Drafted- Brandon Sherff (Iowa). Some teams have Sherff highly coveted as the best lineman in this years draft because he is projected as a player that will start off as an interior lineman who can be moved outside after he becomes adjusted to the NFL game. Sherff is a tough player who has played through injuries, and made amazing comebacks to play at a high level. He will be a sure first rounder, but i don't believe he's the best in this class.

Bust Alert- TJ Clemmings (Pittsburgh). Clemmings is still very new to playing tackle, and that is going to show. He has trouble maintaing blocks and getting to the next level without missing assignments. Being such a raw talent and possibly being asked to play at a high level too early in his career may lead to him busting in the NFL.