For the first time in five years the Bills do not have a first-round draft choice. But just because Buffalo's pick at 22 was sent to Minnesota as part of a package to acquire wide receiver Stefon Diggs doesn't mean they can't land some quality talent on days two and three of the draft with their seven selections.
Obviously, all of Buffalo's choices will be based on where the team's draft board indicates the value is when the team is on the clock, but positionally where will the value be best in rounds two through five?
Buffalobills.com sought the expertise of a handful of NFL draft analysts to lay out what positions will present the Bills and the other NFL clubs with high-quality talent in those middle rounds.
1. A bounty at receiver
By now anyone who has spent five minutes reading up on the talent in this year's draft class realizes that wide receiver is not only the deepest position but might be the best collection of wideouts since the famed 1996 class that included former Bills wideout Eric Moulds.
"I've got 27 wide receivers with top three-round grades in this draft," said NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah. "And consider on average 31 receivers are taken every year. We had a max of 35 taken in, I believe that was in 2017. So this is a really phenomenal group of wideouts. Not all those guys are going to go early. They'll end up spreading throughout the draft. But it's really a good group."
Based on most of the prospect rankings boards for wide receiver the best value is between rounds two and three. Some draft analysts believe you can still get a starting caliber receiver as late as round four this year, but examining the receiver rankings by CBSSports.com, ESPN.com and NFL.com an average of just over 11 receivers are expected to come off the board on day two.
"You'll obviously see the first-round guys get taken, the Jerry Jeudys and CeeDee Lambs of the world," said NFL Network analyst and former NFL front office exec, Marc Ross. "But there are lower tier guys, like Bryan Edwards, Jalen Reagor and Gabriel Davis who you're going to see in the second and third round and they're going to be starters."
Knowing positions which are in shorter supply will be poached for talent earlier in the draft, like offensive tackle and defensive end, it will only push the deep pool of receiver talent down the board.
"There are going to be second round receivers that are going to be available in the third, third-round receivers in the fourth," said The Athletic’s draft analyst Dane Brugler. "So wide receiver is easily at the top this year."
Buffalo's need to add a receiver is no longer pressing after the acquisition of Diggs, but there is one element missing from the Bills receiving corps.
"If you're building it like a basketball team, the Bills have the small guys so now add some size," said Ross. "There are plenty of those type of guys in the draft."
Of the 10 to 12 receivers expected to come off the board on day two of the draft, as many as nine stand 6-2 or taller and 10 are 205 pounds or more.
"Chase Claypool from Notre Dame is one of these receivers that is just so big and strong and physical," said Jeremiah. "He's a 50-50 ball guy. That's kind of his specialty. He's very tough, very aggressive, can really wall guys off in the red zone. He's a threat down there. The guy's 6-4 and change and 229 pounds.
"Antonio Gandy-Golden from Liberty is another. I thought he outplayed both Michael Pittman of USC and Claypool during the week at the Senior Bowl -- a big athletic receiver from Liberty. It just speaks of the depth of this class. It's just an incredible group."
"You think about a Brandon Aiyuk from Arizona State," said ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper. "He has a really good play speed even though he runs around 4.5 and he has a 40-inch vertical. He keeps getting better and better and better. He's an early to mid-second round pick. Some guys like Antonio Gibson from Memphis, who can play receiver and some running back in the third round. Where does a Collin Johnson from Texas go with his kind of size at 6-6? Then you have the talented guys who didn't put the numbers expected like Michigan's Donovan Peoples-Jones."
Scroll through to view photos of prospects that some mock draft experts have Buffalo selecting in the second or third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
J.K. Dobbins | RB | Ohio State
Dobbins certainly fits the mold of a three down back that teams use in a variety of ways in today's NFL. He could be a nice addition for Buffalo on offense to go with their current group.
Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins (2) during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game against Clemson, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri).
J.K. Dobbins | RB | Ohio State
Dobbins certainly fits the mold of a three down back that teams use in a variety of ways in today's NFL. He could be a nice addition for Buffalo on offense to go with their current group.
Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins (2) goes in for a touchdown against Wisconsin cornerback Faion Hicks (1) during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
J.K. Dobbins | RB | Ohio State
Dobbins certainly fits the mold of a three down back that teams use in a variety of ways in today's NFL. He could be a nice addition for Buffalo on offense to go with their current group.
Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins runs for a 33-yard touchdown against Michigan in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Marlon Davidson | DE | Auburn
Davidson plays the run very well on the edge of the defensive line, which could make him an option for the Bills on Day 2. He was certainly productive against some of the top offenses in the country as well.
Auburn defensive end Marlon Davidson (3) lines up for a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Kent State, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Marlon Davidson | DE | Auburn
Davidson plays the run very well on the edge of the defensive line, which could make him an option for the Bills on Day 2. He was certainly productive against some of the top offenses in the country as well.
Tulane running back Amare Jones is tackled for a loss by Auburn defensive end Marlon Davidson (3) during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Marlon Davidson | DE | Auburn
Davidson plays the run very well on the edge of the defensive line, which could make him an option for the Bills on Day 2. He was certainly productive against some of the top offenses in the country as well.
FILE - In this Oct. 5, 2019, file photo, Auburn defensive end Marlon Davidson (3) signals to teammates before a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida, in Gainesville, Fla. Davidson was selected to The Associated Press All-Southeastern Conference football team, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019.(AP Photo/John Raoux, File)
Ezra Cleveland | OT | Boise State
Cleveland has a projectable frame and could be a nice piece to add to Buffalo's current group at OL.
Boise State offensive lineman Ezra Cleveland carries out a United States flag as the team takes the field to face Air Force in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at Air Force Academy, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Ezra Cleveland | OT | Boise State
Cleveland has a projectable frame and could be a nice piece to add to Buffalo's current group at OL.
Boise State offensive lineman Ezra Cleveland (76) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Hawaii, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 59-37. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
Ezra Cleveland | OT | Boise State
Cleveland has a projectable frame and could be a nice piece to add to Buffalo's current group at OL.
Boise State offensive lineman Ezra Cleveland in the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, in Fort Collins, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
EDGE | Terrell Lewis | Alabama
Lewis could provide some "nasty" on the edge of Buffalo's pass rush and would be in line to help contribute on defense as a rookie.
Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis (24) lines up on the edge to rush the quarterback against Arkansas during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
EDGE | Terrell Lewis | Alabama
Lewis could provide some "nasty" on the edge of Buffalo's pass rush and would be in line to help contribute on defense as a rookie.
Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis (24) gets set against LSU during the second half of an NCAA football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. LSU won 46-41. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
EDGE | Terrell Lewis | Alabama
Lewis could provide some "nasty" on the edge of Buffalo's pass rush and would be in line to help contribute on defense as a rookie.
Alabama linebacker Terrell Lewis in an NCAA football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
EDGE | Jabari Zuniga | Florida
Zuniga has all the tools teams look for in impact pass rushers, and could make sense for Buffalo at the right spot in the draft.
Miami offensive lineman Zion Nelson (60), right, blocks against Florida defensive lineman Jabari Zuniga (92) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
EDGE | Jabari Zuniga | Florida
Zuniga has all the tools teams look for in impact pass rushers, and could make sense for Buffalo at the right spot in the draft.
UT Martin quarterback John Bachus III scramble past Florida defensive lineman Jabari Zuniga (92) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
EDGE | Jabari Zuniga | Florida
Zuniga has all the tools teams look for in impact pass rushers, and could make sense for Buffalo at the right spot in the draft.
Colorado State quarterback K.J. Carta-Samuels (1) scrambles as he is chased by Florida defensive lineman Jabari Zuniga (92) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
EDGE | Jonathan Greenard | Florida
A super rangy edge rusher, Greenard could help make up for some of the lost pass rush production from last season.
Florida linebacker Jonathan Greenard takes up his position during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Missouri Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Columbia, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
EDGE | Jonathan Greenard | Florida
A super rangy edge rusher, Greenard could help make up for some of the lost pass rush production from last season.
Auburn quarterback Bo Nix, left, is hit by Florida linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) as he releases the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
EDGE | Jonathan Greenard | Florida
A super rangy edge rusher, Greenard could help make up for some of the lost pass rush production from last season.
Florida linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) looks over his shoulder as he runs an 80-yard touchdown after recovering a Vanderbilt fumble during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
EDGE | Josh Uche | Michigan
Uche was used in a variety of ways at Michigan, and could play a Lorenzo Alexander-type role if called upon.
Michigan linebacker Josh Uche plays against Rutgers in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
EDGE | Josh Uche | Michigan
Uche was used in a variety of ways at Michigan, and could play a Lorenzo Alexander-type role if called upon.
Michigan linebacker Josh Uche plays against Middle Tennessee in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
EDGE | Josh Uche | Michigan
Uche was used in a variety of ways at Michigan, and could play a Lorenzo Alexander-type role if called upon.
Michigan linebacker Josh Uche (6) pressures Western Michigan quarterback Jon Wassink (16) in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
SAFETY | Kyle Dugger | Lenoir Rhyne
Dugger could be a versatile piece in Sean McDermott's defense, and could even play as a "big nickel" if needed.
South safety Kyle Dugger of Lenoir Rhyne (23) participates in drills as the South squad practices for the Senior Bowl Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
SAFETY | Kyle Dugger | Lenoir Rhyne
Dugger could be a versatile piece in Sean McDermott's defense, and could even play as a "big nickel" if needed.
South safety Kyle Dugger of Lenoir Rhyne (23) during the first half of the Senior Bowl college football game Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
SAFETY | Kyle Dugger | Lenoir Rhyne
Dugger could be a versatile piece in Sean McDermott's defense, and could even play as a "big nickel" if needed.
Lenoir Rhyne defensive back Kyle Dugger works out for scouts as the South squad runs drills during practice for the Senior Bowl Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
EDGE | Curtis Weaver | Boise State
Weaver is another versatile defensive lineman that could even slide inside at times to rush the passer. He might make sense for a DL that likes to rotate players a good amount.
Boise State linebacker Curtis Weaver (99) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, in Fort Collins, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
EDGE | Curtis Weaver | Boise State
Weaver is another versatile defensive lineman that could even slide inside at times to rush the passer. He might make sense for a DL that likes to rotate players a good amount.
Boise State linebacker Curtis Weaver (99) looks to the sidelines during in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Hawaii, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Boise, Idaho. Boise State won 59-37. (AP Photo/Steve Conner)
RB | Cam Akers | Florida State
Akers was a very productive back in college and is a capable pass catcher out of the backfield. He could be a solid contributor as a rookie.
Florida State running back Cam Akers runs for a touchdown in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Boston College, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Boston. (AP Photo/Bill Sikes)
RB | Cam Akers | Florida State
Akers was a very productive back in college and is a capable pass catcher out of the backfield. He could be a solid contributor as a rookie.
Florida State's Cam Akers runs in the open field during an NCAA college football game with Syracuse, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019 in Tallahassee Fla. Florida State won 35-17. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon)
WR | Chase Claypool | Notre Dame
With a great frame and leaping ability, Claypool could team up with Josh Allen to make for a lethal redzone combination.
Notre Dame wide receiver Chase Claypool (83) reacts after a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Bowling Green, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
WR | Chase Claypool | Notre Dame
With a great frame and leaping ability, Claypool could team up with Josh Allen to make for a lethal redzone combination.
Notre Dame wide receiver Chase Claypool during an NCAA football game on Monday, Sept. 2 , 2019 in Louisville , Ky . (AP Photo/Tony Tribble)
WR | Chase Claypool | Notre Dame
With a great frame and leaping ability, Claypool could team up with Josh Allen to make for a lethal redzone combination.
Notre Dame wide receiver Chase Claypool (83) runs during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in South Bend, Ind.(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
RB | Jonathan Taylor | Wisconsin
One of the best running backs to ever play college football, Taylor is arguably one of the most "pro-ready" prospects in the draft. He had over 6,000 yards rushing in three seasons.
FILE - In this Dec. 7, 2019, file photo, Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor (23) runs for a touchdown past Ohio State cornerback Shaun Wade (24) during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game, in Indianapolis. Taylor was selected to The Associated Press All-Big Ten Conference team, Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
RB | Jonathan Taylor | Wisconsin
One of the best running backs to ever play college football, Taylor is arguably one of the most "pro-ready" prospects in the draft. He had over 6,000 yards rushing in three seasons.
Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor celebrates a touchdown against Michigan State during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won 38-0. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
RB | Jonathan Taylor | Wisconsin
One of the best running backs to ever play college football, Taylor is arguably one of the most "pro-ready" prospects in the draft. He had over 6,000 yards rushing in three seasons.
Wisconsin's Jonathan Taylor runs during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Purdue Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
CB | Bryce Hall | Virginia
He was one of the best corners in college football, and could be a nice prospect for the Bills to groom behind their current group of defensive backs.
Virginia cornerback Bryce Hall (34) during an NCAA college football game in Charlottesville, Va., Friday, Sept. 6, 2019. Virginia defeated William & Mary 51-17. (AP Photo/Andrew Shurtleff)
CB | Bryce Hall | Virginia
He was one of the best corners in college football, and could be a nice prospect for the Bills to groom behind their current group of defensive backs.
Bryce Hall #34 of the Virginia Cavaliers in action against the Pittsburgh Panthers during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)
CB | Bryce Hall | Virginia
He was one of the best corners in college football, and could be a nice prospect for the Bills to groom behind their current group of defensive backs.
Virginia's Bryce Hall (34) runs the ball following an interception as North Carolina's Jordan Cunningham tries to make the tackle during the first half an NCAA college football game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
DE | Julian Okwara | Notre Dame
A balanced DE, Okwara could play a variety of roles on Buffalo's defense and bring need some more "nasty" up front.
Notre Dame defensive lineman Julian Okwara during an NCAA football game on Monday, Sept. 2 , 2019 in Louisville , Ky . (AP Photo/Tony Tribble)
DE | Julian Okwara | Notre Dame
A balanced DE, Okwara could play a variety of roles on Buffalo's defense and bring need some more "nasty" up front.
Notre Dame defensive lineman Julian Okwara (42) works against Georgia during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
DE | Julian Okwara | Notre Dame
A balanced DE, Okwara could play a variety of roles on Buffalo's defense and bring need some more "nasty" up front.
Notre Dame defensive lineman Julian Okwara (42) in action during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Virginia Tech, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
EDGE | Darrell Taylor | Tennessee
He was one of the most consistent pass rushers in college football, and his athletic traits are hard to ignore. Taylor be a great value pick for Buffalo on defense.
Tennessee linebacker Darrell Taylor (19) plays in the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
EDGE | Darrell Taylor | Tennessee
He was one of the most consistent pass rushers in college football, and his athletic traits are hard to ignore. Taylor be a great value pick for Buffalo on defense.
FILE - In this Nov. 10, 2018, file photo, Kentucky quarterback Terry Wilson (3) is pressured by Tennessee linebacker Darrell Taylor (19) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Knoxville, Tenn. Darrell Taylor is coming off a breakthrough season but believes he’s capable of doing even better. Taylor recorded eight sacks last year, the most of any Southeastern Conference player who’s back this fall. (AP Photo/Wade Payne, File)
EDGE | Darrell Taylor | Tennessee
He was one of the most consistent pass rushers in college football, and his athletic traits are hard to ignore. Taylor be a great value pick for Buffalo on defense.
Tennessee linebacker Darrell Taylor (19) plays against Mississippi State in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
CB | Shyheim Carter | Alabama
Carter can cover a ton of ground and make plays on the ball, which is exactly what Sean McDermott and Leslie Frazier are looking for in Buffalo's defense.
Alabama defensive back Shyheim Carter (5) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Southern Miss, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
CB | Shyheim Carter | Alabama
Carter can cover a ton of ground and make plays on the ball, which is exactly what Sean McDermott and Leslie Frazier are looking for in Buffalo's defense.
Alabama defensive back Shyheim Carter in an NCAA football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
CB | Shyheim Carter | Alabama
Carter can cover a ton of ground and make plays on the ball, which is exactly what Sean McDermott and Leslie Frazier are looking for in Buffalo's defense.
Alabama defensive back Shyheim Carter (5) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
DE | Trevis Gipson | Tulsa
Long and fast. Trevis Gipson could be a sleeper prospect that could make a big impact as a rookie with his pass rushing ability.
Tulsa defensive end Trevis Gipson (15) attempts a tackle on Michigan State running back Elijah Collins (24) during the second half of an NCAA football game on Friday, Aug. 30, 2019 in East Lansing, Mich. Michigan State won 28-7. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
CB | Cameron Dantzler | Mississippi State
Dantzler is great in press coverage, and could be a good candidate to learn from Buffalo's current group at CB.
Mississippi State cornerback Cameron Dantzler (3) returns an interception against Louisiana-Lafayette during the first half of an NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019. (AP Photo/Chuck Cook)
CB | Cameron Dantzler | Mississippi State
Dantzler is great in press coverage, and could be a good candidate to learn from Buffalo's current group at CB.
Mississippi State cornerback Cameron Dantzler (3) defends Louisiana-Lafayette wide receiver Ja'Marcus Bradley (2) in the second half of an NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019. Mississippi State won, 38-28. (AP Photo/Chuck Cook)
DT | Ross Blacklock | TCU
If Buffalo looks to add more size on the interior of the DL to help with run defense, Blacklock could make a lot of sense in the second or third round.
TCU defensive tackle Ross Blacklock (90) rallies his teammates during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Baylor, Friday, Nov. 24, 2017, in Fort Worth, Texas. TCU won 45-22. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
DT | Ross Blacklock | TCU
If Buffalo looks to add more size on the interior of the DL to help with run defense, Blacklock could make a lot of sense in the second or third round.
TCU defensive tackle Ross Blacklock poses for a portrait during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2020 in Indianapolis. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
2. Help on the corner
With a strong influx of receiver talent via the draft the last few years, there has been almost an equally steady stream of players who can cover them. The situation is no different in the 2020 class as most analysts believe there is quality cornerback talent stretching into the early stages of day three.
"When you talk about middle rounds of the draft, I think that there's some good corners there," said Sirius XM NFL Radio analyst Gil Brandt. "I think we talk about guys like Noah Igbinoghene, the corner from Auburn. Troy Pride, who's a really fast guy from Notre Dame. They're really pretty good. I think that the corner that's got everybody a little bit enthused is the corner from Clemson, AJ Terrell. As people have looked at him closer, he's a guy that's really come up the charts."
Brugler sees round two as the sweet spot for cornerback value.
"Jeff Okudah is the top corner," he said. "CJ Henderson has established himself as that second corner, but then that next tier is... there's a lot of differing opinions. You ask five people and you might get five different answers. Who's that third corner in this draft? And then when does that next tier start? Is it late first? Is it early second? How long does it stretch from? Jeff Gladney, Jaylon Johnson, AJ Terrell, Trevon Diggs, Christian Fulton, Damon Arnette, Noah Igbinoghene. Those seven names or so they make up that tier and I think there's a good chance we could see him all gone in the top 60 picks. So it's anyone guess the order they'll come off the board, how early. That's an interesting group."
The reason the grades on each of those players will differ amongst teams is because there are different priorities when it comes to what one team is looking for in a corner compared to another.
"Not only scheme fit, but some teams will value length, much more than other teams," Brugler said. "Some teams are very stopwatch dependent when it comes to the cornerback position. So that's something that will factor in. Ball production in college is something that carries a lot of weight with some evaluators where others will care more about just the physical traits more so than the bulk production. It just comes down to your fundamental beliefs of the cornerback position, the traits that make up that position and what translates to the next level."
There are also a good number of slot corners in the class like Louisiana Tech's Amik Robertson, Michigan State's Josiah Scott and Auburn's Javaris Davis. All of them figure to come off the board between rounds three and four.
3. When will the run on running backs start?
The other position widely held as one offering depth of talent is running back. With the recent trend of few backs coming off the board in round one, the value figures to be solid at the position all the way through day two and beyond.
"The running back group, even though we might only have one in the first round, who is (D'Andre) Swift in my opinion, JK Dobbins from Ohio State is a stud. Jonathan Taylor's only running back in FBS history to rush for 1,900 plus yards in three consecutive years," said ESPN NFL draft analyst Todd McShay. "Clyde Edwards-Helaire, no he didn't have a great 40 time, but is a darn good football player who can play in the slot, you can move him out wide. He does all the little things. So if you're looking for running back talent, this year's group is really good."
A key question is when will the run on running backs begin?
"It'll be interesting to see how many running backs go in the first two days to see who's left on day three, but every year we see it," said Brugler. "There are a few running backs that fall to day three or sometimes go undrafted, and then they end up being a productive part of a rotation or even a starter for a team. I think it'll be no different this year."
"There's some depth at that position," said Kiper of running back. "You look at Zack Moss from Utah, a Cam Akers, Florida State. AJ Dillon from Boston College has moved up and Joshua Kelley from UCLA is a little underrated. Darrynton Evans from Appalachian State is another guy who I think is going to be a good player coming out."
Even on day three there figures to be some solid value at running back with a handful of players who can help a team with a committee backfield.
"A guy like Antonio Gibson from Memphis is that versatile player who can catch the ball and can create big plays," Brugler said. "He's a little different than AJ Dillon. He's a little different than James Robinson from Illinois State. DeeJay Dallas from Miami, he's going to have a chance to get on the field because he's one of the best pass protectors in this draft. So that could help him see some early reps. Raymond Calais from Louisiana, he's a 4.4 athlete and that speed in the right situation could end up getting him some playing time. So yeah this running back group… we're going to see some of these guys make some waves as rookies."
