#17: Brycen Hopkins, TE (Purdue); 6-4, 245 lbs


Hopkins is not a good blocker – and while he is not a catastrophically poor one either, there is certainly room for growth in that regard. What he also is, however, is an excellent route runner with enough speed to threaten vertically and good hands and an ability to add value after the catch. While a team that wants a tight end who can line up on the line of scrimmage and down-block defensive ends probably wouldn’t be too interested, in an offense where he can operate in space as a receiver, he can be an extremely valuable piece. 

#18: Zack Baun, EDGE/LB (Wisconsin); 6-2, 238 lbs


Where Baun plays will depend a lot on scheme, as some might see him as more of a pure edge rusher while others will want him to spend a significant amount of time in coverage – while he will probably be best in a scheme that asks him to do a bit of both, he is good enough in both regards that he should be able to find a role on most teams. As a run defender, he plays with good hand placement, pad level and arm extension, and he moves well in space as a zone defender, but his biggest area of improvement is as a pass rusher, where he has the athleticism and core technique to be solid, but with more developed hand usage he could be very good indeed. 

#19: Jalen Reagor, WR (TCU); 5-11, 206 lbs


Jalen Reager is a project. He has the speed to be an immediate deep threat and shows good hands and adds some value both in the air and after the catch, but while he flashes as a route runner, he needs to be far more consistent in this regard, aided by better quarterback play. Reagor will probably take some time before he is able to hit his stride in the NFL (similar to DJ Moore), but should be able to make an immediate impact as a deep threat.

#20: Brandon Aiyuk, WR (Arizona State); 6-0, 205 lbs


Aiyuk is one of the more interesting receivers in the class, as he flashes the route running subtleties to be an elite receiver option in the NFL, but he needs to tighten up his footwork at the head of routes and can struggle with physicality through his routes at times. He probably could do with a little work to continue to develop before being viewed as a #1 receiver, but could be a very good all-around option with time. 

 

Vincent Richardson on Twitter
Vincent Richardson
Managing Editor at Riot Report
Fan of zone coverage, knee bend and running backs running routes. Twitter: @vrichardson444