The 2017 NFL Draft is fast approaching and with only a handful of college games left, it’s time to start meeting the next NFL superstars. Myles Garrett and Jonathon Allen have lived up to the highest of standards and project very well going forward.
DE Myles Garrett-Texas A.M.(6-5-265)
Myles Garrett is a pass rusher phenom and is the best player in the 2017 NFL Draft. Back in 2014 when Garrett was only a freshman he recorded 11.5 sacks and was the best defensive lineman in the mighty SEC. He lived up to his 5-star rating and somehow even surpassed it. Scouts were already projecting him as the No.1 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft before he had played his sophomore season. Garrett has the size, speed, and technique to easily beat even the best college tackles. His sophomore season he racked up another 12 sacks, made All-American, and would have been a top 5 pick if he left school. Nagging injuries have made 2016 frustrating, but when healthy he is the most feared defender in the country.
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NFL Comparison:Aldon Smith(6-4-265)
Aldon Smith came into the NFL in 2011 and few players have ever dominated his position so quickly. He broke Reggie White’s record for the quickest player to reach 31.5 sacks in his first two seasons. There was no better pass rusher in the NFL but unfortunately Smith was constantly in trouble with the league office. Smith is very quick for his size and like Garrett, both use excellent technique. Back in the 2011 combine Smith flew up draft boards with a great workout and tested fantastic. He ran a 4.74 forty yard dash at 265lbs and scouts took notice. Garrett has been front in center for two years now so the combine is more of a business trip for the DE. He will impress and if he runs as well as Smith, he will be the first pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
DL Jonathon Allen-Alabama(6-3-294)
It’s hard to shine on a defense of future NFL players but Jonathon Allen has jumped off the screen every game in 2016. After an amazing junior season where he collected 12 sacks, many thought Allen would have jumped to the NFL. He would have been a top 15 pick but decided to come back to repeat as National Champions. His stock has only risen and he has actually added to his game. His pass rushing skills have flourished which has placed him in Heisman talk. He moves incredibly well for a 300 pound lineman and uses the best leverage of any interior lineman in the country. Projecting forward, Allen could star as a DT in a 4-3 system or dominate as a DE in a 3-4. His flexability makes him even more of an intriguing prospect in the 2017 NFL Draft.
NFL Comparison:Ndamukong Suh(6-4-305)
Suh became a star his last season at Nebraska. He won awards and was even invited to the Heisman ceremony. He could not be blocked and dominated college football like no one ever has. Drafted second overall, he wasted little time taking over the NFL. Suh recorded 10 sacks, won ROY and was named to the All-Pro team. Suh was to strong to be blocked one on one and his quickness made him hard to game plan for. Like Suh, Allen’s quickness makes him special and his strength will blind side you. Suh ran a sub 5.00 forty at 300 pounds and showed great all-around athleticism for his size at the combine. Allen will compare favorably with Suh’s combine numbers and will follow him as a top pick in the NFL Draft.