10 Players Who Might Be Drafted Way Earlier Than Expected

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Over the past few days, I’ve examined some potential sleeper picks on both offense and defense . Now it’s time to turn our attention back toward the top of the draft and take a look at some potential risers now that we’re less than a week out. Which players am I hearing some buzz on? Which prospects seem likely to go a lot higher than people currently expect? Since Arif Hasan’s media consensus board hasn’t yet been published (a board that yours truly is part of once again this year), I’m using PFSN’s consensus board for this exercise. I took their composite rankings as well as my own and compared them to where prospects are currently trending. We’re looking for players who could go significantly higher than their current ranking relative to round — a 10-spot jump in Round 3 is relatively meaningless, but going from No. 20 to No. 10 in Round 1 is a big jump. We here at NFL Trade Rumors have a lot more draft content coming your way over the next week, so be on the lookout for that! This draft is shaping up to be as wild and unpredictable as we’ve seen in recent years, so stay tuned for all our content aiming to keep you all as informed and up to date as possible. Final Position Rankings: Quarterbacks Final Position Rankings: Running Backs Final Position Rankings: Wide Receivers Final Position Rankings: Tight Ends Final Position Rankings: Offensive Tackles Final Position Rankings: Interior Offensive Linemen Final Position Rankings: Edge Rushers Final Position Rankings: Defensive Tackles Final Position Rankings: Linebackers Final Position Rankings: Cornerbacks Final Position Rankings: Safeties Denzel Boston — WR, Washington Consensus Rank: 29 There was a time when it was an open question whether Boston would be a first-round pick. That time has passed. His range probably starts at No. 13 with the Rams, as there are rumors Los Angeles really likes him (and it’s assumed they plan on drafting a receiver with that pick). I have a tough time seeing him get past the Browns at No. 24 or the Bills at No. 26. Boston has a ton of size and maneuverability. He’s not a burner down the field, but he owns the middle of the defense, shaking loose from coverage with quick hips and agile feet. For how big he is, he generates a lot of separation consistently, and his hands are as reliable as they come. He’s a stud. Chris Johnson — CB, San Diego State Consensus Rank: 37 Johnson is a classic case of a prospect checking every single box throughout the pre-draft process and seeing their stock soar as a result. His tape for the Aztecs last year was sensational, and he went out at the Senior Bowl and proved it against NFL-caliber competition. His production isn’t a smaller-school fluke. The only lingering question with Johnson was his long speed, and then he ran a blazing 4.40-second 40-yard dash at the Combine. Even now, the majority of mock drafts have him getting lost in the Day 2 shuffle a bit, coming off the board somewhere in the back half of the second round. I’d be surprised if he’s available at all on Day 2, and there’s a chance he’s a top-20 pick. Emmanuel Pregnon — G, Oregon Consensus Rank: 47 One of my favorite mock draft prospect-to-team fits used to be sending Pregnon to the Texans at No. 28. I’ve gotten away from that in recent mocks, but I might have to start going back to it. He’s as solid a guard prospect as you’ll find, not wowing with athleticism but bringing a ton of starting experience in the league with high-level tape as both a run blocker…