As we wrap up another Saturday of College Football action and head into the final month of the season, it appears that we have more prospects leaning towards the 2020 NFL Draft. PFN’s Tony Pauline reported Saturday that a pair of USC Trojans, left tackle Austin Jackson and wide receiver Tyler Vaughns, could make the leap after this season. Joining them in the news is Missouri defensive tackle Jordan Elliott and Texas Tech WR T.J. Vasher.
These talented linemen and receivers should garner a lot of attention if they do ultimately declare for the 2020 NFL Draft. Below, I take a look at each of these talented prospects and why their additions could make this 2020 NFL Draft a special one for these position groups. These players appear NFL-ready, and I look at their best fits as they make the leap from college to the pros.
Will Trojans duo move on?
The offensive tackle position is one of the stronger groups available for the 2020 NFL Draft, and USC junior left tackle Austin Jackson could be one of the very first ones selected. Heading into the 2019 season, Jackson had accumulated 12 starts on the blindside for the Trojans and was starting to develop into a player to know among 2020 NFL Draft circles. He has taken his game to the next level in 2019.
Jackson is the prototype for the NFL tackle position at 6’6″ and 310 pounds. He is a great athlete at the position and has improved dramatically as a junior. Jackson has now positioned himself to be one of the top tackles off the board during the 2020 NFL Draft. He has done a tremendous job protecting true freshman signal-caller Kedon Slovis while jumpstarting a running game that has dealt with a multitude of injury issues.
There are not many players that move as well as Jackson at the tackle position. Some even believe he has separated himself as the top prospect in the Pac-12. Teams with serious protection issues such as the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets could come calling on the draft’s first day. If Jackson continues his strong play in the final month of the season, he could hear his name called in the top half of the first round.
Another Trojan mentioned by Pauline is WR Tyler Vaughns. The junior WR has been a very solid, if unspectacular performer for the Trojans since 2017. He is experiencing a breakout season for USC in 2019, as he’s accumulated 62 catches for 752 yards and five touchdowns through ten games. He has also contributed on punt returns for the Trojans. Word is not official on Vaughns, but if the news from the Advisory Board comes back positive, Vaughns could enter the 2020 NFL Draft. He should be a solid fourth-round pick in the draft.
Missouri Tiger and Red Raider entering the mix
Two other names mentioned by Pauline on Saturday were Texas Tech WR T.J. Vasher and Missouri defensive tackle Jordan Elliott. Both players have had very productive seasons for their respective teams and could make intriguing 2020 NFL Draft additions if they do decide to declare early.
Elliott is a player that has grown by leaps and bounds during the last two seasons. A former Texas transfer, Elliott made an immediate impact during his first season at Missouri in 2018. He was named as a 2nd-team All-SEC selection by Pro Football Focus after recording 24 tackles (including eight for a loss) and three sacks. While he’s only recorded one sack this year, he has been a consistent force in the middle against the run for the Tigers. He has a chance to go early on day two and could be in play for the majority of teams running the 3-4 as their base defensive set.
Vasher has taken over the number one WR role for the Red Raiders this season. He has thrived and helped the Red Raiders offense a great deal. Vasher certainly passes the eye test for an elite WR prospect for the 2020 NFL Draft. He is an imposing presence on the field, standing at 6’6″, 210 pounds, and is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Vasher’s wingspan and size are unmatched in this draft. Take a look at this ridiculous catch below.
T.J. Vasher, this is absurd. pic.twitter.com/9KmKgTWEHq
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) September 1, 2018
With a backup quarterback, the big WR prospect has scored six touchdowns in 2019. He could be extremely dangerous in the right offense and could easily hear his name called before the start of day three.
Seminole sophomore weighing his options
Florida State redshirt-sophomore WR Tamorrion Terry is another name that popped up during Pauline’s Saturday Live Blog. Pauline reportedly “wouldn’t be shocked to see him declare this season.” Due to the tumultuous season, the Seminoles have had, including the firing of coach Willie Taggart, a declaration for the 2020 NFL Draft would not be a surprising outcome for Terry. Pauline notes he could be a mid-round steal for teams because of his dominant physical traits. Terry is built similarly to former Seminole and current Bengals’ WR Auden Tate, who has experienced success in a lost season for Cincinnati.