Athlon Sports

The 2018 NFL Draft is still fresh in everyone’s minds, but the work has already begun by pro scouts and analysts alike for the 2019 edition. In looking at Athlon Sports’ early top 50 prospects for the 2019 NFL Draft, two things jump out right away – it’s heavy on defensive players and there are quite a few Clemson Tigers. Clemson, which has been a College Football Playoff participant each of the past three seasons and won the national title a year ago, leads the way with seven players in the top 50. Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is the No. 1 overall prospect with fellow linemen Christian Wilkins and Clelin Ferrell joining him in the top 10. Defending national champion Alabama is well represented with four players, followed by Miami, Ohio State and Wisconsin with three each.