1. Ed Oliver, DT, Houston: Oliver was the most impressive freshman defender in recent college football history. He'll be a constant thorn in the side of offenses for the foreseeable future.
2. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville: Jackson did not end the year on a high note, but his talent as a thrower and runner gives him a great chance to be the first repeat Heisman winner since Archie Griffin.
3. Sam Darnold, QB, USC: Darnold is considered the nation's top young quarterback in NFL scouting circles due to his physical attributes and mental aptitude. He'll carry his young receiving corps in 2017.
4. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma: The former walk-on and Texas Tech transfer could be a Heisman Trophy finalist for the second year in a row. His mobility, toughness and ability to stretch the field help him overcome a lack of size to be a dangerous offensive threat.
5. Derwin James, S, Florida State: James was injured two games into last season, but will be full throttle in 2017. The tall, long safety is a secure tackler against the run and has the ball skills to create turnovers in coverage.
6. Connor Williams, OT, Texas: Athletic, physically imposing, well-balanced, stout ... there's not much negative to say about Williams. He's the top offensive lineman in college football.
7. Arden Key, DE, LSU: Key, yet another tall and lean LSU pass rusher, came into the national spotlight last year as a sophomore. Key has the potential to be a Pro Bowler. He took a leave of absence from the team for personal reasons in February, but coach Ed Orgeron expects him to return next month.
8. Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State: Barkley is an elusive and strong back. He's able to carry the mail and break off the big play. He figures large in Penn State's return to national prominence.
9. Rashan Gary, DT, Michigan: Michigan got everything it expected last season from the five-star recruit. His size and athleticism on the edge makes him a tough ask outside and an excellent pass rusher inside.
10. Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming: It's fitting for the Cowboys to have a gunslinger at quarterback. Allen's arm strength, mobility, and willingness to throw all over the field make him an intriguing prospect.
11. Bo Scarbrough, RB, Alabama: When Alabama gave Scarbrough carries in 2016, he used his huge frame to run through and past defenders, much like Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry. He'll be a force for the Tide as they try to get back to the national-title game.
12. Derrius Guice, RB, LSU: Leonard Fournette's ankle injury gave Guice a chance to show his wares last season. His power and foot quickness allow him to blast through tackles in a Jerome Bettis-like fashion.
13. Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas: There will be plenty of Derrick Johnson comparisons coming for Jefferson, who could play outside and inside at the next level. He'll become well known on a national scale with consistency in his playmaking as a junior.
14. Cameron Smith, LB, USC: Like former Trojans linebacker Brian Cushing, Smith's size, speed, and instincts allow him to always be around the ball.
15. Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA: Shoulder surgery sidelined Rosen last November, so his star isn't on the rise like it was at this time last year. By the end of this season, I won't be surprised if Rosen is in the running for a trip to New York City for the Heisman Trophy presentation.
16. Iman Marshall, CB, USC: Marshall has been impressive in coverage since his freshman year, and NFL scouts will tell you he's a better pure corner prospect than 2017 first-round pick Adoree' Jackson because of his strength and agility on the sideline.
17. Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson: Tall with wiry strength, McFadden catches the ball if it's anywhere near his hands; his eight interceptions tied for the FBS lead last season.
18. Tarvarus McFadden, CB, Florida State: This tall, bullish tackle proved in his first year on campus that the recruiting hype was deserved. He'll anchor Clemson's line as they try to repeat as champions.
19. Mike Weber, RB, Ohio State: Many will compare Weber to former OSU back Ezekiel Elliott. Weber's cut-back ability, speed, and compact build make him tough to stop.
20. Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB, Alabama: A versatile defender who can play every position in the secondary, Fitzpatrick will be a leader for Nick Saban's defensive group in 2017.
21. Harold Landry, LB, Boston College: It was a bit surprising that Landry didn't leave school after 2016 because he likely would have been one of the top pass rushers in this year's draft. He's a long, strong edge rusher who will push around college tackles for another year.
22. Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State: The sturdy pocket passer is able to move his offense effectively, whether throwing short, intermediate, or deep passes to put up big numbers.
23. Antonio Callaway, WR, Florida: Callaway has been an impact performer for the Gators as a receiver and punt returner, using his elite speed and quickness to turn short gains into long ones.
24. Mark Andrews, TE, Oklahoma: The Sooners have a phenomenal junior tight end at their disposal this season. Andrews looks and runs like a wide receiver, but can win inside and in the red zone with his 6-foot-5, 253-pound frame.
25. Ronnie Harrison, S, Alabama: Ball carriers have to know where Harrison is at all times, as he will pop them when coming downhill. He can also create turnovers.
26. Trace McSorley, QB, Penn State: Look for McSorley to build off a strong sophomore year to join the Heisman conversation. He's a playmaker for head coach James Franklin and works well in the clutch.
27. Mitch Hyatt, OT, Clemson: Hyatt must perform at an All-American level if the Tigers are going to have any chance to return to the College Football Playoff without Deshaun Watson at the helm. The junior has the ability to deliver.
28. Porter Gustin, LB, USC: Gustin's long, blonde locks will earn comps to Trojan football alum Clay Matthews III. Gustin's an excellent run defender, as well, making him an all-around talent worth watching anytime you get the chance.
29. Ahmmon Richards, WR, Miami (Fla.): An amazing talent, Richards is as smooth off the line as any receiver I've seen in recent years. He's not only a fast strider, but has great hands and can make defenders miss with stop-start action.
30. Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State: Hubbard's an excellent all-around defender, able to hold his ground in the run game and chase the quarterback.
31. Greg Little, OT, Ole Miss: Little will make his way up this list if he blossoms in his sophomore year. When given a chance last season, the top recruit in the 2016 class looked quick and strong at left tackle.
32. Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State: Expectations are high for the younger brother of Joey Bosa. Nick showed glimpses of great talent in 2016, and should be stronger this year without losing his agility or passion for the game.
33. Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma: The son of the late Orlando "Zeus" Brown, who started at left tackle during his 11-year NFL career, is also a mountain of a man. While his lateral agility could improve, his pure size and length make him nearly impossible to get around.
34. Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama: Ridley doesn't get a chance to touch the ball as often as he should in Alabama's offense, but he's electric when the pigskin hits his hands.
35. Luke Falk, QB, Washington State: Coach Mike Leach is having Falk work his magic in the Air Raid scheme, distributing the ball all over the field. He loses some of his top targets from last year, though; scouts will be interested to see how he adjusts.
36. Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson: Despite weighing 300 pounds, Wilkins played strong-side defensive end for the Tigers last season. The junior could play inside or outside in the pros, depending on the system.
37. Jalen Hurts, QB, Alabama: Hurts is still learning how to be a pocket passer, but he's certainly able to make plays with his arm on the run -- and Alabama used him as a runner regularly due to his athleticism and toughness.
38. Jake Browning, QB, Washington: Browning doesn't wow with great physical characteristics. He throws a tight ball, though, and is always in control of the offense. He has the weapons around him (and the defense) to get the Huskies back to the College Football Playoff this fall.
39. Vita Vea, DT, Washington: You don't see many 330-pound players move as well as Vea. His combination of strength at the point of attack and quickness in the backfield has scouts' attention.
40. Bradley Chubb, DE, N.C. State: Chubb is a similar player to former Kansas State star end Jordan Willis. He's thick and relentless, and should be an All-ACC pick for the Wolfpack in 2017.
41. Mark Walton, RB, Miami (Fla.): He's been a factor for the 'Canes as a rusher and receiver in his first two seasons with the team. Walton runs with a lean and has excellent balance in the open field.
42. Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M: Kirk has a running back's build, and cut-back ability. He uses those attributes as an effective receiver (led team with 928 yards in 2017) and returner (three punt return scores last year).
43. Ronald Jones II, RB, USC: A dynamic ball carrier who's speedy and elusive. Jones is not afraid of contact. Jones and QB Sam Darnold should help USC score a lot of points this fall.
44. Da'Ron Payne, DT, Alabama: With Jonathan Allen and Ryan Anderson departing for the NFL, Payne is the new leader of Alabama's vaunted defensive line. He will make life difficult for running backs and quarterbacks alike this season.
45. James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State:Washington and quarterback Mason Rudolph returned for their senior years to lead the Cowboys to a Big 12 title. He's tough fighting for the ball in the air and quick enough to separate downfield.
46. Troy Fumagalli, TE, Wisconsin: The Badgers' passing game uses Fumagalli as a crutch because of his size, reliable routes, and strong hands. He'll be an excellent pro.
47. Deondre Francois, QB, Florida State: As a redshirt freshman, Francois had his ups and downs. The Seminoles are banking on his ability to smooth out the ride in 2017, using his mobility and live arm to challenge for an ACC title.
48. Anthony Averett, CB, Alabama: Tested throughout 2016, Averett stepped up his game as the season progressed. He'll continue to make plays if quarterbacks avoid Alabama's other talented cover men.
49. Lowell Lotulelei, DT, Utah: Need a run stopper? Lotulelei fills that need, as he eats space inside and uses his quick feet to put interior pressure on quarterbacks.
50. Billy Price, OG, Ohio State: Price is nasty, and that's a compliment. He possesses the short-area quickness and anchor to be an All-American pass protector and run blocker.
Quarterbacks get way too much love. There's no way that three of the top four and four of the top 10 college football players are quarterbacks.
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