Some Surprises In Daniel Jeremiah's New Top 50

The NFL Network's draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah has released his new top fifty draft prospects for the upcoming draft.

Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

NASHVILLE - Daniel Jeremiah, draft analyst for the NFL Network, has recently released his latest top fifty draft prospects, with some slight surprises among the list. 

At first glance, this top fifty doesn't differ much from others, but what stood out most was University of Tennessee offensive tackle Darnell Wright's ascension to the second spot on the tackle list behind Peter Skoronski and ahead of Paris Johnson Jr. However, Jeremiah lists Wright as a right tackle prospect and Johnson Jr. on the left side.    

Jeremiah shared his thoughts on Wright, and Johnson.    

As for Wright, Jeremiah shared this. 

Wright is a massive right tackle prospect. He lacks ideal foot quickness in pass protection, but does a nice job of staying square and staying patient. Defenders get into his chest, but he’s able to absorb and stop their charge because he has so much mass and power. He is late with his punch, but once he latches on, the play is over. He more than held his own against Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. In the run game, he leans on his opponent and creates movement despite playing too high. He has success at the second level when he can stay on one track. He struggles to redirect in space, though. Overall, Wright isn’t a special athlete, but his blend of size and power gives him a chance to be a stable starting right tackle at the next level. 

Then there was this on Johnson. 

Johnson has ideal size, length and quickness for the position. In the pass game, he possesses quick feet out of his stance, and when he lands his punch, he can steer and control. He isn't a natural knee-bender and plays too high at times. When that happens, he struggles versus power rushers and gets walked back to the quarterback. He also has been susceptible to inside counter moves, but has enough athleticism to quickly recover and redirect. He is very aware versus twists and stunts. In the run game, he has strong hands to latch on and runs his feet on contact to create movement. He flashes a nasty streak to finish to the ground. Overall, Johnson needs to play with better leverage in pass pro, but he has the ideal frame and temperament to eventually develop into a solid left tackle.

While not a surprise, former Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker being part of the top fifty, his landing at No. 44  makes him the fifth at his position in this ranking. 

Hooker is an ultra productive QB with size, accuracy and athleticism. He operates in the Vols' unique spread attack, where they send their outside wideouts to the extreme edges of the field and force opponents to defend them in space. Hooker has outstanding field vision, makes quick decisions and delivers the ball in a position where his receivers can easily run after the catch. He doesn’t have a powerful arm, but he can make all the necessary throws. He throws a beautiful deep ball. He has the athleticism to extend plays and he’s very effective on designed QB runs. Unfortunately, he suffered an ACL injury late in the season that could jeopardize his rookie campaign. Also, his age (25) is a concern for some teams. Overall, I see Hooker as a quality starting QB and wouldn’t be shocked if he has the best career of any passer in this year's class.

Regardless of how one ranks these players, what's clear is that the Titans should be able to find two solid players in the first and second rounds, and it's very possible both players will come from within this top fifty prospects list.  

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