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Top Players to Go 1-5 in the NFL Draft

Author Anne Erickson
(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

The NFL Draft is upon us. The big event takes place in Detroit, Michigan, from April 25 through 27, and it’s free to attend. With the Draft just weeks away, everyone is talking about the top players that will likely be drafted first. So, which hot and top players will meet their fate early in the NFL Draft?

Top Players to Go in the NFL Draft

1. Caleb Williams, QB, USC

There is little doubt that quarterback Caleb Williams of USC will end up being the No. 1 draft pick. He has all of the pieces to become a winning, long-term franchise quarterback. Williams could also vastly help the team on which he’s drafted. His arm strength and precision is unrivaled. He is more than deserving of a No. 1 overall selection in the NFL Draft.

2. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

Here’s another no-brainer. Marvin Harrison Jr. of Ohio State is a superstar. The Buckeye is one of the best players in his class, and although it’s rare to see a receiver picked in the first three selections, it appears Harrison Jr. could break that trend. The last receiver who was picked in the top three was actually Calvin Johnson in 2007, by the way. But, Harrison is an incredible athlete, and the first three teams to make picks would be foolish not to look at him.

3. Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina

Things start to get more subjective here. Several players are worthy of a No. 3 overall selection. But, Drake Maye is likely the strongest candidate. The quarterback from North Carolina is a force when it comes to his build, strength and accuracy. He’s not quite as pristine as Williams, but he’s close and certainly one of the top players this year.

4. Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

Malik Nabers has some unique gifts as a player, including his agile nature and quick capability to change direction while accelerating. He’s an overall strong athlete, which you need in the WR position. He’ll likely go No. 4 in the NFL Draft.

5. Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU

Jayden Daniels is a Heisman Trophy winner, but some mock drafts have him being picked in the 20s. Still, he has an incredible rushing potential and can really play tricks on the defense. He’s up against some other very strong quarterbacks in the draft, though, which is why he could be picked later than one would expect in the NFL Draft this year.

Other top players that will get picked up early include Joe Alt, OT, of Notre Dame; Rome Odunze, WR, of Washington; Brock Bowers, TE, of Georgia; and Troy Fautanu, OT, of Washington.

7 Super Early Super Bowl Contenders for Next Season

  • 7. Seattle Seahawks

    One thing I like about this list is that I’m not necessarily even picking teams that made it to the playoffs this year. I’m picking teams that I think could be strong enough next season. The Seattle Seahawks are one of those teams. Their new coach, Mike Macdonald, is the former defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. Enough said. This guy is golden. Seattle’s defense is going to improve drastically with him at the helm, and they could go all the way very soon.

  • 6. Buffalo Bills

    The Buffalo Bills missed the playoffs by a hair. They played so well against the Kansas City Chiefs, but it just wasn’t enough. Josh Allen is a Super Bowl-caliber quarterback, but he hasn’t taken them there. Will next year be the year? Maybe.

  • 5. Houston Texans

    The Houston Texans will be the team to beat very soon. They pulled off an incredible season with a rookie coach and quarterback. They’re just getting started. The team got first place in AFC South this season but lost in the divisional round to the Baltimore Ravens.

  • 4. Baltimore Ravens

    Speaking of the Baltimore Ravens, I’m still shocked that they fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game. I think pretty much everyone was at least a little surprised. But, Lamar Jackson is back next year, and he’s not going to let it slip away again. Next year could be their year.

  • 3. Philadelphia Eagles

    It was a massive decline for the Philadelphia Eagles towards the end of last season. Everything fell apart at the seams. But, the Eagles have legacy, and they have Jalen Hurts. As long as he’s healthy, the Eagles will be back next year ready to fight.

  • 2. Green Bay Packers

    Yikes. Can the Green Bay Packers really be this good already? They almost upset the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs this year. Jordan Love is the real deal. Watch out for this young team next year.

  • 1. Detroit Lions

    Okay, yes, I’m a Detroit Lions fan, born and raised. But, I think there’s reason to believe that the Detroit Lions can and will be back next year. They’ve had a taste of victory, and they liked it. Plus, golden guy Ben Johnson is coming back to Detroit, and he wants to take the Lions all the way. Jared Goff is playing fantastic football, too. The Lions could really make it to their first Super Bowl next season. What do you think? Let me know here.

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.

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