The transition from college football to the NFL is difficult for almost all players, and some who excel at the college level aren't expected to have as much success in the top league. These 20 big-name college football players are just hoping to have their names called in the later rounds of the NFL draft.
1 of 20
Eno Benjamin, RB, Arizona State
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Benjamin was a workhorse for the Sun Devils over the last two seasons, particularly in 2018. He shows versatility as a late-round back, and led college football in plays from scrimmage during his 2018 campaign.
2 of 20
Rodrigo Blankenship, K, Georgia
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Blankenship's signature glasses shined for four years at Georgia. He made more than 82 percent of his field goal attempts and all 200 of his extra points during his college career.
3 of 20
Lynn Bowden Jr., WR, Kentucky
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Bowden served as Kentucky's quarterback for much of last year and arguably saved its season. He will move back to wide receiver at the next level and could be drafted as early as Day 2.
4 of 20
Nick Coe, DE, Auburn
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Coe was in the conversation as a possible first-round pick going into last season, but he had a forgettable junior year and lost his starting job. He could still be a development prospect.
5 of 20
Raekwon Davis, DT, Alabama
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A massive defensive lineman who recorded 8.5 sacks as a sophomore, Davis has struggled to get back to that level since then. His size should still draw a lot of attention with a possible Day 2 selection.
6 of 20
A.J. Dillon, RB, Boston College
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Dillon put up big numbers in all three seasons at Boston College. He rushed for 4,382 yards and 38 touchdowns during his career, but he could drop to Day 3.
7 of 20
Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia
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Fromm's poor junior season really hurt his draft value. He was considered a surefire first-round pick not long ago, but the Georgia quarterback is now probably looking at a Day 2 selection.
8 of 20
Anthony Gordon, QB, Washington State
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As is often the case in Mike Leach's offense, Gordon led the country in passing attempts and yards as Gardner Minshew's replacement last year. Given Minshew's success, a team could take a similar flier on Gordon.
9 of 20
Brian Lewerke, QB, Michigan State
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Lewerke had a promising sophomore season for the Spartans in 2017, but his career didn't develop as hoped over the last two seasons. His accuracy is worrisome, though Lewerke could still be drafted in the later rounds.
10 of 20
James Lynch, DT, Baylor
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Lynch was one of the country's top defensive linemen last year, recording 13.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss. He has a chance to be a Day 2 pick as a result, though his lack of quickness is a concern.
11 of 20
Thaddeus Moss, TE, LSU
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The son of Randy Moss, Thaddeus had a good 2019 season with 47 catches for 570 yards. A foot issue and lack of speed will likely push him toward the end of the draft.
12 of 20
Zack Moss, RB, Utah
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A bruising running back with three 1,000 yard rushing seasons, Moss ranked among the college football leaders in most rushing categories last season. He has a chance to go on Day 2 of the draft.
13 of 20
Shea Patterson, QB, Michigan
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Patterson has plenty of experience between Ole Miss and Michigan, but he never panned out like fans had hoped. He still has a chance to be drafted in the later rounds.
14 of 20
Lamical Perine, RB, Florida
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Perine never put up huge numbers at Florida, but he has been a consistent contributor for four seasons. He has a chance to be drafted early on Day 3.
15 of 20
James Proche, WR, SMU
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Proche led the country in receptions (111) and was 13th in receiving yards (1,225) during 2019. He put up huge numbers at SMU in consecutive years and could be drafted on Day 3 with a deep wide receiver class.
16 of 20
Jon Runyan Jr. OL, Michigan
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Runyan's father played 14 seasons in the NFL, making the Pro Bowl with Philadelphia in 2002. The younger Runyan should be a late-round pick.
17 of 20
Nate Stanley, QB, Iowa
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Stanley started for the last three seasons at Iowa, throwing 68 career touchdowns. He's on a backup quarterback trajectory and could be a Day 3 pick.
18 of 20
J.J. Taylor, RB, Arizona
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Taylor regressed after rushing for 1,434 yards in 2018, and there are some concerns about his lack of speed and size. He still has a chance to be a fit in the late rounds.
19 of 20
Ke'Shawn Vaughn, RB, Vanderbilt
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Vaughn posted massive numbers at Vanderbilt over the last two years after transferring from Illinois. His track record should put him on teams' radars on Day 3.
20 of 20
Evan Weaver, LB, California
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Weaver led the country with 181 total tackles last season after tallying 155 tackles in 2018. He doesn't have the speed to be considered a great prospect but still has a chance to be drafted late.