The 2019 NFL draft will take place this week, starting Thursday night and lasting through Saturday. The NC State football team will have a number of players looking to be selected, with quite a few talented offensive weapons available.
Here is a breakdown of NC State’s draft hopefuls on the offensive side of the ball:
Center Garrett Bradbury
Bradbury is nearly unanimously viewed as a first-round talent with many NFL draft analysts stating that the offensive lineman has Hall of Fame potential. Bradbury has been noted to look like an NFL veteran when he blocks, something that is atypical of collegiate lineman. Bradbury has noticeable leadership skills, a talent that was heavily noted with the “band of brothers” offensive line at NC State.
Bradbury has the capability to join any NFL team and become an instant starter and good locker room presence. Not only this, but Bradbury’s strong blocking skills will instantly benefit a struggling or young quarterback.
Prediction: First-round pick
Potential fits: Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans
Wide receiver Kelvin Harmon
In a wide receiver class that boasts future superstars Marquise Brown and DK Metcalf, Harmon still stands out as one of the best receivers in the draft, with the potential to be the best receiver in the class. Harmon fits everything that is necessary of a number one receiver, such as his frame and elite catching ability. A team like the Bills or Jets is likely to take the talented pass-catcher to develop alongside its young quarterback that also provides a safe bet to make plays immediately.
Harmon will likely fall to the second or third round of the draft simply because of bigger names ahead of him, as well as a predominantly defensive first round, but Harmon will be capable of being as good as, or even better than other receivers in the class. Receivers taken in the second or third round in the past few years include studs like Michael Thomas, Kenny Golladay, Michael Gallup, Tre’Quan Smith and Sterling Shepard.
Prediction: Second-round pick
Potential fits: New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Oakland Raiders
Quarterback Ryan Finley
Finley has the talent to be a first-round draft pick, but his questionable decisions in the pocket alongside poor combine and pro day showings will make him slide. However, Finley has great potential and it can be argued that his decision-making comes from simply being a young passer. Teams like the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Chargers could benefit from taking Finley to develop behind their starters for a couple of years until Finley is capable of taking charge.
Finley will not be an opening day starter, but he will be capable of entering a quarterback room and providing solid competition for a depth piece. Finley can also get reps with second-team receivers and tight ends during training camp, and has the potential to make those players even better.
Prediction: Second-round pick
Potential fits: Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles Chargers, Oakland Raiders
Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers
Meyers was a nice surprise for the Wolfpack last season and like Harmon, put up a 1,000-plus yard receiving season. Meyers likely won’t be a team’s number one receiver, but could be an excellent piece in the slot or to develop behind its top talent. Meyers boasts extreme athleticism and is one of the biggest draft sleepers of the year.
Look for a team that has an established receiver to take Meyers in and develop him. Meyers also has the ability to come into a team and make a couple of really big plays down the field. His explosiveness and athleticism make for one of the most intriguing wide receiver prospects in the draft.
Prediction: Fourth-round pick
Potential fits: Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks
Guard Tyler Jones
Jones was another impressive piece for the Wolfpack offensive line last season and would provide an immediate reliable depth piece for a team. While he is relatively new to the guard position, Jones has enough talent and size to be effective at the position while providing the team with a reliable piece for the future.
There are questions about how he will transition to guard, but Jones brings more than enough consistency for teams to erase those questions. Jones will be a solid plug and play piece, and if not drafted will definitely get scooped up by a team.
Prediction: Sixth-round pick
Potential fits: Minnesota Vikings, or any team that needs o-line depth at either tackle or guard
Guard Terronne Prescod
Prescod has continued to evolve and develop his game in order to prepare for the NFL. While Prescod would likely not immediately start, he possesses tremendous upside that would immediately provide a team with elite protection. Unfortunately, Prescod’s health is questionable at times, but teams would be mistaken to pass up such high-caliber talent. Prescod also has great athleticism, getting even more in shape for the NC State pro day and is elite at creating routes, which he excelled at next to Bradbury.
According to Pro Football Focus, Prescod was the best NC State player overall last season and was only one of two guards in the nation to post an 86 or better grade at both protection and run-blocking. This becomes even more impressive when one factors in the amount of talent that Prescod was faced up against, including surefire Clemson first-round picks of Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence.
There is a chance that Prescod does not get drafted, but he would assuredly be signed as an undrafted free agent and would, at the very least, make a practice squad.
Prediction: Sixth-round pick
Potential fits: Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, Tennessee Titans
Wide receiver Stephen Louis
Louis ended his NC State career with a heartbreaking injury, but will look to make the jump to the NFL. Of the three NC State receiving prospects, Louis possessed some of the best leadership and maturity, and was an all-around solid catcher. While Louis’ injury likely means he won’t be drafted, he has a serious chance to stick around on an NFL team as an undrafted free agent if he is capable of maintaining his health.
Prediction: Undrafted
