The SEC is arguably the best conference in college football, and defense wins championships. In order to best get an idea of all the players we will examine the defense through a 4-3 scheme and with 5 defensive backs. Without further ado let’s take a look at the best of the best.
EDGE Azeez Ojulari
Georgia Bulldogs
6’3″ 240 lbs
Azeez Ojulari is one of the best pass rushers in the class. He is a speed demon off the edge and has uber athletic traits that would intrigue any NFL coach. His potential in the league is sky high and his SEC pedigree is going to get him picked much earlier than people think
DT Christian Barmore
Alabama Crimson Tide
6’5″ 311 lbs
Barmore is the best defensive tackle in the class and for good reason. At end of his 2020 season, he looked like a true game wrecker in the middle and was single handedly dismantling Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Arkansas from the middle. His NFL potential is sky high but he must get more consistent on a game to game basis.
DT Tyler Shelvin
LSU Tigers
6’3″ 346 lbs
Shelvin is the definition of big man in the middle. He provides little to no value on third downs but his run plugging is what makes him valuable. He will play either a one technique or a zero technique in any scheme and will provide a major boost to the run stop. Shelvin will be coveted by teams who struggle with stopping the run.
EDGE Dayo Odeyingbo
Vanderbilt Commodores
6’6″ 275 lbs
Dayo Odeyingbo might be a name not too many people are familiar with. He is a massive defensive end who holds a rock solid edge in the run game and is extremely raw as a pass rusher. He is a high upside player who will likely warrant a third or fourth round pick come draft day. Odeyingbo could turn out to be the steal of the draft if he lands in the right situation.
WLB Jabril Cox
LSU Tigers
6’4″ 231 lbs
Cox transferred to LSU from North Dakota State University after the Tigers’ national championship run to prove he can hang against the best of the best. Jabril proved himself against elite SEC talent by proving he can make the reads in the run game and make the tackle and by showing he could cover elite running backs and tight ends.
MLB Nick Bolton
Mizzou Tigers
6’0″ 231 lbs
I am the president of the Nick Bolton fan club and have been since before the 2020 season. He is a big hitter who plays smart football. He has the athleticism and sharp IQ required to play the coveted MIKE linebacker spot and shows great poise as a football player. Bolton is lightning in a bottle and will be a force in the NFL.
SLB Jamin Davis
Kentucky Wildcats
6’4″ 234 lbs
Jamin Davis is my draft crush this year. He is the most natural mover at linebacker in the class and has the flexibility to play either strong-side or weak-side linebacker. He’s a big hitter, he’s puts the clamps on in coverage, he never misses an assignment, and he’s extremely patient. One of the best linebackers in the class and doesn’t get half the recognition he deserves.
CB Patrick Surtain II
Alabama Crimson Tide
6’2″ 203 lbs
After the back surgery to Caleb Farley, Surtain II has assumed the role of CB1 in the draft. He is an extremely sticky cover man who can come in from day one and cover the oppositions best receiver. He’s got great size and his technique is near flawless.
CB Jaycee Horn
South Carolina Gamecocks
6’1″ 205 lbs
No one has done more for themselves in 2020 than Jaycee Horn. He sky rocketed up draft boards after an extremely impressive beginning to his season. Horn is super aggressive and plays a physical brand of man coverage. He’ll have some struggles early on with his aggressive play style but once polished, he’ll be a great CB1.
CB Eric Stokes
Georgia Bulldogs
6’1″ 185 lbs
Stokes is an uber athletic cornerback who broke the speedometer when he ran a 4.25u forty yard dash at the Georgia Pro Day. He has good size for the cornerback position and with proper coaching he could become the next Tre’Davious White type of first round steal.
SS Tyree Gillespie
Mizzou Tigers
6’0″ 210 lbs
Tyree Gillespie is another name to know. He is a super instinctual safety who plays a hard hitting brand of football. He can play deep or in the box and actually has some great coverage skills from the slot. His tape is very clean and his tackling ability will be coveted in the NFL.
FS Richard LeCounte III
Georgia Bulldogs
5’11” 190 lbs
LeCounte III is a popular name with scouts. He has great range from the safety position and above average coverage abilities. He has shown consistency as Georgia’s centerfielder and could end up being a steal with proper coaching. His size is a bit of a concern with teams but can be overlooked for his ball hawking traits.