DAVE-TE's 2017 DRAFT-QB, WR, TE and TB Preseason Ratings

FROM DAVE-TE THOMAS TO NFL DRAFT FANS,
Hey folks, it is that time of the year, as spring camps are finished and college players have headed home for the summer. As any dutiful analyst, this is the time of year that the staff and I begin constructing our information for the next draft. Yes, it is ten months away, but a scout’s work is never done. With the air conditioner on “high” and a slew of game tapes littering the floor in the film room, I am beginning to post The NFL Draft Report’s preseason ratings/grades on the draft eligible players.

During the coming weeks, The NFL Draft Report will be "under construction," as we begin compiling our ratings charts leading into the 2016 college football season. We will be providing position analysis and scouting reports in July, so please return then. Right now, for those into the "numbers" factor, here is how we currently rank the 2017 NFL Draft Quarterback, Wide Receiver, Tight End and Tailback class that consist of draft eligible seniors, juniors and red-shirt sophomores. Next week, the Fullback, Center, Offensive Tackle and Offensive Guard ratings will be posted, followed by the entire defense right after July 4th. Please refer to the code chart provided on the links below to follow the two ratings associated for each player;

THE 2017 QUARTERBACK DRAFT CLASS
This position will have to hope that several high profile underclassmen decide to enter the 2017 NFL Draft. One of the league’s top scouting services did not have any senior signal-caller rated higher than a fourth round choice, but in this day and age where quarterbacks are taken earlier than their draft stock indicates, California’s Davis Webb might give that veteran group its best draft hope. Miami’s Brad Kaaya and Clemson’s Deshaun Watson could repeat last year’s draft, where two quarterbacks went in the first two picks. If you are a “long range” football fan, the best quarterback in any class could be sophomore sensation Josh Rosen, as the UCLA product is not eligible for the 2017 draft, but based on his debut performance, he could be the first player taken in 2018. The link to the ratings can be located here;
http://nfldraftreport.sportsblog.com/posts/20364330/the-nfl-draft-report-s--by-the-numbers--series---the-2016-preseason-ratings-of-the-2017-nfl-draft-quarterback-class.html

THE 2017 WIDE RECEIVER DRAFT CLASS
Much like UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen, the best athlete at the wide receiver position is not eligible for the 2017 draft – Alabama true sophomore Calvin Ridley. However, many scouts would argue that the best athlete at this position is also a player who might be the best defensive back in the country – Southern California’s Adoree’ Jackson, who currently holds the second spot on our position ratings chart behind his teammate, JuJu Smith-Schuster. Much like Jackson, scouts see this talented receiver as also a viable draft candidate as a free safety. Four of the top spots on this chart are underclassmen, but at least eight prospects have strong chances for being selected in the opening round of the 2017 draft. The link to the ratings can be located here;
http://nfldraftreport.sportsblog.com/posts/20237919/the-nfl-draft-report--by-the-numbers--series---a-preseason-look-at-the-2017-nfl-draft-eligible-wide-receiver-class.html

THE 2017 TIGHT END DRAFT CLASS
Unlike the quarterback and wide receiver positions, the senior crop rules this tight end draft class. Michigan’s Jake Butt heads a contingent of six Wolverines seniors that are among the top eight senior prospects on our overall ratings evaluation chart. He is expected to emerge as a late round one candidate, but he could face a challenge from Virginia Tech’s Bucky Hodges, if the junior opts to enter the 2017 draft, as expected. The enigma at this position is Alabama’s O.J. Howard, as scouts are now entering “Year Three” in their wait to see if the Tide five-star recruit could finally live up to that high school billing. Keep an eye on Jordan Leggett, as the Clemson Tiger could be the recipient of lots of passes from Heisman Trophy QB hopeful, Deshaun Watson. The link to the ratings can be located here;
http://nfldraftreport.sportsblog.com/posts/20236650/the-nfl-draft-report-s--by-the-numbers--series---the-2016-preseason-ratings-of-the-2017-nfl-draft-tight-end-class.html

THE 2017 TAILBACK DRAFT CLASS
Ah, the “Return of the Big BacK” is upon us folks, led by Louisiana State sensation, Leonard Fournette. The top offensive player on our ratings board, the Tiger will possibly see a challenge mounted for that honor, if Georgia’s Nick Chubb can prove he is over knee woes. Injuries also see Wisconsin’s Corey Clement return to action, as most scouts regard him as the best slasher in this draft class. He will probably split time in the backfield, as both Clement and Oluwadare Ogunbowale looked sensation toting the pigskin throughout spring camp. Joining Fournette, Chubb and Clement as strong first round candidates are Florida State’s Davin Cook and multi-talented Stanford star, Christian McCaffrey. Another rising star who could make next year’s draft bountiful with featured ball carriers is Oregon’s speedy Royce Freeman, a 230-pound bruiser with 4.4 speed. The link to the ratings can be located here;
http://nfldraftreport.sportsblog.com/posts/19496241/the-nfl-draft-report--by-the-numbers--series---a-preseason-look-at-the-2017-nfl-draft-eligible-tailback-class.html