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There’s a new No. 1 atop Mel Kiper Jr.’s NFL Draft big board
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There’s a new name sitting at the top of Mel Kiper Jr.’s NFL Draft big board, and it just so happens to the defensive end out of Ohio State.
Chase Young is now projected to be the No. 1 overall draft pick according to one of ESPN’s best NFL Draft experts. The change at the top comes as we’ve hit the month of November, and Young has been obliterating opposing offenses all season long.
After an 8-0 start, Young has compiled 13.5 sacks, 15.5 tackles for loss, forced five fumbles and blocked a field goal. He’s been one of the most dominant players in college football this season, and has even had his name mentioned in the Heisman Trophy conversation.
“Everybody needs a great quarterback,” Kiper said on ESPN. “Every team needs a great pass rusher. You’re seeing Myles Garrett come in, great job, No. 1 overall. Jadaveon Clowney, Nick Bosa, Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Von Miller. These pass rushers are coming in and being dominant. That’s what Chase Young has been this year. 13 sacks, double digit sacks last year. …This year, he’s been lights out coming off the edge. He, right now, is the No. 1 player in the draft. I don’t see that changing between now and April, though those three quarterbacks will be right behind Chase Young by the time we get to late April.”
Young has certainly made a strong case this season, and with four games left — including big-time showdowns against Penn State and Michigan — he can almost solidify his spot atop the draft boards.
This week, Young and the Buckeyes host Maryland.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB