These are TCU's top 4 2019 NFL Draft prospects
TCU has sent 45 players to the NFL under Gary Patterson, including a program record 14 from the 2017 class.
Could the 2018 graduating class be even bigger? Maybe not, but the 2018 class might have more players drafted.
Here's an early look at four TCU players most likely to be drafted in the 2019 NFL draft. TCU recruiting expert Jeremy Clark from 247Sports.com offers his thoughts on each player.
TCU's Top 4 2019 NFL draft prospects
DE Ben Banogu (6-4, 249)
Banogu started attracting NFL scouts during the 2017 season. He decided to return for his senior season and that could help land him high in the draft. His 8.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss were second in the Big 12.
Clark: "Banogu has a good blend of size and speed and reportedly runs a 4.5 forty. With another solid season he will be the first Frog taken in the draft and he has a chance to be the first TCU defensive end since Jerry Hughes to get first round consideration."
LB Ty Summers (6-2, 235)
Summers is likely to break former teammate Travin Howard's all-time record for tackles for the Frogs this fall. Summers' speed is likely to attract scouts and his tackling is on par with Howard, who was taken in the seventh round by the Rams on Saturday.
Clark: "Like Travin Howard, Summers has a nose for the ball. Like Banogu, Summers blends great size and speed for the position. The good thing about Summers is his experience playing in the Big 12; he has the ability to plug holes as a run stopper or to play in open space against slot receivers. He will be a steal for a team; likely in the fourth or fifth round."
WR/KR KaVontae Turpin (5-9, 157)
Despite his size, Turpin has excelled in the Big 12. At 5-foot-9, Turpin may get overlooked by some NFL teams. But if they believe in speed, he could be a steal, especially for a team needing a return specialist.
Clark: "He will likely get the same kind of blow back from NFL teams, but there won't be any denying his gamebreaking speed or his ability as a return specialist. He's definitely shown that he can change the outlook of a game with just one return. He may not go until the very last round, but someone will take a chance."
DT Ross Blacklock (6-4, 326)
Blacklock will be draft eligible as a redshirt sophomore after redshirting as a true freshman in 2016. Blacklock was named Big 12 Co-Defensive Freshman of the Year in '17 and will see his draft stock rise this fall with another solid season. Clark thinks Blacklock would benefit from staying with the Frogs another year or two but expects his stock to rise.
Clark: "His name will start to generate more buzz. He obviously has great size and his explosion off the line is very impressive for a player his size. I'm not saying Blacklock would leave early, but it's worth noting that he will be eligible too."
This story was originally published May 2, 2018 at 12:00 AM with the headline "These are TCU's top 4 2019 NFL Draft prospects."