The NFL Draft is here. Where are TCU players heading? Our projections ...
TCU could have multiple first-round NFL Draft picks for the first time since 1939, a year when a fella by the name of Davey O’Brien played for the Horned Frogs.
Or maybe the Horned Frogs will settle for having a first-round draft pick in consecutive years for the first time since 1960-61 (Jack Spikes and Bob Lilly). Defensive end L.J. Collier joined the first-round club last year when the Seattle Seahawks drafted him 29th overall.
Or, another possibility, is that TCU sees none of its players called during the first round of Thursday’s NFL Draft.
That’s how unpredictable the draft is and the unknown facing TCU’s three prospects with first-round potential in wide receiver Jalen Reagor, defensive tackle Ross Blacklock and cornerback Jeff Gladney.
But that won’t prevent us from making our predictions on where TCU players land in this year’s draft. Our best guess:
First round
Jalen Reagor, 22nd overall, Minnesota Vikings: The Vikings landed this pick from Buffalo in the Stefon Diggs trade, and use it to find another play-maker in Reagor. Reagor has been an interesting prospect for teams to evaluate given the shaky quarterback play at TCU the last two seasons, but he’s got game-changing skills as a receiver and a returner.
Ross Blacklock, 32nd overall, Kansas City Chiefs: The reigning Super Bowl champions get some much-needed defensive help by drafting Blacklock. Teams covet defensive tackles who can provide an inside rush, and Blacklock showed that ability with nine tackles for loss last season.
Second round
Jeff Gladney, 38th overall, Carolina Panthers: Former Baylor coach Matt Rhule has seen plenty of Gladney, and doesn’t hesitate drafting him here. Gladney might not have ideal size but, as Rhule saw in his matchups against Denzel Mims, Gladney has the ability to shut down top receivers.
Third round
Lucas Niang, 93rd overall, Tennessee Titans: The Titans would be thrilled if Niang falls to them here as he’s got a prototypical build and projects as a starting right tackle at the next level. But Niang could fall some in the draft as he underwent season-ending hip surgery last year.
Sixth round
Sewo Olonilua, 201st overall, Minnesota Vikings: Olonilua passes the eye test and brings versatility as he lined up as a running back, H-back and tight end. Vikings OC Gary Kubiak will find ways to utilize Olonilua’s talents.
Darius Anderson, 212th overall, New England Patriots: Anderson has plenty of flash plays, such as a record-setting TD run against Ohio State, but has to show he is reliable in pass protection to make an NFL roster.
Seventh round
Cordel Iwuagwu, 231st overall, Dallas Cowboys: As projected by The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, Iwuagwu stays in the DFW area and has a chance to make the roster by adding interior line depth after center Travis Frederick retired.
Vernon Scott, 249th overall, Minnesota Vikings: Hey, purple is purple and the Vikings hit the trifecta with three TCU products. Scott has potential to make an NFL roster.
