The opinions expressed in this article do not reflect those of the team.
The NFL draft is full of talented prospects every year, but there are always a few who stand out among the rest.
While previous classes had top-tier players at traditionally valuable positions like quarterback, offensive tackle and edge rusher, this year's group is a bit different. Sure, players like David Bailey, Arvell Reese and Rueben Bain are considered the best pass rushers in the class and could go as high as the No. 2 overall pick, the top of the draft is full of players at nontraditional positions like running back, linebacker and safety.
Every pick involves some level of uncertainty and risk, but some are considered locks to have stronger careers than others. Commanders analyst Fred Smoot has spent months evaluating players and has come up with his top five "guaranteed ballers," regardless of position.
Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon
"I love him. I think he is a faster version of Brock Bowers. I think he's a game breaker. There are some guys who are better in the pros than they are in college, and I think he'll be featured more as a pro because of his skill set. Just polish up his route running but as long as he has that speed, the quickness, and agility, I think he might be different."
David Bailey | EDGE | Texas Tech
"A pass rushing maven. I think he is one of those guys that get off the bus ready to pass rush. Everyone wants to talk about what he does against the run … I don't care. I don't think I've seen as polished as a rusher as him. His spin move blows me away with great angles, speed and leverage. I can't find a red flag in his pass rush."
Jacob Rodriguez | LB | Texas Tech
"I love when my middle linebacker has the mind of a QB. He is going to play chess and not checkers. He's physical, can run sideline to sideline and the thing that stuck out to me was how instinctive he was. He's got a good feel for the position."
Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State
"I don't feel like he peaked in college. His best film is in front of him. His size, speed, and he's a legit 1B to me. And when you realize he is 21 years old? He's a baby still developing with a contested catch rate that went through the roof this year. He is a very solid player who is only getting better."
Branden Thompson | WR | Mississippi State
"You know he ran a 4.3 at the combine? He is a late-round steal who will provide big-time special teams play. He will be someone's #3 WR and a legit one at that."
