10 can't-miss NFL draft prospects

Every NFL draft features a list of players who are more easily projected as solid or better pros. This year's draft class is deep and talented in several areas, and the following "can't miss" prospect list reflects that strength.

Josh Allen, OLB, Kentucky

Allen gained steam after recording 17 sacks at Kentucky last season and added to his status with a tremendous combine. He's arguably the most explosive edge rusher available in this year's draft pool, with a whopping 31.5 sacks in 42 career games for the Wildcats. It's expected that Allen will have his name called in the top five of the draft.

Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State

The younger brother of Chargers star pass rusher Joey Bosa, Nick missed most of last season due to injury but proved healthy at the combine. He's considered even more talented than his brother and recorded 17.5 sacks in 29 career games in college. Bosa will likely drop past the first overall pick with the Cardinals eyeing Kyler Murray, but it would be an upset if he drops past the first three picks.

Garrett Bradbury, OC, NC State

Interior offensive linemen are rarely drafted high but often the most projectable. Bradbury had an amazing combine with a 4.92 second 40 time and 34 bench reps, and he ranked first among linemen in the three-cone drill after an accomplished four-year career at NC State. He could sneak into the first round and contribute immediately.

Devin Bush, LB, Michigan

Bush is knocked because of his lack of height (5-foot-11) but still has a chance to be a top 10 pick in the draft because of his production and physical talent. He ran an incredible 4.43-second 40-yard dash and had a 40.5-inch vertical at the combine, showing how he can get sideline to sideline so quickly. During the last two seasons, Bush had 161 tackles and 10 sacks for the Wolverines.

David Montgomery, RB, Iowa State

The nature of running back value in the league is that the position is now rarely taken in the first round, other than Hall of Fame level talents like Ezekiel Elliott and Saquon Barkley. Great value can be found on the second day, including Montgomery this year. The former Cyclone lacks elite speed, but he's a three-down back who had more than 1,100 yards rushing in consecutive seasons before declaring for the draft. He should be able to contribute immediately and perhaps repeat that 1,000-plus yard result at the next level.

Ed Oliver, DT, Houston

Oliver was in consideration as the top prospect in college football heading into 2018, but a minor knee injury has knocked his status slightly. He still had 54 tackles and three sacks in only eight games for the Cougars last season and has well above-average strength and quickness for an interior defensive lineman.

Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State

Sweat has really opened some eyes this offseason between an excellent week of Senior Bowl practices and an outstanding combine, running a 4.41 second 40-yard dash. The speedy edge rusher had 22.5 sacks over the last two seasons for the Bulldogs and could be a top 10 pick in an impressive edge rusher class.

Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida

Taylor has emerged as the likely top offensive lineman taken in this year's draft, even with a relatively deep tackle class. He was stout in three seasons at Florida and could find himself among the top 10 picks on draft day.

Devin White, LB, LSU

A tackling machine at LSU, White recorded 256 sacks over the last two seasons. He capped that off by running a ridiculous time of 4.42 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. It's rare that an insider linebacker would be picked in the top five, but White has a chance with his next-level athletic ability.

Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama

Few players did more to increase their draft stock over the last year than Williams. He even got a bit of Heisman Trophy consideration, finishing eighth place in the voting after recording eight sacks and 71 tackles in 15 games for the Crimson Tide. Williams turned legal drinking age just before Christmas, and some teams see Aaron Donald upside.