The 2016 NFL Draft was only a few weeks ago, but it's never too early for analysts to start looking ahead to the 2018 and 2019 draft classes.
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NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter ranked his top 50 players for college football next year, and he had a surprising name at the top of the list.
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Reuter listed Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver as the top player in college football for 2017.
"Oliver was the most impressive freshman defender in recent college football history," Reuters said. "He'll be a constant thorn in the side of offenses for the foreseeable future."
The next three players on the list were all quarterbacks. Louisville QB Lamar Jackson checked in at No. 2, followed by USC QB Sam Darnold and Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively. Florida State safety Derwin James was No. 5 on the list.
Oliver's inclusion is a bit surprising considering he is only a rising sophomore, but he recorded five sacks and 22 tackles for a loss as a true freshman. He also forced two fumbles for the Cougars.
Oliver was one of only two players in the top 10 who aren't from Power 5 schools. The other was Wyoming QB Josh Allen, who was No. 10 on the list.
(h/t NFL.com)
