By Jim Johnson
SouthernPigskin.com

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Ranking the top ten players from the Sun Belt based on their NFL potential.

1. Ronheen Bingham, EDGE, Arkansas State

After serving as A-State great JaVon Rolland-Jones backup in 2017, Bingham picked right up where his predecessor left off, leading the Sun Belt in sacks and tackles for loss. What he lacks in size, he makes up for with a quick first step. His play strength leaves something to be desired as a run stopper, but he was one of the most productive pass rushers in college football over the last two years, tallying 12 sacks, 23 QB hits, and 62 total hurries on 435 pass rush snaps. A knee injury in his final game for the Red Wolves kept him out of pre-draft workouts, but had he been able to participate, his speed and explosion numbers very well could have propelled him into a day two selection.

2. Keenen Brown, TE, Texas State

Brown was the lone bright spot on a brutal Texas State offense last year, emerging as one of the premier tight ends in the country. His not being included as a Mackey Award finalist was a travesty. Hes not as big as the prototypical NFL tight end, but his speed and explosion numbers were all above the mean. A threat at every level of the field, Brown is a dynamic receiver that does a lot of his damage after the catch. A converted wide receiver, his run blocking technique could use some work, but the pass catching prowess makes him an enticing prospect nonetheless.

3. Jalin Moore, RB, App State

It would have been nice to see Jalin Moore run at the combine, but at least we got to watch him throw up 27 reps on the bench. Hes not exceedingly agile, but the straight line speed is there. Hes never been much of a pass rushing threat out of the backfield, but he was consistently great in pass pro throughout his career for the Mountaineers. That, combined with his raw ability as a pass catcher, makes him an extremely promising long term value pick, if he develops as a pass catcher and improves his vision.

4. Clifton Duck, CB, App State

People have doubted Clifton Duck because of his size since he was in high school, and they have been proven wrong at every turn. You wouldnt guess he was an NFL player if he was standing in a lineup, but his on-field performance tells a different story. With elite ball skills and play recognition and anticipation, the ever increasing value of slot corners makes him more valuable than ever. He allowed just over 700 receiving yards on 121 throws into his coverage over the past two seasons and punches well above his weight class as a tackler, which is indicative of his overall unceasing determination.

5. Penny Hart, WR, Georgia State

Despite a lackluster senior year, Hart had a remarkable collegiate career for the Panthers. At the Senior Bowl, he proved that the 2018 campaign was an anomaly, dominating against some of the best players in the class. Hes small, but he can go up and get it with the best of them. His bets traits, however, are his explosiveness of the ball and ability after the catch, where he averaged 7.6 YAC per reception for his career. Willing to work the middle of the field, his ability to quickly uncover and then make plays with the ball in his hands makes him the perfect slot receiver.

6. Blace Brown, CB, Troy

He didnt seem as fast last year as he did in 2017, and his combine performance told a similar story, but there arent many more cerebral defensive backs than Blace Brown. He never allowed more than a 62% catch rate in college, and he took a big step forward in run support a season ago. Hes got the prototypical size and long arms that pro scouts love, and while he may not check all the athletic measurable boxes, theres reason for optimism as he continues to move further away from that ACL tear.

7. Marcus Green, WR, ULM

Marcus Greens sub 4.4 40-yard dash at his pro day only confirmed what we already knew — this guy is fast. A natural playmaker, Green has been among the nations leaders in all-purpose yards the last two years. He may not be a pure receiver or ball carrier, but he can give you a little of both, and should be able to contribute right away on special teams.

8. Trevon Sanders, DL, Troy

Sanders is big enough to eat space, among other things, and then go back for seconds. He is not, however, limited to that role. He moves well for his size and can be effective in any front. His production has been on a nice, linear, upward trajectory since he first stepped foot on campus and, based on his raw talent, the best may be yet to come.

9. Jamarius Way, WR, South Alabama

If you built a wide receiver in a lab, it would look something like Jamarius Way. Granted, those aforementioned scientists may want to use someone elses speed and explosiveness, but Ways physicality will do just fine, too. He wont take the top off of any NFL defensive backfields, but he uses his body well and will make for a reliable possession receiver at the next level.

10. Lanard Bonner, OT, Arkansas State

Bonner has never been much a run blocker, and its yet to be seen if that part of his game can be unlocked, but hes a reliable tackle in pass pro. Opposing defenders tallied a pressure against him on less than 5% of his pass blocking snaps in 2018. And even though hes far from a dominant force in the run game, he doesn’t make a ton of mistakes. He just does his job. The former Red Wolf looks the part and could find work as a swing lineman in the pros, especially if he can cut back on some of the penalties.