As the saying goes: if you're good enough, the NFL will find you. While the NFL Draft is loaded with FBS players, the FCS typically gets double-digit draft picks while hundreds more get opportunities with undrafted free agent deals or rookie camp invites.
It's tough to consider FCS players hidden gems anymore with the success of guys like running back David Johnson, quarterback Carson Wentz and rookie linebacker Darius Leonard, who leads the league in tackles.
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The truth is there is a ton of NFL talent in this subdivision and a lot of players are on the radars of scouts. So who are the top prospects at each defensive position?
We've got the answer with the assist going to NFL Draft Scout, who does a great job updating their rankings and gives good insight on FCS prospects not only in the 2019 draft but also the 2020 draft. [divider]
RELATED: Top NFL Prospect At Every Offensive Position
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Defensive Tackle
Randy Robinson, Jacksonville State – 45th Ranked DT
Now in his fourth year of starting or playing significant snaps for the Gamecocks, Robinson (No. 93 in the above video) is one of the most destructive interior linemen in the FCS. He's been unmovable this season at 6-foot-2 and 305 pounds, totaling 20 tackles, six for lost yardage and two sacks. Add on six quarterback hurries and three blocked kicks, Robinson impacts the game in multiple ways.
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Inside Linebacker
Troy Reeder, Delaware – 23rd Ranked ILB
Reeder started his college football career as a Freshman All-American at Penn State. He transferred to Delaware to play with his brother Colby and is in his third year starting. He's a sturdy presence in the middle at 6-foot-3, 245 pounds. So far this year, he's racked up 75 tackles, nine tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
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Outside Linebacker
Denzil Ware, Jacksonville State – 36th Ranked OLB
A four-star recruit who started for three seasons at Kentucky, Ware graduate transferred to JSU this season. He was a 2017 Phil Steele All-SEC Third Team performer. The 6-foot-2, 245-pounder has 15 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks and one QB hurry this season for the Gamecocks.
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Cornerback
Nasir Adderley, Delaware – 14th Ranked CB
Adderley is all over the field making plays for Delaware and finished 2017 with 78 tackles and five interceptions, which he returned for a total of 135 yards. This season, he's taken his lone kick return attempt 92 yards for a touchdown, has 38 tackles, three interceptions and four pass breakups.
James Madison's Rashad Robinson was ranked the No. 10 cornerback before suffering a season-ending foot injury. He's expected to redshirt and return in 2019.
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Free Safety
Chris Johnson, North Alabama – 6th Ranked FS
The Lions are making the transition to the FCS from Division 2 this season and have competed well. Johnson was an All-American last season and is now one of the best safeties in the FCS. With great size at 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, Johnson has 38 tackles this season with two interceptions and two pass breakups.
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Strong Safety
Brandon Snyder, South Dakota State – 28th Ranked SS
Snyder transferred to SDSU from Iowa, where he played from 2015-17 and started all 13 games in 2016. He led the Hawkeyes with three interceptions that year along with 85 tackles. This year for the Jackrabbits, Snyder has recorded 24 tackles, one for negative yardage and one pass breakup.
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Punter
Brady Hale, South Dakota State – 15th Ranked P
Hale has appeared in 44 games for the Jacks. His career average is right at 40 yards with 20 punts going for 50 yards or more. Hale has pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line 65 times.
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Note: No defensive ends were listed on NFL Draft Scout's rankings.
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NEXT: Predicting the FCS Playoff Field After Week 8
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