It's never too early (or too late) to talk about the NFL Draft, so on the eve of June — why not talk about 2018?
In this instance, we're focusing on the talent-rich SEC East.
Top 2018 NFL Draft Prospects by Conference
SEC East | SEC West | ACC | Big Ten | Pac-12 | Big 12 | AAC | MAC | FCS
The site NFLDraftScout.com ranks 2018 prospects by position, even this early — though the site has not assigned an overall ranking just yet. So we take each player's position ranking and compared it to what happened late last month to give a ballpark of where a guy might land next year. It's not scientific, but it gives you an idea.
For example, Florida's Duke Dawson is rated the No. 4 cornerback in the 2018 NFL Draft class (please note we're not including underclassmen yet, as nobody will officially declare until after the season). In the April 2017 NFL Draft, the No. 4 cornerback was selected No. 24 overall, a first-rounder.
So let's take a look at the SEC East's 2018 prospects and where they might end up in the draft (again, all projections are using NFLDraftScout.com). Rankings used were from May 28.
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1. NICK CHUBB, RB – GEORGIA
EARLY 2018 PROJECTION: 1st round (rated No. 1 RB by NFLDraftScout.com)
CAREER STATS: 3,424 rushing yards, 29 touchdowns
Chubb burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2014 and rushed for more than 1,500 yards with 14 touchdowns, opening the eyes of fans and experts alike. Plus, his production has come with another talented back in the stable, Sony Michel. Both RBs decided to stay bypass the 2017 draft and stay at Georgia for another year. Look for a strong showing this season, and for Chubb's stock to rise.
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2. DUKE DAWSON, CB – FLORIDA
EARLY 2018 PROJECTION: 1st round (rated No. 4 CB by NFLDraftScout.com)
CAREER STATS: 2 INTs for touchdowns, 4.5 TFLs, 47 tackles, 9 passes defensed in 22 games
Rated the No. 4 cornerback for the 2018 draft class, Dawson is a potential playmaker with every snap. He has played multiple positions in the secondary during his career, but this fall the focus will be on playing the corner position. Wherever he ends up, his potential will show this fall.
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3. NICK WASHINGTON, SS – FLORIDA
EARLY 2018 PROJECTION: 1st round (rated No. 2 SS by NFLDraftScout.com)
CAREER STATS: 78 tackles, 1 fumble return for a TD, 1 INT
Yet another incredible player in the Florida Gator secondary, Washington has also been a special teams stalwart for the Gators during his career. The question isn't if he gets drafted, it's a matter of where — more specifically, where in the first round. This fall will go a long way in seeing if Washington can maximize his incredible potential.
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4. DEANDRE GOOLSBY, TE – FLORIDA
EARLY 2018 PROJECTION: 1st round (rated No. 3 TE by NFLDraftScout.com)
CAREER STATS: 55 receptions, 619 yards, 4 TDs
Goolsby has great size (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) and speed (4.7 range) and is turning heads after an impressive 2016 season. He likely will be considered one of the top threats to take home the Mackey Award, given to the nation's top tight end. He goes against one of the top defenses in the nation in practice every day, as well as great defenses each Saturday of the fall. He should be a strong high-round draft choice.
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So how about the rest of the 2018 SEC East prospects, where would they fall in?
| RD | PLAYER | SCHOOL | POS | HGT | WGT | 40 | POS RK |
| 2 | Ralph Webb | Vanderbilt | RB | 5/10 | 200 | 4.53 | 4 |
| 2 | Skai Moore | South Carolina | OLB | 6/2 | 218 | 4.65 | 5 |
| 2 | Todd Kelly Jr. | Tennessee | SS | 5/11 | 208 | 4.58 | 5 |
| 3 | Jordan Sherit | Florida | DE | 6/4 | 254 | 4.84 | 12 |
| 3 | Dominick Sanders | Georgia | FS | 6/1 | 190 | 4.54 | 6 |
| 3 | Jeb Blazevich | Georgia | TE | 6/5 | 248 | 4.73 | 6 |
| 4 | J'Mon Moore | Missouri | WR | 6/3 | 190 | 4.57 | 17 |
| 4 | Sony Michel | Georgia | RB | 5/11 | 212 | 4.56 | 10 |
| 4 | Lorenzo Carter | Georgia | OLB | 6/5 | 242 | 4.79 | 11 |
| 5 | Aaron Davis | Georgia | CB | 6/1 | 190 | 4.56 | 20 |
| 5 | Ethan Wolf | Tennessee | TE | 6/5 | 245 | 4.86 | 11 |
| 5 | Davin Bellamy | Georgia | OLB | 6/4 | 242 | 4.79 | 15 |
| 5 | Nifae Lealao | Vanderbilt | DT | 6/5 | 317 | 5.17 | 12 |
| 6 | Justin Martin | Tennessee | CB | 6/1 | 183 | 4.53 | 29 |
| 6 | Brett Kendrick | Tennessee | OT | 6/5 | 318 | 5.38 | 12 |
| 7 | Malkom Parrish | Georgia | CB | 5/10 | 188 | 4.52 | 31 |
| 7 | Kendal Vickers | Tennessee | DT | 6/3 | 295 | – | 18 |
| 7 | Garrett Johnson | Kentucky | WR | 5/11 | 182 | 4.53 | 29 |
| 7 | Nate Brown | Missouri | WR | 6/2 | 205 | 4.63 | 30 |
| 7 | Matt Elam | Kentucky | DT | 6/6 | 360 | 5.57 | 20 |
| 7 | Dorian Baker | Kentucky | WR | 6/2 | 208 | 4.56 | 32 |
