The Post’s Mark Cannizzaro ranks the top five running backs, receivers and tight ends in the upcoming NFL Draft on April 25-27. An * next to a players name means he is an underclassman:
Top five running backs
1. Josh Jacobs* (Alabama, 5-foot-10, 220 pounds)
Because of a deep rotation of backs with Damien Harris and Najee Harris, Jacobs had just 120 carries in 2018, but rushed for 640 yards and 11 TDs. He also had 20 receptions for 247 yards and three TDs. He didn’t participate in the Combine, but has been timed at 4.45 in the 40.
2. Damien Harris (Alabama, 5-10, 216)
He averaged 5.8 yards per carry in 2018 for 876 yards, had nine TDs and 22 receptions for 204 yards. This comes after he averaged 7.4 yards per carry for 1,000 yards with 11 TDs in 2017.
3. Justice Hill* (Oklahoma State, 5-9, 198)
Ran a 4.40 in the 40 at the Combine, which backed up his explosive performance in 2018, averaging 5.9 yards per carry while rushing for 930 yards and nine TDs.
4. Mike Weber* (Ohio State, 5-9, 211)
Rushed for 954 yards, a 5.5-yard average and five TDs in 2018 and had 21 receptions. He was the back to replace Ezekiel Elliott, and did so in 2016 by rushing for 1,096 yards and nine TDs.
5. Miles Sanders* (Penn State, 5-10, 211)
Former backup to Saquon Barkley, he rushed for 1,274 yards, a 5.8-yard average and scored nine TDs in 2018. He had a strong Combine performance, which included running a 4.47 in the 40.
Late riser
Karan Higdon, Michigan: He had a strong Senior Bowl, running well and showing quickness to hit the hole, according to scouts. Then he impressed at the Combine, running a fast 40.
Dropping fast
Devin Singletary, Florida Atlantic: The junior’s slower-than-expected time of 4.66 in the 40 at the Combine has hurt him, particularly as an undersized back. He averaged 5.2 yards per carry in 2018 on 1,348 yards with 22 TDs.
Small school wonder
Wes Hills, Slippery Rock: He averaged 7.0 yards per carry in 2018 with 1,714 rushing yards and 17 TDs. He also had 28 receptions for 193 yards. Hills ran well at the Senior Bowl, opening some eyes.
Top five receivers
1. A.J. Brown* (Mississippi, 6-0, 226)
Had 85 receptions for 1,320 yards and six TDs in 2018 after catching 75 passes for 1,252 yards and 11 TDs in 2017, despite playing for a poor team that lost its starting quarterback to injury. He has terrific yards-after-the-catch skills, making him a good fit in a short-passing West Coast offensive system.
2. Parris Campbell (Ohio State, 5-11, 205)
Ran a blazing 4.31 in the 40 at the Combine. He had 90 receptions for 1,063 yards and 12 TDs in. One concern about him is, despite his explosiveness, he’s had some dropped pass issues.
3. Marquise Brown* (Oklahoma, 5-9, 166)
Caught 75 passes for 1,318 yards and 10 TDs in 2018. He missed the Combine because of a lisfranc injury, but has been timed at 4.35 in the 40. Has been compared by NFL scouts to T.Y. Hilton.
4. D.K. Metcalf* (Mississippi, 6-3, 228)
He has blazing speed, running the 40 in 4.33 at the Combine. He played in just seven games in 2018 before suffering a neck injury. He had 26 receptions for 569 yards and five TDs in the seven games he played. With his size and speed, he has potential to be a red-zone weapon in the NFL.
5. Deebo Samuel (South Carolina, 5-11, 214)
His 2018 production was solid — 62 receptions for 882 yards and 11 TDs. But his performance at the Senior Bowl practices in January elevated his status.
Late riser
N’Keal Harry, Arizona State: The junior had 73 receptions for 1,088 yards and nine TD in 2018 and declared for the draft after the regular season. He helped his status with a stronger-than-expected 40 time of 4.54 at the combine.
Dropping fast
Riley Ridley, Georgia: He had a strong 2018 season, with 44 catches for 570 yards and nine TDs, but some scouts say he should have stayed in college for one more year to develop. His 4.58 time in the 40 at the Combine raised some concerns.
Small school wonder
Ashton Dulin, Malone: Ran a 4.43 in the 40. Scored an 82-yard TD on his first touch on the collegiate level. He was a Division II All-American and the GMAC Offensive Player of the Year as a senior, catching 61 passes for 984 yards, a 16.1 average and 11 TDs. Also averaged 29.9 yards per kickoff return in 2018.
Top five tight ends
1. T.J. Hockenson* (Iowa, 6-4, 251)
As a red-shirt senior, he is an early entry into the draft. He should be the first tight end off the board because of his combination of blocking and pass receiving skills. He had 49 catches for 760 yards and six TDs in 2018. He’s should be a three-down player because of his blocking strength. Ran a 4.7 in the 40 at the NFL Combine.
2. Noah Fant* (Iowa, 6-4, 249)
Every bit the pass-catching threat Hockenson is, but his blocking at the next level is in some question. Fant caught 39 passes for 519 yards and seven TDs in 2018, and is a mismatch weapon as a receiver. In 2017, he had 28 catches for 486 yards and 10 TDs. Like Hockenson, Fant is a likely first-round pick.
3. Irv Smith Jr.* (Alabama, 6-2, 242)
Excellent receiver, as evidenced by his 44 receptions for 710 yards and seven TDs in 2018. His quickness makes him a mismatch for linebackers in coverage, but his size is a concern in the blocking game. Playing tight end is in his DNA, with his father, Irv, a Saints first-round pick in 1993 and his uncle, Edward, having played tight end in the NFL with the Falcons. Could go in the first or second round.
4. Caleb Wilson (UCLA, 6-4, 240)
He caught 60 passes for 965 yards and four TDs in 2018. He ran an impressive 4.56 in the 40, but scouts say he needs to add strength to have NFL success. He’s a projected third- or fourth-round pick.
5. Alize Mack (Notre Dame, 6-4, 249)
He had 36 receptions for 360 yards and three TDs in 2018 and has the size and potential to develop into a productive NFL player.
Late riser
Jace Sternberger, Texas A&M: A transfer from Kansas didn’t play in 2017 but had a big 2018 season with 48 catches for 832 yards and 10 TDs. Opting to forgo his senior year for draft.
Dropping fast
Zach Gentry, Michigan: He had 49 catches for 817 yards and three TDs in the past two years and has potential, but ran a slow 4.90 in the 40 at the Combine.
Small school wonder
Josh Oliver, San Jose State: Strong senior year with 56 catches for 709 yards and four TDs earned him a spot in the Senior Bowl, where he impressed scouts.