Xavier Thomas
School: Clemson University
Position: Edge defender
Thomas was one of the top defensive recruits in the country, but Clemson returns the best defensive line in college football. Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins, and Austin Bryant all returned to school despite being potential first-round picks, and Dexter Lawrence is expected to be a 2019 first-rounder now that he will be eligible.
Yet Thomas could still find a way to be hugely impactful as a pass rusher this season. His talent is too enormous to keep him off the field, and Clemson will likely find a way to get him out there on passing downs. He might not rack up huge tackle numbers or get a ton of playing time barring an injury to a lineman in front of him, but double-digit sacks is still in play in limited action.
Also watch Eyabi Anoma, who is in the same position as Thomas for the defending champion Crimson Tide. Head coach Nick Saban always has top recruits flash in limited roles on his defense, but Anoma could have an even greater chance to make a name for himself after expected first-round pick Terrell Lewis tore his ACL during summer workouts.
