NFL Draft Grades and Projections for Duke's Roster

Duke has had three players drafted since 2015, but two of them have been first-rounders.

This season, the Blue Devils’ roster has more players considered to be NFL talent than in recent seasons, although not necessarily first-rounders.

That’s according to the preseason analysis by Pro Football Network, who released its ACC preview.

PFN’s chief Draft Analyst Tony Pauline gave grades and draft projections for the players on Duke’s roster.

Duke is tied for eighth in the ACC and fourth in the Coastal Division in number of draft prospects on the roster, according to PFN’s projections.

Clemson 10

Florida State 9

Miami 8

Louisville 7

Pitt 7

Virginia Tech 6

Boston College 6

Duke 5

North Carolina 5

NC State 4

Syracuse 3

Virginia 3

Wake Forest 3

Georgia Tech 2

Tight end Noah Gray is Duke’s top-rated prospect with a grade of 3.58. He’s expected to go in the fourth round.

Pauline says Gray is “a tall, fluid pass catcher with dependable hands. While he gives effort as a blocker, Gray is more of a move tight end who can be used in the slot.”

Linebacker Shaka Heyward is next with a 3.55 grade. He’s also projected to go in the fourth round.

Pauline calls him “a physical linebacker who shows a lot of potential. He’s explosive up the field and also shows a lot of ability in pursuit.”

Cornerback Josh Blackwell has a grade of 3.48 and is expected to go in the fifth round. Pauline says Blackwell has “terrific upside. He lacks great size, but he has outstanding ball skills and shows a lot of ability to make plays with his back to the ball.”

Duke has another projected fifth-rounder in running back Deon Jackson, who has a grade of 3.41. Center Jack Wohlabaugh has a grade of 3.28 and is projected to go in the seventh round.

Nine Blue Devils have undrafted free agent grades: Linebacker Brandon Hill (3.24), tackle Casey Holman (3.18), safety Leonard Johnson (3.17), cornerback Michael Carter (3.12), safety Marquis Waters (3.10), guard Rakavius Chambers (2.99), defensive end Victor Dimukeje (2.94), cornerback Mark Gilbert (2.80) and quarterback Chase Brice (2.70).

Defensive end Chris Rumph II is a surprising absence from the PFN list. Rumph has made several preseason All-ACC teams and has been watch listed for awards.