My ranking of the 150 best players in college football continues with Nos. 41-50.
41. Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan (5-foot-11, 186 pounds)
As far as pure cover ability goes, Lewis might be the top cornerback in college football. The confident defender is also willing to mix it up downfield and at the line of scrimmage, despite giving up 25-30 pounds and/or four or five inches of height to receivers. NFL scouts will wonder how he'll be able to handle full-grown pro receivers, though.
42. Jamal Adams, S, LSU (6-1, 213)
It seems like Adams is always around the ball, even in an LSU defense loaded with playmakers.
43. Royce Freeman, RB, Oregon (5-11, 230)
A bit lost in the shuffle among the plethora of great junior backs in college football, the nation's No. 4 rusher in 2015 (1,836 yards) will carry the day for the Ducks again this season.
44. Carlos Watkins, DT, Clemson (6-3, 305)
Despite being overshadowed by defensive ends Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd, people around college football know about Watkins' talent. The first-team All-ACC pick had 3.5 sacks last year after waiting three years for his time to come (he redshirted in 2013 after being in a car accident).
45. Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee (6-3, 265)
The Nashville native came on strong in his freshman year (20.5 tackles for loss) and managed 10 sacks in each of his last two seasons with the Vols. While he's not as explosive off the snap as others on this list, he gets under the pads of blockers and works through the shoulder with nice bend, ultimately winning the corner.
46. Des Lawrence, CB, North Carolina (6-1, 185)
A tenacious player, Lawrence's cover skills and tackling ability on the outside are worth the price of admission.
47. Malik Jefferson, LB, Texas (6-3, 238)
Jefferson might end up in the top 20 of this list by the end of the year, as the rising sophomore is just scratching the surface of his potential. He could end up comparing favorably to Jaylon Smith by the time he's finished in Austin, thanks to his closing speed and tenacious tackling.
48. Carl Lawson, DE/OLB, Auburn (6-2, 253)
Lawson's a strong all-around edge defender, but he needs to stay healthy after missing a year and a half with injuries since the end of his freshman year.
49. KD Cannon, WR, Baylor (6-0, 180)
Losing receivers Corey Coleman and Jay Lee will impact the Bears' offense in 2016, as will the departure of head coach Art Briles. Still, Cannon shoots out from his stance and accelerates in a way that gives opposing defensive backs nightmares. He and QB Seth Russell should be a fun combo to watch this fall.
50. Jehu Chesson, WR, Michigan (6-3, 203)
Chesson finished the year on a high note with two 100-yard performances, against Ohio State (8 catches, 111 yards) and Florida (5 catches, 118 yards, TD). He possesses good foot quickness for his height and has the agility that many other 6-3 receivers can only wish for.
Follow Chad Reuter on Twitter _@chadreuter_.
