The 2021 NFL Draft has come and gone. In looking at the draft class I disagree with some observations by some analyst and agree with others. I definitely believe this draft was very top heavy at many positions, but I saw a lot of developmental depth at almost every position. It was shocking to see how far a lot of the "Opt Outs" fell because they lacked tape this past year and the medical records disaster. We are going to see a lot of production from some late rounders and undrafted free agents. I do not like giving out draft grades because we haven't even seen these people play but I will say my favorite draft has to go to the Detroit Lions. There coaching staffing was looking to establish an identity and then did just that with who they brought in.
2021 NFL Draft Profiles
Quarterbacks 2021
Justin Fields QB Ohio State
Fields has great accuracy, athleticism, and well above decent arm strength. He’s got a certain level of toughness to him as exemplified by late in 2019 when he ended up with a sprained MCL and played all the way through National Championship on it and then again in 2020 against Clemson after he took a shot to ribs and back. Teams like Michigan State in 2019, Indiana in 2020 and others showed that Fields can be fazed by strong D-Line play that can consistently collapse the pocket but the scheme that Ohio State runs hurt Fields in this area as their plays take so long to develop. I'm not overly concerned by this as this is something that develops with reps and coaching. What 2020 has shown is that he was almost unstoppable as he is deadly accurate with the football. Fields has almost half the amount of of passing reps as a starter compared to the other top quarterbacks in this draft. When it comes down to it, to be playing at this level at those reps, I believe that Fields has the greatest potential within this class.
Positives
+Speed
+Good enough velocity
+Accurate
+Ability to handle multiple reads
+High success on limited starting reps
+Toughness
+Comfortable in complex system
Negatives
-Struggles against great/consistent pass rush (May be system related)
-MCL injury hindered ability in playoffs (2019)
Grade: (99.275)
Comp: Russell Wilson
Trey Lance QB North Dakota State
The way I would describe Trey Lance is he is an "Non-traditional Pocket QB." Trey Lance is this uber athlete so he’s amazing in the option or designed run, but here’s where things break in the generalized stereotype of QB's that can run; he is a true pocket quarterback. Great mechanics, incredibly accurate, gets more accurate the deeper the ball is thrown and he can zip it to every level. Yes he can run, but I only see that as an added bonus, his true skill is that he’s a Pocket QB through and through. He needs to improve accuracy when throwing on the run, and develop confidence but I like where he is at currently. People will question the level of competition but NDSU is proving they are breading leaders and guys who can stick it in the NFL.
Positives
+Accuracy when set
+Arm strength
+Deep ball
+Athleticism
+Running ability
+Under center experience
Negatives
-Level of competition
-Hesitant to take a chance
Grade: (97.7)
Trevor Lawrence QB Clemson
If someone was good at scouting QB's then he'd have a job available at every NFL team and all the money in the world thrown his way. Lawrence has been called a generational talent since the moment he walked onto the field his freshman year. I just don't see what everyone else sees. I see the traits of a good quarterback, but I also see a quarterback that needs development in a lot of areas, ones the generational guys had. Lawrence first half of 2019 should have left everyone with a lot of questions and I felt that it is being brushed over because it's Trevor and everyone wants to be on the team that "knew he would be good" because that is just the safe thing to do. He would have been considered undraftable to put it into perspective; throwing an accurate pass past line of scrimmage only 34.4% of the time. Consistency is what I see as his biggest issue. Lawrence can sling it like the best but then show us baffling inaccuracy and lack of confidence to hit tight window throws. He is mostly working out of a single read offense with a lot of behind the line of scrimmage and under ten yard concepts. I also had some concerns stemming from the 2019 playoffs, had poor body language that almost seemed to indicate like he didn’t want to be there and he played like it in my opinion. Lawrence has been leading this Clemson team since he was a freshman. He’s got a power arm and great pocket awareness. When you combined that with his athletic ability we see a dual threat QB that keeps defenses on their toes; it is something we saw unlocked in 2019. He may have the most developed touch pass coming out of college anyone has ever seen, something power arms usually never fully develop.
Positives
+Power
+Athleticism
+Mid touch pass
+Throw on run
+Leader since Freshman year
Negatives
-Consistency
-Accuracy
-Looked like he didn’t want to be in playoffs in 2019
-Mostly single reads
-Lots of behind the LOS and under 10yd throws
Grade: (93.85)
Zach Wilson QB BYU
Zach Wilson or the "Mormon Manziel" as the fans have named has burst onto the scene in 2020. Wilson has been producing highlight after highlight this season being compared to both Manziel and Mahomes due to the unorthodox methods he displays. Wilson has very good velocity, and he shows great touch especially on deep throws as it falls perfectly in the receiver's hands and I believe the deeper the throw the more accurate Wilson is. Wilson is a nice athlete who uses this ability to extend plays. I believe he is one of the most developed college QB while throwing on the run to ever come out of college. Now what are the issues; decision making is still raw, he throws balls there is no business throwing; he trust his arm and his receivers fully, what is so absolutely crazy is that they still work. I also think he needs to settle down a bit in the pocket. Lots of instances he shows an enhanced level of paranoia that effects his footwork which effects his ability to throw. In the NFL, at least early on Wilson will be the cause of his own problems like Watson and Wentz, but I think a team will and can live with that. Wilson has the traits that you really cannot develop and the things that he has issues with are the one's teams and coaches look to develop; he is a guy you definitely take a chance on.
Positives
+Deep accuracy
+Touch pass
+Athlete
+Throw on the run
+His team; his wins
Negatives
-Decision making (forces throws)
-Inconsistent poise
-Seeing/Reading defense
Grade: (90.2)
Comp: Deshaun Watson
Davis Mills QB Stanford
Positives
+Decent velocity
+Ability to stay strong and work the pocket
+Unafraid to go mobile
+Athletic
+Traits you bet on to develop
Negatives
-Limited in offense
-Lacks real experience
-No one knows what there getting essentially, could be the biggest well kept secret or just another backup QB
Grade: (83.075)
Mac Jones QB Alabama
Mac Jones might be one of the most advanced in the mental aspects of playing QB in this draft. You can see how well he goes through his progressions, some pros don't even do it as well as him. Mac Jones knows his limits, he has good ball placement on most throws and understands that he doesn't have the strongest arm. Now that doesn't stop him from taking shots as he has done a great job this season of hitting the long balls. Lastly, Mac Jones in the pocket is a sight to see. Not only is he one of the best college has seen maneuvering through the pocket but his calmness is unrivaled; he just does not care about getting hit and getting hit repeatedly. Arm Strength is the only thing keeping Mac Jones from being a first round pick and that may not even stop him from being one.
Positives
+Mind
+Progressions
+Toughness
+Pocket Awareness
+Accuracy (all levels)
Negatives
-Arm Strength
Grade: (82.8)
Comp: Marc Bulger
Donald Hammond III QB Air Force
Positives
+The balls he has thrown are very nice
+Athletic enough and smart enough to run successful triple option
+Unafraid to go mobile
+Traits you bet on to develop
+Good velocity
+Nice touch
+Traits that I'm going to bet on
Negatives
-Ran triple option
-Lacks real experience and tape
-This is a complete guess on very little tape
Grade: (79.65)
Jaime Newman QB Georgia
Newman is another power arm that is deadly accurate going deep and surprisingly has a decent touch pass. I would say right now he lacks consistency and his decision making isn’t completely refined yet. He played at Wake Forrest in 2019 and balled out so he is transferring to Georgia to try and upgrade his stock. Unfortunately he has opted out of this upcoming season so the senior bowl was the only way to alleviate any concerns teams and scouts still had about Newman in 2020.
Positives
+Power
+Athleticism
+Deep ball accuracy
Negatives
-Consistent accuracy
-Decision making
Grade: (79.4)
Comp: Nick Foles/Cam Newton
Kyle Trask QB Florida
2019 was an up and down year for Trask he showed moments of brilliance and then had too many headscratchers which is backed by PFF where Trask was in the top 20 in accuracy but also top 10 worst in turnover worthy plays. Trask is such a puzzle, the development of consistency for Trask will be paramount moving to the NFL. Trask shows that he can hit tight window, "NFL throws", but he also shows that he can do quiet the opposite. Another big concern is that left knee where he still wears a brace, I have seen multiple times where it seems to effect him. Whether its the brace or the knee itself, it is something NFL teams will likely flag. What 2020 has shown us is that Trask has the ability to be an NFL QB. He has made some tremendous throws after loosing lots of talent to the NFL.
Positives
+2020 Improved arm velocity
+NFL throws in 2020
+Forced starter out and to transfer (2019)
Negatives
-2019 was all over the place in advanced statistics
-Decision making
-Consistency
-Left knee issue
Grade: (74.725)
Kellen Mond QB Texas A&M
There’s definitely things to be excited about Kellen Mond. Athletic QB w/ good arm strength. Against easier competitors he shows off the tools to be be a QB. Against stiffer competition which Mond faced a lot of in 2019 his accuracy took a very noticeable dip. I’m not a fan of his footwork inside the pocket, I am a fan however of his ability to roll, the guy loves rolling left and has great playmaking ability outside of the pocket. I think he’s worth the time to develop.
Positives
+Arm strength
+Rolling to left
+Athleticism
Negatives
-Accuracy
-Failed against better competition
Grade: (74.575)
Ian Book QB Notre Dame
Positives
+Athletic
+Decent velocity
Negatives
-Paranoid
-Abandons pocket too quickly
-Accuracy past 15yds
Grade: (69.9)
Shane Buechele QB SMU
Positives
+Productive
+Turned the program around
+Power arm
Negatives
-Forced balls to top receiver
-Everything feels paranoid
-Arm motion
Grade: (69.625)
Sam Ehlinger QB Texas
Ehlinger was able to handle pressure at a great rate and was the leader of the team. Nice pocket awareness and very good running ability. How I would describe Ehlinger is solid, above average, and potential to develop.
Positive
+Above avg accuracy
+Pocket ability
+Calm under pressure
Negative
-Avg in all other areas
Grade: (68.5)
Zac Thomas QB App St
Positives
+Arm strength
+Running ability
Negatives
-Accuracy
-Decision making
Grade: (68.275)
Feleipe Franks QB Arkansas
Positives
+Starter
+Average velocity
+Athletic
Negatives
-Nothing special
-Below average in other areas
Grade: (67.35)
KJ Costello QB Miss St/Stanford
Positives
+Footwork
+Will run with it
+Above avg power
+Size
Negatives
-Arm Action
-Accuracy
-Eager to run
-Decision Making
Grade: (65.325)
Brady White QB Memphis
Positives
+Productive
+Athletic
+Multi-year starter
Negatives
-Velocity past 10yds
-Production is a huge surprised based on visual talent
-Arm motion
Grade: (65)
Running Backs
Javonte Williams RB North Carolina
He does everything you can ask a back to do all at elite levels in the college ranks. While the power and balance he shows are what fills up his highlight tapes it's just a taste of what Williams is capable of. Long speed may only be concern but even at that his burst is nice enough for him to pull away leaving many linebackers in the dust. Again if you ask Williams to do it he is going to get it done at a level higher than you expected.
Positives
+Contact balance
+Patience
+Power
+Good quickness
+Three down ability
+Complete back
+Burst
Negatives
-Elite long speed
Grade: (83.675)
Najee Harris RB Alabama
Harris is a special player that does not come along often. He is big and powerful but shows so much finesse in his running. The big back takes him time and makes some beautiful cuts for any size running back. There is also something to the passing game with Harris. He shows comfort and nice hands on the limited opportunities he has seen. There is definitely high end ability hiding in there. I will say this, STAY ON YOUR DANG FEET. Look I love it as much as the next guy, hurdles are my favorite thing to watch but they are the most dangerous thing in football and are career enders. This needs to end if he wants to be an NFL player longer than the average because he certainly has the talent to do it.
Positive
+Size
+Power
+Balance
+Patience
+Beautiful jump cuts
+Receiving ability
Negative
-Hurdler
-Long speed
Grade: (82.55)
Comp: David Johnson/Matt Forte
Travis Etienne RB Clemson
Etienne is one of those guys that makes fast look slow compared to them. His ability to reach his top speed is just unmatched on the college football field. What I find most impressive about his game though his his speed to power conversation, he’s not the biggest, he’s not ever going to be the strongest, however he’s speed again reaches its peak so quickly, so efficiently when contact is made by a defender his momentum just creates a force a lot of defensive player are unable to securely handle giving Etienne the chance to break the tackle. Sometimes he’s too fast, needs to give some patience to his blocks and sometimes his balance is poor because he’s so fast. Pass catching ability needs some work as his comfort level is low. I have no idea why he went back to school.
Positives
+Burst
+Speed
+Speed to power conversion
+Broken Tackles
+Elusiveness
Negative
-Balance (too quick for himself sometimes)
-Patience
Grade (80.7)
Kenneth Gainwell RB Memphis
Gainwell has strangely become a forgotten man because Gibson came out the year before even though Gainwell was the starter. While Gainwell makes his name as a premier receiving threat out of the backfield; he is no scrub at running the ball either. Has a nice burst that pairs greatly with the desirable traits vision, patience, and ability to break tackles which Gainwell scores at well above average.
Positives
+Receiving
+Ability to break tackles
+Elusiveness
+Size was a concern, Pro Day eliminated those concerns
Negatives
-Pass protection consistency
Grade: (80.5)
Michael Carter RB North Carolina
Carter shows elite quickness rarely wasting motion. He is a pretty complete back showing skills in all desirable traits including pass blocking. While he's not exactly at the levels of the people above him he certainly fits the bill of future 3 down back.
Positives
+Contact balance
+Power
+Good burst
+Good quickness
+3rd down ability
+Complete back
Negatives
-Some drops and fumbles
Grade: (79.6)
Chris Evans RB Michigan
I don't know what everyone else is watching but Chris Evans may be the best running back in this class when all is said and done. Speed, elusiveness, contact balance. The guy has a real nice tool box of moves. Has the ability to catch the ball well and in his limited reps looks to be able to go out wide and the slot giving you nice versatility. When Evans runs he effortlessly pulls away from defenders. Its about those reps to develop that intelligence. If he can develop that I have no fear in saying he ends up a top 3 back in this class.
Positives
+Contact balance
+Good burst
+Good quickness
+3rd down ability
+Explosiveness
Negatives
-Fumbles relative to reps
-Reps
-2019 Academic suspension
Grade: (78.45)
Rhamondre Stevenson RB Oklahoma
Stevenson has showed me everything I want when I go looking for a feature back. Big body that makes quick and good decisions. He shows quick feet and is great against contact. Has decent speed for his size. Stevenson is also a skilled blocking back with sound technique and mind for his assignments and the offensive lines. He has potential to develop in the passing game but there are bright spot there as well.
Positives
+Willing blocker w/sound technique
+Instincts
+Burst
+Quickness
+Size
+Speed for size
+Balance and power
Negatives
-Refinement
Grade: (77.65)
Javian Hawkins RB Louisville
2020 has shown us a much more developed Hawkins. Hawkins is an undersized back that has always shown this elite burst and speed. What 2020 has proven to me is his ability to see his path. His vision has greatly improved and made him a top back in this class. I feel comfortable running him both inside and outside. In space he is as slippery as they come getting some help from his size no doubt. You cannot say Hawkins lacks effort but he is not someone at the moment I would be comfortable with on third down which is surprising giving the skill set. I think this will come with time and coaching.
Positives
+Vision
+Burst
+Speed
+Elusiveness
+Pass blocking experience/willingness
Negatives
-Size
Grade: (77.6)
Khalil Herbert RB Virginia Tech
Positives
+Contact balance
+Burst
+Quickness
Negatives
-Grad transfer
-Lacks reps as pass catcher
Grade: (76.6)
Trey Sermon RB Ohio State
Positives
+Balanced running back (Burst; Elusiveness; Power)
+Blocking
Negatives
-Injuries
-Long speed
-Transferred as he couldn't win starting job
Grade: (75.65)
Elijah Mitchell RB Louisiana
Positives
+Contact balance
+Decent quickness
+Good burst
+Great athlete
Negatives
-Scheme opened a lot of opportunities
-He was "RB 2" on roster
-Vision
Grade: (74.7)
Pooka Williams Jr RB Kansas
Pooka is an east-west Runner who does remain patient and has found success due to his elite burst, explosiveness, and elusiveness. He’s got a nice speed to power conversation however there’s going to be strength and durability concerns at his size, weighing in at only 170lbs on a good day.
Positives
+Speed
+Burst
+Elusiveness
+Creative
+Speed to power
+Pass blocking
Negatives
-East-West run style
-Size (Durability and Strength)
Grade: (74.5)
Kylin Hill RB Miss St
Positives
+Power
+Willing blocker
+Route running
+Hands
Negatives
-Inconsistent burst
-Long speed
-Inconsistent production
Grade: (74)
Jake Funk RB Maryland
Positives
+Speed
+Quickness
+Athletic
+Special teams; kickoff; gunner; return potential
Negatives
-Two torn ACL's in history
-Size
-Reps
Grade: (70.5)
Gerrid Doaks RB Cincinnati
Positives
+Great burst for 230Lbs
+Three down ability
+Power/Contact balance
+Pass protection
Negatives
-Speed
-Vision
-Quickness
Grade: (70.375)
Jermar Jefferson RB Oregon St
Positives
+Elusiveness
+Vision
+Decent combo of quickness and contact balance
Negatives
-Injuries
-Replacement did well in scheme
Grade: (70.075)
Chuba Hubbard RB Oklahoma State
Hubbard is a patient runner who finds and hits the hole. He’s got some nice twitch to him and has the juice to get to the second level. He shows inconsistent long speed and has a fumbling issue.
Positives
+Patience
+Vision
+Ability to hit hole quick
+Uber production
Negatives
-Fumbles
-Receiving
-Pass protection
Grade: (68.1)
Jaret Patterson RB Buffalo
Positives
+Quickness
+Contact balance
+Power
+Run blocking
Negatives
-Level of competition
-Size
-Average speed build up
-Pass blocking
Grade: (67.125)
Kene Nwangwu RB Iowa State
Positives
+Quickness
+Speed
+Athleticism
+Developmental special teams player; possible return specialist
Negatives
-Backup
-Reps
Grade: (65.95)
Rakeem Boyd RB Arkansas
Positives
+Power/contact balance
+Size
Negatives
-Elusiveness
Grade: (60.675)
Trey Ragas RB Louisiana
Positives
+Contact balance/power
+He was "RB 1" on roster Elijah Mitchell is teammate
Negatives
-Scheme opened a lot of opportunity
-Long speed
-Not a lot of wiggle
Grade: (58.05)
Mekhi Sargent RB Iowa
Positives
+Decent burst
Negatives
-Nothing elite
-Mostly average
Grade: (54.15)
Wide Receivers 2021
Rashad Bateman WR Minnesota
Bateman suffers from the helmet he wears which will be a blessing for some team who in my opinion will get a steal of a player. Bateman has good speed, and run after the catch ability as he is able to utilize his athleticism and strength to finesse and bully his way past defenders. The real highlights of Bateman's game come before he even gets the ball as he has an advanced release, and is likely the best route runner in the draft. He is a very well balanced wideout that is not being talked about enough and is my WR number 1.Positives
+Release
+Route running
+Strength
+Agility
+Tackle breaking
+Enough speed
Negatives
-Refinement
-Lot of slot snaps
-Not on a team like the other top WR's
-Okay to bad QB play
Grade: (92.925)
Jaylen Waddle WR Alabama
Waddle was the easily forgotten 4th member of the 3 musketeers of Alabama. However, he has the most potential out of all of them. Elite speed, explosiveness, and elusiveness. But he’s not just a track star, as we see fantastic technique and hand fighting on release and within the route. 2020 was his chance to solidify his name and he did not disappoint up until the injury. What could have been this season at Alabama will just remain imaginary.
Positives
+Elusiveness
+Speed
+Explosive
+Route running/hand fighting
+Not close to a finished product
Negatives
-Drops early in career
-Reps
Grade: (92.05)
DeVonta Smith WR Alabama
Smith was the best receiver on the Bama team in 2019 and in 2020. Smith's explosiveness and technique lets him absolutely dominate at the LOS and during the route despite his size. At his size you would think he lacks strength, but it's far from the truth; he’s got toughness that allows him to play for contact never being overmatched in college. He’s got all the technique in the world and one of the most aggressive WR's I've ever seen.
Positives
+Toughness
+Speed
+Hands
+Elusiveness
+Explosiveness
+Route running
+Aggressive at catch point
+Technique
Negatives
-Size/Weight-Body catches
Grade: (90.375)
Comp: Stevie Johnson/Mario Manningham
Ja'Marr Chase WR LSU
I know, I am a mad man, I am chasing clout, being controversial for the sake of being standout and different, except I am not. "How do they win", it was my biggest lesson I took away from conversations with professional scouts and journalist who cover the draft. It's obvious how Chase wins, his strength and he was able to do it with ease in college. He is far and above one of the strongest WR's to ever play college football and will immediately claim that title in the NFL. My concerns are, is that enough. The NFL is not college and there are guys who will line up across from him that have more strength than he has ever faced in college. I question his effort when he isn't the first or second read and his release leaves a lot to be desired. Time and time again I watch corners have no fear when going against him in press. He rarely has a plan to break it down and just tries to utilize that strength. I am not saying Chase is bad by any means as he can be lethal, but there are some things that need serious tuning. I see real bust potential here if he doesn't put in the work.
Positives
+Strength
+Deep threat
+Play Big
+Hands
+Contested catch
+RAC
+Tackle breaker (21 broken tackles in 2019)
Negatives
-Effort consistency
-Release variance
Grade: (90.3)
Comp: Jermaine Kearse/Greg Jennings
Terrace Marshall WR LSU
Marshall was last in the LSU's offensive powerhouses pecking order, but with Jefferson and Clyde in the NFL now Chase was the only thing standing in his way. Chase opting out of this season immediately put the spotlight on Marshall leaving him the opportunity to show us what he has to offer. Marshall is surprisingly very fluid mover and shows good speed for his size and weight. Good ability to go get the ball and what I consider his best trait is his delayed release he has developed. What is so interesting is Marshall played mostly in the slot this year and while that hurts him in some areas it also helps to show his versatility as he played at a very high level on a team that really didn't match that level. 2020 was a make or break year and he definitely made something with it.
Positives
+Size
+Speed
+Route running
+Delayed release
+Explosive
Negatives
-Refinement
-Hands (inconsistent)
Grade: (88.575)
Tylan Wallace WR Oklahoma St
Wallace is a high effort guy that wants the ball constantly. He has good speed and has good ability to be considered a YAC receiver. There are things to like about Wallace's game. He runs nice routes and is known for his ability to go up and fight for the ball leaving him with many highlight reel catches. The issue with Wallace is he's overly confident in both his strength and his speed. Minimal variation in his release and inability to fight at first contact leaves him bullied at the line of scrimmage causing him to not create any separation at all. This is what keeps Wallace's name out of the conversation with everyone above him.
Positives
+Relentless competitor
+Elusiveness
+Speed
+Bouncy
Negatives
-Scheme issues affecting release and routesGrade: (88.45)
Amon-Ra St. Brown WR USC
Amon-Ra St. Brown checks the most important box in the draft; he has a stellar name. All jokes aside Brown is a speedster, a playmaker, someone who has the ability to play both slot and outside. He’s definitely a guy you just need to find ways to get the ball because he can make something happen. Good release as he accelerates and combines that with good route running. Obviously not a finished product but I am intrigued as his versatility and see great potential.Positives
+Acceleration/burst off line
+Elusiveness
+Speed
+Quickness
+Route technique
Negatives
-Limited route treeGrade: (88.4)
Dyami Brown WR North Carolina
We definitely have something here with Brown. He was limited in what he ran in that North Carolina offense but what you see is great speed and great feet. When watching Brown all you could see and feel is untapped potential. He needs to work on his hands but from what I can tell they are more related to focus rather than technique. The combination of speed, and quick feet led to good breaks and quickness and allowed him to have great production throughout his college career. He may not be talked about like the others, but his potential is at the top of the class.
Positives
+Wicked double move
+Speed
+Nice route potential
+Hands
+Work ethic
Negatives
-Release refinement-All about skill refinement
-Held back by route tree
Grade: (87.8)
Rondale Moore WR Purdue
Rondale Moore is just so fun too watch man. He’s running so fast that it looks like his lower half actually gets in front of his upper half. Moore was also gifted with what I now refer to as the "Sproles Center of Gravity” or “SCOG”. Usually reserved for the more stocky short players Rondale only weighs in at about 175 but he has to be packing mostly muscle because he’s pinballing and powering through guys with a bit of ease. He plays so fast he can fight through the press and his break on routes especially ones breaking out towards the boundary are beautiful. He does have some focus drops but that’s what they asked of him, grab it and go so he was looking to run at every moment.
Positives
+Speed
+Elusiveness
+Speed to power conversation
+Balance
+Release potential
+Route potential
+SQUATS 600Lbs!!
+Forced missed tackles
Negatives
-Size
-Limited to gadget guy at Purdue
-Focus drops
Grade: (87.55)
Nico Collins WR Michigan
Nico Collins was less hyped then Donavan People’s Jones; however he’s a way better WR. Collins tape shows off an intriguing size, speed, and strength profile much like DPJ; however what separates them is Collins has actual receiver qualities not just athletic ones. He’s got a nice release and has multiple routes in his arsenal. He’s also shown a great ability to attack the ball whether that is smartly coming back for the ball or in the air in contested catch situations. Now it’s all about refinement.Positives
+Contested catch+Size
+Speed
+Strength
Negatives
-Refinement of tools that are thereGrade: (86.75)
Kadarius Toney WR Florida
Toney has burst onto the scene this season because of his burst on the field. If you describe Toney's burst and change of direction ability as elite it almost feels like an underselling of the traits. I truly struggle how to describe in words just how explosive Toney is. Combine these traits with his strength, not only do you have a guy who can make all 11 men miss at the same time but someone who can plow right through them too. He doesn't have elite speed but he doesn't need it because of his elite quickness. Get him the ball and let him work.Positives
+Explosive
+Strength
+Run blocking
+Aggressive
+Change of direction
+Route running
Negatives
-Limited route tree in college
-Career production
-Drops issue at Senior Bowl
Grade: (86.625)
D'Wayne Eskridge WR Western Michigan
Eskridge is probably the greatest surprise and hidden talent in this draft. In my time doing this I do not think I have seen a player with a better release against press coverage. His counter moves are lightning quick and come with power. He has good speed to get separation and good agility that we see in his routes, after the catch, and in the return game. In a normal year Eskridge likely wouldn't remain a secret for long, but this year with the limited ability to see prospects he may fall through the cracks and a team will get a steal.
Positives
+Release vs press-man
+Speed
+Quickness
+Return man
+Ability may give him more options than just slot
Negatives
-Limited route tree
-Size may keep him in slot
-Drops (mostly freshman year)
Grade: (85.175)
Simi Fehoko WR Stanford
Yes I know, I have him high up this board, well I am betting on the traits. This build with those athletic traits just don't come along often. When Fehoko has things working for him the game looks like it comes very easy for him. He just needs to get with a coach that is going to unlock his game.
Positives
+Speed
+Elite athleticism
+Run after catch ability
+Promising release technique
+Size
Negatives
-Consistent strength
-Consistency
-On field agility (plays too uptight)
-Raw
-Catching ability
Grade: (83.775)
Tamorrion Terry WR Florida St.
Terry is an extremely athletic WR. At 6-foot-4 you just don't see players move this well. Terry has all the unteachable traits and because of the situation he is in the technique has not developed fully for him to take advantage of his potential. Terry lacks strength inside of his routes and his release, technique is something the NFL can definitely fix. A team will bet on the traits and I don't believe they end up being disappointed in the end.
Positives
+Height
+Elusiveness
+Speed
+Production on bad team
+Skill growth
Negatives
-Strength
-Frame
Grade: (83.65)
Jonathan Adams Jr WR Arkansas St.
Adams is a prototype X receiver that teams look for at 6'3 220lbs. He has good speed for his size and a very advanced release repertoire. Adams game is as a contested catch vertical threat. He has great body control and hands to go up and find the ball. While he has some drops, especially this season his hands are still stellar. The scheme limited him in what he did and what we can see but the traits are there and if I have learned anything over the years, bet on that.
Positives
+Catch Radius
+Contested Catch
+Hands
+Release
+Size
+Speed for size
Negatives
-Route technique needs work
-Has some drops
Grade: (83.025)
Cornell Powell WR Clemson
Powell is a future safety blanket in the NFL just like he has been for Lawrence at Clemson. If you sit and watch the games you'll see in the most important moments, Lawrence is going to find Powell and Powell will deliver.
Positives
+Strength
+Clutch
+Good hands
+Trusted safety blanket
+Route running
+Release
Negatives
-Speed
-Lower ceiling
-Consistency
Grade: (82.825)
Comp: Jason Avant
Elijah Moore WR Ole Miss
Moore is a slot receiver that is another one of these guys you just want to find ways to get him the ball. He’s got great elusiveness, might need to work on balance and ability to keep his speed but some of his moves are beautiful. Has a good release technique especially on his delays and good hands. With size comes some concerns about strength. Additionally, Moore is the guy who did the peeing dog celebration so there’s a maturity question red flag mark in every teams report on him.
Positives
+Elusiveness
+Release
+Speed
+Hands
Negatives
-Slot-Not all routes are equal
-Maturity
-Strength
Grade: (82.65)
Frank Darby WR Arizona St.
Frank Darby is an interesting projection; he lacks the ideal get up to be a reliable contested catch outside WR, however his toughness, ball tracking, speed, release, and route running all say he's perfectly capable of handling being an outside receiver. I really want to circle back to his speed because in all the tape of Darby's I watched he may have the most notable second gear I have ever seen. There seems to be this moment when he runs vertical routes where he knows the defensive back has reached his peak speed and then Darby just out does him like its nothing. Darby is a fun watch and is someone who I think you can ask a lot of inside of an offense and he will deliver at every turn.
Positives
+Speed
+Elite second gear, perfectly timed separator.
+Tough
+Ball tracking
+Release
+Route technique
+Body control
Negatives
-Catch radius
-History of drops
-Vertical
Grade: (81.525)
Demetric Felton WR/RB UCLA
Felton transitioned to RB for the Bruins and let me tell you, based on the senior bowl alone, it was a huge mistake. We're gonna have to rely on Felton's tape at the Senior Bowl to gauge his skill at WR and it was brilliant. His release, speed, and routes just schooled the competition. Felton is going to play a little RB in the NFL, but he belongs at WR.
Positives
+Quickness
+Vision
+Return specialist
+Release
+Routes
Negatives
-Raw
-Reps
-Power
-Instincts (RB)
Grade: (81.15)
Josh Imatorbhebhe WR Illinois
Athletic freak is the easiest way to describe Imatorbehebhe. Back in high school (at the Opening) he reported jumped 47.1 inches, this would set the record for wide receivers and all participants. He is a prototypical X receiver with his size and vertical ability. He has good speed and I think he has shown great potential in route running and in his release. There is a severe lack of production here and that is concerning. He will be a project but most thought Chase Claypool was going to be a project too.
Positives
+Vertical
+RAC ability
+Size
+Untapped potential
Negatives
-Lack of production-Raw
Grade: (81.05)
Amari Rodgers WR Clemson
Rodgers came back from an ACL tear and it looks like he didn’t loose any speed. He’s just so fast. He’s built like a running back, reminds me heavily of Devin Duvernay, not as strong but he’s got same type of build and skill set. Teams should be very creative with Rodgers and just try to get the ball into his hands.
Positives
+Speed+Elusiveness
+Strength
+Built like a RB
+Good hands
Negatives
-Slot only-Reps against press
-ACL tear in 2018
Grade: (80.15)
Anthony Schwartz WR Auburn
Positives
+Speed (Olympic track hopeful)+Elusiveness
+Routes
+Bad scheme and quarterback
Negatives
-Strength-Usage
Grade: (79.9)
Ihmir Smith-Marsette WR Iowa
Positives
+Great speed
+Elusiveness
+Elite burst
Negatives
-Effort/Consistency issue
-Strength (Routes; Release)
-Release (Will go straight at corner and allow him to take him off line without fight)
Grade: (77.35)
Tre Nixon WR UCF
Positives
+Decent route runner+Speed
+Potential
Negatives
-Raw
-Hands
Grade: (77.125)
Marquez Stevenson WR Houston
Positives
+Speed+Elusiveness
+Promising release ability
Negatives
-Raw-Body catcher (Even when he high points which I don’t know how one can do that)
Grade: (77.025)
Sage Surratt WR Wake Forrest
He’s a Tank, the dude will not go down. Surratt has tremendous power that he uses before and after the catch. He’s got decent release tactics, the issue is his acceleration post release and his change of direction ability causing some separation issue. Surratt will outmuscle the best in the league.Positives
+Size+Strength
+Contested catch
+Break tackles
Negatives
-Acceleration-Separation
Grade: (75.9)
Cade Johnson WR South Dakota St.
Positives
+Productive
+Elite speed
+Tracking
+Quickness
Negatives
-Size
-Limited to slot
-Level of competition
Grade: (75.9)
Dez Fitzpatrick WR Louisville
Positives
+Reliable
+Size
+Body control
+Potential to develop good release
Negatives
-Strength
-Separation issues due to consistency with speed and strength during route
Grade: (75.45)
Jalen Camp WR Georgia Tech
Positives
+Great Athlete
+Elite Strength
+Blocking
+Size
Negatives
-Production
-Undisclosed season ending surgery in 2019
Grade: (75.725)
Josh Palmer WR Tennessee
Positives
+Body control
+Contested catch
+Hands
Negatives
-Raw
-Vertical
Grade: (75.025)
Jacob Harris WR UCF
Positives
+Size
+Elite Athleticism
Negatives
-Raw
-Hands
-Reps/Production do not match size and athleticism
Grade: (74.125)
TuTu Atwell WR Louisville
TuTu is a future NFL slot and gadget player. He has good speed, elusiveness, and he was a production machine. The issues are he’s 5’9 155Lbs. This is incredibly concerning as the NFL will question his ability to play and handle the rigors of the NFL. No one can deny his talent though. The team that gets past his size will get a good player to work with talent wise, I just have to wonder if he will be able to stick it at that size.
Positives
+Speed+Elusiveness
+Route running
Negatives
-Size
-Strength
-Slot only (no press reps)
Grade: (72.95)
Shi Smith WR South Carolina
Positives
+Jumping
+Contested Catch
Negatives
-Lacks separation
-Release consistency
-Route running consistency
-Size
Grade: (72.7)
Seth Williams WR Auburn
Seth Williams is a big WR at 6’3 215/225 with major hops and strength. However that is about it, he lacks consistency, the ability to separate. He's making a name for himself in 2020 with crazy catches but the one thing he supposed to do well (contested catches) he barely hauled any in during the 2019 season. I am probably the lowest person on Williams. Sure he may end up as a solid WR but without the ability to separate at the college level I don't see the transition being easy to the NFL level.
Positives
+Size
+Strength
Negatives
-Drops-Speed
-Production
-Separation
Grade: (71.975)
Dax Milne WR BYU
Positives
+Hands
+Quickness
Negatives
-Raw-Slot only
-Speed
Grade: (71.575)
Michael Strachan WR University of Charleston
Positives
+Body control
+Contested catch
+Speed
+Height
+Wingspan
Negatives
-Raw-Level of comp (DII)
-Limited tape
-Gambling on traits
Grade: (71.2)
Whop Philyor WR Indiana
WHOP!! God what I’d give to see Chris Berman call one of his plays, it was meant to be. Philyor has that "Sproles Center of Gravity," small guys are always the toughest dudes on the field. He can slip and bounce like the masters that came before him. He’s got legit speed and all this combined has created a dangerous slot receiver.
Positives
+Speed
+Toughness
+Elusiveness
+Hands
Negatives
-Slot only-Size
-Routes breaks
Grade: (70.4)
Dazz Newsome WR North Carolina
Positives
+Contested catch for size
+Route running
+Elusiveness
+Broken tackles
Negatives
-Slot
-Body catcher
Grade: (69.775)
Brandon Smith WR Iowa
Positives
+Contested catch
+Run blocking
+Release potential
+Vertical
Negatives
-Slow
-Limited agility
-Limited route tree
Grade: (69.7)
Jaelon Darden WR North Texas
Positives
+Elite speed
+Elite quickness
Negatives
-Slot
-Hands regressed
-Limited route tree
Grade: (69.6)
Marlon Williams WR UCF
Positives
+Quickness
+Big Build
Negatives
-Slot only
Grade: (69.45)
Trevon Grimes WR Florida
Positives
+Size
+Strength
+Potential on routes
Negatives
-Average or below in other categories
-Inconsistent
Grades: (69.35)
Tre Walker WR San Jose St
Positives
+Plays big
+Catch radius (I don’t get how but it’s big)
+Mitts for hands
+Elusiveness
Negatives
-Routes can be average-Separation
-Speed
-Terrible pro day
Grade: (69.2)
Damonte Coxie WR Memphis
Positives
+Elusiveness
+Speed
Negatives
-Release-Route running
-Inconsistent acceleration
Grade: (68.825)
Austin Watkins WR UAB
Positives
+Speed
+Decent release
+Hands
Negatives
-Deep ball production
-Limited routes
Grade: (67.225)
Warren Jackson WR Colorado
Positives
+Catch radius+Strength
+Some nice routes
Negatives
-Explosiveness-Speed
-Elusiveness
Grade: (65.7)
Terrell Jana WR Virginia
Positives
+ReliableNegatives
-Average or below athleticism
-Average or below release and routes
Grade: (65.7)
Tyler Vaughns WR USC
Positives
+Decent speed
+High point ability (w/rotation away)
+Break tackle ability
Negatives
-Frame/Size-Strength
Grade: (64.975)
TJ Vasher WR Texas Tech
Positives
+Size+Radius
Negatives
-Speed-Elusiveness
Grade: (64.7)
Brennan Eagles WR Texas
Positives
+Catch radius
Negatives
-Release technique and strength-Speed
-Route technique and strength
-Everything is below average
Grade: (56)
Tight Ends 2021
Kyle Pitts TE Florida
Kyle Pitts is Darren Waller 2.0. You can ask Pitts to do everything, be a WR, TE, even play special teams. Pitts has a great set of hands and ability to run routes combined with his explosive athleticism creates just a special player. With Kyle Trask playing at his level Pitts has gone into overdrive putting up crazy historic efficiency in 2020. He is definitely the best TE I have ever seen coming out of college.
Positives
+Athletic
+Hands
+Lined up everywhere
Negatives
-Not the biggest (More of a modern TE)
(97.175)
Pat Freiermuth TE Penn St
Pat has been nicknamed “Baby Gronk” by the fans. He’s not the first to get that moniker so let us hope these expectations do not hurt his potential. He reminds me a bit of Ertz in the fact that it seems he has a deep understanding of the play at hand not just his position. While his routes are not the crispiest, they are tactful, I love what he does on delayed releases. I don’t see him beating many athletically, not to say he isn’t athletic, however he will likely beat you by breaking you down strategically because that is the way he likes to win.
Positives
+Size
+Strength
+Mental ability
+Routes
Negatives
-Refinement on blocking
-Consistency in athleticism
Grade: (84.575)
Brevin Jordan TE Miami
Jordan has displayed the ability to play both slot and inside. He’s got good athleticism and has shown he’s got strength in blocking and at the catch point. Even at his size he has showed that he’s a competent inline option and has potential for growth. Miami uses there TEs heavily and it shows.
Positives
+Hands
+Athleticism
+Strength
+Good routes
+Blocking willingness
Negatives
-Size (More of a modern TE)
Grade: (84.275)
Tommy Tremble TE Notre Dame
Positives
+Athletic
+Dual potential
+Speed
+Run blocking experience
+Run blocking skill
Negatives
-Size
-Limited role
-Production
Grade: (83.7)
Hunter Long TE Boston College
Positives
+Hands
+Speed
+Understands how to become quarterbacks best friend when play breaks down
Negatives
-Technique refinement
-Limited flexibility
Grade: (82)
Tre McKitty TE Georgia
Positives
+Hands
+Athletic
+Body control
+Potential in-line ability (Uses length nicely, needs to add consistency to strength and finishing)
Negatives
-Technique refinement
-Production
-Block finishing
Grade: (79.75)
Matt Bushman TE BYU
Bushman definitely has the size and athleticism to lineup up and down the line. The only issues are with technique. And there’s nothing wrong with where he is currently at, he’s just got refinement on the tools he has now. Good potential here.
Positives
+Hands
+Athleticism
Negatives
-Technique refinement
Grade: (77.85)
Kenny Yeboah TE Ole Miss
Positives
+Speed
+Athleticism
+Blocking experience
Negatives
-Technique refinement
-Strength
-Hands
Grade: (74.375)
Nick Eubanks TE Michigan
Positive
+In-line ability
+Slot
+Hands
+Athleticism
+Blocking Willingness
+Strength
Negative
-Raw in passing game
Grade: (72.7)
Luke Farrell TE Ohio State
Positives
+In-line ability
+Slot
+Flashes some athleticism
+Blocking
Negatives
-Raw in passing game
Grade: (65.7)
Offensive Tackles 2021
Penei Sewell OT Oregon
Positives
+Powerful
+Balanced
+Finisher
+Good athlete
+Very good run blocker
+Smart use of his power
Negatives
-Over reaches sometimes as he has slightly shorter arms; he is raw though so I am not overly concerned that it's an arm length issue
-Refinement needed in pass protection
Grade: (94)
Rashawn Slater OT Northwestern
Positives
+Technically sound
+Advanced hand placement
+Advanced toolbox
+Great athlete
+Very good run blocker
+Powerful; not flashy but he is powerful
+Great ability to recover
Negatives
-Length, must let him show you he can't play tackle before you move him inside
Grade: (93.625)
Teven Jenkins OT Oklahoma State
Positives
+Understanding of assignments in both run and pass
+Power
+Finisher
+Size
+Good athlete
+Hand usage; controls and attacks wrist
+Let him show you he can't maintain the tackle position before a move to guard
Negatives
-Feet can be slow in pass sets
-Purposely leave his chest open to draw defender in, will work less in NFL
-Length; longer pass rushers have gotten to him
-Some reaching in both the run and pass game
Grade: (90.725)
Spencer Brown OT Northern Iowa
Positives
+Loyalty; loved his teammates too much to transfer on them
+Powerful; will likely not be outmatched
+Fighter; I think his technique is further along then most think
+Freak list hall of famer; no one had a better pro day
+Athletic
+Size
+Lots of potential
Negatives
-Level of competition
-Pass rush refinement need
-Finesse edges could get the best of him early in career as he struggles to combat some of their moves
-Pad level can get a little high because of size
Grade: (90.525)
Alex Leatherwood OT Alabama
Positives
+Incredibly balanced
+Hand placement
+Athletic
Negatives
-Doesn't really out-muscle anyone
-Willingly opens chest (Part of his technique to trap defenders, it works for him. I'm not sure this can continue in the NFL though.)
-Strong moves that attack his hands can break him down
Grade: (86.05)
Christian Darrisaw OT Virginia Tech
Positives
+Strong hands
+Elite hand usage
+Quick to set
Negatives
-Feet set and stay set, needs to work on ability to keep it moving
-Issues attacking in the run game
-Strength issues in run game
-Laziness and lack of aggression is what separates him from the other guys for me. Tap into that and we have cornerstone here.
Grade: (84.2)
Stone Forsythe OT Florida
Positives
+Dominate in run game
+Powerful at first contact; establishes his center; walls off the defender from run lane
+Size
+Athletic; especially for size
Negatives
-Raw in pass protection
-Issues with length pass rushers
-Wants them to make first contact with him; needs better utilization of size in passing game
Grade: (83.575)
Samuel Cosmi OT Texas
Positives
+Elite Athlete; absolutely crushed his pro day
+Powerful
+Looks to finish
Negatives
-Pass rush technique is not yet fully developed
-Feet can be stagnant in pass sets
-Over reaching whiffs
-Refinement needed in pass protection
Grade: (83.05)
Liam Eichenberg OT Notre Dame
Positives
+Powerful punch
+Good controller
+Balanced
+Constant mover, no flat feet
+Arms always prepared
+Good but inconsistent hand usage
+Athletic
+Size
Negatives
-Pass rush technique is not yet fully developed
-Susceptible to spin move
-If hands miss or fail he lacks counters
-Not a good puller; loses some intensity and feels a bit lost
-Refinement needed in pass protection
Grade: (82.825)
Brenden Jaimes OT Nebraska
Positives
+First step would create wide edge which he would control nicely
+Solid power
+Balance
+Athletic
+Good enough power combined with athletic ability makes him move bodies in the run game
+Solid hand fighting
Negatives
-Undersized
-Can let up too much ground in pass sets
Grade: (80.55)
Brady Christensen OT/OG BYU
Positives
+Powerful lineman
+Elite athlete
+Good run blocking technique
+Decent in passing sets
Negatives
-Size and arm length especially below NFL average
-Oversteps
-Sometimes can feel passive in passing game
Grade: (79.875)
Walker Little OT Stanford
Positives
+Nice hands fighting
+Good frame
+Athletic
+Good movement in pass sets
Negatives
-Lack of reps; opt out and missed all but one game in 2019 due to knee injury
-Lacks display of power
-Initial hand placement consistency
Grade: (76.875)
James Hudson OT Cincinnati
Positives
+Finisher in both pass and run plays
+Solid footwork
+Active hands
Negatives
-Grabby
-Can be overly aggressive
-Well below average athlete
-Lack of reps
-Can be overly patient to begin
Grade: (74.575)
Jaylon Moore OT Western Michigan
Positives
+Powerful
+Finisher (Inconsistent)
+Gets low in run game
+Recovery ability
+Good hands
Negatives
-Nothing about size or athleticism stands out
-Footwork; strong and long pass rushers can put him on skates
-Reaches
Grade: (74.575)
Dillon Radunz OT/OG North Dakota State
Positives
+Solid power
+Good run blocking technique
+Athletic
Negatives
-Usually I say let them prove to you they can't play tackle, well I usually say that when length is the issue, which isn't his issue. At this point I think a move inside is best.
-Technique diminishes any athletic ability in pass sets
-Over reaching
-Poor footwork in pass sets
Grade: (74.575)
Jalen Mayfield OT/OG Michigan
Positives
+Solid in the run game
+Okay in passing game
Negatives
-Below average arm length
-Lacks size
-Lacks real power
-Just about average in every category
-Below average athleticism
-Misses assignments; moments where he finds no one
Grade: (69.825)
Josh Ball OT Marshall
Positives
+Size
+Above average athlete
+Strong
Negatives
-A mess technique wise
-Too quickly leaves first man
-Doesn't establish good leverage
-Poor footwork in pass sets
-Background issues make him undraftable
Grade: (69.725)
Landon Young OT Kentucky
Positives
+Strong
+Athletic
+Size
Negatives
-Technique
-Understanding assignments
-Over reaching
-His technique limitations/failures limit his ability to use size and athleticism to their fullest extent
Grade: (68.45)
Tommy Doyle OT Miami Ohio
Positives
+Size
+Tested really well
Negatives
-Tape shows me a lack of energy and motor
-Surprised he tested so well, felt like he is always lumbering on field
-Lacks refinement across board
Grade: (68.45)
Alaric Jackson OT North Dakota State
Positives
+Solid attacker in the run game
+Very well timed movement into second level
+Has the juice to power defenders when moving
+NFL size
Negatives
-All over the place in terms of technique
-Chaos is a great way to describe him
-Bad foot work; regularly on skates
-Everything is so inconsistent
Grade: (62.55)
D'Ante Smith OT East Carolina
Positives
+Great Length
+Generates decent power in run game (inconsistent)
Negatives
-Below average athlete
-No power behind hands in pass sets
-Poor use of length in pass sets
-Incredibly raw
Grade: (62.4)
Interior Offensive Lineman 2021
Alijah Vera-Tucker IOL USC
Positives
+Played left tackle this season, I think you try him out at tackle first and let him prove he can't stay there
+Nice recovery ability
+Footwork
+Active hands
+Above average hand placement
+Power
Negatives
-Length
-Can be put on skates
-Not a finisher
+Power is there but can be inconsistent
Grade: (92.5)
Landon Dickerson IOL Alabama
Positives
+Beloved teammate
+Powerful
+Nice frame
+Play awareness; understanding assignments; trust teammates to hit there spots so he can get to his
+Walls of defenders nicely
+Strong single arm hits
+Did a cartwheel 3 months post ACL surgery; eases concerns a bit
Negatives
-Leaning/reaching in both the pass and run game
-Injuries
Grade: (89.8)
Quinn Meinerz IOL Wisconsin-Whitewater
Positives
+Athletic and fluid
+Powerful
+Finisher
+Good understanding of assignments
+Good hand fighting in pass protection
Negatives
-Leaner in pass protection leads to bad footwork and him on skates
Grade: (89.05)
Creed Humphrey IOL Oklahoma
Positives
+Athletic
+Very good recovery ability
+Nice balance
+Active hands with good placement and attacking of wrist
+Walls off defenders in run
Negatives
-Long, powerful lineman can get the best of him
-Inconsistent technique and power in run game
Grade: (88.975)
Kendrick Green IOL Illinois
Positives
+Athletic; great ability to get moving quickly
+Above average power
+Good balance
+Recover ability
+Good hand fighting
+Level of toughness; bit of a finisher
Negatives
-Size
-Technique in pulling and run game in general needs the most work
-Everything needs refinement (But there's a strong base to work with)
Grade: (86.375)
Ben Cleveland IOL Georgia
Positives
+Powerful
+Mountain of a man; size to play tackle
+Finisher
+Walls of defenders nicely
+Strong single arm hits; can control with a single arm well too
+Good play awareness; understanding assignments; helps teammates
Negatives
-Second level whiffs are common
-Needs to trust his technique as he transitions to the NFL
-Lateral movement issues
Grade: (85.95)
Trey Smith IOL Tennessee
Positives
+Athletic
+Powerful
+Size
+Finisher
Negatives
-Consistent power usage
-Refinement on technique, hand usage, placement, footwork and use of power
Grade: (81.5)
Jackson Carmen IOL Clemson
Positives
+Above average athleticism
+Above average power
+Good balance in pass sets
+Good size on paper
+Has some finisher to him
Negatives
-Leaner frame
-Inconsistency in game, has some passive moments
Grade: (81.375)
Robert Hainsey IOL Notre Dame
Positives
+Team Leader
+Vocal
+Nice understanding of assignments
+Power is there but inconsistent
+A move inside especially to center to utilizes his leadership and intelligence could pay off big for him
Negatives
-Everything on the edge at tackle is inconsistent (Movement power, balance)
-Slow feet; but still promising
Grade: (80.75)
Michael Menet IOL Penn State
Positives
+Good size for a center
+Balanced
+Powerful lower body
+Understands assignments
Negatives
-Short arms
-Lacks power in upper body
Grade: (79.5)
Josh Myers IOL Ohio State
Positives
+Above average athleticism
+Good frame
+Good footwork
+Nice pass off technique to secure the middle
+Gets to second level with relevant ease
Negatives
-Long armed and power interiors will have a field day with him in my opinion
-Complicated or heavy blitz regularly wreaked havoc on that offensive line and he was the one in control
Grade: (78.75)
Deonte Brown IOL Alabama
Positives
+Large body
+Powerful
+Good balance
+Good understanding of assignments
+Decent hand usage
Negatives
-Some moments where he just puts his head down and reaches, I just don't understand it.
-Athleticism
-Length
Grade: (78.1)
Aaron Banks IOL Notre Dame
Positives
+When he doesn't lean; great footwork
+Good balance
+If he is technically sound up top; he is an immovable force in passing sets that you will not get past
+Good size
Negatives
-Leans into blocks sometimes
-Issue with attack in run game; missed hands
-Doesn't use power well enough
Grade: (76.875)
Dave Moore IOL Grambling
Positives
+Powerful dude
+Always looking to hit something
+Heavy finisher
+Length
Negatives
-Lumbers out of his stance a bit
-Really needs a complete work up in passing sets
-Level of competition
Grade: (73.95)
Royce Newman IOL Ole Miss
Positives
+Guard in 2019; Tackle in 2020
+Decent hand placement
+Above average athlete
Negatives
-Not much power in punch
-Will lean into blocks
-Allows defenders to disengage with relative ease
Grade: (69.825)
Drake Jackson IOL Kentucky
Positives
+Good hand placement
+Above average balance
+Can generate some power
Negatives
-Really small
-No traits or skills jump off the table
Grade: (69.285)
Jared Hocker IOL Texas A & M
Positives
+Size
+Can generate some power
Negatives
-Power is inconsistent and chaotic, no control behind it
-Slow reactor in passing sets
Grade: (69.8)
Wyatt Davis IOL Ohio State
Positives
+Always looks to finish
+Promising moments with hand placement
Negatives
-Regularly over reaching
-Bad footwork, on skates a lot
-Average or below average of desired power; size; or athleticism
-Lacks control; easily lost by defender
-I just don't see what everyone else is high on
Grade: (66.725)
Edge Rushers 2021
Payton Turner Edge Houston
Positives
+Burst
+Speed
+Amazing bend for both hips and ankles
+Size
+Pass rush move repertoire
+Plays passing lanes
+Energy
+Block shedding
Negatives
-Can be chaotic
-Late to get set
-Consistent strength
-Can feel lost if first move fails
Grade: (89.925)
Comp: DeMarcus Ware
Azeez Ojulari Edge Georgia
He’s got all the moves in his pass rush repertoire; very good hand and arm usage. He does not lack power either showing both great strength and leverage in pass/run defense. Others may not like what they have seen from him defending the run but I’ve seen some very positive moments that show a good understanding of both the offensive and defensive alignments to set the edge and guard against option plays.
Positives
+Pass rush repertoire
+Physicality
+Bend
+Intelligence
Negatives
-Size
Grade: (89.825)
Jaelan Phillips Edge Miami
Phillips provides tremendous athleticism on a nice size profile. Burst is very good and bend is good when his technique isn't hurting him. Phillips shows good intelligence against the run and stays patient to set the edge very well. He also shows some nice moves in his pass rush tool box with active hands, a well developed swim move and spin move. Phillips has yet to put it all together as he works his way back from injury/retirement. He has issues at the point of attack in terms of strength, at a consistent level, doesn't always have the fullest plan when rushing the passer and stays too high a lot of times hurting his ability to bend around the tackle. He sure has potential in my opinion but the injury history is certainly concerning.
Positives
+Good athlete
+Burst
+Patience
+Intelligence against run
+Ability to rush B Gap
+Well developed swim move
+Well developed counter spin
+Active hands
Negatives
-Injuries (Actually retired but came back)
-Strength consistency
-Inconsistent bend due to pad level
Grade: (89.25)
Kwity Paye Edge Michigan
Paye is a good athlete with very good power. He is an advanced run defender as that is how Michigan utilized him. Bend is more at ankles than hips but he’s got good movement. Paye has the potential to become the complete package with the development we have seen this year attacking the passer showing off his arsenal. Refinement will be needed but we never stop learning, Paye can be the real deal.
Positives
+Bend (Inconsistent)
+Power
+Intelligent
+Run defense
+Pass Rush
Negatives
-Refinement
Grade: (88.925)
Joe Tryon Edge Washington
Tryon gives me real Zad Smith and Michael Bennett vibes. Strong, good size, and very athletic edge. Legit burst at this size is a scary thought if he can put the rest together. Has flashes but lacks refinement in all areas of pass rush attack. Opting out of this season wasn't smart for his development but we all have personal reasons.
Positive
+Elite burst
+Size
+Power
Negatives
-Pass rush move plan and toolbox
-Limited starter reps
Grade: (88.2)
Comp: Za'Darius Smith / Michael Bennett
Jayson Oweh Edge Penn State
Oweh is an extremely athletic edge player. Could be the most athletic in this class. But he is also an extremely raw player. He has not developed pass rush moves or counters. Additionally, he usually lacks a plan of attack and when he does have one it is usually wrong leaving us with glaring issues that some teams will not care about because he is an athletic freak.
Positives
+Elite athlete
+Promising hand usage
Negatives
-Raw
-Decision making
-Power consistency
Grade: (83.55)
Dayo Odenyingbo Edge Vanderbilt
If your looking for versatility then Odenyingbo will provide you that. Great blend of height, weight, and length. He has real nice burst compared to everyone not just size. Violent heavy hands combined with his length give him a deadly weapon in his toolbox. With him, it's about refinement as he's got a lot to work with, now it's about sharping those talents as his inconsistency are a glaring part of his game.
Positive
+Burst
+Violent hands
+Size (length, height, weight)
+Versatility
Negatives
-Torn Achilles in January
-Consistency
-Raw
-Pursuit speed
Grade: (83.525)
Janarius Robinson Edge Florida State
Florida State has failed another player. I really hate to see it as Robinson checks all the "freak" boxes. The height, length, hands, athleticism, and potential power. If you were creating a edge with dream traits it would be Janarius Robinson. Florida State failed to develop his talent into skill like a couple other guys in this draft. The talent is undeniable and a coach is going to jump at the chance to develop this guy. Everyone else is severely too low on him. Give him a good teacher, just a little bit of time, and if he focuses, Robinson likely walks out of this draft as the best edge rusher.
Positives
+Length
+Hand size
+Bend
+Burst
+Physicality
+Tremendous speed to power conversation when tackling
Negatives
-Raw
-Pass rush move toolbox
-Consistency
-Motor
-Another underdeveloped "freak" from Florida State
Grade: (83.25)
Carlos Basham Jr Edge Wake Forrest
Boogie Basham is a highly intelligent edge defender. He analyzes the situation in front of him and has a knack for knowing how to win and whether he can win when he asked to attack. When he knows he can’t win he essentially spies the play to make an unscripted impact. What is most impressive about Basham is his hand fighting. To say it’s elite is underselling it a bit. A hidden part of Basham’s game is this second gear he has once a play is outside the pocket; this happens to also be a very confusing part of Basham's game as the thing he lacks most is get off at the snap.
Positives
+Intelligence
+Awareness
+Hand fighting
+Power
+Decent bend
+Swim move
Negatives
-Burst
Grade: (83.175)
Joseph Ossai Edge Texas
Ossai is another one that is an incredible athlete. Some great burst and very good bend to go with it. His athleticism screams versatility but he has to get a better grasp of coverage. Again, Ossai, like a lot of these guys is raw and needs the coaching and reps. He has the uncoachables down, the question is, are you confident you can teach him what he doesn’t know.
Positive
+Burst
+Bend
+Effort
+Power
Negatives
-Coverage ability
-Pass rush moves
-Only 1 year as primarily a pass rusher
Grade: (83.15)
Patrick Jones Edge Pitt
Powerful edge for size with good burst off the line; he offers good technique on dipping his shoulders as he times it perfectly for when the offensive lineman attempts to land his hands. However, if he doesn’t start to develop moves and more unpredictability NFL tackles will win more than he would like and he needs to pick up his effort level.
Positives
+Burst
+Power for size
+Some well developed moves
Negatives
-Pass rush move toolbox
-Predictability
-Motor
Grade: (81.15)
Gregory Rousseau Edge Miami
Rousseau is the player you can count on to learn the playbook and run the playbook. You can see on the field that he has vast knowledge of the positions on the defensive line already and he sets himself up to make plays using his two strengths, intelligence and length. He does better when lined up in the interior as that allows him to use his length the most to "overpower" lessor players and use his hand fighting ability to get past. I would like him to add some more weight as at his size he is a little lanky. He has an inconsistent get off and from what I saw, lacks truly great flexibility; however he is still fairly new to position as he came from high school as WR/S, played only 2 games in 2018 due to ankle fracture. Rawness but one would think there's potential to work with.
Positives
+Vision
+Awareness/Intelligence
+Length
+Lined up as an interior defensive lineman
+Athletic
+Hand Usage
Negatives
-Lacks rush moves
-Burst/Bend not elite
-Real project
Grade: (80.95)
Hamilcar Rashed Jr Edge Oregon St.
Rashed has great bend in both his hips and ankles. His motor runs hot on every play; he’s never out of it and a lot of times he’ll start on one side of the field and end up on the other trying to make the play. While he has some of the better production one will see out of a college player he needs refinement in the pass rush department in terms of technique. He has all the non-coachable and hard to coach tools. Now someone just needs to complete the player.
Positives
+Bend
+Power
+Intelligent
+Effort
Negative
-Refinement
-Size
Grade: (80.7)
Josh Kaindoh Edge Florida St.
Positive
+Size
+Strength (Inconsistent)
+Burst
+Dip move in toolbox
Negatives
-Injury history (Multiple soft tissue) (Only 10 career starts)
-Rush move toolbox refinement
-Inconsistent bend
-Another highly athletic Florida St. player failing to develop
Grade: (80.175)
Patrick Johnson Edge Tulane
Positives
+Burst
+Decent athleticism
+Decent bend
+Powerful but inconsistent with it
+Spin move
+Experience and some ability to drop in coverage when needed
Negatives
-Pass rush plan inconsistency
-Once stalled he's done
-Consistently using his strength
Grade: (79.35)
Ronnie Perkins Edge Oklahoma
Positive
+Decent but inconsistent burst
+Ankle flexibility
+Effort
+Low pad level
+Long arm ability
Negatives
-Tight hips
-Pass rush moves
-Athleticism
Grade: (78.475)
Chris Rumph II Edge Duke
Positives
+Burst
+Speed
+Bend
+Elite Intelligence against pass, run, and in play action
Negatives
-Pass rush plan
-Pass rush moves
-Tackling
-Strength
-Size
Grade: (76.1)
Quincy Roche Edge Miami
Roche has good hand usage and has a nice swim move in his arsenal. Something that caught me off guard was actually his leverage, he has nice balance and is tuff to move but it is inconsistent. Love Roche when he attacks the B gap. What Roche doesn’t have is a grasp of his assignments. He regularly gets out of his position/over pursues. With time and coaching that can be fixed. What can't be is his lack of flexibility which limits his ceiling.
Positives
+Swim move
+Hand usage
+Leverage (Inconsistent)
Negatives
-Effort
-Consistency
-Bend
-Follow assignment
Grade: (75.425)
Elerson Smith Edge Northern Iowa
Positive
+Height/Length
+Athletic ability
+Promising toolbox to work with if he can add to frame
Negatives
-Weight/Frame
-Level of competition
Grade: (73.725)
Victor Dimukeje Edge Duke
Positives
+Promising moments
+Quick wins in tape
+Ankle flexibility
Negatives
-Effort past initial start
-Consistency
-Solid but nothing jumps out as game changing
Grade: (73.2)
Tarron Jackson Edge Coastal Carolina
Positive
+Spin move
+Production
+Active hands
Negatives
-Tight
-Nothing really stands out in other relevant areas
Grade: (69.325)
Rashad Weaver Edge Pitt
Positive
+Size
+Strength
+Active hands
Negatives
-Burst
-Bend (Elite level the agility testing, slowness and high uptight rush form may result in poor bend)
-Rush move toolbox
-Plays pretty high
Grade: (68.625)
Malcom Koonce Edge Buffalo
Positive
+Bend
+Hand usage
Negatives
-Stance
-Effort
-Readiness
Grade: (64.55)
Charles Snowden Edge Virginia
Positive
+Length
+Promising hand usage
Negatives
-Weight/Frame
-Effort/Motor
-Injuries
-Technique
-Raw
Grade: (64.4)
Shaka Toney Edge Penn State
Positive
+Athleticism
+Burst
+Team captain
Negatives
-Strength (Absolutely bullied at point of attack)
-Size
Grade: (62.3)
Jordan Smith Edge UAB
Positives
+Pass rush move potential
+Block shedding is promising
Negatives
-Stiff hips
-Fails to play read option and runs correctly on the regular
-Consistent strength
-Frame
-One of the worst testers of all time
Grade: (61.45)
Wyatt Hubert Edge Kansas St
Positive
+Motor
+Agility testing
Negatives
-Strength
-Control
-Rush move toolbox
Grade: (61.375)
Interior Defensive Lineman 2021
Levi Onwuzurike IDL Washington
My god, the dude is legit. High level athlete that has tremendous power in his punch. High effort guy that attacks with speed, power, and technique. There is not much you can ask of him and not feel confident in his ability to get it done.
Positives
+Freak athlete
+Elite burst
+Powerful punch
+Dominate 1 on 1 strength; ability to sustain control with one arm
+Promising pass rush tool box
Negatives
-Size is going to be a limiting factor in the run game as double teams could neutralize his power in the NFL
Grade: (87.82)
Tyler Shelvin IDL LSU
I am a big fan of Shelvin. High level effort, real nice burst and size combination. He has a real nice ability to take on double teams either with power or trying to split them with some finesse. He shows some promise in the passing game with active hands and a couple go to moves that work for him. He doesn't have great or even good athleticism because of his size so he's going to be limited to the edges of the pocket. Your not drafting this guy with the intent of him pursuing backs to the second level. He's going to be a grinder in the trenches.
Positives
+Versality to play both 4-3 DT and 3-4 Nose in my opinion
+Elite burst for size on tape
+Strength
+Powerful attacker on double teams
+High level motor
+Promising pass rush moves
Negatives
-Range
-Not a great athlete
Grade: (83.2)
Christian Barmore IDL Alabama
Barmore is a very good athlete with good size for the position. He has developed well as a pass rusher with his mentality to attack, active hands, and a well tuned swim move. What he lacks is against the run. Limited reps throughout college career and he lacks the strength to combat double teams at a successful rate.
Positives
+Nice athlete+Good burst
+Active hands
+Swim move
+Powerful; can get through double team if the effort is there
Negatives
-Limited reps against the run; usually taken out
-If he isn't told to go for it, double moves give he trouble
Grade: (82.875)
Bobby Brown III IDL Texas A&M
I do not think you'll find a guy whose athletic testing numbers confirm the tape more. Brown III has very good explosiveness and awareness of his gap openings and he shoots them with precision. He has the able to stand against double teams but I don't really see him powering through them. Brown is a very does his job type of guy. He will follow the scheme to a the exact point, not much ad-libbing to his game. Brown III's problem is he's a little raw in utilizing rush moves and his athleticism outside of his burst is average.
Positives
+Burst/Explosiveness
+Ability to handle double teams
+Intelligent
+Follows the play
+Size
Negatives
-Raw in passing game
-Average range
Grade: (82.875)
Alim McNeill IDL NC State
McNeil is a versatile interior player. Decent athlete with a lot of power. Regularly controlling the blocks. McNeil may not transition well initially as he wins with power hands and blocker control, but his length contradicts how he wins. He will face a much tougher battle in the NFL but the traits and potential he has shown I think giving some time he will be a very nice player.
Positives
+Versatility to play both 4-3 DT and 3-4 edge with 3-4 NT experience
+Powerful punch
+Blocker control
+Promising pass rush moves
+Decent athlete for size
+Effort
Negatives
-Refinement
-Short arms
Grade: (81.525)
Daviyon Nixon IDL Iowa
Nixon is a high level athlete that has a well developed pass rush toolbox. He has good burst with moments that show he can convert his speed to power. Nixon struggles stem from his size and power. While he has good size on paper, his frame is built more compact. Nixon struggles to power through defenders regularly and utilizes a lot of energy to do so which shows al lot on tap as you love the burst but hate his finish.
Positives
+Nice athlete
+Good burst
+Advanced pass rush toolbox
Negatives
-Very short fuse; fizzles quickly
-On paper good size, but frame is built compact
-Utilizes a lot of his energy to power through blocks
Grade: (81.2)
Darius Stills IDL West Virginia
Stills plays hard each and every single rep. Good athlete with good burst. Advanced pass rush moves that he combines with decent power for him to get past his blocks. Has size issues in weight, height, length, and hands. Stills biggest problem is in the run game. He's all about the pass so he abandons his job. If someone can add some control to his game he will be a very nice piece to someone's team.
Positives
+Good athlete
+Burst
+Flexibility
+Promising toolbox with go to moves; active hands; rip moves; swipes
Negatives
-Size
-Too focused on getting into back field
Grade: (78.75)
Milton Williams IDL La Tech
Positives
+Elite athlete
+Great strength
Negatives
-Short arms
-Unable to combat a double team
-Needs to move to edge with possible sub package role in the interior
Grade: (76.075)
Marvin Wilson IDL Florida St.
Positives
+Strength
+Active hands
+Promising pass rush toolbox
+Good motor
Negatives
-Lacks athleticism
-Consistency
-Regressed from 2019
Grade: (73.75)
Osa Odighizuwa IDL/Edge Tulane
Positives
+Good athlete
+Large hands
+Position versatility
Negatives
-Inconsistent power
-No pass rush plan
-Nothing is jump out as a wow factor
Grade: (72.55)
Marlon Tuipulotu IDL USC
Positives
+Well developed rip move
+Large hands
Negatives
-Consistent power
-No plan of attack
-Athleticism
Grade: (72.475)
Tommy Togiai IDL Ohio State
Positives
+Good power
+Low pad level
+Promising hand usage
Negatives
-Small hand and arms
-Lack of knowledge of run game
-On paper he's a good athlete but tape shows fluidity and stiffness issues
Grade: (71.825)
Jay Tufele IDL USC
Positives
+Well developed swim move
+Promising pass rush tool box
Negatives
-Lacks strength
-Lack of knowledge of run game
Grade: (70.9)
Jalen Twyman IDL Pitt
Positives
+Hand size
+Strength
Negatives
-Undersized
-Not a great athlete
-Poor burst
-Lack of awareness
-Lots of coaching needed
Grade: (68.5)
Cameron Sample IDL/Edge Tulane
Positives
+High level athlete
+Position versatility
Negatives
-Length
-No pass rush plan
-Motor
-Strength to combat NFL guards
-Flexibility
Grade: (68.375)
Linebackers 2021
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah LB/S Notre Dame
The first sponsorship Jeremiah needs is with Energizer because he is the Energizer bunny man. High energy player with stellar athletic traits. His energy, speed, range, coverage ability, and the power he coverts make him a huge threat based on traits alone. He is a heat seeking missile coming downhill who will go for the big hit, which causes some tackling issues as well as poor angles against the run and avoiding blocks but he is athletic enough and has the ability. Very good coverage instincts and I see the instincts against the run, I just think he gets lost in his own chaos. If someone can focus his energy a little more I think people stop worrying about his size.
Positives
+Great speed
+Range
+Coverage ability (TE's, RB's, and WR's)
+Speed to power conversion
+Energy for days
+Vocal on field
Negatives
-Size
-Too much chaotic energy cause failed angles and missteps
Grade: (92.95)
Garret Wallow LB TCU
Wallow is a great athlete, a vocal leader pre and post snap and highly intelligent. Excellent coverage backer who calls out others assignments post snap while covering his own and he truly understands situations. Multiple times in his tape you see him bait the underneath throw on third down knowing his athletic ability will allow him to successful stop the play before the first down is reached. He is still feeling out the linebacker position as he converted from safety. You can see the instincts are developing in the run game, he still lacks the strength and a plan to deconstruct blocks though. He is a leader through and through and he traits will allow him to play special teams at a high level.
Positives
+Good speed and range
+Commander pre and post snap
+Great coverage ability
+Extremely intelligent zone coverage
+500+ special teams snaps
Negatives
-Size
-Safety convert
-Still developing run defense techniques and instincts (promising developments though)
Grade: (89.725)
Zaven Collins LB Tulsa
Collins is an excellent athlete who may be the best coverage linebacker I have ever seen coming out of college. He has a great understanding of quarterback play as he once played the position, diagnoses the play using quarterbacks eyes and how the entire team reacts, with one specific play standing out when he crossed half the field blowing up a WR screen before the pass was even thrown. While he may have the ability to rush the passer, technique will need refinement and he needs to learn how to use his size as he is not great tackler and lacks the thump you may expect.
Positives
+Elite athleticism
+Size
+Elite coverage ability
+Smart
Negatives
-Tackling
-Strength at point of attack
-Needs to learn how to use his size
-Wide angles blitzing off edge
Grade: (89.35)
Micah Parsons LB Penn State
Parson's is an elite level athlete that can theoretically give you some versatility at linebacker. He does a very good job of finding his zone and as he continues to develop that elite athleticism will allow him to cover TE's and RB's with ease. Has some issues as I think his ability to read a play is inconsistent as there are times his reaction never really matches his athleticism. Doesn't do a great job of avoiding blocks when blitzing the middle and then lacks the strength to out muscle and disengage. I am not as high on him as others and then the red flags come up which teams will need to look into.
Positives
+Elite athleticism
+Size
+Promising coverage ability
+Tackling
+Versatility
+Slippery
Negatives
-Strength
-Regularly overshoots his angles
-Character red flags; if they are true, I don't see him as draftable
Grade: (88.1)
Jamin Davis LB Kentucky
Davis has had limited reps but he has shown very good athleticism and coverage ability. While he was a good tackler, especially at his weight, he needs to get better against the run. If he can start to use those same instincts against the run as he uses in zone coverage he will develop into a nice three down linebacker.
Positives
+Good speed
+Range
+Coverage ability
+Good tackler for size
Negatives
-Consistent strength
-Effectiveness in the run game
-Over pursues
-Weight
-Limited starts
Grade: (86.95)
Nick Bolton LB Missouri
Bolton is an athletic linebacker who is very undersized. He doesn't allow that to hold him back however. He attacks the blocks with great strength and utilizes that speed to power conversion to hit the gaps and lay powerful hits. Bolton will be a player a team can lean on because of his linear speed and intelligence but his size and his agility will always bring limitations in shedding blocks and getting to those plays outside the hashes. His instincts can help him make up for it but he will have to always be confident in himself.
Positives
+Linear Speed
+Intelligence
+Promising coverage ability
+Speed to power conversion
Negatives
-Size
-Missed tackles
-Agility
Grade: (86.425)
Jabril Cox LB LSU
Cox is a very good athlete who has the range to cover side to side. You just may not want him coming down hill as he lacks the weight, strength, and technique to take on blocks and consistently make tackles. Cox is going to be a good coverage linebacker using his athleticism and his intelligence in that area of the game.
Positives
+Plus speed
+Range
+Coverage ability
Negatives
-Strength
-Effectiveness in the run game
Grade: (85.5)
Pete Werner LB Ohio State
Positives
+Speed
+Range
+Disengages well
+Promising instincts
+Athleticism
+Coverage ability
+Experience at every LB position
Negatives
-Strength
-Tackling
-Instincts are underdeveloped
Grade: (81.8)
Cameron McGrone LB Michigan
Positives
+Plus speed
+Range
+Takes risk
+Willing to get rough
Negatives
-Strength
-Easily faked on misdirection's or play-actions
Grade: (81.675)
Baron Browning LB Ohio State
Athletic freak as he checked every box at his pro day. He has had moments playing every linebacker position. The issues currently come in the run game as he lacked consistent play against the blocks and choosing correct angles. His reaction speed was also inconsistent. He gets that motor up and starts to develop his instincts more we could see an incredibly versatile player.
Positives
+Good speed and range
+Versatility
+Tackling
+Strength
+Able to avoid and slip blocks, just not consistently
Negatives
-Needs to find more consistency in run game
-Play with more urgency
Grade: (81.65)
Derrick Barnes LB/Edge Purdue
Positives
+Energy guy
+Linear Speed
+Versatility (Played edge and linebacker)
+Athleticism
+Strength (Needs consistency)
Negatives
-Lacks leverage against pulling offensive lineman
-Instincts are underdeveloped
Grade: (80.375)
Nick Niemann LB Iowa
Positives
+Speed
+Range
+Elite athlete
+Tackling
Negatives
-Underwhelming instincts
-Strength
Grade: (78.9)
Dylan Moses LB Alabama
Positives
+Speed
+Range
Negatives
-Consistent instincts
-Strength
-Injury history
Grade: (78.6)
Chazz Surratt LB North Carolina
Positives
+Good speed and range
+Athletic
+Promising coverage ability
+Grit/Toughness especially coming from a position switch (Former quarterback)
Negatives
-Tackling
-Experience
-Raw; major project still
Grade: (78.35)
Isaiah McDuffie LB Boston College
Positives
+Great instincts against the run
+Strength
+Leader
Negatives
-Size
-Agility
Grade: (75.5)
Monty Rice LB Georgia
Positives
+Linear speed
+Tackling
+Decent instincts
Negatives
-Size
-Agility
Grade: (75.3)
Tony Fields LB West Virginia
Positives
+Speed
+Burst
+High Energy
+Special teams potential
Negatives
-Strength
-Size
-Instincts
-Slow footed when he needs to make a read
-Man coverage needs work
Grade: (72.35)
Riley Cole LB South Alabama
Positives
+Strength
+Size
+Linear Speed
Negatives
-Range
-Flexibility
-Tackling form
-Coverage ability
Grade: (69.075)
Buddy Johnson LB Texas A & M
Positives
+Tackling
+Decent Athlete
Negatives
-Strength
-Size
-Slow to react
-Looks lost a lot in coverage
Grade: (68.2)
Ernest Jones LB South Carolina
Positives
+Tackling
Negatives
-Strength
-Size
-Limited athlete
-I'm lower on his football IQ than others
-2 down linebacker at most
Grade: (67.125)
K.J. Brtt LB Auburn
Positives
+Thumper
+Strength
+Team leader
+Traits useful on special teams
Negatives
-Size
-Limited athlete
-Lost in coverage
Grade: (63.25)
Amen Ogbongbemiga LB Oklahoma State
Positives
+Tackling
+Strength
+Vocal
Negatives
-Size
-Limited athlete
-Lacks aggression and plan to take on blocks
Grade: (62.25)
Paddy Fisher LB Northwestern
Positives
+Above average tackling success
+Above average strength
Negatives
-Severely limited athlete
-Zero flexibility; incredibly stiff
Grade: (61.725)
Justin Hilliard LB Ohio State
Positive
+Over 700 special teams snaps
+Team leader
Negatives
-Athleticism
-Injuries
-Lacks production and reps
Grade: (61.4)
Tuf Borland LB Ohio State
Positives
+Team Captain
+Tackling
Negatives
-Severely limited athlete
-Small
-Poor coverage ability
Grade: (60.25)
Erroll Thompson LB Mississippi State
Positives
+Strength
+Tackling
Negatives
-Lacks desired athleticism
-Size
-Poor angles
-Poor coverage ability
Grade: (60.25)
Cornerbacks 2021
Caleb Farley CB Virginia Tech
Farley is fun to watch. Incredible athlete that shows amazing instincts for the position with only playing two years in the role. The instincts likely developed when he played quarterback and wide receiver prior to college. Off man is where he thrives, allowing him to use his current strengths in diagnosing the play and allowing him to use his aggressiveness to make plays underneath.
Positives
+Aggressive
+Physical
+Great at setting himself up to play the ball
+Beautiful speed turns
+Fluid (Amazingly so)
+Good speed
Negatives
-Only two years at position
-Will bite on the underneath so double move vulnerable
-Recent back surgery
-Medical red flags with knee and multiple back surgeries with sciatica symptoms
Grade: (96.9)
Jaycee Horn CB South Carolina
Horn's personality is exactly what you want in a corner. Someone who is extremely confident in his ability but not cocky where the play suffers. Horn just finds ways to win. Aggressive player who will take on the tough matchup and dominate in man coverage. Good athlete that pairs good size and strength with it leading to a high potential player. Something that jumps out at you is Horn wins but lacks refined technique. That is the goal as he transitions to the next level, if he wants to continue to dominate he needs to turn his talent into skill.
Positives
+Ball skills+Strength
+Aggressive
+Confident
+Good make up speed
+Finds ways to win
Negatives
-Raw-Lacks technique
-Puts himself in position to fail
-Lacks patience and consistency
Grade: (96.2)
Patrick Surtain Jr CB Alabama
Surtain is a highly intelligent corner; you can truly see his film prep in how and what he does on the football field. While most want him in press man, I don't know if that's where I want him to spend most of his time, at least not true press anyway. Surtain is a fluid mover, great ability to mirror and match and I think has enough burst to catch up to his man if he gets lost. There are concerns for long speed and I think Surtain is so smart and preps so well that I would leverage those strengths as much as possible, so in my opinion back Surtain off, protecting the deep pass and allowing him to bait with his intelligence is a smarter play. No matter what, I believe Surtain develops into a well balanced system-less corner.Positives
+Fluid Mover+Aggressive
+Mirror and match
+Enough speed to catch up
+High Intelligence
Negatives
-Handsy during route-Press man lacks aggressiveness
-Over confidence issue (mental errors)
Grade: (95.525)
Greg Newsome II CB Northwestern
Highly athletic corner with good size. Really fluid and shows great technique in press man and zone coverage. Aggressive physical corner that aims to make plays at the catch point. Off man needs serious refinement as technique in all areas can get sloppy. While he has the aggressiveness and strength he lacks the willingness to get dirty and tackle. If a coach can unlock that sky is the limit for Newsome.Positives
+Confident
+Fluid
+Good size
+Good burst
+Press man
+Intelligent
Negatives
-Lacks will to tackle-Abandons technique in off man
Grade: (91.55)
Tay Gowan CB UCF
Gowan opted out 2020 for family reasons due to Covid-19. In all the tape I watched he just never seemed out of position in man coverage. Great size and a good athlete to go along with it. Physical at catch point and above average tackler. I will likely end higher on him than most.Positives
+Mirror and matches+Man technique
+Physical at catch point
Negatives
-2020 Opt out-1 Year starter at FBS level
Grade: (89.6)
Ifeatu Melifonwu CB Syracuse
With Melifonwu there is debate that he should transition to Safety, just like his brother was when he was drafted. I think you should try him at corner first as not many people have this size and athleticism, so if this works you'll get a nightmare on the outside. Melifonwu can instantly fit into a cover 3 scheme and has the traits to develop into a press man corner; it's just about teaching him the proper technique to go with those physical attributes.Positives
+Size+Block shedding
+Strong tackler
+Athletic for size
+Zone
Negatives
-Man technique
-Eyes focus too much on quarterback; however that is Syracuse's concepts
-Doesn't trust back peddle
-Can be too patient in off man
-Raw
Grade: (86.4)
Rodarius Williams CB Oklahoma State
He may be my guy this year. I didn't think that going in as I never saw him play till I turned on the tape. Williams has got this attitude to him. It's not flashy, it's very subtle, almost like your (the receiver) is boring him. He's in complete zen on the football field. Complete confidence in his abilities.Positives
+Enhanced his game senior year+Patient
+Physical tackler
+Willing to get dirty in run game
+Mirror and matches
+Press and off-man technique
+Great eye discipline
+Ball skills
Negatives
-Footwork out of back peddle could use refinement-Defensive scheme limits
Grade: (85.55)
Keith Taylor CB Washington
Taylor puts himself at a disadvantage nearly every single play since his freshman year in press coverage. He makes the first move each time and its a step forward putting himself in an incorrect position as its a false step. Still with a consistent false step he is able to play press man at a high level. This is a fixable issue and taking that with the uncoachable traits, there's a lot to like about Keith Taylor.Positives
+Significant press man reps+Mirror and match ability
+Great size/length
+Willing tackler
+Good athleticism
Negatives
-Press man technique (Still wins)-Tackling form needs work
Grade: (85.3)
Tyson Campbell CB Georgia
Campbell shows good potential, has great size and length combined with elite speed you just don't get with someone this tall on this side of the ball. Very inconsistent play however. Deep in routes Campbell has a tendency to just get lost out there, way to many mental errors. Definitely has the traits to gamble on, you just need to be confident the mental aspects missing from his game can be fixed.Positives
+Good man technique+Elite speed
+Great size
+Good hands in press
Negatives
-Handsy deep into route-Frame (lacks strength for size)
-Inconsistent/slow feet
-Can become lost deep in route
Grade: (85.125)
Trill Williams CB Syracuse
Trill Williams is a swiss army knife. He is going to play all over the field matching up with targets at outside, nickel, and safety. Williams can tackle very well and hit very hard. He has some technique issues in man that compromise his fluidity, projects best as an outside corner in cover 3 scheme or a move to safety is in order due to size and physicality.
Positives
+Swiss army knife+Size
+Physical; hard hitter
+Lucky; big play machine
Negatives
-Technique issue that causes fluidity issueGrade: (84.95)
Asante Samuel Jr CB Florida St
I am lower on him than most, and my opinion defers on where he'll thrive in the NFL. With transition issues and constant false steps I see him playing better in off man systems where he can utilize his athleticism and strength. I think he can become a highly intelligent cornerback if a coach continues to develop those instincts and I think everyone knows just how physical he is.Positives
+Athleticism+Strength
+Speed
+Physicality and attitude
+Promising intelligence
Negatives
-Transition issues-Chaotic movements
-Under developed instincts (But promising)
-Raw in my opinion
-Consistent false steps in press
Grade: (84.8)
Eric Stokes Jr CB Georgia
I am way lower on Stokes then others. Obviously the traits are there, tall, super athlete, of course teams are going to bet on the traits and believe they can develop him into a starting cornerback. I just just have major concerns about technique. Lots of times Stokes lucked into plays due to him messing up. I hope he gets to a coach that can carve up all that talent into skill.Positives
+Physical at catch point+Best athlete in class
+Shows great potential
Negatives
-Handsy-Bad eye discipline
-Ball hungry; lacks focus on receiver and his own positioning
-Almost all production product of luck not skill
Grade: (84.025)
Ambry Thomas CB Michigan
Positives
+Physical/Tough+Willing to get dirty to make a play
+Ball skills
+Speed
+Arm length
+Elite level athlete
Negatives
-Undisciplined-Hips leave something to be desired
-Poor feet lead to poor positioning
Grade: (81.875)
Robert Rochell CB Central Arkansas
Positives
+Good size+Mirror and matches well
+Athletic freak
+Ball skills
+Lots of refinement but there's something already there
Negatives
-Press but doesn't get hands on-Lacks eye discipline in zone
-Handsy
-Level of competition
-Inconsistent hips
-Raw
Grade: (81.8)
Benjamin St-Juste CB Minnesota
Positives
+Enough Speed+Great size
+Ball locator (great timing)
+Eyes discipline in zone
+Has many promising moments
Negatives
-Raw-Limited hips
-Lacks consistency
Grade: (81.6)
Aaron Robinson CB UCF
Everyone believes Robinson could come into a team and command the slot but I disagree. I think the anticipation and stiff/slowness issues exclude him from the slot. I see Robinson needing to go to a team that will develop him on the outside in a press system where he has the boundary as an extra defender.Positives
+Press man+Speed
+High level athlete
+Slot and press experience
+Physical
Negatives
-Poor footwork-Flat footed and false steps
-Lacks some anticipation/intelligence
Grade: (81.575)
Kelvin Joseph CB Kentucky
Positives
+Size+Athleticism
+Moments that show sparks of skill development
Negatives
-Horrible eye discipline-Bad footwork due to eyes
-Raw in most aspects
-Reportedly has character concerns (no specifics/not weighted in grades)
Grade: (79.65)
Rachad Wildgoose CB Wisconsin
Nickel is a natural fit for Wildgoose.Positives
+Speed+Burst
+Inside and outside experience under Jim Leonhard
+Compact thumper when he wants to hit
+Good hips
Negatives
-Broken Scapula in 2020 (Limited tape, gamble pick)-Lacks reps in press
Grade: (77.325)
Tre Brown CB Oklahoma
Positives
+Speed+Return man
+Ball locator
+Click and close
+Mirror and matches well
Negatives
-Size-Feet can be slow as he likes to stay patient, almost overly baits
-Can get lost in zone with his focus
-Susceptible to head fakes
-Physical yet loses due to bad positioning/no leverage leading him to be outmuscled
-Can get too ball hungry as he turns to locate too early
Grade: (77.075)
Deommodore Lenior CB Oregon
Positives
+Speed to power conversion+Burst
+Mirror and match
+Instincts
+Versatility in alignment and scheme
Negatives
-Long Speed-Inconsistent in lower half
-Handsy
-Limited ceiling
Grade: (77.025)
DJ Daniel CB Georgia
Positives
+Length+Strength
+Shows ability in press/press bail/cover 3
+Good feet
+Decent recovery speed
+Potential
Negatives
-Not just handsy but grabby-Raw
-Focus tends to be on receiver not ball when ball is in air
Grade: (76.775)
Shakur Brown CB Michigan St.
Positives
+Closing speed+Gambler
+Ball skills
+Good hips
+Hand usage to disrupt routes
Negatives
-Can get handsy deeper in route-Lacks consistent eye discipline
-Gambler
Grade: (75.475)
Camryn Bynum CB Cal
Positives
+Feisty+Strength
+Instincts
+Decent hips
Negatives
-Lacks speed-Lacks quick feet
-Gives lots of space on underneath routes
-Low ceiling
Grade: (73)
Shaun Wade CB/S Ohio State
Positives
+Able to stick in hip pocket+Above average instincts
+Experience at multiple positions
Negatives
-Never seen someone regress so much-Lacks the physicality/aggression from previous years
-Stiff hips
-Lack of motor
-Not a nickel where others project
Grade: (72.925)
Paulson Adebo CB Stanford
Positives
+Fluid+Athletic
+Size
+Can be physical
Negatives
-Poor man technique-Quickly bails on his back peddle
-Huge fall in play
Grade: (71.125)
Avery Williams CB Boise State
Positives
+Speed
+Physicality
+Fluidity
+Special teams ace
+Elite returner
+600+ special teams snaps
Negatives
-Size
-Teams looking into switch positions; no college RB/WR experience
Grade: (69.825)
Israel Mukuamu CB South Carolina
Positives
+SizeNegatives
-Stiff hips-Bad eyes in man
-Lacks aggression when tackling
Grade: (68.775)
Kary Vincent Jr CB LSU
Positives
+SpeedNegatives
-Gives up too much space-Poor change in direction
-Lack of route recognition, anticipation, and poor footwork eliminate speed
Grade: (66.825)
Thomas Graham Jr. Oregon
Positives
+Very good instincts+Inconsistent but fluid hips
Negatives
-Has no plan of attack for WR release-Lack of speed
-Lives and dies by early decision making
Grade: (64.7)
Marco Wilson CB Florida
Positives
+Physical+Decent closing speed
Negatives
-Poor technique-Poor hand usage
-Eyes focus on quarterback far too much
Grade: (64.65)
Safeties 2021
Jevon Holland S Oregon
I really like Holland's game. Good size, high level athlete, good strength, combine that with his elite instincts and awareness and you get a legit threat on the back end of your defense. Very good in coverage but I think what separates him is his elite level ball skills and his tackling ability.
Positives
+Fluid
+Instincts
+Burst
+Physical
+Ball skills
+Tackling form
Negatives
-Some flat feet in coverage, which is a coachable issue based on how he plays most of the time
-Opted out of this season so no new tape
Grade: 88.9
Trevon Moehrig S TCU
Moehrig is decent athlete in general at safety but man he is so smooth with very fluid transitions. Good coverage ability as it always seems like he's close to the offensive player when the catch happens and it is there he is able show off some nice ball skills. He's aggressive which helps and hurts him as he has average speed but when it comes to his above average instincts it can lead him to a few missteps. I definitely see the potential and I think coaching will help his deficient areas of tackling form and effort issues.
Positives
+Aggressive
+Physical
+Smooth transitions; good hips; nice footwork
+Above average instincts
Negatives
-Not the best tackler, but willing
-Moment were you can see an effort dip
Grade: 87.975
Richie Grant S UCF
Grant plays his best as a high safety where he can use his range, coverage ability, and intelligence to combat receivers and the quarterback. I see some issues when Grant has too many responsibilities down low where he either gets caught in-between or bites too hard. Comparing that tape to the tape where he plays high and focuses on pass coverage its a no brainer to see him as a high safety.
Positives
+Active hands to punch the ball out
+Range
+Intelligence
+Athletic
+Coverage skills
+500+ special teams snaps
Negatives
-Natural strength
-Size
-Issues when he has too many responsibilities; can get caught in-between or biting
Grade: 85.325
Elijah Molden S Washington
Molden really fits todays NFL mold of that hybrid player. He has the ability to cover the slot in both man and zone defenses but he's got more than enough aggression and skill to avoid blocks and make tackles. He's not the biggest or the most athletic but he's got a fire in him and he is certainly a solid player.
Positives
+Highly physical
+Nickel hybrid
+Highly intelligent
+Nice downhill acceleration
+Willing and skilled tackler
Negatives
-Lacks the elite speed of shorter players
Grade: 84.425
Comp: Tyrann Mathieu/Budda Baker
Darrick Forrest S Cincinnati
Positives
+Speed and athleticism
+Highly aggressive
+Leader
+Trust his instincts
+Scheme versatility
Negatives
-Overly aggressive; focuses too much on backfield losses coverage assignments
-Some tightness
-Refinement need in most areas but good traits and base to work with
Grade: 79.35
Shawn Davis S Florida
Positives
+Heavy hitter
+Nice patience
+Elite level athleticism
+Range
+Box safety versatility
Negatives
-Injury history
-Refinement needed in coverage but lots of promising moments on film
Grade: 79.15
Andre Cisco S Syracuse
Positives
+Speed and athleticism
+Highly aggressive in run and passing game
+Production
+Physicality
+Scheme versatility
Negatives
-Overly aggressive
-Plays his best when he sees the play develop in front of him and is able to use his aggressiveness coming downhill, but struggles in other areas
Grade: 78.925
Ar'Darius Washington S TCU
Positives
+Intelligent
+Fluid
+Coverage ability
+Good level of physicality especially for size
+Above average athlete
Negatives
-Size
-Issues will come taking on blockers in the run game and possibly combating NFL size and strength
Grade: 78.775
Tyree Gillespie S Missouri
Positives
+Physicality
+High intelligence; vocal leader
+Scheme versatility
+Good tackler
+Nice angles
Negatives
-Lack of ball production
-Refinement needed
Grade: 78.425
Divine Deablo S Virginia Tech
Positives
+Wins the draft for the best name
+Tackling form
+Box safety (size), maybe even a switch to linebacker
+Good athlete
+Has some very good coverage and instinct moments
+700+ special teams snaps
Negatives
-Highly inconsistent
-Work to be done but traits are there
Grade: 76.375
James Wiggins S Cincinnati
Positives
+Elite athlete
+2018 return man
+Heavy hitter
+2018 good coverage moments
Negatives
-2019 ACL injury was a set back
-Promising traits last season as he worked his way back from injury
Grade: 75.8
Jamar Johnson S Indiana
Positives
+Physicality
+Above average coverage ability
Negatives
-Average athlete
-The "ball production" every keeps talking about was more luck in my option and bad play on the offenses end then his skill, maybe I'm being too hard on him but that is what I saw.
Grade: 74.6
Hamsah Nasirildeen S Florida St.
Positives
+Physicality
+Size
+Intelligence against the run
+Downhill aggression
Negatives
-Average athlete
-Average man coverage ability
-Tackling inconsistencies
Grade: 72.675
Talanoa Hufanga S USC
Positives
+Lives for physicality
+Intelligence
+Good ability to avoid blockers when blitzing
+Good tackler
Negatives
-Athleticism
-Injuries
Grade: 71.625
Damar Hamlin S Pitt
Positives
+Hard hitter
+Promising intelligence, doesn't completely trust himself yet
+Great burst
Negatives
-Long speed
-Regularly playing catch up on deep routes
-Injuries
Grade: 71.575
Cade Sterns S Texas
Positives
+High level speed and jumping ability
+Heavy hitter
+Good length
+Good tackler
Negatives
-Not smooth in transition
-Plays very tight
Grade: 71.075
JaCoby Stevens S LSU
Positives
+Moments in coverage that are promising
+Size
+Vertical
Negatives
-Caught in-between positions
-Lacks the mentality that usually comes with size
-He put on weight in 2020. I think he needs to lose weight get some speed back and stay at safety
Grade: 67
Jamien Sherwood S Auburn
Positives
+Size and length
+Tackling form
+Heavy hitter
+500+ special teams snaps
Negatives
-Well below average athlete
-Lacks coverage instincts
-Barely even has average athletic ability to play linebacker
-Lacks a true position
Grade: 65.5
Christian Uphoff S Illinois St
Positives
+Size
Negatives
-Average athlete
-Refinement needed
-Tackling inconsistencies
Grade: 64.45
Paris Ford S Pitt
Positives
+Burst
+Heavy hitter
+Above average intelligence
Negatives
-One of the worst athletic profiles in the class
-Terrible pro day in the year of all time pro days
-Inconsistencies throughout
Grade: 62.475
Richard LeCounte S Georgia
Positives
+Good zone instincts
+Willing to lay big hits
Negatives
-Poor athlete
-Lacks some skills in man
-Size
Grade: 61.975
Tariq Thompson S San Diego St
Positives
+Zone instincts
+Production
Negatives
-Another crazy bad athletic profile
-Size
-Tackling inconsistencies
-Range
Grade: 57.625
Joshuah Bledsoe S Missouri
Positives
+Strength
Negatives
-Stiff
-Tackling inconsistencies
-Below average athlete
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