roster watch, starting 5/22 thru…. ?

They have signed defensive tackle Omarius Bryant

PFF SCOUTING REPORT: OMARIUS BRYANT, EDGE, WESTERN KENTUCKY

https://www.profootballfocus.com/draft-pff-scouting-report-omarius-bryant-edge-western-kentucky/

The PFF analysis team breaks down the prospects of Western Kentucky’s Omarius Bryant ahead of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Name: Omarius Bryant
School: Western Kentucky
Height: 6-3 Weight: 315
Position fit: 3- or 5- technique

Stats to know: Only Alabama’s Jonathan Allen managed more than Bryant’s 63 combined pressures among 3-4 DEs.

What he does best:

Possesses the upper-body strength to rock blockers on initial contact.
Regularly stands up offensive linemen at the point of attack.
Rarely overpowered, consistently holds his ground at the line of scrimmage.
Capable of disrupting run plays despite facing multiple blockers.
Plays with good leverage, sinks his hips effectively to maintain a low center of gravity.
Ruthless bull-rusher, deposits offensive linemen on their quarterback regularly.
Capable of mauling centers with power moves from 0 technique in the nickel.
Understands when to “get skinny” to collapse the pocket against multiple blockers.
Uses active hands to disengage, even when initially blocked.
High-effort player, chases plays hard.
Biggest concern:

Struggles to adjust and fend off cut blocks because of his top-heavy momentum.
Can be washed upfield when attempting to penetrate, widening running lanes.
Occasionally over pursues plays due to his aggression into the backfield.
Indifferent first step, flashes burst but only intermittently.
Lacks the range to consistently finish plays behind the line of scrimmage.
Tackling is a problem generally, missed seven of 59 attempts over last two years.
Not especially athletic, struggles to change direction on the move.
Rarely beat pass protectors with quickness, limited power rusher.
Player comparison: Ray McDonald, retired

McDonald was a solid base end for the 49ers for the better part of a decade. Bryant has similar potential entering the NFL. He is unlikely to produce splash plays on a regular basis, and perhaps lacks the upside of others in this class, but represents a dependable prospect capable of contributing immediately in a defensive line rotation.

Bottom line: Athleticism always catches the eye of NFL evaluators, but teams on the third day of the draft should predominantly be concerned with finding role players. Bryant is unlikely to provide the pass-rush production required of a nickel interior defender, but he can impact both facets of the game consistently from the base package. Bryant appeals because of the balanced nature of his skillset. Although splash plays appear infrequently, Bryant is a regular disruptor, capable fulfilling an important niche in the pros.

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They have signed defensive tackle A.J. Jefferson

A.J. Jefferson (+) Coming off Dec 2016 Shoulder Surgery
College: Mississippi State
Height: 6-2 Weight: 280

A.J. Jefferson, Edge, Mississippi State

link: https://www.profootballfocus.com/draft-college-football-5-nfl-prospects-on-rise/

Mississippi State likes to rotate a lot of players in and out along the defensive line, and that often leads top players flying under the radar. Jefferson has quietly performed well as part of the rotation the last two years, but he’s taken his game to a new level so far in 2016. He was one of the best players on the field last weekend against South Carolina, getting in on a sack, QB hit, two hurries and four run stops. It’s the best game we’ve seen from him in three years of grading, though he’s certainly flashed the big-play ability in each of the last two seasons. Like the others on the list, it’s all about bringing the same production throughout the season.

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DE AJ JEFFERSON, MISSISSIPPI STATE

link: http://dynastyfootballfactory.com/de-aj-jefferson-mississippi-state/

In his early, high school years, AJ dominated the playing field in his home town of North Pike. Then, moving onto Mississippi State, AJ was hoping to play well enough to get noticed by NFL scouts. Fortunately, Coach Dan Mullan had some experience with helping his young stars get on the proverbial map, as he helped coach DT Fletcher Cox along which helped to vault him into the top tiers of talent in the NFL. Just for good measure, toss in Preston Smith and Chris Jones and you can see the program has been good at recruiting ends and this is good for AJ Jeffersons’ potential opportunity should be earn it.

Reviewing the Tape

Looking back at Jefferson last season left me feeling like I was on a teeter-totter, slowly swaying up and down. Some good plays and some bad plays. I wanted to see more plays where he would finish. Nevertheless, his stats were good (47 total tackles of which 13.5 went for a loss). You know that’s one of my favorite stats. Penetration is BIG and when you’re getting stops in enemy territory your getting those tackles for a loss bonus points but, you’re also around the QB which can lead to those sacks which is what gets us IDP’ers all fired up.

To Jefferson ’s credit, his ability to move along the D-line is something positive and by extension, helps him stay on the field which in turn can help his team no matter the down or distance. Bottom line…stay on the field and you’re going to have more opportunities. However, I didn’t like the way Jefferson was getting off the blocks. For me, this is one of the more important skills for an end to implement into his arsenal. Using a bull rush is disruptive, but if you’re not going to be able to shed the block and make a play you’re not going to help out your fantasy owners. Although, looking at his quicks, I did like his ability to use a fast twitch burst, but didn’t see that closing burst to finish a play.

The Time is Now

Taking a closer look this season I like what I am seeing. To date, Jefferson has started the season off with 12 tackles of which 3 went for a loss along with 3 credited sacks. He is definitely taking it to players who are less skilled. Love that! However, can he stay consistent all season and bring it every snap? That’s the trait I will be looking for as the season progresses.

Excitable Note: When A.J. is over a Guard I get excited watching him use his hands to get leverage and then turn on the turbo to go get the Quarterback. Additionally, his strength is apparent and shows up often as well. Jefferson is certainly capable of shoving players at times and then make a play. Nevertheless, like with all young players, consistency will be key. Ultimately, coming off the edge he is quick with his first step and can use his hands to move into position to close on the QB. At the end of the day, his penetration shows well on film and when working from the goal line he is also able to get low and penetrate. I like that.

Summary

We have a long season left to go. I look forward to keeping an eye on him and want himself to play into a Senior Bowl invite. Should he make it to the NFL, I see him more as a 4-3 end. He likely won’t be a sideline to sideline player, but can win one-on-ones and be disruptive. Last season and rolling into this season Jefferson has shown steady improvement and we should certainly know by seasons end what his ceiling could be.