big draft thread #1

[zn]

InvaderRam wrote:

alyoshamucci wrote

Drafting 2 TEs? I know we’ll “get” two … but I’m thinking it may be post draft.

The talent is crazy at the position this year and I’m not seeing 35 TEs getting drafted …
Some guys aren’t even getting mentioned and when I run through simulations there are always TEs available…

i think the rams need a tight end more than a wideout. i think there’s more talent at that position than is being given credit for. tight end, on the other hand, is a bigger question mark. notice i say bigger. cuz ultimately they’re both question marks, but i think tight end is the bigger one.

it’s evan engram for me. hodges if engram isn’t available. the talent is super crazy there this year. i’d say howard, but i mean we gotta be realistic here.

I think it’s inevitable. McVay used TEs to good effect in Washington as a coordinator and before that was a TE coach. I bet it’s the same as with Fisher–Fisher the DB then DB coach was good at drafting them. McVay could work out the same way with TEs.

[InvaderRam]

yeah. tight ends are a huge part of his offense. and engram would be the best available if he makes it there. he can catch short, intermediate, and deep.

he’s not much of a blocker. i heard he can be effective run blocking. and he shows the willingness at times, but where he really runs into problems is pass blocking. but i think it’s simple. don’t use him as much pass blocking. let him go run a pattern and catch passes! haaha!

seriously though. i just don’t see a receiver who could make the impact that engram could. i think you could line him up all over the field. just don’t use him to protect goff. mcvay will find other ways to maximize his talent i’m sure.

[InvaderRam]

i’ll put it this way. i could see engram catch 90-100 passes in this offense. in this instance, i’m not sure how much pass blocking he’ll need to be doing. and i’d imagine defenders would be so preoccupied with him going out on patterns, that it’d hinder their ability to rush goff.

[zn]

the best hands in the NFL draft

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-path-to-the-draft/0ap3000000796880/Top-5-best-hands-in-NFL-Draft

[zn]

from An updated look at the edge defender class in the 2017 NFL Draft

By John Owning

link: https://www.fanragsports.com/nfl/updated-look-edge-defender-class-2017-nfl-draft/

The edge defender class in the 2017 NFL Draft has a chance to be great, or even historic. Take a look at any mock draft, and you will see a handful of talented pass-rushers permeating the first round.

Everyone can agree on who the first one of the board will be (Myles Garrett), but there is a multitude of varying opinions on which player should be next. It usually comes down to what type of pass rusher that analyst prefers.

If they are looking for a disruptive penetrator with position flexibility, Stanford’s Solomon Thomas would likely be the choice. If a long and lean pass-rusher is more their speed, then Michigan’s Taco Charlton would be a choice praised by many.

Personal preferences aside, most will agree that this is a deep edge defender class that is crawling with intriguing talent. With that in mind, let’s try to rank this edge defender group.

zn note: follow the link to the original for the complete article and the vids it contains

[zn]

InvaderRam wrote:

i could see engram catch 90-100 passes in this offense

[InvaderRam]

zn wrote:

from An updated look at the edge defender class in the 2017 NFL Draft

By John Owning

link: https://www.fanragsports.com/nfl/updated-look-edge-defender-class-2017-nfl-draft/

The edge defender class in the 2017 NFL Draft has a chance to be great, or even historic. Take a look at any mock draft, and you will see a handful of talented pass-rushers permeating the first round.

Everyone can agree on who the first one of the board will be (Myles Garrett), but there is a multitude of varying opinions on which player should be next. It usually comes down to what type of pass rusher that analyst prefers.

If they are looking for a disruptive penetrator with position flexibility, Stanford’s Solomon Thomas would likely be the choice. If a long and lean pass-rusher is more their speed, then Michigan’s Taco Charlton would be a choice praised by many.

Personal preferences aside, most will agree that this is a deep edge defender class that is crawling with intriguing talent. With that in mind, let’s try to rank this edge defender group.

no mention of tyus bowser in this article. i think he has a chance to be special.

[zn]

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/pat-elflein?id=2557879

Elflein, Pat C 6’3″ 303 Ohio St.

SOURCES TELL US “You are getting a guy who will be great for your locker room and will get the rest of the offensive line on board. I think he could have the same fast impact on a team’s running game that Zach Martin had in Dallas. Safe draft pick to me.” — NFC West scout

NFL COMPARISON Travis Frederick

BOTTOM LINE Elflein is a smart, tireless worker with a winning background and experience at all three interior offensive line spots. While his feet are just average, his core strength and wrestling background could make him a favorite of teams looking for more strength at the center position. Elflein will have occasional issues in pass protection, but his strength as a run blocker and ability to play with excellent hands and plus body control should make him one of the first interior linemen to come off the draft board.
-Lance Zierlein

[InvaderRam]

zn wrote:

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/pat-elflein?id=2557879

Elflein, Pat C 6’3″ 303 Ohio St.

SOURCES TELL US “You are getting a guy who will be great for your locker room and will get the rest of the offensive line on board. I think he could have the same fast impact on a team’s running game that Zach Martin had in Dallas. Safe draft pick to me.” — NFC West scout

NFL COMPARISON Travis Frederick

BOTTOM LINE Elflein is a smart, tireless worker with a winning background and experience at all three interior offensive line spots. While his feet are just average, his core strength and wrestling background could make him a favorite of teams looking for more strength at the center position. Elflein will have occasional issues in pass protection, but his strength as a run blocker and ability to play with excellent hands and plus body control should make him one of the first interior linemen to come off the draft board.
-Lance Zierlein

i think i like pocic better. more potential there.

[zn]

Mel Kiper Jr., Todd McShay and Chris Sprow discuss what makes the strategy the Rams could employ in the upcoming NFL Draft with their first pick. Kiper suggests the Rams go with OT Garrett Boles. McShay thinks the Rams could take a CB such as Alabama’s Marlon Humphrey.

[zn]

from PFF’s 3-ROUND MOCK DRAFT

https://www.profootballfocus.com/draft-3-round-mock-draft-myles-garrett-marshon-lattimore-first-off-board/

…

37. Los Angeles Rams
Dede Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma

QB Jared Goff gets a weapon in Westbrook, who has the speed to stretch the field and the wiggle to get open at the intermediate level. He dominated the Big 12 last season and led all Power-5 receivers with 4.08 yards per route run.

69. Los Angeles Rams
Ethan Pocic, C, LSU

Pocic can step right in as the starter at center for the Rams, bringing his impressive movement skills (for a 6-foot-7 player) and strong pass-protection. He finished with the No. 3 grade among Power-5 centers in 2016.

[InvaderRam]

i want pocic. i feel like he could fit in at guard on a short term basis if necessary and eventually take over for sullivan. elfein is more limited i would think.

[sanbagger]

Now that they have signed their stop gap Center, I really don’t see them spending a 2nd or a 3rd on a Center unless they trade back a couple of spots and pick up an extra pick.

The more I’m looking at it the more I’m convinced they are gonna draft a TE early.

To be clear…Ole Sanbag still wants Elfein

MLB Opening day just happened, the Maters is kicking off this weekend, and the Draft just around the corner…good stuff for a sports junkie like me.

[zn]

top 50 prospects for 2017 NFL Draft 4.0

Daniel Jeremiah

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000797858/article/daniel-jeremiahs-top-50-prospects-for-2017-nfl-draft-40

It’s three weeks from the start of the 2017 NFL Draft (April 27-29 in Philadelphia), and like with NFL teams, my board is starting to settle in. Pro days are winding down, which means most of the information has been gathered on the top prospects in the draft. I’ll tweak this top 50 board one more time before the draft, but I don’t suspect there will be a ton of movement.

Here are my top 50 prospects in the 2017 draft, version 4.0:

1
Myles Garrett – DE, Texas A&M
Garrett has ideal size, length, and athleticism. In the passing game, he explodes out of his stance and can win with speed, power or hand moves. He can bend/wrap around the edge and he will also employ a nifty inside spin move. Against the run, he can stack and hold the point of attack but he’s at his best slanting and penetrating. His production dipped this season because of an injury and constant double and triple teams. His motor can run a little hot and cold but he’s forced to play a lot of snaps in the SEC. Overall, this is an elite talent with all-pro potential.
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2
Jamal Adams – S, LSU
Adams has ideal size, versatility, and explosiveness for the position. He lines up as both the high safety and in the box. Against the pass, he is at his best roaming underneath or matching up in the slot. He can range and make plays from the deep middle, but he’s more valuable closer to the line of scrimmage. He doesn’t have a lot of ball production but he provides a physical presence and delivers huge hits on opposing pass-catchers. He is at his best in run support. He is quick to key and explode to the alley. With outstanding range against the run, he makes a lot of plays from the opposite hash. He is a dynamic athlete, and I’ve been told his intangibles are off the charts. He will be a tone-setter for an NFL defense, and he’s ready to play right away.
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3
Malik Hooker – S, Ohio State
Hooker is a tall, rangy safety prospect with incredible instincts. He usually lines up as the high safety and he has an uncanny ability to anticipate throws, drive on the ball, and finish. He is ultra-fluid in his change of direction and has the ability to match up with tight ends in man coverage. He has the best ball skills of any safety I’ve ever evaluated in college. He is also a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Against the run, he is quick to key, read and fill the alley. He does have some fly-by missed tackles, but overall he’s reliable in this area. Hooker has the potential to be one of the league’s best safeties very early in his NFL career.
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4
Leonard Fournette – RB, LSU 1
Fournette has an ideal combination of speed and power. As a runner, he is very aggressive to press the line of scrimmage and is always thirsty for contact. With some runway, he is a load for any single tackler to get on the ground. He does need to improve his patience and he will miss some backside opportunities on occasion. He is very effective in the open field because of his ability to lower himself and run over defenders or destroy them with a violent stiff arm. He rarely attempts to make anyone miss, preferring to punish instead. In the passing game, he isn’t a polished route runner but he catches the ball easy and he’s really improved in pass protection. He can locate blitzers, and is an effective shoulder thrower. Overall, evaluators will nitpick Fournette but he has a better overall skill set than Jamal Lewis did when he entered the NFL, and he can be a workhorse back immediately.
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5
Solomon Thomas – DE, Stanford 1
Thomas has a very lean, muscular frame with the potential to add another 10-15 pounds. This is a fun player to study. He lines up inside and outside and he’s extremely explosive. As a run defender, he can easily stack and hold the point of attack vs. single blocks but he will get washed down the line of scrimmage when double teamed. He is much better on the edge on run downs than he is playing inside. His lateral range is outstanding and his effort is tremendous. As a pass rusher, he has an explosive first step, strong hands and the ability to bend/wrap around the edge. He generates a lot of pressure but he does need to improve his ability to finish. He leaves some sacks on the field in almost every game viewed. Overall, Thomas could excel as a base end on run downs with the ability to kick inside and terrorize guards on passing downs.
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6
Jonathan Allen – DE, Alabama
Allen has a thick, sturdy frame and the flexibility to play multiple positions along the defense front. He is a dominant run defender. He is quick to stack blockers before torqueing and tossing them to the ground. He finds the ball quickly and is an excellent tackler. He doesn’t have elite lateral range but he makes a ton of plays inside the tackle box, and his effort is solid. As a pass rusher, he has very strong, violent hands and he generates a lot of push with his bull rush. I don’t think he will be a dominant pass rusher at the next level but he can be disruptive and play on all three downs. Overall, this is a dominating run defender with the versatility to play inside and outside.
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7
Marshon Lattimore – CB, Ohio State 2
Lattimore has average size but possesses elite foot quickness, agility, and awareness. In press coverage, he is very patient and fluid to open up and mirror underneath. He can play a variety of techniques successfully. In off coverage, he is very aware and explosive to drive on balls in front of him. He does an excellent job of locating and playing the ball down the field. He is outstanding in run support. He fights through blocks and attacks the line of scrimmage. He is a very sure tackler in space. I love the way he competes. He has all of the tools to develop into a No. 1 cornerback at the next level.
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8
O.J. Howard – TE, Alabama 1
Howard has ideal size, speed and toughness for the position. As a route runner, he is at his best on run-away routes. He uses his speed to create separation on seam routes, deep crossers and flat routes. He isn’t used much on option routes and he will need to develop a feel for working in zones and adjusting his route on the move. He has strong hands and a big catch radius. He uses his speed to run away from defenders after the catch and he’s capable of taking underneath throws and turning them into big gains. I love the way he competes in the run game. He can set the edge on the front side and consistently reach and seal on the backside of the play. Overall, Howard is a complete player and he should be an integral part of an NFL offense very early in his career.
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9
Reuben Foster – LB, Alabama 1
Foster has slimmed down in the last year but still has ideal height and bulk for the position. This is one of the most explosive inside linebackers I’ve evaluated in the last five years. Against the run, he attacks the line of scrimmage. He uses his quickness and hands to avoid traffic and get to the ball carrier. His lateral range is off the charts and he arrives with bad intentions. He can uncoil his hips on contact, and he delivered splatter-shot tackles in every game I viewed. In pass coverage, he has the speed and agility to line up and mirror tight ends and running backs. He has average instincts in zone coverage. Overall, this is a difference-making linebacker capable of earning Pro Bowl recognition very early in his career.
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10
Corey Davis – WR, Western Michigan
Davis has ideal height-weight-play speed for the position. He lines up inside and outside, and he’s a very polished and precise route runner. He powers through press coverage and does a nice job of changing speeds and creating separation down the field. He attacks the football in the air with very strong hands and he’s nifty after the catch. He doesn’t have elite speed but he’s plenty fast. Overall, Davis is an excellent player with both a high floor and a high ceiling.
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11
Mike Williams – WR, Clemson
With power-forward size and strength, Williams dominated on every tape I studied. He uses his upper-body strength to power through press coverage, and he effectively shields off opponents on slant and vertical routes. He isn’t a refined route runner but he doesn’t need to create much separation to make plays. He simply overpowers defensive backs when the ball is in the air. He does have some concentration drops but those are offset by incredible diving catches and acrobatic adjustments down the field. He is a load to bring down after the catch and he’s shown the ability to drag defenders into the end zone (see South Carolina game). Overall, his combination of size, physicality, and nasty temperament is unique. He should be a true No. 1 receiver very early in his NFL career.
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12
David Njoku – TE, Miami
Njoku has a long, muscular frame and outstanding athleticism for the position. He primarily lines up flexed in the slot or split out wide. He has outstanding speed to get down the seam and he does a lot of damage on quick-hit and tunnel screens. He’s not a refined route runner, but instead gets by with pure agility and speed. He has strong hands to reach and pluck the ball away from his frame but he does allow some balls to get into his body and ricochet off him. After the catch, he has an explosive burst and he breaks a lot of tackles. In the run game, he’s a work in progress. He gets in the way to shield and wall off, but he needs to get stronger and more physical at the point of attack. Overall, Njoku is very raw but he has an extremely high upside.
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13
Derek Barnett – DE, Tennessee
Barnett has a square, sturdy frame for the position and he’s been extremely productive throughout his career. As a pass rusher, he primarily wins with power or snap anticipation. He doesn’t have elite speed or agility, but he’s very powerful and he knows how to set up offensive tackles. He has a variety of hand moves and his motor never stops. He knows how to flatten to the quarterback at the very top of his pass rush and he’s an excellent finisher. Against the run, he is inconsistent at the point of attack. He gets washed down the line on occasion but will also destroy tight ends and set the edge. Overall, I love Barnett’s production and motor but there are some concerns with his athleticism.
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14
Christian McCaffrey – RB, Stanford 1
McCaffrey has also been a very productive punt and kickoff returner during his career. As a runner, he is very patient to let his blocks develop. His style is very similar to Le’Veon Bell’s. Once he chooses his running path, he has a burst through the hole and has the lower strength to run through arm tackles. He isn’t really a drop-the-shoulder power runner but he steps through a lot of tackles and he’s very elusive at the second and third levels. He is outstanding as a receiver. He can line up in the slot and run crisp routes, generating separation and naturally catching the ball. He has improved in pass protection but that is still a work in progress. In the return game, he is fearless and his combination of vision, burst and toughness has produced several big plays during his career. Overall, I don’t envision McCaffrey as solely a running back. He can do his damage with 20 touches a game, but they need to come in a variety of ways. His versatility is what makes him special.
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15
Dalvin Cook – RB, Florida State 1
Cook has average size and bulk for the position but he is dripping with instincts, explosiveness, and versatility. As a runner, he’s patient, letting his blocking develop before exploding through the line of scrimmage. His feet are always active and he can avoid defenders in tight quarters because of his quickness. He doesn’t have push-the-pile power at the line of scrimmage but once he builds up speed, he can run through tackles at the second and third levels of the defense. He is outstanding in the passing game, running clean routes and plucking the ball naturally. He will excel in the screen game at the next level. In pass protection, he is an effective cut blocker. Overall, Cook is perfect for the way the NFL game is played today. He is an explosive play waiting to happen.
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16
Forrest Lamp – G, Western Kentucky 2
Lamp carries weight well on his 6-foot-4 frame. He excelled at offensive tackle in college, but I believe it would be in his best interest to move inside to guard at the next level. This is one of the more technically sound linemen you’ll see at the college level. He is quick out of his stance and he bends really well. He keeps his hands in tight and consistently stays on balance. He is always very patient and doesn’t overextend. In the run game, he runs his feet on contact and generates movement at the point of attack. He was lights-out against Alabama. His lack of ideal height and length could be an issue in the NFL but that would be alleviated with a move to guard. Overall, Lamp is very strong, consistent and reliable, which should allow him to get on the field right away.
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17
Gareon Conley – CB, Ohio State 1
Conley has a nice blend of size, speed and instincts. In press coverage, he sits and grabs before releasing and mirroring. He is very fluid when he opens up from press and when he transitions from off coverage. He is very aware in zone coverage and shows an explosive burst to drive on the ball. He showed off his ball skills against Wisconsin in 2016 with two excellent interceptions. He can locate and high point the ball with ease. Against the run, he needs to do a better job of wrapping up and getting runners on the ground. The effort is there but the execution can improve. Overall, Conley is a polished player, ready to contribute right away.
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18
Tre’Davious White – CB, LSU 1
White started all four years at cornerback for the Tigers. He has average size and bulk for the position. In my opinion, he is one of the most improved players in this draft class. He made big strides from 2015 to 2016. He is very physical in press coverage and he’s shown the ability to match up with tight ends when necessary. He is a fluid athlete, but there are some concerns with his deep speed. In zone coverage, he is outstanding. He has a quick pedal with outstanding route recognition and anticipation. He arrives in time to make plays on the ball or deliver big hits. I love his aggressiveness. He does have a bad habit of getting a little handsy when the ball is in the air; that can be fixed. He is very aggressive and reliable in run support. Overall, White is trending in the right direction and his best football is ahead of him.
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19
Takkarist McKinley – DE, UCLA 1
McKinley is an undersized player that projects to outside linebacker at the next level. He split time standing up and putting his hand in the ground in UCLA’s scheme. He is a dynamic edge rusher because of his elite get-off and burst. He wins early with speed and he has an explosive inside counter move as well. He is very smooth changing directions and can bend and wrap around the edge. Against the run, he flashes some stack-and-shed ability but he will also get pushed around at times. He is at his best when he’s shooting gaps and relying on his quickness. Overall, McKinley could struggle on run downs but he’s a major force on passing downs. He has double-digit sack potential.
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20
Haason Reddick – LB, Temple 6
Reddick primarily lined up at outside linebacker at Temple but projects as an inside linebacker in the NFL. He has ideal size, instincts, versatility, and explosiveness. Against the run, he is quick to shoot his hands, hold the point of attack, and locate the football. He does hang on blocks too long at times. He will benefit from playing off the line of scrimmage, allowing him to use the extra runway to thud off blockers and quickly free himself to make tackles. He shows tremendous burst, effort, and range from the backside. He is a very skilled blitzer. He has a nifty dip-rip move and excels at avoiding running backs on the way to the passer. He has the speed and agility to match up with backs and tight ends in man coverage. Overall, Reddick is a three-down linebacker with the versatility to play inside or outside depending on the scheme or game plan.
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21
Charles Harris – DE, Missouri 2
Harris has average bulk and length for the position. He lined up in both a two- and three-point stance at Missouri. As a pass rusher, he has a quick first step and a variety of ways to generate pressure. He incorporates a rip move, tight inside spin move, and a slap-swim move. He is sudden at the top of his rush and he’s an excellent finisher. I’d like to see a little more push on his bull rush but he gets by without it. As a run defender, he is better on the backside than the frontside. He plays too high at times and gets uprooted. Overall, Harris is a very polished pass rusher who should be able to harass quarterbacks as soon as he hits an NFL field.
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22
John Ross – WR, Washington
Ross is slightly undersized but has a muscular frame. He lined up inside and outside in Washington’s offense, and also served as the Huskies’ primary kickoff returner. He defeats press coverage with his quickness and can get up to top speed immediately. He runs a lot of speed outs, over vertical routes. When he does have to break down and work back to the quarterback, he’s very efficient and explosive at the top of his route. He tracks the ball naturally and has strong hands. He is an electric kickoff returner with touchdown production. Overall, Ross lacks ideal size and has some durability concerns but is extremely talented and should contribute right away at the next level.
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23
Taco Charlton – DE, Michigan
Charlton has a tall, athletic build with excellent length. As a pass rusher, he can win with quickness or power. He can dip and rip or employ a pure bull rush. He doesn’t have an elite get-off but he has a great feel for how he’s being blocked, effectively countering to get to the passer. Against the run, he’s inconsistent. He flashes the ability to shoot his hands and keep defenders off his chest but he also gets cut a bunch. That’s correctable. Overall, Charlton has the size, athletic ability and savvy to be a solid three-down defender very early in his NFL career.
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24
Jarrad Davis – LB, Florida 5
Davis has ideal size, toughness and range. Against the run, he is very instinctive and he attacks lead blockers. He consistently thuds off blockers, separates and locates the ball. He has outstanding stopping power as a tackler. He has very good lateral range. He gets lost at times in pass coverage, and needs to become more aware as a zone-dropper. He does have the speed and agility to match up with backs and tight ends. Overall, Davis is already a dominant run defender and should improve in the passing game as he continues to develop.
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25
Garett Bolles – OT, Utah 4
Bolles started for only one year at offensive tackle for the Utes. He has good size and length for the position. In pass protection, he is quick out of his stance and bends naturally. He has a sharp, tight punch and a firm anchor. He does get caught oversetting at times, which produces some inside pressure on the quarterback. He has good football awareness considering his limited experience. In the run game, he has knock-off power and shows some nastiness to finish to and through the whistle. He does get overextended at times, but I love his tenacity. Overall, Bolles has some things to clean up but he has starting left tackle ability.
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26
Alvin Kamara – RB, Tennessee 2
Kamara has ideal size, speed and instincts for the position. On inside runs, he has a slashing running style and the ability to get skinny through the hole. His lateral quickness is off the charts and he gets up to top speed in a hurry. He has surprising power at all three levels. Against Vanderbilt, he broke six tackles on the same play. He has the speed to get the edge on outside runs and he’s very elusive in space. He is dangerous in the passing game. He has natural hands and has shown the ability to make special catches (see one-handed grab vs. Texas A&M). The major knock on Kamara is the lack of carries he had during his college career; he’s never carried the ball more than 18 times. However, he has an elite skill set and could end up being the best running back in the entire draft class.
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27
Ryan Ramczyk – OT, Wisconsin 2
Ramczyk started in his only season at Wisconsin after transferring from Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He has ideal size and bulk for the position. In pass protection, he bends easy and has a sharp, quick punch. He can slide and mirror athletic rushers. He does a nice job of reworking his hands and settling down late vs. power rushers. He is very aware vs. twists and stunts. In the run game, he has some initial knock-off power but he needs to become a better finisher. Overall, he doesn’t have a lot of experience but the tools are there for him to be a solid starting left tackle very early in his career.
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28
Deshaun Watson – QB, Clemson 1
Watson has average height and a lean, muscular build for the position. He operates in the shotgun. I love his poise, playmaking ability and intangibles. He holds the ball by his ear and has a smooth, quick delivery. He has enough arm strength to make all of the throws. His accuracy has been very inconsistent, especially on the deep ball. He has some bad misses on tape. He does show the ability to quickly work through progressions and stay poised in the pocket. His decision-making has been another area that needs improvement. He really struggled with red-zone interceptions in his final season. He is a very effective runner. He is slithery to avoid tacklers and has shown outstanding toughness both as a runner and in the pocket. Overall, I think Watson has a lot of upside at the position but his accuracy issues and decision-making are concerns.
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29
Quincy Wilson – CB, Florida 2
Wilson has outstanding height and bulk for the position. He’s built like a safety. In press coverage, he is very inconsistent with his hands and he allows free inside access on occasion. When he does get his hands on opponents, they have a tough time getting away from him. He has some hip tightness in his turn, but he does flash the ability to catch up. He is at his best in zone coverage, where he can see things develop and attack the ball. He has outstanding ball skills (see one-handed INT vs. Kentucky). He is aggressive in run support and an explosive blitzer. Overall, I wish Wilson was more fluid, but he has ideal size, toughness and ball skills. He should be a solid No. 2 cornerback early in his career.
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30
Budda Baker – S, Washington 2
Baker is an undersized player with outstanding speed and instincts. Usually lining up over the slot, he is an excellent underneath defender. He has the speed and agility to cover man to man, and his instincts put him in positon to make a lot of plays on the ball in zone coverage. He is always around the ball but he doesn’t have reliable hands. He is a missile against the run, quickly reading and attacking the line of scrimmage. He is an outstanding blitzer. He doesn’t play to his size. He’s very physical and a dependable tackler in space. He is outstanding covering kicks on special teams. Overall, Baker is very similar to Tyrann Mathieu but he doesn’t possess the same elite ball skills.
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31
Jabrill Peppers – S, Michigan 1
Peppers has played cornerback, safety, linebacker, running back and quarterback during his time in Ann Arbor, and is an incredibly tough evaluation. He has outstanding athleticism, but didn’t look comfortable playing linebacker in 2016, lacking the size to hold up at that spot in the NFL. I think he’s best suited to play strong safety. As a run defender, he relies on his quickness to burst through gaps and find the ball carrier. Once engaged by blockers, he really struggled. He needs to be clean to be effective. In pass coverage, he has plenty of speed and agility to mirror tight ends, and he is a dynamic blitzer. His instincts and ball production are both average. He is a very explosive punt returner, and is both elusive and instinctive as a runner on offense. Overall, Peppers is a better athlete than football player right now, but he has tremendous upside as a strong safety.
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32
Mitchell Trubisky – QB, North Carolina
Trubisky, a junior, was only a one-year starter for the Tar Heels. He has average height and a thick, square build for the position. He operates in the shotgun and has quick feet in his setup. He has excellent pocket feel and awareness. He has a dip-whip delivery and he generates enough velocity to make all of the necessary throws. He is an anticipation thrower who shows the ability to read the entire field. His accuracy is good, but not great. He has some easy misses on simple underneath throws. He is a very good athlete and throws well on the move to both sides. He is effective on designed QB runs. Overall, Trubisky doesn’t have a lot of experience but he has NFL starting ability.
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DeShone Kizer – QB, Notre Dame
Kizer has a big, sturdy frame for the position and above-average athleticism. He operates from the shotgun and is very comfortable playing inside the pocket. He holds the ball shoulder high and has a nice, smooth throwing motion. He can make every throw with minimum strain. He can drive the ball into tight windows and he flashes the touch to make intermediate throws over linebackers and under safeties. He does have some mechanical issues at times, falling off throws, which can affect his ball placement. I love his poise in the pocket but he needs to speed up his clock at times. He takes some unnecessary sacks. When he does decide to run, he has sneaky quickness and can power through tacklers to pick up extra yardage. He racked up 18 rushing touchdowns over his two seasons as a starter. Overall, Kizer isn’t a finished product but he has all of the desired tools to eventually develop into a solid starting NFL quarterback.
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Cam Robinson – OT, Alabama
Robinson has ideal height, bulk and length for the position. In pass protection, he is effective when he’s patient in his set and stays square. However, there are too many instances where he lunges, loses his balance and gets beat. He has the power base to anchor vs. bull rushers and he flashes an outstanding punch. In the run game, he can generate a lot of movement at the point of attack, but he gets away with a lot of holding in the tapes I studied. Overall, Robinson could be a dominating run blocker early in his career but he needs to clean up some technique in the passing game.
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T.J. Watt – LB, Wisconsin 1
The brother of J.J. and Derek Watt started just one year at linebacker for the Badgers. He is a stand-up edge defender but he’s also used as a walk-around blitzer at times. He has a tall, athletic frame for the position and is a really fun study on tape. As a pass rusher, he has a very quick first step and his hands are outstanding. He doesn’t generate much power with his bull rush but he’s very adept at swiping away opposing hands and closing quickly to the quarterback. He plays every snap at maximum speed and effort. Against the run, he uses his length to stack and shed tight ends routinely and his speed-effort combination is very effective on the backside. Overall, Watt doesn’t have a lot of starting experience, but he could develop into an outstanding 3-4 outside linebacker at the next level.
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Tyus Bowser – LB, Houston NR
Bowser has the skill set to excel on the line of scrimmage or off the ball. Against the run, he uses his quickness to wrap around blockers and make plays. He beats up on tight ends, but offensive tackles can control him when they get their hands on him. He has excellent lateral range and he plays with good effort. He excels against the pass. His combination of quickness and hand moves serves him well as a pass rusher, and he has outstanding cover skills. He lines up over the slot at times and shows the agility to mirror easily. He has tremendous play speed (he covered Dalvin Cook 40 yards down the field) and instincts in coverage. Overall, Bowser is a versatile defender capable of producing double-digit sack seasons as well as matching up with premier tight ends in coverage.
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Adoree’ Jackson – CB, USC
In addition to being USC’s top corner and primary punt and kickoff returner, Jackson saw plenty of time on offense as a receiver and running back. He lacks ideal height and bulk, but he’s a dynamic athlete with tremendous production in all three phases. As a cornerback, he needs to improve his technique and eye discipline, but he has extremely quick feet, elite catch-up speed and outstanding ball skills. He is at his best in off coverage where he can explode out of his pedal and make plays on the ball. On offense, he can take a quick underneath throw and score from anywhere on the field. He is one of the best returners I’ve ever evaluated. Overall, Jackson will need some time to develop as a cornerback, but he has all of the tools to eventually succeed outside or inside in the slot. He should be a Pro Bowl returner early in his career.
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Evan Engram – TE, Ole Miss
Engram is a tight end prospect who lined up flexed in the slot or as a wing at Ole Miss. He is ultra-quick and explosive in the passing game. He is a fluid route runner and shows the ability to accelerate both in and out of the break point at the top of his routes. He excels on seam routes and pivot routes where his combination of speed and quickness is on display. He catches the ball away from his body and flashes the ability to make special one-handed grabs. He has a long way to go as a blocker. He is weak at the point of attack and consistently falls off defenders after initial contact. Overall, Engram is a matchup nightmare in the passing game and a liability in the run game.
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Chidobe Awuzie – CB, Colorado
Awuzie was a four-year starter for Colorado, where he played all four positions in the secondary and also saw some action at outside linebacker during his career. I believe cornerback is his best pro position but his versatility is a tremendous asset. He is ultra-instinctive, productive, and tough. In press coverage, he is patient and avoids lunging or getting beat over the top. He flashes a physical two-hand jam, but there are other times where he fails to shoot and allows a clean inside release. In off coverage, he has a fluid pedal and shows a burst to drive on balls in front. He is fluid to open up and mirror. He has excellent ball awareness down the field. My only concern was a lack of top-tier deep speed but he showed he was plenty fast enough at the combine. Overall, Awuzie is polished and ready to start Day 1 in the NFL.
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Curtis Samuel – RB, Ohio State
Samuel splits his time pretty equally between lining up at running back and in the slot. As a runner, he excels on outside runs where he can incorporate his speed and burst to turn the corner and run away from defenders or make them miss. He doesn’t have much power as an inside runner but he can get skinny and burst through the hole. He lacks the size and strength to carry a heavy load at the next level. He is special as a slot receiver. He is sudden, efficient and instinctive. He can explode by defenders on vertical routes and he’s dynamic after the catch. Overall, I think Samuel could emerge as an elite playmaker at the next level. He should primarily play in the slot but he’s capable of handling 8-10 carries per game as well.
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Josh Jones – S, N.C. State 7
Jones moved all around in the Wolfpack defense. In each game I watched him play in, he aligned as the high safety, in the box, or over the slot. He is extremely fluid and athletic. He has outstanding range from the deep middle and he shows a burst to fill the alley in run support. In the slot, he has the size to match up with tight ends and enough agility to redirect against smaller receivers. He is instinctive and displays excellent ball awareness. He doesn’t always bring his feet on contact but when he does, he demonstrates stopping power. Overall, Jones is a very gifted athlete with a high upside as a free safety.
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Tim Williams – LB, Alabama 1
Williams has been a major contributor at linebacker for the past two seasons at Alabama. He has ideal length, twitch, and power as an edge rusher. He can win with speed on the outside or with a devastating inside counter move. He loves to slap and rip through offensive tackles. His spin move against Michigan State in the 2015 College Football Playoff semifinals was one of the best I’ve ever seen. He does need to do a better job of flattening to the quarterback when he’s running the outside loop. He also has some work to do as a run defender. He flashes the ability to stack and hold the point of attack, but he’ll also get caught upfield and struggle to find the ball at times. Overall, Williams has double-digit sack potential, but there are some concerns off the field and his run defense needs to improve.
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Kevin King – CB, Washington 1
King started games at safety earlier in his career before settling in at cornerback. He has outstanding height and a rail-thin frame for the position. He is an excellent press corner because of his length, physicality and toughness. He has some rigidness when he opens his hips, but he doesn’t give up much separation. I do have some concerns with his recovery speed, but he doesn’t need it very often. From off coverage, he is instinctive and avoids taking the cheese on double moves. His ball skills are outstanding, and he is reliable in run support. Overall, King will be very attractive to teams that live in press coverage and covet size.
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Marlon Humphrey – CB, Alabama 1
Humphrey has an outstanding combination of size, speed and toughness. At his best in press coverage, he is patient and flashes a quick two-hand jam. He has the speed to turn and mirror vertical routes, and he’s fluid to open up underneath. In off coverage, he isn’t as consistent. He plays out of a side turn and has struggled vs. double moves. His biggest issue is playing the ball down the field. He’s normally in position, but he loses too many 50-50 balls to wide receivers. He is an aggressive run defender who has an edge to him after the play is over. Overall, Humphrey has starting ability, but his ball awareness down the field is a major concern.
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Obi Melifonwu – S, Connecticut 1
Melifonwu is a four-year starter at safety for the Huskies. He has a rare blend of size and speed for the position. He primarily aligns as the high safety, although he will occasionally drop down and play the robber role and even see some reps outside at cornerback. He plays very deep (20-plus yards) and he uses his long stride to close distance in a hurry. Against the run, he takes good angles and comes to balance before wrapping and dragging the opponent to the ground. He isn’t an explosive striker but he has a high batting average. Against the pass, he has average instincts but he has the speed to make up for it. He takes proper angles and doesn’t allow the ball to sail over his head. He was very impressive playing cornerback during one-on-one drills at the Senior Bowl; I wouldn’t hesitate to give him a shot at the position. Overall, Melifonwu has all of the tools to develop into a top-tier free safety in the NFL, with the flexibility to match up with bigger wideouts and tight ends when needed.
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Zay Jones – WR, East Carolina NR
Jones was a four-year starter for the Pirates. He has ideal size for the position and rare production at the collegiate level. He lines up both in the slot and outside. He beats press coverage with his quickness and he understands how to use his body to shield off defenders. He is a clean, efficient route runner, but he wasn’t asked to run a wide variety of routes at East Carolina. He doesn’t have elite speed but he consistently ran away from coverage during the Senior Bowl practices. He has very strong hands and excels at attacking the football at the highest point. He needs to improve after the catch. He isn’t very elusive or powerful with the ball in his hands. Overall, Jones is a high-volume pass-catcher who should be productive in the red zone because of his combination of size and ball skills.
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Marcus Williams – S, Utah
Williams has a tall, lean build for the position. This is a true centerfield safety. He has excellent instincts, range and ball skills. He has a quick, fluid pedal, and he’s very adept at reading the quarterback and ranging toward the football. He has very good ball skills. He isn’t as effective in the run game, with inconsistent angles of pursuit, and he’s not a great tackler in space. Overall, Williams is a ball-hawking safety who will make plays in the passing game, but he needs to improve in run support.
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Teez Tabor – CB, Florida 13
Tabor has good height and a lean, athletic build for the position. He is at his best in off coverage or zone coverage. He utilizes a quarter turn (butt to the sideline) and uses his instincts/anticipation to drive on the ball and make big plays. He has an excellent short-area burst, and his ball skills are elite. In press coverage, he’s not quite as effective. He’s not very physical and he will occasionally get turned around. He isn’t ultra-aggressive in run support and he does miss some tackles. Overall, Tabor has some flaws, but he gets his hands on a lot of footballs and I think that trend will continue at the next level.
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Jordan Willis – DE, Kansas State 4
Willis has a thick, square build for a defensive end. Against the pass, he relies on a quick first step, length, and effort to generate pressure. He needs to improve his pad level and often exposes his chest to blockers. He can generate some push-back when he gets his hands inside, and he has a nifty push-pull-arm-over move. Against the run, he does a nice job of reworking his hands and setting the edge, and he has enough speed to close the back door and make plays from behind. He does have some stiffness when asked to change direction. Overall, Willis has a similar body type and skill set to the Patriots’ Trey Flowers. I can envision him having similar success at the next level.
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Adam Shaheen – TE, Ashland NR
Shaheen was a two-year starter at tiny Ashland College. He has rare size for the position and excellent agility/quickness. He aligns both as an in-line receiver and flexed out in the slot. In the passing game, he is quick off the line and he builds speed down the field. He understands how to stem up defenders and explode out of the break point. He does a lot of damage on seam and underneath crossing routes. He has an enormous catch radius. The former basketball player can play way “above the rim,” and also has the athleticism to fully extend and make special diving catches. After the catch, he shows burst, power, and elusiveness. As a blocker, he flashes the ability to latch and move at the point of attack, but he needs to become more consistent. Overall, Shaheen has a unique skill set for a man his size. It’s tough to find tight ends with his combination of physical traits and instincts. His upside is remarkable

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PFF: 3 draft needs for the Los Angeles Rams

https://www.profootballfocus.com/draft-3-draft-needs-for-the-los-angeles-rams/

The Rams’ roster has several needs that could be addressed in the draft. Analyst Jordan Plocher identifies three of the biggest ones.

The Los Angeles Rams don’t have a first-round pick in 2017, as it was traded away as part of the compensation for the rights to the first overall selection in 2016. As a result of the trade-up for QB Jared Goff the Rams don’t have a selection until pick No. 37 in the 2017 draft.

The Rams need to do a better job of protecting Goff. The free-agent addition of tackle Andrew Whitworth and center John Sullivan will go a long way in helping to keep Goff upright, but both players are on the backend of their careers and the Rams’ offensive line could use some youth. The Rams must also add playmakers at wide receiver and tight end if they want see marked improvement from Goff and their offense in 2017. Here’s some key targets and the key areas of need for Los Angeles in this year’s draft.

Need: Playmakers at wide receiver

The Rams had a thin wide receiver unit in 2016 but then lost their most productive receiver Kenny Britt in free agency. While they added free agent Robert Woods, they still need to add playmakers at wide receiver to go along with Woods and Tavon Austin. Goff had excellent red-zone touch and accuracy at Cal and the Rams would be wise to build to his strengths. The Rams could use a big body to haul in Goff’s passes into the end zone or to haul in third-down passes at the sticks and move the chains for the new Rams’ offense.

Early-round target: JuJu Smith Schuster, WR, USC

Smith-Schuster is a prospect who has shown he can win with strength and size. Although he has been inconsistent over the span of his career he has battled through some injuries and a shifting role in the USC offense. Still he has consistently gained yards after the catch and averaged 6.1 yards after the catch per completion over the last three years. If Smith-Schuster can play with the physical nature that he is capable of he would be an ideal candidate to help out Goff. Our friends at 120 Sports also thought JuJu Smith-Schuster is a good fit for the Rams, and discussed why in this video: https://www.profootballfocus.com/draft-juju-smith-schuster-might-be-the-perfect-fit-for-the-rams/

Mid- or late-round target: Jalen Robinette, WR, Air Force

Goff could use a big-bodied red-zone threat who can box his man out and catch touchdown passes. Robinette excelled at that role at Air Force and he could be a target if the Rams don’t add a wide receiver on the second day of the draft. Robinette plays wide receiver like a good rebounding forward in basketball. Robinette also displayed the leaping ability and ball skills to catch the passes that are targeted “helmet or higher” in the red zone so only the wide receiver can catch it. Robinette is also highly productive on downfield play-action passes and caught all 17 of his deep targets (20 or more yards downfield) for 699 yards.

Need: Center

The Rams will likely be running more outside zone runs under head coach Sean McVay in 2017 than they ran in 2016. While newly signed free agent John Sullivan knows McVay’s offense from their time together in Washington, a young athletic center would be a valued addition to the new offense. The opportunity to pair a talented young rookie center with Goff and let them develop together would have to be strongly considered.

Early-round target: Ethan Pocic, C, LSU

Pocic is our top-ranked center in the draft class. Pocic isn’t as athletic as some other centers in the draft but is long and rangy for a center and consistently demonstrated his effectiveness as a reach blocker on outside zone runs. More importantly for the Rams’ offense Pocic has been successful at keeping pass-rushers off his quarterback as he didn’t allow a sack or hit in 2016. Pocic has only allowed 2 sacks, 2 hits, and 27 hurries over the span of the last three seasons and 963 pass-blocking snaps.

Mid- or late-round target: Chase Roullier, OC, Wyoming

Roullier is an incredibly effective run-blocker and one of the most athletic centers in the draft class. Roullier is very good at reaching his man in outside zone run plays and splitting the defense. Roullier would be a great fit for the Rams’ new offensive scheme in 2017 and even if he isn’t selected until the third day of the draft, he would have a strong shot at winning the starting center spot. Roullier did not allow a sack and only gave up 1 hit and 7 hurries on 462 pass-block snaps in 2016.

Need: Cornerback

Just a few seasons ago the Rams secondary was a strength on the team but the depth and talent has been depleted via free agency. Expect the Rams to be playing a healthy dose of man coverage next season under new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and as a result to be eyeing athletic cornerbacks who can stay with receivers in sticky man coverage. Luckily for the Rams this is a very deep cornerback class and they should be able to find at least one contributor at the position in the draft.

Early-round target: Adoree’ Jackson, CB, USC

Jackson is one of the better athletes in the draft class. He has tremendous catch-up speed and can make touchdown-saving tackles of fast running backs from behind. Jackson is still a bit raw in coverage technique but has tremendous ball skills and has broken up 19 passes and made 6 interceptions over the past three seasons. Jackson’s aforementioned ball skills, speed and his open-field running ability combine to make him a dangerous returner who is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Jackson could also be used on offense for a few snaps a game to supplement a thin wide receiver group much like the Cardinals did a few years ago with Patrick Peterson.

Mid- or late-round target: Shaquill Griffin, CB, Central Florida

Griffin’s coverage ability and grades improved each of the last three seasons and he finished 2016 with an impressive 87.2 coverage grade. He showed at the combine that he is one of the classes top athletes at the position by finishing in the top five among cornerbacks in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump and broad jump. Furthermore, Griffin showed on film that he has the coverage ability necessary to play outside in Wade Phillips’ defense. Griffin only allowed 39.7 percent of the passes thrown into his coverage to be caught in 2016. Griffin is a talented cornerback who will get pushed down in the draft due to the depth at his position.

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