Brugler on Spruce.

NELSON SPRUCE | Colorado
6011|206 lbs|5SR Westlake Village, Calif. (Westlake) 12/5/1992 (age 23) #22
GRADE 6th-7th Round
MEASUREABLES Arm: 30 | Hand: 10 | Wingspan: 72
COMBINE 40-YD: 4.69 | 10-YD: 1.63 | 20-YD: 2.72 | BP: 12 | VJ: 35 | BJ: 09’06” | SS: 4.20 | 3C: 7.09 PRO DAY 40-YD: 4.58 | 10-YD: 1.63 | 20-YD: 2.67 | SS: 4.38 | 3C: 7.20

BACKGROUND: A three-star wide receiver recruit out of high school, Spruce committed to Colorado over offers from Washington State, Northwestern and others. After redshirting in 2011, he became a starter as a redshirt freshman in 2012, recording 44 receptions for 446 yards and three touchdowns. Spruce finished second on the team in receiving as a sophomore behind Paul Richardson, finishing with 55 catches for 650 yards and four scores. He had his most productive season as a junior in 2014 with a school-record 106 catches for 1,198 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning Second Team All-Pac 12 honors. Spruce returned in 2015 as a senior and again led the team with 89 receptions for 1,053 yards and four scores, earning Second Team All-Pac 12 honors. Spruce accepted his invitation to the 2016 East-West Shrine Game, but was unable to play due to injury.

STRENGTHS: Large suction hands and provides a large strike zone for his quarterback…quick eyes to snatch and quickly survey the field…understands how to create room to work at the top of routes, using savvy hesitation and body fakes…pushes patterns to hold defenders with sharp footwork to force defensive backs off balance…tough over the middle and avoids the big hit, not allowing impending contact to disrupt his focus…physical to the ball and wins 50-50 situations with timing…not an explosive start/stop athlete as a return man, but patient with excellent vision, averaging 6.1 yards per return (32/194/0)…hardworking mindset and football is important to him…durable four-year starter and two-year team captain…highly productive and holds over 40 school records, including the Pac-12 record for career catches (294) – winner of the 2015 Buffalo Heart Award, which is voted by fans and presented to the Colorado senior who best demonstrates heart and competitive spirit of a Buff.

WEAKNESSES: Quicker than fast and lacks the long-speed to intimidate defensive backs…pedestrian size, length and functional strength and can be out-muscled in traffic…struggles to shift gears in his routes and doesn’t play with explosive traits…marginal leaper and struggles to highpoint…not a vertical threat and did most of his damage in the short-to-intermediate passing game – never averaged over 12.0 yards per catch in a season…not a consistent YAC threat with stiff body control and below average elusiveness…vulnerable vs. the jam and labors once slowed…struggles to sustain or leverage blocks.
SUMMARY: A four-year starter at Colorado, Spruce leaves Boulder with almost every receiving record, including career catches (294), receiving yards (3,347) and touchdown catches (23) – only the third receiver in school history to reach the 1,000-yard mark twice. He is an ordinary athlete with better route acceleration than pure speed, but is a natural catcher of the football and crutch for the passing game. Although he won’t create much with the ball in his hands, Spruce plays with savvy, competitive toughness and decisive routes to create separation and be a model of consistency – bottom of the roster pass-catcher who can line up at any of the receiver spots and fill in as a back-up punt returner.

Brugler on Chubb

BRANDON CHUBB | Wake Forest
6001|235 lbs|5SR Marietta, Ga. (Hillgrove) 10/21/1993 (age 22) #48
GRADE Priority Free Agent
MEASUREABLES Arm: 32 3/8 | Hand: 10 | Wingspan: 76 3/4
COMBINE N/A (not invited)
PRO DAY 40-YD: 4.68 | 10-YD: 1.62 | 20-YD: 2.75 | BP: 23 | VJ: 33.5 | BJ: 10’00” | SS: 4.22 | 3C: 6.88

SUMMARY: A two-star linebacker out of high school, Chubb was overlooked by most FBS programs, including Georgia where his father (Aaron) was a standout linebacker and 12th round draft pick in the 1989 NFL Draft – cousin (Nick) is currently a star running back for the Bulldogs. Chubb started his sophomore and junior seasons at inside linebacker, including a career-best 109 tackles and 3.0 sacks in 2014. He moved to the “BUCK” linebacker position as a senior in 2015 and led the team with 107 tackles, adding 8.5 tackles for loss to earn First Team All-ACC honors. A two-year team captain, Chubb is a team leader and carries himself like one, playing with a chip on his shoulder and never taking a play off. He isn’t a twitchy athlete, but takes decisive angles in pursuit and attacks like a freight train downhill, flashing an intense demeanor to finish ballcarriers in space. With his intangibles and overachieving attitude, Chubb has the potential to be a hidden gem in this draft.

Ourlads on Aaron Green, RB, TCU

Started 18 games over the past three years. From San Antonio, TX. Started off at Nebraska, backing up Ameer Abdullah. A space-hungry back who excels at being elusive and quick in the open field. Has fluid hips and light feet. Will burst through a crease, easy hop cut and change of direction. Elusive and savvy with good vision. Poor power presence. Will not push the pile and rarely breaks tackles when a defender has a clean look at him. Needs more bulk. Does not put in full effort as a blocker or route runner. He has some ability in space and may be best suited for return duty in the league. Senior Bowl notes: Dances too much in the hole. Doesn’t hit it. Needs to worm on route running. Slows to cut. Needs more bulk and pass blocking effort. He did have a nifty 25-yard touchdown run where he showed his cut back vision. 2015 stats: 1272 yrds, 5.2 ypr, 11 TD, 16 rec, 117 yds, 1 TD. Not invited to Combine. Seventh round/PFA. (A-30, H-8 3/8, BP-DNP, SS-DNP).

Bruglar on Lomax

JORDAN LOMAX | Iowa
5097|202 lbs|5SR Upper Marlboro, Md. (DeMatha Catholic) 10/13/1993 (age 22)

GRADE Priority Free Agent
MEASUREABLES Arm: 32 | Hand: 08 3/4 | Wingspan: 76
COMBINE 40-YD: 4.75 | 10-YD: 1.68 | 20-YD: 2.77 | BP: 8 | VJ: 36 | BJ: 10’00” | SS: 4.15 | 3C: 7.18 PRO DAY 40-YD: 4.66 | 10-YD: 1.61 | 20-YD: 2.70 | VJ: 38.5 | BJ: 10’01” | 3C: 6.76

BACKGROUND: A three-star athlete recruit out of high school, Lomax passed on offers from nearby Maryland and Virginia, committing to Iowa as a cornerback – also a sprinter and ran the opening leg on 4×400-meter relay team that won a national title. He saw action in 11 games as a true freshman back-up in 2011, recording seven tackles. After redshirting in 2012 due to a shoulder injury, Lomax a reserve defensive back as a sophomore and started his first game, finishing the 2013 season with five tackles and two passes defended. He moved to free safety as a junior and earned a starting job (12 starts), recording 92 tackles, seven passes defended and one interception to earn Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors. Lomax started all 14 games as a senior free safety in 2015 and finished third on the team with 96 tackles, adding seven passes defended and one interception to earn Third Team All-Big Ten honors. He accepted his invitation to the 2016 East-West Shrine Game.

STRENGTHS: Excellent play speed…fast angles downhill and pursuit outside, not playing hesitant…fluid footwork and unlocks his hips to turn and run with tight ends and running backs…quick read/react skills to diagnose and attack vs. the run – not distracted by motions and ball fakes…unafraid to throw his body around and arrives at the contact point with authority, always looking to separate man from ball…aggressive take-on strength to bounce off blockers…highly intelligent on and off the field – Academic All-American…extra coach on the field, communicating play indicators – well-respected on campus…desired mental and physical toughness for the position…versatile experience at both cornerback and safety with consistent production the past two seasons.

WEAKNESSES: Undersized frame with short arms and maxed out build…tiny margin of error with his pursuit angles, leading to misses…routinely needs help from the cavalry to finish tackles due to his lack of size and strength – fierce striker, but not a wrap up tackler…overaggressive tendencies with his eyes in the wrong place, allowing plays in the middle of the field…doesn’t have the make up speed to recover after false steps…poor timing and anticipation in coverage, falling for double- moves and attracting penalties…struggles to locate or feel passes once his back is turned to the ball…marginal ballskills with several dropped interceptions on his film…no return experience on special teams…violent play style and lack of size leads to durability concerns – missed the 2012 season due to a torn labrum (July 2012) that required surgery.

Ourlads On Paul McRoberts, WR SE Missouri State

Three-year starter from St. Louis, MO. Two-time captain and first team All-Ohio Valley Conference. Has good sized catching radius thanks to long arms and big hands. Soft hands that adjust to the ball in flight. Extends and plucks ball away from his body. He can make the tough catch and will lay out for the ball. Played at a lower level of competition and when he lined up against Missouri’s corners he struggled to get off the press coverage. Productive small college receiver. Broke the school record by catching 29 TD passes. Played one year of basketball at SE Missouri during the 2013-14 season. Led the Redhawks in receiving three straight years. Averaged 11.6 yards on 14 punt returns scoring one TD. Also returned four kickoffs. Senior Bowl notes: Struggles to get of press coverage because of stiffness in his upper body. Stands straight up. Better versus off coverage. A possession type receiver who is a good sized target but needs space in his release to get off the ball. Needs to work on his flexibility and ability to avoid contact. Caught four passes in the game for 46 yards and a TD. Also retuned a punt for 27 yards. 2015 stats: 76-940, 12.4 ypr, 9 TD. Not invited to Combine. Seventh round/PFA (A-33 1/2, H-9 3/4, VJ-DNP, SS-DNP).

Ourlads on Marquez North, who they rated higher than Mike Thomas, Kenny Lawler and Rashaed Higgins, FWIW.

Junior entry from Charlotte NC. Two years as a full time starter and started four of seven games in 2015. Missed the end of the 2014 season and spring practice with a torn labrum. Caught 74 passes in his three year career, good for 874 yards and five TDs. He averaged 11.8 yards per grab. Will lay out and reach and extend for the ball. A hand catcher who wins at the ball on 50/50 balls. Works to stack and finish. Goes up for the ball at the high point good body control to make the circus catch. If he stays healthy, he has a chance to be a number two or three NFL recover. Was named to the Academic All-SEC team in 2015. Had a career high of seven catches versus Missouri in 2013. Grades out as a solid backup with ascending skills and measurables. Passes the eye and athlete test for an NFL receiver. 2015 stats: 6-58, 9.6 ypr, 0 TD in 7 games. OSR: 6/42, fourth/fifth round. (A-33 3/8, H -10 1/4, VJ-35, SS-4.13).

Ourlads

Two-year starter and junior college transfer from Chicago, IL. Breakout year in 2015 where he averaged 19.5 yards per catch. A good athlete who is a little more than a possession receiver. Has a good stutter go move that fools defensive backs on this level. Slips across the formation and can beat man coverage then get up the field. He lines up on the left side of the formation 71.4% of the time and is in the slot 22.4%. Rarely lines up on the right side, only 3.5%. Thomas was targets 28.6% of the time on 185 routes. His drop percentage was almost double the norm of 5.9%. He dropped 11.3% of his targets. The slender and wiry receiver has made several circus type one-handed catches showing his concentration and athleticism. Can twist his body to adjust to about any off target pass. Goes up after the ball. He doesn’t wait on it. Plucks the ball at the high point. A developmental prospect with some draft able qualities. Pro day numbers. 16/BP, 10-11/BJ, 7.05/ 3 cone. 2015 stats. 71-1391, 19.5 ypr, 14 TD. Not invited to the Combine. Seventh round/PFA. (A-31 3/8, H-9 5/8, VJ-36, SS-4.28).

From Ourlads

Fifteen starts over career. From Clearwater, FL. Brandon Doughty’s check down and safety receiver. He let FBS TEs in yards and was tied for the most TDs with six when he injured his left knee versus North Texas. The big tight end played in nine games and averaged 14.8 yards on his 38 catches for the year. Moved from wide receiver to tight end in 2013. Big soft hands and long arms. Gets up the field North and South as soon as he makes the catch. Adjusts well to off-target passes. Catches the ball away from his body. A smooth route runner. Needs more core strength and bulk to be inline NFL blocking tight end. At Western he was used as move blocker who could get position and seal the edge in the running game. Was asked to position and wall off as a blocker. Collected 11 receptions versus Marshall. Uses his long frame to his advantage when attacking the ball at the high point. Good timing. If healthy, he will provide depth to a team and will be drafted higher. 2015 stats: 38-563, 14.8 ypr, 8TD. Medical exclusion at Combine. sixth/seventh round. (A 33 1/4, H-10, BO-DNP, VJ-DNP)

Dane Bruglar on the prospects:

TYLER HIGBEE | Western Kentucky 6056|249 lbs|5SR Clearwater, Fla. (East Lake) 12/31/1992 (age 23) #89 GRADE 3rd-4th Round
MEASUREABLES Arm: 33 1/4 | Hand: 10 1/4 | Wingspan: 80 7/8 COMBINE N/A (injury; left knee)
PRO DAY N/A (positional drills only)

BACKGROUND: A two-star wide receiver recruit out of high school, Higbee received two FBS-level scholarship offers, committing to Western Kentucky over Colorado State. He caught two passes for 92 yards as a true freshman receiver in 2011 before redshirting in 2012, making the transition to tight end. He started three games as a sophomore in 2013, recording 13 catches for 169 yards and one touchdown. Higbee started three games again in 2014 as a junior and posted 15 receptions for 230 yards and four touchdowns. Despite battling injuries, he had his most productive season as a senior in 2015 (eight starts), finishing with 38 catches for 563 yards and eight touchdowns, earning First Team All-CUSA honors. Higbee accepted his invitation to the 2016 Senior Bowl, but was forced to pull out due to injury.

STRENGTHS: Speed to threaten the seam with smooth acceleration…athleticism to catch the ball without breaking stride, creating YAC…soft hands and extends to snag, looking the ball into his large mitts…natural body control and coordination to adjust and complete inaccurate throws…displays savvy and quickness at the top of routes, showing little wasted motion…doesn’t allow defenders to slow him in his patterns…wins 50-50 balls due to body position and strength, absorbing contact and keeping his focus…competitive ballcarrier and barrels through contact…has committed himself to adding weight to his frame with growth potential to add more bulk…holds his own as a blocker, extending and looking to engage his target…can get on the perimeter and take out defenders…production has improved each season, including career-bests as a senior.

WEAKNESSES: Former wideout who is still developing the muscle on his frame…needs to tweak technical issues as a route runner, including depth and timing…more of a get-in-the-way blocker, lacking the upper body power or hand strength to latch-and-drive…limited core strength and inline hip snap – pops at contact, but doesn’t sustain…doesn’t always play as big as he looks at the catch point…allows the ball into his frame at times…needs to better secure the ball after the catch – two career fumbles…below average career production despite a pass happy offense and record-breaking quarterback…strong durability concerns, missing four games and parts of a several others as a senior due to a left knee sprain (Oct. 2015) – injury also kept him out for the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine.

SUMMARY: A one-year starter, Higbee is a receiver-turned-tight end who steadily progressed over his career and emerged as an impact player in 2015 despite battling a knee issue most of the season. He has natural receiving traits with reliable focus and smooth athleticism to create mismatches down the field and between the hashes. Higbee lacks the prototypical bulk or strength to be a true inline blocker right now, but he has the physical temperament and frame to grow into that type of role. He has the tools to start in the NFL once he adds polish to his game, but the key to his evaluation is the health of his knee, which plagued him over the last six months – top-100 talent, who might last until day three due to the medical questions.

PHAROH COOPER | South Carolina 5111|203 lbs|3JR Havelock, N.C. (Havelock) 3/7/1995 (age 21) #11 GRADE 2nd Round
MEASUREABLES Arm: 32 1/4 | Hand: 09 1/8 | Wingspan: 75 COMBINE BP: 15 | VJ: 31 | BJ: 09’07”
PRO DAY 40-YD: 4.59 | 10-YD: 1.64

BACKGROUND: A four-star athlete recruit out of high school, Cooper’s dream school was North Carolina, but because he didn’t have a “good feel” with the Tar Heels coaching staff, he spurned their recruitment and signed with South Carolina – arrived in Columbia as a safety before moving to receiver. He played in 11 games as a true freshman, spending most of his time on special teams as the featured kickoff returner. Cooper became a starting wide receiver as a sophomore in 2014 and had a breakout season with 69 catches for 1,136 yards and nine touchdowns (all-career highs), earning First Team All-SEC honors. He produced similar numbers as a junior in 2015, leading the Gamecocks with 66 receptions for 973 yards and eight scores and again earning First Team All-SEC honors. Cooper elected to skip his senior season and enter the 2016 NFL Draft.

STRENGTHS: Good muscle tone and has worked hard to develop his physique…electric athlete with light feet and creative moves, showing the strong strides to accelerate and eliminate pursuit angles…hits top speed instantly with excellent plant-and-go movements in his routes, not losing any speed in his breaks…smoothly changes directions without slowing down, allowing him to work back to the ball and separate in his patterns…terrific vision as a ballcarrier and follows blocks well…quick hands and reliable ballskills to be a catch-and-go threat…very good focus to pluck poor throws without breaking stride…high degree of toughness over the middle and doesn’t allow impending contact to spook him…plays his butt off each snap and never goes half speed…versatile offensive threat in college with a lot of direct snaps, averaging 7.2 yards per rush (71/513/4) and completing 56% of his passes (9-for-16/118/4)…offers return experience on special teams, averaging 4.7 yards per punt return (36/170/0) and 22.4 yards per kickoff return (16/359/0)…humble character, high-effort worker and very coachable…comes from a disciplined background, growing up in a military family – grandfather and father were Marines and his brother is currently serving in the Marines.

WEAKNESSES: Ordinary height and length for the position, limiting his catch radius…better play speed than timed speed…wasn’t asked to run a sophisticated route tree in college and still learning the nuances at the stem of patterns…will have some double-catches and needs to do a better job tracking over his shoulder…will hold the ball loose and away from his body, leading to ball security concerns – seven career fumbles…inconsistent on-the-move efficiency as a blocker, showing effort to deliver pop, but struggles to sustain…high volume of touches in college led to physical collisions, limping off the field several times on film – wore a heavy brace due to a sprained left knee (Sept. 2015).

SUMMARY: A two-year starter, Pharoh Cooper (named after the Egyptian kings) was a do-everything weapon for the Gamecocks’ offense the last two seasons, overcoming poor quarterback play to earn First Team All-SEC honors as a sophomore and junior – lined up mostly as an inside and outside receiver, but also took snaps at quarterback and running back. He is a playmaker with the ball in his hands, displaying the play speed, elusive cuts and start/stop movements to create on his own and generate separation as a route-runner. Despite only average size, Cooper doesn’t worry about contact and is always working to get open, never taking a play off. A similar prospect as Randall Cobb out of Kentucky, Cooper is a superb talent and person who will contribute in the NFL as a rookie – second round prospect who can be a jack-of-all-trades for an offense.

12. TEMARRICK HEMINGWAY | South Carolina St. 6047|244 lbs|5SR Loris, S.C. (North Myrtle Beach) 7/30/1993 (age 22) #81

GRADE 6th-7th Round
MEASUREABLES Arm: 34 | Hand: 10 | Wingspan: 81
COMBINE 40-YD: 4.71 | 10-YD: 1.67 | 20-YD: 2.76 | BP: 18 | VJ: 30.5 | BJ: 09’07” | SS: 4.31 | 3C: 6.88 PRO DAY N/A

BACKGROUND: A no-star wide receiver recruit, Hemingway grew up in a small town and weighed only 180-pounds out of high school, causing him to go under- recruited by FBS programs. He received several FCS-level offers and committed to South Carolina State, redshirting in 2011. Hemmingway saw action as a true freshman in 2012 (two starts) and recorded 11 catches for 164 yards and one touchdown. He saw his playing time increase as a sophomore, recording 26 receptions for 223 yards and a career-high four touchdowns. Hemingway started 11 games as a junior in 2014 and earned First Team All-MEAC honors with 18 catches for 251 yards and one score. He started every game as a senior in 2015 and finished with 38 receptions for 418 yards and one touchdown, earning First Team All-MEAC and All-American honors. Hemingway accepted his invitation to the 2016 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.

STRENGTHS: Skyscraper with arms and projectable frame…uses his reach to extend and highpoint, climbing the ladder…big-bodied target to split defenders and manipulate the middle of the field – consistently beat linebackers between the hashes with his whip routes on film…long, fluid strides to accelerate off the line of scrimmage and threaten the seam…flexible lower body to make strong cuts and create separation at the stem…smooth route-runner, using patience and body fakes to sell patterns…stabs at the catch point, not allowing traffic to alter his focus…good pop at initial contact as a blocker…worked hard to develop his frame, adding 60+ pounds since arriving at South Carolina State…All-American senior season and graduated with a degree in business administration (Dec. 2014)…focused, well- respected individual and earned the 2015 Walter Payton Achievement Award, which is given to the student-athlete in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge who best shows character and team spirit.

WEAKNESSES: Lean-limbed and lacks prototypical thickness and build for the position…one-gear athlete and lacks variety in his routes…most of his patterns were within seven yards of the line of scrimmage and didn’t give the secondary much to worry about on film…picks and chooses his aggressiveness at the catch point…not doing much after contact as a ballcarrier – doesn’t run as big as he looks…holds the ball too loose, leading to fumbles…upright blocker and struggles to sustain…late to recognize blocking angles and gain proper positioning…below average career production, especially in the end zone with only two combined touchdowns the last two seasons.

SUMMARY: A three-year starter at South Carolina State, Hemmingway was used as a versatile “Y” tight end and lined up inline, wing and in the slot, running mostly short-to-intermediate routes. He shows the fluid athleticism and patience in his patterns to create separation against linebackers, making a living between the hashes. Hemmingway has long vines for arms and uses his size to out-rebound the ball, but needs to consistently play up to his size and match the physicality of defenders attacking the ball. Although incredibly raw in several areas, Hemmingway is an intriguing size/speed athlete with upside to secure a NFL roster spot if given time to develop his power and mental toughness – day three developmental tight end in the mold of Ladarius Green.

JOSH FORREST | Kentucky 6031|249 lbs|5SR Paducah, Ky. (Tilghman) 2/24/1992 (age 24) #45
GRADE 6th Round
MEASUREABLES Arm: 33 1/2 | Hand: 09 1/2 | Wingspan: 81 5/8
COMBINE 40-YD: 4.88 | 10-YD: 1.69 | 20-YD: 2.83 | BP: 11 | VJ: 30.5 | BJ: 09’10” PRO DAY 40-YD: 4.83 | 10-YD: 1.74 | 20-YD: 2.80 | SS: 4.38 | 3C: 7.53

BACKGROUND: A three-star tight end recruit out of high school, Joshua “Josh” Forrest committed to Kentucky as a wide receiver over Central Florida and redshirted for the Wildcats in 2011. Prior to the 2012 season, he switched from receiver to linebacker and tallied 13 tackles as a redshirt freshman, mostly on special teams. Forrest played in all 12 games as a sophomore in 2013 and gained more experience on defense with 16 tackles and his first career interception. He earned the starting middle linebacker job as a junior in 2014 (12 starts) and led the team with 110 tackles, adding 8.0t tackles for loss, four passes defended and two interceptions. Forrest again started all 12 games and led the team with 93 tackles as a senior, finishing with 6.0 tackles for loss, seven passes defended and two interceptions. He accepted his invitation to the 2016 Senior Bowl.

STRENGTHS: Tall, angular athlete with a frame that can be molded…terrific play range and flies to the ball, arriving with violent intentions…unlocks his hips with patient eyes to mirror ballcarriers…aggressive downhill angles and timing to shoot through the line of scrimmage and make plays in the backfield…physical mindset and looks to mix things up…squares well in the middle of the field to make stops…wide receiver ballskills, showing the tracking ability to adjust, drive and finish interceptions…turns into a playmaker after the interception, averaging 30.4 yards per return with two touchdowns (5/152/2)…two career blocked kicks on special teams coverages (one field goal, one punt)…graduated with a degree in community and leadership development…productive senior captain, starting every game the last two seasons.

WEAKNESSES: Very raw instinctively and often caught guessing and freelancing…wild pursuit angles and doesn’t see blockers, choosing to go the long way in order to avoid contact…upright play style and high center, causing limitations moving laterally…hyper-focused on what is happening in the backfield and loses receivers and tight ends in zone coverage – reacts, doesn’t anticipate…high tackler and too much of a hugger due to his tall pad level…late coming to balance on the move to break down and finish moving targets…streaky take-on effort, playing soft and not effectively using his length…jolted by blockers and too easily moved from his spot…doesn’t play through the whistle, giving up on plays too quickly.

SUMMARY: A two-year starter, Forrest earned the starting middle linebacker role as a junior and started every game there the past two years, leading the Wildcats in tackles both seasons. He didn’t play football until his junior year in high school and started his Kentucky career at wide receiver so his linebacker instincts are still in the development phase, lacking the anticipation or break down skills to play with desired consistency. Forrest is rangy vs. the run and plays faster than he timed, showing playmaking savvy when the ball is thrown in his area, but he is often late to react and gives up more plays than he makes in coverage. His raw traits and flashes on film are intriguing, but he is nothing more than a possible special teamer right now until his play anticipation catches up – some teams have worked him out as an edge rusher.

MIKE THOMAS | Southern Miss 6010|197 lbs|4SR Chicago, Ill. (DuSable) 8/16/1994 (age 21) #88
GRADE 4th-5th Round
MEASUREABLES Arm: 31 7/8 | Hand: 09 1/4 | Wingspan: 76 1/2
COMBINE N/A (not invited)
PRO DAY 40-YD: 4.53 | 10-YD: 1.59 | 20-YD: 2.61 | BP: 16 | VJ: 36 | BJ: 10’11” | SS: 4.29 | 3C: 7.06

BACKGROUND: A no-star wide receiver recruit, Michael “Mike” Thomas’ was known for basketball, not football, in high school and he went vastly under-recruited despite gaudy production. He started at nearby College of Dupage in 2012 before transferring to Dodge City Community College in Kansas for the 2013 season. Thomas was a two-star JUCO recruit and transferred to Southern Miss over Minnesota. He didn’t join the team until late in the summer so he was behind learning the offense as a junior in 2014, starting nine games and posting 41 catches for 592 yards and five scores to earn All-CUSA Honorable Mention honors. Thomas emerged as a legitimate NFL prospect as a senior in 2015 (13 starts), leading the team with 71 receptions for 1,391 yards and 14 touchdowns to earn First Team All-CUSA honors. He accepted his invitation to the 2016 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.

STRENGTHS: Adequate height and length for the position…fleet-of-foot athlete with lower body flexibility…excellent footwork to sell and create separation in/out of breaks…runs his routes with tempo and timing, using subtle moves at the stem…catches the ball well in stride to be a consistent YAC target…smooth body control and muscle twitch to make acrobatic adjustments on the ball…quick hands to stab the ball away from his frame…attacks anything in his zip code with springs in his legs and steady focus…locked-in competitor and always alert, never taking a play off – worked his tail off to have a chance at the NFL…returned kicks at Southern Miss, averaging 22.8 yards per return with one career touchdown (41/936/1)…above average production as a senior, setting a new school-record for single-season receiving yards (1,391) and touchdown grabs (14).

WEAKNESSES: Pipe cleaner frame with skinny limbs and lean lower body…lacks the body strength to cleanly fight through press coverage…leggy routes and needs to sharpen his technique…focus at the catch point runs hot-and-cold, running before securing or bracing for impending contact – more double-catches that you want to see on film…struggles in 50-50 situations, lacking the girth to out-muscle defenders…can be overwhelmed as a blocker…needs to develop his acumen of coverages and concepts…only two season at the FBS-level, lacking ideal experience…lean frame leads to durability concerns, missing one game as a senior and parts of several others due to minor injuries.

SUMMARY: A two-year starter at Southern Miss, Thomas spent his junior season adjusting to the FBS and learning the playbook, setting up a breakout senior season as the starting “X” receiver and one of the top statistical wideouts in the country – led the nation in receiving yards per catch (19.6) among receivers with at least 63 catches in 2015. He moves fast and bursts off his plant foot to create room to work and be a threat after the catch. Thomas is fazed by traffic and his skinny body type gives teams pause that he’ll be able to hold up long-term, but his skill-set and competitive drive are worth betting on – one of the highest rated Combine snubs in this draft class and worthy of mid-round consideration.

• This reply was modified 8 years, 6 months ago by canadaram.

zn wrote:

…he’d be lying flat on the floor throwing a tennis ball at the ceiling — trying to get it as high as he could without actually hitting the ceiling.

Goff is my kindred spirit. I’m pretty sure that I invented that pastime.

• This reply was modified 8 years, 6 months ago by canadaram.

zn wrote:

Is NFL radio online?

I’m not sure, but I think that it is. I know up here there is some registration process involved when it comes to streaming sirius channels. I use a home/auto portable receiver.

zn wrote:

I am more or less prepared for it to be Goff, though if it’s Wentz I will be just fine with it.

Yeah, me too. I still prefer Wentz, but I have a history of getting these things wrong; so what do I know?

Pat Kirwan has expressed some concern about Goff’s size over the last few weeks, but today he spoke with both Goff and Wentz while they sat side-by-side and he felt that they looked almost identical in terms of their size. He came away from that meeting less concerned about Goff’s size. That was a little reassuring for me.

If he Rams take Wentz I will shave “theramshuddle.com” in the side of my head.

Sam has to the see the writing on the wall. If he starts the year as number one, he’s not likely to finish the year that way. The Eagles didn’t give up that many picks so Sam could start all year. The best case scenario for Sam is that he is Jon Kitna and Wentz is Carson Palmer. That said, the 2003 Bengals did not give up a boatload of picks to get Palmer.

I wonder if Andy Reid would be interested in having Foles as a back up? Similarly, I wonder if Chip Kelly would want Bradford back?