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  • in reply to: tweets n other bits … 3/22 & 3/23 #99223
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    in reply to: Gurley: long thread, on der knee #99222
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    This one looks like it’s about Gordon but it is interesting to see how Hammond talks about Gurley.

    ==

    Will Todd Gurley depress the running back market, and what does it mean for Melvin Gordon?

    Rich Hammond

    https://theathletic.com/879784/2019/03/21/will-todd-gurley-depress-the-running-back-market-and-what-does-it-mean-for-melvin-gordon/

    Every​ time​ a general​ manager​ dips a toe​ into the​ water, piranhas​ seems to appear.

    ‘Tis​ the​ season​ when the debate resumes in the​​ NFL. Is a running back worth a first-round draft pick or a big contract? They’re valuable yet fragile, tough to identify yet surprisingly replaceable. Every few years, this chatter seems to cycle back around. Teams get the itch to go big on a superb back, then regret it.

    It’s almost decision time for the Chargers. Melvin Gordon is in the fifth and final year of his rookie contract. He’s dynamic, a perennial candidate to top 1,000 yards and double digits in touchdowns.

    When Chargers general manager Tom Telesco was asked at the combine about re-signing Gordon, he said he didn’t have a timetable but “we want to extend those guys we’d like to have back long-term. Running back is a punishing position, but not too many concerns on that.”

    So what’s the problem? Well, he plays a few miles up the 110 freeway, and his name is Todd Gurley.

    Gurley started all this, or at least re-started it. Four years ago, the Rams drafted him No. 10 overall, which ended a two-year streak with zero first-round running backs. Last July, the Rams doubled down and signed Gurley to a four-year, $57.5-million contract extension, 20 months before the expiration of his rookie deal. The extension included $45 million in guaranteed money, a $20-million signing bonus and, on a per-year basis, it became the largest contract ever given to an NFL running back.

    It made a fair amount of sense. Five months earlier, Gurley collected the NFL’s offensive player of the year award. Under coach Sean McVay in 2017, he developed into an unparalleled running-receiving threat. He hurdled defenders. He looked like a cyborg on the field and avoided trouble off of it.

    Then came the knee.

    At the end of a mostly brilliant 2018 regular season, Gurley missed the final two games. The Rams said he had some knee inflammation, that he would sit as a precaution. That’s it, nothing to see here.

    After Gurley registered just five touches in the NFC championship game, McVay said, oops, that was a flow-of-game thing, or a mistake, or something. Nonetheless, Gurley would be a big part of the Super Bowl game plan, 100 percent ready to go. Gurley had 11 touches in the Super Bowl as the Rams fizzled in a 13-3 loss.

    Then, inevitably, the apparent full truth started to emerge. Jeff Howe of The Athletic learned that Gurley has an arthritic knee. Rams officials, given multiple opportunities to dispute the report, have not, and they’ve been steadfast that Gurley’s situation can be managed and that he can remain productive.

    The Rams might be correct. They better hope so, because Gurley’s roster bonuses are starting to kick in, and in 2020 he will have a salary-cap hit of $17.25 million. The Rams have a potential “out” after 2021.

    Shortly after Gurley’s deal got done, Arizona signed David Johnson to a three-year, $39-million extension. Johnson then averaged a paltry 3.6 yards per carry — but don’t read too much into that, because the 2018 Cardinals were in dumpster-fire territory. They fired their offensive coordinator after nine months and their coach after 11 months.

    What does all this mean for Gordon? He and Dallas’ Ezekiel Elliott are the next two young running backs up for new contracts. It’s fair to wonder whether Gurley expanded the market, then shrunk it. The sample size from this offseason is limited, but it could provide some hints, and it’s worth the Chargers’ attention.

    Le’Veon Bell signed a four-year, $52.5-million deal with the New York Jets this month. Not only did Bell get less money than Gurley — which is fine because Gurley, at 24, is three years younger than Bell — but his value also dropped after Gurley’s deal. A year earlier, Pittsburgh reportedly offered Bell five years and $70 million. He apparently was so insulted that he sat out the entire 2018 season, then signed for less.

    This year’s free-agent market has, thus far, not been generous to a decent crop of running backs that included Bell, Tevin Coleman (two years, $8.5 million), Adrian Peterson (two years, $8 million) and unsigned C.J. Anderson, who left his couch in December to serve as the Rams’ co-lead back.

    The draft doesn’t look much sunnier, as most mock drafts project only one first-round back, Alabama’s Josh Jacobs, and he’s not slotted higher than No. 24 on any of the major boards. Last year, three backs — Saquon Barkley, Rashaad Penny and Sony Michel — were first-round selections.

    Not since 2013 and 2014 has there been a first round without a running-back selection. That could have something to do with 2012, when Trent Richardson went No. 3 to Cleveland, then quickly crashed. Gurley seemed to reset things in 2015, and five picks after the Rams took him, the Chargers grabbed Gordon at No. 15. Elliott, Leonard Fournette and Christian McCaffrey were top-10 picks in 2016 and 2017.

    The Cowboys already are talking about extending Elliott. But owner Jerry Jones says a lot of things, so check back later on that one. In terms of new contracts, that could put Gordon next in line, along with veterans such as LeSean McCoy and Lamar Miller, who are set to hit the free-agent market next March.

    This is rather complicated for the Chargers. Given that Philip Rivers is 37 years old, soon they’ll be starting anew at quarterback, so they’d probably prefer to have stability at running back. Most likely, something will get done with Gordon, and should get done. But for how long, and how much?

    “He’s a three-down back and puts a lot of balls in the end zone for us, a lot of touchdowns,” Telesco said at the combine three weeks ago. “He’s a great player. We’ve got him and a number of other guys that we’ll look at extending at some point.”

    It’s tough to find a comparable for Gordon, whose four-year stint with the Chargers has been uneven. In 2018, he averaged 5.1 yards per carry, which is excellent, and it marked the first time he even topped the 4.0 mark. Gordon scored 10 rushing touchdowns, sixth-most in the NFL, and didn’t lose a fumble.

    Durability is an issue, though. Gordon had 284 carries in 2017, third-most in the league, but coach Anthony Lynn put down some speed bumps in 2018. Gordon had only 175 carries, as backups Austin Ekeler (106 carries) and Justin Johnson (50) took on larger roles. Part of that was because, for a third time in four seasons, Gordon had trouble staying on the field.

    Gordon missed two games as a rookie with a knee injury, then missed three games in 2016 with hip and knee issues. After a full season in 2017, Gordon sprained his MCL last December and missed three games. He returned for the final two games and two playoff games, but totaled only 138 yards.

    It’s also notable that in four seasons, Gordon has missed eight of 22 games in December in January. It’s natural to assume that as hits add up, a running back might miss games late in the season, as opposed to early. But is this going to be an annual occurrence? Even when the Chargers are managing his carries?

    “Melvin does an outstanding job taking care of his body,” Lynn said at the combine. “He will manage those injuries well. That’s why I like to use tandem backs. Austin Ekeler stepped in and did a good job. Justin Jackson stepped in and did a good job. Detrez Newsome stepped in and did a good job. I have a good group of guys that I have a lot of confidence in. I don’t have to put the load completely on Melvin.”

    That makes sense from a coaching standpoint, but does it put more on Telesco’s plate? On which level does Gordon get paid? A general manager can’t work with fear. Gurley’s issue shouldn’t necessary create a straight-line comparison to Gordon, but it’s also not something to dismiss.

    in reply to: RAMS draft…articles, vids etc. on just the Rams draft #99217
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    3030

    here is a list of players the team has supposedly met with either privately, at the combine or all -star games.

    (From walterfootball.com: http://walterfootball.com/prospectMeetings/byteam )

    C.J. Conrad, TE, Kentucky
    Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
    Oshea Dugas, G, Louisiana Tech
    Rashad Fenton, CB, South Carolina
    Will Harris, S, Boston College
    Daniel Helm, TE, Duke
    KeeSean Johnson, WR, Fresno State
    Erik McCoy, G/C, Texas A&M
    Jachai Polite, DE/3-4OLB/OLB, Florida
    Malik Reed, DE, Nevada
    Devin Singletary, RB, Florida Atlantic
    Montez Sweat, DE/3-4OLB/OLB, Mississippi State
    Sione Takitaki, OLB, Brigham Young
    Trevon Wesco, FB, West Virginia
    Kerrith Whyte Jr., RB, Florida Atlantic
    Chase Winovich, DE/3-4OLB/OLB, Michigan
    Nate Davis, OL, Charlotte

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    Dane Brugler’s Top-100 NFL prospects: Nick Bosa, Quinnen Williams are 1-2, then things get interesting

    https://theathletic.com/866422/2019/03/15/dane-bruglers-top-100-nfl-prospects-nick-bosa-quinnen-williams-are-1-2-then-things-get-interesting/

    With​ the​ all-star​ circuit​ and combine​ in the​ rearview mirror,​ the most important​ steps​ of​ the predraft process are complete, allowing​​ the draft board to take shape. The combine was an especially critical step and reviewing the tape (both positional and athletic drills) helped provide an intimate look at each prospect’s individual athletic profile.

    Nick Bosa and Quinnen Williams are the clear two best players in this draft class. After that? Things get interesting.

    Combine data is included for each player. Height uses four digits: the first is feet, the next two are inches and the fourth is eighths of an inch. Example: 5113 = 5-11 3/8. (Key: 40 = 40-yard dash; 20 = 20-yard; 10 = 10-yard; VJ = Vertical Jump; BJ = Broad Jump; SS = Short Shuttle; 3C = 3-Cone Drill; BEN = Bench Press)

    1. Nick Bosa, EDGE, Ohio State
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6036 266 10 3/4 33 77 7/8 4.79 2.76 1.62 33 1/2 09’08” 4.14 7.10 29
    Durability is the main concern for his NFL projection, but when on the field, Bosa uses proper biomechanics to maximize his body force and convert speed-to-power as a rusher. The opportunity to watch and learn from Joey Bosa accelerated his development, both showing the same appreciation for the art of the pass rush. Overall, Bosa is a carbon copy of his Pro Bowl older brother with his blend of athleticism and violent hands, gaining ground and defeating blocks in a variety of ways to make an impact rushing the passer and stopping the run.

    2. Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6030 303 9 5/8 33 1/4 80 1/4 4.83 2.80 1.67 30 1/2 09’04” – – –
    With his snap quickness and handwork, Williams has a natural feel for defeating blocks and his teammate Jonah Williams hit the nail on the head when he described facing Williams as trying to block a “300-pound bar of soap.” He is also a power-packed player from head to toe, competing with the violence, hustle and awareness to be an elite run defender. Williams was not only blessed with a complete skill set with his explosiveness, strength and intelligence, but he also has the rare ability to use all his gifts in unison, projecting as an immediate NFL starter with All-Pro potential.

    3. Josh Allen, EDGE, Kentucky
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6047 262 8 3/4 33 1/2 80 1/2 4.63 2.70 1.63 – 09’10” 4.23 7.15 28
    Although not an overpowering power rusher, Allen showed improved play strength and added to his pass rush tool box on his senior tape, consistently forcing the quarterback to speed up his process. As a cover defender, he has the smooth hips and play speed to cover a lot of ground, but needs to improve his ball awareness to be more reliable in man coverage. Allen transformed himself from a versatile athlete into a polished pass rusher who fits best in a 3-4 scheme where he can make plays upfield or when dropping in space, projecting as an immediate NFL starter with Pro Bowl potential.

    4. Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6044 302 10 1/8 33 5/8 81 3/4 5.09 2.97 1.77 28 08’04” 4.85 8.01 23
    While not on the same level as future Hall-of-Famer Joe Thomas, Williams overcomes his lack of ideal length in similar ways, including his ability to make split-second reads, quickly find his landmarks and stay square to rushers. Aside from his on-field ability, Williams will win over an NFL coaching staff because he is a tactician with intense work habits and competitive desire. While his college film says he can play left tackle at the next level, his lack of length will push him to guard or center on some NFL draft boards. Williams is a detail-focused blocker with the foot quickness, technical savvy and attitude to be an above-average run blocker and pass protector in the NFL.

    5. Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6017 287 9 1/4 31 3/4 77 3/8 – – – 36 10’00” – – 32
    With his football flexibility and natural biomechanics, he has rare athletic ability for the position with the backfield vision to recognize play designs and disrupt from different angles. Oliver still requires time to develop his body, mind and technique at the next level. He will struggle with long-armed blockers who get to his frame and control his chest, but his energy and motor are both elite. Overall, Oliver won’t be a natural fit for every NFL scheme, but he is an ideal one-gap penetrator due to his athleticism, instincts and relentless nature, projecting best when he is lined up closest to the football.

    6. Montez Sweat, EDGE, Mississippi State
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6056 260 10 1/2 35 3/4 84 3/4 4.41 2.57 1.54 36 10’05” 4.29 7.00 21
    Since the start of 2017, his 22 sacks are the second-most by any Power 5 FBS player during that span (Josh Allen), forming a dominant defensive line duo with Jeffery Simmons (they combined for 58.5 tackles for loss the last two seasons). Sweat wins with first-step burst and humongous wingspan, although there is room for better efficiency in his pass-rush sequence. Overall, Sweat has average play strength and some stiffness in his rush, but he maximizes his length, both his arms and strides, to consistently threaten blockers off the edge, projecting as an NFL starter in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme.

    7. Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6032 315 9 3/4 32 1/2 78 7/8 5.04 2.94 1.76 29 1/2 08’11” 4.55 – 28
    Lining up primarily over the B-gap, Wilkins became the school’s fifth unanimous All-American (2018) and the first Clemson player to win the William V. Campbell Trophy, also known as the Academic Heisman. Moving differently than most his size, he uses his loose lower body, contact balance and active hands in conjunction to squirt through gaps. His high-character intangibles will be a strong selling point for an NFL team looking for a high-floor prospect. Overall, Wilkins is an inconsistent run defender, but his quickness, body flexibility and ball awareness lead to backfield production, projecting as a penetrating three-technique in a four-man base.

    8. Rashan Gary, EDGE, Michigan
    6043 277 9 5/8 34 1/8 81 7/8 4.58 2.67 1.61 38 10’00” 4.29 7.26 26
    He is the poster prospect for the “traits over production” scouting motto (eight pass rushers in the 2019 NFL Draft class had more sacks in 2018 than Gary’s 10.5 career sacks) with his freakish athletic skill and overall upside. He currently lacks an efficient move-to-move transition and I often found myself yelling “finish!” at the screen while studying his tape. Overall, Gary is a high-risk, high-reward prospect because he has rare athletic talent and natural power for his size, but he showed mediocre development as a collegian with lingering questions about his durability and maturity.

    9. T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6046 251 9 1/2 32 1/4 77 7/8 4.70 2.75 1.63 37 1/2 10’03” 4.18 7.02 17
    Despite not blocking in high school, Hockenson has developed into an elite blocker with the functional strength and competitive spirit to physically overwhelm defenders at the point of attack. Although he would benefit from added nuance as a route-runner, his basketball background is obvious with the agility and catch radius to be an impact weapon downfield. Overall, Hockenson has a complete skill set for the position with outstanding athleticism, pass-catching traits and blocking skills, projecting as an immediate NFL starter with Pro Bowl potential.

    (Glenn Beil / USA Today)
    10. Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6046 249 10 33 7/8 83 5/8 4.53 2.62 1.54 36 10’09” – 7.01 –
    Burns is a loose-jointed athlete with above-average speed off the edge, also showing the agility to drop in space or defend the run. He flashes a variety of pass-rush moves but tends to be over-reliant on his athleticism and needs to develop his timing and setup skills. Overall, Burns needs to continue to get stronger and sharpen his tool set, but his first-step explosion, athletic flexibility and baseline understanding of how to use his length/hands are a recipe for an impact NFL pass rusher, regardless of scheme.

    11. Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6050 315 10 33 1/2 80 3/8 4.96 2.86 1.69 29 09’10” 4.40 7.44 24
    With wide splits and a quick-strike passing attack, it can be tough to evaluate offensive linemen in WSU’s offense, but Dillard was dominant over his career (allowed only one sack in 2018) and is the highest-graded senior offensive lineman in this class. There are times when he looks defenseless vs. long-armed linemen, but he plays smooth, intellectually sound and will be even better once he improves his hand placement and reach timing. Overall, Dillard is a better pass protector than run blocker right now, but he is a quick-minded player with the light feet and core power to play multiple positions in the NFL, including left tackle.

    12. Devin Bush, LB, Michigan
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    5110 234 9 5/8 32 76 1/2 4.43 2.58 1.53 40 1/2 10’04” 4.23 6.93 21
    Bush checks boxes for speed, instincts and tenacity, but he falls slightly below average in the size department, which will be critiqued differently by each NFL club and system. He will get washed and lost in the sea of bodies near the line of scrimmage, but there is no doubting his toughness, football character and competitive drive (and it isn’t manufactured, his energy is genuine enjoyment hunting the football and playing physical). Overall, Bush doesn’t have ideal take-on skills to thrive inside as a MIKE, but his diagnose skills, reaction quickness and closing speed are special, projecting best as an impact starting WILL in the NFL.

    13. Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6050 312 10 35 1/8 84 3/4 – – – – – – – 24
    While he can be occasionally stressed by outside speed, he is controlled in his pass sets with enough foot quickness to be a human shield. Taylor tends to allow rushers into his frame due to undeveloped hand use, but he has the stout frame to survive as a body-to-body blocker. He generates power from his core in the run game and has a high ceiling as a point-of-attack bully. Overall, Taylor is not a technically sound blocker right now, but his contact balance and competitive finish are why he is one of the best run blockers in this class and one of the most promising in pass protection, projecting as an NFL starter at tackle or guard.

    14. Devin White, LB, LSU
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6000 237 9 3/4 32 1/8 75 7/8 4.42 2.58 1.56 39 1/2 09’10” 4.17 7.07 22
    The unquestioned leader of the LSU defense, White looked like an excited air traffic controller pre-snap, identifying keys and communicating with his teammates. A see-ball, get-ball type, he is raw instinctually and flies around like a mad man, which is his best and most concerning quality. Everything he does is full speed, which leads to violent hits but also breakdown issues, falling off tackle attempts. Overall, White’s tape doesn’t show the same level of instincts or discipline as Roquan Smith, but White’s play speed and relentless nature are off the charts, projecting as an NFL starter similar to Jarrad Davis (who went No. 21 overall to the Detroit Lions in the 2017 NFL Draft).

    15. Clelin Ferrell, EDGE, Clemson
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6043 264 10 1/2 34 1/8 82 3/8 – – – – 09’06” 4.40 7.26 26
    Ferrell, who is tied for fourth in school history with 27.0 career sacks, is a much better NFL prospect than several of his predecessors (Shaq Lawson, Kevin Dodd, etc.) because of his advanced hand tactics and awareness to see plays develop and set up his pass rush sequence. Similar to Preston Smith, he isn’t ultra-twitchy and won’t capture the corner on speed alone, but he has terrific contact balance and power to work off blocks. Overall, Ferrell has only average athleticism for his size, but his mix of power, handwork and recognition skills lead to production, projecting best as a hand-on-the-ground rusher in a 4-3 base.

    16. Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
    HT WT H A W 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C
    6033 231 9 5/8 33 1/2 79 1/2 5.04 2.90 1.75 28 1/2 – – –
    Haskins made playing quarterback look easy at Ohio State because he is so naturally gifted, but his inexperience also shows. While he showed improvements climbing the pocket, maneuvering vs. pressure isn’t yet a strength to his game with inconsistent results throwing off-script. He has a plus arm to grip-and-rip, but he tends to telegraph throws, believing too much in his arm to compensate. His placement and touch have room for improvement, but his passing accuracy is a strength (off-target throws usually tied to messy footwork). Overall, Haskins’ pocket rhythm and lower body mechanics are the biggest concerns for his next-level transition, but he showed promising improvement and his special arm will carve up defenses.

    17. Cody Ford, OT, Oklahoma
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6036 329 9 3/4 34 82 1/2 5.21 3.02 1.81 28 1/2 08’08” 4.87 8.27 19
    Arguably the best player on college football’s best offensive line in 2018, Ford helped the Sooners rank No. 1 in the FBS in total offense (570.3 yards per game) and scoring offense (48.4 points per game). He plays tall in his pass sets and often loses the leverage battle, but he has the wide girth and lateral quickness to handle edge speed. He got away with some lazy habits in the Big 12 and needs to improve his technique for the next level, specifically his hand timing in pass protection and body angles as a run blocker. Overall, Ford looks like a grizzly bear with shoulder pads, displaying coordinated feet for his size and the energy and awareness to start at either tackle or guard in the NFL.

    18. Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    5101 207 9 1/2 28 1/2 69 1/2 – – – – – – – –
    In the Sooners zone-read scheme, Murray was primarily in shotgun/pistol and benefited from the best offensive line in college football. There is no question that he is a pass-first quarterback, but his speed creates problems for the defense and he is ideally suited for an offense willing to incorporate a high percentage of sprints, boots and option plays. Regardless if throwing on the move or with an established base, Murray has an organic feel for using ball speeds to put the pass on his target, showing above-average velocity and accuracy. With only one season of production (in a conference with below-average defensive talent), he is still developing mentally with his reads/timing. And his lack of size will always be a concern. Overall, Murray is incredibly unique with a skill set unlike anything currently in the NFL, but his arm talent and playmaking instincts translate to any level.

    19. Byron Murphy, CB, Washington
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    5106 190 8 7/8 30 1/8 71 3/8 4.55 2.67 1.59 36 1/2 10’00” – – 14
    Murphy keeps the weight on the balls of his feet, not his heels, to keep his lower body loose, staying balanced mid-transition to pattern match. Although he doesn’t have the most extensive college resume in terms of experience (20 games played and started), his instincts and recognition skills are advanced for his age. Overall, Murphy doesn’t offer elite size, length or speed for the NFL level, but his mental processing, transition technique, ball skills and competitive toughness are all above average.

    (Douglas DeFelice / USA Today)
    20. Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
    **No combine**

    Simmons is a naturally powerful human and passes the eye test with flying colors, forcing constant double-teams and rarely losing a one-on-one match-up. He isn’t a sudden-first-step athlete and needs to develop as a pass rusher, but he plays with violence and has the power to win once he gets going. Based on talent alone, Simmons is one of the best players in the 2019 NFL Draft class, but his character grade will be hotly debated because of the disturbing video where he punched a woman already on the ground. In the three years since the incident, he kept his nose clean, did well in school and Mississippi State coaches and officials speak very highly of his maturity, which will keep him on several draft boards around the league. Overall, Simmons is a power-packed player with natural ease of movement to stay balanced at contact, reset the line of scrimmage and hunt the ball carrier. His pre-combine ACL tear will likely sideline him for the 2019 NFL season, which drops him 10-15 spots on this board.

    21. Greedy Williams, CB, LSU
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6017 185 9 1/4 31 1/2 74 1/2 4.37 2.56 1.51 – – – – –
    A long, lean corner, Williams was rarely out of position in college with the length and sink-and-flow athleticism to mirror receivers’ movements. While competitive and tough on some tapes, he appeared to shut things down later in the season and his struggles shedding blocks or consistently finishing in the run game were a season-long issue. Overall, Williams lacks ideal bulk and play strength for the next level, but his athleticism and length allow him to blanket receivers in man coverage, projecting as a high upside NFL cornerback if his play personality is consistently competitive.

    22. Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6041 249 9 3/4 33 1/2 80 4.50 2.61 1.55 39 1/2 10’07” 4.22 6.81 20
    Fant shared the tight end duties with T.J. Hockenson and will compete with his former teammate to be the first tight end drafted (no two tight ends from the same program have ever been drafted in the same first round). He has the route acceleration to work untouched and run circles around safeties, creating his own separation. He is an inconsistent get-in-the-way blocker, but should improve once he zeroes in on the details of the position. Overall, Fant shows promise as a blocker and offers the explosive athleticism as a pass catcher that will cause problems for defenders, projecting as a hybrid joker tight end.

    23. D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6033 228 9 7/8 34 7/8 82 7/8 4.33 2.53 1.48 40 1/2 11’02” 4.50 7.38 27
    Metcalf is a “first off the bus” type of player with his broad-shouldered, ripped frame, displaying the gifted athleticism to create mismatches against cornerbacks. Metcalf ran a high volume of vertical routes (go routes, curls, comebacks, etc.) with 13.9 yards per target in 2018, which showed off his downfield abilities (of his 26 catches in 2018, five receptions were 50-plus yards and nine were 30-plus yards). However, he is a straight-line player and his route tree needs more branches. The feedback from his medical evaluation will influence his standing on NFL draft boards. Overall, Metcalf is rough around the edges and needs to fine-tune his routes and finishing skills, but he has the freakish qualities to be an enforcer wideout and grow into a team’s No. 1 pass catcher.

    24. Garrett Bradbury, OC, NC State
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6027 306 10 1/2 31 3/4 76 1/2 4.92 2.84 1.69 31 08’08” 4.53 7.41 34
    A high school tight end, Bradbury balked at programs who recruited him as a lineman, and while NC State initially allowed him to stay at tight end, the coaches eventually forced the move with stops at defensive end and left guard along the way. Bradbury has outstanding athleticism and mobility for the position with the alert awareness required to lead an offense. He can be knocked off balance at times, but he is quick to recover and understands the biomechanics of the position. Overall, Bradbury will have the occasional trouble vs. power, but he is exceptionally quick, instinctive and tough, ideally suited for a zone-blocking scheme in the NFL where he has Pro Bowl potential.

    25. Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama
    HT WT H A W 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    5100 220 10 1/8 31 5/8 74 1/4 – – – – – – – –
    Some backs have a strong lower body and others have an explosive lower body, but Jacobs has both – an explosively strong lower body, allowing him to make violent, start/stop cuts. Although he had just three career starts in Tuscaloosa, his versatility helped him get on the field as a kick returner, wideout and occasionally as a wildcat quarterback, which was his main role in high school. His lack of touches in college is both a positive (wear and tear not an issue) and a negative (not a proven workhorse). Overall, Jacobs is just scratching the surface of his multi-dimensional skill set, displaying the explosive and versatile traits to be a three-down feature weapon in the NFL with Pro Bowl upside.

    26. Nasir Adderley, FS, Delaware
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    5116 206 9 31 74 3/4 – – – – – – – –
    Adderley played primarily single-high but has experience across the secondary and was the only player in the country with 160-plus tackles and 9-plus interceptions over the past two seasons. He has Hall of Fame bloodlines as the cousin of Herb Adderley, who is an important role model and they talk “three or four” times a week. Although he lacks an ideal body type for the position, he runs the alley with conviction and finishes in space. Overall, Adderley has the bad habit of taking the cheese, but he has the essential ingredients of a starting NFL free safety with his play speed, toughness and ball skills, projecting best in a single-high role.

    27. Rock Ya-Sin, CB, Temple
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    5116 192 9 7/8 32 77 3/8 4.51 2.65 1.60 39 1/2 10’00” 4.31 7.31 18
    An FCS transfer, Ya-Sin joined the Owls in January 2018 and quickly earned the respect of his teammates and coaches, becoming the first player in Temple history to earn a single-digit jersey in his first year with the program. He is one of the best corner prospects in this draft class with his back to the line of scrimmage, finding the football and playing through the hands of the receiver. Out of players targeted 50 times or more in 2018, he was the only defensive back in the country to not allow a reception of 20-plus yards, leading the team with 14 passes defended. Overall, Ya-Sin is a late bloomer and doesn’t have elite long-speed for the position, but he stays dialed in with his eyes in the right place and outstanding competitive toughness, projecting best in a zone-heavy scheme.

    28. Justin Layne, CB, Michigan State
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6016 192 9 1/4 33 80 1/8 4.50 2.65 1.59 37 1/2 11’02” 4.09 6.90 –
    Arriving in East Lansing as a wideout, Layne made the move to defense early in his true freshman season and played both ways at different points in his MSU career, catching one pass for 11 yards. He took a sizable step with his key-and-diagnose skills this past season, aiding his innate ability to judge and disrupt the catch point. He has the calm feet and athletic movements to shadow routes, but inconsistent footwork forces him to surrender separation at the break point. Overall, Layne needs continued reps at corner to improve his technique and spacing, but he can mirror and match from press coverage and has outstanding ball skills, projecting as an eventual NFL starter.

    29. Taylor Rapp, SS, Washington
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    5116 208 9 30 3/4 72 7/8 – – – 35 09’07” 3.99 6.82 17
    When drafted, Rapp will be the second (and likely the highest) Chinese-American selected in the NFL Draft (OL Ed Wang was a fifth-rounder in the 2010 NFL Draft and played four seasons in the NFL). Rapp is one of the “smartest guys I’ve ever coached,” said Huskies defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, and his instincts and intelligence are the first traits that stand out on film. He is always in chase mode (doesn’t know how to turn it off) and won’t make mental mistakes. Overall, there are safeties in this class with more flash, but Rapp’s smarts, toughness vs. the run and ability to handle coverage responsibilities make him a high-floor prospect, projecting as a decade-long NFL starting safety.

    (Jeremy Brevard / USA Today)
    30. Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6044 342 10 1/2 34 3/4 84 5.05 2.92 1.75 – – – – 36
    Lawrence flashes dominant qualities as a run defender with his ability to stack the point of attack and not concede ground, using his natural power to two-gap. He is a smooth mover for a 350-pounder, but his best pass rush tape came when he could get a step of momentum off the edge. He currently lacks interior pass rush value. Overall, Lawrence isn’t yet the sum of his parts, but he possesses a rare blend of size, strength and movement skills, projecting as a space-eating run defender with potential to be more as a pass rusher.

    31. Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    5110 193 9 32 77 1/8 4.52 2.63 1.60 – 09’10” – – 14
    Baker’s tape shows the quickness, fluidity and instincts to play in both zone and man coverage, along with the toughness to make plays in run support. His hands-on approach is one of his best qualities, but you must live with the other side of the sword as his aggressive nature will lead to penalties or mistakes. Overall, Baker isn’t an elite size/speed prospect, but he shows the innate ability to diagnose routes and put himself in position to make plays, projecting as an NFL starter, ideally suited in a Cover-2 scheme.

    32. Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    5093 166 9 30 1/2 71 3/4 – – – – – – – –
    Lincoln Riley used diverse ways to get the ball in Brown’s hands from inside screens to vertical patterns, taking advantage of Brown’s athletic playmaking skills (FBS-best 14 catches of 50-plus yards the last two seasons). Once he gains a step, no one is catching him, but it isn’t just his speed, it’s also his ball tracking skills that make him a legitimate deep threat. He weighed only 144 pounds when he arrived in Norman and will likely never comfortably carry more than 175 pounds in the NFL. Overall, Brown has obvious size limitations that affect his finishing skills and lead to durability concerns (including his January foot surgery), but his dynamic speed and explosive feet make him a difference-maker in the DeSean Jackson mold.

    33. Jachai Polite, EDGE, Florida
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6025 258 9 3/4 32 5/8 80 1/4 4.84 2.85 1.71 32 – – – –
    Although not an early-down player in 2018, Polite was highly productive as a subpackage “BUCK” edge rusher, leading the Gators in defensive stops on third down (13) and joining Kentucky’s Josh Allen as the only two FBS players with 10-plus sacks and 5-plus forced fumbles. In the NFL, explosive players are at a premium because of the importance of the first and last steps, making Polite an attractive prospect with his instant speed and closing burst to finish at the quarterback. However, his maturity has been red flagged by multiple NFL teams and will affect his final draft grade. Overall, Polite needs to improve as a run defender and prove he can be an any-down player, but he is a quarterback assassin with his combination of first-step quickness, motor and finishing skills, projecting best as a stand-up rusher in a 3-4 scheme.

    34. Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6064 295 10 5/8 34 1/4 81 4.93 2.88 1.69 32 09’07” 4.33 7.45 23
    Tillery is a loose mover with a powerful punch, using his length to stack, shed and bully. He is an extremely talented player, but teams must be comfortable with his accountability – NFL teams have strong concerns about his “all in?” commitment to football. Overall, Tillery has a vast playmaking radius with length and athleticism, flashing NFL starter potential, but questions about inconsistent on-field play and dedication to his craft are why he wears a “buyer beware” tag.

    35. Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6023 242 9 1/2 31 1/2 74 7/8 4.63 2.74 1.68 32 1/2 09’02” 4.33 7.32 19
    Smith ran a high-volume of cross-formation routes at Alabama, which showed off his speed and efficient transition from pass-catcher to runner (Smith and Texas A&M’s Jace Sternberger were the only FBS tight ends in 2018 with 40-plus catches and 16.1-plus yards per catch). As a route-runner, Smith relies more on athleticism than nuance and needs continued growth in his patterns. He is a get-in-the-way blocker with NFL-level toughness and the potential to be more. Overall, Smith is understandably young in areas, but he displays the athletic dexterity and natural ball skills to threaten every level of the defense, projecting as an NFL starter.

    36. Greg Little, OT, Ole Miss
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6052 310 10 1/4 35 1/4 85 5.33 3.07 1.82 25 09’05” 4.74 – –
    While he plays controlled in his movements, Little needs time to improve his hand timing and develop more of a killer instinct, playing unsure of himself at times, which leads to mistakes (see 2018 Mississippi State tape). An athletic big man with a relaxed punch and passive tendencies, his film notes read similar to the scouting report of Baltimore Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley when he was a prospect at Notre Dame. Overall, Little isn’t a seasoned blocker right now, but he is battle-tested from the SEC and displays the length, awareness and movements to develop into an NFL starter.

    37. Johnathan Abram, SS, Mississippi State
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    5113 205 9 5/8 31 3/8 73 5/8 4.44 2.60 1.56 33 1/2 09’08” – – 16
    One of my favorite players in this class to watch, Abram runs the alley like a speeding bullet, but doesn’t consistently come to balance and his aggressive play style is his best and most worrisome quality. Although he reacts well and plays with boundless energy, Abram struggles to anticipate and is at his best where he can run and hit. Overall, Abram is not the type of safety who will sniff out routes and thrive on instincts, but he is a tempo-setter with the fast and physical appetite to hunt, projecting at best as a starting NFL strong safety (and at worst a special teams standout).

    38. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, FS, Florida
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    5107 210 9 1/4 30 7/8 74 4.48 2.62 1.58 36 09’09” 4.20 7.03 17
    Gardner-Johnson moved to the “STAR” position in Todd Grantham’s five-man secondary in 2018, playing primarily a nickel role where he looked much more comfortable than a traditional safety spot. He was one of the leaders on the Florida defense, actively getting his teammates lined up and communicating play calls. He has proven flexibility in the secondary, both athletically and mentally, to play multiple spots. Overall, Gardner-Johnson needs to dial back his aggressive nature to be a more consistent finisher, but he is a play-disruptor with the way he reads and flies around the field, projecting as an ideal nickel in today’s NFL.

    39. A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6004 226 9 3/4 32 7/8 78 4.49 2.65 1.56 36 1/2 10’00” – – 19
    Brown feasted on slants, crossers and shallow patterns in the Ole Miss offense and his tape feels like an unfinished jigsaw puzzle, missing a worthy sample size of downfield and outside-the-number routes (84 percent of his career touchdown catches came out of the slot). However, his athletic gifts at his size, along with his college production and ingrained work ethic, compare favorably to JuJu Smith-Schuster when he was a college prospect. Overall, Brown is a very natural route runner and pass catcher with the athletic profile and competitive character that make it easy to bet on his upside as an NFL starter.

    (Jim Dedmon / USA Today)
    40. Erik McCoy, OC, Texas A&M
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6037 303 9 5/8 33 77 3/4 4.89 2.85 1.72 31 08’11” 4.62 8.28 29
    While he had his ups and downs against top-tier teams like Alabama and Clemson, McCoy battled and held up better than most against elite competition like Quinnen Williams and Dexter Lawrence. He is very balanced in his movements and efficiently breaks down all the moving parts in front of him, keeping his lower and upper halves on the same page. He will occasionally get burned by quickness or power, but you rarely see him make mental mistakes. Overall, McCoy might not be elite in any one category, but he displays a well-rounded skill set to keep blockers occupied, projecting as a scheme-versatile NFL starter with upside.

    41. Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6036 228 9 32 1/2 77 1/8 4.69 2.74 1.61 31 09’04” 4.12 7.03 –
    Very similar to Derek Carr coming out of Fresno State, Lock is a classic arm thrower who stubbornly believes that every throw is there but is still figuring out how to use his eyes and piece together his timing. He showed expanded vision as a senior and appeared to eliminate things quicker mid-read. Overall, Lock showcases a live arm and the makeup required to be an NFL starter, but he needs to continue developing his accuracy, mechanics and decision-making to live up to his intriguing potential.

    42. Chris Lindstrom, OG, Boston College
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6036 308 9 1/2 34 1/8 80 1/8 4.91 2.85 1.68 30 1/2 09’09” 4.54 7.61 25
    Somewhat of a late bloomer, Lindstrom weighed only 235 pounds out of high school and showed steady development the past four seasons, dominating ACC talent as a senior. He is a stout pass protector on the interior, understanding angles and staying square to defenders. He has the competitive juices, quicks and hand strength desired for the position, but needs to button up his body posture and fundamentals to be more consistent. Overall, Lindstrom moves well with the smarts and toughness to stalemate NFL defenders, projecting as an immediate starting guard at the next level.

    43. Parris Campbell, WR, Ohio State
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    5117 205 9 1/2 32 1/4 75 5/8 4.31 2.51 1.52 40 11’03” 4.03 – 11
    As the H-back in Urban Meyer’s offense, Campbell benefited from a high volume of underneath patterns (jet sweeps, screens, etc.), which showed off his electric athleticism as a ball carrier and inflated his production. He showed improved route-running and focus as a senior, but his downfield abilities remain suspicious with undeveloped tracking and ball skills. Overall, Campbell enters the league with inexperienced vertical skills, but his short-area explosiveness and long-speed are elite, projecting as a bigger version of his former teammate Curtis Samuel.

    44. Elgton Jenkins, OC, Mississippi State
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6044 310 10 1/4 34 83 – – – 28 09’01” 4.62 7.77 29
    With starting experience at all five offensive line spots except right guard, Jenkins is a battle-tested blocker, not only facing tough competition in the SEC each week, but also during daily practices against Jeffery Simmons. Overall, Jenkins checks several desired boxes with his size, balanced movements, stout anchor and intelligence to make the line calls, projecting as a starting NFL guard or center.

    45. D’Andre Walker, EDGE, Georgia
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6023 251 9 7/8 34 3/8 81 3/4 – – – – – – – –
    Although not quite as physically gifted as past Georgia “JACK” rushers like Leonard Floyd or Lorenzo Carter, Walker improved each season and produced at a higher clip. He is still piecing together his timing and technique, but his effort and impact make him an easy player to like on film. Overall, Walker has a toned, flexible frame with the balanced athleticism and competitive makeup to drop, rush the passer or set the edge, projecting as a high upside edge rusher in a 3-4 scheme.

    46. Deionte Thompson, FS, Alabama
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6010 195 9 7/8 32 1/8 76 3/4 – – – – – – – –
    Although he is guilty of false steps, Thompson shows an instinctive feel for what the offense is trying to do. Against the run, his tackling doesn’t always look textbook, but he usually gets his man on the ground. While he has the physical mentality to be a reliable run defender, his lack of bulk leads to durability concerns. Overall, Thompson has the athletic range and ball skills desired in a center field safety, but he must develop a more disciplined approach with his eyes and tackling technique to lock down a starting free safety role.

    47. Kelvin Harmon, WR, NC State
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6024 221 9 1/2 32 1/2 75 1/2 4.60 2.69 1.62 32 1/2 09’09” 4.32 7.15 18
    While he needs to sharpen his routes, Harmon has a knack for creating early or late windows due to his (sometimes) subtle physicality to separate. Although not on the same level from a technical perspective, there are Michael Thomas flashes on his tape with his above-average ball skills. Overall, Harmon’s lack of an explosive top gear is bothersome, but he competes with outstanding play strength and the “my ball” mentality to track, adjust and finish.

    48. N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6023 228 9 1/2 33 78 1/4 4.53 2.67 1.62 38 1/2 10’02” – – 27
    Harry competes with a powerful, fearless attitude, but will his physical play style produce in the NFL like it did vs. Pac-12 defenses? While he is a clean route-runner with natural ball skills, he lacks the separation quickness to give his quarterback sizable passing windows. Overall, Harry doesn’t have the sudden athleticism to blow past corners, but he wins downfield with his tracking skills and physicality to win body position, projecting as a solid No. 2 option in the NFL.

    49. Jaylon Ferguson, EDGE, Louisiana Tech
    **No combine**

    Ferguson entered his senior season needing 17.5 sacks to pass Terrell Suggs as the No. 1 sack artist in FBS history and that is exactly what he accomplished, recording 2.5 sacks in his final collegiate game. He strikes with power and pad level, using his reach, physical hands and bully mentality to jar blockers off balance. He needs to clean up some technique issues as a run defender, but he locks out and sees through blocks to shed and pursue. Overall, Ferguson isn’t a top-tier athlete, but he is a violent speed-to-power rusher with impressive production, projecting as a starting scheme-diverse pass rusher in the NFL.

    (Daniel Bartel / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
    50. Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6051 221 9 3/4 32 1/2 78 1/8 4.81 2.83 1.71 33 1/2 10’00” 4.41 7.00 –
    A late bloomer, Jones developed under David Cutcliffe’s watchful eye and it is easy to see the Manning influence with his footwork, pocket mannerisms and his release. While he doesn’t have a very impressive resume on paper, he elevated the average talent around him on the Duke offense, relying on both his arm and legs. His low-key personality might not immediately win over a room, but he competes with a quiet confidence and doesn’t show any fear on the football field. Overall, Jones doesn’t have any exceptional physical traits and his internal clock requires work, but he is a cerebral passer who makes accurate reads with active eyes and feet, projecting as a B-level NFL starter.

    51. Mack Wilson, LB, Alabama
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6011 240 9 1/2 32 3/8 75 7/8 – – – 32 09’09” – – –
    Although he was pegged early on as the next first-round linebacker in the Alabama pipeline, Wilson’s development appeared stagnant throughout the 2018 season, not taking the expected steps in his growth as a player. He is a good-sized athlete with the fluid movements, field range and ball awareness to make plays against the pass and the run. However, he needs to become more refined to be a reliable playmaker, projecting similar to an inconsistent version of Colts’ linebacker Darius Leonard. Overall, Wilson’s wild play, undisciplined approach and lack of anticipation are holding him back, but he is an impressive size/speed/strength athlete with the versatile skill set to develop into a true three-down NFL player.

    52. Damien Harris, RB, Alabama
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    5101 216 9 3/4 30 3/4 72 7/8 4.57 2.71 1.61 37 10’01” – – 16
    Although he benefited from a strong offensive line and deep backfield, which allowed him to stay fresh late in games, Harris consistently gained more yards than what was blocked for him due to his vision, competitive edge and ability to shift his weight to elude defenders. He had more pass blocking reps than the average college back and made it his personal mission to bury defenders with his tenacity and awareness. Overall, his lack of initial explosion is his most glaring concern, but his run instincts, balance and versatility make him a not-as-dynamic version of Ezekiel Elliott, projecting as a low-ceiling, high-floor NFL running back.

    53. Dalton Risner, OG, Kansas State
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6046 312 10 1/4 34 81 1/8 5.30 3.10 1.86 28 1/2 09’02” 4.52 7.69 23
    Similar to Austin Corbett in last year’s draft class, position flexibility is key to Risner’s evaluation, starting at right tackle, taking practice reps at guard and serving as the backup center. He is smart and plays with outstanding awareness to decipher all the moving parts around him. Although he is consistently in the right position on tape, which helps him combat speed and long-armed defenders, his technical flaws and lower-body stiffness will be tougher to mask vs. NFL rushers. Overall, Risner has athletic limitations, but he should carve out a long NFL career due to his intangibles, toughness and versatility, projecting best at guard.

    54. Riley Ridley, WR, Georgia
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6012 199 10 1/4 32 5/8 78 1/4 4.58 2.69 1.57 30 1/2 10’04” 4.28 7.22 13
    Despite the underwhelming production, Ridley led the team in catches, receiving yards and touchdown receptions in 2018 for an offense that prioritized ground control and spreading the wealth through the air. He isn’t a quick-twitch athlete and lacks the sudden acceleration to threaten defenses on speed alone, but he is smooth in/out of the drive phase with natural body control and ball skills. Overall, Ridley isn’t as dynamic as his older brother Calvin, but he plays bigger and shows similar polish as a route runner, projecting as a better pro than college pass catcher.

    55. Julian Love, CB, Notre Dame
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    5106 195 9 31 3/4 75 3/8 4.54 2.65 1.62 36 10’01” 4.10 6.72 14
    Although his recovery athleticism is a concern, Love plays with balanced footwork to mirror routes, gain positioning and make plays with his elite-level ball skills (school-record 44 career passes defended). He trusts his eyes and instincts and won’t panic, but his lack of length is evident vs. large-framed targets. Overall, Love’s lack of ideal size, speed and suddenness will be tougher to mask vs. NFL receivers, but his velvet feet, intelligence and ball skills are the type of traits worth betting on, projecting best in the nickel.

    56. Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    5112 214 10 31 3/8 75 1/8 4.48 2.66 1.60 39 10’02” 4.14 7.03 15
    Samuel played across the Gamecocks’ formation and also made an impact on special teams (return man and gunner on punt coverage) with a nose for the end zone, scoring 30 touchdowns over his career (16 receiving, 7 rushing, 4 kickoff returns, 2 passing and 1 fumble return). Samuel isn’t a true burner, but he moves with twitch, contact balance and the vision to find open space. Overall, Samuel’s ideal offensive identity will depend on scheme, but he is one of the better YAC players in this draft class with his ability to find space, projecting best in the slot and as a return man.

    57. Devin Singletary, RB, Florida Atlantic
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    5074 203 8 1/2 28 7/8 70 4.66 2.73 1.64 35 09’09” 4.40 7.32 15
    Singletary runs with remarkable balance to elude in tight quarters, leading the FBS with 69.8 percent of his rushing yards in 2018 coming after initial contact. He is tougher than he looks, but his lack of body armor and questions about being a three-down player will be the main concerns for his next-level transition. Overall, Singletary is uniquely skilled at forcing missed tackles due to his lateral agility and ability to feel openings, projecting as a LeSean McCoy-type of offensive weapon in the NFL.

    58. Dre’Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6026 281 9 5/8 33 3/4 80 5/8 5.12 2.94 1.77 31 1/2 09’02” 4.53 7.71 –
    Jones displays the first-step quickness to make himself skinny through gaps and the lateral quickness that makes him near-immune to reach blocks. While he has high upside as a pass rusher, he tends to abandon his base in the run game and lacks the power to recover, allowing blockers to bully him from his spot. Overall, Jones must improve his run fits and play strength to be reliable on early downs, but his slippery movements make him a pest for blockers, projecting best in an aggressive front to slant and shoot gaps.

    59. Joejuan Williams, CB, Vanderbilt
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6035 211 9 3/4 32 1/2 78 4.64 2.71 1.65 – – – – 17
    Few cornerbacks tower over wideouts like Williams, who has imposing size and length for the position, with the athleticism to pattern-match. His natural talent and aggressive mentality immediately pop on tape, but so does his lack of technical skill and spatial awareness, leaving him unbalanced downfield and out of position (the 2018 Georgia tape specifically shows the reasons to be both excited and concerned about his talent). Overall, Williams is underdeveloped mechanically and mentally, but he is a large-framed, scheme-specific cornerback with the length/athleticism combination that will be enticing to press-man teams who covet his skill set.

    (Daniel Dunn / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
    60. Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa State
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6053 227 10 3/4 35 1/4 83 7/8 4.48 2.62 1.59 36 10’08” – – 18
    Leading the FBS with 22.0 yards per catch in 2018 (among receivers with 40-plus catches), Butler accounted for 10 of Iowa State’s 14 plays of 40-plus yards last season. Although he doesn’t have dynamic route speed or technique, he is a rangy athlete with the tracking skills to rebound the football. He is an accomplished jump ball threat downfield, but the difficulty-level of finishing those plays skyrockets in the NFL compared to the Big 12 (those 50-50 balls will be 20-80 balls in the NFL). Overall, Butler will have a tough time consistently separating from NFL cornerbacks, but his loose hips and flexible frame allow him to easily expand his catch radius, projecting as a potential mismatch weapon if he matures his routes and ball skills.

    61. Kaleb McGary, OT, Washington
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6071 317 10 1/8 32 7/8 79 3/4 5.05 2.95 1.75 33 1/2 09’03” 4.58 7.66 23
    McGary will occasionally labor with wide speed due to average length and feet, but he is a flexible mover and stays balanced in pass protection. Although his bad habits (specifically his tall posture and late hands) lead to mistakes, his tenacious play personality and intangibles help cover up some of his physical deficiencies. Overall, McGary’s on-field reps aren’t always pretty, but they are mostly effective, using his mobility and play strength to tie up edge defenders, projecting as a right tackle ready to compete for immediate starting reps.

    62. Chase Winovich, EDGE, Michigan
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6026 256 10 32 3/4 78 1/2 4.59 2.69 1.57 30 1/2 09’08” 4.11 6.94 18
    Finishing No. 8 in Michigan history with 44.5 tackles for loss, Winovich’s ability to rush with angled bend while fending off blockers is the key to his game, crediting his training in ballet, jiu-jitsu and boxing to his growth as an edge rusher. His extroverted personality will rub some the wrong way, but his competitive drive also fuels his disruptive effort. Overall, Winovich doesn’t have the size, length or explosive traits that NFL teams desire on the edge, but he finds ways to detach from blockers with his flexibility, active hands and relentless play style, projecting as a stand-up rusher in a 3-4 scheme.

    63. Juan Thornhill, FS, Virginia
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6002 205 8 3/4 31 1/8 74 3/4 4.42 2.60 1.57 44 11’09” – – 21
    Thornhill, who wears No. 21 for Sean Taylor, doesn’t play as fast as he timed, but he has a smooth lower body and doesn’t get off-balance in his movements. He has plus anticipation and ball skills, but will take the worst of hits when his tackling technique isn’t perfect. Overall, Thornhill is more smooth than sudden, which causes him to be a beat late at times, but his instincts, field range and roster versatility are strong selling points, projecting as a high alignment safety who can walk down and cover slot receivers.

    64. Amani Hooker, SS, Iowa
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    5113 210 9 1/8 30 1/8 72 3/8 4.48 2.60 1.54 37 10’03” 4.10 6.81 14
    Hooker is quick to read run/pass and puts himself in position to make plays with his ability to sense what is about to happen. That anticipation helps mask his lack of athletic twitch, but his lack of ideal range will be amplified vs. NFL-level skill weapons. Overall, Hooker doesn’t consistently play up to his athletic testing numbers, but he plays with plus technique, mental processing and FBI, displaying NFL-starter potential as an undersized outside linebacker or strong safety in a zone scheme.

    65. L.J. Collier, EDGE, TCU
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6022 283 10 34 81 7/8 4.91 2.87 1.75 30 09’10” 4.78 7.71 25
    Collier might not be an ultra-flexible speed rusher, but he stays balanced mid-rush to throw the kitchen sink at blockers. As a run defender, he shows blossoming instincts with powerful hands and quick read/react skills. Overall, Collier isn’t going to frequently surprise NFL tackles as a pass rusher, but he plays balanced and alert with the physical mindset that translates well in the run game, projecting as a rotational defensive end with upside to be more.

    66. Germaine Pratt, LB, NC State
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6024 240 9 1/8 31 5/8 75 3/8 4.57 2.65 1.60 32 1/2 09’08” – – 24
    A former safety, Pratt, who finished No. 1 in the ACC with 9.5 tackles per game in 2018, is field fast and quick to key, read and finish from various depths, boasting a strong batting average as a tackler. Although he needs to clean some things up in coverage, he has the functional skill and experience in the secondary to stick with backs and tight ends. Overall, Pratt needs to mature his take-on skills and play discipline, but he competes with automatic reaction to movement and a combative mindset, projecting as a starting NFL outside linebacker.

    67. Jahlani Tavai, LB, Hawaii
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6023 250 9 31 7/8 78 – – – – – – – –
    Playing under six defensive coordinators over his college career, Tavai was one of the nation’s most productive tacklers, averaging 10.3 tackles per game the last two seasons. He has the size, length and athleticism to be a modern-day NFL defender, moving well laterally, dropping in space or blitzing as an edge rusher. His shoulder injury kept him from participating at the Senior Bowl and combine, allowing him to fly under the radar as a prospect. Overall, Tavai needs to tidy up his anticipation and break down skills, but he has true three-down ability with his physicality vs. the run and athleticism to drop in coverage, projecting as a hybrid linebacker with inside-outside versatility.

    68. David Long, CB, Michigan
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    5105 196 9 5/8 30 7/8 76 1/8 4.45 2.62 1.57 39 1/2 10’00” 3.97 6.45 15
    Although his college production (three career interceptions) was underwhelming, Long wasn’t routinely challenged on tape. Long plays nose to nose in press with the lateral slide to match releases and attach himself to patterns, staying balanced with his punch and transition. While patient at the line, he tends to panic, grip and grab at the top of routes and can be manipulated by savvy receivers. Overall, Long needs to develop a more disciplined approach with his reads and contact downfield, but he is a fluid athlete with swivel hips and physical mentality, projecting best as a nickel cornerback.

    69. Anthony Nelson, EDGE, Iowa
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6070 271 9 7/8 34 7/8 83 4.82 2.76 1.64 35 1/2 09’10” 4.23 6.95 18
    Power is the name of the game for Nelson, who is a classic bull rusher, extending his long arms into blocks and grinding with his leg drive. However, he doesn’t show an efficient move-to-move transition and tends to lose steam at the top of his rush, lacking the natural bend to win with edge speed. Overall, Nelson is a tightly wound, predictable pass rusher, but he has the length, competitive makeup and raw power to soften the edge, projecting as a base end in a four-man front who can reduce inside on passing downs.

    (Quinn Harris / Getty Images)
    70. Miles Boykin, WR, Notre Dame
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6036 220 9 7/8 33 1/2 81 3/8 4.42 2.57 1.54 43 1/2 11’08” 4.07 6.77 12
    Boykin is an above-average size/speed target with the upper body flexibility to track, adjust and finish, swallowing the football at the catch point. To take the next step in his development, he must fine-tune his routes and turn up the dial of his aggressiveness to be a threat after the catch. Overall, Boykin doesn’t always play up to his measurables, but he is a premier athlete for his size with his best football in front of him (similar to Donte Moncrief as prospects), displaying the balance and body fluidity to develop into an NFL starter.

    71. Tytus Howard, OT, Alabama State
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6050 322 10 5/8 34 81 5/8 5.05 2.97 1.81 29 1/2 08’07” 4.86 8.34 21
    While he was on the NFL radar last summer, Howard’s performance in 2018 (one sack allowed) put him in the conversation to be one of the first non-FBS players drafted, especially after his positive tape vs. Auburn (his favorite team growing up). He frustrates defenders with his ability to mirror and uncoil his length to disrupt pass-rush plans. While not shy using his hands, he appears clumsy at times because his timing and placement are undeveloped. Overall, Howard is a talented lump of clay with sloppy tendencies, but all the raw tools are there for him to develop into an NFL starter.

    72. Darnell Savage, FS, Maryland
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    5106 198 9 1/8 31 74 3/4 4.36 2.58 1.56 39 1/2 10’06” 4.14 7.03 11
    Although he looks more like a cornerback than a safety and the lack of size gives you pause, Savage’s play speed and cover instincts jump off the tape. He has awesome closing burst, but he shows it off too much because of his overaggressive tendencies. Overall, Savage’s undersized frame won’t fit every scheme and his aggressive style works against him at times, but he has the requisite athleticism, awareness and toughness to play a versatile nickel role in the NFL.

    73. David Montgomery, RB, Iowa State
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    5101 222 9 1/4 31 3/8 77 3/8 4.63 2.70 1.61 28 1/2 10’01” – – 15
    While elusive in short areas, Montgomery is quicker than fast with inconsistent anticipation (more of a checkers runner, not chess). He has off-the-chart intangibles with the receiving and blocking potential to fit multiple roles. Overall, Montgomery doesn’t have much “special” to him as an athlete and he needs to see things quicker, but he doesn’t concede easily and has the run balance/toughness to be productive.

    74. Andy Isabella, WR, Massachusetts
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    5086 188 8 3/8 29 3/4 71 1/2 4.35 2.52 1.53 36 1/2 10’01” 4.15 6.95 15
    Isabella, who “couldn’t run a route” when he arrived in Amherst, needs to clean up his steps vs. press and at the stem, but he can create on in- and out-breaking routes due to his plant quickness and YAC skills. While he has quick, steady hands, his focus can be disrupted by crowded catch points. Overall, Isabella’s undersized frame and catch radius limit his role, but his explosive athleticism and receiving instincts will be a problem for NFL defenses, projecting best in the slot where he can manipulate space.

    75. Zach Allen, EDGE, Boston College
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6041 281 10 1/8 34 3/4 79 7/8 5.00 2.91 1.74 32 09’04” 4.36 7.34 24
    Allen’s pass-rush moves are all power based and he doesn’t have the flexible edge speed to routinely threaten the corner, but his hand work, alert eyes and relentless effort boost his production, which speaks to his hustle and intensity. Overall, Allen is a reliable run defender and average pass rusher who fits best as a base end in a four-man front, projecting as a better version of New England Patriots’ Deatrich Wise.

    76. Jace Sternberger, TE, Texas A&M
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6040 251 9 3/4 32 1/8 77 1/4 4.75 2.82 1.70 31 1/2 09’05” 4.31 7.19 17
    With his athleticism and toughness, Sternberger offers tremendous YAC and down-the-seam value, recording at least one 20-plus yard catch in 12 of 13 games in 2018 (44 percent of his catches resulted in a 20-plus yard play). He is a work in progress as both a route-runner and blocker and his NFL ceiling will be closely tied to his development in both areas. Overall, Sternberger is a vertical pass-catching target with the athleticism and warrior toughness to be a mismatch weapon, projecting as an NFL joker tight end.

    77. Darrell Henderson, RB, Memphis
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    5083 208 8 5/8 31 73 7/8 4.53 2.48 1.42 33 1/2 10’01” – – 22
    Similar to Dalvin Cook, Henderson is at his best when he can slash and weave through gaps, using his open-field moves to make defenders look silly at the second level. He isn’t much of a grinder inside and likely won’t be the same type of home-run hitter at the next level due to average long-speed. Overall, Henderson faces a significant jump in difficulty level going from AAC defenses to the NFL, but his combination of balance, agility and run instincts help him gravitate toward space, projecting best in a zone-heavy scheme.

    78. Connor McGovern, OC, Penn State
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6053 308 9 7/8 34 1/8 82 – – – – 09’04” 4.57 7.66 28
    McGovern loads his hands and runs his feet in the run game, locating his targets from distance with excellent awareness. He works persistently to stay between ball and defender in pass protection, but he needs to fortify his base and use his natural bend to shuffle and counter. Overall, McGovern needs to better trust his feet, but he shows starter-quality traits at center or guard, projecting as a high-floor, low-ceiling NFL blocker.

    79. Miles Sanders, RB, Penn State
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    5105 211 9 1/4 30 5/8 74 5/8 4.49 2.61 1.57 36 10’04” 4.19 6.89 20
    Sanders, who finished with three more rushing yards in 2018 than Saquon Barkley in 2017, is able to create yardage for himself with his reactive run style. He is a reliable pass catcher, but must become more dependable as a blocker and cut down on the fumbles for an NFL play-caller to trust him. Overall, Sanders isn’t a sudden athlete or hammer inside, but his combination of awareness, balance and pacing allows him to instinctively sort through the trash, slip tackle attempts and find creases.

    (Nelson Chenault / USA Today)
    80. Christian Miller, EDGE, Alabama
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6033 247 9 3/4 35 1/8 82 1/4 – – – 38 1/2 09’10” – – –
    Miller struggles to get around blocks and lacks creativity as a pass rusher, but he has some bend and will put his hands into blockers to go through them. His assignment sound approach and gritty effort will make him a favorite of coaches in training camp. Overall, Miller rushes with long levers, stride acceleration and physical hands to wear down edge blockers, but his one-dimensional impact and inconsistent track record of staying on the field are tough to ignore, projecting as an NFL nickel rusher.

    81. Max Scharping, OT, Northern Illinois
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6057 327 10 33 5/8 80 1/8 – – – 28 09’00” 4.70 7.77 27
    A high-IQ blocker, Scharping isn’t a top-tier athlete, but he is quick out of his stance and stays busy, allowing only one sack (Iowa’s AJ Epenesa) the last three seasons. His margin for error will be much smaller in the NFL compared to the MAC and he must eliminate bad habits to lock up an NFL starting role. Overall, Scharping has his shortcomings, but he does an excellent job working within the confines of his skill set, displaying a keen understanding of his strengths to mask his weaknesses.

    82. Saivion Smith, CB, Alabama
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6007 199 9 1/2 33 1/4 78 7/8 – – – 33 10’01” 4.37 7.09 11
    It wasn’t a surprise to learn that Smith played a lot of quarterback growing up because he is more of an athlete right now than technically sound cornerback. His lack of transition burst will lead to spacing issues, but he is a physical player who is equipped to jam and likes mixing it up with receivers. Overall, Smith has the size, quickness and competitive mentality required to play the position in the NFL, but he isn’t a burst player and must refine his technique to better prevent chunk plays for the offense.

    83. Khalen Saunders, DT, Western Illinois
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6003 324 9 1/8 32 1/4 78 3/8 5.01 2.91 1.73 30 1/2 08’05” 4.62 7.57 27
    Saunders displays terrific snap quickness and body control, which is also evident with his backflips during practice. However, he was more of a flash player on tape and didn’t consistently dominate like his traits suggest. Overall, Saunders stays blocked too long and needs to develop his rush/anchor technique, but the athletic skill, raw strength and character are NFL quality, projecting best in a 4-3 scheme as a one-gapping nose with three-down potential.

    84. Sean Bunting, CB, Central Michigan
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6003 195 9 5/8 31 3/4 76 3/4 4.42 2.59 1.51 41 1/2 10’06” – – 14
    Bunting has the athleticism to run better routes than the receiver and although his undisciplined mechanics lead to mistakes, he is usually in position to recover. Despite his thin build, he competes with a cover-and-clobber mentality and can eliminate the mismatch advantage larger pass catchers usually have vs. cornerbacks. Overall, Bunting needs to get stronger and become a more technically sound player, but he plays loose and suffocates the catch point, projecting as an NFL backup as a rookie with eventual starting potential.

    85. Trayvon Mullen, CB, Clemson
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6014 199 9 1/8 31 75 5/8 4.46 2.63 1.58 34 1/2 10’03” – – –
    Mullen is a tall, leggy corner and moves with the fluidity to stay attached with any type of receiver. He is still a novice fundamentally, both with his transition and diagnose skills, and needs to develop a better feel for route breaks. Overall, Mullen has an above-average combination of athleticism and length, but he is more of an athlete than technically refined cover man and must improve his understanding of play indicators to take the next step in his development, projecting as a high-ceiling developmental corner.

    86. Dru Samia, OG, Oklahoma
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6046 305 10 1/8 33 80 1/2 5.29 3.08 1.83 27 1/2 08’05” 4.70 7.89 28
    Samia boasts the upper body torque to displace defenders while staying balanced with coordinated steps. His taller play style works against him at times, but he does a nice job rolling his hips into contact and introducing his hands to jolt defenders. Overall, Samia might find trouble vs. technically savvy defenders once he enters the league, but his powerful upper body and ability to stay square to rushers will allow him to keep his head above water, projecting as an early NFL starter.

    87. Renell Wren, DT, Arizona State
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6047 318 10 33 7/8 81 3/4 5.01 2.90 1.75 32 09’10” 4.53 7.65 30
    Wren is an impressive athlete for his size, but tends to lose leverage quickly and needs to better understand how to use his strengths to his advantage. While his punch and upper body power are obvious, he is often aimless with his pass-rush moves and doesn’t know how to use his hands. Overall, Wren is incredibly raw from a technical standpoint, but he has the snap quickness, strength and effort to develop into a disruptive NFL player on the interior, projecting as a pure upside pick.

    88. Te’von Coney, LB, Notre Dame
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6007 234 9 1/2 32 7/8 78 1/4 – – – – – – – –
    Coney isn’t an explosive player, which especially shows in space, but he is always in the vicinity because of his strong diagnose skills. Although he made strides in zone coverage this season, he is late to recognize and react to targets. Overall, Coney lacks the fluid athleticism and cover instincts to be a rangy playmaker, but he is an assignment-sound run defender who projects as an early-down SAM linebacker in the NFL.

    89. Oshane Ximines, EDGE, Old Dominion
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6034 253 9 7/8 33 78 5/8 4.78 2.80 1.72 34 09’10” 4.57 7.13 24
    Ximines has the edge athleticism to wrap the corner and wreak havoc, showcasing a sophisticated approach to his rush. He is an inconsistent run defender, mostly due to his undersized frame, and was strictly an upfield player in college, lacking experience dropping in space. Overall, Ximines is a speed-based pass rusher with tweener size and play strength, displaying the active hands and motor to be a nickel rusher as a rookie before competing for starting reps.

    (Jaime Valdez / USA Today)
    90. JJ Arcega-Whiteside, WR, Stanford
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6020 225 9 1/2 33 1/4 79 7/8 – – – – – – – –
    The best compliment you can give a wideout is when everyone knows where the ball is going, yet it can’t be stopped – and that’s often how it felt studying Arcega-Whiteside in jump-ball situations. His basketball background and bloodlines are evident in the way he boxes out and rebounds the football, especially in the end zone. Arcega-Whiteside doesn’t create consistent separation vs. press or the top of routes due to upright, rigid movements. However, he has a unique ability to body corners and finish contested catches, extending his long arms and highpointing with focus. Overall, Arcega-Whiteside lacks route savvy, but he physically dominates at the catch point and projects as a specialized receiver who can be more with added refinement in his patterns.

    91. Trysten Hill, DT, Central Florida
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6026 308 10 1/4 33 3/8 78 7/8 5.04 2.88 1.73 35 09’07” 4.38 7.70 28
    Hill was routinely the first defensive lineman to cross into enemy territory on tape, quickly finding the football and making plays in the hole. Although he has quick feet/hands to shoot gaps, his eyes are bigger than his stomach and he doesn’t have a deep tool box as a rusher, relying more on his first step and motor. Overall, Hill is an outstanding athlete for a 300-plus pounder with the movement skills to develop into an NFL backfield disruptor if he matures both on and off the field, projecting best as one-gap three technique.

    92. Justice Hill, RB, Oklahoma State
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    5095 198 9 1/2 31 5/8 74 7/8 4.40 2.60 1.56 40 10’10” – – 21
    Hill is a fun ball carrier to study because he is a chunk play waiting to happen with his lateral agility and quick-thinking rush attack (41 plays of 20-plus yards in college). However, he runs slanted and tends to be overly impulsive, sensing run lanes, but inconsistent timing hurts his batting average. Overall, Hill has questionable three-down ability in the NFL, but he is a shifty, balanced runner who is tough to tackle one-on-one, projecting as a complementary weapon in a backfield.

    93. Emanuel Hall, WR, Missouri
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6017 201 9 3/4 33 1/4 79 3/8 4.39 2.59 1.54 43 1/2 11’09” – – 15
    Missouri’s offense was night/day different with Hall in the lineup in 2018, going 7-0 in games he started and 1-5 in the six games where he was out or limited (Lock called Hall his “blankie,” adding he was “freezing” without him). With his instant acceleration and gliding speed, Hall stacks corners vertically and often had to wait for Lock’s deep ball to arrive. He improved on the drops as a senior, but needs to develop better finishing skills when targeted. Overall, Hall’s injury history and inability to stay on the field are worrisome, but his explosive speed and start/stop athleticism make him a tough cover at any level, projecting as one of the best deep threats in the 2019 draft class.

    94. Jamel Dean, CB, Auburn
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6010 206 9 1/8 31 3/4 77 4.30 2.54 1.53 41 10’10” 4.19 7.02 16
    Although not a sudden player, Dean is balanced in his transition with above-average speed to match the vertical stretch of receivers. He needs to improve his decisiveness from zone coverage and doesn’t play with the desired competitive mean streak for press-man work. Overall, Dean has elite size, length and speed for the position, but the absence of burst causes him to labor vs. savvy route runners, and his long-term durability is a concern.

    95. Mecole Hardman, WR, Georgia
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    5102 187 9 30 1/4 71 5/8 4.33 2.57 1.54 36 1/2 09’11” – – 17
    After playing quarterback in high school and spending his freshman season at corner, Hardman is still relatively new to wide receiver and it shows with inconsistent, but promising, routes and finishing skills, which is why some teams think his best long-term position is at cornerback. Overall, Hardman is undersized and unrefined, but he is a phenomenal athlete with the speed and suddenness in space to develop into an impact slot receiver and return man for an NFL team willing to be patient with his skill set.

    96. Kahale Warring, TE, San Diego State
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6051 252 9 3/4 32 3/4 77 4.67 2.71 1.61 36 1/2 10’02” 4.25 7.21 19
    Playing every sport imaginable except football until his senior year in high school, Warring’s diverse athletic background has aided his transition on the football field, showing his basketball experience with his ball skills, coordination and toughness. His tape is very average, but with his promising traits, it is clear there is more there. Overall, Warring is still a guppy in terms of his technical skill as a pass catcher and blocker, but his size, athleticism and play strength project well to the next level, projecting as a true “Y” with eventual starting potential.

    97. Blake Cashman, LB, Minnesota
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6011 237 8 3/4 30 1/8 73 5/8 4.50 2.63 1.57 37 1/2 10’04” 4.12 6.95 18
    Cashman plays with his hair on fire, finds openings and rarely misses tackles. His lack of ideal size and length will be tougher to hide in the NFL and teams won’t want him playing man coverage vs. the slot, although he doesn’t look out of place covering running backs out of the backfield. Overall, Cashman’s size and length look pedestrian on paper, but his tape shows an impressive blend of play speed, toughness and football intelligence, projecting as an NFL special teams standout who will push for starting reps on defense.

    98. Isaiah Buggs, DT, Alabama
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6031 306 9 1/4 31 1/4 75 1/2 5.15 3.01 1.81 24 1/2 08’00” 4.83 8.01 20
    Buggs moves well for his size with active feet in his pass rush and aggressive handwork to unlock from single blocks. His lack of length shows vs. doubles and his ball awareness is still developing, but he compensates with his energetic play style. Overall, Buggs might not offer a dominant trait, but he competes with an efficient mix of athleticism, power and versatility to interchangeably play either interior tackle spot in a four-man front.

    99. Vosean Joseph, LB, Florida
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6014 230 9 5/8 31 3/8 75 3/8 – – – – – – – –
    Joseph is an athletic player with quick reflexes and range, showing the ability to stay balanced through creases at the line of scrimmage. He has the movement skills to drop-and-run, but his comfort level in coverage is lacking. Overall, Joseph is a quick twitch downhill linebacker with a natural feel for navigating through traffic, but he needs to improve his discipline, coverage and finishing skills to earn a starting role in the NFL.

    100. Darius Slayton, WR, Auburn
    HT WT HAND ARM WING 40 20 10 VJ BJ SS 3C BEN
    6010 190 10 32 3/4 79 4.39 2.62 1.56 40 1/2 11’03” 4.15 7.00 11
    Slayton has the easy acceleration to push cornerbacks off the top of routes and the elusive feet to make defenders miss in space. He needs to continue his development in two key areas to reach his potential: expanding his route tree and becoming a better finisher when the ball is in the air. Overall, Slayton has inconsistencies to his game, but he is much more than simply a speed demon, showcasing fluid athleticism and length to make catches outside his framework, projecting as a high-upside developmental receiver.[/quote]

    in reply to: tweets n other bits … 3/22 & 3/23 #99207
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    in reply to: tweets n other bits … 3/22 & 3/23 #99206
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    Jason Cole@JasonCole62
    Federal judge in Oakland v Raiders case hearing says he usually encourages parties to settle then jokes, “Don’t you dare settle this case, it’s much too much fun.”

    in reply to: tweets n other bits … 3/22 & 3/23 #99205
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    in reply to: Rams sign Clay Matthews #99204
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    in reply to: Rams sign Clay Matthews #99201
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    “I expect my position to be fluid. I expect I’ll have a variety of roles,” Matthews said.

    Not sure how he’s going to stop anyone if he’s fluid.
    Although, I suppose tar is a fluid and it’s pretty sticky.

    Ya think that’s what he meant?

    Tar?

    He’s going to play like tar?

    That’s the only thing that makes sense.

    C’mon! Don’t be so literal minded!

    –>*OBVIOUSLY*<– by “fluid” Matthews meant going with the flow. Laid back. Takin-er easy. You know like The Dude. So, expect more bowling.

    in reply to: tweets n other bits … 3/22 & 3/23 #99194
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    Field Yates@FieldYates
    Clay Matthews deal with LA, per source: 2-years, $9.25M base value, including $5.5M guaranteed.

    in reply to: tweets n other bits … 3/22 & 3/23 #99189
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    Merlin

    Matthews is going to be a superb signing. Very confident of that. Wade gets better and better as he gets the right personnel to execute his scheme, and the Rams should be closer to what he wants on the edge not to mention Clay being a guy who can move around and cause offenses fits. Go watch his film from last year, he gets pressure still. Not an elite rusher but a very good one and Wade’s gonna engage this dude in some fun ways.

    in reply to: figuring der Cap, 2019 #99188
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    Field Yates@FieldYates

    Official cap space by team (24-32):
    24. DEN: $11,776,067
    25. NYG: $11,520,273
    26. NE: $9,187,763
    27: LAR: $4,675,533
    28. ATL: $4,639,049
    29. CAR: $3,302,890
    30. PIT: $3,297,799
    31. MIN: $3,003,682
    32. TB: $2,726,307

    in reply to: Malcolm Brown … 3/29 update #99186
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    in reply to: Rams sign Clay Matthews #99182
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    1.

    ” I expect my position to be fluid. I expect I’ll have a variety of roles,” Matthews said.

    2.

    Yeah, I wonder if they see Matthews as a piece they move around to field different looks and attacks. A smart veteran like Matthews could be perfect for that. He doesn;t have to line up at just OLB or just ILB or just in the base 3/4. They could draw up all sorts of things for him and move him around. That’s something we know Wade just does and is good at–he draws up all these variations and subpackages and forces offenses to contend with that.

    *

    I don’t think they give us here on the board NEAR enough credit when they borrow ideas from us.

    in reply to: Rams sign Clay Matthews #99181
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    Where will Clay Matthews play within the Rams’ defense? “I expect my position to be fluid.”

    Myles Simmons

    https://www.therams.com/news/where-will-clay-matthews-play-within-the-rams-defense-i-expect-my-position-to-be

    “Well any time we have one of these, you know it’s a good day for the Rams.”

    That’s how head coach Sean McVay began his opening statement during Los Angeles’ introductory press conference for linebacker Clay Matthews, who officially signed his two-year deal with the Rams on Thursday.

    Matthews — the Packers’ all-time leader since the sack became official in 1982 with 83.5 — sat between McVay and general manager Les Snead to field questions about why he decided to come home to L.A. And the first thing he mentioned was how successful the team has been over the last couple years.

    “It’s truly remarkable in such a short amount of time — especially coming to L.A. So from a football standpoint, it makes perfect sense,” Matthews said. “But for me personally, where I’m at in my career, having grown up in the area, living all of 20 minutes away from here, it made sense. We’re building a house out here. I’ve got three kids now. I think my wife was more excited than I was to have signed with the Rams.”

    But more than that, Matthews noted that like Los Angeles’ other free agent signings in safety Eric Weddle and backup quarterback Blake Bortles — this was the place where he wanted to be.

    “It’s obviously a new experience for me. I’ve been fortunate enough to be with the same organization for 10 years, so this was definitely new,” Matthews said. “But as soon as my chance to return to Green Bay was kind of past me, I knew I wanted to come to the Rams. And I put it on my agent, and put it on these guys here to try to get something done. And fortunately the feeling was mutual, and they were very receptive to the idea. And I talked with [assistant head coach/linebackers coach] Joe Barry as well as Sean, just seeing how I’d fit within the defense — and it seemed like a perfect fit.”

    If you’ve followed Matthews’ career, you likely know that he started out mainly as an edge rusher before moving to inside linebacker midway through. Now as he comes to Los Angeles, McVay said Matthews’ role is going to be all about emphasizing his strengths.

    “When you have a player that has that versatile skillset, you can utilize him in a variety of ways,” McVay said. “I think, obviously, what he does at an extremely high level is when he’s going forward and trying to affect and influence the quarterback, rushing the quarterback, setting the edge in the run game. So I think you’ll see a lot of that. But then when you get into some of those known-passing situations, you can get creative with where you’re moving him around.”

    “But those are exciting things for us as coaches to think through,” McVay continued. “We’ve been spending a lot of time today even thinking about how you want to utilize him, how you can get Aaron [Donald], [Dante] Fowler, and some of these guys in situations to take advantage of the matchups you can create with players like that. So it’s exciting, and it’s something that’s going to be evolving as we get more familiar with each other.”

    After describing his positional journey through the league, Matthews said he felt he excelled at both inside and outside linebacker.

    “I thought when you allow me to play in space, and you allow me to go sideline to sideline downhill, good things are going to happen. So I expect it to be the same here. I expect my position to be fluid. I expect I’ll have a variety of roles,” Matthews said. “But I think the most important thing — kind of what Sean alluded to — is just pressing the quarterback, making him make bad decision, and keeping the heat, keeping the pressure on him.”

    And even though he’ll turn 33 in May, Matthews feels he still has the ability to play at a high level in order to contribute to another run at an NFC West title in Los Angeles.

    “I know I have the ability to produce like I’ve done before. And not to make excuses, but there was some change last year in the Packers organization, and, unfortunately, it didn’t work out for me,” Matthews said. “But as far as moving forward, I know I’m a difference-maker. I know I can change games and I look forward to doing that, and proving that, and showing to everybody here — you guys, the fans — that what you saw these past 10 years is what you’ll get from these next two.”

    in reply to: tweets … 3/20 & 3/21 #99179
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    Ryan Kartje@Ryan_Kartje
    Les Snead on signing Blake Bortles: “It was the experience factor. When you’re in the phase we are, we want to continue winning. Having a quarterback who’s been there and done that helps, if you ever have to go to the bullpen.”

    in reply to: tweets … 3/20 & 3/21 #99173
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    Gary Klein@LATimesklein
    Blake Bortles on Sean McVay: “Everybody kind of wants a piece of what he’s doing and wants to understand how he’s doing what he’s doing at the level he’s doing it at.”

    in reply to: tweets … 3/20 & 3/21 #99172
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    in reply to: tweets … 3/20 & 3/21 #99171
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    Greg Beacham@gregbeacham
    Rams LB Clay Matthews: “I know I’m a difference maker. I know I can change games, and I’m looking forward to proving that, and proving what you saw the last 10 years is what you’ll see the next two.”

    Clay Matthews on the Packers’ game at the Coliseum last fall: “That was a great game, too. One that we should have won.”

    Sean McVay: “But ya didn’t.”

    Andrew Siciliano@AndrewSiciliano
    Former @nflnetwork intern Clay Matthews, asked if there would be too many distractions playing at home in Los Angeles.

    I’m married with three kids now, I don’t think I have too much down time to get into trouble.”

    ProFootballTalk@ProFootballTalk
    Clay Matthews: Rams are “a perfect fit” for me

    in reply to: tweets … 3/20 & 3/21 #99170
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    Myles Simmons@MylesASimmons
    On RFA RB Malcolm Brown, who has signed an offer sheet with the Lions, #LARams GM Les Snead says, “Our goal is to continue discussing and figure that out probably by tomorrow.”

    in reply to: tweets … 3/20 & 3/21 #99169
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    Vincent Bonsignore@VinnyBonsignore
    “I knew I wanted to go to L.A.” is becoming a common phrase among free agent veteran #NFL players. New #Rams additions Blake Bortles and Clay Matthews indicated today they made that a priority with their agents

    Matthews said as soon as returning to #Packers was no longer an option he immediately wanted to play for the #Rams

    Rich Hammond@Rich_Hammond
    Les Snead asked Clay Mathews if he had heard from Seattle coach Pete Carroll, his coach at USC.

    Matthews said no, then added, “We don’t speak his name around here? Like Voldemort?”

    Lindsey Thiry@LindseyThiry
    Highlight of Clay Matthews’ press conference.
    Les Snead: Clay, was @LATimesklein on the USC beat with you?
    Matthews: Yeah but Gary didn’t have time for me then, he was too busy with @ReggieBush and @MattLeinartQB.
    Klein: **Blushes**

    ==

    in reply to: tweets … 3/20 & 3/21 #99167
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    Vincent Bonsignore@VinnyBonsignore
    Just ran into Sebastian Joseph-Day at #Rams HQ in Thousand Oaks. He looks to be in incredible shape & told me he’s been working out at the facility Mondays through Fridays this offseason. Big year coming up for the 2nd year DT from Rutgers and he’s obviously putting the work in

    Blake Bortles said signing with #Rams – as opposed to a team where playing time was likely more available was “100 percent the best decision, I think, for, personally, my career and the long term.”

    Lindsey Thiry@LindseyThiry
    Blake Bortles, on a conference call with local LA reporters, just said that he we would have signed with the Rams w/o taking a visit – based on everything he’s heard about Sean McVay, and watching coaches get plucked from his staff. (His agent advised him to visit first).

    ==

    Adam Schefter@AdamSchefter
    Colts reached agreement with former Chiefs’ LB Justin Houston, source tells ESPN.

    ==

    in reply to: RAMS draft…articles, vids etc. on just the Rams draft #99157
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    Deadpool

    Is edge a screaming need? Did the Rams not play in the SB with Ebukam and Fowler on the edges? Did they not just add the Claymaker to rush the passer?
    Bosa, Allen, , Burns, Sweat, Ferrell (I don’t think he is a Rams target) Polite, Winovich. Those 7 are the only 34 edge draftees that would get into the Rams rotation of Fowler, Ebukam, Matthews and Obo. As long as they stay healthy. They are also long gone before round three.

    So unless you want a draft and stash like Obo was this year, you better hope an edge falls, the Rams trade up or down or the Rams reach.

    This is all obviously only my opinion, and others may feel like a guy like Oshane Ximines, Christian Miller or DeAndre Walker could get some run, but I don’t. That’s all I have as far as my top 3 rounds Edge players.

    BTW, I have no doubt that the team is looking at the edge position for the draft. They have personally met with: Sweat, Winovich, Polite, Reed and Hollins. So its on their mind.

    Now tell me who was the weakest link on the OL? Sullivan? And Allen couldn’t beat him out? Yeah, OL is a need.

    DL is a need because they have not replaced Such and frankly you need more then Brockers, AD, and JFM. Its called a rotation because you rotate players. The more I think about Jeffrey Simmons, the more sense he makes. He is a top 10 talent and SB contending teams don’t usually have shots at that kind of talent. He is a perfect fit in a 1 gap penetrating defense. And it makes Brockers expendable as his contract expires. After this season.

    Kiser and Littleton are your only two ILB. So there needs to be at least 1 added.

    CB is set for this year. But you should always add a CB in every draft.

    There are 2 ribs on the roster until or if they match for Brown. Otherwise, knowing Turkey, you better have a third.

    TE, 2 on the roster. Have to add a third.

    Really should add a S if your begging for an edge because Matthews is old. So is Weddle.

    You can’t force picks. That’s what Martz did with Robert Thomas and Trung. Its how you go from SB contender to 5-11.

    So I will say this, if a worthy Edge is available when they pick, fine. But if a stud OC like McCoy or Bradbury is there and Winovich, they better take the OC. If they trade down, great. But if they start forcing picks, their SB window will disappear because you don’t win taking inferior talent. Esp. high in the draft.

    in reply to: Rams sign Clay Matthews #99155
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    Clay Matthews gives Rams options if he’s properly utilized

    Vincent Bonsignore

    https://theathletic.com/879476/2019/03/20/clay-matthews-gives-rams-options-if-hes-properly-utilized/

    The Rams’ interest in adding veteran pass-rusher Clay Matthews III wasn’t all that surprising, given their needs and salary-cap situation. With recent big contract extensions — Aaron Donald, Brandin Cooks and Todd Gurley — felt in earnest this year, and Dante Fowler Jr. and Marcus Peters getting big bumps in pay, there were limited funds available to address roster concerns.

    The plan going into free agency was to head straight to the bargain aisle, in the hopes of finding reasonably priced veterans who still had something in the tank. That’s where they found safety Eric Weddle, who was released by the Baltimore Ravens in a salary-cap-cutting move two weeks ago, and it’s where they secured Matthews on Tuesday to potentially add juice to their pass rush.

    The idea of adding Matthews got a big boost last season — just like with Weddle. In many ways, the interest in Weddle started last August at the Ravens’ facility in Owings Mills, Md., where the Rams and Ravens went through two rigorous days of joint practices, and the 33-year-old Weddle displayed leadership, intelligence and playmaking. Across the line of scrimmage, Rams coach Sean McVay took note. McVay referred to those notes two weeks ago when Weddle popped onto the Rams’ radar as a possible addition. It’s part of the reason he was so eager to add Weddle.

    Matthews made a similar impression on McVay last October, when the Packers pushed the Rams to the brink at the Coliseum in a hard-fought 29-27 Rams win that wasn’t secured until the closing minute. Matthews might not be as explosive and dynamic as he once was, but he was active and engaged against the Rams that day. He had six tackles and one sack in 49 snaps that saw him deployed as an outside, middle and inside linebacker and as a defensive end while being utilized as a pass-rusher and run-stopper.

    It left an obvious impression on McVay, who required little swaying when the 32-year-old Matthews was brought up as a possible free-agent addition.

    “Yeah, he didn’t need convincing after we played them,” a Rams source told The Athletic.

    The Rams inked the longtime Packers linebacker to a two-year deal worth upwards of $16.75 million. Matthews reportedly spurned more lucrative offers for the chance to return home to help the Rams get back to the Super Bowl. He lives in nearby Calabasas and went to high school in Agoura Hills before emerging as an All-American at USC.

    Given the Rams’ limited salary-cap space and need to inject more juice into their pass rush, Matthews makes plenty of sense. He comes at a reasonable price, and as he showed the Rams last year, when managed and utilized prudently he still brings something to the table. He finished last season with 43 tackles and 3.5 sacks, although he had another sack taken away by a controversial roughing-the-passer call against the Washington Redskins. The numbers aren’t great, and it remains to be seen how much gas Matthews has left, but the Rams believe he can produce respectable numbers as a rotational piece in Wade Phillips’ defense.

    According to Rams sources, part of Matthews’ allure was versatility in playing outside or inside — he played inside linebacker for the Packers for most of 2014-15 — which gives defensive coordinator Phillips plenty of options when scheming packages for him.

    Matthews won’t start — the Rams are set at outside linebacker with Fowler and Samson Ebukham, two young players they believe have untapped potential. And second-year player Ogbonnia Okoronkwo also will be in the mix. But given that the Rams were in base defense approximately 30 percent of the time last year, there will be ample opportunities and ways to deploy Matthews. Perhaps that even will be alongside Fowler and Ebukam — to whom Matthews will serve as a mentor — to create multiple pressure points for opposing offenses to contend with. They’ll do so with Donald occupying multiple blockers on almost every snap, so there figures to be plenty of advantageous matchups.

    Keeping Matthews fresh and healthy will be the key, which is why playing in a rotation with Ebukam, Fowler and possibly Okoronkwo should benefit him over the course of the season. The Rams have shown prudence and shrewdness in how they manage players’ bodies by giving them practice days off during the week — Andrew Whitworth, John Sullivan and Rodger Saffold come to mind — and that certainly will be part of the table for Matthews. Both Saffold and Sullivan missed significant time with injuries prior to working with McVay and his staff, but both made it through the last two seasons with only minor issues.

    Is Matthews the player he once was? No, obviously.

    Can he still contribute? If utilized prudently and managed accordingly, yes.

    in reply to: Rams sign Clay Matthews #99149
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    My co-worker is a Packers fan and he told me that at this age, Matthews is probably just a situational OLB pass rusher. Doesn’t think he can play ILB, but he could be a blitzer from there.

    Yeah, I wonder if they see Matthews as a piece they move around to field different looks and attacks. A smart veteran like Matthews could be perfect for that. He doesn;t have to line up at just OLB or just ILB or just in the base 3/4. They could draw up all sorts of things for him and move him around. That’s something we know Wade just does and is good at–he draws up all these variations and subpackages and forces offenses to contend with that. Matthews could fit right into that kind of thing. Situational stuff, subpackages stuff, variations on the fronts they field, etc

    in reply to: Rams sign Clay Matthews #99142
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    https://cheeseheadtv.com/sites/default/files/post/2018/09/usatsi_11218045_1

    Despite his dip in production last season, Matthews can still be effective. According to ESPN’s pass rush win rate using NFL Next Gen Stats, he beat his block within 2.5 seconds on 26 percent of rushes in 2018, 27th among 91 players with 300 rushes.

    in reply to: tweets & other bits … 3/18 & 3/19 #99136
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    in reply to: tweets & other bits … 3/18 & 3/19 #99129
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    in reply to: tweets & other bits … 3/18 & 3/19 #99127
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    Ian Rapoport@RapSheet
    Source: Former #Raiders QB AJ McCarron is finalizing a deal with the #Texans. A new, experienced backup for Deshaun Watson.

    Michael Silver@MikeSilver
    Had interest from Rams, who obviously chose Bortles instead

    in reply to: Rams sign Clay Matthews #99126
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    Rams bolster pass rush by adding Packers legend Clay Matthews on a two-year deal

    https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/rams-bolster-pass-rush-by-adding-packers-legend-clay-matthews-on-a-two-year-deal/

    Matthews departs Green Bay as the franchise’s all-time leader in sacks with 83.5. He earned six trips to the Pro Bowl and one first-team All-Pro selection during his 10 years with the Packers — in addition to helping them win a Super Bowl. He’s undoubtedly a franchise legend.

    But he’s no longer the pass rusher he once was. Over the past three seasons, he’s averaged a little more than five sacks per season. In a full 16-game season in 2018, he generated a career-low sack total of 3.5. He’ll turn 33 in May.

    So the Rams are not acquiring a game-changing pass rusher. Instead, what they’re getting is a veteran who can bolster what is already a decent pass rush after the Rams re-signed edge rusher Dante Fowler earlier this month. Matthews has also, at times, demonstrated the ability to play inside linebacker. He’s the kind of luxury signing a team like the Rams can afford to make as they look to get over the hump after falling short in the Super Bowl. And if anyone can get a little bit more out of an aging pass rusher, it’s defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.

    It’d be surprising if Matthews cleared the double-digit sack threshold in his 11th season, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he finds a way to make an subtler impact on a defensive front that also, of course, includes Aaron Donald. For Matthews, he gets to spend the latter stages of his career in L.A. while playing for a Super Bowl contender.

    Tuesday ended up being a difficult day for the Packers, who officially said goodbye to two iconic players from the past decade in Matthews and receiver Randall Cobb, who signed with the Cowboys. The Packers weren’t at all wrong to part ways with both players due to their diminishing outputs, but that probably doesn’t make seeing those players leave Green Bay any easier.

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