# Is for a player with with reported character or maturity concerns.
** Is for a player with reported injury concerns.
2ND ROUND
33.CINCINNATI - DENZEL MIMS - WR - BAYLOR - 6'3" , 207
NFL PLAYER COMP - DAVANTE ADAMS - PACKERS
The Bengals have a lot of needs , But I expect they take a LB or a WR here .Denzel is a great athlete ,with great hops ,and multiple releases of the LOS . Can get free with physicality or by shaking the DB against press . Almost 6"3 and strong without being heavy . Physical everywhere - hand fighting ,at the catch point, blocking . Hands are just OK on tape, but looked improved at the Senior Bowl and combine . Long arms , a explosive leaper , and body control give him a potentially very wide catch radius too .Great long speed and a sick 3 cone . Quick enough out of the break on tape. but still needs to improve as a route runner , because he ran limited routes at Baylor. Can break tackles after the catch . Can go up and get it .Great Senior Bowl week , and ran some new routes well there too . Ran a 4.38 forty , but injured at the combine, but it's not a long term thing .
34.INDIANAPOLIS-(WASH)-TEE HIGGINS -WR - CLEMSON - 6"4" , 216
NFL PLAYER COMP - MIKE WILLIAMS - CHARGERS
I love that 1rst round trade for the Colts. I don't even care that they had to gave Buckner a new massive new ( 4 years 84 million and 44 million guaranteed) contract . Buckner is worth it. He's already proven, just turned 26 , and can fill that gaping hole at the 3 technique that the Colts defense requires to work right.The main free agent the Colts had to worry about was LT Anthony Castonzo , and they brought him back on a 2 year 33 million dollar contract, making him one of the few OT's who got paid that has probably earned his deal . The other huge deal is the upgrade at QB with Phillip Rivers . He is already familiar with this offense, head coach, and offensive coordinator from their time together in San Diego . This should be the best O-Line Rivers has ever played with, and the last time he had an O-Line that was close to this good was between the 2006-2008 seasons . In that 3 year window he had Marcus McNeil at LT, Kris Deilman at LG, and Nick Hardwick at center . 3 pro bowl level players and 2018 was his best season in my eyes , and I had season tickets them so i got a good look .Last years Chargers O-Line was so bad it should have been illegal . So I am going to go with another big need for Indy . The only WR on their team that is a proven serious threat to defenses is TY Hilton , and he has become injury prone lately , although Zach Pascal showed decent signs of becoming a solid # 3 last season .2019 2nd rounder Parris Campbell has a lot of talent, but he didn't do much as a rookie. Drafting a new potential #1 WR might help them get to the Superbowl, and this one has a different profile than the ones the Colts have now. A big tall sure handed WR like the 2 main guys he had in San Diego ( Keenan Allen & Mike Williams) last season, and Higgins actually reminds me of Williams . I dropped Higgins some because he didn't workout at the combine. His tape is good against great competition, but he needed to show some speed and explosiveness to get back in the first round mix. Plus it really stood out more after so many receivers did work out ( including guys bigger than him) , and then killed it in Indy .I found his pro day results, but they were nothing special , so he should fall a little bit . This could be the big WR with the big catch radius that Rivers needs to return to form, and Rivers is the kind of QB that will throw it up to a guy like Higgins , and let him make a play. I watched 3 more game tapes on March 20th , and he's just too good to fall out of the top 8 WR's on my list . I'm not going to be surprised no matter what order any of them after Lamb, Ruggs, and Jeudy. It will come down to what kind of WR you are looking for ,and what WR fits the individual teams offense . Higgins is an ideal fit for Rivers in this offense .He has also showed he can separate early , beat press, and run through tacklers after the catch .Tee's speed just isn't that important down the field because he can jump higher than most corners can imagine, and come down with balls they probably will think are going out of bounds. Sometimes he just it makes it look easy down the field & in the red zone like a Randy Moss , but without the lighting speed. Pair him up with speedsters like Hilton & Campbell that can freeze and worry safeties , and he should feed all day long .
35.DETROIT - GRANT DELPIT - S - LSU - 6'2' , 213
NFL PLAYER COMP - MALIK HOOKER - COLTS
I actually thought Grant might end up a top 10 pick coming into this year, but his 2019 tape wasn't as good as last years . Now he had a shoulder & ankle injury , and that could have contributed to even more missed tackles this season. Maybe that's why he took some bad angles .Trying to avoid compounding those injuries would logically explain a lot . Whatever the case he's not a pile inspector who avoids trying to make a tackle, and he does cover a lot of ground in the back half of the secondary . He is still on the mend and because of that Delpit didn't workout at the combine,. Now he probably never will thanks to Corona .Grant is a tall rangy safety who can make really quick reads in zone , is good blitzer ,and he makes a lot of plays on the ball in coverage. He's not quite as adept in man to man,but maybe with NFL coaching he can sharpen up there . Either way he is a play maker in the back half ,and this defense could use him .
36.NY GIANTS- YETUR GROSS-MATOS - DE - PENN ST. - 6"5" , 266
NFL PLAYER COMP - ROBERT QUINN - COWBOYS
Matos is an explosive edge rusher that can be star with some technique refinement & an added pass rush repertoire . He has a great frame, long arms , nice tools, and he can especially destroy QB's on obvious passing downs. If you see him turn his head inside to watch the snap, when he knows he can pin his ears back you will see a sick lightning jump off the ball. Can bend the arc at times and flashes violent hands. It doesn't work on other downs because his biggest weakness is finding the ball and staying within the scheme. Also can kick inside and out quick a guard . Didn't run the forty or do the 3 cone at the combine , but did show some explosiveness in the broad jump and vertical .If the Fins coaches can get him to see the light more consistently he could be a game wrecker , but he's raw right now .
37.PATRIOTS(LAC)- JALEN HURTS - QB - OKLAHOMA - 6"1" , 222
NFL PLAYER COMP - DAK PRESCOTT - COWBOYS
Yep. the Patriots traded back again .Brady & Belichick used to go together like peanut butter & jelly, but not anymore . The Goats have gone their separate ways .The only people who really know why are Brady , Belichick , and maybe Robert Kraft . There is no point rehashing who is definitely ( I think it's Belichick )at fault without knowing the full story so let's deal with the consequences . The Patriots QB options are to 1- Let Jarrett Stidham or Brian Hoyer start , and I really doubt this one because I think it's very unlikely they are playoff contenders that way . 2-trade for or sign a veteran QB like Cam Newton , Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton, or Jacoby Brissett . Probably a very viable option, although I don't see a grandstanding press conference guy like Cam falling in line with the Patriot way . 3- Draft a QB . So they draft Jalen Hurts . Hurts is interesting . He's a team first leadership guy and Belichick wants one of those . Also, I would bet my left arm he would get a glowing recommendation from Belichick protege Nick Saban, and I bet Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley would be happy to praise him too. Plus Hurts doesn't throw picks, would be really cheap for a few years, has played in both a pro style ( Alabama) & spread (Oklahoma) offense, and his mobility would add a new wrinkle to the Pats offense . They have a decent chance of him being there for their 3rd at pick #87, but if they really want him I would package 2 of their 3rds and move up into the 2nd , or trade back into the 2nd and take him then. Just like this .Also if he doesn't end up a long term starter I promise you Billy would get plenty of uses out of versatile guy like Jalen . It's rare for a guy to win a national championship at QB, and then lose his starting job, but that's what happened to Hurts . I don't disagree with the decision either . Tua is a better QB, especially as a passer, but Hurts is a winner, and he still had to bail out Tua when he got injured in 2018. Played well in relief too. He transferred to Oklahoma in 2019 where Lincoln Riley worked his QB magic ( coached the #1 overall picked QB's in 2017 & 2018 ) and made him a better thrower . Jalen is still a dynamic runner, but he definitely improved as a passer this year. When his first read was open and their was no pressure he was dynamite this season , but his accuracy & mechanics are inconsistent otherwise. While their are plenty of designed runs & read options for the Sooner QB he still has a tendency to take off running early when there is pressure instead if keeping his eyes down the field ,and looking for an open man .There are also a lot of wide open WR's in this offense that help out a QB. He's a winner and a gamer though . I think there are a few teams he could go to and be a solid starter right away ff they cater the offense to his strengths, but most coaches want you to adapt to them . At the very least he's a great backup who is so athletic and team oriented he could be a Taysom Hill type while he learns more about playing QB. Personally I see Hurts as more of a Dak Prescott. Good guy, team leader, built like a RB, and just a winner . Although Hurts is definitely a faster runner, but he runs into too much contact like Dak does . If you put him in the right situation with a good O-Line , running game, and only have him read half the field at first he could succeed early in his career. There are too many open men he doesn't see in college , but I think that will come with time . Or like I said cater the offense to his strengths . He still has plenty of work to do as a passer. especially in speeding up his reads , and hitting targets with tight coverage . He also holds onto the ball too long , but since he doesn't throw many picks it balances out, and he really needs to speed up his delivery too .Did have too many fumbles, even for a QB, and they always lead the league in fumbles .I still believe in him . He reminds me of Dak when he entered the league for a lot of those reasons,but Dak was more advanced as a passer, and Hurts is more advanced as a runner . In fact if I was Dallas I would take him in the 3rd round if he falls that far, and then see if Prescott started being more reasonable about his insane contract demands . Didn't look good at the Senior Bowl .Jalen worked out and threw well at the combine so it at least shows he is working on his weaknesses .Ran a 4.54 forty too, and wisely refused to try any other positions. Also he would give Belichick the big mobile QB he lacks, is far more physically talented than Brady, will be cheap for 4 years, and is a winner. Also he is a team first guy who probably won't buck when Billy cracks the whip . Plus I would bet right arm that he will get a glowing recommendation from Belichick protege Nick Saban . Bet Lincoln Riley would give him a glowing report too .
38.CAROLINA -XAVIER McKINNEY - S - ALABAMA - 6 ft. , 201
NFL PLAYER COMP - MINKAH FITZPATRICK - STEELERS
The Panthers still have plenty of need, and this is a value pick. Right now there starting strong safety is probably Justin Burris. They don't have a lot of money into him, and they can move on from him after this season with very little dead money . I am giving them a safety that can play both spots . I was surprised by how much Mckinney had improved this year after watching his 2019 tape. Based off last years film I saw him as a box SS and occasional nickle LB who would be a 2nd or 3rd rounder . He really stepped up this year, played all over the field , played well, and I now have a solid first round grade on him. He's a versatile guy who can play high or low ,cover the slot, and is a 2 year starter in Alabama's pro ready defense . Still think the box is his best spot though He's not as fast as the guy he reminds me most of ( Minkah Fitzpatrick), but he can do a lot of the same things .He's got a high football IQ , good athleticism , enough speed for the position , and a high floor .Mckinney didn't run as well as I expected him to at the combine, although 4'64 is fine for a safety. So while he could slip a little in the draft his tape is still first round .39.MIAMI - D'ANDRE SWIFT - RB - GEORGIA - 5"8' , 212
NFL PLAYER COMP - DEANGELO WILLIAMS - retired
If the Dolphins are starting a young QB this season the best way to help him succeed would be to give him a O-Line and RB that can protect him when he shows up. They already took an OT in the first ,and now they get the RB . Swift is guy they should have ( and probably were ) considering with their final first rounder, but this makes more sense . Why ? Well - 1 - RB's have never had lower value than they do right now . Melvin Gordon just signed a deal for 7 million a year with only 15 million guaranteed. David Johnson just had his hefty contract dumped to the only guy dumb enough to take it as is( Bill O'Brien) , and the Cards ate a lot of dead cap space to do it. Todd Gurley's albatross deal just got nixed too, with even more dead money, and he only got 1 year and 6 million on his new one . Leveon Bell didn't so squat last year and I'm sure the Jets would trade him for a lower round pick if they could convince someone to take that contract . Kenyan Drake only got the transition tag, which is a one year 8.48 million dollar deal, and that even seems too much to me. Devonta Freeman was cut to save a small amount of cap space ,and is still a free agent . Back to back post season hero Damien Williams just had his option picked up for only about 4.5 million total on a 1 year deal. Derek Henry hasn't gotten a long term contact after carrying that team on his back to the AFC title game . Ezekiel Elliot is the only recent big contract RB who hasn't been cut, and while he is still a premium bell cow back , judging by what's going on now Jerry really overpaid him . I doubt the new Panthers owner will try to cheap out on Christian Mccaffery , but you never know these days. If Mccaffery gets hurt he may not get the deal he has earned. He should be paid more than Zeke , but then again Zeke is being paid too much . The ridiculous QB contracts keep making teams devalue the RB position , but really there should be a cap tied QB max of 15% in my opinion , but I think the agents would never allow that . So unless a RB is really special I just don't think he will go high anymore, unless it's a really weak draft, or some idiot( O'Brien anyone?) is making the pick . Swift is very good, and I like him a lot, but I wouldn't call him a special prospect . After my number one back Travis Etienne went back to school it came down to Swift, JK Dobbins, and Jonathan Taylor for my top RB in this draft. In the end Swift is just a more complete and NFL ready player right now . He can run with speed, power, and wiggle. He can catch, run routes and is a solid blocker . Has good feet, solid vision , and is versatile enough to play in any NFL scheme . He fumbled twice in the playoff game in 2018 , but Taylor has had much bigger ball security issues . Plus Swift just looked a little safer carrying the ball than Dobbins this year too .Great value pick that fills a big need . I didn't drop Swift in my mock because he did anything wrong. It's just a combination of how this mock fell, the depth in the RB class( 6 in my top 64) making me think people might wait on RB's , and my just explained RB devalued position argument . However the value here at pick #39 would be too great for me to pass up if I needed a RB like the Dolphins do.
40.HOUSTON-(arizona)- AJ EPENESA - DE - IOWA - 6"5" , 275
NFL PLAYER COMP - DAVID IRVING - retired
Between Bill O'briens bungling in overpaying in trades & in free agency the Texans really need to hit on this pick . A head coach and GM, but his moves since he took over the dual role should have shown him how very wrong he is.If you want a head coach who unexpectedly ended up with GM power that rivals O'Brien you should be thinking more along the lines of Hue Jackson with the Raiders . I don't know if it's impatience , inexperience , stupidity, or some combination of all 3 . Whatever the case he should have gotten at least a straight up first rounder in this draft for D-Hop, and that's without taking on David Jhonson's contract or giving back any picks. O'Brien should have gotten at least what the Bills got for Diggs, even if they have to give him a new contract .Then he payed a lot more ( 3 years 27 million with 19 million guaranteed) than he needed to for a (30 year old this upcoming season )past his prime slot guy coming off an OK year . Cobb got a one year 5 million dollar deal last season, and in a draft with this WR class O'brien payed him what ? If you are going to snag a WR from Dallas you should have went after Amari Cooper dude . Another another interior pass rusher to team with JJ Watt might offer the best value ofa ll those needs . Epenesa is a tall powerful strong side end who still plays with low off the ball. His best position on tape and in a 4-3 might be as a 3 technique because that's where he could get his best work done as a pass rusher in the NFL. On this team he could be their strong side end on run downs, and then kick inside to wreak havoc on QB's on passing downs . AJ also has an elite frame to be a 3-4 five technique so I don't think he will fall very far, and since I expect the Panthers to run both he he is great fit. Epenesa's size and strength are sorely needed on this defense . He has been productive for 3 straight seasons, and I think he could go higher , especially since this edge class doesn't look as good as I thought it might heading into the season , After free agency completely shook out out I thought a lot of people might be in the Epenesa business, but he didn't have a great combine so he could fall here .
41.CLEVELAND - ZACK BAUN - LB/DE - WISCONSIN - 6"3" , 238
NFL PLAYER COMP - CLAY MATTHEWS - FA
LB Joe Schobert is now a Jag , and often injured Christian Kirksey is a packer. The only LB they have brought in is journeyman backup BJ Goodson , but with Baun still available they take him here . Baun was more of an edge rusher at Wisconsin, and let me be clear that I think he could make it as a full time 3-4 OLB in the NFL, but many teams won't even try a guy his size outside full time on the edge . I think he could do it, but I also think he can play inside and outside . He is smart, versatile , has a solid array of pass rush moves , twitchy ,stronger than he looks, and is quick .Baun has good snap anticipation, but also too many off sides .He looked good at the Senior Bowl practices playing off the ball, but looked great coming off the edge . Zack is smart & has a good motor so I believe he can make the switch .Since could help out both areas I would let him do both .He has the athleticism and fluidity to cover well, but he will probably need to get a little bigger & stronger to be an every down edge player in the pros. Plus he reminds of former a Packer great in Clay Matthews , and Clay made the same transition well.
42.JACKSONVILLE - MARLON DAVIDSON - DT/DE - AUBURN - 6"3" , 303
NFL PLAYER COMP - DARNELL DOCKETT - CARDINALS
It's probably impossible to replace a guy like Calais Campbell ,, but this guy can play the same role. Basically a big strong side end who can kick inside on passing downs if needed .Davidson's tape is just weird. You see this big guy spending a lot of his time as a standup edge rusher, or with his hand down off the edge, but he did his best work as an interior rusher . Had a good game against LSU's O-Line too . At the Senior Bowl he showed that being a 3 technique is his best position in the pros , and he added more weight by the combine, so you know he is embracing the move. Plus he had a good combine at 303 pounds . He's strong, has a good motor , and is versatile . Playing him in the right role might make him worth this pick , and since they already drafted a smaller quicker edge in the first it makes it easier to trade Yannick Ngakoue .
43.CHICAGO-(LV)-EZRA CLEVELAND - ** - OT - BOISE ST. - 6"6" , 311
NFL PLAYER COMP -DAVID BAKHTIARI - PACKERS
The Bears didn't have much cap room, don't have a 1rst rounder again, and they also lack a 3rd & 4th this season, but on the bright side they have 2 seconds .They found a way to fit Nick Foles contract under the cap anyway ,and he's why they don't have a 4th . So maybe Trubisky won't be dragging them down again, but that's a big " IF" based on Foles actually staying healthy .For a CAP strapped team they also found a way to overpay Robert Quinn , Danny Trevathan , and Jimmy Graham . Not that they aren't solid players , but they are not worth what they got paid by the Bears , and I think the best they can hope for is that all of them summon up one more good season this year as they make a run . This is a guy I didn't expect to fall this far, and with the injury history of Nick Foles you better give him a better left tackle . Ezra is a athletic & quick zone LT prospect with good feet , smooth movement , and nice kick step . Gets overpowered at times on tape and needs to hit the weight room more . Accurate punch , but timing is hit and miss. Plays low, good on combos and at the 2nd level . Needs a mean a streak. Too often or just willing to wall off in the run game . Almost too patient in pass pro, and sometimes waits too long to throw his punch , and then lacks force with it . Ran an excellent 4.94 forty & 1.73 ten at the combine ,which doesn't surprise me because they would use him as a TE sometimes on tape, and even handed him the ball once . Just a GREAT overall combine ,where he not only showed off the athleticism you see on tape, but he also looked stronger . This may be too low, because I think the gulf between him and Austin Jackson is pretty wide if you just watch the tape .I have a late 2nd on him , but there was a lot of buzz on him going in the first, and since he is an OT I actually believe it .
44.INDIANAPOLIS-COLE KMET - TE - N. DAME - 6"6" , 262
NFL PLAYER COMP - KYLE RUDOLPH - VIKINGS
Phillip Rivers loves big targets ,and throwing to the TE ( Antonio gates & then Hunter Henry) is one of the things he does best . They already have Jack Doyle ,but they are also one of the most 2 TE set heavy teams in the league under Frank Reich . I would take Harrison Bryant, but I'm starting to think I have him ranked higher than everyone else .Kmet is huge ,and he has the highest upside in this TE class . He looks like an old school in line Y TE , but he still needs polish as a blocker which is crucial in this run first offense. He is a big sure handed target already . N. Dame TE's almost always end up good blockers in the NFL, and he will get plenty of practice in this offense .So listen up Cole - bend your knees, head up, jab step , positioning step , strike a blow, hands inside, explode your hips,and drive your feet .
45.TAMPA BAY - JK DOBBINS - RB - OHIO ST. - 5"9' , 209
NFL PLAYER COMP - NICK CHUBB - BROWNS
The bucs haven't found a bell cow back yet . Peyton Barber is solid, but he lacks the speed to make a defense commit 8 in the box , and he signed with the Redskins in free agency . Ronald Jones was better in his 2nd season last year ,but he no longer looks like the potential 3 down back I think we all expected when Tampa took him in the 2nd in 2018 , and his ball security issues make him an unlikely bell cow back candidate anyway. Brady loves throwing to RB's so one with good hands is a must , and he's going to need to be able to pass protect as well. Dobbins is a powerful runner with great vision , and some burst, long speed, contact balance, a consistent track record of getting yards after contact ,and a give me the ball mentality . 3 straight years of high end production , although he did dip a little in 2018, but saved the best for last in 2019 . This season he was a workhorse with 2000 yards rushing , and it's too bad he didn't workout at the combine because I think it would have only helped his stock JK is willing to step up in pass pro, although he is still a tick late sometimes recognizing who he is supposed to block . This causes him be allow too much depth in the pocket & crown the QB, but when he sees it he will stick his face in there and strike a blow . JK also improved as a receiver , and they even lined him up outside or in the slot at times this year .In fact they were cruising down the field on the final drive against Clemson when they kept dumping it off tp him, and only faltered when they stopped doing it . So while Dobbins improved both as a blocker & receiver in the passing game , he still needs more refinement in the passing game , but I think he will continue to steadily improve like he did this season . I have a 1rst round grade on him, and think this is a steal in the mid second.
46.DENVER-JOSH JONES - OT - HOUSTON - 6"5" , 319
NFL PLAYER COMP - LAREMY TUNSIL - TEXANS
With another left tackle falling and Garret Boles having trouble outside the broncs could do this .However, Jones needs a lot of technique refinement, especially with his punch timing , and he has to have his pass resets rebuilt from ground zero . Luckily for Jones Denver's O-Line coach is mater technician & HOFer Mike Munchak . Right now Jones plays in retreat off the snap offense that I hate , and it's amazing how effective he is at it .Although he looked improved at the Senior Bowl across the board, especially with his punch and overall aggression . Usually the guy who is the best O-Lineman at the Senior Bowl gets a significant bump in the draft and that guy was Josh Jones this season. Josh has decent size & length, but very quick feet and more than enough athleticism .At first I was surprised he didn't blow up at the combine in the speed & agility drills , but he gained even more weight between the Senior Bowl & combine, so it makes sense . If he takes to coaching well he should start as a rookie . They could kick Boles inside and upgrade 2 positions at once .
47.ATLANTA -TREVON DIGGS -CB/S - ALABAMA- 6"1", 205
NFL PLAYER COMP - JIMMY SMITH - RAVENS
Now they get another corner , and rebuild an entire position group with their first 2 picks . If you flips their draft order it would make more sense to me, but Diggs has the ideal length that cover 3 teams like the Falcons fantasize about . Diggs is an experienced zone corner out of Alabama , and he has a high floor . He is tall, strong, long, smart, physical, and fast in coverage . Wish he was as good in man , and against the run. He still needs more work finding the ball 1 vs 1 in coverage, and in being more physical as a tackler everywhere, but I have him in my top 32, he would fill a huge hole, and I also think he would be a good FS when he loses a step .Makes big plays , but also gives them up , so I guess it's in the eye of the beholder .
48.NY JETS - MICHAEL PITTMAN - WR - USC - 6"4" , 223
NFL PLAYER COMP - MARQUES COLSTON
Now the Jets get a WR , and he can be Sam Darnold's security blanket .Pittman is going to be a 2nd generation NFL player . A BIG, strong, physical possession receiver who would kill it as power slot in this offense. Knows how to use his size to shield defenders, but he lacks the speed to run away from most guys and won't be a big separator . Has had his fair share on injuries too , but nothing that looks like a long term concern .Can win jump balls ,has great hands and is a crafty route runner . Also a standout special teams guy with multiple blocked punts to his name .Ran a 4.52 and 4.54 forty at the combine ,which surprised me because I thought he would be a high 4.5 -low 4.6 guy. Nasty run blocker too and adding him to Becton helps out not just Darnold , but Leveon Bell too .
***PROJECTED TRADE*** PACKERS trade their 2nd (#62) and 3rd (#94) rounders and the 6th rounder (#192)they got from the RAIDERS to the STEELERS for their 2nd rounder (#49) ***PROJECTED TRADE ****
49.GREEN BAY-(PITT)- LAVISKA SHENAULT JR.- ** - WR-COLORADO- 6"1", 227NFL PLAYER COMP - NFL PLAYER COMP - AJ BROWN - TITANS
I think there are a few WR's that should be in play if they keep this pick ,but the Pack haven't drafted a WR in the first round since 2002 , and that includes there Pro Bowl #1 WR Davante Adams . Every once in a while you see a player who is the absolute focal point of an entire offense in college . Like Deebo Samuel was in 2018 at S. Carolina, and Shenault is the same . He has lined up at every possible skill position , even QB to run a little wild cat , although I think his primary use should be as a power slot .He is a big powerful guy that is hard to tackle , and you could easily hand him the ball 5 times a game in a variety of ways to take advantage of his explosive running style. He is not afraid to go over the middle, and shows strong hands. Some injuries slowed him this year after a dominant 2018 so he could fall a little farther than I think he should . I love this guy, have a solid first round grade on him, and think he could help every single team in the league . An innovative coach could find a ton of ways to use a versatile player like Laviska . He had surgery after the combine, but still ran a 4.58 at 227 pounds while obviously injured. Trust me . He's faster on tape, and he may fall a little, but I believe this is a great value for the pack .
50.CHICAGO-(LV)-ANTOINE WINFIELD JR.- ** -S- MINNESOTA- 5"9" , 203
NFL PLAYER COMP - ANTOINE BETHEA - GIANTS
The Bears didn't have much cap room, don't have a 1rst rounder again, and they also lack a 3rd & 4th this season, but on the bright side they have 2 seconds .They found a way to fit Nick Foles contract under the cap anyway ,and he's why they don't have a 4th . So maybe Trubisky won't be dragging them down again, but that's a big " IF" based on Foles actually staying healthy .For a CAP strapped team they also found a way to overpay Robert Quinn , Danny Trevathan , and Jimmy Graham . Not that they aren't solid players , but they are not worth what they got paid by the Bears , and I think the best they can hope for is that all of them summon up one more good season this year as they make a run . FS Ha-Ha Clinton Dix is gone too .Winfield JR had a great year in 2019 with 7 picks after a previously injury checkered ( medical redshirts in both 2017 and 2108 ) past . His 2019 tape jumps off the screen , and if we were just going by this years tape & didn't know about his injury history, I would expect him to be drafted in the first round . Makes plays against the run or pass . Flashes what looks like makeup speed multiple times to make picks, but it may just be that he was baiting the QB and then burst . Despite his lack of height he is thick . Played more at FS last year, but also spent plenty of time at SS in the box , and spent enough time in the slot to show it's doable . Makes plays in both the run & passing games, a good blitzer, and like most 2nd generation NFL players he shows a high football IQ & instincts . Unexpectedly great combine probably pushes him up from a 2-3 to a solid 2 .
51.DALLAS -JAYLON JOHNSON - ** - CB - UTAH - 6 ft. , 193
NFL PLAYER COMP - VONTAE DAVIS - retired
Now the boys get their corner .The week before the draft I spent finalizing my board and re-watching the top players at positions to breaking ties , and after that Johnson ended up as the #5 overall corner on my board . Johnson's a big physical press corner that I expected to be a first rounder before the season started, but even though he has top 40 tape this year while playing hurt, and had shoulder surgery right after the combine. So basically his draft stock suffered because he gutted it out through the pain to help his team chase a National Championship . Jaylon has the football IQ and instincts to be a number one CB . He looks like a potential ball hawk in the NFL where teams will test him more. He's not very technically sound yet , but cover 3 zone, press man , and off man teams will love him anyway. Plus someone who spends that much time watching tape should take to pro coaching ,and be a sponge for veteran CB's too . I thought he would fall to the 2nd because of the injury ,but after watching a few more games on my top 15 CB's I am starting to doubt it . If a teams Medical guys signed off on him I could see him being the 3rd CB off the board .Also physical against the run too, but not always sound there either, although I think he just needs coaching on some angles . Also an occasional gambler & backfield peeker who could get burned by NFL WR's if he doesn't have a safety over the top .He fits this defense , and I think they need to get a corner with one of their 2 first rounders.
52.LA RAMS - JULIAN OKWARA - OLB/DE - N. DAME - 6"4 , 252
NFL PLAYER COMP - SIMEON RICE - retired
The Rams are another team up against the cap. They have spent the last 2 years going ALL IN and it didn't work . Now just to remain competitive they have some huge decisions to make because they had or still have bloated contracts for Jared Goff , Todd Gurley, and Brandin Cooks . Gurley was a problem too because of his knee , and they cut him to save cap space, but it also just piled up more dead money on their salary cap .Then you have the huge deal they are now obligated to pay Jalen Ramsey after trading two 1rst rounders for him last year . LT Andrew Whitworth is still a good player, and they brought him and guard Austin Blythe back with new deals so that's one worry down . So Goff a chance to justify his ridiculous contract .That contract could get the GM fired , and maybe the coach too in the long run . They let Dante Fowler leave in free agency, and replaced him with the younger & cheaper Leonard Floyd. They were going to let Michael Brockers go too, and the signed A'shawn Robinson to replace him, but luckily for them the Ravens backed out over a potential ankle issue . As of right now that they are the one team that has probably benefited from the corona virus , or at least so far A 3 man front of Aaron Donald , Michael Brockers , and A'shawn Robinson will be very hard to run the ball against .They also lost LB Cory Littleton , who excelled in coverage to the Raiders . Then they cut Clay Mathews ,and that hurts them at off the ball LB & edge rusher . Okwara is probably best as a 3-4 OLB , but so are a lot of NFL DE's these days . He's a long, lean and explosive edge rusher . Julian has the athleticism and flexibility to burst off the line and bend the arc outside . He can get pushed around in the run game at times , but also has the speed and motor to chase plays down backside . Okwara needs to add more muscle to hold up as hand on the ground 4-3 DE . He has the athleticism that could also make him a LEO off the ball rush backer in a Seattle type cover 3 scheme as well . I thought he would test well at the combine too, but he didn't workout because he's still recovering from a broken leg , but he should be fully healthy when the season starts. Still seeing him as a 2nd rounder because of his current limitations .
53.PHILADELPHIA -JONATHAN GREENARD - DE - FLORIDA - 6"3" , 263
NFL PLAYER COMP - DERRICK MORGAN - retired
The Eagles have spent a lot of resources in the draft, cap space, free agency, & trades for veterans at the edge positions over the last few years , but they also had a lot age there . Brandon Graham is the best of them , and he is going to be 32 this season, although they did just resign jim to a new deal . Vinny Curry is in the same boat, a;though they haven't resigned him yet . Derek Barnett hasn't lived up to his 1rst round draft status in 3 years either . After a breakout red short sophomore season at Louisville Greenard got hurt in the opener in 2018 . He came back in 2019 with his best year . He's more of a smart finesse edge guy, but he does have a good first step and a great motor .Was also a former team captain at Louisville who was a grad transfer to Florida. Great production there, but most of it was against substandard competition . Good motor, Violent hands, and an advanced plan of attack as a rusher. Sound and technical edge setter, but not a power player , although he has some effective reps when kicked inside as a pass rusher. Average athlete for the outside on tape , but good 10 and 3 cone at the combine . He could be a solid starter as a 4-3 strong side end .Looked good at the Senior Bowl practices . He's a better football player than athlete, but I think he will play in the league for awhile .
54.BUFFALO - KRISTIAN FULTON - # - CB - LSU - 6 ft. , 197
NFL PLAYER COMP - TRAMON WILLIAMS - PACKERS
The Stefon Diggs trade cost them their first rounder, but I say money well spent . Buffalo doesn't have as many big needs as you might think , but they need a little more size at WR with Beasley being 5"8" & John Brown being 5"10" . The Bills could also really use another edge rusher or interior D-Lineman because Lorenzo Alexander retired , Shaq Lawson is FA after not living up to his draft status , and inside Jordan Phillips is a FA as the NT . Cost is usually the issue in Buffalo though, as according to My Bills fan buddy Matty " The quickest way to get out of Buffalo is to make the pro bowl and deserve a raise " .Although I don't think Phillips fits that description at all just because had a career high in sacks, because no dude that big should get pushed around so often inside , but since some casual fans will point to that stat I think he got overpaid in Free agency. However, they are under new ownership , and might actually retain their good players now & in the future . In the end I'm going with another need because they need more size at corner , and this guy has fallen far enough .
55.RAVENS(ATL,NE)-ROBERT HUNT- G/T -LA. LAFAYETTE- 6"5" , 323
NFL PLAYER COMP - ZIGGY ANSAH - SEAHAWKS
In their quest to win it all In I believe the Ravens biggest obstacle is replacing future HOFer Marshall Yanda , but the truth is he is irreplaceable. Their is no interior O-Lineman in this draft that could hope to come close to him as a rookie, but after seeing what a mistake it was to not even try to replace CJ Mosely last season I figure they will try harder with Yanda . They also decided center Matt Skura meant so little to them that they didn't even put a tender on him that would give them back a pick if he signed elsewhere, but that could be because he is currently injured , and they think no one will be interested . Bradley Bozeman is the other guard and he hasn't shown himself to be anything special yet either . Hunt can play tackle or guard, but I like him inside , because his technique flaws would be exposed badly outside in the NFL. Once he learns to play low , keep his hands consistently inside, and refines his overall technique who knows ? The 4 year starter stands out on tape against small school competition, . He's just bigger, stronger, more aggressive ,more athletic ,and quicker than most guys he goes against by a large margin . Held his own against Mississippi ST and APP ST, but the difference was definitely noticeable on film . A much better run blocker right now, but like I said the move inside will help . He is going to have to set up lower to avoid getting bulled into the QB as a guard, but he has heavy hands when he throws them, and he has the feet to play outside in a pinch .Was having a great year before an injury ended his season . Raw , but big , physical, and productive with a mean streak . His tape says 2nd round, but may go lower due to his injury history & a robbery in his past .
56.MIAMI-(NO)- JORDAN ELLIOTT - DT - MISSOURI - 6"4", 302
NFL PLAYER COMP - AKIEM HICKS - BEARS
Miami spent a lot of money in free agency, but they didn't get a nose tackle to pair with christian Wilkins inside . After watching a lot of Elliott's tape I was really impressed . He is big , athletic, and has violent hands . Moves all over the formation and flashes everywhere against the run & pass . While his technique lacks consistency he still makes plays , and he has the ability to be the kind of player you have to game plan for once he is coached up more . Plus he is more advanced at combo moves & hand fighting than most of the guys in his position group .There just aren't this many big men who move this well , and that can hold their ground in the run game . Although he doesn't always do well against double teams, and he needs to mind his gap better at times. His talent is extraordinary in flashes , and he's not as twitchy as a bunch of the other interior defenders in this draft , but he also has a better motor than most . I also love players who improve on tape year after year like Elliott did . Could be a 4-3 three technique , one technique , shaded nose, or a 3-4 five technique. Just learning to play consistently lower could make him a Pro Bowl type player, and if he takes to NFL coaching watch out .
57.LA RAMS(HOU)-AKEEM DAVIS-GAITHER - LB - APP. ST. - 6"1" , 224
NFL PLAYER COMP- DEION JONES - FALCONS
Davis-Gaither is the kind of player most NFL defenses are looking for in today's spread happy speed dependent defenses . He excels as a blitzer , and he has the athleticism to cover , but he needs to be coached up there . He looks more like a box safety in college , but fits today's NFL as a do it all stay on the field 3 down WILL LB better. He is a WILL only though , because while he is as slippery as a fish avoiding blockers , he doesn't take them on well . So he needs to be protected as just allowed to run to the ball & make plays . Akeem is a smooth & fluid mover that is also a big weapon as a pass rusher . He's also a sideline to sideline guy , and despite his lack of size he is a force tackler . I have now watched 6 of his games, and I still love him, but he needs to be coached up some more in coverage , but they had him covering the slot too much & that shouldn't be his regular lane in the pros . I'm sure every team would want that athleticism & talent for slipping & avoiding blocks on their special teams units too .
58.MINNESOTA -ROSS BLAYLOCK - ** - DT - TCU - 6"3" , 290
NFL PLAYER COMP -SHELDON RICHARDSON - BROWNS
The Vikings need an interior and outside pass rusher, but Blacklock has a higher grade than any edge guy currently left on the board . Blacklock is a guy with an explosive first step that shows a lot of flashes on tape, but he is raw and lacks technique right now. As a 3 technique or 3-4 end , I see him being a lot more productive in the NFL than he was playing the nose in college, as he is very twitchy and toolsy . He got pushed off the ball a lot when lined up as a NT on tape .He is the kind of guy I expected to wow at the combine with his athleticism and go higher than I have him ( in the 50's ) , but it's a projection . Ross disappeared for long stretches on film though . He's got boom or bust written all over him for me . Also had an Achilles injury that caused him to miss all of 2018 , and had over 30 parking tickets at TCU too. That will need to be investigated , and his best tape was still way back in 2017 . High upside, but low floor.
59.SEATTLE- KYLE DUGGAR - S/LB - LENOIR RYHNE - 6"1" , 217
NFL PLAYER COMP - RESHAD JONES - DOLPHINS
Since they seem to be saving their cash to try and keep Jadaveon Clowney they need as many picks as possible, and they also are a team that has succeeded with many developmental players taken later in the draft . Hence the trade that gives them their third 3rd second rounder, and another 3rd , and 4th .Since Kam Chancellor retired the hawks have lacked that explosive physical enforcer in the middle of their defense. Bradley Mcdougal is solid, but he doesn't fit what this team needs and is on the last year of his relatively inexpensive deal that they can save 2 million off the cap by moving on from. Duggar is physical freak & a late bloomer from a small school . He has the build to move to weakside backer if needed , but best as a box safety, although you do see him playing deep on tape . Will be 24 as a rookie as he spent 6 years in college ,and at a low level of competition . Good week at the Senior Bowl really boosted his stock , and after a good combine where killed it athletically & reportedly in meetings too he should go in the 2nd .Dugger fits all the thresholds for the analytically driven Seahawks . I could only find 3 of his game tapes, and his Senior Bowl footage, but I wish I had more because he was just plain fun to watch .f He's fast (4.5) and leaped out of the building ( 42 inch vertical ) in Indy . Duggar is easy to spot and not just because of the hair. He's all over the field. The former RB is also an excellent punt returner with great athleticism and burst .When you see a guy at a tiny small school you want to dominance on tape. It's there . It's like watching a big brother play with his lil bro and his little friends .
60.BALTIMORE- LLOYD CUSHENBERRY - C - LSU - 6"3", 312
NFL PLAYER COMP - JAKE GROVE - retired
Cushenberry is a team captain for the National Champs that fits the profile of a power running team far more than Matt Skura does . His 2018 tape was better especially in pass pro , which is odd because everyone else on the LSU O-Line got better .He was singled up a lot more this season in their new spread offense , and specifically struggled when he faced speedier 3 techniques . Long arms for a center 34 and 1/8 , huge hands, and a strong anchor . Can Dig out some NT's one on one, but does much better at it on a combo block .Known for his leadership , and smarts spotting stunts & making the line calls. Has anchor like a mountain of granite against the bull rush . Is a hunter on the 2nd level, but it takes him awhile to get there . In the NFL I think he would be much better in a man /gap scheme that runs that doesn't have a lot of spread formations . Pulled a hammy at the combine on his 2nd forty and missed the vertical .Has played some guard at practice, but in games . Wish his mean streak was more than just flashes right now . I have a late 2nd on him , and figure he fits in this offense well.
61.TENNESSEE -MALIK HARRISON - LB - OHIO ST. - 6"3" , 247
NFL PLAYER COMP - KJ WRIGHT - SEAHAWKS
After solid tape and a good combine I think this is the guy the Titans need . He's a downhill battering ram that can free up others to run to the ball, or make the tackle himself in the run game. Also a good blitzer who occasionally lines up on the edge, and with a core special teams personality to boot. Not an every down guy just yet, but the tools are their once he gets better in man coverage, and he was solid in zone this season. For now I would just send him after the QB most of the time. Good range and motor . Physical tackler .Good combine, especially his 3 cone which surprised me because I wouldn't say changing direction was a asset for him on tape . If he polishes up his football IQ and coverage skills he could be the next Bart Scott,, which is shocking because he was a QB in high school .If you ever meet Ray Lewis ask him how important Bart Scott was . Malik's a fun guy to watch , and I'll be tuned in when he's in the game in the NFL. CAN'T WAIT !
62.PITTSBURGH-(GB)-JOSH UCHE - OLB/DE - MICHIGAN - 6"1" , 245
NFL PLAYER COMP - BRUCE IRWIN - SEAHAWKS
The Steelers decided to franchise tag Bud Dupree , and they were already in a cap crunch, so they had to restructure some deals just to pull that off .Consequently they lost NT Javon Hargrave to the in state rival eagles . Also long time left guard Ramon foster retired, and backup interior guy BJ Finney signed with the Seahawks. They did pick up 30 year old veteran interior guy Stefan Wisniewski, and while he gave the Chiefs some good snaps last year as a injury fill in , they may want some youth on the interior while making Stefan a game day swing guy . RG David Decastro is about to turn 31 . Center Maurkice Pouncey missed 3 games last season , is on the decline, and is also about to turn 31 too . Uche is a Stockily built tweener, but long arms for his size . Didn't start playing football until he was a sophomore in high school and he is still learning the game .Not a every down guy, even as senior , and was only on the field about half the time in the 5 games I watched this year. Solid edge rusher with a quick burst outside off the snap . He can convert speed to power there , he needs to add more pass rush moves. Raw read , react skills, and diagnostic skills when playing off the ball , and he played about 40% of his snaps there this year ,but showed high end burst blitzing up the middle .Also flashed the ability to drop and cover some off the edge, and he as the speed & movement skills to hold up there with more experience Excelled on stunts .Needs to add more weight to hold up against the run, and learn how to stack & shed blocks better . Got pushed around some trying to set the edge , and his frame can't carry much( maybe 260 max with a lot of weight training ) more , which means he's not likely to ever be a full time 4-3 DE . I think he can be a Seattle type Leo LB & a situational pass rusher right now , but it might take time and muscle gains to make him a every down 3-4 OLB or 4-3 DE . At the very least he should be a situational pass rusher early as a pro . Didn't workout at the combine due to a hammy he injured at the Senior bowl , but he did look pretty good in Mobile before that.
63.KANSAS CITY - CAMERON DANTZLER - CB - MISSISSIPPI ST.- 6"2" , 188
NFL PLAYER COMP - AL HARRIS - retired
Now the chiefs get their corner . I hadn't watched Dantzler until the day after Valentine's day, but I am glad I did. He is one of those players that you end up watching more games than you initially intended to because the tape is so impressive . Dantzler is a tall lean corner with a high football IQ, good feet, and the ability to stay glued to his man all over the field .No other CB in college football did what he did this season. Here are just a few of the corners that LSU's Jamar Chase made look bad on tape- CJ Henderson , Trevon Diggs, AJ Terrell , 2 or 3 first round corners . Danztler Shut down Chase, and followed him all over the field like a skinny Patrick Peterson . If Chase was in this draft he would be my 3rd WR right being CD Lamb & Jerry Jeudy . As a matter of fact no other CB played as well against LSU or Alabama's elite WR cores as Dantzler. After the combine he is now my number #3 overall CB behind Okudah & Henderson, although I doubt he will be the 3rd CB taken in the draft . I don't care . I love his tape . Needs to get stronger , although he is pretty skilled as a ankle biting tackler. He is physical in press at the line ,but you see him get out-muscled at the catch point at times, and when trying to tackle larger ball carriers down the field. Cameron showed up at the combine at 188, and he still needs to add another 10-15 pounds of muscle in my opinion . Didn't run well ( 4.64 forty) at the combine, and his arm length was only average,which may hurt him with some cover 3 heavy teams . Looks faster on film to me. He looked really good in the drills though .He sticks with his man on tape so I'm sticking with him . Plus Al Harris wasn't a burner either, but he was a great corner in the NFL with a 14 year career. One of my favorite players in the whole draft .
64.SEATTLE-(SF,KC)JONATHAN TAYLOR - RB - WISCONSIN - 5"10" , 226
NFL PLAYER COMP - DeMARCO MURRAY - retired
After so many Seattle RB's got hurt last season maybe they should just take an iron man runner, and he is aslo my last player left with a first round grade . Taylor is the workhouse RB that can take some pressure off Mahomes, and if he falls this far they would be stupid not to take him . Taylor is a steal at this spot just for his running ability alone, and if this was 20 years ago he would not only be the top RB in the draft, but also a top 5 overall pick . Over 6,000 yards in 3 years!. Size , speed, burst, balance, patience ,vision, instincts ,and strength- He has it all as a runner. Improved as a receiver this season , but still had too many drops on tape . Taylor is also still raw in pass pro ,and needs to sharpen up his ball security some as well . He is the best home run hitter of all the backs in this draft , and goes North/South well, but not the shiftiest guy going laterally. May not be a big jump cutter, but his smaller moves are full speed, and he has a great stiff arm .At #54 it's a slam dunk pick in my eyes ,even with all the miles on his tires . There aren't a lot of home run hitters that weigh close to 230 pounds in the league every decade, let alone now , and this guy is fats enough to leave Ohio States gaggle of athletes in the dust . Demarco Murray had all the same strengths and weakness coming out of college, but he improved as a receiver & blocker , and even when he lost some speed he was still very effective because if of his well rounded game . I believe Taylor could do the same .
65.CINCINNATI -WILLIE GAY JR. - # - LB - MISSISSIPPI ST. - 6"2" , 243
NFL PLAYER COMP - ERIC KENDRICKS - VIKINGS
The bengals have a tendency to take high upside players with character issues, and Willie fits that right down to his toes . If I just watched the tape, and didn't have any knowledge about his off the field mistakes & inexperience ,Gay would be a 2nd round pick . Based on his athleticism, upside and coverage ability he should go that high , even if he was just a nickle backer early. Great speed for a LB. Hips and movement skills of a DB , and that's without proper technique & footwork . Only 6 starts in college. Suspended for academic cheating & punching a teammate . This isn't Kyle Duggar or even Jeremy Chinn. He played in the SEC, but he has the similar raw ability & lack of read & diagnostic skills , but he's a lot bigger. Weak side backer only . Needs to be allowed to just run to the ball, make plays , blitz, and cover right now . Wild and undisciplined. Comes in hot and overruns plays because of it . Needs a lot of coaching up on his football IQ, Brings the thud as a tackler, but not in taking on blocks . He's a LB for today's pass happy NFL . Great athleticism , splash plays,and he can cover, but hes very raw .
66.WASHINGTON - CHASE CLAYPOOL - WR - N. DAME -6"4" , 238
NFL PLAYER COMP - BRANDON MARSHALL - retired
The redskins TE' were all pretty beat up last season ., and I don't just mean the should be retired Jordan Reed . Plus Vernon Davis really did retire . Add the fact that they need a Wide receiver into the mix and I got just the guy . Before his outstanding performance at the combine there was talk about Claypool moving to TE, and he still could, but it's not necessary with his top end speed. Claypool's combine was "Megatronesque" . He's huge and fast. A mismatch that can outrun or out physical you, and he has surprisingly good feet for a big man . Can play inside or out, win jump balls, and be a red zone, or short yardage target, but he did have some silly drops . Wide catch radius and good body control to harness off target balls . Nasty blocker , huge strong hands, and a gunner on the special teams . Chase can break tackles, but he needs to get better at running ti daylight and using his speed in space .He could be the power slot this team needs to go to the next level . He's still a work in progress as a route runner though .I had only done 3 games by the start of the combine, but he's one of the many guys I had to dig in on a lot more now after it was over. The arrow is pointing up now..He could even end up in the first round if a team see's him as a TE, because guys with his freakish toolbox & special teams try hard demeanor don't come along very often, but I think more likely he goes in the late second because of the depth of this WR class .A big WR/TE hybrid who is a committed blocker fits the spirit of what this team needs to do to help their young QB grow.
67.DETROIT - JABARI ZUNIGA - ** - DE - FLORIDA - 6"3" , 264
NFL PLAYER COMP - OLIVIER VERNON - BROWNS
Jabari is very twitchy & athletic , but he's also very raw with a limited repertoire . He had a good start to the season before a ankle injury ruined it. He's very strong & quick, and he also shows some violence in his game at times. Can set the edge and even strong enough to kick inside , and out quick slower O-Lineman , but then he will be too high and get blown off the ball right after . Needs more pass rush moves and counters .His traits and tools could see him drafted higher than his inconsistent tape warrants, but the flashes of dominance are there so I get it . However, he disappears at times,his motor and/or gas tank are suspect, and I just feel a guy this talented should have had more production . Not to mention he should be more aware of what's happening around him . He's got some boom or bust in my eyes, and is a better athlete than football player right now. If he takes to coaching and improves his football IQ he's a stud, but he could just be another ultra talented guy that never lives up to the hype .
68.JETS(NYG)- BRYCE HALL - ** - CB/S - VIRGINIA - 6"1" , 202
NFL PLAYER COMP - RASHAAN MELVIN - LIONS
The Jets need a corner or edge rusher here . Since Hall is my last 2nd round corner, and there a lot of edge rushers with similar grades left I will go with the corner . Bryce is a big ball hawk with long arms and good tape in 2017 & 2018 . I also think he would have been a first rounder if he had entered last years draft . He's a former WR who tracks and plays the ball in the air like one . Instead he returned to school , broke his ankle , his tape wasn't anywhere near as good this season , and he only played in 6 games .Wasn't healthy enough to run at the combine, and now he probably never will work out before the draft, but since he's not a speedster it may work to his benefit .In a zone heavy scheme he could be a star , especially cover 3 , but he's not a burner . He's a beast when pressing someone at the LOS. A guy with his size, instincts, and physicality could also be a safety down the road once he loses a step, and he's already a little stiff when he has to turn & run . Will need to play the run like he did prior to this year too, but whether it was injuries or Senioritis he is worth the risk here to me , especially for this team . I like him more than most .
***PROJECTED TRADE*** COWBOYS trade their 3rd (#82) rounder in this draft and another 3rd in 2021 rounder to the PANTHERS for their 3rd(#69) rounder ***PROJECTED TRADE ****
69.DALLAS-(CAR)- DARRELL TAYLOR - OLB/DE - TENNESSEE - 6"4" , 267
NFL PLAYER COMP - BUD DUPREE - STEELERS
Taylor has been starting for most of 3 years in the SEC .His game is mostly about power right now. Power setting edge in the run game,. A powerful bull rush that puts O-Lineman on their heels. He has ideal size, long arms how that extends well, and a explosive first step off the ball . Other than the bull rush, and the counters he runs off it, he flashes the ability to bend the arc outside too . Surprisingly agile dropping into coverage considering his size . He plays low , and flashes the ability to chase down plays backside . Taylor needs to add pass rush moves , get a better jump on the hike by anticipating the snap , improve his run/pass awareness , kick his motor into gear on every play ,and learn more about hand fighting , but the upside is high .Got suspended once for a fight at practice, but that happens all the time and doesn't bother me much .I like him more than most with a early 3rd round grade,and in a draft lacking in edge rushers in the top 100 I would make this pick here .
70.MIAMI -ASHTYN DAVIS - S - CAL - 6"1", 202
NFL PLAYER COMP - MARCUS WILLIAMS - SAINTS
Davis is hard to pinpoint . I have a late 2nd on him, but he could be anywhere from the 4th to 8th safety( if you see Dugger & Chinn as safeties ) off the board in this draft .FAST on tape, which makes plenty of sense for the former track star . He's still raw as a football player, but he has a great motor and the work ethic of the walk on he was . He's getting by on athleticism, motor, and will right now. Once he is coached up , limited to primarily FS instead of moving all over, and given time to just focus on football he could be a game breaker . He's twitchy enough , has the feet, speed, and fluidity to be a corner in time . Flashes in man, but right now he's a better fit in zone schemes . He's flashes as a hard charger in the run game, but also comes in hot , takes some bad angles, and overruns plays at times. At other times he seems to puss out when having to take on blockers . College is over , and now that his only class is football I think he will develop quickly .Could be a reliable starter late in his rookie season if he goes to a heavy cover 2 or 3 zone scheme .In addition to a punt team gunner , he's another safety in this draft that can return kicks .
71.PATRIOTS-(LAC)-ADAM TRAUTMAN - TE - DAYTON - 6"5" , 255
NFL PLAYER COMP- BRENT CELEK - RETIRED
My plan for the Patriots offense under Jalen Hurts includes a lot of RPO's , strong running game , play action passes, and a return to predominant 2 TE sets . So you need 2 TE's that are willing blockers at the bare minimum . Trautman was a 4 year starter ,and senior team captain at Dayton . Was a QB his redshirt freshman season , before moving to TE. Ran a 4.79 and 4.80 , which is solid for a inline Y TE . Led FCS in yards and TD's . Played well at the Senior Bowl, caught everything in the gauntlet , and had a good overall combine. Big raw small school TE. He looks great against guys who will never play in the NFL, and who don't know what they are doing . Did dominate as a pass catcher, and fearless over the middle with strong hands, but needs work on his route running . Not quite the blocker you would expect with his size , although he gets after it in the run game, but his technique needs work . Needs to be coached up , and learn a more advanced game of football . Project with good upside as an inline Y . He won't run away from anyone after the catch , and he should break more tackles on tape at that size against a lower level of competition .3rd round for me , but I could see him going higher because of his upside and the weak TE class at the top .
72.ARIZONA - DAVON HAMILTON - DT - OHIO ST. - 6"4" , 320
NFL PLAYER COMP - LINVAL JOSEPH - VIKINGS
If the cardinals take an O-lineman in the first, then an interior D-Lineman is their 2nd biggest need in my book . After finishing Hamilton's tape I am sold on him . He is powerful with a good motor , and he plays with an edge . He is an old school nose tackle, and while he lacks a lot of pass rush moves , he has heavy hands & can push the pocket with the best of them when he comes off the ball low . Also looks quicker than I expected on stunts & twists, and showed pretty good feet too .Against the run he not only holds his ground ,but also plays low & fights through blocks , and will chase plays down . Hamilton can take on double teams , has good initial pop off the snap ,and he doesn't give up on plays . Only a one year starter, and was in a rotation , but the Buckeyes have so much talent there that everyone gets a blow , When you watch his tape you see him push around a lot of good players and make plays in the backfield, and blow up some runs before they can develop . He has above average arm length for a inside player , and once he learns how to use them to shed blocks & stay lower snap to snap he could be a high end 3 down Nose Tackle .
73.JACKSONVILLE -JEREMY CHINN - LB/S - S. ILLINOIS - 6"3" , 221
NFL PLAYER COMP - LANDON COLLINS - GIANTS
Chin is a big , fast, and explosive athlete .Great combine.Dominated a lower level of competition, but got worked in coverage at the Senior bowl . Reads the QB well to make break on the ball when it's in front of him , but sometimes his peaking leads to him being a little late or gambles that backfire.Versatile tape where he played deep, in the box, and in the slot a lot. In the NFL I don't see him playing deep or being interchangeable. Also a former corner with great feet . Disappointing Senior Bowl week when he had to consistently face better competition, especially in the one on ones .Great combine and ridiculous upside, but he might be limited as a rookie until he gets coached up . Possibly just a big nickle safety, or nickle LB as a rookie, but he should be on every special team . Chinn is raw with a superstars ceiling, but he needs more Football IQ & less attacking without a plan. Lengthy injury history too .I would still take him in the 3rd round .
74.CLEVELAND-DAMIEN LEWIS - G - LSU - 6"2", 327
NFL PLAYER COMP - ALAN FANECA
Damien is a 2 year starter & Academic All American at LSU ,after being an All American player . Known as a leader at LSU and well thought of . Really strong guy with a mean streak ,and he will keep driving to the echo of the whistle in the run game, but he's not stupid about it .His hands get outside sometimes when he is engulfing a defender in the run game , and it even ends up looking like a reach around sometimes in pass pro if he gets turned. A hunter down the field whether it's coming off a combo block or he's uncovered he is looking for someone to put the hurt on . Needs a lot of work on his pass set consistency which is crazy because he was singled up on a team that passed a lot last year, but he did improve some throughout the season . Stops his feet too often causing him to have a inconsistent anchor because his feet are too wide ,or he gets too high ( even on his tip toes occasionally ), and he's left just trying to bench press everybody . Also sometimes fires out out of control without his feet under him getting off balance , or overextends and gets shucked, and/or ends up on the ground more than I like. Plus he gets high and steamrolled into the QB against stronger bull rushers every once in a while because he doesn't throw his punch well . If he is uncovered in pass pro he will come in from the side and help out , and if Lewis is down blocking from the side in the run game he can collapse the D-Line in that direction.Occasionally his feet get too wide & stop in the run game too, and then he stalls out. On others he comes off the ball low , drives his feet, and is a dominant people mover .Finished strong down the stretch with some improved technique, particularly as a pass blocker . Also after getting worked by Derek Brown more than a few times at mid season he bounced right back and played well against Alabama, although to be fair Lewis did get a couple of one on one pancakes in himself. That's a good sign because it didn't break him . You can say Derrick Brown worked everyone he faced , and you would be right ( except for Deonte Brown of Alabama), but it still matters .He is not particularly suited to a spread offense like LSU's in 2019 , as they went 5 wide a ton . Damien's balance and hand width could lead to a lot of negative plays as a pass blocker in the NFL .Adjustments against stunts & twists need work too, and you see him get fooled and give up the inside .If he is confused he will freeze , or be a tick late at times , or get off balance and get run over . One time Lewis even got de-cleted by a 235 delayed blitzing (KJ BRITT) LB for a sack. A guy with this much aggression & power should really start working on short setting and throwing his punch with more force with his hands inside .Also tends to move quicker at the snap in the run game too .Better in a man gap run heavy scheme with tighter splits, and he's the guy you want to run behind in short yardage or goal line plays .33 inch arm length .Great Senior Bowl week, and looked like he had continued improving his technique in pass pro. I love watching this guys tape and I gave him a high comp, but he is not for every team .Put him on a team like the Ravens ,and he is a plug and play starter , but it could take awhile in other systems.I watched more of Damien's games than any other interior O-Lineman in this draft .At first because of the inconsistencies , and later because it's just fun to watch him get after people as a run blocker .He has more highlight reel blocks than any guard in this class, but more lowlights than any of my top 5 guards .The best O-Lineman on the best O-Line in college football. Late 2nd round grade.The Browns have upgraded 3/5 of their O-Line in one off season . I can almost hear Baker Mayfield's screams of joy all the way from Cleveland .
75.INDIANAPOLIS-TROY PRIDE - CB - N. DAME - 5"11" , 193
NFL PLAYER COMP - DENZEL WARD - BROWNS
I'm still a big Troy Pride guy myself , as evidenced by the high player comp I gave him , but after watching more tape I had to move him into the 3rd round on my board. Pride has speed and quicks, excels at sticking to his man in coverage sometimes, and was the best CB at the Senior Bowl . Had a pick in the game ,and an excellent week of practice . Size limits him from playing for some teams, and others will just want him only as a slot guy , but I see him as a every down long term starter who can play inside and out . After a great combine I expected him to move up for some teams , but he is still a bit raw . Troy has yet learn to stop peeking into the back field and being mesmerized by what he sees . He also waits too long to turn & find the ball, but you would think he's the receivers shadow at times . Then the WR turns & grabs the ball, but Pride doesn't move with him until after the ball is catchable. Once he can do that and make more plays on the ball I think he will be a stud, but on this team he should start as soon as he gets coached up on his route recognition & develops a little more instincts . In a zone heavy scheme he would have a better shot at playing right out of the gate , but he would have to nut up in run support to make that work . His best tape is first round, but other times he looks like a 5th rounder, so I split the difference .
76.TAMPA BAY-JUSTIN MADUBUIKE - ** - DT - TEXAS A&M - 6"3" , 293
NFL PLAYER COMP - TOMMY HARRIS - retired
The bucs run a 3 man front, and need help for Suh & Vea . Neither one is much of a penetrator, although Vea is better at it now , but if you are counting on a 347 pound NT to provide your primary interior penetration your missing something . Justin is a athletic DT who has some twitch ,and his best fit is a 3 technique in the NFL .He's been a productive starter the last 2 years, but he lacks consistency in ALL phases of his game, although their are plenty of splash plays made in the backfield against both the run & pass on his tape . He's got multiple pass rush moves , some good counters, long arms , and violent hands. When he gets off the ball well he looks good as a penetrator , but that is another inconsistency , and he doesn't move very quickly up & down the LOS through trash . His tape doesn't always match his testing numbers at the combine , and it's both exciting & frustrating to watch . He plays low against the run , but lacks the sand in his pants to hold his ground sometimes one one one, and it's worse against double teams . Although to be fair he looked bigger & buffer at the combine than he did on tape so maybe he put the time between the regular season finale ( skipped his bowl game) to good use . Needs to learn to consistently use his length better to both keep blockers off his chest in the run game, and to push the pocket when he's bull rushing . I can't tell if it's a lack of motor or stamina that causes him to disappear sometimes , but I have seen guys like him go in the first round, and I have seen them go in the 4th . Just heard about some possible character issues popping up up so that could cause him to slip a bit . I have a late 2nd on him because even with all that consistency he makes a lot of plays .
77.DENVER -LOGAN WILSON - ** - LB - WYOMING - 6"2" , 241
NFL PLAYER COMP - DEMARIO DAVIS - SAINTS
4 year starter and Senior team captain .Energizer bunny motor, but can also come in too hot & overrun the play , or be fall for the bait & switch . Huge tackle numbers in college , and good technique ,but has a tendency to get too high, and that will cause him to miss even more tackles in the Pros . Physical taking on blocks, stacking & shedding, and bringing the thud as a tackler .Solid combine could push him into the 3rd round. will already be 24 as a rookie , and missed about half this season with a torn right bicep tendon .Actually looks pretty good dropping into zone , reads the QB well, and had good ball production ( 10 picks and 24 PD's)in the passing game over the past 4 years . Decent bltizer too .Needs to improve in man coverage , not just his agility ,but he turns to early too . 3rd round for a zone heavy team .
78.ATLANTA- LEKI FOTU - DT - UTAH - 6"5" , 330
NFL PLAYER COMP - VITA VEA - BUCCANEERS
The Falons need more size on their defensive front Lotu is a load inside with man strength . A space eater that can push the pocket and help their run defense by protecting their linebackers & secondary so they can run to the ball . He's not an every down player right now . He does have a quick get off for a man his size, can make plays between the tackles, and at least still help out collapsing that pocket & clogging his gaps up with stacked up bodies . Fotu is a late 3 in my book now that I have finished his tape, because I see him more of one gap plugger now . He gets too high when trying to penetrate & also his pads rise some when he tires . If he can just drop a little weight & amp up his stamina & snap count this could be great pick . If he keep learns his pads lower down in & down out he could develop into a true 2 gapping 3 down NT .Playing with all the talent on this D-Line may inspire him to up his game.
79.NY JETS- CURTIS WEAVER - DE - BOISE ST - 6"2" , 265
NFL PLAYER COMP - VINNY CURRY - EAGLES
The Jets have been struggling on the edge for years .Weaver has been very productive for 3 straight years against weaker competition at Boise state, but he didn't look very imaginative as a pass rusher on tape .Didn't run a forty at the combine, but he had the best 3 cone & short shuttle of all the edge rushers who participated in Indy, and that's a better indication of future success in the NFL anyway . He's predominantly a rush OLB on tape, and will need to get used to playing with his hand on the ground some more in the pros, and tighten up against the run .He doesn't look like an edge rusher , but he is more flexible than his roundish shape would have led me to believe . Needs to hit the weights and tighten up his body .Good snap anticipation and solid first step off the ball, but not an explosive twitchy guy .In the NFL against better competition just trying to go outside on most plays ,and darting inside when they over set won't work as often , so he should add some more pass rush moves . Weaver does occasionally flash a spin back inside if he is ridden past the pocket .Does have a rush plan though , and that's more than I can say for most college rushers. Weavers motor is good most of the time, but his stamina & speed aren't , and don't expect him to chase down anybody from the backside . Needs to work on staying consistently lower in the run game . Shows awareness to get his hands up and obscure passing lanes when he is stuck at the LOS . Has some serious hands though , and Curtis is both violent & technical in their use . Good job securing the QB and not letting him escape, but has problems there at times with RB's .A negative in coverage .I have a mid 3rd on him, but with this weak edge class he could easily go higher.If he can exchange 15 pounds of for for 15 pounds of muscle he could be a steal .
80.LAS VEGAS -JOHN SIMPSON - G - CLEMSON - 6"4" , 321
NFL PLAYER COMP - LARRY WARFORD - SAINTS
2 year starter at LG and team captain this year . Long arms 34 and 1/8 for the inside . Big thick, wide build. Plays with power and can also do combo's and get to the 2nd level . Inconsistent in pass pro, but strong anchor when squared up . Long arms and a nasty punch when it lands .No reason to be late off the ball when you know the snap count .He's a mauler but lacks the ability to recover when beaten early , and he ends up on the ground to much because he is over aggressive and a leaner . Also struggles with stunts . Lot of grabbing and false start penalties. 3rd round . High ceiling, and he has highlight reel blocks, but then he has even lowlight reel plays where he just gets shucked and ends up on his face .
81.LAS VEGAS-(CHI)- DARNAY HOLMES - CB - UCLA - 5"10', 195
NFL PLAYER COMP - JANORIS JENKINS - SAINTS
The Raiders need more help at corner because they face KC (Hill, Watkins, Hardman, Kelce) , Denver ( Sutton , Jeudy, Fant) and the Chargers ( Allen , Williamsm, Henry ) twice a year . Holmes is a fast , oily hipped , aggressive corner that can play inside & out .Not the tallest guy .but he plays with a chip on his shoulder . His tape is both great & crap. Highlights & lowlights all over the place . Obviously needs NFL coaching but the speed, physicality in coverage, ball hawking attitude, and big play ability to take it to the house stands out . His feet & head don't always seem to be on the same page, and his route recognition skills ,aren't as good as he thinks, so it leads to him taking way too many gambles . Acts like a number one corner , and has the confidence of one, but doesn't know he's a number 3 right know .Too grabby as well . Needs to work on his tackling technique with ball carriers too. Has some or bust to him, but it really depends on how he takes to coaching in the NFL .
82.PANTHERS-(DALL)-JONAH JACKSON - G - OHIO ST. - 6"3" , 306NFL PLAYER COMP - JOSH SITTON - retired
After trading Trae Turner guard is a big need . Jackson can play Guard or Center , is an excellent pass protector , and really stood out at the Senior Bowl . It's rare for a 5th year graduate Senior to really bump up his stock in his final season, but after 4 years at Rutgers Jackson transferred to the Buckeyes . He started right away , and since he has already played for 5 different OC's in his time in college , so he is very experienced and versatile. Right now he shows a strong anchor and regularly avoids giving up too much depth in pass pro .In the NFL he is probably going to need to buff up his legs some, lower his center of gravity ,bend his knees more , and avoid his occasional tendency to get caught leaning to combat stronger bull rushers because you see him getting away with playing high too much against the push.On the bright side he consistently shows tremendous feet & quickness down in and down out in pass pro , although his hands don't always stay inside . Jonah is the best interior short setter in this draft, and last years best interior short setter Erik McCoy just came off a great rookie year in New Orleans .Jackson has solid awareness in pass pro for stunts & twists from the inside ,but he does have tendency to drift a little when not engaged , and be a little out of position for the incoming pickup coming from the outside .Jonah is quick to help out from the side once he knows he is uncovered and that there are tricks on the way Jonah's ability to stay square with a wide base ,and between is man with his butt pointed at the QB is textbook .Has plenty of starts at both left and right guard, but I think since he was at his best on the left side there this year, and LG's are traditionally the better pass blockers that he should stay on the left .As a run blocker he isn't a one on one people mover, and he needs to consistently come off the ball lower , use his hands better, and incorporate more hip snap into his initial push . I wouldn't run behind him often at the goal line or in short yardage situations . So he needs to be in a zone scheme with a lot of combo blocks to make it in a NFL run game, and he also has a tendency to fall off blocks later in the play , and with the negative tendency to try and grab his man when he's slipping off . He's active at the 2nd level ,even if his angles & hand placements aren't always right, and he does much better there when coming off a combo than he does when he is uncovered .Although he can make reach blocks & keep his block going laterally on stretch plays he is still too high and doesn't get much forward push & even gets pushed back on occasion. Weird tendency to try and catch blitzers with a under handed move instead of extending his arms out, which is doubly a shame because he has above average arm length for an interior guy .He's not a mauler ,but he flashes sometimes as more of an "aggression opportunist " .Examples- when he has a chance to bury or blowup someone blindside someone he will 2- Or if he has a defender leaning he will keep pushing until they topple and keep on top of them as they are going down . Those are things you want in a O-Lineman, but you want it to be the norm, and not the occasional rep .So basically he's just not a natural mean streak killer . I see him as more of a safe finesse seal & wall off make my block and try not to screw it up guy . He's a guy that is trying to blunt & fight off the attackers , instead of leading the ambush to finish the enemy in their own encampment , before they get to your village . In the pass happy NFL , and especially on a team that prefers that runs spread formations & a zone blocking scheme Jonah should fit right in . So this pick makes a lot of sense .I know Bridgewater would appreciate it .
83.DENVER-(PITT)-AMIK ROBERTSON - CB - LOUISIANA TECH - 5"8" , 187
NFL PLAYER COMP - ERIC ALLEN - retired
3 year starter who has started every game since he was true freshman . Just a straight up ball hawk .Led the team in picks all 3 seasons, and had a lot of passes defensed in college . High football IQ & instincts . Low peddle & good feet . Fierce at the catch point & in run support , and plays like he thinks he's bigger . However , his lack of size & length results in him getting big bodied at times or missing some tackles. If he was 5"10 he would go in the first round, and if he was 6 ft. with some length he would probably be the 2nd corner off the board . The First team All American has a groin injury that kept him from working out at the combine, and his injury history is also a concern . Rarely play sin the slot this season on tape, but that may be where teams project him .He looks fast & explosive on tape, and I think the combine would have helped him .
84.LA RAMS - BRYAN EDWARDS - ** - WR - S.CAROLINA - 6 " 3" , 212
NFL PLAYER COMP - QUINCY MORGAN - JETS
Knee injury caused him to miss the end of the season then reportedly broke his foot while training for the combine and missed the workout . Great size & physicality , but just OK long speed & lacks quickness . Strong runner after the catch able to run through tacklers .Was maybe a late 2nd/3rd rounder before injury , but who knows now . I think I am lower on him than most .Punt & kick returner too . Inconsistent hands with highlight reel catches followed by easy drops. Raw route runner who can beat you early with strength, but rarely explodes out of a break right . Also inconsistent on contested catches manning through the defender one play then losing the battle the next . 4 year starter , and productive ,but only a primary option this year . A lot of that production was on screens . He's a fighter but he looks like a #3 WR now, but unless he can polish up his route running . Should at least help out more on special teams & gadget routes early , but I think he's awhile away from being a number 2 WR .
85.DETROIT-(PHIL)-NEVILLE GALLIMORE - DT - OKLAHOMA - 6"2", 304
NFL PLAYER COMP - JONATHAN BABINEAUX - retired
The Lions don't have interior pass rusher who can give them consistent pressure . Gallimore is as twitchy as they come for interior an pass rusher . An up the field penetrator with a lightning first step, but he is also soft & raw , although he did improve a lot in a 2 year period . If his first move is stopped he doesn't do much , and if an O-lineman sits down & anchors against his bull rush he gives in too often on film . Needs to add pass rush moves, combos, counters, toughness,and only then will he be a starting NFL 3 technique. The tools & talent are there , but the polish , production , and finishing aren't there consistently. Tampa 2 teams should love him as a developmental guy , but he will probably be over drafted based off his testing numbers and Senior Bowl performance . If he buys in and listens to his NFL D-Line coach he could be a star, but I have a 3rd on him after adding together his tape & high upside .
86.BUFFALO- BRADLEY ANAE - DE/OLB - UTAH - 6"3" , 257
NFL PLAYER COMP - CARL LAWSON - BENGALS
Anae is a 3 year starter ,senior team captain, and his production increased every season . Utah's All Time sack leader and capped his career off with 13 this year .Good get off get off . Technician with great hands & motor, and he needs those hands to free him up because he has short arms for an edge guy .Under performed in all combine drills except the 10 yard split and bench .Most polished pass rusher in the draft .Played a great game in the Senior Bowl .Tries hard in the run game , but gets pushed around to often so he needs to get stronger . He's flexible & relentless , and despite his physical limitations I believe in him .Won the overall battle against Sam Cosmi of Texas who will probably be a first rounder next year & Austin Jackson of USC who was first round pick last night .
87.NEW ENGLAND- RAEKWON DAVIS - DL - ALABAMA - 6"7" , 311
NFL PLAYER COMP - CHRIS CANTY - retired
Davis comes out of the Alabama D-Line factory ,and he has a higher upside than any of them. He length alone makes him an ideal 5 technique, and unlike most taller D-Lineman he regularly plays low . He can play everywhere along the D-Line in a odd or even front except as a weak side 4-3 end . He would primarily be a 3 technique on this team that would help against the run & pass , but he can also play the Strongside end . The biggest question mark with Davis is that he had a better year in 2017 than he did in 2018, especially a a pass rusher ,but at the time I wondered if the dominant year Quinnen Williams had next to him makes it appear worse than it was by comparison. Then he went back to school in 2019, and it was the same thing . Solid to good against the run from game to game , and very little pass rush. For the most part Damien Lewis definitely got the better of him when they played LSU , but he made a couple of plays . Plus, his sacks were way down with more snaps. He doesn't appear to be dogging it though so maybe he needs better conditioning & or to be in more of a rotation to reach his full potential .
88.NEW ORLEANS -COLLIN JOHNSON - ** - WR - TEXAS - 6"6" , 222
NFL PLAYER COMP - PLAXICO BURRESS - retired
4 year starer an 2019 team captain .Small hands for a big WR . I thought he might get into the 1rst round in 2020 if he built on what he had done in the past, but 2019 was a down year . He missed 6 games with a hamstring injury . Has some polish in his routes but also some stiffness . Wide catch radius and the ability to go up and get it, but a guy this size should be more dominant using his size to separate & at the catch point .Got pushed around by little Amik Robertson sometimes .After a pretty good week at the Senior bowl Johnson then skipped the workout at the combine due to a hip flexor injury . Now he's never going to workout and that inability to prove his questionable long speed can work for or against him , Teams that are skeptical of him will probably just assume that he isn't fast, and teams that want to buy in probably will .
89.MINNESOTA - PRINCE TEGA WANOGHO - OT - AUBURN - 6"5" , 308
NFL PLAYER COMP - MORGAN MOSES - REDSKINS
Late to the game ,and just started playing football his senior year of high school after he legally emigrated to America . Has only been playing O-line since his red shirt freshman season in 2016 .Just short of the 34 inch arm length ( 33 1/2)threshold most teams require at OT, but so was Joe Thomas . Athletic , but still raw . Can be a force on the move and down the field, but he's not a physical people mover, . Lacks a mean streak ,and is more a fit in a finesse zone scheme right now . Has the feet and athleticism to hold up outside, but I still see him as a 3rd rounder because he is still raw . Talented project, who won't fit every team .Still learning the game, and while he has a good motor, he is often just a little bit late finding his assignment or in recognizing stunts& twist . Pulled out of Senior Bowl practices with knee swelling .Couldn't workout at the combine due to the knee injury, but he had arthroscopic surgery in January. Never had a pro day due to covid 19.
90.MATT PEART - OT - CONNECTICUT - 6"7" , 318
NFL PLAYER COMP - D'BRICKASHAW FERGUSON - retired
Peart fits the Hawks OT profile athletically .Ridiculously long arms . Ran a nice 5.01 forty and 1.77 ten. A former basketball player that added a lot of weight in college ,and still looks like a power forward .He's a lean finesse zone OT prospect , but he has all the tools. Looks like a giant TE that can easily carry 20-25 more pounds of muscle.Smooth feet .Inaccurate and sometimes almost passive punch , but he can lock on well .Can move in the run game, but is a wall off , double team, and down the field guy . Not a people mover . Needs to get stronger and play lower in all phases to be a starter. Looks like a project to me that is at best a swing tackle as a rookie, but if he hits the weights and becomes a knee bender he could become a starter earlier. 4 year starter that has played both sides .Also needs a mean streak unlike the guy he reminds me of. If I had an extra late 3rd , like a comp pick I would take Peart and try to develop him , but he will go earlier .Boom or bust.
91.LAS VEGAS-(SEA,)-KHALEED KAREEM - OLB/DE - N. DAME - 6"4" , 268
NFL PLAYER COMP -MICHAEL BENNETT - FA
2 year starter and 2019 team captain . Good frame and length for the position . Violent hands with some pop in them. All power and a strong side guy if he stays outside .Good strength setting the edge & with a bull rush .There just not enough to grab your attention. Can kick inside and out quick interior O-lineman already, and with his lack of balance & bend adding 20 more pounds & spending more time between the tackles might be his best role . Especially because he gets off the ball quicker inside. At times he looks a lot like Darrell Taylor of Tennessee, but lacks the bend , twitch ,and splash plays to be in the same category . Better football player than athlete ,but he could play a long time in the league because he willing to do the dirty work. Early 4th round grade .
92.BALTIMORE -TERRELL BURGESS - S/CB - UTAH - 5"11" , 202
NFL PLAYER COMP - JIMMY WARD - 49ers
Burgess has only been a full time starter for one year, and he actually played in a reserve roles as both DB and receiver as a true freshman . He can play either safety spot, although he is primarily a SS who can cover the slot well on tape, and that is still very valuable . When he's deep it's usually zone ,and he is still very good there as well , but not a lot of single high reps on film. Has both long speed and a good burst . Has played corner in the past, and has the fluid fluid hips & feet of a full time corner , even in man coverage . Good form tackler ,and most of his misses were when he was just outsized ,or his short arms let him down . Plus he sifts through the trash well.Terrell has a high football IQ , and can recognize route combinations .Also a lot of experience on special teams .Has 3 weaknesses right now 1-Bit of tweener between corner & FS, but plays in the box a lot as a SS or slot corner . It causes him to be boxed out by by bigger receivers 2- the lack of overall experience, especially as a deep safety. 3- He is a bit of a gambler . Some pay off, and some don't, but hopefully more time on the field will help him there too. If he gets more experience I believe he will start making more plays on the ball . He has the ceiling of a high end starter , but it may take a year or 2 get there, but right now he can help you in the slot and on special teams . Solid 3rd rounder for me, but he may end being drafted in the 4th, and being one of the best bargains of 2020 .
93.TENNESEE - CAM AKERS - RB - FLORIDA ST. - 5"10" , 217
NFL PLAYER COMP - KAREEM HUNT - BROWNS
Akers has been productive and led the team in rushing for 3 straight seasons, even as freshman when he wasn't a full time starter .Lost 3 fumbles this year and losing 10 over 3 seasons is a concern .Can make you miss and shows some power. Good weapon as a receiver . Played behind a bad O-Line . I'm not sure about his vision ,because there were so few obvious holes to run through that it's hard to tell if he is making the right choices , or if there was just nowhere to go. High school QB . A man in pass pro , and makes good inside out choices there, but he still needs more work on his hands .Runs with power, speed, and wiggle . Still productive considering what he had around him with another special mention of bad O-Line play .
94.PITTSBURGH-(GB)- MATT HENNESSY - C - TEMPLE - 6"4" , 307
NFL PLAYER COMP - ALEX MACK - FALCONS
Very technically sound zone center . Needs to get bigger & stronger . Spent a lot of times uncovered or on double teams as both a run and pass blocker, and while the tape is good it worries me some . When he is singled up in the NFL is he going to be this good ? He's definitely not dude that can dig a DT out of the hole mano a mano right now . Will he be able to anchor against a bull rush or be quick enough to single up against a twitchy 3 technique with a gap on either side of him ? His offense basically calls for left.right shifts, but will need time to learn a NFL scheme with all the protections and line calls that entails . Really quick & athletic with the ability to pull , make a reach block , and be force at the 2nd level & down the field . Smart and a film room junkie .
95.DENVER-(49ers)-JAMES LYNCH - DT/DE - BAYLOR - 6"4" , 289
NFL PLAYER COMP - TYRONE CRAWFORD - COWBOYS
He's a tweener , but I love the guy . Very productive this year and lived in the backfield .Half edge ;half 3 technique, and all motor with a high snap count. Short arms means he's probably a better fit inside, but good hand use and bend help alleviate those concerns some in college, but not sure if it will work in the pros .Did his best work outside at Baylor so it's a worry . 5 technique could be a fit too . Strong edge setter ,and good strength moves a pass rusher too , with a nifty spin counter inside. Also quicker than expected on twists & stunts. Takes the cheese to much on RPO's .I would make him a 4-3 base end on run downs and kick inside on pass downs .
96.KANSAS CITY - JACK DRISCOLL - OT - AUBURN - 6"5" , 306
NFL PLAYER COMP - BRIAN O'NEIL - VIKINGS
Smart and a 4 year starter with 38 starts at right tackle and 7 at left guard . Transferred from UMASS to start as a 5th year graduate senior at Auburn . Played Pretty well in the SEC . 33 inch arm length is iffy outside for some teams . Good technique , feet, and athleticism as a pass blocker . However, lacks strength , anchor , a firmer punch, and a consistent mean streak there too . More of finesse guy that fits in a zone or spread scheme . Only a wall off or combo blocker in the run game ans he won't move people off the ball right now. Late 3rd round in the right scheme, but could be a swing tackle early in other systems while he hits the weight room because he can hold up against edge speed .
97.comp-BROWNS(HOU)-ANTONIO GANDY-GOLDEN - WR - LIBERTY - 6"4" , 223
NFL PLAYER COMP - KELVIN BENJAMIN - retired
Ran a 4.6 but had a good vert and broad jump . Big possession WR that can win down the field and in the red zone, and he is really hard to tackle .Good production in back to back years , but he should have dominated his level of competition, and while he has multiple releases at the LOS I just don't see them working against a physical NFL press corner right now . Looks like a natural hands catcher with good timing & a wide radius, but more drops this year than last. Also didn't win as many contested catches as he should have . Build up long speed , but good feet , and solid display of route running in drills at combine match the tape .Someone this big should be nastier and better as using their size and strength to dominate at the catch point .If I wanted Tee Higgins or Chase Claypool but missed out on them I would take him in the late 3rd as a consolation prize , and hope he developed a mean streak .
98.NEW ENGLAND-HARRISON BRYANT - TE - FAU - 6"5" , 234
NFL PLAYER COMP - ZACH ERTZ - EAGLES
Bryant played OT in high school and then moved to TE , and he blocks like it with good technique . Spent most of his time in the slot and got a lot of deep separation . Tracks the ball well . Surprisingly not a good inline Y tight end right now , but he is an effective blocker down the field on tape, and I think he will become better inline with time in the weight room . Had more drops than I like this season , but he also broke a lot of tackles .He is Ok as a route runner, but is smart enough to find the open holes against zone .At the very least he is good move TE for your QB right away .I think he will still be productive while polishing up his route running against man, and excel against zone early. Mostly scheduled against lesser competition than my other top 4 TE's , but Bryant played well against the only 2 top 25 teams ( UCF & Ohio ST.) they faced . Harrison was also clearly the best TE at the Senior Bowl for me. He is my number one TE in this draft, and while he might not have quite the same ceiling as Kmet or Trautman, Harrison has a higher floor . To me he's clearly the best of the bunch on tape right now. I expected better than the average numbers he put up at the combine, but his tape sold me as a second rounder .
99.NY GIANTS - TYLER BIADASZ - ** - C - WISCONSIN 6"3" , 321
NFL PLAYER COMP - DAVID ANDREWS - PATRIOTS
Biadasz is a natural knee bender & a good get off & technique at the snap . When Tyler locks on with hands inside it's over , but short arms , & average strength this season . Great on combo blocks & a hunter at the second level, but not as adept on on one . When singled up as a run blocker against a down lineman there are too many snaps where he gets stood up or stalemated at the Line Of Scrimmage, even if he's the lower man, and it occasionally happens against smaller 2nd level players too .Needs to hit the weights a lot more, and learn how to unlock his power on contact . It's possible his off season hip surgery made him tentative, and I'm certain he didn't get to lift as much as he should have while recovering, but the gap between 2018 is pretty wide. Although he played through a hip injury that year, and looked good doing it.Your power should start from the feet up, continue through the hip snap, and all come out your hands with your full bodys force behind it when you strike a blow.Too many plays where he gets off balance , but especially if he has to pull( and he pulls more than the average center )or go straight up to the 2nd level when uncovered. The longer he runs before he makes contact the more likely he will get out of whack, and it's even worse if a target gives him a little shimmy .Ends up the ground too much, and it's not always on his face when he whiffs or falls off a block. Gets stuffed knocked back( Malik Harrison) or on his ass ( #43 Iowa on a pull) multiple times by smaller players this year because of it. Also when engaging after a run he has tendency to throw his hands too late ,and they end up too low. Much better in 2018, but he had shoulder surgery in the off season, although that that's still a big drop off, especially in power . Still looked pretty good as a run blocker, but his once great pass blocking skills went backwards a lot .Good in man/gap blocks and on inside zone, but not as good at outside zone runs .Definitely want him in a run heavy scheme if this years tape is going to be the norm going forward. Great against average or below average players, but when facing a quick 3 technique or a really strong NT( Davon Hamilton) he can look over matched right now . I wonder if I am being too hard on him, because playing coming off an injury where he still isn't 100% & didn't get his weight room time would explain a lot . I had a 2nd round grade on him coming into the season, and thought he might end up a 1rst rounder after this year , but this years tape is late 4th-5th round for me . I don't want to knock down someone very far if they were playing in less than prime condition to help out their team, because even at 75% he is Wisconsin's best center . Also had surgery for a Shoulder injury, that caused him to miss the combine workout , and that will make him a wildcard in this draft .So I will just stick him in the late 3rd , hope this season was an aberration, and that a healthy off season spent in the weight room returns Tyler to form . However, he could be ranked anywhere from the 2nd to the 5th on different teams boards .
100.comp-NEW ENGLAND-TERRELL LEWIS -**- OLB/DE -ALABAMA-6"5" , 262
NFL PLAYER COMP - ZIGGY ANSAH - SEAHAWKS
If you didn't know about Terrell's injury history and just watched the games he did play in he would probably be your number 2 edge rusher in this draft . He's got explosiveness , length, , and plenty of pass rush ability , but he has missed A LOT of games . 2 full seasons with real potentially long term injuries .Had an knee injury that caused him to miss all of 2018 / Missed 10 games in 2017 with an arm injury, but returned for the National Championship game and balled out - 7 tackles & one sack in overtime . If he stays healthy and takes to coaching he could be the next TJ Watt, but I think to more likely he is a perennially injured , but tantalizing when healthy guy like Ansah . He fits the Pariots this late , might be worth the risk anyway , and it's a huge need.
101.comp-SEATTLE-LUCAS NAING - ** - OT - TCU - 6"6" , 315
NFL PLAYER COMP - TYTUS HOWARD - TEXANS
A 4 year starter with a lot of production this season .Started for most of 3 season sat RT . Skinny legs needs and to hit the squat rack .Has good tape this year at RT, but had hip labrum surgery after getting hurt in the middle of the season , and missed the combine .Technique needs to re-built from scratch , especially in pass pro, but he is still effective without it . Good frame . Long enough arms (34 and 1/4) to meet NFL teams threshold to stay outside .Smart and aware for stunts and blitzes .Throws his punch but it's tentative at times. Hit and miss . Needs to hit the chest more . Didn't give up a lot of pressure on tape, and good against power players with a strong anchor in pass pro, but I think he would struggle against speed as a rookie outside with his current pass set . At least he's not grabby .Physical run blocker ,but he's a waist bender , and can get caught leaning .Once he learns how to bend his knees I think he could kick inside in a zone scheme if needed .Good at the second level .Best bet would be as a RT in a run heavy offense early . If he's healthy he can compete for a starting job as a rookie, and at least be your swing tackle, but he needs NFL coaching badly . His injury history is why I think he falls this far because his tape says late 2nd to me, and that's with little technique .
102.comp-PITTSBURGH-JACOB EASON - QB - WASHINGTON - 6"6" , 231
NFL PLAYER COMP - -DREW BLEDSOE - retired
Former 5 star recruit who started as a true freshman at Georgia before hurting his knee.in the first game of his sophomore year .Then Jake Fromm stepped in and led them to a berth in the National championship . So he sat out a year and transferred to Washington where he is from . Great with a clean pocket, but he does not do well at all when there is pressure, especially when he has to move off his spot . Strongest arm in a draft with a lot strong armed guys ,and a great frame , but lacks consistency . That arm causes both good and bad plays. He trust it & makes some elite throws, but also trust it too much & tries to force balls in that he shouldn't . Also lacks touch & pulls a Cam Newton/Brett Favre and fires too many balls up close . Does show some ability to throw with anticipation down the field . Below average mobility unless it's a scripted part of the play. Should have went back to school for another year, and his reads are still slow if his first one isn't open under pressure, and he has happy feet then too. He has very little tape, and it's all over the place. If I had a veteran QB and a year or 2 to coach him up I might take him in the late 3rd, but I would feel more comfortable in the 4th. Boom or bust .
103.comp-PHILADELPHIA-BEN BARTCH - G/T - ST. JHONS (MINN) - 6"6" , 309
NFL PLAYER COMP - ALI MARPET - BUCCANEERS
Former TE who added a lot of weight in college to become a 2 year starter at LT, but he's in shape, but he's in good shape because it's good weight. . Arm too short for the outside (32 and 7/8) . Athletic with good feet & flexibility ,and played well at the Senior Bowl .Excellent hand placement , a steady punch , and a strong grip to latch on . Needs to work on his anchor , especially because he is going to see a lot more power inside , and his punch needs more force. It;s too bad he couldn't work out at the combine after an injury during the Senior Bowl . I think he would have worked out well .
104.comp-LA RAMS-ZACK MOSS - ** - RB - UTAH - 5"9" , 223
NFL PLAYER COMP - MARSHAWN LYNCH - retired
No Ram running back has stepped up to claim the full time job yet after Gurley's departure . Malcolm Brown is a good steady number 2 type & Darrell Henderson didn't do much as a rookie . Moss is a punishing runner with great balance and some wiggle. May not have good long speed ,but he does have burst .Good vision , receiver, contact balance , and a very willing step up & pop you pass blocker , although in limited tries .He will finish every run low & nasty , and he's the guy you want to hand the ball to 15 times when you have a lead in the 2nd half. I would have him as a 1rst rounder , but he already has injury issues also comes with ball security concerns, and it's hard to see him having a long career when his default setting is bulldozer . However, he does remind me of one the most brutally exciting players I can remember .
105.comp-MINNESOTA- JOSIAH SCOTT - CB - MICHIGAN ST. - 5'9" , 185
NFL PLAYER COMP - ORLANDO SCANDRICK - FA
Another corner is needed, and this one has a ballers attitude . 3 year starter with good ball production . Ideally slot guy with quick feet, good hips , balance & body control . However almost every snap I saw from him was outside. Great burst to the ball and high level change of direction skills with high level mirror ability . Physical in run support ,and at the catch point , but needs to wrap up as a tackler better . Size & short arms cause him to be shielded , kept away in press, and pushed away from the ball by savvier big body receivers at times . 3rd round .
106.comp-BALTIMORE- ALBERT OKWUEGBUNAM - ** - TE - MISSOURI - 6"5" , 258
NFL PLAYER COMP - JIMMY GRAHAM - BEARS
A 3 year starter who lines up in a lot of places. 4.49 and 4.50 forty at that size is great , but then he didn't do anything else at the combine . Caught all gauntlet balls at the combine but didn't run full speed , and had a lot of drops on tape. Had 2 straight seasons cut short because of a shoulder injury , and his 2017 tape was his best . Raw route runner, telegraphs where he's going at times, and doesn't separate the way he should . It's disappointing how a guy that big doesn't know how to use his long arms & size to beat press better . He gives some effort as a blocker , and his initial set up & hand placement can be good , but again it's not consistent . Although he has no nasty when blocking, and he needs to work on both his technique and consistency inline . He can make the highlight reel catch, win some jump balls, but then lose the next one . Albert has blazing speed in a straight line , great size, will break tackles, can be a red zone weapon, and be a mismatch player the defense has to account for . He's got the frame, traits, and tools you want to be a every down inline guy . Has lined up inline, as a WR out wide, and in the slot as a move TE .But he's not ready to be a do it all guy yet .Since he lacks the effort , polish,, and consistency to pull it off right now I see him as high end developmental guy . However, you can hope to at least use him as a weapon for you as a decoy ,big WR or move TE early . Boom or bust guy for me , so late 3rd round .
I like Denver's selection in Round 2, but I think that the Steelers would stay put at 49 and take Jonathan Taylor. They need a RB bad.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised that Jones fell to the 3rd round myself, and thought that KJ Hamler was an over draft , especially because he is a tiny guy that had so many drops . I guess you were half right about the Steelers, or at least more right than me . They stayed at 49, but took a big WR/TE hybrid instead . Didn't expect that after they signed Ebron , but Claypool has sick upside . God luck with the rest of your draft .
ReplyDelete