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Woods: 2022 NFL Draft Positional Rankings

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U92's Final 2022 Mock Draft

Woods: Top 100 Big Board

The 2022 NFL Draft is fast approaching. You can hear live coverage and analysis pick-by-pick right here on The Moose this Thursday, April 28th, beginning at 6pm. You can hear U92 the Moose at 91.7 FM on your radio dial or online at this website, or via mobile using the Alexa App, TuneIn Radio, and RadioFX. 

  1. Malik Willis, Liberty (6-0, 219)

    1. Strengths

      1. Drives the ball with ease and velocity

      2. Processes reads quickly

      3. Throws with timing and confidence when reads are clear

      4. Impressive arm talent on and off platform

      5. Dynamic runner with rapid movements and ability to change direction

      6. Quality footwork to set base in and out of pocket

      7. Consistently on time with throws

      8. Slippery as ball carrier with agility to make tacklers miss in a phone booth

      9. Constantly surveying on the move

      10. Excellent timing allows receivers to make plays after the catch

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Despite quick processing, hesitant to commit to throws

      2. Looks to tuck and run vs. extending plays to throw downfield

      3. Accuracy lacking when off platform/without clean pocket

      4. Slight load up/hitch that delays mechanics

      5. Can be overly confident in arm talent

      6. Skittish at times under pressure

    3. Bottom Line: Most naturally gifted QB in the draft with obvious flaws you have to be willing to bet on your coaches being able to solve.

  2. Kenny Pickett, Pitt (6-3, 217)

    1. Strengths

      1. Athleticism to extend plays

      2. Throws with confidence into traffic

      3. Impressive short accuracy

      4. Impressive velocity to put ball in windows

      5. Attacks one on ones and trusts receivers

      6. Comfortably goes through progressions quickly

      7. Accurate throwing on the run

      8. Played in pro-style offense

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Constantly moving around in the pocket

      2. Can be overly aggressive and just grip it and rip it

      3. Tries to make the perfect throw into traffic too often

      4. Hit or miss downfield accuracy

      5. Doesn’t trust protection consistently

      6. Legitimate arm strength concerns

    3. Bottom Line: Most polished passer in the draft with clear cap on ceiling who may wind up straddling the starter/backup line

  3. Matt Corral, Ole Miss (6-1, 211)

    1. Strengths

      1. Extends plays with constant pocket awareness

      2. Extremely efficient mechanics

      3. Eyes constantly down field when extending

      4. Confident in arm talent to make throws over the middle

      5. Can make throws from multiple arm angles

      6. Legitimate arm talent to make throws downfield off platform

      7. Shows ability to put touch on the ball to beat defenders

      8. Athleticism to be designed run threat

      9. Feels pressure and slides pocket to allow routes to develop

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Not asked to run complex offense

      2. Less than ideal size

      3. Can get swallowed up as the pocket collapses and hold on too long

      4. Lacks anticipation to allow big catch and run

      5. Generally asked to make simple reads

      6. Can trust arm strength to fit windows he shouldn’t 

    3. Bottom Line: Live athlete with all of the tools who needs to progress in terms of processing in a big way

  4. Sam Howell, UNC

    1. Strengths

      1. Athleticism to extend plays

      2. Very catchable ball with velocity

      3. Easy arm strength with clean, fluid mechanics

      4. Throws bullets into traffic when his feet are set

      5. Great accuracy to all levels when his feet are set

      6. Fearless when taking off and trusting his arm

      7. Clinical in working underneath when given time

      8. Arm talent and touch to drop absolute bombs down the field

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Jumpy in the pocket

      2. Will step up into the rush and sack himself

      3. Indecision can lead to sacks

      4. Footwork can get a little wild when pressured

    3. Bottom Line: Best deep ball in the class with moxy and work ethic that needs to tighten up footwork to be a starter on day 1

  5. Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati (6-3, 211)

    1. Strengths

      1. Moves efficiently and fluidly

      2. Confident in progressions and decision making

      3. Strong arm to fit ball into windows

      4. Strong platform to drive the ball

      5. Constantly under control with feet underneath, ready to throw

      6. Powerful downhill runner

      7. Patient going through progressions

      8. Extends plays to throw vs. tuck and run

      9. Easy arm strength downfield 

      10. Pinpoint accuracy with clean pocket

      11. Throws lasers over the middle

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Accuracy struggles on cross-field throws

      2. Can underthrow deep routes

      3. Statuesque once pocket is set up

      4. Gets to secondary reads late leading to big hits on receivers

      5. Locks in on side of the field with read at times

    3. Bottom Line: Impressive physical tools and track record with development left to be done.

  6. Carson Strong, Nevada (6-3, 226)

    1. Strengths

      1. Calm presence in the pocket

      2. Live arm to drive the ball on and off platform

      3. Arm strength to drop bombs down the field

      4. Throws over the middle with confidence and timing

      5. Flashes accuracy to attack one on ones consistently

      6. Arm talent allows him to make throws over and around DBs other QBs can’t

      7. Consistently willing to allow receivers to go make plays

      8. Fires absolute lasers when he needs to fit into a window

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Statuesque in the pocket

      2. Lacks touch to put balls between defenders

      3. Gets happy feet when pressure pushes in

      4. Needs to improve mental clock

      5. Struggles to extend plays

    3. Bottom Line: Best pure arm in the draft but requires considerable refinement with accuracy and poise


Running Backs:

  1. Breece Hall, Iowa State (5-11, 217)

    1. Strengths

      1. Powerful runner with strong lower half

      2. Patient in finding the hole and then hits it with authority

      3. Battles to keep plays alive behind the line of scrimmage

      4. Smooth runner with fluid movements

      5. Hands to legit threaten in pass game

      6. Outstanding ability to maintain speed off one cut

      7. Extremely quick feet

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Not much in the way of wiggle

      2. Would rather go through you than around you

      3. “Out of the backfield” receiver w/ limited route tree

      4. Needs to improve hands in pass pro

    3. Bottom Line: Major power-speed combo with feet to be a difference maker but requires improvement in the finer things.

  2. Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State (5-9, 211)

    1. Strengths

      1. Violent downhill runner

      2. Gets up to speed in a hurry

      3. Strong lower half to push forward and continue plays

      4. Changes direction quickly and can make defenders miss on one cut

      5. Burst to the line/hole at full speed puts D behind the 8 ball

      6. Can stick his foot in the ground and shift gears quickly

      7. Accelerates through the second level with jets to run away

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Can get swallowed up by bigger defenders in pass pro

      2. Doesn’t always trust his vision

      3. Cuts back to avoid neutral plays, leads to negative plays

      4. Used almost exclusively on checkdowns in pass game

    3. Bottom Line: Legit home run hitter who runs with a violent streak but needs massive development as a receiver and total rebuild of pass pro.

  3. James Cook, Georgia (5-11, 199)

    1. Strength

      1. Compact build with strength to shake off tacklers

      2. Pass game versatility to split wide and run diverse tree

      3. Accelerates in a hurry

      4. Can make defenders miss with quick feet

      5. Hits the whole very hard with low center of gravity

      6. Cannonball running style allows him to bounce off defenders and slip out of arm tackles

      7. Catches away from the body with strong hands

      8. Confident runner who picks his spot and takes of

      9. Unafraid of contact despite smaller build

      10. Vision to put his foot in the ground and change direction quickly

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Primary receiving back who was rarely asked to pass pro

      2. Plays slower than testing speed

      3. Sometimes hesitant to take on heavy contact

      4. Wasted movement as he waits for the hole to open

    3. Bottom Line: The best receiving back in the draft with sneaky powerful running style and shiftiness to be a home run threat.

  4. Isaiah Spiller, TAMU (6-0, 217)

    1. Strengths

      1. Patient runner who bursts through the hole

      2. Fluid pass catcher at high volume

      3. Legit wiggle to make defenders miss

      4. Shifty with the ball in his hand to freeze tacklers

      5. Can stick his foot in the ground and get up and down in a hurry

      6. Accelerates quickly when given space to ramp up

      7. Waits for his hole to open and explodes through the line

      8. Stellar vision to see his angle and where defenders are coming from

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Occasionally indecisive in finding his seam

      2. Concerning 4.63 40 time

      3. Small frame and little technique as a pass protector

      4. Some ball security concerns

    3. Bottom Line: Versatile back with great vision and instincts paired with pass catching ability that makes him a true three-down option.

  5. Dameon Pierce, Florida (5-9, 218)

    1. Strengths

      1. Violent runner who works through space with agility

      2. Good feet and patience waiting for the hole to open

      3. Bowling ball runner who shatters arm tackles

      4. Vision to make adjustments as he approaches the line

      5. Welcomes contact as a downhill runner

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Straight line runner without much to make defenders miss

      2. Poor pass pro technique

      3. Stiff running style with short strides

      4. Limited route running experience

    3. Bottom Line: Powerful downhill threat who takes on contact with pride and has the agility to do more than just run between the tackles.


Wide Receivers

  1. Jameson Williams, Alabama (6-1, 179)

    1. Strengths

      1. Speed/acceleration to take handoffs and beat defenders off the line

      2. Shifts gears impressively to create separation

      3. Fluid athlete with strides to cover ground quickly

      4. Attacks the ball at its highest point

      5. Catches away from his body

      6. Awareness to find the ball and adjust downfield

      7. Feet to get in and out of routes quickly

      8. Legit after-the-catch speed

      9. High-end speed to beat defenders and take away tackling angles

      10. Impressive strength with the ball for size to stay up in open field

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Willing blocker but lacks strength and technique

      2. Extremely vertical running style

      3. Rehabbing ACL injury

    3. Bottom Line: Elite athletic profile with polished route running and feet who’s only concern is frame and injury recovery.

  2. Drake London, USC (6-3, 219)

    1. Strengths

      1. Physical athlete with shifty movement to free up space

      2. Very coordinated and in constant control of his movements

      3. Wiry but strong from with ability to shake off tacklers

      4. Catches away from the body

      5. Impressive footwork makes up for lack of wiggle

      6. Patient runner who allows blocks in the open field

      7. Powerful ball carrier who pushes tacklers and consistently falls forward

      8. Willing blocker who uses physicality on the edge

      9. Insane catch radius to make up for QB mistakes

      10. High points the ball on 50-50 throws and uses physicality in the air

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Not a particularly lateral or sudden athlete

      2. Rehabbing broken ankle

      3. Doesn’t have speed to separate one on one

    3. Bottom Line: Physically dominant downfield threat with impressive coordination that lacks explosiveness to beat defenders down the field

  3. Garrett Wilson, Ohio State (5-11, 183)

    1. Strengths

      1. Rapid movements and quick feet in open space

      2. Impressive catch radius relative to size

      3. Awareness/change of direction to break off and come back to the ball

      4. Extremely sudden movements on change of direction

      5. Feet/quickness to excel on double moves

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Can be tied up by more physical corners

      2. Plays at one speed more often than not

      3. Lacks frame/body to make plays in the air

    3. Bottom Line: Impressive athlete in terms of fluidity and speed that can make plays at all three levels

  4. Chris Olave, Ohio State (6-0, 187)

    1. Strengths

      1. Compact athlete who leverages strong lower body to chew up space

      2. Impressive ability to stick his foot in the ground and change direction on a dime

      3. Constantly coordinated and under control to cut in a hurry

      4. Patient to allow blocks to set up in open field

      5. Crisp route runner with outstanding feet to free himself in a phone booth

      6. Can shift gears to take away tacking angles

      7. Has a knack for finding holes in coverage and turning them into big plays

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Does not necessarily attack the middle of the field at full speed

      2. Smaller frame does not lend to play after contact

      3. Rarely asked to make plays in the air do to smaller build

    3. Bottom Line: High floor receiver with legit deep threat ability that lacks elite physical tools

  5. Treylon Burks, Arkansas (6-2, 225)

    1. Strengths 

      1. Physical presence unafraid to make plays over the middle and in the air

      2. Punishing runner with after the catch and post-contact ability

      3. Impressive coordination and awareness to box out defenders in the air

      4. Consistently outmuscles defenders with and without the ball

      5. Aggressively attacks one on ones with physical dominance and good hands

      6. Accelerates after the catch to turn shorter catches into big plays

      7. Strong hands to hold on through contact

      8. Impressive catch radius to pull in balls away from his body

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Lacking in terms of open field explosiveness

      2. Not much more than a straight line runner post-catch

      3. Not much wiggle to force missed tackles in space

      4. Basic route tree in college

    3. Bottom Line: Physically dominant multilevel threat whose limited explosiveness will cap the ceiling on.

  6. Jahan Dotson, Penn State (5-10, 178)

    1. Strengths

      1. Short strider with quick feet to cut on a dime

      2. Vertical pop to go up after the ball in the air

      3. Plays bigger than his frame

      4. Shifty movements after the catch with deception to make tacklers miss

      5. Gets north and south in a hurry after the catch

      6. Impressive route runner with ability to break without changing gears

      7. Aggressive catching the ball away from his body with catch radius of a bigger player

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Lacks build and physicality to fight off aggressive press consistently

      2. Build does not lend well to making plays after contact

    3. Bottom Line: Twitchy athlete with quality route running who overcomes physical limitations but will still be held back by build and play strength.

  7. George Pickens, Georgia (6-3, 195)

    1. Strengths

      1. Well put together athlete with ideal frame and build

      2. Impressive jump ball threat with easy athleticism

      3. Long strider who chews up ground in a hurry

      4. Long athlete with wingspan and catch radius to make up for QB mistakes

      5. Awareness to take advantage of DB leverage on routes

      6. Physical presence in the air to rise up and box out DBs

      7. Attacks the ball at its highest point

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Lets competitive streak get ahead of him (fight vs. GT)

      2. Missed most of 2021 with torn ACL

      3. Limited route tree in college

      4. Lacks extra gear after the catch

    3. Bottom Line: Explosive big-bodied deep threat with room to grow and concerns beyond production.

  8. Christian Watson, North Dakota State (6-4, 208)

    1. Strengths

      1. Big frame to outsize virtually any coverage defender

      2. Impressive ability to track the ball in the air and make adjustments

      3. Big time catch radius with long arms and extension to catch away from the body

      4. Darts forward with the ball in his hands

      5. Ability to leave his feet and extend for catches makes him a QBs best friend

      6. Constantly working back to the ball to get open

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Wiry frame without play strength of a player his size

      2. Not always a willing blocker

      3. Rudimentary route running after playing in run heavy scheme

    3. Bottom Line: Dominant speed-size-production combination that needs work both physically and technically but comes in with immediate impact potential.

  9. Skyy Moore, Western Michigan (5-9, 195)

    1. Strengths

      1. Unafraid to go over the middle despite small frame

      2. Extremely rapid movements with quick foot to cut on a dime

      3. Blasts off the line to attack holes in the defense

      4. Creates separation with violent change of direction

      5. Gets north and south in a hurry, leaves defenders grasping

      6. Beats press with hands and great feet

      7. Compact build allows him to hold up against hits

      8. Largest hands for a receiver at Combine

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Very small frame

      2. Limited physicality to make plays in the air

      3. Lacks physicality to make plays after contact

      4. Play speed does not alway match timed speed

    3. Bottom Line: Extremely quick jitterbug-style athlete with the route running and hands to be a major slot threat.

  10. John Metchie III, Alabama (5-11, 187)

    1. Strengths

      1. Technically clinical route runner

      2. High points the ball and stabs away from the body

      3. Impressive in terms of coordination and body control when transitioning upfield

      4. Physical presence who attacks the ball in the air

      5. Compact athlete who plays bigger than his size

      6. Detail-oriented in every step, setting up routes and cuts after the catch

      7. Battles to come back to the ball

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Rehabbing torn ACL

      2. Relies on feet over wiggle to make defenders miss

      3. Lacks the elite measurables and explosiveness to be a WR1-type threat

    3. Bottom Line: Potentially the most impressive technician in this receiver class who brings a high-floor threat as long as medicals check out.

  11. Alec Pierce, Cincinnati (6-3, 211)

    1. Strengths

      1. Moves fluidly downfield

      2. Long arms with big catch radius

      3. Catches away from the body

      4. Shifty athlete after the catch

      5. Legitimate deep threat who can go up and get it

      6. Experience outside and in the slot

      7. Great feet to free himself off the line

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Limited route tree

      2. Slim frame for a jump ball guy

      3. Needs to load up to change direction

      4. More shifty than agile

    3. Bottom Line: Fluid, productive deep threat who can play inside and outside that has the ability to make plays in the air.

  12. Jalen Tolbert, South Alabama (6-1, 194)

    1. Strengths

      1. Impressive tracking the ball downfield

      2. Broad-shouldered athlete who plays bigger than his height

      3. Consistently works back to the ball

      4. Speed to run away after the catch

      5. Uses strength to shove off defenders and make grabs in traffic

      6. Great body control to spear the ball out of the air off balance

      7. Uses strength to box defenders away from the ball

    2. Weaknesses

      1. A bit messy in terms of drops

      2. Not particularly shifty in the open field

      3. Somewhat stiff as a runner

      4. Relies on vision to create angles rather than making defenders miss

      5. Lacking refinement as a route runner

    3. Bottom Line: Well-rounded physical presence with the ability to make the tough plays and pop up with an explosive strike as well.

  13. Wandale Robinson, Kentucky (5-8, 170)

    1. Strengths

      1. Twitchy athlete in space

      2. Offers value as receiver and runner

      3. Shifty in space and had the extra gear to run away

      4. Can make guys miss in a phone booth

      5. Can stick his foot in the ground and get north and south in a hurry

      6. Legitimate speed to take the top off the defense

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Very small build

      2. Limited route runner

      3. Won’t break tackles after the catch

    3. Bottom Line: Big play threat with all of the athletic gifts to tear up secondaries but will be capped by size limitations.

  14. David Bell, Purdue (6-0, 212)

    1. Strengths

      1. Insane levels of production

      2. Stabs away from the body

      3. Great feet off the line

      4. Sharp route runner

      5. Compact build and unafraid to take on contact

      6. Impressive body control to make plays off balance and in the air

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Tested slow

      2. Lacking in size to make up for speed deficit

      3. Not particularly fluid

    3. Bottom Line: Ultra-productive pass catcher who lacks the elite tools to match his production in the NFL but has the route-running ability to still be a contributor.

  15. Calvin Austin III, Memphis (5-7, 170)

    1. Strengths

      1. Sharp route runner

      2. Plays stronger after the catch than expected

      3. Great feet to make plays in space

      4. Strong hands to stab away from the body

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Very small build

      2. Can be knocked off his routes

      3. Inconsistent blocker

    3. Bottom Line: Undersized route runner who could thrive in the slot and has the ability and twitch to make plays after the catch.

  16. Khalil Shakir, Boise State (5-11, 196)

    1. Strengths

      1. Shifty route runner

      2. Bigger catch radius than his size

      3. Has okayed inside and outside

      4. Outstanding focus on the football to make contested catches

      5. Added return value

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Limited route tree

      2. Needs to tighten cuts

      3. Not sharp in change of direction

      4. Issues with drops

    3. Bottom Line: Downfield threat who can make contested catches but is not an elite athlete and has drop issues.


Tight Ends

  1. Greg Dulcich, UCLA (6-4, 243)

    1. Strengths

      1. Explodes off the line and gets downfield rapidly

      2. Latches on and holds blocks when engaged

      3. Outstanding ability to track and find the ball

      4. Uses massive shoulders to shield defenders from the ball

      5. Willing to pick up lead blocks downfield

      6. Long strides to get away from flatfooted LBs and safeties

      7. Squares up defenders and latches on ahead of the play

      8. Works back to the ball from downfield

      9. Flashes the ability to stab away from his body and snatch the ball

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Extreme upright running style

      2. Rarely ran routes from inline position

      3. Can appear uninterested as a blocker

    3. Bottom Line: Explosive slot tight end with the ability to make huge plays down the field and the work ethic to tighten up other aspects.

  2. Trey McBride, Colorado State (6-3, 246)

    1. Strengths

      1. Doesn’t mess around in the open field, getting north and south and powering his way up the field

      2. Releases quickly off the line and gets up on defenders quickly

      3. Big wingspan to extend away from his body and snatch the ball out of the air

      4. Seals the edge very well and guides defender away from the hole

      5. Gets off the ball in a hurry and separates to get behind both linebackers and safeties

      6. High points the ball and attacks it to keep it away from defenders

      7. Good feet to open up the field and work past defenders

      8. Tracks the ball very well and adjusts body to box out defenders

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Not the most powerful or technical blocker but does enough to steer his man

      2. Lacks ideal physical measurables

      3. Lacks the frame to hold up consistently as an inline blocker

    3. Bottom Line: Physical route runner who can make downfield plays and outmuscle smaller defenders to make tough plays.

  3. Cade Otton, Washington (6-5, 247)

    1. Strengths

      1. Smooth athlete who moves well downfield

      2. Boxes defenders out from the ball over the middle

      3. Catches away from the body consistently

      4. Lowers the shoulder and powers through defenders after contact

      5. Can break defenders down with quick feet to get into breaks

      6. Turns upfield and shakes off arm tackles

      7. Physical blocker at the point of attack

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Legs go dead in the run game

      2. Lacks explosive skills in the open

      3. Lacks dynamic skills before and after the catch

    3. Bottom Line: Consistently reliable middle of the field option whose ceiling is capped by lack of explosion.

  4. Jeremy Ruckert, Ohio State (6-5, 252)

    1. Strengths

      1. Powerfully built athlete who looks like he belongs

      2. Constantly seeking and working for the ball

      3. Physical presence downfield to keep defenders away from the ball

      4. Long strider who covers ground in a hurry

      5. High points the ball and rises over defends to haul it in

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Not asked to hold up much in the run game

      2. Skinny frame costs him when trying to latch onto blocks

      3. Not a shifty or explosive athlete in space

    3. Bottom Line: Slippery downfield threat with untapped potential who needs some major work on a few things.

  5. Isaiah Likely, Coastal Carolina (6-4, 245)

    1. Strengths

      1. Athletic route runner

      2. Well-positioned and experience as lead blocker

      3. Fluid runner who has the athleticism to go up and get it

      4. Willing blocker who will drive downfield

      5. Catches away from his body and seeks to turn and make plays after the catch

      6. Athletic lead blocker who can push ahead and clear lanes upfield

      7. Very agile with the ball in his hands

      8. Stays in the play and looks to block downfield when teammates make a catch

      9. Threat at all three levels with speed to beat LBs over the top

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Smaller frame who needs to add play strength

      2. Needs to improve technically as an inline blocker

      3. Basic route tree in RPO-based system

      4. Not much work split out despite tweener size

    3. Bottom Line: Uber-athletic pass catcher who brings big effort as a lead blocker and has the athletic tools to be a major receiving threat if the other aspects come along.

  6. Jelani Woods, Virginia (6-7, 253)

    1. Strengths

      1. Massive target with enormous wingspan and catch radius

      2. Willing to be physical at the point of attack

      3. High leve physical tools for the position

      4. Naturally battles back toward the ball

      5. Boxes out smaller defenders to go get the football

      6. Drags defenders downfield after the catch

      7. Uses his elite size to go up and get the ball on contested catches

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Converted QB still learning nuance of the position

      2. Not a particularly efficient technical blocker

      3. Extremely raw route runner

      4. Not a particularly fluid athlete

    3. Bottom Line: Extremely raw athlete with a ton of innate potential to tap into that needs the proper development environment to reach a prodigious ceiling.


Offensive Tackles

  1. Ikem Ekwonu, NC State (6-4, 310)

    1. Strengths

      1. Extends well to push quicker defenders off the edge

      2. Quick hands to establish contact early

      3. Massive nasty streak with the fight to keep driving defenders

      4. Great lateral quickness to move on outside zone

      5. Battles up to the second level to take on downfield defenders

      6. His legs never stop moving up the field

      7. Hunts for somebody to hit in pass pro

      8. Never stops looking for somebody to put a body on

      9. Flies out into space in screen game

      10. Cleanly drives rushers to help when he gets behind

      11. Unmatched footwork and balance on the edge

      12. Fluidity and athleticism allow him to absorb contact and fire right back

      13. Best O-Line athlete in the draft (state wrestling champion and ran anchor leg on 4x100 team)

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Can get caught setting too deep and wind up parallel with pass rushers

      2. Finds himself over his skies a bit due to aggression going forward

    3. Bottom Line: Incomparable combination of athleticism and nastiness that with a bit of refinement can anchor an offensive line for a decade-plus.

  2. Evan Neal, Alabama (6-7, 337)

    1. Strengths

      1. Unmatched size for this class

      2. Technically impressive getting off the ball and punching

      3. Cat quick feet getting back in pass pro

      4. Immaculate technical footwork 

      5. Rarely gives ground once contact is made

      6. Great understanding of angles to seal the edge

      7. Reads front cerebrally and peels off to find second defender to hit

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Questionable balance, getting over his skis

      2. Can lose ideal pad level driving forward in run

      3. Holds rushers up well enough but doesn’t necessarily drive them downfield

    3. Bottom Line: Highly-polished multi positional blocker who brings elite size and a high floor and should anchor an O-line for years to come.

  3. Charles Cross, Mississippi State (6-4, 307)

    1. Strengths

      1. Extremely fluid athlete who thrives in pass protection

      2. Elite lateral mobility to seal off edge

      3. Outstanding reach and does not allow himself to be broken down

      4. Athleticism to operate in open space

      5. Never gives up on the play and battles to regain position

      6. Understands angles well to cut off the edge

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Played in Air Raid scheme and rarely was asked to run block

      2. Questions over physicality and mean streak due to scheme/background

      3. Can be out leveraged and dumped when driving ahead

      4. Lacks the nastiness to grab on and drive down the field

    3. Bottom Line: Impressive pass blocker with agility and know-how to lockdown the edge but needs to up his physicality and strength in the run to hit his ceiling.

  4. Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa (6-7, 325)

    1. Strengths

      1. Massive man with all the measurables you want to see

      2. Nimble feet to drop, get into space and drive downfield

      3. Not easily separated from and punches quick to gain control

      4. Always looking for the next guy to hit

      5. Uses his natural fram well to keep rushers at bay

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Can get uncharacteristically pushed in by bull rush

      2. Not quick or agile enough to recover when caught off

      3. Not necessarily a driver in the run game

      4. Forward momentum in run game can lead to balance issues

    3. Bottom Line: Physically imposing blocker who has all the tools to be a long-term starter but needs to refine his process and fine tune fundamentals.

  5. Bernhard Raimann, Central Michigan (6-6, 303)

    1. Strengths

      1. Athletically built blocker who utilizes broad frame well

      2. Patient in setting up punch 

      3. Gets to the second level rapidly to pick up extra blocks in the run

      4. Consistently drives legs to push further and further upfield in run game

      5. Hunts contact when he gets going forward

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Can get straightened out vertically post-contact

      2. Play awareness is hit and miss with lack of experience

      3. Can get caught slow to the play and be beaten to the inside

      4. Occasionally finds himself needing to recover due to slow reaction off the ball

    3. Bottom Line: Well-put-together athlete still learning the nuance of the position who has the natural talents to be an impact starter in the league.

  6. Tyler Smith, Tulsa (6-5, 324)

    1. Strengths

      1. Athletic and controlled getting back in pass pro

      2. HEAVY one handed punch that knocks rushers off their path

      3. Fires off quickly to get to his assignment in the run

      4. Patient reading fronts and plays within his assignment

      5. Great, quick feet to recover when beaten

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Lacks ideal length

      2. Can open his hips and get beat inside

      3. Can get a little handsy when trying to seal the edge (12 holding calls in 2021)

      4. Leaves something to be desired in terms of lateral quickness

      5. Can get beat outside by quicker moves (Tyreke Smith from Ohio St. gave him fits)

    3. Bottom Line: Extremely raw talent with the ceiling of an above average starter who needs major technique overhaul and could benefit from moving inside.

  7. Abraham Lucas, Washington State (6-6, 315)

    1. Strengths

      1. Long, powerful athlete with the ideal RT build

      2. Leverages powerful lower body when pushing forward

      3. True road grader in the run game

      4. Long strider getting to the second level and into space

      5. Utilizes length and quick hands to hold off rush

      6. Awareness to pick up stunts and peel off to find outside rusher

    2. Weaknesses

      1. A bit stiff getting into his kick in pass pro

      2. Can allow bull rush to knock him off balance going back

      3. Not particularly fluid in terms of lateral movement

      4. Somewhat slow in terms of footwark

    3. Bottom Line: Powerful right tackle who mows defenders down in the run game and holds up well enough in pass pro to compete for day 1 snaps in the league.

  8. Daniel Faalele, Minnesota (6-9, 380)

    1. Strengths

      1. Absolutely massive human being who would immediately be the biggest player in the league

      2. Surprisingly nimble feet to fire off the ball and kick in pass pro

      3. Uses immense power and leverage and drive defenders several yards back in run

      4. Power comes from his lower body despite massive upper half

      5. Almost impossible to be driven back

      6. Takes up massive amounts of space and can slide off to pick up second rusher

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Tends to straighten out and lose bend as the play goes on

      2. Can get leaned over at the waist and fall forward in run game

      3. Doesn’t hold defenders at the length you would expect of a player his size

      4. Lateral quickness isn’t awful but there are concerns of getting beat outside

    3. Bottom Line: Completely unique athlete in the NFL with the athletic tools and power to plug-and-play early on the right side.

  9. Nicholas Petit-Frere, Ohio State (6-5, 316)

    1. Strengths

      1. Prototypical LT athlete with quick feet and long arms

      2. Physical at the point of attack in the run

      3. Loose hips and explosive lower half to cover ground and adjust

      4. Drives through his lower half

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Struggles with his pass sets and can get caught square with rusher

      2. Loses bend when driving downfield

      3. Digs himself a hole with bad angles on the edge

      4. Hesitant with his punch and lacks conviction in his decisions

    3. Bottom Line: Blue chip HS prospect with all the tools to be a big-time starter but needs major refinement of fundamentals and body.


Offensive Guards

  1. Zion Johnson, Boston College (6-2, 312)

    1. Strengths

      1. Powerfully built mauler who takes advantage of concentrated strength

      2. Very quick feet and finds his man early and locks on

      3. Great balance with a powerful base

      4. Grinder who steers defenders where he wants them to go

      5. Plays with great pad level and rarely gets pushed off his spot

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Lacks the ideal build

      2. Physically maxed out

      3. Not the level of mean streak you would like to see driving downfield

    3. Bottom Line: Mauler in the trenches who can plug and play at guard or center and immediately raise the floor of a line.

  2. Kenyon Green, Texas A&M (6-3, 327)

    1. Strengths

      1. Stout build with natural fluidity and athleticism

      2. Experience playing tackle at a high level with the feet to match

      3. Very physical punch with finishing power

      4. Above average length for a guard which he utilizes to keep rushers at a distance

      5. Battler who fights to climb in the run game

    2. Weaknesses

      1. More of a pusher than a driver in the run game

      2. Gets caught relying on his upper body to draw power

      3. A bit heavy in the lower half

      4. Stiff lower half working laterally

    3. Bottom Line: Nimble and experienced blocker with multi-positional value and pass protection technique to hold up early in his career.

  3. Jamaree Salyer, Georgia (6-3, 321)

    1. Strengths

      1. Extremely nimble for his size and uses athleticism to cover a ton of ground

      2. Incredibly efficient technique, making the most of every movement

      3. Plays with great pad level

      4. Well-balanced pass protector with strong base

      5. Quick hands to stick his man and slow rush

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Allows rushers into his body more than you would like

      2. Can over-leverage his upper half and get his hands thrown

      3. Allows his weight to get ahead of him

    3. Bottom Line: Technically proficient and physically ready converted tackle who can jump in and boost an NFL line right away.

  4. Darian Kinnard, Kentucky (6-5, 322)

    1. Strengths

      1. Massive human being with long strides to kick and climb

      2. Nasty with a head of steam and blows guys up

      3. Powerful lower half to drive ahead in run

      4. Utilizes wide frame to cut off angles and seal rushers

      5. Good understanding of angles to open up holes

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Gets caught with poor pad level and allows defenders underneath him

      2. Gets caught leaning over at the waist and loses balance

      3. Inconsistent with his punch and can allow rushers to get inside his reach

      4. Not a particularly impressive lateral athlete

    3. Bottom Line: Supersized guard with a mean streak and the raw power to dominate but needs to break some bad habits.

  5. Lecitus Smith, Virginia Tech (6-3, 314)

    1. Strengths

      1. Very impressive athlete with cannonball build and agility to move all over the place

      2. Works with great hand placement

      3. Picks up his assignment and immediately looks for the next guy to take out

      4. Violent streak shows up consistently when pushing upfield

      5. Uses strong punch to hit quickly and fight off rushers

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Fails to consistently take advantage of low center of gravity

      2. Can get pushed vertically when setting up in pass pro

      3. Needs to add strength to hold onto blocks longer

    3. Bottom Line: High-end positional athlete who bashes defenders in the run game and can play quickly with tighter pass technique.

  6. Sean Rhyan, UCLA (6-4, 321)

    1. Strengths

      1. Impressively quick hands to make first contact

      2. Extends quickly and holds his man off well

      3. Works up to the second level and hunts contact

      4. Athleticism to pull and frame to strike fear into the LB coming to fill the hole

      5. Works power over technique in pass pro

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Limited flexibility with some stiffness in pass pro

      2. Constant desire for contact can put him out of position

      3. Can get caught with hands wide

      4. Can be driven back if he doesn’t set his hands early

    3. Bottom Line: Powerful and surprisingly quick brawler who should overcome physical limits with a move inside to guard and has a chance to play real snaps early.

  7. Ed Ingram, LSU (6-3, 307)

    1. Strengths

      1. Extremely nimble with great feet

      2. Simply does not let his assignment get free

      3. Very quick and has clear agility to pull and climb

      4. Sticks his man early and drives upfield

      5. Extremely powerful hands to knock rushers off path

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Power largely comes from upper half

      2. Awareness is not always present

      3. Allows himself to be caught on the back foot and be pushed back

      4. Balance is not consistent due to over aggressive punch

    3. Bottom Line: Big body with serious power that needs to improve his balance and aggression to hit his ceiling.

  8. Luke Goedeke, Central Michigan (6-5, 312)

    1. Strengths

      1. Long, fluid athlete with NFL frame

      2. Quickness and agility to work in space and climb in run

      3. Never stops moving once he latches on and drives defender upfield

      4. Utilizes length to hold off rushers

      5. Good hand placement and fundamental footwork

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Can be overpowered by good bull rush

      2. Needs to improve understanding of angles

      3. Needs to improve timing to avoid getting pushed back

      4. Lacks ideal strength to hold up against power rush

    3. Bottom Line: Guard in a tackle’s body who needs to improve strength and nuance but has the athletic tools and technique to become an NFL starter.


Centers

  1. Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa (6-2, 296)

    1. Strengths

      1. Athletic off the ball with quick movement forward and backward

      2. Dexterity to punch and hold with one arm the nhold3 off second rusher

      3. Agility to get upfield and into space

      4. Outstanding understanding of angles to steer defenders

      5. Perfect use of pad level to uproot defenders and overcome size disadvantage

      6. Stiff punch that jabs rushers away from their target

      7. Impressive awareness to read fronts and consistently handle his assignment

      8. Quickness and want-to to slip off after winning and find another man to hit

      9. Easily settles and repositions on the rare occasion he’s beaten off the ball

    2. Weaknesses

      1. “Modern”-style center who comes in under 300 pounds

      2. Not gifted with ideal length to extend and hold rushers at length

    3. Bottom Line: Athletic line lynchpin who utilizes quickness and leverage to dominate despite size limitations.

  2. Cam Jurgens, Nebraska (6-2, 303)

    1. Strengths

      1. Brawler at the point of attack who ties his man up and won’t let go

      2. Awareness to pick up combo blocks and find the right guy to hit

      3. Long arms to stick defenders and keep them off

      4. Nasty streak to drive his guy into the dirt

      5. Thrives on physicality 

      6. Quickness and agility to pull out into space and square somebody up

      7. Plays through the whistle like a madman

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Can over-leverage his upper half and get thrown

      2. Can beat beat straight off the ball if he doesn’t fire quick

      3. Questionable feet in pass pro that see him get the corner turned on him

      4. Awareness lags when picking out stunts

    3. Bottom Line: Agile blocker with quickness to pick up rushers from all sides who needs to refine details of the position after coming to the position in college.

  3. Dylan Parham, Memphis (6-2, 311)

    1. Strengths

      1. Powerful lower half that allows him to fight defenders off even without ideal hand positioning

      2. Drives down the field and keeps hunting contact

      3. Swift lateral movement to get in and out of tight spaces and make plays

      4. Compact technical approach leveraging long arms and good angles to make space

      5. Impressive balance to stay connected even when pushed off his spot

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Gets caught playing high and can be overpowered as a result

      2. Defenders get inside his reach and can force him vertical

      3. Fails to drive his man downfield once latched on

      4. Smallish frame that could use added strength in the top half

    3. Bottom Line: Converted guard who requires added strength but has the athleticism and technique to play early on in the right fit.

  4. Cole Strange, Chattanooga (6-4, 307)

    1. Strengths

      1. Quick feet off the ball to hit his man first every time

      2. Big time scrapper who will fight for every inch

      3. Well-balanced pass blocker with wide base

      4. Finishes every single play

      5. Picks up combo blocks efficiently and can peel off to get delayed rush

      6. Scraps and claws to make every play the best it can be

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Still growing into his body for the position

      2. Has agile movements but can be heavy-footed moving into space

      3. Gets caught leaning forward and winds up on the ground

      4. Hand timing and placement can be hit or miss

    3. Bottom Line: Developing athlete who came to the position late and played at a lower level but has the mean streak and tools to really be something.

  5. Luke Fortner, Kentucky (6-4, 307)

    1. Strengths

      1. Big frame he uses aggressively to power opponents out of the way

      2. Very long arms for the position and excels keeping defenders at distance

      3. Extremely aggressive and consistently finishes his man downfield

      4. Impressive drive forward with power to match

      5. Awareness to set angles and keep head up for the next man coming

      6. Strength to hold defenders with one arm

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Can get extremely top heavy and lose balance forward

      2. Sets hands wide and can be beaten inside

      3. Gets caught high and can be pushed back

      4. Athleticism to get up to the second level doesn’t flash consistently

    3. Bottom Line: Monstrous interior blocker who can make a big impact early if balance issues can be fixed.


EDGEs

  1. Travon Walker, Georgia (6-5, 272)

    1. Strengths

      1. Every athletic tool you want out of a player up front

      2. Has lined up as 0, 3, 5 and 9 technique and dropped into coverage

      3. Long lever arms to free himself and throw blockers’ hands

      4. Can sit and read and allow the play to develop in front of him then react

      5. Constantly has his eyes in the backfield to pick up reads

      6. Consistently gets his hands on his blocker first and sets the pace

      7. Wiry power to force blockers back into the pocket

      8. Separates with ease and crashes to the ball once he makes his read

      9. Never dies on blocks and is constantly battling to reestablish himself

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Limited package of rush moves, relying on athletic gifts to free himself

      2. Potential vs. Production (9.5 career sacks)

    3. Bottom Line: Physical specimen with elite measurables/athleticism combo whose best football is ahead of him and has every single tool to be a superstar.

  2. Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan (6-6, 260)

    1. Strengths

      1. Twitchy athlete who attacks with power

      2. Powerful upper body to throw blockers’ hands and slice through

      3. Extremely high motor and will never give up on the play

      4. Technical package of moves with the ability to counter

      5. Finishes plays consistently when put in the position

      6. Quality awareness to read and react to find the ball and get to it

      7. Changes pace well to keep blockers on their toes

      8. Will absolutely never give up on the play

      9. Impressive hand work to always stay on top in the position battle

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Suspect lateral quickness to cross his blocker’s face

      2. Foot speed leaves something to be desired

      3. Tight hips that lead to difficulties changing direction

      4. Limited flexibility and bend leads to reliance on technique and power to beat his man

      5. Arm length not ideal for the position

    3. Bottom Line: Powerful athlete with natural twitch and impressive production but questionable athletic upside leaves him short of “can’t miss” status.

  3. Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon (6-4, 254)

    1. Strengths

      1. Rapid athlete with big-time quickness off the ball

      2. Uses length to separate from his blocker quickly and find the ball

      3. Impressive bend and explosion around the edge to get home

      4. Counters quickly when cut off and keeps his eyes on the prize

      5. Rush package is refined with measured choices

      6. Rarely beaten to make the first move

      7. Presses angles and uses quickness to split gaps

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Commitment to football questions

      2. Motor slumps when the ball goes the other way

      3. Aggression comes and goes when rushing

    3. Bottom Line: Fluid rusher with impressive natural gifts that is still waiting for it to all come together in terms of motor and “want-to.”

  4. David Ojabo, Michigan (6-4, 250)

    1. Strengths

      1. Twitched up and blasts off the ball with big time acceleration

      2. Cat quick coming off the edge

      3. Shows ability to stop, read and pursue with the ball in front of him

      4. Agility and flexibility to turn his hips and run to the ball

      5. Violent hands to knock his blocker off balance

      6. Athleticism allows him to thrive in pursuit

      7. An absolute missile to the ball when he gets his lane

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Raw technically as he learns the game (Grew up in Nigeria and Scotland before coming to US for athletic opportunities at 15)

      2. Lack of rush moves bag sees him tied up if he can’t make the edge

      3. Rehabbing Achilles tear from Pro Day

      4. Gets to the ball with ease but finishing is hit and miss

    3. Bottom Line: Freaky explosive speed rusher still figuring the game out but has the whole package to be elite that needs medicals to clear

  5. Jermaine Johnson, Florida State (6-4, 254)

    1. Strengths

      1. Long and twitchy athlete with outstanding quickness

      2. Shows impressive desire for contact

      3. Always willing to chase to make the play

      4. Bounces straight off of blockers when he can convert speed into power

      5. Hunts the ball and won’t be satisfied until the play is made

      6. High motor and always keeps himself in the play with effort

      7. Finishes plays with power and nastiness

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Wiry frame and can see himself overpowered and held up

      2. Rudimentary rush move package

      3. Some flexibility questions when it comes to bend off the edge

    3. Bottom Line: High motor pass rusher who makes every play count and overcomes technical deficiencies with big time effort.

  6. Arnold Ebiketie, Penn State (6-2, 250)

    1. Strengths

      1. Freakishly long arms and strides to keep blockers off balance

      2. Outstanding outside rip move to get inside blocker’s reach

      3. Utilizes sneaky power to drive his man back

      4. Plays with great understanding of leverage to shed and slip inside

      5. Reads and reacts patiently then jumps to the ball

      6. Always willing to keep the play alive and pursue

      7. Really quick hands to make first contact and blow by late reacting blockers

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Upright runner who can get caught with hands to the chest

      2. Can get repetitive with rush sequencing

      3. Poor balance sees him shoved back at times

      4. Slighter frame that can be overpowered occasionally

    3. Bottom Line: Tantalizing power-speed combo who uses freakish build to keep blockers on their toes and can have a major impact with a few technical tweaks.

  7. George Karlaftis, Purdue (6-3, 266)

    1. Strengths

      1. Rushes with great power and quick hands to shed (Grew up in Greece until age 13, father passed and mother moved family to her hometown of West Lafayette where his parents met at Purdue.)

      2. Insanely strong to just overrun blockers

      3. Quickly rips hands through to get around the edge

      4. Takes advantage of aggressive blockers and makes quick moves to slip through

      5. High motor to keep battling even when double-teamed

      6. Prodigious power to power his way straight through blockers

      7. Extends into the blocker’s chest and keeps himself free to get home

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Would much rather go through you than around you

      2. Rushing style lacks nuance and technical polish

      3. Struggles to release and chase as the play progresses

      4. Has some stiffness that forces him tor use hands and power to get outside

      5. Quickness questions going to inside move

      6. Repetitive process

    3. Bottom Line: Immensely powerful rusher who will absolutely bury dudes on day 1 but see his ceiling capped by athleticism limits.

  8. Boye Mafe, Minnesota (6-3, 261)

    1. Strengths

      1. Uses length and natural quickness to challenge right off the snap

      2. Extremely rapid in making contact

      3. Long strider who covers a ton of ground quickly

      4. Attacks slow hands and flies off the edge

      5. Always finishing around the ball

      6. Sneaky power to drive his man into the QB’s lap

      7. Aggressive hands to keep blockers moving backward

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Slighter frame and can find himself caught and thrown

      2. Limited sequencing in rush moves

      3. Can be overly aggressive and throw himself head first into blocks

      4. Play strength not what you expect from this build

      5. Awareness and reads leave something to be desired

    3. Bottom Line: Explosive rusher with long levers who knows how to capitalize on his natural ability but needs technical refinement to make a leap.

  9. Nik Bonitto, Oklahoma (6-3, 248)

    1. Strengths

      1. Moves with very impressive fluidity

      2. Lives with his eyes in the backfield

      3. Utilizes outstanding play speed to turn the corner with serious burst

      4. Active hands and constantly fighting to free himself

      5. Sniffs out plays quickly and blasts off to the ball

      6. Plays with phenomenal bend off the edge 

      7. Higher pressure percentage than Hutchinson

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Smaller frame without much room at add weight

      2. More fluidity over quickness to make plays

      3. Lacks high-end play strength

    3. Bottom Line: Skilled and impressively fluid speed rusher who reads and reacts to the play and diagnoses the next step in a hurry.

  10. Josh Paschal, Kentucky (6-2, 268)

    1. Strengths

      1. Nonstop motor always looking to make a play

      2. Great bend for somewhat of a tweener

      3. Extreme hand activity to take on blockers and slip by either way

      4. Makes the most of his frame to stay extended

      5. Sells out to play through every single whistle

      6. Burst to overpower the man in front of him

      7. Loose hips to flip and make a move across his man

      8. Eats one on one blocks for breakfast

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Tweener size who played inside and outside

      2. Technique and power over athleticism

      3. Nimble footed but lacking open field agility

      4. Bend around the edge is not ideal

    3. Bottom Line: Absolute mauler who can play inside or out that overcomes physical and athletic limits with massive mean streak and motor.

  11. Drake Jackson, USC (6-3, 273)

    1. Strengths

      1. Big time motor with continued pursuit downfield

      2. Lengthy athlete who chews up space

      3. Flows to the ball well and consistently finishes plays

      4. Sheds hands well and lives around the ball vs. run

      5. Operates with great mobility in space

      6. Goes on the attack when he has the ball in his sights

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Not a consistent edge setter

      2. Leaves something to be desired in terms of play strength for a player of his size

      3. Attacks with wide hands and allows blockers into his chest

      4. Unrefined rush move package

    3. Bottom Line: Quality athlete still working on becoming an EDGE type who has the athletic gifts to be an impact player

  12. Kingsley Enagbare, South Carolina (6-3, 258)

    1. Strengths

      1. Great quickness off the ball

      2. Attacks late reactions ferociously with array of moves

      3. Motor to make chase down plays

      4. Well-balanced athlete who’s never out of the play

      5. Sold bend around the edge

      6. Patient making reads and diagnosing plays

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Doesn’t maximize his powerful build and length

      2. Quicker than fast

      3. Play strength lacking

      4. Can be slow to react to his reads

    3. Bottom Line: Violent rusher who makes up for athletic shortcomings with fundamental skill and motor to make plays.

  13. Sam Williams, Ole Miss (6-3, 262)

    1. Strengths

      1. Prototypical size and frame

      2. Aggressive at the point of attack

      3. High motor in pursuit

      4. Solid range of moves to get free

      5. Sees through blocks to go finds the ball

      6. Versatility as 5 tech and on edge

      7. Consistently makes chase plays downfield

      8. Combines violent hands and quick feet to win early

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Doesn’t have great bend

      2. Straightens out early in the play and lets blockers into his chest

      3. Stiff through the middle when changing direction

      4. Must improve finishing once he gets into the backfield

      5. Must convert speed into power better

    3. Bottom Line: Well-put-together rusher with versatility to play multiple spots and consistency to make plays with awareness and effort.

  14. Myjai Sanders, Cincinnati (6-5, 247)

    1. Strengths

      1. Super twitchy coming off the edge

      2. Long sarms to make clean separations

      3. Very aggressive coming forward

      4. Quickness to get skinny and knife through gaps

      5. Surprising strength to knock blockers off balance and capitalize

      6. Solid bend coming off the edge

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Very skinny frame

      2. Straightens out and lose the power from his lower half

      3. Can be overly aggressive and lose his balance getting into the backfield

    3. Bottom Line: Really impressive athlete who can be a major contributor with some refinement of balance and added play strength

  15. Cameron Thomas, San Diego State (6-4, 267)

    1. Strengths

      1. Strength to fight off blocks and make plays

      2. Slippery movement to get the corner

      3. Skilled hands to free himself quickly

      4. Quickness to split gaps

      5. Thrives on physicality

      6. Finishes plays with consistency and never stops moving

      7. Brings the power and violence to cause problems off the jump

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Requires improved flexibility coming off the edge

      2. Gets over his skis fighting to get free

      3. Would much rather go through you than around you

      4. Tight hips cause trouble changing direction

    3. Bottom Line: Power-based rusher who will be held back by athletic limitations but has the juice and power to be productive.

  16. Deangelo Malone, Western Kentucky (6-3, 243)

    1. Strengths

      1. Long, wiry build with long strides

      2. Quick hands to get into blocker’s chest

      3. Slippery one he gets his hands on you and can work to either side

      4. Bends very well and sets the edge consistently

      5. Seems to always be in the right place at the right time

      6. Continues to battle through contact at every turn

      7. Knifes into gaps rapidly when he sees a seam

      8. Utilizes superior quickness to consistently win to the inside

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Limited rush package

      2. Play strength comes up short with limited technique

      3. Lack of sophisticated process sees him tied up early in plays

      4. Needs to improve as a finisher

    3. Bottom Line: Long athlete with impressive natural gifts and a nose for the football who can afford to improve technically and in the weight room.

  17. Dominique Robinson, Miami (OH) (6-4, 253)

    1. Strengths

      1. Wiry athlete who pops off the screen

      2. Twitchy quickness off the snap

      3. No fear in physicality

      4. Very quick hands to deflect punch and keep going

      5. Crazy bend to get around the corner

      6. Long strider who gets on top of blockers quick

      7. Big time finisher when he gets home

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Must improve play strength

      2. Limited technical package

      3. Needs weight to hold up in NFL

      4. Used almost exclusively on passing downs

      5. Lack of fundamental rush skills leads to wasted movement

    3. Bottom Line: Seriously twitchy pass rush specialist who just recently came to the position and flashes big time potential


Defensive Linemen

  1. Jordan Davis, Georgia (6-6, 341)

    1. Strengths

      1. Utterly massive human being who posts athletic numbers that just don’t make sense

      2. Eats one on ones for breakfast and is in the QBs lap within seconds

      3. Super quick feet to fire off and take the best angle

      4. Attacks the blocker’s shoulder and fills gaps with ease

      5. Affects plays even when occupied by multiple blockers

      6. Pursues the ball in space and refuses to be denied

      7. Swallows ball carriers hole when he gets into the backfield

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Played limited snaps in Georgia rotation

      2. Pad level can be inconsistent

      3. Will have to monitor weight and conditioning

    3. Bottom Line:

  2. Devonte Wyatt, Georgia (6-2, 304)

    1. Strengths

      1. Ridiculously nimble for somebody his size

      2. Power to throw blockers with relative ease

      3. Pairs impressive quickness and violence at the snap to knock blockers off balance

      4. Strength to free himself with just one arm

      5. Eyes always in the backfield

      6. Pushes blockers straight into the QB when his arms get extended

      7. Releases his hands quickly to go after the ball

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Doesn’t strike with consistent timing

      2. Can lose pad level relatively quickly at times

      3. Occasionally allows his weight to carry him off balance going forward

    3. Bottom Line: Ridiculous athlete for his size and build who has the ability to stuff the run and get after the QB and has a chance to be a day 1 starter with a few tweaks.

  3. Logan Hall, Houston (6-6, 283)

    1. Strengths

      1. Extremely powerful off the ball and disrupts plays early

      2. Strong hands to stay active and free himself

      3. Impressive quickness to knife through gaps

      4. Constantly driving to the ball and never stops on the play

      5. Wins consistently when blockers try to brawl with him

      6. Great changing direction to force blockers to move laterally with him

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Can get taken out of the play when blockers meet him at the point of attack

      2. Momentum gets carried backward when he doesn't get timed up right

      3. Finds himself to vertical early in the play

    3. Bottom Line: Impressive mix of quickness and power to give interior lineman fits and create major matchup problems for offenses.

  4. Travis Jones, UConn (6-4, 325)

    1. Strengths

      1. Huge presence who consistently ties up blockers

      2. Skilled hands to throw blockers off and get free

      3. Shows the ability to steer blockers toward the ball while engaged

      4. Hands never stop moving

      5. Constantly has his eyes in the backfield

      6. Violent hands to knock blockers off balance

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Limited athlete in terms of agility and foot speed

      2. Pad level rises early in the play

      3. Inconsistent ball get off

      4. Verticality causes trouble when double teamed

    3. Bottom Line: Big presence in the trenches who utilizes good hands and physical play to close gaps.

  5. Perrion Winfrey, Oklahoma (6-3, 290)

    1. Strengths

      1. EXPLODES off the ball

      2. Converts speed to power extremely quickly

      3. Utilizes long levers to extend and rip free

      4. Big time aggression going forward

      5. Maniacal in pursuit of the QB

      6. Simply refuses to be blocked one on one

      7. High motor and consistently puts himself back in the play downfield

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Would rather go through a blocker than around

      2. Tweener size who played 3 tech

      3. Occasionally would rather use his shoulder than hands

      4. Allows himself to play too high

      5. Must improve as a finisher

    3. Bottom Line: Explosive interior rusher who utilizes power and quick twitch and dominate blockers and can be an impact player with minor tweaks.

  6. Phidarian Mathis, Alabama (6-4, 310)

    1. Strengths

      1. Reacts with powerful hands

      2. Extends early to create separation

      3. Lateral quickness to sidestep blocks

      4. Fills gaps quickly and attacks the shoulder consistently

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Misses tackles playing in overdrive

      2. More of a block holder than shedder

      3. Maxed out build with stiff lower half

    3. Bottom Line: High motor brawler who battles has played up and down the line and works hard against the run.

  7. Demarvin Leal, Texas A&M (6-3, 287)

    1. Strengths

      1. Moves fluidly to the ball

      2. Fires off with violent hands

      3. Versatility playing inside and out

      4. Aggressive hands that open up blocks

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Stiff movements and lacks bend

      2. Needs to improve awareness and reads

      3. Inconsistent motor in pursuit

    3. Bottom Line: Power-driven athlete with versatility that needs consistency and improved flexibility.


Linebackers

  1. Devin Lloyd, Utah (6-2, 237)

    1. Strengths

      1. Easily converts speed to power

      2. Lives with his eyes in the backfield

      3. Long arms to stay separated and shed

      4. Plays faster than he tests and pursues heavily

      5. Fires toward the ball as soon as the read is made

      6. Flows to the ball and takes good angles

      7. Understands his run fits well and doesn’t play outside himself

      8. Takes straight line to the ball and finishes strong

      9. Reacts quickly to the ball and can make plays with it in the air

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Gets tied up on blocks with slighter frame

      2. More of a straight line blitzer than a guy who can bend off the edge

      3. Needs to finish plays with more power

    3. Bottom Line: Twitchy athlete who does everything that you want from an off-ball linebacker and makes plays all over the field.

  2. Nakobe Dean, Georgia (5-11, 229)

    1. Strengths

      1. Explosive off the ball and in pursuit

      2. Comfortable dropping into space in coverage

      3. Fluid athlete in space who can open up and run

      4. Rapidly reacts and flies to the ball

      5. Coaches trusted his coverage enough put him in single coverage at CB

      6. Finds the ball quickly and locks in on it as soon as he takes off

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Smaller frame that can get tied up easily

      2. Can get lost in the trees when coming up against run

      3. Knocked back by blockers who climb to the second level

    3. Bottom Line: Best coverage linebacker in the draft whose smaller size will limit his ceiling but should produce vs. the run and pass in a starter’s role on day 1.

  3. Quay Walker, Georgia (6-3, 241)

    1. Strengths

      1. Long athlete who thrives in space

      2. Fluid mover in pass coverage who drops deep and pursues

      3. Not afraid to pursue to stay in the play

      4. Always seems to finish around the ball

      5. Great ball awareness when coming downhill

      6. Shot out of a gun as a blitzer

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Occasional false steps will put him out of position

      2. Can be late to react to the ball

      3. Play strength needs improvement

    3. Bottom Line: Rangy linebacker who is an efficient run stopper and has the ceiling to be even better in coverage.

  4. Chad Muma, Wyoming (6-2, 239)

    1. Strengths

      1. Well-put-together processing and reading

      2. Rangy athlete with safety background

      3. Impressive play rec

      4. Patient run fitter who strikes in a hurry

      5. Eager cover man who handles himself well downfield

      6. Closes down quickly and takes away cut back lanes

      7. Smoothly flows to the ball and commits to the play

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Extremely aggressive and can over pursue

      2. Out of control getting to the ball and can miss tackles

      3. Can have trouble fighting off lead blocks

    3. Bottom Line: Tackling machine with legit coverage skills who needs to overcome physical limitations to hit his ceiling.

  5. Christian Harris, Alabama (6-0, 226)

    1. Strengths

      1. Super twitchy with loose hips and elite straight line speed

      2. Legitimate sideline to sideline speed

      3. Quick hands to throw defenders off

      4. Does everything in his power to make stops from all angles

      5. Hits like a cannonball when given a runway

      6. Speed to run with almost anybody

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Small frame for the position

      2. Easily knocked off balance

      3. Misses tackles due to bad angles

      4. Very much a see ball, get ball type

    3. Bottom Line: Absolute speed demon who thrives as a blitzer and needs to improve in coverage and as a tackler.

  6. Troy Andersen, Montana State (6-3, 243)

    1. Strengths

      1. Big, twitched up athlete who can move in space

      2. Diagnoses quickly and flies to the ball

      3. Instinctual player who patiently makes his reads

      4. Takes advantage of long arms to stay separated from blocks

      5. Refuses to be denied in pursuit

      6. Closes rapidly and covers ground with impressive speed

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Played FCS competition

      2. Needs to improve angles to the ball

      3. Appears somewhat uncomfortable dropping into space

    3. Bottom Line: Raw, twitchy athlete who chews up space and can run with anybody you put in the box.

  7. Leo Chenal, Wisconsin (6-2, 250)

    1. Strengths

      1. Textbook technique and fundamentals

      2. Intelligent finding his fits and closing gaps

      3. Aggressive taking on blocks

      4. Big time nose for the ball

      5. Always aware of the football and sees the play progress in front of him

      6. Old school, lunch pail mentality

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Gets caught flat-footed in coverage

      2. Shorter arms and gets caught on blocks

      3. Can get caught vertical with high pad level

      4. Plays slower than he tests

      5. Gets caught missing tackles because of over aggression

    3. Bottom Line: Old school run stopper who will grind out every play but needs to improve in coverage and as a blitzer.

  8. Channing Tindall, Georgia (6-1, 230)

    1. Strengths

      1. Monster stopper in pursuit

      2. Plenty of speed to run with pass catchers

      3. Chews up ground to get to the ball

      4. Sniffs plays out quickly and explodes to the ball carrier

      5. Great length for the position

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Limited snaps as third LB in nickel-heavy scheme

      2. Aggressive pursuit leads to false steps

      3. Extreme straight line athlete who lacks flexibility to flip his hips quickly

    3. Bottom Line: Elite ball chasing linebacker who has a ton of tread left on the tires and less experience than most that needs improvement in coverage and with flexibility.

  9. Brian Asamoah, Oklahoma (6-0, 226)

    1. Strengths

      1. Recognizes plays well and flies to the ball

      2. Seems to finish every play around the ball

      3. Heat-seeking missile who takes good angles

      4. Comfortable dropping to cover in space

      5. Plays very confident and commits to his reads

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Small frame with tweener size

      2. Aggressive pursuit leads to balance issues and missed tackles

      3. Late to react to the ball in the air

      4. Easily knocked back or off balance with small frame

    3. Bottom Line: Speedy undersized stopper who has a well-rounded package of skills but will need to overcome size limitations to be a starter.


Cornerbacks

  1. Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, Cincinnati (6-2, 190)

    1. Strengths

      1. Utilizes elite length off the line

      2. Size and length to run with bigger receivers

      3. Unafraid to come downhills against the run

      4. Loose hips to open quickly and run

      5. Does not allow himself to be leveraged and can cover inside or over the top

      6. Developed a reputation so strong teams would just not throw to his side of the field (AAC opponent coach quote)

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Skinny frame for as much contact as he takes

      2. Will have to watch how handsy he gets in press

    3. Bottom Line: Size, speed and technique combination to be a shutdown corner for a decade plus.

  2. Derek Stingley, Jr., LSU (6-0, 190)

    1. Strengths

      1. Smooth athlete who covers a ton of ground

      2. Pursues quickly and takes good angles to the ball

      3. Opens his hips quickly to run

      4. Pattern matches with precision

      5. Does not rely on early hands to gain an advantage

      6. Utilizes great length to stay separated and run alongside

      7. Willing to go up and challenge in the air

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Injury concerns after 2021

      2. Did not look the same playing through injury in 2021

      3. Does not play particularly physically in the run

    3. Bottom Line: Lockdown potential with the production to match but murky outlook after lost 2021 season.

  3. Trent McDuffie, Washington (5-10, 193)

    1. Strengths

      1. Loose athlete who covers a ton of ground quickly

      2. Closes rapidly when the ball is in his area

      3. Opens up fluidly and stays glued to his man’s hip

      4. Willing to stick his nose int traffic from the side and behind

      5. Flies back upfield to put himself into the play after the catch

      6. Reads movements well and flows alongside his man

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Needs to break down better in space

      2. Sub-six foot with skinny frame

      3. Blocked rather easily

      4. Lacks physicality against larger receivers

    3. Bottom Line: Smooth cover man who plays with supreme confidence to overcome smaller size.

  4. Andrew Booth, Jr., Clemson (6-0, 194)

    1. Strengths

      1. Long twitchy athlete

      2. Physical presence in coverage

      3. Long strider who can open up and run

      4. Loose hips with the ability to open up and match

      5. Breaks on the ball rapidly

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Over aggressive biting on fakes

      2. Can be caught with his eyes in the backfield

      3. Aggressive tackler who needs to improve technique

    3. Bottom Line: Physically imposing man corner who needs to control some aggressive tendencies but has all the tools to be a #1.

  5. Kaiir Elam, Florida (6-1, 191)

    1. Strengths

      1. Extremely rangy with long strides

      2. Utilizes physical hands to stay on top of routes

      3. Makes the most of his build to bump receivers off routes

      4. Meets the receiver at the same time as the ball

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Some stiffness in change of direction

      2. Easily blocked vs. run

      3. Needs to improves recovery speed

    3. Bottom Line: Rangy corner with the ideal physical build and frame that needs to improve the finer points of his coverage.

  6. Kyler Gordon, Washington (5-11, 194)

    1. Strengths

      1. Using wingspan and long strides to recover extremely well

      2. Fluid athlete built to turn and run

      3. Opens up and mirrors well

      4. Extremely coordinated and always under control

      5. Aggressive in pursuit of the football

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Will lose sight of the ball

      2. Lacking physicality in press

      3. Still growing technically

    3. Bottom Line: High-ceiling prospect with impressive tools and baseline technique that could grow into a star.

  7. Roger McCreary, Auburn (5-11, 193)

    1. Strengths

      1. Plays more physical than his size

      2. Carries his man downfield well and matches strides

      3. Plays with a major edge

      4. Aggressively physical to reroute receivers

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Small frame with short arms

      2. Maxed out physically

      3. Gives up inside leverage and struggles to recover over the top

    3. Bottom Line:

  8. Tariq Woolen, UTSA (6-4, 205)

    1. Strengths

      1. Legit top of the scale physical tools

      2. Unafraid of contact

      3. Impressive stride matching ability

      4. Confident at the point of attack

      5. Elite recovery speed

      6. Utilizes his length to reroute receivers

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Poor tackling technique

      2. Still raw in processing

      3. Eyes get stuck on the receiver

    3. Bottom Line: Legitimate freak athlete who is still figuring out how to play corner but shows the traits of a star.

  9. Cam Taylor-Britt, Nebraska (5-10, 196)

    1. Strengths

      1. Ideal physical build

      2. Aggressive in bumping receivers off routes

      3. Quick feet moving backward

      4. Aggressive coming downhill

      5. Heat seeking missile to the football

      6. High-end recovery speed

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Processing needs major work

      2. Doesn’t use his length to take on blocks

      3. Play recognition is lacking

    3. Bottom Line: Physical coverage defender who needs to improve his processing but has the tools and play with a chip on his shoulder.

  10. Coby Bryant, Cincinnati (6-1, 193)

    1. Strengths

      1. Fluid hips and movements in space

      2. Matches well off the line

      3. Consistently challenged with teams throwing away from Gardner

      4. Closes on the ball in a hurry

      5. Cannot be beaten over the top

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Slight frame with lacking physicality

      2. Play strength must improve

      3. Gets caught over the top with too much soft coverage

    3. Bottom Line: Fluid corner who will make a living in coverage and needs to expand his physicality to make up for some athletic limits

  11. Marcus Jones, Houston (5-8, 174)

    1. Strengths

      1. Great ball awareness

      2. Overcomes size with physicality and technique

      3. Unafraid to be physical coming downhill

      4. Physical off the line

      5. Matches strides with ease

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Size locks him into slot role

      2. Small frame that sees him knocked around against the run

    3. Bottom Line: Physical slot corner whose size will limit his ceiling but can lock down inside and add return upside.


Safeties

  1. Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame (6-4, 220)

    1. Strengths

      1. Plays much faster than he tests

      2. Has every tool in the box

      3. Covers ground with absurd efficiency

      4. Extensive reps in the slot, box and over the top

      5. Closes space rapidly and finishes with perfect technique

      6. Recognizes plays very quickly and explodes to the ball

      7. Unafraid to be more physical than his build

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Tested slow and has had strange pre draft

    3. Bottom Line: Massive safety who moves and reacts as well as anyone in the draft and has a nose for the ball to make big plays.

  2. Dax Hill, Michigan (6-0, 191)

    1. Strengths

      1. Covers the slot like a corner

      2. Fluid athlete who opens up and runs well

      3. Covers a ton of ground with ease

      4. Flows to the ball well against the run

      5. Added value as a blitzer

      6. Shows willingness to attack downhill

      7. Outstanding athleticism to make plays on the ball

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Small frame to take on TEs and bigger WRs

      2. Lacks physicality at the point of attack

      3. Can mistime opening up to run with receivers

    3. Bottom Line: Ideal modern safety who can cover the slot and works well coming downhill against the run.

  3. Lewis Cine, Georgia (6-2, 199)

    1. Strengths

      1. Flies around and hunts the football

      2. Athleticism and size to voer slot receivers and TEs

      3. Heat seeking missile coming downhill

      4. Lowers the boom and hits with bad intentions

      5. Very intelligent run fits

      6. Great nose for the ball and commits to his reads

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Range over the top is less than ideal

      2. Not particularly fluid in space

      3. More of a straight line athlete

    3. Bottom Line: Heat seeking missile who operates with elite processing and attacks the football like a madman.

  4. Jalen Pitre, Baylor (5-11, 198)

    1. Strengths

      1. Plays with impressive quickness

      2. Operates in space and closes to the ball

      3. Adds blitz value

      4. Plays bigger than his size

      5. Can line up and cover the slot

      6. Textbook tackler in space

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Small frame for a player who takes the punishment he does

      2. Needs improved coverage technique

    3. Bottom Line: Physical safety who plays bigger than his size and can be a big time threat with improved coverage.

  5. Jaquan Brisker, Penn State (6-1, 206)

    1. Strengths

      1. Physical presence with a chip on his shoulder

      2. Aggressive coming downhill

      3. Textbook tackler

      4. Phenomenal deep range

      5. Lengthy athlete with big time physicality

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Can overrun plays over the top

      2. Needs improvement in coverage

      3. Inconsistent committing to his read

    3. Bottom Line: Old school safety who will lay the lumber but needs coverage improvements.

  6. Nick Cross, Maryland (6-0, 212)

    1. Strengths

      1. Smooth athlete to run downfield

      2. Quality recognition to stay with the ball

      3. Aggressive closing and finishing

      4. Impressive speed in recovery and pursuit

      5. Covers a ton of ground in coverage

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Needs to improve angles and approach

      2. Lacking as an open field tackler

      3. Commits to plays early

    3. Bottom Line: Speedy deep safety who is a willing tackler but needs to improve his angles and open field finishing.

  7. Bryan Cook, Cincinnati, (6-0, 206)

    1. Strengths

      1. Smooth defender over the top

      2. Works deep and in the box

      3. Under control in every aspect

      4. Physical tackler

    2. Weaknesses

      1. False steps cause slower reactions

      2. Needs to commit to the ball better

      3. Stiff lower half with questionable ability to run and cover

    3. Bottom Line: Balanced safety who is a willing tackler and has the ability to cover over the top.

  8. Kerby Joseph, Illinois (6-1, 203)

    1. Strengths

      1. Lanky athletic frame

      2. Controlled presence who doesn’t gamble

      3. Sticks his foot in the ground and accelerates quickly

      4. Great sideline to sideline range

      5. Long strider who closes space extremely well

    2. Weaknesses

      1. Very skinny build

      2. Lacks aggressive commitment to the ball

      3. Not a physical presence

    3. Bottom Line: True free safety who covers a ton of ground and can be a starter with improved physicality

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