Malik Willis, Liberty (6-0, 219)
Strengths
Drives the ball with ease and velocity
Processes reads quickly
Throws with timing and confidence when reads are clear
Impressive arm talent on and off platform
Dynamic runner with rapid movements and ability to change direction
Quality footwork to set base in and out of pocket
Consistently on time with throws
Slippery as ball carrier with agility to make tacklers miss in a phone booth
Constantly surveying on the move
Excellent timing allows receivers to make plays after the catch
Weaknesses
Despite quick processing, hesitant to commit to throws
Looks to tuck and run vs. extending plays to throw downfield
Accuracy lacking when off platform/without clean pocket
Slight load up/hitch that delays mechanics
Can be overly confident in arm talent
Skittish at times under pressure
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.
Kenny Pickett, Pitt (6-3, 217)
Strengths
Athleticism to extend plays
Throws with confidence into traffic
Impressive short accuracy
Impressive velocity to put ball in windows
Attacks one on ones and trusts receivers
Comfortably goes through progressions quickly
Accurate throwing on the run
Played in pro-style offense
Weaknesses
Constantly moving around in the pocket
Can be overly aggressive and just grip it and rip it
Tries to make the perfect throw into traffic too often
Hit or miss downfield accuracy
Doesn’t trust protection consistently
Legitimate arm strength concerns
Bottom Line: Most polished passer in the draft with clear cap on ceiling who may wind up straddling the starter/backup line
Matt Corral, Ole Miss (6-1, 211)
Strengths
Extends plays with constant pocket awareness
Extremely efficient mechanics
Eyes constantly down field when extending
Confident in arm talent to make throws over the middle
Can make throws from multiple arm angles
Legitimate arm talent to make throws downfield off platform
Shows ability to put touch on the ball to beat defenders
Athleticism to be designed run threat
Feels pressure and slides pocket to allow routes to develop
Weaknesses
Not asked to run complex offense
Less than ideal size
Can get swallowed up as the pocket collapses and hold on too long
Lacks anticipation to allow big catch and run
Generally asked to make simple reads
Can trust arm strength to fit windows he shouldn’t
Bottom Line: Live athlete with all of the tools who needs to progress in terms of processing in a big way
Sam Howell, UNC
Strengths
Athleticism to extend plays
Very catchable ball with velocity
Easy arm strength with clean, fluid mechanics
Throws bullets into traffic when his feet are set
Great accuracy to all levels when his feet are set
Fearless when taking off and trusting his arm
Clinical in working underneath when given time
Arm talent and touch to drop absolute bombs down the field
Weaknesses
Jumpy in the pocket
Will step up into the rush and sack himself
Indecision can lead to sacks
Footwork can get a little wild when pressured
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
Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati (6-3, 211)
Strengths
Moves efficiently and fluidly
Confident in progressions and decision making
Strong arm to fit ball into windows
Strong platform to drive the ball
Constantly under control with feet underneath, ready to throw
Powerful downhill runner
Patient going through progressions
Extends plays to throw vs. tuck and run
Easy arm strength downfield
Pinpoint accuracy with clean pocket
Throws lasers over the middle
Weaknesses
Accuracy struggles on cross-field throws
Can underthrow deep routes
Statuesque once pocket is set up
Gets to secondary reads late leading to big hits on receivers
Locks in on side of the field with read at times
Bottom Line: Impressive physical tools and track record with development left to be done.
Carson Strong, Nevada (6-3, 226)
Strengths
Calm presence in the pocket
Live arm to drive the ball on and off platform
Arm strength to drop bombs down the field
Throws over the middle with confidence and timing
Flashes accuracy to attack one on ones consistently
Arm talent allows him to make throws over and around DBs other QBs can’t
Consistently willing to allow receivers to go make plays
Fires absolute lasers when he needs to fit into a window
Weaknesses
Statuesque in the pocket
Lacks touch to put balls between defenders
Gets happy feet when pressure pushes in
Needs to improve mental clock
Struggles to extend plays
Bottom Line: Best pure arm in the draft but requires considerable refinement with accuracy and poise
Running Backs:
Breece Hall, Iowa State (5-11, 217)
Strengths
Powerful runner with strong lower half
Patient in finding the hole and then hits it with authority
Battles to keep plays alive behind the line of scrimmage
Smooth runner with fluid movements
Hands to legit threaten in pass game
Outstanding ability to maintain speed off one cut
Extremely quick feet
Weaknesses
Not much in the way of wiggle
Would rather go through you than around you
“Out of the backfield” receiver w/ limited route tree
Needs to improve hands in pass pro
Bottom Line: Major power-speed combo with feet to be a difference maker but requires improvement in the finer things.
Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State (5-9, 211)
Strengths
Violent downhill runner
Gets up to speed in a hurry
Strong lower half to push forward and continue plays
Changes direction quickly and can make defenders miss on one cut
Burst to the line/hole at full speed puts D behind the 8 ball
Can stick his foot in the ground and shift gears quickly
Accelerates through the second level with jets to run away
Weaknesses
Can get swallowed up by bigger defenders in pass pro
Doesn’t always trust his vision
Cuts back to avoid neutral plays, leads to negative plays
Used almost exclusively on checkdowns in pass game
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.
James Cook, Georgia (5-11, 199)
Strength
Compact build with strength to shake off tacklers
Pass game versatility to split wide and run diverse tree
Accelerates in a hurry
Can make defenders miss with quick feet
Hits the whole very hard with low center of gravity
Cannonball running style allows him to bounce off defenders and slip out of arm tackles
Catches away from the body with strong hands
Confident runner who picks his spot and takes of
Unafraid of contact despite smaller build
Vision to put his foot in the ground and change direction quickly
Weaknesses
Primary receiving back who was rarely asked to pass pro
Plays slower than testing speed
Sometimes hesitant to take on heavy contact
Wasted movement as he waits for the hole to open
Bottom Line: The best receiving back in the draft with sneaky powerful running style and shiftiness to be a home run threat.
Isaiah Spiller, TAMU (6-0, 217)
Strengths
Patient runner who bursts through the hole
Fluid pass catcher at high volume
Legit wiggle to make defenders miss
Shifty with the ball in his hand to freeze tacklers
Can stick his foot in the ground and get up and down in a hurry
Accelerates quickly when given space to ramp up
Waits for his hole to open and explodes through the line
Stellar vision to see his angle and where defenders are coming from
Weaknesses
Occasionally indecisive in finding his seam
Concerning 4.63 40 time
Small frame and little technique as a pass protector
Some ball security concerns
Bottom Line: Versatile back with great vision and instincts paired with pass catching ability that makes him a true three-down option.
Dameon Pierce, Florida (5-9, 218)
Strengths
Violent runner who works through space with agility
Good feet and patience waiting for the hole to open
Bowling ball runner who shatters arm tackles
Vision to make adjustments as he approaches the line
Welcomes contact as a downhill runner
Weaknesses
Straight line runner without much to make defenders miss
Poor pass pro technique
Stiff running style with short strides
Limited route running experience
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
Jameson Williams, Alabama (6-1, 179)
Strengths
Speed/acceleration to take handoffs and beat defenders off the line
Shifts gears impressively to create separation
Fluid athlete with strides to cover ground quickly
Attacks the ball at its highest point
Catches away from his body
Awareness to find the ball and adjust downfield
Feet to get in and out of routes quickly
Legit after-the-catch speed
High-end speed to beat defenders and take away tackling angles
Impressive strength with the ball for size to stay up in open field
Weaknesses
Willing blocker but lacks strength and technique
Extremely vertical running style
Rehabbing ACL injury
Bottom Line: Elite athletic profile with polished route running and feet who’s only concern is frame and injury recovery.
Drake London, USC (6-3, 219)
Strengths
Physical athlete with shifty movement to free up space
Very coordinated and in constant control of his movements
Wiry but strong from with ability to shake off tacklers
Catches away from the body
Impressive footwork makes up for lack of wiggle
Patient runner who allows blocks in the open field
Powerful ball carrier who pushes tacklers and consistently falls forward
Willing blocker who uses physicality on the edge
Insane catch radius to make up for QB mistakes
High points the ball on 50-50 throws and uses physicality in the air
Weaknesses
Not a particularly lateral or sudden athlete
Rehabbing broken ankle
Doesn’t have speed to separate one on one
Bottom Line: Physically dominant downfield threat with impressive coordination that lacks explosiveness to beat defenders down the field
Garrett Wilson, Ohio State (5-11, 183)
Strengths
Rapid movements and quick feet in open space
Impressive catch radius relative to size
Awareness/change of direction to break off and come back to the ball
Extremely sudden movements on change of direction
Feet/quickness to excel on double moves
Weaknesses
Can be tied up by more physical corners
Plays at one speed more often than not
Lacks frame/body to make plays in the air
Bottom Line: Impressive athlete in terms of fluidity and speed that can make plays at all three levels
Chris Olave, Ohio State (6-0, 187)
Strengths
Compact athlete who leverages strong lower body to chew up space
Impressive ability to stick his foot in the ground and change direction on a dime
Constantly coordinated and under control to cut in a hurry
Patient to allow blocks to set up in open field
Crisp route runner with outstanding feet to free himself in a phone booth
Can shift gears to take away tacking angles
Has a knack for finding holes in coverage and turning them into big plays
Weaknesses
Does not necessarily attack the middle of the field at full speed
Smaller frame does not lend to play after contact
Rarely asked to make plays in the air do to smaller build
Bottom Line: High floor receiver with legit deep threat ability that lacks elite physical tools
Treylon Burks, Arkansas (6-2, 225)
Strengths
Physical presence unafraid to make plays over the middle and in the air
Punishing runner with after the catch and post-contact ability
Impressive coordination and awareness to box out defenders in the air
Consistently outmuscles defenders with and without the ball
Aggressively attacks one on ones with physical dominance and good hands
Accelerates after the catch to turn shorter catches into big plays
Strong hands to hold on through contact
Impressive catch radius to pull in balls away from his body
Weaknesses
Lacking in terms of open field explosiveness
Not much more than a straight line runner post-catch
Not much wiggle to force missed tackles in space
Basic route tree in college
Bottom Line: Physically dominant multilevel threat whose limited explosiveness will cap the ceiling on.
Jahan Dotson, Penn State (5-10, 178)
Strengths
Short strider with quick feet to cut on a dime
Vertical pop to go up after the ball in the air
Plays bigger than his frame
Shifty movements after the catch with deception to make tacklers miss
Gets north and south in a hurry after the catch
Impressive route runner with ability to break without changing gears
Aggressive catching the ball away from his body with catch radius of a bigger player
Weaknesses
Lacks build and physicality to fight off aggressive press consistently
Build does not lend well to making plays after contact
Bottom Line: Twitchy athlete with quality route running who overcomes physical limitations but will still be held back by build and play strength.
George Pickens, Georgia (6-3, 195)
Strengths
Well put together athlete with ideal frame and build
Impressive jump ball threat with easy athleticism
Long strider who chews up ground in a hurry
Long athlete with wingspan and catch radius to make up for QB mistakes
Awareness to take advantage of DB leverage on routes
Physical presence in the air to rise up and box out DBs
Attacks the ball at its highest point
Weaknesses
Lets competitive streak get ahead of him (fight vs. GT)
Missed most of 2021 with torn ACL
Limited route tree in college
Lacks extra gear after the catch
Bottom Line: Explosive big-bodied deep threat with room to grow and concerns beyond production.
Christian Watson, North Dakota State (6-4, 208)
Strengths
Big frame to outsize virtually any coverage defender
Impressive ability to track the ball in the air and make adjustments
Big time catch radius with long arms and extension to catch away from the body
Darts forward with the ball in his hands
Ability to leave his feet and extend for catches makes him a QBs best friend
Constantly working back to the ball to get open
Weaknesses
Wiry frame without play strength of a player his size
Not always a willing blocker
Rudimentary route running after playing in run heavy scheme
Bottom Line: Dominant speed-size-production combination that needs work both physically and technically but comes in with immediate impact potential.
Skyy Moore, Western Michigan (5-9, 195)
Strengths
Unafraid to go over the middle despite small frame
Extremely rapid movements with quick foot to cut on a dime
Blasts off the line to attack holes in the defense
Creates separation with violent change of direction
Gets north and south in a hurry, leaves defenders grasping
Beats press with hands and great feet
Compact build allows him to hold up against hits
Largest hands for a receiver at Combine
Weaknesses
Very small frame
Limited physicality to make plays in the air
Lacks physicality to make plays after contact
Play speed does not alway match timed speed
Bottom Line: Extremely quick jitterbug-style athlete with the route running and hands to be a major slot threat.
John Metchie III, Alabama (5-11, 187)
Strengths
Technically clinical route runner
High points the ball and stabs away from the body
Impressive in terms of coordination and body control when transitioning upfield
Physical presence who attacks the ball in the air
Compact athlete who plays bigger than his size
Detail-oriented in every step, setting up routes and cuts after the catch
Battles to come back to the ball
Weaknesses
Rehabbing torn ACL
Relies on feet over wiggle to make defenders miss
Lacks the elite measurables and explosiveness to be a WR1-type threat
Bottom Line: Potentially the most impressive technician in this receiver class who brings a high-floor threat as long as medicals check out.
Alec Pierce, Cincinnati (6-3, 211)
Strengths
Moves fluidly downfield
Long arms with big catch radius
Catches away from the body
Shifty athlete after the catch
Legitimate deep threat who can go up and get it
Experience outside and in the slot
Great feet to free himself off the line
Weaknesses
Limited route tree
Slim frame for a jump ball guy
Needs to load up to change direction
More shifty than agile
Bottom Line: Fluid, productive deep threat who can play inside and outside that has the ability to make plays in the air.
Jalen Tolbert, South Alabama (6-1, 194)
Strengths
Impressive tracking the ball downfield
Broad-shouldered athlete who plays bigger than his height
Consistently works back to the ball
Speed to run away after the catch
Uses strength to shove off defenders and make grabs in traffic
Great body control to spear the ball out of the air off balance
Uses strength to box defenders away from the ball
Weaknesses
A bit messy in terms of drops
Not particularly shifty in the open field
Somewhat stiff as a runner
Relies on vision to create angles rather than making defenders miss
Lacking refinement as a route runner
Bottom Line: Well-rounded physical presence with the ability to make the tough plays and pop up with an explosive strike as well.
Wandale Robinson, Kentucky (5-8, 170)
Strengths
Twitchy athlete in space
Offers value as receiver and runner
Shifty in space and had the extra gear to run away
Can make guys miss in a phone booth
Can stick his foot in the ground and get north and south in a hurry
Legitimate speed to take the top off the defense
Weaknesses
Very small build
Limited route runner
Won’t break tackles after the catch
Bottom Line: Big play threat with all of the athletic gifts to tear up secondaries but will be capped by size limitations.
David Bell, Purdue (6-0, 212)
Strengths
Insane levels of production
Stabs away from the body
Great feet off the line
Sharp route runner
Compact build and unafraid to take on contact
Impressive body control to make plays off balance and in the air
Weaknesses
Tested slow
Lacking in size to make up for speed deficit
Not particularly fluid
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.
Calvin Austin III, Memphis (5-7, 170)
Strengths
Sharp route runner
Plays stronger after the catch than expected
Great feet to make plays in space
Strong hands to stab away from the body
Weaknesses
Very small build
Can be knocked off his routes
Inconsistent blocker
Bottom Line: Undersized route runner who could thrive in the slot and has the ability and twitch to make plays after the catch.
Khalil Shakir, Boise State (5-11, 196)
Strengths
Shifty route runner
Bigger catch radius than his size
Has okayed inside and outside
Outstanding focus on the football to make contested catches
Added return value
Weaknesses
Limited route tree
Needs to tighten cuts
Not sharp in change of direction
Issues with drops
Bottom Line: Downfield threat who can make contested catches but is not an elite athlete and has drop issues.
Tight Ends
Greg Dulcich, UCLA (6-4, 243)
Strengths
Explodes off the line and gets downfield rapidly
Latches on and holds blocks when engaged
Outstanding ability to track and find the ball
Uses massive shoulders to shield defenders from the ball
Willing to pick up lead blocks downfield
Long strides to get away from flatfooted LBs and safeties
Squares up defenders and latches on ahead of the play
Works back to the ball from downfield
Flashes the ability to stab away from his body and snatch the ball
Weaknesses
Extreme upright running style
Rarely ran routes from inline position
Can appear uninterested as a blocker
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.
Trey McBride, Colorado State (6-3, 246)
Strengths
Doesn’t mess around in the open field, getting north and south and powering his way up the field
Releases quickly off the line and gets up on defenders quickly
Big wingspan to extend away from his body and snatch the ball out of the air
Seals the edge very well and guides defender away from the hole
Gets off the ball in a hurry and separates to get behind both linebackers and safeties
High points the ball and attacks it to keep it away from defenders
Good feet to open up the field and work past defenders
Tracks the ball very well and adjusts body to box out defenders
Weaknesses
Not the most powerful or technical blocker but does enough to steer his man
Lacks ideal physical measurables
Lacks the frame to hold up consistently as an inline blocker
Bottom Line: Physical route runner who can make downfield plays and outmuscle smaller defenders to make tough plays.
Cade Otton, Washington (6-5, 247)
Strengths
Smooth athlete who moves well downfield
Boxes defenders out from the ball over the middle
Catches away from the body consistently
Lowers the shoulder and powers through defenders after contact
Can break defenders down with quick feet to get into breaks
Turns upfield and shakes off arm tackles
Physical blocker at the point of attack
Weaknesses
Legs go dead in the run game
Lacks explosive skills in the open
Lacks dynamic skills before and after the catch
Bottom Line: Consistently reliable middle of the field option whose ceiling is capped by lack of explosion.
Jeremy Ruckert, Ohio State (6-5, 252)
Strengths
Powerfully built athlete who looks like he belongs
Constantly seeking and working for the ball
Physical presence downfield to keep defenders away from the ball
Long strider who covers ground in a hurry
High points the ball and rises over defends to haul it in
Weaknesses
Not asked to hold up much in the run game
Skinny frame costs him when trying to latch onto blocks
Not a shifty or explosive athlete in space
Bottom Line: Slippery downfield threat with untapped potential who needs some major work on a few things.
Isaiah Likely, Coastal Carolina (6-4, 245)
Strengths
Athletic route runner
Well-positioned and experience as lead blocker
Fluid runner who has the athleticism to go up and get it
Willing blocker who will drive downfield
Catches away from his body and seeks to turn and make plays after the catch
Athletic lead blocker who can push ahead and clear lanes upfield
Very agile with the ball in his hands
Stays in the play and looks to block downfield when teammates make a catch
Threat at all three levels with speed to beat LBs over the top
Weaknesses
Smaller frame who needs to add play strength
Needs to improve technically as an inline blocker
Basic route tree in RPO-based system
Not much work split out despite tweener size
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.
Jelani Woods, Virginia (6-7, 253)
Strengths
Massive target with enormous wingspan and catch radius
Willing to be physical at the point of attack
High leve physical tools for the position
Naturally battles back toward the ball
Boxes out smaller defenders to go get the football
Drags defenders downfield after the catch
Uses his elite size to go up and get the ball on contested catches
Weaknesses
Converted QB still learning nuance of the position
Not a particularly efficient technical blocker
Extremely raw route runner
Not a particularly fluid athlete
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
Ikem Ekwonu, NC State (6-4, 310)
Strengths
Extends well to push quicker defenders off the edge
Quick hands to establish contact early
Massive nasty streak with the fight to keep driving defenders
Great lateral quickness to move on outside zone
Battles up to the second level to take on downfield defenders
His legs never stop moving up the field
Hunts for somebody to hit in pass pro
Never stops looking for somebody to put a body on
Flies out into space in screen game
Cleanly drives rushers to help when he gets behind
Unmatched footwork and balance on the edge
Fluidity and athleticism allow him to absorb contact and fire right back
Best O-Line athlete in the draft (state wrestling champion and ran anchor leg on 4x100 team)
Weaknesses
Can get caught setting too deep and wind up parallel with pass rushers
Finds himself over his skies a bit due to aggression going forward
Bottom Line: Incomparable combination of athleticism and nastiness that with a bit of refinement can anchor an offensive line for a decade-plus.
Evan Neal, Alabama (6-7, 337)
Strengths
Unmatched size for this class
Technically impressive getting off the ball and punching
Cat quick feet getting back in pass pro
Immaculate technical footwork
Rarely gives ground once contact is made
Great understanding of angles to seal the edge
Reads front cerebrally and peels off to find second defender to hit
Weaknesses
Questionable balance, getting over his skis
Can lose ideal pad level driving forward in run
Holds rushers up well enough but doesn’t necessarily drive them downfield
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.
Charles Cross, Mississippi State (6-4, 307)
Strengths
Extremely fluid athlete who thrives in pass protection
Elite lateral mobility to seal off edge
Outstanding reach and does not allow himself to be broken down
Athleticism to operate in open space
Never gives up on the play and battles to regain position
Understands angles well to cut off the edge
Weaknesses
Played in Air Raid scheme and rarely was asked to run block
Questions over physicality and mean streak due to scheme/background
Can be out leveraged and dumped when driving ahead
Lacks the nastiness to grab on and drive down the field
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.
Trevor Penning, Northern Iowa (6-7, 325)
Strengths
Massive man with all the measurables you want to see
Nimble feet to drop, get into space and drive downfield
Not easily separated from and punches quick to gain control
Always looking for the next guy to hit
Uses his natural fram well to keep rushers at bay
Weaknesses
Can get uncharacteristically pushed in by bull rush
Not quick or agile enough to recover when caught off
Not necessarily a driver in the run game
Forward momentum in run game can lead to balance issues
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.
Bernhard Raimann, Central Michigan (6-6, 303)
Strengths
Athletically built blocker who utilizes broad frame well
Patient in setting up punch
Gets to the second level rapidly to pick up extra blocks in the run
Consistently drives legs to push further and further upfield in run game
Hunts contact when he gets going forward
Weaknesses
Can get straightened out vertically post-contact
Play awareness is hit and miss with lack of experience
Can get caught slow to the play and be beaten to the inside
Occasionally finds himself needing to recover due to slow reaction off the ball
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.
Tyler Smith, Tulsa (6-5, 324)
Strengths
Athletic and controlled getting back in pass pro
HEAVY one handed punch that knocks rushers off their path
Fires off quickly to get to his assignment in the run
Patient reading fronts and plays within his assignment
Great, quick feet to recover when beaten
Weaknesses
Lacks ideal length
Can open his hips and get beat inside
Can get a little handsy when trying to seal the edge (12 holding calls in 2021)
Leaves something to be desired in terms of lateral quickness
Can get beat outside by quicker moves (Tyreke Smith from Ohio St. gave him fits)
Bottom Line: Extremely raw talent with the ceiling of an above average starter who needs major technique overhaul and could benefit from moving inside.
Abraham Lucas, Washington State (6-6, 315)
Strengths
Long, powerful athlete with the ideal RT build
Leverages powerful lower body when pushing forward
True road grader in the run game
Long strider getting to the second level and into space
Utilizes length and quick hands to hold off rush
Awareness to pick up stunts and peel off to find outside rusher
Weaknesses
A bit stiff getting into his kick in pass pro
Can allow bull rush to knock him off balance going back
Not particularly fluid in terms of lateral movement
Somewhat slow in terms of footwark
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.
Daniel Faalele, Minnesota (6-9, 380)
Strengths
Absolutely massive human being who would immediately be the biggest player in the league
Surprisingly nimble feet to fire off the ball and kick in pass pro
Uses immense power and leverage and drive defenders several yards back in run
Power comes from his lower body despite massive upper half
Almost impossible to be driven back
Takes up massive amounts of space and can slide off to pick up second rusher
Weaknesses
Tends to straighten out and lose bend as the play goes on
Can get leaned over at the waist and fall forward in run game
Doesn’t hold defenders at the length you would expect of a player his size
Lateral quickness isn’t awful but there are concerns of getting beat outside
Bottom Line: Completely unique athlete in the NFL with the athletic tools and power to plug-and-play early on the right side.
Nicholas Petit-Frere, Ohio State (6-5, 316)
Strengths
Prototypical LT athlete with quick feet and long arms
Physical at the point of attack in the run
Loose hips and explosive lower half to cover ground and adjust
Drives through his lower half
Weaknesses
Struggles with his pass sets and can get caught square with rusher
Loses bend when driving downfield
Digs himself a hole with bad angles on the edge
Hesitant with his punch and lacks conviction in his decisions
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
Zion Johnson, Boston College (6-2, 312)
Strengths
Powerfully built mauler who takes advantage of concentrated strength
Very quick feet and finds his man early and locks on
Great balance with a powerful base
Grinder who steers defenders where he wants them to go
Plays with great pad level and rarely gets pushed off his spot
Weaknesses
Lacks the ideal build
Physically maxed out
Not the level of mean streak you would like to see driving downfield
Bottom Line: Mauler in the trenches who can plug and play at guard or center and immediately raise the floor of a line.
Kenyon Green, Texas A&M (6-3, 327)
Strengths
Stout build with natural fluidity and athleticism
Experience playing tackle at a high level with the feet to match
Very physical punch with finishing power
Above average length for a guard which he utilizes to keep rushers at a distance
Battler who fights to climb in the run game
Weaknesses
More of a pusher than a driver in the run game
Gets caught relying on his upper body to draw power
A bit heavy in the lower half
Stiff lower half working laterally
Bottom Line: Nimble and experienced blocker with multi-positional value and pass protection technique to hold up early in his career.
Jamaree Salyer, Georgia (6-3, 321)
Strengths
Extremely nimble for his size and uses athleticism to cover a ton of ground
Incredibly efficient technique, making the most of every movement
Plays with great pad level
Well-balanced pass protector with strong base
Quick hands to stick his man and slow rush
Weaknesses
Allows rushers into his body more than you would like
Can over-leverage his upper half and get his hands thrown
Allows his weight to get ahead of him
Bottom Line: Technically proficient and physically ready converted tackle who can jump in and boost an NFL line right away.
Darian Kinnard, Kentucky (6-5, 322)
Strengths
Massive human being with long strides to kick and climb
Nasty with a head of steam and blows guys up
Powerful lower half to drive ahead in run
Utilizes wide frame to cut off angles and seal rushers
Good understanding of angles to open up holes
Weaknesses
Gets caught with poor pad level and allows defenders underneath him
Gets caught leaning over at the waist and loses balance
Inconsistent with his punch and can allow rushers to get inside his reach
Not a particularly impressive lateral athlete
Bottom Line: Supersized guard with a mean streak and the raw power to dominate but needs to break some bad habits.
Lecitus Smith, Virginia Tech (6-3, 314)
Strengths
Very impressive athlete with cannonball build and agility to move all over the place
Works with great hand placement
Picks up his assignment and immediately looks for the next guy to take out
Violent streak shows up consistently when pushing upfield
Uses strong punch to hit quickly and fight off rushers
Weaknesses
Fails to consistently take advantage of low center of gravity
Can get pushed vertically when setting up in pass pro
Needs to add strength to hold onto blocks longer
Bottom Line: High-end positional athlete who bashes defenders in the run game and can play quickly with tighter pass technique.
Sean Rhyan, UCLA (6-4, 321)
Strengths
Impressively quick hands to make first contact
Extends quickly and holds his man off well
Works up to the second level and hunts contact
Athleticism to pull and frame to strike fear into the LB coming to fill the hole
Works power over technique in pass pro
Weaknesses
Limited flexibility with some stiffness in pass pro
Constant desire for contact can put him out of position
Can get caught with hands wide
Can be driven back if he doesn’t set his hands early
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.
Ed Ingram, LSU (6-3, 307)
Strengths
Extremely nimble with great feet
Simply does not let his assignment get free
Very quick and has clear agility to pull and climb
Sticks his man early and drives upfield
Extremely powerful hands to knock rushers off path
Weaknesses
Power largely comes from upper half
Awareness is not always present
Allows himself to be caught on the back foot and be pushed back
Balance is not consistent due to over aggressive punch
Bottom Line: Big body with serious power that needs to improve his balance and aggression to hit his ceiling.
Luke Goedeke, Central Michigan (6-5, 312)
Strengths
Long, fluid athlete with NFL frame
Quickness and agility to work in space and climb in run
Never stops moving once he latches on and drives defender upfield
Utilizes length to hold off rushers
Good hand placement and fundamental footwork
Weaknesses
Can be overpowered by good bull rush
Needs to improve understanding of angles
Needs to improve timing to avoid getting pushed back
Lacks ideal strength to hold up against power rush
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
Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa (6-2, 296)
Strengths
Athletic off the ball with quick movement forward and backward
Dexterity to punch and hold with one arm the nhold3 off second rusher
Agility to get upfield and into space
Outstanding understanding of angles to steer defenders
Perfect use of pad level to uproot defenders and overcome size disadvantage
Stiff punch that jabs rushers away from their target
Impressive awareness to read fronts and consistently handle his assignment
Quickness and want-to to slip off after winning and find another man to hit
Easily settles and repositions on the rare occasion he’s beaten off the ball
Weaknesses
“Modern”-style center who comes in under 300 pounds
Not gifted with ideal length to extend and hold rushers at length
Bottom Line: Athletic line lynchpin who utilizes quickness and leverage to dominate despite size limitations.
Cam Jurgens, Nebraska (6-2, 303)
Strengths
Brawler at the point of attack who ties his man up and won’t let go
Awareness to pick up combo blocks and find the right guy to hit
Long arms to stick defenders and keep them off
Nasty streak to drive his guy into the dirt
Thrives on physicality
Quickness and agility to pull out into space and square somebody up
Plays through the whistle like a madman
Weaknesses
Can over-leverage his upper half and get thrown
Can beat beat straight off the ball if he doesn’t fire quick
Questionable feet in pass pro that see him get the corner turned on him
Awareness lags when picking out stunts
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.
Dylan Parham, Memphis (6-2, 311)
Strengths
Powerful lower half that allows him to fight defenders off even without ideal hand positioning
Drives down the field and keeps hunting contact
Swift lateral movement to get in and out of tight spaces and make plays
Compact technical approach leveraging long arms and good angles to make space
Impressive balance to stay connected even when pushed off his spot
Weaknesses
Gets caught playing high and can be overpowered as a result
Defenders get inside his reach and can force him vertical
Fails to drive his man downfield once latched on
Smallish frame that could use added strength in the top half
Bottom Line: Converted guard who requires added strength but has the athleticism and technique to play early on in the right fit.
Cole Strange, Chattanooga (6-4, 307)
Strengths
Quick feet off the ball to hit his man first every time
Big time scrapper who will fight for every inch
Well-balanced pass blocker with wide base
Finishes every single play
Picks up combo blocks efficiently and can peel off to get delayed rush
Scraps and claws to make every play the best it can be
Weaknesses
Still growing into his body for the position
Has agile movements but can be heavy-footed moving into space
Gets caught leaning forward and winds up on the ground
Hand timing and placement can be hit or miss
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.
Luke Fortner, Kentucky (6-4, 307)
Strengths
Big frame he uses aggressively to power opponents out of the way
Very long arms for the position and excels keeping defenders at distance
Extremely aggressive and consistently finishes his man downfield
Impressive drive forward with power to match
Awareness to set angles and keep head up for the next man coming
Strength to hold defenders with one arm
Weaknesses
Can get extremely top heavy and lose balance forward
Sets hands wide and can be beaten inside
Gets caught high and can be pushed back
Athleticism to get up to the second level doesn’t flash consistently
Bottom Line: Monstrous interior blocker who can make a big impact early if balance issues can be fixed.
EDGEs
Travon Walker, Georgia (6-5, 272)
Strengths
Every athletic tool you want out of a player up front
Has lined up as 0, 3, 5 and 9 technique and dropped into coverage
Long lever arms to free himself and throw blockers’ hands
Can sit and read and allow the play to develop in front of him then react
Constantly has his eyes in the backfield to pick up reads
Consistently gets his hands on his blocker first and sets the pace
Wiry power to force blockers back into the pocket
Separates with ease and crashes to the ball once he makes his read
Never dies on blocks and is constantly battling to reestablish himself
Weaknesses
Limited package of rush moves, relying on athletic gifts to free himself
Potential vs. Production (9.5 career sacks)
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.
Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan (6-6, 260)
Strengths
Twitchy athlete who attacks with power
Powerful upper body to throw blockers’ hands and slice through
Extremely high motor and will never give up on the play
Technical package of moves with the ability to counter
Finishes plays consistently when put in the position
Quality awareness to read and react to find the ball and get to it
Changes pace well to keep blockers on their toes
Will absolutely never give up on the play
Impressive hand work to always stay on top in the position battle
Weaknesses
Suspect lateral quickness to cross his blocker’s face
Foot speed leaves something to be desired
Tight hips that lead to difficulties changing direction
Limited flexibility and bend leads to reliance on technique and power to beat his man
Arm length not ideal for the position
Bottom Line: Powerful athlete with natural twitch and impressive production but questionable athletic upside leaves him short of “can’t miss” status.
Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon (6-4, 254)
Strengths
Rapid athlete with big-time quickness off the ball
Uses length to separate from his blocker quickly and find the ball
Impressive bend and explosion around the edge to get home
Counters quickly when cut off and keeps his eyes on the prize
Rush package is refined with measured choices
Rarely beaten to make the first move
Presses angles and uses quickness to split gaps
Weaknesses
Commitment to football questions
Motor slumps when the ball goes the other way
Aggression comes and goes when rushing
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.”
David Ojabo, Michigan (6-4, 250)
Strengths
Twitched up and blasts off the ball with big time acceleration
Cat quick coming off the edge
Shows ability to stop, read and pursue with the ball in front of him
Agility and flexibility to turn his hips and run to the ball
Violent hands to knock his blocker off balance
Athleticism allows him to thrive in pursuit
An absolute missile to the ball when he gets his lane
Weaknesses
Raw technically as he learns the game (Grew up in Nigeria and Scotland before coming to US for athletic opportunities at 15)
Lack of rush moves bag sees him tied up if he can’t make the edge
Rehabbing Achilles tear from Pro Day
Gets to the ball with ease but finishing is hit and miss
Bottom Line: Freaky explosive speed rusher still figuring the game out but has the whole package to be elite that needs medicals to clear
Jermaine Johnson, Florida State (6-4, 254)
Strengths
Long and twitchy athlete with outstanding quickness
Shows impressive desire for contact
Always willing to chase to make the play
Bounces straight off of blockers when he can convert speed into power
Hunts the ball and won’t be satisfied until the play is made
High motor and always keeps himself in the play with effort
Finishes plays with power and nastiness
Weaknesses
Wiry frame and can see himself overpowered and held up
Rudimentary rush move package
Some flexibility questions when it comes to bend off the edge
Bottom Line: High motor pass rusher who makes every play count and overcomes technical deficiencies with big time effort.
Arnold Ebiketie, Penn State (6-2, 250)
Strengths
Freakishly long arms and strides to keep blockers off balance
Outstanding outside rip move to get inside blocker’s reach
Utilizes sneaky power to drive his man back
Plays with great understanding of leverage to shed and slip inside
Reads and reacts patiently then jumps to the ball
Always willing to keep the play alive and pursue
Really quick hands to make first contact and blow by late reacting blockers
Weaknesses
Upright runner who can get caught with hands to the chest
Can get repetitive with rush sequencing
Poor balance sees him shoved back at times
Slighter frame that can be overpowered occasionally
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.
George Karlaftis, Purdue (6-3, 266)
Strengths
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.)
Insanely strong to just overrun blockers
Quickly rips hands through to get around the edge
Takes advantage of aggressive blockers and makes quick moves to slip through
High motor to keep battling even when double-teamed
Prodigious power to power his way straight through blockers
Extends into the blocker’s chest and keeps himself free to get home
Weaknesses
Would much rather go through you than around you
Rushing style lacks nuance and technical polish
Struggles to release and chase as the play progresses
Has some stiffness that forces him tor use hands and power to get outside
Quickness questions going to inside move
Repetitive process
Bottom Line: Immensely powerful rusher who will absolutely bury dudes on day 1 but see his ceiling capped by athleticism limits.
Boye Mafe, Minnesota (6-3, 261)
Strengths
Uses length and natural quickness to challenge right off the snap
Extremely rapid in making contact
Long strider who covers a ton of ground quickly
Attacks slow hands and flies off the edge
Always finishing around the ball
Sneaky power to drive his man into the QB’s lap
Aggressive hands to keep blockers moving backward
Weaknesses
Slighter frame and can find himself caught and thrown
Limited sequencing in rush moves
Can be overly aggressive and throw himself head first into blocks
Play strength not what you expect from this build
Awareness and reads leave something to be desired
Bottom Line: Explosive rusher with long levers who knows how to capitalize on his natural ability but needs technical refinement to make a leap.
Nik Bonitto, Oklahoma (6-3, 248)
Strengths
Moves with very impressive fluidity
Lives with his eyes in the backfield
Utilizes outstanding play speed to turn the corner with serious burst
Active hands and constantly fighting to free himself
Sniffs out plays quickly and blasts off to the ball
Plays with phenomenal bend off the edge
Higher pressure percentage than Hutchinson
Weaknesses
Smaller frame without much room at add weight
More fluidity over quickness to make plays
Lacks high-end play strength
Bottom Line: Skilled and impressively fluid speed rusher who reads and reacts to the play and diagnoses the next step in a hurry.
Josh Paschal, Kentucky (6-2, 268)
Strengths
Nonstop motor always looking to make a play
Great bend for somewhat of a tweener
Extreme hand activity to take on blockers and slip by either way
Makes the most of his frame to stay extended
Sells out to play through every single whistle
Burst to overpower the man in front of him
Loose hips to flip and make a move across his man
Eats one on one blocks for breakfast
Weaknesses
Tweener size who played inside and outside
Technique and power over athleticism
Nimble footed but lacking open field agility
Bend around the edge is not ideal
Bottom Line: Absolute mauler who can play inside or out that overcomes physical and athletic limits with massive mean streak and motor.
Drake Jackson, USC (6-3, 273)
Strengths
Big time motor with continued pursuit downfield
Lengthy athlete who chews up space
Flows to the ball well and consistently finishes plays
Sheds hands well and lives around the ball vs. run
Operates with great mobility in space
Goes on the attack when he has the ball in his sights
Weaknesses
Not a consistent edge setter
Leaves something to be desired in terms of play strength for a player of his size
Attacks with wide hands and allows blockers into his chest
Unrefined rush move package
Bottom Line: Quality athlete still working on becoming an EDGE type who has the athletic gifts to be an impact player
Kingsley Enagbare, South Carolina (6-3, 258)
Strengths
Great quickness off the ball
Attacks late reactions ferociously with array of moves
Motor to make chase down plays
Well-balanced athlete who’s never out of the play
Sold bend around the edge
Patient making reads and diagnosing plays
Weaknesses
Doesn’t maximize his powerful build and length
Quicker than fast
Play strength lacking
Can be slow to react to his reads
Bottom Line: Violent rusher who makes up for athletic shortcomings with fundamental skill and motor to make plays.
Sam Williams, Ole Miss (6-3, 262)
Strengths
Prototypical size and frame
Aggressive at the point of attack
High motor in pursuit
Solid range of moves to get free
Sees through blocks to go finds the ball
Versatility as 5 tech and on edge
Consistently makes chase plays downfield
Combines violent hands and quick feet to win early
Weaknesses
Doesn’t have great bend
Straightens out early in the play and lets blockers into his chest
Stiff through the middle when changing direction
Must improve finishing once he gets into the backfield
Must convert speed into power better
Bottom Line: Well-put-together rusher with versatility to play multiple spots and consistency to make plays with awareness and effort.
Myjai Sanders, Cincinnati (6-5, 247)
Strengths
Super twitchy coming off the edge
Long sarms to make clean separations
Very aggressive coming forward
Quickness to get skinny and knife through gaps
Surprising strength to knock blockers off balance and capitalize
Solid bend coming off the edge
Weaknesses
Very skinny frame
Straightens out and lose the power from his lower half
Can be overly aggressive and lose his balance getting into the backfield
Bottom Line: Really impressive athlete who can be a major contributor with some refinement of balance and added play strength
Cameron Thomas, San Diego State (6-4, 267)
Strengths
Strength to fight off blocks and make plays
Slippery movement to get the corner
Skilled hands to free himself quickly
Quickness to split gaps
Thrives on physicality
Finishes plays with consistency and never stops moving
Brings the power and violence to cause problems off the jump
Weaknesses
Requires improved flexibility coming off the edge
Gets over his skis fighting to get free
Would much rather go through you than around you
Tight hips cause trouble changing direction
Bottom Line: Power-based rusher who will be held back by athletic limitations but has the juice and power to be productive.
Deangelo Malone, Western Kentucky (6-3, 243)
Strengths
Long, wiry build with long strides
Quick hands to get into blocker’s chest
Slippery one he gets his hands on you and can work to either side
Bends very well and sets the edge consistently
Seems to always be in the right place at the right time
Continues to battle through contact at every turn
Knifes into gaps rapidly when he sees a seam
Utilizes superior quickness to consistently win to the inside
Weaknesses
Limited rush package
Play strength comes up short with limited technique
Lack of sophisticated process sees him tied up early in plays
Needs to improve as a finisher
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.
Dominique Robinson, Miami (OH) (6-4, 253)
Strengths
Wiry athlete who pops off the screen
Twitchy quickness off the snap
No fear in physicality
Very quick hands to deflect punch and keep going
Crazy bend to get around the corner
Long strider who gets on top of blockers quick
Big time finisher when he gets home
Weaknesses
Must improve play strength
Limited technical package
Needs weight to hold up in NFL
Used almost exclusively on passing downs
Lack of fundamental rush skills leads to wasted movement
Bottom Line: Seriously twitchy pass rush specialist who just recently came to the position and flashes big time potential
Defensive Linemen
Jordan Davis, Georgia (6-6, 341)
Strengths
Utterly massive human being who posts athletic numbers that just don’t make sense
Eats one on ones for breakfast and is in the QBs lap within seconds
Super quick feet to fire off and take the best angle
Attacks the blocker’s shoulder and fills gaps with ease
Affects plays even when occupied by multiple blockers
Pursues the ball in space and refuses to be denied
Swallows ball carriers hole when he gets into the backfield
Weaknesses
Played limited snaps in Georgia rotation
Pad level can be inconsistent
Will have to monitor weight and conditioning
Bottom Line:
Devonte Wyatt, Georgia (6-2, 304)
Strengths
Ridiculously nimble for somebody his size
Power to throw blockers with relative ease
Pairs impressive quickness and violence at the snap to knock blockers off balance
Strength to free himself with just one arm
Eyes always in the backfield
Pushes blockers straight into the QB when his arms get extended
Releases his hands quickly to go after the ball
Weaknesses
Doesn’t strike with consistent timing
Can lose pad level relatively quickly at times
Occasionally allows his weight to carry him off balance going forward
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.
Logan Hall, Houston (6-6, 283)
Strengths
Extremely powerful off the ball and disrupts plays early
Strong hands to stay active and free himself
Impressive quickness to knife through gaps
Constantly driving to the ball and never stops on the play
Wins consistently when blockers try to brawl with him
Great changing direction to force blockers to move laterally with him
Weaknesses
Can get taken out of the play when blockers meet him at the point of attack
Momentum gets carried backward when he doesn't get timed up right
Finds himself to vertical early in the play
Bottom Line: Impressive mix of quickness and power to give interior lineman fits and create major matchup problems for offenses.
Travis Jones, UConn (6-4, 325)
Strengths
Huge presence who consistently ties up blockers
Skilled hands to throw blockers off and get free
Shows the ability to steer blockers toward the ball while engaged
Hands never stop moving
Constantly has his eyes in the backfield
Violent hands to knock blockers off balance
Weaknesses
Limited athlete in terms of agility and foot speed
Pad level rises early in the play
Inconsistent ball get off
Verticality causes trouble when double teamed
Bottom Line: Big presence in the trenches who utilizes good hands and physical play to close gaps.
Perrion Winfrey, Oklahoma (6-3, 290)
Strengths
EXPLODES off the ball
Converts speed to power extremely quickly
Utilizes long levers to extend and rip free
Big time aggression going forward
Maniacal in pursuit of the QB
Simply refuses to be blocked one on one
High motor and consistently puts himself back in the play downfield
Weaknesses
Would rather go through a blocker than around
Tweener size who played 3 tech
Occasionally would rather use his shoulder than hands
Allows himself to play too high
Must improve as a finisher
Bottom Line: Explosive interior rusher who utilizes power and quick twitch and dominate blockers and can be an impact player with minor tweaks.
Phidarian Mathis, Alabama (6-4, 310)
Strengths
Reacts with powerful hands
Extends early to create separation
Lateral quickness to sidestep blocks
Fills gaps quickly and attacks the shoulder consistently
Weaknesses
Misses tackles playing in overdrive
More of a block holder than shedder
Maxed out build with stiff lower half
Bottom Line: High motor brawler who battles has played up and down the line and works hard against the run.
Demarvin Leal, Texas A&M (6-3, 287)
Strengths
Moves fluidly to the ball
Fires off with violent hands
Versatility playing inside and out
Aggressive hands that open up blocks
Weaknesses
Stiff movements and lacks bend
Needs to improve awareness and reads
Inconsistent motor in pursuit
Bottom Line: Power-driven athlete with versatility that needs consistency and improved flexibility.
Linebackers
Devin Lloyd, Utah (6-2, 237)
Strengths
Easily converts speed to power
Lives with his eyes in the backfield
Long arms to stay separated and shed
Plays faster than he tests and pursues heavily
Fires toward the ball as soon as the read is made
Flows to the ball and takes good angles
Understands his run fits well and doesn’t play outside himself
Takes straight line to the ball and finishes strong
Reacts quickly to the ball and can make plays with it in the air
Weaknesses
Gets tied up on blocks with slighter frame
More of a straight line blitzer than a guy who can bend off the edge
Needs to finish plays with more power
Bottom Line: Twitchy athlete who does everything that you want from an off-ball linebacker and makes plays all over the field.
Nakobe Dean, Georgia (5-11, 229)
Strengths
Explosive off the ball and in pursuit
Comfortable dropping into space in coverage
Fluid athlete in space who can open up and run
Rapidly reacts and flies to the ball
Coaches trusted his coverage enough put him in single coverage at CB
Finds the ball quickly and locks in on it as soon as he takes off
Weaknesses
Smaller frame that can get tied up easily
Can get lost in the trees when coming up against run
Knocked back by blockers who climb to the second level
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.
Quay Walker, Georgia (6-3, 241)
Strengths
Long athlete who thrives in space
Fluid mover in pass coverage who drops deep and pursues
Not afraid to pursue to stay in the play
Always seems to finish around the ball
Great ball awareness when coming downhill
Shot out of a gun as a blitzer
Weaknesses
Occasional false steps will put him out of position
Can be late to react to the ball
Play strength needs improvement
Bottom Line: Rangy linebacker who is an efficient run stopper and has the ceiling to be even better in coverage.
Chad Muma, Wyoming (6-2, 239)
Strengths
Well-put-together processing and reading
Rangy athlete with safety background
Impressive play rec
Patient run fitter who strikes in a hurry
Eager cover man who handles himself well downfield
Closes down quickly and takes away cut back lanes
Smoothly flows to the ball and commits to the play
Weaknesses
Extremely aggressive and can over pursue
Out of control getting to the ball and can miss tackles
Can have trouble fighting off lead blocks
Bottom Line: Tackling machine with legit coverage skills who needs to overcome physical limitations to hit his ceiling.
Christian Harris, Alabama (6-0, 226)
Strengths
Super twitchy with loose hips and elite straight line speed
Legitimate sideline to sideline speed
Quick hands to throw defenders off
Does everything in his power to make stops from all angles
Hits like a cannonball when given a runway
Speed to run with almost anybody
Weaknesses
Small frame for the position
Easily knocked off balance
Misses tackles due to bad angles
Very much a see ball, get ball type
Bottom Line: Absolute speed demon who thrives as a blitzer and needs to improve in coverage and as a tackler.
Troy Andersen, Montana State (6-3, 243)
Strengths
Big, twitched up athlete who can move in space
Diagnoses quickly and flies to the ball
Instinctual player who patiently makes his reads
Takes advantage of long arms to stay separated from blocks
Refuses to be denied in pursuit
Closes rapidly and covers ground with impressive speed
Weaknesses
Played FCS competition
Needs to improve angles to the ball
Appears somewhat uncomfortable dropping into space
Bottom Line: Raw, twitchy athlete who chews up space and can run with anybody you put in the box.
Leo Chenal, Wisconsin (6-2, 250)
Strengths
Textbook technique and fundamentals
Intelligent finding his fits and closing gaps
Aggressive taking on blocks
Big time nose for the ball
Always aware of the football and sees the play progress in front of him
Old school, lunch pail mentality
Weaknesses
Gets caught flat-footed in coverage
Shorter arms and gets caught on blocks
Can get caught vertical with high pad level
Plays slower than he tests
Gets caught missing tackles because of over aggression
Bottom Line: Old school run stopper who will grind out every play but needs to improve in coverage and as a blitzer.
Channing Tindall, Georgia (6-1, 230)
Strengths
Monster stopper in pursuit
Plenty of speed to run with pass catchers
Chews up ground to get to the ball
Sniffs plays out quickly and explodes to the ball carrier
Great length for the position
Weaknesses
Limited snaps as third LB in nickel-heavy scheme
Aggressive pursuit leads to false steps
Extreme straight line athlete who lacks flexibility to flip his hips quickly
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.
Brian Asamoah, Oklahoma (6-0, 226)
Strengths
Recognizes plays well and flies to the ball
Seems to finish every play around the ball
Heat-seeking missile who takes good angles
Comfortable dropping to cover in space
Plays very confident and commits to his reads
Weaknesses
Small frame with tweener size
Aggressive pursuit leads to balance issues and missed tackles
Late to react to the ball in the air
Easily knocked back or off balance with small frame
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
Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, Cincinnati (6-2, 190)
Strengths
Utilizes elite length off the line
Size and length to run with bigger receivers
Unafraid to come downhills against the run
Loose hips to open quickly and run
Does not allow himself to be leveraged and can cover inside or over the top
Developed a reputation so strong teams would just not throw to his side of the field (AAC opponent coach quote)
Weaknesses
Skinny frame for as much contact as he takes
Will have to watch how handsy he gets in press
Bottom Line: Size, speed and technique combination to be a shutdown corner for a decade plus.
Derek Stingley, Jr., LSU (6-0, 190)
Strengths
Smooth athlete who covers a ton of ground
Pursues quickly and takes good angles to the ball
Opens his hips quickly to run
Pattern matches with precision
Does not rely on early hands to gain an advantage
Utilizes great length to stay separated and run alongside
Willing to go up and challenge in the air
Weaknesses
Injury concerns after 2021
Did not look the same playing through injury in 2021
Does not play particularly physically in the run
Bottom Line: Lockdown potential with the production to match but murky outlook after lost 2021 season.
Trent McDuffie, Washington (5-10, 193)
Strengths
Loose athlete who covers a ton of ground quickly
Closes rapidly when the ball is in his area
Opens up fluidly and stays glued to his man’s hip
Willing to stick his nose int traffic from the side and behind
Flies back upfield to put himself into the play after the catch
Reads movements well and flows alongside his man
Weaknesses
Needs to break down better in space
Sub-six foot with skinny frame
Blocked rather easily
Lacks physicality against larger receivers
Bottom Line: Smooth cover man who plays with supreme confidence to overcome smaller size.
Andrew Booth, Jr., Clemson (6-0, 194)
Strengths
Long twitchy athlete
Physical presence in coverage
Long strider who can open up and run
Loose hips with the ability to open up and match
Breaks on the ball rapidly
Weaknesses
Over aggressive biting on fakes
Can be caught with his eyes in the backfield
Aggressive tackler who needs to improve technique
Bottom Line: Physically imposing man corner who needs to control some aggressive tendencies but has all the tools to be a #1.
Kaiir Elam, Florida (6-1, 191)
Strengths
Extremely rangy with long strides
Utilizes physical hands to stay on top of routes
Makes the most of his build to bump receivers off routes
Meets the receiver at the same time as the ball
Weaknesses
Some stiffness in change of direction
Easily blocked vs. run
Needs to improves recovery speed
Bottom Line: Rangy corner with the ideal physical build and frame that needs to improve the finer points of his coverage.
Kyler Gordon, Washington (5-11, 194)
Strengths
Using wingspan and long strides to recover extremely well
Fluid athlete built to turn and run
Opens up and mirrors well
Extremely coordinated and always under control
Aggressive in pursuit of the football
Weaknesses
Will lose sight of the ball
Lacking physicality in press
Still growing technically
Bottom Line: High-ceiling prospect with impressive tools and baseline technique that could grow into a star.
Roger McCreary, Auburn (5-11, 193)
Strengths
Plays more physical than his size
Carries his man downfield well and matches strides
Plays with a major edge
Aggressively physical to reroute receivers
Weaknesses
Small frame with short arms
Maxed out physically
Gives up inside leverage and struggles to recover over the top
Bottom Line:
Tariq Woolen, UTSA (6-4, 205)
Strengths
Legit top of the scale physical tools
Unafraid of contact
Impressive stride matching ability
Confident at the point of attack
Elite recovery speed
Utilizes his length to reroute receivers
Weaknesses
Poor tackling technique
Still raw in processing
Eyes get stuck on the receiver
Bottom Line: Legitimate freak athlete who is still figuring out how to play corner but shows the traits of a star.
Cam Taylor-Britt, Nebraska (5-10, 196)
Strengths
Ideal physical build
Aggressive in bumping receivers off routes
Quick feet moving backward
Aggressive coming downhill
Heat seeking missile to the football
High-end recovery speed
Weaknesses
Processing needs major work
Doesn’t use his length to take on blocks
Play recognition is lacking
Bottom Line: Physical coverage defender who needs to improve his processing but has the tools and play with a chip on his shoulder.
Coby Bryant, Cincinnati (6-1, 193)
Strengths
Fluid hips and movements in space
Matches well off the line
Consistently challenged with teams throwing away from Gardner
Closes on the ball in a hurry
Cannot be beaten over the top
Weaknesses
Slight frame with lacking physicality
Play strength must improve
Gets caught over the top with too much soft coverage
Bottom Line: Fluid corner who will make a living in coverage and needs to expand his physicality to make up for some athletic limits
Marcus Jones, Houston (5-8, 174)
Strengths
Great ball awareness
Overcomes size with physicality and technique
Unafraid to be physical coming downhill
Physical off the line
Matches strides with ease
Weaknesses
Size locks him into slot role
Small frame that sees him knocked around against the run
Bottom Line: Physical slot corner whose size will limit his ceiling but can lock down inside and add return upside.
Safeties
Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame (6-4, 220)
Strengths
Plays much faster than he tests
Has every tool in the box
Covers ground with absurd efficiency
Extensive reps in the slot, box and over the top
Closes space rapidly and finishes with perfect technique
Recognizes plays very quickly and explodes to the ball
Unafraid to be more physical than his build
Weaknesses
Tested slow and has had strange pre draft
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.
Dax Hill, Michigan (6-0, 191)
Strengths
Covers the slot like a corner
Fluid athlete who opens up and runs well
Covers a ton of ground with ease
Flows to the ball well against the run
Added value as a blitzer
Shows willingness to attack downhill
Outstanding athleticism to make plays on the ball
Weaknesses
Small frame to take on TEs and bigger WRs
Lacks physicality at the point of attack
Can mistime opening up to run with receivers
Bottom Line: Ideal modern safety who can cover the slot and works well coming downhill against the run.
Lewis Cine, Georgia (6-2, 199)
Strengths
Flies around and hunts the football
Athleticism and size to voer slot receivers and TEs
Heat seeking missile coming downhill
Lowers the boom and hits with bad intentions
Very intelligent run fits
Great nose for the ball and commits to his reads
Weaknesses
Range over the top is less than ideal
Not particularly fluid in space
More of a straight line athlete
Bottom Line: Heat seeking missile who operates with elite processing and attacks the football like a madman.
Jalen Pitre, Baylor (5-11, 198)
Strengths
Plays with impressive quickness
Operates in space and closes to the ball
Adds blitz value
Plays bigger than his size
Can line up and cover the slot
Textbook tackler in space
Weaknesses
Small frame for a player who takes the punishment he does
Needs improved coverage technique
Bottom Line: Physical safety who plays bigger than his size and can be a big time threat with improved coverage.
Jaquan Brisker, Penn State (6-1, 206)
Strengths
Physical presence with a chip on his shoulder
Aggressive coming downhill
Textbook tackler
Phenomenal deep range
Lengthy athlete with big time physicality
Weaknesses
Can overrun plays over the top
Needs improvement in coverage
Inconsistent committing to his read
Bottom Line: Old school safety who will lay the lumber but needs coverage improvements.
Nick Cross, Maryland (6-0, 212)
Strengths
Smooth athlete to run downfield
Quality recognition to stay with the ball
Aggressive closing and finishing
Impressive speed in recovery and pursuit
Covers a ton of ground in coverage
Weaknesses
Needs to improve angles and approach
Lacking as an open field tackler
Commits to plays early
Bottom Line: Speedy deep safety who is a willing tackler but needs to improve his angles and open field finishing.
Bryan Cook, Cincinnati, (6-0, 206)
Strengths
Smooth defender over the top
Works deep and in the box
Under control in every aspect
Physical tackler
Weaknesses
False steps cause slower reactions
Needs to commit to the ball better
Stiff lower half with questionable ability to run and cover
Bottom Line: Balanced safety who is a willing tackler and has the ability to cover over the top.
Kerby Joseph, Illinois (6-1, 203)
Strengths
Lanky athletic frame
Controlled presence who doesn’t gamble
Sticks his foot in the ground and accelerates quickly
Great sideline to sideline range
Long strider who closes space extremely well
Weaknesses
Very skinny build
Lacks aggressive commitment to the ball
Not a physical presence
Bottom Line: True free safety who covers a ton of ground and can be a starter with improved physicality