Open Rants by RantheFan

NFL Prospects Breakdown
I have had some issues with how this looks, since I am copy and pasting it from a google drive doc. Sorry. Since it is incredibly hard to take into consideration a players floor, ceiling, and position, and then grade it fairly against other players at different positions, who may have higher floors but lower ceilings, or vice versa, I just did my best. For example, Josh Jacobs is graded as a 76. This is not because I think he is a bad player, it is mostly because I think the RB position is the easiest position to replace, so he has less value. I will be using this breakdown to organize a big board of the top players, and then eventually make a mock draft where the NFL values the players the same as I do, so you can check that out too.




QB - Kyler Murray - 4,361 yards passing, 42 TDs, and a 69% completion percentage
        Physical - Undersized, didn’t do drills at combine or pro day, but supposed to be fast and quick. Shows good arm strength.
        Intangible - Doesn’t read defenses well, doesn’t go through progressions well, has poor mechanics. Generally accurate, but doesn’t have pinpoint accuracy. Lack of experience as a starter, and has had his leadership and ability to work well with a team questioned, although those around him say he is a great leader despite lacking an alpha personality.
        Overview - He will be a lot of work for an NFL team, especially if they want to start him immediately. He is a purely physical talent based player, with little experience against legitimate college defenses, poor mechanics and low football IQ. His height is hardly the biggest issue, but it will still cause him possibly severe issues attempting to pass out of the pocket. His small size may also lead to injuries, which could hinder his career.
        NFL Comparison - Robert Griffin III - Very similar to RG3, except RG3 was a better passer, a smarter player, and obviously taller .Possibly faster and/or quicker than Murray. RG3’s smaller size and his volume of rushing attempts led to him being unable to continue as a starting QB after he was severely injured, and I’d say there’s a  good chance that something similar happens to Murray, but he isn’t even as good as RG3 coming out of college.
        Grade - 77 - Murray has good potential, if you only care about having a big arm. There are plenty of issues with him, his small size, lack of experience, innaccuracy, and questionable football IQ. This offseason, he has answered exactly 0 questions as far as I’m concerned. He didn’t do anything at the combine, at his pro day, he did some ridiculously easy throwing drills for a possible number one overall pick, and I think that considering the ease of the throws he made, they could’ve been quite a bit more accurate. He still hasn’t done any agility or speed drills. The only reason I can think that he hasn’t put in effort this offseason? Murray knows what I suspect, he isn’t as athletic as he is made out to be, and so rather than attempt the drills, he is just going to let teams guess from his game film. He has a big arm, and is supposedly fast, but that’s where the positives stop.




QB - Dwayne Haskins - 4,831 yards passing, 50 TDs, and a 70% completion percentage
        Physical - Haskins weighs in as a typical NFL QB does, and arguably should, at 6’3” and 231 lbs. Haskins had the worst time of any QB in the 40 yard dash and the vertical jump drills. That isn’t the biggest deal for a pocket passing QB, but it certainly isn’t a positive thing. Has good arm strength.
        Intangible - The best QB in the draft as far as making reads against a defense and decision-making skills. Good pocket awareness, but struggles under pressure, which also stems from a lack of escape ability. Much more quick minded than his competition at QB. His deep ball accuracy is lacking, but at short range he is very consistent. 
        Overview - Meant for a west coast offense, with his decision making and accuracy both at their best when making short throws. A lack of speed and quickness will hold him back, but we aren’t far removed from a time when Peyton Manning and Tom Brady were the undisputed best QBs of the league. I personally believe his quicker mind and college production more than makes up for his slower body, and that he is the best QB in the class.
        NFL Comparison - Jameis Winston - There are a few key differences between Winston and Haskins, but overall their play is very similar. Both are slower, big body QBs, who struggle with accuracy when throwing the deep ball. Winston is asked to throw the deep ball quite a bit, and hasn’t been very successful. Haskins would likely struggle in a similar scenario. He needs to be placed in a west coast offense to thrive. Haskins is a much smarter player than Winston already though, and that is good for his upside.
        Grade - 85 - Not a very high grade, and that mostly comes from Haskins’ lack of physical ability, but also from his inefficiency with the deep ball. I do like my QBs with good intangibles though, and that nets him a decent grade.




QB - Drew Lock - 3,498 yards passing, 28 TDs, and a 62.9% completion percentage
        Physical - Lock stands at 6’4” and weighs 228 lbs, a very good size for a QB, as well as running a 4.69 40 yard dash that was impressive, as were his other drills. Has a very good arm.
        Intangible - Is terrible under pressure, slow through his progressions, and inaccurate over the middle of the field. He has solid deep accuracy, has generally good mechanics, and is highly touted as a good leader with a good work ethic. He has been better at not making bad decisions, but needs to develop in almost every way to transition into a starting NFL QB.
        Overview - Lock will be at his best in a vertical offense in the NFL, but still needs to progress in other ways and become better overall. He has talent, and his physical abilities help, but as an experienced college player, he will likely have a lower ceiling and may never become great, or even very good at the NFL level. Improvement in his final year does inspire some confidence in his ability to enhance his play.
        NFL Comparison - Josh Allen - An inaccurate, athletic QB, who really needs to work on his game as a whole. That basically sums up both Lock and Allen. Since Allen hasn’t had much of a career to look at and compare to what Lock could potentially do, I’ll give you another one. Joe Flacco. A big arm QB who never really became elite, but with a strong supporting cast he won a Super Bowl.
        Grade - 74 - Without actually being able to watch game film and interview players, it can be very difficult to get a read on their potential. That makes it tough to grade a player who needs to grow in many ways before they will find success at the professional level. Lock gets a very low grade because he won’t be an improvement for any team in the NFL in year one.




QB - Daniel Jones - 2,674 passing yards, 22 TDs, and a 60.5% completion percentage
        Physical -  Jones is a 6’5”, 221 lbs QB. He had a solid workout at the combine, and while he only ran a 4.81 40 yard dash at the combine, he improved that to a 4.68 at his pro day. He has good arm strength when throwing set in the pocket, but loses a lot of that strength when he isn’t tall in the pocket. Has had a lot of success beating opponents with his legs. 
        Intangible - Inconsistency is the biggest thing when looking at Jones. His short and intermediate accuracy is good, especially in the middle of the field, but his long ball could use some work. Duke’s head coach loves Jones for his football IQ and work ethic. Generally smart with the football and quick through his reads. Very talented at improvising, as shown by his success despite his poor protection.
        Overview - Has everything going for him but his deep ball. Some mechanical issues, some decision making issues, but nothing that every other college QB doesn’t deal with while transitioning to the NFL. Will be at his best running an offense like the one Alex Smith has been in, making short throws and scrambling when he needs to.
        NFL Comparison - Alex Smith - Alex Smith is known for his short throws and ability to scramble when necessary. I think that pretty much sums up in the best way Jones, who isn’t going to send the ball down the field very often, but can win on short throws and by escaping the pocket to pick up yards on a play that could have very easily been a sack.
        Grade - 87 - Jones grades out higher than most would expect, and most of that comes from the fact that I do not value arm strength as much as the most NFL teams. Some teams look for arm strength almost exclusively, but with the success teams like the Colts and Patriots consistently find with west coast schemes, I’m not 100% sure why.  I like Jones’ potential due to his ability in the short passing game, as well as his football IQ, but he also has exceptional scrambling ability that makes him even more difficult to stop.




RB - Josh Jacobs - 120 rushes for 640 yards, 11 TDs, 20 receptions for 247 yards
        Physical - At 5’10”, 220 lbs, Jacobs has good size to translate to the NFL, but his 4.6 40 yard dash time isn’t going to help him any. That being said, the 40 time isn’t nearly as important as his short area explosiveness, not to mention his ability and willingness to run over a defender. He still lacks elite level burst, but is quick enough to get around a defense.
        Intangible - Jacobs has good hands to be a receiver out of the backfield, and can also return kicks, although he likely won’t be asked to. He was very difficult to bring down, and one way I’ve heard him described is that he runs angry. Jacobs is also an admirable blocker in the backfield. He has high level vision and creativity to make runs through the gaps, or escape through a different hole if necessary. 
        Overview - Josh Jacobs may not be able to turn on the jets when he reaches the open field, but he is agile with good vision and the ability to run through tackles. Injuries have bothered him throughout his career, and that may not translate well at a position easily replaced. He is young at only 21, and has showed talent, but the injuries, as well as his lack of speed, may hold him back.
        NFL Comparison - Kareem Hunt - The most common comparison for Jacobs, having nearly identical measurements and 40 times when they were at the combine, but Jacobs shouldn’t have the off the field problems since he has shown strong character. Possibly even more talented than Hunt, with good vision, blocking, and catching, making him a complete back.
        Grade - 76 - The league keeps getting faster every year, with 40 times becoming more and more important. I don’t think it is as important here, but it should still be noted that Jacobs isn’t busting out any monster runs without breaking several tackles first. His injuries at the college level are worrisome as well, and he may have to be used in a committee to keep him on the field. RBs are easily replaceable, and I’m not sure that Jacobs is impressive enough to be drafted in the first round.




WR - D.K. Metcalf - 26 receptions for 569 yards and 5 TDs (only played 7 games)
        Physical - By now everyone knows that Metcalf has something like 1-2% body fat, and that he ran a 4.33 40 yard dash while also doing 27 bench reps. That’s all well and good, but the 6’3”, 228 lbs wide receiver also did very poorly in the agility drills. DEs Nick Bosa, Rashan Gary, and Clelin Ferrell were all quicker than Metcalf while also being taller and weighing no less than 35 lbs more than the receiver.
        Intangible - As a redshirt sophomore, it is understandable that Metcalf is not an amazing route runner, and that he can struggle with catching mechanics and consistency. He was utilized on a vertical plane in college, which means that as of now he is almost only used downfield, which gives very little to go off of as far as running actual routes. He is physically dominant and immensely talented, but lacks experience to go with those gifts. However, he is exceptional with his hand and footwork at the line of scrimmage.
        Overview - Metcalf has all the physical abilities to be dominant down the field, but with his awful agility and poor attention to detail in more nuanced route running than just a straight line, he is a player that will need to continue to learn and develop a lot in the NFL. He has small flaws in almost every part of his game, but that is expected of such a young, athletic player, who tends to lean on his physical abilities more than he should.
        NFL Comparison - Breshad Perriman - This maybe a bit of a harsh comparison, with Perriman being a first round pick who busted, but I just want to show how being tall and running a fast 40 yard dash doesn’t mean that a wide receiver is going to excel in the NFL. If Metcalf can improve his game and become more well rounded, he could be as good as Julio Jones, and if he gets on a team with good underneath receivers, he could be the next Randy Moss. That being said, if he doesn’t keep getting better, and if he doesn’t have a good supporting cast, he could end up like Perriman, just a few years removed from being a first round pick, but nobody knows or cares who he plays for now. It’s the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by the way.
        Grade - 84 - This might be a generous grade for a player with a lot to learn that didn’t prove much on the field, but I believe a good coaching staff could make him the next great receiver, so I choose to grade him based on his fantastic potential, rather than be negative about his lack of college production and experience.




WR - Marquise Brown - 75 receptions for 1,318 yards and 10 TDs
        Physical - Brown was unable to attend the NFL Combine due to injury, but is listed at 5’9”, 166 lbs. Brown was the favorite to run the fastest 40 yard dash, so we’ll just assume it was close to the receiver who did run the fastest, (Parris Campbell, 4.31) and go from there. His quickness and acceleration are just as impressive, but his frame is going to be a significant problem when faced with tight, physical coverage in the NFL.
        Intangible - A very good route runner, his lateral agility gives him an advantage against press coverage, and his acceleration and quickness help him run crisp routes with sharp breaks. He uses deception to confuse defensive backs and get open, including his ability to change his pace, which has really caused his opponents problems. He is fine at catching the ball when he is open, but his small frame makes contested catches extremely difficult for him. He is highly elusive, and it would seem that his skills would translate to being a kick and punt returner, though he was never utilized as one in college.
        Overview - I have a hard time getting behind small receivers, because while they are typically more versatile, quicker, and better route runners, without a good QB to make the throws, and without a good offensive line to give them time to get open, they aren’t as effective. That being said, Brown could have success in the NFL if utilized similar to Antonio Brown, using his route running and agility on drag and crossing routes, his quickness and elusiveness on screen passes, and then using his blazing speed to beat defenders deep once they try and crowd him at the line.
        NFL Comparison - T.Y. Hilton - This one is almost too easy. A small, quick, crisp route runner, who can really fly down the field if asked, but who doesn’t have the size to be the very best. Brown will be at his best as either a compliment to a more complete pass catcher, or with a bigger receiver to open things up for him.
        Grade - 83 - I really like Brown, but with his size he may not be capable of becoming elite, not to mention the injury concerns that come with a small WR. He has all the other tools, but without the size other receivers have, it is tough to see him as a number one receiver. He could be one of the most exciting players on the field though, and I’d like to see whoever drafts him give him a shot to return punts and kicks.



WR - Parris Campbell - 90 receptions for 1,063 yards and 12 TDs
        Physical - Campbell stands at 6’0”, and weighs 205 lbs. He ran the fastest 40 yard dash at the combine, flying to a 4.31 time. While it is not taken into consideration as much, he also had the fastest 20 yard shuttle of all receivers, proving his elite level quickness. 
        Intangible - Wasn’t asked to make contested catches in college, and got good separation most of the time anyway, and with his high level speed and agility contested catches aren’t the biggest concern. Both his route-running and hands improved during the past season, has a fairly solid route tree and is very good in and out of breaks. Was mostly schemed open, but that isn’t really a knock on him. Very good elusiveness after the catch, and could break away with anything, but that same speed didn’t get him deep looks because that wasn’t in his college’s scheme. Projects as a very good YAC receiver who you design plays to get the ball to.
        Overview - Campbell needs to grow as a receiver to become more effective at intermediate and deep routes, but currently can be an immediate impact player on a spread offense and as a return man. His limited usage in college makes his upside intriguing, but also might limit him in the short term as he will be less effective as a vertical threat and down the field due to his inexperience in those areas.
        NFL Comparison - Antonio Brown - Brown can win downfield, but typically he does is with speed and quickness, not strength in contested catch scenarios. Campbell is a guy who can do the same thing, and his agility and elusiveness are top tier. Both of these guys are going to be QBs favorites, because you never know how far they can take a short pass. With these two, the play isn’t over until someone drags them to the ground.
        Grade - 90 - With receivers like Campbell, it’s all about usage. Antonio Brown, who is widely considered dangerously fast and agile, was actually slower than Curtis Samuel, a player of similar size, at the combine. Brown was a 6th round pick, Samuel a second. Both are very elusive receivers who can also return kicks. Brown led the league in tons of stats year after year, meanwhile Samuel is almost a gadget receiver, whose career hasn’t taken off yet. Arguably, if Samuel were to play with Ben Roethlisberger, on a team that is dedicated to getting him the ball, he could have the success Brown has had. If Campbell goes to a team that wants to get him the ball as much as possible, his skills could make him great.




WR - A.J. Brown - 85 receptions for 1,320 yards and 6 TDs
        Physical - At 6’0”, 226 lbs, A.J. Brown is fairly average height, but sturdily built. His 40 yard dash was no better than average either, running a 4.49. He did show off his strength with a fine 19 bench reps, but his vertical jump and broad jump were just so-so. Without doing the agility drills at the combine it is tough to know how quick he is compared to other NFL athletes, but in college he was relatively quick.
        Intangible - Works mostly out of the slot using agility to get open. Has had problems dropping the football. Didn’t face much press coverage since he worked primarily out of the slot. Good at selling routes, effective running routes in general, with good start and stop ability. He is like a big running back when he has the ball, very tough to bring down. Also a very powerful blocker, more than willing to make a block to help his teammates.
        Overview - Brown is a very odd combination of being a small receiver who isn’t very fast, but instead is more strong. Maybe quick as well, but when moving to the NFL his quickness could be nullified by facing equally athletic opponents. He isn’t exactly super well suited to any roll, not being quick enough with good enough hands to be a star in the slot, and he doesn’t have the vertical jump or the height to work on the outside of an offense.
        NFL Comparison - Dede Westbrook - Westbrook hasn’t had the impact that Jacksonville has needed, but he has been decent. Brown is a lot thicker built than Westbrook, but Westbrook has a vast speed advantage over Brown. While Dede improved in 2018, he doesn’t seem to be the guy the Jags were looking for, and is really more of a complementary piece than a true number one receiver.
        Grade - 80 - Overall I’m not too impressed by A.J. Brown. I think that he has very few really good aspects of his game, and what worked for him in college isn’t going to work in the NFL. If he stays as a slot receiver, he isn’t going to be able to bully the stronger LBs of the NFL, and he isn’t going to be quick enough to escape from slot corners. If he is moved to the outside, he will face even better cover corners, and his size won’t benefit him enough to get the better position versus the more athletic corners he will face in the NFL. 




WR - Deebo Samuel - 62 catches for 882 yards and 11 TDs
        Physical - Deebo Samuel was solid at the combine, but only ran a 4.48 40 yard dash. At only 5’11”, 214 lbs, I’m sure he was hoping for better. Strength is surprising for the small receiver, especially when going up to get the ball. Good acceleration to his full speed, but his full speed isn’t good enough to take the top off a defense.
        Intangible - Very good at beating press with a variety of moves, and surprisingly good at winning jump balls despite his height. After the catch he was able to be effective do to his slipperiness, it is very difficult for defenders to line him up, and he is strong enough to power through arm tackles. No desire to make blocks, despite his willingness to be physical after he makes a catch. He is a good, but not amazing route runner, but his body control helps win contested catches.
        Overview - Similar to A.J. Brown, Samuel is a player who lacks an identity. He is good after the catch, but so is every other receiver in his draft class. He is physical, but his size holds him back from being fully successful on the outside. He is quick, but he might not be quick enough to continue to succeed with it in the NFL. His best trait is his ability to beat press coverage, but he isn’t a good enough receiver to warrant consistent press coverage.
        NFL Comparison - Sterling Shepard - Shepard had similar numbers at his combine, and is a similar size to Samuel. I’ve heard a lot of suggestions that Samuel drop a few pounds, and that would put him and Shepard at almost an identical weight. Like Shepard, Samuel should primarily be used as a slot weapon, and maybe won’t be a very effective player without other good receivers on the team. 
        Grade - 73 - The lack of elite speed, agility, or size means that Samuel is likely not going to be a go to receiver in the NFL. Samuel isn’t worthy of a first round pick for me, and no WR that isn’t going to be the focal point of an offense should be drafted in the first round, in my opinion. There are plenty of average receivers who can be found in the later rounds that will work just fine when used together, just ask the Patriots.




WR - N’keal Harry - 73 receptions for 1,088 yards and 9 TDs
        Physical - Of the top receiving prospects, Harry ran the slowest 40 yard dash, but considering his size is second only to DK Metcalf’s, only being a few hundredths of a second slower than smaller receivers isn’t that bad. His 27 bench reps also tied Metcalf’s for the most by a receiver. Agility and quickness were shown at the college level as well.
        Intangible - Harry is my favorite contested catch receiver of the draft, and his size and physicality will make up for his inability to blow past NFL defenders. Has likely the best catching ability of the class. Great ability to pluck the ball out of the air and hang on. Interestingly, his play after he makes a catch is arguably where he is strongest, great production but I’m not really sure why considering the lack of agility and speed. Route running could be better, most of his catches were manufactured by easy schemes. Blocking is absolutely phenomenal, ferocious blocker on every play. Has shown issues with putting in the maximum effort however, which could be a red flag.
        Overview - Harry is a very talented receiver who’s physicality is top tier when he puts in the effort. Some plays that were given up on in college make me nervous though, a lack of effort isn’t something you want to see with any prospect. His frame is ideal though, and a good coaching staff could use him as the prototypical number one receiver in the NFL. His ability after the catch also makes him versatile, as he could make big plays out of schemed touches from the slot and on screens or short routes. 
        NFL Comparison - Allen Robinson - I like this comparison because even though Robinson is built like an X-receiver, and has been the number one guy before, he is arguably at his best when he is in the slot. Harry maybe best in the slot as well, and with his blend of size and adequate speed, he could be a matchup nightmare for teams wherever he is utilized.
        Grade - 83 - This grade is higher than maybe it should be due to the small size of most of the other receivers in his class, not to mention the terrible crop of FA receivers available to NFL teams this season. I think a team that needs a bigger receiver should take a chance on Harry, but not until late in the first round.




TE - T.J. Hockenson - 49 receptions for 760 yards and 6 TDs
        Physical - Standing at 6’5”, 251 lbs, Hockenson is the biggest TE of the top group. He and fellow Iowa TE Noah Fant competed at the combine to put up the best numbers, and while Fant got the slight edge, Hockenson was nearly as impressive. Doesn’t have the speed to blow defenders away, but is agile enough to compare to the WRs of this draft class, and with his size that is really something.
        Intangible - Hockenson is a solid route runner, and he has very good cuts that LBs won’t be able to keep up with. His frame combined with his catching ability, even on poorly thrown balls, make him a nearly unmissable target for QBs. He can tend to catch the ball with his body instead of fully extending, but that should be able to be fixed at the NFL level. Shows maximum effort on blocks, whether he’s the lead blocker or not doesn’t matter to him. 
        Overview - One of the most complete prospects of the draft, the only thing missing for Hockenson is elite speed. And while he may not be burning defenses deep, he still has the athletic ability to get all over the field and make plays. His blocking ability is also admirable as teams are trending to more receiving TEs.
        NFL Comparison - Rob Gronkowski - I don’t think it is too much of a stretch to compare Hockenson to future Hall of Famer and recently retired Gronkowski. Gronk was a great receiver and could stretch defenses, but was also a very good safety valve for Tom Brady, not to mention his success in the red zone. That being said, I compare these two primarily because of their blocking ability. Hockenson can have a big impact on a play without having to touch the ball, and that could be very influential, depending on the scheme of the team that drafts him.
        Grade - 89 - TJ Hockenson is the most complete TE in this class. He is fast, and a consistent route runner, and he can block as well. None of the other TEs are as well balanced as Hockenson, and while a team looking for more receiver than TE might take his teammate Noah Fant before Hockenson, there is no doubt in my mind that Hockenson is the best TE available.



TE - Irv Smith - 44 receptions for 710 yards and 7 TDs
        Physical - While he didn’t have a bad combine, Smith had the worst combine of the top 3 TE prospects. At 6’2”, 242 lbs, he is also the smallest of the draft classes top TEs. 
        Intangible - Smith was a solid blocker at the college level, but his smaller stature might hold him back at the NFL level. His effort as a blocker hasn’t always been the best either. He has a very extensive route tree, and he has solid hands to make difficult catches. He isn’t a natural receiver, and he has to slow down when looking for the ball on deep passes.
        Overview - Overall, Smith is an interesting prospect. He is shorter than some of the WRs in this class, which could help him with leverage when blocking, but will hinder him in the passing game. That being said, he is expected to be used primarily as a pass catcher, because while he is a good blocker, he isn’t a great blocker, and he doesn’t weigh enough to hold off bigger, stronger DEs at the NFL level. So, for me, Irv Smith projects as more of a check down player, a safety valve.
        NFL Comparison - Charles Clay - I’m going with Charles Clay as Smith’s comparison because I see a similar size between the two TEs, and I expect Smith’s usage in the NFL to be similar to Clay’s. Clay has a career average of 10.7 yards per catch, which means he is more of a dump off option and not a vertical threat most of the time. Smith will be utilized best if he can get on a team with a young QB where he can help them develop by being a consistent short range option for when his QB is in trouble.
        Grade - 74 - While Smith isn’t a bad player, his size is less than optimal, and his game still has plenty of kinks to be worked out at the pro level. This grade may be harsh, but that is a mixture of my just not caring for his skill set and not being a fan of utilizing TEs as safety valves. A big TE is much more useful as a tool to create mismatches down the field, and I’d much rather use slot receivers for a dump off due to their ability to make something happen after the catch. Smith is hard to bring down, but he won’t have the explosiveness of a small receiver, who could take a short pass for a huge gain on any play with an elusiveness Smith won’t be capable of with his size.



TE - Noah Fant - 39 receptions for 519 yards and 7 TDs
        Physical - Fant was the fastest TE at the combine, and over the past couple years we’ve seen a trend towards speed at the TE position, rather than strength. Doesn’t matter to Fant though, because he had the most bench reps too. At 6’4”, 249 lbs, Fant has good size, but could afford to put on a few more pounds.
        Intangible - Fant is best as a receiver, and while he won’t ever be a great blocker, he more than makes up for it with an extensive route tree, great hands, and his ability to go up and fight for a catch. He could be a big receiver with his skill set, and is optimal not being used with his hand in the dirt, instead being played standing near the offensive line or in the slot. After the catch he is one of the most difficult players to take down with a dangerous blend of speed and size.
        Overview - While Fant isn’t going to be a great blocker, or maybe even a good blocker at the NFL level, he fits the mold of the modern NFL more than any other TE in this class. He is fast, tall, and runs an expansive route tree, and will be a matchup nightmare for defenses.
        NFL Comparison - Evan Engram - Engram is another young TE who avoids the line of the scrimmage like the plague. This might be a knock on Fant, not being versatile enough to play on the line, but if he can find success like Engram has as a pure receiving TE, he will be fine in the NFL. Fant is one of the most complete pass catchers of this class at either the WR or TE position, and should be considered a dangerous weapon in the NFL.
        Grade - 85 - The fact that Fant isn’t capable of playing on the line hurts him a bit as far as being a legitimate TE, but his usage in the passing game should be considerable. While he isn’t going to be an elite blocker, and still needs to work on other aspects of his game, the biggest issue for him is the unknowns. He was on the bench while George Kittle started up until he was drafted, and then TJ Hockenson took the starting job. Fant is kind of a huge question mark, because he has never been THE guy, he’s always had someone considered more dangerous on the team with him, drawing the more difficult matchups.




OT - Andre Dillard - No stats for offensive lineman.
        Physical - Dillard, 6’5”, 312 lbs, showed off impressive mobility at the combine, for an offensive lineman. He set the bar for the 20 yard shuttle, and was close to the best in the 3 cone drill and the 40 yard dash. Dillard did a solid 24 bench reps as well. On the field, strength has been an issue, especially in his hands and when he’s the point of attack.
        Intangible - 3 year starter with high football IQ, and a good effort level. Pass blocking specialist, who will need to clean up his run blocking. Getting correct leverage is an issue for Dillard as well, which leads into some of his strength issues. Good movement and balance, combined with his solid pass blocking ability, make him intriguing.
        Overview - Dillard is a pass blocking specialist, and while good pass blocking is a must for left tackles, a more well rounded player is still preferable. Dillard isn’t a fit for a team that runs the ball a lot or who likes a power running ground attack, and that lack of versatility is going to force teams to think twice about whether or not he is a scheme fit for them.
        Grade - 87 - Dillard is a high potential left tackle, who needs a lot of work in the run game, but has the IQ and physical gifts, especially his mobility, to be a very good starting left tackle in the NFL. He isn’t a good enough run blocker to play at right tackle, which is typically for more physical and powerful blockers, so only teams with a need at left tackle should be interested in him. Dillard has legitimate potential to be a very good pass protector, but needs to round out his game.




OT - Jawaan Taylor - No stats for offensive lineman.
        Physical - Jawaan Taylor, 6’5”, 312 lbs, falls right in line with the other top offensive tackles. He offers teams strong blocking that can help in the run game, with good length and mobility to be a solid pass blocker. More consistent leverage would further his strength in both pass and run blocking. Hands are violent and hit hard, but aren’t that clean.
        Intangible - Versatile as a blocker, Taylor could likely fit in at either tackle or guard position, but spent most of his time at RT in college. Communication is solid, and overall mental processing is very good, Taylor is a very smart player, necessary to play at a high level as an offensive lineman in the NFL. Footwork is elite, but the handwork doesn’t match. Will need to develop that at the next level, but overall is a very solid prospect.
        Overview - Other than his hand placement and timing, Taylor has everything down to be an early impact player for an offensive line. Possibly my favorite part about him is his versatility, suggestions tend to say leave him at right tackle, but if a team sees that they have a bigger need elsewhere on the offensive line, he can step up and fill it. 
        Grade - 92 - Poor hand technique, as well as not being a left tackle, hurts him a bit overall. Like I said previously, he should be fine wherever he is put on the offensive line, but there’s always that chance that he doesn’t transition well to the more important tackle position. Size, strength, mobility, and football IQ, Taylor has everything a team could ask for to anchor an offensive line in need of a rebuild. Should only keep getting better after he is drafted, and could be a day one starter.




OT - Dalton Risner - No stats for offensive lineman.
        Physical - 6’5”, 312 lbs, Risner could have done better in the 40 yard dash, as well as the vertical and broad jumps, but performed well in the 3 cone drill and 20 yard shuttle. He has the strength to shut down power rushers, and he had a very good game against potential top 10 pick Montez Sweat, who he only lost one rep to. Risner is a mauler in the run game, he doesn’t settle for holding his own, he wants to and usually does take his opponent completely out of the play. Doesn’t have the best length, which will be a hindrance at the pro level.
        Intangible - Very good hand technique, but he has some issues with footwork. He has the quickness to improve in that area though. IQ is fantastic, and very important in his shutting down blitzes. Vocal communicator confident in the calls he makes, and he should be, as he is elite at picking up on pressure packages. Versatility is a huge bonus for Risner, he played all 5 positions at Kansas State, but I think his skills translate best to right tackle, where his mauling ability in the run game will be best utilized.
        Overview - Length and footwork are the biggest issues with Risner, and while length can’t be taught, his footwork should be cleaned up at the pro level. His hands, IQ, and run blocking are all elite. Risner very well could be a day one starter, especially for a team with a need at RT, but I could see him start in a variety of positions depending on what his team needs.
        Grade - 88 - High quality run blocker with upside to match a high floor, Risner needs to work on some areas of his game, but overall could and should be a quality starter for several years to come. Weaknesses other than footwork and frame are nothing big, only minor adjustments necessary, and that can be said for basically every prospect, nobody is perfect. Risner should be drafted early by a team looking to improve or rebuild their offensive line to be stronger in the run game, but he isn’t limited to just his run blocking ability, as showcased when he almost completely shut Montez Sweat down.




OT - Kaleb McGary - No stats for offensive lineman.
        Physical - McGary is a monster of a man, standing at 6’7”, 317 lbs, you don’t have to worry about pass rushers going through him. That size comes with some disadvantages though, as McGary is not agile enough in pass protection, and therefore speed rushers are a consistent concern. His height also makes it difficult for him to get good leverage, which makes his raw strength even more impressive, since players who were easily able to get more leverage than him still weren’t able to go through him.
        Intangible - Issues galore. While McGary is an intelligent blocker, very good at knowing when to block who, he has way too many technique issues. His pad level, hand usage and timing, footwork, and his overall run and pass blocking. In college he got away with pure size and strength, but in the NFL he is going to need a complete overhaul to be an effective player. Only played right tackle in college, but his weaknesses scream a move to the inside will be made at the pro level.
        Overview - Physically, he is almost unmatched, he is strong as an ox, and about as hard to move. Technically, he is also unmatched, because nobody else who is being considered a top offensive lineman has this many issues. McGary is pure, raw potential, with a massive frame that is coveted in the NFL, but with all his issues, he may not see the field as a rookie. I like him for a team that knows they are going to need to replace someone down the road, but not if they have bigger needs to address, which means he should fall at least until the end of day two of the draft.
        Grade - 74 - I don’t know if McGary has what it takes to be a solid lineman in the NFL. Yes he is intelligent, and yes he is a giant of a man, but unless the coaches at Washington are just terrible, I don’t know why a player with nearly 4 years of starting experience has so many technical issues. That is a red flag for me, but the blend of football IQ and raw strength is intriguing, and I’m sure a team confident in its coaching staff will reach for him no later than day two.




OT - Greg Little -         No stats for offensive lineman.
Physical - Greg Little isn’t so little, at 6’5”, 310 lbs, he is right in line with the rest of the top tackles in this year’s class. Strong at the point of attack, and generally agile, especially for his size. Effort isn’t great, and he has been known to take plays off, or bail on plays he deems a lost cause. Physically sound, but the issues will be in his intangibles.
        Intangible - Handwork, not great. Footwork, not good. Timing and overall IQ, decent, but by no means exceptional. Balance is generally the thing that is considered Little’s worst trait, he is very inconsistent. A left tackle in college, that is where he should probably stay, as it fits his style and skills the best, especially if he is in a zone heavy scheme.
        Overview - High potential, Little has all the physical tools that the NFL will look for. Problem is, I don’t like to see lineman who take plays off. If I were doing comparisons, I’d compare Little to Donovan Smith, the Buccaneer who had a ton of potential, but never grew as a player, gets beat consistently at LT, and who occasionally looks completely lost or just seems to take the play off. That’s not to say I don’t think Little can make it in the NFL, but I’d like to see some more effort from him as well as seeing him improve his technique once he starts getting that paycheck to play in the NFL.
        Grade - 75 - All the tools, Little can become a premier NFL left tackle. Right now, he isn’t ready to start, and if he does end up starting for a desperate team, he will need to be given time before too much is expected. I think he has upside to be very good, but teams will need to be a little patient with him, rather than just throwing him to the wolves on day one.




OL - Jonah Williams - No stats for offensive lineman.
        Physical - Williams is listed as a guard by NFL.com, but he believes he is meant to be an NFL left tackle. At 6’4”, 302 lbs, he is only an inch and about 10 lbs shy of most of the other prospects at the tackle position. Williams isn’t lacking in power either, as he is both a strong anchor and a blocker who can move defenders in the run game. Quickness on the field is good, but his combine numbers aren’t as he was generally below average. That surprised me, since when he is on the field, everything about Williams’ physical ability is positive. 
        Intangible - Technique and power, Williams is a top tier run blocker. A few issues in his pass blocking, highlighted by his lack of length, but he is generally a solid pass blocker as well. Good balance is a plus to his play, he rarely gets thrown off by defenders. Football IQ and team communication are elite, he won’t be a liability in that department.
        Overview -  A move to the interior of an offensive line is what I hear suggested for Williams, but honestly, I don’t know that I agree. He was very good against pass rushers in college, with elite footwork making up a bit for his lack of length, but coaches are afraid he will present a weakness when there is a powerful and lengthy pass rusher available to attack him. I think he should be given a chance, because similar to Ed Oliver, Williams was once considered a no brainer top 5 prospect, until his size scared some teams off.
        Grade - 90 -  I think Williams should be given a chance to start at tackle, maybe even by day one, as he is a very polished player who could present teams with a better lineman than what they currently have available. If size does hold Williams back, I think he could be a solid interior blocker, but if he makes that move he should be given at least a year either as a backup, or with low expectations so he can adjust.




OL - Cody Ford - No stats for offensive lineman.
        Physical - 6’4”, 329 lbs, Ford did an underwhelming 19 bench reps. Athletic ability is impressive for his size, and he has the quickness to excel in pass protection. Not great length for an offensive tackle, he is more likely going to be an NFL guard. 
        Intangible - Better pass blocker than run blocker, with strong hands and good footwork. Can be beat by a speed rush, but sturdy enough to face power rushers.
        Overview - Ford is stuck between tackle and guard. I think most see him as a guard, but some still consider him a tackle. For me, I’m thinking guard, he has the size for it, and his lack of length will hurt him less there. 
        Grade - 77 - If I’m a GM, I’m not pulling the trigger on a tackle who should probably be a guard, who isn’t balanced, and is more of a pass blocker. I like pass blocking specialist tackles, with balanced interior offensive lineman, but if I had to choose pass or run blocking specialists at the guard position, I’d take a run blocker over a pass blocker. Combine numbers don’t help Ford any either.




OL - Chris Lindstrom - No stats for offensive lineman.
        Physical - 6’4”, 308 lbs, Lindstrom is quite the athlete, especially for the guard position. Amazing in every drill at the combine, he really helped himself. Balance is natural, but can struggle to keep himself as low as he should. More quick than strong when blocking, but his quickness translates to an ability to move defenders. Biggest knock on him is probably his strength, but he did more bench reps than any other offensive tackle or guard on this list.
        Intangible - Aggressive when blocking for the run, he uses his initial surge to get the advantage over a defender and drive them out of the gap. Tons of football IQ, which is to be expected from a 4 year starter. Stout anchor with experience as a tackle, Lindstrom projects well as a pass blocker. Consistent blocker who can step in and start for an NFL teams, Lindstrom already has high quality hand and footwork.
        Overview -  Lindstrom’s agility combined with his solid pass blocking make him an interesting prospect at a tackle position. Even if the team that drafts him decides he should stay on the interior of the line, he is an elite run blocker with upside as a pass blocker. Either way, he should have an early impact, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he started in the first game of the 2019 season. 
        Grade - 94 - Lindstrom looks like a can’t miss prospect at guard, and his only weakness is that he isn’t on a Quinten Nelson level with his athleticism. If he were a 4 year tackle in college, the argument could be made that he should be the first blocker off the board, but with experience at both tackle and guard, as well as no really impactful flaws in his game, I’m not convinced he shouldn’t be the first lineman drafted. With experience at tackle, and the right size, I’m not convinced Lindstrom shouldn’t be considered a high upside left tackle, with high floor guard ability to fall back on if it doesn’t work out.




C - Garrett Bradbury - No stats for offensive lineman.
        Physical - 6’3”, 306 lbs, Bradbury set the bar in the 3 cone drill, ran a nice 4.92 40 yard dash, and did an impressive 34 bench reps. I could go on and on with how good his performance was at the combine, but I’ll move on and just say it was really good. He has a strong anchor and isn’t going to be moved by a power rush. Determination and technique maximize his functional strength.
        Intangible - Footwork, top tier. Strike placement and timing, elite. Pull blocking, while he didn’t do it much, looks natural. High level mental processor who isn’t confused by stunts and late pressure. Amazing zone blocker, but that leads to questions about how Bradbury will translate his skills to other schemes. As good as he is in zone, I can’t see him having big issues in other schemes. Biggest issue is his ability to hold off multiple pass rushers at once until help arrives, he is a finesse blocker and can be overwhelmed at the point of attack.
        Overview - Wish Bradbury were a bit stronger and more scheme diverse, but as is Bradbury is a top tier talent. Good pass blocking and run blocking, check. Good technique, check. A team that needs a solid and consistent anchor in the middle of their offensive line should pounce on Bradbury early.
        Grade - 89 - Bradbury is a very polished player who doesn’t take plays off and has quality functional strength, and he would be an absolute steal late in the first round. Interior offensive lineman, much like their defensive counterparts, are valued less than their teammates on the edge. That doesn’t mean that they aren’t valuable though, and Bradbury is a guy who can come in and have a positive impact for a team that needs line help, and there are plenty of teams who need to improve their offensive lines.




C - Erik McCoy - No stats for offensive lineman.
        Physical - 6’4”, 303 lbs, McCoy put up impressive numbers at the combine, except for a 8.28 3 cone drill that was really bad. Stout against power rushers, and quick against faster, more nimble rushers, no type of defender gave McCoy issues, although longer defensive lineman could beat him with their length. Has the power and pad level to drive back defenders. Effort level is never lacking.
        Intangible - Footwork is really good, but could use some improvement when blocking in the second level. Strike timing and placement are okay, but could definitely be improved, since McCoy will need better technique to make up for his lack of length. He excelled in zone blocking schemes, but there is nothing that shows that McCoy couldn’t also be a good power blocker. Football IQ is a big plus, McCoy has high awareness and can diagnose quickly.
        Overview - Not as good as Bradbury with his technique and mechanics, but a tad stronger and more ‘nasty’ if you will. Take your pick of the two, because while McCoy may take a bit longer to adjust to the pro level, he also likely has a higher potential due to his increased strength.
        Grade - 86 - I prefer a finished product on the interior of the offensive line, so Bradbury gets the edge out of the 2 centers, but McCoy is still good and should be expected to start early in his career at either guard or center. He has upside, but his floor is more impressive, as he already plays at a level where he rarely ever gets beat. Overall, he is a good prospect on the interior of the offensive line.




DT - Quinnen Williams - 71 tackles, 45 solo, 19.5 tackles for a loss, and 8 sacks (15 games)
        Physical - Quinnen Williams is the prototypical interior defensive lineman, standing at 6’3” and weighing over 300 lbs. His 40 yard dash time of 4.83 was impressive, but 40 times mean little to nothing for DTs. Has explosive first step quickness, and is very nimble. Very powerful and consistently dominated 1 on 1 in college, as well as holding his own against double teams.
        Intangible - Williams has great ability to diagnose plays at the line of scrimmage. Has considerable skill in hand technique, both fighting off blocks to make a play on the ball carrier, and to get past blockers into the backfield. His overall pass rushing technique is phenomenal and his experience getting consistent double teams will only help at the NFL level. Only issues with him are some missed sacks, and inability to recover from when he misses with his hands. Has a very high motor, and with good range he can track down ball carriers away from his typical area of play.
        Overview - All of the tools that a defensive lineman needs, Williams has. The high motor, the good hand usage, the strength to not get pushed around by offensive lineman, not to mention holding his own against double teams, and the burst to get after the passer. He is going to need to improve at the NFL level, like any rookie, but he is still one of the most complete players in the draft. Williams isn’t without flaws though, as he tends to play too tall, and since he is shorter than most OL, he should be getting more leverage than he does.
        NFL Comparison - Fletcher Cox - Williams and Cox share their high motor, high speed, and great use of hands and first step quickness to shed blocks and disrupt an offense. Williams has everything going for him to reach the same high level that Cox has played at.
        Grade - 97 - It doesn’t get much better than Williams, who should be in the pro bowl relatively soon considering his talent, but he isn’t a 100 for me. Some of that has to do with his position, with the number of evasive and scrambling passers in the NFL increasing, I see interior pass rushers tending to make them uncomfortable, or even force them to escape the pocket, but unless they typically don’t get the sacks or forced fumbles that an edge rusher can get. Edge rushers are higher impact players, in my opinion, and I wouldn’t be taking a defensive tackle with the first overall pick unless they were guaranteed to be the second coming of Aaron Donald.




DT - Jeffery Simmons - 63 tackles, 25 solo, 18 tackles for a loss, and 2 sacks
        Physical - Simmons has good, but not great strength, and when he loses his leverage he is effectively taken out of the play. Good reaction time and burst when rushing the passer. Injury issues are a red flag, and he was unable to do anything but the bench press at his pro day after not being invited to the NFL Combine. Great size and movement skills for a DT, standing at 6’4” and weighing approximately 300 lbs.
        Intangible - Has considerable issues tackling, despite his lengthy frame. Very high motor, willing to chase players down the field even when he shouldn’t be able to make a play. Hand usage is good when rushing the passer, as is his mental processing and planning, but he struggles in both areas vs the run. Can lose leverage due to a loss of focus. Another issue was an incident in 2016, where he assaulted a woman. The woman was involved in a fight with his sister, and apparently this wasn’t the first time, and after failing to break the fight up, Simmons threw a punch, knocking her to the ground, then continued to hit her. Popular belief is that Simmons is a good person that made a bad mistake in a bad situation, but it is still an unforgivable act of violence, even though he was only just making the transition from high school to college at the time.
        Overview - Simmons is a talented player, with obvious potential, but off the field issues, on the field injury concerns, as well as an incredibly talented draft class on the defensive line, all combine to lower his outlook considerably. He projects to be an interior pass rusher, who struggles against the run and needs to improve on his technique to progress to the next level.
        NFL Comparison - Ndamukong Suh - High motor with good pass rushing skills, issues versus the run, and off the field issues, Simmons is very similar to Suh. While I don’t believe Simmons will ever reach the level of play that Suh has, I also don’t believe he will have the off the field drama that Suh can’t seem to avoid. I do tend to agree that the 2016 incident was a mistake, but that still doesn’t mean it will be forgiven.
        Grade - 79 - In a draft class deeper than any I have seen before at the defensive line, there are just too many issues surrounding Simmons. That being said, if he can stay on the field and out of trouble, he could become one of the best pass rushing interior defensive lineman in the NFL.




DL - Ed Oliver - 54 tackles, 29 solo, 14.5 tackles for a loss, and 3 sacks (8 games)
        Physical - Ed Oliver didn’t work out at the combine, but when his Pro Day came around he blew it up. He ran a 4.71 40 yard dash, did 32 bench reps, ran a 7.01 3 cone drill, and had great vertical and broad jumps. Weighs less than the typical DT, but is still 287 lbs. Has powerful hand usage despite only being 6’2” and not having the most length. Very very very, explosive pass rusher, and his leverage makes him nearly impossible to move without a double team. 
        Intangible - Doesn’t use great strategy, has a bad rushing stance, and both of those could be benefits to Oliver, because those can both be easily fixed, and even when employing inefficient technique and strategy, he was still so terrifying that during the season, he was the favorite to go number one overall in this year’s draft. He has since fallen due to size concerns, but he is bigger and taller than Aaron Donald, so I don’t think that should be much of an issue. 
        Overview - Oliver is very flexible and nimble, and overall can just do some things that people, even athletes, shouldn’t be able to do. He is fast, quick, strong, has a motor to play for days, he is just relentless. Very effective player, and I’m considering him at the worst, a top 5 talent, because with size and athletic ability comparable to a small defensive tackle or even a defensive end, Oliver was lined up as a nose tackle, and he still had a monster impact.
        NFL Comparison - Aaron Donald - Aaron Donald is special, and I’m not sure he isn’t the greatest interior defensive lineman in history, especially if he keeps playing like he has the past few years, and I probably shouldn’t compare Oliver to him, but at his size there aren’t many other options. And honestly, if Oliver can have some of his issues coached out of him, I don’t doubt that he could be the next Donald, or even better. It isn’t often that a player is considered the best defender in college football  while he is doing some very fundamental things wrong.
        Grade - 98 - Oliver is a work in progress, more than someone like Quinnen Williams, but he is such a force on the field, and he should only get better. I think his size should benefit him more than hinder him, especially since he also has defensive end like speed, and a good coach will move him all over the line of scrimmage to get after the QB.




DT - Dexter Lawrence - 36 tackles, 15 solo, 7 tackles for a loss, and 1.5 sacks
        Physical - At 6’4”, 342 lbs, Lawrence is easily the heaviest defensive lineman of the upper class. And not only is he a big man, he led defensive lineman with 36 bench reps at the NFL Combine. He has more mobility than you’d expect from a player of his size. Not an explosive player, with very little burst, and while he has the strength to bull rush, that is about his only chance to get into the backfield.
        Intangible - Lawrence is fairly simple, he is a black hole on the line of scrimmage, eating up blocks and occasionally capable of getting off blocks to make tackles if the ball carrier gets too close. He won’t be effective rushing the passer, though he can push offensive lineman back into the QB if he isn’t double teamed.
        Overview - Lawrence is the typical NFL nose tackle, he will make it difficult for offenses to run in between the tackles due to his size and strength, plus some solid range and tackling ability, but that is about the limit of his usage.
        NFL Comparison - Damon Harrison - ‘Snacks’ Harrison is the closest thing to Dexter Lawrence unless you go all the way back to Warren Sapp. Harrison has made some pretty big money as a run stuffing nose tackle, but it is debatable how much impact a nose tackle has in this age of the NFL.
        Grade - 78 - Lawrence is a big body, and that is about it. With teams moving towards the passing game, there is starting to be less and less use for big bodies in the middle of the line. There isn’t much wrong with Lawrence’s game, the issue I have is with his role. Size and strength shouldn’t warrant a first round pick in a league that is putting more emphasis on speed and agility.




DT - Christian Wilkins - 51 tackles, 25 solo, 14 tackles for a loss, and 5.5 sacks
        Physical - Not a superb athlete according to his combine numbers, but at 6’3”, 315 lbs he does have the right size to be a starting DT. Good but not fantastic burst, and his reaction time improves the closer he is to the center. Light feet help with his ability to change direction, making him a solid tackler in the open field. 
        Intangible - Lacks good recognition when facing zone blocking schemes. While he has missed some tackles throughout his career, he is overall a good tackler. Keeps his pads low to get good leverage. Hand usage is hit or miss, and that is an issue in both run defense, and when pass rushing. Gives a lot of effort on every play, and he is a typically stout anchor. Biggest issue is probably his consistency with pass rushing, but he has all the tools to make it work.
        Overview - Wilkins shows a high level of versatility, and while he would probably be best and most utilized as a 3 technique DT, he can be used in other places as well. He isn’t without his issues, but is expected to be a day one starter who can make a positive impact.
        NFL Comparison - Akeem Hicks - Pass rushing could be where Wilkins shines, if he can clean up some of his mistakes. He needs to work on his hand usage as well as his rush plan to really improve his game. I like him most for his ability to stuff the run as well as rush the passer, making him a consistent 3 down lineman.
        Grade - 87 - Another casualty of position and the deep defensive line class, Wilkins could be a top 10 pick in a lot of draft classes, but this just isn’t it. High end versatility is nice, but on the NFL level he could improve if he was allowed to stay in one spot and focus on learning that position very well. I like his ability to stop the run and his potential to rush the passer, but overall he has several things he could improve on, and as a four year player at Clemson, we may have already seen his ceiling, or at least close to it.




DT - Jerry Tillery - 28 tackles, 17 solo, 8.5 tackles for a loss, and 7 sacks
        Physical - Being 6’6” and 295 lbs, I would have thought that Tillery would have struggled with being too tall and not heavy enough, but it seems that losing some weight has helped him improve his game considerably. He has a very good first step, and paired with good flexibility and a low pad level, he has the leverage to win a 1 on 1, but he isn’t consistent. Has good agility to change directions, and paired with his good range, it helps him make plays in open field.
        Intangible - Some work ethic and character issues in the past, but something seems to have changed in Tillery’s last season, as he seemed to be years more mature and more developed than the player he previously was. His hand usage and mental processing are both still improving, but it might be a good thing that he has shown the ability to continue to improve. Has some of the most lethal pass rushing moves I’ve ever seen, destroying offensive lineman with both power and finesse moves on his way to the QB, and all indications show that he is only going to continue adding to his arsenal of moves.
        Overview - Tillery lost some pounds going into his final season, and while it didn’t seem to make his play against the run any worse, it had a great effect on his pass rushing. That being said, he will likely never be an elite run defender, as every game he has at least a few plays where he gets completely taken out of the play. He has the potential to be a very good pass rusher though, and he is already very dangerous to opposing QBs.
        NFL Comparison - Malik Jackson - Jackson is a force rushing the passer, with 8 sacks in 2017. He may be a better run defender than Tillery, but I think Tillery could be an even better pass rusher than Jackson, with his elite level of rushing moves. Tillery has only trended up this past season, so there is no reason he can’t continue to improve his game across the board and become a more solid player, even against the run.
        Grade - 83 - For an incomplete player, I think this is a fair grade. Tillery’s potential as a top pass rusher on the interior of the defensive line is intriguing, but pass rushing DTs that aren’t Aaron Donald don’t tend to find much success getting to the QB, especially without edge rushing help. That potential also worries me though, because it took him to the fourth year of his college career to really show a lot of improvement. Perhaps there were other factors, but it makes me wonder if he is a slow developer, or if his last season was a fluke.




DE - Nick Bosa - 2017 stats - 34 tackles, 19 solo, 16 tackles for a loss, and 8.5 sacks
        Physical - Bosa isn’t an athletic freak, but he’s 6’4” and a solid 266 lbs, and he put up good numbers across the board at the combine. Flexibility and agility are among the best in the class, if not the best. Very tough anchor on the edge, not moved easily at all. Plays with amazing leverage.
        Intangible - Very high football IQ, reads what the offense is doing very well. Repertoire of moves is insane for a college player. Consistent tackler with a great radius. Amazing motor. The closest thing to a can’t miss prospect this class has to offer.
        Overview - Nick Bosa is insanely talented, and plays with a level of intelligence above most pro athletes, not to mention college players. His arsenal of moves, along with his athletic ability to run around or through blockers, as well as his run stopping talent, make him the most complete player in this class. If I had to knock him on something, it would be that he isn’t as good as other pass rushers from a stand up stance, but when he is in his element, he is the best player on the field. A core injury sidelined him for most of 2018, but I’m no doctor, and the NFL hasn’t made a big deal about it, so I assume he’s fine.
        NFL Comparison - Joey Bosa - Maybe I’m cheating with this comparison, since they’re brothers, but obviously they’re very similar players. I think Nick might have a better career, but it is very close between the two of them. Both are immensely talented and athletic 3 technique defensive ends, and I expect Nick to have the instant impact for his team that Joey has had for the Chargers.
        Grade - 99 - The only reason that Nick Bosa is not a 100? He isn’t as good of a standing pass rusher. If he were, he would be able to maximize his impact on any style defense immediately, but for now he will stay at the DE position. Even without that ability, Bosa will be an immediate starter wherever he goes, because players this good aren’t available too often. Outstanding hand technique, power, agility, speed, and with a list of pass rushing moves at his disposal, Bosa is a blue chip prospect and possibly the best player available in the draft.




DE - Rashan Gary - 38 tackles, 20 solo, 6.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks (9 games)
        Physical - Gary put up some really good numbers at the combine, running a fast 4.58 40 yard dash, and having the best vertical and broad jumps of all DEs, all at the size of 6’4” and 277 lbs. He is strong as well as fast, and his first step is very good. Big hitter with impressive closing speed. Lateral mobility is Gary’s biggest physical issue.
        Intangible - I’ve heard Gary say that he wasn’t productive at the college level (no more than 5.5 sacks in a season) because he was used on the interior rather than the edge. Yet, Gary’s skill set should translate more to an interior pass rusher than an edge defender. Snap to snap effort is questionable. Not super flexible, and has obvious mechanical issues. Another defensive lineman who has high versatility, rather than one position he is really good at, and the stats in college are worrisome. 
        Overview - Gary has favorable athleticism, but struggled getting after the QB in college. That has been blamed on the way he was utilized, but since he projects to be a versatile defender, I’m not going to accept that excuse. Gary has all the physical tools, but is an obvious work in progress who will need to develop more than most of the other prospects who are projected to be drafted early in the first round. 
        NFL Comparison - Jason Pierre Paul - Physically, these two are nearly identical, with JPP being 6’5”, 278 lbs. A versatile pass rusher who can play on the edge or the interior, JPP has found more success, and has primarily been used, on the edge. Gary may move inside, or at the very least have an outside linebacker blitzing his edge to allow him to line up closer to the middle of the line, but however he is used, I think he should stay at one position his rookie season. Versatility is great, if you’re good at everything, but Gary is just okay at everything, and I would like to see him improve at one spot before being moved around to others.
        Grade - 84 - In a draft class full of immediate impact players, Gary isn’t one. He will be an average player at best when he takes the field, but with his physical talent, the upside is there to become a top defensive lineman. Eventually, his versatility could make him a dangerous swiss army knife, but without being really good at any one spot, he is going to need to sharpen his skills before he cuts open any NFL offensive lines.




DE - Clelin Ferrell - 55 tackles, 29 solo, 20 tackles for a loss, and 11.5 sacks
        Physical - Ferrell was unable to participate at the Clemson pro day, and didn’t run the 40 yard dash at the combine, but at 6’4”, 264 lbs I think it’s safe to assume it would be in the same range as Nick Bosa’s, with a 4.79. His burst out of his 3 point stance was at a new level in 2018. Ferrell lacks elite flexibility, but it doesn’t seem to have a terrible effect on him. Stout against run blocking, he is more than capable of setting the edge.
        Intangible - A very smart player, Ferrell processes quickly in both run defense, and when rushing the passer. Tackling ability is strong, as is his nose for the ball, with several forced fumbles during his career. Doesn’t take plays off. Hands are elite, prefers to use them over his first step quickness, but he possess both. Has a very good repertoire of pass rushing moves that can beat any offensive lineman. Amazing timing and planning when attacking an offense.
        Overview - Ferrell is a pro ready, day one starter. Great size, incredible IQ, the only problems I have with him is the question marks he has left unanswered through this offseason due to injury, and his slightly below elite level athleticism. If he can show a workout where he flashes great athletic ability, he could leap right up to the top of my draft board.
        NFL Comparison - J.J. Watt - This isn’t a comparison I give lightly. Ferrell is incredibly talented and has the football IQ to only keep getting better. Already elite versus the run, as shown by his 38 tackles for a loss over the past 2 seasons, and with an arsenal of pass rushing moves at his disposal, if Ferrell can stay on the field he could be a top defensive end for years to come.
        Grade - 95 - I love smart players, and Ferrell is very smart. His biggest weakness, other than some minor injury concerns, is his flexibility, and while that brings him lower than the very top players, I still think that Ferrell has a top 5 floor heading into the NFL. His productivity against both the run and the pass speaks for itself, and his high motor and lack of weaknesses will keep him on the field as a three-down starter.




EDGE - Josh Allen - 88 tackles, 56 solo, 21.5 tackles for a loss, and 17 sacks
        Physical - Allen ran a 4.63 40 yard dash, which is not bad at all for someone of his stature, 6’5” and 262 lbs. His 28 bench reps give him comparable strength to a DE, but his other numbers all look like an OLBs. His burst is explosive, so much so that he is capable of winning against offensive tackles using nothing but his speed. Flexibility is elite, and his range is phenomenal.
        Intangible - Stand up, 3 technique, coverage, Josh Allen can do it all. He has the full package to be a day one starter at an EDGE position. He is intelligent, and while he doesn’t have very many moves, I don’t doubt he can add to what he does have with good coaching. It’s not like he needed too many moves at the college level, having more sacks than games played in 2018. Run defense could be better, but he was tasked with so many responsibilities at Kentucky that he makes up for it by being good in places that he really shouldn’t be. Tackling has been an issue on occasion, choosing not to wrap up and instead lowering his shoulder, but that can be fixed.
        Overview - Allen would be the best player available in a lot of draft classes, and I’m not sure this isn’t one of them. Versatility is through the roof, but yet he doesn’t sacrifice ability in the more important areas while being good in others. Athletically, he is top tier, and mentally as well. Allen’s arsenal of moves is his biggest weakness, but he has never stopped improving in every category throughout his college career, so he will keep adding to his pass rushing moves in the NFL.
        NFL Comparison - Von Miller - This one is tough, because I can’t seem to find someone with the same physical tools, smarts, size, and versatility as Allen. Von Miller has been one of the best OLBs at rushing the passer for years, and I expect Allen to be just as capable of terrorizing offenses.
        Grade - 99 - I just couldn’t bring myself to type the 100 there. Josh Allen has more potential than any prospect I have seen since Andrew Luck, but his game isn’t complete yet. If he had a bigger arsenal of pass rushing moves, he would have been the one. He may not have those moves yet, but at Kentucky he only got better as the years went by, so he should continue to develop. Allen has all the tools to succeed anywhere in the NFL.




EDGE - Montez Sweat - 53 tackles, 27 solo, 14.5 tackles for a loss, and 12 sacks
        Physical - Where do I start? Probably the same place everyone does when they talk about Montez Sweat… that insane 40 yard dash. At 6’6”, 260 lbs, 4.41 is unprecedented. Sweat is powerful enough to hold his own against offensive tackles, has long first step explosiveness, but his agility isn’t as good as it could be.
        Intangible - Not a stand up defender. Maybe he could be, and he has done it some, but it was very limited. That is only important because Sweat is a pure edge rusher, and that could lower his value for teams that like to blitz with linebackers. Sweat’s wingspan is unreal, and he can influence every play the ball gets near him. Hand technique is good, as is his ability to escape blocks and make tackles in the run game. Has good rush moves, but needs to be more consistent.
        Overview - Sweat was very good in his 2 seasons with Mississippi State, racking up a total of 22.5 sacks. Projects as a very good edge rusher, and has the skills and strength to hold up against the run. I personally would have liked to have seen him at an OLB position rather than on the defensive line, because I feel like that is a waste of his speed. If he is used as a linebacker, he could be even more disruptive, because he has all the tools to not only rush the passer, but also cover the speedy TEs and RBs at the NFL level.
        NFL Comparison - Myles Garrett - I was unsurprisingly unable to find a DE with the speed of Sweat, so instead I went with Garrett, who is also immensely athletic. Sweat’s combination of length and speed make him one of the best potential pass rushers of the class, especially considering he only had 2 years of college where he played more than 1 game, and he still played at a high level.
        Grade - 94 - Sweat potentially could be a star in the NFL, but I think that his best attribute, his speed, could be wasted if he doesn’t transition to an OLB position, and if he does it will take time, since he will basically have to learn a whole new position. His range, speed, and size would make him an amazing linebacker. As a defensive lineman, he lacks elite strength, but is strong enough, and is quick and lengthy, enough so to be elite, but at the NFL level he will need to add to his pass rushing moves.




EDGE - Jaylon Ferguson - 65 tackles, 38 solo, 26 tackles for a loss, and 17.5 sacks
        Physical - Ferguson ran a 4.75 40 yard dash, did 24 bench reps, and had a 32 inch vertical. He stands at 6’5”, 271 lbs. Good but not great burst. One of his biggest issues is his flexibility, Ferguson has very little bend. Good strength for run defense, but poor agility when getting after the QB.
        Intangible - Hand usage is superb. Very good frame for bringing down runners. Processes well, but could be quicker. Has played both stand up and 3 point stances, but with his size he should be primarily if not exclusively a DE.
        Overview - Apparently, Ferguson is the all time leader in sacks for Division I football, and that should definitely count for something. He needs to improve in basically all aspects of his game, his decisiveness, his motor, his speed and agility. Needs to add to his arsenal of moves, but overall not a bad pass rusher, and with his size he can be a top tier run defender.
        NFL Comparison - Marcus Davenport - Ferguson has fairly low potential, but a pretty high floor for a rookie. That could be worse, because at least this way, teams know what they are getting. A solid overall player who isn’t as strong versus the pass as he is the run, but is capable of being a 3 down player.
        Grade - 81 - Ferguson is the opposite of Rashan Gary, he is a player who produced well in college and has a high floor, but a low ceiling. The good thing for him? He should fall to a team that is in win now mode, and they are going to want that high floor player who can have an immediate impact, rather than the work in progress who could be a star down the road, but doesn’t help them win sooner rather than later.




EDGE - Brian Burns - 52 tackles, 31 solo, 15.5 tackles for a loss, and 10 sacks
        Physical - 6’5”, 249 lbs, Brian Burns ran a 4.53 40 yard dash, a testament to his speed. Leaner frame does not equal less strength, but he doesn’t convert speed to power well. Still, he is a stout player with good leverage who can set the edge for a defense. His initial burst is good, but it is the acceleration that follows his burst that allows Burns to burn offensive tackles. I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself there. Very good agility and flexibility, his changes of direction are smooth and help him both when rushing the passer and when defending the run. 
        Intangible - One of the most refined pass rushers of the class, Burns has all the moves in the book. Footwork is good, hand technique is amazing, timing and ability to string moves together is fantastic. Plans his attack very well, unlike a lot of young pass rushers. Motor is always running, he will pursue runners downfield. High football IQ, Burns is outstanding reading offenses and getting in the lanes versus the run.
        Overview - Burns is well polished, with a vast array of moves, high quality mobility, and refined technique. I would expect him to be a stand up rusher working from an OLB spot, rather than a DE position, due to his lack of weight. He has a lot of qualities that can serve him very well at the next level, but he may want to fill out his frame more to make himself stronger against more athletic NFL competition.
        NFL Comparison - Melvin Ingram - Undersized speed rushers, Ingram and Burns find success coming off the edge with their speed. One thing Burns has that Ingram doesn’t? A long frame that allows him more success when trying to snag runners and fight off blockers. Burns’ wingspan has also helped him with pass deflections, as he had 7 over the past 2 seasons.
        Grade - 96 - There is a lot to like about Burns, and not much wrong with his game. In fact, he is very technically sound, and his high mobility is huge for him heading into the NFL, where speed is becoming more prominent every year. Burns answered my questions about his coverage ability at the combine, and he is one of the best, most complete prospects in the draft. Whoever drafts him is getting a high impact player who can be deployed in a lot of different ways.




EDGE - Jachai Polite - 45 tackles, 27 solo, 19.5 tackles for a loss, and 11 sacks
        Physical - Polite’s stats from 2018 were impressive, but his numbers at the combine? Not so much. A 4.84 40 yard dash at 258 lbs… ouch. Standing only 6’3” as opposed to all the other 6’5” pass rushers, and only having a 32 inch vertical… also bad. Burst off the edge is very good. More of a finesse player than a bull rusher, but he does hold up in the trenches, though his small frame holds him back. Speed to power is poor.
        Intangible - Has solid hands, but his lack of length causes Polite issues. Flexibility and burst are his best attributes when rushing the passer, along with his high motor. Polite also has a variety of moves at his disposal. Run defense isn’t consistent due to his mass, and his technique from a 2 point stance needs work as well. Processes well, especially when taking advantages of offensive mistakes while rushing the passer.
        Overview - Polite is an undersized speed rusher, but has legitimate issues with his run defense and some of his technique. His lack of size and length are also concerns, as those can’t be taught. He is a good pass rusher though, and he is only a junior, so he has plenty of room to grow. Upside is limited by his frame, but adding size and better technique could help him refine both his pass rushing and run defense. Poor combine drops him down the board considerably though, especially after taking issue with and calling out teams that interviewed him. Apparently they criticized his play, which he didn’t like, even though I’m not sure what he expected, just a ton of compliments and promises to draft him if he’s available? That shows a lack of maturity to me, and if he can’t accept criticism, he isn’t going to grow as a player.
        NFL Comparison - Jabaal Sheard - Undersized, I think that Polite could have issues translating his game to the NFL level. Lengthy players can get away with not being as strong, and bigger, stronger players can get away with not having as much length, but Polite has neither.
        Grade - 71 - Small size, not the greatest athlete, and immature to boot, Polite may have produced well in college, but I don’t see him making an instant impact on the NFL level. He needs to put on some weight, add some speed, and refine his abilities, and even then he may just be a decent every down player, not a star defender. Should eventually hold his own as a starter, but not a game changing player.



ILB - Devin White - 123 tackles, 62 solo, 12 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks, and 6 pass deflections
        Physical - Football has changed, and where White’s size (6’0”, 237 lbs) would have hurt him a lot 10 years ago, it shouldn’t bother anyone anymore. What should get your attention is his 4.42 40 yard dash. White has a lot of speed, more than all of the top defensive backs not named Greedy Williams, and that is very important in today’s NFL. He may not be a thumper like the ILBs of the old days, but he can still lay some big hits on the ball carrier. His agility is exceptional, especially when dropping into coverage, he has the mobility to more than match that of a safety. 
        Intangible - As a junior, White’s football IQ continued to grow, but over aggressiveness led to missed tackles. While missing tackles is never a good thing, I have less of a problem with it when it comes to White, because his crazy motor combined with his speed means that he may miss some tackles in open field, but not a lot of players can even get to the places he can to attempt to make a play. Good in run defense as well as coverage, White can shed blocks and get the ball carrier, as shown by his 123 tackles in 13 games.
        Overview - High energy, great range, and overall just an amazing athlete, White is the epitome of the new age NFL ILB. Able to cover pass catching TEs and RBs, shed blocks and make plays between the tackles, as well as chase down scrambling QBs and quick RBs heading for the sideline, White can do it all. Missed tackles are his biggest issue, but that can be fixed at the NFL level, and I would prefer to have a player with an incredible motor, and with the ability to get to the ball wherever it is, than a slower player who is a more consistent tackler.
        NFL Comparison - Kwon Alexander - High speed, high motor, good leader, White shares a lot of good qualities with the player he could be replacing, according to a lot of draft analysts. Both White and Alexander can miss tackles due to over-aggression, but they make up for it with their playmaking ability.
        Grade - 96 - I compared White to Kwon Alexander, but I also see a lot of Alexander’s old teammate, Lavonte David, in what White could become. He has all the tools to not only be a stud in coverage, but to also be a league leading tackler, with his range, block shedding, and, hopefully soon, improved finishing ability.




ILB - Devin Bush - 66 tackles, 41 solo, 8.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, and 4 pass deflections
        Physical - At only 5’11”,  234 lbs, Devin Bush is very similar to Devin White physically, running a 4.43 40 yard dash, only .01 shy of White’s mark. Bush is very physical, and that translates both to his tackling ability, and to when he takes on blocks. His lack of length causes him some issues getting away from blocks though. Agile as well as fast, Bush is a very rangy ILB.
        Intangible - Good in coverage, as long as it’s zone, but still fairly raw, Bush is good at anticipating routes. In man he can struggle turning and running with RBs and TEs. High motor player, pursues the ball downfield. Processes quickly, then attacks the football. Bush offers upside as a blitzer as well as being solid at tackling and coverage, but his issues with block shedding will limit him if they are not addressed. More IQ than instinct, Bush can hesitate to react on occasion.
        Overview - For me, Bush doesn’t have superstar upside, but I think he definitely has the ability to be a good starting ILB at the NFL level. Issues with block shedding limit him in pass rushing and run defense, and he has some issues still to be worked out in his coverage game, but Bush doesn’t have any really bad part to his play.
        NFL Comparison - Deone Buchannon - Good in coverage, Bush is limited as far as size goes, and I think that he can somewhat overcome that with the right coaching, but his size will continue to limit him. I don’t mean to be hypocritical, because previously I said that Devin White wouldn’t be hindered by his similar size, but to put it simply, White hasn’t had the same issues that Bush has had shedding blocks. That means it is possible for Bush, but White is just a step ahead of him.
        Grade - 88 - Bush needs to grow as a ILB, where he will be tasked with not only blanketing some very dynamic NFL TEs, but also with shutting down elite running backs between the tackles.He has the football IQ and talent to succeed as a day one starter, although I don’t expect him to have a Darius Leonard sized impact for his team.




CB - Greedy Williams - 33 tackles, 9 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions
        Physical - 6’2”, 185 lbs, and with a 4.37 40 yard dash, Williams is exactly what you want in a cornerback. Long, fast, fluid and agile, there are very few receivers who will get away from him, even at the NFL level. Not a tackler, from a combination of a lack of effort and strength. 
        Intangible - Elite cover corner, with the highest ceiling of any DB in the class. Still has some issues though, as Williams isn’t physical enough in press or run support. Man coverage is amazing, in a large part due to his length and speed, and his ball skills are very good. Doesn’t process as fast as he should, especially in zone coverage. 
        Overview - Greedy is a ball hawking lockdown defensive back. Great ball skills, great man coverage, he can effectively take away an offense’s best receiver. Never going to be a big run stopper, but that doesn’t bother me very much, especially in a game where passing the ball is typically much more important. Deion Sanders had a knack for not making tackles either, and he is widely considered the greatest CB ever. Press coverage isn’t very good currently, but he has build to potentially be very good at it.
        NFL Comparison - Patrick Peterson - Long, fast, and elite in man coverage. With tremendous upside due to amazing athletic gifts, Williams could easily become one of the best lockdown corners in the NFL for years to come. He only played 2 years of college football before declaring for the draft, which just means that he has much more room to grow, and even then he still had 19 pass breakups and 8 interceptions in his short college career.
        Grade - 93 - Biggest issue with Williams’ game is simple, he isn’t going to make tackles. For me, that’s fine, because as long as he is elite in coverage, I don’t mind him not being as well rounded. And with his massive amount of potential, and at a younger age than most players who will be drafted this season, Williams could be a very influential player in making a bad secondary into a terrifying secondary for years to come. 




CB - Deandre Baker - 40 tackles, 9 passes deflected, and 2 interceptions
        Physical - Deandre Baker fails to separate himself from the pack with his 5’11” height, 193 lbs weight, and 4.52 40 yard dash. Baker does a good job retaining his balance, even when in contact with receivers. Tackles well, and is incredibly competitive. Not super fast, but agility is good enough.
        Intangible - Press coverage and football IQ are where Baker excels. Being in the right place at the right time is crucial, and Baker is consistent at being there and breaking up passes. Good ball skills, and natural man coverage ability.
        Overview - A good man coverage corner, and solid in zone coverage as well due to his high football IQ, Baker only has two issues, and they’re the same issues almost every CB at the top of this class is going to have to deal with. Baker isn’t fast, and he doesn’t have good length. He will be fine against the more mediocre WRs, and can even possibly hold his own against some better ones with his press ability, but Baker lacks the physical gifts to take him to the next level. Bigger receivers and faster receivers will be a consistent issue for him, but I like his fight when it comes to his coverage.
        NFL Comparison - Brent Grimes - This will probably be a comparison I use a few times. It’s not my fault that Grimes is my go to CB for undersized, physical man coverage corners, and that several top corners in this class fit that description to a tee, including Baker.
        Grade - 82 - Physically limited, Baker doesn’t show much upside. He is an intelligent player, good in press coverage, but that will only take you so far. He has good ball skills, but at only 5’11” that might not matter against bigger receivers. Baker is a guy that can come in day one and help a football team as a number two corner, but he isn’t going to be able to match up against the best receivers the NFL has to offer.




CB - Julian Love - 63 tackles, 16 pass deflections, and 1 interception
        Physical - Love isn’t prototypical size for an NFL corner, at 5’11”, 195 lbs, and with a 4.54 40 yard dash, he falls right in line with several other corners expected to be drafted on the first or second day. Good tackler with good footwork, but Love struggles with speed and quickness.
        Intangible - What’s to love about Love? Forgive the pun, but the answer is his zone coverage ability in a cover 2 defense. Yay… he can do arguably the easiest thing for a corner to do. That being said, his production in college was through the roof, so even if he stays in the flats, he should be rather good there. Football IQ is rather good, but man coverage can be lacking, especially off man, but Love is a pretty good bump and run corner. Rather than brains over brawn, Love is more anticipation over athletic ability, and as referenced previously, his production in college proves his ball skills. Press coverage isn’t as good as it could be, but still okay.
        Overview - As a cover 2 corner, Love would have to be good in run support, and he just isn’t, at least not yet. I see Love being solid as a bump and run corner at the NFL level, but with his size and mobility, or lack of, he won’t be an elite corner. He can be solid, and is already decent, but he shouldn’t be asked to be the number one guy on a defense, definitely not now and possibly not ever.
        NFL Comparison - Brent Grimes - Wow, I’m sure you never saw this comparison coming, for an undersized man cover corner. Love will win with his IQ and anticipation, but without the athletic ability to go with it, he won’t be a top tier corner.
        Grade - 76 - Love is far from a finished product, and doesn’t have much potential either. He needs to improve his tackling to be a cover 2 corner, where he excels in coverage, and until then he will likely be utilized as a man cover corner. He doesn’t have the agility or speed to match slot receivers, so he isn’t a very versatile defensive back either. Overall, I don’t care for Love, and I expect to see him fall to at least day 2.




CB - Byron Murphy - 58 tackles, 13 pass deflections, and 4 interceptions
        Physical - Murphy comes in at 5’11”, 190lbs, and with a 4.55 40 yard dash, he vastly separates himself from the pack of this classes cornerbacks. Oh wait, actually that puts him right with all the other 5’11”, 190 something lbs, and 4.5ish 40 yard dash corners. Flexible, with explosive ability to change direction, and he accelerates to full speed fast enough to keep up with most receivers. Physical when tackling, not so much in coverage.
        Intangible - Press coverage is the big issue for Murphy, which strikes me as odd considering his physical play when tackling. Scrappy player who excels in man coverage, with a great ability to read and anticipate routes.Versatility from Murphy is nice, as he is very scheme fluid, man or zone, he can find success. Natural ball skills, and he has the agility to get himself in the right position.
        Overview - High floor, but athletic ability is again going to be what keeps a corner from being able to become great. That being said, I like the heightened agility as opposed to several other corners in the class, and Murphy shows natural ball skills. I could easily see Murphy being a lockdown corner, just maybe not against bigger receivers. I don’t see top 10 upside at his position, but I think he could easily be a top 20 NFL CB.
        NFL Comparison - Brent Grimes - I know, this comparison is so original. I think Murphy has a higher floor and ceiling than the other corners that I’ve compared to Grimes, but in the end Murphy is an undersized, intelligent, man cover corner, and that fits the Grimes bill. I think he could be a very solid NFL starter, like Grimes has been.
        Grade - 86 - Look, I don’t have anything against corners being under 6’0”, but if they can’t run at least a 4.45 40 yard dash, how do you expect them to cover top receivers in the NFL? Julio Jones, Deandre Hopkins, and Mike Evans are just a few receivers that will be too tall for them to shutdown. Odell Beckham, Antonio Brown, and TY Hilton are all receivers who could beat Murphy and other corners like Murphy with just flat out speed. Corners are evolving and getting more athletic to match their receiver opponents, but Murphy isn’t that athletic, although he is fairly quick. I see him more as an above average number 2 corner than a lockdown number 1 corner, but due to his quickness, I would also like to see him tried in the slot.




CB - Rock Ya-Sin - 47 tackles, 12 passes deflected, and 2 interceptions
        Physical - Rock Ya-Sin is 6’0”, 192 lbs, and did more bench reps than any of the other top defensive backs (18). He had a good vertical and broad jump, but made up for it in the wrong way by doing horribly in the agility drills. Physical downfield and at the line of scrimmage, he is good at using his body to be physical with receivers and take away their positioning, as well as throwing them off with press at the start of their routes. 
        Intangible - Footwork is not good, not good at all. Man coverage is better with his physical ability to crowd receivers and keep them from getting separation. Lacks anticipation in coverage. Football IQ is average to below average, but I saw he only played one year in college and wasn’t asked to play zone coverage, which leaves a big question mark on his potential in that department. Good ball skills furthered by a long frame. Willingness to make tackles in the run game is great, can be a force in run support.
        Overview - Rock Ya-Sin isn’t a complete player, he needs to develop in every imaginable area, though his run support is pretty good. I’d be disappointed if it wasn’t, I mean his name starts with ‘rock ya’ so I’m glad he lives up to that and makes some big hits. Agility, or lack of agility, will keep him from being effective in the slot, and I’m not sure he’s talented enough to be a day one starter, even on a defense that uses primarily man coverage. That being said, his physical tools and upside could make him dangerous down the road, and could make him highly coveted in an overall uninspiring draft class that features mostly higher floor players, as opposed to high potential players.
        NFL Comparison - Stephon Gilmore - Gilmore is a good man coverage corner, and he has similar size to Ya-Sin. The issue that Ya-Sin is going to face, along with lack of experience and football IQ, is his lack of versatility. CB needy teams might pass over him because he doesn’t fit their slot corner or zone coverage needs. 
        Grade - 79 - Rock Ya-Sin might be the worst player drafted in the first round. He might get hated on by his fan base for having little to no impact in year one. That shouldn’t be the case though, because whoever drafts Ya-Sin is drafting him for his potential, and considering the lack of upside in this CB draft class, that might not be a bad idea. High upside, but expected to have very little immediate impact, Ya-Sin could be good down the road, but he isn’t going to take a secondary from getting picked apart, to a secondary that makes a ton of picks.




S - Taylor Rapp - 58 tackles, 4 passes deflected, and 2 interceptions
        Physical - 6’0”, 208 lbs is great for a safety, but size wasn’t what caught my attention at the combine. It was Rapp’s 3.99 20 yard shuttle time, which is better than any other prospect I have on here. He also impressed in his other drills, but he skipped the 40 yard dash at the combine. Seems like he should’ve skipped it at his pro day too, as he ran a bad 4.74 40 yard dash. Rapp is going to make his money as a tackler in the NFL, he has great closing skills and can really put on some big hits as a finisher. 
        Intangible - Rapp is a linebacker disguised as a safety. Do not make the mistake of thinking that this is a guy who is going to shore up a secondary, Rapp isn’t that guy. Rapp will be a guy who can come into the box and make plays. Man coverage is a big time no. Not super trustworthy on the back end either, I’d say his best use in coverage is as a robber, up near or in the box taking the place of an extra linebacker, possibly freeing someone up to blitz. 
        Overview - Rapp is not a centerfielder, and he shouldn’t be asked to be one. His coverage ability is where he is weakest, and that isn’t something I like to hear from a defensive back, but he can be an instant impact player in run support and in the quick game. Teams that already have centerfielder safeties should look to compliment their over the top coverage by adding a safety who can play in the box.
        NFL Comparison - Lamarcus Joyner - According to PFF, Joyner was the best safety in run support, and the worst against the pass in 2018. That pretty much sums up what Rapp can bring to an NFL team.
        Grade - 77 - Look, I’m not typically a guy who likes the big hitters, I’m usually more about the finesse, and especially when it comes to defensive backs, coverage should come first. Rapp may not be the best safety in coverage, especially deep in coverage, but if he were to struggle so much that his team felt like they needed to move him, I think he could be very successful being utilized like Deonne Buchannon, who is a wonderful safety/linebacker hybrid that can be extremely useful in a variety of situations.




S - Deionte Thompson - 78 tackles, 6 passes deflected, and 2 interceptions
        Physical - 6’1” 195 lbs, Thompson missed out on the combine with an injury. Has some good mobility, but that can be negated by his poor footwork and bad angles. Acceleration and agility are both strong points when showcasing his range. 
        Intangible - Very good zone awareness and ball skills, Thompson has good potential as a single high safety. Good overall awareness but not the best at anticipating routes. Effort is solid but isn’t a 110% all the time guy. Not a clean tackler, but he is incredibly active in attempting them, as seen by his 78 tackles in 2018. Man coverage isn’t a strength of Thompson’s, but he can do it. Versatility isn’t something he is great at either, but elite single high safeties are hard to find, and that’s what Thompson could be.
        Overview - Thompson is a free safety who misses a lot of tackles, but at least he tries, compared to some guys who just completely avoid tackling when they can. Speed isn’t a strong suit, but agility and length are helpful. Ball skills are good too. At an important position, I don’t think Thompson should be undervalued, like I said previously, quality single high safeties are hard to find, and he could hold down that position for years to come.
        NFL Comparison - Justin Evans - Evans is also a player who was known for attempting big hits, and a lot of the time missing. That has changed, and he is a pretty solid player for the Bucs now. He is also a free safety, and while I don’t see him as the single high guy that Thompson is, I thought that the missed tackles, along with the similar size and play speed, made them comparable.
        Grade - 85 - Thompson has a high ceiling, and I like the production when attempting tackles, even though the technique isn’t great. I like him in coverage, but he isn’t the most natural safety, and he misses some reads, or just doesn’t see routes developing fast enough. A rollercoaster of a career at Alabama, if Thompson can clean up some of the issues and be more consistent, he could be a top player at one of the most important positions on defense.




S - Chauncey Gardner-Johnson - 71 tackles, 2 passes deflected, and 4 interceptions
        Physical - Gardner-Johnson is 5’11”, 210 lbs, he’s a sturdy safety. His agility drills were solid, as were his vertical and broad jump. He did a solid 17 bench reps, and ran a 4.48 40 yard dash. Burst is good and change of direction is better. Natural athlete, and an eager tackler.
        Intangible - Dynamic range due to high mobility. Worked well in shallow zones and in the slot, as well as being physical enough. Instinct player, Gardner-Johnson processes quickly, and while he needs to become more consistent in coverage, specifically in man coverage. Versatility is great, he can fill a lot of roles on defense. Physical ability is great for his upside.
        Overview - High upside, either as a slot cover man, underneath coverage, or even over the top coverage, which I bet Gardner-Johnson would be good in due to his range and ball skills. Overall though, I’d see him more as a slot guy or an underneath safety, like a robber or something. I’m not sure I’d say he is as much a safety as a slot corner, but he has the physical ability and skills to play either, or both.
        NFL Comparison - Tyrann Mathieu - Mathieu probably isn’t the first safety to double as a slot corner, but he is the player that comes to mind. He is elite dropping down into the slot and making plays, but the Honey Badger is also fully capable of playing the safety position. I see that in Gardner-Johnson as well, his versatility is top tier.
        Grade - 84 - I love versatile players. Gardner-Johnson can fill a lot of different roles for a defense, but I also really like his potential as a pure safety. I think he has the physical ability and natural skills to be a top tier safety, but he can also be one of the most position fluid defensive backs in the game.




S - Amani Hooker - 65 tackles, 7 passes deflected, and 4 interceptions
        Physical - Hooker, 5’11”, 210 lbs, ran a 4.48 40 yard dash, and performed well in both the vertical and broad jumps, and the agility drills. On field burst isn’t great, but top speed is fine. Lack of range may limit him to Cover 2 and shallow zones. Tough competitor, he isn’t only a solid tackler, he is also good at shedding blocks. 
        Intangible - Zone coverage safety, but not a centerfielder. Good in the box to help run support, or as a Cover 2 or Cover 3 scheme fit. Great in coverage 20 yards and in. Instincts and recognition are very good as well, but lack of burst can cause him to be late to the ball. When he gets there, Hooker is a ball hawk, great at positioning himself and coming down with the interception. Had some reps in man coverage, but they weren’t great, likely due to a lack of experience.
        Overview - His combine was good, but on the field, Hooker doesn’t look like a top tier athlete. Limited in coverage due to his range, he will need to be a good scheme fit for a team to pull the trigger. Good but not great sums him up well, he is good but not great in coverage, good but not great in run support. With his physical limitations lowering his ceiling, I would expect him to fall to day 2, barring a team late in the first round seeing a great scheme fit in him.
        NFL Comparison - Keanu Neal - Hooker lacks the ability to be a single high safety, but will be a good fit as a modern strong safety. He is good in underneath zones, as well as Cover 2 schemes. Good at shedding blocks, and a solid tackler, Hooker can be effective coming into the box.
        Grade - 72 - Limited athlete, and that means limited in his positioning. It’s hard to grade players who aren’t as versatile, because there is no right answer to whether I should grade them for how good they are at their best, or whether I should grade them based off what all they can bring to the table. In a scheme that fits him, Hooker can be an instant starter and a good player for years to come. In a scheme that doesn’t fit him, Hooker will need time to adapt, and even then will likely never reach his full potential.




S - Jonathan Abram - 99 tackles, 5 passes deflected, and 2 interceptions
        Physical - 5’11”, 205 lbs, and a 4.45 40 yard dash. A very physical and competitive player, leaps and bounds have been made in Abram’s tackling, as he is now much more consistent than he was even just a year ago. 99 tackles by a safety is very impressive. Range is satisfactory, although not good enough to be trusted deep, but he has the physical gifts to match up to TEs.
        Intangible - Man coverage isn’t a strong suit, and honestly, neither is zone. Short zones are his best chance, but even then he isn’t a ball hawk, and he has to anticipate better. I’m hearing a lot about Abram likely being a stud on special teams, but I’m not confident about his ability to be an every down starter on defense early. Has the physical ability to match up to TEs, but not the coverage skills.
        Overview - In the box safety, who has enough physical ability to be successful in the NFL, but isn’t on a Derwin James sort of level. Abram will need to continue to grow his game, especially in coverage, in order to really be seen as a high end player.
        NFL Comparison - Jabrill Peppers - Special teams star with upside as a versatile safety, yes I like this comparison a lot. I think Peppers has more range, but Abram is better in the box, in my opinion. Physical limitations may keep Abram’s ceiling lower than Peppers’ but if he can develop his weaker areas, he could be a solid NFL strong safety.
        Grade - 78 - I’m not sold on Abram. Special teams ability isn’t what I’m looking for early in the draft. Potential is limited by a lack of athleticness, and he isn’t fully developed in his technique or processing either. A work in progress, Abram might be an above average NFL starter, but I don’t see the upside to become top tier.