2017 Draft Prospect Thread

[Gabriel_p94]

Top defensive grades:

CB Jourdan Lewis, 85.8
DT Ryan Glasgow, 83.1
DE Taco Charlton, 80.5
DE Chris Wormley, 79.8
LB Mike McCray, 79.6

Big names show up for the Wolverine defense

All the household names were on display for Michigan’s defense. CB Jourdan Lewis led the way with a game-high grade. He was targeted six times and allowed two catches for only 24 yards (see below for the Indiana performance in his coverage). He also broke up half of those attempts (3 pass breakups) while one catch was on the last drive with the blizzard in full force. DT Ryan Glasgow wasn’t far behind Lewis in the grades race as he garnered a sack, three QB hurries, and three stops in a solid performance. The Michigan defense turned the pressure up in the second half and DE’s Taco Charlton and Chris Wormley combined for a sack, a QB hit, and three QB hurries as well. Michigan’s defense had very few holes against Indiana and was crucial in keeping the game manageable until the Wolverine’s offense started producing.Top defensive grades:

(I love Lewis. Love watching him compete. His size will limit him forever but the kid makes up for it in so many different types of ways. He'll be your slot cover from day one and can play smaller guys outside as well.
Taco and Wormley would look in Pats uni's. Wormley is enormous and Taco looks the part)

CB Teez Tabor, 81.3
DT Caleb Brantley, 80.7
DE Cece Jefferson, 78.8
DT Taven Bryan, 76.5
S Marcell Harris, 66.4

Tabor save the day, twice

With the Gators season on the line, it was Teez Tabor who stood tall to keep Florida on track for and in fact seal their place in the SEC Championship game. Tabor picked up two pass breakups, one on an excellent play in Cover-3 replacing the deep safety to deny Danny Etling a big play in the first half, but had a season saving play on LSU’s unsuccessful fourth-quarter drive after D.J. Chark got away from Quincy Wilson and Marcell Harris to get into the open field. Timely plays were the theme of the day for the Florida run defense too with the goal-line stand to clinch the win and DT Caleb Brantley trashing the third-and-goal play which led two plays later to Florida’s 98-yard score, over the course of three plays the momentum swung decisively in Florida’s favor.

PFF Game-Ball Winner: Florida CB Teez Tabor

(This CB is class is so deep we're going to have a shot at someone we normally wouldn't. Teez is more of a gambler but the kid can ball and will be versatile at the next level. Q.Wilson plays it safer and uses his great technique to make plays. Open hips. Long. Him and Humphrey would be quite the duo)


Top defensive grades:

DI Ed Oliver, 90.4

ED Tyus Bowser, 83.5

DI Nick Thurman, 79.2

S Garrett Davis, 78.7

CB Howard Wilson, 78.1

Houston front-seven dominates Louisville offense

The Cougars defensive line, led by true freshman Ed Oliver, came to play on Thursday night. The defense sacked Heisman hopeful Lamar Jackson 10 times and also forced an intentional grounding penalty in the end zone that resulted in a safety. Despite exiting the game late in the third quarter with an injury, Oliver had the best game of his young collegiate career, as he batted down three passes, recorded two sacks and a quarterback hurry, and also forced a fumble. In addition, linebacker Steven Taylor made a team-high 10 defensive stops and also recorded seven total pressures, including three sacks.

(I'll say it again. I'd take Big Ed right now in first knowing he cant play. That kid could be special. And I really like Taylor. He's moved up from a 7th at the beginning of the year to a 4th and going. That kid has had a hell of a year )

My question for you since you seem to be so high on Lewis, were he to be alittle taller in the 6 foot range would you rank him as highly as tabor and Wilson? Would he be the top corner do you think? It's an honest question I haven't been able to watch much tape on him. Also, do you think he's strictly a slot corner or do you think he can match up with shorter number 1 receivers?

 

[Gabriel_p94]

Evan Engram 6/102/1 (Long 38)
Season 65/926/8 (Definitely a binky and one of my favorite prospects. I see a Hines Ward/Hernandez comp. He's feisty, versatile, tough, hands, hips and hops)

Brantley would be a great fit here. We desperately need a pass rushing DT and he fits that and more. Really nice prospect.

I love engram. He's definitely one of my binkies. I would love for him to be here if we miss on signing Bennett, or even if he were to be a third tight end; I think he has enough versatility as a receiver to be on the field at the same time as gronk and Bennett.

 

[BaconGrundleCandy]

Also becoming more and more intrigued by Curtis Samuel from Ohio state. He is probably the purest h back in the draft, with almost equal receiving and rushing yards, with over 1400 from scrimmage, and 14 Tds.

He is probably easiest to compare with James white, with better speed. He isn't a big tackle breaker, but the extra gear he has (4.3s speed) creates a little more daylight on both runs and in the slot.

He won't be among the first 10 backs taken, but depending on the futures of both white and Lewis unknown, developing another option is a necessity given how reliant our offense is.

Given guys like hunt and pumphrey getting some recognition, Samuel might be the most patriot-like, and could have some nice upside.

Agree 100%
I think he'll start to get more pub as the draft gets closer.
He's a great fit here and looks special.

Taco Charlton is quickly becoming my most realistic DE pick for the Pats. He fits almost perfectly the size requirements for an end position ( 6'6 275lbs) with incredibly long arms to go with. In that regard, he reminds a lot of Chandler Jones physical profile. Even in the passed few years, the pass rushers we have drafted like Zach Moore, Bequette and Buchanan have had very similar physical traits. The difference, Charlton has a lot more wiggle and burst to compliment his physical make up.

Given his previous seasons he had lined up inside, his versatility is going to be a great addition on 3rd downs, with the strength to handle run responsibilities. I think you could throw him on the edge tomorrow for the Pats, and would be able to handle the edge responsibilities. He has a mans game, and mans strength.

It looks like he will land around the 50th spot in the draft, which seems like a place the Pats could take a realistic shot at a pass rusher. I am not sure where guys like Barnett,Mcginley and others will land, but Charlton seems to fit the usual requirements in a Pats end.

100% again. The kid has a borderline freakish body and his versatility is a big +++.


Maybe Im getting caught up in the draft bubble but this class has some serious potential? I mean you have the elite top heavy talent that goes 12-18 deep excluding QB's. DL, RB, CB, LB and S go 10-12 deep each. Im so pumped.

 

[BaconGrundleCandy]

I love engram. He's definitely one of my binkies. I would love for him to be here if we miss on signing Bennett, or even if he were to be a third tight end; I think he has enough versatility as a receiver to be on the field at the same time as gronk and Bennett.

He be so perfect here. He'd be an upgrade from Dola if we want and could fill in for any injury on TE/WR. He's such a chess piece. Love him.

My question for you since you seem to be so high on Lewis, were he to be alittle taller in the 6 foot range would you rank him as highly as tabor and Wilson? Would he be the top corner do you think? It's an honest question I haven't been able to watch much tape on him. Also, do you think he's strictly a slot corner or do you think he can match up with shorter number 1 receivers?

If he were 3-4 inches he'd be a lottery pick imo or at the least a top 15 guy. He's so good. And his body has a thickness throughout so he has a nice build. He fights, competes for everything and is always in his mans hip pocket. He'll climb the latter to fight the 50/50 ball.

LoL Sorry for the rant. To answer the rest of your question, yes i see him as a slot guy guy but could cover a Sanders or Cooks if they spilt out wide.

Definitely two of favorite prospects.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Dt vea of Washington continues to play tremendously. He is grabbing some serious helium in this draft to the point where I wonder if he will be available at #32.

 

[I.M. Fletcher]

Agree 100%
I think he'll start to get more pub as the draft gets closer.
He's a great fit here and looks special.




100% again. The kid has a borderline freakish body and his versatility is a big +++.


Maybe Im getting caught up in the draft bubble but this class has some serious potential? I mean you have the elite top heavy talent that goes 12-18 deep excluding QB's. DL, RB, CB, LB and S go 10-12 deep each. Im so pumped.

I feel like this draft has top end talent in the top 7, and then has depth up to the end of the 3rd round. It's a great year to have a couple extra picks, since I am sure we will see guys go around 75 that could have gone 25th.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

I feel like this draft has top end talent in the top 7, and then has depth up to the end of the 3rd round. It's a great year to have a couple extra picks, since I am sure we will see guys go around 75 that could have gone 25th.

This draft does not have great qb talent. The North Carolina qb is the only qb with a first round grade in my book.

But it does have four blue chip players in Allen, Garrett, McDowell and peppers.

In addition, I see at least 40 red chip players.

Theoretically, we could take dt vea at 32, ot McDermott at 64, and the CB from Colorado at 96 and have three starters,

 

[I.M. Fletcher]

This draft does not have great qb talent. The North Carolina qb is the only qb with a first round grade in my book.

But it does have four blue chip players in Allen, Garrett, McDowell and peppers.

In addition, I see at least 40 red chip players.

Theoretically, we could take dt vea at 32, ot McDermott at 64, and the CB from Colorado at 96 and have three starters,

Totally agree on the QBs. I think this class is a disaster. Even trubinsky has a lot of red flags.

My top 9 are

Garrett
Allen
Peppers
Adams
Williams
Jones
Fournette
Foster
McDowell

After that, you probably aren't going to miss too badly. It will just depend on fit.

 

[WaterfallJumper]

Foreman had 51 carries yesterday. What a statement as a workingman's RB. He has over 1000 yards in the last 4 games alone. Three times he's eclipsed 250 in the past month. He reminds me of Blount with more speed.

 

[BaconGrundleCandy]

All guys that I think will get a look from us one way or another.

Tre’Davious White, CB, LSU
After a strong 2014 season, White was not great last season, but he’s been outstanding from Week 1 here in 2016. He’s played tight coverage on the outside and in the slot, allowing only 127 yards on 38 targets (3.3 yards/target) while ranking sixth overall among cornerbacks with an 88.4 grade on the season. White has made a move to be mentioned among the best cornerbacks in the draft class, though it’s a deep group that should give NFL teams a strong variety from which to choose.

(Could be great value in the 2nd but I'd take a few others before him)

Dede Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma
The nation’s most dominant receiver in recent weeks, Westbrook has built upon the flashes he showed last season to become the go-to guy for Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield. He’s shown the route running to get open at the short and intermediate level and the speed to create big plays down the field or after the catch. Westbrook has caught 63.2 percent of his deep targets (12-for-19) and his 586 deep yards and nine touchdowns both lead the country as he’s turned many heads and put himself on the radar for the NFL.

(Emmanuel Sanders clone. Perfect Patriot. This kid will add some weight just by filling out and could be special. Him and Mitchell would be a terrific combo)

Jordan Willis, edge defender, Kansas State
A deep class of edge rushers adds another strong name to the list as Willis has had a dominant season for Kansas State. He’s beat up on opposing right tackles, rushing off the left side on 96.8 percent of his rushes, but the production is difficult to ignore. Willis uses strong hands and a variety of moves to rank fifth overall as a pass-rusher at 89.5 while posting the top grade against the run at an identical 89.5. Willis didn’t come completely out of nowhere as he had a strong 2015 season, but he’s taken his game to a new level and even in a deep class, Willis will garner more notice.

(I've been keeping an eye on him for a while and still need to watch some 2016 cuts)

Channing Stribling, CB, Michigan
A deep cornerback class continues to add more viable players and Stribling’s breakout season should not go unnoticed. Often overshadowed by Michigan’s lockdown corner, Jourdan Lewis, Stribling brings a different look than Lewis at a listed 6-foot-2 so look for teams in need of a long cornerback to take a close look. Stribling has been targeted 38 times this season, allowing only 11 catches (28.9 percent) while breaking up six passes and intercepting three more. Stribling has work to do to improve in the run game and as a tackler, but his long frame and production have put him on the map this season.

(Obviously can see why teams would be intrigued. Size with room to put on a lil muscle. Hes a confident kid that wants to make a play. Just another 6ft +CB in the class)

 

[WaterfallJumper]

Willis has intriguing size and athleticism. He's very similar to Chandler Jones, but probably without the same arm length. Most likely he'll put up comparable testing numbers, but when he's on, his speed rush is sightly better. Overall I like him in the late second range onward, but my guess is that he'll test well enough at his size to generate a late first buzz.

Positives: his coach raves about him, saying that he always gives maximum effort and does exactly what's asked on the field. Big frame. Solid play strength. Flashes good anchor ability. Can disengage with his hands. Excellent closing burst to finish the play.

Negatives: no discipline against cutback runs (may be a scheme thing; he rushes upfield on most plays). Looks the part of a dominating player, but is exclusively matched against the right tackle, and doesn't challenge opposing team's best lineman. Inconsistent technique, and gets washed out too often when he shouldn't. Spotty production over his career and too frequently looks pedestrian on tape.

I've watched several of his games this year, but DB only has one cut available. I'll link it for convenience.

 

[BaconGrundleCandy]

Willis has intriguing size and athleticism. He's very similar to Chandler Jones, but probably without the same arm length. Most likely he'll put up comparable testing numbers, but when he's on, his speed rush is sightly better. Overall I like him in the late second range onward, but my guess is that he'll test well enough at his size to generate a late first buzz.

Positives: his coach raves about him, saying that he always gives maximum effort and does exactly what's asked on the field. Big frame. Solid play strength. Flashes good anchor ability. Can disengage with his hands. Excellent closing burst to finish the play.

Negatives: no discipline against cutback runs (may be a scheme thing; he rushes upfield on most plays). Looks the part of a dominating player, but is exclusively matched against the right tackle, and doesn't challenge opposing team's best lineman. Inconsistent technique, and gets washed out too often when he shouldn't. Spotty production over his career and too frequently looks pedestrian on tape.

I've watched several of his games this year, but DB only has one cut available. I'll link it for convenience.

Nice eval.

His inability hold contain on the outside shows up way too much. Even when it doesn't end up hurting him its there. And exclusively going against the RT is a flag at least right now.

I like him but tough sell in the 1st for me.

 

[BaconGrundleCandy]

Dan Feeney, Indiana

One of the best pass-protecting guards in the country, Feeney has allowed only one pressure all season, and his three-year total now sits at 15 pressures on 1,062 pass-blocking attempts. He’s taken great strides in the run game to grade at 83.6 this season, all adding up to an 85.5 overall grade that ranks third in the nation.


PFF

 

[BaconGrundleCandy]

Draft Insider

“I think Wilson is the best corner in the country. Tabor gets all of the hype but Wilson is better in every area,” an NFL executive told NFL.com analyst Daniel Jeremiah.

Heading into the Combine and potentially the Senior Bowl, what is your ideal height, weight, and 40 time?

Ideal, height and weight for me is I am, 6’1” 214lbs and I will probably run somewhere in the 4.4 range

Is there an NFL corner that you would compare yourself too or have studied a lot on film?

Probably, Patrick Peterson, we are like the same type with our length. I use to like Sean Smith but he has been playing too lazy for me. But Richard Sherman is my favorite corner

If you had to chose what would be your best strength?

My best strength is my ability to jam receivers at the line.

Is there one area you think you can improve at heading into the next level?

Heading into the next level, I will probably have to improve playing off coverage, I started have. Since we got a new coach at Florida, he has been teaching us a lot of off coverage because I know in the League you play a lot of off coverage. So I would say that’s what I need to improve the most

Looking at the CB class now, where do you compare yourself to other corners in the class?

I see myself as the best really; I feel that me and Jalen (Tabor) are the two best right now. As of just playmaking ability and just going out there each and every week and making plays. I’m fast, I’m big, some people think I can’t move because I’m big but there no receiver that has ever run pass me so I feel like I’m the best. I know I’m the best

Do you and Jalen (Tabor) ever get competitive with who is the best corner?

I mean we never really have that conversation, like you’re better than me, we just feed off of each other’s energy. Like every game this season he has gotten a pick, I got a pick, its just friendly competition for the both of us to get better.

Would you say that you guys are the best defensive backfield in college football?

Yea, definitely, I definitely think me, Duke Dawson, Jalen, Marcus Maye, Marcell Harris, and Nick Watson we are the best DB’s in the nation right now.

The Gators are sitting at 5-1 right now, what is the end goal for you guys as we get into the second half of the season here?

The end goal for us is to win each game every single week, just stay focused on the game each week because right now we’re in control of the East and we’re trying to get back to Atlanta.

Who has been the best wide receiver you have faced in college?

The best WR I have faced so far in college, by far was Laquon Treadwell, my sophomore year

What was it his size that make it difficult to match up with him?

I felt like he was an all around good receiver, strong, because part of my game is putting my hands on him and watching film he liked to go up and get the ball and bully cornerbacks and I feel that that was a really difficult matchup last year.

Last question Quincy, what’s one thing the average fan wouldn’t know about you, it doesn’t have to be about football?

Uhhhhhhh, tough question!

Okay, how about qhat will you do with your first NFL paycheck?

My first NFL paycheck would probably…I got to think for a second….buy myself something really nice.


*I love Wilson. In a class full of great prospects like Marlon Humphrey (Chris McAlister comp) Q. Wilson (Talib comp) deserves some attention. 6'1/215, if he runs a real 4.4 he'll be a top 15 pick imo.

 

[BaconGrundleCandy]

In terms of height, weight and 40 time, what are your ideal height, weight, and times moving into the combine and bowl games?

Right now, my height and weight is, I am 6’3 255lbs, by the combine I want to put about ten more pounds on and my ideal 40 time is a 4.6.

If you had to pick one of your strengths, what would be your best on field strength?

My get off and acceleration off the ball, that’s really made me the player I am right now.What is one thing you feel you can improve on moving into the NFL?

Um, just being more consistent and playing to my potential on every down and every game.

If you had to pick one NFL defensive end to compare yourself to, who would that be?

My ideal has always been Julius Peppers; I’ve tried to make my game as close to how he performs on the field. I’d say Julius Peppers he’s always been my idol since high school.

Speaking of high school, did you have a favorite team growing up?

The San Diego Chargers


Who has been the best offensive lineman you have faced so far throughout college?

Taylor Decker, last year, tackle for Ohio State that one of the best guys I went against.

What is the first thing you are going to do when you get your NFL paycheck?

First thing, I want to first look out for the people that looked out for me, my Dad really donate to his business, he has a towing and recovery business for the last ten or so years and give back to that and invest in the company and give back to my family.

What is the one thing the average person doesn’t know about Dawuane Smoot outside of football?

That basically who you see on Saturday is not who I am, I’m a very laid back person and I’m really not that vocal of a guy, I’m not going to be in the middle of the huddle getting everyone hyped up, I’m really just going to show through my actions on the field by making plays. I’m really just a laid back guy and quiet…kinda shy.

What are your hobbies outside of football?

One of my hobbies is to play video games, like to hang out with friends, I like to watch a lot of movies, I go to the movies every week.

What is top three your favorite movies?

The Woods, old school movie wayback from the 1990’s, Two Guns, that’s like one of the best movies Denzel and Mark Wahlburg, and Finding Nemo.

People on Twitter have asked is there any relation to Fred Smoot?

Not that I know of, my dad said that I had a cousin that played in the league but I’ve never gotten any evidence that he was actually a part of my family.


*These are from Draft insider*

*I like Smoot. I think he'll test well and gain traction. I see a guy that is a bit of a project but could get "there" eventually.

 

[BaconGrundleCandy]

Who would you say is the best offensive player you have gone up against either at Juco or college?

Best offensive player would have to be Alvin Kamara, from Tennessee

A&M Linebacker Claude George

 

[WaterfallJumper]

Nice interviews. Funny that Wilson said no one can run past him; last week he got beat deep twice, and Tabor saved the play. That said, he's still probably a top three corner this draft, and I like the Talib comparison.

 

[BaconGrundleCandy]

Nice interviews. Funny that Wilson said no one can run past him; last week he got beat deep twice, and Tabor saved the play. That said, he's still probably a top three corner this draft, and I like the Talib comparison.

Tabor made some season saving plays last game.

Nit picking but I liked Smoot's answer about his paycheck a lot more than Wilson's but again that's trivial.

I'm really looking foward to draft season (senior bowl, combine, pro days etc) to see what these guys can do. If Wilson runs a real 4.4 he'll be a coveted commodity.

 

[I.M. Fletcher]

Tabor made some season saving plays last game.

Nit picking but I liked Smoot's answer about his paycheck a lot more than Wilson's but again that's trivial.

I'm really looking foward to draft season (senior bowl, combine, pro days etc) to see what these guys can do. If Wilson runs a real 4.4 he'll be a coveted commodity.

Agree. If Wilson runs 4.4, he's going top 7, maybe top 4.

It is such a diverse draft, it will all depend on team needs.

 

[BaconGrundleCandy]

Draft Insider

Aaron Jones, RB, UTEP

This year’s class is loaded with running backs, and as a result there will be a number of quality backs who find their stocks significantly lower than they otherwise might have been. Jones fits this description perfectly. With so many talented backs coming from big name schools, there isn’t a ton of room for the lead back from the University of Texas- El Paso to climb up boards, but there should be. Jones is listed at 5’10, 205 pounds, and has a number of traits that translate to the NFL. He finishes runs very well, keeping his legs moving through contact to pick up a couple extra yards before falling forward for another couple. Jones isn’t a burner, but has a decent amount of speed to go with his frame. His style of running is very powerful, but he has the ability to make people miss as well, leading to a great combination of speed and power. He is utilized in the passing game a decent amount, but is rarely asked to pass block. While it can be tough to get a read on a RB’s vision without the view from behind the QB, Jones generally displays a good idea of where to go with the ball, without dancing around in the backfield. In this class, Jones might be a late round pick or UDFA, but he has late day 2/early day 3 talent.


Taywan Taylor, WR, Western Kentucky

Taywan Taylor is going to become a cult favorite as draft season hits full stride. At 6’1, 195, he is very fast as well as quick, things that get a lot of love at wide receiver. He has good hands and very fluid hips, allowing him to get in and out of his cuts and create separation with ease. His ability to make people miss suggests an offense that will scheme him touches, but he has the ability to be a legit wide receiver. This class has some playmakers at the position, but few top-end talents, and Taylor could find himself coming off the board early on day three.

(Taylor caught my eye some time ago and I've been a fan since. He's just a great guy to watch and has a lot traits you want to see. He has nice size and can add a few lb's. Smooth athlete and like the piece said he has hands and hips)


Larry Ogunjobi, DT, Charlotte

Ogunjobi might have been the most enjoyable player I watched throughout the process for this article. He’s listed a bit tall for a prototypical 3-technique at 6’3, but he is exactly what teams are looking for from the position. Ogunjobi displays great hand usage, keeping offensive lineman from getting in on his body so he can disengage from them when needed. He is extremely athletic, and Charlotte has used him all over the defensive line, lining him up as a 5-tech, 3-tech, and 0-tech. Excels in using his leverage to move blockers wherever he wants, and sees past them well to impact the running game. Proficient in rushing the passer, and his only real questions are going to be about the level of competition he plays in. It’s still early in the process, but he is going to be one of “my guys” as we progress towards the draft. I would take him late day 2 or early day 3 if the draft were tomorrow.


Tarell Basham

Although both defensive end prospects from Akron (Jamal Marcus and Se’Von Pittman) are starting to get some real love, I think their Ohio competitor is a better prospect than both of them. Basham is listed at 6’4, 262, and displays many of the qualities teams want from their edge rushers. He gets a good burst off the line, displays the ability to both use power and speed rushes, and already has a rip/swim move in his arsenal. He has the ability to transition from speed-power and back, but doesn’t do it very consistently. When asked to defend the run, he does a good job setting the edge and seeing past his blocks to make a play when necessary. He occasionally loses the leverage battle by coming out of his stance too upright, which is something he’ll need to work on, but for teams who view edge rusher as a secondary need, he could be a mid-late round steal.

(All Ive seen is some random clips but from what Im reading hes worth a look based on the obvious (h/w/s-type)


Nick DeLuca, LB, NDSU

We’ve reached a point where it seems like every year there are a couple of legit NFL prospects coming from the FCS powerhouse Bison, and this year is no different. Nick DeLuca is their star linebacker, who has the prototypical size and athleticism to be able to play either the MIKE or SAM in a 4-3, or either inside backer position in a 3-4. He is an excellent form tackler, something that is becoming increasingly rare in favor of the shoulder dropping big hits. He has the athleticism to drop into coverage, but at 6’3, 244 also has the size to be a force in the run game. He diagnoses and reacts to plays on a level that I’ve only seen from Reuben Foster so far through the draft process. For a team looking for a playmaker at linebacker but not wanting to spend a top pick, this is the guy.

(DeLuca is no secret to draft geeks and I think hes legit. Late 2nd-early 3rd right now imo)