- Joined
- May 31, 2016
- Messages
- 16,811
- Reaction score
- 29,552
Hope all is well with everyone out there! Members and lurkers. I appreciate everyone that has reached out the past year. There's been quite a few of you and it's means a lot. This past year and even now. Has been incredibly tough for me in so many ways. Some of you know a little bit, I'm not getting into it here but I appreciate the reach outs and concerns. I'm just going day by day. I really want to thank @Ian for all the support he's giving me. When it comes to this stuff and just personally reaching out. Checking up on me. Every once and a while someone will be like "you should be getting paid" or we. I'll never ask for anything but if it comes up in your mind donate to the site. He'll never get the dues he's owed and really works his ass off 25/8. Thanks again bro.
I'll use this thread to talk about and answer any questions you have about our OL situation and the prospects coming out. The tackle class is underwhelming but the IOL group is pretty good to great. Depending on where you like Campbell and Banks. I've kind of viewed them as guards since last year. I'm still very much ahead of the curve in that respect. Despite the fact I haven't been posting. I'm still watching tape year round.
WRS next ...
OT tiers
Tier 1B
Armand Membou
Josh Simmons
Tier 2B
Josh Conerly
Ozzy Trapilo
Tier 3A
Aireontae Ersery
Hollin Pierce
Ajani Cornelius
Jalen Rivers
Tier 3B
Jonah Saviinaea
Logan Brown
Anthony Belton
Emery Jones
Charles Grant
Tier 4
Cam Williams
Ajani Cornelius
Jalen Rivers
IOL Tiers
Tier 1A
Will Campbell
Kelvin Banks
Donovan Jackson
Tier 2A
Tyler Booker
Tate Ratledge
Tier 2B
Marcus Mbow
Tier 3
Wyatt Milum
Jake Majors
Miles Frazier
One of my last post from last year. A lot of draftniks saw this coming, Banks too.
"Campbell is really talented but has some real issues in pass pro imo and I want to actually, physically verify his arms are > 33". Sounds silly but check the stats on ot prospects getting drafted in the lottery with sub 33 arms. I think they're right at 33/34 but I don't believe anyone anymore."
Tape doesnt lie. Arm length aside Campbell's tape has enough with loses on speed to power, giving up inside counters, some whiffs outside and instances where he's touched first. First contact has always been key in the trenches and Campbell is routinely touched first. His slide is probably slightly above average, somewhat stiff, causing him to cheat a lot to the outside. That's why you'll see him give up the inside counter so much. He has to cheat to try to get to his spot to allow him to make first contact. And hes just not a powerhouse, play strength is an issue. He's pushed back often.
He's the Mason Graham of the OL. Fantastic leadership qualities, very strong presence on & off the field. Very vocal, well spoken and a tough, tough kid. Brought up right, tight farm family. He's an absolute weapon in the run game. Can play in any scheme imo but would obviously thrive in a zone heavy system. He also reminds me a lot like former NEP Joe Thuney. And we've seen the problems he has when put out at tackle. Essentially you're betting on a outlier in the top 4. Lottery picks should be foundation players you plug in for 8-10 years. He's not that. I think there's an outside chance he's a slightly above average tackle at best. That's not a top 5-10 pick imo. Even in a weak draft with only one blue chip player. Lets say you try him at tackle, he doesn't work out. Well there's no guarantee he'll just kick inside and be a monster there as weve seen with Skoronski. Too much risk for a top 5 pick.
Josh Simmons would be OT1 on most boards if it wasn't for the injury and some makeup questions. Really just the injury imo but he does kind of walk to his own beat sometimes. Which bothers a lot of old school football guys. Like a lot of people OSU thought he left a lot on the table so speak. So you're going to need a strong but flexible coach to really get him to where you think he should be. I love a lot of what I see on tape but he's an uphill battle in terms of getting him healthy (injury sux but the rehab is worse) and getting him to fully buy in when it comes to being a standout in your room.
Not the strongest guy but has more than enough pop in pass pro and the run game.
Independent, strong hands that can strike and counter. Consistently beats his opponents to his spots. Plus awareness all-around. Pre-snap or post he's always thinking, adjusting to the situation. Very quick, very smooth/balanced for the most part in all phases. Could improve his technique on some things in the run game (detachment, gets a little grabby, doesn't end up in the greatest position to help himself) but he's a versatile run blocker that can play in multiple schemes. I've always said I'm a wannabe scout not a wannabe coach or doctor. So multiple people will have to sign off here but he's got a great overall package to work with if you're comfortable with selecting him that early (RD1 not lottery)
Josh Conerly is someone I've watched very closely for a few years now. Reminds me of Dillon Radunz a little. Just in terms of athleticism, play strength or lack thereof and overall style. More athleticism than technique or refinement at this point. Very agile, balanced and smooth in pass pro. Not the strongest maybe never will be but NEP have one of the better strength and conditioning programs around at any level. Arguably the best at getting to his spot using 45 set or vertical. Gets vertical as well as anyone in the class. Plus mirror and recovery abilities. Recovery is so important. The ability to counter, adjust and just make it happen in the moment is something every NFL tackle needs. You're consistently going up against better athletes. You're not always going to "win" so surviving is the key for any OL. That said he is inconsistent in a lot of areas. Fighting counter moves, hand fighting and displacing people in the run game. He's got a lot of good qualities, NFL qualities about him but he's far from a finished product. He need a lot of work to maximize his potential in the run game. Play strength and angles he takes. Like Simmons you hear things about his mental makeup. He's worker but there have been questions about exactly how hard he work on his own - away from the field, practice facility etc
Depending on where you can grab him he worth a hard look with the right staff on board.
Armand Membou has been a popular name for some just getting familiar with the process. Hes got quite the overall package to work with as a coach. Him and Big Mike would be an amazing tandem on the right side. His size, functionality and traits kind of scream all over the OL but I don't think he'll have to ever move inside. And I do think there's a really good chance he slides over without many issues. It was more a case of him being needed at RT than couldn't play LT. I say that because he's a natural athlete. Light feet, not a strongman but enough pop, better than average balance at 330, smooth mover with plus range. Will need to work on handling power at the next level for sure though. Not as bad as Ersery with his punch timing and accuracy but it's an issue for sure. Needs to work on keeping his eyes up. Defenders that naturally play with "hands over eyes" will give him issues. Like Conerly he'll just need some experience and growing pains to improve but so much to work with. Both are on the younger side so you do have time to mold and learn him up.
Charles Grant is a fav of mine. I'm a suckered for guys that can really use their hands and while he'll have his lapses. His hands are near the top of this class imo. Independent hands, uses feints and has plus grip strength. Better than average at countering an opponents punches or hand fighting. Fluid mover with some twitch. Big boy that explodes from the hips, hits his target at the los before climbing. Something lost with today tackles coming out. Very smart young man on the field - spatial awareness, recognizing games by the DL, not caught off guard a lot if at all. Former wrestler. Has to improve his slide but he's a solid mover in all aspects. He's not going to panic or rush anything. His footwork is efficient but needs to get quicker. Utilizes his length very well. It's great to have long arms but if you don't know how to use them what's the point? He does for the most part and again is plus with strikes, feints etc I think he could be a monster in the game with some additional muscle and strength. Came from a run heavy zone scheme. Some weight and time in a NFL program would do wonders for him. He might not be a killer or mauler because of his size but he's got the mentality and want-to there. Does plus backside work, takes care of business along the los and can erase defenders at the second level. He's going to need a good two years of conditioning along with some adjustment to the level of comp he'll be facing but I really like his value as a 3rd-4th round guy.
Myles Hinton has the bloodlines, size, length and demeanor you want for an OL'm. There's a lot to work with. A lot to build around. Father and Brother play/played in the league. So he's not brand new and knows to come correct. Understands what it's like to make it as a pro. Light, easy mover for such a big dude. Hes got mirror ability and the tools to eventually be on an island but hes a good year or two away from those responsibilities. Hand striking is inconsistent to say the least but its there. His footwork is probably his biggest weakness but he glides and keeps defenders away from his personal space using his length. He's a bit of a mess when it comes to timing and awareness although his good reps make you "believe." He's a bit late too often when it comes to reaching his opponents in the run game or making contact in pass pro. His recovery is below average. Smart kid that doesn't need football to make it in life. Occasionally coaches have questioned his "want" when it comes to the love of the game. Smart, mutli-sport athlete with a lot of capabilities that will help his game along the way.
Aireontae Ersery looks the part to a T. You want him walking off your bus first. Just a good looking frame and physique. He is someone that seems to have a lot of different opinions around him. I purposely shield myself from most draft talk until almost after the draft. Ill never be able to tell you who likes who before the draft. That said i do have a few draftnik friends and we're all split. He's still raw and new to the position. Basically only started really playing in college. When he actually does use his length he uses it well. He can keep opponents away from him but could be a little more decisive when striking. He's a big athlete that gets to his spot well enough. You don't really see the tightness until he's really engaged. Or at times moves too fast and doesn't help himself use his size or length. He works very well with others though. Can pickup most games up front in pass pro but has some ugly lapses when coaches really breakout a good designed/delayed stunt. Works well on combos on the run game. Plus grip strength if he gets ahold of you it's usually a wrap.
His strike timing, accuracy and jolt are very inconsistent. He's a waist bender. Little high-cut. A lot of that won't change but he absolutely has to work on his strike timing, independent hands etc Like a few others on the list he has mental lapses and you wonder what's really going on. Can I count on him in high leverage situations. Will he be the hardest worker once he's paid? He's a good prospect but a lot of question marks.
Ozzy Trapilo will be a fan fav for sure. He's in the same mold as a few others in terms of leadership qualities, well spoken, tone setting and locker room presence. He'll be an NFL player for a long time imo. Just a specimen of a human. I love his versatility or potential flexibility in the run game. He's a powerful, agile and moves very well for a such a big boy. His movements are really efficient and combined with his size makes for a tough meet on the edge. Not a overly powerful guy despite his size but he just swallows you up between his efficiency and size. He will need to get a little quicker and stronger with his strikes though. You'll probably always have to live with some shortcomings in terms of length esp working backside in the run game but he's such a worker. Can play in any run scheme and be a plus player imo. Can bend, balanced with plus body control at 6'8/320. He's not a top 50 guy but will probably go around there because the class is just not full of legitimate tackles. Local kid with bloodlines so if he ends up here it will be quite the story. Almost full circle for him.
Marcus Mbow is a nice project prospect. Play strength is his biggest issue beside the lack of length. He's a C/G that needs a lot of work to handle the NFL best IDL. He's such a smooth or fierce mover (depending on the play and your pov) you'll give him a shot. Very quick, he's got burst, got juice that pops on tape. He can weave, change direction when he's moving close to top speed to maximize angles. Climbs and reaches the second level in no time. Brings the nasty traits you want in a OL'm. Play strength is his biggest issue but his hands really help if he touches you. Plus grip strength, uses chops, will rock you back if he gets to deliver a strike. You worry about his pass pro and handling guys that have real power at 320lbs. He's listed around 300 but plays around 280-290. Might not seem like a huge deal but it is combined with functionality and experience. Can probably play and contribute in any run scheme because his movement skills. Again he's a fun prospect to try and develop but there's a ways to go with him.
I'll use this thread to talk about and answer any questions you have about our OL situation and the prospects coming out. The tackle class is underwhelming but the IOL group is pretty good to great. Depending on where you like Campbell and Banks. I've kind of viewed them as guards since last year. I'm still very much ahead of the curve in that respect. Despite the fact I haven't been posting. I'm still watching tape year round.
WRS next ...
OT tiers
Tier 1B
Armand Membou
Josh Simmons
Tier 2B
Josh Conerly
Ozzy Trapilo
Tier 3A
Aireontae Ersery
Hollin Pierce
Ajani Cornelius
Jalen Rivers
Tier 3B
Jonah Saviinaea
Logan Brown
Anthony Belton
Emery Jones
Charles Grant
Tier 4
Cam Williams
Ajani Cornelius
Jalen Rivers
IOL Tiers
Tier 1A
Will Campbell
Kelvin Banks
Donovan Jackson
Tier 2A
Tyler Booker
Tate Ratledge
Tier 2B
Marcus Mbow
Tier 3
Wyatt Milum
Jake Majors
Miles Frazier
One of my last post from last year. A lot of draftniks saw this coming, Banks too.
"Campbell is really talented but has some real issues in pass pro imo and I want to actually, physically verify his arms are > 33". Sounds silly but check the stats on ot prospects getting drafted in the lottery with sub 33 arms. I think they're right at 33/34 but I don't believe anyone anymore."
Tape doesnt lie. Arm length aside Campbell's tape has enough with loses on speed to power, giving up inside counters, some whiffs outside and instances where he's touched first. First contact has always been key in the trenches and Campbell is routinely touched first. His slide is probably slightly above average, somewhat stiff, causing him to cheat a lot to the outside. That's why you'll see him give up the inside counter so much. He has to cheat to try to get to his spot to allow him to make first contact. And hes just not a powerhouse, play strength is an issue. He's pushed back often.
He's the Mason Graham of the OL. Fantastic leadership qualities, very strong presence on & off the field. Very vocal, well spoken and a tough, tough kid. Brought up right, tight farm family. He's an absolute weapon in the run game. Can play in any scheme imo but would obviously thrive in a zone heavy system. He also reminds me a lot like former NEP Joe Thuney. And we've seen the problems he has when put out at tackle. Essentially you're betting on a outlier in the top 4. Lottery picks should be foundation players you plug in for 8-10 years. He's not that. I think there's an outside chance he's a slightly above average tackle at best. That's not a top 5-10 pick imo. Even in a weak draft with only one blue chip player. Lets say you try him at tackle, he doesn't work out. Well there's no guarantee he'll just kick inside and be a monster there as weve seen with Skoronski. Too much risk for a top 5 pick.
Josh Simmons would be OT1 on most boards if it wasn't for the injury and some makeup questions. Really just the injury imo but he does kind of walk to his own beat sometimes. Which bothers a lot of old school football guys. Like a lot of people OSU thought he left a lot on the table so speak. So you're going to need a strong but flexible coach to really get him to where you think he should be. I love a lot of what I see on tape but he's an uphill battle in terms of getting him healthy (injury sux but the rehab is worse) and getting him to fully buy in when it comes to being a standout in your room.
Not the strongest guy but has more than enough pop in pass pro and the run game.
Independent, strong hands that can strike and counter. Consistently beats his opponents to his spots. Plus awareness all-around. Pre-snap or post he's always thinking, adjusting to the situation. Very quick, very smooth/balanced for the most part in all phases. Could improve his technique on some things in the run game (detachment, gets a little grabby, doesn't end up in the greatest position to help himself) but he's a versatile run blocker that can play in multiple schemes. I've always said I'm a wannabe scout not a wannabe coach or doctor. So multiple people will have to sign off here but he's got a great overall package to work with if you're comfortable with selecting him that early (RD1 not lottery)
Josh Conerly is someone I've watched very closely for a few years now. Reminds me of Dillon Radunz a little. Just in terms of athleticism, play strength or lack thereof and overall style. More athleticism than technique or refinement at this point. Very agile, balanced and smooth in pass pro. Not the strongest maybe never will be but NEP have one of the better strength and conditioning programs around at any level. Arguably the best at getting to his spot using 45 set or vertical. Gets vertical as well as anyone in the class. Plus mirror and recovery abilities. Recovery is so important. The ability to counter, adjust and just make it happen in the moment is something every NFL tackle needs. You're consistently going up against better athletes. You're not always going to "win" so surviving is the key for any OL. That said he is inconsistent in a lot of areas. Fighting counter moves, hand fighting and displacing people in the run game. He's got a lot of good qualities, NFL qualities about him but he's far from a finished product. He need a lot of work to maximize his potential in the run game. Play strength and angles he takes. Like Simmons you hear things about his mental makeup. He's worker but there have been questions about exactly how hard he work on his own - away from the field, practice facility etc
Depending on where you can grab him he worth a hard look with the right staff on board.
Armand Membou has been a popular name for some just getting familiar with the process. Hes got quite the overall package to work with as a coach. Him and Big Mike would be an amazing tandem on the right side. His size, functionality and traits kind of scream all over the OL but I don't think he'll have to ever move inside. And I do think there's a really good chance he slides over without many issues. It was more a case of him being needed at RT than couldn't play LT. I say that because he's a natural athlete. Light feet, not a strongman but enough pop, better than average balance at 330, smooth mover with plus range. Will need to work on handling power at the next level for sure though. Not as bad as Ersery with his punch timing and accuracy but it's an issue for sure. Needs to work on keeping his eyes up. Defenders that naturally play with "hands over eyes" will give him issues. Like Conerly he'll just need some experience and growing pains to improve but so much to work with. Both are on the younger side so you do have time to mold and learn him up.
Charles Grant is a fav of mine. I'm a suckered for guys that can really use their hands and while he'll have his lapses. His hands are near the top of this class imo. Independent hands, uses feints and has plus grip strength. Better than average at countering an opponents punches or hand fighting. Fluid mover with some twitch. Big boy that explodes from the hips, hits his target at the los before climbing. Something lost with today tackles coming out. Very smart young man on the field - spatial awareness, recognizing games by the DL, not caught off guard a lot if at all. Former wrestler. Has to improve his slide but he's a solid mover in all aspects. He's not going to panic or rush anything. His footwork is efficient but needs to get quicker. Utilizes his length very well. It's great to have long arms but if you don't know how to use them what's the point? He does for the most part and again is plus with strikes, feints etc I think he could be a monster in the game with some additional muscle and strength. Came from a run heavy zone scheme. Some weight and time in a NFL program would do wonders for him. He might not be a killer or mauler because of his size but he's got the mentality and want-to there. Does plus backside work, takes care of business along the los and can erase defenders at the second level. He's going to need a good two years of conditioning along with some adjustment to the level of comp he'll be facing but I really like his value as a 3rd-4th round guy.
Myles Hinton has the bloodlines, size, length and demeanor you want for an OL'm. There's a lot to work with. A lot to build around. Father and Brother play/played in the league. So he's not brand new and knows to come correct. Understands what it's like to make it as a pro. Light, easy mover for such a big dude. Hes got mirror ability and the tools to eventually be on an island but hes a good year or two away from those responsibilities. Hand striking is inconsistent to say the least but its there. His footwork is probably his biggest weakness but he glides and keeps defenders away from his personal space using his length. He's a bit of a mess when it comes to timing and awareness although his good reps make you "believe." He's a bit late too often when it comes to reaching his opponents in the run game or making contact in pass pro. His recovery is below average. Smart kid that doesn't need football to make it in life. Occasionally coaches have questioned his "want" when it comes to the love of the game. Smart, mutli-sport athlete with a lot of capabilities that will help his game along the way.
Aireontae Ersery looks the part to a T. You want him walking off your bus first. Just a good looking frame and physique. He is someone that seems to have a lot of different opinions around him. I purposely shield myself from most draft talk until almost after the draft. Ill never be able to tell you who likes who before the draft. That said i do have a few draftnik friends and we're all split. He's still raw and new to the position. Basically only started really playing in college. When he actually does use his length he uses it well. He can keep opponents away from him but could be a little more decisive when striking. He's a big athlete that gets to his spot well enough. You don't really see the tightness until he's really engaged. Or at times moves too fast and doesn't help himself use his size or length. He works very well with others though. Can pickup most games up front in pass pro but has some ugly lapses when coaches really breakout a good designed/delayed stunt. Works well on combos on the run game. Plus grip strength if he gets ahold of you it's usually a wrap.
His strike timing, accuracy and jolt are very inconsistent. He's a waist bender. Little high-cut. A lot of that won't change but he absolutely has to work on his strike timing, independent hands etc Like a few others on the list he has mental lapses and you wonder what's really going on. Can I count on him in high leverage situations. Will he be the hardest worker once he's paid? He's a good prospect but a lot of question marks.
Ozzy Trapilo will be a fan fav for sure. He's in the same mold as a few others in terms of leadership qualities, well spoken, tone setting and locker room presence. He'll be an NFL player for a long time imo. Just a specimen of a human. I love his versatility or potential flexibility in the run game. He's a powerful, agile and moves very well for a such a big boy. His movements are really efficient and combined with his size makes for a tough meet on the edge. Not a overly powerful guy despite his size but he just swallows you up between his efficiency and size. He will need to get a little quicker and stronger with his strikes though. You'll probably always have to live with some shortcomings in terms of length esp working backside in the run game but he's such a worker. Can play in any run scheme and be a plus player imo. Can bend, balanced with plus body control at 6'8/320. He's not a top 50 guy but will probably go around there because the class is just not full of legitimate tackles. Local kid with bloodlines so if he ends up here it will be quite the story. Almost full circle for him.
Marcus Mbow is a nice project prospect. Play strength is his biggest issue beside the lack of length. He's a C/G that needs a lot of work to handle the NFL best IDL. He's such a smooth or fierce mover (depending on the play and your pov) you'll give him a shot. Very quick, he's got burst, got juice that pops on tape. He can weave, change direction when he's moving close to top speed to maximize angles. Climbs and reaches the second level in no time. Brings the nasty traits you want in a OL'm. Play strength is his biggest issue but his hands really help if he touches you. Plus grip strength, uses chops, will rock you back if he gets to deliver a strike. You worry about his pass pro and handling guys that have real power at 320lbs. He's listed around 300 but plays around 280-290. Might not seem like a huge deal but it is combined with functionality and experience. Can probably play and contribute in any run scheme because his movement skills. Again he's a fun prospect to try and develop but there's a ways to go with him.
