All posts by Peter Worilther

Photo Galleries, 2021, NFL, 2021, NCAA FB, Draft preview

2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl Photo Gallery/Practice Notes: National Team, Day 2

January 31, 2021 Peter Worilther Leave a comment

We look at Nebraska’s Brenden Jaimes’ technique, as well as many of the National team’s offensive linemen on Day 2 of the 2021 Senior Bowl. A Big Ten linebacker began to stand out with his positional versatility and a Pac-12 linebacker wasn’t too far behind.

Oregon State LB Hamilcar Rashed facing Purdue LB Derrick Barnes in KR drill, 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

Oregon State LB Hamilcar Rashed, Jr. vs Purdue LB Derrick Barnes, 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

Former Oregon State DE-OLB Hamilcar Rashed, Jr. (No. 11 pictured) shows his potential as a guard on kickoff return going against Purdue LB Derrick Barnes. After posting 14 sacks in 2019, Rashed, Jr. did not post a sack in 2020. During his career, he has shown the ability to play off the ball in spots. On Day 2, he worked over tight ends with his upper body strength when aligned outside as a Sam linebacker.

Ohio State LB Baron Browning covering Boston College TE Hunter Long, 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

Ohio State LB Baron Browning, Boston College TE Hunter Long, 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

Ohio State LB Baron Browning (No. 55 pictured) displayed coverage skill, enough strength to hold force on the edge (versus TEs), and disengaged favorably during Day 2 of the National team's practice session. Despite weighing in the 240-pound range, he moves well laterally.

Memphis PK Riley Patterson kicking at the 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

Memphis PK Riley Patterson kicking field goal, 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

Memphis placekicker Riley Patterson missed a couple of kicks on Day 1, but was much more consistent on Day 2 from 40 yards and beyond. Patterson's range is impressive, as he attempted eight kicks of 50 or more yards in 2020.

National DL vs. American OL, 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

National DL vs. National OL, 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

North Dakota State OL Dillon Radunz and California OL Jake Curhan impress with their hand placement during a team period on Day 2 of the National team practices. Wisconsin-Whitewater center Quinn Meinerz (No. 71 pictured) keeps his hands inside of UCLA DL Osa Odighizuwa (middle of the picture).

Nebraska OL Brenden Jaimes turns out Northern Iowa DE Elerson Smith, 2021 Senior Bowl

Oklahoma RB Rhamondre Stevenson gets the handoff, 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

On the backside of run away (Oklahoma's Rhamondre Stevenson getting hand off from Ian Book), Nebraska's Brenden Jaimes (No. 67 pictured) sends a message to Northern Iowa DE Elerson Smith (No. 47 pictured on this play). Jaimes played right tackle, right guard, left guard and left tackle during the week. On Day 2, he got into problems when over-setting (leaning to punch) at guard and turning sideways (parallel to sidelines) too quickly in the down at tackle. When he stayed square (at tackle or guard), he was tough to get around.

Ilinois State DB Christian Uphoff, Coastal Carolina DE Tarron Jackson 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

Coastal Carolina DE Tarron Jackson, Illinois State Christian Uphoff in kickoff drills 2021 Senior Bowl

Coastal Carolina DE Tarron Jackson (No. 99 pictured) and Illinois State DB Christian Uphoff both had their moments during the week. Jackson offers some versatility as a sub-package three-technique defensive tackle and Uphoff could be an H-LB in nickel/dime situations.

Photo Galleries, 2021, 2021, NFL, 2021, NCAA FB, Bowl previews/recaps, Draft preview

2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl Photo Gallery/Practice Notes: American Team, Day 2

January 30, 2021 Peter Worilther Leave a comment

We spotlight a hard-charging safety, two hybrid defensive line prospects, an underrated SEC wideout and a couple of intriguing tight ends in our breakdown of the American team’s Day 2 practice at the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl.

Mac Jones in the pocket at the 2021 Senior Bowl

Mac Jones QB Alabama in 2021 Senior Bowl

Alabama QB and Heisman Trophy finalist Mac Jones excelled with his ball placement on Day 2. He was quick in his decision-making all week. He demonstrated touch on back-shoulder (Red Zone) or tear drop throws during one-on-one periods (see Palmer, Day 2). The inaccurate throws were occasionally present on passes to running backs out of the backfield.

Georgia TE Tre' McKitty catches ball 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

Georgia and former FSU TE Tre' McKitty caught just six passes for the Bulldogs in four games this past season. On Day 2, however, he displayed savvy running routes and competed as a blocker. During the week, he made a number of terrific grabs and won several times versus man coverage.

Josh Palmer catching pass in 2021 Senior Bowl Day 2

Former Tennessee WR Josh Palmer catches ball away from frame in 2021 Senior Bowl (Day 2)

Former Tennessee WR Josh Palmer displayed all of the necessary tools during the week to suggest he can become a better pro than collegian. His stride closed the cushion on defensive backs. Palmer exhibited body control and long arms to snag passes from his frame, particularly on bootleg concepts. He had his way versus man coverage on several occasions during the week. His biggest weakness? A tendency to hop when getting into his inside or outside releases versus press-man coverage.

Kellen Mond deep in pocket 2021 Senior Bowl (Day 2)

Alabama LT Alex Leatherwood (No. 70 pictured) generally was solid during the week, but still set a short corner at times. Texas A&M QB Kellen Mond (No. 12 pictured) flashed during the week, but ball security continued to be an issue for him in the pocket (drops ball near end of Day 2). FSU DL Marvin Wilson (No. 21 pictured) versus Tennessee OL Trey Smith and Kentucky OL Drake Jackson had an up-and-down week.

Shawn Davis attempts to pick off pass during drills 2021 Senior Bowl, Day 2

American QB Kellen Mond attempted to get this pass in-between coverage (two-deep) but former Florida safety Shawn Davis could not reel in this interception attempt. Davis is known for his hard-hitting style, but he did intercept five passes over the last two seasons. The former Miami Southridge Senior High School (Fla.) product competed well, yet displayed some rigidness in pass coverage during the week.

Quintin Morris running with ball during 2021 Senior Bowl

Quintin Morris TE Bowling Green State, 2021 Senior Bowl

Bowling Green State's Quintin Morris showed his former wide receiver skills during the practices. With that said, he did have some instances where he rounded some cuts and allowed safeties to undercut him (Gillepsie, Day 1, INT). We were impressed how he came back on Day 2 and competed as a blocker, even recording a knockdown in a team period versus a linebacker. He still gets thrown around when sustaining, but that didn't stop him from running his feet through the whistle as a down tight end on Day 2 versus Sam linebackers.

William Bradley-King, Cam Sample 2021 Senior Bowl

Cam Sample DE-Tulane William Bradley-King DE-Baylor 2021 Senior Bow

These two defensive linemen caught our eyes during the week. Both did so for different reasons. Bradley-King was slippery inside and showed heavy hands versus tight ends. Sample was able to beat turn protection as a three-technique DT on Day 2, and kept fighting once walled in DL/OL pass rush drills. These are two hybrid-type prospects due to their willingness to mix it up as run defenders. Sample can perhaps be a third down defensive tackle and Bradley-King may be able to play some left defensive end.

Articles, NFL, NFL Draft Recap, 2020, 2020, NFC North

2020 NFL Draft Recap: NFC North

April 29, 2020 Peter Worilther Leave a comment

Green Bay Packers	Notable picks: Deguara showed patience setting up his routes, good hand-eye coordination and improved blocking skills in 2019. While not a burner, he plays fast and brings toughness to the table. He was a solid kickoff cover guy early in his Bearcats career.
Round, Selection,	Player	School	DN Big Board Rank/ Grade	‘Nasty’ Take:
1 (26)	Jordan Love	6’3 224 QB-Utah State	35/2nd Round	Love’s playing style (VIDEO) has some similarities to starting QB Aaron Rodgers. Using his eyes with more effectiveness to maneuver defenders should be on the top of his to-do list.
2 (62)	A.J. Dillon	6’1 247 RB-Boston College	64/2nd Round	Dillon’s physical prowess is defined by upper and lower body power. He is patient when following his pullers on power schemes (either inside or outside). Can he be a factor in pass protection? Will he even need to be with Aaron Jones in the mix?
3 (94)	Josiah Deguara	6’2 245 TE/H-back-Cincinnati	136/3rd Round	At the prep level, Deguara caught 24 TDs as a senior. This past season, he led the Bearcats with 7 receiving TDs as a flex/H-back option. He improved every year as an on the move blocker.
5 (175)	Kamal Martin	6’3 240 LB-Minnesota	423/5th Round	The former all-state QB makes up for a relatively high playing disposition with good feet. Eliminating some of the wasted motion gives him a better chance to earn a spot as a special team contributor/backup.
6 (208)	Jake Hanson	6’4 303 OC-Oregon	454/6th Round	Hanson -a former DL with aggression- started 48 games in school. He was an effective communicator in the pre-snap when it came to line games and potential twists. Can snap-and-pull in confined areas.
6 (209)	Simon Stepaniak	6’4 321 OG-Indiana	434/6th Round	Stepaniak-who carries 10 3/8″ hands- was a 31-game starter in school and grappler at the OG spot.
7 (236)	Vernon Scott	6’2 205 DB-TCU	N/A	Scott made a statement about his film study when he recognized a bunch formation against Oklahoma on his lone career interception returned for a score. His tackling has been hit-or-miss (see Texas ’19).

Dillon (No. 2 pictured) powered his way behind a stout offensive line for three years. Boston College finished eighth nationally in rushing yards per game in 2019.

7 (242)

Jonathan Garvin

6’4 263
DE-OLB-Miami (Fla.)

219/
4th
Round

The smooth DE gained nearly 45 pounds in school and it didn’t really rob him of much short-area burst. He slips offensive tackles and defeats blockers in the run game, but he has to generate a go-to move to win in the NFL.

Chicago Bears	Notable Pick: The selection of Kmet means the Bears can now use a number of two tight end formations with both he and free agent signee Jimmy Graham. It is a clear sign that the team is intent on attacking the middle of the field in 2020.
Round, Selection,	Player	School	DN Big Board Rank/ Grade	‘Nasty’ Take:
2 (43)	Cole Kmet	6’6 262 TE-Notre Dame	53/2^nd Round	The former left-handed closer on the baseball team handled multiple roles for the Fighting Irish. He can be effective on the move as an H-back or in-line as a tight end.
2 (50)	Jaylon Johnson	6’0 195 CB-Utah	73/2^nd Round	Johnson finished his career with seven interceptions (165 yards, 2 TDs) and 21 pass breakups.
5 (155)	Trevis Gipson	6’3 259 DE-Tulsa	128/3rd Round	Gipson’s ability to play the run from the four-technique position often took away pass rush opportunities. In that facet (pass rushing), he has to become a better bender overall.
5 (163)	Kindle Vildor	5’10 191 CB-Georgia Southern	54/2nd Round	Vildor was a team leader and excellent tackler while at Georgia Southern. He impressed in the postseason with 4.44 speed and an 11’1″ broad jump.
5 (173)	Darnell Mooney	5’10 176 WR-Tulane	295/4th Round	Mooney has the skill-set to run routes outside the numbers or in the slot. He has very good run after the catch skill.
7 (226)	Arlington Hambright	6’4 307 OL-Colorado, Oklahoma State	161/3rd Round	Hambright impressed protecting the blindside for quarterback Steven Montez as a senior in 2019 but largely was unavailable for Oklahoma State in 2018 due to a high ankle sprain.
7 (227)	Lachavious Simmons	6’5 290 OT-Tennessee State	N/A	Simmons’ aggressiveness getting off the ball as a left guard overcame the occasional balance issue. the first-team All-OVC selection has seen time at LG, RG and LT.

Minnesota Vikings	Notable pick: The number of picks could be considered what is notable. One pick of particular interest, however, is Metullus. During the pre-draft process, he seemed to go largely undervalued and the Vikings have traditionally struck gold with late round or free agent pickups after draft.
Round, Selection,	Player	School	DN Big Board Rank/ Grade	‘Nasty’ Take:
1 (22)	Justin Jefferson	6’1 202 WR-LSU	32/2^nd Round	Jefferson was already a good player in 2018, but his confidence soared in 2019. He enters the NFL believing no one can guard him in one-on-one situations.
1 (31)	Jeff Gladney	5’10 191 CB-TCU	55/2nd Round	Gladney’s competitiveness made him a fiery contributor for a Gary Patterson defense that requires a lot of man coverage from its cornerbacks. The Horned Frogs led the Big 12 in pass defense in each of the last three seasons. Gladney was a big reason why.
2 (58)	Ezra Cleveland	6’6 300 OT-Boise State	88/2nd Round	Cleveland is smooth, experienced and efficient with his footwork in pass protection. Can he maintain a consistent lockout? The former high school wrestler enjoys tying up defenders, but needs to improve his initial pop as a run blocker.
3 (89)	Cameron Dantzler	6’2 188 CB-Mississippi State	90/3^rd Round	Dantzler’s workouts didn’t reflect his instincts, timing and willingness to tackle. In Minnesota, the team will challenge him to trust his technique and he should be able to earn a role in nickel and dime packages as a rookie.
4 (117)	D.J. Wonnum	6’5 258 DE-South Carolina	252/4th Round	After a breakout sophomore campaign, Wonnum’s sack production diminished in 2018 due to injury (ankle). He began to regain his form in 2019.
4 (130)	James Lynch	6’4 289 DL-Baylor	57/2nd Round	The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year played up-and-down the Bears defensive front in school. Lynch finished his career with 33.5 TFLs, 7 PBUs and three blocked kicks.
4 (132)	Troy Dye	6’3 231 LB-Baylor	129/3rd Round	Dye’s teammates voted him the team’s defensive MVP as a rookie and it was a sign of things to come. Although angular by nature, Dye has unique eye speed, flexibility and field speed.
5 (169)	Harrison Hand	5’11 197 CB-Temple, Baylor	218/4th Round	Hand has good size, toughness and footwork. Technically, he is a work in progress (see UCF ’19). With that said, he brings capability in either man or zone coverage.
5 (176)	K.J. Osborn	6’0 205 WR-Miami (Fla.), Buffalo	246/4th Round	Osborn was arguably the Bulls best receiver in 2018 despite the presence of All-MAC receiver Anthony Johnson. The narrative largely remained the same at Miami (Fla.) as a grad transfer after the disappearing act of Jeff Thomas.
6 (203)	Blake Brandel	6’6 302 OT-Oregon State	529/6th Round	Brandel -a 48-game starter in school at both tackle spots- made most of his starts on the left side of the line (39). He has 10 3/8″ hands, 33 1/4″ arms and an 80 1/8″ wingspan.
6 (205)	Josh Metullus	5’11 210 S-Michigan	153/3rd Round	Metullus -a 38-game starter in school- is smart, communicates well and can get off of the hash marks. Michigan challenges all of its defensive backs in man coverage. He has shown aggressiveness as a tackler.

Michigan State’s Kenny Willekes, pictured, finished his career with 26.5 quarterback sacks and 51 tackles for loss.

7 (225)	Kenny Willekes	6’4 264 DE-Michigan State	104/3rd Round	Willekes -the 2019 Burlsworth Trophy Award winner- was the rare dominant former walk-on. He plays low enough, handles tight ends in the run game and times his snap count reactions. Will his leverage allow him to overcome his length deficiencies?
7 (244)	Nate Stanley	6’4 231 QB-Iowa	132/3rd Round	Stanley has all of the physical tools, but his work in the pre-snap phase of the game identifying fronts often allowed him to make checks at the line of scrimmage in the run game. He may have helped himself by playing in a postseason all-star game.
7 (249)	Brian Cole II	6’2 213 S-Mississippi State, Michigan	181/4th Round	Cole II -a one-year starter- timed his blitzes (off the slot or from the edge), covered the slot and played a LB-type position for DC Bob Shoop and the Bulldogs. The former WR also returned kicks in school.
7 (253)	Kyle Hinton	6’2 296 OG-Washburn	616/7th Round	Hinton’s Pro Day performance (4.9 40-yd, 34 1/2″ VJ) subsidized a decent showing during the 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. During school, he showed the ability to get out and hit the occasional moving target.

Detroit Lions	Notable pick: The Lions have been searching for a Top 10 running back it seems like for the entire Matthew Stafford-era in Detroit. Can Swift be more than just a change of pace for Kerryon Johnson? If so, their running game could become a team strength as opposed to question mark.
Round, Selection,	Player	School	DN Big Board Rank/ Grade	‘Nasty’ Take:
1 (3)	Jeff Okudah	6’1 205 CB-Ohio State	11/1st Round	Okudah will be challenged in man-to-man coverage and that should fit his skill-set. The former high school safety brings an assertive nature similar to the last Lions cornerback taken in the Top 5 in the first round, Bryant Westbrook (1997 NFL Draft).
2 (35)	D’Andre Swift	5’8 212 RB-Georgia	7/1st Round	Swift has been afforded the luxury of being in a rotation during his career and this should remain the case in Detroit. An underrated receiver with outstanding peripheral vision as a runner, Swift’s only big knock was the occasional nick during school.
3 (67)	Julian Okwara	6’4 252 DE-OLB Notre Dame	186/4th Round	Okwara stood up, played both DE spots in school and even dropped into coverage effectively out of a two-point stance (see Michigan ’18). He has contributed effectively on the field goal block team.
3 (75)	Jonah Jackson	6’3 306 OG-Ohio State, Rutgers	225/4th Round	Jackson has started at right guard, center and left guard. Before arriving at Ohio State, he was a team captain at Rutgers. The criminal justice major plays with heavy hands and takes good angles in the run game, particularly on combination blocks.
4 (121)	Logan Stenberg	6’6 317 OG-Kentucky	110/4th Round	Stenberg -despite his height- latches LBs on the second level. He runs his feet on angle blocks and uses a solid skip-pull technique in confined areas. He has starting potential.
5 (166)	Quintez Cephus	6’1 202 WR-Wisconsin	130/3rd Round	Cephus overcomes small hands with confidence catching the ball, solid weight distribution and suddenness. We feel he has room to grow in either the slot or on the outside.
5 (172)	Jason Huntley	5’8 182 All-purpose-New Mexico State	385/5th Round	Electricity is the name of the game for Huntley in both the return game and as an all-purpose specialist. He can become even more effective with less touches, as he was in 2017 while playing with Larry Rose III.
6 (197)	John Penisini	6’2 318 DT-Utah	425/5th Round	Strong DL capable of slanting and spiking. The former Ute is satisfactory holding the point vs. double teams.
7 (235)	Jason Cornell	6’3 284 (E) DL-Ohio State	N/A	Cornell enjoyed a breakout season in 2019 with 4 QB sacks and 6.5 TFLs. He has played both DE and DT in school, and stood out in the 2019 CFP national semifinal.

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