Former North Carolina offensive tackle Charlie Heck started at both tackle spots for the Tar Heels over a three-year period. In 2019, Heck earned second-team All-ACC honors for the Texans at the left tackle spot. He accomplished the feat after suffering a broken hand early in his senior campaign.
Category Archives: DraftNasty Throwbacks (Videos, Photos, Articles)
Houston Texans DE-OLB Jonathan Greenard: 2020 NFL Draft, 3rd round, 90th overall
Former Florida and Louisville DE-OLB Jonathan Greenard was the Houston Texans third round selection (90th overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft. Greenard finished his career with 19.5 quarterback sacks, 38.5 tackles for losses, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery (TD), two interceptions and seven pass breakups.
2019 SDCCU Holiday Bowl Photo Gallery
Iowa’s Ihmir Smith-Marsette took his second kickoff return of the season to the house and scored touchdowns three different ways in the team’s 49-24 victory over the USC Trojans in the 2019 SDCCU Holiday Bowl. Along with Holiday Bowl Defensive MVP A.J. Epenesa’s 2.5 quarterback sacks, the Hawkeyes went on a 21-0 run to end the contest.
6 Smith-Marsette BEST SHOT of him spinning vs USC KO coverage
Iowa's Ihmir Smith-Marsette (No. 6 seen spinning on USC's Isaiah Pola-Mao) finished fifth nationally in kickoff returns this past season (29.6 yd/avg, 2 TDs). His 2019 Holiday Bowl Offensive MVP performance featured three touchdowns (KR, REC, RUSH) and nearly a fourth on a near touchdown pass.
94 Epenesa uses outside arm-over after pull-through maneuver
It was Epenesa's superior technique, however, that ultimately proved to be the difference in the much-anticipated matchup between the two all-conference performers. On this repetition, Epenesa uses an outside arm over and pull-through maneuver to cross Jackson's feet.
74 Wirfs bends back 26 Mauga
The Iowa Hawkeyes also have two offensive tackle prospects that will be playing on Sundays. Right tackle Tristan Wirfs' (No. 74 seen pictured blocking USC sophomore linebacker Kana'i Mauga, No. 26 pictured) power was evident for much of the night. He was effective pulling in space and displayed agility on outside reach blocks in their variety of offensive run schemes.
2019 Walk-On’s Independence Bowl Photo Gallery
Louisiana Tech head coach Skip Holtz won his sixth consecutive bowl game for the Bulldogs and did so in dominating fashion. His Bulldogs shutout the Miami (Fla.) Hurricanes 14-0 in what turned out to be a dominating defensive performance. The Hurricanes managed just 74 yards on the ground and accounted for 227 yards overall. Walk-On’s Independence Bowl Defensive MVP Connor Taylor had nine tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.
55 Quarterman gets off block to fill vs 33 Henderson
Miami (Fla.) LB Shaquille Quarterman (No. 55 pictured) may be the Hurricanes' most consistent leader. While many of his teammates sat out the game to prepare for the 2020 NFL Draft, Quarterman -who led the team in tackles (107) and ranked second in tackles for loss (15.5) - tallied 11 tackles in his final career game. Despite his efforts, Louisiana Tech junior running back Justin Henderson (No. 33 pictured) finished with 95 yards on 22 carries. Henderson (1,062 rushing yards, 16 total TDs in 2019) earned 2019 Independence Bowl Offensive MVP honors.
5 Sam THROWS 2 Osborn out of the club
With Louisiana Tech All-American CB Amik Robertson sitting out the bowl game to prepare for the draft, senior corner Michael Sam (No. 5 pictured) was out to send a message early in the game. This physical tackle on Miami (Fla.) senior wide receiver K.J. Osborn (No. 2 pictured) set a tone. Sam had 46 tackles, three interceptions and seven pass break-ups in 2019.
15 Rousseau gets off of 77 Stallworth to inside hip
Miami (Fla.) freshman defensive end Gregory Rousseau (No. 15 pictured) had a size challenge versus Louisiana Tech senior OT Gewhite Stallworth (6'8, 320). Rousseau's slippery nature proved to be tough for Stallworth at times. Rousseau is draft-eligible for the 2021 NFL Draft and this season proved to be a breakout. He finished with 54 tackles, 15.5 quarterback sacks (second nationally), 19.5 tackles for losses (seventh nationally), two forced fumbles and one pass break-up.
Corey Chavous’ 2020 NFL Draft guide/Free Agency Recap (HARD COPY)
NOTE:
2020 NFL Draft Guide, Hard Copy edition ($39.99). This hard copy purchase comes with a free ONLINE 2020 NFL Draft Guide. See receipt email after purchase for more details.
DraftNasty spotlights 2019 2nd Annual Silver Bluff HS Youth Football Camp
Silver Bluff High School head football coach De’Angelo Bryant stresses fun, competition, excitement, instruction, leadership and fundamentals in his youth football camps. His second annual camp featured intense campers being led by detailed coaching. DraftNasty went behind the scenes to take an in-depth snapshot.
2019 2nd Annual Silver Bluff HS Gridiron Golf Tournament, 6-28-19
Silver Bluff High School hosted its second annual Gridiron Golf tournament at the Midland Valley Golf Club in Graniteville, South Carolina on June 28, 2019. Here is a look at some of the images from the weekend.
2019 NFL Draft recap, pick-by-pick: AFC West
| Denver Broncos | Notable picks: The team traded its 10th overall pick, yet still got the draft’s 21st player overall at Pick 20. In addition, the team nabbed our 32nd-ranked player in Risner early in the second round. Although Lock was deeper on our board (54th overall), we don’t think the Broncos could have waited any longer to pull the trigger on the third-best QB in the draft. Of the team’s undrafted free agents, Nevada’s Malik Reed has the most suddenness and could have easily been a draft pick. For the second consecutive year, John Elway added solid players to an underrated nucleus. Ultimately, however, this draft’s eventual grade will come down to the development of Lock. | |||
| Round,
Selection, |
Player | School | DN Big Board
Rank/ Grade |
‘Nasty’ Take: |
| 1 (20) Traded its first round pick (10th overall) to the Pittsburgh Steelers for the team’s | Noah Fant | TE/Iowa | 21/1st Round | Although his teammate T.J. Hockenson won the 2018 John Mackey Award, it was Fant who earned first-team All-Big Ten honors as voted on by the coaches. Fant’s 4.5 speed will be a welcome addition down the seams for new quarterback John Flacco. |
| 2 (41) | Dalton
Risner |
OL/Kansas State | 32/2nd Round | It doesn’t take long to understand the value of Risner, who despite having natural lateral quickness, needs to close off the bottom of the pocket more consistently as an outside tackle. If he moves back into the center position (where he started in 2015), then we think he’ll challenge for a starting spot. |
| 2 (42)
Acquired from Cincinnati |
Drew Lock | QB/Missouri | 54/2nd Round | Lock can challenge all parts of the field with range that is comparable to Joe Flacco, the man he is asked to backup initially in Denver. We felt that the former Tiger needed a bridge quarterback and Flacco fits the bill. |
| 3 (71) | Dre’Mont Jones | DT/Ohio State | 33/2nd Round | Jones’ outstanding footwork frequently allowed him to work over guards after gaining an edge. For him to become a legitimate starter, he will have to play heavier at the point of attack. |
| 5 (156)
Acquired from Minnesota |
Justin Hollins | DE-OLB/Oregon | 202/4th Round | Hollins proved during 2019 East-West Shrine practicesthat he was at least adequate as an exchange LB. It is a big reason he took home East-West Shrine Game Defensive MVP honors. The former Duck forced eight fumbles in school. |
| 6 (187)
Acquired from Carolina |
Juwann
Winfree |
WR/ | 425/5th Round | Winfree has unique route-running skill and underrated field speed. The former Terrapin rarely has to idle himself into patterns. The Broncos struck gold by staying in-state a year ago with UDFA Pro Bowler Phillip Lindsay and hope to do so again with its sixth-round pick. |
| Kansas City Chiefs | Notable picks: The Chiefs went into the draft looking to add pieces as opposed to having to fill them. One position of note that the team didn’t address until Day 3 is cornerback. Heading into the 2019 campaign, they have a rather unproven group of outside cornerbacks. They will likely have to depend on Kendall Fuller to give them some reps on the flanks after the loss of underrated CB Steven Nelson. In addition, the team is probably depending on Emmanuel Ogbah, who has quietly posted 17 pass break-ups in his career, to be a serviceable left defensive end opposite the recently acquired Frank Clark. | |||
| Round,
Selection, |
Player | School | DN Big Board
Rank/ Grade |
‘Nasty’ Take: |
| 2 (56)
Acquired from Los Angeles via New England via Chicago |
Mecole Hardman | All-Purpose/Georgia | 72/2nd Round | It doesn’t take long to determine where Hardman is inclined to work. He can become a serious contender for playing time in the slot if he can show increased ball skills and awareness. His biggest strength is the ability to accelerate through the reception, but he left some passes on the field. We think he is one of the top return threats in the draft. ` |
| 2 (63)
Acquired from Los Angeles |
Juan
Thornhill |
DB/Virginia | 179/3rd Round | Thornhill, a former corner at Virginia, doesn’t mind mixing it up in coverage. His biggest weakness came when routes broke away from him (either at safety or corner). The former high school basketball star uses outstanding leaping ability to supplement first-rate instincts. He was used in somewhat of a hybrid role in 2018. |
| 3 (84)
Acquired from Seattle |
Khalen Saunders | DT/Western Illinois | 179/3rd Round | Saunders has some traits that are similar to former Texas DL and current New Orleans Saints DL Malcom Brown. An above average athlete, he was a tough block for guards or tackles. Stamina is a bit of a question mark. |
| 6 (201) | Rashad Fenton | CB/South Carolina | 269/4th Round | Have you ever seen a player who may not look as fast as he really is? This is the case for Fenton, who shined as a kickoff returner at various points of his career. His quick-footed nature and overall toughness means he could get looks at the nickel back spot. |
| 6 (214) | Darwin Thompson | RB/Utah State | 306/4th Round | An explosive Pro Day forced evaluators to go back to the tape for Thompson. What they found was a patient runner with enough speed to bounce runs outside. A season that featured a 15.3 yards per reception average proved he can catch too. |
| 7 (216)
Acquired from San Francisco |
Nick
Allegretti |
OG/Illinois | 220/4th Round | The former Illini two-time team captain started 36 straight games to end his career. We feel the right guard position gives him the best chance to earn a roster spot. Why? He shifts his weight on opponents as well as any guard in this year’s draft. |
| Oakland Raiders | Notable pick: Newly-hired GM Mike Mayock selected potential core players who add substance to the roster. Ferrell and Jacobs both played large parts in each of their respective team’s national championship runs. Although Abram represented a personality pick, how different is he from former West Virginia safety Karl Joseph? The selection of Crosby means the team now has a number of edge rushers to throw at teams, even if none of them would be described as a dominant game changer. Mullen, Johnson and college free agent Keisean Nixon join a cornerback group suddenly filled with young talent and depth. | |||
| Round,
Selection, |
Player | School | DN Big Board
Rank/ Grade |
‘Nasty’ Take: |
| 1 (4) | Clelin Ferrell | DE/Clemson | 15/1st Round | Ferrell averaged 17 tackles for loss per year over the course of the last three seasons. His ability to finish on the quarterback is undeniable. The big knock on him was a relative lack of natural bend off the edge. He is long enough to compensate. |
| 1 (24) | Josh Jacobs | RB/Alabama | 61/2nd Round | Jacobs’ running style and receiving skill largely mirrors that of the runner who started for the Raiders the last two seasons, Marshawn Lynch when he came out of school. He is just not as fast as Lynch was coming out of school. |
| 1 (27) | Johnathan Abram | S/
Mississippi State, Georgia |
52/2nd Round | Somewhat of a Donte Whitner-type (Bills, 49ers), Abram could become a complement to fellow safety Karl Joseph. The former Georgia Bulldog has covered the slot effectively, but we don’t think that’s a role he will be asked to man consistently in the NFL. He will, however, be asked to lock down tight ends. |
| 2 (40) | Trayvon Mullen | CB/Clemson | 95/3rd Round | The former high school WR has positive hand-eye coordination and timing. During his two years as a starter, he displayed a keen sense of handling man or zone assignments. At 6-foot-1, 199 pounds, he is an adequate tackler. |
| 4 (106) | Maxx
Crosby |
DE-OLB/Eastern
Michigan |
273/4th Round | Crosby’s gangly, unorthodox style conjures up images of former Buffalo Bills star Bryce Paup. For him to make it, he has to play with more sand in the pants. |
| 4 (129)
Acquired from Indianapolis |
Isaiah Johnson | CB/Houston | 139/3rd Round | Johnson’s ability to win in zone coverage comes from his receiving background. In addition, he is one of the top gunners in the 2019 NFL Draft. Standing 6-foot-2, 208 pounds, the former wideout will find playing time in some capacity in Year 1. |
| 4 (137)
Compensatory pick acquired from Atlanta |
Foster Moreau | TE/LSU | 181/3rd Round | Although he wasn’t featured as a receiving tight end at LSU, Moreau contains underrated athleticism and will be a fine on the move or hand in the dirt Y-tight end. It would not be a surprise to see his receiving skills expand at the NFL level. He can create separation at the top of his routes. |
| 5 (149)
Acquired from Dallas via Cincinnati |
Hunter
Renfrow |
WR/
Clemson |
126/3rd Round | The operative thinking is that Renfrow turns into a multi-year contributor at the slot wide receiver position and you’re done with it…right? What about special teams production for a receiver weighing in the 180-pound range? Despite showing up at the gunner spot (ex: Russell Athletic Bowl ’15), he posted just four career tackles. He did, however, serve as the team’s emergency punter. |
| 7 (230)
Acquired from Atlanta |
Quinton Bell | Prairie View A&M | N/A | Bell averaged 13.6 yards per catch before transitioning to defense in 2018. He responded with 7.5 quarterback sacks and 10 tackles for losses. He’s bulked up in weight while still maintaining his explosiveness (41 1/2-inch VJ). |
| Los Angeles Chargers | Notable picks: Tillery’s unique athleticism (4.33 20-yard short shuttle) and heavy hands (10 5/8”) offsets an inconsistent pad level. Adderley’s range belies his timed speed. Pipkins has a skill-set and profile that closely mirrors incumbent right tackle Sam Tevi. Stick may be used in a surprise role for the team and Broughton can play multiple positions. Tranquill’s foot speed and safety experience could earn him a role in sub-packages, but we expect him to star on special teams immediately. | |||
| Round,
Selection, |
Player | School | DN Big Board
Rank/ Grade |
‘Nasty’ Take: |
| 1 (28) | Jerry Tillery | Notre Dame | 19/2nd Round | Tillery has all of the tools to be a multi-purpose defensive lineman in the NFL. His style lends itself to somewhat of an Arik Armstead-type (San Francisco 49ers). Both players were bunch producers in school. |
| 2 (60) | Nasir
Adderley |
DB/
Delaware |
43/2nd Round | Adderley’s timed speed does not accurately represent the speed that really matters….his eye speed. His ability to read the quarterback’s body language really was unparalleled in this year’s draft class. His major key will be finding a balance when it comes to making open field tackles consistently in space. |
| 3 (91) | Trey Pipkins | OT/Sioux Falls | 119/3rd Round | He displays positive bend, impressive mobility and an element of finish necessary to compete on Sundays. His short lateral kick-slide will have to deepen if he is going to stay outside. We went into how his outstanding NFL Combine workout would be the final factor in swaying NFL coaches and personnel. |
| 4 (130) | Drue
Tranquill |
LB/Notre Dame | 194/4th Round | The former safety uses his 4.5 speed to make plays all over the field. His stock stayed steady due to his ability to return from a couple of freak ACL injuries during school. It didn’t stop him from finishing his career with 292 tackles and 25 tackles for losses in 52 career appearances. |
| 5 (166) | Easton Stick | QB/North Dakota State | 301/4th Round | His 4.6 40-yard dash time opens eyes, but maybe not even as much as his blistering 6.65 time in the three-cone drill. It is a big reason he rushed for 41 TDs in school. He doesn’t have former Bison QB Carson Wentz’s arm, but he does have even more impressive athleticism. The Chargers will find a way to incorporate it on a deep team. |
| 6 (200) | Emeke
Egbule |
OLB/
Houston |
490/5th Round | His defensive coordinator Mark D’Onofrio said of Egbule, “he’s our most versatile player in space.” It will be imperative for him show these traits for scouts during training camp to earn a roster spot. |
| 7 (242) | Cortez Broughton | DL/ | 247/4th Round | In a deep 2019 defensive tackle class, it probably isn’t a surprise that Broughton was one of the overlooked prospects. Aside from notching 16.5 tackles for losses in 2018, he also put together a pretty good week at the 2019 East-West Shrine Game. Icing on the cake for Broughton came on Cincinnati’s Pro Day, where he notched an impressive 33 1/2-inch vertical jump at 293 pounds. |
2019 NFL Draft recap, pick-by-pick: NFC West
- Murray (No. 1 pictured) was often tasked with finding passing lanes behind a mammoth offensive line in school.
| Arizona
Cardinals |
Notable Picks: Two-time executive of the year Steve Keim let the draft come to the team patiently. It is a big reason he picked up a center who we felt was one of the best overall players in the draft in Gaillard. He may be able to battle for a backup spot. Miles was an underrated athlete and collegiate left tackle with a legitimate six-inch punch. The trade of 2018 first-round pick Josh Rosen to the Miami Dolphins netted the team its second round pick (62nd overall), UMass WR Andy Isabella, and a fifth-round pick in 2020. Allen is a heck of a football player and may have to provide a presence as an interior pass rusher after the team didn’t pick up a true outside rusher in the draft. |
|||
| Round,
Selection, |
Player | School | DN Big Board
Rank/ Grade |
‘Nasty’ Take: |
| 1 (1) | Kyler Murray | QB/ | 17/1st Round | Murray’s disciplined pocket approach is complemented by an ability to create once the pocket breaks down. Whether or not the team did enough to address its offensive line is to debate, but it could be argued that its starting five is already in place. |
| 2 (33) | Byron
Murphy |
CB/
Washington |
24/2nd Round | DraftNasty’s top-ranked corner has all of the tools to develop into a frontline starter. For this to be a value pick, he has to develop into at least an immediate starting nickel. |
| 2 (62)
Acquired from Miami in the Josh Rosen trade |
Andy
Isabella |
WR/UMass | 137/3rd Round | For better or worse, Isabella’s name will always be associated with Josh Rosen’s in terms of who got the better end of the deal. In an offense where slot wide receivers have had large degrees of success on fade routes from the slot, Isabella’s speed will put pressure on defenses. He has been inconsistent tracking the ball down the field. |
| 3 (65) | Zach Allen | DE/Boston College | 190/3rd Round | Allen gets as many points for batting down footballs as he does putting the quarterback on the ground. In school he notched 14 pass break-ups, but he also tallied 40.5 tackles for losses. He is a feisty defensive end who excels at playing to half a man. |
| 5 (139) | Deionte Thompson | S/Alabama | 66/2nd Round | Although he is somewhat of a shoulder-block tackler, the 195-pound Thompson rarely runs away from contact. Injuries clouded his postseason and left scouts wondering about his durability. |
| 6 (174) | KeeSean Johnson | WR/Fresno State | 175/3rd Round | One of the draft’s best route runners, Johnson plays a game that doesn’t rely completely on long speed. He is adept at changing his speeds to achieve separation at the top of routes. His ball skills are above average. |
| 6 (179) | Lamont
Gaillard |
OL/Georgia | 51/2nd Round | We were bullish on Gaillard’s stock and certainly ranked him higher than most teams. We like the fact that the former four-star recruit has experience at both OG and OC. He has finishing DNA as a football player. |
| 7 (248) | Joshua Miles | OL/Morgan State | 227/4th Round | Not many 314-pounders notch 36-inch vertical jumps. This is a mere additive for the former Morgan State left tackle. He became the first player from the school drafted since Visanthe Shiancoe in 2003 and just the second since 1982. |
| 7 (249) | Michael Dogbe | DL/Temple | 235/4th Round | Dogbe translates perfectly as a four-technique DE for the Cardinals and his quick, slippery nature could get him looks at a three-technique position in Bear fronts. He can play a number of spots in obvious pass rush situations, but he is sound defending the run versus reach or angle blocks. |
| 7 (254) | Caleb Wilson | TE/UCLA | 207/4th Round | Mr. Irrelevant has 4.56 speed but limited thump as a point of attack blocker. He became more willing in this regard as a cross-blocker when at the fullback or U-off position, but he is at his best after the catch or when working the seams of the field. |
| Seattle Seahawks | Notable Picks: Fair or unfair, this draft may very well come down to a comparison between the team’s first-round pick L.J. Collier and the departed Frank Clark (Chiefs). It shouldn’t. GM John Schneider used the trade to pick up a 2020 second-round pick, swapped a third-rounder in 2019, and then traded its own first-rounder (21st overall) to the Green Bay Packers for its 30th pick in the first round and then picked up the 114th overall pick (4th round) and 118th overall pick (4th round). After that, the ‘Hawks traded the 30th overall pick in the first round to the New York Giants for the 37th overall pick (2nd Round), a fourth-round pick (132nd overall) and a fifth-rounder (142nd overall). They used that fifth-round pick to select Washington LB Ben Burr-Kirven. What did they do with the 37th overall pick? They traded it to the Panthers to get the 47th overall pick (Marquise Blair) and the 77th overall pick (3rd Rounder). They used their other draft capital to trade back up into the third round with the Vikings to select Barton 88th overall while receiving the 209th overall pick (Christmas). There were other trades and moves that allowed a team with limited selections to end up grabbing 11 players, but you get the point. |
|||
| Round,
Selection, |
Player | School | DN Big Board
Rank/ Grade |
‘Nasty’ Take: |
| 1(29) | L.J. Collier | DE/TCU | 125/3rd Round | Collier was always a flex player for the Horned Frogs, but he arguably turned in his best season in 2018. His improved play defending the run complemented an improvement when it came to setting up his pass rush moves. He had two sacks, two tackles for loss and a forced fumble in the 2019 Senior Bowl. |
| 2 (47) | Marquise Blair | S/Utah | 58/2nd Round | It would not at all be a surprise to see Blair employed as a potential cornerback. We felt as if his fluidity could work at the position, much like the safety the Seahawks took a season ago in Tre Flowers. Blair, however, is unique in his skill at translating speed-to-power on contact as a tackler. Will his frame hold up with his violent playing style? |
| 2 (64) | D.K. Metcalf | WR/Ole Miss | 37/2nd Round | Metcalf’s lack of production can be attributed to a lack of repetitions due to injuries, some of them fairly major in nature. When healthy, the former Rebel has demonstrated range, power and tracking skill down the field. Can he put it all together as a route runner? |
| 3 (88) | Cody Barton | LB/Utah | 177/3rd Round | Although Barton presents a tad bit of stiffness, he often corrects his angles of pursuit. Barton projects as a Will linebacker. The former high school DB has awareness in coverage and can contribute in sub-packages. |
| 4 (120) | Gary Jennings | WR/West Virginia | 116/3rd Round | The Seahawks continue to load up on wideouts with the uncertain status of WR Doug Baldwin. Jennings impressed outside the numbers in the postseason after winning for most of his career in the slot with toughness and 4.4 speed. |
| 4 (124) | Phil Haynes | OL/Wake Forest | 165/3rd Round | Haynes competed well at the guard spot after initially playing the right tackle position earlier in his career. His length will serve him well as a backup at both guard spots initially, but he has starting potential. |
| 4 (132) | Ugo Amadi | All-Purpose/Oregon | 271/4th Round | Amadi’s ability to return punts is supplemented with an ability to cover the slot, contribute off the hash and as an eighth man in the box. |
| 5 (142) | Ben
Burr-Kirven |
LB/ | 200/4th Round | The former high school track & field runner was often a blur running by his teammates on his way to an FBS-best 176 tackles. His segmented nature, however, does result in some misses in space. The former Husky reads the eyes of the QB well in zone coverage. |
| 6 (204) | Travis Homer | RB/Miami (Fla.) | 170/3rd Round | The team values special teams production and it doesn’t get much better than Homer’s 22 career tackles. In-between running down at the gunner spot or on kickoff coverage, Homer used his 4.4 speed to rush for over 900 yards in back-to-back seasons. |
| 6 (209)
Compensatory pick acquired via Minnesota |
Demarcus Christmas | DL/Florida State | 254/4th Round | There is still a place for Christmas on an NFL roster. While most point to his lack of sack production, it is worth noting that he broke up 13 passes in his career. |
| 7 (236)
Acquired from Jacksonville via Baltimore |
John Ursua | WR/Hawaii | 413/5th Round | Ursua finished his career with 189 receptions and 24 TDs while averaging over 14 yards per catch. He has been an effective slot receiver and could add a different element of quickness in the slot. His injury history is a concern at just 178 pounds. |
| San
Francisco 49ers |
Notable Pick: Over the last three years GM John Lynch has put together a talented roster. His draft picks from this year continue to indicate he is intent on building it through the draft. Samuel and Bosa are the headliners, but both have extensive injury histories. They need to stay healthy. If he has as much success with his 2019 third round pick (Hurd) as he had with his 2018 selection (Fred Warner), this draft could land high marks in a couple of years. | |||
| Round,
Selection, |
Player | School | DN Big Board
Rank/ Grade |
‘Nasty’ Take: |
| 1 (2) | Nick Bosa | Ohio State | 3/1st Round | Bosa has all of the tools to become a potent bookend at the DE spot opposite Dee Ford. We think he will provide matchup problems if aligned on the left side versus the tackles of the Rams, Seahawks and Cardinals. Can he stay healthy? |
| 2 (36) | Deebo Samuel | All-Purpose/
South Carolina |
69/2nd Round | In 30 career games, Samuel scored 32 touchdowns. There was a marked difference when we viewed him early in the season as opposed to the postseason (due to past injury issues). He has had injury scrapes in each of his seasons on campus. If not, he may have been a Top 15 pick. |
| 3 (67) | Jalen Hurd | WR/Baylor, Tennessee | 97/3rd Round | Hurd could have made an impact at the 2019 Senior Bowl, but was unable to participate due to injury. After starring as a running back early in his career at Tennessee, he impressed with his work in the slot at Baylor in 2018. The big question he faces is whether he can be as effective outside the numbers. |
| 4 (110)
Acquired from Cincinnati |
Mitch
Wishnowsky |
P/Utah | 451/5th Round | Wishnowsky has a wide repertoire of punts. From the running rugby-style (which he won’t use) version, he’s executed the now popular hook punt. We think he can perfect this and some of his other punts from a traditional punting platform, which he executed from on occasion with success. His highest hang times got up into the high 4-second range, but he was generally capable in the 4.6-range depending on the style of kick. He can also kickoff. |
| 5 (148)
Acquired from Denver |
Dre
Greenlaw |
LB/Arkansas | 186/3rd Round | The operative thinking is that Greenlaw will just provide depth as a fourth or fifth LB who could see time in sub-packages. However, we think he could challenge Malcolm Smith in due time. |
| 6 (176) | Kaden Smith | TE/Stanford | 241/4th Round | Smith was one of the best tight ends in this year’s draft at making contested catches on seam passes. If he can overcome his pedestrian speed to earn a roster spot, he could allow Kyle Shanahan to incorporate some two tight end receiving sets. |
| 6 (183)
Acquired from Cincinnati |
Justin Skule | OT/Vanderbilt | 389/5th Round | Skule will have every opportunity to grab the third tackle spot behind Staley and McGlinchey. He’s probably best suited to backup McGlinchey, who he is nearly identical to in terms of size and quickness. He played LT as a senior at Vanderbilt, but he did start at RT in school. |
| 6 (198)
Acquired from Cincinnati via Dallas |
Tim Harris | CB/Virginia | 226/4th Round | Harris is a developmental draft pick in the mold of former third-rounders Tarvarius Moore and Ahkeilo Witherspoon. Moore started two games in 2018 and Witherspoon has quietly started 21 games in two seasons. Harris’ durability question marks overshadowed 4.4 speed and decent foot quickness. |
| Los Angeles Rams | Notable Picks: Despite not having a first-round pick, many would argue that the Rams got better value than each of their picks in the first three rounds. We had Rapp ranked lower than some teams and Long earned a second-round grade from us. Grabbing Gaines in the third round had to feel like a coup for the team. The pick of Scott in the seventh round was the classic ode to special teams coordinator John Fassel, a future NFL head coach. Scott was Penn State’s best special teams player in each of the last two seasons. | |||
| Round,
Selection, |
Player | School | DN Big Board
Rank/ Grade |
‘Nasty’ Take: |
| 2 (61) | Taylor Rapp | S/
Washington |
94/3rd Round | Rapp had a chance to go even higher had he put together a better 40-yard dash time (4.7), but he excelled in short area change of direction drills (3.99 20-yd SS, 6.82 3-cone). On the field, he is a player who carries his pads. He needs a lot of work timing his breaks when working off the hash marks. |
| 3 (70) | Darrell
Henderson |
RB/
Memphis |
154/3rd Round | We spotlighted the explosive Henderson early in the year when he was averaging an insane amount of yards per carry. In years past, the Rams have had bigger runners backing up Todd Gurley but this is a departure from that philosophy. Henderson is an underrated receiver out of the backfield (15.5 YPR in 2018). |
| 3 (79) | David Long | CB/Michigan | 79/2nd Round | The former high school wideout and U.S. Army All-American displays outstanding competitiveness in man coverage. He didn’t play quite as big as he measured in at during the postseason, but his flexibility is above average. |
| 4 (134)
Acquired from New England |
Greg Gaines | DT/ | 106/3rd Round | The nimble Gaines can translate speed-to-power when pushing the pocket and is underrated as a two-gapping force. Gaines has even stood up to rush from the edge. |
| 5 (169) | David
Edwards |
OT/ | 288/4th Round | Edwards has some technique flaws but his hip flexibility and footwork are both adequate. The light-footed former TE battled through injury in 2018. He needs to play lower to earn a roster spot. |
| 7 (243) | Nick Scott | S/Penn State | 438/5th Round | The pick of Scott in the seventh round was the classic ode to special teams coordinator John Fassel, a future NFL head coach. Scott was Penn State’s best special teams player in each of the last two seasons. In 2018, he began to find another gear in pass coverage as well. |
| 7 (251) | Dakota Allen | LB/Texas Tech | 218/4th Round | Allen trusts his eyes and delivers on contact at a violent clip. The two-time team captain overcame off the field troubles to become one of the Red Raiders team leaders. His short area change of direction rivals that of many of the class’ top defensive backs. |
2019 NFL Draft recap, pick-by-pick: NFC South
| Carolina Panthers | Notable picks: While Burns will be expected to provide the team’s best pass rush threat in years, it is Little who could be tasked with protecting the franchise in QB Cam Newton. Grier will compete with Taylor Heineke and Kyle Allen for the backup job. Scarlett has a chance to earn repetitions as the team continues to look for a viable backup to workhorse Christian McCaffrey. Daley has starting tools if he can improve his hand placement. | |||
| Round,
Selection, |
Player | School | DN Big Board
Rank/ Grade |
‘Nasty’ Take: |
| 1 (16) | Brian Burns | DE-OLB/
Florida State |
28/2nd Round | Burns’ energy and ability to turn the corner is exactly what the Panthers needed coming out of this draft. Burns is the first defensive end the team has taken in the first round since Julius Peppers back in 2002. |
| 2 (37) | Greg Little | OT/Ole Miss | 59/2nd Round | It would be assumed that Little can step right in to start over incumbent Taylor Moton, who was more than serviceable as a right tackle in 2018. If Little can get it done on the left side, then Moton can move back to right tackle and expect Darryl Williams to slide inside to guard. |
| 3 (100) | Will Grier | QB/West Virginia | 229/4th Round | Grier, a Charlotte native, gets an opportunity to compete for a backup role and provides insurance if Cam Newton’s shoulder doesn’t return to form. Several teams were higher on Grier than even his draft position indicates, but we think he landed in a spot where he can improve his pocket presence. |
| 4 (115) | Christian
Miller |
DE-OLB/
Alabama |
303/4th Round | We felt as if Miller’s game early on in 2019 would lead to him getting looks and the Panthers grabbed him early on Day 3. The Panthers will continue to use more multiple looks with HC Ron Rivera calling the defense due to his 3-4 background. This pick is a move in that direction. Miller improved dramatically as a pass rusher in 2018. The loss of Thomas Davis in free agency may mean that Miller competes for a spot at an exchange linebacker spot. |
| 5 (154) | Jordan
Scarlett |
RB/Florida | 293/4th Round | Scarlett landed in a good spot because he is a very physical runner. Despite some stiffness, the team’s gap-schemed runs fit his playing style very well. He has above average balance and will compete with Cameron Artis-Payne for reps. |
| 6 (212)
Acquired from Denver via San Francisco |
Dennis
Daley |
OT/South Carolina | 192/4th Round | For years, the team has lacked depth at tackle. This pick could be a backup plan if Daryl Williams leaves in free agency in 2020. Daley was one of the more nimble pass protectors in the 2019 NFL Draft, but his hand placement is inconsistent. It led to concentration lapses in school. |
| 7 (237)
Acquired from Denver via Houston |
Terry
Godwin |
WR/Georgia | 117/3rd Round | Godwin’s dominant week of East-West Shrine practices ensured a draft slot but he could have gone much higher. The former four-star recruit is adept at running all of the required slot patterns with unique quickness and savvy. At just 185 pounds, is he big enough to contribute on special teams? |
| Atlanta
Falcons |
Notable picks: GM Thomas Dimitroff decided to remake the right side of the team’s offensive line with his first two picks. After allowing 42 sacks in 2018, can you blame him? Can Sheffield fill the role of a third or fourth corner? Green was one of the better return specialists in the draft and may challenge for playing time in that role alone. | |||
| Round,
Selection, |
Player | School | DN Big Board
Rank/ Grade |
‘Nasty’ Take: |
| 1 (14) | Chris
Lindstrom |
Boston
College |
38/2nd Round | Lindstrom- our top-ranked guard-supplemented a stellar four-year career with outstanding work during 2019 Senior Bowl practices. He provides positional versatility (started at RT in 2017) for an offensive line that struggled to protect the passer in 2018. |
| 1 (31) | Kaleb
McGary |
Washington | 29/2nd Round | McGary’s efficiency as a right tackle was supplemented by working with longtime OL coach Howard Mudd this offseason. He could vie for a starting role in Year 1. We talked with him about his various techniques this offseason. |
| 4 (111) | Kendall Sheffield | CB/Ohio State,
Alabama |
89/3rd Round | Sheffield’s ability to play press-man is unquestioned, but he does have a tendency to locate the ball a tick late. If he can harness his overall skill-set, the Ohio State 60-meter track indoor record holder could vie for a starting role down the road. |
| 4 (135) | John
Cominsky |
DE-DT/Charleston | 253/4th Round | Standing 6-foot-5, 286 pounds, Cominsky’s ability to use his hands aids him as a solid run defender. If he can develop more counters as a pass rusher, he could become a keeper. Expect the team to work him more in base packages early as he transitions to an interior pass rush role for third downs. |
| 5 (152) | Qadree
Oliison |
RB/
Pittsburgh |
184/3rd Round | The team had too many backs with the same profile and Devonta Freeman has missed time in recent years. Ollison will be the bruiser that they have lacked on the roster and he has underrated field speed. |
| 5 (172) | Jordan Miller | CB/
Washington |
478/5th Round | Miller held his own against some of the Pac-12’s best but injuries were a factor in school. He is smooth, fast and fluid. Physicality is a question mark. The former high school triple jumper posted six interceptions in school. |
| 6 (203)
Acquired from Los Angeles |
Marcus Green | All-Purpose/Louisiana-Monroe | 482/5th Round | It was surprising that a player who tallied nearly 5,000 all-purpose yards in school became a combine snub. Green, who excels with his 10-to-15-yard burst, ran in the 4.4-range and went 39 inches in the vertical jump on ULM’s Pro Day. |
| Tampa Bay
Buccaneers |
Notable picks: Jason Licht’s selections of Bunting and Dean serve notice to former high picks Carlton Davis and Vernon Hargreaves that competition is on the way. Bunting is a pick expected to challenge for a starting role early. Give Licht credit for not being apprehensive when it came to drafting another kicker. Gay was the draft’s best placekicker and has 62-yard range. | |||
| Round,
Selection, |
Player | School | DN Big Board
Rank/ Grade |
‘Nasty’ Take: |
| 1 (5) | Devin White | LSU | 14/1st Round | White’s sideline-to-sideline speed is a replacement for the speed of former Kwon Alexander, who went to San Francisco in free agency. Connecting the dots on a more consistent basis could allow him to play a step faster. |
| 2 (39) | Sean Bunting | CB/Central
Michigan |
35/2nd Round | Bunting’s press-man or bump-and-run technique is as patient as any cornerback in this year’s class. The former high school hoops point guard can run too. His biggest weakness stems from a habit of ending up on the low shoulder versus wide receivers who use inside speed releases. |
| 3 (94) | Jamel Dean | CB/Auburn | 169/3rd Round | Dean’s mental toughness shined during school as he has gone through knee injuries dating back to his junior year in high school. He doesn’t play to his 4.30 timed speed but we do think he drops his weight better than given credit for. Auburn’s staff praised his ability to play different positions. |
| 3 (99)
Acquired from Los Angeles |
Mike Edwards | S-Nickel/ | 91/3rd Round | Edwards ranks as one of the more instinctive safeties in the draft and has outstanding footwork. He was often seen covering slot receivers and tight ends. The former Wildcat plays with a sixth sense on the field but needs to improve his attention to detail. |
| 4 (107) | Anthony
Nelson |
DE/Iowa | 75/2nd Round | Nelson has some similarities to current Bucs defensive end Carl Nassib. He is perhaps even more physical defending the run. It would not be a surprise to see the team use him inside on passing downs because he is adept on line games and stunts. He was a good value pick in Round 4. |
| 5 (145) | Matt Gay | PK/Utah | 320/4th Round | Gay actually had a fourth-round grade in our scoring system, but he did come in at 320 on our Big Board. Nevertheless, this is not a reach in the fifth round because he would have likely gone off the board before the team picked again. Gay will challenge PK Cairo Santos in training camp. |
| 6 (208)
Compensatory pick acquired from Tampa Bay via Philadelphia |
Scott Miller | WR/Bowling Green State | 370/5th Round | Miller lasted until the fifth round simply because of his 5-foot-9, 174-pound frame. What he brings to the table for the Bucs is 4.3 speed and hands (9 3/4”) that made him a terror in the MAC. The former high school track star totaled 215 receptions for 2,867 yards and 23 TDs in school and stood out against Power 5 competition. |
| 7 (215)
Acquired from Arizona |
Terry Beckner, Jr. | DT/Missouri | 408/5th Round | If not for two knee injuries that slowed him during school, we would likely be discussing the former five-star recruit as an early-round pick. He still produced 10 1/2 QB sack and 22 tackles for loss over his last two seasons in school. |
| New Orleans Saints | Notable Picks: Despite just two picks in the first 105 picks of the draft, we felt the Saints got two of the Top 40 players available in McCoy and Gardner-Johnson. Time will tell. One pick to monitor is Elliss in Round 7. His bend is unique and he has the type of experience in coverage to transition if he can pick up his play speed. | |||
| Round,
Selection, |
Player | School | DN Big Board
Rank/ Grade |
‘Nasty’ Take: |
| 2 (48) | Erik McCoy | OC/Texas A&M | 22/2nd Round | Even though the Saints signed Nick Easton to a four-year deal, McCoy provides positional flexibility along their offensive front. The team’s rushing attack ranked sixth in the league a year ago, and the McCoy draft pick is an attempt to maintain that mentality along a strong offensive front. |
| 4 (105) | Chauncey Gardner-Johnson | S-Nickel/Florida | 40/2nd Round | Gardner-Johnson could have an immediate impact in sub-packages covering the slot. Versus certain formations, his flexibility could allow strong safety Vonn Bell to move into a LB-type spot. Gardner-Johnson ranks as a steal in the fourth round. |
| 6 (177)
Acquired from N.Y. Jets |
Saquan Hampton | DB/Rutgers | 417/5th Round | Hampton put it all together to become the Big Ten’s leader in passes defended. The team captain has enough foot speed to become a special teams contributor in Year 1 for the Saints. |
| 7 (231)
Acquired from Cleveland |
Alize Mack | TE/Notre Dame | 311/4th Round | Mack has been used as a U-off blocker, Y-tight end and fullback in certain sets. If he can make the team, the Saints will use him in many of its two tight end sets as a stretch the field-type. The former All-USA Today prep level star was once ranked as the nation’s No. 1 tight end coming out of high school. |
| 7 (244) | Kaden Elliss | LB/Idaho | 263/4th Round | Elliss posted a cornerback-like time of 6.63 seconds in the three-cone drill and that bend shows up when rushing the passer. His father, Luther, was once a first-round pick by the Detroit Lions. The younger Ellis finished his overlooked Vandals career with 278 tackles, 17 QB sacks, 47 TFLs, 6 FFs, 4 FRs, 5 INTs and 8 PBUs. His frame matches that of fellow Saints LBs A.J. Klein, Demario Davis and Alex Anzalone. |