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2021 NFL Draft Recap: NFC North

May 4, 2021 Troy Jefferson Leave a comment

The 2021 NFL Draft Recap: NFC North breaks down the selections of all the division teams. The Detroit Lions prioritized the trenches under new HC Dan Campbell. While, the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings look to the future at quarterback with Justin Fields and Kellen Mond. Can Eric Stokes (pictured) help the backend in Green Bay?

Detroit Lions
Selection	Team	Player Selection	Position- School	DN Big Board Rank/ Grade	Notes
1st round, 7th overall	Detroit Lions	Penei Sewell	6’5 331 OT-Oregon	3/1st Round	Sewell’s nastiness made him one of the best picks in this year’s draft and fits what the Lions are trying to do with a physical running game.
2nd round, 41st overall	Detroit Lions	Levi Onwuziurike	6’3 297 DT-Senior	41/2nd Round	Despite not being an elite interior pass rusher, there is room for Onwuzurike to develop into more in that facet of his game.
3rd round, 72nd overall	Detroit Lions	Alim McNeill	6’2 317/DT-NG-NC State	72/2nd Round	McNeill has all of the tools to be a legitimate first and second down force as a zero-technique nose guard. His strength is sudden, particularly after establishing hand placement inside the numbers of centers or guards. The All-ACC defensive tackle can win laterally or to a spot, but there are questions about his ability to finish as a pass rusher.
3rd round, 101st overall	Detroit Lions	Ifeatu Melifonwu	6’3 213/CB-Syracuse	187/3rd Round	His tackling was solid for the most part, but he did not attack stalk blocks with a dominant mentality. Overall, Melifonwu played with awareness and attacked the three-step passing game. After a solid Senior Bowl week, he should hear his name called early on Day 3 of the draft process.
4th round, 112th overall	Detroit Lions	Amon-Ra St. Brown	5’11 197/WR-USC	21/2nd Round	Traffic. How do prospects play within the high traffic areas on the field? St. Brown attacks traffic as a route runner or blocker.
4th round, 113th overall	Detroit Lions (from Carolina Panthers)	Derrick Barnes	6’0 245/LB-Purdue	169/3rd Round	Barnes’ value depends on where a team decides to play him. In 2019, he was more than capable as a rush outside linebacker. We feel the former All-State running back’s feel for the game should be used in a multitude of roles. His experience on special teams helps his overall value.
7th round, 257th overall	Detroit Lions (from Cleveland Browns)	Jermar Jefferson	5’10 206/RB-Oregon State	222/4th Round	Jefferson is a smooth effortless runner who is light on his feet with good contact balance. He squirts through holes, picks his feet up and uses subtle slide steps that cover distance going laterally.
Minnesota Vikings
Selection	Team	Player Selection	Position- School	DN Big Board Rank/ Grade	Notes
1st round, 23rd overall	Minnesota Vikings (from New York Jets)	Christian Darrisaw	6’5 314 LT-Virginia Tech	4/1st Round	The Vikings get one of the draft’s best offensive line talents after sliding back in the first round. Good moves again by the Vikings front office.
3rd round, 66th overall	Minnesota Vikings (from New York Jets)	Kellen Mond	6’3 211/QB-Texas A&M	147/3rd Round	Overall, the Aggies’ all-time leader in total offense has a dual-threat game that largely translates to today’s NFL game. To put it all in perspective, he had 18 games with a rushing and passing touchdown in school.
3rd round, 78th overall	Minnesota Vikings	Chazz Surratt	6’2 227/LB-North Carolina	132/3rd Round	Surratt is a converted QB and has limited reps as a linebacker although he did play safety in high school. The Tar Heels converted QB will be judged by his ability to learn the intricacies of the position, but in a short time he has shown the raw talent is there.
3rd round, 86th overall	Minnesota Vikings (from New York Jets)	Wyatt Davis	6’3 315/OG-Ohio State	63/2nd Round	The Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year has paved the way for Ohio State’s running game and likely a spot for himself early in the 2021 NFL Draft. We were probably most impressed with his ability to re-anchor in the pass protection aspect of his game. His ability to play with a base gives him a chance versus some of the quicker leverage-based defensive tackles he will face at the next level.
3rd round, 90th overall	Minnesota Vikings	Patrick Jones II	6’4 268/DE-Pittsburgh	97/3rd Round	We think the first-team All-American’s future in the NFL is as either a right defensive end or 30-front rush outside linebacker. As an outside linebacker, he will be able to operate with a little room to set up his pass rush moves. The former Virginia high school product has a game that blossomed the last two years after serving an apprenticeship role back in 2018 (23 tackles, 4 QB sacks, 7.5 TFLs, FF).
4th round, 119th overall	Minnesota Vikings	Kene Nwangwu	6’0 212/RB-Iowa State	171/3rd Round	Nwangwu, a former prep level track and field star, has battled injuries while in school. He bounced back positively from an Achilles tendon injury in 2017 to embody what the Iowa State program currently represents from a leadership perspective. Even though he played second-fiddle to first-team All-American Breece Hall, it should not be a reflection of his own diverse talent.
4th round, 125th overall	Minnesota Vikings (from Chicago Bears)	Camryn Bynum	6’0 198/CB-California	236/4th Round	There may be questions about Bynum’s flat-out speed, but we think those may concealed if used in a Vonn Bell-type roll at the next level.
4th round, 134th overall	Minnesota Vikings (from Buffalo Bills; conditional)	Janarius Robinson	6'5 266/DE-FSU	134/3rd Round	Games like the Clemson contest in 2019 display the potential of Robinson, who is a big defensive end with very good field speed. We even think he has the upside to potentially play an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. His quickness is tough to handle.
5th round, 157th overall	Minnesota Vikings	Ihmir Smith-Marsette	6'0 181/WR-Iowa	146/3rd Round	His foot speed is probably best represented with how well he carries his pads on Saturday afternoons. The instincts with the ball in his hands are first-rate, as is his peripheral vision to feel defenders around him in space.
5th round, 168th overall	Minnesota Vikings (from Pittsburgh Steelers through Baltimore Ravens)	Zach Davidson	6'7 248/TE-Central Missouri	250/4th Round	Plays TE and punts for the Mules. The team aligns him in the No. 2 slot, No. 3 slot, Y-TE and offset FB. If he can improve as an in-line blocker and eliminate the drops, his foot speed and athleticism gives him a chance to become even more.
6th round, 199th overall	Minnesota Vikings	Jaylen Twyman	6’2 301/DT-Pittsburgh	316/4th Round	It was impressive that he pumped out 40 repetitions at 225 pounds on his Pro Day in March. However, that really isn’t his game when you turn on the film. The 2019 second-team All-American has some lower body strength, but he is most satisfied winning with arm overs and swim moves.
Chicago Bears
Selection	Team	Player Selection	Position- School	DN Big Board Rank/ Grade	Notes
1st round, 11th overall	Chicago Bears (trade from New York Giants)	Justin Fields	6’3 227 QB-Ohio State	31/2nd Round	Fields goes to a football team where he can add arm strength to pierce balls through the wind and add diversity to the team’s running team.
2nd round, 39th overall	Chicago Bears (from Carolina Panthers)	Tevin Jenkins	6’6 317/OT-Oklahoma State	20/2nd Round	Jenkins needs more technique work, but he has improved for the most part during his career.
5th round, 151st overall	Chicago Bears (from Carolina Panthers)	Larry Borom	6’5 327/OL-Missouri	183/3rd Round	He should not have a problem with the power of the NFL game due to his wide base and strong trunk. Dealing with the speed of NFL pass rushers, however, could become an issue.
6th round, 217th overall	Chicago Bears (via Tampa Bay Buccaneers (compensatory selection)	Khalil Herbert	5’8 204 RB-Virginia Tech, Kansas	203/4th Round	It was a bit of a surprise that Herbert never returned kickoffs while at Kansas, but he became a hit at Virginia Tech in that regard. In addition, his ball security ranks as a plus entering the NFL. Herbert never fumbled in the Big 12 or ACC. He may not have a dominant trait, but his smooth nature makes him difficult to get a grasp on down-to-down.
6th round, 221st overall	Chicago Bears (compensatory selection)	Dazz Newsome	5’10 190/All-purpose-North Carolina	190/4th Round	His 188 career receptions are supported by a nine yard per carry average and over 11 yards per punt return. Newsome is an all-purpose weapon with upside in the slot or the return game.
6th round, 228th overall	Chicago Bears (compensatory selection)	Thomas Graham, Jr.	5'10 193/CB-Oregon	112/3rd Round	Prior to opting out of the 2020 season, he had already put together a full career’s worth of film for NFL teams to devour. He’s tough, competitive, sturdy and generally displayed good technique week-to-week in the Pac-12. He works to stay aligned in the team’s coverage concepts and is rarely out of position.
7th round, 250th overall	Chicago Bears (from Seattle Seahawks)	Khyiris Tonga	6’2 325/DT-BYU	171/3rd Round	Did 35 bench press reps at 225 pounds. In today’s NFL, the splash interior defensive line prospects typically are able to work to half a man for quick penetration. This is not Tonga’s game. Where he does flash in the passing game revolves around his timing to cloud passing lanes. He finished his career with 12 pass deflections.
Green Bay Packers
Selection	Team	Player Selection	Position- School	DN Big Board Rank/ Grade	Notes
1st round, 29th overall	Green Bay Packers	Eric Stokes	6’1 194/CB-Georgia	35/2nd Round	Stokes continued to get better year-to-year, but prior to 2020 he hadn’t finished on the ball. The 10.39 100-meter sprinter finished with four interceptions as a senior.
2nd round, 62nd overall	Green Bay Packers	Josh Myers	6’5 310/OC-Ohio State	168/3rd Round	10 1/2” hands. Myers is capable of getting to most of his spots but his hand placement is a question mark. He is a fit in a zone blocking scheme and it might be at a guard position as opposed to center.
3rd round, 85th overall	Green Bay Packers (from Tennessee Titans)	Amari Rodgers	5’9 212/WR-Clemson	99/3rd Round	Rodgers was just five months removed from a spring ACL tear (knee injury) in 2019, so did Tigers fans truly see the best he had to offer? If 2020 was any indication, then probably not. He looked stronger, more decisive and faster as a senior. In addition, his route-running savvy took another step forward. At 211 pounds, he is more than willing as a blocker, runs well after the catch and separates with timely cuts on option patterns.
4th round, 142nd overall	Green Bay Packers (compensatory selection)	Royce Newman	6’5 306/OL-Ole Miss	234/4th Round	He has started at OG (LG) and moved to RT in 2020. Allowed just one QB sack at OG in 2019. Plays with hot feet. We think he has positional versatility as a backup at three-to-four different line spots.
5th round, 173rd overall	Green Bay Packers	Tedarrell Slaton	6’4 330/DT-Florida	416/5th Round	He seemed to get his weight down to around the 340-pound range in 2020 and it helped him play with more consistency. The projected two-down defender has upside as a zero-technique in three-man fronts and one-technique in four-man schemes.
5th round, 178th overall	Green Bay Packers (compensatory selection)	Shemar Jean-Charles	5'10 184/CB-Appalachian State	171/3rd Round	Team captain. One of the areas which stands out with Jean-Charles is his ability to accelerate in the move area (12-to-16 yards). Whether it is playing off-man or using a bail-and-run, he accelerates with energy once the receiver makes a decision to go vertical.
6th round, 214th overall	Green Bay Packers	Cole Van Lanen	6’5 304/OT-Wisconsin	156/3rd Round	Van Lanen has enough length to keep defenders at bay, but he is somewhat narrow overall. It will be import for him to unlock his hands with increased urgency to handle NFL-style pass rushers.
6th round, 220th overall	Green Bay Packers (compensatory selection)	Isaiah McDuffie	6'2 225/LB-Boston College	248/4th Round	Collegiately, McDuffie was able to outrun a number of his mistakes. We don’t anticipate that remaining the same at the NFL level. The second-team All-ACC linebacker is a run-and-chase type who will need to be covered up as a Will linebacker.
7th round, 256th overall	Green Bay Packers	Kylin Hill	5’10 214/Mississippi State	83/3rd Round	His low center of gravity allows him to slide and dart with square-stance cuts to get back north-south. In 2020, no one was expecting to see Hill get 20 carries per game in first-year head coach Mike Leach’s air raid system. He never received more than seven (in a game).

NFC, Articles, 2021, 2021, NFL, NFL Draft Recap, 2021, NFL Draft film room, NFC West

2021 NFL Draft Recap: NFC West

May 4, 2021 Troy Jefferson Leave a comment

The 2021 NFL Draft Recap: NFC West edition featured more than a few diminutive but exciting all purpose receiver selections. The Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams had limited picks in this year’s draft but opted to select smaller receivers in D’Wayne Eskridge and Tutu Atwell. San Francisco had to figure out the quarterback position after years of injuries to their signal callers, with that said, they traded up for Trey Lance. However, as Arizona showed, defensive picks can still be worthy of a first round selection (Zaven Collins- 16th overall). But as the trend seems to be, the Cardinals like LA and Seattle, drafted a short receiver in Rondale Moore (pictured above).

San Francisco 49ers
Selection	Team	Player Selection	Position- School	DN Big Board Rank/ Grade	Notes
1st round, 3rd overall	San Francisco 49ers	Trey Lance	6’4 226/QB-North Dakota State	34/2nd Round	Lance goes to an offense that should spotlight his ability to operate on the edges or from inside the pocket.
2nd round, 48th overall	San Francisco 49ers (from Las Vegas Raiders)	Aaron Banks	6’5 338/OG-Notre Dame	177/3rd Round	Inside, he can move bodies with thump at the point of attack. His base will get too wide in pass protection and the challenge for him surrounds improving hand placement. Pass rushers have a tough time moving him if he can form a lockout and sit down in the chair.
3rd round, 88th overall	San Francisco 49ers (from Los Angeles Rams)	Trey Sermon	6'0 216/RB-Ohio State, Oklahoma	57/2nd Round	His strength is very good, as is his ability to pick his feet up through trash around his ankles and feet. We expect him to improve in pass protection due to his natural lower body explosiveness. He has upside as a receiver out of the backfield because he can make the first tackler miss in space. Durability issues aside, Sermon has starting potential in the NFL as a Melvin Gordon III-type (Denver Broncos).
3rd round, 102nd overall	San Francisco 49ers	Ambry Thomas	6’0 187/CB-Michigan	53/2nd Round	On the outside, he needs to be technique-sound because he is not necessarily a long corner. Thomas has lost quite a bit of practice time over the past two seasons and the fact that he has been able to still perform at a high level bodes well for his future prospects.
5th round, 155th overall	San Francisco 49ers	Jaylon Moore	6’4 311/OT-Western Michigan	164/3rd Round	Moore is durable and strong. This is where you have to begin with him because he has the ability to sit in the chair and grapple with opponents. Overall, he provides the ability to potentially backup three-to-four line positions.
5th round, 172nd overall	San Francisco 49ers (from New Orleans Saints)	Deommodore Lenoir	5’10 199/CB-Oregon	137/3rd Round	Finished his career with 34 straight starts. Lenoir wore three different numbers during his career and the results were largely the same in each year. We think he is physical enough as a tackler that he could possibly move inside to safety.
5th round, 180th overall	San Francisco 49ers (compensatory selection)	Talanoa Hufanga	6’1 215/S-USC	182/3rd Round	Hufanga is an intense junior-entry who flies all over the field and brings quite a bit of juice when he unloads on contact. It is a big reason he was able to force four fumbles in school. We think his best attribute is an ability to blitz off the edge, either by disguise or when coming down late off of movement by the offense
6th round, 194th overall	San Francisco 49ers	Elijah Mitchell	5’10 215/RB-Louisiana-Lafayette	143/3rd Round	He runs with power, contains a vertical style and rarely is caught moving side-to-side if unnecessary. Every three-to-four carries, he will bust a long carry (see Georgia State ‘20) due to his churning style. He does not mind taking the three-or-four-yard runs to set up the bigger carries.
Arizona Cardinals
Selection	Team	Player Selection	Position- School	DN Big Board Rank/ Grade	Notes
1st round, 16th overall	Arizona Cardinals	Zaven Collins	6’4 260 LB-Tulsa	13/1st Round	Collins’ skills can now pair with Simmons to give the Cardinals defensive flexibility in spades. The team adds a player who creates difficult one-on-one matchups for teams on third down.
2nd round, 49th overall	Arizona Cardinals	Rondale Moore	5’7 180/WR-Purdue	40/2nd Round	Strong in the lower body. Squats over 600 pounds. His ability to track the football overcomes a somewhat limited catch radius. Overall, he is a first-round talent with enough durability question marks to last until Day 2.
4th round, 136th overall	Arizona Cardinals (from Baltimore Ravens via Kansas City Chiefs)	Marco Wilson	6'0 187 Nickel/Florida	131/3rd Round	The former Freshman All-SEC defender can cover multiple spots, play as a big nickel and even contribute outside at corner. Injuries were an issue in school. 4.38 speed. 43 1/2” VJ.
6th round, 210th overall	Arizona Cardinals (from Baltimore Ravens)	Victor Dimukeje	6'2 262/DE-OLB-Duke	259/4th Round	Dimukeje is a leverage-based pass rusher with experience both standing up and playing with his hand in the dirt. His bend will be questioned by NFL teams, but he overcomes that by attempting to lean on the offensive tackle's upfield shoulder.
6th round, 223rd overall	Arizona Cardinals (from Minnesota Vikings; compensatory selection)	Tay Gowan	6’1 186 CB/UCF	341/5th Round	Gowan is a tall, angular cornerback with positive football instincts and very good length for the outside cornerback spot. We were impressed with his balance and footwork when using a bail-and-run technique.
7th round, 243rd overall	Arizona Cardinals	James Wiggins	5’11 209	26/2nd Round	He has everything NFL teams desire in flex-safeties with his combination of foot speed, short-area quickness and explosiveness on contact. In addition, he has extensive experience covering slot receivers in school. If there is a question on Wiggins, it revolves around some tightness in the lower half. Despite first-round talent, can Wiggins stay healthy?
7th round, 247th overall	Arizona Cardinals (from Chicago Bears through Las Vegas Raiders)	Michal Menet	6’4 312/OC-Penn State	207-4th Round	Menet is one of the more balanced centers in this year’s draft class. Rarely out of control, Menet’s overall football awareness for blitzes, stunts and line games is very sound.
Los Angeles Rams
Selection	Team	Player Selection	Position- School	DN Big Board Rank/ Grade	Notes
2nd round, 57th overall	Los Angeles Rams	Tutu Atwell	5’9 155/WR-Louisville	141/3rd Round	If there is a more electric, elusive, fully-charged offensive player in the draft we haven’t found him. NFL teams just have to know what they’re purchasing. Is it former Louisville wide receiver and two-time Pro Bowler Ernest Givens (Houston Oilers) or former West Virginia star Tavon Austin?
3rd round, 103rd overall	Los Angeles Rams	Ernest Jones	6'2 230/LB-South Carolina	258/4th Round	Jones, a junior-entry in the 2021 NFL Draft, has many tools worth taking a long look at for NFL teams. One of the things he has to improve at is getting offensive linemen off of his defensive linemen. We think he would fit best as a run-and-chase Will linebacker at the next level because he still has to room to grow reading the triangle.
4th round, 117th overall	Los Angeles Rams (from San Francisco 49ers)	Bobby Brown III	6'5 323/DT-Texas A&M	96/3rd Round	The first-team All-SEC defender contains lateral quickness, upper body strength and ankle flexibility. His inconsistent hand usage and up-and-down intensity are two drawbacks for teams looking for a consistent disruptor.
4th round, 130th overall	Los Angeles Rams	Robert Rochell	6’0 195/CB-Central Arkansas	129/3rd Round	4.4 speed. 43 VJ. He tackles well enough and has thrown his body around with force and intent to clip the legs or wrap up ballcarriers. Rochell has all of the tools, but his technique simply has to get better for him to have a chance on Sunday afternoons.
4th round, 141st overall	Los Angeles Rams (compensatory selection)	Jacob Harris	6'5 219/WR-UCF	230/4th Round	In watching and studying fellow receiver Gabriel Davis (Buffalo Bills) a season ago (2019), Harris kept showing up. The former soccer player’s stride sneaks up on unsuspecting cornerbacks and UCF quarterback Dillon Gabriel often had problems keeping up with it.
5th round, 174th overall	Los Angeles Rams (from Buffalo Bills)	Earnest Brown IV	6’4 1/2” 270/DL-Northwestern	217/4th Round	Blessed with an 82 1/4-inch wingspan and 34 1/2" arms, Brown IV can keep blockers away from him. We were impressed that he was able to drop into zones effectively and consistently affected the three-step passing game.
7th round, 233rd overall	Los Angeles Rams (via Houston Texans (rom Cincinnati Bengals)	Jake Funk	5’10 204/All-Purpose-Maryland	301/4th Round	Since Funk came out of high school, he has gotten bigger, stronger and faster in school. All of this occurred while enduring two torn ACLs to the same knee in consecutive seasons. This speaks to his work ethic and overall football character. Despite playing RB and averaging 8-plus yards per carry, Funk had 28 tackles in school on special teams.
7th round, 249th overall	LA Rams (via Jacksonville Jaguars from Tennessee Titans)	Ben Skowronek	6'2 211/WR-Notre Dame	276-4th Round	Skowronek’s wasted movement has improved dramatically since his freshman year at Northwestern. He closes the cushion of defenders with an underrated stride off the ball. Most Northwestern fans will remember his game-winning diving touchdown grab that put the Wildcats in the 2018 Big Ten title game. He beat Denver Broncos starting cornerback Michael Ojemudia on the play.
Seattle Seahawks
Selection	Team	Player Selection	Position- School	DN Big Board Rank/ Grade	Notes
2nd round, 56th overall	Seattle Seahawks	D’Wayne Eskridge	5’9 184/All-Purpose-Western Michigan	115/3rd Round	Despite standing just 5-foot-9, he packs a solid 188 pounds on his frame. He breaks arm tackles and excels when he runs through the reception point, particularly on quick slants. His toughness is also exemplary, especially considering that he has played the cornerback position respectably and stood out crack blocking safeties. The 2020 MAC Special Teams Player of the Year fits the definition of an all-purpose prospect.
4th round, 137th overall	Seattle Seahawks	Tre Brown	5'9 184/CB-Oklahoma	179/3rd Round	Brown is an ultra-quick cornerback with good transition ability to drop his weight on intermediate routes. Physically, he may have to deal with the physical rigors of a nickel position to secure a spot in a Seattle’s defensive back rotation.
6th round, 208th overall	Seattle Seahawks (from Chicago Bears)	Stone Forsythe	6’8 307/OT-Florida	452/6th Round	NFL bloodlines. Has started at RT and LT. Also has seen time at OG. Looks the part. During the postseason, it was important for the former Gator to prove that his ability to hold down a starting spot on the blindside in the SEC had as much to do with his movement as it did his size. Mission accomplished.

NFC, Articles, 2021, 2021, NFL, NFL Draft Recap, NFC South

2021 NFL Draft Recap: NFC South

May 3, 2021 Troy Jefferson Leave a comment

The 2021 NFL Draft: NFC South recap features the selections of the Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. As veteran quarterbacks age and retire in the case of Drew Brees, the division opted to bring in youthful talent on the offensive side of the ball like Kyle Pitts, Kyle Trask, Terrace Marshall Jr. and Ian Book. However, defense wasn’t ignored in the 2021 NFL: NFC South recap. A lot of the players selected by the division were already playing in the South: Houston’s Payton Turner and Grant Stuard, South Carolina’s Jaycee Horn and UCF’s Richie Grant won’t have to travel far to help out their new professional teams.

Atlanta Falcons
Selection	Team	Player Selection	Position- School	DN Big Board Rank/ Grade	Notes
1st round, 4th overall	Atlanta Falcons	Kyle Pitts	6’6 245/TE-Florida	10/1st Round	New HC Arthur Smith adds to Ryan's vast array of weapons in hopes of recapturing MVP form.
2nd round, 40th overall	Atlanta Falcons (from Denver Broncos)	Richie Grant	5’11 197/S-UCF	23/2nd Round	Grant finished his career with 10 interceptions largely as a result of his ability to steal bases on the football field.
3rd round, 68th overall	Atlanta Falcons	Jalen Mayfield	6’5 326/OT-Michigan	68/2nd Round	Despite limited film, Mayfield was solid in the games viewed. Like former Philadelphia Eagles first-round pick Andre Dillard coming out of school, he takes a lot of the heat but wins most of his matchups due to his footwork.
4th round, 108th overall	Atlanta Falcons	Darren Hall	6’0 189/CB-San Diego State	98/3rd Round	Hall’s ball skills have improved each season. We’ve always felt that he contained a good pace for playing off-man coverage, but his press-man improved in 2020. He still has issues being comfortable locating the ball down the field versus bigger receivers, and this could be a problem versus some of the receivers he’ll face on Sundays.
4th round, 114th overall	Atlanta Falcons (from Denver Broncos)	Drew Dalman	6’3 300/OC-Stanford	119/3rd Round	Dalman has seen time at guard and provides at least a viable backup at any interior line position. His home will be center and the challenge revolves around being able to occasionally handle interior defensive linemen with no help.
5th round, 148th overall	Atlanta Falcons	Ta’Quon Graham	6'3 290/DT-Texas	113/3rd Round	The Temple High School (Tex.) product is a burgeoning talent capable of winning with quickness versus interior defensive linemen. His pad level needs to straighten itself out.
5th round, 182nd overall	Atlanta Falcons (compensatory selection)	Adetokunbo Ogundeji	6’4 256/DE-Notre Dame	132/3rd Round	Up until 2020, he was a productive backup who had garnered significant playing time along the defensive line. This past season, he began to learn how to more effectively keep distance from opponents when setting up his pass rush moves off the edge. We still think he needs to fully grow into his frame.
5th round, 183rd overall	Atlanta Falcons (compensatory selection)	Avery Williams	5'9 193/All-Purpose-Boise State	252/3rd Round	The former Bronco set the all-time record for combined punt and kickoff return touchdowns in a career (nine). Physical enough as a tackler, the former walk-on also found time to force five fumbles in his career.
6th round, 187th overall	Atlanta Falcons	Frank Darby	6'0 194/WR-Arizona State	303/4th Round	Darby did not run quite as fast as expected, but the charismatic former Sun Devil got behind plenty of defensive backs in school despite inconsistent hand-eye coordination.
Carolina Panthers
Selection	Team	Player Selection	Position- School	DN Big Board Rank/ Grade	Notes
1st round, 8th overall	Carolina Panthers	Jaycee Horn	6’1 205 CB-South Carolina	19/2nd Round	The Panthers needed a big corner and they took one of the draft’s longer ones in Horn.
2nd round, 59th overall	Carolina Panthers (from Cleveland Browns)	Terrace Marshall, Jr.	6’3 205/WR-LSU	29/2nd Round	Smart. Lines up at each of the receiver spots for the team. There are instances where he wins on the perimeter by not giving away catch indicators for the defensive back in man coverage (see Auburn 2019 vs. Igbinoghene). Prior to fracturing his foot against Vanderbilt, Marshall led the nation with six touchdown receptions.
3rd round, 73rd overall	Carolina Panthers (from Philadelphia Eagles)	Brady Christensen	6’5 302/OT-BYU	115/3rd Round	For the most part, Christensen has been steady. There are some occasions where players get the best of him due to a questionable anchor (see Boyles, USF ’19; Wiley, UTSA ’20). In those instances, he has even been knocked to the ground. Christensen plays more with his feet than with his hand placement, so his strong postseason helped his value.
3rd round, 83rd overall	Carolina Panthers (from Chicago Bears)	Tommy Tremble	6'4 248/H-back-Notre Dame	79/3rd Round	Tremble’s tempo will catch the eye of an evaluator. Quite simply, he plays the game at the right clip. The team moved him around all over the place and probably could have used him much more in the passing game. He is fluid in-and-out of cuts and displays quickness to go along with very good foot speed. It will be interesting to see how Carolina decides to use his skill-set.
4th round, 126th overall	Carolina Panthers (from Tennessee Titans)	Chuba Hubbard	6'0 210/RB-Oklahoma State	95/3rd Round	If the former world class youth sprinter can regain his 2019 form, the sky could be the limit. For that to happen, he has to hang on to the ball.
5th round, 158th overall	Carolina Panthers (via Houston Texans (from New England Patriots)	Daviyon Nixon	6’3 304/DT-Iowa	89/3rd Round	Operates as a one-technique DT, three-technique DT and DE on occasion. Positive foot speed. He’s fast enough to play behind the front side of the run-ning play and make plays in chase mode. The slippery nature, however, will only be supported by better lower body synchronization at the next level.
5th round, 166th overall	Carolina Panthers (via Tennessee Titans)	Keith Taylor	6’2 191/CB-Washington	240/4th Round	The smaller, savvy quicker receivers can still beat him to the spot on possession concepts when he doesn’t disrupt their releases at the line of scrimmage. We envision him getting looks from teams that like bigger corners capable of using press-man or bail techniques on the outside lanes.
6th round, 193rd overall	Carolina Panthers	Deonte Brown	6’3 364/OG-Alabama	286/4th Round	Experienced 26-game starter. Has started at both guard spots. Mammoth. Completely wins wrestling matches on man blocks. For a big man, he showcases decent footwork as a pulling guard.
6th round, 204th overall	Carolina Panthers (from Chicago Bears)	Shi Smith	5’10 186/WR-South Carolina	76/2nd Round	During his final campaign, he maintained his field speed and continued to improve as a route runner. He still left some catchable passes on the field from time-to-time and that will be a concern for a player who has to overcome questionable size.
6th round, 222nd overall	Carolina Panthers (compensatory selection)	Thomas Fletcher	6’1 237/LS-Senior	563/N/A	Started every game of his Alabama career. He’s capable of snapping at a 75-to-85-degree angle for directional kick purposes. Registers very good long snap times, ranging as low as 0.66 seconds (1st QTR/10:11, Citrus Bowl ‘20).
7th round, 232nd overall	Carolina Panthers (from Tennessee Titans via Atlanta Falcons through Miami Dolphins)	Phil Hoskins	6’5 313/DL-Kentucky	486/6th Round	Hoskins -a sixth-year player- impressed with his movement for a longer, taller defender. We were surprised he didn’t control the action more with his hands. There were times when he wanted to get up the field. Perhaps it was a result of his initial production at Kentucky rushing the passer (2018).
New Orleans Saints
Selection	Team	Player Selection	Position- School	DN Big Board Rank/ Grade	Notes
1st round, 28th overall	New Orleans Saints	Payton Turner	6’5 290/DE-Houston	111/3rd Round	Turner impressed on his Pro Day with a 4.33 20-yard shuttle time at 290 pounds. Turner got better during his career week-to-week.
2nd round, 60th overall	New Orleans Saints	Pete Werner	6’2 240/LB-Ohio State	103/3rd Round	Werner -a solid wrap tackler with range- offers NFL teams plenty of options. He can cover tight ends and line up as an off-or-on the ball linebacker. The former Buckeye contains comfort walking out over slot receivers (in zone or man). In fact, he was seen dropping into the deep middle one-third, as a two-deep safety and in a quasi robber position.
3rd round, 76th overall	New Orleans Saints (from New York Giants)	Paulson Adebo	6’1 198/CB-Stanford	47/2nd Round	Adebo put together one season of production in his career (2018) that essentially matched the career totals of the other highly-ranked cornerbacks in the 2021 NFL Draft. Aside from a Pro Day workout, he hadn’t been seen from NFL teams in person in over a year and a half. Staying more square -in press or off-man coverage- could help Adebo develop into a front line starter.
4th round, 133rd overall	New Orleans Saints	Ian Book	6’0 210/QB-Notre Dame	290/4th Round	Some of his fundamentals have to improve. He will drop his elbow and it severely affects his down-to-down accuracy. This is a big reason why he was inconsistent on out-breaking patterns. Interestingly, he actually was better on third down than first down as a senior.
6th round, 206th overall	New Orleans Saints (from Indianapolis Colts)	Landon Young	6'7 305/OT-Kentuccky	218/4th Round	The former state championship wrestler has no problem grinding it out on the perimeter. He is a solid run blocker and rarely did he struggle to finish blocking assignments in that regard. NFL evaluators will nitpick about his lack of elite foot speed, but it is satisfactory.
7th round, 255th overall	New Orleans Saints	Kawaan Baker	6’1 210/All-Purpose-South Alabama	242/4th Round	South Alabama moved him into the slot, motioned him, aligned him outside and even used his skills at the quarterback position in Wildcat formations. His stride is easy and smooth. Although he plays the game in a very calm manner that allows him to make a number of difficult things look easy.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Selection	Team	Player Selection	Position- School	DN Big Board Rank/ Grade	Notes
1st round, 32nd overall	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Joe Tryon	6’5 252/DE-Washington	69/2nd Round	Tryon has played from a two-point stand-up OLB or with his hand in the dirt. This was a perfect scheme-fit for the Buccaneers.
2nd round, 64th overall	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Kyle Trask	6’5 236/QB-Florida	158/3rd Round	Trask is solid on in-breaking throws to tight ends, slants to his wideouts and crossing patterns. His uptick in production in 2020 largely involved an increased efficiency on fades, posts and out-breaking patterns. Much of this revolved around enhanced timing and anticipation. His physical skills are solid, if unspectacular.
3rd round, 95th overall	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Robert Hainsey	6’4 302/OG-Notre Dame	127/3rd Round	During school, he often won with the shock in his punch on the perimeter. He would get into trouble with pad level (where he could get out-leveraged) or when he stopped his feet (forcing him to crossover in pass pro). Overall, his down-to-down consistency stood out in the film viewed.
4th round, 129th overall	Tampa Bay Buccaneeers	Jaelon Darden	5'8 174/All-Purpose-North Texas	262/4th Round	Former North Texas wide receiver Jaelon Darden put in some serious work during school. He finished his career with a resounding 39 touchdowns (38 receiving, one punt return) and he mostly did it with flair. He’s fast, slippery and smooth.
5th round, 176th overall	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	K.J. Britt	6’0 239/LB-Auburn	160/3rd Round	Britt is a true head banger with good feet, explosiveness through the hips and a high football IQ. We have seen him produce with violent collisions on special teams as well. Special teams may be where he initially makes his mark, but do not underestimate his potential impact on first and second down.
7th round, 251st overall	Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Pittsburgh Steelers)	Chris Wilcox	6’2 198/CB-BYU	372/5th Round	Much like former BYU cornerback Michael Davis (Los Angeles Chargers), Wilcox is a height/weight/speed prospect who has flashed on video over the years. Like Davis, his length is what will intrigue NFL teams. There have been times that his confidence has been below average, yet it is not due to his physical skill-set. Wilcox has length, foot speed and decent footwork.
7th round, 259th overall	Tampa Bay Buccaneeers	Grant Stuard	5’11 230	344/5th Round	Stuard’s biggest challenge moving forward will be proving to NFL evaluators that he can break down to tackle versus runners with wiggle. In addition, he has to also show that his stiffness can be overcome in man coverage. Due to outstanding field speed, he often corrected his angles at the collegiate level. There is no doubt with his non-stop, energetic approach that he can most certainly add a physical special teams element.

Articles, 2021, 2021, NFL, NFL Draft Recap, NFC East

2021 NFL Draft Recap: NFC East

May 3, 2021 Troy Jefferson Leave a comment

As you will see in our 2021 NFL Draft Recap, each team selected at least one edge rusher. You could say, The NFC East got defensive in the 2021 NFL Draft! Philadelphia and New York used first round draft picks (DeVonta Smith and Kadarius Toney) to help their young quarterbacks. The Dallas Cowboys and Washington Football Team already have veteran quarterbacks and they chose to add linebackers with versatility: Micah Parsons and Jamin Davis. However, there was more than just linebackers and receivers targeted, Washington, Philadelphia and Dallas selected offensive linemen. Will any of these players propel a division that didn’t have a team finish with over a .500 record in 2021?

Philadelphia Eagles
Selection	Team	Player Selection	Position- School	DN Big Board Rank/ Grade	Notes
1st round, 10th overall	Philadelphia Eagles (From Dallas Cowboys)	DeVonta Smith	6’0 166 WR-Alabama	1/1st Round	The 2020 Heisman Trophy winner will get an opportunity to re-unite with his former QB too, just like Waddle and Chase earlier in the draft.
2nd round, 37th overall	Philadelphia Eagles	Landon Dickerson	6’6 326/C-Alabama	56/2nd Round	Dickerson presents a unique multiple skill-set for NFL teams, having started at four different offensive line positions. Availability has always been the concern for the former five-star recruit.
3rd round, 73rd overall	Philadelphia Eagles (From Carolina Panthers)	Milton Williams	6’3 284/DT-DE Louisiana Tech	42/2nd Round	Due to Louisiana Tech’s lack of size on the three-man defensive front, he was used most frequently at the four-or-five-technique defensive end positions. He was also seen occasionally standing up to rush from an outside linebacker spot on third downs. There was a comfort level exhibited in his play to overpower some tackles and interior guards by dropping his shoulder, but he can play effectively with his hands to disengage.
4th round, 123rd overall	Philadelphia Eagles	Zech McPhearson	5'11 195/CB-Texas Tech, Penn State	152/3rd Round	McPhearson, a former four-star recruit, was seen inside as a nickel. McPhearson displayed a good feel of reacting to motion, breaking downhill on the football and running with crossing routes.
5th round, 150th overall	Philadelphia Eagles	Kenneth Gainwell	5’8 203 All-Purpose/Memphis	125/3rd Round	Gainwell is the mini-sized version of former Memphis running back/wide receiver Antonio Gibson (Washington Redskins). Whether he will have the type of impact at the next level is debatable, especially due to his relative lack of bulk.
6th round, 189th overall	Philadelphia Eagles	Marlon Tuipulotu	6'1 308/DT-USC	320/4th Round	Tuipulotu flashes in spots. Never was that more evident than in the first two games of the 2020 campaign, where he flashed improved quickness and burst getting off the snap. Too many times, however, he struggled to hold the point of attack versus double teams
6th round, 191th overall	Philadelphia Eagles	Tarron Jackson	6'2 260/DE-Coastal Carolina	124/3rd Round	Jackson has a strong enough lower base and enough juice to handle run game assignments versus most tight ends and some offensive tackles. The All-Sun Belt defender contains enough length to jolt linemen with one-hand posts and uses those to set up his inside or outside arm-overs.
6th round, 224th overall	Philadelphia Eagles	JaCoby Stevens	6’2 216/S-LB-LSU	266/4th Round	Stevens, a former collegiate wide receiver, brings an intriguing skill-set to the NFL. As a linebacker, he clearly is still learning the nuances of the position but -while doing so- can offer the ability to match tight ends. For that to happen, he has to attack run game concepts the same way he attacks blitz assignments.
7th round, 234th overall	Philadelphia Eagles	Patrick Johnson	6'2 240/OLB-Tulane	251/4th Round	Tulane’s all-time career sack leader does a fine job of creating angles and getting his feet pointed in a path towards the quarterback as a pass rusher. Offensive tackles have a tough time gaining an area on his frame to pin and prevent his upfield charge. 24.5 career QB sacks.
Dallas Cowboys
Selection	Team	Player Selection	Position- School	DN Big Board Rank/ Grade	Notes
1st round, 12th overall	Dallas Cowboys (from Philadelphia Eagles)	Micah Parsons	6’3 246 LB-Penn State	2/1st Round	Parsons’ speed goes with rare size at the position. He has a chance to develop in Dan Quinn’s system.
2nd round, 44th overall	Dallas Cowboys	Kelvin Joseph	5’11 1/2” 197/CB-Kentucky, LSU	37/2nd Round	Joseph’s ability to squeeze routes from the outside-in in man or zone coverage is extremely impressive. There will be few cornerbacks in this year’s draft class with his level of fluidity. There were problems with communication in coverage.
3rd round, 75th overall	Dallas Cowboys	Osa Odighizuwa	6’2 280/DT-UCLA	106/3rd Round	His feel for blocking schemes is inconsistent and he is still searching for secondary pass rush counters. Balance is something that needs to be monitored moving forward. At 280 pounds with 10 3/4-inch hands, it seems that he is destined for a role at defensive end in a three-man front.
3rd round, 84th overall	Dallas Cowboys (from Philadelphia Eagles)	Chauncey Golston	6’4 268/DE-Iowa	74/3rd Round	Golston is easily one of the most valuable defensive lineman in this year’s draft. He can play the three-technique defensive tackle on passing downs, possible four-or-five-technique defensive end (three or four-man front) or rush as a stand-up outside linebacker. A veteran defensive coordinator may attempt to use the first-team All-Big Ten defender in all of the above-referenced roles.
3rd round, 99th overall	Dallas Cowboys (Compensatory Pick)	Nahshon Wright	6’4 188/CB-Oregon State	357/5th Round	Wright is a tall corner with good feet and a solid backpedal. His challenge will be to constrict his movements in tight areas when it is time to transition versus quicker receivers. For him to do that, he must find a happy medium between being comfortable and not playing too low. His feet don't always stay planted in the ground when flipping to open or break at 45-or-90-degree angles.
4th round, 115th overall	Dallas Cowboys	Jabril Cox	6’3 233/LB-LSU, North Dakota State	46/2nd Round	He has a number of similarities to former Washington LB Cory Littleton (Rams, Raiders) There were questions about Littleton’s pure physicality coming out of school. Cox’s size, body composition and pass coverage skills point to him being further advanced at this same stage.
4th round, 138th overall	Dallas Cowboys (Compensatory Pick)	Josh Ball	6’7 308/OT-Marshall, FSU	215/4th Round	Ball’s entire career has featured a number of up-and-downs, but his final two years at Marshall represented a modicum of consistency. He is quick-footed, balanced and massive.
5th round, 178th overall	Dallas Cowboys (Compensatory Pick)	Simi Fehoko	6'4 224/WR-Stanford	142/3rd Round	We are impressed with how sudden Fehoko uses his stick moves to move the cornerback off the spot; particularly for a man of his size. 16 reps-225 lbs, 4.47 40-yd, 34 1/2” VJ
6th round, 192nd overall	Dallas Cowboys (from Detroit Lions)	Quinton Bohanna	6'4 345/DT-Kentucky	262/4th Round	NFL bloodlines. For a 350-pound defensive lineman, Bohanna will surprise with his quickness laterally to escape blockers. As a result, he has a tendency to get tied up leaning on interior offensive linemen due to inconsistent hand usage.
6th round, 227th overall	Dallas Cowboys (Compensatory Pick)	Israel Mukuamu	6'4 212/CB-South Carolina	162/3rd Round	Has started at both safety and CB. Very good ball skills have shown up throughout his career.
7th round, 238th overall	Dallas Cowboys	Matt Farniok	6’5 311/OL-Nebraska	326/5th Round	It was really no surprise that Farniok, a two-time team captain and four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, displayed positional versatility in 2020. The team’s 2019 Offensive Lineman of the Year had developed into at least a serviceable right tackle before making the switch to right guard full-time in 2020.
New York Giants
Selection	Team	Player Selection	Position- School	DN Big Board Rank/ Grade	Notes
1st round, 20th overall	New York Giants (from Chicago Bears)	Kadarius Toney	5’11 189 All-Purpose/Florida	49/2nd Round	His ability to get in-and-out of traffic with the ball in his hands makes him a threat as an all-purpose prospect and slot WR.
2nd round, 50th overall	New York Giants (from Miami Dolphins)	Azeez Ojulari	6’2 249/DE-OLB Georgia	45/2nd Round	Ojulari is a defensive end/outside linebacker with underrated strength and positive hand usage. There were occasions where his size created limitations, but he generally exhibited satisfactory upper body strength.
3rd round, 71st overall	New York Giants (from Denver Broncos)	Aaron Robinson	5’11 190/Nickel-UCF, Alabama	58/2nd Round	Robinson fits the bill of what you need at the nickel back posi-tion in today’s NFL. Some of the most popular NFL route concepts feature crossers, in-breaking dig patterns. Of all the corners or nickel backs in this year’s draft class, he closes distance on these types of concepts with the most urgency.
4th round, 116th overall	New York Giants	Elerson G. Smith	6’6 262/DE-Northern Iowa	107/3rd Round	We feel he gives teams options because he may be able to slide inside on third downs and play some three-technique defensive tackle. A viable argument can be made that his skill-set could actually be best served as a stand-up rush outside linebacker for 3-4 teams.
6th round, 196th overall	New York Giants	Gary Brightwell	6’1 218/RB-Arizona	413/5th Round	Brightwell brought attitude to the table as a runner at the collegiate level. He combines decent vision with enough awareness in pass protection.
6th round, 201st overall	New York Giants (from Arizona Cardinals)	Rodarius Williams	6'0 189/CB-Oklahoma State	197/4th Round	Playing off-man could be a bit of a challenge as he has to transition from the junction limit in college football to the NFL. A solid prospect with NFL bloodlines, he is following in the footsteps of his younger brother, ‘Greedy’ Williams (Cleveland Browns)
Washington Football Team
Selection	Team	Player Selection	Position- School	DN Big Board Rank/ Grade	Notes
1st round, 19th overall	Washington Football Team	Jamin Davis	6’4 234 LB-Kentucky	61/2nd Round	HC Ron Rivera finds a linebacker who has the traits to become like the LBs he had in Carolina.
2nd round, 51st overall	Washington Football Team	Samuel Cosmi	6’6 314/OT-Texas	62/2nd Round	Cosmi has reserved a spot in scouts’ attention for the better portion of a two-year period. He’s balanced, quick and fluid in his movements at the left tackle spot.
3rd round, 74th overall	Washington Football Team	Benjamin St. Juste	6’3 205/CB-Minnesota, Michigan	192/4th Round	His footwork is clean, and this is why he was able to defend so effectively in the Red Zone. Ball skills are important. St. Juste didn’t have any interceptions, but he played through his inside shoulder to stay in-phase with wideouts in this part of the field.
3rd round, 82nd overall	Washington Football Team	Dyami Brown	6’1 189/WR-UNC	86/3rd Round	The former prep level 200-meter sprinter tracks the football over either shoulder and has shown good spatial awareness along the back end lines or sidelines. He has solid body control to adjust to poorly thrown passes. The biggest issue teams will have regarding the first-team All-ACC speedster revolves around the concentration lapses. They came in the form of penalties and dropped passes.
4th round, 124th overall	Washington Football Team	John Bates	6’5 259/TE-Boise State	226/4th Round	Bates is a smooth tight end with excellent size, deceptive stride length and good catch radius for the position. He has been used as an insert blocker in school, down tight end and occasional flexed-out slot receiver.
5th round, 163rd overall	Washington Football Team	Darrick Forrest	6'0 200/S-Cincinnati	136/3rd Round	While teammate James Wiggins has received quite a bit of attention while in school, Forrest was a steady hand with the Bearcats. Forrest is instinctive, plays fast, disguises coverage and contributes on all four downs.
6th round, 225th overall	Washington Football Team (from Philadelphia Eagles compensatory selection)	Cameron Cheeseman	6’4 237/LS-Michigan	565/N/A	Posted a 0.69 second long snap on his first snap of the 2020 Citrus Bowl (1st QTR/14:09). Posted a .72 long snap on his second punt (1st QTR/11:56, Alabama ‘20). Challenged by pure foot speed in coverage.
7th round, 240th overall	Washington Football Team (from Philadelphia Eagles)	William Bradley-King	6’3 254/DE-OLB-Arkansas State	161/3rd Round	One of the things that Bradley-King will have to do better at the next level revolves around timing snap counts. This is something that we think he should be able to correct. We think his effort and tenacity have been first-rate dating back to his time at Arkansas State.
7th round, 246th overall	Washington Football Team	Shaka Toney	6’3 238/DE-Penn State	195/4th Round	There is some polish to Toney's pass rushing skill-set, but his size gets him swallowed up by bigger tackles. The positive is that he has enough wingspan and length to go to pole moves from time-to-time and that may be able to set up some of his counters.
7th round, 258th overall	Washington Football Team (from Miami Dolphins)	Dax Milne	6’0 193/WR-BYU	266/4th Round	In studying Milne, it is important to watch him as he gets into the fourth or fifth steps of his route. Often times, he begins to idle his stride to gauge the defensive back’s technique before re-accelerating.

AFC, NFC, Articles, 2021, 2021, NFL, NFL Draft Recap

2021 NFL Draft Round 1, Recap

April 30, 2021 Corey Chavous Leave a comment

The 2021 NFL Draft’s first round is complete and the offensive players took much of the focus early. Five quarterbacks were selected in the draft’s first 15 selections. Later in the round, teams made sure that they took plenty of pass rushers to contend with some of the NFL’s high-powered offenses. In fact, defensive players comprised the final five picks of the first round. We look at each pick in our recap of the draft’s first night.


Round 1
Selection	Team	Player selection	Position-School	DN Big Board Rank/Grade	Notes
1st overall	Jacksonville Jaguars	Trevor Lawrence	6’5 5/8” 213/QB-Clemson	5/1st Round	Lawrence's underrated athleticism works for an offense that already features a 1,000-yard rusher and two 1,000-yard receivers.
2nd overall	New York Jets	Zach Wilson	6’2 214/QB-BYU	25/2nd Round	Wilson could be a BYU mix of former Cougar standouts Jim McMahon and Steve Young.
3rd overall	San Francisco 49ers	Trey Lance	6’4 226/QB-North Dakota State	34/2nd Round	Lance goes to an offense that should spotlight his ability to operate on the edges or from inside the pocket.
4th overall	Atlanta Falcons	Kyle Pitts	6’6 245/TE-Florida	10/1st Round	New HC Arthur Smith adds to Ryan's vast array of weapons in hopes of recapturing MVP form.
5th overall	Cincinnati Bengals	Ja’Marr Chase	6’0 201/WR-LSU	12/1st Round	Chase re-unites with his former Heisman QB in hopes of re-igniting their 2019 national championship rhythm.
6th overall	Miami Dolphins	Jaylen Waddle	5’9 1/2” 180/WR-Alabama	28/2nd Round	Waddle is the next receiver to go off the board to be re-united with his former college QB. His foot speed expands the Dolphins’ vertical passing game.
7th overall	Detroit Lions	Penei Sewell	6’5 331 OT-Oregon	3/1st Round	Sewell’s nastiness made him one of the best picks in this year’s draft and fits what the Lions are trying to do with a physical running game.
8th overall	Carolina Panthers	Jaycee Horn	6’1 205 CB-South Carolina	19/2nd Round	The Panthers needed a big corner and they took one of the draft’s longer ones in Horn.
9th overall	Denver Broncos	Patrick Surtain II	6’2 208 CB-Alabama	7/1st Round	The Broncos take the second consecutive CB off of the board and his technique is arguably the best.
10th overall	Philadelphia Eagles (from Dallas Cowboys)	DeVonta Smith	6’0 166 WR-Alabama	1/1st Round	The 2020 Heisman Trophy winner will get an opportunity to re-unite with his former QB too, just like Waddle and Chase earlier in the draft.
11th overall	Chicago Bears (trade from New York Giants)	Justin Fields	6’3 227 QB-Ohio State	31/2nd Round	Fields goes to a football team where he can add arm strength to pierce balls through the wind and add diversity to the team’s running team.
12th overall	Dallas Cowboys (from Philadelphia Eagles)	Micah Parsons	6’3 246 LB-Penn State	2/1st Round	Parsons’ speed goes with rare size at the position. He has a chance to develop in Dan Quinn’s system.
13th overall	Los Angeles Chargers	Rashawn Slater	6’4 304 OT-Northwestern	16/2nd Round	Slater’s technique gives the Chargers added flexibility on its offensive lineman, as the former OL has started at both RT and LT.
14th overall	New York Jets (from Minnesota Vikings)	Alijah Vera-Tucker	6’4 302 OT-USC	6/1st Round	Vera-Tucker could pair with Becton on the left side to potentially power an offensive line that could develop into one of the AFC’s best.
15th overall	New England Patriots	Mac Jones	6’2 217 QB-Alabama	39/2nd Round	Jones goes to the Patriots to develop in a system that could spotlight all of his respective strengths.
16th overall	Arizona Cardinals	Zaven Collins	6’4 260 LB-Tulsa	13/1st Round	Collins’ skills can now pair with Simmons to give the Cardinals defensive flexibility in spades. The team adds a player who creates difficult one-on-one matchups for teams on third down.
17th overall	Las Vegas Raiders	Alex Leatherwood	6’5 312 OL-Alabama	104/3rd Round	The 2020 Outland Trophy winner may make a move to the inside, where he was a second-team All-SEC player at RG in 2018.
18th overall	Miami Dolphins	Jaelen Phillips	6’5 260 DE-Miami (Fla.), UCLA	43/2nd Round	Phillips has all of the tools to become an instant contributor opposite Emmanuel Ogbah. Can he stay healthy?
19th overall	Washington Football Team	Jamin Davis	6’4 234 LB-Kentucky	61/2nd Round	HC Ron Rivera finds a linebacker who has the traits to become like the LBs he had in Carolina.
20th overall	New York Giants (from Chicago Bears)	Kadarius Toney	5’11 189 All-Purpose/Florida	49/2nd Round	His ability to get in-and-out of traffic with the ball in his hands makes him a threat as an all-purpose prospect and slot WR.
21st overall	Indianapolis Colts	Kwity Paye	6’3 270 DE-Michigan	9/1st Round	Paye was one of the draft’s best run defender and he is going to get better as a pass rusher.
22nd overall	Tennessee Titans	Caleb Farley	6’2 207 CB-Virginia Tech	17/1st Round	One of the draft’s most talented corners has ball skills, instincts and health concerns. His skills fit Tennessee’s defensive
23rd overall	Minnesota Vikings (from New York Jets)	Christian Darrisaw	6’5 314 LT-Virginia Tech	4/1st Round	The Vikings get one of the draft’s best offensive line talents after sliding back in the first round. Good moves again by the Vikings front office.
24th overall	Pittsburgh Steelers	Najee Harris	6’1 231/RB-Alabama	11/1st Round	The Steelers get the former five-star recruit whose game continues to grow both as a receiver and blocker. They get one of the better prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft.
25th overall	Jacksonville Jaguars	Travis Etienne	5’10 215/RB-Clemson	22/1st Round	Etienne reunites with Trevor Lawrence in what could prove to be a game-changing backfield combination. He will team with James Robinson for a powerful one-two punch.
26th overall	Cleveland Browns	Greg Newsome II	6'1 190/CB-Northwestern	64/2nd Round	Newsome’s technique goes along with smooth on-field movement. The Browns now have three cornerbacks to match up with the AFC’s fast-paced offenses.
27th overall	Baltimore Ravens	Rashod Bateman	6’0 190/WR-Minnesota	18/2nd Round	Bateman gives Jackson yet another weapon after the signing of Sammy Watkins. The team is continuing to attempt to get it right at the position.
28th overall	New Orleans Saints	Payton Turner	6’5 290/DE-Houston	111/3rd Round	Turner impressed on his Pro Day with a 4.33 20-yard shuttle time at 290 pounds. Turner got better during his career week-to-week.
29th overall	Green Bay Packers	Eric Stokes	6’1 194/CB-Georgia	35/2nd Round	Stokes continued to get better year-to-year, but prior to 2020 he hadn’t finished on the ball. The 10.39 100-meter sprinter finished with four interceptions as a senior.
30th overall	Buffalo Bills	Gregory Rousseau	6’6 5/8” 266/DE-Miami (Fla.)	8/1st Round	The Bills take a pass rusher with 11-inch hands and an 83” wingspan. Rousseau had 15.5 QB sacks in 2019 and was tough to latch while working from a number of spots.
31st overall	Baltimore Ravens	Jayson Oweh	6’5 252/DE-Penn State	143/3rd Round	The Ravens bet on Oweh’s upside, which includes 4.3 speed and very good upper body strength.
32nd overall	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Joe Tryon	6’5 252/DE-Washington	69/2nd Round	Tryon has played from a two-point stand-up OLB or with his hand in the dirt. This was a perfect scheme-fit for the Buccaneers.

Round 1 trades/notes:

•   The Dallas Cowboys traded the 10th pick overall to the Philadelphia Eagles to the Dallas Cowboys for the 12th overall pick and the Cowboys picked up Philadelphia’s 2021 third-round pick.
•   New York Giants traded the 11th overall pick to the Chicago Bears in return for the Bears 2021 fifth-round pick, 2022 first-round pick and  2022 fourth-round pick   
•   Minnesota Vikings traded the 14th overall pick to the New York Jets in exchange for the 23rd overall pick 
•   The first quarterback to ever get selected in the first round of the draft by a Bill Belichick-led team becomes Alabama’s Mac Jones
•   New York Giants GM Dave Gettleman traded back for the first time in his career
•   There were four sets of teammates reunited in the first round.  Former LSU WR Ja'Marr Chase (1st Round, 5th pick overall) teams back up with his Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback in Cincinnati, Alabama WR/All-Purpose threat Jaylen Waddle (1st Round, 6th pick overall) teams up with former Alabama quarterback and current Miami Dolphins starter Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama WR DeVonta Smith (1st Round, 10th pick overall) will play with former Alabama starting quarterback Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia, Clemson RB Travis Etienne (1st Round, 25th overall) gets to share the backfield again with Jacksonville first overall pick Trevor Lawrence.

NFC, Articles, 2021, 2021, NFL, Free Agency, NFC North

2021 NFL Free Agency, Live Updates: NFC North

March 18, 2021 Tyre Gaines Leave a comment

The NFC North has been relatively quiet for the first couple of days in free agency. The latest splash signing featured the Vikings recent signing of former Arizona Cardinals eight-time Pro Bowler Patrick Peterson. Please come back for more updates as this is a live document.

NFC North

Minnesota Vikings

Offensive free agents

QB Sean Mannion

RB Ameer Abdullah

RB Mike Boone (Agreed to terms with Broncos)

WR Chad Beebe (Re-signed)

C Brett Jones

G Kyle Hinton

RT Rashod Hill (re-signed)

LG Dakota Dozier

LT Riley Reiff (Agreed to terms with Bengals)

TE Kyle Rudolph (Agreed to terms with Giants)

Defensive free agents

S Anthony Harris

S George Iloka

CB Chris Jones

LB Eric Wilson

LB Todd Davis

LB Hardy Nickerson

DT Jaleel Johnson

DE Ifeadi Odenigbo (Agreed to terms with Giants)

Special Teams

K Dan Bailey

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

Re-signed TE Brandon Dillon, RT Rashod Hill
Agreed to terms with CB Patrick Peterson (Cardinals), DE Stephen Weatherly (Panthers), DT Dalvin Tomlinson (Giants), Nick Vigil (Chargers)
Lost DE Ifeadi Odenigbo (Giants), LT Riley Reiff (Bengals), RB Mike Boone (Broncos)
Released K Dan Bailey, TE Kyle Rudolph (Giants)

Detroit Lions

Offensive free agents

RB Adrian Peterson

WR Marvin Jones, Jr. (Agreed to terms with the Jaguars)

WR Kenny Golladay (Agreed to terms with the Giants)

WR Danny Amendola

WR Mohamed Sanu

TE Jesse James

LG Oday Aboushi

LT Matt Nelson (re-signed)

G Joe Dahl

C Russell Bodine

Defensive free agents

DE Everson Griffen

DE Romeo Okwara (re-signed)

SS Duron Harmon

S Miles Killebrew

LB Jarrad Davis (Agreed to terms with Jets)

LB Jason Cabinda (Re-signed)

LB Christian Jones

CB Darryl Roberts

CB Justin Coleman (Agreed to terms with the Dolphins)

CB Desmond Trufant (Agreed to terms with Bears)

CB Tony McRae

CB Mike Ford (re-signed)

CB Jamal Agnew (Agreed to terms with Jaguars)

ILB Reggie Ragland (Agreed to terms with Giants)

LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin (re-signed)

Special Teams

K Matt Prater (Agreed to terms with Cardinals)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

Agreed to terms with WR Tyrell Williams (Raiders), TE Josh Hill (Saints)
Re-signed DE Romeo Okwara to a three-year deal, CB Mike Ford, LB Jason Cabinda, P Jack Fox, LT Matt Nelson, LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin
Lost WR Kenny Golladay (Giants), WR Jamal Agnew (Jaguars), LB Jarrad Davis (Jets), CB Justin Coleman (Dolphins), WR Marvin Jones, Jr. (Jaguars), K Matt Prater (Cardinals), ILB Reggie Ragland (Giants), CB Desmond Trufant (Bears)
Traded QB Matthew Stafford to the LA Rams for QB Jared Goff, a 2021 third-round pick and first-round picks in 2022 and 2023
Traded for Los Angeles Rams DT Michael Brockers

Green Bay Packers

Offensive free agents

C Corey Linsley (Agreed to terms with Chargers)

TE Marcedes Lewis

LG Lane Taylor

RT Jared Veldheer

RT Ricky Wagner

WR Tavon Austin

WR Alan Lazard (re-signed)

RB Tyler Ervin

TE Robert Tonyan (re-signed)

RB Aaron Jones (Re-signed)

RB Jamaal Williams (Agreed to terms with the Lions)

QB Tim Boyle

Defensive free agents

CB Kevin King

DT Damon Harrison

ILB Christian Kirksey (Agreed to terms with Texans)

DE Billy Win

ILB James Burgess

DE Montravious Adams

DE Tyler Lancaster

FS Will Redmond

CB Chandon Sullivan

CB Parry Nickerson

OLB Randy Ramsey (re-signed)

CB Kabion Ento

S Raven Greene

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes

Agreed to terms with RB Aaron Jones on a four-year deal
Re-signed OLB Preston Smith, WR Devin Funchess, WR Kabion Ento, DE Delontae Scott, C Jake Hanson, WR Allan Lazard, TE Robert Tonyan, OLB Randy Ramsey, WR Malik Taylor
Lost C Corey Linsley (Chargers), LB Christian Kirksey (Texans), RB Jamaal Williams (Lions)

Chicago Bears

Offensive free agents

QB Mitchell Trubisky (Agreed to terms with Bills)

WR Allen Robinson (Franchised)

WR Cordarrelle Patterson

WR Dwayne Harris

TE Demetrius Harris

RG Germain Ifedi (Re-signed)

LT Jason Spriggs

RG Rashaad Coward

RT Bobby Massie

WR DeAndre Carter

Defensive free agents

DE Roy Robertson-Harris (Agreed to terms with Jaguars)

DE Mario Edwards Jr. (re-signed)

DE Brent Urban

DE James Vaughters (re-signed)

S Deon Bush (Re-signed)

S Sherrick McManis

S Tashaun Gipson

S Deandre Houston-Carson

CB Artie Burns

CB Michael Joseph

CB Buster Skrine

OLB Barkevious Mingo

DT John Jenkins

DT Daniel McCullers

Special Teams

K Cairo Santos (re-signed)

LS Patrick Scales

P Pat O’Donnell (re-signed)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

Agreed to terms with QB Andy Dalton (Cowboys) on a one-year deal
Re-signed DE Mario Edwards, Jr., LB James Vaughters, LB Josh Woods, RB Ryan Nall, LG Alex Bars, RT Badara Traore, WR Reggie Davis, TE J.P. Holtz, K Cairo Santos, P Pat O’Donnell, RG Germain Ifedi
Lost DE Roy Robertson-Harris (Jaguars), QB Mitchell Trubisky (Bills)
Released CB Buster Skrine, CB Kyle Fuller (Broncos)
Placed the franchise tag on WR Allen Robinson

NFC, Articles, 2021, 2021, NFL, Free Agency, NFC South

2021 NFL Free Agency, Live Updates: NFC South

March 18, 2021 Tyre Gaines Leave a comment

The Carolina Panthers recently made one of the biggest moves of the offseason by trading for New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold. In the division’s arms race, where does Darnold rank in a group that includes Tom Brady, Jameis Winston and Matt Ryan?

NFC South

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Offensive free agents

QB Ryan Griffin

QB Blaine Gabbert

C A.Q. Shipley (retired)

LG Aaron Stinnie

LG Joe Haeg

RG Earl Watford

RT Josh Wells

RB Leonard Fournette

RB Lesean McCoy

RB Kenjon Barner

RB T.J. Logan

TE Rob Gronkowski (re-signed)

TE Antony Auclair

WR Antonio Brown

WR Jaydon Mickens

WR Chris Godwin (Franchised)

WR Cyril Grayson (re-signed)

Defensive free agents

ILB Deone Bucannon

ILB Jack Cichy

ILB Kevin Minter (re-signed)

OLB Shaquill Barrett (re-signed)

OLB LaVonte David (re-signed)

DT Ndamukong Suh

DT Steve McLendon

DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches

DE Pat O’Connor

CB Ross Cockrell

CB Ryan Smith

S Andrew Adams

Special Teams

LS Zach Triner (re-signed)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

Re-signed DE Shaq Barrett to a four-year deal, LB Lavonte David to a two-year deal, LB Kevin Minter to a one-year deal, TE Tanner Hudson, TE Rob Gronkowski, DE Pat O’Connor, WR Cyril Grayson, DE Jeremiah Ledbetter, LS Zach Triner
Placed the franchise tag on WR Chris Godwin
Lost OC A.Q. Shipley (retired)

Atlanta Falcons

Offensive free agents

C Alex Mack (Agreed to terms with the 49ers)

G Justin McCray (Agreed to terms with the Texans)

G James Carpenter

RT John Wetzel

RT Matt Gono

RB Todd Gurley

RB Brian Hill

QB Matt Schaub

QB Kurt Benker

TE Luke Stocker

WR Laquon Treadwell

WR Brandon Powell

WR Christian Blake (re-signed)

WR Greg Dortch

Defensive free agents

DT Jacob Tuioti-Mariner (re-signed)

DE Charles Harris

DE Allen Bailey

DE Steven Means

LB Edmond Robinson

LB LaRoy Reynolds

FS Ricardo Allen

S Keanu Neal

S Sharrod Neasman

S Damontae Kazee

CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson

CB Darqueze Dennard

CB Tyler Hall (re-signed)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

Re-signed K Younghoe Koo, CB Tyler Hall, WR Christian Blake, DT Jacob Tuioti-Mariner, TE Jaeden Graham
Re-worked contract of DT Tyeler Davidson
Released S Ricardo Allen, DE Allen Bailey, OG James Carpenter
Lost G Justin McCray (Texans), OC Alex Mack (49ers)

Carolina Panthers

Offensive free agents

C Tyler Larsen

G Chris Reed

LG Michael Schofield

RT Russel Okung

RT Trenton Scott

RG John Miller

RB Mike Davis

FB Alex Armah (Agreed to terms with Saints)

TE Chris Manhertz

TE Seth Devalve

TE Collin Thompson

WR Curtis Samuel (Agreed to terms with the WFT)

WR Pharaoh Cooper

WR Brandon Zylstra

WR Keith Kirkwood

Defensive free agents

DE Efe Obada

DE Stephen Weatherly (agreed to terms with Vikings)

DT Kawann Short

DT Woodrow Hamilton

FS Tre Boston

S Kenny Robinson

CB Corn Elder

CB Rasul Douglas

CB Natrell Jamerson

ILB Adarius Taylor

OLB Julian Stanford

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

Re-signed WR Keith Kirkwood, WR Brandon Zylstra, WR Ishmael Hyman, RT Trenton Scott, TE Colin Thompson, K Joey Slye
Agreed to terms with OT Cam Erving (Cowboys), OG Pat Elflein (Jets), TE Stephen Sullivan (Seahawks), OLB Haason Reddick (Cardinals), LB Denzel Perryman (Chargers), CB Rashaan Melvin (Jaguars)
Placed the franchise tag on OT Taylor Moton
Lost DE Stephen Weatherly (Vikings), P Matt Palardy (Dolphins), WR Curtis Samuel (WFT), FB Alex Armah (Saints)
Traded a 2021 sixth-round pick, and second and fourth round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft to the New York Jets in exchange for QB Sam Darnold

New Orleans Saints

Offensive free agents

QB Jameis Winston (re-signed)

RT James Hurst (re-signed)

C Will Clapp

C Cameron Tom (agreed to terms with Dolphins)

LG Nick Easton

RB Ty Montgomery (re-signed)

RB Dwayne Washington (re-signed)

FB Michael Burton

TE Josh Hill (agreed to terms with the Lions)

TE Jared Cook (Agreed to terms with the Chargers)

TE Cole Wick

TE Jason Vander Laan

WR Emmanuel Sanders (Agreed to terms with the Bills)

WR Bennie Fowler

WR Austin Carr

Defensive free agents

DT Sheldon Rankins

DE Noah Spence (re-signed)

DE Trey Hendrickson (Agreed to terms with the Bengals)

LB ILB Kwon Alexander

LB Craig Robertson

LB Alex Anzalone

CB Janoris Jenkins (Agreed to terms with the Titans)

CB P.J. Williams

S Marcus Williams (re-signed)

S D.J. Swearinger

S J.T. Gray

CB Johnson Bademosi

CB Ken Crawley

CB Justin Hardee (Agreed to terms with the Jets)

2021 Free Agency report/Other Notes:

Re-signed RB Ty Montgomery, RB Dwayne Washington, DE Noah Spence, S J.T. Gray, DE Marcus Willoughby, QB Jameis Winston
Placed the franchise tag on S Marcus Williams
Agreed to terms with FB Alex Armah (Panthers)
Lost QB Drew Brees (retired), TE Josh Hill (Lions), WR Jake Kumerow (Bills), DE Trey Hendrickson (Bengals), CB Justin Hardee (Jets)
Released WR Emmanuel Sanders (Bills), CB Janoris Jenkins (Titans), LB Kwon Alexander, P Thomas Morstead, TE Josh Hill (Lions), OG Nick Easton
Traded DT Malcom Brown to the Jacksonville Jaguars

NCAA FB, NFL, NFL, DraftNasty Throwbacks (Videos, Photos, Articles), NFL Draft film room, NCAA FB, Video, NFC West, 2016, AFC West, AFC South, 2014

DraftNasty Throwback (circa 2014): Oklahoma State’s Tyreek Hill vs. FSU’s Jalen Ramsey

July 2, 2020 Corey Chavous Leave a comment

On August 30, 2014, the Florida State Seminoles squared off against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the Advocare Classic. The result? A hard-fought 37-31 victory for the top-ranked Seminoles. The game within the game featured two future NFL All-Pros matching up at different positions then they would eventually star at in the NFL. At the time, current Kansas City WR Tyreek Hill was a running back/return specialist and Los Angeles Rams CB Jalen Ramsey was starring in a safety/nickel back role. In what proved to be a precursor for the future, Hill tallied an incredible total of 278 all-purpose yards. Ramsey contributed 12 tackles and 1/2 tackle for loss, while displaying outstanding agility and body control. We go inside one of college football’s best matchups of the past decade.

Hill (No. 24 pictured) was used in a myriad of ways during the matchup with the Seminoles, but Ramsey’s responsibilities (No. 8 covering Hill out of the backfield) varied quite a bit during the day as well.

Articles, NFL, NFL Draft Recap, 2020, 2020, NFC West

2020 NFL Draft recap: NFC West

May 1, 2020 Corey Chavous Leave a comment

Arizona Cardinals	Notable Pick: The pick of Simmons has major significance because the Cardinals drafted former Temple linebacker Haason Reddick just three seasons ago. DC Vance Joseph has to move Simmons around, but will it be natural within his defensive structure?
Round, Selection,	Player	School	DN Big Board Rank/ Grade	‘Nasty’ Take:
1 (8)	Isaiah Simmons	6’4 238 LB-Clemson	4/1st Round	Simmons is clearly one of the more talented defenders to come into the league in quite some time. The consensus first-team All-American seems intent on wanting to play linebacker at the next level.
3 (72)	Josh Jones	6’5 311 OT-Houston	71/2nd Round	After just an okay junior campaign, the first-team All-AAC tackle took his game to another level in 2019. It easily could have resulted in him going off the board much earlier than 72nd.
4 (114)	Leki Fotu	6’5 327 DT-Utah	46/2nd Round	Fotu’s value should not be diminished in today’s pass-happy NFL. He is still an important entity and routinely handled double teams in school.
4 (131)	Rashard Lawrence II	6’2 308 DT-LSU	274/4th Round	Lawrence is a heavy-handed player who will surprise on occasion with his snap count reactions. His balance on line games proved to be up-and-down in the film viewed.
6 (202)	Evan Weaver	6’2 237 LB-California	102/3rd Round	Arguably the most active collegiate linebacker in the country the last two years, Weaver slipped because there are questions about his ability to transition into a three-down linebacker.
7 (222)	Eno Benjamin	5’9 207 RB-Arizona State	117/3^rd Round	Benjamin can catch, run in-between the tackles bigger than his size and he’s slippery. It was a surprise that he lasted until Round 7.

Despite being lauded for his ability to hold the point of attack, new Arizona Cardinals DT Leki Fotu tallied 17 tackles for loss over the last three seasons, including 8 TFLs in 2019.

Seattle Seahawks	Notable Pick: The Seahawks have traditionally found a way to involve the tight end and Parkinson’s arrival means that trend will continue. He expands the team’s Red Zone capability while also extending the seams of the field.
Round, Selection,	Player	School	DN Big Board Rank/ Grade	‘Nasty’ Take:
1 (27)	Jordyn Brooks	6’1 240 LB-Texas Tech	116/3rd Round	Brooks is fast, long and generally at his best going forward. He became the team’s first All-American LB since former Red Raider and NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Zach Thomas.
2 (48)	Darrell Taylor	6’4 253 DE-OLB Alabama	185/4th Round	Taylor had a knack for punching balls loose in school (six forced fumbles) and played two-to-three different spots for the Vols. He was equally effective from a two-point or three-point stance.
3 (69)	Damien Lewis	6’2 327 OG-LSU	60/2nd Round	Lewis provides options at any of the three interior line spots. His heavy nature belies his movement skills. The former junior college All-American has to improve picking up line games.
4 (133)	Colby Parkinson	6’7 252 TE-Stanford	191/4^th Round	Parkinson (see above) finished his career averaging 13.5 yards per reception with 12 touchdowns.
4 (144)	DeeJay Dallas	5’10 217 All-purpose-Miami (Fla.)	38/2nd Round	Dallas -a former WR for the Hurricanes- averaged 17 yards per punt return in 2018. He is excellent in the screen game and has positive contact balance.
5 (148)	Alton Robinson	6’3 264 DE-Syracuse	169/4^th Round	Robinson did not match his breakout junior year with a sparkling senior campaign. Nevertheless, his ability to generate speed-to-power will make him a challenge for offensive tackles.
6 (214)	Freddie Swain	6’0 199 WR-Florida	176/4th Round	Swain carries his equipment on game day and provides savvy as a slot receiver. In addition -particularly at this point in the draft- his value comes on special teams, where he was solid as a punt returner.
7 (251)	Stephen Sullivan	6’5 245 TE-LSU	386/5th Round	Sullivan -a former four-star recruit at WR- was satisfactory at that position in school. He is a flex option either on the outside or in the slot.

Lewis’ upper body strength was a big factor in the success of LSU’s offense in 2019. He can add some punch to the Seahawks offense in what will continue to be a physical running game.

San Francisco 49ers	Notable Pick: Of the draft’s first three selections, McKivitz will be in the battle for a roster spot with the 49ers depth at tackle. He has improved as a run blocker, but his ability to slide down to guard, if necessary, will likely determine his fate. The fact that NFL teams can now have three extra offensive linemen helps his charge.
Round, Selection,	Player	School	DN Big Board Rank/ Grade	‘Nasty’ Take:
1 (14)	Javon Kinlaw	6’5 324 DT-South Carolina	5/1^st Round	Kinlaw was an effective player in school but it could be argued that he can give even more. His quickness is supplemented by heavy hands. His fit into the 49ers defensive line rotation should be something to monitor in 2020…and beyond.
1 (25)	Brandon Aiyuk	6’0 205 WR-Arizona State	20/2^nd Round	Aiyuk got more opportunities as a featured receiver in 2019 but it did not take away from his impact in the return game. The positive aspect of this draft pick is that he has yet to fully tap his vast upside at the receiver spot.
5 (153)	Colton McKivitz	OT-West Virginia	204/4th Round	McKivitz was a durable 47-game starter in school. He added positive play strength as he went along. He fits the profile the 49ers seek in their tackles.
6 (190)	Charlie Woerner	6’5 244 TE-Georgia	427/5th Round	One of the top recruits in the Class of 2016 when he came out of Rabun County HS (Ga.), Woerner had limited opportunities in school. He still flashed all of the skills that made him a four-star recruit at the prep level when given his opportunities. Very good blocker on the move
7 (217)	Jauan Jennings	6’3 215 WR-Tennessee	331/5th Round	Jennings dealt with injuries, suspensions and inconsistency but, when wired, he was one of the nation’s most competitive players. His run after the catch ability and field speed eases concern over average workout testing numbers.

San Francisco 49ers seventh-round pick Jauan Jennings has been a tough player to tackle since arriving in Knoxville. He averaged 16.4 yards per reception in 2019 (8 TDs).

Los Angeles Rams	Notable Pick: The Rams got to a Super Bowl on the strength of former PK Greg Zuerlein. He came from a small school and now the team will give Sloman a look late in the draft. The former Redhawk took his game to another level in 2019.
Round, Selection,	Player	School	DN Big Board Rank/ Grade	‘Nasty’ Take:
2 (52)	Cam Akers	5’10 217 RB-FSU	58/2nd Round	The former five-star recruit out of Mississippi averaged just under five yards per carry in school but was effective as a runner, receiver and passer during his three-year run in Tallahassee. Akers is stronger than his frame suggests.
2 (57)	Van Jefferson	6’1 197 WR-Florida, Ole Miss	17/2nd Round	Jefferson was productive at two different stops in the SEC due to his combination of body control and football intelligence. Some of his press-man releases have been unorthodox, yet sudden and effective.
3 (84)	Terrell Lewis	6’5 258 OLB-Alabama	48/2nd Round	It would have been interesting to see how Lewis’ career would have gone had he not been sidelined by injury in two consecutive seasons. He uses 83 1/2-inch wingspan to pole OTs back into the lap of QBs. Can he stay healthy?
3 (104)	Terrell Burgess	6’0 202 DB-Utah	285/4th Round	Burgess’ movement skills gives the team options with him as a nickel, outside cornerback or safety. He largely was drafted off of one productive year, but his skills translate to the next level.
4 (136)	Brycen Hopkins	6’4 245 TE-Purdue	135/3rd Round	Hopkins had some issues with the occasional concentration lapse, but the Big Ten’s Kwallick-Clark TE of the Year in 2019 averaged 17 yards per reception as a junior (2018). his speed and ability to stretch the seams of the field adds yet another layer to the Rams attack.
6 (199)	Jordan Fuller	6’2 203 S-Ohio State	279/4th Round	Fuller generally played a sound game in school. His movement skills for a taller safety were substantiated by some of the tough coverage assignments Ohio State gave him early in his career.

Johnston, pictured, led the Bears with 99 tackles in 2018. Before going down to injury in 2019, he had 58 tackles, 2.5 QB sacks, 8 TFLs, one interception and 5 PBUs.

7 (234)	Clay Johnston	6’0 229 LB-Baylor	301/5th Round	Johnston’s impressive start to the 2019 season was upended by a midseason knee injury. Prior to the injury, he had already posted four double-digit tackle games.
7 (248)	Sam Sloman	5’8 207 PK-Miami (OH.)	586/7th Round	Sloman connected on 87-percent of his field goals in school, but it was his senior year uptick in range that caught the eyes of scouts. Prior to 2018 he was not as effective as a kickoff specialist. Over the last two years, he posted a 63-percent touchback percentage on kickoffs.
7 (250)	Tremayne Anchrum	6’2 314 OL-Clemson	241/4th Round	For a player who operated exclusively on the edge in school, Anchrum was fairly impressive turning out the opposition on designed runs to his side. In pass protection (either outside or inside), he will have to get better at handling inside movement.

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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