If you saw Tarik Cohen in this space last year, then you saw the big LT who paved the way. Has size and length galore.
OL Austin Corbett, Nevada (see above)
OL Dejon Allen, Hawaii I know I said New Mexico guys get no love, but Hawaii players are hardly taken seriously, either. Dejon Allen didn’t get a combine invite but he has solid skills as an interior OL who can play center or guard.
OL Sandley Felix-Jones , Marshall
Enormous mountain of a soft-spoken Haitian, his 36 1/4 ” arms and 87 1/8″ wingspan, along with a basketball background make him a really interesting tackle project. He played well for Marshall at both Left and Right Tackle, but a back injury limited his effectiveness in 2015 and early 2016. If he goes to a great OL development team like Pittsburgh or New England, the sky is the limit.
OL Cole Madison, Washington State Some OL gifts can be hard to quantify on paper, but Cole Madison is a slightly unhinged warrior on the field. There’s something about the kids that get recruited to Washington State, because he’s one of three on this list who are all amped up to 11.
OL Dave Steinmetz, Purdue Stenmetz was recruited to and coached at tiny University of Maine. Steinmetz was a graduate transfer to Purdue and got a little lost in the draft shuffle, but he is extremely athletic and can play along the line. A good candidate for a long-term NFL backup.
RB Chris Warren III, Texas His father is a Seahawks legend RB, but Chris III has the sweet feet that made Jerome Bettis famous, making quick cuts in the hole that belie his 250lb frame. Warren III also ran an official 4.53 at his pro day, and I’m not sure Jerome Bettis ever ran 4.53, at any age or weight. Warren is an excellent pass protector (often asked to block edge rushers 1 on 1 with success) and a plus power running back who sheds would-be tacklers like flies.
RB/FB/WR Jalen Samuels, North Carolina State Do it all multi-tool who passed it, ran it, caught it with a lot of success. His ability to be a one-cut runner shocked me… he might be top 5 in the class at that see-hole, plant foot, go upfield skill. Oh, and he’s easily the best receiver among running back types in this year’s class.
RB Martez Carter, Grambling State Quick first step and good vision.
RB Boston Scott, Louisiana Tech He’s like the mini-me powerlifting cousin (5061 203) to Tarik Cohen’s mini me Barry Sanders (5062 179). Just imagine a faster, more explosive Devonta Freeman, squished into a package that is 2 or 3 inches shorter, and you’ll pretty much have it.
RB Larry Rose III, New Mexico State Some guys just have a natural feel for playing RB that you can’t teach. When to cut, when to lower your shoulder and power on–how to set up defenders and make them miss. Larry Rose III isn’t the biggest at 5’11” 185, but he runs with power and vision as good as anyone. Add in his pass-catching skills, and he may get a shot at an NFL roster. Those cats who play in New Mexico don’t get the attention the east coast players do, they don’t get the attention Big12 or Pac12 guys do… they don’t even get the attention Colorado, Utah, & Wyoming guys do. If they did, the smooth, good all-round game of Rose would be a lot more noticed.
RB Trenton Cannon, Virginia State Like watching a young Shady McCoy playing at the D2 level. A little shake & bake, a little burst, and enough long speed to think he has a shot at the higher level that plays on Sundays. Nose for the end zone, with 51 TDs in 3 years.
This is page 3. To start from the beginning, click here
THE MAIN EVENT If you’re looking for last-minute, below market draft prospects— here’s your menu. The underrated, undervalued, & overlooked 2018 B2B Directional State Battling Basilisks:
QB Alex McGough, Florida International Great mobility, but he doesn’t lean on it. Has plus arm strength on intermediate throws, but also put a ton of balls in perfect location for his #1 WR, Thomas Owens. Can run as well as any QB in the class, but looks to make plays downfield outside of structure. Top highlight includes a scramble left and an unreal throw 40 yards down field that threw the WR open for a huge gain.
QB Kyle Lauletta, Richmond Saw him play in high school, and thought: this kid has a polish and calmness to him that will take him far. Great anticipation on throws and a deadly short game.
QB Logan Woodside, Toledo
Chad Kanoff, QB, Princeton
Kanoff had a full scholarship commitment to Vanderbilt, but decided he’d rather pay to play in the Ivy League. He finished his career with a 2017 that featured an Ivy League completion percentage record of 73.2%, 3474 yds, 9 YPA, 29 TD and only 9 INT. He has SEC arm talent, with good touch on intermediate and deep throws.
QB Luis Perez Texas A&M-Commerce (see above) QB Bryan Schor, James Madison
Has a lot of moxie and enough touch to make plays.
It’s that time again: I release my annual list of undervalued draft sleepers and smaller school prospects who deserve more attention in the NFL draft.
For more than a decade now, I have made the analysis of lesser-known, small school, and undervalued NFL draft prospects my sometimes (well, more than sometimes) obsessive avocation. Over the years, I’ve written about, championed, interviewed, chosen in mock draft, defended in arguments, and generally shouted into the wilderness about “my” guys. Over the years, I’ve missed on a few (Hello, Gantrell Johnson!) but hit on a few very unexpected home runs, too.
Here’s a few past B2Bers, more or less the B2B Hall Of Fame:
Jared Veldheer, Richard Sherman, Carlos Dunlap, Emmanuel Sanders, Jimmy Graham, Josh Norman, Alterraun Verner, Junior Galette, Jordan Cameron, Julius Thomas, Buster Skrine, Doug Martin, Bruce Irvin, Robert Turbin, J.R.Sweezy, Jamie Collins, Brandon Williams, Paul Worrilow, Jarvis Landry, Javon Hargrave, George Fant, Malcolm Mitchell, Karl Joseph, and Jatavis Brown. Kevin Byard has definitely joined the club, and Patrick Mahomes, Tarik Cohen, Adrian Colbert, Cooper Rush, Chase Allen, and Kenny Golladay are looking good so far.
In general, I tend to favor potential in players who seem to have the football personality to make the jump to actualization of that talent. Give me a guy with heart, football smarts, and athletic ability and shame on you if you can’t figure out how to make him a player.
Shaq Griffin has has so many people tell him he can’t. From his pee wee coaches to even the college coaches who recruited him– everyone took one look at the kid with one hand and said, ‘no’. The fact that he’s made it this far, has become a really inspirational person, and is on the verge of being drafted into the NFL… great story. But set all of that aside for second… this prospect is a hell of a football player.
He might be known for running 4.38 at the combine (which in itself is pretty damn impressive) but Griffin might have more outstanding plays on tape than just about anyone in this draft. In two years with UCF’s new coaching staff–who watched Griffin practice and said, ‘why are we not playing this kid?’–he accumulated 166 tackles, 33.5 TFL, 18.5 sacks, 2 INT, 10 PD, 4 FR (1 for TD), 4 FF, playing arguably out of position as an EDGE rusher. He blew up plays in the backfield, chased down QBs, covered WRs on deep routes, blocked FGs… generally created havoc for the other team, culminating in two of the best games of his career in the last two he played vs Memphis and Auburn.
Against Auburn… a quality SEC team… Griffin was easily the best player on the field. So why did he nearly not get an invite to the NFL Combine? My guess? Fear and ignorance. Because it sure wasn’t based on tape. His tape says Troy Polamalu. Now we’ll just have to see if he gets the chance to prove them wrong again.
Underappreciated Non Power 5 FBS POYs:
Austin Corbett, OL, Nevada Great awareness and agility matched with very good technique. Played guard and tackle as a starter, and some of his best was against top competition. As solid a prospect as you’ll find in this draft.
Quentin Poling, LB, Ohio
Listen to this statline: 373 tackles, 43.5 TFL, 18 sacks, 7 INT, 2 pick 6s, 15 PD, 2 FR, 5 FF. No one in college football filled up the stat sheet more than this somewhat undersized, 2-star recruit.
FCS Players Of The Year:
Siran Neal, S/CB, Jacksonville State
Siran Neal is the prototype nickel safety/CB type who can blow up plays in the backfield or play physical coverage.
Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State Supernatural ball skills for a former basketball guy but is willing and strong enough to work inline. Sensational hands and a little swagger helps.
D2 & Below Players Of The Year:
CB Michael Joseph, Dubuque (D3)(see below)
QB Luis Perez, Texas A&M-Commerce (D2) Is the most interesting man in the world. Or at least the most interesting in D2, as the winner of the Harlon Hill POY award in that subdivision. Okay, I stole that line from his profile. He threw for 3,326 yards and 32 TDs, leading his team to the National Championship this year. He has a great deep touch, and above-average arm ability to throw across the field.
———————
B2B Hustle + Talent award: PJ Hall, DL, Sam Houston State The biggest athletic freak in this class. A person that large should not be able to run and move like he does. Simply demolished the FCS for 4 years, to the tune of 280 tackles, 33 Passes defensed, 36.5 sacks, 86.5 TFL, 9 FF, 4 INTs, and 14 blocked kicks. His pro day workout shall become legend: 6010, 310 lbs, 36 reps, 4.67 40, 38 VJ
B2B Adversity Award: Skai Moore, LB, South Carolina
Skai Moore had a horrible neck injury that required fusion surgery. Before that, he was viewed as a top prospect, with a knack for interceptions. He missed a year, but came back to lead the Gamecocks in tackles– something he did all four years. Even though he’s known for coverage, he holds up very well vs the run, with surprising ability to fend off blockers and make plays.
The B2B Honorary Karl Joseph Everyone Had Me As A Third Rounder But I’m Going In The 1st Award: Jessie Bates, S, Vanderbilt
Free safety types are few and far between in this draft–especially ones who are interested in hitting/tackling, and who are very good punt returners. Bates is all of that AND he’s underaged, with a lot of room to grow.
B2B Walk-On to NFL Award: Deon Yelder, TE, Louisville
Yelder was a walk on who played mostly special teams for three years, but when called upon this year to start, he had a terrific season, both as a blocker and pass protector for Lamar Jackson, but also became a trusted target in the pass game, with 52 catches for 688 yds & 7 TDs, plus a couple of carries and a TD rushing from the wildcat formation.
B2B For The Love Of The Game Award: Michael Joseph, CB, Dubuque
Whenever you hear one of those stories about a top athlete who squandered his opportunities and sandbagged his way through a handful of second chances because he might, might someday unlock his unrealized potential, just remember the guys like Michael Joseph.
He played 6 snaps in high school. He weighed less than 130lbs. He sent tapes of his 6 snaps to 20 or 30 schools and no one responded. Finally, he sent that pathetic cut up to a school with no scholarships, in Division III… and the coach was feeling a little generous and maybe spied something in the easy speed of the young man. He wasn’t even allowed to practice with the team, and there was no separate weightlifting program or fancy football facilities. He tried to keep eating, so that he could put on weight and get a chance to play, but he could barely make ends meet– he even took a job that required him to walk an hour each way, since he didn’t have a car.
But after all of that, a funny thing happened: he got bigger, he got stronger, and he became a really good player. He is an aggressive and fearless tackler/hitter, just dominated in coverage… he did everything you’d hope an NFL prospect would do down in D3. After a nearly unprecedented invite to the Senior Bowl and a good showing there, he’s going to have his name called in the NFL draft. The real one, not the one in his crazy dream version he had while sitting on the bench in High School.
A coach’s son, who was described as the most football smart player in the draft. He uses knowledge of route trees and tendencies to always be in great position. If he wanted to, he could also be a great fit at safety, with his excellent tackling skills and fearlessness about contact.
The Inaugural “If This Were 1975, I’d be a 1st Rd Pick/Borderline Too Violent For This Sport Award: Nate ‘Scooby’ Gaines, FS, Texas-San Antonio
Yeah, well, maybe he’s a targeting foul waiting to happen in this era of football, but you can’t deny he is about as good a hitter as you’ll find at FS. Despite his obvious inclination to trying to annihilate defenseless receivers and runners alike, he still managed to play the ball enough to get 8 INTs to go with all those knockouts.
Those listed in Green represent the top tier at each position… about 44 prospects this year. Yellow indicates 2nd tier, down to top 100 picks… actual number is 108. One player is very highly rated at two positions (Shaquem Griffin), so there are 107 prospects here I think worthy of a top 100 pick in this year’s draft.
I try to make it through as many prospects as I can, but there are some lesser regarded prospects whose film I;m still trying to get through… they are marked with grey. If a prospect is not included but draftable, it’s 90% likely to be an oversight.
It’s that time again: I release my annual list of undervalued draft sleepers and smaller school prospects who deserve more attention in the NFL draft.
For more than a decade now, I have made the analysis of lesser-known, small school, and undervalued NFL draft prospects my sometimes (well, more than sometimes) obsessive avocation. Over the years, I’ve written about, championed, interviewed, chosen in mock draft, defended in arguments, and generally shouted into the wilderness about “my” guys. Over the years, I’ve missed on a few (Hello, Gantrell Johnson!) but hit on a few very unexpected home runs, too.
Here’s a few past B2Bers, more or less the B2B Hall Of Fame:
Jared Veldheer, Richard Sherman, Carlos Dunlap, Emmanuel Sanders, Jimmy Graham, Josh Norman, Alterraun Verner, Junior Galette, Jordan Cameron, Julius Thomas, Buster Skrine, Doug Martin, Bruce Irvin, Robert Turbin, J.R.Sweezy, Jamie Collins, Brandon Williams, Paul Worrilow, Jarvis Landry, Javon Hargrave, George Fant, Malcolm Mitchell, Karl Joseph, and Jatavis Brown.
In general, I tend to favor potential in players who seem to have the football personality to make the jump to actualization of that talent. Give me a guy with heart, football smarts, and athletic ability and shame on you if you can’t figure out how to make him a player.
For some background on how I got started with this and a list of 2015’s B2Bers, click here: 2015 B2B Directional State Team
and for 2016 B2Bers, click here: 2016 B2B Directional State Team
Without further ado, the best of the B2Best:
AWARDS B2B Directional Player of the year:Robert Tonyan, Jr., Indiana State
The former All-Indiana high school basketball player and Star QB turned WR turned 240lb TE has the best hands in the draft I’ve seen. He catches it around, over, under, past, and on top of defenders with one hand or two. Just elite ball skills. He has size, speed, a chirpy attitude that screams New England Patriots and, despite some woefully inconsistent QB play and an offense that didn’t feature him enough, still excelled. In his three TD game at Minnesota, he sure looked like a player that belonged in a higher league… like the NFL.
Antonio Garcia will be undervalued in the draft because he played in the Sun Belt, but his 2016 performance vs Clemson nearly led his team to a massive upset over the eventual National Champs– the 34-point underdog Trojans were a couple of poor QB plays away from winning in a 24-30 game. In that game Garcia showed an impressive array of fluid movement, strong punch, and mirroring– he dominated an excellent series of DL and edge players on his side of the field.
If Brandon Wilson played at Michigan, he would have been a Heisman candidate. His production as a multi-position tool on defense keyed two years of defensive success for the Cougars– he effectively played outside CB, slot CB, safety, and even LB at times. He also made a name for himself with a tremendous missed FG return from as far in the back of the end zone as you can go without being out of bounds. He also answered the call when the Cougars’ top RBs were all injured before a critical conference game vs Navy– despite never practicing at the position before that week, he ran for 111 yds and 3 TDs. Multiple TDs on defense, STs, and offense, plus 4.3 speed.
FCS Players Of The Year:Tarik Cohen, North Carolina A&T & Chase Allen, Southern Illinois
Because of his size (5063, 179), Tarik Cohen will get the obvious Darren Sproles comparisons, but on film he’s more a Barry Sanders Home Run hitter. The quote of the year was Mike Mayock’s on Cohen, “He tries to turn every play into a punt return”– that’s pretty much it. However, even within structure, Cohen is able to find small creases, take away defender’s angles, and use surprising leg drive power to carry defenders. He also shows surprising hands and catch radius– every catch he makes in space is a threat to go the distance. If he can adapt to KR/PR skills, he can play in the NFL for a long time.
Chase Allen is a throwback, sideline to sideline, classic Middle Linebacker. In two words: Football Player. His anticipation and ability to range through debris on his way to the ball is NFL-worthy. You want to knock him for his LOC, but the more you watch, the more impossible it is not to love.
Krishawn Hogan might have been relegated to playing NAIA football while working two jobs, but it was certainly worthwhile. He is tremendous run after the catch prospect, with basically the most size/speed/athleticism combo of any receiver in the draft– and an incredible nose for the end zone. He ran deep routes, took slants to the house, and even had 25 rushing touchdowns to go with his 42 receiving TDs.
Adam Shaheen’s story is becoming well-known; he was a scrawny basketball player whose only scholarship offer was to D2 Pitt-Johnstown. After a couple of years of basketball, he and his father made the outrageous decision to scrap basketball and switch schools so that “he could pursue the NFL”– this for a player who was nowhere near being on the NFL radar in any way! He transformed himself into a D2 star at receiving TE– he ran around, past, and through DBs and LBs. After declaring early– just a Junior (!)– he got the NFL attention that pretty much only he and his father believed he would get, and now– without ever playing a snap vs an NFL prospect, he’s talked about as a possible 2nd round selection in this year’s draft.
Colbert played Safety at Texas, transferred to Miami, switched to CB for a chance to play, and did his best to stop Notre Dame, singlehandedly, with TD-saving pass breakups and tackles for loss, including a spectacular effort to stop a 4th down conversion, where he was out numbered 2-to-1 and, yet, beat the block and made the play on a screen in the backfield, saving a certain TD.
B2B Adversity Award: Jeremy Cutrer, CB, Middle Tennessee State
Cutrer’s story is so crazy that I almost don’t know where to begin. His father has been incarcerated for his entire life. When Katrina hit his hometown of New Orleans, the water rose to his front door so fast that he barely escaped, wading through floating dead bodies to make it onto a bridge on ramp. The storm left him, his brothers, and his mother homeless and without any belongings. Cutrer was 11 years old and living on the street. He went to high school while still homeless and became enough of a football star that LSU offered him a scholarship. Unfortunately, his living situation hadn’t helped his academics, and he couldn’t qualify to enroll at LSU. Disappointed, he enrolled at a Junior college, where he famously cried when hea and his teammates were given Chik-Fil-A sandwiches– it was just a sandwich to the other players, but it was a life event for the homeless kid. While in JuCo, Jeremy’s older brother was killed back in New Orleans and he he tried again to enroll at LSU, to no avail. After his second year of JuCo, he decided to take off from football’s spring practices to study and work on qualifying one last time. He still wasn’t able to manage LSU, but did enroll at Middle Tennessee State. During his time there, he’s shown he has the talent to play the game and catch the attention of the NFL– all while still homeless. He moves around, sleeps on couches, eats only what he gets as part of his stipend– the major criticism of him as a prospect that he can’t keep weight on is insane, when you consider the context of a kid with nothing but a dream and a hunger to play the game.
The B2B Honorary Karl Joseph Everyone Had Me As A Third Rounder But I’m Going In The Top 15 Award:Patrick Mahomes II
Because he’s going to be the next great NFL QB and all those QB deprived teams that passed on him are going to be kicking themselves a year or two from now.
B2B Dual Sport Perseverance Award:Derrick Griffin, WR/TE/PF, Texas Southern
Much like Cutrer, this once 5-star recruit couldn’t qualify to fulfill his scholarship to Texas A&M, and Miami stepped in with another scholarship offer and a promise to make it work academically– only, after he moved to Miami and enrolled, they told him he couldn’t qualify immediately. After a year of couch-surfing and trying to meet requirements, he was told they couldn’t take him, so he went back to Houston and was out of football. In 2014, he got into his Hometown Texas Southern and enjoyed one of the great athletic seasons you could have, with an all-conference selection and 11TDs in football and then the Conference Player of The Year and NBA prospect talk in basketball. In 2016, the football coaching staff got replaced, and the head coach (who’d just survived his own domestic violence incident that cost him his job at Pitt) let Griffin know that the team was going to de-emphasize him as a target and go to more of a run-based attack, seemingly as punishment for missing spring practice for basketball). Then, when Griffin was late to a meeting in the fall, the coach (surely to take focus away from his own bad discipline) decided to be a hardass disciplinarian and suspended Griffin for the entire season. Griffin started the basketball year, but decided that football was his future and he left the basketball team to train for the draft. As luck would have it, he injured himself in training a couple of days before his pro day event and killed whatever momentum he once had. He might be star-crossed, but he’s also the exact height, weight, and 40-yard speed of Ladarius Green with better ball skills… chances are we haven’t heard the last of him.
B2B For The Love Of The Game Award:Eric Saubert, Drake
No weightlifting program, no school resources, no scholarship… no problem. Despite the no-frills football program at a program whose most successful NFL alumnus is kicker Billy Cundiff, Saubert learned some of the best route-running skills in the class, especially for a player his size. He had his ups and downs in postseason all-star action, but consider what he could become once he matriculates into an NFL-level strength/conditioning/nutrition program– it’ll be like being on scholarship for the first time!
B2B “Hearts & Smarts” Award:Cooper Rush, QB, Central Michigan
A star-student in Actuarian Sciences (fascinating if you are interested in the insurance industry or infant mortality among babies born to athiests who live in Iceland) and possessing brilliance in reading and understanding defenses, it’s his passion for the game and desire to make pays when the game is on the line that make him a special player. Within the span of 9 months, he threw for two miracle finish plays– one to cap an unbelievable comeback in the Bahamas Bowl and one to win on an untimed down vs Oklahoma State that shouldn’t have counted. Despite limitations in arm strength, his knowledge and heart as a football player makes him a candidate to be a Ryan Fitzpatrick type career backup and spot starter in the NFL.
YOUTUBE STARS For those of you, like me, who dig through hours of video to evaluate potential talent, know that there’s nothing like a clip that sticks in your mind. Every year, I have my favorite moments on tape; here are my 5 favorites from the 2017 draft season:
1. Adrian Colbert stops ND 4th down screen:
2. Patrick Mahomes doing anything:
3. Robert Tonyan, Jr. deploys go-go gadget arm:
4. Pita Taumeopenu is speed rush porn:
5. Noah Brown TD #3 vs Oklahoma:
6. Tarik Cohen fumble recovery:
7. Brandon Wilson FG return vs Oklahoma:
THE MAIN EVENT If you’re looking for last-minute, below market draft prospects— here’s your menu. The underrated, undervalued, & overlooked 2016 B2B Directional State Battling Basilisks:
QB Seth Russell, Baylor will stand in and take a hit, has excellent accuracy– lost in the shuffle because of two injuries, now healed
QB Cooper Rush, Central Michigan (see above) QB Jack Nelson, Winona State has great size and some arm talent QB Kyle Sloter, Northern Colorado transfer from Southern Miss is a mobile, high accuracy thrower
RB Tarik Cohen, NC A&T (see above) RB Chris Carson, Oklahoma State a terrific athlete, with NFL ability as a runner and pass catcher. Flew beneath the radar in a conference not known for defense, but last two games of his career, he stood out vs ranked teams Oklahoma & Colorado (6.6 YPC, 2 TDs)
RB DeAngelo Henderson, Coastal Carolina bowling ball with surprising pass catching skills. Finds small creases, pushes the pile, has some long speed RB Joe Williams, Utah A very Willie Parker-like toolbox. Can hit the home run against anyone. Lacks Parker’s top gear but hits the hole and goes far.
RB Aaron Jones, UTEP a young, all-around back who is just scratching the surface. Outstanding athlete who will be a better pro than college player.
WR Krishawn Hogan, Marian (see above) WR Kenny Golladay, Northern Illinois size and speed receiver whose physicality will be right at home in the NFL game
WR Carlos Henderson, Louisiana Tech versatile chess piece, whose intermediate and deep ability is overshadowed by possession and YAC skills
TE Robert Tonyan, Jr., Indiana State (see above) TE Derrick Griffin, Texas Southern (see above)
TE Phazahn Odom, Fordham he’s 6’8″ with long arms and has the fluidity of a WR. If route-running and blocking leverage skills are improved, he can be a mismatch in the NFL.
TE Eric Saubert, Drake (see above) TE Andy Avgi, Western Oregon a 270lb TE with a former basketball player’s vertical, agility, and ball skills. He’s probably a candidate to become an NFL left tackle, but it would be a shame to waste his soft hands and talents as a receiver
TE Jonnu Smith, Florida International his quickness hearkens back to what made Antonio Gates unstoppable. Great runner after the catch. TE Gerald Everett, South Alabama Has the Jordan Reed esque skills as an H-Back/big WR. A weapon for the right team.
OL Antonio Garcia, Troy (see above) OL Zack Johnson, NDSU phone booth mauler and good pass protector who can succeed as RG in a power run game. Nasty finisher. OL Jylan Ware, Alabama State long, fluid athlete with great feet and mobility. Quick off the ball. With work adjusting to higher level of comp, has ability to play LT and pretty much everywhere along the line.
OL Jerry Ugokwe, William & Mary a massive Nigerian nightmare for edge rushers, with 35 and 3/8″ arms and 10 3/8″ hands. A developmental project, to be sure, with only 3 years at the position. OL Collin Buchanan, Miami (OH) position flexible contributor, how gets the job done at RT, built like a mobile guard.
Would be a great gameday backup that can spot start at all 5 positions
OL Storm Norton, Toledo has all the tools to be an NFL LT. Inconsistent as a run blocker, but when he gets it right, demolishes defenders. OL Avery Gennesey, Texas A&M maybe a little less length than the norms for LTs, but has the skillset of a quality OT.
DL Treyvon Hester, Akron Movement skills for a big man; out of sight, out of mind because of injury DL Grover Stewart, Albany State Planet theory freak whose measurables and testing look like Haloti Ngata after a better conditioning program. First step advantage at his LOC is otherworldly. DL Collin Bevins, NW Missouri State Transfer from Iowa State, he terrorized Division II with talent that looks an awful lot like a genetically improved Aaron Smith. DL Glen Antoine, Idaho 337lb man with a 30″ vertical, 8’7″ broad jump, and a 4.77 Short Shuttle. He was nearly unblockable at times for a surprising Vandals team.
EDGE Pita Taumeopenu, Utah (see above)
EDGE Trey Hendrickson, Florida Atlantic extremely quick first step makes for a lot of wins in pass rush. EDGE Chris Odom, Arkansas State dominated OTs at FCS level EDGE J.T. Jones, Miami (OH) unheralded but excellent edge player, who also tested like an elite pass rusher
LB Chance Allen, Southern Illinois (see above)
LB Samson Ebukam, Eastern Washington versatile Linebacker, who can rush the edge or play man to man coverage. Used all over the defense, much like Jamie Collins in his New England days; nearly as good an athlete as Collins.
LB Dylan Cole, Missouri State workout athletic freak who is all over the field LB Elijah Lee, Kansas State underrated defender who is involved in majority of plays for a (rare) good defense in Big 12
LB Jordan Evans, Oklahoma more potential than actual– but the flashes can be brilliant, especially in coverage LB Javancy Jones, Jackson State run and hit things LB, who can give you edge snaps and strongside Off-ball LB snaps
LB Keion Adams, Western Michigan speed burst off the ball is excellent, probably best suited to be off-ball and be free to make plays with his speed
CB Brian Allen, Utah has incredible size/length for the position. Still learning after position switch from WR. Long arms and quality footspeed put him position to make a ton of play on the football. Loves to hit– once he learns nuances of route anticipation and tackling technique, he has no limit to potential success.
CB Howard Wilson, Houston only one season starting for talented secondary, but he made a ton of plays as the team’s go-to CB. Has shiftiness to play the slot, but also length to play outside.
CB Shaquill Griffin, Central Florida very straightline fast and great in run support. A good football player with high character– reminds of Ike Taylor CB Adrian Colbert, Miami (FL) (see above) CB D.J. Killings, Central Florida overshadowed by his running mate Griffin, Killings covers like a blanket, has good skills playing the ball and receiver’s pocket. Had excellent workout at pro day and will be a steal. CB Joshua Holsey, Auburn A little undersized, but played great in toughest conference. Great athlete who knows how to play. CB Brandon Wilson, Houston (see above)
CB Damontae Kazee, San Diego State Aggressive, human missile on plays in front of him, good instincts make up for good, not great quickness
S Tedric Thompson, Colorado An unbelievable ballhawk, with 7 interceptions and 16 pass breakups… in just this past season! Can cover with 1 on 1 responsibilities in front of him and has range to go sideline to sideline on the deep ball. Has a chance to be the next Ed Reed eraser.
S David Jones, Richmond great size and speed- hits like a safety but with CB coverage and ball skills. All over the field for his defense. S Xavier Woods, Louisiana Tech another versatile safety who was a leader on his team. Playmaker wherever he lines up. S Lorenzo Jerome, St. Francis another ball hawk, whose anticipation and route recognition allows him to feast on poor throws
***NOTE: I tend to favor players with upside and downgrade for injury issues and players who are physically maxed out. Positional rankings separated into three tiers. Defensive front 7 players are separated into EDGE, DL, LB based on the position where they have most value.***
QB Patrick Mahomes II
Mitchell Trubisky
Deshaun Watson
Seth Russell
——–
Davis Webb
Nathan Peterman
—–
Brad Kaaya
Joshua Dobbs
Cooper Rush
Kyle Sloter
Jack Nelson
Josh Straughan
RB
Joe Mixon
Christian McCaffery
Alvin Kamara
—–
Leonard Fournette
Dalvin Cook
Wayne Gallman
T.J. Logan
Chris Carson
Kareem hunt
—–
Tarik Cohen
Joe Williams
Samjae Perine
James Conner
DeAngelo Henderson
Jamaal Williams
Aaron Jones
Jeremy McNichols
King Frazier
DOnta Foreman
Brian Hill
WR
Corey Davis
Mike Williams
—–
John Ross
Zay Jones
JuJu Smith-Schuster
Chris Godwin
Carlos Henderson
Josh Reynolds
Curtis Samuel
Kenny Golladay
Isaiah Ford
Noah Brown
Malachi Dupre
Krishawn Hogan
—–
Jehu Chesson
Mack Hollins
Chad Hansen
ArDarius Stewart
Taywan Taylor
Dede Westbrook
Amara Darboh
Bug Howard
Cooper Kupp
Ryan Switzer
DeAngelo Yancey
Quincy Adeboyejo
Daikiel Shorts Jr.
Gabe Marks
Gibson, Shelton
Rudolph, Travis
Brian Brown
Chad Williams
Jerome Lane
Scott, Artavis
Dural, Travin
Ishmael Zamora
Adams, Rodney
Stacy Coley
KD Cannon
Josh Malone
Isaiah McKenzie
Fred Ross
Robert Davis
Amba Etta-Tawo
Billy Brown
Michael Rector
Trent Taylor
Greg Ward, Jr.
Noel Thomas
James Quick
TE
David Njoku
O.J. Howard
—–
Evan Engram
Robert Tonyan, Jr.
Bucky Hodges
Everett, Gerald
Jordan Leggett
Derrick Griffin
Phazahn Odom
Adam Shaheen
George Kittle
—–
Jake Butt
Michael Roberts
Jonnu Smith
Cole Hikutini
Eric Saubert
Andy Avgi
Jeremy Sprinkle
Antony Auclair
Brandon Barnes
Hayden Plinke
Zach Conque
Tyrone Swoopes
Patrick Towles
OL
Forrest Lamp
Ryan Ramczyk
Cam Robinson
Garrett Bolles
—–
Pat Elflein
Dion Dawkins
Dan Feeney
Antonio Garcia
Taylor Moton
Nico Siragusa
Dorian Johnson
Etahn Pocic
David Sharpe
Roderick Johnson
Buchanan
Isaac Asiata
Jylan Ware
—–
Jermaine Eluemunor
Will Holden
Jordan Morgan
Chase Roullier
Storm Norton
J.J. Dielman
Aviante Collins
Avery Gennesy
Brad Seaton
Julie’n Davenport
Adam Bisnowaty
Damien Mama
Danny Isidora
Jon Toth
Jerry Ugokwe
Sam Tevi
Tyler Orlosky
Zach Banner
Corey Levin
Jessamen Dunker
Jake Eldrenkamp
Cameron Lee
Erik Austell
Kyle Fuller
Ethan Cooper
Dieugot Joseph
Zack Johnson
Javarius Leamon
Daniel Brunskill
Ben Braden
Chad Wheeler
Kyle Kalis
Dan Skipper
Justin Senior
EDGE
Myles Garrett
Solomon Thomas
Jordan Willis
Tyus Bowser
Derrick Barnett
Taco Charlton
—–
T.J. Watt
Carl Lawson
Derrick Rivers
Vince Biegel
Pita Taumoepenu
—–
Trey Hendrickson
Ejuan Price
Daeshon Hall
JT Jones
Hunter Dimick
Joe Mathis
Dylan Donahue
Caleb Kidder
Avery Moss
Johnathan Calvin
Chris Odom
Bryant Frazier
DL
Malik McDowell
Jonathan Allen
Demarcus Walker
Chris Wormley
—–
Montravius Adams
Deatrich Wise
Larry Ogunjobi
Tanoh Kpassagnon
DavinTomlinson
Jaleel Johnson
Caleb Brantley
Vincent Taylor
Tanzel Smart
—–
Carlos Watkins
Davon Godchaux
Collin Bevins
Grover Stewart
Elijah Qualls
Jeremiah Ledbetter
Treyvon Hester
Deangelo brown
Glen Antoine
Ryan Glasgow
Jarron Jones
Isaac Rochell
Eddie Vanderdoes
Cameron Malveaux
Winston Craig
Patrick Ricard
Jeremy Faulk
Patrick Gamble
DJ Jones
Stevie Tuikolovatu
Charles Walker
Dylan Bradley
Josh Tupou
CB
Gareon Conley
Marshon Lattimore
Qunicy Wilson
Kevin King
—–
Ahkello Witherspoon
Howard Wilson
Marlon Humprhey
TreDavious White
Chidobe Awuzie
Rasul Douglas
Fabian Moreau
Brian Allen
Jourdan Lewis
Shaquill Griffin
Cordrea Tankersley
Cameron Sutton
Sidney Jones
Adrian Colbert
Teez Tabor
DJ Killings
—–
Brendan Langley
Jeremy Cutrer
Jeremy Clark
Brandon Wilson
Corn Elder
Marcus Sayles
Joshua Holsey
Damontrae Kazee
Xavier Coleman
Nate Hairston
Channing Stribling
Jack Tocho
Des Lawrence
Jalen Myrick
SAFETY
Jamal Adams
Malik Hooker
—–
Marcus Maye
Budda Baker
Josh Jones
Tedric Thonpson
Obi Melinfonwu
—–
Marcus Williams
David Jones
Justin Evans
Xavier Woods
Jabril Peppers
John Johnson
Lorenzo Jerome
Desmond King
Rayshawn Jenkins
Delano Hill
Eddie Jackson
Damarius Travis
Johnathan Ford
Chuck Clark
Treston Decoud
Nate Gerry
Yamen Sanders
LB
Haason Reddick
Reuben Foster
Charles Harris
Jarrad Davis, Jarrad
Raekwon McMillan
—–
Zach Cunningham
Ryan Anderson
Jordan Evans
Elijah Lee
Alex Anzalone
Duke Riley
Blair Brown
Kendell Beckwith
Samson Ebukam
—–
Anthony Walker, Jr.
Devonte Fields
Connor Harris
Keion Adams
Dylan Cole
Carroll Phillips
Jalen Reeves-Maybin
Matt Milano
Austin Calitro
Josh Carraway
Jimmie Gilbert
Marquel Lee
Eric Wilson
Ben Gedeon
Tanner Vallejo
Ukeme Eligwe
Ben Boulware
Charmeachealle Moore
Darius English
Calvin Munson
Steven Taylor
Part 2 of 2, where we discuss a multitude of draft prospects, the Steelers 2017 draft needs, and create our own Pittsburgh Steelers draft war room, selecting all 7 rounds worth of picks.
Part 1 of 2, where we discuss a multitude of draft prospects, the Steelers 2017 draft needs, and create our own Pittsburgh Steelers draft war room, selecting all 7 rounds worth of picks.
