PFW Draft Update 2017 by Shaw Media

Who helped their stock and who saw theirs fall at the Scouting Combine?

The Cleveland Browns could make Myles Garrett the top pick in the Draft • Position needs for all 32 teams • Small-school prospects • Sleepers

ADMINISTRATION General Manager/Editor Hub Arkush

EDITORIAL STAFF Associate editors Kevin Fishbain Arthur Arkush Contributing Editors Jon Styf Dick Goss Kyle Nabors Contributing Writer Greg Gabriel Art director Bob Peters Production manager R. Scott Helmchen ADVERTISING SALES Executive director/Sales Laura Shaw Pro Football Weekly 7717 S. Ill. Route 31 Crystal Lake, Ill. 60014 General inquiries: 815-459-4122 Published by Shaw Media President John Rung

All-Stars 24 Combine

Player rankings 8 They said it

34 36 38 40 41

PROSPECT UPDATES

Scouting reports in this update are for players whose reports have changed since the NFL Combine. For reports on all 250-plus top prospects be sure and get a copy of the Pro Football Weekly Draft Preview Guide! (LEFT)

Small schools Underrated Mock draft Overrated Team needs

About the author

Greg Gabriel has been Pro Football Weekly’s Scouting/Draft expert since 2015. Prior to that, he spent 32 years as an NFL Scout and Director of College Scouting. 1981-1982 Quadra Scouting Combine 1982-1984 Buffalo Bills 1984-1985 National Scouting 1985-2001 New York Giants, Area Scout 2001-2010 Chicago Bears, Director of College Scouting 2012-2013 Philadelphia Eagles, Player Personnel Gabriel’s past colleagues include Bill Parcells, George Young, Ernie Accorsi, Dan Reeves, Bill Belichick and Tom Coughlin, to name a few. Gabriel is currently a partner and NFL analyst at NFPOST.com.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

Myles Garrett

2017 Combine A look at some of the workout warriors from this year’s NFL draft class

ape doesn’t lie, as every NFL coach and evaluator will tell us, but individual testing results can mislead. Or validate. Or lead us back to the film to study more in an effort to see what might have been missed during the initial evaluation. Over the past decade, as the number of top prospects who receive specialized training in the weeks and months leading up to the draft has exploded, so too has the annual Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, now a nearly week-long, nationally televised event. It’s resulted in testing numbers that are often amped up and, subsequently, fans’ obsessions with the measureables continues to crescendo. By Thus, we’ve put together our 2017 NFL Scouting Combine ARTHUR All-Stars — with a caveat. For every Combine legend like ARKUSH Vernon Davis and Deion Sanders, both of whom went on to have great NFL careers, there’s a Tony Mandarich and Darrius Heyward-Bey, each peaking before their NFL journeys began. The players listed (right) only helped themselves with awesome Combine workouts and/or interviews, but many already had strong tape to back up their testing results. And it’s much more rare to find great football players who aren’t also great athletes than terrific athletes who never became solid NFL players. Just remember: far and away the most foolproof method of evaluating a prospect is by watching his tape. It doesn’t lie.

2 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

S OBI MELIFONWU | CONNECTICUT

The intrigue surrounding Melifonwu only began to stir at the Senior Bowl, where onlookers saw a 6-foot-4, 219-pound safety who flashed cornerback movement skills on the practice field. Yet, the leap — literally — Melifonwu made from his time in Mobile to his week in Indianapolis is remarkable. Obi’s Jedi-like 141-inch broad jump and 44-inch vertical rank second and sixth, respectively, all-time at the Combine, narrowly behind ex-Huskie teammate Byron Jones, in 2014. (What’s in the water in East Hartford?) Melifonwu’s 4.4-second 40-yard dash paced all safeties and tied for eighth among all prospects. To reiterate, he’s 6-4 and 219 pounds.

WR JOHN ROSS | WASHINGTON

If only he’d worn Adidas instead of Nike, Ross could be kicking back on his own private island after his 4.22-second 40-yard dash flew into the record books. Still not impressed? One team reportedly had Ross, the fastest man in Combine history, clocked at 4.19. And he pulled up lame at the end of his run with groin tightness. He didn’t do agility drills at the Combine, but Ross did more than flash on the track, posting a 37inch vertical and an 11-foot, 1-inch broad jump — tied for fifth and third, respective-

Zay Jones

John Ross

ly. Suffice to say, Ross’ speed, while clearly not manufactured, isn’t his only asset as he’s darted to Round 1 lock status.

EDGE MYLES GARRETT | TEXAS A&M

Consider his Combine showing the exclamation point on Garrett’s push to be the first overall player drafted. At 6-4 and 272 pounds, Garrett, according to NFL research, recorded a quicker 10-yard split (1.63 seconds) than 206-pound Falcons Pro Bowl RB Devonta Freeman, and a faster 40-yard dash (4.64 seconds) than Dolphins 205-pound wideout Jarvis Landry. Garrett supplemented his speed with strength and explosion, putting up 33 reps on the bench press — second among all D-linemen and linebackers — and soaring past 2014 top pick Jadeveon Clowney with a 41-inch vertical and 128-inch broad jump. Garrett also downplayed his aversion for playing in cold weather and assured a video in which he pleaded for his hometown Cowboys to select him was for fun. “Me just being who I am. Joke around, being lighthearted, don’t mean to offend anybody. I crack a joke every now and then but I’ll play for anybody.”

OT GARETT BOLLES | UTAH

Perhaps the week’s best sound bite in Indy also happened to be the offensive line group’s best athlete. Bolles, who likely endeared himself to every NFL team while demonstrating his O-lineman temperament — “as an offensive lineman, you want to be the [nastiest] prick you can be,” he said. “And whoever’s in front of me, I want to drive them and put them in the dirt.” — also

Evan Engram

Obi Melifonwu

showed off his ridiculous speed, agility and explosiveness for a 6-5, 297-pounder. Bolles paced all Combine blockers with a 7.29-second three-cone drill and 9-foot, 7-inch broad jump, and his 4.95-second 40 and 4.55-second 20-yard shuttle ranked second among his peers. Oh yeah, that 7.29 cone drill: it was two-one hundreths shy of 5-10, 200-pound running back Dalvin Cook’s time.

EDGE JORDAN WILLIS | KANSAS STATE

At 6-4 and 255 pounds, Willis’ 4.52 second 40 was one-tenth behind fellow athletic marvel, Temple’s Haason Reddick, who’s three inches shorter and 18 pounds lighter. Willis’ 39-inch vertical, like his 40-yard dash, was second among all D-linemen, and his 6.85-second threecone drill not only blew away this year’s D-linemen, it’s No. 8 overall since 2006. Of his time in Manhattan, Willis admitted he “may drop [in coverage] once or twice a game,” with “the majority of the time” spent rushing the passer in college. His three-cone drill could open up a world of opportunities beyond solely rushing at the NFL level.

WR ZAY JONES | EAST CAROLINA

Along with Melifonwu, Jones is another classic example of how much a player can improve his stock throughout the draft process. One of the stars of Mobile, Jones put to rest any concerns over his speed and quickness, tallying a solid 4.45 40, plus a spectacular 4.01-second 20-yard shuttle, 11.17 60-yard shuttle and 11-foot, 1-inch broad jump — all top-five marks among wideouts. Jones certainly dom-

inated at East Carolina, leaving as the NCAA’s all-time receptions leader, but he might’ve left the Combine as a first-rounder after another dominant showing.

CB KEVIN KING | WASHINGTON

King, like Jones, is a long-strider whose speed can be difficult to gauge on film. Gauging him to be as athletic as any defensive back participating in the Combine is officially a lot easier: King’s threecone (6.56), 20- (3.89) and 60-yard shuttle (11.14) paced all corners and safeties in Indy, and his 39.5-inch vertical and 4.43 40 ranked fourth and tied for 11th, respectively. Did we mention King checks in at 6-3 and 200 pounds, with expertise in press coverage and experience at safety?

TE GEORGE KITTLE | IOWA

The running back and tight end positions are roundly considered special this year, but it was the latter category that consistently wowed Combine observers. Alabama’s O.J. Howard and Mississippi’s Evan Engram both tested spectacularly, helping validate their excellent Senior Bowl weeks and making them fine choices for our Combine All-Star squad. But it’s Kittle who came from further out of left field, or the cornfields, as anyone on this list, suggesting he may be more than the blocking-type he was pigeonholed as after an injury-marred senior season. Kittle (6-4, 247) was the third-fastest tight end, behind Engram and Howard, recording a 4.52 40. His 35-inch vertical and 132-inch broad jump placed him sixth and third, respectively. That sound just now was a flock of evaluators headed back to Kittle’s film.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

NOTE: Players are listed according to PFW’s rankings at the position they project best to in the pros. The draft projection reflects where the player likely will come off the board during the 2017 draft.

* — Indicates Draft status may be impacted by medical concerns # — Indicates Draft status may be impacted by character concerns

QUARTERBACKS RK PLAYER / SCHOOL

1. Watson, Deshaun / Clemson

x Carson, Christopher/Oklahoma St. 5-113/8 218 4.58 23 331/5 95/8 x Cohen, Tarik/North Carolina A&T 5-61/2 179 4.42 11 293/4 101/8

40- BENCH RD TIME PRESS ARM HAND GRADE RTG PROJ

6-2 / 221 4.66 — 33 9 / A 7.0 1 12

2. Trubisky, Mitch / North Carolina 6-21/8 222 — — 32 91/2 3. Kizer, DeShone / Notre Dame

6-41/4 233 4.83 — 331/8 97/8 A 6.9 1

4. Mahomes II, Patrick / Texas Tech 6-2

5. Peterman, Nathan / Pittsburgh

6. Webb, Davis / California

7. Kelly, Chad / Ole Miss*#

A 6.9 1

225

—

331/4 91/4

A 6.7 1,2

6-21/2 226 — — 323/8 97/8

B 6.6 2,3

6-45/8 229 4.79 — 331/8 91/4

B 6.5 2,3

6-21/2 e 218 — — — — B 6.5 4

x Hill, Brian / Wyoming

6-1

219 4.54

Jones, Aaron / UTEP

5-91/2 208 4.56 16 321/2 91/2

Logan, T.J. / North Carolina

5-9

Ogunbowale, Dare / Wisconsin

5-10 / 213 4.65 14 31 / 91/8

Redding, Devine / Indiana

5-81/4 205 4.76 16 291/4 95/8

Shell, Rushel / West Virginia

5-10

227 4.74

Smith, De’Veon / Michigan

5-11

223

291/2 9

196 4.37

15 17

Stevenson, Freddie/Florida St. (FB) 6-0

313/8 87/8 32

—

95/8

234 4.75 24 323/4 95/8

Thomas, Jahad / Temple

5-93/8 190 4.62 11 301/8 9

Williams, Stanley / Kentucky

5-7

8. Dobbs, Joshua / Tennessee

6-33/8 216 4.64 — 325/8 91/4

B 6.5 4

9. Kaaya, Brad / Miami (FL)

6-4

B 6.5 4,5

10. Evans, Jerod / Virginia Tech

6-23/4 232 4.80 — 331/8 93/8

B 6.4 5

11. Beathard, CJ / Iowa

6-2

B 6.4

12. Liufau, Sefo / Colorado

6-33/8 232 — — 331/2 103/4 C 6.4 6,7

1. Davis, Corey/Western Michigan * 6-27/8 209 — — 33 91/8 A 6.9 1

13. Russell, Seth / Baylor

6-3

2. Williams, Mike / Clemson

6-35/8 218 4.55 15 333/8 93/8 A 6.9 1

Knight, Trevor / Texas A&M

6-1 / 219 4.54 — 30 / 9 /

3. Ross, John / Washington *

5-103/8 188 4.22 — 311/2 83/4 A 6.8 1

Leidner, Mitch / Minnesota

6-31/2 226 4.93 — 333/4 10

4. Smith-Schuster, JuJu / USC

6-13/8 215 4.54 15 327/8 101/2 A 6.8 1

5. Samuel, Curtis / Ohio State

5-11

6. Jones, Zay / East Carolina

6-2 / 201 4.45 15 321/2 9

214 219 213

— — —

— 23 —

93/4

305/8 93/8 321/4 95/8 58

C 6.4 6,7

Rush, Cooper / Central Michigan 6-25/8 228 — — 323/8 91/8

RUNNING BACKS

40- BENCH RD TIME PRESS ARM HAND GRADE RTG PROJ

190 4.51

WIDE RECEIVERS RK PLAYER / SCHOOL

85/8

40- BENCH RD TIME PRESS ARM HAND GRADE RTG PROJ

196 4.31

311/4 91/2 A 6.8 1,2

6-1

A 7.0 1

8. Darboh, Amara / Michigan

6-15/8 214 4.45 17 325/8 97/8 A 6.6 2

2. McCaffrey, Christian / Stanford

5-111/4 202 4.48 10 30 9

A 6.8 1

9. Reynolds, Josh / Texas A&M

6-27/8 194 4.52 — 311/2 93/8 A 6.6 2

3. Cook, Dalvin / Florida State

5-103/8 210 4.49 22 323/8 91/4

A 6.8 1

10. Brown, Noah / Ohio State

6-2

4. Mixon, Joe / Oklahoma #

6-0 /

228 4.43 21 — — A 6.7 3

11. Westbrook, Dede / Oklahoma #

5-11 / 178 4.40 — 305/8 9

5. Foreman, D’onta / Texas *

6-0

233

12. Taylor, Taywan / West. Kentucky 5-11

203 4.50

325/8 91/4 B 6.6 3

6. Perine, Samaje / Oklahoma

5-105/8 233 4.65 30 303/8 10 A 6.6 2

13. Henderson, Carlos / La. Tech

5-11

199 4.46

313/8 91/8 B 6.6 3

182 4.41

303/4 87/8 B 6.6 3,4

3 4

—

31 / 10 / 38

1 8

A 6.6 2

222

—

31 / 9 / A 6.7 2

7. Godwin, Chris / Penn State

6-01/2 240 4.51 — 315/8 91/4

RK PLAYER / SCHOOL

209 4.42

A 6.7 2

1. Fournette, Leonard / LSU

313/4 91/8 A 6.6 2,3

A 6.6 2,3

7. Gallman, Wayne / Clemson

1 8

6-0 / 215 4.6 21 32 / 9 /

A 6.6 2

14. Cannon, K.D. / Baylor

5-11

8. Kamara, Alvin / Tennessee

5-101/4 214 4.56 15 323/4 91/4

B 6.6 3

15. Hansen, Chad / California

6-1 / 202 4.53 11 321/8 101/8 B 6.5 4

9. Mack, Marlon / South Florida

5-11 / 213 4.5 15 32 9

B 6.6 3

16. Kupp, Cooper / E. Washington

6-15/8 204 4.62 — 311/2 91/2 B 6.5 4

10. Conner, James / Pittsburgh *

6-11/2 233 4.65 20 311/4 97/8

B 6.6 3

17. Gibson, Shelton / West Virginia

5-103/4 191 4.50

18. Davis, Robert / Georgia State

6-25/8 219 4.44 19 33 95/8 B 6.4 4

19. Ford, Isaiah / Virginia Tech

6-1

20. Robinette, Jalen / Air Force

6-2 / 220 4.62 13 323/8 107/8 B 6.4 5

21. Malone, Josh / Tennessee

6-23/4 208 4.40 10 313/8 95/8

22. Chesson, J.D. / Michigan

6-1 / 204 4.47 10 33 / 9 / B 6.4 4,5

23. Stewart, Ardarius / Alabama

5-111/8 204 4.49 — 321/2 93/8 B 6.4 5

24. Scott, Artavis / Clemson

5-101/8 193 4.61 13 313/8 93/8 B 6.4 4

C 6.4 6

25. Dupre, Malachi / LSU

6-21/2 196 4.52 11 311/2 9

1 2

20. Pumphery, Donnel / San Diego St. 5-8 / 176 4.48 5 29 8 /

C 6.4 6

26. Taylor, Trent / Louisiana Tech

5-8

21. McGuire, Elijah / La.-Lafayette

5-93/4 214 4.53 15 31 9

C 6.4 6

27. Switzer, Ryan / N Carolina

5-81/2 181 4.51 11 28 91/4 B 6.4 5

22. Davis, Justin / USC

6-1

208

—

C 6.4 7

28. Staples, Jamari / Louisville

6-27/8 195 4.51 — 331/2 91/2 B 6.4 5

23. Folston, Tarean / Notre Dame

5-9

199 4.75

30 / 9 / C 6.3 7

29. Golladay, Kenneth / N. Illinois

6-4

24. Yearby, Joseph / Miami (FL)

5-9

198e 4.58e

—

29. Westerkamp, Jordan / Nebraska 5-111/4 194 4.52e — — — C 6.4 6

11. McNichols, Jeremy / Boise State * 5-85/8 214 4.49 — 311/2 10 B 6.5 3,4 12. Williams, Jamaal / BYU

6-0

212 4.59

—

311/4 10 B 6.5 4

13. Rogers, Sam / Virginia Tech (FB) 5-101/4 231 4.93 19 301/4 93/4

B 6.5 4

14. Williams, Joe / Utah #

5-11

303/4 93/8

B 6.5 4

15. Hunt, Kareem / Toledo

5-101/2 216 4.62 18 313/8 95/8

B 6.4 4

16. Clement, Corey / Wisconsin

5-101/8 220 4.68 19 301/2 93/4 B 6.5 5

210 4.41

17. Henderson, De’Angelo/Coastal Carolina 5-71/2 208 4.48 20 29 91/2 18. Dayes, Matthew / N.C. State

5-9

205

—

19. Hood, Elijah / North Carolina

6-0

232

—

303/8 93/8

B 6.4 5

101/2 B 6.4 5

95/8 12

—

4 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

C 6.3 7

194 4.61

8 32 87/8 B 6.5 4 14

325/8 91/4 B 6.4 4,5

181 4.63

218 4.50

B 6.4 5

283/4 81/4 B 6.4 5

93/4 B 6.4 5,6

GREG GABRIEL

30. Ross, Fred / Mississippi State

6-03/4 213 4.51 10 311/4 91/4 C 6.4 6

Daniels, Darrell / Washington

6-31/4 247 4.55 17 341/2 101/4

31. Etta-Tawo, Amba / Syracuse

6-11/4 208 4.49 14 32 91/8 C 6.4 6

Hikutini, Cole / Louisville

6-4

32. Adams, Rodney / South Florida

6-1 / 189 4.44 8 32 9

Orndoff, Scott / Pittsburgh

6-47/8 253 4.84 17 331/4 10

33. Dural, Travin / LSU

6-0 / 202 4.57 — 32 / 9 / C 6.4 7

Plinke, Hayden / UTEP

6-41/4 264 4.97 18 321/2 10

34. Coley, Stacey / Miami (FL)

5-11 / 195 4.45 10 32 / 9 / C 6.3 7

C 6.4 6

x Adeboyejo, Quincy / Mississippi 6-25/8 197 4.42 8 313/4 93/8 x Bolden, Victor / Oregon State

x Bourne, Kendrick / E. Washington 6-11/8 203 4.68 9 321/2 91/8 x Brown, Billy / Shepherd

6-33/4 255 4.70 23 33 103/8

x Hatcher, Keon / Arkansas

6-11/4 212 4.64 16 32 91/2

x Hogan, Krishawn / Marian x Hollins, Mack / North Carolina x Lane, Jerome / Akron x Lucas, Keevan / Tulsa

6-3

222 4.56

6-4

221 4.53

13 —

321/8 97/8 331/4 93/4

—

323/4 10

40- BENCH RD TIME PRESS ARM HAND GRADE RTG PROJ

1. Robinson, Cam / Alabama *#

6-61/4 322 5.15 — 351/2 101/2 A 7.0 1

2. Ramczyk, Ryan / Wisconsin *

6-6

310 5.17

333/4 107/8 A 6.8 1

3. Bolles, Garett / Utah

6-5

297 4.95

—

4. Garcia, Antonio / Troy

6-6

302 5.15

33 / 9 /

5. Dawkins, Dion / Temple

6-37/8 314 5.11 26 35 97/8

A 6.6 2

34 / 10 /

A 6.6 2

319 5.18

93/8 7 8

5 8

A 6.8 1 A 6.7 1,2

7. Johnson, Roderick / Florida State 6-65/8e 310e 5.15e — — — B 6.6 3

5-93/8 192 4.55 11 317/8 97/8 189 4.56

6. Moton, Taylor/Western Michigan 6-5

6-21/2 226 4.60 16 311/2 93/4

x Marks, Gabe / Washington State 5-11

OFFENSIVE TACKLES RK PLAYER / SCHOOL

5-8 / 178 4.54 9 31 / 9 38

247

303/8 83/4

8. Gennesy, Avery / Texas A&M

6-3

318 5.35

335/8 91/2

B 6.5 3

9. Wheeler, Chad / USC

6-7

306 5.48

33 / 9 /

B 6.5 3,4

10. Davenport, Julian / Bucknell

6-63/4 318 5.45 18 361/2 101/2 B 6.5 4

11. Magnuson, Eric / Michigan

6-41/2 303 5.15 e

6-55/8 304 5.23 23 337/8 113/8 B 6.5 4 6-75/8e 298e — — — — B 6.4 4

1 2

x McKenzie, Isaiah / Georgia

5-71/2 173 4.42 11 287/8 87/8

x Morgan, Drew / Arkansas

5-11 / 190 4.74 10 30 / 9 /

x Noil, Speedy / Texas A&M

5-11

x Pascal, Zach / Old Dominion

6-1 / 219 4.55 14 32 10

12. Bisnowaty, Adam / Pittsburgh

x Quick, James / Louisville

5-117/8 186 4.60 11 303/4 9

13. Ware, Jylan / Alabama State

x Rector, Michael / Stanford

6-0

321/2 91/4

14. Eluemunor, Jermaine/Texas A&M 6-37/8 332 5.22 34 331/4 91/2

B 6.4 4,5

15. Holden, Will / Vanderbilt

6-7

311 5.47

33 / 10 /

B 6.4 4,5

6-10

309 5.42

—

333/8 101/2 B 6.4 4,5

199

—

91/4

193 4.42

1 8

B 6.5 4

x Rudolph, Travis / Florida State

5-11 / 189 4.65 12 31 / 9 /

16. Skipper, Dan / Arkansas

x Seals-Jones, Ricky / Texas A&M

6-45/8 243 4.69 17 331/8 95/8

17. Sharpe, David / Florida

6-6

343 5.44

353/8 10 B 6.4 5

x Thomas, Noel / UConn

6-01/2 205 4.63 9 30 83/4

18. McDermott, Conor / UCLA

6-8

307 5.18

—

343/4 11

x Ward Jr., Greg / Houston

5-103/4 186 — 10 311/8 97/8

19. Banner, Zach / USC

6-8 / 353 5.58 22 34 / 10 /

C 6.4 5,6

x Whitfield, Kermit / Florida State

5-7 / 185 4.44 8 30 8 /

20. Collins, Aviante / TCU

6-41/8 295 4.81 34 333/8 93/4

C 6.4 6

x Wilson, Bobo / Florida State

5-91/4 189 4.57 10 313/8 93/8

21. Braden, Ben / Michigan

6-61/2 329 5.04 25 34 97/8

C 6.4 6

101/8

—

6-1

RK PLAYER / SCHOOL

—

x Rogers, Darreus / USC

TIGHT ENDS

216

—

3 4

B 6.4 5

22. Salako, Victor / Oklahoma State 6-51/2 333e 5.30e — — — C 6.4 6 HT

40- BENCH RD TIME PRESS ARM HAND GRADE RTG PROJ

1. Howard, O.J. / Alabama

6-53/4 251 4.51 22 333/4 10 A 6.9 1

2. Engram, Evan / Mississippi

6-33/8 234 4.42 19 331/2 10 A 6.8 1

3. Njoku, David / Miami (FL)

6-4

246 4.64

351/4 10 A 6.7 1

4. Everett, Gerald / South Alabama 6-3

239 4.62

81/2

A 6.6 3

5. Butt, Jake / Michigan *

6-51/2 246 4.70 — 32 10 A 6.6 3

6. Sprinkle, Jeremy / Arkansas

6-47/8 252 4.69 — 341/2 103/4 B 6.6 3

7. Hodges, Bucky / Virginia Tech

6-6

8. Leggett, Jordan / Clemson

6-51/2 258 4.77 18 331/2 103/8 B 6.5 4

9. Kittle, George / Iowa

6-33/4 247 4.52 18 331/8 91/4

257 4.57

321/2 101/8 B 6.6 3 B 6.5 4

23. Norton, Storm / Toledo

6-71/2 308 5.40e — — — C 6.4 6

24. Heck, Jon / North Carolina

6-61/2e 309e 5.40e — — — C 6.3 7

25. Senior, Justin / Mississippi State 6-5 26. Moore, Steven / California

331 5.55

—

101/4 C 6.3 7

6-53/8e 305e 5.42e — — — C 6.3 7

Austell, Eric/Charleston Southern 6-31/4 301 5.23 24 32 9 Brunskill, Daniel / San Diego St.

6-5

273

—

337/8 97/8

Buchanan, Collin / Miami (OH)

6-5

316

—

323/8 101/2

Johnson, Roderick / Florida St.

6-7

299

—

Leamon, Javarius / S. Carolina St. 6-7

332

—

35 1/4 95/8

Tevi, Sam / Utah

6-5

311 5.27

Theaker, Nate / Wayne State

6-5

315 5.41

325/8 95/8

Ugokwe, Jerry / William & Mary

6-7

321 5.61

353/8 103/8

103/4 101/8

10. Smith, Jonnu / Fla. International 6-25/8 248 4.62 22 327/8 91/4

B 6.5 4,5

11. Shaheen, Adam / Ashland

6-61/2 278 4.79 — 331/2 95/8

B 6.4 5

12. Saubert, Eric / Drake

6-43/4 253 — 22 331/2 103/8 B 6.4 5

13. Roberts, Michael / Toledo

6-43/8 270 4.86 — 331/4 111/2

14. Tonyan, Robert / Indiana State

6-47/8 231 4.59 — — — C 6.4 6,7

1. Lamp, Forrest/Western Kentucky 6-35/8 309 5.00 34 321/4 105/8 A 6.8 1

15. Brown, Pharaoh / Oregon

6-6

2. Feeney, Dan / Indiana

6-37/8 305 5.24 26 333/8 101/4 A 6.7 1

Carter, Cethan / Nebraska

6-31/4 241 4.68 19 323/8 9

3. Johnson, Dorian / Pittsburgh

6-5

255 4.80

35 / 10 / 58

3 8

B 6.4 6 C 6.4 7

OFFENSIVE GUARDS RK PLAYER / SCHOOL

40- BENCH RD TIME PRESS ARM HAND GRADE RTG PROJ

300 5.27

351/4 107/8 A 6.6 2

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

4. Elflein, Pat / Ohio State

6-25/8 303 5.32 22 331/4 93/4

5. Siragusa, Nico / San Diego State 6-4

319 5.35

A 6.6 2

331/2 105/8 B 6.6 3

6. Asiata, Isaac / Utah

6-3 / 335 5.34 35 33 / 10 /

7. Isidora, Danny / Miami (FL)

6-3

9. Dunker, Jessamen / Tenn. State

6-41/4 318 4.98 23 331/2 10 B 6.5 4,5

RK PLAYER / SCHOOL

40- BENCH RD TIME PRESS ARM HAND GRADE RTG PROJ

B 6.6 3

1. Garrett, Myles / Texas A&M

6-41/2 272 4.64 33 351/2 101/4 A 7.5 1

B 6.5 4

2. Thomas, Solomon / Stanford

6-25/8 273 4.69 30 33 93/8

A 6.9 1

4. Williams, Tim / Alabama #

6-27/8 244 4.68 — 323/4 91/4

A 6.9 1

345/8 10 B 6.4 5

5. Charlton, Taco / Michigan

6-55/8 277 4.92 25 341/4 93/4

A 6.9 1

325/8 103/8 B 6.4 5,6

6. McKinley, Takkarist / UCLA

6-2

A 6.8 1

7. Watt, T.J. / Wisconsin

6-41/2 252 4.69 21 331/8 11 A 6.8 1,2

8. Harris, Charles / Missouri

6-23/4 253 4.82 21 323/8 95/8

A 6.7 1,2

9. Anderson, Ryan / Alabama

6-2

253 4.78

—

31 / 9 /

A 6.7 2

10. Walker, Demarcus / Florida St.

6-4

280

306 5.03

EDGE RUSHERS

3 8

7 8

NOTE: Players are listed according to PFW’s rankings at the position they project best to in the pros. The draft projection reflects where the player likely will 3. Barnett, Derek / Tennessee 6-3 259 4.88 — 321/8 10 A 6.9 1 come 8. Mama, / USC during the 2017 6-3 draft. 334 5.84 — 35 11 B 6.5 4 offDamien the board 10. Morgan, Jordan / Kutztown 11. Cooper, Ethan / Indiana (PA)

6-3 6-2

309 5.36 322 5.36

21 26

12. Kalis, Kyle / Michigan

6-41/2 308 5.35e — — — C 6.4 6

13. Harlow, Sean / Oregon State

6-4

303 5.15

Lee, Cameron / Illinois State

6-5

312 5.44

337/8 107/8

Levin, Corey / UT-Chattanooga

6-4

307 5.16

331/2 107/8

CENTERS RK PLAYER / SCHOOL

91/2

C 6.4 6

40- BENCH RD TIME PRESS ARM HAND GRADE RTG PROJ

250 4.59

—

34 / 9 / 34

3 4

3 8

101/2 A 6.7 2

11. Willis, Jordan / Kansas State

6-33/4 255 4.53 24 331/2 97/8

12. Basham, Tarell / Ohio

6-33/4 269 4.70 15 341/4 101/4 A 6.6 2,3

13. Hendrickson, Trey / Fla. Atlantic 6-4

266 4.65

—

97/8

A 6.6 2 B 6.6 3

14. Lawson, Carl / Auburn *

6-1 / 261 4.67 35 31 / 103/8 B 6.6 3

15. Smoot, Dawuane / Illinois

6-31/8 264 — — 331/4 91/4

B 6.6 3 B 6.6 3

1. Pocic, Ethan / LSU

6-6

310 5.15

331/8 101/8 B 6.6 3,4

2. Orlosky, Tyler / West Virginia

6-3

298

—

321/4 93/4

3. Toth, Jon / Kentucky

6-5

307 5.51

335/8 10 B 6.4 5

4. Fuller, Kyle / Baylor

6-5

307 5.24

341/8 101/8 B 6.4 5

5. Roullier, Chase / Wyoming

6-4

312 5.54

32 / 9 /

6. Crowley, Lucas / North Carolina

6-21/8 297 5.28e — — — C 6.4 6

20. Moss, Avery / Youngstown St. # 6-33/8 264 — 14 341/2 103/8 B 6.4 4,5

7. Hughley, Tobijah / Louisville

6-1 / 289 5.38e — — — C 6.3 7

21. Wise, Deatrich / Arkansas

8. Guillermo, Jay / Clemson

6-2e 308e 5.35e

—

Dielman, J.J. / Utah

6-5

32 / 10

1 2

B 6.4 5

309

DEFENSIVE TACKLES RK PLAYER / SCHOOL

B 6.5 4

—

C 6.3 7

40- BENCH RD TIME PRESS ARM HAND GRADE RTG PROJ

16. Hall, Daeshon / Texas A&M

6-5 /

17. Kpassagnon, Tanoh / Villanova

6-63/4 289 4.83 23 355/8 105/8 B 6.5 4

18. Rivers, Derek / Youngstown St.

6-35/8 248 — 30 323/4 93/8

19. Price, Ejuan / Pittsburgh

5-113/8 241 — 20 323/4 10 B 6.4 4,5

1 4

266 4.76 18 35 9 /

5 8

6-51/4 274 — 22 355/8 101/2 B 6.4 5

22. Cox, Bryan / Florida

6-27/8 265 4.89 16 333/4 91/2

23. Bevins, Collin

6-53/4e 265e 5.15e — — — C 6.4 6

24. Marcus, Jamal

6-13/4e 248e 4.85e — — — C 6.3 7

Bower, Tashawn / LSU

6-43/4 250 4.82 20 333/8 97/8

Brown, Fadol / Mississippi

6-33/4 273 4.94 19 35 101/4

6-25/8 286 5.00 21 335/8 93/8

A 7.1 1

Carraway, Josh / TCU

6-3

2. McDowell, Malik / Michigan State 6-6 / 295 4.85 23 34 / 10 /

A 6.7 1

Davis, Keionta / UT-Chattanooga 6-3

1. Allen, Jonathan / Alabama *

1 2

—

341/8 91/2

—

6-23/4 257 4.88 — 32 101/2

A 6.6 2

Ledbetter, Jeremiah / Arkansas

6-31/8 280 4.84 29 341/4 10

341/8 101/2 A 6.7

4. Watkins, Carlos / Clemson

6030 309

—

34 / 10 /

5. Brantley, Caleb / Florida

6-25/8 307 5.15 21 32 93/4

1,2

6. Ogunjobi, Larry / UNC-Charlotte 6-25/8 305 — 23 325/8 10 A 6.6 2 7. Adams, Montravius / Auburn

6-35/8 304 4.87 22 323/4 91/4

8. Tomlinson, Dalvin / Alabama

6-27/8 310 — — 331/2 101/8 B 6.5 3

9. Glasgow, Ryan / Michigan

6-27/8 302 5.13 20 333/8 95/8

B 6.5 3,4

10. Johnson, Jaleel / Iowa

6-25/8 316 5.38 19 331/4 95/8

B 6.5 3,4

11. Walker, Charles / Oklahoma #

6-17/8 310 4.96 25 333/4 95/8

B 6.5 3,4

12. Qualls, Elijah / Washington

6-05/8 313 5.13 33 305/8 93/8

B 6.4 4

13. Rochell, Isaac / Notre Dame

6-41/4 280 — 25 323/4 93/4

B 6.4 4

15. Tu’ikolovatu, Stevie / USC

271

A 6.6 2

—

14. Jones, Nazair / North Carolina

341/4 91/4

6-25/8 248 4.75 26 301/4 9

298

3 8

Ekanem, Ken / Virginia Tech

6-5

242 4.74

Donahue, Dylan / West Georgia

3. Wormley, Chris / Michigan

B 6.6 3

6-51/8 304 5.11 — 345/8 107/8 B 6.4 4 6-11/8 331 — 28 337/8 101/4 B 6.4 5

16. Taylor, Vincent / Oklahoma State 6-25/8 304 — 26 343/8 101/8 B 6.4 5 17. Vanderdoes, Eddie / UCLA *

6-31/8 305 — 28 331/8 105/8 C 6.4 5,6

18. Godchaux, Davon / LSU

6-33/4 310 5.27 18 323/8 101/4 C 6.4 6

19. Jones, Jarron / Notre Dame

6-53/4 316 5.33 22 351/2 101/2 C 6.4 6

20. Smart, Tanzel / Tulane

6-05/8 296 — 22 327/8 95/8 C 6.4 6

Clements, Chunky / Illinois

6-2

301

—

Hester, Treyvon / Toledo

6-2

300

—

Jones, DJ / Mississippi

6-05/8 319 5.04 25 321/2 101/4

B 6.4 4

C 6.4 6

Muhammad, Al-Quadin/Miami (FL) 6-31/2 253 22 331/4 93/8 Nwachukwu, Noble/West Virginia 6-13/8 268 — 27 331/8 9 Odenigbo, Ifeadi / Northwestern 6-3

258

—

325/8 101/2

Sickels, Garrett / Penn State

6-3 / 261 — 20 321/8 91/2

Taumopenu, Pita / Utah

6-11/4 243 — 24 323/8 97/8

LINEBACKERS RK PLAYER / SCHOOL

1. Foster, Reuben / Alabama *#

6-0

229

40- BENCH RD TIME PRESS ARM HAND GRADE RTG PROJ

—

323/8 101/4 A 7.0 1

2. McMillan, Raekwon / Ohio State 6-17/8 240 4.61 23 33 93/4

A 6.9 1

3. Davis, Jarrad / Florida *#

6-1

A 6.8 1,2

4. Reddick, Haason / Temple

6-11/2 237 4.52 24 323/4 101/8 A 6.7 1,2

5. Cunningham, Zach / Vanderbilt

6-31/2 234 4.67 15 343/8 91/4

6. Riley, Duke / LSU

6-0 / 232 4.58 18 32 / 9 / A 6.6 2,3

7. Fields, Devonte / Louisville

6-21/2 236 4.72 — 323/8 9

238 4.65

—

33 / 9 / 12

3 4

A 6.7 2

B 6.6 3

8. Walker, Anthony / Northwestern 6-05/8 238 4.65 23 303/8 91/2

B 6.6 3,4

9. Phillips, Carroll / Illinois

6-31/4 242 4.64 23 333/4 93/4

B 6.6 3,4

327/8 103/8

10. Bowser, Tyus / Houston

6-2 / 247 4.65 21 33 / 10 /

B 6.5 4

11. Biegel, Vince / Wisconsin

6-31/4 246 4.67 21 323/8 91/8

B 6.5 4

12. Beckwith, Kendell / LSU *#

6-2

B 6.5 4

93/4

6 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

243

—

1 8

91/2

13. Anzalone, Alex / Florida *#

6-27/8 241 4.63 16 321/8 91/8

14. Gedeon, Ben / Michigan

Maulet, Art / Memphis

5-10

189 4.62

6-13/4 244 4.75 27 325/8 10 B 6.4 4,5

Robinson, Ezra / Tennessee St.

5-11

15. Lee, Marquel / Wake Forest

6-3 / 240 4.70 25 32 / 9 / B 6.4 5

Shelton, Sojourn / Wisconsin

5-9

16. Onwualu, James / Notre Dame

6-0 /

Tocho, Jack / North Carolina St.

6-0 / 202 4.54 21 31 / 93/8

7 8

B 6.4 4,5

230 — — — — C 6.4 6

311/4 95/8

189 4.47

311/2 83/4

177 4.51

83/8

NOTE: Players are listed according to PFW’s rankings at the position they project best to in the pros. The draft projection reflects where the player likely will Tyson, Mike / Cincinnati 6-11/8 204 4.56 17 313/4 91/4 17. Boulware, Ben / Clemson 6-0 238 — 20 301/2 10 C 6.4 6 come off the board during the 2017 draft.

18. Bullough, Riley / Michigan State 6-2

226

—

311/4 97/8

C 6.4 6

Wilson, Howard / Houston 6-05/8 184 4.57 — 313/8 95/8

19. Brown, Jayon / UCLA

6-0

231 4.67

31 / 9 /

C 6.4 6,7

20. Langi, Harvey / BYU

6-17/8 251 — 23 327/8 91/8

C 6.3 7

SAFETIES

21. Taylor, Steven / Houston

6-0 e 230e 4.78e

C 6.3 7

Brown, Blair / Ohio

5-111/2 238 4.65 — 311/4 93/8

Davis, Kevin / Colorado State

6-17/8 235 4.91 11 323/8 101/4

Ellis, Brooks / Arkansas

6-17/8 240 4.79 18 313/4 93/4

Harris, Connor / Lindenwood

5-111/8 242 4.73 18 301/8 93/8

Kelsey, Keith / Louisville

6-03/8 233 4.92 23 313/8 101/8

Mathis, Joe / Washington

6-2

Milano, Matt / Boston College

6-01/2 223 *4.67 24 32

Nickerson, Hardy / Illinois

5-115/8 232 4.78 18 32 10

266

—

5 8

—

9 93/8

Reeves-Maybin, Jalen/Tennessee 6-03/8 230 — — 321/4 95/8 Vallejo, Tanner / Boise State

CORNERBACKS RK PLAYER / SCHOOL

6-11/2 228 4.67 — 301/2 95/8

RK PLAYER / SCHOOL

206

40- BENCH RD TIME PRESS ARM HAND GRADE RTG PROJ

1. Hooker, Malik / Ohio State *

6-1

—

2. Peppers, Jabrill / Michigan

5-10 / 213 4.46 19 303/4 95/8

A 6.9 1

3. Adams, Jamal / LSU

5-113/4 214 4.56 18 333/8 91/4

A 6.9 1

4. Melifonwu, Obi / UConn

6-3 / 224 4.40 17 32 / 9 /

A 6.7 1,2

5. Williams, Marcus / Utah

6-05/8 202 4.56 14 321/2 91/2

A 6.7 2

6. Baker, Budda / Washington

5-95/8 195 4.45 15 305/8 9

A 6.6 2

7. Evans, Justin / Texas A&M

5-115/8 199 — 14 327/8 93/4

B 6.6 3

8. Jenkins, Rayshawn / Miami (FL)

6-1

B 6.6 3

9. Jones, Josh / North Carolina St.

6-13/8 220 4.41 20 32 93/8

B 6.6 3,4

10. Maye, Marcus / Florida *

6-0

321/2 91/8

B 6.6 3,4

11. Johnson, John / Boston College

6-01/2 208 4.61 14 321/2 97/8

B 6.5 4,5

214 4.51 212

—

19 —

1. Lattimore, Marshon / Ohio State * 6-0

193 4.36

—

311/4 87/8

A 7.1 1

2. Humphrey, Marlon / Alabama

6-0 / 197 4.41 10 321/4 83/4

A 7.0 1

3. Wilson, Quincy / Florida

6-11/2 211 4.54 14 321/4 95/8

A 6.9 1

4. Conley, Gareon / Ohio State

6-0

195 4.44

91/2

A 6.9 1

5. Jackson, Adoree / USC

5-10

186 4.42

—

313/8 91/4

A 6.7 1,2

6. Moreau, Fabian / UCLA *

6-01/2 206 4.35 — 313/8 9

A 6.7 1,2

7. Jones, Sidney / Washington *

6-0

186 4.47

—

311/4 93/8

A 6.7 2

8. King, Kevin / Washington

6-3

200 4.43

91/2

A 6.6 2

9. Awuzie, Chidobe / Colorado

5-117/8 202 4.43 16 305/8 81/2

A 6.6 2

10. White, Tre’Davious / LSU

5-111/4 192 4.47 16 321/8 91/8

A 6.6 2

11. Tabor, Teez / Florida

6-01/2 199 4.62 9 32 85/8

A 6.6 2,3

12. King, Desmond / Iowa

5-10

311/8 95/8

A 6.6 2,3

13. Lewis, Jourdan / Michigan #

5-101/4 188 4.54 15 315/8 91/4

A 6.6 2,3

14. Tankersley, Cordrea / Clemson

6-11/4 199 4.40 13 321/4 91/8

B 6.6 3

15. Douglas, Rasul / West Virginia

6-1 / 209 4.59 16 32 / 9 /

B 6.5 3,4

201

—

1 4

1 8

32 / 9 / 34

5 8

1 2

12. Nicholson, Montae / Michigan St. 6-2 / 212 4.42 — 33 / 9 /

B 6.5 4,5

13. Jackson, Eddie / Alabama *

6-03/8 201 — 10 321/4 91/4

B 6.5 4,5

40- BENCH RD TIME PRESS ARM HAND GRADE RTG PROJ

321/4 103/4 A 7.0 1

14. Harvey-Clemons, Josh/Louisville # 6-4

217

—

353/8 103/8 B 6.4 5

15. Witherspoon, Ahkello / Colorado 6-23/4 198 4.45 — 33 97/8

B 6.4 5

16. Jerome, Lorenzo / St. Francis (PA) 5-101/2 204 4.70

11 305/8 85/8

C 6.4 6

17. Hill, Delano / Michigan

6-1

321/8 93/8

C 6.4 7

18. Woods, Xavier / Louisiana Tech

5-111/8 197 4.54 19 303/8 93/8

C 6.4 7

Carter, Jamal / Miami (FL)

6-0 / 218 4.64 19 31 9 /

Ford, Jonathan / Auburn

5-11

205

—

301/4 87/8

Gerry, Nate / Nebraska

6-2

218 4.58

311/4 91/4

Luani, Shalom / Washington St.

5-113/8 202 4.55 12 32

Thompson, Tedric / Colorado

6-0

Travis, Damarius / Minnesota

6-0 / 206 — 13 313/4 9

Clark, Chuck / Virginia Tech

6-0

Johnson, Jadar / Clemson

6-0 / 206 4.60 19 32 91/4

PLACEKICKERS RK PLAYER / SCHOOL

216 4.47

204 4.60

93/4

31 / 95/8 12

208 4.54

321/4 9

40- BENCH RD TIME PRESS ARM HAND GRADE RTG PROJ

16. Griffin, Shaquill / Central Florida 6-01/8 194 4.38 17 323/8 83/4

B 6.4 4

1. Gonzalez, Zane / Arizona State

6-0

202

—

291/2 9

B 6.4 5

17. Sutton, Cameron / Tennessee

5-111/4 188 4.52 11 30 81/4

B 6.4 4

2. Elliot, Jake / Memphis

5-9

167 4.79

—

C 6.3 FA

18. Elder, Corn / Miami (FL)

5-97/8 183 4.56 — 311/4 83/4

B 6.4 4,5

Butker, Harrison / Georgia Tech

6-4

199

—

313/4 83/4

19. Myrick, Jalen / Minnesota

5-10

C 6.4 5

Ukropina, Conrad / Stanford

6-0

190

—

313/8 91/8

200 4.28

31 / 8 / 58

3 4

20. Kazee, Damontae / San Diego St. 5-101/4 184 4.54 11 307/8 8 5/8 C 6.4 5 21. Stribling, Channing / Michigan

6-11/4 188 4.60 5 311/2 81/2

C 6.4 5

22. White, Marquez / Florida State

5-113/4 194 4.59 — 321/8 107/8 C 6.3 6

23. Luke Cole / Notre Dame

5-11e 190e 4.58e — — — C 6.3 6,7

24. Mabin, Greg / Iowa

6-13/4e 200e 4.60e — — — C 6.3 6,7

25. Lampkin, Ashton / Oklahoma St. 6-01/4 201 4.54 19 323/8 91/2 C 6.3 6,7

PUNTERS RK PLAYER / SCHOOL

40- BENCH RD TIME PRESS ARM HAND GRADE RTG PROJ

1. Baker, Tobey / Arkansas

6-31/8 210 — — 315/8 91/4

C 6.3 7

2. Rehkow, Austin / Idaho

6-3

214

—

31 / 9 /

C 6.3 FA

Hunt, Hayden / Colorado State

6-0

212

—

297/8 91/4

Johnston, Cameron / Ohio State 5-11

194 4.92

—

Vogel, Justin / Miami (FL)

219 4.70

—

321/2 9

7 8

Allen, Brian / Utah

6-31/8 215 4.48 15 34 10

Clark, Jeremy / Michigan

6-3

Decoud, Treston / Oregon State

6-1 / 206 4.62 11 33 91/4

Hairston, Nate / Temple

5-117/8 196 4.52 14 31 91/2

Langley, Brendan / Lamar

6-03/8 189 4.43 22 31 93/8

Holba, Colin / Louisville

6-4

Likely, Will / Maryland

5-65/8 180 — 15 29 91/2

Northnagel, Bradley / California

6-23/8 243 5.30 — 321/2 10

220

—

327/8 93/8

6-4

LONG SNAPPERS RK PLAYER / SCHOOL

40- BENCH RD TIME PRESS ARM HAND GRADE RTG PROJ

248 5.19

—

335/8 95/8

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

Live from the Combine spot right now to take my game to the next level, and I feel really confident.”

— MITCHELL TRUBISKY

NORTH CAROLINA QB

•••

“It’s more with a guy my size, my arm talent, my understanding of football, why do you go 4-8? I’ve answered that question as truthfully as I possibly can and that’s I didn’t make plays. Again, the ball’s in your hands as a quarterback every play. If you’re going to go win games in the fourth quarter, then you’ve got to be the guy making the plays.”

— DeSHONE KIZER NOTRE DAME QB

•••

Deshaun Watson

8 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

“I think I definitely have enough experience. I only have 13 starts but I played in 30 games. I’ve come in off the bench and I’ve seen significant time. I was prepared really well at North Carolina by coach [Keith] Heckendorf, a really good quarterbacks coach, and I’ve studied the game. I’m a student of the game and I’ve seen a lot of defenses, and I think that’s going to help me. And just my abilities, I feel like I’m in a really good

“I’d just say my past history. Starting back in high school, the way I was raised, coming from the projects home and being able to get out of that. Being the face of college football for two years, handling the success, handling all the criticism and the adversity. And then being 48-8 in high school and winning a state championship and then going to the collegiate level and being 33-3, so one thing that translates from college to the NFL is winners and I think, being a quarterback, that’s the biggest thing being recognized, winning games. That’s all I’ve been doing.”

— DESHAUN WATSON CLEMSON QB

backs nowadays are doing a lot more and it’s helping out. Then, just making a lot of longer throws. I thought we went downfield a lot more this last year. A lot of teams played us in a (Cover) 3 Double Cloud, so we had to throw a lot of deeper digs and stuff like they throw in the NFL, so I feel like that helped prepare me for everything I’m going to see.”

— PATRICK MAHOMES TEXAS TECH QB

“With the RBs we’ve got in our class and next year’s running backs, a lot is going to change. With this group a lot of these players are going to succeed in the NFL and contribute as soon as they get there.”

— LEONARD FOURNETTE

••• “Definitely extending the play. I mean, that’s something that I feel like quarter-

LSU RB

“We’ve got the top guys in this class at running back. It’s probably one of the best you done seen yet and I think what separates me is I can

do it all. I can stay on the field all three downs, and I’m just a do-it-all back, and I just feel like I am the best back in this class.”

— DALVIN COOK FLORIDA STATE RB

•••

“Something I really pride myself on is not just being a running back that can catch the ball but if I move out to the slot, I become a receiver. If I move out to X or Z, I become a receiver and not just a running back. I really try to pride myself on route running, catching and being able to be a mismatch anywhere on the field.”

— CHRISTIAN McCAFFREY STANFORD RB

[teammates] Sidney Jones or Kevin King, those guys will defeat the speed with good technique. It was good for me to get into it with DeSean and learn how to use it and when to use it and when to turn it on and when to turn it off.”

— JOHN ROSS WASHINGTON WR

•••

“It doesn’t affect me. I got a lot of questions [about] ‘you are the youngest player, you’re immature, you’re 20 years old,’ but I don’t see an age number. I can’t change that. I feel like I played football for a very long time through the years. I think the age is actually good. A young dude who’s willing to work.”

— JUJU SMITH-SCHUSTER

•••

“It helped a lot because he showed me how to control my speed, how to calm down and just relax and have fun. Before, I just figured, I am faster than this guy, I can just outrun this guy. All the time, that don’t work. For example, if you are going up against a great corner like

USC WR

“I believe that’s the biggest question, just the level of competition and I know a lot of scouts and a lot of other players think that my level of competition wasn’t really that serious just being from the MAC. But I feel like I can play with the best of them. My confidence is up there. I’m not afraid to go up against anyone.”

— COREY DAVIS

WESTERN MICHIGAN WR

“A guy I’d compare myself to right now would be Greg Olsen of the Panthers. I think Greg does a great job of blocking. He’s a guy, he’s a three-down tight end. He runs great routes. He has great hands. He’s a guy I studied a lot on film in college. So I would compare myself to him.”

— O.J. HOWARD

ALABAMA TE

•••

“I would probably say my versatility. This class is so deep. All these guys bring a lot to the table. But for myself, just being able to do anything. Be split out, flexed out, get down field in the vertical game, and then have the tenacity to get in and get physical as well. I definitely see myself as a total package and definitely a threat down field in the vertical passing game.”

— EVAN ENGRAM

OLE MISS TE

•••

“The interviews have been going well. We address the elephant in the room

Garett Bolles

first which is the incident I got in last summer. I explain it to them and I tell them exactly what happened. I’m 100 percent truthful with them and then we move on and we talk ball. … I tell them exactly what happened. I think it’s well-documented. I tell them the whole story. We get past that and we talk football.”

— CAM ROBINSON

ALABAMA OT

•••

“When I’m on the field, I want to put people in the dirt. And that’s what I’m here for. As an offensive lineman, you want to be the nasty prick that you can be. And whoever’s in front of me, I want to drive them and

put them in the dirt. So I’m just going to try to be that every single day. And when I come off the field, I love my family. I just learned how to turn the switch off to go back to the new Garett.”

— GARETT BOLLES

•••

UTAH OT

“I think some teams look at [arm length] more than others. There are teams that told me I’d play tackle. There are teams that told me I’d play guard. There’s teams that told me I’d play just center because of my arms. Some teams believe more in ability than just numbers. It all depends on the team.”

— FORREST LAMP

WESTERN KENTUCKY OG

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

a stop to get the ball back, they put you in and say you’re the guy. That’s how good you have to be.”

— MYLES GARRETT TEXAS A&M EDGE

“They said I have some arthritis in my left shoulder. It’s not really a problem now, but it might be a problem 15, 20 years down the road so I’m not worried about that right now. I’m worried about playing good for whichever team I go to. … I have no restrictions on anything I do. Like I said, I feel good. It’s probably the best I’ve felt in the last four years. I feel good, refreshed, re-charged, ready to go.”

— JONATHAN ALLEN ALABAMA DT

•••

“The thing I wanted to prove the most was my ability to pass rush. I know there have been talks on whether or not I can pass rush as opposed to stopping the run. At the Senior Bowl, I made it my job to go out and really prove I can pass rush. I think I did that.”

— JALEEL JOHNSON

•••

Jonathan Allen

Deshaun Watson

10 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

•••

“[I should be a firstround pick] because I’m a champion. I want to win. I hate to lose. I just know that not too many guys can do what I do. I can get down in 3-point stance and rush the passer. I can stand up in the 2-point stance and be able to do the same. I have a lot of moves as a pass rusher. I’m not a bull rush guy. I’m not a finesse guy. Some tackles don’t know what I’m going to do when I get up there. I can drop. I’m an all-around competitor. It doesn’t matter how many plays you give me. You can give me two plays, three plays. I’m not going to pout about it. I’m still going to go out there and perform because the game of football is bigger than me. The organization is bigger than me and we’re all out there trying to win the game.”

— TIM WILLIAMS ALABAMA EDGE

IOWA DT

“You have to be a game-changer [to go No. 1 overall]. You have to be able to turn the tide of a game at any given time. Somebody who, when it’s third-and-15 and maybe it’s the fourth quarter and we need

Zach Cunningham

anything, eating, it doesn’t matter.”

— T.J. WATT

WISCONSIN EDGE

•••

“I can rush anywhere. I can play anywhere. I play every down. I’m great stopping the run, great rushing the quarterback. I’m very versatile. I have toughness. I try to get after every (offensive) lineman and put the fear of God in them and make a play. I’m just trying to get to the quarterback every play and be destructive and wreak havoc.”

— SOLOMON THOMAS STANFORD EDGE

•••

“Have I ever beat him (JJ) in any competition? Yes, yes. He’ll admit it, too. We competed all the time growing up. I beat both my brothers in many things. They beat me in many things as well. You’re not always going to win, you’re not always going to lose in that house. Pickup basketball, growing up flag football,

“With bigger linebackers, there are always questions about coverage. One person says it and then there’s a miraculous domino effect from everyone else. Some people don’t even watch film and say I can’t cover. There’s been a couple times I’ve been caught and there have been a couple times I’ve covered. It is what it is. You can’t do anything about it now. I can only handle what I can handle.”

just excited. It’s more excitement than surprise. Just going out there and being physical, very versatile, playing with great passion. That’s what helped me be good this year, be great this year.”

— MARSHON LATTIMORE OHIO STATE CB

•••

“I feel like I’m the best overall player in the draft, not just the best corner. That just is the confidence I have in myself and my ability to play the game of football.”

— TEEZ TABOR FLORIDA CB

— RAEKWON McMILLAN OHIO STATE LB

•••

“I think I’m a lengthy player. A pretty fast player. Speed. A sideline to sideline player. And that’s something that has helped me. That and my instincts have helped me to be a good player.”

— ZACH CUNNINGHAM VANDERBILT LB

•••

“I feel like I did the work to be one of the top players in the draft, but I’m

T.J Watt

free, whether that’s being in the A and B gap, filling that hole, or locking down tight ends. I feel like I’m versatile to play everything in the back end, and that’s what makes me a special player.”

“Not really. I really wouldn’t pay no mind into [durability concerns], just simply because the film says what it says. I feel like a lot of teams will want me to be healthy for the year coming in because surgery was my decision. It wasn’t like I needed the surgery, I decided to do that because at that point of the season, I knew I made the decision I was going to declare for this upcoming draft. It was more so preparing myself to get ready for rookie minicamp coming up.”

“Basically [teams] ask me where do I see myself playing, if they were to draft me where would they put me, what are my strong suits, what are my weaknesses, just things like that. I tell them my natural position is definitely in the defensive backfield. I had to fill a void this year because it was best for the team, and if I had to do it all over again I would. I don’t think it’ll hurt me. My mindset was whatever I had to do I’m gonna do it to the best of my ability and try to make plays when I can. I think that’s what I did and that’s what I’m gonna continue to do.”

— MALIK HOOKER

— JABRILL PEPPERS

— JAMAL ADAMS LSU SAFETY

•••

“I think my best attribute is my speed and toughness. I think I can run with any guy. There’s not many receivers that I played … There isn’t a receiver besides John Ross that I played that I ran with that I said, ‘This guy’s really, really fast.’ I think I can run with just about anybody. I think that’s my best trait.”

— MARLON HUMPHREY

ALABAMA CB

•••

“Leadership is definitely my main [attribute]. As well as on the field, I can play everything in the back end, whether that’s covering in the slot, whether that’s playing man-

OHIO STATE SAFETY

MICHIGAN SAFETY

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

| 11

Top prospects whose reports have been updated after Combine and Pro Days QUARTERBACKS

1 WATSON DESHAUN

CLEMSON

YR: JUNIOR HT: 6-21/2 | WT: 221 | 40: 4.66 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 7.0 |

RD 1

STRONG POINTS • Has good size and length. Very productive. Extremely athletic with quick feet, speed and body control. Has a strong arm and is accurate with good ball placement. Can find the open man and gets the ball out of his hand quickly. Very good at throwing the ball on the run. Has an excellent feel for pass rushers, can extend plays and make plays with his feet. Good runner. Comes up big in big games. WEAK POINTS • Does not play in a very complex offense and for the most part it is a half field read offense. Started the 2016 season slowly but came on strong after the first month of the season. Will force some throws, making some poor reads and poor decisions. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Going into the season, Watson was everyone’s No. 1 QB, but had a slow start and slipped in the ratings. He is very capable of becoming a quality NFL starter but he will need time to learn and understand the complexities of an NFL offense. It would be best if he can sit and learn for most of his rookie year. Has some special traits and he could turn out to be a bigger Russell Wilson type. If he gets with the right team, watch out because this player is talented.

•••

2TRUBISKY MITCHELL

NORTH CAROLINA

YR: REDSHIRT JUNIOR HT: 6-21/8 | WT: 222 | 40: 4.67 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.9 |

RD 1

STRONG POINTS • Good size for an NFL QB. Has real good athletic ability with speed, quick feet and change of direction. Has a very

strong arm and can make all the required NFL throws. Shows good accuracy and ball placement. Has a feel for pass rushers, can avoid sacks and extend plays with his feet. Has a quick overhand delivery and throws a tight ball. Generally a good decision maker. WEAK POINTS • Only a one-year starter at North Carolina. Plays in a fairly easy, half-field read spread offense. Struggled some in North Carolina’s final games, losing three out of four. Will force some throws. Doesn’t play from under center. THE WAY WE SEE IT • A talented player with upside, but the fact remains that his only year as a starter was 2016. Has size and good overall athleticism. Shows a quick delivery, throws with accuracy and has good ball placement. Can make all the NFL-type throws. Because of his inexperience, he will need time and coaching to adjust to the NFL game. His raw talent is as good as any quarterback in this class but his lack of experience makes him a high risk, high reward selection. Had a very good Combine and has to follow that up with strong private workouts.

3KIZER DeSHONE

•••

NOTRE DAME

YR: JUNIOR HT: 6-4 | WT: 233 | 40: 4.83 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.9 |

RD 1

STRONG POINTS • Prototypical NFL size with good athletic ability, speed and quick feet. Has a very strong arm. Offense he played in was similar to an NFL offense. He was able to change plays and protections at the line of scrimmage. Receivers ran an NFL-type route tree with sight adjustments. Has a quick delivery and shows good accuracy and ball placement. Able to read the field and go through a full progression. Able to extend plays and is a good runner. WEAK POINTS • Needs to improve his footwork. Played with an inexperienced receiver corps in 2016 that helped cause his productivity to decline. Made some poor decisions

12 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

and forced some throws in 2016. Combine workout was average. THE WAY WE SEE IT • As talented a quarterback as there is in this class and may have more upside that any other quarterback. In 2015, he looked like a potential top 3 selection playing with an experienced receiver corps and a strong O-Line. His play fell off in 2016 with a less experienced supporting cast. He needs to improve his mechanics and footwork but he has all the physical tools to be a very good starting quarterback in the NFL. He has great size and strength to go along with the athleticism to extend and make plays with his feet. He is smart and a good leader. Put him in a situation where he has a supporting cast and proper coaching and he can excel.

•••

4 MAHOMES PATRICK

TEXAS TECH

YR: JUNIOR HT: 6-2 | WT: 225 | 40: 4.84 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.7 | RD 1-2

STRONG POINTS • Very productive with excellent arm talent. Has thrown for over 11,000 yards and 93 touchdowns in 2 ½ seasons as a starter. Has a very quick release and can make NFL-type throws. Shows good accuracy and ball placement. His dad played MLB so he should “get” what being a pro is all about. Has a feel for pass rushers and with his quick feet shows the ability to keep plays alive. Flashed going through a minimal progression in college. Good Combine week. WEAK POINTS • Looked heavy in 2016. Offense he played in was not very complex. Not asked to do much at the line of scrimmage. While he shows he can avoid pass rushers, he is not the most mobile guy and won’t scare teams as a runner. Has many throws where he doesn’t set his feet and is all arm. Needs to improve his mechanics. Trusts his arm and can force some throws. THE WAY WE SEE IT • An interesting talent. When he decided to come out, he looked like a second rounder. Was impressive at Com-

bine with both interviews and workout and now he could possibly go in the late first. Has the physical tools and leadership traits to be a good NFL starter. Like most spread QBs, he will need time to adjust to the NFL game. Also needs to improve his mechanics. This player has a lot of upside if he gets the right coaching. Many refer to him as a gunslinger and that just may be accurate.

6 WEBB

•••

DAVIS

CALIFORNIA

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-45/8 | WT: 229 | 40: 4.79 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.5 | RD 2-3

STRONG POINTS • Has ideal NFL size to go along with good overall athleticism. Shows a strong arm and quick release. Smart and aware. Generally a good decision-maker. Can find the open man after going through a minimal progression. Has poise and leadership skills and it shows on the field. Helped himself at the Senior Bowl and the Combine. WEAK POINTS • While he tests out as a good athlete, you don’t always see it on the field. Not the type to extend plays with his feet. Shows inconsistent accuracy especially downfield. Has never played from under center. Originally enrolled at Texas Tech, lost his starting job to Patrick Mahomes and transferred to Cal for his final year. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Graduate transfer to Cal after playing three years at Texas Tech, two as a starter. Tests out as a good athlete but you don’t always see that with his play. Not the type to extend plays with his feet or scare anyone as a runner. Has a good arm but can be inconsistent with his accuracy. Has never completed 63 percent of his throws in high percentage offenses. Some evaluators are very high on him. Disagreement as to if he is a down-the-road starter. He has the intangibles but has to clean up other parts of his game. If he becomes a starter, I see him as the type of player you want to replace with someone better. That said, there is upside.

RUNNING BACKS

4 MIXON JOE

get yards after contact. He is very reliable as a receiver, has good hands and can adjust to the ball. Shows a willingness to pass block. Is able to break the long run. WEAK POINTS • Missed all of 2014 because of disciplinary reasons. Has some serious off-the-field issues and wasn’t invited to the Combine because of that. Doesn’t play as fast as he times but his play speed is good. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Mixon has the talent to come in and start for most teams in the NFL. He played in a rotation system at Oklahoma and the back he rotated with will also be drafted high. His skill set shows he can run inside and out, create, make people miss and he is a good receiver. That said, he may not get drafted because of the off-field issues, even though the circumstance happened when he was a freshman and he has been clean since, it still happened. Mixon has apologized and taken full responsibility for his actions but it will be up to each club’s ownership to decide if that team wants to take a chance and draft him. Grade is based on talent, not where he will get drafted.

•••

GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

RD 3

STRONG POINTS • Has excellent size, speed and athleticism for an NFL RB. He’s quick to the hole, has excellent vision and instincts and makes good decisions. Shows he can create and has the size and power to consistently

•••

8 KAMARA ALVIN

TENNESSEE

YR: REDSHIRT JUNIOR HT: 5-101/4 | WT: 214 | 40: 4.56

B | 6.6 |

TEXAS

YR: JUNIOR HT: 6-0 | WT: 233 | 40: 4.60e

A | 6.6 | RD 2

YR: REDSHIRT SOPHOMORE HT: 6-03/4 | WT: 228 | 40: 4.43

technique. Not used much as a receiver, may not have real good hands. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Foreman was all set to workout at Indy when the doctors found a stress fracture in his foot. Now he most likely won’t be doing any work for coaches or scouts before the draft. A stress fracture can be bothersome for a running back so it will be interesting to see how high he goes in the draft. As a pure runner, Foreman is one of the best in this draft. He is strong and powerful with very good vision and instincts. Consistently breaks tackles and gets yards after contact. He needs to improve his pass blocking and he was never used much as a receiver, but as a runner he is very valuable. If his foot is OK, he doesn’t get out of the second round.

GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

5 FOREMAN D’ONTA

GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

OKLAHOMA

A | 6.7 |

Deshaun Watson

STRONG POINTS • Great size to go along with very good strength and power. Very good athlete for size with good speed and a burst. Can change direction and has excellent balance. Very good vision, can pick and slide as well as create. Good cutback skills. Consistently gets yards after contact. Very punishing runner. Willing pass blocker. WEAK POINTS • Not a consistent breakaway threat. Will need work on pass block

RD 3

STRONG POINTS • Good speed with a burst. Plays faster than timed. Used as a running back and flexed out as a wide receiver. Good open-field running skills, can make people miss and break the long run. Has very good hands and also returns punts. WEAK POINTS • Is not and can’t be an every-down running back. Though he weighs 215, he plays like a 200-pound guy. He is not powerful and is not the type to get much yardage after contact. A lot of his yardage comes outside and he is not a top between the tackles runner. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Has played at three different schools. Originally enrolled at Alabama and redshirted there as a true freshman. He then transferred to Hutchinson CC (Kansas)

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| 13

and then finally Tennessee. While he was very productive at Tennessee, he was a role player there and that’s what he will be in the NFL. He does not get much yardage inside and on many of his runs, he runs laterally to the line until he finds a seam and then cuts up. A runner can’t do that in the NFL. Still he has good open field run skills and has the talent to break long runs. Yes, he is talented, but how high do you take a role player? That’s up to each team to decide. A bit of a wild-card selection.

11McNICHOLS

taken a lot of hits, how many more can he take before his level of play decreases? Played at a lower level of competition and the competition level will be much higher in the NFL. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Reminds me a little of a short back we had in New York when I was a young scout…Joe Morris. Has a similar running style. He is a quick one-cut runner who stays low and can get both the tough yards and break a long run. Shows he is reliable as a receiver and may be effective if flexed out. Will always have trouble with pass protection because of his size. Has to be a role player at the next level but he will be a good one. Get him 10-12 touches a game and he will do something with those touches. Might be a good kickoff returner also.

YR: JUNIOR HT: 5-85/8 | WT: 214 | 40: 4.49

•••

JEREMY

•••

BOISE STATE

GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.5 | RD 3-4

STRONG POINTS • Very strong for his size. Has very good quickness and speed. Willing pass blocker with adequate results. Creative runner who is quick to the hole and has excellent vision and instincts. He is patient and does a good job setting up and following his blocks. Runs low and gets yardage after contact. Good receiver. WEAK POINTS • Lacks ideal height. Had shoulder surgery shortly after the Combine for a torn labrum. While he is very willing in pass pro, he needs work on technique. Not a real home-run threat, despite timed speed. Played in a weak conference. THE WAY WE SEE IT • McNichols doesn’t have the size scouts look for but he plays bigger than he measures. A tough and competitive back with strength and power. He can hit the hole quickly and find the seam. Has creativity and a burst. He is a good receiver and knows how to get open. As a blocker, he will face up and can anchor but lacks some technique. His shoulder surgery could drop him a little but he will still be a good rotational back who can be productive with 15 touches a game.

•••

17HENDERSON De’ANGELO

KAREEM

HUNT TOLEDO

GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.4 | RD 5

STRONG POINTS • Quick, fast and explosive. Short but not small, has quick feet and a quick burst. Runs low and runs with power. Runs with very good balance and can be tough to knock off his feet. Shows vision and instincts, can make defenders miss in tight and in space. Very reliable receiver with good hands and works to get open. WEAK POINTS • Short with short arms (29 inches). Like many short running backs, he can struggle with pass protection. Has already

RD 5

STRONG POINTS • Has adequate NFL RB size. More quick and explosive than fast. Very productive at the MAC level. Had a very strong Senior Bowl week. Runs low and with power, can gets yards after contact. Has good hands, is a reliable receiver and a willing pass blocker. WEAK POINTS • What is his real size? Played at over 220 at Toledo, got down to 208 for the Senior Bowl and was 216 at the Combine. Did not run well at Indy (4.62). More of a nickel and dime runner and lacks breakaway ability. While he is a willing pass blocker he needs work on technique and positioning. In the Toledo scheme, many runs are lateral to the line then he cuts up when he sees a seam. THE WAY WE SEE IT • A very productive player at the MAC level but I see him as a backup in the NFL. He has size, strength and power but he is not an overly creative runner. Got some long runs in college but I doubt you will see those in the NFL. He is not a very elusive guy but he does run hard and can get yards after contact. The type who can play a role and play it well as long as he doesn’t have to be the No. 1 back.

COASTAL CAROLINA

YR: REDSHIRT SENIOR HT: 5-7 | WT: 208 | 40: 4.48

T.J.

WIDE RECEIVERS

1 DAVIS COREY

WESTERN MICHIGAN

YR: SENIOR HT: 5-101/2 | WT: 216 | 40: 4.62

B | 6.4 |

tional player. While he will challenge defenders, he won’t get much after contact at the NFL level. Has put the ball on the ground too often for scouts liking. Will struggle in pass protection. THE WAY WE SEE IT • His speed and receiving ability get him drafted. He will be a situational player at the next level. With his hands and route-running ability, he can also be flexed out and used as a receiver. Has the talent to be a club’s No. 1 KO returner. I don’t see him getting more than 10 touches a game but, with those 10 touches, he can make something happen. Get him in the open field and he’s gone.

•••

LOGAN

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-27/8 | WT: 209 | 40: 4.45 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.9 |

STRONG POINTS • Great combination of size, speed and athleticism. Has dominated the MAC for a few years while also playing well when they played Power 5 schools. Gets constantly double- and sometimes triple-teamed and still can’t be stopped. Has very good route-running skills, adjusts to the ball and can snatch it. Can easily defeat press coverage with his size, strength and quickness. Competes in traffic and wins. Very good run skills after the catch. Strong blocker. WEAK POINTS • Sustained an ankle injury late and was unable to work out at the Combine or Western Michigan’s Pro Day on March 15. His hand measurement is small for such a big guy (9¼ inches). Has not played with a complex route tree. Don’t have a verified speed. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Not being able to work out for clubs hurts him some but not much. He will still try to do something for clubs shortly before the draft in mid-April. As a player, he is as talented as you will find in this draft. A big, physical guy who can be compared to Brandon Marshall or Dez Bryant but looks faster than either. Had record-setting numbers while at Western Michigan. Shows a strong release and can uncover versus man or zone. Competes in traffic, makes the difficult catch and is a very good runner after the catch. Not much he can’t do and will come in and play right away.

NORTH CAROLINA

YR: SENIOR HT: 5-9 | WT: 196 | 40: 4.37 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.4 | RD 5-6

STRONG POINTS • Speed. Fluid athlete with very quick change of direction. Doesn’t lose much speed when he changes direction. May lack size but has some power because of his explosiveness. Very reliable receiver and can return kicks. WEAK POINTS • Size, has to be a situa-

14 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

RD 1

•••

2 WILLIAMS MIKE

CLEMSON

YR: REDSHIRT JUNIOR HT: 6-35/8 | WT: 218 | 40: 4.55* GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.9 |

RD 1

* — Pro Day time STRONG POINTS • Has excellent size with strength and athleticism. Strong looking build

very quick in and out of cuts and consistently gains separation. Quick release and does a good job avoiding or fighting through jam. Corners play him loose so they don’t give up the big play and that opens it up for him underneath. Good hands and adjusts to the ball well. Returns kickoffs. WEAK POINTS • Small hands at the Combine (8¾ inches). Had shoulder surgery following the Washington Pro Day and will miss much of the offseason activity after the draft. Missed all of 2015 with a severe knee injury, so durability is a concern. Needs to add a little bulk and strength to his lean frame. Was a corner early in his career and is still inexperienced at WR. THE WAY WE SEE IT • There is no doubting the speed and athleticism. Ross is fast on the field and fast in shorts. Not a very experienced receiver but he had a breakout year in 2016 with 81 receptions for 1,150 yards and 17 touchdowns. Defenses will have to account for him because of his speed and that will open it up for other offensive players. Should be able to play inside or outside as well as return kickoffs. Medical rechecks two weeks before the draft could determine where he gets drafted but it’s a lock he will be one of the first three receivers off the board.

•••

4 SMITH-SCHUSTER JUJU

USC

YR: JUNIOR HT: 6-13/8 | WT: 215 | 40: 4.54 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.8 |

Corey Davis

with functional strength for a wide receiver. Has a good release and is a good route runner who breaks down and can get out of cuts quickly. Possesses long arms and a very large receiving radius and does a very good job adjusting to the ball. Very good runner after the catch with a burst and some elusiveness. Willing blocker. Will win the jump ball throws. WEAK POINTS • Does not have elite speed but it’s good for his size. His route tree in the Clemson offense is limited. Will have some concentration drops. THE WAY WE SEE IT • A big and talented wide receiver. Really just has to become more consistent on every down. Take away the concentration drops and there is a lot to like. The question will be similar to what happened with Kevin White two years ago. How long will it take Williams to adjust and be comfortable with an NFL route tree? He has the skill set to

eventually become a team’s No. 1 receiver. He will go through the usual growing pains of a rookie wide receiver. But he has too much talent not to be productive as a rookie. Will be one of the first receivers drafted but average timed speed may keep him from being the first one selected.

3 ROSS JOHN

•••

WASHINGTON

YR: REDSHIRT JUNIOR HT: 5-103/8 | WT: 188 | 40: 4.22 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.8 |

RD 1

STRONG POINTS • Speed and more speed! Fastest guy ever at the Combine. Very good athlete with excellent body control. Is

RD 1

STRONG POINTS • Excellent size with length and big hands. Physical receiver who plays with strength and power. Very good athlete, smooth with very good body control. Has speed and plays faster than timed. Gets to full speed quickly and can change direction quickly. Good to very good route runner and is able to get in and out of cuts quickly to gain separation. Has excellent hands and will compete in traffic. Tracks the ball well and wins jump balls. WEAK POINTS • Did not run as fast as anticipated at the Combine. Will have the occasional concentration drop. THE WAY WE SEE IT • JuJu is easily one of the better receivers in this draft but he doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. He is a third-year junior and has dominated college football since his freshman year. Has 213 career receptions and 25 touchdowns. He is the rare complete package coming out of college because of the offensive system he played in at USC. JuJu is able to get separation on both long and short routes, competes in traffic and wins jump balls. He can adjust to the ball and consistently makes the difficult catch. After the catch, he is like a running back with his elusiveness and strength. Some have compared him to Dez Bryant because of his physical style

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of play. Will eventually become a club’s No. 1 wide receiver.

6 JONES ZAY

•••

EAST CAROLINA

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-21/8 | WT: 201 | 40: 4.45 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.7 | RD 2

STRONG POINTS • Very good production (399 career receptions). Has been a starter since midway through his freshman year. Very good hands and shows very good ability to track the ball. Good route runner, can uncover versus zone and man. Excellent at finding the open area in zone. Had an outstanding week at the Senior Bowl and followed that up with an excellent Combine performance. WEAK POINTS • Long strider who does not play as fast as timed speed. Plays more like a 4.55 type. Small hands (9”). Does not do a lot after the catch. Has some concentration drops. THE WAY WE SEE IT • While Zay had an outstanding career, it has been what he has done since the season ended that has helped his draft status. He was the best receiver at the Senior Bowl and then had a great Combine running 4.45, an 11’1” long jump and a 36.5” vertical. Jones is tall and long and finds a way to get open especially versus zone. With his height and length he is able to create mismatch problems. He is sure-handed and will compete for the ball in traffic. I wasn’t as high on him with my first look, but after watching more tape he reminds me of Alshon Jeffery. Has similar height and length, just not quite as thick. He timed better than Jeffery. Jones can come in and start as a rookie and possibly develop into a No. 1 receiver in time.

jumping very well. His agility drill times did not match up to his 40 time but were still good. He has had 128 receptions the last two seasons and 16 touchdowns. He is big, strong and physical and his blocking ability will help the run game. There is no doubting his hands and talent, just his play speed but the bottom line is the time he ran will get him drafted earlier than people thought going into the Combine. His overall play style will get him on the field early and he can ascend to a No. 2 receiver for most clubs.

11WESTBROOK DEDE

OKLAHOMA

YR: SENIOR HT: 5-11 | WT: 176 | 40: 4.40 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.6 | RD 2-3

STRONG POINTS • Productive, excellent athlete with change of direction, flexibility and body control. Very explosive with great speed. Home run hitter. Very good after the catch. Tough and will compete in traffic. Very quick in and out of cuts to get separation. Can return kicks. WEAK POINTS • In games viewed, he only lined up on the right side. Plays in a simple spread offense with a limited route tree. Slight frame and small hands. Will have some drops. Not much of a blocker. Can be re-routed by physical corners. Has had some off field issues that need to be addressed. THE WAY WE SEE IT • A similar style player to Will Fuller last year. He’s a former Junior College transfer who came on in 2016. Tall and

•••

7 GODWIN CHRIS

PENN STATE

YR: JUNIOR HT: 6-1 | WT: 209 | 40: 4.42 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.7 | RD 2

STRONG POINTS • Has the size and length teams love. Not only does he have size but he is very strong for the position and one of the better WR blockers in this draft. Has very good hands and can make the difficult catch as well as compete in traffic. Good runner after the catch. Best as a short to medium range receiver while in school. WEAK POINTS • Does not play to timed speed, plays more like a 4.52 type than a 4.42 player. Doesn’t consistently gain separation. Will have some concentration drops. Not the deep threat you would think he would be. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Was one of the stars of the Combine, running a 4.42 and

•••

Zay Jones

16 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

very thin with small hands but very fast and athletic. Instant home run threat in the college game. Get him in the open field and he’s gone. Like Fuller, he will struggle versus physical man coverage at the NFL level and will have some drops that you have to live with. Coming from the Oklahoma offense, he will need to develop his route running skills. A specialist early on who can be a good complementary receiver after he develops his game. Can return kicks.

•••

13HENDERSON CARLOS

LOUISIANA TECH

YR: REDSHIRT JUNIOR HT: 5-11 | WT: 199 | 40: 4.46 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.6 |

RD 3

STRONG POINTS • Big-play guy with speed. Outstanding kickoff returner. Plays to timed speed. Came on strong and had a great 2016. Plays bigger than he measures. Very good after the catch and can turn a short catch into a long gain. Good hands and adjusts to the ball well. WEAK POINTS • Not as tall as many clubs want at the WR position. Before 2016, his reception production was average. While he gets open versus lower level corners, he needs to improve his overall route running skills. THE WAY WE SEE IT • A fourth-year junior entering the draft. Had a very strong 2016 with 82 receptions for 1,535 yards and 19 TDs. Really a one-year wonder in that he was more of a role player early in his career. Has adequate height with long arms. Very good athlete who can get out of cuts quickly to create separation. Can

beat an opponent short or deep. Plays to timed speed. He is one of the better kickoff returners in the draft. Will come in as a No. 4 and ascend to a 2 or 3 while also being the primary kick returner. Interesting guy with upside.

•••

15HANSEN CHAD

CALIFORNIA

YR: REDSHIRT JUNIOR HT: 6-17/8 | WT: 202 | 40: 4.53 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.5 | RD 4

STRONG POINTS • Very good size and very productive (92 receptions in ’16). Has length that allows him to play taller than he measures. Shows a good release, can get past jam and is a good route runner. Gets separation at the top of his routes with his burst and quick cutting ability. Has excellent hands and can adjust to the ball in the air. Strong runner after the catch with good run instincts. Good blocker. WEAK POINTS • Didn’t run or test quite as well as anticipated at the Combine. Had a very limited route tree in the Cal offense. Always lined up on the right side. One-year starter at the major college level. THE WAY WE SEE IT • A fourth-year junior entering the draft. Began his career at Idaho State but transferred to Cal after his freshman year. Became Cal’s go-to receiver in 2016. Missed two games with an ankle injury. Hansen is talented with play speed, great hands and explosiveness. He is a good route runner who competes for the ball in traffic. Exciting runner after the catch. Wide receivers coming from spread offenses can be difficult to evaluate because of the limited route trees they run. Hansen will need some time to adjust to NFL play but he has the talent to eventually become a No. 2 receiver in the league. His timed speed will get him drafted lower than his talent level.

16KUPP COOPER

•••

EASTERN WASHINGTON

YR: REDSHIRT SENIOR HT: 6-15/8 | WT: 204 | 40: 4.62 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.5 | RD 4

STRONG POINTS • Dominated FCS level of competition the past three years. Has very good size and strength. Good athlete who is more quick than fast. Has very good hands, a large receiving radius and can make the difficult catch. Very good competing for the ball in traffic. Good runner after the catch. Willing blocker. Can return kicks. WEAK POINTS • Ran much slower than expected at the Combine (4.62). Played against a low level of competition. Played

Cooper Kupp

mostly inside and had a limited route tree at Eastern Washington. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Kupp was the talk of the Senior Bowl and people were saying he could go as high as the second round. That talk ended at the Combine when he ran poorly. As good and productive as Kupp is, wide receiver is a stop watch driven position when it comes to the draft. The way he played at Eastern Washington and the Senior Bowl shows that Kupp has an NFL future, he just won’t get drafted as high as some anticipated. While I still see Kupp as a starting NFL slot receiver, I now doubt he gets drafted before the fourth round. Had to really redeem himself at the Eastern Washington Pro Day.

•••

18DAVIS ROBERT

•••

GEORGIA STATE

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-25/8 | WT: 218 | 40: 4.44 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

17 GIBSON SHELTON

he was, he still is a big-play threat with his quickness and burst. Lacks the size to play outside on a consistent basis and will make his living in the NFL playing in the slot. If he can return kicks, it’s an added bonus. Will not be the deep threat in the NFL that he was in college. Has a chance to become an eventual starter in the slot after he learns and adjusts to an NFL route tree.

B | 6.4 | RD 4

WEST VIRGINIA

YR: REDSHIRT JUNIOR HT: 5-103/4 | WT: 191 | 40: 4.50 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.5 | RD 4

STRONG POINTS • Plays much faster than timed speed. Scouts thought he would run in the 4.3’s at Indy. Consistent big play producer while at West Virginia. Tracks the ball well and for the most part has good hands. Very quick and gets in and out of cuts quickly to consistently get separation. Good deep threat. Makes some very acrobatic catches. Good run after catch. WEAK POINTS • Short, small hands (8 7/8 inches). Combine workout was not nearly as good as anticipated. Has some drops. Plays in an offense with a very limited route tree. Not a top route runner. Not as competitive in traffic as scouts would like. THE WAY WE SEE IT • A lot was expected from Shelton at the Combine and he disappointed. While not the athlete people thought

STRONG POINTS • Excellent size. Very productive college career with 227 receptions and 17 touchdowns. Really stood out at the Combine, showing speed, strength, explosion and excellent change of direction. Can snatch the ball. Competes in traffic. Strong runner after the catch. Uses his size effectively. Good downfield blocker to help the run game. Makes some very acrobatic catches. WEAK POINTS • Raw, does not have a sophisticated route tree nor does he make many sight adjustments. Will have some concentration drops and has also had a few fumbles. Played at a lower level of competition. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Davis is very raw and it will take some time for him to develop but his combination of size, speed and athleticism is too strong to overlook. Going to have to adjust to the complexities of an NFL offense and coaches have to be patient but the upside is this kid could be really good in a few years. Because of his natural traits, I doubt he gets past the fourth round. He may never become a starter, yet he has too much

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| 17

natural talent not to get a very long look.

19FORD ISAIAH

•••

VIRGINIA TECH

YR: JUNIOR HT: 6-1 | WT: 194 | 40: 4.62

on the come in 2015, then he suffered a knee injury in the Michigan Bowl game and his 2016 wasn’t nearly as good. Had a very strong Combine to show that he may be all the way back. While he may never be a starter, he can be a matchup reserve who can give a team quality reps. His medical will have a lot to do with where he gets drafted. A Day 3 selection with upside if he is healthy.

GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.4 | RD 4-5

STRONG POINTS • Adequate WR size. A three-year starter at Virginia Tech. Has a good release and good route quickness. Shows good to very good overall athleticism and overall body control. Play speed is faster than timed speed. Shows he is able to get separation on both long and short routes. Tracks the ball well and has been a consistent playmaker. WEAK POINTS • Timed speed. Needs to add strength to fight off jam by strong corners. Can get redirected by corners. Not a blocker. Too many double catches or drops. Doesn’t always catch the ball cleanly. Plays like a small hand guy but hand size is OK. Limited route tree at Virginia Tech. THE WAY WE SEE IT • A tall and lean WR who needs to add strength. He is a good athlete with play speed but raw. At Virginia Tech, the route tree is limited, so he will need work in perfecting his routes. While he is productive, he has too many drops and/or double catches. Does he have poor hands or is it concentration? Either way, it has to improve. Shows he can be dangerous after the catch with his quickness. His 40 time at Indy was disappointing, add that to his other weak points and he will be drafted much later than originally expected. Doubt he becomes more than a No. 4 receiver in the league unless he shows drastic improvement.

•••

22CHESSON JEHU

MICHIGAN

YR: REDSHIRT SENIOR HT: 6-15/8 | WT: 204 | 40: 4.47 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.4 | RD 4-5

STRONG POINTS • Size, very good athlete, two-year starter. Good hands with a large receiving radius. Tough and physical. Will go inside and compete in traffic and win. Uses his size well to win jump balls. Good route runner especially versus zone. Good runner after the catch. Good downfield blocker. WEAK POINTS • Suffered a knee injury late in the 2015 season (Bowl game) and recovery was longer than usual. Was really mid-season before he regained pre-injury form. Does not always play to timed speed. Not see the quickness and explosion in 2016 that we saw in 2015. Needs to improve his run after catch skills. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Looked like a player

•••

21MALONE JOSH

TENNESSEE

YR: JUNIOR HT: 6-23/4 | WT: 208 | 40: 4.40 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

C | 6.4 | RD 6

STRONG POINTS • Two and a half year starter. Improved every year. Excellent timed speed. Good hands. Good route runner, can get out of cuts quickly. Good blocker for the position. Competes for the ball in traffic. Tall with length, good hand size. WEAK POINTS • Does not play to timed speed, looks more like a 4.50 type. More of an underneath receiver, not used much deep. While he is fast, he isn’t explosive. Just average run after catch. Route tree is limited in Tennessee offense. THE WAY WE SEE IT • A third-year junior entering the draft. Has been a starter since midway through his freshman year. Has real good height and length but a lean frame and needs to add strength in his upper body. Had a very fast time at the Combine (4.40) but doesn’t play that fast. Looks more like a 4.50 guy. The rest of his workout was average for a receiver and he isn’t explosive. Runs a limited route tree but can get out of cuts quickly. Used more short than long and is effective as a short receiver. Gets what he can after the catch but not very strong or elusive. Overall, looks like a backup type. Don’t see eventual starter potential at this time but size and speed get him drafted on Day 3.

•••

20ROBINETTE JALEN

AIR FORCE

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-27/8 | WT: 220 | 40: 4.62 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

C | 6.4 | RD 6

STRONG POINTS • Has great size and huge hands (10¾ inches). Very good athlete with good play speed. Strong physique. Can snatch the ball. Strong runner after the catch. Has done some return work in the past. Good blocker. Is able to get deep. Adjusts to the ball well. Played well in All-Star games. WEAK POINTS • Did not test well at Combine and ran much slower than anticipated. Ran a very limited route tree at Air Force and doesn’t know the intricacies of NFL route run-

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ning. What is his Air Force commitment? THE WAY WE SEE IT • Got a nice “bump” coming out of the All-Star games, but that went away after an average showing at the Scouting Combine. Played in a run option offense that threw the ball very little. In fact, it was because the offense was so run-oriented that Robinette was able to get so wide open. Robinette is a physical receiver with some strong traits but is very raw. Will most likely need a year on the practice squad to develop his route-running skills. Some clubs are hoping he can bulk up and play as a “move” tight end, a position that may be more close to his skill set because of his physical style of play.

•••

24SCOTT ARTAVIS

CLEMSON

YR: JUNIOR HT: 5-101/8 | WT: 193 | 40: 4.56* GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

C | 6.4 | RD 6 * — Pro Day time

STRONG POINTS • Explosive athlete who is quicker than fast and plays faster than he times. Well built and thick with good play strength. Has a quick release and does a good job avoiding or fighting through jam. Is a strong runner after the catch with good run instincts. Good kickoff returner and one of the better blocking receivers in this draft. WEAK POINTS • Ran only 4.61 in Indianapolis and then came back to run 4.56 at his Pro Day. Has too many drops and is raw as a route runner. Limited route tree. Small receiving radius. Has some body catches. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Scott’s main value will be as a returner. He lacks the size, speed, hands and route running skills to be a receiver in the rotation. Because of his aggressive style of play he can be a top coverage guy on special teams. Has to develop his route-running skills and hands in order to get much time as a receiver. Can be used on occasional reverses and bubble screens because of his run skills. No more than a fifth receiver but he will dress on Sunday because of his return and special teams traits.

TIGHT ENDS

2 ENGRAM EVAN

MISSISSIPPI

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-33/8 | WT: 236 | 40: 4.42 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.8 |

RD 1

STRONG POINTS • Four-year starter and very productive. Has the athleticism of a big wide receiver. Very good body control and flexibility, can get in and out of cuts quickly. Sure hands, can snatch the ball. Very good runner

guy. Lacks a top burst. Tore his ACL in the bowl game and may not be ready for training camp. THE WAY WE SEE IT • A productive twoand-a-half year starter for Michigan. Versatile in that he can line up as a Y, split out, in the slot or on the wing. Competitive and tough, but he needs to get a little bigger and stronger so that he can be a good blocker at the next level. He is very reliable as a receiver, runs good routes and has very good hands. Good runner after the catch. More of a short-to-mid-range receiver. Will start off as a move tight end in the NFL but if he adds some bulk and strength he will be fine for the Y position. WIll get drafted later than he deserves because of knee injury.

•••

6 SPRINKLE JEREMY

ARKANSAS

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-47/8 | WT: 253 | 40: 4.69 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.6 | RD 3-4

STRONG POINTS • Ran much better than expected at both the Combine and the Arkansas Pro Day. Already has very good size and has growth potential to 260-plus. Strong run and pass blocker. Can block in-line or on the move. Adequate route runner with good hands. While he isn’t elusive, he shows strength as a runner. Competes for the ball in traffic. WEAK POINTS • Not a deep threat. Doesn’t consistently get separation coming out of cuts. Not utilized in the Arkansas offense the way he could be. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Sprinkle is a throwback tight end in that he is a blocker first and can really help the run game from the “Y” position. Showed at the Combine that he is a good athlete for his size and can play in space. At Arkansas, he was mainly used in-line as a “Y” and rarely flexed out. Has the speed and athleticism to do either. Because of his strong blocking skills, he will more than likely be primarily a “Y” and those guys are hard to find in today’s college game. He might not get drafted as high as some of the other “move” tight ends in this draft but he will be in the lineup right away because of his blocking skills. Clubs who have a run first attitude will rate him high.

Evan Engram

after the catch. Very good speed for a tight end. Willing blocker. Works to get open versus man and zone. Effective short and deep. Great Combine performance. WEAK POINTS • Needs to get bigger and stronger, especially in the lower body. Narrow frame and does not have a lot of growth potential. While he is a willing blocker, he can get stalemated when blocking in-line. Plays in a simple spread offense, not a very large route tree. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Very productive fouryear stater for Ole Miss. Going into bowl season he has 162 career catches for a 14.3-yard average and 15 touchdowns. Used mostly as a move tight end, in the slot, split out and on the wing. Seldom lines up in tight. While he is a willing blocker, he lacks size and bulk to be effective as a Y at the next level. Is much better when blocking on the move. Can get open and has very reliable hands. Strong runner after the catch showing speed and moves. Should be able to play right away as a move guy in the NFL. Needs to get bigger and stronger but can become an effective weapon if used correctly. Some teams

may use him as a big wide receiver.

5 BUTT JAKE

•••

MICHIGAN

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-53/4 | WT: 250 | 40: 4.70 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.6 |

STRONG POINTS • Adequate size. Is able to line up in a variety of ways (in tight, wing, slot, split out). Good release with good route quickness. Runs good patterns and shows the ability to get separation coming out of cuts. Has very good hands and a large receiving radius. Good runner after the catch. Starter since midway through his sophomore year. Willing blocker for both run and pass. Tough and competitive. WEAK POINTS • Needs to add strength and bulk for the next level. While he is a willing blocker, he isn’t able to consistently get movement and can get stalemated. A bit of a one-speed

•••

8 LEGGETT JORDAN

RD 3

CLEMSON

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-51/2 | WT: 260 | 40: 4.77* GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.5 | RD 4 * — Pro Day time

STRONG POINTS • Has very good tight end size. Shows good athleticism and body control. Adequate speed for the position. Has good hands and can extend. Will compete in traffic. Shows strength after the catch to get

| 19 19

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yardage. Willing blocker, but is better on the move than in-line. WEAK POINTS • Needs to get stronger in order to be a productive blocker at the NFL level. Not a good in-line blocker at this time. Has just adequate speed. Don’t see a top burst coming out of cuts. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Productive 2½-year starter for Clemson. Has size and good to very good hands. Needs to get stronger and more explosive. Just an average blocker at this time. He is better on the move than blocking in-line. He is used in-tight, flexed out, on the wing and split. Runs good routes and can find the open seam in zone. Doesn’t have great route quickness and is inconsistent at getting separation. He can improve on some of these things with added strength. Mid-round guy who has a chance to become an eventual starter.

9 KITTLE GEORGE

•••

IOWA

a very low level of competition. Good athlete with good change of direction and overall body control. Can uncover versus zone and man. Sure hands, can adjust to the poor throw. Strong runner after the catch. Willing blocker, strong. WEAK POINTS • Played at a very low level of comp. Raw as far as route running and blocking technique. How will he fare when he goes against the big boys? THE WAY WE SEE IT • Very interesting Division II prospect. Has great size and was often the biggest player on the field while at Ashland. Shows speed and athleticism as well as good hands and the ability to adjust to the poorly thrown ball. Very raw, lacks technique as a blocker and a route runner. Gets by on his very good athleticism and size. While he has great upside he is not quite ready for prime time. Will get drafted because of his traits not his tape. Few tight ends have his combination of size, speed and strength. Can be a role player as a rookie and might be ready to breakout in his second year.

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-33/4 | WT: 247 | 40: 4.52 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.5 | RD 4

STRONG POINTS • Speed, athleticism, explosiveness, willing blocker. Has growth potential to 255. Plays strong. Very willing as a blocker. Shows good route quickness and has a good release. Can get deep with his speed. Good run skills after the catch. WEAK POINTS • 2016 was his first year as a full-time starter. Part-time starter in 2015. Reception production is average for a tight end. Played with a lower body injury the second half of the season and that affected his production. While he is a willing blocker he does not consistently get movement. Is better on the move than in line. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Only caught 22 passes for 314 yards and four touchdowns in 2016 but he is a better prospect than his numbers would indicate. Played with a lower leg injury for most of the second half of the season. Kittle is a very good athlete with speed. He has good hands and does a good job getting open. While he is a willing blocker, at his current size he is best suited to play as a move tight end. Needs to get a little bigger and stronger to hold up at the Y position. See him as a solid midround type with a chance to be a starter in a two-tight end offense.

•••

11SHAHEEN ADAM

ASHLAND COLLEGE

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-61/2 | WT: 278 | 40: 4.79 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.4 | RD 5

STRONG POINTS • Size, speed, dominated

•••

14TONYAN ROBERT

INDIANA STATE

YR: REDSHIRT SENIOR HT: 6-47/8 | WT: 231 | 40: 4.59 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

C | 6.4 | RD 6-7

STRONG POINTS • Height, speed, overall athleticism. Can get out of cuts quickly and has a short burst to gain separation. Big hands, catches the ball well and can adjust to the ball. Has only been a receiver for three seasons so there is a lot of upside. Dominated lower level of competition. WEAK POINTS • Originally enrolled as a quarterback. Moved to receiver his second year. Very raw. Too heavy for wide receiver, does not have the blocking experience for tight end. Will need to get bigger and stronger to be able to block effectively. Played at a low level of competition. Raw and needs to improve his route running. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Interesting, late-blooming prospect. Went to Indiana State as a quarterback then was moved to wide receiver his second year and kept improving. While he wasn’t on the radar of many NFL clubs, he went to a regional Combine and put up very good numbers. Has speed and quickness and can get some separation coming out of cuts. Has good play speed, good hands and adjusts to the ball very well. Played in the slot and outside in college but will most likely be a move tight end in the NFL. Needs to get bigger and stronger to help with the blocking game as well as learn blocking techniques. A Day Three prospect who may need a year on the practice squad but the traits are there for him to develop and contribute.

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15BROWN PHARAOH

OREGON

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-6 | WT: 255 | 40: 4.80 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

C | 6.3 | RD 6-7

STRONG POINTS • Great size with bulk and length. Strong player. Has experience playing in tight and flexed out. Knows how to use his size to his advantage. Good short route runner who does a good job finding the open areas in zone. Shows he can snatch the ball and has very big hands. Willing as a blocker. WEAK POINTS • Suffered a severe leg injury near the end of the 2014 season that required multiple surgeries and caused him to miss all of 2015. Not the blocker he should be given his size and strength. Lacks concentration as a receiver and drops too many balls. Has some character concerns that need to be addressed. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Before the injury in late 2014, he looked as if he could be a top tight end prospect. While he was able to come back and play in 2016, he didn’t look nearly as good, explosive or athletic. His medical will have a lot to say as to where he gets drafted as well as his character check. If he can make it all the way back to his 2014 form, he has a chance to be a starting tight end in the league. He could just as easily not get drafted because of the medical and character concerns. A real question mark for the draft.

OFFENSIVE TACKLES

2 RAMCZYK RYAN

WISCONSIN

YR: REDSHIRT JUNIOR HT: 6-6 | WT: 310 | 40: 5.17 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.8 |

RD 1

STRONG POINTS • Good size, strength and power. Good to very good athlete who stays on his feet. Moves and runs well, has quick feet and good to very good lateral agility. Shows he can get out in space and adjust on the move. Has the strength and power to turn and seal his opponent. Very efficient pass blocker who can set, mirror, recover and anchor. Well coached. WEAK POINTS • Just a one-year starter at the major college level. Was formerly a Division III player. Had postseason hip surgery for a torn hip labrum. The result of his medical will have a lot to say with where he gets drafted. THE WAY WE SEE IT • When I originally viewed tape on Ramczyk, I felt he may have short arms and would have to move inside to guard. That proved not to be the case as his arms measured 33 3/4 inches at the Combine. Ramczyk is very interesting in that he was a

improve his footwork and hand use in the run game. Overall, a talented player who needs some development. Start him off at right tackle but may end up at guard. Should start by Year 2 and can start as a rookie in the right situation.

•••

9 WHEELER CHAD

USC

YR: REDSHIRT SENIOR HT: 6-63/4 | WT: 306 | 40: 5.48 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.5 | RD 3-4

Ryan Ramczyk

D-3 player who transferred up to D-I and performed very well. Not many have ever done that, especially on the O-line. Ramczyk is a strong and efficient player who doesn’t make mistakes. I still question if he has the range to play on the left side in the NFL but he can, at worst, be a very capable right tackle. Being he has only played one year at a high level of competition, he still has a lot of upside. Will be one of the first tackles drafted.

•••

3 BOLLES

consistent bender. Can get tall and he lacks top lower body strength. He is a very aggressive player who gets after his opponents. Grades well because of his tenacity and competitive nature. I worry about his narrow frame as those types never play strong. Bolles will go high because of his athleticism and it’s a very weak tackle class. He will probably go in the first and become an adequate starter in the league, but in any of the three previous drafts he would have been a second-rounder. Might not live up to expectations and age is a big concern.

GARETT

YR: JUNIOR HT: 6-5 | WT: 297 | 40: 4.95 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.8 |

6 MOTON TAYLOR

UTAH

RD 1

STRONG POINTS • Height and length. Very aggressive and competitive kid who plays with a nasty disposition. Gets after people in both the run and pass game. Very athletic with quick feet and better than adequate bend. Can move quickly laterally and recover back in the opposite direction. Always looks to finish blocks. Strong Combine workout from an athletic point of view. WEAK POINTS • Age. Will be a 25-yearold rookie. Has a very narrow frame and a little butt, lacks growth potential. A junior college transfer who has played only one year of major college football. Has only played tackle a few years. Lacks lower body strength and power. Did not lift at the Combine. THE WAY WE SEE IT • A third-year junior entering the draft. Bolles was a defensive tackle in high school and has only played offensive tackle since he has been in college (three years). Very good movement skills but not a

•••

WESTERN MICHIGAN

STRONG POINTS • Four-year starter at left tackle. Strong on contact, shows some pop. Looks athletic with quick feet. Able to pull and make a productive block in space. Good hand use, stays on his feet. Shows he can mirror in pass protection. Plays with bend. WEAK POINTS • Had a poor Combine, showing lack of strength (15 reps on the bench press), explosion (20-inch vertical jump) and quickness (5.01 short shuttle). Lacks a big, thick frame and might not get bigger than 310. Lacks functional strength and can give ground to explosive bull rushers. THE WAY WE SEE IT • I like what I see on tape but the bottom line is he plays better than he tests. He lacks ideal size, strength, explosiveness and athleticism to be a winning player in the NFL. On tape, he is steady and alert, shows some athleticism and plays with bend. He is well coached and knows how to get and keep good positioning. While he plays well against college-level talent, I am beginning to feel that won’t happen in the NFL. My original grade was too high. I had him in the second round coming out of the season but now I feel like he is more of a fourth-rounder who needs development. Might not have the natural traits to be more than an adequate backup.

•••

YR: REDSHIRT SENIOR HT: 6-5 | WT: 330 | 40: 5.18

14ELUEMUNOR JERMAINE

GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.6 | RD 2

STRONG POINTS • Four-year starter and a very good MAC-level player. Very good size with strength and power. Can anchor in pass pro. Quick set, can use his hands in pass game, mirror, slide and recover. Shows he is able to get movement in the run game. Can get to second level. Stays on his feet. WEAK POINTS • Plays at a lower level of competition. In the run game, he tends to stop and then restart his feet on contact. Can bend at the waist at times. Has not played left tackle. Needs better hand use in run game. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Fifth-year senior and a four-year starter. Has played mostly right tackle but did play right guard in 2015. Has great size but may be better off at between 315 and 320 pounds. Thick build with long arms. Effective pass blocker who can anchor and mirror against MAC-level opponents. Needs to

TEXAS A&M

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-37/8 | WT: 332 | 40: 5.22 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.4 | RD 4-5

STRONG POINTS • Exceptional size and has good athleticism to go along with that size. Very strong (34 bench-press reps). Has versatility in that he has played and started at both guard and tackle. Strong run blocker who can get movement. Able to get to second level. Shows very good anchor in pass pro. Adequate mirror ability. Has a lot of upside. WEAK POINTS • Grew up in England and didn’t start playing football until he came to U.S. in high school. Raw technique-wise. One year as a full-time starter at the major college level. Not as quick reacting or instinctive as you’d like be-

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cause he came to the game so late. THE WAY WE SEE IT • One of the more interesting guys in the draft. Has some natural traits that many players would love to have. Has not played the game that long and is still developing. Went to a junior college because he was so raw and then redshirted his first year at A&M. Didn’t become a starter until 2016. Played well but still needs a lot of work on technique and positioning. Started games at right guard and tackle. Could play either in the NFL but may be better off inside. Might need a year on the practice squad but well worth a Day 3 selection because of the natural traits. Team that drafts him could hit big.

•••

20COLLINS AVIANTE

TCU

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-41/8 | WT: 295 | 40: 4.81 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

C | 6.4 | RD 6

STRONG POINTS • Very athletic with rare speed for an offensive lineman. Quick laterally and recovers back to the inside easily. No problem getting to the second level. Does a good job adjusting on the move to hit a moving target. Has upside if he can get big enough. WEAK POINTS • Lacks desired natural size. Is narrow in the hips and lacks girth. Though he is weight-room strong, it doesn’t always carry over to the field. Needs to improve footwork and hand placement. THE WAY WE SEE IT • A fifth-year senior, he enrolled in 2012 but missed most of 2015 with an injury and was redshirted. He is very athletic with speed and strength (34 benchpress reps) but lacks size. Does not have the frame that will carry more than about 305-308 pounds. He is a bit raw but plays a competitive, aggressive game. Has to learn how to do a better job with his hands and keep good position. Will be a Day 3 selection and he may need a year on the practice squad to develop physically. Has some very good traits but size isn’t one of them.

•••

21 BRADEN BEN

MICHIGAN

YR: REDSHIRT SENIOR HT: 6-61/2 | WT: 329 | 40: 5.04 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

C | 6.4 | RD 6

STRONG POINTS • Excellent size and length. Good weight room strength. Tested well at the Combine. Has played both guard and tackle. Started 36 games at Michigan. Strong upper body and quick hands, keeps his hands inside. Tries to be physical. WEAK POINTS • Looks like an average ath-

Forrest Lamp

lete on tape. Can get over-extended and fall off his block. Doesn’t play with good bend and that causes him to give ground at times in pass pro. Not a space player. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Three-year starter at Michigan with starts at both guard and tackle. Has size and length and tested well but looks tight on tape. More strong than explosive. Gets off the ball quickly, shows some pop on contact and tries to be physical in the run game. Is best in-line but can have trouble making productive blocks at the second level. Can set quickly in pass pro and has a good punch but he is not a natural bender and can give ground versus bull rushes. Looks like a late-round backup with versatility but doubt he can ever be a starter. Should be able to play either guard spot and perhaps right tackle.

OFFENSIVE GUARDS

1 LAMP FORREST

YR: REDSHIRT SENIOR HT: 6-35/8 | WT: 309 | 40: 5.00 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

RD 1

STRONG POINTS • Four-year starter. Plays with both strength and power. Can naturally roll his hips on contact and gets movement with run blocks. Good hand use for both run and pass blocking. Can set quickly in pass pro, punch and mirror. Good bender and anchors well. Has the athleticism to play in space and adjust on the move. Had a strong Senior Bowl and Combine. WEAK POINTS • Played tackle in college and will move inside once he gets to the NFL.

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•••

3 JOHNSON DORIAN

PITTSBURGH

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-5 | WT: 300 | 40: 5.27 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

WESTERN KENTUCKY

A | 6.8 |

His arms are too short for a tackle (32.5 inches). Played in a weaker conference. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Forrest is a fifth-year senior and a four-year starter at Western Kentucky. Has played left tackle most of his career. Played in a weaker FBS conference but always played well when up against top competition (see: Alabama 2016). He is a fundamentally-sound player with size, strength and athleticism. Has shown the ability to dominate at the college level. Because of arm length and marginal tackle height, he will move inside to guard at the next level. Should start right away as a rookie and will become a very good NFL player.

A | 6.6 | RD 2

STRONG POINTS • Three-year starter at left guard, but has also played a little tackle. Very good height and length (35.25-inch arms). Consistently plays a physical game and always looks to finish. Good with combo blocks and getting out to linebackers. Consistent pass blocker, bends his knees and can anchor. Reliable with short pulls and traps. Can adjust to a moving target. WEAK POINTS • Agility drills at the Combine were average. Not as effective on the longer pulls. Occasionally will have trouble with combination moves. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Fourth-year senior who has been a starter since late in his freshman year. Most of his starts are at left guard but

he has played some at tackle. He has very good size and the frame to carry 310-plus. His long arms are an added bonus. Shows strength and explosiveness on contact when run blocking and can get some movement. He’s a physical player who always looks to finish and is a consistent competitor play after play. Has good enough athleticism to play in space. Very consistent as a pass blocker and can mirror and anchor. With his height and length, he may also be able to play right tackle. Will get drafted in the second round and can be a plug-and-play-type player.

•••

8 MAMA DAMIEN

quate arm length. Tested out as an average athlete at the Combine but does have some explosion. Has a tendency to get tall but that can be coached out of him. Raw technique and hand use. THE WAY WE SEE IT • The Division II Pennsylvania league that he plays in has a history of placing linemen in the NFL so you can’t count this player out. He has the required strength and bulk needed to compete. While he dominates at a lower level of competition, he has a long way to go. Will most likely be a late-round selection and then spend a year on the practice squad to develop. Has the skill set to be a combo guard/center if he develops as expected.

CENTERS

USC

YR: JUNIOR HT: 6-31/2 | WT: 334 | 40: 5.84 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.5 | RD 4

STRONG POINTS • Huge man with natural strength and power. Looks athletic for his size. Stays on his feet and flashes the ability to play in space. When he latches on to his opponent, it’s all over. Consistently good run and pass blocker. WEAK POINTS • While he looks like an adequate athlete, he tested poorly at the Combine. Poor speed and marginal change of direction quickness. Is too heavy at 330-plus. Needs to get into the 320s. Doesn’t consistently get and keep good positioning and, when he doesn’t, he can have a tendency to turn his shoulders. THE WAY WE SEE IT • A true junior entering the draft. Had some starts as a freshman and has started every game the past two seasons. He is a very powerful man and, when he gets good positioning, will consistently get movement with his run blocks. While not quick or fast, he takes good angles to the second level and gets production. In pass pro, he can’t and won’t be bull rushed. Once he gets his hands on his opponent, he wins. Has to improve his setup quickness. I like this player’s tape but the facts are he tests out poorly as an athlete and that will get him drafted later than he deserves. I still feel he will be an eventual starter in the league.

DEFENSIVE TACKLES

1 ALLEN JONATHAN

1 POCIC ETHAN

ALABAMA

YR: JUNIOR HT: 6-25/8 | WT: 286 | 40: 5.00

LSU

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-6 | WT: 310 | 40: 5.15

GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 7.1 |

GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.6 |

starts have come at center but he has also started at tackle and can easily play guard. While he is tall for a center, his tape is good and he is productive. Shows he can bend and get under his opponent but he will get tall at times. Flashes power but is more of a finesse player. Is able to play in tight quarters or in space. Very smart and alert player. Makes all the line calls and is good picking up stunts and blitzes. Like many college O-linemen, he needs to get a little stronger. His versatility is a plus and he should be a starter early in his career. May never be a Pro Bowltype, but the kind of player a club can win with.

RD 3

STRONG POINTS • Has been a three-year starter, mostly at center, but has also started some games at tackle. Has good length. Plays with strength, has some pop and can be physical. Has been used to pull with good results. Versatile, most likely can play anywhere along the front. Had a good Senior Bowl and a strong Combine. WEAK POINTS • While he has bend, he does get tall at times and then widens his base to get low. Will get stalemated at times when playing versus powerful defensive linemen. THE WAY WE SEE IT • One of the more versatile offensive linemen in the draft. Most of his

RD 1

STRONG POINTS • A dominant inside defensive lineman. Quick off the ball. Has very good hand use and is both strong and powerful. Never gives ground to an opponent. Very instinctive, always in the right place. Good pursuit player, all-out performer and a strong tackler. Excellent interior pass rusher (22.5 sacks the last 2 seasons) with multiple moves. WEAK POINTS • Has had labrum surgery on each shoulder and has mild arthritis. Didn’t measure as big as expected in Indy and, while he had a good workout, it wasn’t special. THE WAY WE SEE IT • With the shoulder information out there, it has to be a concern. Now it’s up to each club’s medical staff as to how high he gets drafted. He might be fine but we don’t

•••

11 COOPER ETHAN

INDIANA (PA.)

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-2 | WT: 322 | 40: 5.36 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.4 | RD 5-6

STRONG POINTS • Dominates in a Division II league as a run and pass blocker. Has good bulk and strength to go along with good balance and adequate quickness. Can be physical, knows how to run his feet and looks to finish blocks. Is able to get to the second level versus D-II competition. WEAK POINTS • A little short with ade-

Jonathan Allen

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know for sure. As a player he is scheme-versatile, can play as a 5-tech in a 3-man front or a 3-tech in a 4-3 scheme. Most of his play has been on the right side but he has played some on the left. Has lined up both inside and outside in pass rush situations. He has been a dominant college player the last two years and is one of the better inside pass rushers we have seen in years. Should be an impact player as a rookie and could be a perennial Pro Bowl player.

•••

6 OGUNJOBI LARRY

CHARLOTTE

YR: REDSHIRT SENIOR HT: 6-25/8 | WT: 305 | 40: 4.97 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.6 | RD 2-3

STRONG POINTS • Thick, strong and explosive. Has good get off, stays low and is able to get penetration on a consistent basis. Has strength and power to go along with strong hands and good hand use. Does a good job getting rid of blockers. Finds the ball and makes plays. While he is more of a bull rusher, he has shown some moves and can close on the QB. Strong Combine workout. WEAK POINTS • Lacks ideal height and arm length. Looks more quick than fast on tape but timed fast at the Combine. Has to learn how to put combination moves together when pass rushing and finish his pass rushes better. THE WAY WE SEE IT • A fifth-year senior and a four-year starter for Charlotte. He has been a very productive player and since the Senior Bowl he’s been on the express elevator going up. With Charlotte being a newer program and Ogunjobi being their best player, he constantly gets double teamed. He is strong at the point and doesn’t give ground. Can and does get penetration and is disruptive versus the run game. He flashes as a pass rusher but needs to perfect his moves and do a better job finishing. Might start out as a two down player, but the traits are there for him to become a solid inside pass rusher. Should be able to play in either a 3-4 or 4-3. Interesting guy to track during the draft process.

•••

7 ADAMS

MONTRAVIUS

AUBURN

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-35/8 | WT: 304 | 40: 4.87 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.6 |

RD 3

STRONG POINTS • Very strong. Can 2-gap an offensive lineman. Handles double teams well. Plays bigger than size. Makes the plays he should make. Can get a push and be disruptive in the run game. Adequate bull pass rusher. Ran much faster than anticipated in Indy. WEAK POINTS • Both on tape and at the Combine, he looks and tests out as an average athlete. More a reactor than an anticipator. Just

average size to play the nose. Keeps his head down too often and loses sight of ball. Not a natural bender, can get tall and then doesn’t keep balance. Plays in spurts. THE WAY WE SEE IT • At the Senior Bowl, he was more consistent and looked like a better player than he did on tape. Played on the nose at Auburn and might not be quick enough or athletic enough to play anything but the nose. That said, I’m sure he will practice some at other D-Line positions. Adams has talent and, if he plays to his talent level, he can be a starter in the league on the nose. He is strong and powerful and plays bigger than he measures. Has the frame to carry 315 without a problem. The right coach will make a difference with him. Right now, I see him as strictly a two-down player. Has to improve his pass rush in order to play more. Senior Bowl and Combine improved his stock a little.

•••

10 JOHNSON JALEEL

IOWA

YR: REDSHIRT SENIOR HT: 6-3 | WT: 316 | 40: 5.38 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.5 | RD 3-4

STRONG POINTS • Good size with long arms. Thick build, plays with strength and power. Instinctive, quick to find the ball and makes plays. Seldom out of position. Well coached and technique sound. Plays equally well versus the run and pass. Shows good interior pass rush ability. Tough and competitive. WEAK POINTS • Workout at Combine was a disappointment. Lacks speed and explosiveness. Agility drills and jumps were below average for the position. Tests out as an overachiever. THE WAY WE SEE IT • A fifth-year senior and a two-year starter. A very good program guy who has improved every year. Plays as a 4-3 DT at Iowa but can play in a 4-3 or 3-4 at the next level. Before the Combine, I thought he might be a 3- or 5-tech depending on scheme. Now, it looks like he is better suited to play on the nose. There is no questioning what he has done on tape, this guy is a good player. Test results, though, will get him drafted lower than originally thought. Some team is going to get a steal in the mid rounds because this kid is a competitive player.

•••

11WALKER CHARLES

OKLAHOMA

YR: REDSHIRT JUNIOR HT: 6-17/8 | WT: 310 | 40: 4.96 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.5 |

RD 3-5

STRONG POINTS • Has good bulk, strength and power. Good hand use, doesn’t stay blocked long. Makes some outstanding

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plays that very few can make. He plays the run well and is a good inside pass rusher. Flashes some special. WEAK POINTS • Only played four games in 2016. Missed games because of a concussion then quit the team to “get ready for the NFL” when he was cleared to play. His Combine workout wasn’t as good as expected. Has been an up and down player. When he wants to play, he’s great. When he doesn’t, he looks average. Can he be trusted not to quit again? THE WAY WE SEE IT • There is no question Walker has very good talent. The questions are about the effects of the concussion and the fact that he quit on his team. The concussions are a medical concern and the doctors will answer those. Quitting doesn’t sit well with coaches, regardless of talent. Each club will have their own opinion. He is a second- to third-round talent based on tape but he may get drafted much later.

•••

12 QUALLS ELIJAH

WASHINGTON

YR: REDSHIRT JUNIOR HT: 6-05/8 | WT: 313 | 40: 5.13 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.4 | RD 4-5

STRONG POINTS • Huge wide body who occupies space and blockers. Runs well for a big man. Shows good initial quickness to get penetration. Very strong and powerful at the point, never gives ground to blockers. Does well versus double teams. WEAK POINTS • Short with very short arms (30 5/8 inches). Not a good pursuit player. During the season, he was too heavy for his frame. He dropped weight for the Combine and worked out well. What will he be in the NFL? THE WAY WE SEE IT • Qualls was a very good college player but it is questionable whether that play can carry over to the NFL. D-line coaches prefer not to have players with short arms and Qualls has very short arms. Still, his tape is impressive. He is quick off the ball and is a disruptive force in the run game. He should be able to play on the nose in either a 3-4 or 4-3 but will only be a two-down player. Has value as a run defender but will never be a pass rusher.

•••

19 JONES JARRON

NOTRE DAME

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-5 | WT: 315 | 40: 5.33 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

C | 6.4 | RD 6-7

STRONG POINTS • Excellent size with long arms and good strength and power. Flashes dominating ability where he is quick off the ball, sheds and makes plays. Has some interior pass rush skills. Good athlete with change of direction and balance, has a burst. Has knocked

down a number of passes and blocked kicks. WEAK POINTS • Missed 2015 with an ACL injury. Does not play hard down after down and game after game. Inconsistent read and react skills. Mild-mannered personality, doesn’t seem like a “tough” guy. Has a tendency to get tall and then is slow to shed. Not a consistent pursuit player. Combine workout was average for a D-lineman. Might lack dedication to the game. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Two-year starter at defensive tackle and nose tackle. Flashes the ability to make plays and has dominated at times but can also look average. If you grade the flashes, he could go high but has too many poor plays. May not have a defensive mentality and might be better off as an offensive tackle. Has the height, length, strength and athleticism to be very good on offense. Workouts and interviews will have a lot to say on where he gets drafted. Will need some time but it could pay off.

EDGE RUSHERS

1 GARRETT MYLES

TEXAS A&M

YR: JUNIOR HT: 6-41/2 | WT: 272 | 40: 4.64 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 7.6 |

RD 1

STRONG POINTS • Has been the dominant edge player in college football the last three seasons. Looks like an exceptional athlete on tape and proved it at the Combine, running 4.64 in the 40, jumping 41 inches in the vertical jump and 10-8 in the long jump. Has very long arms (35¼ inches). Smooth with great flexibility and bend. Strong and explosive (33 reps on the bench press). Knows how to use his hands and set up opponent. Excellent get-off, stays low, can dip under opponent and has a great burst to the QB coming off the blocks. Very good run defender who is quick to find the ball and shed. Easily holds the point. Showed at Combine he can drop and transition. WEAK POINTS • Played a good part of 2016 with an ankle sprain and that hurt his production. Has never played on his feet in game situations (won’t matter if he gets drafted by Cleveland) THE WAY WE SEE IT • Came into the NFL Scouting Combine as the favorite to be the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft. Left Indy solidifying that position. At Texas A&M, he became a starter the day he stepped on the practice field. The same thing will happen in the NFL. We all have to assume the Cleveland Browns will use the top pick to select Garrett. With Gregg Williams taking over the role of defensive coordinator in Cleveland, the Browns will play an attacking 4-3 scheme. Garrett is a perfect fit to play right end in that scheme, as he is an explosive edge rusher with both moves and power. Myles has top instincts and plays the run almost as well as he rushes the passer. There really ar-

Myles Garrett

en’t many weaknesses in his game, other than having to adjust to the speed and power of the NFL game. Garrett has the talent to become a perennial Pro Bowler and it will almost be an upset if he doesn’t.

•••

3 BARNETT DEREK

TENNESSEE

2 THOMAS SOLOMON

YR: JUNIOR HT: 6-3 | WT: 259 | 40: 4.88

STANFORD

GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.9 |

YR: JUNIOR HT: 6-25/8 | WT: 273 | 40: 4.69 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.9 |

is the top 15 as of now. This guy will be an outstanding NFL player.

RD 1

STRONG POINTS • A great competitor who goes all out on every play. He is strong, tough and physical. Uses his hands as well as any defensive lineman in this draft. Plays bigger than size. Very good initial quickness. Able to handle much bigger opponents. WEAK POINTS • Lacks ideal height to play DE in a 4-3 but has good arm length. May be scheme-limited. Still has to prove he can drop into coverage and play OLB in a 3-4. Has some “tweener” to him, meaning he plays like a tackle but has the size of an edge. THE WAY WE SEE IT • If Thomas was 6-3, 290, he may well be a top-8 player as a 3-technique. He can easily play either end in a 4-3 but he lacks ideal height for that position. Still, with his longer arms, he plays bigger than he measures and is a very good player. Has a great combination of speed, athleticism and competitiveness to go along with excellent hand use. Still has to prove he can play on his feet so the 3-4 teams are interested. If that happens, he may still be a top-10 selection. Worst case

RD 1

STRONG POINTS • Adequate size for a 4-3 DE. Plays with strength and power. Very good initial quickness and first step. Dominant edge rusher with moves and counter moves. Can really close on the QB. Good to very good run defender who finds the ball and makes plays. Can shed quickly and is a sure tackler. Flashes the ability to 2-gap. WEAK POINTS • Wish he was a little taller. Arms are a bit short for an edge guy (31 1/8). Didn’t lift at the Combine and his 40 was very average for an outsude guy. Can he play OLB in a 3-4? Did not lift in Indy. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Off his tape, I had Barnett as the No. 2 edge guy in this class. While his tape is excellent, his measurables are not. Did not run as fast as expected, was a bit light and has short arms. The teams that pay close attention to the measurables will drop him a little on their boards. Still, on tape this is a dominant football player. Gave Alabama’s Cam Robinson fits during that matchup. He is a very good edge rusher and plays the run very well. While his 40 time was average, he has an excellent first step, can use his hands and stay low. He is a good fit for a 4-3 as a right end and has to prove he can play on his feet for the 3-4

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teams to have genuine interest.

•••

4 WILLIAMS TIM

ALABAMA

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-27/8 | WT: 244 | 40: 4.68 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.9 |

RD 1

STRONG POINTS • Very good athlete with speed, change of direction, burst, flexibility and body control. Very explosive with a very quick first step. Good arm length for a 3-4 OLB. Outstanding outside pass rusher. Can rush with power or moves. Has a frame to carry 255-plus. Shows the strength to hold the point in the run game. Can stack and shed. Has the ability to drop into coverage and transition. Comes up with big plays at opportune times. WEAK POINTS • Admitted at the Combine that he failed numerous drug tests while at Alabama. At his current size, he is a little light to be able to hold up versus NFL offensive linemen. Has had some off-field issues, including an arrest, that have to be vetted. Has not been used in coverage that often at Alabama. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Throw out the issues, and Williams is a sure top-20 pick. But the fact remains that there are issues and those make Williams a risk/reward pick. This is a very talented player who is one of the top outside pass rushers in this draft. He is very consistent versus the run and has the strength and power to hold up at the point of attack. Will probably get drafted lower than his talent level because of his off-field issues. The team that drafts him has to have a program in place to help keep him in line. That is imperative if Williams is to have a long NFL career. Grade is based on talent not character.

•••

6 McKINLEY TAKKARIST

UCLA

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-2 | WT: 260 | 40: 4.59 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.8 |

RD 1

STRONG POINTS • Very good athlete with great speed, change of direction and overall body control. Is a top competitor who goes all out on every play. Showed very good improvement from 2015 to 2016. Very strong at the point and can 2-gap a tight end or offensive lineman. Doesn’t give ground to blockers. Instinctive. Can be disruptive in the run game with the penetration he gets. Explosive pass rusher who has a variety of moves. Had an excellent Combine workout. WEAK POINTS • As good as he is, he is still raw and needs to learn better hand use. Can be slow to shed at times. Seldom see him used in coverage. Had shoulder surgery after the Combine and will need 4-6 months to recover. THE WAY WE SEE IT • A former junior col-

lege transfer who has only been at UCLA three seasons. A player on the rise but also a bit raw. Has as good a motor as you will find in college football. An all-out aggressive football player. He is strong, tough and physical with very good athleticism. Makes plays more on effort than technique. Needs some work to improve technique but has excellent upside. Teams will have to be OK with his medicals and the fact that he may not be ready for training camp. Showed at the Combine that he can easily drop into coverage and transition. Has good hands. Exciting player to watch.

•••

8 HARRIS CHARLES

MISSOURI

YR: REDSHIRT JUNIOR HT: 6-23/4 | WT: 253 | 40: 4.82 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.7 | RD 1-2

STRONG POINTS • Adequate size. Very good athlete with change of direction and balance. Very quick first step, stays low and has quick hands. Very good edge pass rush ability, has counter moves and shows quick hands. Can close off block to the QB. Quick to find the ball in the run game, can hold the point, shed and make plays. Consistent tackler. Has played on his feet and dropped into coverage. Very good competitor who tries to play a physical game. WEAK POINTS • A bit short and small for a DE. Can get caught inside on run plays and lose contain. While he has a quick first step, ran only 4.82 at the Combine. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Fourth-year junior who is entering the draft. Had a dominant 2016 with 9.0 sacks, 12 tackles for loss and 61 total tackles. Has 18 career sacks. While he can play defensive end in a 4-3 scheme, he looks more like a 3-4 outside linebacker who can rush the passer from a two- or three-point stance. Has the agility to drop into coverage as well as awareness. Will be a first-round prospect and should play and contribute as a rookie.

•••

11 WILLIS JORDAN

KANSAS STATE

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-33/4 | WT: 255 | 40: 4.53

is seldom caught out of position. WEAK POINTS • May lack the bulk to play down as a DE in a 4-3. Doesn’t have a lot of experience dropping into coverage. Looks like a strider at times. THE WAY WE SEE IT • The postseason has taken him from a third-to-fourth-rounder to a solid second-rounder. This is a fun player to watch. A great competitor who makes plays. Top pass rusher (21 sacks last two years) with moves and power. A technique sound player who can use his hands and natural traits to make plays. Has shown he can drop into coverage when needed. Versatile in that both the 4-3 and 3-4 teams will have a lot of interest. Easy Day 2 selection who will play right away as a rookie.

OHIO

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-33/4 | WT: 269 | 40: 4.70 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.6 | RD 2-3

STRONG POINTS • Has all the physical traits an edge player needs in order to be successful in the NFL. Plays with strength and is explosive. Shows he can take on and shed blocks quickly. Has played both up and down during his time at Ohio. Has very good get-off quickness, stays low and can use his hands to disengage. Good chase player. Can drop into coverage, play man or zone and transition. Played well at the Senior Bowl and then had a strong showing at the Combine. WEAK POINTS • Runs well but you don’t see a short area burst. While he shows he can play in coverage, he lacks experience and will need to improve in this area. Not quite a finished product. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Has been a dominant player in the MAC and then followed that up with impressive Senior Bowl and Combine weeks. Has excellent size to play either as an OLB in a 3-4 or DE in a 4-3. He is explosive with very good get off quickness. Shows adequate hand use and is able to use counter moves. Strong bull rusher. Is alert and quick to find the ball in the run game. Has the traits to play in coverage but lacks a lot of experience with it. Has a chance to start as a rookie and should become a solid NFL player by Year 2.

GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.6 | RD 2

STRONG POINTS • Had as good a postseason as a player can have. Had a strong Senior Bowl and followed that up with a great Combine. Has speed, change of direction and explosiveness. Tough, competitive and aggressive. An allout performer on every play. Has very good initial quickness, stays low and can use his hands. Keeps blocker off his body. Has a variety of pass rush moves and can dip his shoulder and get under offensive linemen. Very good production versus good competition. Instinctive player who

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•••

12 BASHAM TARELL

•••

13HENDRICKSON TREY

FLORIDA ATLANTIC

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-37/8 | WT: 266 | 40: 4.65 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.6 |

RD 3

STRONG POINTS • Very quick off the ball, explosive with good hand use. Can put moves together or stay low and bull rush. Has the strength

at the point to hold up versus the run. Good pursuit speed and angles. Strong offseason; very good East-West Shrine game and excellent Combine have pushed him up draft boards. Has enough athleticism to play on his feet. WEAK POINTS • Marginal size for a 4-3 defensive end, arms are a bit short for a 3-4 DE, has no experience playing on his feet. There are flashes on tape where he is a non-factor. THE WAY WE SEE IT • In the NFL, clubs pay a premium for pass rushers and that is what Hendrickson can do. Has 23 sacks over the past two seasons. Showed how explosive he can be at the Combine. Weighed in at 266 pounds and he should be able to play down as a DE in a 4-3 but more than likely he will play on his feet. Showed that he can drop into coverage when he has to. Because of athleticism, speed and pass rush talent, he may get over drafted. On tape, looks like a third- to fourth-rounder, but it wouldn’t shock me if he is now a solid third.

•••

14 LAWSON CARL

AUBURN

YR: REDSHIRT JUNIOR HT: 6-13/4 | WT: 261 | 40: 4.67 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.6 |

RD 3

STRONG POINTS • Good bulk and excellent strength to play OLB in a 3-4. Athletic and stays on his feet. Is explosive through the hips. Very good outside pass rusher. Can bull rush, use speed or moves. Shows he can dip and get under opponent. Shows strength and power at the point and can 2-gap a tight end. Instinctive and quick reacting. Seldom if ever loses contain. WEAK POINTS • Short with short arms.

Doesn’t make all the plays he should, which is frustrating. Have never seen him used in pass coverage. Needs to be a more consistent downto-down competitor. Has durability issues, missed 2014 with injuries. THE WAY WE SEE IT • A fourth-year junior and two-and-a-half-year starter for Auburn. His verified measurements at the Combine hurt him. He’s under 6-foot-2 with short arms, which rules out being able to play as a DE. Has to be a 3-4 OLB. Injury history is also a concern. Still, Lawson is a solid player who has shown he can rush the passer. Needs to become more of a down after down competitor, but the talent is there to be a good edge pass rusher as an OLB. Size and medical history will get him drafted later than I originally thought, but I still see him as a starter in the league.

•••

strength and bulk. Still raw technique-wise and doesn’t have the speed or burst to “burn” the edge. Shows a tendency to get tall and give up his body. More of a reactor than an anticipator at this time. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Is a player on the come. Few have the natural physical traits that Kpassagnon displays. He is tall, long, athletic and has upper body strength. Needs to add some bulk and strength to his lower body. Is still learning the game and is raw but when he gets fully acclimated he could be a force in the league. Should be just a role player as a rookie but by Year 2 he could become a good starter. By his third year, he could be a dominating player in the league. His current play says Round 4, but he should get drafted higher because of his upside. Can be a left end in a 4-3 or a 5-tech in a 30-front.

•••

17KPASSAGNON

IFEADI

YR: REDSHIRT SENIOR HT: 6-7 | WT: 289 | 40: 4.83

YR: REDSHIRT SENIOR HT: 6-3 | WT: 258 | 40: 4.72

GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

STRONG POINTS • Very tall with very long arms (35 5/8 inches). Has the frame to get to 300-plus. Adequate play strength but good weight room strength (23 bench-press reps). Good to really good athlete with speed, quickness and change of direction. Shows dominating ability versus a lower level of competition. Able to 2-gap FCS level O-linemen. Had a good Senior Bowl and a very good Combine. Excellent upside. WEAK POINTS • Played at a lower level of competition. Needs to improve his lower body

STRONG POINTS • Had a strong senior season after gaining weight and becoming more focused. Finished the season with 10 sacks. Had 23.5 career sacks. Quick off the ball. Consistent bull rusher because of his explosiveness and has developed some counter moves. Quick reacting to the run, strong enough to hold the point and set the edge. Can slide inside and make plays. Plays a little bigger than he measures. WEAK POINTS • Lacks good natural size. Until 2016 he was mainly a pass-rush specialist. Didn’t do much versus the run until 2016. Too small to play DE and has no experience dropping into coverage. Was mainly a power rusher early on, developed some moves in 2016 but still has a limited arsenal. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Came on in 2016 but still has a long ways to go. Right now he may be a man without a position at the next level. He’s too small to play DE in a 4-3 and has no experience in coverage to play OLB in a 3-4. May just be a designated pass rusher and special teams player. Until 2016 he did not look like a draftable prospect. At this time he is a late pick who still has to develop. May need a year on the practice squad.

TANOH

ODENIGBO NORTHWESTERN

VILLANOVA

B | 6.6 |

C | 6.3 | RD 6-7

RD 3

LINEBACKERS

3 DAVIS JARRAD

FLORIDA

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-1 | WT: 238 | 40: 4.65 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.8 | RD 1-2 Jarrad Davis

STRONG POINTS • Has good size with a frame to carry about 245. Has very good

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play speed and overall athleticism. Shows strength and has good hand use to keep a blocker off his body and shed quickly. Very instinctive and alert, gets to ball quickly and makes plays in the run game. Quick with his pass drop, has range, can play man or zone and can transition. Not used a lot to blitz but effective when he does. Tough, physical and a leader. WEAK POINTS • Missed four games with an ankle injury. Needs to get a little bigger. Will miss some tackles when he doesn’t wrap. Did not work out at Combine as he was not 100 percent coming off ankle injury. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Davis is a highly productive inside linebacker and the type of player many clubs are now looking for at the linebacker position. He is very instinctive and plays fast. Has adequate to good size and has the frame to get a little bigger without losing any of his athleticism. Has the position versatility to play Mike or Will in a 4-3 or play either ILB position in a 3-4. His coverage skills will keep him on the field every down. Assuming he is healthy, he should be able to come in and play right away as a rookie.

•••

4 REDDICK HAASON

TEMPLE

YR: REDSHIRT SENIOR HT: 6-11/2 | WT: 237 | 40: 4.52 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.7 | RD 1-2

STRONG POINTS • Intense player, makes plays. Very good athlete with speed and explosiveness. Strong and a big hitter. Has played both up and down during his college career. Has a quick pass drop and shows he can play in man coverage. Very good pass rusher with moves and power. Very good week at the Senior Bowl and had an outstanding Combine performance. WEAK POINTS • Has marginal size to play OLB in a 3-4 scheme. Lacks the frame to get much bigger than 245. His sack numbers dropped from 2015 to 2016. Will most likely have to convert to LB for the NFL. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Reddick played mostly defensive end at Temple but played both down and on his feet. Played on his feet at the Senior Bowl. While he was a dominant college player as an edge player, he will need to make a conversion to linebacker in the NFL. He showed at the Senior Bowl that he should have no trouble playing on his feet. He will most likely play ‘Will’ or ‘Sam’. With his pass rush talent, he still will be used as a designated pass rusher on some occasions. Reddick should have no problem playing in coverage, as he was excellent playing in coverage during Senior Bowl week. This is a player who looked like a third-rounder during the season and may now go at the bottom of the first or top of the second. Interesting guy with the arrow going up.

6 RILEY DUKE

LSU

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-01/2 | WT: 232 | 40: 4.58 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.6 | RD 2-3

STRONG POINTS • An active and instinctive linebacker, Had one of the better linebacker workouts at the Combine. His speed makes him a difference maker on the field as he excels in pursuit. Has great range in coverage and can play man or zone, which allows him to be an every down player. Is strong enough to stack at the point and has quick hands to shed. Consistent tackler. WEAK POINTS • For some clubs, he lacks ideal size to play inside. Only a one-year starter. Can have some trouble with the bigger linemen. THE WAY WE SEE IT • A player in the mold of his former college teammate Deion Jones who played so well as a rookie for Atlanta. Has more size and similar speed and athleticism as Jones. Does not have a lot of starting experience but was a core special teams player while he waited for his chance. This player is exciting to watch as he uses his athleticism and instincts effectively to make plays. With his smaller size, he is not a fit for every team but he is the type of player many clubs are now looking for to play the linebacker position. Strong and instinctive enough to play the run and quick and fast enough to play in coverage. Will be rated highly by many teams.

•••

9 PHILLIPS JR. CARROLL

ILLINOIS

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-31/4 | WT: 242 | 40: 4.64 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.6 | RD 3-4

STRONG POINTS • Has been a consistent playmaker for Illinois (56 tackles, 20 TFLs and 9 sacks in 2016). Very athletic with speed and body control. Explosive. Good outside pass rusher. Uses hands well. A tough competitor. Instincts. Athletic enough to play on his feet. Had a very strong showing at the Senior Bowl and Combine. WEAK POINTS • Lacks the bulk and size to play down in a 4-3 or play OLB in a 3-4. Doesn’t have a lot of experience in pass coverage. Will need to make the conversion to linebacker. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Phillips is a former junior college transfer. Played as a backup in 2015 and then became the starter at right end in 2016. He is undersized, but is strong and explosive. Competes every play. Shows explosiveness coming off the edge, can use his hands and has combo moves. He is instinctive and quick-reacting. Will get overpowered at the point by big offensive linemen at times. Will need to play OLB at the NFL level. Will start

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out at ‘Sam’ but could eventually play ‘Will.’ Showed at the Senior Bowl that he can play on his feet and has upside once he gets experienced. Should also be able to be a situational pass rusher and a demon on special teams.

•••

10BOWSER TYUS

HOUSTON

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-25/8 | WT: 247 | 40: 4.65 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.5 | RD 4

STRONG POINTS • Good size for a 4-3 ‘Sam.’ Long arms. Has very good speed, is explosive and has quick change of direction. When rushing the passer, he can come off the edge with speed and power and knows how to put moves together. Has a good drop and shows awareness in coverage and can transition quickly. Has good hands. Plays with good instincts, gets to the ball and can make plays. Had an excellent Combine. WEAK POINTS • Has marginal size to play OLB in a 3-4 scheme but has growth potential to around 255. Missed the first month of the 2016 season after getting into a fight with a teammate and breaking a bone in his face. Was a multi-sport athlete when he arrived at Houston (was on basketball team) and has only been full-time with football a couple years. Still raw. THE WAY WE SEE IT • This is a player on the come but not quite ready for primetime. He has the physical traits (speed, athleticism) but needs to get a little bigger. Should have some scheme versatility if he can get to 255. Will be a ‘Sam’ in a 4-3 and an edge rusher in 3-4. While he shows coverage skills, he still needs to develop technique and feel in coverage. May be a year or two away from starting but can be a special teams terror while he is learning. Good mid-round pick.

•••

11 BIEGEL VINCE

WISCONSIN

YR: REDSHIRT SENIOR HT: 6-31/4 | WT: 246 | 40: 4.67 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.5 | RD 4

STRONG POINTS • Has adequate outside linebacker size with the frame to carry about 255. Good to very good athlete. Tested better than expected at the Combine and shows some explosiveness. Plays with good stength. Has good hand use, can take on and get rid of blocks quickly. Very competitive, is an all-out performer on every play. Quick-reacting, finds the ball and makes plays. WEAK POINTS • Doesn’t play to timed speed on tape. Can get high with his pedal and does not turn real smoothly. Has marginal size

to play OLB in a 3-4 scheme. THE WAY WE SEE IT • There is a lot to like about this player on tape. While he doesn’t have any special traits, he is a competitive tough guy who goes all-out on every play. I originally thought that he looked more like a backup type but after viewing more tape I feel he can eventually become a starter at ‘Sam’ in a 4-3 scheme. If he can get to 255-260, then he may also be able to play outside in a 3-4. Biegel is smart and instinctive and finds a way to make plays, be it versus the run or pass. He will never be a star, but he is a player a team can win with. He should be a top special teams contributor while he is developing.

15 LEE

MARQUEL

•••

er and does not play with good strength. Can get overpowered at the point and be slow to shed. Doesn’t like to take on, would rather elude blocks. Not the most physical guy on the field. THE WAY WE SEE IT • The time he ran at the UCLA Pro Day will get him a lot of attention. Was 231 and ran 4.7 at Indy then comes back at 226 and runs 4.53. He is not a top run support player but he has coverage skills. With that in mind, he may be a good nickel package linebacker and special teams player. Has to get a little bigger and play with more strength in order to have a chance.

CORNERBACKS

4 CONLEY GAREON

OHIO STATE

WAKE FOREST

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-3 | WT: 240 | 40: 4.70 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

upper and lower body strength and bulk. Will miss some tackles and will be slow to get off blocks because of his lack of strength. Still not physically mature. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Third-year junior and two-year starter. Tall with length but needs to add strength and bulk. Can easily hold 205. Has very good cover skills. Can pedal and turn very easily and shows excellent mirror skills in man coverage. Plays a lot of zone and is very aware. Plays the ball well in the air and has good hands. The only real weak part of his game is run support. He is willing but his lack of strength causes him to be slow off the blocks and miss tackles. Once he gets stronger, that will remedy itself. Has the talent to start as a rookie and become an eventual No. 1 corner in the league. Very talented guy.

•••

6 MOREAU FABIAN

YR: JUNIOR HT: 6-1 | WT: 195 | 40: 4.44

UCLA

GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.4 | RD 5-6

A | 6.9 |

RD 1

STRONG POINTS • An athletic and aggressive player who made a lot of plays on an average team (105 tackles) Adequate OLB size. Makes plays on effort. Strong player with strong hands. Shows some explosiveness. Good athlete with good play speed. Able to get good depth in coverage and shows good receiver awareness in zone. WEAK POINTS • Can be too aggressive at times and gets out of control, which can take him out of plays. While he shows he can play zone coverage, he is not as good in man. Lacks some niftiness in man coverage. Needs to improve his hand use so he can quickly shed on a more consistent basis. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Not a player you hear a lot about, but the scoutng community knows who he is. A bit of a tweener in that he has marginal size to play OLB in a 3-4 scheme. His play says 3-4 OLB but his physical traits say ‘Will’ in a 4-3. Still developing and not ready to be a starter but can be a quality backup and solid special teams contributor. Has upside and if he can get to 250-plus. it will help him with the 3-4 clubs.

STRONG POINTS • Good height, long arms. Very good athlete with speed, quickness, suddenness, change of direction and balance. Very good cover guy, be it man, off or zone. Instinctive and aware. Smooth pedal and turn. No hesitation or false step when he closes. Very good hands. Willing run-support player. Had an outstanding Combine. WEAK POINTS • Lean frame, needs to add

YR: REDSHIRT SENIOR HT: 6-01/2 | WT: 206 | 40: 4.35 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.7 | RD 1-2

STRONG POINTS • Had very good tape while at UCLA but hit a home run with his Combine workout, showing he is one of the faster corners in the draft. Has the tools (hips, feet, speed and body control) to go along with excellent size and play strength. Can play man off or

•••

19 BROWN JAYON

UCLA

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-05/8 | WT: 226 | 40: 4.53 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

C | 6.4 | RD 6-7

STRONG POINTS • Had an outstanding Pro Day following an average Combine. Ran 4.71 at Indy and 4.53 at his Pro Day. Has good instincts and reacts quickly to both pass and run. Is a good coverage linebacker, showing awareness and has some man ability. WEAK POINTS • Small to play lineback-

Gareon Conley

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zone, has very good hands and ball skills. Had a very good week at the East-West game. WEAK POINTS • In tapes viewed, I never saw him in press coverage. At times, gives too much cushion. In games viewed, opponents stayed away from him knowing his talent. He is alert with very good receiver awareness. He reacts well to the ball in the air, can close and has good hands. His postseason work bumped him from a third rounder to perhaps a late one of early second rounder. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Fifth-year senior and a three-year starter. Missed most of 2015 with an injury and got an injury redshirt. Plays a consistent game but how he was used at UCLA may have hurt him early on as we didn’t see him used in press coverage that often. They play a lot of off and zone and he is very dependable in those coverages. Is alert with very good receiver awareness. Plays the ball very well and can transition quickly to make plays. Really helped himself at the East-West game and the Combine with strong play and an outstanding workout. Few in this draft have his natural physical traits. Will need to perfect his press coverage techniques. Interesting guy with upside. Moreau injured his pectorals doing the bench press at the UCLA Pro Day. Depending on severity of injury, this could keep him out a while.

7 JONES SIDNEY

•••

WASHINGTON

YR: JUNIOR HT: 6-0 | WT: 186 | 40: 4.47 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A* | 6.7 | RD2 * — PRE-INJURY GRADE STRONG POINTS • Plays with good ath-

leticism and timed speed and has good overall body control and quick feet. Stays low in his pedal, has a quick turn and a good burst out of his turn. Keeps good position on receivers. Very good ability to track the ball with good hands to make interceptions. Has instincts and awareness in coverage and can play press, off or zone. WEAK POINTS • Suffered a severe lower leg injury at the Washington Pro Day and it is doubtful that he will be able to play in 2017. Has a small frame and lacks top strength. Not physical in run support, waits for plays to come to him and he is not a strong tackler. Needs to add strength and bulk. Combine jumps and agility times were very average for his position. THE WAY WE SEE IT • A third-year junior entering the draft. Was a three-year starter. Shows the quickness and suddenness needed to play corner in the NFL. Possesses good to very good cover skills in both man and zone coverage and plays the ball very well. Has nine career interceptions. He is not a real physical player, does not attack the run and will miss some tackles. More of a grab tackler than a face up type. Has a small frame with little growth potential but he still needs to add strength in both his upper and lower body. Has the cover-

age skills to be a very good cover corner but his lack of physical play is a concern. Was easily a first-round pick before his injury but will now get drafted later in the process.

8 KING KEVIN

•••

WASHINGTON

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-3 | WT: 200 | 40: 4.43 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.6 | RD 2

STRONG POINTS • Very tall with excellent length. Good to real good athlete with very good speed. Has a good jam and shows he can be a good press-cover guy. Solid run-support player who can shed blocks and tackle. Good zone player with awareness. Has some experience at safety. His Combine workout was outstanding, as he ran much better than anticipated. WEAK POINTS • Long-legged strider who is not as sudden as preferred. At times, will take extra steps when coming out of pedal but cleaned that up in Indy. Still needs to improve his footwork. Can have some trouble when playing off because of his height and long legs. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Looks like a pure press-cover guy. With his speed and length, he can excel in that type of scheme. Has a good jam and the ability to mirror his opponent all over the field. Better in zone than off, but showed improvement with his footwork at the Combine. Has good run-support skills and is a consistent tackler. His experience at safety only helps his overall value. Has a chance to start as a rookie but will definitely be a starter by Year 2. His stock shot up at the Combine.

•••

9 AWUZIE CHIDOBE

COLORADO

YR: SENIOR HT: 5-117/8 | WT: 202 | 40: 4.43 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.6 | RD 2

STRONG POINTS • Started since midway through his freshman year. Excellent corner size and strength. Alert and instinctive. Asked to do a number of things in the Colorado scheme and he does all well. Can play inside or outside. Quick reacting in run support and a consistent tackler. Has played on special teams and played well. Had an excellent Combine workout and ran better than expected. WEAK POINTS • Plays the shorter routes well but don’t always see his timed speed when covering receivers deep. Doesn’t consistently attack in run support and can tackle high. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Very good college corner with versatility. Has lined up wide and over the slot. Has also been used to blitz when

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lined up as a slot corner. Might also be able to play safety. He is an aggressive player with strength and pop. Has coverage skills in both man and zone. Shows top instincts and is very alert. Is seldom fooled. His versatility will get him on the field very quickly as a rookie, be it corner, slot corner or safety.

10 WHITE

TRE’DAVIOUS

LSU

YR: SENIOR HT: 5-111/8 | WT: 192 | 40: 4.47 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.6 | RD 2

STRONG POINTS • Four-year starter at LSU with experience on both the right and left sides. Smooth athlete with quick feet, loose hips and body control. Runs well. Smooth pedal and turn, staying low and can flip his hips. Solid man-cover guy. Alert in zone with anticipation. Plays the ball very well in the air. Consistent run-support player and a good tackler. WEAK POINTS • While he ran well at Indy (4.47), his jumps were very average (32-inch vertical, 9’11” broad jump). Not as explosive as some would like. Don’t see a quick, sudden burst on tape. Lacks explosiveness. THE WAY WE SEE IT • A very solid college corner who plays a consistent game but doesn’t really have any special traits. Has good speed and can play man fairly well versus speed receivers. Plays equally well in man, zone or off. Has good ball skills. Does a very good job keeping plays in front of him. He is a very consistent run support player and tackles well. Might also be able to play safety. Has a chance to be a starter as a rookie and will become a solid No. 2 corner in time. Doesn’t have any “special” to him but he is solid.

•••

11 TABOR TEEZ

FLORIDA

YR: JUNIOR HT: 6-0 | WT: 201 | 40: 4.62 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.6 | RD 2-3

STRONG POINTS • Good height and length allow him to play taller than he measures. Is very aware, reacts quickly and has top instincts. Fluid movement with loose hips and quick feet. Has a good jam and very good mirror skills in press man. Very good when in zone and off. No wasted movement when he closes. Plays the ball well and has very good hands. Adequate in run support. WEAK POINTS • While his Combine weight was good, he needs to get stronger in the upper body. More of a body tackler than a hit-and-wrap type, causing him to miss tackles.

Can be slow to shed strength. Had a poor Combine and ran very slow. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Has been starting since midway through his freshman year. Some felt he was a better player in 2015 than Vernon Hargreaves, who was selected 11th overall last year. Tabor has excellent cover skills to go along with very good ball skills. With his height and length, he matches up well with taller receivers. Needs to add strength to become more of a force in the run game. His slow time at Indy is concerning and will drop him out of the first round. Has to hope that he runs well at his Pro Day late in March.

•••

13 LEWIS JOURDAN

MICHIGAN

YR: SENIOR HT: 5-101/4 | WT: 188 | 40: 4.54 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.6 | RD 2-3

STRONG POINTS • Had a strong senior season at Michigan and followed that up with a very good performance at the Senior Bowl. He is quicker than fast but plays fast enough. Tough and competitive. Plays bigger than his size. Is quick with a low pedal and smooth turn. No wasted steps when transitioning. Tracks the ball very well. Good hands. Can play man or zone. Aggressive in run support and a good tackler. Can return kicks. WEAK POINTS • Was charged March 15 with domestic violence after an altercation with his girlfriend. Did not time well at the Combine (4.54). Has a narrow frame with little growth potential. Doesn’t play with great top end speed (more quick than fast). THE WAY WE SEE IT • In the world of the NFL Draft, grades can change in an instant. After a strong season and a very good Senior Bowl, Lewis had an average Combine. Then he gets hit with the domestic violence charge. With his speed and size limitations, I doubt he would ever be as high as a No. 2 corner. More than likely he would be a good No. 3 and play over the slot. Has very good quickness and is a competitive playmaker. Before the criminal charge, he looked like a sure second- to third-round player. Now his draft status is up in the air. As we don’t know what will happen with the criminal justice system, his grade is based on talent alone.

•••

15 DOUGLAS RASUL

WEST VIRGINIA

YR: REDSHIRT SENIOR HT: 6-15/8 | WT: 209 | 40: 4.59 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.5 | RD 3-4

STRONG POINTS • Tall with long arms. Good athlete with a burst to stay with speedy receivers deep. Can be physical with his jam

and shows he can re-route receivers. Good in transition. Great ball skills and hands. Does a great job jumping routes and making plays. Good open field tackler. WEAK POINTS • Ran slower than anticipated at the Combine. Only a one-year starter. Needs to improve his footwork. As physical as he is with receivers, he is not a physical run-support player. Needs to improve his ability to take on and shed blocks. THE WAY WE SEE IT • After a strong bump coming off the Senior Bowl, he disappointed at the Combine and ran much slower than anticipated. He is a physical press corner with good to real good mirror skills. He needs to improve his play in zone and off but the tools are there to do it. He is not a force when playing the run and that part of his game needs to improve. Has upside but his timed speed will keep him out of the first two and perhaps three rounds.

•••

16 GRIFFIN SHAQUILL

CENTRAL FLORIDA

•••

19MYRICK JALEN

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-01/8 | WT: 194 | 40: 4.38

MINNESOTA

GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.4 | RD 4

STRONG POINTS • Has ideal size and length for an NFL corner. Had a great Combine with outstanding numbers in all drills. Has a strong jam and good mirror skills in man coverage. Can get in the hip pocket of the receiver and stay there. Good pedal and turn. Will look to re-route receivers. Plays the ball well and has good hands for the interception. Consistent run support player and tackler. WEAK POINTS • Is a bit of a strider who doesn’t look or play as fast as he timed. Not as good in off man or zone as he is in press. Receiver awareness and route recognition is average. Not consistently quick to transition. THE WAY WE SEE IT • His athletic numbers and size are ideal for an NFL corner but he doesn’t play to those numbers. At this time, he is more of a press corner only and doesn’t show the skill set to be a good zone or man off player. Still, his physical traits are rare and he may just need more coaching and technique work. Some clubs may also look at him as a safety because of his aggressive run support. His Pro Day and private workouts will tell a lot. With his Combine numbers, he could get drafted fairly high.

•••

YR: SENIOR HT: 5-10 | WT: 200 | 40: 4.28 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

C | 6.4 | RD 5

STRONG POINTS • Was timed as the fastest defensive back at the Combine. Has long arms for his size. Has quick feet with an adequate turn. Shows the ability to support the run and is a fairly good tackler. Best in press coverage. WEAK POINTS • A bit short for what scouts and coaches now look for at corner. Has some tightness in his hips and will take extra steps to transition at times. Not overly instinctive and lacks top receiver awareness in zone and off. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Has great speed but we don’t always see that speed on tape. Has tightness in hips which causes him to play slower than his timed speed. Is seen mainly as a press corner right now because he lacks the top instincts to be good in off and zone. He shows toughness and can tackle. Might not be more than a fourth corner and core special teams guy when it’s all said and done.

•••

22WHITE MARQUEZ

17 SUTTON CAM

Tennessee, best at man coverage where he has a good feel. Can turn quickly and shows good mirror skills. Reacts to the ball in the air well, tracks it and makes consistently good plays on the ball. Good hands. Has experience as a returner. WEAK POINTS • Missed a lot of time in 2016 with an ankle fracture. Timed speed is marginal. Has short arms. Narrow frame and lacks top strength causing him to be slow off blocks and miss some tackles. Transition is average. His quickness helps him play a bit faster than timed. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Consistently good college corner who may not have the skill set to play at that same level in the NFL. He has the required height but he has short arms and marginal speed. Needs to add strength and bulk to his narrow frame in order to hold up versus the run at the NFL level. See him as a fourth corner who may ascend to a three and a possible return guy. Doubt he has starter potential. Midround pick with some upside if he gets stronger.

FLORIDA STATE

TENNESSEE

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-0 | WT: 194 | 40: 4.59

YR: SENIOR HT: 5-111/4 | WT: 188 | 40: 4.52

GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

C | 6.3 | RD 6

GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.4 | RD 4

STRONG POINTS • Four-year starter at

STRONG POINTS • Good height and excellent length (32 1/8-inch arms). Has ex-

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE|

| 27 31 19

perience in press, off and zone coverage. Two-year starter. Good athlete with some explosiveness. Has played in a lot of big games and been tested. Played some basketball at FSU in 2014. Instinctive and alert, will help out when free. WEAK POINTS • Added 10 pounds form Senior Bowl to Combine. Was it just water weight for the weigh-in? Looks to have a lean frame and does not play with strength. He will miss a lot of tackles because he lacks good upper body strength and doesn’t wrap well. Ran slow. Average ball skills. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Ran much slower than expected at the Combine. Florida State coaches thought that he would make a jump in his play in 2016 but instead leveled off. Has the height and length required along with some explosiveness but he lacks speed, bulk and strength. At this point, he is more of a late-round developmental guy who will need to spend some time on the practice squad. Flashes some good things but just not enough.

SAFETIES

1 HOOKER MALIK

OHIO STATE

YR: REDSHIRT SOPHOMORE HT: 6-1 | WT: 206 | 40: 4.45e GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.9 |

RD 1

STRONG POINTS • Very good safety size. Great athlete with speed, strength, explosiveness and body control. Good to real good instincts. Great range to the sideline coming from the middle of the field. Excellent ball reactions and hands. Quick to react to running plays, can shed and is a good hitter. Keeps plays in front of him. Excellent zone player. WEAK POINTS • Had surgeries for a sports hernia and hip labrum following the college season. This is a huge concern and will have a real effect on where he is drafted. Won’t be able to work out for teams before the draft. Never see him in man coverage. Can get out of control in pursuit and over-run plays or miss some tackles. Has started only one season and had two years of eligibility left. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Talented player who was easily the best safety in this class before his injury. Following surgery, he is now a wild card. Where he gets drafted will be up to the medical staffs of each club. As a player, he has some “special” to him. He has outstanding range and makes a number of plays in coverage. While we don’t see him locked up in man, he has the traits to do so. Being as young as he is, he isn’t close to reaching his potential and he has the upside to become a

Malik Hooker

perennial Pro Bowler in the NFL.

•••

4 MELIFONWU OBI

CONNECTICUT

YR: REDSHIRT SENIOR HT: 6-37/8 | WT: 224 | 40: 4.40 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

A | 6.7 | RD 1-2

STRONG POINTS • One of the better overall athletes in the draft. Rare size and athleticism. Has the athletic traits to be able to play corner. Shows good ability in both man and zone and plays the ball well. Aggressive run-support player who can hit and tackle. WEAK POINTS • Despite freak athletic

PROFOOTBALL FOOTBALLWEEKLY WEEKLY•• 2017 •2017 2017DRAFT DRAFTGUIDE GUIDEUPDATE UPDATE FOOTBALL WEEKLY DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE |PRO 32|| PRO 18 26

traits, he is still raw. Needs work with his footwork and positioning in coverage. Doesn’t have natural hands. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Before the Senior Bowl, this was a player we didn’t hear much about. He had a very strong week at the Senior Bowl and followed that up with perhaps the best overall Combine performance, regardless of position. This player has rare size and athletic ability but he is still a bit raw. The arrow is going up and he is just beginning to reach his potential. As a pro, he could line up at safety, hybrid linebacker and maybe even corner, depending on the team that drafts him. Has the skill set to play any of these positions. He will be one of the more interesting players in the draft and it wouldn’t be shocking to see him go late in the first round. Worst-case scenario is he goes very early in the second.

6 BAKER

11 JOHNSON

16JEROME

YR: JUNIOR HT: 5-95/8 | WT: 195 | 40: 4.45

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-05/8 | WT: 208 | 40: 4.61

YR: SENIOR HT: 5-101/2 | WT: 204 | 40: 4.70

GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

STRONG POINTS • Competitive and tough. Plays bigger than size. Has great instincts and reactions and is around the ball. Very aware in zone coverage and shows he can play man. Has range and makes a number of plays in both the run and pass game. May lack size, but he can be a force versus the run and is a very consistent tackler. WEAK POINTS • Measuring under 5-foot10 will hurt his value with some clubs. Doesn’t always play to his timed speed. Will lose some jump balls to some tall receivers. While he is a big hitter, he doesn’t always wrap up and will miss some tackles. THE WAY WE SEE IT • A three-year starter who showed flashes of dominating ability while at Washington. Because of his instincts and toughness, Washington often played him close to the line of scrimmage, where he could make plays. He is able to play man or zone coverage and has excellent ball skills. His lack of height will hurt him with some clubs, but the fact remains, he can play. May be moved to slot corner by some clubs because of his quickness and overall athleticism. Other clubs will list him at either safety position. Originally, I thought he was a third-rounder because of his size but now I doubt he gets out of the second.

STRONG POINTS • Has played and started at three different secondary positions (corner and both safety positions). Tall with good bulk and strength. Plays faster than timed. Can play both man and zone and has very good ball skills. Very good on special teams. WEAK POINTS • His timed speed at Indy will hurt him come Draft Day. Because he has been moved around a lot, he hasn’t been able to lock in at one position. Doesn’t have the speed to play corner at the next level. THE WAY WE SEE IT • A versatile and underrated prospect. Has started at three different positons and done well at each. He is also a very good special teams player. Johnson has the size and instincts to excel at free safety in the NFL. If he timed fast, he would also be considered at corner by some teams. His versatility will get him on the field early and he will be an eventual starter in the league. Will get drafted later than he deserves because of his time but this kid is a player.

STRONG POINTS • Dominated a lower level of competition. Has good bulk and some length. Plays with good athleticism and play speed. Has a quick pedal and can turn smoothly. Moves out of his pedal quickly. Excellent ball skills (18 career INTs). Instinctive in both coverage and run support. Good kick returner. Willing hitter with some pop. Played well in two different All-Star games against better competition. WEAK POINTS • Plays at a very low level of competition. Short for an NFL safety. Had a poor Combine workout but then bounced back to run 4.60 at his Pro Day (still too slow). Needs technique work. Raw, doesn’t wrap consistently when he tackles. Gets away with things at the FCS level that he won’t get away with in the NFL. THE WAY WE SEE IT • Four-year starter at a low level, non-scholarship FCS school. Gained spotlight with his strong play in All-Star games but that went away with a poor Combine. An alert player in coverage with top instincts and ball skills. Not very tall but he has some girth and is a hitter. Between his return skills and physical play he has a chance to make it as a backup safety. Will be predominantly a special teams player. Late-round guy with a chance to develop. Timed speed hurts his cause.

BUDDA

JOHN

WASHINGTON

BOSTON COLLEGE

A | 6.6 | RD 2

9 JONES JOSH

LORENZO

•••

NORTH CAROLINA STATE

YR: REDSHIRT JUNIOR HT: 6-11/2 | WT: 220 | 40: 4.41 GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

B | 6.6 | RD 3-4

STRONG POINTS • Excellent size, strength, speed and explosiveness. Aggressive player who is very good in run support and a strong tackler. Best in zone coverage where he shows good receiver awareness and reacts well to the ball in the air. Can close quickly. Excellent special teams potential. Good hands. WEAK POINTS • Has some straight line to him. Runs fast but timed poorly in the agility drills at his Pro Day. Can get out of control when coming up to support and misses the play. Don’t see much in man coverage. THE WAY WE SEE IT • With his size and hitting ability, he will be more of a box safety in the NFL. While he has good zone coverage ability, he lacks the suddenness and loose hips to be a man cover guy. Has growth potential to 220-plus and some teams will look at him as a hybrid linebacker type also. Needs to settle down a little and play more under control. Looks to be a strong safety on base downs and a nickel linebacker in sub. Could go in the third but looks like a sure fourthround prospect with upside in the right situation.

ST. FRANCIS (PA.)

B | 6.5 | RD 4-5

C | 6.4 |

•••

15WITHERSPOON AHKELLO

17HILL

COLORADO

DELANO

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-23/4 | WT: 195 | 40: 4.45

RD 7

•••

MICHIGAN

GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

YR: SENIOR HT: 6-1 | WT: 216 | 40: 4.47

B | 6.4 | RD 5

STRONG POINTS • Height and length. Good to very good athlete with loose hips and quick feet. Runs very well. Has experience in man, zone and off. Can be a very good press corner at the next level. Tracks the ball well and is able to get his hands on it. Adequate transition. WEAK POINTS • A bit of a strider and, like a lot of tall corners, he needs to improve his footwork. Has a lean frame, needs to add strength and bulk. Not a top run support player and tackler, almost never attacks the run but rather waits for it to come to him. THE WAY WE SEE IT • NFL clubs are always looking for tall corners with length and speed. Witherspoon fits the bill but he is raw. Needs to get stronger and add bulk as well as improve his footwork and run support. He is not ready to play at this time, but has upside because of his natural traits. Will come in as a fourth or fifth corner and may eventually ascend to a 3, but he has to become a more physical player. He does not have special teams potential at this time, so it will be difficult for him to dress on Sunday while he is developing.

GRADE | RATING | PROJECTION

C | 6.4 |

RD 7

STRONG POINTS • Big and strong with excellent timed speed and long arms. Can play a physical game and is a good hitter. Does a good job handling blockers and is a sure tackler. Strong box player. Flashes in man coverage but is mainly a zone player with good receiver awareness and can keep plays in front of him. WEAK POINTS • Timed speed doesn’t match his jumps as they were very average. Does not play to timed speed. Gets high with his pedal and has average turn quickness because of some tightness in his hips. Will struggle with man coverage at the next level. Takes extra steps with his transition. THE WAY WE SEE IT • One of four Michigan defensive backs who should get drafted. Has size, strength and hitting ability. A good but not great athlete with some tightness in his hips and he doesn’t play to his timed speed. Looks like a box safety type. More of a backup safety but with his size and zone cover skills he may be able to be a nickel linebacker. Has growth potential to 225. Late-round pick who at worst will be a very good special teams player.

| 27 33 19

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE |

Small school prospects have sights on achieving big dreams in NFL KEVIN FISHBAIN

W By

hen the Eagles selected Carson Wentz at No. 2 overall last year, they made history in using the highest pick ever on an FCS player. Wentz, out of North Dakota State, went from relatively unknown to Senior Bowl star to No. 2 pick to Eagles starting quarterback in nine months. There is no Wentz in this draft. We might not even see a player from an FCS (formerly Division I-AA) program go in the first round, or a Division II player. Every year, however, we see small school players achieve big dreams in the NFL. Delaware’s Joe Flacco, Eastern Illinois’ Tony Romo, Harvard’s Ryan Fitzpatrick, Northern Colorado’s Vincent Jackson, Coastal Carolina’s Josh Norman and Montana’s Trumaine Johnson are among the current notable players who have made it coming from the FCS. This year’s draft has intriguing talent that will try to shed that small-school label, or use it as motivation to land on an NFL roster. Every player from a small school has to overcome disadvantages from not having the resources of an Alabama or Ohio State, and he has to prove to an NFL team that he can handle the top competition. One theme with some small school players is that they can be “late bloomers.” They may not have gotten scholarships to big-time programs because of a delayed start to their football careers, only now turning into NFL prospects. William and Mary offensive lineman Jerry Ugokwe didn’t start playing until his junior year of high school when the high school football coach convinced Ugokwe, then a basketball player, to head to the gridiron. Kutztown offensive guard Jordan Morgan said he’s only been playing football for five-and-a-half years, most of those

Cooper Kupp

coming at the little known D-II school in Pennsylvania. Drake tight end Eric Saubert played four years in high school, but the program won only one game in that span, something that didn’t attract many recruiters to his games in the Chicago suburbs. Wide receiver Cooper Kupp said he was only 5-foot-4, 119 pounds as a high school freshman before setting plenty of receiving records for Eastern Washington. “A lot of these guys are great athletes, have been blessed with that at a young age so they naturally excel,” Kupp said about being a late bloomer. “They were blessed with great height and great strength and great speed, I wasn’t. I had to work for everything I got and I learned that at an early age and it was really a blessing

34 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

in disguise because I had those traits. I knew what it took to be great, and when my body started to catch up that stuff stuck with me and really created me into the player I have been.” For Bucknell’s Julién Davenport, it was more of a case of trying to understand the recruiting process. “I had some bigger schools on me throughout the recruiting process, but I wasn’t too knowledgeable about it. Committed to Old Dominion pretty early. Then I started to lose the interest from the schools I had,” he said. “I thought I could verbally commit and still draw interest from other schools, but that wasn’t the case. A month later I de-committed, went back in the recruiting process and I was left with Bucknell and Fordham.” Once at the lower-level schools, these players realize that they aren’t going to have state-of-the-art weight rooms or nutrition plans. “I didn’t have that great of a strength program at my school,” Davenport said. “Only one strength coach at our school taking care of the whole football team. Nutrition is a big thing as well for us. I was the first scholarship class, so all we had was unlimited cafeteria and it was nowhere near as great as what other schools have with training tables and all, we just had to eat what was there. Now that I’m getting new nutrition, I’m seeing my body change a lot.” Morgan has learned more about what players at bigger schools get to enjoy in their college careers. “These bigger school guys, they have amazing strength and conditioning coaches and all types of resources,” he said. “I did my junior day at Lafayette College and right outside their weight room they had refrigerators full of muscle milks for the athletes. At my school, we don’t have that. You lift, then you’re on your own, you have to find something to eat. “That opened my eyes. Wow, these bigger programs have a lot more to offer. I

Jordan Morgan

feel like coming from a smaller program made me a bit of a grittier player. I’m not afraid to go out there and go after it.” Lafayette itself is a small school, but for Morgan, who often has to tell people where Kutztown is — and he walked on there — it was a different world. Before college All-Star games, the best way for these players to get on the map is through games against FBS schools, even if the result is lopsided. Ugokwe recalls games against West Virginia and Virginia Tech. “West Virginia was my first start ever in college at left tackle,” he said. “It was definitely, you looked up to those times. Walked in there with a chip on our shoulder ready to compete.” Otherwise, the small school prospects spent their college years playing in front of thousands, not tens of thousands. “We have a great family fan base,” Saubert said with a laugh. “Moms and dads are there. South Dakota State this past year was the biggest. We helped them open their new stadium, around 18,000.” The Senior Bowl crowd was the biggest Morgan had played in front of, after a Division II life of crowds no more than 8,000 — he could get that type of crowd at a training camp practice this summer. “I thought [what] was pretty cool was it didn’t really faze me,” Morgan said of the Senior Bowl attendance. “When I was out there in the game at the Senior Bowl, it was a great environment, but the main thing I noticed was the crowd was so much bigger but at the same time, it’s still just football at the end of the day.” Davenport said that Bucknell only got big crowds if a game overlapped with a weekend event, like family weekend or homecoming. “Our stadium holds around 13,000,” he said. “It’s more than we think it is, but when you see a lot of empty seats, it

doesn’t seem like that much at all.” North Carolina A&T running back Tarik Cohen said the biggest crowd he played in front of was against another FCS school, his first college game, vs. Appalachian State. “The atmosphere was crazy,” he said. Every small school player talks of the proverbial “chip on the shoulder.” Overlooked for years but now with a chance to pursue an NFL dream just like the players from the BCS programs. “In D-2, they don’t get full scholarships, only partial. And I walked on there,” Morgan said. “The driving force for me was just the love for football, not any of the flash or fame or money that comes with that, just a passion for the sport.” Kupp, who may be the most well-known of the small school players, doesn’t shy away from the small school profile, nor does he think it’s an obstacle. “I accept that people have

this perception of [players from small schools]. Regardless of where I came out of, regardless of what school I played for, I’m the same player I am today as I would have been if I came out of a bigger school,” he said. “You’re getting a player. You’re not getting his past. “Everything you’ve done up to this point as far as productivity is over. I’m the same player I am today if I had come from any other school. I know who I am so I know that I can play at a very high level and I can be productive.” Cohen echoed that sentiment, that the work ethic he has learned playing at a lower level should only help him as he tries to make an NFL roster. “I feel like it’s going to help me to push farther than a normal athlete in a position would push,” he said. “You know you really have that extra mile to go or the extra step you need to take over the rest of the athletes from the big schools.”

Julién Davenport

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

| 35

2017

PROSPECTS By

HUB ARKUSH linebacker prospect in the draft.

EDGE RUSHER

Derek Barnett | TENNESSEE

HT: 6-3 | WT: 259 Barnett is extremely well thought of in many circles and some might puzzle over why he is considered underrated for purposes of this article. The answer is, at Pro Football Weekly we believe he is one of the three or four best pass rushers available in 2017 Draft and he may prove to be the best if he continues to improve in the NFL as he did in his 2016 junior season at Tennessee before electing to enter the Draft. At 6-foot-3 and 265 pounds, Barnett has the size to line up at right end in a 40 front and ideal size to be an outside pass rushing linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. He has excellent strength and natural power for his size, as quick and explosive a first step as we’ve seen in a while and Barnett is an exceptional athlete who has developed a full repertoire of pass rush moves and counter moves. The only potential red flag on Barnett’s scouting report is you’d like him an inch or two taller and his arms measured just 32 1/8 inches at the combine, but the tape doesn’t lie and this kid will rush the passer as well as any prospect in this draft. If Barnett doesn’t come off the board in the first 10 picks, a number of teams will live to regret their oversight.

LINEBACKER

Raekwon McMillan | OHIO STATE

HT: 6-2 | WT: 240 McMillan is another highly rated player who we don’t think is being rated near as highly as he should be in most circles. He was the top high school linebacker in the country, winning the Butkus Award in 2013 before going to Ohio State, and was a finalist for the college Butkus Award in 2015 as a true sophomore. McMillan measured 6-2, 240 pounds at the Combine and ran a 4.62 40-yard dash,

WIDE RECEIVER

Juju Smith-Schuster | USC

Derek Barnett

ideal numbers for an inside linebacker. He was highly productive in Columbus, notching 54 tackles with 6 1/2 for loss as a true freshman and then starting all 13 games Ohio State played in 2015 and 2016 with 119 tackles as a sophomore and 102 more as a junior and 11 tackles for loss in those two seasons. If there is a weakness in his game, it’s as a blitzer. But inside guys don’t rush the passer as often as outside backers and McMillan does get pressure, he just needs to learn to finish. He is a top playmaker with great instincts and feel for the game that is always around the football. Other than Alabama’s Reuben Foster, there isn’t a better true inside or MIKE

36 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

HT: 6-1 | WT: 215 We think so much of wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster at Pro Football Weekly that we rank him tied for the best prospect at his position along with Clemson’s Mike Williams and Western Michigan’s Corey Davis on all of the tangibles and then give Smith-Schuster the edge due to his obviously unbridled love of the game. He is a true junior who dominated at USC from the day he showed up on campus, starting 12 of 13 games as a true freshman and all 27 since. Smith-Schuster is extremely physical and plays the game very much like a faster and more athletic version of Anquan Boldin. His size is good if not great but his 32 7/8 inch long arms and 10 1/2 inch hands allow him to play bigger than he is. Smith-Schuster will enter the NFL already an excellent route runner, unlike so many college wideouts who run only a few routes on the tree in spread systems. He wins almost every contested ball and, after the catch, he looks more like a running back than a wide receiver. This kid should be a top 12, top 15 pick who could very well fall to the bottom of the first round or possibly even the top of the second.

OFFENSIVE TACKLE

Antonio Garcia | TROY

HT: 6-6 | WT: 302 Prior to the Senior Bowl, a lot of knowledgeable football people weren’t even familiar with Antonio Garcia, but following his week in Mobile and the NFL Combine everyone knows who he is now. Garcia is a four-year starter at left tackle at Troy who at 6-6 with 33 3/8 inch arms is everything you’re looking for at the position. This kid is a great athlete whose only

Juju Smith-Schuster

Chad Kelly

obvious limitation is his relatively thin frame and lack of power. Garcia struggled to stay at 290 or 300 in college but, if an NFL workout regimen and top nutritionist can put another 10 to 20 pounds of muscle on him, we could be talking about a perennial All Pro. Garcia is strong and explosive in spite of his lack of bulk, very light on his feet with great footwork, very athletic, consistently gets to the second level and perhaps most importantly for an O-lineman he plays with some real nasty in his attitude. He’ll have to prove he can make the significant step up in competition but NFL teams know exactly who he is and you shouldn’t be surprised if he slides into the back of the first round or is an early Day 2 pick. Garcia has one of the highest ceilings in this year’s draft. QUARTERBACK

Chad Kelly | MISSISSIPPI

HT: 6-2 | WT: 220 If you’re a serious fan of the NFL, you probably know that Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly is the nephew and godson of Hall of Fame QB Jim Kelly. You also may have heard that Kelly is a bit of a problem child who washed out of Clemson after being recruited there as one of the top five QB prospects in the country, spent a year at East Mississippi Community College, where his team won a national title, and then finished at Mississippi before tearing the ACL in his right knee in November. There is no question there are warts on Kelly’s resume, but according to our sources at PFW and people close to him, his off-the-field issues have been due much more to immaturity than bad character. If you look at his one healthy full season, his junior year at Mississippi when he completed 65 percent of his passes for 4,042 yards, 31 TDs and 13 interceptions,

Ryan Anderson

there is a chance some team is going to get a steal on Day 3 of the draft. OFFENSIVE TACKLE

Dion Dawkins | TEMPLE

HT: 6-4 | WT: 314 What we love about Dawkins is he was a three-year starter at left tackle at Temple and, unlike a lot of guys who play on the left side in college, he has the natural size, athleticism and feet to stay there in the NFL. His size of 6-4, 314 is just about perfect for a left tackle in the NFL and Dawkins has 35-inch arms that will make him very difficult for speed rushers to handle if he gets his hands on them. The other great thing about Dawkins, which we talk about all the time with offensive linemen, is while all pro football players have to be tough, you want the guys up front to be mean or at least play nasty. Dawkins does. Dawkins uses his hands very well and can get to the second level, and he blocks the run extremely well in addition to having great pass protection skills. He had some trouble off the field in 2015 but handled it well and it appears to have been an isolated incident. Dawkins will play early and better than one would expect based on where he will be drafted.

EDGE RUSHER

Ryan Anderson | ALABAMA

HT: 6-2 | WT: 253 If you’re not familiar with Anderson, it’s probably because he shared the field at Alabama with fellow linebackers Reuben Foster and Tim Williams, defensive end Jonathan Allen and cornerback Marlon Humphrey. But Anderson can play and we think he has a solid future in the NFL as a SAM linebacker in a 4-3 scheme or as an edge rusher in a 3-4. He spent five years at Alabama, which

Trey Hendrickson

doesn’t happen often, and he’s got great instincts, finds the football and makes plays, and he can drop into coverage when he’s asked to. He’s not Allen, Foster or Williams but he should end up starting somewhere for a long time in the NFL. EDGE RUSHER

Trey Hendrickson | FLORIDA ATLANTIC

HT: 6-4 | WT: 266 Hendrickson was unknown, for the most part, until he tore it up at this year’s East-West Shrine Game. The bottom line is this kid can rush the passer with 23 sacks in his last 23 games in college and there isn’t a team in the NFL that isn’t looking for more pass rush. Hendrickson flew under the radar for the most part because Florida Atlantic isn’t exactly a national power and, while he did have five sacks as a sophomore, he didn’t become a full-time starter until his junior year. But Hendrickson has the size to play end in a 40 front or stand up as an outside rush backer in a 3-4 scheme and the bottom line is he gets to the quarterback. Expect him to be a late Day 2 or early Day 3 pick.

LINEBACKER

Carroll Phillips JR. | ILLINOIS

HT: 6-3 | WT: 242 Phillips got to Illinois in 2015 as a junior college transfer and started just three games, but in 2016 he became the starting right end in a 40 front and totaled nine sacks and 20 tackles for loss, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors. Due to his lack of natural size, it’s tough to project Phillips as an end at the next level, but we think some club will draft him as a linebacker after he showed he can play on his feet at the Senior Bowl and they could end up with a special player in this young man, whose nickname is “Wild man.”

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

| 37

PFW’s

UPDATED

his is Pro Football Weekly Mock Draft 2.0, our second attempt at trying to project the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. It should be noted that this Mock Draft was conducted March 23, and our editors took into account team needs as well as player grades. Stay tuned to ProFootballWeekly.com for Mock Drafts leading up to our final version on April 26, the day before the NFL Draft. We will also have an updated Mock Draft in our Pro Football Weekly newspaper inserts, available across the country on April 23. * — DENOTES THE PLAYER IS AN UNDERCLASSMAN.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

MYLES GARRETT* | EDGE | TEXAS A&M u This pick appears to be the one sure thing in this Draft.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

DESHAUN WATSON* | QB | CLEMSON

u Watson’s athleticism, and intangibles, make him choice to build roster around.

CHICAGO BEARS

JONATHAN ALLEN | DT | ALABAMA

u If the medical is clean, this is a perfect fit for the Bears.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

LEONARD FOURNETTE* | RB | LSU

u He certainly meets Tom Coughlin’s directive to improve Jags’ toughness.

TENNESSEE TITANS

MARSHON LATTIMORE* | CB | OHIO STATE

u Cornerback is Titans’ greatest need, and Lattimore is tops on the board.

NEW YORK JETS

MITCHELL TRUBISKY* | QB | NORTH CAROLINA u Mike Maccagnan again reaches for potential franchise passer.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

MALIK HOOKER* | S | OHIO STATE

u Chargers will gamble on his rehab to get a special playmaker.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

JAMAL ADAMS* | S | LSU

u Carolina’s talented ‘D’ can use a youth infusion on the back end.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

DEREK BARNETT* | EDGE | TENNESSEE u Some think he’s the best pass rusher in the draft.

BUFFALO BILLS

COREY DAVIS | WR | WESTERN MICHIGAN

u After wisely retaining Tyrod Taylor, it’s time to get him the help he needs.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

SOLOMON THOMAS* | EDGE | STANFORD u They run pick to podium with versatile Thomas available after meteoric spring rise.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

O.J. HOWARD | TE | ALABAMA

u After annual failed QB pursuit, they’re determined to get support structure in place first.

ARIZONA CARDINALS

MARLON HUMPHREY* | CB | ALABAMA

u Cards look to bookend Patrick Peterson with another lockdown cover corner.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

DALVIN COOK* | RB | FLORIDA STATE

u Offseason focus on helping Carson Wentz continues with arrival of gamebreaker.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

TACO CHARLTON* | EDGE | MICHIGAN

u Desperate for an edge rusher, Colts take best one on the board.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

REUBEN FOSTER* | LB | ALABAMA MYLES GARRETT

38 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

u Foster replaces retired Orr, joining fellow Alabama disciple Mosley.

By Pro

Football Weekly staff

WASHINGTON

JABRILL PEPPERS* | S | MICHIGAN

u Peppers can play S, CB or LB; Washington needs help at all 3 spots.

TENNESSEE TITANS

JOHN ROSS* | WR | WASHINGTON

u Blistering speed will make defenses reconsider loading up vs. powerful run game.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

MIKE WILLIAMS* | WR | CLEMSON

u DeSean Jackson fills the speed spot, Williams looks great next to Mike Evans.

DENVER BRONCOS

RYAN RAMCZYK* | OT | WISCONSIN

JONATHAN ALLEN

JAMAL ADAMS

MARSHON LATTIMORE

SOLOMON THOMAS

DALVIN COOK

MITCHELL TRUBISKY

FORREST LAMP

O.J. HOWARD

u Needing a plug-and-play starter and Ramczyk, health willing, is best option.

DETROIT LIONS

ZACH CUNNINGHAM* | LB | VANDERBILT u This thumper at linebacker is just what Lions Doc ordered.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

GAREON CONLEY* | CB | OHIO STATE

u Length, athleticism is ideal for what Mike Tannenbaum covets at corner.

NEW YORK GIANTS

RAEKWON McMILLAN* | LB | OHIO STATE u Highly productive player plugs the biggest hole in Giants defense.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

HAASON REDDICK | LB | TEMPLE u Oakland needs an athletic, playmaking ‘backer.

HOUSTON TEXANS

DeSHONE KIZER* | QB | NOTRE DAME u Has the tangibles Bill O’Brien is looking to mold.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

CAM ROBINSON* | OT | ALABAMA

u Has the athleticism; Seattle trusts he’ll develop tenacity Tom Cable demands.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

DAN FEENEY | OG | INDIANA

u Chiefs need to get bigger, nastier inside, Feeney makes it happen.

DALLAS COWBOYS

MALIK McDOWELL* | DL | MICHIGAN STATE

u Physical specimen, character questions won’t scare defense-starved Dallas.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

FORREST LAMP | OG | WESTERN KENTUCKY u Some think the best guard in draft to take T.J. Lang’s spot.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

T.J. WATT* | EDGE | WISCONSIN

u Kevin Colbert thinks he may have found his new James Harrison.

ATLANTA FALCONS

TAKKARIST McKINLEY | EDGE | UCLA u Falcons think McKinley’s their bookend with Beasley, Jr.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

PATRICK MAHOMES* | QB | TEXAS TECH

u Saints need ‘D,’ but also need plan B with Drew Brees in contract year.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

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2017

PROSPECTS By

ARTHUR ARKUSH to be over-drafted, a continuation of teams reaching to fill O-line holes in an offseason with sparse options.

QUARTERBACK

Davis Webb | CALIFORNIA

HT: 6-5 | WT: 229 We get the growing intrigue: Webb has prototypical size, arguably the strongest arm in this year’s class and his Combine numbers reflect an above-average athlete for the position. He’s also sharp and clearly confident in his ability — two key traits for any successful quarterback. We just can’t comprehend how Webb has been garnering Round 1 buzz. His workout numbers say he’s athletic; his film reflects a player who struggles to navigate the pocket and evade the rush. His rocket-launching right arm is nothing if not erratic, as evidenced by an uneven week of Senior Bowl practices and his sub-52 percent career accuracy rate despite playing in historically high-percentage passing attacks, first in Lubbock, then at Cal.

OFFENSIVE TACKLE

Garett Boles | UTAH

HT: 6-5 | WT: 297 Boles’ residence on our Combine All-Star team illustrates his athletic freak status, and glass-eating toughness, ideally suited for an NFL O-linemen. His residence at Snow Junior College from 2014-15, and in the D-line room at Westlake High, reflects just how green he is as a first-round O-line prospect. Thus, when we see Boles generating top-half of Round 1 consideration at other outlets, well, we have to scratch our heads. Boles will be a 25-year-old rookie — three years older than 2016 first-round OTs Ronnie Stanley, Jack Conklin and Laremy Tunsil — as his circuitous NFL route included a “rough childhood,” legal guardians saving him from the street after his parents kicked him out, and a church mission in Colorado. Moreover, how much will a narrow-framed player have to develop in the weight room, much less on the field where he can get overpowered, before he’s a setit and forget-it blocker? He’s clearly going

DEFENSIVE TACKLE

Malik McDowell | MICHIGAN STATE

Davis Webb

HT: 6-6 | WT: 295 His physical presence is immense, but McDowell has some similarities to Cardinals 2016 first-rounder Robert Nkemdiche, who essentially redshirted as a rookie due to poor practice habits after falling in the draft. McDowell, who doesn’t have off-field flags like Nkemdiche, has the size and strength to dominate — so why doesn’t he? He managed just 7.5 career sacks and two forced fumbles in 36 games (23 starts), not commensurate with a pass rusher and disruptor of his ilk. Teams have been burned countless times for spending first-round investments on guys who aren’t themselves fully invested to the game. McDowell has to show teams he won’t become the latest cautionary tale.

CORNERBACK

Teez Tabor | FLORIDA

Malik McDowell

40 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

HT: 6-0 | WT: 199 For months, the conversation surrounding him centered on 33 pass breakups, 8 interceptions and sticky coverage skills, honed over a three-year period as a starter on one of the nation’s top defenses. It shifted almost immediately after Tabor was clocked, twice, on a 4.62-second 40-yard dash at the Combine. Fair or not, cornerback and wide receiver are two stopwatch-driven positions, and 4.62 won’t cut it for a player, recently considered a first-round lock, who hangs his hat on his press and transition skills. Tabor could help his cause at his Pro Day, but without a time at least in the low 4.5s — former Gator teammate Vernon Hargreaves III, the 11th overall pick in 2016, was the only first-round corner not to run in the 4.4s last year — his first-round outlook is bleak.

AFC EAST

BUFFALO

BILLS

MIAMI

DOLPHINS

The Bills have been busy in free agency, first and foremost by retaining Tyrod Taylor. They also re-signed Lorenzo Alexander and Jordan Mills and signed a handful of veterans, most notably former Packers DB Micah Hyde. They did lose several players, though, including CB Stephon Gilmore and three wideouts.

The Dolphins added ILB Lawrence Timmons, S Nate Allen and TE Anthony Fasano in free agency and acquired TE Julius Thomas in a trade with the Jaguars while resigning WR Kenny Stills, FS Reshad Jones and DE Andre Branch. They released DE Mario Williams and lost TE Dion Sims to the Bears. They still could use help in the trenches.

TOP THREE NEEDS

WIDE RECEIVER | Robert Woods signed with the Rams,

Marquise Hunter signed with the 49ers and Justin Hunter is off to the Steelers. The Bills need more talent at the position to complement Sammy Watkins. Free-agent adds Corey Brown and Jeremy Butler aren’t enough to elevate the league’s 30th-ranked passing game of a year ago. QUARTERBACK | Keeping Taylor lessens the need at QB for the immediate future, but his contract doesn’t have much guaranteed money after 2017, making it essentially a one-year deal. The Bills should draft a quarterback who at a minimum can be a quality backup behind Taylor, and if need be someone who can be the future if he doesn’t pan out. DEFENSIVE BACK | The Hyde addition was important, as he can play corner or safety, but the Bills cut Corey Graham and Aaron Williams in addition to losing Gilmore to the Patriots. They did sign Jordan Poyer, too, and the former Brown should have a good shot to start. Ronald Darby leads a secondary that could still use depth.

GUARD/CENTER | Miami signed OG Ted Larsen, who has

been a journeyman in the league with 65 career starts for three different teams. With Branden Albert gone, Laremy Tunsil is moving to left tackle. Jermon Bushrod is an option at guard after re-signing. Miami could also use depth at center, as Mike Pouncey hasn’t played in 16 games since 2012.

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DEFENSIVE END | It was important to bring back Branch and give Cameron Wake an extension, but Miami covets additional depth up front. Acquiring William Hayes from the Rams helps, but he turns 32 in May, and Wake is 35. Youthful edge rushers would be huge for Miami’s front. for the Dolphins’ run defense, but more help is necessary for the middle of the ‘D’. Jelani Jenkins remains a free agent, Koa Misi is 30 and ended last season on IR. Miami last drafted a linebacker in 2014, when it took Jordan Tripp in the fifth.

AFC EAST

NEW ENGLAND

PATRIOTS

The Patriots had quite the start to free agency, playing offseason chess while everyone else played checkers. They traded for Brandin Cooks, signed Stephon Gilmore and resigned Dont’a Hightower, and don’t really have major needs to fill, but we’ll nitpick.

TOP THREE NEEDS

EDGE | New England did acquire Kony Ealy in a trade with

the Panthers, but Jabaal Sheard signed with the Colts and Chris Long will not return. Sheard and Long were second and third on the Pats in sacks last season. Trey Flowers led the team with only seven sacks. Rob Ninkovich is 33. A quick-twitch edge rusher would complement Flowers well and the interior D-line of Malcom Brown and Alan Branch.

OFFENSIVE TACKLE | The Patriots didn’t make any

moves at the offensive tackle spot in the offseason. They’re set with Nate Solder and Marcus Cannon, but need depth after releasing long-time right tackle Sebastian Vollmer. And Solder is entering the final year of his contract.

CORNERBACK | Yes, the Patriots signed Gilmore to a massive contract and, as of this writing, Malcolm Butler is still under contract, but for how much longer? Would the Pats give Butler No. 1 corner money along with Gilmore? New England lost Logan Ryan to the Titans and Bill Belichick is always up for adding bodies at corner.

LINEBACKER | Bringing in Timmons should be crucial

NEW YORK

JETS

The Jets’ moves in free agency have been more about who’s gone: Nick Mangold, Brandon Marshall, Darrelle Revis and Ryan Clady were all cut, and Ryan Fitzpatrick hasn’t been re-signed. The big move was adding veteran passer Josh McCown and left tackle Kelvin Beachum, plus re-signing Ben Ijalana. With offensive tackle shored up for the time being, they can focus on other big areas of need.

TOP THREE NEEDS

QUARTERBACK | Who believes that McCown, Christian

Hackenberg or Bryce Petty is Gang Green’s quarterback fix? At least with Hackenberg, there is still the unknown — he “could” be the guy, but do the Jets want to gamble with that? This franchise has needed a long-term answer at signal-caller for a long time, and despite two recent highround picks at the position, QB remains priority No. 1.

2 3

CORNERBACK | Revis is gone, so who are the answers

for the Jets at cornerback? They have Buster Skrine, Juston Burris and Marcus Williams, none of whom recorded more than six passes defensed. This position has fallen off dramatically over the past few seasons.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER | The Jets didn’t add any edge

rushers in free agency. Recent draft picks Lorenzo Mauldin and Jordan Jenkins led the linebackers in sacks in 2016, with five combined. That’s it. The Jets have needed a quick-twitch edge rusher for a while now. PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

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AFC NORTH

BALTIMORE

CINCINNATI

RAVENS

The Ravens made two significant moves for their defense in free agency, re-signing DT Brandon Williams and adding former Cardinals S Tony Jefferson. Paired with Eric Weddle, Jefferson gives the Ravens a formidable pair in the back end. However, Baltimore released Elvis Dumervil, Lardarius Webb and Shareece Wright and lost Lawrence Guy, Ricky Wagner and Kyle Juszczyk to free agency.

TOP THREE NEEDS

EDGE | The Ravens could bring Dumervil back at a

cheaper price, but he is 33. Terrell Suggs had eight sacks last year in 15 games, but he is 34. After Suggs, the edge rusher with the most sacks was Matt Judon (four) and then Michael Pierce (two). Baltimore’s D-line is stout, which would set up more opportunities for talented OLBs.

2 3

CORNERBACK | Baltimore did sign Brandon Carr, but

he turns 31 in May and has one interception in the past three seasons. The Ravens used a fourth-rounder on Tavon Young last year, but they haven’t used a first- or second-round pick on a corner since Jimmy Smith in 2011.

WIDE RECEIVER | Steve Smith’s retirement and Kamar

Aiken exiting via free agency leaves the Ravens with Mike Wallace (who turns 31 in August), Breshad Perriman and … that’s about it at receiver. Time to get Joe Flacco more options, such as an intermediate target to complement the two deep threats.

BENGALS

The Bengals had an interesting first week to the league year. They let six players leave in free agency, including two starters up front: OT Andrew Whitworth and OG Kevin Zeitler. D-linemen Margus Hunt and Domata Peko signed elsewhere, along with RB Rex Burkhead and OLB Karlos Dansby. They did add OT Andre Smith and LB Kevin Minter, and re-signed WR Brandon LaFell, OT Eric Winston and CB Dre Kirkpatrick.

TOP THREE NEEDS

1 2

DEFENSIVE LINE | Geno Atkins is one of the game’s best,

and Cincy has Michael Johnson and Carlos Dunlap, but that’s about it up front, and they didn’t add any options in free agency to help rush the passer and stop the run.

OFFENSIVE LINE | The time is now for 2015 first-rounder Cedric Ogbuehi and 2016 second-rounder Jake Fisher at tackle, but Ogbuehi hasn’t shown a lot to be confident about. At the swing tackle spots, Winston is 33 and Smith is 30 and has had an injury-plagued career, and they could use the draft to replace Zeitler.

Nick Vigil and Paul Dawson as depth pieces, but need more youth. Rey Maualuga is 30, coming off his least productive season and entering the final year of his contract. With Karlos Dansby gone, Cincinnati signed Minter, but it could add more Vontaze Burfict insurance.

AFC NORTH

CLEVELAND

BROWNS

LINEBACKER | The Bengals have recent third-rounders

PITTSBURGH

STEELERS

The Browns used free agency to bolster their offensive line, re-signing Joel Bitonio then adding Kevin Zeitler — the best guard on the market — and former Packer JC Tretter. They then stunned the league with their trade for Brock Osweiler. They lost Terrelle Pryor to Washington, but signed veteran receiver Kenny Britt.

The Steelers made headlines in March by retaining their two top players, giving the franchise tag to RB Le’Veon Bell and a massive contract extension to Antonio Brown. However, they lost long-time ILB Lawrence Timmons, former first-round OLB Jarvis Jones and WR Markus Wheaton in free agency. They did sign WR Justin Hunter.

TOP THREE NEEDS

QUARTERBACK | Does anyone think Osweiler will be

the Week 1 starter for the Browns in 2017? The Browns cut Robert Griffin III and Josh McCown signed with the Jets. They like Cody Kessler and have Kevin Hogan, but still need more options to answer the franchise’s long-running question at the quarterback position, unless they use their extra picks to go after a certain Patriots backup.

DEFENSIVE BACK | The safety position is lacking big-time

playmakers. They lost Jordan Poyer in free agency and have a group of young, unproven players heading into the season. They are a little more stocked at corner with Joe Haden, Jamar Taylor and Briean Boddy-Calhoun, but could still stand to add coverage players to help the pass ‘D’.

EDGE | Another thing that would help the pass defense is

getting more edge-rush talent. They have Jamie Collins at linebacker, who signed a four-year contract extension. No linebacker had more than three sacks for the Browns, who were led by Emmanuel Ogbah’s 5.5, last season.

42 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

EDGE | Jones was a bust for the Steelers. He had only one

sack last season. They re-signed James Harrison again, and while he is an ageless wonder, the fact that he turns 39 in May can’t be ignored. The Steelers have a building block on the edge in Bud Dupree, but could get him a longterm complement on the other side to help the pass rush.

2 3

INSIDE LINEBACKER | With Timmons gone, Ryan

Shazier needs a new partner for the middle of the ‘D’. They have Vince Williams, who is only 27 and has been solid, missing only one game since 2013. But he has never been a full-time starter.

RUNNING BACK | Sure, Bell will be back and he is the

league’s best dual-threat running back. He also missed four games in 2016 and 10 in 2015. And Bell reportedly underwent surgery in March, but is expected to be ready for OTAs. Unless DeAngelo Williams is brought back, the Steelers only have Fitzgerald Toussaint and free-agent signee Knile Davis behind Bell. Insurance is needed.

AFC SOUTH

HOUSTON

TEXANS

INDIANAPOLIS

COLTS

They already made one of the offseason’s biggest headlines, admitting a $37 million mistake by sending Brock Osweiler and a second-roundpicktoClevelandinanNBA-stylesalarydump.Will Houston make more Texas-sized QB news, potentially involving another veteran passer, Tony Romo or Jay Cutler, who were both unsurewherethey’llplayasof presstime.Meantime,Houstonmust address the departure of S Quintin Demps, one of three starting defenders to walk in free agency, in addition to a battered RT post.

New GM Chris Ballard added three likely defensive starters — OLBs Jabaal Sheard and John Simon, and ILB Sean Spence — in free agency, likely foreshadowing a relentless overhaul of a unit with an average NFL rank of No. 19 in scoring since Chuck Pagano’s arrival. Until their ‘D’ is ready to compete, the Colts could also lean more on the run game, in search of a gamebreaker as Frank Gore, 34, enters a contract year.

TOP THREE NEEDS

RIGHT TACKLE | Chris Clark’s serviceability, even as a

pinch-hitting swing tackle, waned last season, before the fill-in for Derek Newton, who’s recovering from torn patellar tendons in both legs, underwent offseason shoulder surgery. Duane Brown is still solid on the blind side, but neither Clark nor Newton should be counted on opposite him, particularly in front of an inexperienced and/or fragile QB. QUARTERBACK | Current presumptive starter Tom Savage has 92 career pass attempts, plus a bad habit of getting injured immediately after both of his fleeting NFL flashes. Brandon Weeden has a career sub-59 completion percentage. Indeed, a deficiency at the game’s most vital position continues to limit a championship-caliber ‘D.’ SAFETY | Unlike corner, where they have former firstrounder Kevin Johnson waiting to step in for A.J. Bouye, building a plan to replace Demps (team-high six INTs) may need the draft to provide clarity.

INSIDE LINEBACKER | Spence brings starting experience

to a ‘D’ that moved on from stalwart D’Qwell Jackson, and suffered through the growing pains of youngsters, Antonio Morrison and Edwin Jackson. Spence likely doesn’t bring the consistent run-stuffing and dynamic three-down ability they’ve lacked seemingly forever. CORNERBACK | Darius Butler returns, but likely as a safety, leaving just Vontae Davis, 29 and entering a contract year following a disappointing 2016, as the lone known commodity. Their eight interceptions tied for 29th in the NFL, and only two came from full-time corners. RUNNING BACK | Gore became the first Colt to run for 1,000 yards since Joe Addai, in 2007, and the oldest NFL back to reach the milestone since John Riggins (1984). He did it averaging 3.9 yards per carry, and although Robert Turbin, 27, re-signed, he’s another north-south runner; what the backfield lacks is speed and home-run potential.

2 3

AFC SOUTH

JACKSONVILLE

JAGUARS

A vastly productive, and expensive, free agency positions them as “offseason winners” for a second consecutive year. More importantly, it allows Jacksonville to foster Blake Bortles’ make-or-break year as much as possible by attacking offensive holes to supplement a defense now boasting arguably as much talent as any.

TOP THREE NEEDS

1 2

TIGHT END | The void created by trading Julius Thomas to Miami for LT Branden Albert should easily be filled in one of the best TE drafts ever. Make no mistake, though, it’s a void, with Marcedes Lewis, 33, in decline and the youngsters behind him combining for 31 career catches. EDGE | With an explosive interior rush, led by Malik Jackson and Calais Campbell, they could field their first double-digit sack producer in a decade. But they won’t rest on their laurels after Yannick Ngakoue was a 2016 rookie revelation, not with the jury still out on 2015 third overall pick Dante Fowler Jr. RUNNING BACK | It hasn’t been ignored: T.J. Yeldon was the 36th overall pick in 2015, one year before Chris Ivory secured $10 million guaranteed in free agency. It’s more so the absence of a back with formidable speed and creativity. It’s also worth noting new coach Doug Marrone and first-time football czar Tom Coughlin likely want to take the air out of the football with a voluminous rush attack, likely featuring their hand-picked back.

TENNESSEE

TITANS

If GM Jon Robinson can do in Year 2 for his WR corps and secondary what he did for his backfield and O-line in Year 1, Tennessee could be poised to overtake the Texans, who won the AFC South via tiebreaker. Robinson jumped out to a head start in the secondary through free agency, signing Logan Ryan and Johnathan Cyprien, but the WR and TE rooms were worsened.

TOP THREE NEEDS

WIDE RECEIVER | Perhaps no position better symbolizes Robinson predecessor Ruston Webster’s draft misses — Kendall Wright, Dorial Green-Beckham and Justin Hunter cleared out upon Robinson’s arrival. Now, Marcus Mariota needs his true No. 1 of the present and future, a big, physical target with vertical and after-the-catch ability to pair with Rishard Matthews and Tajae Sharpe. CORNERBACK | Ryan plays inside and outside, and brings strong tackling to a ‘D’ that rotated corners by season’s end. Look for Tennessee to spend a premium pick on a man-cover corner who brings similar toughness and versatility, and competition for holdovers, Jason McCourty and Brice McCain. TIGHT END | Anthony Fasano is one of the NFL’s better in-line blockers, an underrated cog in a powerful ground game. Coach Mike Munchak is a former NFL tight end, aware of the toughness he lost with Fasano’s exit, and the profound effect Delanie Walker, 33, has on Mariota.

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AFC WEST

DENVER

BRONCOS

LOS ANGELES

CHARGERS

Denver signed two likely starters, OG Ronald Leary and OT Menelik Watson... and badly covets more O-line help. Whether it’s Trevor Siemian, Paxton Lynch or Tony Romo, he’ll struggle until protection, and run blocking, improves. Signing Domata Peko should help John Elway work more on his disappointing offense than a still-loaded ‘D.’

They set the LT market, replacing King Dunlap with Russell Okung, but it won’t preclude them from prioritizing Philip Rivers’ battered protection plan. GM Tom Telesco’s safety dance hasn’t included investing significantly to replace former franchise great Eric Weddle, but that could change as he seeks more playmakers for an already-talented ‘D.’

TOP THREE NEEDS

OFFENSIVE TACKLE | In no division is the difference

between left and right tackle more meaningless than the AFC West. With all four clubs boasting studs off both edges, forget hiding a weaker guy on the right. They might be OK with Watson, Donald Stephenson and Ty Sambrailo battling for one spot; Elway needs another starter. TIGHT END | How nice would a mismatch weapon pair with Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders? They’ve wondered since Julius Thomas’ exit two years ago. Elway thought enough of Jeff Heuerman to invest a 2015 third-rounder, and traded a ’17 fifth- for AJ Derby, but both are unproven. Virgil Green isn’t a dynamic receiver, either, but this class is full of them. RUNNING BACK/RETURNER | Think ex-Stanford stud Christian McCaffrey, not because his Dad, Ed, has Broncos roots, but because it’s McCaffrey’s diverse, dangerous skill set that’d mesh perfectly with C.J. Anderson, Devontae Booker and a young (or old) QB. Denver ranked 27th and 30th rushing and returning kicks, respectively.

SAFETY | Jahleel Addae signed a four-year deal, and when the hard-hitting 27-year-old is healthy — which hasn’t been often enough — he’s solid. By contrast, Dwight Lowery, 31, has appeared in 48 consecutive games, but the journeyman is entering a contract year and, like most, lacks the dynamic skill set of Weddle. OFFENSIVE LINE | Despite the $25 million guaranteed Okung received, history suggests the seven-year veteran coming off just his first 16-game season could struggle to stay healthy. Remember, this is a group just two years removed from requiring 24 different starting combos, and only RT Joe Barksdale made every start a season ago. CORNERBACK | Since giving big money to Brandon Flowers and Derek Cox in his first season, GM Telesco has been on a hot streak here, drafting 2015 Pro Bowler Jason Verrett and signing 2016 Pro Bowler and NFL interception leader Casey Hayward. Still, Verrett, like teammate Keenan Allen, has been held back from stardom by injuries, and Flowers’ release creates a starting vacancy.

AFC WEST

KANSAS CITY

CHIEFS

Free agency again meant namely rewarding their own — with one large exception. In addition to re-signing Eric Berry to the richest safety deal ever, and extending OG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, they swapped out nose guards, importing Bennie Logan in favor of homegrown Dontari Poe. Logan’s arrival allows them to focus on the back seven and a better Alex Smith contingency.

TOP THREE NEEDS

INSIDE LINEBACKER | Whether or not Derrick Johnson,

35, can fully recover from his second Achilles’ tear in three years, it signals the need to find his eventual replacement. The position was a sore spot — figuratively and literally — in 2016, when they ranked 26th vs. the run, with Ramik Wilson, Justin March-Lillard and others struggling to fill big holes. CORNERBACK | Terrance Mitchell went from November cut to postseason starter opposite All-Pro Marcus Peters. No. 2 CB Steven Nelson notched 16 PBUs in his second season, and first as the starter, but his next takeaway will be his first, and adding another thieving press specialist like Peters is preferable. QUARTERBACK | They remain committed, at least publicly, to Smith, despite him failing to replicate his 2015 career year and struggling in the postseason. There is an out in Smith’s contract next offseason, with no one of noteworthy pedigree to develop after they declined Nick Foles’ option.

OAKLAND

RAIDERS

Following one of the NFL’s more aggressive free-agent spending sprees in 2016, Oakland took a passive approach, mostly supplementing a star-laden offense. Help is required throughout the NFL’s 20th-ranked scoring ‘D,’ but the backseven help Exec of the Year Reggie McKenzie covets aligns well with the draft’s strengths.

TOP THREE NEEDS

MIDDLE LINEBACKERS | Malcolm Smith gave them a

lot of mileage, not impact plays, and acquiring a new defensive hub and sidekick for Bruce Irvin and Khalil Mack is critical. Don’t discount the importance of finding someone who’ll both consistently defend, and lead, for one of the league’s more talented, yet undisciplined, clubs. CORNERBACK | The corner position has been McKenzie’s Achilles’. Sean Smith struggled in his first season, and the DJ Hayden experiment ended painstakingly. Smith and David Amerson are back, but the former is coming off shoulder surgery and the latter wasn’t as good in his first full season, after getting a fresh deal. Length and physicality are key traits Oakland covets for its outside corners. SAFETY | Can Karl Joseph, the 14th overall pick last April, stay on the field consistently given his size and playing temperament? He didn’t as a rookie, missing five starts down the stretch, and experienced fill-in Nate Allen is gone. Reggie Nelson could be, too, following next season, when he’ll be out of contract and pushing 35.

44 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

NFC EAST

DALLAS

COWBOYS

The Cowboys made no impact on their greatest needs through free agency and, in fact, probably created a few more significant holes. Dallas’ only veteran signee is middle-aged, journeyman cornerback Nolan Carroll from Philadelphia, who can’t begin to make up for the losses of both Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne all by himself, and the secondary was Dallas’ second-greatest need prior to the beginning of the new league year.

TOP THREE NEEDS

EDGE | Pass rush continues to be the single greatest need

for a Cowboys team that totaled just 28 sacks last season and was just 19th in sacks per pass attempt. Randy Gregory was drafted two seasons ago in spite of multiple red flags to be the answer to Dallas’ pass rush problem but he’s managed one sack in two suspension-filled professional seasons and will now be suspended again until at least January of 2018. DeMarcus Lawrence came on late last season to finish with 8 sacks but he is not an elite rusher. DEFENSIVE BACK | The Cowboys’ secondary was mediocre at best and three starters – Brandon Carr, Morris Claiborne and Barry Church – and key backup J.J. Wilcox all departed via free agency. TIGHT END | Jason Witten will be 35 in May, Gavin Escobar is an unrestricted free agent who remains unsigned and Dallas has nothing at tight end after them.

2 3

NEW YORK

GIANTS

Unlike last year, when the Giants spent as much money in free agency as any team in the league, this year they worked the clearance rack, adding wide receiver Brandon Marshall, guard D.J. Fluker and backup quarterback Geno Smith as their most significant signings.

TOP THREE NEEDS

MIDDLE LINEBACKER | The ‘Mike’ linebacker position in

the New York defense has been a need for a number of seasons now and, with Jason Pierre Paul now re-signed up front, the outside linebacker spots can use upgrades as well. It’s a good bet inside linebacker will be the Giants’ top priority in the draft, unless there is a better playmaker at outside linebacker, or one of the top remaining blockers available. TIGHT END | Tight end is another position the Giants have ignored in recent seasons and one they can’t ignore any longer if they want to keep opposing defenses from paying special attention to both Odell Beckham, Jr., and Marshall. The Giants also need to bolster one of the league’s worst ground games, so it won’t be surprising if they draft a pair of tight ends, one who can move and one who can block inside. OFFENSIVE TACKLE | Ereck Flowers has not progressed at the rate the Giants hoped he would and the club will probably look for competition there that might eventually replace him.

NFC EAST

PHILADELPHIA

EAGLES

They eliminated a key need as much as any team in the league via free agency by filling their biggest void with wide receivers Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith. The Eagles are also hoping that Chance Warmack, who never quite played up to his top-10 draft status in Tennessee, can be a plug-andplay starter for them at guard after arriving, like Jeffery, on a one-year “prove-it” deal.

TOP THREE NEEDS

CORNERBACK | Philadelphia’s play at cornerback was awful in 2016 and the best of its bad lot, Nolan Carroll, left via free agency. Fortunately for the Eagles, cornerback is probably the strongest and deepest position in this draft. It would be a big surprise if they don’t take one with the Vikings’ 15th pick in the first round and another one on Day 2. RUNNING BACK | Ryan Mathews is a nice running back when healthy but he isn’t special and he constantly struggles to stay on the field. Again, this draft plays to the Eagles’ needs with one of the more talented at the top and deeper groups of running backs we’ve seen in a while. FRONT SEVEN | The Eagles were very good up front last year but Connor Barwin and Bennie Logan are both gone and this is an area Philly needs to restock with younger talent, particulary as Jim Schwartz prefers to generate his pass rush with wide-nine and upfield defenders.

2 3

WASHINGTON

Washington’s greatest need going into free agency was on the defensive line and that’s where the team has done the most work, so far, by re-signing Ziggy Hood and adding Terrell McClain from the Cowboys and Oakland’s Stacy McGee. Linebacker, safety and wide receiver were also significant needs and Washington has added free agents LB Chris Carter from Indianapolis, S D.J. Swearinger from Arizona and WR Terrelle Pryor from Cleveland. Of that group of five veterans, only Swearinger and Pryor are good enough to lesson Washington’s needs in those areas.

TOP THREE NEEDS

DEFENSIVE LINE | D-Line is still the No. 1 need for

Washington with their best player, Chris Baker, having departed for Tampa Bay. The defensive front is one of the strengths of this draft and a big space-eating tackle could very well be on the Washington wish list in the first round. OUTSIDE LINEBACKER | Washington is solid at outside linebacker with Ryan Kerrigan and Trent Murphy, while Mason Foster played well inside, but the team needs depth, at the least, and would love to have more of a playmaker than Foster inside. WIDE RECEIVER | Pryor comes on a one-year deal and, with both Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson gone, and last year’s No. 1 Josh Doctson still an unknown due to an Achilles’ injury, this is still an area of need.

2 3

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

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NFC NORTH

CHICAGO

BEARS

DETROIT

LIONS

Placeholder or not, Mike Glennon gives GM Ryan Pace the flexibility to keep attacking other holes while the QB situation crystalizes. Adding a playmaking defensive back is crucial, but signing Marcus Cooper and Prince Amukamara, and not keeping Alshon Jeffery, pushes receiver ahead of corner.

They showed good foresight to land Ricky Wagner and T.J. Lang in free agency, preceding a weak O-line draft and impending mega extension for QB Matthew Stafford. Now, GM Bob Quinn turns his attention to the front seven and backfield in search of consistent havoc-wreakers on defense and a potential franchise back.

TOP THREE NEEDS

1 2

SAFETY | Newcomer Quintin Demps, 32, averaged 4.5

takeaways per season from 2013-16; their other three safeties have four combined. Adrian Amos is penciled in alongside Demps, but Chicago hasn’t had a ballhawk since Mike Brown, or invested a first-rounder since Mark Carrier in 1990. The Bears’ 28 takeaways from 2015-16 is a franchiseworst and ranks last in the NFL. OFFENSIVE TACKLE | Their attempt to sign Ricky Wagner prior to him becoming a Lion suggests they aren’t satisfied with RT Bobby Massie. Charles Leno, who’s made 29 consecutive, and uneven, starts enters a contract year. New swing OT Tom Compton offers insurance. Glennon’s immobility makes this group more susceptible. WIDE RECEIVER | Letting Jeffery walk will haunt Pace if 2015 seventh overall pick Kevin White doesn’t emerge as a No. 1 option, and fast, after four games, two broken legs and zero touchdowns in two seasons. Cameron Meredith and Kendall Wright are intriguing, and veterans Markus Wheaton and Rueben Randle are new to the mix.

LINEBACKER | Paul Worrilow seemed like a depth signing, but it was followed by DeAndre Levy’s release. Easier said than done, but they covet the 2013-14 version of Levy — an athletic and instinctive force who plays every snap, eliminating 2016’s coverage and takeaway woes. EDGE | Detroit had six combined sacks in the final seven regular-season games, and zero takeaways in the last four, when it went 1-3 and backed into the playoffs. Ezekiel Ansah enters a contract year after injuries prevented him from ever resembling the player he was during his Pro Bowl 2015 campaign. Detroit showed little interest in resigning its second-most accomplished rusher, Devin Taylor, whose failure to pick up Ansah’s slack helped Kerry Hyder break through. RUNNING BACK | The O-line is better, but a run game tied for last in attempts and ranked 30th in yards likely can’t ascend without a dependable early-down, and betweenthe-tackles guy. Theo Riddick is terrific in the passing game, but Ameer Abdullah remains an unknown entering Year 3.

NFC NORTH

GREEN BAY

PACKERS

For a moment, at least, after he stunned observers by signing Martellus Bennett and Lance Kendricks, it seemed Ted Thompson might kick his annual free-agent allergy. Then, Micah Hyde, T.J. Lang, Datone Jones, JC Tretter, Julius Peppers and Eddie Lacy left, with only CB Davon House returning, and the exciting TE upgrade is offset by new needs on offense, plus defensive deficiencies requiring earnest attention.

MINNESOTA

VIKINGS

Minnesota was forced to overspend to upgrade the NFL’s worst OT situation — which remains tenuous — and replaced all-time franchise great Adrian Peterson with Latavius Murray, whom the Raiders let walk. They did re-sign ageless Terence Newman and ascending Adam Thielen, but the Vikings’ backfield and offensive line remains nothing if not distantly trailing their excellent defense.

TOP THREE NEEDS

1 2

TOP THREE NEEDS OFFENSIVE LINE | Unlike a year ago, when a replacement

for fellow Pro Bowler Josh Sitton was evident, Lang’s heir is unclear. Re-signed veteran Don Barclay is penciled in at right guard, but the departure of Tretter leaves interior depth thin and lacking upside. OUTSIDE LINEBACKER | Re-signing Nick Perry was critical, especially with Peppers and Jones exiting and Clay Matthews, 31, coming off another injury-shortened season and his third campaign in four years with less than eight sacks. 2016 second-rounder Kyler Fackrell must grow up quickly, and Jayrone Elliott will get more reps, but a passrush heavy draft comes at the right time. CORNERBACK | House could regain his old starting post, but how Damarious Randall, Quinten Rollins and LaDarius Gunter respond from tough sophomore years is anyone’s guess. Hyde’s exit means competition is needed inside and outside on the NFL’s 31st-ranked pass ‘D.’

46 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

OFFENSIVE LINE | Even if Riley Reiff and Mike Remmers, whom the Vikings cut in 2014 before giving $10 million guaranteed in March, stabilize the left and right flanks, respectively, a vacancy at right guard exists. And that’s assuming Reiff and Remmers pan out. RUNNING BACK | It’s hard to imagine Murray, even after receiving a three-year deal worth up to $15 million, is the only outside help in replacing Peterson. Murray, and virtually every NFL back, lacks the ability Peterson once had to create on his own — a must if the line isn’t markedly better — and the depth chart lacks a four-down back. QUARTERBACK | With Sam Bradford and Teddy Bridgewater entering contract years, assuming Minnesota declines Bridgewater’s 2018 option because of his unpredictable recovery from knee reconstruction, Spielman finds his QB situation again unsettled long term. Bradford is fresh off his best year as a pro, but it was his first unimpeded by injuries since 2012.

NFC SOUTH

ATLANTA

FALCONS

The biggest move the Falcons made in free agency came in the second week of the league year, when they added Dontari Poe to a one-year deal, filling a need on the interior with a massive run stuffer. They still could use help on the edge and have holes on the offensive side of the ball to fill as they try to repeat as NFC champions.

TOP THREE NEEDS

CAROLINA

PANTHERS

The Panthers did sign Matt Kalil (to a massive contract), but lost Mike Remmers in free agency to the Vikings, Kalil’s former team. They added WRs Charles Johnson and Russell Shepard, but lost Ted Ginn to the division-rival Saints. They did re-sign Charles Johnson and brought back future Hall of Famer Julius Peppers, but traded Kony Ealy to the Patriots. Draft needs haven’t changed much for Carolina.

EDGE | Go back and watch all the big plays the Patriots made in the second half of the Super Bowl as a reminder the Falcons could use edge-rushing help. After Vic Beasley’s 15.5 sacks, no other player had more than Adrian Clayborn’s 4.5. Having Poe in the middle should open things up for the edge rushers. OFFENSIVE GUARD | Veteran Chris Chester remains a free agent as of press time and he’s 34 years old. Andy Levitre turns 31 in May and is due $6.5 million in 2017. After those two, there’s 2016 sixth-rounder Wes Schweitzer. Matt Ryan isn’t the most mobile, so protecting against an interior rush is key for the Falcons, who have to upgrade the guard spot. DEFENSIVE BACK | There are a lot of young, solid players here: Desmond Trufant, Keanu Neal, Ricardo Allen, Robert Alford, Jalen Collins and Brian Poole. But the Falcons were not good against the pass last season and can keep adding competition in the secondary.

TOP THREE NEEDS RUNNING BACK | Many mock drafts are sending Leonard

Fournette to the Panthers, and we understand it. Carolina lost Mike Tolbert in free agency, and while they did resign Fozzy Whittaker, they could still use an upgrade at the position. Jonathan Stewart averaged 3.8 yards per carry last season and just turned 30. OFFENSIVE TACKLE | Kalil can be the blind-side tackle, but who handles the right side? Michael Oher has yet to clear concussion protocol and turns 31 in late April. The other options at tackle are far from proven, and getting talented players to help protect Cam Newton should always be a priority for Carolina. DEFENSIVE END | Peppers and Johnson should be fine for one year, and it was smart for Carolina to re-sign Mario Addison, but with Ealy now in New England, the Panthers could use more depth on the edge. Outside Addison and Johnson, no D-end had more than 2.5 sacks in 2016.

NFC SOUTH

NEW ORLEANS

SAINTS

The Saints had a busy start to the league year. They resigned DT Nick Fairley and added WR Ted Ginn, LB A.J. Klein, OLB Alex Okafor and OG Larry Warford, then traded WR Brandin Cooks to the Patriots and cut FS Jairus Byrd. Defense remains a paramount need to fill in the draft to improve a unit that was 31st in points allowed last season.

TOP THREE NEEDS

TAMPA BAY

BUCCANEERS

A Bucs team that was close to the postseason in 2016 had a busy start to the league year, with sights set on making 2017 a breakout campaign. They got speed at wideout with DeSean Jackson, made sure they had depth along the D-line by re-signing William Gholston and Sealver Siliga while bringing in Chris Baker. They also signed S J.J. Wilcox and re-signed S Chris Conte, while losing DT Akeem Spence, WR Russell Shepard and QB Mike Glennon.

2 3

DEFENSIVE BACK | The Saints got plenty out of Sterling Moore and B.W. Webb last season, stepping in at an injuryplagued cornerback position, but New Orleans has to add Day 1 starters at either corner or safety in the first few rounds of the draft. The Saints had only nine interceptions last season. DEFENSIVE END | The Saints are in good shape on the interior with Fairley and Sheldon Rankins, but who rushes the passer opposite Cameron Jordan? The coverage needs to improve, but a better pass rush would also make a difference. No edge player other than Jordan had more than 1.5 sacks in 2016. LINEBACKER | Sure, the Saints signed a pair of veterans, but are Klein and Okafor long-term answers in the second level? Will Stephone Anthony bounce back? How will Hau’oli Kikaha fare in his return from injury? Clearly, the Saints still have plenty of questions to answer at the linebacker spot.

TOP THREE NEEDS SAFETY | Yes, the Bucs brought back Conte and brought

in Wilcox, who started for Dallas from 2014-15, but is either a long-term solution, a center-field playmaker and difference-maker? Tampa is in good shape at corner but could certainly use more talent at safety, especially with Brad McDougald not re-signed as of press time. RUNNING BACK | With uncertainty around Doug Martin, the Bucs would be wise to get another tailback to join Charles Sims, Jacquizz Rodgers and Peyton Barber to give Jameis Winston a good rushing complement. The Bucs rushed for only 1,616 yards last season at 3.6 yards a clip. LINEBACKER | Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander are certainly above-average players, but what about the third linebacker spot? Unless the Bucs are going to bring back veteran Daryl Smith again, they have to fill that third starting spot, and should add some more depth, too.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

| 47

NFC WEST

ARIZONA

CARDINALS

LOS ANGELES

RAMS

Arizona still has plenty of talent and retaining Chandler Jones in free agency was a big win, but the departures of Calais Campbell, Kevin Minter, Tony Jefferson, D.J. Swearinger and Alex Okafor left holes all over a defense that was already in need of help at cornerback. Most believe it is also time for Arizona to get serious about finding an heir to Carson Palmer, who appears to be on the back nine of his career.

With the youngest head coach in NFL History taking over a 4-12 football team, they have needs just about everywhere. They were 31st in both rushing and passing last season, which left them dead-last in the NFL in points scored and total offense. The Rams were marginally better on defense but still finished the season just 16th vs. the pass and 23rd in points allowed with holes at all three levels.

TOP THREE NEEDS

CORNERBACK | Patrick Peterson is a Pro Bowler, but

Marcus Cooper, who started on the other corner, moved on via free agency. Arizona could consider moving Tyrann Mathieu back to cornerback, but that is unlikely following multiple leg injuries. Even if they want to, it would leave a hole at safety. QUARTERBACK | Palmer saw his passer rating fall from 104.6 in 2015 to 87.2 last season as he turned 37, and over his past roughly 20 starts he has been bothered by nagging injuries, creating the appearance, at least, that he is one wrong move away from a bigger injury that could cost him significant playing time. Drew Stanton is a solid backup but he is not a future starter. OFFENSIVE LINE | The starters were solid when Jared Veldheer and Evan Mathis are on the field, but neither was for the second half of 2016, and Mathis retired this offseason. The O-line depth is nonexistent.

OFFENSIVE LINE | Even with the signing of Pro Bowl left

tackle Andrew Whitworth, the Rams need a lot more help up front. Whitworth received $15 million guaranteed on a three-year deal but he will be 36 in December, and high picks invested in Greg Robinson and Rob Havenstein have failed to pay dividends. WIDE RECEIVER | This is a position the Rams have been trying to fix for years with limited success. One of their few dependable wideouts, Kenny Britt, departed via free agency. Tavon Austin is a nice player who isn’t going to live up to the big price the Rams paid to move up and draft him in the first round. Minimally, the Rams need a No. 1, and a No. 3, and they may need two new starters. LINEBACKER | It’s hard to know what the Rams will do here with Wade Phillips’ preference for a 3-4 scheme and a roster built to play the 4-3. Either way, Mark Barron is a safety playing OLB and the Rams need help at the position.

NFC WEST

SAN FRANCISCO

49ERS

Let’s start with where the 49ers don’t need help, which is nowhere. It’s a roster that is as bad as its 2-14 record suggests, and free agency hasn’t made much of a dent. In Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley, they signed No. 2 and a No. 3 quarterbacks, respectively. Free-agent signees Pierre Garcon, Marquise Goodwin and Aldrick Robinson will allow the Niners to bypass wideout in the early rounds, but not completely, and they are set at fullback now with Kyle Jusczcyk.

TOP THREE NEEDS

QUARTERBACK | Like the Browns and Bears, who pick in

front of and behind them, respectively, quarterback is the 49ers’ greatest need, but do they think enough of the top prospects to take one at second overall?. Colin Kaepernick is still out there, and John Lynch hasn’t ruled out bringing him back, but it’s quite a long shot. LINEBACKER | Newcomer Malcolm Smith comes over from the Raiders but he is a journeyman, at best. They desperately need a top pass rusher off the edge, and with NaVorro Bowman coming off another season-ending injury (Achilles), they need help inside as well. OFFENSIVE LINE | San Francisco also needs a complete reboot up front on offense. Every position would benefit from an upgrade, particularly right tackle and left guard.

2 3

48 | PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY • 2017 DRAFT GUIDE UPDATE

SEATTLE

SEAHAWKS

The Seahawks entered free agency with their greatest need clearly on the offensive line, specifically at the two tackle positions, and all they’ve done so far in free agency is add Luke Joeckel, who busted out at tackle with the Jaguars and played guard in 2016. The addition of Eddie Lacy fills a need at running back, but the departure of Steven Hauschka creates a real need at placekicker, where Blair Walsh was signed.

TOP THREE NEEDS

OFFENSIVE TACKLE | With Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor and a healthy Earl Thomas, the Seahawks have one of the best secondaries in football. But success has eroded the team’s depth, as players have moved on via free agency, and when Thomas broke his leg last season, they had no answers to effectively replace him. Depth at cornerback and safety is a must. DEFENSIVE BACK | Ate ne volupicium seque laboribus quo bererest, te eum ipsanda ntionsendio tem serunti delenim repudit eossinum con cum, tem. Itas doluptium, officiis doluptati rem natempor rerfernam nonsequas exceatque pratias repudit audanis quae peruptas dipsam aut velles ipsum rem ea nonemod iaequam omnium cupiaequam omnium cup. DEFENSIVE TACKLE | Seattle is set at end with Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett, and Jarran Reed was solid as a rookie tackle last season, but more help is needed inside.

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