2016 NFL Draft Prospects

[DKphin]

169.SS Kevin Byard Middle Tennessee 5-11 216

STRENGTH: Possesses an imposing frame with a compact, well-put together musculature. Route recognition from time spent in the weight room and his high school days at wide receiver show up on tape, as he locates the football well and is rarely fooled in coverage. Does an excellent job reading the eyes of the quarterback and gaining proper position with aggressiveness and timing at the catch point, showing strong hands and hand-eye coordination to pluck the ball.
Displays smooth hip action on game film to flip and change directions quickly, accelerating smoothly. Has a knack for creating turnovers, forcing five fumbles (and recovering another) to go along with his interceptions. A generally reliable open-field tackler who wraps his arms securely. Looks comfortable with the ball in his hands, showing vision to set up returns. Didn't look out of place against the top athletes at the Senior Bowl.
WEAKNESSES: Shorter than ideal and isn't the tone-setter that his frame would indicate, resorting more often to lassoing ballcarriers rather than delivering explosive hits. Changes directions fluidly but tops out quickly and may struggle matching up against NFL receivers, showing less-than-ideal straight-line speed to cover the deep ball.
IN OUR VIEW: Byard's knack for creating big plays has earned him attention throughout his career but there are holes in his game, including a lack of ideal physicality and playing speed. Against the elite competition he'll face in the NFL, the former two-star recruit will once again have to buck the odds.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1833003/kevin-byard

* Did not attend the combine

[video=youtube;89gl-wc3ZRU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89gl-wc3ZRU&feature=youtu.be[/video]

 

[DKphin]

170.QB Joel Stave Wisconsin 6-5 236

Strengths Looks the part with good size and a pretty, over-­the-­top delivery. Plays in pro-­style offense and is experienced under center. Steps and drives the intermediate throws and ball comes out of his hand with a tight spiral and heat on it. Possesses above average arm strength and was asked to make NFL throws in his offense. Rhythm passer able to throw with timing. Comfortable and efficient on roll outs and bootlegs.
Weaknesses Accuracy and ball placement are hit or miss. Throws at or slightly behind moving targets rather than throwing them open.. Below average pocket mobility. Shows signs of pocket panic dropping eyes at early signs of pressure. Can't win with his legs. Plays with blinders and will make throws with no awareness of safeties lurking. Poor decision making and accuracy on third downs attempting to fit throws into impossible spots.
Sources Tell Us "He's got the physical tools that are going to get him drafted and give him a shot with a team. Coaches who are just seeing him are going to be more excited about him than the scouts who know him." -- NFC executive
NFL Comparison Tom Savage
Bottom Line Stave has size, a strong arm, loads of experience and plays in a run­-first offense, yet he's produced 19 touchdowns and 22 interceptions over the last two seasons. For all the physical boxes he checks off, issues with accuracy and decision-­making have been too present in his game and fans at Wisconsin let him know about it. Stave throws as pretty a pass as any quarterback in this draft, but very few quarterbacks have been able to overcome his weaknesses and become reliable NFL quarterbacks.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/joel-stave?id=2555429

Combine Results:
Height:6'5''
Weight:236
Arm:33 1/4
Hand:10 3/4
40(1st):4.85
10yd(1st):1.72
40(2nd):4.8
10yd(2nd):1.64
Vertical:33.5"
Broad:9'7"
3-Cone:7.29
Short Shuttle:4.33

[video=youtube;XEyWo1ydiqk]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEyWo1ydiqk&feature=youtu.be[/video]

 

[DKphin]

171.RB Kelvin Taylor Florida 5-10 207

STRENGTHS: Compact build with good bulk for his body type. Runs small between the tackles with forward lean to always finish forward. Physical, churning his legs through contact.
Quick decisions as soon as he sees a sliver of daylight, finding the cutback lane. Sharp lateral cuts at the line of scrimmage with a quick accelerator to burst outside. Enough speed to get to the edge. Effort isn't a question, running with energy and toughness.
Nice job in the screen game to quickly read in the open field, making defenders miss with patience and cutting ability. Reliable ball security - zero fumbles in his career (510 touches). Pushes himself and considered a hard worker by the Florida coaches ("He's what you want in a player" Gators coach Jim McElwain said). Productive 2015 season as the 11th player in school history to go over 1,000-yards rushing in a season.
His father (Fred Taylor) was a former first-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars and played 13 seasons in the NFL (11,695 career rushing yards).
WEAKNESSES: Lacks an ideal frame for the position and looks near maxed out physically. Runs hard, but has average functional power, not doing much after initial contact or breaking enough tackles.
Vision runs hot/cold and can be indecisive at times when the hole isn't there, incorrectly anticipating or reading his blocks. Tad hesitant at the second level and wasn't a game-breaker on film. Small catch radius and needs to be more focused as a pass-catcher.
Has been banged up over his college career, including ankle and hamstring issues. Slow start at Florida, struggling with inconsistency his first two seasons - wasn't the full-time starter until his junior season in 2015.
IN OUR VIEW: He lacks ideal size and power for the NFL, but Taylor is quick to clear holes and offers a talented mix of body control and physicality as a ballcarrier, running with toughness and finishing traits. He's not as talented as a ballcarrier as his father, former Gator and Jaguars standout Fred Taylor, and lacks big-play potential, averaging only 4.0 yards per carry in 2015 (3.6 vs. SEC competition). Although there isn't much that separates him as a runner, Kelvin Taylor is quick, reliable and tough, projecting as a No. 2 runner in a NFL backfield.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2061099/kelvin-taylor

Combine Results:
Height:5'10''
Weight:207
Arm:29 1/4
Hand:8 1/4
40(1st):4.58
10yd(1st):1.58
40(2nd):4.64
10yd(2nd):1.58
Bench:15
Vertical:32"
Broad:9'5"

[video=youtube;uYfESMocZm0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYfESMocZm0&feature=youtu.be[/video]

 

[DKphin]

172.WR Kolby Listenbee TCU 6-0 197

STRENGTHS: Listenbee's calling card is his speed with a strong track background. True deep-threat specialist. Has good height for the position at 6-2 and elite top speed with very good acceleration, quickness and explosiveness with good agility, balance and ability to change direction. Has good hands; will go up and attack the ball at the highest point and will win some contested battles while doing a good job of using his body to screen the defenders.
Does a good job of utilizing his speed to separate from defenders, and has a solid release to separate in his limited routes. His ability after the catch is all about elusiveness, utilizing his speed to run away from defenders.
WEAKNESSES: Has a thin, wiry frame at only 183 pounds, which may lead to durability concerns at the next level. With thin ankles and wrists there is also limited room to add weight to his frame.
Asked to run very few routes while at TCU, limiting his knowledge of route-running and likely leading to a greater learning curve at the next level. Has a tendency to catch the ball with his body on shorter routes instead of extending his arms and catching the ball with his hands away from his body. Needs to work on coming back and attacking the ball on curls, stops and broken plays instead of waiting for the ball to come to him.
Goes down fairly easily once contacted, and struggles to break tackles after the catch do to his lack of ideal strength. Also struggles at times in run blocking. Can improve technique in positioning himself between himself and the ballcarrier and also become aggressiveness in attacking the defender instead of catching him.
COMPARES TO: Jerome Simpson - Minnesota Vikings. Similar in height and build while possessing good vertical speed, both struggle against more physical defenders. Listenbee has yet to show he can be a regular contributor to an offense other than as a deep threat. Like Simpson, we see Listenbee as more of a support player in an offense with the occasional flash of explosiveness and long gains.
IN OUR VIEW: Listenbee is a late-round prospect as a deep threat specialist. He has a very limited route tree due to how he was utilized at TCU, but if Listenbee can show scouts some route-running skills, less body catching and impress with his athleticism, he could rise a bit leading up to the draft.
To emerge as a regular contributor as third receiver, or potentially even a No. 2, he must expand his route tree, get stronger with a pro strength and conditioning program and attack the ball more aggressively with his hands.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1984364/kolby-listenbee

Combine Results:
Height:6'
Weight:197
Arm:31 3/8
Hand:8 1/4
40(1st):4.4
10yd(1st):1.61
40(2nd):4.46
10yd(2nd):1.63
Bench:15
Vertical:35.5"
Broad:10'9"

[video=youtube;KbjlicLfgU8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbjlicLfgU8&feature=youtu.be[/video]

 

[DKphin]

173.TE Kyle Carter Penn St. 6-3 244

Strengths Good athlete and very easy into his routes. Has speed to challenge vertically and over the top of middle linebackers. Good leaper with ability to climb ladder and snare a high throw. Quickness is there to be a more effective player in space. Could become a factor after the catch in the right scheme. Was split wide as matchup tight end in 2014 and could give walk­out linebackers trouble downfield. Able to cut block on the backside on zone plays.
Weaknesses Highly inconsistent adjusting to inaccurate throws despite his numerous opportunities over the last two years. Failed to prove he could secure contested catches. Hands are just average. Doesn’t seem to respond well with extra pace on the ball. Couldn’t separate thanks to rounded, ineffective routes. Not instinctive or physical as a blocker in space. Lacks toughness and size at the point of attack to matter in the run game.
Bottom Line Failed to factor into offense in 2015 and has seen his productivity dip year after year. Carter is more H-back than true tight end, but his lack of focus and body control to make tough catches could hurt his stock since he’s not a consistent blocker. Carter has the athleticism to become a bigger factor in the passing game and maybe a more accurate passer and change of scenery will wake him up.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/kyle-carter?id=2555284

* Did not attend the combine

[video=youtube;3zknhmb5IvY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zknhmb5IvY[/video]

 

[DKphin]

174.OG Joe Dahl Washington State 6-4 304

STRENGTHS: Possesses a square-ish frame well-suited to playing inside at guard where Dahl has experience, starting 12 games at left guard in 2013. Dahl shuffles backwards off the snap rather than taking a deep kick-step. The strategy keeps him balanced and ready to shuffle laterally to remain squarely in front of pass rushers.
Dahl doesn't look imposing but he has strong hands to latch onto and control pass rushers. Further, because Dahl plays with such terrific knee bend and shows good core flexibility, he's able to handle bull rushes, as well. In the running game, Dahl shows impressive initial quickness out of stance, quickly sealing off opponents from the action and showing the foot speed and agility to track down defenders at the second level.
WEAKNESSES: Dahl does not possess the height and length scouts prefer at tackle and will almost certainly be asked to move inside at the next level, where he was limited experience and may struggle with the physicality of the closer quarters. Dahl does not possess explode off the ball, winning with technique rather than power.
Dahl suffered a broken foot and underwent surgery to repair it in early Nov. 2015, which will require a close look from NFL doctors at the Combine.
IN OUR VIEW: A transfer from Montana, Dahl emerged as a star left tackle for the Cougars, though he projects best inside in the NFL due to a lack of ideal length. Dahl does not possess the bulk scouts would prefer but he's effective in generating movement at the point of attack because he plays with excellent knee bend and has good quickness and agility. Dahl may never be a mauler in the running game, but his balance and awareness could fit nicely in a pass-happy offense like the one in New Orleans or New England.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1890011/joe-dahl

Combine Results:
Height:6'4''
Weight:304
Arm:33 1/8
Hand:9 1/8
40(1st):5.17
10yd(1st):1.8
40(2nd):5.2
10yd(2nd):1.84
Bench:28
Vertical:31"
Broad:9'1"
3-Cone:7.64
Short Shuttle:4.77

[video=youtube;kxq5qN_0pdU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxq5qN_0pdU[/video]

 

[DKphin]

175.OT Pearce Slater San Diego State 6-6 333

STRENGTHS: Looks the part of an NFL right tackle with a massive frame including broad shoulders, long arms and tree trunks for thighs. Despite his bulk, Slater shows good initial quickness off the snap and he's a $20 cab ride to get around due to his length.
Coordinated athlete with surprising quickness and agility. He's capable of latching onto defenders and simply overwhelming them with his size and strength.
Can be a mauler in the running game when he keeps his pad level low. He is agile enough to slip off the initial double-team at the line of scrimmage and climb to the second level. A competitive blocker, keeping his eyes peeled to find opponents.
Flashes some nastiness in his play, getting in an extra shove as the bell whistles. Durable, consistent performer who started all 27 games of his career at San Diego State. Voted a team captain as a senior despite only joining the program a year earlier as a JUCO transfer.
WEAKNESSES: Overly reliant on his bulk at this time and too often appears satisfied with just walling off defenders rather than dominating them. Inconsistent hand placement, too often allowing them to slip outside of the numbers of his opponent, which will draw penalties against better athletes (and officials) of the NFL.
Bends too much at the waist rather than at the knees and carries extra weight around his middle. Pad level rises as the game goes on, leaving him susceptible to bull rushes.
IN OUR VIEW: Slater possesses prototypical size for right tackle, including the long arms and evenly distributed frame scouts look for. The jump in competition to the NFL is a significant one but with his blend of size and athleticism, Slater is a project worth developing.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2083712/pearce-slater

Combine Results:
Height:6'6''
Weight:333
40(1st):5.41
10yd(1st):1.86
40(2nd):5.43
10yd(2nd):1.87
Bench:17
Vertical:23"
Broad:7'8"
3-Cone:8.36
Short Shuttle:5.12

 

[DKphin]

176.DT Vincent Valentine Nebraska 6-4 329

Strengths Burly calves and and thick legs that look like sacks of grain. Proper study requires viewing of 2014 tape when he was healthy. Can sit down and live in his space. Has power to thrash undersized centers right out of the picture. Able to eat up double teams and road­block his run fit when he's on his game. Reactive quickness to turn and snap onto running backs attempting to dart past him. Finished with more career sacks than teammate Maliek Collins.
Weaknesses Carries excessive weight in the middle and lacks desired lean muscle mass for his frame. Could get more from his power with proper hand usage. Scouts question effort level in 2015. Slammed by insiders for a lack of conditioning and practice habits. Missed extensive time due to high ankle sprain.
NFL Comparison Darius Kilgo
Bottom Line His draft grade will likely be higher than his 2015 tape would indicate due to a high ankle sprain that limited his overall play and production. Valentine needs to carry more "good weight" and commit to the work that has to be done leading up to the game. If he can do those things, he has enough power and ability to become a backup nose with eventual starter potential.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/vincent-valentine?id=2555517

Combine Results:
Height:6'4''
Weight:329
Arm:33 1/8
Hand:9 5/8
40(1st):5.19
10yd(1st):1.78
40(2nd):5.24
10yd(2nd):1.8
Bench:17
Vertical:29"
Broad:9'2"
3-Cone:8.03
Short Shuttle:4.59

[video=youtube;2HIdmzeVX3U]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HIdmzeVX3U&feature=youtu.be[/video]

 

[DKphin]

177.DE James Cowser Southern Utah 6-3 248

STRENGTHS: Cowser is a highly active rusher with good edge speed to dip his inside shoulder, shave the corner and find the quarterback. He has good agility to avoid pass blockers, showing the lateral quickness and balance to leave them lunging.
Has quick, active hands and understands how to use them to swipe and swim with a diverse set of hand tactics. Tough-minded and doesn't wear down, leaving it all on the field to break the rhythm of blockers throughout the course of a game.
Locates the ball quickly, isn't surprised by double-teams or cut-blocks and pursues with passion. Considered a team leader and has no known off-field issues. Graduated with a Bachelor's in psychology in 2014 and is working on his Masters in Communication.
WEAKNESSES: Lacks ideal size and is overly reliant on his athleticism at this time, needing to show greater functional strength. While relentless, Cowser needs to improve his secondary moves to better counter when his initial plan doesn't work. His flexibility off the snap needs work to win with leverage and maintain his balance through contact.
Cowser is a physical tackler, but has room to improve his shed technique and ability at the point of attack to consistently set the edge. Older prospect due to serving on an LDS mission from 2010-11 after initially joining team in 2009.
IN OUR VIEW: Cowser set a Southern Utah freshman record with 7.5 sacks in 2012 and hasn't looked back since, earning All-Big Sky honors each year of his career, including the conference's Defensive Player of the Year in 2015 while breaking several records previously set by longtime NFL standout Jared Allen, including career sacks (43) and tackles for loss (80).
The majority of Cowser's production came against weak competition but he fared well against FBS teams and offers a blend of athleticism and high-revving motor which could help him beat the odds at the next level.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2008768/james-cowser

Combine Results:
Height:6'3''
Weight:248
Arm:32 7/8
Hand:10 1/4
40(1st):4.83
10yd(1st):1.69
40(2nd):4.87
10yd(2nd):1.75
Bench:21
Vertical:31.5"
Broad:9'3"
3-Cone:6.80
Short Shuttle:4.31

 

[DKphin]

178.ILB Joe Walker Oregon 6-2 236

STRENGTHS: Possesses a solid frame for the position, including broad shoulders, long arms and well-distributed weight. Better athlete than he looks, accelerating fluidly and arriving with a thud on contact. Generates impressive explosiveness as a hitter, typically knocking ballcarriers back with the momentum he creates.
Quick to read run, showing burst to the hole, as well as the flexibility and balance to slip past would-be blockers. Long arms to reach out and lasso ballcarriers. Assignment-sound in coverage, showing route awareness and good closing speed. Generally a reliable tackler whose speed and length could translate well to special teams coverage.
WEAKNESSES: Not as stout as his frame suggests, too often allowing blockers to get into his pads and washing him out. Plays with a maniacal style which sometimes leaves him grasping at ballcarriers rather than breaking down and delivering technically-sound hit-lift-drive tackles and wrapping his arms securely. Takes on ballcarriers too high, allowing runners to duck and squirm free. Inconsistent effort and aggression in his pursuit angles downfield.
IN OUR VIEW: Walker possesses a legitimate NFL-caliber combination of size and athleticism and his experience playing in the pass-happy Pac-12 makes him all the more prepared to handle coverage responsibilities in the NFL. He needs to clean up the silly missed tackles which occasionally pop up on tape, but has the upside to warrant Day Three consideration.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2061059/joe-walker

* Did not attend the combine

[video=youtube;3LCPT_1zOqQ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LCPT_1zOqQ[/video]

 

[DKphin]

179.OLB Tyrone Holmes Montana 6-4 250

Strengths Well defined and looks the part in the uniform. Rushes from up and down stances. Plays from a track stance on passing downs and has twitch upfield out of his stance. Able to get decent hip flip around the edge once he gains advantage. Has some bend and dip to his edge game. Tightens his rush track to quarterback when he gains early advantage on the tackle off the snap. Initial quickness and lateral agility give him blitz and twist potential. Has sneaking inside jump step as rusher.
Weaknesses Plays too tall at the point of attack and needs more bend to create leverage and power at the point. Would benefit from an authoritative punch. Rushes with a long stride. Struggled with power in one on one drills at the Shrine Game practices. Marginal play strength prevents him from playing through redirect blocks. When initial rush gets thwarted, relies on effort over counter moves. Edge-­setting strength is in question.
Sources Tell Us "There are some snaps on tape that make me think he can make a roster and maybe become a player. You never really know about those small school guys until you get them in and see how they do against better competition." -- AFC West scout
NFL Comparison Travis Long
Bottom Line Holmes has caught the eyes of the scouting community with his athletic build and high­-end rush production this season. While his pass rush lacks creativity and nuance, he does have an intriguing get-off and shows the ability to turn the corner against the competition he faced. Holmes had some moments at the Shrine Game practices, but is still a project who may end up stashed on a practice squad early in his career.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/tyrone-holmes?id=2556126

* Did not attend the combine

[video=youtube;xIv1Di9S1gc]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIv1Di9S1gc[/video]

[video=youtube;y2nOaqx6AQQ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2nOaqx6AQQ[/video]

 

[DKphin]

180.CB Kevin Peterson Oklahoma State 5-10 181

Strengths Smart player. Plays with field awareness and a high IQ. Responds from quarters coverage when he sees a safety needs help. Can flip hips and hit his top speed fairly quickly. Reads cues from receiver's eyes when deep ball is approaching and times his breakup attempt. Confident demeanor on the field and in coverage. Peeks in on quarterback from zone and is quick to help attack a slot throw. More aware than instinctive. Patient feet from press coverage and has adequate directional change. Not a big guy, but will mix it up against the run. Held his own against Josh Doctson and Corey Coleman.
Weaknesses His height is borderline but his frame is smaller than desired by NFL standards for outside corners. Allowed four broken tackles. Will sit down to challenge receivers underneath, but a step slow to recognize when to turn and chase. Recovery speed is average. Not a long corner and needs to crowd receivers to make plays on the ball. Physical receivers with size can put him on their hip. Gears get stuck in neutral when trying to burst forward from top of his backpedal.
Bottom Line Peterson's confidence and football intelligence will grow on you after awhile. It's not always clean, but he finds ways to disrupt throws and man his position. Size limitations make a move inside as a nickel corner possible, but he has enough quickness and coverage savvy to stick on a roster.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/kevin-peterson?id=2555375

Combine Results:
Height:5'10''
Weight:173
Arm:30 1/2
Hand:9 7/8
40(1st):4.66
10yd(1st):1.68
40(2nd):4.6
10yd(2nd):1.59
Bench:14
Vertical:35.5"
Broad:10'1''
3-Cone:6.94
Short Shuttle:4.31

[video=youtube;TOwamAnV7QI]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOwamAnV7QI&feature=youtu.be[/video]

 

[DKphin]

181.FS Deon Bush Miami 6-0 199

STRENGTHS: A tall, rangy defensive back, Bush is a terrific athlete with the required length, physicality and ball-skills for the safety position at the NFL level. He is used all over the Hurricanes' defense, giving scouts an opportunity to evaluate him as a blitzer, in run support, single high in coverage even dropping down to cover slot receivers.
Bush has a lean body type, but he's not skinny and plays tougher than he looks, throwing his body around and delivering jarring hits to separate his target from the ball on defense and special teams (nine forced fumbles over his career). He light feet and fluid hips to change directions quickly and accelerates in a flash.
Bush has the instincts and range for the deep middle, reading the eyes of quarterbacks and erasing deep-ball opportunities. He locates the football well and times his leap to win contested passes.
WEAKNESSES: Bush needs to improve his route recognition in coverage and his break down skills while in motion vs. the run. He takes highly aggressive angles to the ball, leaving himself vulnerable to cutbacks. Too often is willing to leave his feet in pursuit of big collisions, occasionally whiffing entirely. A bit choppy in his backpedal and too often latches hold of receivers when asked to cover in man to man.
COMPARES TO: Dashon Goldson, Washington Redskins: Like the 6-2, 205-pound Goldson, Bush has the combination of closing speed, physicality and ball-skills every scouts is looking for. Their highly aggressive play, however, can also lead to critical mistakes.
IN OUR VIEW: Bush was considered one of the better seniors at his position over the summer, but his 2015 season was disappointing as he battled injuries and inconsistency. Whether it be in run support, protecting the middle against the pass or as a gunner on special teams, Bush is a heat-seeking missile with a knack for delivering monster hits.
He is a good size/speed athlete, who loves to fly around and hit, both on special teams coverages and from different levels of the defense. But his instincts and awareness aren't ready for the NFL, finding himself out of position and playing out of control. Bush desperately needs positive pre-draft workouts to repair his damaged draft stock.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1998305/deon-bush

Combine Results:
Height:6'
Weight:199
Arm:30 7/8 '
Hand:9 1/4
40(1st):4.65
10yd(1st):1.65
40(2nd):4.6
10yd(2nd):1.65
Bench:17
Vertical:36"
Broad:10'3"

[video=youtube;W3xiaa63w-o]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3xiaa63w-o[/video]

 

[DKphin]

182.QB Cody Kessler Southern California 6-1 220

STRENGTHS: Put up big numbers in coach Steve Sarkisian's pro-style offense, which calls for a variety of downfield throws, including NFL staples like quick slants, deep posts and outs and wheel routes. His comfort with the system and patience are clear as he often checks second and third reads before passing. Has a quick set-up and release of the football and shows great anticipation, firing passes before receivers break into their routes, along with good pocket awareness. Kessler is pretty effective at creating space in the pocket, exhibiting light feet and spatial awareness while keeping his eyes downfield. Kessler also shows impressive accuracy on the move, making him dangerous even as the pocket breaks down and on the designed roll-outs in Sarkisian's pro-style scheme. When he is forced to run, Kessler shows his competitiveness, surprising defenders with sneaky athleticism and leg drive. Beloved in the program for his intangibles, including leadership and commitment to the team. Characterized as the first person in the door by teammates. Voted a team captain.
WEAKNESSES: Simply lacks ideal size and arm strength to fit in most NFL offenses. Challenged by Sarkisian at times to be more aggressive and give his tight ends and receivers opportunities to make plays downfield. Struggles to push the ball downfield on throws longer than 15 yards, too often sailing passes over the head of his intended receivers when he overcompensates. Many of his passes are underneath routes or dump-offs to running backs, and lacks the same zip throwing to the outside unless he can fully step into the pass. Despite significant starting experience, appeared rattled at times when his protection broke down.
IN OUR VIEW: Like Matt Barkley before him, Kessler is a draftable - but not exciting - NFL prospect because of some physical limitations and the fact that the talent around him and scheme in which he's enjoyed such great success have inflated his production. He possesses the intangibles to project as a quality backup but he'd likely struggle in a starting role with NFL defenses crowding close and forcing him to beat them over the top.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1824713/cody-kessler

Combine Results:
Height:6'1''
Weight:220
Arm:32 5/8
Hand:10 7/8
40(1st):4.95
10yd(1st):1.72
40(2nd):4.9
10yd(2nd):1.69
Vertical:29.5"
Broad:8'8"
3-Cone:7.32
Short Shuttle:4.00

[video=youtube;w-FrvHj9-08]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-FrvHj9-08&feature=youtu.be[/video]

 

[DKphin]

183.RB Aaron Green Texas Christian 5-11 203

STRENGTHS: Balanced athlete and light on his feet to make sharp lateral cuts, creating with ankle-breaking jukes. Shifty movements and open-field wiggle to explode north-south. Easy acceleration to burst away from defenders in space. Natural run instincts to read blocks and usually has a plan at the line of scrimmage. Runs tough and keep his legs churning, fighting for every yard.
Focused receiver with reliable hands, often lining up in the slot. Has the chops to at least make an effort in pass protection. Only three fumbles in his career. Driven individual and well-respected by people around the program ("phenomenal young man").
WEAKNESSES: Lacks an ideal build for the position and his frame doesn't have the growth potential to get much bigger. Runs with minimal power and is limited as an inside runner. Tunnel vision at times and gets bounce happy, dancing and taking too many steps in the backfield.
Needs to take what is blocked for him instead of trying to create on his own. Bad habit of stopping his feet and won't pick up yards after initial contact, too easily taken down by finger-tip tackles. Doesn't have elite downfield speed and can be caught from behind.
Route-running and field sense need improved. Steps up as a blocker, but too easily knocked off his feet. Ball security needs improved, holding the ball too loose.
IN OUR VIEW: Green has video game-like cuts, making quick reads and reacting with his feet to keep defenders off-balance, but he needs space to be effective. He isn't a strong between-the-tackles runner and struggles with congestion, not consistently trusting his vision or allowing blocks to develop. Green is quicker than fast with the athleticism to create on his own as a runner or receiver, but his lack of run power will limit his role in the NFL.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1824316/aaron-green

* Did not attend the combine

[video=youtube;Wqj4A3GmiF4]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wqj4A3GmiF4&feature=youtu.be[/video]