2018 Draft Prospects

[SCLSU Mud Dogs]

No UCF prospects yet? BOYCOTT DK!!!

CB Mike Hughes, projected 1st rounder.
WR Tre'Quan Smith, projected 4th rounder
LB Shaquem Griffin, projected 5th rounder (and a favorite of most NFL draft fans)
TE Jordan Akins, projected 5th rounder

 

[DKphin]

QB Mike White, Western Kentucky 6-4 224



Combine Results:
Arm - 31 7/8
Hand - 9 1/2
40 - 5.09
Bench - DNP
Vertical - 27
Broad - 8'0"
3 Cone - 7.40
20 yd. shuttle - 4.40

Strengths
Arm talent is the first thing you notice. Former high school pitcher with 90 MPH fastball who can crank up that heat when he needs to. Has good drive accuracy. Able to push the ball into tight windows. Has velocity and accuracy to attack the middle of the field. Can alternate between heat and touch. Throws catchable deep ball and has ability to drop it over a cornerback's head down the sideline. Can be dangerous from the pocket when he's protected. Completed 57 percent of his deep throws when protection was better in 2016. Resets feet before throwing when he leaves the pocket. Asked to make full-field reads at times.
Weaknesses
Heavy feet take time to set up in the pocket. Struggled to deal with poor protection. Lacks feel for pressure off the edges and drops his eyes when he sees pocket push. Pocket mobility is poor. Was responsible for his share of the 46 sacks. Sluggish processor when initial reads are covered. Stayed on covered targets rather than finding better options. Relies too heavily on arm over anticipation. Looks lethargic when trying to roll and throw. Fumbled 12 times this year and 17 times over two seasons.
Draft Projection
Round 3
Sources Tell Us
"I'm having a hard time with him because his protection was just so bad. Some of those sacks were his but sometimes he didn't even have a chance. I'm going to keep him alive because he's a talented passer and he's got size." -- AFC team regional scout
NFL Comparison
Zach Mettenberger
Bottom Line
White saw major downturns in every important passing category this year, but evaluators will have to balance his inconsistent play against the porous protection he got. White has good size and a live arm which is enough to get him drafted, but if he doesn't do a better job of recognizing blitzes and making decisions faster, his arm talent won't matter. White has QB3 potential with a shot to move up the ladder as a backup.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/mike-white?id=2559943

 

[DKphin]

CB Mike Hughes, Central Florida 5-10 189



Combine Results:
Arm - 30 7/8
Hand - 8 3/4
40 - 4.53
Bench - 20
Vertical - 35.5
Broad - 10'7"
3 Cone - 6.70
20 yd. shuttle - 4.13
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Strengths
A little short but stout and tough. Very physical from press. Gives opponents a rough ride out of their release. Won't just jam, looks to completely halt the route with his initial punch and aggression. Tracks and catches the football like a receiver. Ball skills include plus timing, soft hands and an ability to adjust body to make the catch. Plus short-area foot quickness to burst on ball and tremendous run-you-down speed on deep balls. Should be able to run with most every receiver in the league. Premium talent as a return man. Capable of making huge changes to field position and momentum. Eludes first tackler on punt returns and can change field position battle quickly. Downhill kick returner with speed to house it once he gets his crease.
Weaknesses
Has played just two years of college football with just one season as a starter. Not as natural with mirror and match footwork as he will need to be on next level. Lacks height and gets high-pointed by capable wideouts with size. Plays too tall in his backpedal and from off coverage which slows transitions on the throw. Allows physical receivers to knock him off the top of the route. Needs more practice and game experience for improved pattern recognition. Coverage balance is hit-or-miss. Has room for improvement as a tackler.
Draft Projection
Round 2
Sources Tell Us
"I wish he would have stayed. I don't see him as a 'one' and I think he could have been with another year. He's just raw right now but he's got the ability to become a really tough ball challenger." -- NFC regional scout
NFL Comparison
Bradley Roby
Bottom Line
Hughes simply hasn't had the game experience he needs to put together the consistency in coverage that teams might like to see. He's a projection-based prospect who has shown twitch, ball production and toughness in a small sample size. Despite being a little short, he is likely to stay outside in coverage. While teams wait for him to gain coverage experience, they can certainly lean on his tremendous talents as a return man. Hughes has potential, but there is still work to be done in coverage.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/mike-hughes?id=2560065

 

[DKphin]

WR Tre'quan Smith, Central Florida 6-1 205



Combine Results:
Arm - 33 /18
Hand - 9 1/2
40 - 4.49
Bench - 12
Vertical - 37.5
Broad - 10'10"
3 Cone - 6.97
20 yd. shuttle - 4.50
60 yd. shuttle - 11.88

Strengths
Smooth accelerator with gliding strides. Has early acceleration to create sudden throwing windows against off-man. Saw 78 percent of his catches go for a first down in 2017. Possesses rare arm length for a receiver. Flashes plus ball skills. Uses wingspan and leaping ability to consistently win the high-point. Once defender is stacked, he won't let them off the hook. Will down-gear and find proper positioning when tracking underthrown deep balls. Has the ability to make necessary in-air adjustments. Effective use of size as a blocker. Does his part to impact running game.
Weaknesses
Athletic press defenders can put him in early sand out of release. Needs to play stronger at the top of his routes to shake harassing man coverage. Routes need more consistent play speed and better salesmanship. Despite arm length, catch radius and consistency is disappointing. Needs to get better at finishing catches outside his frame. Allowed too many catchable balls to slip away against Deatrick Nichols. Concentration and hand-eye can take a downturn when he's contested.
Draft Projection
Round 4
NFL Comparison
Tajae Sharpe
Bottom Line
Smith possesses average NFL size, but unusually long arms. While there is clearly room for more consistency with finishing catches outside his frame, he does have the ball skills and ability to go up and over opponents to win the downfield throws. Smith's easy acceleration in space creates workable advantages early in routes, but he'll need to keep improving on his press release technique. Smith should challenge for a spot at WR4/WR5, but his his ceiling is a little limited.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/trequan-smith?id=2560104

 

[DKphin]

OLB Shaquem Griffin, Central Florida 6-0 227



Combine Results:
Arm - 32 1/8
Hand - 9
40 - 4.38
Bench - 20
Vertical - DNP
Broad - 9'9"
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Strengths
Possesses good athletic ability. Smart player who processes the game plan and executes. Attacks face-up blockers with maximum arm extension to keep his frame clean. Carries some upper body power at the punch. Asks for no quarter and gives none. Looks to punish as hitter. Impressive total of 13 passes defensed on 42 targets. Instinctive with the talent to play 3-4 inside backer and 4-3 outside backer spots. Has intriguing burst when edge rushing. Accelerates quickly off the snap and can outrace some tackles to the edge. Posted 18.5 sacks over two years as an outside rusher and blitzer. Plays fast uses good technique.
Weaknesses
Linear and high-cut. Needs to play with more consistent knee bend. Could use more mass and lower body strength. Contact balance is below average when challenged by power. Disengaging from blocks is a challenge. Unable to make quick exits when play-side shoulder covered by a blocker. Felled by cut blocks. Little margin for error as tackle finisher. Target point as tackler can be a little high. Allowed four broken tackles this year.
Draft Projection
Round 5-6
Sources Tell Us
"The old staff signed him just to make sure they got his brother. The new staff realized the guy was a player and plugged him in and he wins Defensive Player of the Year in his conference. He doesn't have a left hand. That's going to limit him with some things and that's going to hurt his draft value, but he's fast and athletic and makes a ton of plays." -- NFC team scouting director
Bottom Line
Griffin's physical limitation should be discussed as it pertains to areas like tackle disengagement and consistency of finishing, but his instincts, play speed and technique have all been major factors in helping him thrive at his position. His upfield burst as an edge blitzer and his range as a tackler are two strengths that NFL teams could capitalize on. Griffin could hear his name on day three of the draft, but if not, his competitive spirit and playmaking talent give him a shot to make a roster at some point in his career.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/shaquem-griffin?id=2560035

 

[DKphin]

TE Jordan Akins, Central Florida 6-3 249





Combine Results:
Arm - 33 1/2
Hand - 9 1/4
40 - DNP
Bench - DNP
Vertical - DNP
Broad - DNP
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Strengths
Comes off the snap low and with good forward lean. Early acceleration into routes is impressive. Adjusts routes to prevent extended contact with re-routers. Good separation burst out of his breaks. Has speed to climb quickly over the top of linebackers and challenge down the field. Has speed to threaten on the third level and the wiggle to do damage after the catch underneath. Was run into big hits by his quarterback and got right back up. Former minor league outfielder with plus ball tracking talent. Natural pass catcher who snatches away from his body.
Weaknesses
Routes need work. Fails to sell routes with aggressive fakes that move opponents. Needs to get better at stacking defenders on his hip and keeping them out of the catch. Inconsistent winning contested catches. Will be a 26-year old rookie. Flawed as a blocker. Waist-bender and head-ducker. Doesn't bring hands with him quickly enough into point of attack. Unable to withstand power on the edge. Not enough dog in his blocking to warrant true consideration as a combo tight end.
Draft Projection
Round 6-7
Sources Tell Us
"That guy stood out to me at (Senior Bowl) practice. He got open against most of the players who were guarding him." - AFC area scout
Bottom Line
Akins has decent size, but flashes with his speed and ability to challenge man coverage down the field. Akins saw 43.7 percent of his catches go for 20-plus yards this season, but he also has the necessary talent with the ball in his hands to take a short throw and turn it into a first down. Akins is a move tight end with the ability to separate and create throwing windows, but he won't offer much as a blocker. Akins has the talent to hear his name called on Day 3, but being a 26-year old rookie could hurt him somewhat.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/jordan-akins?id=2560108

 

[SCLSU Mud Dogs]

@DKphin you the man lol

 

[jim1]

I was watching some clips of this kid and the speed&quicks are expected, truly gifted runner, but what I didn't expect was to see Flowers scan the field so well. I think that a QB this athletically gifted who can scan the entire field is a scary proposition for an NFL defense. Reminds me a bit of Tyrod Taylor, at least when he brings his usual A game against the Fins for whatever reason. 1:35 on this clip shows some scannig ability and I like how he looks off the Safety at 1:35. Dude can ball.

 

[DKphin]

QB Quinton Flowers, South Florida 5-10 214



Combine Results:
Arm - 30 7/8
Hand - 9 3/4
40 - 4.63
Bench - DNP
Vertical - DNP
Broad - 9'4"
3 Cone - 6.81
20 yd. shuttle -4.57

Strengths

Stocky build with thick lower half to handle his ball-carrying responsibilities. Very talented runner. Makes good decisions on zone read and dominated defenses on the ground with 41 career rushing touchdowns. Plays with composure and patience when scrambling. Extends plays and finds scramble targets down the field. Reads single coverage and takes his deep shots. Had 13 touchdown passes of 21-plus yards in 2017. Takes care of the ball. Has touchdown to interception ratio of slightly more than 3:1.
Weaknesses
Ball-sprayer who can be wildly inaccurate on both short and intermediate throws. Release is too deliberate at times. Needs to work on driving throws. When he starts aiming his throws, the nose of the ball will dive prematurely. Late to find optimal passing option. Inconsistent getting through progressions and is too late to find previously wide open targets. Must throw with better ball placement and timing. Receivers bailed him out on several touchdown catches that were way outside the frame.
Draft Projection
Round 7/PFA
Bottom Line
Flowers simply doesn't show the consistency or accuracy needed as a passer to play that position in the NFL. While college quarterbacks have made the transition to wide receiver in the NFL, Flowers' fortunes are likely to be at running back thanks to his sturdy build and running talent. He has the foot quickness to elude tacklers, adequate speed and good finishing power. While that adjustment may take time, it's his best shot at playing in the league.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/quinton-flowers?id=2560034

 

[DKphin]

RB Josh Adams, Notre Dame 6-2 213



Combine Results:
Arm - 33 34
Hand - 9 1/4
40 - DNP
Bench - 18
Vertical - DNP
Broad - DNP
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Strengths
Built like a monster with broad shoulders and muscular lower half. Lauded by coaching staff for his humility and team-first attitude. More comfortable as downhill battering ram. Absorbs and drives through initial contact. Runs with squared pads and falls forward. Able to tear through arm tackles. Has impressive build up speed measured at 22.37 mph versus North Carolina State. Consistently productive from season to season.
Weaknesses
Excessive lower body tightness. Slow starter out of his stance and takes a long time to get going. Tackle breaking affected by lack of initial play speed. Slow to process traffic and find alternate routes. One speed runner. Lacks the burst to explode through tight creases. Lacks wiggle and feet are missing desired responsive quickness. Not built for outside run game. Unreliable pass catcher. Hands are below average. Doesn't show enough commitment as a blocker.
Draft Projection
Rounds 6-7
Bottom Line
Adams has tremendous size, but part of his power relies on building momentum which could be beyond his control on the next level. If it's blocked up for him, Adams has the frame to add yardage after contact but he doesn't offer up the elusiveness or burst to create the initial yardage needed as a reliable pro running back. His size should land him on a roster, but staying there over the long haul will be tough.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/josh-adams?id=2560113

 

[DKphin]

OG Austin Corbett, Nevada 6-4 305



Combine Results:
Arm - 33 1/8
Hand - 10 1/2
40 - 5.15(10yd - 1.76)
Bench - 19
Vertical - 28
Broad - 8'10"
3 Cone - 7.87

Strengths
Fires hands with force and purpose in both run game and in pass protection. Initial punch is meant to send a message. Above average football intelligence. Understands his job and plays with good instincts and awareness against twists. Makes assignment adjustments quickly when faced with late, pre-snap movement by defenders. Plays with adequate lateral quickness and can compete in gaining proper positioning as move blocker. Executes quality cut blocks. Rarely panics with his feet when forced into recovery mode. Usually gets to his work-up targets as combo blocker. Adequate hand placement in pass pro. Considered a team leader and determined worker. Went from walk-on to four-year starter.
Weaknesses
Has only played tackle at Nevada and will have to prove he can make adjustment inside to guard. Lacks quality leverage and leg drive and may struggle to displace strong, interior lineman as base blocker. Allows defenders to slip out of his grasp when his hands placement falters. Hand strength and upper body power could fall below the mark needed for quality recovery against NFL power. Can be a tick late in redirecting his weight against counters. Core strength needs work. Struggles to maintain body control against quality stack and shed edge defenders.
Draft Projection
Rounds 3-4
Bottom Line
While there will be several "adequates" on the checklist, teams may be looking for a more definitive strength to his game. Corbett is definitely sharp enough to move inside to guard or center and has good technique, but his average play strength and lack of length may be a concern. He has the size and talent to compete for a guard/center spot.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/austin-corbett?id=2559832

 

[DKphin]

DT DaRon Payne, Alabama 6-2 311



Combine Results:
Arm - 33
Hand - 9 3/8
40 - 4.95
Bench - 27
Vertical - 28.5
Broad - 8'11"
3 Cone - 7.58
20 yd. shuttle - 4.71
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Strengths
Built like a wall of granite with exceptional lean muscle mass. Tremendous natural strength. Could bench press 400 pounds in high school. Run-stuffer deluxe with elite contact balance and body control. Only on the ground when making a tackle. Plays like a pro. Has feel for adjacent pressure against double teams. Quick to drop his anchor and grow roots. Typical Alabama technician at the position. Debilitating initial punch jars offensive linemen off their gameplan. Two-gaps with arm extension and his eyes in the backfield. Offenses simply shouldn't run at him. Eats blocks and keeps linebackers clean. Has to be schemed against. Hands and feet are full synced. Gifted athlete who showed marked improvement as rusher. Increased pressures from 15 to 27 this year. Fluid mover with above-average range to chase. Utilizes slap/arm-over to work around blocker's edge. Can walk interior linemen back into pocket with bullrush. Considered one of the most respected leaders during Saban era.
Weaknesses
Doesn't come off the snap with much juice and will pop up a little tall. Has athletic ability but is more of a phone booth defender than down-the-line tackler. Square-up player with average change of direction or ability to get the upper body turn to climb over and around the top. Pass rush can come to a grinding halt if his first move is stopped. Ability to play on rush downs could be the difference between first and second.
Draft Projection
Round 1
Sources Tell Us
"I think A'Shawn Robinson was more talented than Da'Ron (Payne) and I know Robinson had better (tackle-for-loss) and sack production than him, but Payne plays harder and I think he'll be the better NFL player. He's thick and strong, but he's also a really good athlete and I see his best football in front of him." - NFC executive
NFL Comparison
Brandon Williams
Bottom Line
Payne possesses one of the most impressive combinations of strength and athleticism that we've seen from an interior lineman. He will be the premier run-stuffer in this draft, but he may have enough in the pass rushing toolbox to project as a better pro than college pass rusher. Payne is a game-ready starter who immediately upgrades a defense's ability to slow the run. If teams view him as just a run-down player, then his draft value could fall a little, but he could become a Pro Bowl defender early in his career.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/daron-payne?id=2560068

 

[DKphin]

OG Will Hernandez, Texas El Paso 6-2 327



Combine Results:
Arm - 32
Hand - 9 7/8
40 - 5.14(10yd - 1.76)
Bench - 37
Vertical - 24
Broad - 8'8"
3 Cone - 7.59

Strengths
Has a broad waist with a thick trunk. Possesses impressive natural movement for his size. Flexible and a and centered. Contact balance and body control are excellent. Plays with an aggressive, finishing demeanor on every snap. Flashes outstanding upper body strength to turn defenders out of the run lane. Once he digs his hands into an opponent's frame, they are done. Feet are nimble and quick. Quality pull blocker and has feet to mirror most pass rushes. Plus lateral movement. Keeps head back and back flat in pass pro. Able to ride opponents beyond the quarterback when they get to his edge. Has an instant stop-and-drop anchor. Joined boxing and powerlifting gyms just for fun. Loves the game and loves the process.
Weaknesses
Shorter than desired for the position. Has short arms and small hands. Players with good arm length are able to get into his chest. Excitable after snap. Comes out of his stance with lateral hop that can cause him to lose some positioning at times. Strong desire to come out fast and land a heavy blow causes hands to miss their mark and ride up high occasionally. Too willing to initiate contact without gathering feet under him. Can be herky-jerky in approach to second level targets and lacks some smoothness in his climb. Needs to play with better pad level in space and on down blocks. In pass pro, inside post foot will get stuck in neutral when counter rushers attack him back inside.
Draft Projection
Rounds 1-2
Sources Tell Us
"He's exactly what you are looking for in terms of his work ethic and how much he loves the game. He will clique instantly in the offensive line room and he will be one of the strongest and toughest guys on the team as soon as he makes the roster. The only thing that scares me are those short arms." - NFC area scout
NFL Comparison
Richie Incognito
Bottom Line
Four-year starter at left guard and the most highly-decorated offensive linemen in UTEP history. Hernandez possesses a rare combination of power, balance, and athletic ability. He is a plus run blocker with the anchor and footwork to handle himself in pass protection as well. Though he lacks height and length teams would like, it shouldn't hurt his stock much. Hernandez should be able to step in as an immediate starter with a high ceiling.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/will-hernandez?id=2559828

 

[DKphin]

DE Kentavius Street, North Carolina St. 6-2 280



Combine Results:
Arm - 32 7/8
Hand - 10 1/4
40 - 4.87
Bench - 28
Vertical - DNP
Broad - DNP
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Strengths
Powerhouse with compact frame and a 700 pound squat to his name. Able to cave-in lesser tight ends who are tasked with trying to base block him. Shows some fight at the point of attack against tackles despite his lack of length. Heavy hitter when tackling. Runs through the ball carrier and makes sure they feel it. Straight-line pursuit speed appears to be faster than expected on tape. Won't go to it often, but has access to an explosive spin move that can win as inside counter when he times it right. Uses low center of gravity and powerful rip move to play through a blocker's edge once he gets the door open.
Weaknesses
Lacks desired length and can be locked out and handled by athletic tackles. Allows blockers into his frame first. Has some leftover "sticky" when attempting to shed a block. Lack of length prevents him from clean disengage. Will win the battle of the punch at point of attack, but lose sight of the ball. Lateral movement and change of direction is labored and a little slow. Tight-hipped, straight-line pass rusher. Plays with heavy feet in his upfield charge as rusher. Short strider with knee bend that is lacking. Can't get hip flip or shoulder turn around the corner.
Draft Projection
Round 7/PFA
NFL Comparison
Ronald Blair
Bottom Line
Street has the level of strength and toughness that defenses are looking for on the edge, but his lack of reactive quickness and lack of desired length is a concern against NFL tackles. Street doesn't appear to be an NFL pass rusher but his power is intriguing. A team might be interested in asking him to add more weight in an attempt to bump him inside.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/kentavius-street?id=2559881

 

[DKphin]

ILB Christian Sam, Arizona St. 6-2 237



Combine Results:
Arm - 31 1/2
Hand - 10
40 - 4.75
Bench - 28
Vertical -32.0
Broad - 9'6"
3 Cone - 7.03
20 yd. shuttle - 4.25
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Strengths
Broad chest with tapered waist and well-defined limbs. Fluid and twitched up. Finds solo stops and isn't a herd tackler. Explosive striker and plays with good aggression. Plays with knee bend and slide quickness in his scrapes. Plus change of direction. Scouts expect a big Combine workout. Plays with square pads as tackler. Downhill worker. Quick shoulder turn to slip blocks. Pursuit speed is impressive. Good peripheral vision and instincts. Usually where he's supposed to be. Three-down backer who can cover. Former staff considered playing him at cornerback before he got too big. Has ability to carry tight ends around the field and can match running backs out of their breaks.
Weaknesses
Play speed doesn't always match timed speed. Scouts say he's not the alpha leader in the locker room and doesn't love to practice. Will need to become more effective taking on blocks with hands instead of shoulders. Still learning to digest blocking schemes. Gets out of position when he starts guessing. Can run himself out of plays by running under blocks. Reads runner's initial steps at times rather than sticking with his keys.
Draft Projection
Rounds 4-5
Sources Tell Us
"He makes a bunch of stops and he's always around the ball but you never really see those 'run the tape back again' type of plays to get you excited." -- AFC Personnel executive
Bottom Line
Sam is an inside linebacker who has the ability to swing over to a WILL spot if needed. He absolutely "looks the part" and has the potential to turn some heads with a big Combine and coming off of a 127-tackle season. Scouts have questions about his overall football character which could hurt his draft stock, but his athletic ability and pursuit speed could push him into a starter's role within the first few years of his career if he keeps working at it.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/christian-sam?id=2560166