2018 Draft Prospects | Page 3 | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

2018 Draft Prospects

Thanks, DK. Came in to check on Davenport since there's been a lot of talk about him the draft forum.

Certainly, looks quick and powerful. Very intriguing prospect for that #11 spot.
 
FS Quin Blanding, Virginia 6-2 207

Sorry, could not find any game tape from 2017




Combine Results:
Arm - 31 3/4
Hand - 8 3/8
40 - 4.63
Bench - DNP
Vertical - 31.5
Broad - 10'2"
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Quin Blanding is one of the primer safety prospects eligible for the 2018 NFL draft. He has a ton of experience producing at a high level. His success on the field and athletic profile make him a high-end NFL prospect.
Blanding spends most of his time playing in deep coverage. Virginia mainly asks him to either play centerfield or cover one half of the field. In this role, Blanding shows great instincts and the ability to read the quarterback.
He plays with excellent balance and a low pad level. This allows him to easily change direction and click and close on the football. Blanding keeps his eyes in the backfield reading the quarterbacks movements and eyes. However, he also has the awareness to feel the routes developing around him.
Blanding has average interception totals for his career, but he does get his hands on a lot of footballs. He has flashed the ability to pluck the ball at its highest point. However, NFL teams will expect more turnovers from a Safety manning the deep middle.
It’s important to note that his strengths in coverage are in zone schemes. He doesn’t have a ton of experience playing man coverage and will use his hands too much when in that role. It’s something he can improve on, but at this point it’s a weak point of his game.
Against the run, Blanding is a reliable tackler who takes excellent angles. He does a great job reading the play and ensuring he remains in proper position. Blanding isn’t someone who will routinely deliver big hits, but will deliver a pop from time to time.
Overall, it’s hard to find Safety prospect who feature Blanding’s natural coverage abilities. His reliable run support only increases his value.
Click to expand...
https://withthefirstpick.com/2017/07/13/quin-blanding-virginia-2018-nfl-draft-scouting-report/
 
Last edited:
CB Heath Harding, Miami-Ohio 5-10 190





Combine Non-Invitee

Strengths
Never passive in his approach. Gets early body checks on outside releasing receivers to crowd them to the sideline. Toggles vision between quarterback and receiver from bail coverage and even when his back is to the ball. Obsessed with finding the football. Once he finds it, he's a plus tracker. Climbs up high as a leaper to cover up the catch point and take it away. Quarterback reader from zone. Has safety experience. Shop wrecker when he goes hunting for a downfield tackle. Runs all the way through his target with blunt force whether it is a receiver, running back or pulling guard.
Weaknesses
Smallish frame for the level of hitting he does. Average athlete in space. Struggles to open and connect to inside releases. Doesn't show enough burst to squeeze crossing routes tightly. Has been beaten on a few occasions by the long ball. Gives up early vertical separation when beaten cleanly off press. Choppy strider lacking makeup speed to close the gap. Took poor angles to tackle leading to three touchdowns against Notre Dame. Excitable striker who forgets to come to balance before tackling.
Draft Projection
Rounds 5-6
NFL Comparison
Jerraud Powers
Bottom Line
Boundary corner who is a card-carrying tough guy with the play demeanor of a safety, but the size of a slot. Harding punches well above his weight class in run support and should offer a viable special teams cover option. While he has plus ball skills and instincts, his tape raises questions about whether he can carry NFL speed around the field. Harding may need to be covered up by zone, but he has enough talent to compete for a roster spot at slot corner.
Click to expand...
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/heath-harding?id=2560023
 
Last edited:
This is a pretty weak top end TE draft. Mark Andrews seems pretty average and even looked downright boring in the playoffs. In a game where a stud TE could have been the difference, he was almost completely invisible. As far as the mid-rounds...there could be some good value, but same players will be pushed up due to the lack of any real studs.
 
QB Josh Rosen, UCLA 6-4 210



Combine Results:
Arm - 31 3/4
Hand - 9 7/8
40 - 4.92
Bench - DNP
Vertical - 26
Broad - DNP
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP

The NFL has an endless demand for franchise quarterbacks, so a player like Rosen is going to be a highly scrutinized prospect who could end up being a high first-round talent.
For the NFL, Rosen has the physical skill set to be a franchise quarterback. He has a lot of physical talent along with a strong arm, height, and pocket presence. Rosen has a big arm that can make all the throws required in the NFL. He can launch the ball deep, sling the out route to the outside hash, and can put some velocity on the ball. Rosen has an excellent starting point of decent fundamentals heading into the NFL. Rosen's mechanics and fundamentals make for the best foundation of any of the quarterback prospects for the 2018 NFL Draft.
Rosen can be an accurate passer who is willing to make tough throws into tight windows. He is able to throw receivers open with well-placed passes and shows the ability to be a rhythm passer. Rosen flashes good timing and anticipation, especially when he has a clean pocket. In terms of field vision, Rosen will work off his primary read, but he definitely needs to improve his vision for the NFL. UCLA has called a lot of primary-option quick-pass plays, so Rosen could use more reps taking deep drops and working through reads.
Like all college players, there are things that Rosen can improve on. For one, he could stand to get better with the consistency of his accuracy. There are times when Rosen gets into stretches where his accuracy is off and he can miss some throws he should complete. Rosen needs to get faster and speed up the process to scan through his progressions, too. In the pros, he is going to need to move his eyes more and not lock onto his primary read or one of the side of the field so much. The junior also needs to stay healthy in 2017 to avoid having serious durability concerns about him for the NFL.
One of the big problems for Rosen is that he has developed a reputation for having poor intangibles as a bad teammate and leader. Football is an emotional game, and NFL teams want their quarterbacks to be positive team leaders. Whether it is a vocal leader or a quiet lead-by-example type, NFL evaluators and coaches want the quarterback to be a player who teammates gravitate toward with the ability to lead his team in crunch time. Rosen is said to be disliked in the Bruins' locker room, and it sounds like he needs a personality make-over. A scout who has done advance work on the 2018 NFL Draft had this to say about Rosen:
"Right now I have them rated [Sam] Darnold, [Josh] Allen, [Lamar] Jackson, and then Rosen....Rosen has huge talent and lacks intangibles. He is a prototypical pocket guy. I love his talent, but his own teammates don't like him. Being a prick is one thing, but there aren't many quarterbacks who stick around long-term and are successful that couldn't get along well with their teammates."
Click to expand...
http://www.walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2018jrosen.php
 
Last edited:
RB Saquon Barkley, Penn St. 6-0 233



Combine Results:
Arm - 31 3/8
Hand - 9 1/2
40 - 4.40
Bench - 29
Vertical - 41.0
Broad - DNP
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle -4.24
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

After a few years without a first-round running back, the position has made a comeback in recent years with likes of Todd Gurley, Melvin Gordon, Ezekiel Elliott, Leonard Fournette and Christian McCaffrey all being top-20 picks in their draft classes. While the running back position is devalued in the present passing-driven NFL, running backs still have a big impact on wins and losses for their teams. Barkley should keep the recent top-20 streak alive as he is that kind of talent, provide the junior can stay healthy .
There is a lot to like about Barkley as a runner. He has a superb skill set with quick feet and a burst to rip off chunk runs on any carry. Barkley has good vision with quick feet and cutting ability to dart through small seems for positive yardage. With his height and build, he has natural pad level, body leans, and runs behind his pads. That makes him very tough for defenders to get a hold of.
Barkley also is a shifty runner as he has moves in the open field to shake defenders. Routinely, you see Barkley juke safeties at the second level to dodge the tackle and dart downfield for more yards. Barkley's athletic ability and lower body explosion are obviously evident with how he hurdles bigger defenders regularly. In the NFL, he may not want to go vertical as much to decrease his injury risk, but his special skill is undeniable.
Barkley has a good burst and hits the hole in an instant. He has a fast first-step with explosion to accelerate to the second level downfield. With his speed, Barkley is a threat to rip off a chunk run on any carry when he gets a crease with just a little bit of space. Barkley does get caught from behind by some as he is a quick, explosive runner, but he is not a fast Chris Johnson-type runner.
In the passing-driven NFL, Barkley fits as a receiving back as he has soft hands and runs quality routes. He could be a nice check-down receiver as he is excellent in space and does well on screens as well. Barkley will need development in his blocking as all college backs have a lot to learn for pass protection with value of NFL quarterbacks and going against professional defenses with exotic blitz schemes.
Click to expand...
http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2018SBarkley.php
 
Last edited:
WR Simmie Cobbs, Jr., Indiana 6-3 220



Combine Results:
Arm - 32
Hand - 9 1/4
40 - 4.64
Bench - 11
Vertical - 30.0
Broad - 9'5"
3 Cone - 6.70
20 yd. shuttle - 4.32
60 yd. shuttle - 11.20

Despite missing an entire collegiate season Indiana wide receiver Simmie Cobbs will be one of the more intriguing names in a loaded 2018 NFL Draft wide receiver class. Projected to be a day two draft pick Cobbs brings several intriguing traits to the football field.
Cobbs is fourth in program history with seven 100-yard games, and he is eighth with 139 receptions and 1,990 yards.
Here’s a closer look at one of the better receivers in Hoosiers history.
Positives
Cobbs is a classic big body receiver who will start on the outside and force his way down the football field. He’s always a target in the redzone and can be found in the back corner of the endzone.
He’ll also make plays with the ball in his hands, as shown on the play below where he navigates across the field for an unlikely touchdown.
Simmie Cobbs making plays with the ball in his hands for Indiana pic.twitter.com/Ruzwn98V5w

— NFL Mocks Crew (@NFLMocks) December 29, 2017

Cobbs has reliable hands and consistently fights for yards after the catch. He’ll track the ball well and work his way back to the football to aid his quarterback.

Negatives
Cobbs doesn’t create much separation from defensive backs on his routes. Some of that is speed and some is route efficiency. The route efficiency can be cleaned up, but it’ll hinder his stock leading up to the draft.
Cobbs is a slightly above average run blocker, but he doesn’t always finish through the play. I also want to see him sell his routes better when he’s not the primary target.
Click to expand...
https://nflmocks.com/2017/12/28/simmie-cobbs-wr-indiana-2018-nfl-draft-scouting-report/
 
Last edited:
TE Dallas Goedert, South Dakota St. 6-4 256



Combine Results:
Arm - 34
Hand - 10
40 - DNP
Bench - 23
Vertical - DNP
Broad - DNP
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP


Dallas Goedert is a highly athletic tight end prospect who features a complete game. He is hoping to be an early round pick like fellow small school tight ends Gerald Everett and Adam Shaheen. Goedert has already established himself as a strong prospect.
South Dakota State mainly uses Goedert along the line of scrimmage as a traditional tight end. In this role, he is able to contribute as both a blocker and pass catcher. There are also situations where Goedert works out of the slot.
As a pass catcher, Goedert shows big-play potential and the ability to attack the seam. He has good quickness off the ball and locates open holes in the defense. His size and body control give him the ability to attack the football.
Goedert is an aggressive player who uses his strong hands to pluck the ball at its highest point. He isn’t afraid of contact and will sacrifice his body to make a catch.
His toughness and quickness help him gain yards after the catch. He often receives the ball on short passes or screens and turns them into big gains. This shows that Goedert is a true playmaker capable of making a major impact on the game.
Goedert is a well rounded player in that he also contributes in the running game. He plays with an edge which helps him gain movement off the line of scrimmage. His commitment to gaining inside hands and using proper angles also helps.
He isn’t overly powerful, but finds success because of his technique and nasty streak. A little more time in the weight room would make Goedert a very strong blocker at the next level.
Overall, this is a playmaking tight end prospect who has dominated a lower level of competition. He is squarely in the mix to be the first tight end selected in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Click to expand...
https://withthefirstpick.com/2017/0...-dakota-state-2018-nfl-draft-scouting-report/
 
Last edited:
OG/C Frank Ragnow, Arkansas 6-5 312



Combine Results:
Arm - 33 1/8
Hand - 9 3/8
40 - DNP
Bench - 26
Vertical - DNP
Broad - DNP
3 Cone - DNP

Ragnow grew up in Minnesota where he rose to prominence as one of the best football players in the state. He ranked #3 when he declared for college that he would be attending Arkansas. He got his first action at guard for the Razorbacks where he was a big part of them allowing the fewest sacks in the SEC. A year later he was moved to center and has extended his streak of 33-straight games started.

STRENGTHS:
  • Boasts good size for the position of center, having both length and weight to hold his ground against big defensive linemen.
  • Limited history of health issues. Has made it through most of his college career without any major injuries.
  • Demonstrates above-average athleticism. This especially shows up on plays where he’s asked to pull out and move in space.
  • Sells fakes on screens well, then gets into space right on time to get the needed block at the second level.
  • Sturdy in pass protection. He makes full use of his arms and shows the quick feet and strong base to where he’s almost never pushed backwards.
  • Zero snapping issues. Whether it’s under center or shotgun he has never had a significant botch when snapping the ball.
WEAKNESSES:
  • Can be prone to leaning a bit, allowing more crafty defenders to beat him with rips, swims or stunts. Needs to maintain discipline.
  • This also shows up when opponent bring creative blitzes. At times he fails to identify a late rusher, allowing a free run at the quarterback.
  • His game is centered around athleticism and movement. Power is not really his element. When tasked with trying to force open lanes with pure strength, he’s somewhat average.
  • The same goes for his pass protection. He can handle bigger defensive lineman but he tends to get rocked back considerably when faced with a powerful bull rush.
  • Has an annoying tendency to stop churning his feet at times when run blocking. This leads to lost momentum and allows defender to recover.
Pro Comparison: Jason Kelce (Philadelphia Eagles)
Kelce’s game is predicated on his standout athletic traits. He moves so well in space and demonstrates an ability to reach the second level for big blocks. He’s also rock solid in pass protection. The big drawback is his lagging power base. The great thing here is Ragnow is bigger than Kelce and still able to move similarly. If he can add more strength he’ll be quite a force on the inside when he arrives in the NFL.
Click to expand...
https://nflmocks.com/2017/12/15/frank-ragnow-c-arkansas-2018-nfl-draft-scouting-report/
 
Last edited:
OT Tyrell Crosby, Oregon 6-4 310

LT #73


Combine Results:
Arm - 35 1/4
Hand - 10 3/4
40 - 5.23(10yd - 1.86)
Bench - 17
Vertical - 30.0
Broad - 8'9"
3 Cone - 7.89

Tyrell Crosby has spent most of his college career playing left tackle. At this position he uses his long arms and raw strength to get the job done. His success at left tackle while at Oregon doesn’t necessary translate to the next level.
Oregon’s offense is a quick hitting spread attack that doesn’t ask its offensive tackles to protect for long stretches. This means that Crosby wasn’t really tested off the edge and his weaknesses were masked.
Crosby isn’t a great athlete and struggles to quickly move his feet. He also lacks ideal bend which impacts his overall balance. These shortcomings will be exposed in the NFL and make him a liability when working in space.
However, he has the skill set needed to shift inside to guard. Crosby is a physical player who fights for inside hand placement and looks to drive defenders off the line of scrimmage. He does a great job firing off the ball, rolling his hips and delivering a strong punch.
His raw strength and nasty streak help make him an above average run blocker. While he will likely struggle protecting the quarterback in space, Crosby will be a strong pass protector at the guard position.
There will be some question marks surrounding Crosby’s health when the Combine approaches. He missed most of last year with a foot injury which is something that will be looked during the Medical checkups.
Overall, Crosby has the look of a starting guard in the NFL. His combination of size, arm length and power should give him the ability to be an effective run blocker.
Click to expand...
https://withthefirstpick.com/2017/09/28/clemson/
 
Last edited:
DT Maurice Hurst, Michigan 6-1 292



Combine Results: (Medical - Heart Condition)
Arm - 32
Hand - 9 1/2
40 - DNP
Bench - DNP
Vertical - DNP
Broad - DNP
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Maurice Hurst is an explosive and quick defensive line prospect. He uses his excellent initial burst and snap awareness to work his way into the backfield. Hurst also uses this quick 1st step to initiate contact with the offensive line.
His quickness and ability to shoot the gap is his best attribute. He has the skill set evaluators look for in a 3-technique defensive tackle. Hurst also features a smaller build which we’ve seen in high draft picks like Sheldon Rankins and Aaron Donald.
The lack of length and overall bulk is a minor concern. There will be times where the bigger more physical offensive lineman in the NFL can control his movements. Hurst has also shown some issues locating the ball carrier based on his inability to see over the blocker.
However, his ability to work his way into the backfield and disrupt the timing of the offense overshadows his size concerns. Hurst features quick and violent hands which help him keep blockers of his frame. This allows him to slip past blocks on his way to the ball carrier.
Hurst is also a very heady player who quickly identifies screens and developing plays. He plays with a non-stop motor and can often be found chasing the ball several yards down field.
NFL defenses are always looking for defenders capable of making impact plays. Hurst is someone who will get after the quarterback and generate tackles for loss. These types of plays are game changing and exactly what defensive coordinators covet.
The only thing that could potentially hurt Hurst’s draft stock is that he’s a little scheme specific. He doesn’t show the anchor ability to be a space-eater nor would he fit as a 5-technique. Hurst will be the target of teams that typically run a 4-3 attack who need a penetrating 3-technque.
Click to expand...
https://withthefirstpick.com/2017/09/27/maurice-hurst-michigan-2018-nfl-draft-scouting-report/
 
Last edited:
DE Chad Thomas, Miami 6-5 281



Combine Results:
Arm - 33 1/2
Hand - 10 1/4
40 - 4.92
Bench - DNP
Vertical - 29.0
Broad - 9'8"
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Strengths
Possesses desired NFL size with well proportioned, athletic body type that can keep adding muscle. Has physical traits to play in odd or even fronts. Loose hipped and drives upfield with long, powerful strides as pass rusher. Converts speed into power. Agility allows for effective paths to quarterback when operating in twist game. Smooth lateral movement can mirror running backs. Change of direction comes easily. Athletic enough to drop into space as standup linebacker on occasion. Possesses booming burst to close out quarterbacks and running backs when he locks them in. Extremely rangy. Plays with great bend. Always under his opponents pads. Leverage makes him tough to move off point of attack.
Weaknesses
Hasn't figured out how to use his hands yet and will need more schooling in that area. Leads with his torso and shoulders and is there to be punched by tackles. Inability to soften the outside edge protection tackle makes trimming edge and flattening to quarterback more challenging. Posted unimpressive production despite size and athletic traits. Finished career with only 99 regular season tackles and nine sacks. Loose upper body and hips go to waste too often. Slow to process against run game. Lacks instincts and plays with wasted movement. Gets by on athletic ability.
Draft Projection
Rounds 2-3
NFL Comparison
Jason Jones
Bottom Line
Has all the physical and athletic traits that a team could look for along the edge and he's versatile enough to play in an odd or even front. Thomas' draft grade is based much more on projection than production and he will need prove that he can convert coaching into success on the field as a pass rusher. Thomas has the potential to become a much better pro than college player, but his floor is lower than you might like.
Click to expand...
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/chad-thomas?id=2559966
 
Last edited:
ILB Rashaan Evans, Alabama 6-2 232



Combine Results:
Arm - 32 1/4
Hand - 10
40 - DNP
Bench - DNP
Vertical - 30
Broad - 9'8"
3 Cone - 6.95
20 yd. shuttle - 4.36
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Rashaan Evans is a do-everything linebacker prospect who makes a constant impact on the game. He brings a physical presence to the field by delivering big hits. Evans also uses his speed to make plays from sideline to sideline.
In the run game, Evans plays downhill and doesn’t hesitate to take on blocks. He does a great job rolling his hips into the blocker and creating a jolt. This provides him with room to attack and make the tackle. Evans also has the quickness to work around blocks in space.
He is a big hitter who approaches his target under control. Evans isn’t someone who will surrender yards after contact nor miss many tackles.
His overall value is increased thanks to his ability to hold up in coverage. Evans drops in coverage with great balance, keeps his head on a swivel and quickly closes on the ball. He also has the speed to stick with tight ends, running backs and some receivers.
Evans is a real asset against the pass which makes him an extremely valuable piece in today’s NFL. Alabama will allow him to show off his pass rush ability from time to time. He shows the burst and balance to gain the edge and get after the quarterback.
His explosiveness and awareness also makes him an excellent blitzer. He really is capable of impacting the game on multiple levels.
The one thing that could be seen as a bit of a negative is the fact he is surrounded by elite talent. Alabama’s defense has several 1st round prospects who make life easier for the rest of their teammates. In Evans case, he doesn’t have to deal with much traffic when pursing the football.
Overall, this is an excellent prospect who should be an immediate starter in the NFL. His experience and skills should allow him to fit any scheme and at either outside or inside linebacker.
Click to expand...
https://withthefirstpick.com/2017/11/09/nfl-mock-draft-predicting-the-2018-nfl-draft/
 
Last edited:
I like Evans. I would take him if we trade down or in the second. I think he could play will in our scheme and while he's not as fluid in coverage as Roquan he is more downhill, tackles harder, blitzes better.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom