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2018 Draft Prospects

OLB/DE Harold Landry, Boston College 6-2 252



Combine Results:
Arm - 32 7/8
Hand -9 3/8
40 - 4.64
Bench - 24
Vertical - 36.0
Broad - 9'11"
3 Cone - 6.88
20 yd. shuttle - 4.19
60 yd. shuttle - 11.35

The NFL has an endless demand for pass-rushers, and players who can get after the quarterback, so Landry should be in demand in the 2018 NFL Draft. Landry is a speed demon off the edge and is a skilled quarterback hunter. Not only does he produce sacks, he creates steady pressure to force quarterbacks off their drop and disrupt plays.
There is no doubt that Landry is very fast off the edge with a quick first-step and can close in an instant. He is a pure speed defender who constantly explodes into the backfield in the pass rush and in run defense. Going against tackles, Landry uses his speed to get upfield with an impressive ability to bend and dip underneath blockers to get by them. Landry has the athleticism to redirect and is not a stiff defender.
In the pass rush, Landry shows some moves with a spin, cuts to the inside, and speed around the corner. If he adds some strength to do a rip move, that could be devastating with his speed to get upfield and his ability to dip underneath blockers.
In the run game, Landry is going to have some issues in the NFL. He lacks strength and length, and it wouldn't be surprising if his listed numbers are inflated and he is a little shorter or lighter. Landry can get pushed around, but that isn't surprising considering he is undersized for a defensive end. Landry must get stronger to hold his ground and shed blocks in the NFL. Adding strength could also make his pass rush better and help him diversify his moves. For Boston College, Landry is at his best in run defense when he uses his speed to fire into the backfield and cause disruption. When runs come downhill straight at him, Landry can get pushed out of his gap by bigger offensive linemen.
Landry will get pushed around as a pro, and teams will run at him. Right now, he doesn't have the size and strength to hold up as a 4-3 defensive end. He would fit best as a 3-4 outside linebacker who would have a five-technique defensive end in front of him to help reduce the amount of blocks he's taking on from offensive linemen.
While he has room for improvement, Landry is a dangerous speed rusher who could be a double-digit sacker in the NFL.
Read more at http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2018HLandry.php#JSWALzYBCO2IL6D6.99
 
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SS Kyzir White, West Virginia 6-2 218



Combine Results:
Arm - 31 5/8
Hand - 10 1/8
40 - DNP
Bench - 21
Vertical - 35.5
Broad - 9'5"
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Strengths
Gift wrapped, NFL-ready frame with good length and well-distributed musculation. Expected to carry more weight and transition to hybrid role. Comes from athletic family that is highly supportive. Team captain and true team leader. Plays every down with the same level of grit and urgency -- even when he's away from the ball. Quick to diagnose. Supports run with vigor along the edge and in contain. Forceful hitter. Thumps and engulfs targets while running his feet to finish. Quick to diagnose play-action and retreat into coverage. Very physical with tight ends in man coverage. Has movement, size, and hands making it hard to finesse throws over him without risking a turnover. Absolute freight train as a blitzer who looks to leave a mark on the quarterback.
Weaknesses
Safety role will have to be limited due to average play speed. Better playing downhill. Has man coverage limitations that may need to be managed according to the matchup. Sluggish to open hips and transition smoothly from off-coverage. Lacks fluid change of direction. Could take time to adjust to more weight and a more physical role. Needs to get stronger and better with his hands. Average athlete. Lacks explosiveness. Could see inconsistencies as open-field tackler.
Draft Projection
Round 2-3
NFL Comparison
Michael Boley
Bottom Line
Like his brothers who also attended West Virginia, White was a late bloomer who was lightly recruited and began his journey at Lackawanna Junior College. Despite being a JUCO transfer, White has become a highly-respected team leader who leads by example with his fearless, physical play. Teams are looking to transition him into a hybrid role with the ability to cover tight ends like a safety and support the run like a linebacker. While he's nothing special as an athlete, his competitiveness and play-demeanor should earn him a spot as a starter.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/kyzir-white?id=2560097
 
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FS Armani Watts, Texas A&M 5-10 202

Sorry could not find any game tape from 2017




Combine Results:
Arm - 31
Hand - 8 3/4
40 - DNP
Bench - 13
Vertical - 35.0
Broad - 10'0"
3 Cone - 7.25
20 yd. shuttle - 4.37
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Strengths
Very impressive athletic ability. Loose and flexible through lower body with ability to swivel and swerve around the field. Possesses above-average cover skills and soft hands. Has feet and fluidity to line up in man. Plays with instincts and timing. Recognizes opportunities to undercut routes and make plays on the ball. Has twitchy burst to break on throws. Anticipates and triggers to make plays outside of his coverage area. Good leaper with high-point ability. Rangy. Slick with ability to dart into crevices and find tackle angles near the line of scrimmage. Has striking ability. Able to blow up screen passes with downhill quickness.
Weaknesses
Lacking ideal size and build. Has missed games on three different occasions. Too many feast or famine plays. Inconsistent and not always trust-worthy in run support. Loses leverage in pursuit and overruns the play. Picks and chooses when to square up and tackle with technique. Will opt for ankle-diving too frequently. Urgency in pursuit is lacking from the backside. Inconsistency at finishing plays costs his defense at times. Gets caught guessing on routes.
Draft Projection
Rounds 2-3
Sources Tell Us
"He will get a lot better at tackling in the pros. Veterans demand more effort as a tackler so I'm not worried about that." -- AFC area scout
NFL Comparison
Jimmie Ward
Bottom Line
Watts is a feast or famine player whose biggest faults are often self-inflicted and not due to a lack of talent or athletic ability. He's smooth and athletic and plays with the instincts and ball skills to flip the field on the next level. Watts' success as a professional will likely depend on work ethic and consistency as a tackler.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/armani-watts?id=2560083
 
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CB Quenton Meeks, Stanford 6-1 209



Combine Results:
Arm - 31 3/4
Hand - 10 3/8
40 - DNP
Bench - 11
Vertical - 39.0
Broad - 10'8"
3 Cone - 6.72
20 yd. shuttle - 4.23
60 yd. shuttle -

Quenton Meeks has good size for the cornerback position with long arms. He does a good job using his size to his advantage which includes getting his hands on the football. His overall build also helps him in run support.
Meeks is more than willing run defender who looks to fight through blocks. He excels at making sounds tackles when his target makes a short catch. His ability to quickly close on the receiver makes him a solid fit in a zone scheme.
This is a technically sound defensive back who plays with balance and low pad level. His balance helps him keep in-phase with his target. Meeks has a good feel for the position and is able to identify developing routes.
His awareness helps him limit separation and jump routes. It also helps him make some non-conventional plays where he peels off his assignment.
An area where Meeks can show some improvement is his ability to locate the football. He needs to do a better job getting his head around to find the ball when working in man coverage. This would make him a bigger threat to pull down more interceptions.
However, Meeks does feature good ball skills and has tallied a total of 7 interceptions in his career. Those have come with him working in a variety of coverage schemes.
Overall, this is a cornerback who has the potential to be a very effective NFL player. His combination of size, length and feel for the position are what makes him a strong prospect. He needs improve his location skills when in man coverage, but that’s something than can be addressed at the next level.
Meeks’ workout numbers at the NFL combine will play a role in where he is drafted. However, his tape is good enough to keep him in the early-round mix either way.
https://withthefirstpick.com/2017/11/20/quenton-meeks-stanford-2018-nfl-draft-scouting-report/
 
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QB Kurt Benkert, Virginia 6-2 218





Combine Results:
Arm - 31
Hand - 9 1/2
40 - 4.95
Bench - 16
Vertical - 31
Broad - 9'4"
3 Cone - 7.15
20 yd. shuttle - 4.33

Strengths
Decent NFL size with a lively arm. Has ability to drive the ball with good velocity. Has enough ar talent to fit throws into tight windows. Quick plant and gun when seam target comes open. Comfortable attacking outside the numbers. Can fling it 45 yards down the field with a flick of the wrist while rolling right. Confident in his downfield challenges when his receiver gets a step on deep routes. Hurt by excessive drop total by his targets. Climbs the pocket with eyes up the field. Competitive scrambler with quick feet to elude pocket pressure.
Weaknesses
Throws with a low release point. Lacks natural accuracy and placement on simple throws. Poor completion rates on intermediate and deep balls. Needs to alter trajectory on some throws. Uncomfortable and inconsistent when throwing in the middle of the field. Tries to drive passes through a clutter of defenders. Needs to value possession of the football. Decision making can be puzzling at best on some turnovers. Failed to complete even 40 percent of his passes when forced to scramble. Gets into staring contests with receivers bringing underneath coverage to the party. Late to recognize blitzes and doesn't have a plan to counter.
Draft Projection
Rounds 6-7
Sources Tell Us
"There is almost no in-between with him. It's either a big-armed throw that whistles in there between defenders or it's something stupid that turns into an interception or near interception. I love the arm, but I don't know that I would ever trust him to play and everybody you draft might play." -- NFC team director of scouting
Bottom Line
Gunslinger who holsters an NFL-caliber right arm, but needs to work on his marksmanship and decision making. Benkert's completion totals are disappointing on intermediate throws, deep throws, and against the blitz. He has the arm talent to make all the throws but hasn't shown signs of becoming accurate enough to ever been anything more than a backup at best.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/kurt-benkert?id=2560076

Who's most underrated QB in college football?
Executive 1: Virginia QB Kurt Benkert
"He has good size, athletic ability and arm strength. He gets the ball out. He's accurate on three levels. Virginia is 5-2 with no real skill-player talent around him."
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...5-whos-most-underrated-qb-in-college-football
 
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RB Rashaad Penny, San Diego St. 5-11 220



Combine Results:
Arm - 31 1/4
Hand - 9 1/4
40 - 4.46
Bench - 13
Vertical - 32.5
Broad - 10'
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Rashaad Penny has had an extremely successful college career. His numbers while at San Diego State are eye-popping and a main part of the team’s success. He has a bright future in the NFL if he can clean up some key parts of his game.
Penny’s size and bulk give him the ability to work between the tackles. He does a good job running with authority and fighting through arm tackles. However, Penny shouldn’t be seen as a power-back but as a well-rounded runner.
His bulk also helps him carry the load and be a workhorse. Penny has proven his durability and that he is capable of being the focal point of an offense.
Despite his size, Penny also features excellent quickness and breakaway speed. A simple search of his highlights will show a ton of long runs. His big-play ability comes from his quick-twitch, 2nd gear and good vision.
Penny does a good job locating the open running lanes and is able to accelerate through the hole. He also has that 2nd gear that allows him to outpace angles and finish off the longer runs. These skills also show up in the return game where Penny is a major asset.
He has experience as both a kick and punt returner. His return skills will absolutely help him earn some immediate playing time at the next level.
Penny’s vision in the run game helps him make the most out of each carry. He has the lateral quickness needed to use a jump cut and work to the edges. His speed really jumps out when he attacks the edge as he is able to outpace angles to turn the corner.
This is someone who could have a really successful career in the NFL. However, Penny is a major liability as a pass blocker. The inability to protect the quarterback has the potential to keep Penny from earning snaps.
His struggles in protection are related to effort and technique. Penny doesn’t approach the rusher with authority and rarely uses his hands. This allows the defender to knock him back into the quarterback. Penny also has a tendency to throw his shoulder at the defender which does little to stop the rush.
Overall, Penny has the skills as a runner to be a difference maker. The problem is that no NFL team will let him on the field for an extended period of time until he improves as a pass blocker.
https://withthefirstpick.com/2017/1...n-diego-state-2018-nfl-draft-scouting-report/
 
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WR Calvin Ridley, Alabama 6-1 188



Combine Results:
Arm - 31 5/8
Hand - 9 1/8
40 - 4.43
Bench - 15
Vertical - 31.0
Broad - 9'2"
3 Cone - 6.88
20 yd. shuttle - 4.41
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Strengths:
  • Playmaker
  • Excellent route-runner; sudden out of breaks
  • Explodes out of cuts
  • Threat to score on any touch
  • Very good run after the catch
  • Game breaking speed
  • Forces teams to keep a safety deep
  • Impacts game plans
  • Quick release off of the line
  • First-step quickness
  • Stretches the defense
  • Body control
  • Quick feet
  • Leaping ability
  • Quality hands in most games
  • Adept at finding soft spots in zone
  • Can defeat double teams
  • Good athleticism
  • Quality blocker
  • Durable
  • Experienced 3-year starter
  • Excelled against elite competition
Weaknesses:
  • Thin frame
  • Decent, but not great, height
  • Can have minor bouts of drops
Summary: During Nick Saban's historic run at Alabama, the Crimson Tide have been known for their elite defense, which is annually filled with early-round NFL talent; a tough running game; and one of their other offensive staples, a play-making receiver. Julio Jones and Amari Cooper started that tradition, and Ridley has maintained it since arriving as a freshman.
Ridley did a phenomenal job as the replacement for Cooper in 2015. The freshman notched 89 receptions for 1,045 yards and seven touchdowns that season. As a sophomore, Ridley made 72 catches for 769 yards with seven touchdowns. Oddly enough, Cooper and Jones also had less production as sophomores compared to their freshman seasons, but ended up having superb junior years before declaring early for the NFL. Ridley's junior season has been impressive, but he has been held back by the passing limitations of Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts. Ridley has 55 catches for 896 yards with three touchdowns entering his college football playoff matchup with Clemson.
In surveying sources from five teams, the most common name who came up as the top receiver was Ridley. The talented junior got a lot of praise for his route-running, quickness, and generally having good hands. Scouting sources say that, from a skill-set perspective, Ridley is comparable to Cooper in terms of the same strengths, weaknesses, and similar size. They feel that Ridley is suited to make an instant impact in the NFL.
Ridley has a lot of assets to his game as he is a fast receiver who is very adept at creating separation. With his quick feet and sudden athleticism, Ridley is a very good route-runner. He is tough on defensive backs as he can put his foot in the ground and explode out of cuts. That explosion translates to Ridley also having a second gear to break downfield and is dangerous with the ball in his hands. Ridley is a fast route-runner on short to intermediate routes, so he will be a nice third-down weapon as a pro to quickly uncover and present an open target for his quarterback. With his speed to run by defensive backs, Ridley stretches a defense over the top and is a true deep-threat receiver as well. He has the ability to take a slant to the house or run a go route and fly by defensive backs.
For the NFL, Ridley could fit well as a X -split end - receiver who works along the sideline and challenges teams vertically. Given his smaller frame, his pro team may want to protect him from doing too much work in the middle of the field and sending him across the play.
Though Ridley is the top consensus wideout, he doesn't come without some concerns, with multiple sources independently noting that his thin frame worries them for the NFL. He is listed at 190 pounds, but team sources say that he has weighed-in in the 180s. With that being one factor, some scouts have said they are grading Ridley as a late first-rounder. He could end up going high out of team need at his premium position, however.
Read more at http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2018CRidley.php#ryFux8wtLSuQ69zI.99
 
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TE Mike Geisicki, Penn St. 6-5 252



Combine Results:
Arm - 34 1/8
Hand - 10 1/4
40 - 4.54
Bench - 22
Vertical - 41.5
Broad - 10'9"
3 Cone - 6.76
20 yd. shuttle - 4.10
60 yd. shuttle - 11.33

Mike Gesicki features a long frame and the arm length needed to make plays away from his body. He’s a real matchup nightmare in the passing game thanks to his size. Gesicki also features deceptive speed which helps him outpace defenders.
This is someone who can make plays down the field and attack the seam. He’s also a real asset for the quarterback thanks to his ability to adjust to poorly thrown balls. Gesicki features excellent body control which allows him to adjust while keeping his eye on the throw.
His arm length and excellent hands help him attack the ball at its highest point. He also has good leaping ability which adds another element to his game. Gesicki’s skill set means that a quarterback can feel confident in him winning contested situations.
The concern surrounding his game comes as a blocker. Gesicki doesn’t have the power or strength to generate a push off the line. He also struggles to gain inside hands and often gets his hands on the shoulder of the defender. This is something that will result in a lot of holding calls at the next level.
His struggles as a run blocker show up often on tape. There are a lot of situations where he’s driven back into the running back which disrupts the timing of the offense. The same thing happens in the passing game where Gesicki fails to anchor.
Luckily, Gesicki is such a weapon as a pass catcher that he won’t be asked to do much as a pass protector. He does need to add some bulk to his frame and improve as a run blocker in order to become a more rounded prospect.
https://withthefirstpick.com/2017/06/05/mike-gesicki-penn-state-2018-nfl-draft-scouting-report/
 
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At first glace I kind of like this guy, more at RT than LT though. Plays with power and not the most nimble guy overall but his feet are pretty quick and good size.

I think he would make a good guard too.
 
OG Braden Smith, Auburn 6-6 315



Combine Results:
Arm - 32 1/4
Hand - 9 3/8
40 - 5.22(10yd - 1.80)
Bench - 35
Vertical - 33.5
Broad - 9'5"
3 Cone - DNP

Braden Smith, a 2014 four-star recruit, started 41 of 53 career games for Auburn. He was named a starter for the Outback Bowl as a freshman and started each of Auburn’s next 41 games. He primarily lines up at right guard in the Tigers offense. He’s played for one head coach and four offensive coordinators during his college career.
Per CFB Film Room, Smith allowed just one sack and four hurries on 387 pass blocking snaps through the SEC Championship Game in 2017. As a senior, Smith committed just one penalty, a false start against Arkansas. He was named second-team all-SEC as a junior by SEC coaches and first-team all-SEC as a senior. This season Smith was also the recipient of the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, awarded annually to the best offensive lineman in a conference. He possesses very good size and length on a protracted frame with outstanding athletic ability.
Strengths
As a run blocker, Braden Smith comes off the ball quickly and smoothly. He maintains good posture with a straight back and his arms and knees bent with his head up at impact. He demonstrates very good play strength by getting his hands under his opponent’s pads and fuels blocks with a strong lower body.
Smith excels as an angle blocker, and the Tigers would often pound the ball behind their right guard with zone running plays. He also is a skilled blocker on the move. He displays very good play speed when pulling as he’s able to stay in front of the play and locate a defender out in space. The same is true when he reaches the second level of the defense between the tackles. Smith climbs to the second level quickly and locates his defender.
In the passing game, Smith displays solid awareness of where his quarterback is both in and out of the pocket as a result of good mental processing skills. He exhibits solid patience as he allows the defender to come to him as Smith remains loose and flexible on his toes. He possesses very good strength to latch onto defenders and prevents rushers from pressuring the quarterback.
Both as a pass and run blocker, Smith displays good competitive toughness as he plays through the whistle and finishes blocks aggressively. Smith displays a mean streak that offensive line coaches will love.
Weaknesses
Braden Smith does a marginal job of initiating contact with his hands in the running game, instead lunging at defenders and contacting with his body before placing his hands inside the opponent’s pads. While he will shut down defenders at the point of attack, Smith does an adequate job of driving defenders off the line of scrimmage. He displays adequate awareness and struggles to make his way through traffic.
As a pass blocker, Smith is slow to setup off the snap. He’ll allow defenders to initiate contact due to marginal hand speed and leaves his chest open. When matched up against a skilled defender, Smith will allow the defender to gain leverage and control him..
Against blitzes and stunts, Smith displays marginal mental processing skills. He appears unsure of who to block and will allow linebackers to sprint through gaps untouched on their way to the quarterback.
Overall
Overall, Braden Smith is a future starter at right tackle at the next level who wins with athletic ability and competitive toughness. He’s not someone who possesses the hand speed to protect the quarterback in the passing game against stronger defenders. Every season a number of offensive tackle prospects are projected to move inside to guard at the next level. Smith is rare in that his skill set demonstrated as a college guard projects better to tackle in the NFL. This will certainly enhance his draft stock.
https://nflmocks.com/2018/01/04/braden-smith-ol-auburn-2018-nfl-draft-scouting-report/
 
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He looks like he could rush standing up just as good as on the line. Also he's got a pretty good dip and shed
 
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