2018 Draft Prospects

[DKphin]

As another season goes down the tubes and we yet again wait for this dumpster fire of a team to take the next step, I turn my attention to the draft:

Prospects are in no particular order

QB
1. Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma(1,#2)
2. Josh Allen, Wyoming(1,#16)
3. Josh Rosen, UCLA(1,#36)
4. Kurt Benkert, Virginia(2, #50)
5. Riley Ferguson, Memphis(2, #69)
6. Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma St.(3, #82)
7. Luke Falk, Washington St.(3, #99)
8. Chase Litton, Marshall(3, #113)
9. Mike White, Western Kentucky(4, #137)
10. Quinton Flowers, South Florida(4, #144)
11. Logan Woodside, Toledo(5,#163)
12. Danny Etling, Louisiana St.(5,#176)
13. Nic Shimonek, Texas Tech(5,#195)
14. Sam Darnold, Southern California(6,#207)
RB
1. Nick Chubb, Georgia(1,#3)
2. Derrius Guice, Louisiana St.(1,#18)
3. Saquon Barkley, Penn St.(1,#37)
4. Rashaad Penny, San Diego St.(2, #52)
5. Royce Freeman, Oregon(2, #70)
6. Jaylen Samuels(HB), North Carolina St.(3, #85)
7. Sony Michel, Georgia(3,#100)
8. Ronald Jones, Southern California(3, #116)
9. Josh Adams, Notre Dame(4, #145)
10. Ryan Nall, Oregon St.(4, #153)
11. Kerryon Johkson, Auburn(5,#164)
12. Mark Walton, Miami(5,#181)
13. John Kelly, Tennessee(5,#196)
14. Nyheim Hines, North Carolina St.(6,#208)
WR
1. Stephen Louis, N.C. St.(1,#4)
2. Courtland Sutton, Southern Methodist(1,#19)
3. Simmie Cobbs, Jr., Indiana(1,#38)
4. Calvin Ridley, Alabama(2, #53)
5. Michael Gallup, Colorado St.(2, #71)
6. Jake Wieneke, South Dakota St.(3, #86)
7. Anthony Miller, Memphis(3,#101)
8. DJ Chark, Louisiana St.(3, #117)
9. Daurice Fountain, Northern Iowa(4, #134)
10. Tre'quan Smith, Central Florida(4, #139)
11. Deon Cain, Clemson(5,#165)
12. Allen Lazard, Iowa St.(5,#182)
13. Christian Kirk, Texas A&M(5,#197)
14. Auden Tate, Florida St.(6,#209)
TE
1. Mark Andrews, Oklahoma(1,#5)
2. Troy Fumagalli, Wisconsin(1,#22)
3. Dallas Goedert, South Dakota St.(1,#39)
4. Mike Geisicki, Penn St.(2, #54)
5. DeAndre Goolsby, Florida(2, #72)
6. Hayden Hurst, South Carolina(3, #87)
7. Ian Thomas, Indiana(3,#102)
8. Dalton Schultz, Standford(3, #118)
9. Jordan Akins, Central Florida(4, #141)
10. Chris Herndon, Miami(4, #154)
11. Durham Smythe, Notre Dame(5,#166)
12. Will Dissly, Washington(5,#183)
13. Ryan Izzo, Florida St.(5,#198)
14. Tyler Conklin, Central Michigan(6,#210)
OG/C
1. Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame(1,#6)
2. Billy Price, Ohio St.(1,#24)
3. Frank Ragnow, Arkansas(1,#40)
4. Braden Smith, Auburn(2, #56)
5. Coleman Shelton, Washington(2, #73)
6. James Daniels, Iowa(3, #88)
7. Mason Cole, Michigan(3,#103)
8. Isaiah Wynn, Georgia(3, #119)
9. Austin Corbett, Nevada(4, #146)
10. Will Hernandez, Texas El Paso(4, #148)
11. Skyler Phillips, Idaho St.(5,#167)
12. Colby Gossett, Appalachian St.(5,#184)
13. Taylor Hearn, Clemson(5,#199)
14. Jamil Demby, Maine(6,#211)
OT
1. Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame(1,#7)
2. Orlando Brown, Oklahoma(1,#25)
3. Tyrell Crosby, Oregon(2,#41)
4. Zachary Crabtree, Oklahoma St.(2, #61)
5. Chukwuma Okorafor, Western Michigan(2, #74)
6. Brandon Parker, North Carolina A&T(3, #89)
7. Kolton Miller, UCLA(3, #93)
8. Jamarco Jones, Ohio St.(3, #120)
9. Geron Christian, Louisville(4, #122)
10. Desmond Harrison, West Georgia(4, #155)
11. Connor Williams, Texas(5,#168)
12. Will Richardson, North Carolina St.(5,#185)
13. Joseph Notebottom, Texas Christian(5,#189)
14. Timon Parris, Stony Brook(6,#212)
DT
1. Vita Vea, Washington(1,#8)
2. R.J. McIntosh, Miami(1,#26)
3. Maurice Hurst, Michigan(2,#42)
4. Taven Bryan, Florida(2, #62)
5. Derrick Nnadi, Florida St.(2, #75)
6. Greg Gaines, Washington(3, #90)
7. Harrison Phillips, Stanford(3, #104)
8. Tim Settle, Virginia Tech(4, #123)
9. DaRon Payne, Alabama(4, #147)
10. Lowell Lotulelei, Utah(4, #156)
11. Nathan Shepherd, Fort Hays St.(5,#169)
12. Bilal Nichols, Delaware(5,#186)
13. B.J. Hill, North Carolina St.(5,#200)
14. John Atkins, Georgia(6,#213)
DE
1. Ardent Key, Louisiana St.(1,#9)
2. Marcus Davenport, Texas-San Antonio(1,#27)
3. Chad Thomas, Miami(2,#43)
4. Bradley Chubb, North Carolina St.(2, #63)
5. Tyquan Lewis, Ohio St.(2, #76)
6. Sam Hubbard, Ohio St.(3, #92)
7. Josh Sweat(OLB), Florida St.(3, #105)
8. Rasheem Green, Southern California(4, #124)
9. Kentavius Street, North Carolina St.(4, #149)
10. Jalyn Holmes, Ohio St.(4, #157)
11. Breeland Speaks, Mississippi(5,#170)
12. JoJo Wicker, Arizona St.(5,#187)
13. Hercules Mata'afa, Washington St.(6,#201)
14. Ade Aruna, Tulane(6,#214)
ILB
1. Micah Kiser, Virginia(1,#10)
2. Malik Jefferson, Texas(1,#28)
3. Rashaan Evans, Alabama(2,#44)
4. Azeem Victor, Washington(2, #64)
5. Josey Jewell, Iowa(2, #77)
6. Darius Leonard(OLB), South Carolina St.(3, #94)
7. Leighton Vander Esch(OLB), Boise St.(3, #106)
8. Tegray Scales, Indiana(4, #127)
9. Christian Sam, Arizona St.(4, #150)
10. Genard Avery, Memphis(4, #158)
11. Kenny Young, California at Los Angeles(5,#171)
12. Jack Cichy, Wisconsin(5,#190)
13. Keishawn Bierria, Washington(6,#202)
14. Dion Shaun Hamilton, Alabama(6,#215)
OLB
1. Roquan Smith, Georgia(1,#11)
2. Fred Warner, Brigham Young(1,#29)
3. Harold Landry, Boston College(2,#46)
4. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Oklahoma(2, #65)
5. Skai Moore, South Carolina(2, #78)
6. Lorenzo Carter(DE), Georgia(3, #95)
7. Tremaine Edmunds(ILB), Virginia Tech(3, #107)
8. Dorian O'Daniel, Clemson(4, #125)
9. Matthew Thomas, Florida St.(4, #135)
10. Shaquem Griffin, Central Florida(4, #140)
11. Jerome Baker, Ohio St.(5,#172)
12. Joel Iyiegbuniwe, Western Kentucky(5,#191)
13. Jacob Pugh, Florida St.(6,#203)
14. Oren Burks, Vanderbilt(6,#216)
SS
1. Derwin James(LB/FS), Florida St.(1,#13)
2. Ronnie Harrison, Alabama(1,#30)
3. Kyzir White, West Virginia(2,#47)
4. DeShon Elliott, Texas(2, #66)
5. Terrell Edmunds, Virginia Tech(2, #79)
6. Van Smith, Clemson(3, #96)
7. Siran Neal(CB), Jacksonville St.(3, #108)
8. Trey Walker, Louisiana-Lafayette(4, #129)
9. Troy Apke, Penn St.(4, #151)
10. Jordan Whitehead, Pittsburgh(4, #159)
11. Dane Cruickshank, Arizona(5,#173)
12. Max Redfield, Indiana(PA)(5,#192)
13. Damon Webb, Ohio St.(6,#204)
14. Marcell Harris, Florida(6,#217)
FS
1. Minkah Fitzpatrick(CB), Alabama(1,#14)
2. Quin Blanding, Virginia(1,#32)
3. Armani Watts, Texas A&M(2,#48)
4. Marcus Allen, Penn St.(2, #67)
5. Godwin Igwebuike, Northwestern(2, #80)
6. Justin Reid, Stanford(3, #97)
7. Jessie Bates III, Wake Forest(3, #109)
8. Natrell Jamerson, Wisconsin(4, #130)
9. Tre' Flowers, Oklahoma St.(4, #152)
10. Sean Chandler,Temple(4, #160)
11. Joshua Kalu, Nebraska(5,#174)
12. Stephen Roberts, Auburn(5,#193)
13. Dominick Sanders, Georgia(6,#205)
CB
1. Brandon Facyson, Virginia Tech(1,#15)
2. Heath Harding, Miami-Ohio(1,#34)
3. Quenton Meeks, Stanford(2,#49)
4. Duke Dawson, Florida(2, #68)
5. Tarvarus McFadden, Florida St.(3, #81)
6. Josh Jackson, Iowa(3, #98)
7. Denzel Ward, Ohio St.(3, #110)
8. Donte Jackson, Louisiana St.(4, #131)
9. Mike Hughes, Central Florida(4, #138)
10. Jaire Alexander, Louisville(5, #162)
11. Rashaan Gaulden, Tennessee(5,#175)
12. Isiah Oliver, Colorado(5,#194)
13. Nick Nelson, Wisconsin(6,#206)
14. Avonte Maddox, Pittsburgh(6,#217)

 

[DKphin]

QB Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma 6-1 220



Combine Results:
Arm - 30 1/4
Hand - 9 1/4
40 - 4.84
Bench - DNP
Vertical - 29
Broad - 9'3"
3 Cone - 7.00
20 yd. shuttle - 4.28

Strengths:

• Play-maker

• Gunslinger attitude

• Instincts

• Can be an accurate passer with good ball placement

• Throws receivers open

• Excellent touch passer

• Throws a very catchable ball

• Superb ball placement and timing to lead receivers for yards after the catch

• Throws with good timing

• Mobility

• Escapability to extend plays

• Difficult to sack

• Good at throwing on the run

• Can pick up yards on the ground

• Enough arm to make all the throws in the NFL

• Leadership potential

Weaknesses:

• Undersized; shorter than ideal

• Poor footwork

• Gets happy feet in the pocket

• Inconsistent field vision

• Can have issues reading the field

• Teams question how will he perform when forced to stay in the pocket?

• Didn't play a lot of top competition

• Maturity

• Will need more development for working under center

• Transition from a college-style to pro-style offense

Mayfield has put himself on the radar for NFL scouts. There is a lot to like about his play for the next level. He is a gritty gunslinger quarterback who has an "it" factor to his game. Mayfield doesn't have a strong arm, but it is good enough to make the throws required in the NFL. One of Mayfield's most impressive strengths as a passer is being able to locate the ball well and throw receivers open. He is very good with his timing and trajectory on passes to hit receivers on the run and set them up for lots of yards after the catch. Mayfield is very skilled to loft in touch passes downfield and throws a very catchable ball. He can be an accurate passer with superb ball placement.
Mayfield has excellent mobility to dodge sacks, escape pressure, extend plays with his feet, plus he throws well on the run. Mayfield also can pick up critical yards on the ground and adds the value of being a dangerous threat on third-and-short or third-and-manageable.
Mayfield has leadership potential for the NFL, and his fighting style of play can lift those around them. He also has some maturity concerns on and off the field, and those will get scrutinized during the leadup to the 2018 NFL Draft in the team interviews.
Mayfield can have issues reading defenses, too. One big area of improvement for him is his footwork as he gets happy feet in the pocket. One college scouting director told me that Mayfield's feet are terrible and that he will need a lot of development there for the NFL. A NFC general manager said they have concerns about how Mayfield will perform when teams force him to stay in the pocket. They also have concerns that Mayfield beat up on a lot of weak Big XII defenses and feel there is the chance that he gets exposed when he plays NFL stop units.
Player Comparison: Jeff Garcia. Mayfield is a rich-man's Jeff Garcia. His game is similar to Garcia's good years with the 49ers, except Mayfield is a better athlete than Garcia was and has a stronger arm than Garcia ever did. Also similar to Garcia, the intangibles are a mixed bag for Mayfield with some good and some bad. I think if Mayfield pans out in the NFL, he could be a better version of Garcia.

Read more: http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2018bmayfield.php#ixzz51zBcpI00

 

[DKphin]

RB Nick Chubb, Georgia 5-11 227



Combine Results:
Arm - 32
Hand - 9 5/8
40 - 4.52
Bench - 29
Vertical - 38.5
Broad - 10 7/8
3 Cone - 7.09
20 yd. shuttle - 4.25
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Strengths:

• Impactful feature back

• Instinctive, natural runner

• Downhill power runner

• Tough to tackle

• Physically imposing back

• Picks up yards after contact

• Excellent body lean

• Runs behind pads

• Bends at the knee

• Keeps feet going after contact

• Has a second gear in the open field

• Fast to the hole

• Play-maker

• Good vision

• Wears down defenses

• Has some elusiveness in the open field

• Decisive runner

• Capable of creating for himself

• Can handle a big workload

• Capable of controlling games

• Runs well in the second half

• Quality short-yardage back

• Can change the complexion of an offense as a play-making runner

• Durable in three of four seasons

• Athletic upside

Weaknesses:

• Already sustained one serious knee injury

• Will need development as a receiver

• Will need development as a blocker

• Medical evaluation could hurt his draft grade

Chubb tore his ACL against Tennessee in 2015. If Chubb continues to get back the rare speed and explosiveness he had before the injury, he could end up being a first-round talent who is picked up at a bargain. At it stands right now, Chubb looks like a future starter in the NFL with the ability to be a steady motor for a rushing attack. He runs with excellent body lean, knee bend, and stays behind his pads. That ability to avoid running upright makes Chubb very difficult to tackle, and he powers through many tackling attempts. Chubb is very skilled at breaking tackles with his power and also keeps his feet moving to churn out more yards after contact is initiated. Chubb has a burst to hit the hole with a second gear to get to the second level.
Prior to his knee injury, Chubb was very fast and explosive. That could also be seen in him being a track star with an incredible vertical leap. Chubb is definitely faster in 2017 than he was in 2016, so perhaps he will get back to his pre-injury form. Even if he doesn't get all the way back, what Chubb is right now could be a good NFL running back to lead a tough rushing attack.
Chubb would fit the pro game well in a zone-read system that lets him be a one-cut downhill runner. He does have the feet and elusiveness to run in a power-man scheme as well, and most NFL teams run both schemes. Chubb has three-down ability as a blocker and receiver, but he hasn't gotten to show it much because Georgia uses Sony Michel for that role with Chubb taking more carries. Still, Chubb had 18 catches as a freshman while splitting time with Todd Gurley. Chubb will need some development as a blocker and receiver, but he has the ability to execute in the passing game.
In speaking with a general manager at the end of the regular season, they graded Chubb as a third-round pick, although they thought that he probably would go in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, assuming the medical evaluation came back okay.
Player Comparison: Frank Gore. In terms of build and running style, there are a lot of similarities between Gore and Chubb. Chubb is almost identical in size to Gore (5-9, 212), and both are very physical runners. They have excellent lean with the ability to run behind their lines and are very tough to get on the ground. Gore is a downhill, hard-nosed runner who has gotten a lot of yards after contact in his NFL career. Chubb could be similar to the long-time veteran.

Read more: http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2018nchubb.php#ixzz5205uRVMf

 

[DKphin]

WR Stephen Louis, N.C. St. 6-2 215



Combine Non-Invitee

We are going to go back to N.C. St. for a moment because Louis stood out in film while I was watching Finley. He’s a Junior so I am not sure if he will declare, but he’s a tough runner; fantastic after the catch, solid hands, knows how to high point the jump ball and is a good blocker. He deserves more film breakdown and should be catching eyes on scouts.

https://www.thephinsider.com/2017/11/11/16629240/2018-nfl-draft-scouting-notes

 

[DKphin]

TE Mark Andrews, Oklahoma 6-5 256



Combine Results:
Arm - 32 1/2
Hand - 9 1/2
40 - 4.67
Bench - 17
Vertical -
Broad - 9'5"
3 Cone - 7.34
20 yd. shuttle - 4.38
60 yd. shuttle - 12.39

For the NFL, Andrews could be a nice contributor as a receiving weapon. Oklahoma often splits Andrews out and has him run routes out of the slot. Andrews uses his quickness, athleticism, and size to have nice run-after-the-catch ability. He has the skill set to be a receiving threat down the seam and in the red zone, like he has been in college. Andrews has the quickness to get downfield and shows impressive speed in the open field to pull away from defenders. He possesses soft hands, is a fluid athlete, and has the size to make receptions over defensive backs. Andrews runs quality routes, is adept to find the soft spots in zone, and is a good athlete. He should be an asset in the NFL in the red zone.
There are a lot of teams that are in need of improving their receiving and mismatch weapons at tight end. Andrews isn't an elite freak athlete with receiving ability like O.J. Howard, David Njoku, Evan Engram or Gerald Everett; however, Andrews could develop into being a solid receiving tight end who is able to block better than some of those receiving targets. Andrews has the potential to end up being a solid three-down starter in the NFL

Read more: http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2018mandrews.php#ixzz528zCzqJ5

 

[DKphin]

OG Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame 6-5 325



Combine Results:
Arm - 33 3/4
Hand - 10 3/8
40 - DNP
Bench - 35
Vertical - 26.5
Broad - 8'9"
3 Cone - 7.65

One national scout said that they think Nelson is a future Pro Bowler in the mold of Logan Mankins. I'm in complete agreement as Nelson is a fantastic prospect who is well-rounded with a great skill set and a player that is NFL-ready.
You don't often hear an offensive lineman being a player who has fun tape to watch, but that is the case with Nelson as he is a dominant player who destroys defenders. In the ground game, Nelson is a pure bulldozer. He routinely uses his tremendous size and strength to push defensive linemen out of their gaps. Nelson can blast them off the ball and ride them around the field. Routinely, you see him drive block a tackle around the field before burying him with a pancake block. Nelson is going to be a load as a run blocker in the NFL and should be a real asset in short-yardage or goal-line situations.
Nelson is a tremendous drive blocker in the ground game with excellent body lean that make it extremely hard for defenders to shed him. He is superb at sustaining his blocks, and when he locks on defenders, he is very difficult to get away from. Between his natural strength and development in the weight room, Nelson has NFL strength already. Not only is he extremely strong, but he is athletic with good feet. Nelson is quick to the second level and good at pulling to hit blocks in space.
In pass protection, Nelson is very good. He has quick feet and is able to mirror speed rushers. He also gets his hands on defenders quickly and rides them around the pocket. Additionally, he has a strong lower body to anchor against bull rushes. Nelson is smart about picking up blitzers with good instincts and feel. His pass protection is just as NFL-ready as his run blocking.
Nelson could end up being one of the best guard prospects to enter the NFL in many years. He could have the athletic ability to get consideration at tackle and center. It wouldn't surprise me if Nelson ends up being one of the safest picks in the 2018 NFL Draft. I think he could be one of the top guards and a Pro Bowler early in his NFL career.

Read more: http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2018qnelson.php#ixzz52B771VcJ

 

[DKphin]

OT Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame 6-8 309



Combine Results:
Arm - 34
Hand - 10
40 - DNP
Bench - 24
Vertical - 28.5
Broad - 8'9"
3 Cone - DNP

Mike McGlinchey is a long and solidly built offensive tackle prospect. He also features natural athleticism and the ability to move in space. It’s the combination of his quick feet, athleticism, size and length that him such an attractive left tackle prospect.
In pass protection, McGlinchey plays with sound technique. He sets with a wide base while sitting into his stance. His natural bend helps him maintain leverage while moving with balance.
McGlinchey keeps his hands out in front of his body which helps him avoid wasted movements.
He has the overall quickness and foot speed needed to protect the edge. The fact that he keeps a wide base gives him the balance needed to adjust to inside counter moves. McGlinchey’s long arms and strong upper body helps him latch to the defender and control his movement. This skill plays an important role in his success as a pass protector as well as run blocker.
In the running game, he routinely fires off the ball and generates a push off the ball. McGlinchey is committed to rolling his hips into the defender and delivering a strong initial punch. He features the upper body strength and heavy hands needed to Velcro.
His quickness allows him to reach the second level and work to the edges. It also makes him an asset in the screen game.
Overall, McGlinchey is a technically sound offensive tackle prospect who features the ideal size and athleticism. He comes with a ton of experience against high-level college competition which should ease his transition to the NFL.

https://withthefirstpick.com/2017/09/28/mike-mcglinchey-notre-dame-2018-nfl-draft-scouting-report/

 

[DKphin]

DT Vita Vea, Washington 6-4 347



Combine Results:
Arm - 32 5/8
Hand - 10
40 - 5.10
Bench - 41
Vertical - DNP
Broad - DNP
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

The NFL always has a demand for big, heavy defenders at the point of attack. Nose tackles who can two-gap effectively are assets in run defense and help to free up other defenders to make tackles. Even though the pro game is driven by passes, 4-3 or 3-4 defenses need nose tackles to be tough at the point of attack.
Vea projects to the NFL as a heavy nose tackle who can be tough at the point of attack. He is a big, thick and strong defender. Vea can use his size and strength to eat up blockers and generally has gap integrity. He also has a quick burst off the snap, and there have been times when his combination of size, power and quickness overwhelms smaller interior linemen. Vea is at his best when he tries to bull his way into the backfield to cause disruption. With his upper body strength and the power in his base, Vea can push off or through blocks. He has a good motor and gives a second effort.
In the run game, Vea can get into trouble when he stands up too high. That lets guards get underneath him sometimes push him back. Vea is a solid run defender, but he isn't dominant. If Vea can maintain his leverage and conditioning, he has the potential to be a special in the ground game.
Vea needs to show improvement in the pass rush during 2017. One thing that would help the junior would be the development of some pass-rushing moves beyond his bull rush. He should work to add a rip and club move, which would utilize his power. Vea also has to improve at generating pressure more consistently and laying more hits on the quarterback in order to be a highly in-demand draft prospect.

http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2018vvea.php

 

[DKphin]

DE Ardent Key, Louisiana St. 6-5 238



Combine Results:
Arm - 33 1/2
Hand - 10
40 - DNP
Bench - DNP
Vertical - DNP
Broad - 9'9"
3 Cone - 7.16
20 yd. shuttle - 4.25
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Key should provide the passing-driven NFL with a dynamic quarterback hunter who has a rare skill set and is an extremely developed pass-rusher. As a prospect, Key has the potential to end up grading out like other highly esteemed edge defenders who ended up being selected No. 1 overall in Jadeveon Clowney and Myles Garrett. Sources who have done advance work on the 2018 NFL Draft have Key as one of the top prospects for the draft class regardless of position, and think he is a better player or prospect than any of the highly hyped quarterbacks.
One source is a passionate believer in Key being a unique prospect, saying that he is the most-developed and diverse pass-rusher who the SEC has had over the past decade, including Garrett and Clowney. They see Key as having transcendent ability for what he can do on the field for his defense. They think that Key may not be as explosive as those Garrett and Clowney with raw power or raw speed, but considered Key to be way ahead and more advanced on pressuring the quarterback as a rusher than they were. That is high praise considering both went No. 1 overall as rare freak athletes. Clowney already is a Pro Bowler, so this is high praise for Key.
Sources think that Key will run the 40-yard dash in the 4.65-4.75-second range, which is not as fast as Clowney who ran in the 4.5s like a wide receiver. However, there is no doubt that on the field Key is a fast, dangerous edge rusher. He has a quick first-step and is able to consistently blow by tackles. In an instant, Key can close on the quarterback with the ability to sink his hips and bend around the corner. He also has has an advanced feel for taking on tackles to get after the quarterback.
Key is phenomenal at using his speed to get upfield, sinking his hips to dip underneath the block, and then ripping with his inside arm to prevent blockers from getting a hold of him. From there, he uses his tremendous closing speed to finish the rush and can lay some hard hits on quarterbacks. Key has excellent agility with fluid athleticism, allowing him to be very dynamic in the open field and easily redirect to the quarterback.
Key is an adequate run defender. He isn't a liability, and he should improve as he develops more grown-man strength in the NFL. Key has the frame to add weight if his pro team desires, but keeping him fast in the 255-265-pound range is probably best. For the NFL, Key should continue to work on adding more pass-rushing moves as well.
Some of the biggest tests for Key in 2017 will come off the field. Teams are going to dig into the personal reasons that caused him to leave the team in the spring of 2017, and the junior needs to show teams that he isn't a character concern in the pre-draft interviews. He also needs to stay healthy coming off his shoulder surgery. Garrett and Clowney both were banged up as juniors, which led to their production levels declining from what they did as sophomores. It wouldn't be surprising if Key has a smaller stat line as a junior, like those two, as he will face constant double teams with plays going away from him. Declining production won't hurt Key if he stays healthy, stays out of trouble, and has solid play on the field.

http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2018akey.php

 

[DKphin]

ILB Micah Kiser, Virginia 6-0 238



Combine Results:
Arm - 32
Hand - 9 3/8
40 - 4.66
Bench - DNP
Vertical - 35.5
Broad - 10'1"
3 Cone - 7.05
20 yd. shuttle - 4.24
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Even though the NFL is a passing-driven league, pro defenses still have a place for a run-stuffing interior linebacker. Such players may be rotational, but they are key to goal-line, short-yardage, and four-minute defenses. In the older era of pro football, Kiser would be a more in-demand player, but he still should fill a role as a professional.
Kiser is a physical in-the-box defender against the run. He is thick, strong and sturdy, plus can diagnose plays and read his keys well. Kiser also tackles consistently, physically taking to the ball-carriers to the ground. While Kiser is an intelligent, instinctive defender, he doesn't possess sideline-to-sideline speed or elite athleticism. Kiser makes up his lack of elite attributes by being a tough interior linebacker at the point of attack.
In pass coverage, Kiser is going to need development for the NFL to be a three-down starter. Kiser isn't fast or fluid in pass coverage, so pro offenses could single him out for mismatch plays. Virginia often uses him as a pass-rusher by having him blitz off the edge or rush up the middle, and that is a more natural fit for Kiser as he can use his instincts and downhill quickness to pressure quarterbacks.
Kiser has some athletic limitations for the NFL. He is not a fast linebacker, not a fluid athlete, lacks lateral speed, and can have issues redirecting. Trimming some weight down might help him a little, but Kiser could be limited to being more of a run-stuffing linebacker for the pro game.
In the NFL, Kiser would fit best as an inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense with a fast run-and-chase linebacker next to him. For a 4-3 defense, Kiser will need to develop pass-coverage skills to serve as a three-down starter at Mike (middle) linebacker. He doesn't have the speed and athleticism to be a Will (weak side) linebacker, but he could be a nice fit as a Sam (strong side) linebacker who is tough against the run and also contributes as a blitzer off the edge.

http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2018mkiser.php

 

[DKphin]

OLB Roquan Smith, Georgia 6-0 236



Combine Results:
Arm - 32
Hand - 10
40 - 4.58
Bench - DNP
Vertical - DNP
Broad - DNP
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Strengths:

• Very good instincts

• Excellent run defender

• Sideline-to-sideline speed

• Good tackler

• Hard hitter

• Quick

• Diagnosis skills

• Read-and-react skills

• Fits a 4-3 or 3-4 defense

• Always around the ball

• Very fast to the flat

• Superb closing speed

• Rangy

• Gifted pass-coverage linebacker

• Impressive man-coverage ability against tight ends and running backs

• Can drop into zone coverage

• Ball skills

• Durable

• Athletic upside

Weaknesses:

• Undersized

• Could have issues defending downhill runs straight at him

• Could have issues getting off blocks in the NFL

• May not have the weight to play middle linebacker in the NFL

There is a lot to like about Smith for the NFL. He is a tremendous linebacker with excellent instincts. Smith has superb speed, and with his instincts, he is a heat-seeking missile that tracks down ball-carriers all over the field. Smith is very fast to the flat and shuts down perimeter rushing attacks. He also is quick to read his keys and fire to the right spot to make tackles. With his speed, instincts, and diagnosis skills, Smith is a dangerous run defender.
The key for any non-pass-rushing linebacker to be a first-round pick is his ability to excel in pass coverage. Smith fits that criteria as he is a capable defender at helping to limit passing attacks. In coverage, he has the speed, athleticism and agility to be a man-coverage option against running backs or tight ends. Smith also gets good depth in zone and is sound to be in the right spot while covering up receivers who come into his territory. Smith also is a dangerous blitzer who closes on the quarterback in an instant. Quickly in his NFL career, Smith should be a three-down starter who never leaves the field.
The negatives for Smith include that he weighs in the 220s. He should look to get into the 230s for the NFL. Given that size issue, he could have problems with runs coming straight at him and getting off blocks. To maximize his effectiveness, he needs to be protected from taking on a lot of blocks. As a pro, Smith projects to being a starter in a 4-3 defense as a Will (weakside) linebacker. In a 3-4, he could play on the inside, but should have a bigger Mike (middle) linebacker next to him to do the take-on jobs.
With Smith's well-rounded game and his excellent tape from the 2017 season, he could be a first-round pick. He should go quickly in the second round if he somehow slips out of Thursday night.

http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2018rsmith.php

 

[Carne Asada]

Any defense could use a player like Roquan.

 

[DKphin]

SS Derwin James, Florida St. 6-2 215



Combine Results:
Arm - 33
Hand - 9 1/2
40 - 4.47
Bench - 21
Vertical - 40.0
Broad - 11'0"
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Defenses in the pass driven NFL need safeties who can contribute in a variety of ways; they can be called on to cover wide receivers one-on-one, help deep over the top, defend receiving tight ends one-on-one, challenge big wideouts, and serve as essential run defenders. James is a great fit for being a flexible defender who helps his defense solve a variety of problems.
There is no doubt that James is a freak athlete. He is a very fast defender who flies around the football field, demonstrating good instincts with tremendous closing speed. On top of being very fast, James is a big safety with height and strength. He will dish out some bone-rattling hits and is a good tackler on running backs in space. James has the height, length, and leaping ability to match up on wide receivers or tight ends downfield.
James is a real asset in pass coverage. He can play the deep center field as he possesses the speed and instincts to be a true single-high safety. His coverage skills as a free safety are very impressive, too, as he flies around the field to defend receivers running deep. James can get to the sideline like a blur, yet also havs the size to defend jump balls against big wideouts or tight ends. James is so big and fast that he also could play press-man cornerback on big wide receivers. The versatility of James' skill set makes him a real weapon in man coverage on tight ends and receiving backs as well.
James also is a willing run defender as he will come downhill into the box to make tackles. He doesn't hesitate to get physical in the secondary and dish out some hard hits. James has good size and could be a safety who moves down to serve as the eighth man in the box in a strong safety or a nickel linebacker role given his impressive strength and physicality.
One top scout who has already worked the 2018 class told WalterFootball.com that he thinks James is among the top-three prospects for the 2018 NFL Draft - when healthy. That scout thinks that James has transcendent ability for what he can do for a defense. Sources from other teams have also raved about James being the real deal and a first-round talent. Thus, if James stays consistent with his performance on the field and stays healthy, he should be a highly coveted prospect in the 2018 NFL Draft.
For the NFL, I think James has Pro Bowl potential as a versatile safety who can do a lot things and erase mismatches.

http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2018djames.php

 

[DKphin]

FS/CB Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama 6-0 204



Combine Results:
Arm - 31 1/4
Hand - 9 3/8
40 - 4.46
Bench - 14
Vertical - 33.0
Broad - 10'1"
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Strengths:

• Instinctive

• Extremely well rounded

• Tremendous coverage safety

• Dangerous play-maker in the deep part of the field

• A true single-high safety

• Ball skills

• Soft hands

• Interception threat

• Covers a ton of ground

• Superb at covering receivers over the top

• Fast enough to run with speed receivers

• Good vision, eye discipline

• Can play nickel corner

• Can play man coverage on slot receivers

• Can play man coverage on receiving tight ends

• Asset to defend big receivers downfield

• Dangerous blitzer

• Solid run defender

• Good tackler in the open field

• Will get physical as a tackler

• Can play near the line of scrimmage

• Capable of being the eighth man in the box

• Can drive and fill in the box

• Always around the ball

• Fluid; can flip his hips and run

• Good special teams player

• Should be able to play quickly

• Has been a starter at corner

• Quarterback of the defense

• Experienced and successful against good college talent

• Versatile

• Team leader

Weaknesses:

• Lacks ideal height

• Lacks ideal speed

With his skill set and versatility, Fitzpatrick looks like a real weapon for a pro defense. He can play the roaming safety role in the middle of the field as his instincts put him in position to make plays on the ball. Another great attribute that Fitzpatrick possesses is being able to play nickel corner. He is good in man coverage to line up over the slot receiver and prevent separation. Fitzpatrick also can play man coverage on tight ends, and his pro defense is going to love having him to help neutralize the elite receiving tight ends of the NFL.
Fitzpatrick also is a threat to take the ball away downfield. He tracks the pass extremely well and shows nice ball skills. For a defensive back, Fitzpatrick has excellent hands. He is a real threat to create interceptions and make a game-changing play for his defense. With his instincts and skill set, Fitzpatrick is able to be the deep free safety center fielder who locks down the deep part of the field. It is hard to find single-high safeties, but Fitzpatrick has that ability. He also is a dangerous blitzer.
In the ground game, Fitzpatrick can drive downhill and tackle in the box. He is very adept at making open-field tackles and preventing offenses from breaking big plays. He flies around the field and is always around the ball. I'm not sure how fast Fitzpatrick will time before the 2018 NFL Draft. He may not produce an electric 40 time, but he plays fast and is a defender who covers a lot of ground.
Fitzpatrick also is a willing run defender as he will come downhill into the box to make tackles. He doesn't hesitate to get physical in the secondary and dish out some hard hits. For the NFL, it might help him to gain 5-10 pounds of muscle to help tackle pro backs and receivers.
Here is how one scout summarized Fitzpatrick, "He's a prototype free safety [for] this day and age, can drop over slot and play man, pro off hash, or roam as center fielder. Good size, speed, athletic ability, high football IQ, play-maker."
For the NFL, I think Fitzpatrick has Pro Bowl potential as a versatile safety who can do a lot things and erase mismatches. I polled sources from around the league, and the consensus had Fitzpatrick as one of the elite six prospects for the 2018 NFL Draft.

http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2018mfitzpatrick.php

 

[DKphin]

CB Brandon Facyson, Virginia Tech 6-1 203



Combine Results:
Arm - 32 5/8
Hand - 9 3/4
40 - 4.53
Bench - 16
Vertical - DNP
Broad - DNP
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Strengths

Excellent size and arm length. Crowds possession receivers deterring quarterbacks from looking his way. Is long enough to challenge catch points without running through wide receiver. Virginia Tech's all-time leader in passes defensed. Consistently challenges throws with play-side hand and operates with good timing. Able to sink into receivers along the boundary and disrupt 50-50 balls. Extremely mature and responsible and well-liked by coaches and teammates in his locker room. Quick to digest information. Has experience in a variety of techniques and coverage. Able tackler who is reliable along the edge in run support.
Weaknesses
Reaction time in opening from press is below average. Footwork can be sluggish and disjointed. Plays top-heavy in space causing bouts with balance. Not much route anticipation. Has noticeable delay in transitions when attempting to mirror route breaks. Explosive receivers will lose him. Long speed is below average. Dealt with separate issues to the same leg early in his career and a wrist injury caused him to miss time this season. Ball production has regressed with no interceptions since freshman season and just five passes defensed this year. Doesn't turn to find ball consistently when back is to the quarterback.
Draft Projection
Rounds 3-4
NFL Comparison
Daryl Worley
Bottom Line
Facyson has terrific size and length and has tape in his background that shows off his disruptive play when his coverage is good. He struggles to stay in phase with complex routes and needs help over the top against speed. Facyson is scheme dependent and may need to be paired with a team looking for a press-and-trial or cover-two cornerback. Facyson's size could push him up the draft board by a round and he has a chance to become an eventual starter if he lands with the right fit.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/brandon-facyson?id=2559960