2018 Draft Prospects

[DKphin]

RB Mark Walton, Miami 5-9 202



Combine Results:
Arm - 30
Hand - 9 1/4
40 - 4.60
Bench -18
Vertical - 31.5
Broad - 9'10"
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Strengths
Short but stout. Has thick, powerful lower body. Runs with knee bend and balance. Loose hips can rotate to find sharp cutback opportunities. Finds yardage for himself when blocking isn't there. More decisive and confident when working from dotted "I". Able to hug run lane tight when needed. Good acceleration to the corner. Touchdown maker. Drops pads and gets forward lean into first contact. Effective attacking linebackers out of backfield. Makes initial tackle attempts miss and has burst to turn a short catch into a chunk play. Good ball tracker on wheel routes. Hands are sticky like a wideout. Will stick a stiff shoulder into chip blocks and is willing to stand in against blitzers. Didn't fumble over his last 274 carries.
Weaknesses
Way too much dancing as off-set back. Shows distrust of the blocking plan and will void the rush track early. Takes long looks for clear point of entry rather than finding the crease. Vision and decisiveness as inside runner are below average. Big runs come from bouncing wide. Run strength is average. Uses gather step pre-cut rather than plant-and-go delaying downhill burst. Long-strider for a short back. Not overly explosive on lateral jump cuts. Coming off of season-ending ankle surgery.
Draft Projection
Round 4
Sources Tell Us
"I think he's going to fall but only because he's coming out in a season where there are so many backs. That position will be devalued and you might be able to grab him later than you might expect for a player who can help you on all three downs." -- AFC team scouting director
NFL Comparison
James White
Bottom Line
Walton is a fluid combo back with the ability to compete for committee carries and third down snaps. His 2016 tape gives a better indication of his quickness since he was nursing an ankle injury for much of the time he played this year. His indecisiveness as an interior runner should be taken into account when offensive coordinators decide to use him. Walton has the ability to become a solid backup who can handle a heavier touch load over smaller stretches if needed.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/mark-walton?id=2560031

 

[DKphin]

WR Allen Lazard, Iowa St. 6-4 227



Combine Results:
Arm - 32 1/4
Hand - 9 3/4
40 - 4.55
Bench -17
Vertical - 38.0
Broad - 10'2"
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Strengths
Outstanding size with a frame that will be tough for quarterbacks to miss. Is smart and extremely physical. Plays to his size when working between the hashes. Tough guy who doesn't mind working the middle of the field. Hands catcher who can pluck and tuck it quickly in traffic. Uses supreme focus and strong hands to thrive in contested catch situations. Able to dig out the low throws. Decent hand fighter off the line of scrimmage when faced with handsy press cover corners. Gets eyes on the ball flight early so he can beat cornerbacks with an early adjustment to it. Uses elbows, shoulder, hips, and hands to shield defenders from the catch point. Has experience inside and outside. Shows an ability to latch and finish as a run blocker on the perimeter.
Weaknesses
Lacks explosiveness as an athlete. No juice into his patterns. Talented press corners will be a challenge to shake. Doesn't have the speed to force cornerbacks into an early retreat at any point. Tight hips prohibit sinking into route breaks. Short area movement and change of direction is labored and sluggish. Unlikely to uncover against tight man coverage on the next level. May need to be moved around and played in bunch formations to help create clean releases. Cornerbacks with recovery speed might be able to squat on possession routes. Very little threat with the ball in his hands.
Draft Projection
Rounds 4-5
Bottom Line
Lazard has been a productive, four-year player who relies on his size and strength to muscle Big 12 cornerbacks around when making the contested catch. Lazard is a possession receiver, but his lack of play speed and athletic ability could make separating from NFL cornerbacks a difficult challenge. With his size and toughness, a switch to pass-catching tight end might give him a better shot at having a productive NFL career.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/allen-lazard?id=2559854

 

[DKphin]

TE Will Dissly, Washington 6-4 262

Could not find any game film on him

Combine Results:
Arm - 33 1/4
Hand - 9 3/4
40 - 4.87
Bench -15
Vertical - 28.0
Broad - 9'3"
3 Cone - 7.07
20 yd. shuttle - 4.40
60 yd. shuttle - 12.12

Strengths
Broad through hips and chest. Former defensive end and built like it. Team player and willing to do what coaches ask. Acclimated to position change quickly. Plays with toughness and a grinder's mentality as in-line blocker. Good pop behind initial contact. Quick fit into run blocks and runs his feet. Plus hand strength to sustain. Locks out arms and maintains positioning as wall-off blocker. Good feel and timing when working up to linebackers. Decent athlete. Able to pace ahead of linebackers on crossing routes. Smart. Understands how and when to adjust routes to improve catch space. Excellent hand-eye coordination and focus. Has power to drag grabby tacklers for a ride.
Weaknesses
Will need more technique work and experience as lateral blocker. Needs more consistent inside hands as run blocker. Still figuring out footwork as run blocker and route-runner. Lacks experience in pass protection. Uses excessive settle steps getting into route breaks. Athleticism benefits him in a very relative radius. Slows route pace when turning to find the football. May lack vertical speed and ball skills to be a downfield option. Below average leaper.
Draft Projection
Round 6
Sources Tell Us
"He's a Peterson guy. All-in with his commitment to the team and what he has to do. He won't blow you away with talent or athleticism, but he does his job." - NFC West Coast scout
NFL Comparison
David Morgan
Bottom Line
Inexperienced but improving, Dissly is a Y-tight end prospect who has the potential to become a much more productive and effective player than where he stands right now. Dissly has decent size and is nothing special as an athlete, but he displays the toughness and talent to become an NFL blocker as a Day 3 selection.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/will-dissly?id=2560122

 

[DKphin]

OG Colby Gossett, Appalachian St. 6-5 311



Combine Results:
Arm - 33 7/8
Hand - 10 7/8
40 - 5.20(10 yd split -1.85)
Bench -32
Vertical - 25.0
Broad - 8'7"
3 Cone - 7.60
20 yd. shuttle - 4.83

Strengths
Started in 46 straight contests. Possesses NFL-ready frame with thick calves and a broad waist. Comes of the ball with adequate quickness. Has mass and strength to create some movement and secure his down blocks. Able to sit down and play with enough anchor against bull-rushing defensive tackles.
Weaknesses
Hitch in his punch allows defenders to land first. Plays with wide hands. Feet are heavy. Will lean laterally to make up for sluggish mirror and can be knocked off-balance. Plays with leg tightness on the move. Lumbers in space and will struggle to connect consistently on second level and as pull blocker. Unable to keep blocks centered after contact.
Draft Projection
Rounds 4-5
Bottom Line
Gossett had trouble sustaining blocks against talented competition from Georgia and is unlikely to be ready to face off against NFL competitors. Gossett's NFL-ready frame will appeal to power teams who may look to stash him on a practice squad early on while they work on his technique to unleash more power at the point of attack.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/colby-gossett?id=2559969

 

[DKphin]

OT Will Richardson, North Carolina St. 6-5 306



Combine Results:
Arm - 35 1/4
Hand - 9 7/8
40 - 5.26(10 yd split -1.85)
Bench -DNP
Vertical - 31.5
Broad - 9'0"
3 Cone - 7.80
20 yd. shuttle - 4.83

Strengths
Thick, wide bubble with power in his hips. Generates leverage at point of attack in short-yardage "gotta have it" situations. Fits blocks with good positioning and brings feet with him. Keeps blocks centered and sustained. Can access torque from hips to turn defenders out of hole. Consistent in getting to playside and backside blocks. Good second and third step quickness for backside cutoff positioning before sliding his frame ahead of the defender. Very good timing working up to linebackers. Initial pass slides are quick and choppy. Uses strong, well-timed punch from his outside hand. Can rattle pads when he lands. Shuffles through punch and can run edge rushers up the pocket. Has adequate athletic ability for recovery when beaten. Quick to search for twist when his rusher voids.
Weaknesses
Built like a guard. Carries soft weight. Dogged by off-field issues. Faced team suspensions in 2017 and DWI back in 2015. Can be a step slow in initial lateral movement. Plays with some leg stiffness. Body control gets sloppy the further he gets from line of scrimmage. Inconsistent weight displacement in sets when he fears edge speed. Can be tilted, with well-timed stab move. Average redirect to mirror counters. Bends at the waist and over-extends. Lack of adequate bend prevents him from setting and holding a stout anchor. Base gets too wide causing him to lose footing. Didn't have to face Duke Ejiofor or Harold Landry this year due to their injuries.
Draft Projection
Rounds 3-4
Sources Tell Us
"There are some things you have to work through. Are you OK with off-field stuff? Can he excel in something other than the heavy zone stuff that N.C. State runs? Is he athletic enough to handle the sub-package looks he's going to get?" - AFC Personnel Director
NFL Comparison
Dion Dawkins
Bottom Line
Richardson doesn't carry the long, proportional frame of a tackle and his journey inside the rep can be a little messy at times, but he's generally able to produce positive results. Richardson has enough foot quickness to handle speed if he trusts his technique, but inconsistencies with his redirect against inside counters is a concern. Richardson should offer teams value as a right tackle with guard potential and has future starter talent if his character checks out.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/will-richardson?id=2560205

 

[DKphin]

DT Bilal Nichols, Delaware 6-3 306



Combine Results:
Arm - 33 3/8
Hand - 10 1/4
40 - 4.95(10 yd split -1.73)
Bench -29
Vertical - DNP
Broad - DNP
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Strengths
Effort level almost never wanes. Plays with good energy through the whistle and has hustle to pick up secondary sacks and additional tackles. Decent athlete with lateral agility to shuffle along the line and man his run fit on stretch plays. Feels pressure headed his way and shows ability to sink and brace against double teams. Can spin out of down blocks and re-engage in the play. Flashes hand quickness that coaches can work with.
Weaknesses
Needs to play with better initial quickness at point of attack. Tends to pop upright after the snap. Plays with poor knee bend and leverage. Need to see more jolt out of his initial punch. Pass rush lacks menace. Will stutter-step and try to set up moves that don't land. Below average at finding the edge as a rusher and is unlikely to generate quality bull-rusher on the next level.
Draft Projection
Round 7/PFA
Bottom Line
Nichols is a defensive tackle with decent athletic ability despite playing as stiff-legged as he does. Despite his 10.5 sacks over the last two seasons, there isn't much on tape to suggest he will be an effective NFL pass rusher, but he does have some anchor against the run. Nichols may eventually be a practice squad candidate where he will have some time to improve his skill level and add more muscle.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/bilal-nichols?id=2559910

 

[DKphin]

DE/DT JoJo Wicker, Arizona St. 6-2 296



Combine Results:
Arm - 31 3/4
Hand - 9 1/8
40 - 5.16(10 yd split -1.80)
Bench -25
Vertical - 30.0
Broad - 8'9"
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Strengths
Plays with good initial quickness. Able to get into blockers first with his get-off. Will be a challenge for blockers to reach him. Quick-twitch hands are first into blocker after the snap. Can be disruptive. Saw 31 percent of his career tackles go for a loss. Intelligent and plays with recognition and instincts. Hits his rush counters when he recognizes a blocker is over-setting. Posted solid production as a sack artist. Uses hand quickness and slap-rip move to attack a guard's edge as a rusher. Played in 98 percent of the defensive snaps despite adding weight to handle interior work. Played at just about every position along the defensive line this year.
Weaknesses
Possesses narrow shoulders and a below average build with softness in the middle. Played heavier than normal and carried bad weight. Core power and overall play strength are below average. Could struggle to lock horns and whip the NFL blocker in front of him. Missing the base strength to avoid being washed away by down blocks. Limits his range of motion and gets over-extended as a tackler when he locks his knees out. Doesn't have physical traits for a natural scheme or position fit.
Draft Projection
Round 7/PFA
Sources Tell Us
"Great kid. Smart. He's a little quiet but he competes really hard and he's got good upside. I think a coach is going to be very excited once they realize they've got some talent that they can work with." -- AFC regional scout
Bottom Line
Despite adding more girth to his frame, Wicker struggled to stand up to pure power once blockers got rolling downhill on him. He's competitive and uses his hands and initial quickness to find favorable angles against the run and as a rusher. He may need to be paired with a defense using a hybrid front so he has a chance to become a rotational, interior rusher.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/jojo-wicker?id=2560183

 

[jim1]

OT Joseph Noteboom BYU

 

[DKphin]

OT Joseph Notebottom, Texas Christian 6-5 309

Combine Results:
Arm - 34 3/8
Hand - 9 5/8
40 - 4.96(10 yd split -1.72)
Bench -27
Vertical - 24.0
Broad - 8'6"
3 Cone - 7.65
20 yd. shuttle - 4.44

Strengths
Has an NFL frame with room to pile on more muscle. Has adequate dip and scoop hip flexion to create leverage as a drive blocker. Does a good job of working hip-to-hip on double-team blocks. Hand strength is solid. Can latch onto defender's jersey with his hands to help him ride out the block. Runs feet under initial contact for improved sustain as run blocker. Comfortable quick-setting on top of edge rushers. Shows ability to hasten pass slide rather than using cross-over footwork to catch rushers at the top of the arc. Can pass set with good posture when he wants to. Good athlete in space. Leads the charge when asked to pull and is comfortable handling screen blocking duties.
Weaknesses
Prolonged tape work offers plenty of inconsistencies in performance. Technique slips when matched against power. Will lean and engulf with wide hands in pass pro. Rushers who ramp up speed-to-power are a problem for him. Wide hands open his frame to stab moves that walk him into quarterback's face. Fails to gain early ground in kick-slides. Opens outside hip early in pass sets giving rushers a much softer edge to attack. Needs to play with faster hands and a more efficient punch. Takes inefficient paths to easy wall-off blocks allowing defensive ends to slide inside his block. Inconsistent getting to his lateral blocks.
Draft Projection
Round 3
Sources Tell Us
"I was disappointed when I finally sat down and studied him. I couldn't find that one thing that I really loved about him and he looked a lot smaller than his listed weight when I watched the tape. I think he has a lot of work to do." - NFL offensive line consultant
Bottom Line
Noteboom flashes the technique, hand usage, and athleticism you want out of the position but he doesn't do those things with enough consistency. His inability to gain and secure positioning as a move blocker is a concern as is his consistency as a finisher in running game. Noteboom was one of the tackles who flashed at the Senior Bowl in one-on-one drills and if he tests well at the Combine, he could hear his name called on Day 2.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/joseph-noteboom?id=2559841

 

[DKphin]

ILB/OLB Jack Cichy, Wisconsin 6-2 238



Combine Results:
Arm - 32 1/8
Hand - 9 1/2
40 - DNP
Bench -DNP
Vertical - DNP
Broad - DNP
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Strengths
Former walk-on who has fought through adversity. Team leader. Instincts are a big plus allowing him to play ahead of the play. Eyes see it and reaction time is instant. Good recognition of play-action and trick plays. Flashed potential for wide-ranging production in first half of 2016. Plays fast but doesn't overpursue. Leaves himself in position to redirect into cutback lanes. Clean navigation of traffic during scrapes. Efficient, quick hands that can swipe past blockers. Steps downhill to challenge iso-blocks and populate the gap. Great feel for playing under the block and finding tackles in tight quarters. Had 12 special teams tackles in 2015.
Weaknesses
Has played in just 24 games with 11 starts. Missed his last 20 games due to two serious injuries. Athletic ability is marginal. Lacks quick-twitch movement. Range as tackler will be in question. Lack of closing burst and overall pursuit speed allows runners to eliminate his angles and cause him to miss a tackle attempt. Plays too upright in space. Has great instincts, but still has room to take more downhill chances. Lacks lateral explosiveness to match routes in man coverage. Combine medicals are a concern.
Draft Projection
Rounds 5-6
Sources Tell Us
"He's not fast but he knows how to play. He's quick to read it and go. Really smart player too, but those injuries are mounting up on him." -- AFC area scout
NFL Comparison
Nick Vigil
Bottom Line
It doesn't take much tape work to be impressed by Cichy's instincts and quickness to flow to the ball. It does, however, take a lot of searching to find what you need to study Cichy since he didn't play in the Badger's last 20 games due to injury. When healthy, Cichy's intelligence and consistency are big attractions at the position, but his lack of explosiveness and durability concerns could hurt his draft stock. Cichy projects as an NFL backup who will help immediately on special teams.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/jack-cichy?id=2560154

 

[DKphin]

OLB Joel Iyiegbuniwe, Western Kentucky 6-1 229

*No game tape available

Combine Results:
Arm - 32 5/8
Hand - 10 1/4
40 - 4.60
Bench -19
Vertical - 35.0
Broad - 9'9"
3 Cone - 7.06
20 yd. shuttle - 4.28
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Strengths
Rangy, athletic frame. Plays with good speed in pursuit. Shows early burst in his scrapes to play past climbing blockers. Actively searches to strip the football and create opportunities to flip the momentum. Finished 2017 with three forced fumbles. Very smooth in his backpedal and when driving into space. Has athletic ability to warrant consideration as a cover linebacker in subpackages. Special teams talent to cover. Finished career with 11 tackles on special teams.
Weaknesses
Gets caught coasting too much when the play is developing away from him. Needs to keep the motor activated. Slow to balance eyes between blockers and ball-carrier. Will need to improve ability to slip blocks on the next level. Gets stuck on blocks when he gets squared up. Too accepting of his fate and needs to fight it early with a strong punch. Awareness in zone coverage can be improved.
Draft Projection
Round 7/PFA
Bottom Line
Iyegbuniwe put together a very strong campaign this season, but some of those numbers don't look translatable on the next level without a lot more work. His speed and athletic ability in coverage are big pluses in his favor. His NFL role may have to be as a backup weak-side linebacker with some cover talent who can become a top special teams worker.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/joel-iyiegbuniwe?id=2560142

 

[DKphin]

SS Max Redfield, Indiana(PA) 6-1 199

2018 NFL Combine: Players Who Need to Interview Well: Max Redfield, S, Indiana (Pa.)...Entering his senior season at Notre Dame, Redfield was stamped with a draftable grade. However, he was arrested weeks prior to the 2016 season and charged with possession of marijuana and a handgun without a license. He was dismissed from the program and sat out that season before resurfacing at Indiana (Pa.) where he played well in 2017. - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com

http://www.draftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=127979&draftyear=2018&genpos=SS

Combine Results:
Arm - 30
Hand - 9 1/4
40 - 4.69
Bench -15
Vertical - DNP
Broad - DNP
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Redfield was a five-star prospect when he made his way to Notre Dame and showed early signs of becoming an intimidating banger with good size and speed. However, missed meetings, poor decision making and failed drug tests permanently altered his collegiate path and may have also taken a toll on his football performance. Redfield has some traits and some talent to work with, but it may not be enough to get drafted considering his checkered past.
Strengths

• Good combination of size and speed
• Angular frame carries good definition
• Physical play defines him on the field
• Lurks near line of scrimmage like a linebacker
• Solid closing burst to the ball when flowing downhill
• Pursues with good angles to finish as tackler
• Brings heavy load behind his pads as hitter
• Steps downhill and readies to fires his hips into targets on runs between the tackles
• Violent striker in space to intimidate slot receivers working the middle

Weaknesses

• Excessive missteps show immaturity at best and low character at worst
• Missed all of 2016
• Looked stiffer in lower half and step slower in coverage in 2017
• Instincts are poor
• Eyes need to see the ball come out before he responds to receivers
• Has consistently played man over ball throughout his career
• Ball skills are lacking
• Needs to play with better knee bend in space
• Burst to match route breaks looked suspect this season
• More hitter than tackler
• Lacks traits and instincts for deep coverage

Sources Tell Us

"I don't see how you draft him. I thought he looked like a shell of what he was at Notre Dame this year and then he's got all that baggage." - AFC Personnel Executive

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/max-redfield?id=32462018-0002-5601-86bb-c350360a4031

 

[DKphin]

FS Stephen Roberts, Auburn 5-11 186



Combine Results:
Arm - 31 3/8
Hand - 8 7/8
40 - 4.53
Bench -DNP
Vertical - 34.0
Broad - 10'1"
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Overview
Roberts is faster and more athletic than many of the safeties in this draft, but he's also smaller. Roberts plays with the aggression and toughness of a bigger safety, but he may not have enough bulk to be deployed near the line in the pros as often as he was as a senior at Auburn. Roberts played for three defensive coordinators and four defensive backs coaches in college so continuity should continue to bolster his growth. Roberts could battle for early sub-package reps and may have the speed and talent to become a solid starter in the future.

Strengths

• Offers versatility with ability to play high or low
• Loose hips and quick feet
• Smooth and natural in his movements
• Quick to accelerate with good top-end speed
• Transitions on route breaks and vertical routes without allowing much separation
• Held up in brief encounters with Alabama WR Calvin Ridley
• Gains depth from shallow to deep in a hurry when disguising coverage
• Adequate instincts
• Has awareness to shade and squeeze routes
• Rangy over the top
• Decisive in pursuit taking optimal angles when running the alley
• Can cut-off the corner on perimeter runs
• Races from high to low in run support
• Not afraid to throw his body into tackles
• Can compete for role as a gunner and backup punt returner

Weaknesses

• Below the desired size line with slender frame that could be getting close to maxed out
• Ball skills will need to improve
• More of a mauler than technician when attacking the catch point
• Will clutch receivers and tug jerseys when matching slot targets underneath
• Blocks get sticky on him
• Will need added upper body strength to play off of blocks more effectively
• Still room for improvement with consistency as a tackler
• Takes the worst of it when tackling real dudes at running back

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/stephen-roberts?id=32462018-0002-5602-09d0-9649ec7ca239

 

[DKphin]

CB Isaiah Oliver, Colorado 6-1 201



Combine Results:
Arm - 33 1/2
Hand - 9 3/4
40 - 4.50
Bench -DNP
Vertical - DNP
Broad - DNP
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Overview
Oliver possesses an outstanding combination of size, speed and length and those traits are highly coveted by NFL general managers. There are coverage holes in Oliver's game and he needs to play with increased toughness, but he's just scratching the surface of what his talent could allow him to do on the next level with more experience and technique work. Oliver has a high ceiling as a bump-and-run, lockdown corner, but might benefit from a limited role his rookie season.

Strengths

• Elite size and speed with arms that go on and on for days
• Looks the way teams want corners to look
• Competitive decathlete
• Plus deep speed and explosive leaper
• Disrupts route release with long jabs into receiver's frame from press
• Easy to open and sprint against vertical threats
• Has tools and trigger to stalk and challenge routes underneath from off-man
• Greater margin for error early in the rep due to makeup speed and arm length
• Aggressive to claw and rake hands and arms through catch attempt
• Has soft hands
• Requires touch and precision to drop downfield throws over his rangy frame

Weaknesses

• Struggles to gear down from sprint mode
• Unable to stay in phase with comeback routes from bump and run
• Too tall in backpedal
• Transitions to match pattern carry wasted steps
• Mirror and match footwork doesn't come easily from off-man
• Allows workable separation from route stems and breaks
• Can't plant and redirect quickly on lateral change of direction
• Doesn't play with much edge
• Too much ankle biting as a tackler and will need to increase aggressiveness in run support

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/isaiah-oliver?id=32462018-0002-5600-60bd-a43f07022acb

 

[DKphin]

QB Nic Shimonek, Texas Tech 6-3 220



Combine Results:
Arm - 30 3/4
Hand - 9 1/4
40 - 4.88
Bench -DNP
Vertical - 28.5
Broad - 8'5"
3 Cone - 7.28
20 yd. shuttle - 4.32

Overview
Shimonek found himself benched late in the season after a stretch of subpar second-half performances where the Tech offense failed to generate points on the board. On the surface, that does not bode well for Shimonek's NFL chances. However, he has NFL size, pretty good accuracy and solid arm talent, so any trip into a camp gives him a shot at finding a practice squad spot.

Strengths

• Stands tall in the pocket and is able to get rid of the football from a variety of arm angles
• Can stride and drive deep outs with good accuracy and velocity
• Shows off some arm talent when throwing on the move
• Reads safeties and starts progressions accordingly
• Willing to get through three and even four reads when he has time
• Searches for big-play opportunities downfield when scrambling from the pocket
• Came off the bench to engineer a game-winning performance against Texas in the final week of the season

Weaknesses

• Struggled to post consistent production in the fourth quarter with completion percentage and touchdown-to-interception ratio dropping badly
• Release is a little slow
• Will void pocket rather than sliding and keeping his eyes down the field
• Needs to improve ball placement when windows are tight
• Failed to see lurking defenders when facing zone coverage
• Not an early anticipator of windows
• Early staredown to deep targets allows instinctive deep safeties to get adequate jumps

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/nic-shimonek?id=32462018-0002-5600-0284-4b4a647ac72e