2018 Draft Prospects

DKphin · Apr 7, 2018

RB John Kelly, Tennessee 5-10 216

Combine Results:
Arm - 31 3/8
Hand - 9 3/8
40 - DNP
Bench -15
Vertical - 35.0
Broad - 10'0"
3 Cone - 7.13
20 yd. shuttle - 4.51
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Overview
Kelly is a little undersized but is a tough runner and capable pass catcher who has the potential to play all three downs if needed. He can add additional yardage with plus contact balance and an ability to push through tackles, but his average burst between the tackles and around the edge could mean he’ll have to live the life of a grinder. Kelly is a solid committee back with the ability to handle full-time duties if called upon.

Strengths

Stout and tough

Runs with low center of gravity and exceptional balance through contact

Creates yardage through power

Absorbs angle tackles and maintains his track

Often takes multiple tacklers to finish him

Runs behind his pads and hits it full-throttle into collision

Gave Ronnie Harrison work when they went head to head

Stiff-arm is just that

Able to push tacklers aside around the edge

Decent gather and cut footwork on second level

Competitive pass blocker who will sort and square opponents

More dangerous as pass catcher than numbers would dictate

Often run into no-win situations on flat routes

Displays wiggle to separate on route breaks

Weaknesses

Slightly undersized

Average quickness and below average speed

Inconsistent running away from tacklers around the corner or down the field

Lacks the "hit it and go" to clear traffic through line of scrimmage

Looks for lanes, but misses creases

Lacks creativity as inside runner

The path is the path

Needs to press line of scrimmage a shade longer to open cutbacks

Tardy to accelerate after jump cuts

Scouts say character is a little spotty

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/john-kelly?id=32462018-0002-5601-9186-f2a43927b0c7

DKphin · Apr 7, 2018

WR Christian Kirk, Texas A&M 5-10 203

Combine Results:
Arm - 30 3/8
Hand - 9 7/8
40 - 4.47
Bench -20
Vertical - 35.5
Broad - 9'7"
3 Cone - 7.09
20 yd. shuttle - 4.45
60 yd. shuttle - 12.03

Overview
Kirk is a well-built, mentally tough slot target whose game is built around pace more than explosiveness. His lack of speed and length make him less likely to impact games down the field, but his footwork, route tempo and hands should give him an opportunity to find catches underneath. Kirk's ability to help in the return game is a plus, but the difference between average and good as a receiver could depend on finding the right fit.

Strengths

Well built with good overall strength in upper and lower body

Takes optimal release angles against press

Adjusts in space to avoid redirects and contact

Plays with consistent tempo and good suddenness

Quick in and out of breaks with sharp turns

Impressive on whip routes

Scouts like his mental makeup and desire to compete

Able to dip and scoop the low throws

Plays with strong, natural hands as pass-catcher

Sinks into space against zone and does a good job of protecting the catch

Decisive and competitive once ball in his hands

Offers both kick and punt return value

Weaknesses

Doesn't show desired burst into routes to gain separation

Quicker than fast

Has below average catch radius

Generally needs throws near his frame

Hindered by trail coverage down the field due to lack of length

Needs to use strength to combat tight coverage underneath rather than allowing defender to crowd him

Benefitted from variety of rub routes that got him wide open

Needs to play with better knee bend

Made some questionable decisions to field the ball as punt returner

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/christian-kirk?id=32462018-0002-5600-14bf-edf102441a49

DKphin · Apr 8, 2018

TE Ryan Izzo, Florida St. 6-4 256

Combine Results:
Arm - 32 1/8
Hand - 9
40 - 4.94
Bench - 18
Vertical - 33.0
Broad - 9'2"
3 Cone - 7.15
20 yd. shuttle - 4.43
60 yd. shuttle - 12.15

Overview
If you are looking for a flashy pass-catching tight end who can create matchup issues for the defense then keep on looking. If you want an in-line tight end who has good size and very good toughness and has experience as an active member of the run blocking unit, then Izzo should be on your board. Izzo has athletic limitations, but he has the willingness and talent to become a plus blocker at the point of attack and he's able to work the middle of the field. He should become a starter early in his career.

Strengths

Thickly-muscled with the size and demeanor of a Y-tight end

Plays with desired level of aggression at the point of attack

Gets into targets with good initial stroke behind his pads

Will ride on the tough blocks and is active in trying to re-establish leverage throughout the rep

Good adjustment in space as a blocker

Excellent lead blocking option on the move with some dog to him

Has feel for leverage in his routes and how to create space down the field

Sharp plant-and-turn allows for tight angles out of his breaks

Soft hands with natural attack of the ball away from his body when able

Aggressive runner after the catch

Gives as good as he gets

Weaknesses

False steps into routes from a stand-up position

Can be a little heavy into his routes

Lacks quickness and can't create much separation out of his breaks

Needs help uncovering through scheme and is more of a zone-beater than man-winner

Can be hung up and slowed in his routes by physical linebackers in man coverage

Agility is below average

Can do a better job of working back to the throw and making himself a more available target

Struggles to sink and save the low throws

Has been penalized 18 times during his three-year stint including eight holding and seven false start penalties

Sources Tell Us

"He brings it as a blocker. So many of these guys are really soft now and you have to cut through the clutter just to find out if they are tough enough since they aren't really asked to block that much anymore. Izzo is a real blocker." -- AFC Director of Scouting

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/ryan-izzo?id=32462018-0002-5601-0594-a3fedd573c18

DKphin · Apr 9, 2018

OG Taylor Hearn, Clemson 6-4 330

LG #51

Combine Results:
Arm - 32 1/2
Hand - 8 3/4
40 - 5.45(10 yard - 1.89)
Bench - 18
Vertical - 24.0
Broad - 8'0"
3 Cone - 7.84
20 yd. shuttle - 4.80

Overview
Big and wide with decent initial power, but is unable to sustain blocks with consistency and will be very limited when asked to block on the move. Hearn will flash some initial power, but his inability to finish means the best teams can hope for might be neutralizing his opponent from time to time. He's got enough size and strength to compete for a backup roster spot, but his roster spot might be tenuous over the long haul.

Strengths

Wide-body with access to mass that he can use to engage and occupy at the point of attack

Pad level is too high, but can still unlock his hips after contact to create some initial lift

Occasionally demonstrates knock-off power when shuffling into down blocks

Adequate ability for short pulls

Under control while searching for pull targets

Burly frame helps counter bull-rushers

Uses consistent inside hands with efficient punch

Makes sure late twists and blitzes aren't headed his way before voiding to help his tackle

Weaknesses

Plays over his skis with weight forward when attacking at the point

Poor block finisher

Fails to bring his feet with him through contact and eventually falls off blocks

Not a natural bender and leverage suffers

Play suffers the further from the line he gets

Unable to get to second level cutoffs

Slows feet into pull contact and fails to deliver booming blows to smaller players

Heavy feet struggle to handle extended mirror

Poor lateral quickness to redirect against counters and gap shots

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/taylor-hearn?id=32462018-0002-5601-00b7-4af0977eb780

DKphin · Apr 10, 2018

DT B.J. Hill, North Carolina St. 6-3 311

Combine Results:
Arm - 33
Hand - 10 5/8
40 - 4.99
Bench - 35
Vertical - 26.5
Broad - 8'5"
3 Cone - 7.28
20 yd. shuttle - 4.53
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Overview
Hill is a one-gapping, upfield defensive tackle with decent athleticism who seems to be able to find the football at an adequate rate despite lacking some play strength. While Hill's production has been solid, he will have to develop more strength at the point of attack or become a more explosive upfield player to set himself apart and become a rotational defensive tackle.

Strengths

Athletic interior lineman

His movement is natural and fairly smooth

Gets a good jump on play directions

Plays with desired anticipation and initial snap quickness

Instincts are above average

Shows good recognition of pre-snap movement and blocking schemes

Does a good job of recognizing cut attempts, stuffing them and sliding down the line after the ball

Has played a higher percentage of snap counts for a defensive tackle for three years

Shows good upper body turn to help him get around blocker's edge

Has good tackle production and makes tackles near line of scrimmage or down the field

Weaknesses

Play strength at point of attack is a concern

Gives ground against initial contact when facing a quality drive blocker

Doesn't display the lower body anchor teams typically like

Will get put on a dolly and rolled way out of his gap by double teams

Will have to learn to spin out of double teams on next level

Gets bumped out of his track by blocks from the edge

Body control and contact balance is below average

Pressure total and sack count low over last two seasons despite playing along quality defensive front

Bull rush isn't there

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/b.j.-hill?id=32462018-0002-5598-5795-fcf41887ca3c

DKphin · Apr 11, 2018

DE Hercules Mata'afa, Washington St. 6-2 254

Combine Results:
Arm - 31 1/2
Hand - 10 1/4
40 - 4.76
Bench - 26
Vertical - 31.5
Broad - 9'0"
3 Cone - 7.24
20 yd. shuttle - 4.37
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Overview
Mata'afa is a challenge to project based on the fact that his tape features him as an interior lineman who won with quickness when matched against players who were 50-70 pounds heavier than he was. He has the size of a 3-4 outside linebacker but may lack the athletic traits and skill level as a rusher to fit right in. His motor and desire give him a chance to become a high-end special teams star and teams might be wise to utilize Mata'afa as an interior rusher in sub-packages.

Strengths

Known as the toughest guy in the locker room

Every snap is important to him

Uses explosive get-off to disrupt play design from a defensive tackle spot

Impossible to secure him with reach blocks when he's playing three-technique

Zombie-like motor

Gets tackles and sacks thanks to secondary effort

Good lateral quickness to slide to the blocker's edge

Plays with single-minded desire to find the football

Has leverage to work under and around the blocker once he gets to an edge

Punishing tackler with heavy pads

Weaknesses

Much too small to continue playing interior spot

Gets engulfed and washed down if he doesn't win early with penetration

Yet to prove he can transition from defensive tackle to another position

Doesn't have edge rusher's burst and bend as 3-4 outside linebacker

Contact balance is below average

Hand work is below average

Will need to develop go-to rush moves, counters and an overall plan

Scouts say he's quicker than fast

Sources Tell Us

"He makes plays all game long but how do you play him at tackle? You can't. He has to prove he can play on the edge and my guess is he's just a guy on the edge. Maybe I'm wrong. He plays harder than anybody on the field so maybe it can work." -- NFC regional scout

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/hercules-mata'afa?id=32462018-0002-5602-20b9-415fb43c6d11

DKphin · Apr 12, 2018

ILB Keishawn Bierria, Washington 6-0 230

Combine Results:
Arm - 31 1/8
Hand - 9 3/8
40 - 4.79
Bench - 21
Vertical - 30.5
Broad - 9'9"
3 Cone - 7.26
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Overview
Bierria is a smart, try-hard linebacker with a solid resume from a successful program, but he lacks the athletic traits and playmaking talent that teams covet from early round linebackers. Bierria's work ethic and leadership are plusses in his favor, but he may end up as a career backup inside linebacker who will need to perform well on special teams to secure his roster spot.

Strengths

Has been a consistent performer in all three years as a starter

Plays with desired urgency and effort on every snap

Patient and smart

Spots his keys and slides into position to find ball carrier on interior runs

Generally quick to diagnose and trigger

Plays as fast as he needs to

Recognizes climbing guards and will hit accelerator to climb over them and stay in the play

Does a good job of righting the ship and changing course when fooled by misdirection

Able to pass off and collect receivers seamlessly in zone coverage

Cited by scouts for his leadership qualities

Weaknesses

Very average athlete with hips and feet that are a little sticky

Lack of top-end speed and reactive athleticism creates a much smaller margin for error

Will miss tackles when forced to try and make them from challenging angles

Gives an honest effort in pursuit, but gets beat around the corner by runners when it's purely speed vs

speed

More reactive than attacking in his play

Will struggle to leverage his gap against NFL lead blockers

Upright in space leading to slower transitions that lack acceleration

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/keishawn-bierria?id=32462018-0002-5598-20bc-3ae188ee7f79

DKphin · Apr 13, 2018

OLB Jacob Pugh, Florida St. 6-3 246

Combine Results:
Arm - 34 3/8
Hand - 10 1/8
40 - 4.65
Bench - DNP
Vertical - 38.5
Broad - 10'2"
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Overview
Pugh is a long, strong-side linebacker for 4-3 defenses with below average strength but solid pursuit speed. Pugh needs a strong lead-up to the draft because his tape is uneven and his career production has been unimpressive. There are some traits to work with, but finding the right positional fit may be a challenge.

Strengths

Has played along the line and in space

Arms are long and effective when aggression is cranked up

Has ability to play under tight ends pads and set an adequate edge

Has twitch for sudden burst to tackle

Can run sideline to sideline in pursuit

Has stiff forearm shiver he uses to attack split-zone cross blocks and lead blocks with

Has athleticism for quick disengage and chase when play flows his way

Special teams option

Weaknesses

Leggy and narrow

Doesn't have the base to work through contact and hold his ground

Level of aggression tends to run hot and cold depending on the game

Needs to play with more consistent motor

Inconsistent backside pursuit

Play strength is below NFL standards

Hand usage is lukewarm

Played in less than 40 percent of the defensive snaps over last two seasons

Not a bendy pass rusher

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jacob-pugh?id=32462018-0002-5600-64b7-c084c7ba46d0

DKphin · Apr 14, 2018

SS Damon Webb, Ohio St. 5-11 209

Combine Results:
Arm - 31 1/4
Hand - 8 1/8
40 - 4.62
Bench - 17
Vertical - DNP
Broad - DNP
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Overview
Cornerback-turned-safety with limited speed and athletic ability, but solid football intelligence. Webb is a two-year starter who failed to post much production until this season. His play continued to improve as he got more comfortable at the position, and he may still have improvement ahead. However, he lacks the makeup speed and cover talent teams look for from free safeties and he doesn't have the size to handle work near the box. Webb would benefit from finding a zone-heavy, two-deep fit.

Strengths

Opportunistic

Grabbed five interceptions this season and has two career pick-sixes

Defensive MVP of the Cotton Bowl against Sam Darnold and USC

Had three interceptions over his final five games

Showed improvement year over year at safety

Responded faster to quarterback's clues as season went on

Productive tackler in both seasons as starter

Quick and consistent tackles to limit yards after catch

Good downhill depth in run support to limit cutback angles for runners

Weaknesses

Undersized with narrow waist and the build of a cornerback

Below average athletic ability

Lacks fluidity in his change of direction

Tight-hipped

Struggles to flip and sprint when squatting on routes

Gets grabby in coverage

Will struggle to handle man coverage responsibilities against speedy receivers who climb up to his level

Shows some confusion against combo routes

Chase speed is dull

Fast running backs leave his pursuit angles ineffective

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/damon-webb?id=32462018-0002-5600-567b-c82e8e4f7c8d

DKphin · Apr 15, 2018

FS Dominick Sanders, Georgia 5-11 193

Combine Results:
Arm - 30 5/8
Hand - 9 1/4
40 - DNP
Bench - 14
Vertical - DNP
Broad - DNP
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Overview
Undersized but athletic, Sanders has a four-year resume of putting himself into position to play the ball and taking it away once he gets there. His route anticipation and short-area burst to close on throws in front of him is impressive, but his inability to range over the top and handle long speed is a concern. Sanders dearth of size and speed will likely hurt his draft stock, but he his ball skills and anticipation give him a chance to make some noise in a camp.

Strengths

He finds the ball more than the ball finds him

Consistent interception production a product of instincts and ball skills

Good fluidity of movement

Good lateral agility to transition in space

Plus route recognition

Ample stick-and-drive twitch to race receiver to the throw

Improved his path to the ball and showed he could adjust his angle on the move

Underappreciated feel for throws a quarterback can and can't make

Darts underneath when recognizing opponent doesn't have arm strength to beat him over the top

Attacks the ball in front of routes or under them

High pointer with excellent body control and hand-eye coordination

Weaknesses

Below average size with shorter arms

Could need more weight work

Lack of deep range becomes obvious on tape

Missing makeup speed and needs to play smart and stay ahead of the play

Much better player downhill

Struggle to open and range from his pedal to play the ball

Will bite on the cheese against play-action

Below average play strength as tackler

Gets stuck on blocks in space

Big receivers and running backs able to discard him

Poor tackling has cost his team touchdowns over past two seasons

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/dominick-sanders?id=32462018-0002-5601-82e4-76c49d91ce76

DKphin · Apr 16, 2018

CB Nick Nelson, Wisconsin 5-10 200

Combine Results:
Arm - 30 3/4
Hand - 9 1/4
40 - 4.52
Bench - 17
Vertical - DNP
Broad - 10'3"
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Overview
Nelson is fairly well-built, but lacks desired height and length for the perimeter and his position fit could be fluid depending on team philosophy and scheme. It is extremely rare for a defender to log over 40 passes defensed during his career and not land a single interception so teams will have to decide how they categorize Nelson's "ball skills" -- especially in light of his high interference numbers. Nelson is a competitor with adequate athleticism as a man cover corner who looks the part of an average NFL starter, but may see his draft grade slip due to his recent injury.

Strengths

Took step up in competition from Hawaii to Wisconsin and sustained his ball production

Known for practice habits and work ethic

Plays with good patience from press

Doesn't let feet get ahead of him when matching initial release

Lateral slide quickness to mirror early phases of the release

Makes it physical inside the route

Maintains feel for receiver and keeps man coverage tight

Contested catches are no fun against him

Plays with decent makeup burst to chase out of route breaks

Led nation in 2017 with 21 passes defensed and has 42 for career

Cautious from off coverage

Doesn't eat bait easily and is hard to double move

Sprints downhill in run support to limit the runner's angles

Has experience as punt returner

Weaknesses

Is a little tight in opening his hips from a backpedal

Needs to learn to trust his technique

Penalized 183 yards over last two seasons which includes 12 holding and pass interference penalties

Despite ball production, never posted an interception

Gets bogged down playing man over ball and will turn it into a wrestling match

Doesn't have a feel for body positioning to take it away

Slow to respond to pattern development from off coverage

Allows receivers to gain position on slants

Too much arm tackling

Needs to play with better technique as tackler

Tore meniscus during pro day workout

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/nick-nelson?id=32462018-0002-5602-3469-e46c01b55713

DKphin · Apr 17, 2018

QB Sam Darnold, Southern California 6-3 223

Combine Results:
Arm - 31
Hand - 9 3/8
40 - 4.85
Bench - DNP
Vertical - 26.5
Broad - 8'9"
3 Cone - 6.96
20 yd. shuttle - 4.40

Overview
At the end of the day, Darnold has NFL size, arm strength, accuracy, pocket mobility, poise and field reading capability. His windup is an eyesore for sure, but he has the velocity to mitigate the additional release time. While Darnold has the mental toughness and talent to start tomorrow, early sideline seasoning could help him better process coverages in an attempt to eliminate future interceptions. Darnold has the tools to thrive in any system and doesn't have to have perfect protection to succeed. His floor is solid starter, but he has the ceiling to be one of the top tier quarterbacks in the game as he gains more experience.

Strengths

Has desired NFL size

Trusts his pocket and keeps eyes down the field

Looks off safeties

Takes what defense is offering and won't overcomplicate it

Scans full field and eyes don't get bogged down on a single target

Gets through progressions like a pro

Throws with desired anticipation and timing

Isolates deep ball opportunities pre-snap

There isn't a throw he fears

Impressive feel for spatial relationship between target and defender

Trusts his arm and placement

Naturally accurate with tight spirals

Has arm talent to uncork it quickly

Rifles it to hitches and swing passes giving them time to operate

Has velocity, timing and accuracy to own the deep out

Tough in and out of the pocket

Feels edge pressure and climbs away from sharks circling the rush arc

Shakes off sack attempts and throws with accuracy and pace when on the move

Completion percentage unaffected by blitz

Sudden processor when faced with free-running blitzers

Can pump and re-calibrate

Tough runner who can move the sticks with his legs

Doesn't get shaken by in-game mistakes

Shows quality leadership and poise.

Weaknesses

Elongated release is impossible to miss

Ball drops to his waist with forearm pointed towards the ground, pre-delivery

Windup gives defenders early clue to break on the throw

Muscle memory may not allow for release correction

Turnover total is alarming

Finished 2017 with 13 interceptions and nine lost fumbles

Has 20 interceptions over last 20 games

Decision-making and field vision were inconsistent this year

Has a tendency to rush throws once internal clock winds down

Too much mustard on some short throws

Muscles too many throws rather than driving with lower half

Too willing to throw from uneven platform

Intermediate accuracy fell from 2016

Can throw with better placement and lead his targets

Deep ball touch needs work

Took sacks when incompletions were available

Rarely slides in the open field which has to change

Sources Tell Us

"I think he caught some backlash this year because of the pre-season hype and the interceptions. He's still the most complete quarterback in this draft with the best makeup to be a good pro." -- AFC Executive

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/sam-darnold?id=32462018-0002-5600-578a-86541c8f8891

DKphin · Apr 18, 2018

RB Nyheim Hines, North Carolina St. 5-8 198

Combine Results:
Arm - 30 3/4
Hand - 8 7/8
40 - 4.38
Bench - DNP
Vertical - 35.5
Broad - 9'11"
3 Cone - 7.18
20 yd. shuttle - 4.35
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Overview
Hines has dual-threat talent but doesn't have the size for full-time work at running back and is in need of much more work as a receiver. Hines' value to teams could rest upon how they envision using him. It is possible that he benefits from the success of Saints rookie Alvin Kamara with teams looking to plug him into that role, but he's not on Kamara's level. Hines is a linear runner whose ability to cut and burst would fit with teams looking for a change of pace back in an outside zone running scheme.

Strengths

Two-sport participant who brings real sprinter's speed to the turf

Versatile threat offering creative offensive coordinators a toy to tinker with

Has experience as lone running back and slot receiver

Flashed his homerun potential with touchdown runs of 83, 54, 50, and 48 this season

Most comfortable when he's keeping outside zone carries over the tackle

Build-up speed can eliminate pursuit angles and thrust him into open space for chunk yardage

Quality stiff-arm

Plays with adequate toughness to gain yards after contact

Hands and catch focus showed improvement this season as a receiver

Possesses raw talent waiting to be molded

Has kick and punt return experience and has taken three kicks back for touchdowns

Weaknesses

Smaller than ideal as a running back

Needs to do better job of sidestepping big hits or face durability concerns

Better athlete than running back and better runner than receiver

Lacks feel for blocking in front of him

Hasn't learned to hug the lane and flow away from traffic just yet

Can be slow to see run lane development allowing defenders a chance to close

Needs to run with more consistent tempo and rhythm in outside zone

Vision stalls when attempting to find cutback lanes

Not a natural pass catcher and has dealt with drops throughout his career

Needs to improve sink into routes and quickness into his breaks

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/nyheim-hines?id=32462018-0002-5601-7061-180eedb901f2

DKphin · Apr 18, 2018

WR Auden Tate, Florida St. 6-5 228

Combine Results:
Arm - 33 3/4
Hand - 9 3/8
40 - 4.68
Bench - DNP
Vertical - 31.0
Broad - 9'4"
3 Cone - DNP
20 yd. shuttle - DNP
60 yd. shuttle - DNP

Overview
Tate's speed and quickness limitations could make finding an NFL role for him challenging if he's unable to create enough separation for quarterbacks to target him. What he does have going for him is that he can catch through contact and has very good ball skills -- especially near the endzone. Tate's toughness and willingness to play through a shoulder injury this year will stand out to teams. Tate will be targeted by teams looking for a matchup weapon with value as a zone beater and red zone target.

Strengths

Great big target

Plays to his size

Does decent job of setting up breaks and creating room to work

Can stop and open to quarterback faster than expected

Able to body up and box out defenders in space

Body control is outstanding

Can leap and turn in mid-air to make adjustments to ball

Able to catch over cornerbacks and snare back shoulder throws

Extends long arms from tall frame to stab high throws that appear destined to become incompletions

Plucks ball away from his frame with strong hands

Touchdown-maker averaging a score every four catches during his career

Tough

Played through shoulder injury

Weaknesses

Play speed falls well below the NFL mark

Slow getting off the line and into his routes

Likely to see a plethora of press corners try and derail his routes on a regular basis

High-cut, long strider

Can't sink into breaks and is slow-footed getting in and out of breaks

Separation windows close quickly

Won't be able to create vertical separation

Sees high percentage of contested catches

Sources Tell Us

"He looks like he's dragging a sled when he runs, but they swear he will run faster than people think. There is some hype on him so I guess we will see when he works out." -- NFC regional scout

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/auden-tate?id=32462018-0002-5602-124d-61fa30de5b61

DKphin · Apr 19, 2018

TE Tyler Conklin, Central Michigan 6-3 254

Combine Results:
Arm - 33
Hand - 9 1/2
40 - 4.80
Bench - 18
Vertical - 38.0
Broad - 10'0"
3 Cone - 7.13
20 yd. shuttle - 4.23
60 yd. shuttle - 11.43

Overview
Conklin requires tape study from both 2016 and 2017 as his preseason foot injury appeared to create some limitations for him athletically. He's a capable receiver, but he isn't going to make a living as a pass-catching tight end. Conklin shows the aptitude and attitude to handle blocking duties inline or as a move tight end, but his draft stock could depend on his medicals and how he tests at the Combine.

Strengths

Fought back from severe foot injury in camp to make it back on field

His 2016 tape shows good acceleration into turns with ability to gain space vs

coverage

Uses smart changes of route speeds

Able to make contested catches over the middle

Former college basketball player with a feel for body positioning

Has awareness to drop feet in-bounds on catches that are tight to the sideline

Has talent and toughness to become a quality run blocker

Works well with his hands as run blocker

Rolls hips under his hands at point of attack and grinds to get defenders turned

Patient and effective with his combo blocks

Weaknesses

Suffered a "Jones fracture" to his foot that cost him first five games of the year

Never looked like he regained quickness or lateral agility of 2016

Lacks burst into routes

Slow to sink in space and open up square to his quarterback

Has a tendency to allow defenders to close out throws rather than working hard back to the ball

Ball skills were inconsistent

Unable to make sudden adjustments to throws and catch radius seemed limited

Has average play speed even when healthy

Needs to add more muscle to his frame to handle expected blocking duties

Sources Tell Us

"You have to watch him in 2016 to see how good his hands are. He had some crazy catches on his hype reel. I'm going to grade him off of 2016 instead of 2017 because that foot injury obviously slowed him up." -- NFC team regional scout

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/tyler-conklin?id=32462018-0002-5599-03c5-fbb5166a2d07