2019 Nfl Draft Prospects

DKphin · Apr 15, 2019

RB Alex Barnes Kansas St. 6-0 226lbs.

NFL Combine
Height: 6-0
Weight: 226
Arm: 31
Hand: 10
40: 4.59
225: 34
VJ: 38.5
BJ: 10'6"
20S: 4.10
60S: 11.72
3C: 6.95

Draft Projection
Round 5
Overview
Barnes is a productive early draft entrant with good play strength but average ability to elude and create. He appears to lack downhill burst and explosive speed to the corner and is more of a "get what's blocked" back than a dynamic presence with the ball in his hands. His outstanding combine and ability to handle third-down duties should add some value to his draft profile, but his ceiling could be limited.
Strengths

Above-average NFL size with tapered waist and proportional frame

Impressive production jumps match additional workload last two seasons

Adequate vision to find run-lane development

Maneuvers along the interior with subtle change of direction

Unaffected by punishing lead shoulders and requires a wrap-up attempt

Big dip and drive power as run-finisher

Used as effective lead-blocking option for quarterback power

More than a "leak out" pass-catching option in that offense

Shows ability to shake first tackler after the catch

Stands in as able and willing blitz pick-up option

Weaknesses

Too upright through line of scrimmage

Run base is so narrow that knees almost touch

Passive burst with restricted stride level when attacking downhill

Runs to second level like he's looking for sudden tacklers

Feet are heavy in change of direction in tight quarters

Will struggle to get back to speed when forced to slow feet early in run

Inconsistent securing throws that are outside his frame

Can improve his hands on take-on blocks vs blitz

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/alex-barnes?id=32194241-5223-7048-62e1-2e4696c15385

DKphin · Apr 16, 2019

WR Travis Fulgham Old Dominion 6-2 215lbs.

NFL Combine
Height: 6-2
Weight: 215
Arm: 33 3/4
Hand: 9 1/2
40: 4.60
225: 15
VJ: 36.5
BJ: 10'6"

Draft Projection
Round 4
Overview
Fulgham is a big, competitive target with above-average ball skills, but a lack of separation traits could limit his ability to uncover against NFL press corners. Fulgham does his best work down the field, but he'll need to run well at the combine as his tape doesn't feature much vertical separation. While there might be some athletic impediments in his way, the former walk-on has the talent to go get the rock and has already proven an ability to play beyond expectations in the past.
Strengths

Big target who plays to his size

Hugs the numbers, giving quarterback ample space to drop it in on deep boundary throws

Quick to turn and locate the football

Accurate adjustments as ball-tracker

Comfortable when crowded and creates late separation to catch

Mid-air ballerina with body control to twist and secure the catch

Highest point-stabber with excellent timing to maximize his leaps

Sticky blocker with strong hands and a desire to finish

Had a touchdown catch in each of his last nine starts, which included four games with 150-plus yards

Weaknesses

Average foot quickness could hurt his ability to elude NFL press corners

Leggy strider with prolonged, top-heavy entry into breaks

Missing top-end speed for separation down the field

Below-average burst from stems and breaks

Too gradual in his turns and doesn't gain enough space

Missing athletic components to threaten after the catch

Could face limited success to uncover on first and second level

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/travis-fulgham?id=32194655-4c11-9395-5f24-196b3c9defed

DKphin · Apr 16, 2019

OG Iosua Opeta Weber St. 6-4 301lbs.

No meaningful game tape available

NFL Combine
Height: 6-4
Weight: 301
Arm: 33 1/4
Hand: 9 7/8
40: 5.03
10 : 1.66
225: 39
VJ: 33
BJ: 9'4"
20S: 4.94
3C: 8.06

Overview

As a player whose college career was spent at an FCS school, Iosua Opeta was certainly far from a household name among offensive line prospects. He came to the Combine in Indianapolis looking to burst onto the radar of teams looking for an infusion of talent at guard and, for the most part, succeeded in doing so. The raw strength that he displayed is undoubtedly worth noting. Opeta put up 39 bench press reps which were the most of anyone at the event regardless of position.

The Stansbury Park, UT native initially played on the other side of the football. He made 74 tackles and five sacks during his senior year of high school earning honorable mention all-state recognition. He continued to do so during his redshirt freshman season at Weber State, making four starts as a defensive tackle. The following spring, however, saw Opeta begin to make the transition to the offensive line. The rest, they say, is history.

Opeta went on to start all 39 games over the next three seasons. His stellar play on the line helped the Wildcats win two straight Big Sky titles in 2017 and 2018. In both seasons, the team made it to the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs while Opeta garnered first-team all-conference notice. He was a team captain as a senior and closed out his career by getting named to the Associated Press FCS All-American second team.

Strengths

three solid years of starter-level reps;
functional as a blocker when climbing into the second level;
does a good job plugging the gaps against interior speed;
consistently stays square to his blocking target with adequate mirror;
looks fairly athletic when blocking in space;
immense upper body strength as indicated by Combine testing;
a durable prospect who should be able to hold up against next-level physicality;
looks the part of a leader and strong locker room presence.

Weaknesses

needs to bulk up a bit to become a factor at the next level;
footwork when moving laterally is choppy;
needs to use his hands with more punch and ferocity;
doesn’t show play strength necessary to counter elite level power rush;
struggles to drop his weight which hinders his ability to generate leverage;
hands and feet are oftentimes out of whack;
read and react instincts when diagnosing exotic blitz moves needs polishing.

NFL Comparison: Kelvin Beachum

DKphin · Apr 16, 2019

TE Trevon Wesco W. Virginia 6-3 267lbs.

NFL Combine
Height: 6-3
Weight: 267
Arm: 34 3/4
Hand: 9 1/2
40: 4.89
225: 24
VJ: 31
BJ: 9'9"
20S: 4.38
60S: 12.32
3C: 7.18

Overview
Wesco has the play strength and toughness of an NFL tight end, but he's still very raw in the passing game, which could take some time to shore up. He has a terrific demeanor as a run-blocker and the footwork to become much more consistent in sustaining blocks once he gets his hand placement corrected. Teams might view him as an early developmental prospect on the practice squad with a chance to compete for a move tight end spot in the future.
Strengths

Burly upper body with a broad chest and thick arms

Nasty with an offensive lineman's demeanor as a block-finisher

Impressive play strength at point of attack

Gets early arm extension and peppers his opponent with stiff jabs

Has size and aggression to kick out linebackers and open a run lane

Trusted to handle pass-protection duties for star quarterback

Capable staying in front of edge rushers and blitzers

Began to come on late in the season as a pass-catcher

Will lay the lumber as a blocker on kick-return unit.

Weaknesses

Can be frenetic and wild in the initial phase as run-blocker

Too much lunging and needs to bring his feet with him

Slows feet into move blocks, allowing opponent to wiggle away

Hands regularly slide out of position when run-blocking

Pounds the grass as a route-runner and lacks instincts in space

Uncovering against man coverage is a challenge

Slow to open and make himself available as a target

Awkward hand positioning as pass-catcher

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/trevon-wesco?id=32195745-5302-8199-29be-c7f9603e3f55

DKphin · Apr 17, 2019

DT Greg Gaines Washington 6-1 312lbs.

NFL Combine
Height: 6-1
Weight: 312
Arm: 31 1/4
Hand: 9 5/8
40: 5.17
10 : 1.80
225: 30
VJ: 31
BJ: 9'1"

Draft Projection
Rounds 6-7
NFL Comparison
David Parry
Overview
Stubby, high-motor interior defender whose tape can fluctuate from play to play. Gaines is a short-arm defender with average hand usage but can time up the snap often enough to create early advantages from time to time. He plays with a strong anchor in general, but his proclivity for ending up on the ground will not endear him to defensive line coaches. His effort and strength make him a Day 3 rotational 4-3 nose.
Strengths

Has ability to set a strong anchor against single blocks

Willing and able to snack on double teams

Good motor and effort guy

Stands ground and constricts gap when feet are set

Impressive ability to slide off of block and into tackle

Quick punch and peek technique to find ball early on

Shoots out of stance with good pad level

Attacks the crease of double teams with force and looks to split it

Creates pressures with bull-rush and secondary effort

Weaknesses

Will lose his footing and end up on the ground way too often

Stubby arms at just over 31 inches

Unable to consistently separate from blocks due to lack of length

Needs to win in early phase of the rep or he gets overtaken

Lacks traits and toolbox as pass rusher

Needs to develop a rush counter when bull-rush stalls

Battle for hand placement could be a struggle in NFL

Unable to punch and slide to maintain his fit against zone

Below average change of direction

Sources Tell Us

"He's built like a bouncer but he gives you an honest day's work every time he steps out on the field." - NFC West coast scout

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/greg-gaines?id=32194741-4930-6107-f124-700597b356aa

DKphin · Apr 17, 2019

DE Corbin Kaufusi Brigham Young 6-9 275lbs.

NFL Combine
Non-participant

Draft Projection
Priority free agent
Overview
Hard working edge defender who plays with good technique and toughness, but is hindered by his extremely long and leggy build. Kaufusi will need to add at least 20 pounds of muscle to help fill out his frame, but he will still be dealing with leverage concerns due to his height. He does a good job of taking on blockers in front of him in the run game, but his rush relies heavily on effort over go-to moves. His age and frame work against him, but he’s got a shot if he can get bigger and stronger.
Strengths

Athletic with functional flexibility for his unique height

Above-average read and reaction

Plays with smart hands and good technique

Good toughness at point of attack

Gets rid of blockers with quick shed when hands are right

Motor is always engaged on every play

Chases from backside with vigor and speed

Good violence in hands as a pass rusher

Upper body turn allow him to swim and slip blocks

Secondary effort brings hustle sacks

Weaknesses

Will be a 26-year-old rookie

Long, leggy frame creates high center of gravity

Leverage at point of attack won't be happening

Too slow and "eventual" off snap and into contact

Has difficulty with body control vs power

Doesn't have a natural position fit

Lacks upfield burst as edge rusher

Face-up rushing style allows tackles easier target to punch

Needs counters to be quicker and better timed

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/corbin-kaufusi?id=32194b41-5545-8866-f958-4cdbc36bb621

DKphin · Apr 18, 2019

OLB Blake Cashman Minnesota 6-1 237lbs.

NFL Co mbine
Height: 6-1
Weight: 237
Arm: 30 1/8
Hand: 8 3/4
40: 4.51
225: 18
VJ: 37.5
BJ: 10'4"
20S: 4.12
3C: 6.95

Draft Projection
Rounds 5-6
Overview
Limited WILL linebacker who isn't big and isn't fast, but plays with determination and a nose for the ball. Former walk-ons usually have chips on their shoulders that are permanent fixtures and Cashman is no different. He's made the most out of every opportunity he's created for himself, but his lack of athletic traits and length create a small margin for error in his play. If he can improve in taking on blocks and play more instinctively, he could have a chance as a back-end backup and core special-teamer.
Strengths

From former walk-on to team captain

Tough guy who lives for football

Impressive 62 solo tackles with 15 tackles for loss in 2018

Flows with proper restraint and pace against stretch plays

Will fill into his fits to spill runs wide when possible

Tenacious demeanor wills him past certain blocks

Sees it and squares it as wrap-up finisher in space

Can line up over slot against tight ends

Very good recognition and readiness from short zone

Could be core special teamer on next level

Weaknesses

Had surgery on both shoulders last season

Needs quicker recognition of blocking scheme

Struggled getting off blocks and making reads against Illinois

Crashed over-the-top for much of his TFL production

Feels small when challenging climbing linemen

Ducks head into contact and loses sight of the ball

Unable to step into his gap and constrict it against run

Plays quickly but lacks true sideline-to-sideline range

Hands have to become a priority for next level

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/blake-cashman?id=32194341-5331-6185-2b37-0d7120bc9212

DKphin · Apr 18, 2019

CB Kendall Sheffield Ohio St. 5-11 193lbs.

NFL Combine
Height: 5-11
Weight: 193
Arm: 31 1/2
Hand: 9 1/4

Draft Projection
Round 4
NFL Comparison
Jalen Myrick
Overview
Inconsistent outside cornerback prospect with rare speed and explosiveness, but lacking the ball skills and instincts of an NFL cornerback. Sheffield has the twitch for ball production underneath and the long speed to handle vertical workers, but his inconsistency to find and play the football once it comes out of the quarterback's hands is problematic. Relative to his fluctuating career, his ceiling is fairly high thanks to his speed and explosiveness, but he needs to prove he’s more than just a fast guy.
Strengths

Explosive athlete with tremendous speed

Athletic traits create ball production opportunities

Can stay hip-to-hip with vertical burners

Movements are fluid and very athletic

Foot quickness to become more adept in road-blocking routes

Loose hips offer easy rotation to open

Twitchy to plant-and-drive on ball from all areas of the field

Locates receiver's hands for catch challenge

Swats aggressively through receiver's hands

Plus make-up burst to recapture positioning

Much better patience and control this season over last

Weaknesses

Play tends to fluctuate from game to game

Technique still a work in progress

Gets overextended when mirroring press release

Big receivers can drive through his attempts to jam

Despite his speed, can get beat deep

Ball skills are way below average

Loses position during ball-tracking phase

Allows receivers to take over catch-space

Never finds football when back is to the ball

Below-average instincts and route recognition

Run support lacks aggression and urgency

Sources Tell Us

"He might be the worst with his back to the ball that I studied this year. That Michigan game was a bad look because those touchdowns should have been defended but he just never finds it." - NFC area scout

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/kendall-sheffield?id=32195348-4519-2172-ea4d-c32aeac3ef77

DKphin · Apr 19, 2019

S Jonathan Crawford Indiana 6-1 205lbs.

NFL Combine
Height: 6-1
Weight: 205
Arm: 31 1/2
Hand: 9 1/4
BP: 16
VJ: 31.5
BJ: 9'7"

Draft Projection
Round 6
Overview
Durable safety prospect with size and instincts who can play both safety spots but is more effective playing forward. Crawford can diagnose and attack perimeter runs quickly in the alley but needs to work on consistency of technique as a tackler. Inconsistencies with his back to the ball in 2017 might have pushed him into a more conservative mindset in playing the ball in 2018. He can be a versatile backup safety with the ability to step in and take on additional reps if needed.
Strengths

Possesses size of an NFL safety

Durable, reliable and consistent

Shows ability to exchange between high and down spots

Slides with quarterback's progressions from zone

Recognizes danger and is careful not to step in traps

Avoids sludge and rub routes

Digests stacks and finds his man in coverage

Adequate change of direction in space

Adequate reaction quickness to breaks

Gathers and breaks down as open-field tackle

Had two blocked field goals during his career

Weaknesses

Tackle technique could use more consistent wrap-up

Approach into contact leaves him lunging and falling off contact

Takes too much time to get ball carrier down

Might not have make-up speed to overcome play-action bites

Cautious in man coverage, allowing easy throws

Makes inconsistent reads at mesh point

Takes below-average paths downhill to ball carriers

Loses positioning when trying to find football downfield

Sources Tell Us

"He does his job, but he's not going to really blow you away when you watch him on tape. Like, he doesn't have an area where you project it as a natural plug-in for what you're looking for." -- Area scout for AFC team

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jonathan-crawford?id=32194352-4167-5737-153a-b80ce0fa4afa

DKphin · Apr 19, 2019

QB Jake Browning Washington 6-2 211lbs.

NFL Combine
Height: 6-2
Weight: 211
Arm: 32 1/2
Hand: 9
40: 4.75
VJ: 29
BJ: 9'4"
20S: 4.44

Draft Projection
Priority free agent
Overview
Accomplished four-year starter who is the school's all-time leading passer and winner of two conference championships. Even with those accolades, Browning is a college game-manager whose success is tied to his talent at receiver. Browning has moments where he can rise to the occasion, but he's failed to sustain it over the last two seasons and he doesn't have the size, arm strength or intangibles to fall back on. He is a late-round to undrafted prospect with an uphill battle to earn a roster spot.
Strengths

Four-year starter with most wins in Pac-12 history

Throws with accuracy and hits receivers in stride when feet are set

Has some experience in a pro-style attack

Clean footwork in drop back and set-up

Mechanics and footwork are solid

Patient in allowing routes to develop

Throws with above-average touch to all three levels

Plays with adequate pocket mobility

Plays with relative calm once he's freed from the pocket

Experienced in inclement weather

Willing to play with pain

Weaknesses

Unimpressive frame/build

Injured throwing shoulder in both 2015 and 2016

Play showed regression over the last two years

Foot quickness from the pocket is very average

Non-threatening arm strength

Doesn't have hose for target practice in tight windows

Windup release allows cornerbacks a head start on his throws

Short arms too many attempts

Dreadful decision making lead to interceptions

Sources Tell Us

"He lost some arm after those shoulder injuries so that didn't help him, but John Ross really created that huge sophomore season for him. He's never had starting pro traits in my opinion." - AFC west coast scout

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jake-browning?id=32194252-4f81-7047-eee5-b238d06a81e2

BigNastyFish · Apr 19, 2019

...continuing your significant (IMO excellent!) work.

this thread is like a mini series!

:)

DKphin · Apr 20, 2019

RB Jalin Moore Appalachian St. 5-10 212lbs.

NFL Combine
Height: 5-10
Weight: 212
Arm: 32 3/8
Hand: 9 1/4
225: 27

Draft Projection
Round 5
NFL Comparison
Malcolm Brown
Overview
Blue-collar runner displaying resilience when offensive line fails to forge a path for him. Moore has ability to find yardage on his own, but he's not overly dynamic as a runner and his top-end speed doesn't always show up as play speed on tape. His physical demeanor -- especially in pass protection -- should appeal to teams but he will need to improve as a pass-catcher.
Strengths

Looks the part with sculpted physique throughout

Workout warrior expected to run fast and post explosive vertical and broad totals

Comfortable fit in team's outside zone scheme

Patient runner with ability to process moving pieces quickly

Adequate lateral agility to shake tacklers in close proximity

Tough inside runner and finishes his run in space

Runs with square pads, bolstering tackle-breaking and ability to fall forward

Loads up pads to engage tacklers with force

Gritty pass protection, keeping himself between defender and quarterback

Weaknesses

Suffered fractured, dislocated ankle in mid-October

Might lack get-away burst after eluding tackler

More fast than sudden

Appears to be more consistent with reads on zone plays over gap plays

Allows base to narrow at times

Skills more suited for grinder role than dynamic ball-carrier

Elementary route-running with very little career production as pass catcher

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jalin-moore?id=32194d4f-4f37-9213-7915-cea655ce9ea0

DKphin · Apr 20, 2019

WR Keelan Doss UC-Davis 6-2 211lbs.

NFL Combine
Height: 6-2
Weight: 211
Arm: 31 3/4
Hand: 9 1/2
225: 8

Draft Projection
Round 5
NFL Comparison
Geronimo Allison
Overview
Wins with a high football IQ and above average skill level, but has to prove he can transfer those elements into catches against NFL coverage. He is not a burner and can be a little delayed in defeating press, but he just has a feel for finding catches using above-average route savvy and ball skills. His lack of top-end speed and suddenness could push him towards a role as a big slot and WR3/WR4.
Strengths

NFL-ready frame and smart footballer

Runs routes with advanced attention to detail

Separates with crisp breaks and effective rocker step stems

Widens zones with route acumen to create more throwing space

Quarterback-friendly working back to the ball and scrambling with quarterback

Top-notch ball skills across the board

Fluid with mid-throw body adjustments

Drops and digs low throws and elongates for perfect high-point attempts

Soft hands to pluck it and tuck it in traffic

Dots feet in bounds on sideline catches

Weaknesses

Feet lack suddenness

Excessive stutter-step release to free himself vs

press

Press corners can attach to hip on outside release

Inflated catch production with screens and rub routes

Rare to see him race past a cornerback on a go

Vertical routes are usually crowded and contested

Inconsistent hauling in throws behind him

Nothing special with run after catch

Sources Tell Us

"He's got size and understands how to play the position. I don't know how he runs, but I like receivers who are at their best when the ball is in the air anyway." - AFC Receivers coach

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/keelan-doss?id=3219444f-5352-3180-911e-9120a7a10e9c

DKphin · Apr 21, 2019

TE Andrew Beck Texas 6-3 252lbs.

NFL Combine
Non-participant

Draft Projection
Round 7-Priority free agent
Overview
Beck is an assignment-based H-back who offers more value as a run blocker than a pass catcher. Although he was rarely asked to handle true fullback duties, he might have just enough athletic ability to handle lead-blocking duties in space. His journey to training camp will likely come via the undrafted route.
Strengths

Two time team captain

Squat rack is his friend with thick bubble and compact frame

Powerful legs to drive linebackers out of the lane

Patient before accelerating into target and running feet to sustain

Logged high snap count and was a valued member of both run and passing games

Efficient and effective in work-up blocks to linebacker from H-back alignment

Good toughness working in traffic as pass catcher

Willingly absorbs heavy contact to secure catches in the middle of the field

Had best season of career in 2018 after missing previous season by breaking same foot twice.

Weaknesses

Lethargic upfield quickness coming off the ball and into routes

Feet barely leave the ground as a runner

Mechanical step-counter in his routes

Unlikely to be a factor beyond first level

Four drops this season as pass catcher primarily due to focus

Offers very minimal elusiveness after catch

Change of direction in space is limited as lead blocker

Falls off blocks when hands are too far outside or when he doesn't bring feet with him

Has to eliminate excessive false starts and penalties

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/andrew-beck?id=32194245-4304-6566-b5fa-35b9a8ef10b0

DKphin · Apr 21, 2019

OT Max Scharping N. Illinois 6-6 327lbs.

Scharping - #73

NFL Combine
Height: 6-6
Weight: 327
Arm: 33 5/8
Hand: 10
225: 27
VJ: 28
BJ: 9'0"
20S: 4.69
3C: 7.77

Draft Projection
Rounds 2-3
NFL Comparison
Ricky Wagner
Overview
Ascending tackle prospect with impressive combination of size and functional athletic ability. Scharping has the ability to handle bull-rushers and finds ways to recover and get guys blocked after getting beat early. However, NFL rushers will look to exploit the inconsistent footwork and balance that shows up when his pass sets become hurried and unfocused against true edge speed. He might get a shot at left tackle, but might be best-suited on the right side where he has the potential to become an above-average starter.
Strengths

Has experience at both left and right tackle

High achiever in the classroom and said to pick up info quickly

Tall with well-proportioned mass and thickly muscled arms

Adequate ability to mirror

Changes pass-set depth and landmarks based upon opponent's speed

Has upper-body power to muscle and press edge rushers past the quarterback

Plays to his length with consistent arm extension to neutralize edge moves

Inside post-hand stabs and thwarts inside moves

Can brace and anchor after giving early ground

Possesses mass potential and power to become grinder as run blocker

Fits and drives through down blocks to clear the run lane of debris

Choppy steps and good base width as base blocker

Weaknesses

Pass-protection fundamentals in need of improvement

Comes out of stance with weight too far outside

Quick to open outside shoulder in pass sets, exposing an inside path

Pass slides feature long gallops rather than choppy, controlled feet

Fear of edge speed could make him succeptiable to inside counters

Needs to eliminate hitch before striking with his wide, outside hand

Late hands get challenged and discarded, forcing re-sets

Has a tendency to linger too long on first block on combos and against twists

Doesn't sustain run blocks like he should

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/max-scharping?id=32195343-4808-3616-ff9b-04768d49e58e