Quick note, the point of this exercise is to find value. When I say that a player is worth selecting in the 3rd RD, for example, it doesn't mean that I would target him in the 3rd. By building a list of players I like better than their projected slots, the hope is that some of the players fall to their projected slots, and in these situations, if we're right, we're extracting more value. With that said, please let me know if you have any questions, and enjoy :brewskis:
QB – Deshaun Watson * Can he read the entire field? Are the high-INT totals a concern? Is his arm strong enough? We won’t even consider the assaults on his accuracy. Watson plays with championship poise, is a fearless and world-class leader, and he moves the ball with exceptional consistency. He knows how to use what he does well to put pressure on a defense. He’s an aggressive downfield thrower, and he throws with excellent touch. He’s also the best QB in the draft at varying his trajectory. He’s like a less athletic Marcus Mariota in many ways, but he separates himself from Mariota (in my estimation) with his ability to throw open WR’s down the field/his willingness to give his WR’s a chance to make a play. You absolutely desire this trait in an NFL QB. Alex Smith lacks this trait, and it’s the primary reason KC will be a long shot to compete for a SB as long as he is QB. It leads to some INT’s, which are more like punts, but it also leads to big plays, pass-interference calls, and it stretches out the D, which makes his ability to pick up first downs with his legs even more dangerous.
Projected as a 1[SUP]st[/SUP] or 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] RD player, Watson is a better QB than the vast majority of recent top-10 picks. You don’t need a whole hand to count the exceptions. His ability to lead, his ability to keep an offense on schedule, and his ability to make big plays with his arm and feet should make him very desirable for any team that needs a QB. For a new GM like John Lynch, Watson is the kind of person and player you want carrying your future. He’s my favorite for the 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] overall selection.
QB – Jerod Evans * Put up very similar stats to Mitch Trubisky, with similar surrounding talent, in the same conference. When his feet aren’t right, his throws can sail. Like Trubisky, he also only has one year of starting experience. He possesses good bulk and functional athleticism, and when his feet are right, he throws with outstanding touch, and he varies his trajectory. He has a quick release and one of the smoothest deliveries in the draft.
Projected in the 5[SUP]th[/SUP]-6[SUP]th[/SUP] RD behind QB’s like Webb, Peterman, and Kaaya, as a developmental QB, I think Evans belongs toward, maybe at the top of this group, and he should be considered in the 3[SUP]rd[/SUP] RD. He’s tough, physical, and he throws a beautiful deep ball.
RB – D’Onta Foreman *College football’s leading rusher combines bell-cow size and breakaway speed. He blasts through arm tackles and runs with good balance. His running style is somewhat similar to Jay Ajayi’s – great pad level. He’s inexperienced as a receiver and only has one year of big-time production, but both his timed and natural athleticism alleviate some of those concerns. It also helps that he has giant hands.
Projected as low as the 4[SUP]th[/SUP] RD, Foreman possesses starting, and potential high-end, running-back traits. He belongs in the late-1[SUP]st[/SUP]/early-2[SUP]nd[/SUP] group.
RB – James Conner * Big, gliding RB with great vision, balance, and power. He looks natural, and is very efficient, catching the ball out of the backfield. One of three RB’s in the 2017 Draft to average more than 10 yards per target (McCaffrey, Mixon). Needs to improve consistency in pass pro, but he has the frame to excel in that area. Not a great athlete, but he tested similarly to Arian Foster and Jeremy Hill, so he’s athletic enough to get it done. 56 total TD’s in 39 games – 52 rushing TD’s.
Projected in the 4[SUP]th[/SUP]-5[SUP]th[/SUP] RD, Conner has starting-RB traits, and even if he falls short of that, his versatility, leadership, and football acumen will make him a valuable cog – worth drafting in the 3[SUP]rd[/SUP] RD.
RB – Aaron Jones * A shifty RB, who breaks tackles, and has shown the ability to make catches downfield, Jones runs with great balance and vision. He averaged 7.7 YPC in 2017 and 6.3 YPC for his career. His size will limit his touches in the NFL, and despite good burst and agility, his speed is only adequate. Jones should be a very appealing back-up plan to any team eyeing Christian McCaffrey.
Projected as a 6[SUP]th[/SUP]-7[SUP]th[/SUP] RD pick, Jones’ ability as a runner and receiver make him worth a look in the 4[SUP]th[/SUP].
WR – Zay Jones * Single-season and career NCAA reception leader, Jones combine polish and physical tools. He gets in and out of his breaks like a smaller receiver – thanks to his outstanding agility and technique – and he very rarely drops the ball. He’s a little thin, and his YPA and TD’s were modest, but Jones projects as a WR who can win with route running and making tough catches.
Projected toward the end of the 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] RD, Jones belongs with that first group of 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] RD players, which starts in the late-1[SUP]st[/SUP] and ends at the 54[SUP]th[/SUP] pick.
WR – JuJu Smith-Schuster * Nothing breaks a curse like some good JuJu. When you start to believe in a USC WR, you feel like you’re making a deal with the Devil. But, look how Marquis Lee creates separation in his sleep. How can that miss, right? I know Marquis Lee didn’t work out, but look how fast Nelson Agholor is, and he’s so tough! Well, Smitch-Schuster, for his part, is a bulked up WR with big hands, adequate speed, and good agility. Because, he’s very polished and physically imposing, he’s drawn comparisons to Anquan Boldin, and they’re about the same size entering the NFL. Smith-Schuster is a very accomplished WR and a superior athlete to Boldin. He’s also two years younger than Boldin was when he entered the NFL; however, I think the comparisons are warranted. They entered the league at about the exact same size (6’1 215 and 6’1 216), and they excel in similar ways. They’re both tough, bright players who want it more than you. This is the first time since 2003 that I’ve actually liked Boldin as a comp for a player entering the NFL, but Smith-Schuster has a higher ceiling.
Projected toward the end of the 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] RD, Smith-Schuster looks as good as anyone after Corey Davis and Mike Williams, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see him outperform those two in the NFL. If he falls at all in the 2[SUP]nd[/SUP], don’t be surprised if a team that doesn’t appear to need a WR drafts him. Good teams will covet his skill set, and he belongs in the top 54.
WR – Taywan Taylor * The most productive deep threat in college football in 2016, according to PFF, Taylor closed his Western Kentucky career in dominant fashion. Over his final two seasons, he totaled 184 receptions, 3,197 yards, and 34 TD’s. While his route tree is somewhat limited, he comes in and out of his breaks as well as any WR in the draft. He possesses solid size and length, and I’ve seen comps to Emmanuel Sanders and Greg Jennings, but his play style reminds me more of Antonio Brown. His COD is as good as you’ll find.
Projected in the 3[SUP]rd[/SUP] RD, and outside the top 100, Taylor belongs in the top 54. He can dominate a game from the slot or outside. At 203lbs, with 32”+ arms, Taylor has the body to carry his skill and athleticism into the NFL. He creates separation at will.
WR – Josh Reynolds *A dynamic playmaker, who can separate, high point the ball, and break away after the catch, Reynolds totaled 2,788 yards and 30 TD’s in three seasons at Texas A&M despite poor QB play. He’s light, with relatively short arms and small hands, but Reynolds combination of burst and agility see him beat the defender to the spot on a consistent basis.
Projected as a 5[SUP]th[/SUP] RD pick, Reynolds belongs in the top 54. He’s a versatile WR, who can make plays anywhere on the field, and score from anywhere on the field. He’ll need to add strength and weight, but he’s still pretty young, 22.
WR – Jehu Chesson * Projected as by many as a player who would blossom into a 1[SUP]st[/SUP] or 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] RD WR in 2016, Chesson never made that step, and his numbers went the wrong way with a new QB. Injury during 2016 bowl game contributed to poor connection with new QB. Physically, Chesson has everything you look for in a WR. He’s 6’3, 204lbs, with 33”+ arms. He’s fast, agile, and he has excellent burst. He also contributed on Special Teams (blocked a punt against Ohio St in 2015), so his athleticism will be a welcome addition.
Projected as a 7[SUP]th[/SUP]-UDFA, Chesson should be considered in the 4[SUP]th[/SUP] or 5[SUP]th[/SUP] RD. His value on special teams mitigates his risk, and understanding his situation and athletic gifts, he’s a good candidate to blossom as a receiver in the NFL.
TE – David Njoku * Dynamic athlete with long arms for an OT, Njoku is among the best RAC TE’s you’ll ever see. He can take a 5-yard pass 80 yards. His blocking needs work, but his length and strength should provide outstanding building blocks. Because of his burst, size, and length, he’s almost impossible to single cover, and he’s relatively developed as a receiver – despite concentration drops.
Projected anywhere from the teens to the twenties of the 1[SUP]st[/SUP] RD, Njoku is a top-10 talent. He’s right there with OJ Howard as the best talent in the draft at the position. Pick your flavor, but they’re both star talents. Njoku is the more experienced receiver with better length and athletic upside, and he’s about a year and a half younger than Howard.
TE – Evan Engram * Speaking of match-up nightmares, Engram, as an athlete, is like a cross between former Mississippi WR Donte Moncrief and Devin Funchess. He’s the best seam threat in the draft, and his RAC is outstanding. As a player, he’s like Jordan Reed with deep-threat speed. Despite his size, he’s a high-effort blocker, and he shows good technique and core strength. He has adequate length (arms are a quarter inch shorter than Howard’s) and big hands (10”, same as Njoku and Howard).
Projected as a 1[SUP]st[/SUP] or 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] RD pick, Engram should be drafted in the top 20. For a team in need of slot or H-back, Engram’s speed and overall athleticism in conjunction with his size and refinement present all kinds of problems for opposing defenses. Whether your offense needs to move the chains or it needs big plays, Engram has you covered.
TE – Bucky Hodges *Outstanding combination of size and athleticism, Hodges presents a raw player with decent production, and a very high ceiling. He moves like a WR, and, unfortunately, he’s softer than most WR’s, which leads one to question whether he’ll ever have the toughness to play TE. Given his talent and relative youth, 22, he’s worth a relatively early gamble.
Projected in the 5[SUP]th[/SUP] RD, Hodges’ physical gifts should see him go in the top 54. TE is a highly developmental position, where physical tools often make the ultimate difference. And, even if he’s never tough enough to make it at TE, he should develop into a problematic WR. Outside of arm length, he’s superior in every way to Kelvin Benjamin as a physical specimen.
TE – Pharaoh Brown * With the most impressive frame in this loaded class, Brown just needs an inch to be wide open. If you’re on his left hip, and the QB can put it on his right shoulder – or anywhere over there – you don’t have a prayer of impacting the catch. He’s smooth coming in and out of his breaks and a natural athlete. He had a serious injury, minor miracle that he’s even playing, and he comes with some character concerns, but this is a huge, natural target for a QB, with high upside as a blocking TE.
Projected as not even a UDFA, Brown is worth a look in the 5[SUP]th[/SUP]. He carries some risk, but no TE provides a better target for the QB over the middle. Brown is not sudden, but he’s a silky athlete who gets where he needs. His game reminds me of Martellus Bennett.
OG – Forrest Lamp * All Pro talent as an OG, Lamp is strong, athletic, and technically sound. He plays with great poise and rarely overextends himself. He should excel in zone or man-blocking schemes, and he gives OC’s a lot of versatility in what they ask of him. He was a dominant OT at the college level – even against high-level competition like Alabama.
Projected in the 20-50 range, Lamp belongs in the top 20. He’s one of the best bets in the draft, and while he does not play a premium position, high-end OG’s are much more difficult to find than high-end WR’s, and they’re more critical to the success of an offense. Lamp moves the needle.
OG – Ben Braden * Huge, fast, mauling OL who projects to OG in the NFL. He does possess OT length, but his agility is less than ideal for the position. Still, he could fill in at RT in a pinch. He projects best in man-blocking schemes, where he can use his size and force to maul.
Projected in the 5[SUP]th[/SUP] RD, Braden shows the strength, technique, and athleticism to start early in the NFL. Because of his size/speed combination, his ceiling is pretty high. He’s worth drafting in the 3[SUP]rd[/SUP]. For teams that miss out on Lamp, Johnson, and Feeney, Braden is not far behind Moton as the premium consolation prize at OG.
OG – Aviante Collins *Elite combination of speed and strength, he held his own at OT, but he should transition inside in the NFL. He lacks OT length, and his weight is a real concern. It’s less of a concern for zone-blocking schemes, who will love his athleticism, and his strength also helps alleviate some of that concern. Consistently in the right position, and rarely off balance, Collins plays like a natural athlete.
Projected in the 6[SUP]th[/SUP]-7[SUP]th[/SUP] RD, Collins’ talent should see him drafted as one of the top developmental OG’s – in the 4[SUP]th[/SUP] or 5[SUP]th[/SUP] RD.
OT – Storm Norton *Outstanding frame – weight, arm length, hand size, wingspan are all what you want. High-end agility. He needs to improve his upper-body strength, is a little taller than ideal, and he doesn’t possess ideal burst, but he runs well, and his agility is his best athletic trait, which translates directly to OT. He is somewhat similar to Jack Conklin in that he looks a little awkward, but he actually moves very well, and he carries out his assignments with precision. Outstanding feet, and he knows how to use his length to his advantage.
Projected in the 6[SUP]th[/SUP], Norton can play as soon as he’s strong enough, which could be as a rookie. He carries relatively minor concerns, from a developmental standpoint, and he brings elite traits to the table. He’s a solid value in the 3[SUP]rd[/SUP].
QB – Deshaun Watson * Can he read the entire field? Are the high-INT totals a concern? Is his arm strong enough? We won’t even consider the assaults on his accuracy. Watson plays with championship poise, is a fearless and world-class leader, and he moves the ball with exceptional consistency. He knows how to use what he does well to put pressure on a defense. He’s an aggressive downfield thrower, and he throws with excellent touch. He’s also the best QB in the draft at varying his trajectory. He’s like a less athletic Marcus Mariota in many ways, but he separates himself from Mariota (in my estimation) with his ability to throw open WR’s down the field/his willingness to give his WR’s a chance to make a play. You absolutely desire this trait in an NFL QB. Alex Smith lacks this trait, and it’s the primary reason KC will be a long shot to compete for a SB as long as he is QB. It leads to some INT’s, which are more like punts, but it also leads to big plays, pass-interference calls, and it stretches out the D, which makes his ability to pick up first downs with his legs even more dangerous.
Projected as a 1[SUP]st[/SUP] or 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] RD player, Watson is a better QB than the vast majority of recent top-10 picks. You don’t need a whole hand to count the exceptions. His ability to lead, his ability to keep an offense on schedule, and his ability to make big plays with his arm and feet should make him very desirable for any team that needs a QB. For a new GM like John Lynch, Watson is the kind of person and player you want carrying your future. He’s my favorite for the 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] overall selection.
QB – Jerod Evans * Put up very similar stats to Mitch Trubisky, with similar surrounding talent, in the same conference. When his feet aren’t right, his throws can sail. Like Trubisky, he also only has one year of starting experience. He possesses good bulk and functional athleticism, and when his feet are right, he throws with outstanding touch, and he varies his trajectory. He has a quick release and one of the smoothest deliveries in the draft.
Projected in the 5[SUP]th[/SUP]-6[SUP]th[/SUP] RD behind QB’s like Webb, Peterman, and Kaaya, as a developmental QB, I think Evans belongs toward, maybe at the top of this group, and he should be considered in the 3[SUP]rd[/SUP] RD. He’s tough, physical, and he throws a beautiful deep ball.
RB – D’Onta Foreman *College football’s leading rusher combines bell-cow size and breakaway speed. He blasts through arm tackles and runs with good balance. His running style is somewhat similar to Jay Ajayi’s – great pad level. He’s inexperienced as a receiver and only has one year of big-time production, but both his timed and natural athleticism alleviate some of those concerns. It also helps that he has giant hands.
Projected as low as the 4[SUP]th[/SUP] RD, Foreman possesses starting, and potential high-end, running-back traits. He belongs in the late-1[SUP]st[/SUP]/early-2[SUP]nd[/SUP] group.
RB – James Conner * Big, gliding RB with great vision, balance, and power. He looks natural, and is very efficient, catching the ball out of the backfield. One of three RB’s in the 2017 Draft to average more than 10 yards per target (McCaffrey, Mixon). Needs to improve consistency in pass pro, but he has the frame to excel in that area. Not a great athlete, but he tested similarly to Arian Foster and Jeremy Hill, so he’s athletic enough to get it done. 56 total TD’s in 39 games – 52 rushing TD’s.
Projected in the 4[SUP]th[/SUP]-5[SUP]th[/SUP] RD, Conner has starting-RB traits, and even if he falls short of that, his versatility, leadership, and football acumen will make him a valuable cog – worth drafting in the 3[SUP]rd[/SUP] RD.
RB – Aaron Jones * A shifty RB, who breaks tackles, and has shown the ability to make catches downfield, Jones runs with great balance and vision. He averaged 7.7 YPC in 2017 and 6.3 YPC for his career. His size will limit his touches in the NFL, and despite good burst and agility, his speed is only adequate. Jones should be a very appealing back-up plan to any team eyeing Christian McCaffrey.
Projected as a 6[SUP]th[/SUP]-7[SUP]th[/SUP] RD pick, Jones’ ability as a runner and receiver make him worth a look in the 4[SUP]th[/SUP].
WR – Zay Jones * Single-season and career NCAA reception leader, Jones combine polish and physical tools. He gets in and out of his breaks like a smaller receiver – thanks to his outstanding agility and technique – and he very rarely drops the ball. He’s a little thin, and his YPA and TD’s were modest, but Jones projects as a WR who can win with route running and making tough catches.
Projected toward the end of the 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] RD, Jones belongs with that first group of 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] RD players, which starts in the late-1[SUP]st[/SUP] and ends at the 54[SUP]th[/SUP] pick.
WR – JuJu Smith-Schuster * Nothing breaks a curse like some good JuJu. When you start to believe in a USC WR, you feel like you’re making a deal with the Devil. But, look how Marquis Lee creates separation in his sleep. How can that miss, right? I know Marquis Lee didn’t work out, but look how fast Nelson Agholor is, and he’s so tough! Well, Smitch-Schuster, for his part, is a bulked up WR with big hands, adequate speed, and good agility. Because, he’s very polished and physically imposing, he’s drawn comparisons to Anquan Boldin, and they’re about the same size entering the NFL. Smith-Schuster is a very accomplished WR and a superior athlete to Boldin. He’s also two years younger than Boldin was when he entered the NFL; however, I think the comparisons are warranted. They entered the league at about the exact same size (6’1 215 and 6’1 216), and they excel in similar ways. They’re both tough, bright players who want it more than you. This is the first time since 2003 that I’ve actually liked Boldin as a comp for a player entering the NFL, but Smith-Schuster has a higher ceiling.
Projected toward the end of the 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] RD, Smith-Schuster looks as good as anyone after Corey Davis and Mike Williams, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see him outperform those two in the NFL. If he falls at all in the 2[SUP]nd[/SUP], don’t be surprised if a team that doesn’t appear to need a WR drafts him. Good teams will covet his skill set, and he belongs in the top 54.
WR – Taywan Taylor * The most productive deep threat in college football in 2016, according to PFF, Taylor closed his Western Kentucky career in dominant fashion. Over his final two seasons, he totaled 184 receptions, 3,197 yards, and 34 TD’s. While his route tree is somewhat limited, he comes in and out of his breaks as well as any WR in the draft. He possesses solid size and length, and I’ve seen comps to Emmanuel Sanders and Greg Jennings, but his play style reminds me more of Antonio Brown. His COD is as good as you’ll find.
Projected in the 3[SUP]rd[/SUP] RD, and outside the top 100, Taylor belongs in the top 54. He can dominate a game from the slot or outside. At 203lbs, with 32”+ arms, Taylor has the body to carry his skill and athleticism into the NFL. He creates separation at will.
WR – Josh Reynolds *A dynamic playmaker, who can separate, high point the ball, and break away after the catch, Reynolds totaled 2,788 yards and 30 TD’s in three seasons at Texas A&M despite poor QB play. He’s light, with relatively short arms and small hands, but Reynolds combination of burst and agility see him beat the defender to the spot on a consistent basis.
Projected as a 5[SUP]th[/SUP] RD pick, Reynolds belongs in the top 54. He’s a versatile WR, who can make plays anywhere on the field, and score from anywhere on the field. He’ll need to add strength and weight, but he’s still pretty young, 22.
WR – Jehu Chesson * Projected as by many as a player who would blossom into a 1[SUP]st[/SUP] or 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] RD WR in 2016, Chesson never made that step, and his numbers went the wrong way with a new QB. Injury during 2016 bowl game contributed to poor connection with new QB. Physically, Chesson has everything you look for in a WR. He’s 6’3, 204lbs, with 33”+ arms. He’s fast, agile, and he has excellent burst. He also contributed on Special Teams (blocked a punt against Ohio St in 2015), so his athleticism will be a welcome addition.
Projected as a 7[SUP]th[/SUP]-UDFA, Chesson should be considered in the 4[SUP]th[/SUP] or 5[SUP]th[/SUP] RD. His value on special teams mitigates his risk, and understanding his situation and athletic gifts, he’s a good candidate to blossom as a receiver in the NFL.
TE – David Njoku * Dynamic athlete with long arms for an OT, Njoku is among the best RAC TE’s you’ll ever see. He can take a 5-yard pass 80 yards. His blocking needs work, but his length and strength should provide outstanding building blocks. Because of his burst, size, and length, he’s almost impossible to single cover, and he’s relatively developed as a receiver – despite concentration drops.
Projected anywhere from the teens to the twenties of the 1[SUP]st[/SUP] RD, Njoku is a top-10 talent. He’s right there with OJ Howard as the best talent in the draft at the position. Pick your flavor, but they’re both star talents. Njoku is the more experienced receiver with better length and athletic upside, and he’s about a year and a half younger than Howard.
TE – Evan Engram * Speaking of match-up nightmares, Engram, as an athlete, is like a cross between former Mississippi WR Donte Moncrief and Devin Funchess. He’s the best seam threat in the draft, and his RAC is outstanding. As a player, he’s like Jordan Reed with deep-threat speed. Despite his size, he’s a high-effort blocker, and he shows good technique and core strength. He has adequate length (arms are a quarter inch shorter than Howard’s) and big hands (10”, same as Njoku and Howard).
Projected as a 1[SUP]st[/SUP] or 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] RD pick, Engram should be drafted in the top 20. For a team in need of slot or H-back, Engram’s speed and overall athleticism in conjunction with his size and refinement present all kinds of problems for opposing defenses. Whether your offense needs to move the chains or it needs big plays, Engram has you covered.
TE – Bucky Hodges *Outstanding combination of size and athleticism, Hodges presents a raw player with decent production, and a very high ceiling. He moves like a WR, and, unfortunately, he’s softer than most WR’s, which leads one to question whether he’ll ever have the toughness to play TE. Given his talent and relative youth, 22, he’s worth a relatively early gamble.
Projected in the 5[SUP]th[/SUP] RD, Hodges’ physical gifts should see him go in the top 54. TE is a highly developmental position, where physical tools often make the ultimate difference. And, even if he’s never tough enough to make it at TE, he should develop into a problematic WR. Outside of arm length, he’s superior in every way to Kelvin Benjamin as a physical specimen.
TE – Pharaoh Brown * With the most impressive frame in this loaded class, Brown just needs an inch to be wide open. If you’re on his left hip, and the QB can put it on his right shoulder – or anywhere over there – you don’t have a prayer of impacting the catch. He’s smooth coming in and out of his breaks and a natural athlete. He had a serious injury, minor miracle that he’s even playing, and he comes with some character concerns, but this is a huge, natural target for a QB, with high upside as a blocking TE.
Projected as not even a UDFA, Brown is worth a look in the 5[SUP]th[/SUP]. He carries some risk, but no TE provides a better target for the QB over the middle. Brown is not sudden, but he’s a silky athlete who gets where he needs. His game reminds me of Martellus Bennett.
OG – Forrest Lamp * All Pro talent as an OG, Lamp is strong, athletic, and technically sound. He plays with great poise and rarely overextends himself. He should excel in zone or man-blocking schemes, and he gives OC’s a lot of versatility in what they ask of him. He was a dominant OT at the college level – even against high-level competition like Alabama.
Projected in the 20-50 range, Lamp belongs in the top 20. He’s one of the best bets in the draft, and while he does not play a premium position, high-end OG’s are much more difficult to find than high-end WR’s, and they’re more critical to the success of an offense. Lamp moves the needle.
OG – Ben Braden * Huge, fast, mauling OL who projects to OG in the NFL. He does possess OT length, but his agility is less than ideal for the position. Still, he could fill in at RT in a pinch. He projects best in man-blocking schemes, where he can use his size and force to maul.
Projected in the 5[SUP]th[/SUP] RD, Braden shows the strength, technique, and athleticism to start early in the NFL. Because of his size/speed combination, his ceiling is pretty high. He’s worth drafting in the 3[SUP]rd[/SUP]. For teams that miss out on Lamp, Johnson, and Feeney, Braden is not far behind Moton as the premium consolation prize at OG.
OG – Aviante Collins *Elite combination of speed and strength, he held his own at OT, but he should transition inside in the NFL. He lacks OT length, and his weight is a real concern. It’s less of a concern for zone-blocking schemes, who will love his athleticism, and his strength also helps alleviate some of that concern. Consistently in the right position, and rarely off balance, Collins plays like a natural athlete.
Projected in the 6[SUP]th[/SUP]-7[SUP]th[/SUP] RD, Collins’ talent should see him drafted as one of the top developmental OG’s – in the 4[SUP]th[/SUP] or 5[SUP]th[/SUP] RD.
OT – Storm Norton *Outstanding frame – weight, arm length, hand size, wingspan are all what you want. High-end agility. He needs to improve his upper-body strength, is a little taller than ideal, and he doesn’t possess ideal burst, but he runs well, and his agility is his best athletic trait, which translates directly to OT. He is somewhat similar to Jack Conklin in that he looks a little awkward, but he actually moves very well, and he carries out his assignments with precision. Outstanding feet, and he knows how to use his length to his advantage.
Projected in the 6[SUP]th[/SUP], Norton can play as soon as he’s strong enough, which could be as a rookie. He carries relatively minor concerns, from a developmental standpoint, and he brings elite traits to the table. He’s a solid value in the 3[SUP]rd[/SUP].
Last edited by a moderator: