2016 PGSF NFL Mock Draft Round 3....On the Clock- Manch
- Thread starter jim65
- Start date
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the only two who didn't eventually show up were smurfdaddy (Falcons) and Victory!!! (Steelers). Once Fogel started tagging people who were up, it started going a lot more smoothly.
Well, it also helped at least as much when you started putting who was on the clock in the thread title after being advised by the original commish.
@fsucag5694 You and the Broncos are on the clock. Your 24 hours expires at 10:52 EDT on 4/12.
@coloradonoles you are on deck to start the 2nd rd. NE did not get their pick back (yet)
@coloradonoles you are on deck to start the 2nd rd. NE did not get their pick back (yet)
Hopefully things will move along faster after fsucag's pick. He/she is the last of the newbies who I've never seen on here before. Just be ready to go when the 24 hours are up, and we'll figure out what to do with the Broncs' pick when Jim is around.
@jim65 I'll make Denver's pick if you like since I can't make one for the Pats.
@coloradonoles Looks like fsucag's not going to show. Please be ready to make your selection asap after 11am or so to prevent this thing from flat-lining...lol. Thanks!
That works for me.....just my .02 I could see the Broncos going QB with Lynch, OlL or LB, they were hit hard with free agency
I would think the pick is between Lynch and Cook. They need a future franchise QB, and I think Sanchez is just there to keep the seat warm until the rookie's ready.
The Broncos Pick: German Ifedi.
I wanted to go with a DE or NT but felt the need to protect the QB was more important to the Broncos this year. We see him starting at either guard position in year 1. We look to find a QB in FA as we feel that neither Lynch or Cook will be able to start year 1.
A three-year starter in College Station, Ifedi started his career at guard before moving outside to right tackle where he started the past two seasons.
He was considered the next in line of Texas A&M left tackles destined for the NFL Draft's first round (2013: Luke Joeckel; 2014: Jake Matthews; 2015: Cedric Ogbuehi), but struggled to make the transition to the left side and showed more flashes than consistency for the Aggies.
Ifedi opted to return to College Station for his junior season after weighing the NFL at the end of his redshirt sophomore season and receiving a second round grade from the advisory committee. He was the team's most experienced offensive player as a redshirt junior (24 starts) and was second-team All-SEC in 2015.
I wanted to go with a DE or NT but felt the need to protect the QB was more important to the Broncos this year. We see him starting at either guard position in year 1. We look to find a QB in FA as we feel that neither Lynch or Cook will be able to start year 1.
A three-year starter in College Station, Ifedi started his career at guard before moving outside to right tackle where he started the past two seasons.
He was considered the next in line of Texas A&M left tackles destined for the NFL Draft's first round (2013: Luke Joeckel; 2014: Jake Matthews; 2015: Cedric Ogbuehi), but struggled to make the transition to the left side and showed more flashes than consistency for the Aggies.
Ifedi opted to return to College Station for his junior season after weighing the NFL at the end of his redshirt sophomore season and receiving a second round grade from the advisory committee. He was the team's most experienced offensive player as a redshirt junior (24 starts) and was second-team All-SEC in 2015.
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Thanks for getting your selection in cag.
Not knocking anyone's picks here...I think you've all obviously done your homework and made sensible choices. That said, there is absolutely no way whatsoever barring a last-minute surprise that Lynch gets out of the first round in the real draft. Although I'm not sold on him personally, there is just too much buzz around him and too many QB-needy teams who will trade up if necessary to draft him.
Not knocking anyone's picks here...I think you've all obviously done your homework and made sensible choices. That said, there is absolutely no way whatsoever barring a last-minute surprise that Lynch gets out of the first round in the real draft. Although I'm not sold on him personally, there is just too much buzz around him and too many QB-needy teams who will trade up if necessary to draft him.
I think that's most likely my fault, as almost every mock has the Niners taking a QB. I just see too many holes for the Niners and none of the QBs in this draft as a franchise QB. Now, this may play out well and I take a QB in a later round that falls, but honestly, on my "draft board" I have other players and positions for my next pick as well.
There's no fault at all, man,. You picked who you thought was right for your team and backed it up with a solid explanation. However, if I were a 49ers fan, I'd be cringing about what my new HC might do...LOL.
Oh, I am. And I love what the team has done in free agency...spending almost no money and having $50 million in cap space. I don't mind Beadles replacing Boone because the relationship soured, but the front office has done so little. And resigning Dawson was dumb, considering how much was spent. A team spends that amount on a kicker when they are a competitor for the playoffs, not next year's #1 pick.
Well, the bottom line is you got a guy who could wind up being a steal at #7 in Buckner, and there's still several promising developmental qb prospects left (including a Bay Area local product who might be as ready as any of these guys to plug and play). Plus, it's difficult for you to make a decision on the position when Kaepernick's still in limbo. On paper, he looks like an ideal fit for Kelly's system.
Rumor is if Denver doesn't make the deal for Kaepernick, they are going to try to trade for Glennon from Tampa Bay.
Elway likes 'em tall, doesn't he? He may as well just draft Cardale and and train a blank slate with no bad habits.
Back to 8 hours between picks. Fun.
Love the idea of trading Glennon to the Broncos. Get back a late 2nd for him, and call it a day.
Love the idea of trading Glennon to the Broncos. Get back a late 2nd for him, and call it a day.
A 2nd for Glennon?? That's hilarious whether or not it's intentional.
It isn't, the compensatory pick alone will be a 3 or 4. Taking anything less is a losing proposition
He was originally a third round pick in 2013. No way his stock has gone up sitting on Tampa's bench.
With the 33rd pick The Browns open the 2nd round with WR Ohio State Micheal Thomas.
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Has the triangle numbers (height/weight/speed) of a WR1. Drives off the line of scrimmage selling his vertical push and forcing cornerbacks into passive position. Uses plus separation quickness at top of his route to provide comfortable passing window. Hands catcher who catches away from his frame when possible. Wasn't asked to work vertically much, but tape looks like he has a shot. Has the juice after catch to make defenses pay the price for missed tackles. Real red zone target who stacks the defender, tracks throw out of quarterback's hand and makes late play on the ball over top of defender. Has desired traits and flashes the tools.
WEAKNESSES
Struggles with footwork out of press release spending excessive time trying to fake and shake cornerbacks. Still figuring out this whole "route running" thing. Needs to improve playing through contact and adjusting routes appropriately. Still thinking rather than just playing. Will have to work back to the throw more often on NFL level. Won't win over quarterbacks with inability to rescue the off-target throws. Plays with passive field demeanor against aggressive cornerbacks. Won't go looking for work as run blocker if he doesn't have to. Doesn't appear to offer special teams value.
NFL COMPARISON
Charles Johnson
BOTTOM LINE
Thomas has just scratched the surface of his potential in Ohio State's offense full of quick outs and tunnel screens. While he has the size and potential to excite offensive coordinators, Thomas is still a work in progress who must develop a greater feel for the position if he is to match his traits with real NFL production. Thomas has a relatively high ceiling, but his floor is "bust."
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Has the triangle numbers (height/weight/speed) of a WR1. Drives off the line of scrimmage selling his vertical push and forcing cornerbacks into passive position. Uses plus separation quickness at top of his route to provide comfortable passing window. Hands catcher who catches away from his frame when possible. Wasn't asked to work vertically much, but tape looks like he has a shot. Has the juice after catch to make defenses pay the price for missed tackles. Real red zone target who stacks the defender, tracks throw out of quarterback's hand and makes late play on the ball over top of defender. Has desired traits and flashes the tools.
WEAKNESSES
Struggles with footwork out of press release spending excessive time trying to fake and shake cornerbacks. Still figuring out this whole "route running" thing. Needs to improve playing through contact and adjusting routes appropriately. Still thinking rather than just playing. Will have to work back to the throw more often on NFL level. Won't win over quarterbacks with inability to rescue the off-target throws. Plays with passive field demeanor against aggressive cornerbacks. Won't go looking for work as run blocker if he doesn't have to. Doesn't appear to offer special teams value.
NFL COMPARISON
Charles Johnson
BOTTOM LINE
Thomas has just scratched the surface of his potential in Ohio State's offense full of quick outs and tunnel screens. While he has the size and potential to excite offensive coordinators, Thomas is still a work in progress who must develop a greater feel for the position if he is to match his traits with real NFL production. Thomas has a relatively high ceiling, but his floor is "bust."
With the Titans 2nd round selection: Jason Spriggs (OT) Indiana,
Spriggs excelled in his senior season, catching second-team All-Big Ten accolades along with the eyes of scouts. The four-year starter also was named first team All-American by the Football Writers Association of America and third-team honors by the Associated Press. Spriggs had a scary moment on the field in 2014 against Michigan State, as he was taken to the hospital after suffering a helmet-to-helmet blow. But since them he has shown the build (6-foot-7, 307 pounds), anchor in pass protection and willingness to block through the whistle to be the type of prospect NFL offensive line coaches will covet at left tackle.
Pro Day Results
Vertical: 35 inches
3-cone: 7.57 seconds
Analysis
Strengths
Athletic frame with long arms. Comes out of his stance with tremendous quickness and has elite lateral movement. Can get to extremely difficult backside cutoff blocks. Knee bender. As a move blocker, lands squarely in the strike zone and rolls hips and feet under him to to wash down defender or secure a down-block. Shows good patience in space with ability to become solid combination blocker in zone scheme. Looks to finish. Able to adjust his assignments on the fly. Is active with his hands in pass pro. Will throw jabs with both hands rather than offering them up for defensive ends to swat. Has tools to substantially slow pass rushers when timing his punch. Durable, four-year starter.
Weaknesses
Play strength needs improvement. Unable to match power as a base blocker and too easy moved off his spot. Struggles to cleanly absorb and eat contact without being jostled. Has crippling issue with over-setting in pass protection. Doesn't maintain much weight on inner half of his frame and has consistent issues redirecting his weight back inside with suddenness against inside moves. Doesn't use his length to his advantage often enough. Slows his slide when punching, allowing rushers opportunity to gain advantage around the corner. Needs stronger hands to snatch and control rather than just push. Ability to recover with power or athletic traits are a concern.
NFL Comparison
Ryan Harris
Bottom Line
Spriggs has outstanding athleticism, but his play strength and overall recovery ability are major concerns for a position as important as tackle. Spriggs followed up a strong week at the Senior Bowl with a very good showing at the combine and has solidified his standing as an early round tackle amongst evaluators. If he can improve his inside post and prevent counter moves from eating him up, he has a chance to be a solid NFL starter on the left side. Spriggs had 31 reps in the combine and can play at guard or tackle at the next level. He has a bit of a mean streak and can fill a big void on the line for the Titans.
Spriggs excelled in his senior season, catching second-team All-Big Ten accolades along with the eyes of scouts. The four-year starter also was named first team All-American by the Football Writers Association of America and third-team honors by the Associated Press. Spriggs had a scary moment on the field in 2014 against Michigan State, as he was taken to the hospital after suffering a helmet-to-helmet blow. But since them he has shown the build (6-foot-7, 307 pounds), anchor in pass protection and willingness to block through the whistle to be the type of prospect NFL offensive line coaches will covet at left tackle.
Pro Day Results
Vertical: 35 inches
3-cone: 7.57 seconds
Analysis
Strengths
Athletic frame with long arms. Comes out of his stance with tremendous quickness and has elite lateral movement. Can get to extremely difficult backside cutoff blocks. Knee bender. As a move blocker, lands squarely in the strike zone and rolls hips and feet under him to to wash down defender or secure a down-block. Shows good patience in space with ability to become solid combination blocker in zone scheme. Looks to finish. Able to adjust his assignments on the fly. Is active with his hands in pass pro. Will throw jabs with both hands rather than offering them up for defensive ends to swat. Has tools to substantially slow pass rushers when timing his punch. Durable, four-year starter.
Weaknesses
Play strength needs improvement. Unable to match power as a base blocker and too easy moved off his spot. Struggles to cleanly absorb and eat contact without being jostled. Has crippling issue with over-setting in pass protection. Doesn't maintain much weight on inner half of his frame and has consistent issues redirecting his weight back inside with suddenness against inside moves. Doesn't use his length to his advantage often enough. Slows his slide when punching, allowing rushers opportunity to gain advantage around the corner. Needs stronger hands to snatch and control rather than just push. Ability to recover with power or athletic traits are a concern.
NFL Comparison
Ryan Harris
Bottom Line
Spriggs has outstanding athleticism, but his play strength and overall recovery ability are major concerns for a position as important as tackle. Spriggs followed up a strong week at the Senior Bowl with a very good showing at the combine and has solidified his standing as an early round tackle amongst evaluators. If he can improve his inside post and prevent counter moves from eating him up, he has a chance to be a solid NFL starter on the left side. Spriggs had 31 reps in the combine and can play at guard or tackle at the next level. He has a bit of a mean streak and can fill a big void on the line for the Titans.
Good job Smitty. That's the way I'd go if I was GM for the Titans. The separation b/w Ramsay and whatever DB the Titans could get early 2nd rd is much bigger than the difference b/w Tunsil and Spriggs (or whatever OT that they take early in the 2nd.)
FTR, that's the exact OT I'd have targeted early in the 2nd of the Titans. I see unsung 12-15 year starter at LT for Spriggs. Might never be an all-pro, but will also not get Mariotta killed the way Lewan did in 2015.
FTR, that's the exact OT I'd have targeted early in the 2nd of the Titans. I see unsung 12-15 year starter at LT for Spriggs. Might never be an all-pro, but will also not get Mariotta killed the way Lewan did in 2015.
With the 2nd RD pick the Dallas Cowboys select
Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis.
There's probably no way he drops this far as I think the Broncos take him in the 1stRD. He is to good of a value at this spot in the 2nd to pass up. The Cowboys could have added a CB or RB at this position. They need a young QB and Lynch could wait a few years to learn behind Romo.
PLAYER OVERVIEW
Lynch has athletic bloodlines, including his father, who played college basketball, and a brother who pitched collegiately for Stetson.
Lynch was a dual-threat quarterback in high school but missed half of his senior season with a bruised knee and redshirted at Memphis. Once he took the field in 2013, he never looked back, starting 39 consecutive games to end his career - including a breakout 2015 campaign in which he led the 9-4 Tigers by setting career-highs in completion percentage (66.8), yardage (3,776) and touchdowns (28) while throwing just four interceptions.
STRENGTHS:
Tall, lanky frame with broad shoulders and room to add more weight - built for the NFL and can take a beating. Light on his feet with the athleticism and body control to climb, shuffle and slide in the pocket, buying time and adjusting his throwing platform when needed.
Throws with accuracy on the move and comfortable moving the pocket with boots and motions. Good-enough arm strength to fire strikes with a quick trigger. Quick eyes to scan and make whole field reads. Improved poise to sense pressure and comfortable operating from within a confined pocket. Has the arm talent to get away with throwing without a firm base. Coaches praise his ability to acclimate and football IQ.
Set Memphis single season records for passing yards (3,778) and touchdowns (28) in 2015. Won 19 games as a starter the past two seasons, including the program's first 10-win season since the 1930s - 22-16 career record as a starter.
WEAKNESSES: Gangly even with added weight and must continue and fill out his upper and lower body. Inconsistent base, doesn't always throw with a balanced foundation, which affects his downfield accuracy. Must sharpen footwork. Relies on arm talent over fundamentals. Requires maintenance with his throwing technique, which was not emphasized by his coaches.
Internal clock is still a work in progress, taking sacks that he shouldn't. Smart decision-maker. Still learning which throws he should and shouldn't make. Needs work on touch and timing and developing a better feel for ball speed. All the calls in the Memphis offense came from the sideline.
IN OUR VIEW: Lynch started 39 consecutive games to end his career after taking the field as a redshirt freshman. He had 28 touchdowns and four interceptions in the regular season, completing 66.8 percent of his passes. In the Ole Miss upset on Oct. 17, Lynch was 39 of 53 for 384 yards and three touchdowns.
Entering the 2015 season, NFL evaluators viewed Lynch as an intriguing prospect, but weren't yet sold because most of his production and positive tape came against unimpressive competition. He changed a lot of those perceptions with an outstanding performance in leading an upset of Ole Miss - looking unfazed against the Rebels, showing poise, mobility and pinpoint accuracy.
A former running back, he ran a Wing-T offense in high school and is largely self-taught at the position and still very young in football years, showing vast improvement each of the last three seasons. From a scouting perspective, Lynch needs mechanical work and on-field reps, but he checks boxes for his size, athleticism, arm talent, field vision and appetite for football.
His pro transition will require time and although he might not be "perfect" in every area, the ingredients are there for Lynch to develop into a successful starting NFL quarterback.
--Dane Brugler/Rob Rang (10/29/15)
Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis.
There's probably no way he drops this far as I think the Broncos take him in the 1stRD. He is to good of a value at this spot in the 2nd to pass up. The Cowboys could have added a CB or RB at this position. They need a young QB and Lynch could wait a few years to learn behind Romo.
PLAYER OVERVIEW
Lynch has athletic bloodlines, including his father, who played college basketball, and a brother who pitched collegiately for Stetson.
Lynch was a dual-threat quarterback in high school but missed half of his senior season with a bruised knee and redshirted at Memphis. Once he took the field in 2013, he never looked back, starting 39 consecutive games to end his career - including a breakout 2015 campaign in which he led the 9-4 Tigers by setting career-highs in completion percentage (66.8), yardage (3,776) and touchdowns (28) while throwing just four interceptions.
STRENGTHS:
Tall, lanky frame with broad shoulders and room to add more weight - built for the NFL and can take a beating. Light on his feet with the athleticism and body control to climb, shuffle and slide in the pocket, buying time and adjusting his throwing platform when needed.
Throws with accuracy on the move and comfortable moving the pocket with boots and motions. Good-enough arm strength to fire strikes with a quick trigger. Quick eyes to scan and make whole field reads. Improved poise to sense pressure and comfortable operating from within a confined pocket. Has the arm talent to get away with throwing without a firm base. Coaches praise his ability to acclimate and football IQ.
Set Memphis single season records for passing yards (3,778) and touchdowns (28) in 2015. Won 19 games as a starter the past two seasons, including the program's first 10-win season since the 1930s - 22-16 career record as a starter.
WEAKNESSES: Gangly even with added weight and must continue and fill out his upper and lower body. Inconsistent base, doesn't always throw with a balanced foundation, which affects his downfield accuracy. Must sharpen footwork. Relies on arm talent over fundamentals. Requires maintenance with his throwing technique, which was not emphasized by his coaches.
Internal clock is still a work in progress, taking sacks that he shouldn't. Smart decision-maker. Still learning which throws he should and shouldn't make. Needs work on touch and timing and developing a better feel for ball speed. All the calls in the Memphis offense came from the sideline.
IN OUR VIEW: Lynch started 39 consecutive games to end his career after taking the field as a redshirt freshman. He had 28 touchdowns and four interceptions in the regular season, completing 66.8 percent of his passes. In the Ole Miss upset on Oct. 17, Lynch was 39 of 53 for 384 yards and three touchdowns.
Entering the 2015 season, NFL evaluators viewed Lynch as an intriguing prospect, but weren't yet sold because most of his production and positive tape came against unimpressive competition. He changed a lot of those perceptions with an outstanding performance in leading an upset of Ole Miss - looking unfazed against the Rebels, showing poise, mobility and pinpoint accuracy.
A former running back, he ran a Wing-T offense in high school and is largely self-taught at the position and still very young in football years, showing vast improvement each of the last three seasons. From a scouting perspective, Lynch needs mechanical work and on-field reps, but he checks boxes for his size, athleticism, arm talent, field vision and appetite for football.
His pro transition will require time and although he might not be "perfect" in every area, the ingredients are there for Lynch to develop into a successful starting NFL quarterback.
--Dane Brugler/Rob Rang (10/29/15)
There was a lot of buzz back in the fall about taking the best OT on the board...just because we lose a backup QB(potential Starter) I don't see the need to make an irrational decision. We won't make the same mistake the Titans did in 2015 and pick a young QB with no protection for him. We will find a QB FA...worse case we bring back TEBOW...hahahahahaha
With the 36th pick in the 2016 PGSF NFL Mock Draft the San Diego Chargers select
Vernon Butler, DT Louisiana Tech
The Chargers have to get better on both lines , and Butler is great choice to help bolster a defensive line that was gashed last year .
CBS write up
PLAYER OVERVIEW
Butler considered entering the 2015 NFL Draft but returned for his senior season and earned First Team All-Conference USA honors with 48 tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss and a career-best 4.0 sacks. Butler accepted his invitation to the 2016 Senior Bowl.
A two-star recruit out of high school, Vernon "Big Vern" Butler received offers from SEC programs Ole Miss and Mississippi State, but he fell in love with Louisiana Tech and chose to play his college ball in Ruston, La.
He was a back-up as a true freshman and sophomore, but saw his snaps increase each game and earned his first start in 2013. Butler became a full-time starter in 2014 as a junior and recorded a career-best 56 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss, earning All-Conference USA Honorable Mention honors.
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
STRENGTHS: Wide-hipped and carries his weight well. Short-area quickness and lateral range to work up and down the line of scrimmage and sidestep blocks. Strong upper body to create movement off the snap, using his balance and length to extend into blocks and convert initial step to power.
He was almost unblockable at times during Senior Bowl practices, showing an exciting combination of initial quickness, balance and a refined swim move, belying his 6-foot-4, 325-pound frame.
Coordinated movements to work off blocks and stay within striking distance. Sees through blockers with improved tracking awareness. Excellent pursuit speed and playing range for his size. Active hands and reach to stack the corner and work to get free. Hits behind his pads with the closing surge.
Plays with energy and shows the same intensity in the fourth quarter as the opening drive. Consistent competitor with a strong football appetite.
WEAKNESSES: Plays too upright off the snap and relies on his upper body power instead of using leverage and knee bend. Strong when squared, but struggles to control blocks when not nose-to-nose, limiting his ability to break free and make stops on ballcarriers in the gap. Narrow-shouldered and needs to do a better job keeping blockers from his body, maintaining space to better create separation.
Active hands and limbs, but needs to show more purpose and strategy behind his rush moves (minimal sack production in college).
COMPARES TO: Johnathan Hankins, New York Giants - Both Hankins and Butler have the quickness and point of attack power to push the pocket to give blockers all they can handle.
IN OUR VIEW: Butler lined up all over Louisiana Tech's multiple front, spending most of his time at three- and five-technique spots and moving inside to nose tackle in passing situations. He flashes on tape with the lower-body athleticism and upper-body power to stack blockers and make stops at or behind the line of scrimmage (23.5 tackles for loss as a starter).
Butler plays balanced on his feet with coordinated movements, but needs to improve his pad level to better clear single blockers when not squared up. Although he needs to develop his pass rush technique, Butler will appeal to both even and odd fronts with his relentless playing temperament, lateral quickness and power to control the point of attack.
--Dane Brugler (1/28/16)
Vernon Butler, DT Louisiana Tech
The Chargers have to get better on both lines , and Butler is great choice to help bolster a defensive line that was gashed last year .
CBS write up
PLAYER OVERVIEW
Butler considered entering the 2015 NFL Draft but returned for his senior season and earned First Team All-Conference USA honors with 48 tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss and a career-best 4.0 sacks. Butler accepted his invitation to the 2016 Senior Bowl.
A two-star recruit out of high school, Vernon "Big Vern" Butler received offers from SEC programs Ole Miss and Mississippi State, but he fell in love with Louisiana Tech and chose to play his college ball in Ruston, La.
He was a back-up as a true freshman and sophomore, but saw his snaps increase each game and earned his first start in 2013. Butler became a full-time starter in 2014 as a junior and recorded a career-best 56 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss, earning All-Conference USA Honorable Mention honors.
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
STRENGTHS: Wide-hipped and carries his weight well. Short-area quickness and lateral range to work up and down the line of scrimmage and sidestep blocks. Strong upper body to create movement off the snap, using his balance and length to extend into blocks and convert initial step to power.
He was almost unblockable at times during Senior Bowl practices, showing an exciting combination of initial quickness, balance and a refined swim move, belying his 6-foot-4, 325-pound frame.
Coordinated movements to work off blocks and stay within striking distance. Sees through blockers with improved tracking awareness. Excellent pursuit speed and playing range for his size. Active hands and reach to stack the corner and work to get free. Hits behind his pads with the closing surge.
Plays with energy and shows the same intensity in the fourth quarter as the opening drive. Consistent competitor with a strong football appetite.
WEAKNESSES: Plays too upright off the snap and relies on his upper body power instead of using leverage and knee bend. Strong when squared, but struggles to control blocks when not nose-to-nose, limiting his ability to break free and make stops on ballcarriers in the gap. Narrow-shouldered and needs to do a better job keeping blockers from his body, maintaining space to better create separation.
Active hands and limbs, but needs to show more purpose and strategy behind his rush moves (minimal sack production in college).
COMPARES TO: Johnathan Hankins, New York Giants - Both Hankins and Butler have the quickness and point of attack power to push the pocket to give blockers all they can handle.
IN OUR VIEW: Butler lined up all over Louisiana Tech's multiple front, spending most of his time at three- and five-technique spots and moving inside to nose tackle in passing situations. He flashes on tape with the lower-body athleticism and upper-body power to stack blockers and make stops at or behind the line of scrimmage (23.5 tackles for loss as a starter).
Butler plays balanced on his feet with coordinated movements, but needs to improve his pad level to better clear single blockers when not squared up. Although he needs to develop his pass rush technique, Butler will appeal to both even and odd fronts with his relentless playing temperament, lateral quickness and power to control the point of attack.
--Dane Brugler (1/28/16)
With the 36th pick in the 2016 PGSF NFL Mock Draft the San Diego Chargers select
Vernon Butler, DT Louisiana Tech
The Chargers have to get better on both lines , and Butler is great choice to help bolster a defensive line that was gashed last year .
CBS write up
PLAYER OVERVIEW
Butler considered entering the 2015 NFL Draft but returned for his senior season and earned First Team All-Conference USA honors with 48 tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss and a career-best 4.0 sacks. Butler accepted his invitation to the 2016 Senior Bowl.
A two-star recruit out of high school, Vernon "Big Vern" Butler received offers from SEC programs Ole Miss and Mississippi State, but he fell in love with Louisiana Tech and chose to play his college ball in Ruston, La.
He was a back-up as a true freshman and sophomore, but saw his snaps increase each game and earned his first start in 2013. Butler became a full-time starter in 2014 as a junior and recorded a career-best 56 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss, earning All-Conference USA Honorable Mention honors.
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
STRENGTHS: Wide-hipped and carries his weight well. Short-area quickness and lateral range to work up and down the line of scrimmage and sidestep blocks. Strong upper body to create movement off the snap, using his balance and length to extend into blocks and convert initial step to power.
He was almost unblockable at times during Senior Bowl practices, showing an exciting combination of initial quickness, balance and a refined swim move, belying his 6-foot-4, 325-pound frame.
Coordinated movements to work off blocks and stay within striking distance. Sees through blockers with improved tracking awareness. Excellent pursuit speed and playing range for his size. Active hands and reach to stack the corner and work to get free. Hits behind his pads with the closing surge.
Plays with energy and shows the same intensity in the fourth quarter as the opening drive. Consistent competitor with a strong football appetite.
WEAKNESSES: Plays too upright off the snap and relies on his upper body power instead of using leverage and knee bend. Strong when squared, but struggles to control blocks when not nose-to-nose, limiting his ability to break free and make stops on ballcarriers in the gap. Narrow-shouldered and needs to do a better job keeping blockers from his body, maintaining space to better create separation.
Active hands and limbs, but needs to show more purpose and strategy behind his rush moves (minimal sack production in college).
COMPARES TO: Johnathan Hankins, New York Giants - Both Hankins and Butler have the quickness and point of attack power to push the pocket to give blockers all they can handle.
IN OUR VIEW: Butler lined up all over Louisiana Tech's multiple front, spending most of his time at three- and five-technique spots and moving inside to nose tackle in passing situations. He flashes on tape with the lower-body athleticism and upper-body power to stack blockers and make stops at or behind the line of scrimmage (23.5 tackles for loss as a starter).
Butler plays balanced on his feet with coordinated movements, but needs to improve his pad level to better clear single blockers when not squared up. Although he needs to develop his pass rush technique, Butler will appeal to both even and odd fronts with his relentless playing temperament, lateral quickness and power to control the point of attack.
--Dane Brugler (1/28/16)
Nice pick, I was hoping he would fall to me in the second round.
With the 37th pick in the 2016 PGSF Draft, the Baltimore Ravens select....
Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
OVERVIEW
Doctson started his collegiate career at Wyoming before transferring back to his home state. He became Heisman Trophy candidate Trevone Boykin's favorite target (65 receptions, 1,018 yards, 11 TD) as a junior and ramped up his game even more in 2015, earning consensus first team All-American honors with a school-record 79 catches for 1,337 yards and 14 scores. Doctson only played in 11 games this year, only sparingly in one of those contests, as he suffered a wrist injury when players fell on him after a catch. The 2015 Fred Biletnikoff Award finalist finished second in TCU history in career receptions and yards, and set the record for touchdown receptions, despite starting his career at another school.
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Targeted 36.5 percent of the time and has the mentality of a lead receiver. Silky vertical routes with ability to make subtle shifts to get past corners waiting to put hands on him. Consistent in his play speed. Good accelerator off stutter-step release. Able to create late separation down the field with body lean and quiet hand usage. Touchdown maker who has rung up 25 receiving touchdowns over last two years despite missing three games this season. Climbs to snare jump balls and has body control to adjust in midair. Hands are very strong helping him secure catches through contact. Has ability to make defenses pay after the catch. Isnt overwhelmed by physical cornerbacks trying to force him into the boundary and can play through it to make winning catches downfield.
WEAKNESSES
Tall but needs to add more muscle to prepare for physical, press cornerbacks. Played in offense that created plenty of space to work in. Needs a greater commitment as a blocker. Was rarely pressed, but had issues coming out cleanly when he was. Doesnt look sudden or urgent in his routes and is upright into his breaks. Out-breaking routes are rounded and obvious. Suffered a broken wrist in early November.
SOURCES TELL US
"I think he'll be a receiver that people start to find problems with and then he'll get 65-70 catches by Year 2 or 3. He can really go get it when the ball is in the air. Those guys arent easy to find." -- NFC area scout
NFL COMPARISON
Terrance Williams
BOTTOM LINE
Highly productive receiver with good height but in need of more functional mass for the NFL game. Doctson must prove he can play against press coverage if he is to reach his potential, but his ability to go up and win when the ball is in the air will endear him to quarterbacks. Scouts don't expect to be wowed by his 40 time, but most believe he'll be a solid No. 2 receiver in the league.
Josh Doctson, WR, TCU
OVERVIEW
Doctson started his collegiate career at Wyoming before transferring back to his home state. He became Heisman Trophy candidate Trevone Boykin's favorite target (65 receptions, 1,018 yards, 11 TD) as a junior and ramped up his game even more in 2015, earning consensus first team All-American honors with a school-record 79 catches for 1,337 yards and 14 scores. Doctson only played in 11 games this year, only sparingly in one of those contests, as he suffered a wrist injury when players fell on him after a catch. The 2015 Fred Biletnikoff Award finalist finished second in TCU history in career receptions and yards, and set the record for touchdown receptions, despite starting his career at another school.
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Targeted 36.5 percent of the time and has the mentality of a lead receiver. Silky vertical routes with ability to make subtle shifts to get past corners waiting to put hands on him. Consistent in his play speed. Good accelerator off stutter-step release. Able to create late separation down the field with body lean and quiet hand usage. Touchdown maker who has rung up 25 receiving touchdowns over last two years despite missing three games this season. Climbs to snare jump balls and has body control to adjust in midair. Hands are very strong helping him secure catches through contact. Has ability to make defenses pay after the catch. Isnt overwhelmed by physical cornerbacks trying to force him into the boundary and can play through it to make winning catches downfield.
WEAKNESSES
Tall but needs to add more muscle to prepare for physical, press cornerbacks. Played in offense that created plenty of space to work in. Needs a greater commitment as a blocker. Was rarely pressed, but had issues coming out cleanly when he was. Doesnt look sudden or urgent in his routes and is upright into his breaks. Out-breaking routes are rounded and obvious. Suffered a broken wrist in early November.
SOURCES TELL US
"I think he'll be a receiver that people start to find problems with and then he'll get 65-70 catches by Year 2 or 3. He can really go get it when the ball is in the air. Those guys arent easy to find." -- NFC area scout
NFL COMPARISON
Terrance Williams
BOTTOM LINE
Highly productive receiver with good height but in need of more functional mass for the NFL game. Doctson must prove he can play against press coverage if he is to reach his potential, but his ability to go up and win when the ball is in the air will endear him to quarterbacks. Scouts don't expect to be wowed by his 40 time, but most believe he'll be a solid No. 2 receiver in the league.
