2016 PGSF NFL Mock Draft Round 3....On the Clock- Manch
- Thread starter jim65
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With the 63rd pick Cleveland goes for DL help and takes Austin Johnson DE/DT Penn State
He should fit in real nice next to last years 1st round pick Danny Shelton. They need an End Pass Rusher, but I think the best available was a bit of a reach.
PLAYER OVERVIEW
Johnson's arc at Penn State was impressive, doubling his production from 3.0 tackles for loss in 2013 to 6.0 the following season and 15.0 as a junior, when he also more than tripled his previous career output with 6.5 sacks and used it as a springboard to enter the NFL Draft a year early.
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
STRENGTHS: Possesses the thick-cut frame to fit even and odd fronts, alike, sporting broad shoulders, a big butt and gut and tree trunks for limbs. He's stout at the point of attack, showing the coordination and leg drive to anchor as well as good core strength to stand his ground even when caught off-balance.
When he attacks with his hands, Johnson can stack and shed blockers in the hole. Locates the ball quickly and hustles laterally or downfield in pursuit. As a pass rusher, he shows more effort than explosiveness or technique, chopping his hands to fight through would-be blockers but rarely slipping by them freely.
WEAKNESSES: Despite his gaudy sack production, Johnson is more of a run-stuffer than a pass-rusher. He isn't particularly quick off the ball and like a lot of heavier players, Johnson struggles with pad level. Too often he doesn't extend his arms, playing chest to chest with blockers and only releasing after the ballcarrier is at or past the line of scrimmage.
COMPARES TO: Eddie Goldman, Chicago Bears - A well-built player who carries his weight well, Johnson has the quickness to provide an interior push, but his specialty is holding up vs. multiple blockers to clog the middle and mirror ballcarriers.
IN OUR VIEW: Although not a rangy player, Johnson has a motor that is always revving and he moves well in small areas with strong hands to stack and create movement. A player whose production matches the tape, Johnson has an impressive blend of power, quickness and awareness to fit three- and four-man fronts.
--Rob Rang (2/10/16)
He should fit in real nice next to last years 1st round pick Danny Shelton. They need an End Pass Rusher, but I think the best available was a bit of a reach.
PLAYER OVERVIEW
Johnson's arc at Penn State was impressive, doubling his production from 3.0 tackles for loss in 2013 to 6.0 the following season and 15.0 as a junior, when he also more than tripled his previous career output with 6.5 sacks and used it as a springboard to enter the NFL Draft a year early.
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
STRENGTHS: Possesses the thick-cut frame to fit even and odd fronts, alike, sporting broad shoulders, a big butt and gut and tree trunks for limbs. He's stout at the point of attack, showing the coordination and leg drive to anchor as well as good core strength to stand his ground even when caught off-balance.
When he attacks with his hands, Johnson can stack and shed blockers in the hole. Locates the ball quickly and hustles laterally or downfield in pursuit. As a pass rusher, he shows more effort than explosiveness or technique, chopping his hands to fight through would-be blockers but rarely slipping by them freely.
WEAKNESSES: Despite his gaudy sack production, Johnson is more of a run-stuffer than a pass-rusher. He isn't particularly quick off the ball and like a lot of heavier players, Johnson struggles with pad level. Too often he doesn't extend his arms, playing chest to chest with blockers and only releasing after the ballcarrier is at or past the line of scrimmage.
COMPARES TO: Eddie Goldman, Chicago Bears - A well-built player who carries his weight well, Johnson has the quickness to provide an interior push, but his specialty is holding up vs. multiple blockers to clog the middle and mirror ballcarriers.
IN OUR VIEW: Although not a rangy player, Johnson has a motor that is always revving and he moves well in small areas with strong hands to stack and create movement. A player whose production matches the tape, Johnson has an impressive blend of power, quickness and awareness to fit three- and four-man fronts.
--Rob Rang (2/10/16)
If Collins is still there in the 3rd when Cowboys pick Jones would pick him quick. With the Arkansas connection he wouldn't be able to resist. Also it would be a great steal for the 3rd
Johnson's a great pick there for the Browns. I picked A. Washington over him for Cincy late in the 2nd, but A.J. by all accounts is a high character guy with a non-stop motor. Cleveland needs to make some solid selections both on and off the field this draft.
With e 65th pick in the 2016 PGSF NFL Mock Draft The San Diego Chargers select
Christian Westerman , OG Arizona State University
Chargers need help all over, but improving line is always a good choice. Westerman is a beast in the weight room and will be able to complete for a starting job day one.
considered
cbs write up
Player Overview
Westerman started 25 games for the Sun Devils over the past two seasons, emerging as a second team all-conference player as a senior.
He earned three letters at ASU after the Chandler, Ariz. transferred back home following two years at Auburn, where he redshirted in 2011 and appeared in two games the following year.
Westerman wasn't an immediate contributor for the Sun Devils, seeing his first game action in the team's bowl game against Texas Tech in 2013. He took over as the starting left guard in 2014, earning honorable mention all-conference accolades while starting 12 games.
He started all 13 games as a senior and was voted second team All-Pac-12.
Strengths Weaknesses
STRENGTHS: Westerman is well known for his weight-room strength, reportedly bench pressing 225 pounds 41 times in one sitting before his senior season. Reliable. Competitive, passionate player who started 25 of the past 26 games for the Sun Devils over the past two seasons.
Westerman sports a relatively compact frame with his weight evenly distributed over his frame. He is an active, competitive blocker with the quick, light feet to shuffle laterally in pass protection, as well as the natural knee bend, core strength and balance to anchor.
Westerman has a terrific initial punch out of his stance to quickly get to work, extending and using his length to lock out and control the chest of defenders. He possesses the upper-body strength to turn defenders from run lanes with quick hands to react to counter moves by interior rushers. He plays with awareness and tenacity, keeping his head on a swivel to react to surprise blitzes.
WEAKNESSES: Too often gets caught up in the trash when blocking on the move, lacking the preferred quickness and agility to consistently reach and secure the second level. Doesn't possess ideal length for guard and could struggle with the swim moves from the longer-armed defensive tackles of the NFL. Size limitations may ultimately force him to be moved inside to center, a position he never played at the collegiate level.
COMPARES TO: J.D. Walton, San Diego Chargers: Walton began his career at Arizona State before transferring to Baylor, with Westerman initially signing (and playing two games) at Auburn before moving back "home" to ASU. Westerman is stronger than Walton but possesses a similar combination of short-area quickness, balance and tenacity, which could make him a future starter in the NFL.
IN OUR VIEW: Westerman isn't the most imposing offensive lineman in the 2016 NFL draft, but his power, agility and tenacity will certainly earn him plenty of fans among coaches. His lack of ideal size could ultimately push him inside to center.
--Rob Rang (2/5/16)
Christian Westerman , OG Arizona State University
Chargers need help all over, but improving line is always a good choice. Westerman is a beast in the weight room and will be able to complete for a starting job day one.
considered
cbs write up
Player Overview
Westerman started 25 games for the Sun Devils over the past two seasons, emerging as a second team all-conference player as a senior.
He earned three letters at ASU after the Chandler, Ariz. transferred back home following two years at Auburn, where he redshirted in 2011 and appeared in two games the following year.
Westerman wasn't an immediate contributor for the Sun Devils, seeing his first game action in the team's bowl game against Texas Tech in 2013. He took over as the starting left guard in 2014, earning honorable mention all-conference accolades while starting 12 games.
He started all 13 games as a senior and was voted second team All-Pac-12.
Strengths Weaknesses
STRENGTHS: Westerman is well known for his weight-room strength, reportedly bench pressing 225 pounds 41 times in one sitting before his senior season. Reliable. Competitive, passionate player who started 25 of the past 26 games for the Sun Devils over the past two seasons.
Westerman sports a relatively compact frame with his weight evenly distributed over his frame. He is an active, competitive blocker with the quick, light feet to shuffle laterally in pass protection, as well as the natural knee bend, core strength and balance to anchor.
Westerman has a terrific initial punch out of his stance to quickly get to work, extending and using his length to lock out and control the chest of defenders. He possesses the upper-body strength to turn defenders from run lanes with quick hands to react to counter moves by interior rushers. He plays with awareness and tenacity, keeping his head on a swivel to react to surprise blitzes.
WEAKNESSES: Too often gets caught up in the trash when blocking on the move, lacking the preferred quickness and agility to consistently reach and secure the second level. Doesn't possess ideal length for guard and could struggle with the swim moves from the longer-armed defensive tackles of the NFL. Size limitations may ultimately force him to be moved inside to center, a position he never played at the collegiate level.
COMPARES TO: J.D. Walton, San Diego Chargers: Walton began his career at Arizona State before transferring to Baylor, with Westerman initially signing (and playing two games) at Auburn before moving back "home" to ASU. Westerman is stronger than Walton but possesses a similar combination of short-area quickness, balance and tenacity, which could make him a future starter in the NFL.
IN OUR VIEW: Westerman isn't the most imposing offensive lineman in the 2016 NFL draft, but his power, agility and tenacity will certainly earn him plenty of fans among coaches. His lack of ideal size could ultimately push him inside to center.
--Rob Rang (2/5/16)
With Drake's size and speed it was hard to pass up. I like Alex Collins a lot but him and the rest of the backs were hammered for 3-4 years. Drake is just as skilled in my opinion but was stuck behind Henry which means less wear and tear.
With the 66th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft the Dallas Cowboys select
Kenneth Dixon, RB Louisiana Tech
PLAYER OVERVIEW
Dixon capped his Louisiana Tech career by totaling 203 combined yards in a 47-28 victory over Arkansas State in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. In the process, he vaulted his career total touchdown mark to 72 rushing and 15 receiving, moving ahead of Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds for the FBS record for total touchdowns.
As a senior, he rushed for 1,070 yards with 19 touchdowns and added 467 yards and seven touchdowns as a receiver.
Dixon was a three-star recruit out of Strong High School in Arkansas, where he was named the state's "Mr. Football" in 2011. He chose Louisiana Tech over Arkansas, LSU and Ole Miss, along with Arkansas State.
The opportunity to play immediately paid dividends when Dixon led the NCAA with a scoring average of 14.00 points per game as a true freshman while rushing for an NCAA freshman record 1,194 yards with 27 touchdowns on 200 carries. He averaged 6.0 yards per carry and set an NCAA freshman record with 28 total touchdowns.
Dixon couldn't quite match that production as a sophomore, but did finish with 917 yards and four touchdowns on the ground and another 85 yards and a score through the air in 2013.
He would become the school's all-time leading rusher the following season as Dixon posted 1,299 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns on 253 carries. He was the only FBS player to have touchdowns of 80-plus yards as a runner and receiver.
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
STRENGTHS: Compact build and has enough body armor to take punishment. Balanced athlete with controlled quickness to make sharp cuts in short areas. Not explosive, but patient with excellent vision and feel to pick through a crowd.
Runs and reads with decisiveness. Physical when going north-south to keep his feet and gain every inch, giving it all he has on each run. Knows where the chains are and understands situational football. Heady, tough blocker, using his base strength and a mean attitude, identifying blitzers pre-snap. Reliable hands as a pass-catcher and will run routes.
Passionate self-starter and hard-nosed.Proven and durable workhorse as a four-year starter, always running energetic into the fourth quarter.Highly productive as the school's all-time leading rusher (4,480).
WEAKNESSES: Lacks the frame to add more bulk. Only average initial burst and acceleration and not a sudden athlete. Lacks elusive qualities and will struggle to create his own yardage, dancing too much and getting himself in trouble going east-west. Will take some wasted steps at times.
Average-at-best downfield speed with only one gear.Needs to show more consistent pad level and stay parallel to ground level - bad habit of dipping his shoulder to fend off contact. Lacks ideal power to consistently break tackles. Ball security needs improvements with 14 career fumbles.
Has a lot of wear and tear on his body with almost 900 career touches on offense. Several minor dings on his medical report, including missing a pair of games in 2015 due to a sore ankle.
IN OUR VIEW: Dixon was consistently productive and efficient over his Louisiana Tech career, averaging 5.6 yards per rush and 11.0 yards per catch and became the school's all-time leading rusher as a junior. There isn't much that separates him athletically as a runner with only average size, burst and power, but he understands the subtleties of the position with the vision, decision-making and toughness to get every yard he can.
Dixon might never be a bell-cow starter in the NFL, but he will be a quality addition to a running back committee with his well-rounded run style to contribute as a receiver and blocker in pass protection.
--Dane Brugler (12/28/15)
Kenneth Dixon, RB Louisiana Tech
PLAYER OVERVIEW
Dixon capped his Louisiana Tech career by totaling 203 combined yards in a 47-28 victory over Arkansas State in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. In the process, he vaulted his career total touchdown mark to 72 rushing and 15 receiving, moving ahead of Navy quarterback Keenan Reynolds for the FBS record for total touchdowns.
As a senior, he rushed for 1,070 yards with 19 touchdowns and added 467 yards and seven touchdowns as a receiver.
Dixon was a three-star recruit out of Strong High School in Arkansas, where he was named the state's "Mr. Football" in 2011. He chose Louisiana Tech over Arkansas, LSU and Ole Miss, along with Arkansas State.
The opportunity to play immediately paid dividends when Dixon led the NCAA with a scoring average of 14.00 points per game as a true freshman while rushing for an NCAA freshman record 1,194 yards with 27 touchdowns on 200 carries. He averaged 6.0 yards per carry and set an NCAA freshman record with 28 total touchdowns.
Dixon couldn't quite match that production as a sophomore, but did finish with 917 yards and four touchdowns on the ground and another 85 yards and a score through the air in 2013.
He would become the school's all-time leading rusher the following season as Dixon posted 1,299 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns on 253 carries. He was the only FBS player to have touchdowns of 80-plus yards as a runner and receiver.
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
STRENGTHS: Compact build and has enough body armor to take punishment. Balanced athlete with controlled quickness to make sharp cuts in short areas. Not explosive, but patient with excellent vision and feel to pick through a crowd.
Runs and reads with decisiveness. Physical when going north-south to keep his feet and gain every inch, giving it all he has on each run. Knows where the chains are and understands situational football. Heady, tough blocker, using his base strength and a mean attitude, identifying blitzers pre-snap. Reliable hands as a pass-catcher and will run routes.
Passionate self-starter and hard-nosed.Proven and durable workhorse as a four-year starter, always running energetic into the fourth quarter.Highly productive as the school's all-time leading rusher (4,480).
WEAKNESSES: Lacks the frame to add more bulk. Only average initial burst and acceleration and not a sudden athlete. Lacks elusive qualities and will struggle to create his own yardage, dancing too much and getting himself in trouble going east-west. Will take some wasted steps at times.
Average-at-best downfield speed with only one gear.Needs to show more consistent pad level and stay parallel to ground level - bad habit of dipping his shoulder to fend off contact. Lacks ideal power to consistently break tackles. Ball security needs improvements with 14 career fumbles.
Has a lot of wear and tear on his body with almost 900 career touches on offense. Several minor dings on his medical report, including missing a pair of games in 2015 due to a sore ankle.
IN OUR VIEW: Dixon was consistently productive and efficient over his Louisiana Tech career, averaging 5.6 yards per rush and 11.0 yards per catch and became the school's all-time leading rusher as a junior. There isn't much that separates him athletically as a runner with only average size, burst and power, but he understands the subtleties of the position with the vision, decision-making and toughness to get every yard he can.
Dixon might never be a bell-cow starter in the NFL, but he will be a quality addition to a running back committee with his well-rounded run style to contribute as a receiver and blocker in pass protection.
--Dane Brugler (12/28/15)
With the 67th pick, the San Francisco 49ers select, QB, Connor Cook, Michigan State University. San Francisco takes a QB, one that I don't think is that far separated from the top 3 in the draft. He has ideal size and all the physical traits you look for. Comes from a pro-style system and should work in whoever replaces Chip in a year or two. Can make most throws and can read through the progression. I think this is a steal in the 3rd round.
CBS write-up:
PLAYER OVERVIEW
After redshirting in 2011 and serving as a backup in 2012, Cook went 12-1 in 2013 and leaves Michigan State with a 34-4 record that includes a 23-2 mark in Big Ten play. He was 2-0 in the Big Ten championship game.
Cook, who turned 23 in January, might have been a top 20 pick if he declared early for the 2015 NFL Draft, but instead returned to East Lansing for his senior year and helped lead Michigan State into the College Football Playoff semifinals.
Cook declared his ailing shoulder "100 percent" but went 19 of 39 with 210 yards and two interceptions against Alabama on New Year's Eve.
Michigan State and Cook claim an MRI revealed the shoulder wouldn't require surgery. NFL teams will investigate intensively. He wore a sleeve against Alabama.
Cook passed on a Senior Bowl invitation to work out in San Diego with QB coach George Whitfield, focusing on Scouting Combine and pro day preparation.
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
STRENGTHS: Possesses ideal size for the next level with the build to take consistent punishment, including as a short-yardage rusher with his deceiving athleticism.
Cook scans the entire field and is a confident passer to all levels, showing touch, anticipation and toughness in the pocket. He has effortless arm strength when he steps into his throws with proper mechanics and torque through his hips to deliver the proper trajectory on downfield passes.
Mastered Michigan State's offense, firing quick passes underneath with the ability to thread the needle on deeper sideline throws. Has excellent experience, and his poise in key situations has improved throughout his career.
WEAKNESSES: Once moved from his original spot, he attempts to "arm" everything and abandon his base footwork, often content making throws with his weight falling away from his target. Cook isn't fully comfortable with a muddy pocket, which forces his eye level to wander and confuses his internal clock.
He will make a handful of high risk throws each game and is too willing to deliver into high traffic areas after staring down receivers.
Apologized for an awkward encounter with legendary Archie Griffin in accepting the game MVP award following Michigan State's victory in the Big Ten title game, but only after a social media backlash. It would seem minor, but Cook had already drawn mixed reviews from scouts due to his "different" personality, with some thinking it might be tough for him to acclimate himself in a NFL locker room. NFL teams will be doing a lot of background work on Cook to answer the questions they have, including why he wasn't voted a team captain.
IN OUR VIEW: Cook isn't without flaw, but he shows a number of reasons to be encouraged about his potential in the NFL. Cook has the physical traits ideally suited for the pro game with tape that shows off a number of NFL throws.
@jim65 is on the clock
@FSU Fogel is on deck
CBS write-up:
PLAYER OVERVIEW
After redshirting in 2011 and serving as a backup in 2012, Cook went 12-1 in 2013 and leaves Michigan State with a 34-4 record that includes a 23-2 mark in Big Ten play. He was 2-0 in the Big Ten championship game.
Cook, who turned 23 in January, might have been a top 20 pick if he declared early for the 2015 NFL Draft, but instead returned to East Lansing for his senior year and helped lead Michigan State into the College Football Playoff semifinals.
Cook declared his ailing shoulder "100 percent" but went 19 of 39 with 210 yards and two interceptions against Alabama on New Year's Eve.
Michigan State and Cook claim an MRI revealed the shoulder wouldn't require surgery. NFL teams will investigate intensively. He wore a sleeve against Alabama.
Cook passed on a Senior Bowl invitation to work out in San Diego with QB coach George Whitfield, focusing on Scouting Combine and pro day preparation.
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
STRENGTHS: Possesses ideal size for the next level with the build to take consistent punishment, including as a short-yardage rusher with his deceiving athleticism.
Cook scans the entire field and is a confident passer to all levels, showing touch, anticipation and toughness in the pocket. He has effortless arm strength when he steps into his throws with proper mechanics and torque through his hips to deliver the proper trajectory on downfield passes.
Mastered Michigan State's offense, firing quick passes underneath with the ability to thread the needle on deeper sideline throws. Has excellent experience, and his poise in key situations has improved throughout his career.
WEAKNESSES: Once moved from his original spot, he attempts to "arm" everything and abandon his base footwork, often content making throws with his weight falling away from his target. Cook isn't fully comfortable with a muddy pocket, which forces his eye level to wander and confuses his internal clock.
He will make a handful of high risk throws each game and is too willing to deliver into high traffic areas after staring down receivers.
Apologized for an awkward encounter with legendary Archie Griffin in accepting the game MVP award following Michigan State's victory in the Big Ten title game, but only after a social media backlash. It would seem minor, but Cook had already drawn mixed reviews from scouts due to his "different" personality, with some thinking it might be tough for him to acclimate himself in a NFL locker room. NFL teams will be doing a lot of background work on Cook to answer the questions they have, including why he wasn't voted a team captain.
IN OUR VIEW: Cook isn't without flaw, but he shows a number of reasons to be encouraged about his potential in the NFL. Cook has the physical traits ideally suited for the pro game with tape that shows off a number of NFL throws.
@jim65 is on the clock
@FSU Fogel is on deck
The Jags select Jeremy Cash, S- Duke
The Jags continue their upgrade on D to try and save Bradley's job. With Fowler coming back from injury, the signing of Malik Jackson and the addition of Hargreaves in Rd 1, the Jags are assembling a hard hitting defense.
The Jags continue their upgrade on D to try and save Bradley's job. With Fowler coming back from injury, the signing of Malik Jackson and the addition of Hargreaves in Rd 1, the Jags are assembling a hard hitting defense.
Baltimore Ravens select....
Karl Joseph, S, WVU
Adding to a secondary with a chance to learn from a great one in Weddle makes too much sense for Baltimore to pass up here.
2016 Draft Prospects
GRADE
5.96
Karl Joseph (S)
HT: 5'10" WT: 205LBS.
POSITION: S
SCHOOL: West Virginia
ARM LENGTH: 32 1/8"
HANDS: 9 3/4"
Overview
Ironically, Joseph's play style of a complete lack of respect for his own body was not the reason he missed more than half of his senior season. He injured his knee in a non-contact practice drill, putting a stop to his best year to date, where he led the FBS in interceptions (five) after four weeks. Joseph flies into the backfield and attacks receivers in space like few others in this draft class, as he showed during his first-team All-Big 12 junior campaign (92 stops, 4.5 for loss, one interception, three pass breakups, three forced fumbles.) Joseph started every game as a freshman (team defensive player of the year with 104 tackles, seven for loss, two interceptions, three forced fumbles) and sophomore (68 tackles, three for loss, one interception), as well, earning honorable mention all-conference recognition each season.
Pro Day Results
Bench: 19 reps of 225 pounds
COMBINE STATS
ANALYSIS
Strengths
Team captain and impactful Leader. Plays with passion and a deep love of the game. Play-making safety with man cover ability and plus ball skills. Took reps heads up against Sterling Shepard. Quick to get head around and find the ball and always opts to try and take the ball away rather than break up the pass. Leaper who challenges the high-point. Finished with nine career interceptions and five this season in just four games. Plays run and pass with great urgency. True high/low option with toughness for the box and straight line speed to play rangy center field. Can pedal and shift from deep zone. Wolf looking for his next meal as a hitter.
Weaknesses
ACL creates medical concerns and may prevent him from getting through an entire pre-draft workout. Doesn't have desired thickness of frame for the ruckus he likes to bring as a hitter. Play-making aspirations can lead him to vacate his area a step early. Shows some change of direction limitations in coverage. Desire to assail leads to occasional technique breakdowns as a tackler.
Sources Tell Us
"Dana (Holgorsen) and that staff absolutely love him. He's a weapon because he can do just about anything you ask him to do which is different than most of the safeties in this draft who have limits. If he gets clean medicals before the draft I think he goes second day." -- AFC pro personnel director
NFL Comparison
Antoine Bethea
Bottom Line
Fiercely competitive with immense football character. Different teams may have differing opinions of how best to utilize him, but Joseph has proven he can make plays in man coverage or play disciplined enough to be trusted on the back. His average size and subsequent durability will concern some teams due to his aggressive, attacking demeanor; however, Joseph is talented enough to become an early starter and high-impact safety down the road if the medicals check out.
Karl Joseph, S, WVU
Adding to a secondary with a chance to learn from a great one in Weddle makes too much sense for Baltimore to pass up here.
2016 Draft Prospects
GRADE
5.96
Karl Joseph (S)
HT: 5'10" WT: 205LBS.
POSITION: S
SCHOOL: West Virginia
ARM LENGTH: 32 1/8"
HANDS: 9 3/4"
Overview
Ironically, Joseph's play style of a complete lack of respect for his own body was not the reason he missed more than half of his senior season. He injured his knee in a non-contact practice drill, putting a stop to his best year to date, where he led the FBS in interceptions (five) after four weeks. Joseph flies into the backfield and attacks receivers in space like few others in this draft class, as he showed during his first-team All-Big 12 junior campaign (92 stops, 4.5 for loss, one interception, three pass breakups, three forced fumbles.) Joseph started every game as a freshman (team defensive player of the year with 104 tackles, seven for loss, two interceptions, three forced fumbles) and sophomore (68 tackles, three for loss, one interception), as well, earning honorable mention all-conference recognition each season.
Pro Day Results
Bench: 19 reps of 225 pounds
COMBINE STATS
ANALYSIS
Strengths
Team captain and impactful Leader. Plays with passion and a deep love of the game. Play-making safety with man cover ability and plus ball skills. Took reps heads up against Sterling Shepard. Quick to get head around and find the ball and always opts to try and take the ball away rather than break up the pass. Leaper who challenges the high-point. Finished with nine career interceptions and five this season in just four games. Plays run and pass with great urgency. True high/low option with toughness for the box and straight line speed to play rangy center field. Can pedal and shift from deep zone. Wolf looking for his next meal as a hitter.
Weaknesses
ACL creates medical concerns and may prevent him from getting through an entire pre-draft workout. Doesn't have desired thickness of frame for the ruckus he likes to bring as a hitter. Play-making aspirations can lead him to vacate his area a step early. Shows some change of direction limitations in coverage. Desire to assail leads to occasional technique breakdowns as a tackler.
Sources Tell Us
"Dana (Holgorsen) and that staff absolutely love him. He's a weapon because he can do just about anything you ask him to do which is different than most of the safeties in this draft who have limits. If he gets clean medicals before the draft I think he goes second day." -- AFC pro personnel director
NFL Comparison
Antoine Bethea
Bottom Line
Fiercely competitive with immense football character. Different teams may have differing opinions of how best to utilize him, but Joseph has proven he can make plays in man coverage or play disciplined enough to be trusted on the back. His average size and subsequent durability will concern some teams due to his aggressive, attacking demeanor; however, Joseph is talented enough to become an early starter and high-impact safety down the road if the medicals check out.
The NY Giants select S Keanu Neal, UF with the 70th selection:
Giants need a Safety to go with Landon Collins. Neal, would probably be a better fit as a SS (which Collins is), but is versatile enough that he can play the deep middle. Could be problematic that he has little experience as a man-to-man FS (since he played SS the majority of his time at UF incl. all of last year), but would do very well early on in zone aspects of either S position.
IMO, this is excellent value for the Giants as Neal will likely be off the board in the late first or early 2nd.
CBS scouting report:
STRENGTHS: Looks the part with a developed physique and long arms. Highly physical and aggressive tackler, using his length to hit, lift and drive. Plays with violence and anger, exploding through his hips and striking with authority.
Smooth athlete for his size and controls his momentum well in space. Consistent play speed, showing functional range. Attacks alleys and flows well with the action, never playing bored. Tough player and fights through pain. Productive junior season, averaging 8.7 tackles per start in 2015.
WEAKNESSES: One-speed athlete and doesn't play with much burst. Physical striker, but doesn't consistently square up his target, break down in motion or wrap to finish. Wild angles and takes wasted steps vs. the run and in coverage.
Streaky take-on technique and late to separate from blocks. Makes it too easy for receivers to block him in the open field. Struggles to anticipate, biting on fakes.
Needs to see things a tick faster to be more of a reliable playmaker. Eyes stuck in the backfield, allowing spacing from his coverage responsibilities. Marginal spatial awareness and tends to play with tunnel vision. Durability concerns, missing seven starts the last two seasons.
IN OUR VIEW: While he showed improvements in the deep half of the field in coverage, he is best known as an eraser downhill, playing with violent intentions and looking to lay the wood. Neal enjoys contact and is a physical striker, but needs mechanical work as too many of his tackle attempts are off balance due to streaky angles.
He might be able to start down the road in the NFL, but requires time to improve his discipline as he doesn't have the athleticism to make up for wasted steps. Neal will be a special teams demon due to his relentless nature while competing for snaps on defense.
--Dane Brugler (1/11/16)
Walter Football scouting report:
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
Summary: In the passing-driven NFL, safety play is critical even though the position has been devalued in the NFL draft to an extent. Teams need safeties who can help cover receiving tight ends and play-making receivers, yet still stop the run. Neal is a talented, versatile prospect who is well made for the NFL's current style of safety play.
Neal served as a backup before earning a starting spot during his sophomore season. In 2014, Neal had 45 tackles with three interceptions and four passes broken up. It was an impressive debut as the first-year starter showed his versatility. Fellow safety Marcus Maye landed in then-head coach Will Muschamp's doghouse for some busted coverages, so Neal was entrusted with playing some deep free safety and he did well as a center fielder. Neal made some clutch splash plays with interceptions and forced fumbles.
In 2015, Neal was the Gators' strong safety and a leading component on one of the best defenses in college football. He totaled 85 tackles with a pass breakup and an interception on the year. With Maye back in the lineup and playing well, Neal was a traditional strong safety as a junior. He was a violent run defender who was an intimidator in the middle of the field. The one consistent flaw from last year was Neal goes for the knockout blow too often and needs to focus on wrapping up ball carriers. When he does wrap up, Neal is a good tackler.
For the NFL, Neal could fit in a defense that alternates its free and strong safety pre-snap. That makes it a lot harder for quarterbacks to diagnosis where coverage will be. Neal has the speed and athleticism to cover in the deep part of the field and the strength to function as a strong safety. He also could serve as a strong safety 100 percent of the time.
With some development and experience, Neal also has the potential to be a free safety. He has demonstrated the ability to run with receivers and other targets to prevent separation. In zone coverage, he is very good and has impressive diagnosis skills.
Off the field, sources say Neal is a high-character individual. He is a nice guy, comes from a good family, and is very devoted to football.
In the 2016 NFL Draft, some teams have given Neal second-day grades, and others think he could be a late first-rounder in a draft that doesn't have 31 players with first-round grades.
Player Comparison: Adrian Wilson. In the NFL, I think that Neal could be a poor man's version of Wilson. For a decade, Wilson was one of the best strong safeties in the league. He was a third-round pick in 2001 out of N.C. State, but obviously Wilson should have been drafted higher.
Both Wilson and Neal are physical football players who are always around the ball. Wilson (6-3, 230) is bigger than Neal, but when Wilson entered the NFL, he was 213 pounds. Over his impressive career, Wilson was a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro selection. Neal has a similar game to Wilson and could be a potential special strong safety.
Giants need a Safety to go with Landon Collins. Neal, would probably be a better fit as a SS (which Collins is), but is versatile enough that he can play the deep middle. Could be problematic that he has little experience as a man-to-man FS (since he played SS the majority of his time at UF incl. all of last year), but would do very well early on in zone aspects of either S position.
IMO, this is excellent value for the Giants as Neal will likely be off the board in the late first or early 2nd.
CBS scouting report:
STRENGTHS: Looks the part with a developed physique and long arms. Highly physical and aggressive tackler, using his length to hit, lift and drive. Plays with violence and anger, exploding through his hips and striking with authority.
Smooth athlete for his size and controls his momentum well in space. Consistent play speed, showing functional range. Attacks alleys and flows well with the action, never playing bored. Tough player and fights through pain. Productive junior season, averaging 8.7 tackles per start in 2015.
WEAKNESSES: One-speed athlete and doesn't play with much burst. Physical striker, but doesn't consistently square up his target, break down in motion or wrap to finish. Wild angles and takes wasted steps vs. the run and in coverage.
Streaky take-on technique and late to separate from blocks. Makes it too easy for receivers to block him in the open field. Struggles to anticipate, biting on fakes.
Needs to see things a tick faster to be more of a reliable playmaker. Eyes stuck in the backfield, allowing spacing from his coverage responsibilities. Marginal spatial awareness and tends to play with tunnel vision. Durability concerns, missing seven starts the last two seasons.
IN OUR VIEW: While he showed improvements in the deep half of the field in coverage, he is best known as an eraser downhill, playing with violent intentions and looking to lay the wood. Neal enjoys contact and is a physical striker, but needs mechanical work as too many of his tackle attempts are off balance due to streaky angles.
He might be able to start down the road in the NFL, but requires time to improve his discipline as he doesn't have the athleticism to make up for wasted steps. Neal will be a special teams demon due to his relentless nature while competing for snaps on defense.
--Dane Brugler (1/11/16)
Walter Football scouting report:
Strengths:
- Versatile safety
- Can play free or strong safety
- Extremely physical
- Instinctive
- Speedy; flies around the field
- Devastating hitter
- Can separate the ball from the receiver
- Excellent in run support
- Superb as eighth man in the box
- Very good in zone coverage
- Can prevent separation in man
- Can function in pass coverage in the deep part of the field
- Reads a quarterback's eyes
- Takes good angles
- Covers a lot of ground in the middle of the field
- Athletic
- Can execute strong and free safety responsibilities
- Can play zone or man schemes
- Athletic enough to help in coverage on tight ends and running backs
- Reliable as the last line of defense
- Keeps plays in front of him
- Could contribute on special teams
- Should be able to play quickly
- High-character individual
- Very devoted to football
- Experienced and successful against good college talent
Weaknesses:
- Can go for knockout blows rather than wrapping up
- Could use some development in coverage skills for the NFL
Summary: In the passing-driven NFL, safety play is critical even though the position has been devalued in the NFL draft to an extent. Teams need safeties who can help cover receiving tight ends and play-making receivers, yet still stop the run. Neal is a talented, versatile prospect who is well made for the NFL's current style of safety play.
Neal served as a backup before earning a starting spot during his sophomore season. In 2014, Neal had 45 tackles with three interceptions and four passes broken up. It was an impressive debut as the first-year starter showed his versatility. Fellow safety Marcus Maye landed in then-head coach Will Muschamp's doghouse for some busted coverages, so Neal was entrusted with playing some deep free safety and he did well as a center fielder. Neal made some clutch splash plays with interceptions and forced fumbles.
In 2015, Neal was the Gators' strong safety and a leading component on one of the best defenses in college football. He totaled 85 tackles with a pass breakup and an interception on the year. With Maye back in the lineup and playing well, Neal was a traditional strong safety as a junior. He was a violent run defender who was an intimidator in the middle of the field. The one consistent flaw from last year was Neal goes for the knockout blow too often and needs to focus on wrapping up ball carriers. When he does wrap up, Neal is a good tackler.
For the NFL, Neal could fit in a defense that alternates its free and strong safety pre-snap. That makes it a lot harder for quarterbacks to diagnosis where coverage will be. Neal has the speed and athleticism to cover in the deep part of the field and the strength to function as a strong safety. He also could serve as a strong safety 100 percent of the time.
With some development and experience, Neal also has the potential to be a free safety. He has demonstrated the ability to run with receivers and other targets to prevent separation. In zone coverage, he is very good and has impressive diagnosis skills.
Off the field, sources say Neal is a high-character individual. He is a nice guy, comes from a good family, and is very devoted to football.
In the 2016 NFL Draft, some teams have given Neal second-day grades, and others think he could be a late first-rounder in a draft that doesn't have 31 players with first-round grades.
Player Comparison: Adrian Wilson. In the NFL, I think that Neal could be a poor man's version of Wilson. For a decade, Wilson was one of the best strong safeties in the league. He was a third-round pick in 2001 out of N.C. State, but obviously Wilson should have been drafted higher.
Both Wilson and Neal are physical football players who are always around the ball. Wilson (6-3, 230) is bigger than Neal, but when Wilson entered the NFL, he was 213 pounds. Over his impressive career, Wilson was a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro selection. Neal has a similar game to Wilson and could be a potential special strong safety.
Two things: 1) I'll do 4 rounds and 2) if fmol4 hasn't picked in the next few minutes (say 4:20), my pick will be in the morning.
With the next pick, the Miami Dolphins select C.J. Prosise, RB, Notre Dame.
Per CBS Sports
STRENGTHS: Well-distributed body mass with the desired physical ingredients. Able to absorb and maintain balance through congestion, picking yards after contact. Refuses to go down, showing the body strength and leg drive to fight forward.
Fluid lateral agility in his cuts and controls his momentum well, shifting his weight without slowing. Follows and trusts his blockers to weave through traffic. Natural at resetting his vision on the move. Patient run style to quickly scan and go. Speed to be a big-play threat and eliminate pursuit angles when he hits the turbo button. Has a fifth gear downfield to separate from the secondary. Strong stiff arm and runs with physical finish.
Natural receiving traits and experience, displaying reliable focus and hands as a pass-catcher. Stand out on special teams coverages - earned the Notre Dame Special Teams Player of the Year honors in 2014. Highly productive in 2015 (his first season at running back), averaging 6.6 yards per carry and 11.8 yards per reception.
WEAKNESSES: Upright runner with inconsistent pad level, presenting a large target for tacklers. Hesitant at times and still learning the difference between patience and being indecisive. Will get himself in trouble with too much east-west. Tends to slow at the contact point, bracing himself for hits.
Lacks ideal experience at the running back position and still learning techniques at the position. Lacks nuance in pass protection.
Wasn't a return man at Notre Dame. Ball security needs addressed (five fumbles in 2015). Durability was an issue in his one season at running back, missing almost all of Notre Dame's final five games - entered concussion protocol with a neck/head injury followed by a high left ankle sprain (Nov. 2015).
IN OUR VIEW: A safety and wide receiver his first two seasons, Prosise proved to be a quick study at his new position in 2015, running with natural vision, feel and athleticism. Although he's still developing his run tempo, pad level and instincts, especially between the tackles, Prosise has sharp cutting ability and ball-skills to impact the offense in several ways.
Prosise isn't a running back by trade and that shows at times, but he's a very encouraging prospect who should continue to get better with added reps at the position.
--Dane Brugler (1/11/16)
Per CBS Sports
STRENGTHS: Well-distributed body mass with the desired physical ingredients. Able to absorb and maintain balance through congestion, picking yards after contact. Refuses to go down, showing the body strength and leg drive to fight forward.
Fluid lateral agility in his cuts and controls his momentum well, shifting his weight without slowing. Follows and trusts his blockers to weave through traffic. Natural at resetting his vision on the move. Patient run style to quickly scan and go. Speed to be a big-play threat and eliminate pursuit angles when he hits the turbo button. Has a fifth gear downfield to separate from the secondary. Strong stiff arm and runs with physical finish.
Natural receiving traits and experience, displaying reliable focus and hands as a pass-catcher. Stand out on special teams coverages - earned the Notre Dame Special Teams Player of the Year honors in 2014. Highly productive in 2015 (his first season at running back), averaging 6.6 yards per carry and 11.8 yards per reception.
WEAKNESSES: Upright runner with inconsistent pad level, presenting a large target for tacklers. Hesitant at times and still learning the difference between patience and being indecisive. Will get himself in trouble with too much east-west. Tends to slow at the contact point, bracing himself for hits.
Lacks ideal experience at the running back position and still learning techniques at the position. Lacks nuance in pass protection.
Wasn't a return man at Notre Dame. Ball security needs addressed (five fumbles in 2015). Durability was an issue in his one season at running back, missing almost all of Notre Dame's final five games - entered concussion protocol with a neck/head injury followed by a high left ankle sprain (Nov. 2015).
IN OUR VIEW: A safety and wide receiver his first two seasons, Prosise proved to be a quick study at his new position in 2015, running with natural vision, feel and athleticism. Although he's still developing his run tempo, pad level and instincts, especially between the tackles, Prosise has sharp cutting ability and ball-skills to impact the offense in several ways.
Prosise isn't a running back by trade and that shows at times, but he's a very encouraging prospect who should continue to get better with added reps at the position.
--Dane Brugler (1/11/16)
With the 73rd pick, the Dale Mabry Pewtermen take Roberto Aguayo from Florida State University. I believe he's a kicker of some renown. 100% accurate inside 40 yards. Can kick from any angle. Has the ability to boom kickoffs, or loft them towards the sideline for coverage. Will try to tackle, if necessary. Needs to improve leg strength for longer field goal attempts. Loses concentration on kickoffs sometimes, and loses them out of bounds. One of two three time All Americans in FSU history (Deion).
After Ramsey was taken first over all, I posted the Bugs Bunny "homer" clip and promised to use it again later for real if I felt anyone selected a Nole as a reach. I love "Agreato" as much as any of us, but I just always feel it's a reach to take a kicker or punter in the first half of the draft, no matter how good they are. No offense intended.
I would have to disagree with that assessment. With the extra point being moved back, the kicker becomes an even more valuable weapon. No longer can you just say that 1 point is a gimme every touchdown.
And if you have a hole on your roster (like the Bucs do at kicker) that can be filled, and you decide that player will no longer be available by the next pick, you have to pull the trigger.
We'll have to agree to disagree. There is no right or wrong here...If Aguayo goes on to become the best kicker in the league, you win ultimately. (If I were a owner/GM with a "war room", it would be useless to have a bunch of people who think the same way.) That said, that BB clip has been hilarious for over half a century and always will be!
I agree with @Semiologist . With the changes in extra points now being permanent, and Aguayo's ability to pin a kickoff, his value far exceeds the other kickers in the draft. I've seen mocks with him going between rounds 2 and 4, and maybe one had him in the 5th. I think he will be drafted high because of the new value placed on kicking. I don't recall so many changes in kickers as last year when kickers were replaced left and right via signing and releasing, and even a trade.
Holee shi.......I lie down for a little nap and wake up to find the Brownies have traded the 2nd pick to the Eagles! Most amazing pre-draft period I can remember.
