2020 PGSF NFL Mock Draft Round 7. Mr. Not-So-Irrelevant chosen.
- Thread starter NoleLizards
- Start date
With the 170th pick, the Baltimore Ravens select Darrell Taylor, Edge, University of Tennessee. 6-4, 259.
The Ravens double dip on pass rushers. Matthew Judon is franchised and will be a free agent in 2021.
Per The Draft Network (Marino):
PROS: Showcases the burst and bend needed to win around the outside hip of offensive tackles. Gets home with a dip and rip in addition to a long arm bull rush. Has the juice needed to get depth in his initial steps and challenge the footspeed of blockers. Despite not being the biggest EDGE, he finds success setting a firm edge. Has been used in a versatile capacity for the Vols, aligning from both a two and three-point stance while even tasked with defending some short zones in coverage. Works hard to establish his hands to control blockers at the point of attack. Really filled out his frame in 2019 and maintained his mobility.
CONS: Has room for growth as a pass rusher and I want to see him get to his counters with more urgency. Doesn’t consistently find a half man relationship to set up his rush. Too many body to body rushes and he sits on blocks. Needs to abandon the spin move he deploys 2-3 times/game. While he is fairly stout against the run, I’d love to see him more deliberate about squeezing gaps, unhinging and competing in pursuit. Not a consistent snap anticipator and he can be slow to release out of this stance.
BEST TRAIT - Play Strength, Burst
WORST TRAIT - Rush Counters
RED FLAGS - Suspended in 2017 for kicking a teammate in the face during a practice fight
NFL COMP - Anthony Spencer
Darrell Taylor enters the NFL after leading the Tennessee Vols in each of the past two seasons in both tackles for loss and sacks while compiling at least 10 tackles for loss and eight sacks in both seasons. At the next level, Taylor has appeal for both 3-4 teams looking for a standup outside linebacker but he also has the functional strength needed to serve as a 4-3 defensive end. While Taylor has a nice blend of burst and flexibility as a pass rusher, his functional strength is quite impressive in terms of how he anchors against the run, tackles and converts speed to power. With that said, Taylor has room to grow in deploying a more consistently effective pass rush plan and becoming more of a presence against the run. Taylor has a chance to become an eventual starter and factor into the rotation early in his NFL career.
The Ravens double dip on pass rushers. Matthew Judon is franchised and will be a free agent in 2021.
Per The Draft Network (Marino):
PROS: Showcases the burst and bend needed to win around the outside hip of offensive tackles. Gets home with a dip and rip in addition to a long arm bull rush. Has the juice needed to get depth in his initial steps and challenge the footspeed of blockers. Despite not being the biggest EDGE, he finds success setting a firm edge. Has been used in a versatile capacity for the Vols, aligning from both a two and three-point stance while even tasked with defending some short zones in coverage. Works hard to establish his hands to control blockers at the point of attack. Really filled out his frame in 2019 and maintained his mobility.
CONS: Has room for growth as a pass rusher and I want to see him get to his counters with more urgency. Doesn’t consistently find a half man relationship to set up his rush. Too many body to body rushes and he sits on blocks. Needs to abandon the spin move he deploys 2-3 times/game. While he is fairly stout against the run, I’d love to see him more deliberate about squeezing gaps, unhinging and competing in pursuit. Not a consistent snap anticipator and he can be slow to release out of this stance.
BEST TRAIT - Play Strength, Burst
WORST TRAIT - Rush Counters
RED FLAGS - Suspended in 2017 for kicking a teammate in the face during a practice fight
NFL COMP - Anthony Spencer
Darrell Taylor enters the NFL after leading the Tennessee Vols in each of the past two seasons in both tackles for loss and sacks while compiling at least 10 tackles for loss and eight sacks in both seasons. At the next level, Taylor has appeal for both 3-4 teams looking for a standup outside linebacker but he also has the functional strength needed to serve as a 4-3 defensive end. While Taylor has a nice blend of burst and flexibility as a pass rusher, his functional strength is quite impressive in terms of how he anchors against the run, tackles and converts speed to power. With that said, Taylor has room to grow in deploying a more consistently effective pass rush plan and becoming more of a presence against the run. Taylor has a chance to become an eventual starter and factor into the rotation early in his NFL career.
@NoleinATL Your pick.
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With the 171st pick in the 2020 PGSF NFL Mock Draft the Houston Texans select
Jonathan Garvin DE Miami
Looking at depth at position of need
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
NFL Comparison
Kemoko Turay
Overview
Traits-based edge defender capable of playing 4-3 end or 3-4 rush linebacker. Garvin's strong 2018 was followed up with inconsistent effort and an inability to stamp his presence on games with much consistency. He gains depth upfield quickly and is fairly natural at defeating the punch and flipping the corner. Pressures are nice, but sack-makers get paid and that won't happen unless he cranks up the effort and plays to his traits and potential. Garvin has Day 2 talent, but may not go until Day 3. However, there might be gold to mine if a coach can get it out of him.
Strengths
Jonathan Garvin DE Miami
Looking at depth at position of need
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
NFL Comparison
Kemoko Turay
Overview
Traits-based edge defender capable of playing 4-3 end or 3-4 rush linebacker. Garvin's strong 2018 was followed up with inconsistent effort and an inability to stamp his presence on games with much consistency. He gains depth upfield quickly and is fairly natural at defeating the punch and flipping the corner. Pressures are nice, but sack-makers get paid and that won't happen unless he cranks up the effort and plays to his traits and potential. Garvin has Day 2 talent, but may not go until Day 3. However, there might be gold to mine if a coach can get it out of him.
Strengths
- First three upfield steps gain space in race to the turn
- Rushes with good forward lean
- Works to half-man attack consistently
- Intriguing instincts and hand usage to grease the edge and access the pocket
- Closing burst to walk down scrambling quarterbacks
- Looks lean but can pop and stop a pulling guard
- Uses length to separate and find tackle opportunities
- Clicks physicality switch when he needs to
- Long strides are rangy in pursuit
- Has grown into long frame, but still has room for more
Weaknesses
- Smooth frame lacks definition and weight room receipts
- Urgency and consistent explosiveness are missing from his rush
- Not enough secondary effort when early rush attempt stalls
- Inside counter is missing from his rush plan
- Seemed to be coasting and getting by at times in 2019
- Additional play strength is needed
- Will give ground at the point of attack
- Gets jostled and knocked off-balance
With the 172nd pick, the New Orleans Saints select Scottie Phillips, RB, University of Mississippi. 5-8, 209.
The Saints add depth behind Alvin Kamara.
Per nfl.com:
By Lance Zierlein, NFL Analyst
NFL Comparison-Elijah McGuire
Overview
Competitive runner with a compact frame who can be elusive but should not be labeled as finesse. Phillips is an instinctive runner in space who can stack moves and burst laterally to circumvent tacklers. He's an experienced zone runner who can get to challenging cutback lanes but appears to be more comfortable as an outside runner than between the tackles. He could challenge for a spot as a RB3 but might need to prove he can handle special teams and/or third-down duties to improve his chances.
Strengths
The Saints add depth behind Alvin Kamara.
Per nfl.com:
By Lance Zierlein, NFL Analyst
NFL Comparison-Elijah McGuire
Overview
Competitive runner with a compact frame who can be elusive but should not be labeled as finesse. Phillips is an instinctive runner in space who can stack moves and burst laterally to circumvent tacklers. He's an experienced zone runner who can get to challenging cutback lanes but appears to be more comfortable as an outside runner than between the tackles. He could challenge for a spot as a RB3 but might need to prove he can handle special teams and/or third-down duties to improve his chances.
Strengths
- Has athleticism and agility to elude early penetration into backfield
- Lively feet help with sudden, effective jump-cuts
- Loose hips for sharp cuts across the grain to access creases on the backside
- Shows talent in enticing second-level missed tackles
- Has plus acceleration after cuts and around the corner
- Rarely comes to a halt as a runner, keeping it moving
- Good action out of his stiff-arm
- Runs behind his pads and finishes with some attitude
- Very good ball security and hands seem soft in limited pass targets
- Average vision as interior runner
- Sometimes confuses impatience with decisiveness
- Needs to improve at setting blocker up to linebacker
- Can be too eager to bounce runs wide rather than keeping the run on track
- Looked a step slower in 2019 than 2018
- Used infrequently as pass catcher and inconsistent in protection
- Lacks special-teams experience in college
With the 173rd pick in the 2020 PGSF NFL Mock Draft the Miami Dolphins select
Jake Hanson, C, Oregon
Miami needs a long term center and Hanson could develop into a decent backup part time starter
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Overview
Four-year starter who has the ability to assimilate into a variety of schemes but is unlikely to stand out in any particular one. His strong, accurate hands and determined effort are his calling cards and he's been able to hang in against a series of big, talented interior linemen over the years. He lacks power and mass, which could hurt his chances with teams who play against odd-front defenses, but he's a steady performer who could offer late-round value as a backup.
Strengths
Jake Hanson, C, Oregon
Miami needs a long term center and Hanson could develop into a decent backup part time starter
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Overview
Four-year starter who has the ability to assimilate into a variety of schemes but is unlikely to stand out in any particular one. His strong, accurate hands and determined effort are his calling cards and he's been able to hang in against a series of big, talented interior linemen over the years. He lacks power and mass, which could hurt his chances with teams who play against odd-front defenses, but he's a steady performer who could offer late-round value as a backup.
Strengths
- Durable four-year starter
- Hard worker with a non-stop engine
- Plays with poise and confidence against bigger men
- Quick, upward strike hits the bullseye with initial punch
- Strong hand grip promotes added stickiness against late shed attempts
- Works well with guards in double teams
- Adequate movement talent to fit into zone scheme
- Has footwork and balance to sustain move blocks
- Uses hip/ankle flexion to sink and slow pocket push
Weaknesses
- Lacks desired density and natural girth in lower body
- Despite his technique, will struggle to stalemate forceful two-gappers
- Needs help to create movement at point of attacks
- Snap to step quickness just average
- Could struggle to keep upfield rushers out of the A-gap off the snap
- Snap consistency has plagued him
- Too many ground-ball snaps in 2018 and pop flies in 2019
Sources Tell Us
"He's been really reliable for them for four years. He's not a center you are looking for, but he's a center you might be willing to work with." -- National scout for AFC team
With the 174th pick, the Tennessee Titans select Chris Rowland, WR, Tennessee State University. 5-7, 185.
The Titans stay in town to find the effective replacement for departed third-down back, Dion Lewis.
Per NUC Sports (John Robinson, NFL Analyst):
Bio:
The Tennessee State University receiver was one of the most productive playmakers in FCS history. Rowlands versatility as a pass catcher, returner, and even as a scat back makes him one of the steals in this year’s draft.
Accolades:
Led Nation in Receiving yards and Receiving yards per game (2019)
Walter Camp FCS All-America Team (2019)
All-Ohio Valley Conference First Team – Wide Receiver (2019)
Ohio Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year (2019)
All-Ohio Valley Conference First Team – Return Specialist (2019)
HERO Sports FCS First Team All Purpose Player (2019)
Strengths:
Rowland’s has the ability to run the route tree, which makes up for his lack of elite size. Rowlands has a high football IQ, uses that to manipulate defenses finding holes in zone coverage and exploiting defensive backs in man to man coverage. Rowland’s versatility not only as a pass catcher but as a return specialist makes him a dangerous weapon to add to any team.
Areas to Improve:
Rowland does not possess elite height and that will probably be his biggest knock throughout his draft process. His lack of a catch radius will cause for doubts however, Rowland knows how to use his body to make plays and be a dynamic player on the field
Rating:
80 out of 100
Player Comp:
A faster Julian Edelman
You're up @NoleinATL.
The Titans stay in town to find the effective replacement for departed third-down back, Dion Lewis.
Per NUC Sports (John Robinson, NFL Analyst):
Bio:
The Tennessee State University receiver was one of the most productive playmakers in FCS history. Rowlands versatility as a pass catcher, returner, and even as a scat back makes him one of the steals in this year’s draft.
Accolades:
Led Nation in Receiving yards and Receiving yards per game (2019)
Walter Camp FCS All-America Team (2019)
All-Ohio Valley Conference First Team – Wide Receiver (2019)
Ohio Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year (2019)
All-Ohio Valley Conference First Team – Return Specialist (2019)
HERO Sports FCS First Team All Purpose Player (2019)
Strengths:
Rowland’s has the ability to run the route tree, which makes up for his lack of elite size. Rowlands has a high football IQ, uses that to manipulate defenses finding holes in zone coverage and exploiting defensive backs in man to man coverage. Rowland’s versatility not only as a pass catcher but as a return specialist makes him a dangerous weapon to add to any team.
Areas to Improve:
Rowland does not possess elite height and that will probably be his biggest knock throughout his draft process. His lack of a catch radius will cause for doubts however, Rowland knows how to use his body to make plays and be a dynamic player on the field
Rating:
80 out of 100
Player Comp:
A faster Julian Edelman
You're up @NoleinATL.
With the 175th pick in the 2020PGSF NFL Mock Draft the Green Bay Packers select
Jonathan Hightower WR Boise State
Adds depth to special teams who with some coaching could make the roster
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Overview
Tall, spindly deep threat with a good feel for speed variance to bolster effectiveness of separation speed. While Hightower can get down the field, he needs to be led to water and in the clear, as his ball tracking and 50/50 attack skills leave much to be desired. The lack of size and strength could be a continuing issue against press and with contested catches. His run-after-catch and kick-return ability are nice, but may not be enough to balance out the aforementioned concerns.
Strengths
Jonathan Hightower WR Boise State
Adds depth to special teams who with some coaching could make the roster
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Overview
Tall, spindly deep threat with a good feel for speed variance to bolster effectiveness of separation speed. While Hightower can get down the field, he needs to be led to water and in the clear, as his ball tracking and 50/50 attack skills leave much to be desired. The lack of size and strength could be a continuing issue against press and with contested catches. His run-after-catch and kick-return ability are nice, but may not be enough to balance out the aforementioned concerns.
Strengths
- Speed variance in routes catches defenders napping
- Has enough top-end speed to cause problems
- Can break and open quickly on intermediate comebacks
- Accelerates into turns and gains separation space
- Length and talent to reach way behind him and bring it in
- Sideline awareness to gear down and catch near boundary
- Good burst with the ball in his hands
- Offers gadget play and kick return value
Weaknesses
- Will get beat up by press power
- Needs to play faster as route runner against better competition
- Loses some route momentum when altering path downfield
- Poor contested catch ability
- Not strong enough to keep cornerbacks from playing through him
- Inconsistent deep tracking and timing
- Certified body catcher
- Would like to see more competitive demeanor on field
With the 176th pick, the San Francisco 49ers select Rashard Lawrence, IDL, Louisiana State University. 6-2, 308.
The Niners traded away DeForest Buckner due to cap concerns. Lawrence will help fill the void.
Per The Draft Network (Crabbs):
Hand Technique/Length - He's got some strong hands, throws heavy blows that offset contact with easy and he'll reset the LOS consistently. Will get outreached by more rangy blockers however and in those instances lack of flexibility and mobility will handcuff him, preventing him from stringing out blocks. Shed techniques are power oriented.
Competitive Toughness - He's a tough dude. Not often found off the point of attack or bubbled by drive blocks. His motor meets required levels when scraping or pursuing the football laterally. That said, asking him to get range side to side will negatively impact his ability to hold ground due to hip tightness.
Two Gap Ability - Doesn't have the prototypical length to be a stalwart here but he plays with inside hands, good leverage and a heavy punch — so he'll be effective in the B-gap. Not a true nose but could feasibly play 1T as well and stack centers. Ability to hold in short spaces can make him a space eater but don't expect stack and shed.
Gap Penetration Skills - Not super twitchy, nor does he get upfield with consistency. His disruption reps come from bubbling blockers back into the backfield and forcing the back to cut off their hip. Don't expect a lot of disruption with bodies leaning on him, simply because he doesn't own the length to extend and reroute.
Tackling - Tackle radius is only modest due to length, mobility and tilt — but if you test his gap and he's uncovered you're not getting off him. He's got strong upper body and strong hands to wrap up and grab cloth before wrestling down the ball carrier in congested spaces.
Flexibility - Fairly linear. He's got leverage automatically built into his frame and he does coil it well with good pad level at the point of attack. Does well to stay under bigger bodies at OTs when aligned in 4i or 5T. Doesn't have the hinge to scrape and flow with pace on outside zone or sweeps, however.
Pass Rush Counters - Doesn't bring a lot of variety or creativity here. Instead, he's a power rusher who will look to collapse blockers and soften angles before proceeding into pursuit of the passer. Not going to bring a lot of kick here at the NFL level either and ideally gets rotated out on obvious passing downs.
First Step Quickness - He's not quick twitch. There's little threat of him shooting gaps and getting hip to hip with blockers at the snap. If you isolate him in space, his transitional quickness won't afford him much reactive quickness or ability to flash and drive to contest blocks or mirror ball carriers.
Feet/COD - Not especially nimble. He does a solid job of staying controlled and not getting turned at the line of scrimmage but asking him to cross face or flash across blockers while he's engaged with blockers isn't going to serve fruitful. Struggles to gear down his momentum once he's in pursuit, too.
Versatility - Should be considered a potential B-gap run defender. He's not potent against the pass and that will hurt his draft value and impact to future NFL team. That said, he's good at what he does — he's a boxer in close quarters who wins real estate at the point of attack.
---
Best Trait - Competitive Toughness
Worst Trait - Length
Best Film - Alabama (2019)
Worst Film - Texas (2019)
Red Flags - None
Summary - Rashard Lawrence projects as a starting interior defensive lineman at the NFL level. Lawrence has likable anchor ability, some pleasant reps in 2-gap situations and a low center of gravity to hold the point of attack. He's not overly dynamic as a pass rusher and struggles to gain ground with consistency into gaps, his lack of explosive speed will restrict him here to some degree. But as an early down run defender, Lawrence will bring stout play and should be considered an asset.
@You're up @NoleinATL.
The Niners traded away DeForest Buckner due to cap concerns. Lawrence will help fill the void.
Per The Draft Network (Crabbs):
Hand Technique/Length - He's got some strong hands, throws heavy blows that offset contact with easy and he'll reset the LOS consistently. Will get outreached by more rangy blockers however and in those instances lack of flexibility and mobility will handcuff him, preventing him from stringing out blocks. Shed techniques are power oriented.
Competitive Toughness - He's a tough dude. Not often found off the point of attack or bubbled by drive blocks. His motor meets required levels when scraping or pursuing the football laterally. That said, asking him to get range side to side will negatively impact his ability to hold ground due to hip tightness.
Two Gap Ability - Doesn't have the prototypical length to be a stalwart here but he plays with inside hands, good leverage and a heavy punch — so he'll be effective in the B-gap. Not a true nose but could feasibly play 1T as well and stack centers. Ability to hold in short spaces can make him a space eater but don't expect stack and shed.
Gap Penetration Skills - Not super twitchy, nor does he get upfield with consistency. His disruption reps come from bubbling blockers back into the backfield and forcing the back to cut off their hip. Don't expect a lot of disruption with bodies leaning on him, simply because he doesn't own the length to extend and reroute.
Tackling - Tackle radius is only modest due to length, mobility and tilt — but if you test his gap and he's uncovered you're not getting off him. He's got strong upper body and strong hands to wrap up and grab cloth before wrestling down the ball carrier in congested spaces.
Flexibility - Fairly linear. He's got leverage automatically built into his frame and he does coil it well with good pad level at the point of attack. Does well to stay under bigger bodies at OTs when aligned in 4i or 5T. Doesn't have the hinge to scrape and flow with pace on outside zone or sweeps, however.
Pass Rush Counters - Doesn't bring a lot of variety or creativity here. Instead, he's a power rusher who will look to collapse blockers and soften angles before proceeding into pursuit of the passer. Not going to bring a lot of kick here at the NFL level either and ideally gets rotated out on obvious passing downs.
First Step Quickness - He's not quick twitch. There's little threat of him shooting gaps and getting hip to hip with blockers at the snap. If you isolate him in space, his transitional quickness won't afford him much reactive quickness or ability to flash and drive to contest blocks or mirror ball carriers.
Feet/COD - Not especially nimble. He does a solid job of staying controlled and not getting turned at the line of scrimmage but asking him to cross face or flash across blockers while he's engaged with blockers isn't going to serve fruitful. Struggles to gear down his momentum once he's in pursuit, too.
Versatility - Should be considered a potential B-gap run defender. He's not potent against the pass and that will hurt his draft value and impact to future NFL team. That said, he's good at what he does — he's a boxer in close quarters who wins real estate at the point of attack.
---
Best Trait - Competitive Toughness
Worst Trait - Length
Best Film - Alabama (2019)
Worst Film - Texas (2019)
Red Flags - None
Summary - Rashard Lawrence projects as a starting interior defensive lineman at the NFL level. Lawrence has likable anchor ability, some pleasant reps in 2-gap situations and a low center of gravity to hold the point of attack. He's not overly dynamic as a pass rusher and struggles to gain ground with consistency into gaps, his lack of explosive speed will restrict him here to some degree. But as an early down run defender, Lawrence will bring stout play and should be considered an asset.
@You're up @NoleinATL.
With the 177th pick in the 2020 PGSF NFL Mock Draft the Kansas City Chiefs select
Casey Toohill , OLB Stanford
Think this guy falls because he needs work, but could turn into a heck of a starter long term
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
NFL Comparison
Trevon Young
Overview
Toohill's a tricky projection based upon his issues stopping the run, but he has great flashes as a pass rusher. His body type may not be fully finished and additional play strength would be crucial considering his inability to anchor and shed against run blocks. His rush is much less effective against stronger tackles, but he's a decent athlete and hints at rush skill that has room for development. He's currently caught between a 3-4 OLB and 4-3 DE. If he can become bigger, stronger and more polished as a rusher, he might make sense as a backup edge with sub-package talent as a wide-9 technique.
Strengths
"I put a projection grade on him because he's athletic and long and should grow into his frame even more. I think he's way better in two years." -- West Coast scout for NFC team
Casey Toohill , OLB Stanford
Think this guy falls because he needs work, but could turn into a heck of a starter long term
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
NFL Comparison
Trevon Young
Overview
Toohill's a tricky projection based upon his issues stopping the run, but he has great flashes as a pass rusher. His body type may not be fully finished and additional play strength would be crucial considering his inability to anchor and shed against run blocks. His rush is much less effective against stronger tackles, but he's a decent athlete and hints at rush skill that has room for development. He's currently caught between a 3-4 OLB and 4-3 DE. If he can become bigger, stronger and more polished as a rusher, he might make sense as a backup edge with sub-package talent as a wide-9 technique.
Strengths
- Possesses NFL frame ready to take on additional muscle mass
- Posted 11.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks in first year as full-time starter
- Length to overtake stutter-stepping runners from backside
- Fluid and athletic when playing downhill
- Upfield rush bolstered by snap quickness
- Active hands work to displace punch and attack resets
- Bend and agility to bend the top of the rush
- Pass rush has a second gear to close
- Lays the lumber into quarterbacks every shot he gets
- Has two career blocked extra points
- Doesn't use hands to take charge at point of attack
- Unable to anchor down and hold the edge
- Struggles to come unglued from blocks
- Sputters to recover once he's behind during engagements
- Leggy and lethargic with lateral slides to close down gaps
- Doesn't hit speed to conversion effectively as rusher
- Rush counters are telegraphed
- Redirect blocks tap his brakes when attacking the edge
- Not athletic enough for spot drops in coverage
"I put a projection grade on him because he's athletic and long and should grow into his frame even more. I think he's way better in two years." -- West Coast scout for NFC team
With the 178th pick, the Denver Broncos select Nevelle Clarke, CB, University of Central Florida. 6-1, 190.
Denver could use some young blood to compete for the corner spot opposite A.J. Bouye.
Per nfl.com:
By Lance Zierlein, NFL Analyst
Overview
High-cut press cornerback with good height and length that he uses to his advantage. When Clarke reads the release correctly, he does a nice job of beating up receivers over the early stages of the pattern, but he's missing fluid hips and reactive agility to recover quickly when beaten. He lacks body control and balance in coverage, but does a nice job of attacking the catch with length and aggressiveness to create incompletions. He's not fast or sudden and his tackling is suspect in run support. His ball skills might be enough to earn a longer look on a practice squad for a press-heavy defense.
Strengths
"Our local scout kind of killed him because he's not fast, but I see some things I can correct, so I'm hoping we bring him in somehow." -- Defensive backs coach for NFC team
Denver could use some young blood to compete for the corner spot opposite A.J. Bouye.
Per nfl.com:
By Lance Zierlein, NFL Analyst
Overview
High-cut press cornerback with good height and length that he uses to his advantage. When Clarke reads the release correctly, he does a nice job of beating up receivers over the early stages of the pattern, but he's missing fluid hips and reactive agility to recover quickly when beaten. He lacks body control and balance in coverage, but does a nice job of attacking the catch with length and aggressiveness to create incompletions. He's not fast or sudden and his tackling is suspect in run support. His ball skills might be enough to earn a longer look on a practice squad for a press-heavy defense.
Strengths
- Plays to his height and length
- Splashy ball production over the last two years
- Played possum and baited interception near goal line against Houston
- Showed overlap ability laying out for a pick against Temple in 2018
- Uses long arms to swat aggressively
- Quick to close distance against outside release
- Uses footwork and frame to disrupt early stages of the route
- Size and leaping ability to thwart 50/50 balls downfield
- Has potential to improve with better press technique
- Jams need to be quicker and more controlled
- Tight hips limit smoothness of transitions
- Unable to stick with NFL slants across his face
- Gives away ground at the break point
- Struggles to stay in phase with quality routes
- Below-average top-end speed
- Plays tall in space and lacks balance in change of direction
- Sluggish feet for lateral redirection in off coverage
- Duck-and-grab tackling style is a concern
"Our local scout kind of killed him because he's not fast, but I see some things I can correct, so I'm hoping we bring him in somehow." -- Defensive backs coach for NFC team
@NoleinATL The final pick of the 5th round is yours, sir. Incredible job...We never got this far before with a lot more people.
With the 179th pick in the 2020 PGSF NFL Mock Draft the Dallas Cowboys select
Antonie Brooks Jr S University of Maryland
Potential, solid special team player to make roster
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Overview
He's either a versatile defender or one lacking a clean positional fit depending on a team's assessment and scheme. He's played in a variety of spots over the past two years, but hip tightness and lack of length do show themselves when matched in man coverage. He's a freelancer who lacks the range to play single-high, but his instincts and recognition talent improve his ability to challenge effectively as a split safety. He's a well-built banger with solo tackle talent near the line and should be a quality short zone defender. Brooks offers middle-round value as a split-safety capable of box duties and should offer an upgrade on special team’s coverage.
Strengths
Antonie Brooks Jr S University of Maryland
Potential, solid special team player to make roster
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Overview
He's either a versatile defender or one lacking a clean positional fit depending on a team's assessment and scheme. He's played in a variety of spots over the past two years, but hip tightness and lack of length do show themselves when matched in man coverage. He's a freelancer who lacks the range to play single-high, but his instincts and recognition talent improve his ability to challenge effectively as a split safety. He's a well-built banger with solo tackle talent near the line and should be a quality short zone defender. Brooks offers middle-round value as a split-safety capable of box duties and should offer an upgrade on special team’s coverage.
Strengths
- Alpha personality on the field
- Built like a brick mailbox
- Highly instinctive near the line and loves to bang
- Pursues with good leverage
- Comes to balance as open-field tackler
- Squares and scrapes laterally to maintain tackle positioning
- Plays hard and plays with passion
- Former quarterback with intriguing pre-snap recognition
- Smooth pedal moving forward and backward
- Explosive leaper who's able to spring and challenge up top
- Potential to be a star cover man on special teams
Weaknesses
- Needs to play with improved discipline as a pro
- Gets outside the structure and freelances at times
- Questions about where his best position fit is
- Tightly bound with sticky hips to open and run
- Lacks prototypical length to challenge throws
- Will have issues covering man in space
- Needs a little quicker downfield squeeze in run support
- Limited lateral agility creates limited tackle radius
With the 180th pick, the Cincinnati Bengals select Michael Pinckney, LB, University of Miami. 6-1, 226.
Cincy's linebacking corps needs significant improvement. Here they get a four-year collegiate starter.
Per The Draft Network (Crabbs):
Football IQ - Well seasoned starter with 4 years of experience. He does well with his run keys and is quick to trigger and shoot gaps when he's identified opportunities to flash into the mesh point. He's less confident in zone coverage and if you ask him to anticipate and flow with routes, you'll endure a losing battle.
Tackling - Has some nice finishes on his resume, can get low and run the feet courtesy of natural leverage. He can be late to react to cuts and fail to get full pads on contact from time to time. Would like to see better consistency in contact balance to square up his challenges with consistency.
Block Shedding - Does not have the needed pop through the hands and too often will take the easy way out to duck under blocks. He's better as a plug and attacking with his pads than he is to utilize and punch/ extend himself free. Would like to see more commitment to scraping over top and across the face.
Competitive Toughness - Hard nosed defender — definitely was a spark plug for his defense. Pretty stout in close quarter combat but he doesn't really provide ability to wall off and then subsequently transition into making a play. Flow is urgent but not dynamic.
Lateral Mobility - Modest at best. Wouldn't look to charge him as a sideline to sideline defender — at least not as a true MIKE. He's probably better suited for ILB role in an odd front defense where he can pair with another off ball presence between the tackles. Not overly fluid or sudden to cross face.
Coverage Skills - Minimal value here and he doesn't have the transitional quickness or the length to be problematic in zone coverage. He isn't someone who shows a lot of feel for mirroring eyes and feeling routes developing in his peripheral vision; probably an exclusive early down candidate.
Gap Shooting Ability - When he wants to crash, he can do so effectively. Like how he feels creases developing and has a natural knack for zipping into the backfield and disrupting back's pathway to press the LOS. Evidenced by monster TFL numbers over four seasons as a starter.
Feet/COD - He's not overly fluid and his issues are compounded by bad habits prior to first contact. He's late to break down and square up his challenges and as a result with throw himself into too many plays trying to get a piece of the body. Too reckless for athletic limitations.
Flexibility - He's not necessarily rigid but he's not a natural mover in space and he doesn't possess the body control needed to be so sloppy. A better athlete could rise above some of his lapses and be a better finisher — that's not him. Doesn't corner with speed and doesn't spring out of cuts with dynamic base.
First Step Explosiveness - More buildup speed than anything else. His success shooting gaps stems more from anticipation versus having high end twitch or burst. Does not showcase the kind of explosiveness to get home consistently from the second level unless he's working twist or stunt game up the middle.
---
Best Trait - Gap Shooting
Worst Trait - Block Shedding
Best Film - North Carolina (2019)
Worst Film - Florida (2019)
Red Flags - None
Summary - Michael Pinckney projects as a depth LB at the pro level. On early downs, Pinckney provides a fair amount of value as a run defender; he's quick to process, quick to trigger and does well to beat blockers to the spot and square up ball carriers in the backfield. His value is mitigated significantly on 3rd downs as a result of some hip tightness in coverage and only modest length to occupy throwing windows. Pinckney is a low ceiling prospect but can compete for an active roster spot.
You're up @NoleinATL. I'm about ready to wrap things up for the day.
Cincy's linebacking corps needs significant improvement. Here they get a four-year collegiate starter.
Per The Draft Network (Crabbs):
Football IQ - Well seasoned starter with 4 years of experience. He does well with his run keys and is quick to trigger and shoot gaps when he's identified opportunities to flash into the mesh point. He's less confident in zone coverage and if you ask him to anticipate and flow with routes, you'll endure a losing battle.
Tackling - Has some nice finishes on his resume, can get low and run the feet courtesy of natural leverage. He can be late to react to cuts and fail to get full pads on contact from time to time. Would like to see better consistency in contact balance to square up his challenges with consistency.
Block Shedding - Does not have the needed pop through the hands and too often will take the easy way out to duck under blocks. He's better as a plug and attacking with his pads than he is to utilize and punch/ extend himself free. Would like to see more commitment to scraping over top and across the face.
Competitive Toughness - Hard nosed defender — definitely was a spark plug for his defense. Pretty stout in close quarter combat but he doesn't really provide ability to wall off and then subsequently transition into making a play. Flow is urgent but not dynamic.
Lateral Mobility - Modest at best. Wouldn't look to charge him as a sideline to sideline defender — at least not as a true MIKE. He's probably better suited for ILB role in an odd front defense where he can pair with another off ball presence between the tackles. Not overly fluid or sudden to cross face.
Coverage Skills - Minimal value here and he doesn't have the transitional quickness or the length to be problematic in zone coverage. He isn't someone who shows a lot of feel for mirroring eyes and feeling routes developing in his peripheral vision; probably an exclusive early down candidate.
Gap Shooting Ability - When he wants to crash, he can do so effectively. Like how he feels creases developing and has a natural knack for zipping into the backfield and disrupting back's pathway to press the LOS. Evidenced by monster TFL numbers over four seasons as a starter.
Feet/COD - He's not overly fluid and his issues are compounded by bad habits prior to first contact. He's late to break down and square up his challenges and as a result with throw himself into too many plays trying to get a piece of the body. Too reckless for athletic limitations.
Flexibility - He's not necessarily rigid but he's not a natural mover in space and he doesn't possess the body control needed to be so sloppy. A better athlete could rise above some of his lapses and be a better finisher — that's not him. Doesn't corner with speed and doesn't spring out of cuts with dynamic base.
First Step Explosiveness - More buildup speed than anything else. His success shooting gaps stems more from anticipation versus having high end twitch or burst. Does not showcase the kind of explosiveness to get home consistently from the second level unless he's working twist or stunt game up the middle.
---
Best Trait - Gap Shooting
Worst Trait - Block Shedding
Best Film - North Carolina (2019)
Worst Film - Florida (2019)
Red Flags - None
Summary - Michael Pinckney projects as a depth LB at the pro level. On early downs, Pinckney provides a fair amount of value as a run defender; he's quick to process, quick to trigger and does well to beat blockers to the spot and square up ball carriers in the backfield. His value is mitigated significantly on 3rd downs as a result of some hip tightness in coverage and only modest length to occupy throwing windows. Pinckney is a low ceiling prospect but can compete for an active roster spot.
You're up @NoleinATL. I'm about ready to wrap things up for the day.
With the 181st pick in the 2020 PGSF NFL Mock Draft the Denver Broncos select
Cameron Clark OL Charlotte
Depth at position of need, on a personal note I hope this guy is ALL Pro his first year based on outstanding coaching he received during 2019
Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Overview
Clark has good arm length and played almost exclusively at left tackle, but his game is better-suited at guard. He has good upper-body power to shock and plays with a mauler's demeanor when battling and finishing. Lateral quickness is below average in the run game and his pad level needs to be corrected for a move inside. He's not a slick move-and-mirror pass protector, but length and redirect power are weapons to work with if he can get his footwork and punch-timing shored up. He had outstanding moments against Clemson but didn't sustain that level of play throughout the season. The flashes are there but he needs to play with better consistency to make a mark.
Strengths
Cameron Clark OL Charlotte
Depth at position of need, on a personal note I hope this guy is ALL Pro his first year based on outstanding coaching he received during 2019
Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Overview
Clark has good arm length and played almost exclusively at left tackle, but his game is better-suited at guard. He has good upper-body power to shock and plays with a mauler's demeanor when battling and finishing. Lateral quickness is below average in the run game and his pad level needs to be corrected for a move inside. He's not a slick move-and-mirror pass protector, but length and redirect power are weapons to work with if he can get his footwork and punch-timing shored up. He had outstanding moments against Clemson but didn't sustain that level of play throughout the season. The flashes are there but he needs to play with better consistency to make a mark.
Strengths
- Two-year captain and three-year starter
- Broad frame, long arms and big hands
- Impressive pushing Clemson around at point of attack
- Twitchy upper body with plenty of pop and strength
- Ability to turn and secure man-on-man blocks
- Quality effort level to recover in second phase
- Filthy demeanor as block finisher in run game
- Tackle experience and traits a plus inside
- Punch should become more stout and consistent with work
- Ran penalty total too high in 2019
- Below average quickness laterally and on pulls
- Needs to play with much better pad level as drive blocker
- Inconsistent anticipation of block angles
- Feet lag behind, leading to some block slippage in sustain
- Needs to vary his punch approach
- Redirect steps are a little tardy
- Allowed leakage from post on counters and from B-gap rushers
With the 182nd pick, the Detroit Lions select Raequan Williams, DT, Michigan State University. 6-4, 304.
Both of Detroit's starting DT's option years are coming up in 2021. Here the Lions add more depth with home-grown talent.
Per The Draft Network (Marino):
PROS: Quality run defender. Stout against single blocks, engages his hands, competes to extend, finds the football and tries to finish. Generally does well to fit his hands and control at the point of attack. Excels most in a phone booth but he was more lateral range than expected. Finds success with an arm-over move when he wants to attack a gap. Has some upside to push the pocket as bull rusher. Has made strides as a pass rusher.
CONS: Gets rooted out by double teams. Has a bad tendency to peek over top of the offensive line, resulting in him standing straight up and turned out of gaps. Won’t be confused as explosive, agile or sudden. Disproportionate frame. Has to do a better job feeling down blocks and not get washed out by anticipating and processing blocking schemes quicker. Pass rushing profile is underwhelming.
BEST TRAIT - Run Defense
WORST TRAIT - Burst
RED FLAGS - None
Michigan State defensive tackle Raequan Williams has been a mainstay for the Spartans defense for several seasons and provided quality run defense. He’s fairly stout and knows how to take on single blocks. That said, he does have work to do in terms of processing skills and anchoring against doubles. While Williams has improved as a pass rusher, his forecast at the next level is modest on account of his ordinary burst, flexibility and rush moves. Williams can find work as an early down defender as a one-technique in a 4-3 defense.
Both of Detroit's starting DT's option years are coming up in 2021. Here the Lions add more depth with home-grown talent.
Per The Draft Network (Marino):
PROS: Quality run defender. Stout against single blocks, engages his hands, competes to extend, finds the football and tries to finish. Generally does well to fit his hands and control at the point of attack. Excels most in a phone booth but he was more lateral range than expected. Finds success with an arm-over move when he wants to attack a gap. Has some upside to push the pocket as bull rusher. Has made strides as a pass rusher.
CONS: Gets rooted out by double teams. Has a bad tendency to peek over top of the offensive line, resulting in him standing straight up and turned out of gaps. Won’t be confused as explosive, agile or sudden. Disproportionate frame. Has to do a better job feeling down blocks and not get washed out by anticipating and processing blocking schemes quicker. Pass rushing profile is underwhelming.
BEST TRAIT - Run Defense
WORST TRAIT - Burst
RED FLAGS - None
Michigan State defensive tackle Raequan Williams has been a mainstay for the Spartans defense for several seasons and provided quality run defense. He’s fairly stout and knows how to take on single blocks. That said, he does have work to do in terms of processing skills and anchoring against doubles. While Williams has improved as a pass rusher, his forecast at the next level is modest on account of his ordinary burst, flexibility and rush moves. Williams can find work as an early down defender as a one-technique in a 4-3 defense.
@NoleinATL Your pick...But for the life of me, I can't figure out what you were talking about in regard to Clark's coaching.
Um, you serious clark?
Atkins is our new OL coach, got to believe he coached up the OL some
With the 183rd in the 2020 PGSF NFL Mock Draft The NY Giants select
Michael Onwenu, G, Michigan
Giants need help everywhere, I like to build depth inside
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Overview
Powerful and wide, Onwenu's natural play strength is somewhat offset by his below-average athletic ability. With better hand placement and attention to footwork, he can take a step forward as a drive blocker with the ability to move bodies around, but he'll be a scheme-specific prospect who could struggle against quick, upfield players and sub-package rushers. He has backup guard ability and potential as a Day 3 pick.
Strengths
Michael Onwenu, G, Michigan
Giants need help everywhere, I like to build depth inside
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Overview
Powerful and wide, Onwenu's natural play strength is somewhat offset by his below-average athletic ability. With better hand placement and attention to footwork, he can take a step forward as a drive blocker with the ability to move bodies around, but he'll be a scheme-specific prospect who could struggle against quick, upfield players and sub-package rushers. He has backup guard ability and potential as a Day 3 pick.
Strengths
- Tremendous girth from his chest to his toes
- Matches NFL size with NFL strength
- Upper-body strength to put people on the ground
- Can hold ground and stalemate against like power
- Surprising recovery balance for a big man
- Possesses heavy hands with ability to redirect edge rush
- Good overall physicality and demeanor
- Waste of time for power rushers who want to run through him
Weaknesses
- Can be a step slow getting out of his stance
- Athletic limitations must be accounted for with scheme
- Lacks desire level of range as run blocker
- Doesn't always play as wide as he's built when attempting to sustain blocks
- Needs better post-strike footwork to get blocks sealed
- High hands prevent optimal leverage at point of attack
- Gets over-extended when patience fails him
- Will have trouble against quality rush counters and twisting fronts
With the 184th pick, the Carolina Panthers select Kyahva Tezino, LB, San Diego State University. 6-0, 236.
Luke Kuechly has retired. The Panthers work toward replacing his production.
Per The Draft Network (Marino):
Pros - Clean processor, particularly when defending short zones in coverage and diagnosing inside run. Gap-savvy player that understands his fits against the run. Compact frame leads to good hitting power and contact balance. Has the functional strength to play into the line of scrimmage and hold his own. Does well to play under control and come to balance in pursuit which leads to consistent finishing. Has been a successful blitzer for the Aztecs. Productive, three-year starter. Should be a clean transition to contributing on special teams.
Cons - Range is only average. Doesn’t have a ton of functional athleticism to truly play sideline to sideline. Deeper coverage drops reveal tight hips and segmented transitions. Doesn’t impress in terms of change of direction skills. Questionable ability to mirror routes one on one vs tight ends and running backs. Doesn’t have great length which leads to some challenges finishing outside his frame and clearing contact. Scheme and role specific player.
Luke Kuechly has retired. The Panthers work toward replacing his production.
Per The Draft Network (Marino):
Pros - Clean processor, particularly when defending short zones in coverage and diagnosing inside run. Gap-savvy player that understands his fits against the run. Compact frame leads to good hitting power and contact balance. Has the functional strength to play into the line of scrimmage and hold his own. Does well to play under control and come to balance in pursuit which leads to consistent finishing. Has been a successful blitzer for the Aztecs. Productive, three-year starter. Should be a clean transition to contributing on special teams.
Cons - Range is only average. Doesn’t have a ton of functional athleticism to truly play sideline to sideline. Deeper coverage drops reveal tight hips and segmented transitions. Doesn’t impress in terms of change of direction skills. Questionable ability to mirror routes one on one vs tight ends and running backs. Doesn’t have great length which leads to some challenges finishing outside his frame and clearing contact. Scheme and role specific player.
Actually, I'm feeling more like cousin Eddie about right now.
Not being a premium member, I'm simply not privy to and embroiled in the day-to-day operations of our program as much as some. ...And when I did a quick search on "Charlotte 49ers offensive line coach", I got back a bunch of stuff about some poor guy who died 5 years ago.
@NoleinATL Your pick.
With the 185th pick in the 2020 PGSF NFL Mock Draft The Miami Dolphins select
Nick Coe DE Auburn
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Overview
Defensive lineman good size and strength, but finding a positional fit could be a little bit challenging. Coe has the body type and natural power of an odd-front defensive end, but he needs to play with better anchor and feel for the blocking scheme in front of him. He flashes rugged tendencies, but needs to embrace that part of his game at the point of attack as he lacks the quickness and twitch to be a consistent playmaker or pass rusher. If a team can pair better technique and body control with his traits, he might develop into an NFL backup along the interior.
Strengths
Nick Coe DE Auburn
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Overview
Defensive lineman good size and strength, but finding a positional fit could be a little bit challenging. Coe has the body type and natural power of an odd-front defensive end, but he needs to play with better anchor and feel for the blocking scheme in front of him. He flashes rugged tendencies, but needs to embrace that part of his game at the point of attack as he lacks the quickness and twitch to be a consistent playmaker or pass rusher. If a team can pair better technique and body control with his traits, he might develop into an NFL backup along the interior.
Strengths
- Good frame thickness with proportional mass
- Wham blocks crash into him with very little effect
- Power can be too much for tight ends working across from him
- Experience at a variety of alignments in both odd and even fronts
- Has played standing and with a hand down
- Upper body strength to press and separate from blocks when setting edge
- Strong hands to open edges and work around them
- Hard hitting behind heavy pads
- Adequate arm chop to soften the edge
Weaknesses
- Plays with narrow base that limits his anchor
- Gets moved around by guards at point of attack
- Below average instincts and footwork
- Ends up on the ground way too often
- Hasn't learned to uses his size to play with consistent force
- Get-off is non-threatening as outside or inside rusher
- Plays with heavy feet when plays extend outside pocket
- Pass rush lacks desired coordination and fluidity
- Poor steering wheel to change direction in pocket pursuit
Actually, I'm feeling more like cousin Eddie about right now.
Not being a premium member, I'm simply not privy to and embroiled in the day-to-day operations of our program as much as some. ...And when I did a quick search on "Charlotte 49ers offensive line coach", I got back a bunch of stuff about some poor guy who died 5 years ago.
@NoleinATL Your pick.
Ha, see the PGSF Draft is good to pass some time and we are learning stuff--win win
You are on the clock @NoleLizards
Thanks...I like the Miami pick. The Phins need all the pass rush help they can get!
With the 186th pick, the Los Angeles Chargers select Anthony McFarland Jr., RB, University of Maryland. 5-8, 200.
Melvin Gordon's gone, so the Chargers add the 2nd Maryland back off the board. After turning heads in '18, McFarland was lost in the shuffle a bit last year due to injury. The scouts certainly know about him though. This pick presents outstanding value as seen in the analysis below.
Per Athlon Sports:
Strong points
Small but stocky, McFarland is a twitched-up mover. He plants his foot and explodes when it’s time to go, with the ability to cut on a dime without sacrificing speed when he changes direction. He runs with natural leverage and the ability to get small and churn out yards between the tackles. And his elusiveness and quick feet make him deadly in space, where he has the ability to make defenders swing and miss and the home-run speed to make them pay. That ability should make him an option in the passing game at the next level.
Weak Points
Durability is the biggest question. He had a broken leg that forced him to sit out his first year at Maryland, and he battled an ankle injury last year. He might never be a workhorse at the next level. He’ll also have to be developed as a pass-catching weapon.
Summary
While there are questions about just how heavily you can use him at the next level, McFarland is the kind of home-run threat every team is looking for. He’s a little rough around the edges, but he could become a big-time playmaker.
Final Grade: 3rd/4th round
Year G ATT YDS YPC TDS REC YDS TDS
2018 12 131 1,034 7.9 4 7 73 0
2019 11 114 614 5.4 8 17 126 1
Career 23 245 1,648 6.7 12 24 199 1
@NoleinATL You're up.
Melvin Gordon's gone, so the Chargers add the 2nd Maryland back off the board. After turning heads in '18, McFarland was lost in the shuffle a bit last year due to injury. The scouts certainly know about him though. This pick presents outstanding value as seen in the analysis below.
Per Athlon Sports:
Strong points
Small but stocky, McFarland is a twitched-up mover. He plants his foot and explodes when it’s time to go, with the ability to cut on a dime without sacrificing speed when he changes direction. He runs with natural leverage and the ability to get small and churn out yards between the tackles. And his elusiveness and quick feet make him deadly in space, where he has the ability to make defenders swing and miss and the home-run speed to make them pay. That ability should make him an option in the passing game at the next level.
Weak Points
Durability is the biggest question. He had a broken leg that forced him to sit out his first year at Maryland, and he battled an ankle injury last year. He might never be a workhorse at the next level. He’ll also have to be developed as a pass-catching weapon.
Summary
While there are questions about just how heavily you can use him at the next level, McFarland is the kind of home-run threat every team is looking for. He’s a little rough around the edges, but he could become a big-time playmaker.
Final Grade: 3rd/4th round
Year G ATT YDS YPC TDS REC YDS TDS
2018 12 131 1,034 7.9 4 7 73 0
2019 11 114 614 5.4 8 17 126 1
Career 23 245 1,648 6.7 12 24 199 1
@NoleinATL You're up.
With the 187th pick in the 2020 PGSF NFL Mock Draft the Cleveland Browns select
D.J. Wonnum, DE, South Carolina
Depth for line, could make team as special teamer
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
NFL Comparison
Lorenzo Mauldin
Overview
Wonnum has experience playing standing or with a hand down but is best suited as a rush linebacker in a 3-4. He's not a premium pass rusher but possesses desirable length and slippery body turn to create pressure with secondary rush effort or when activated in a twisting front. He carries decent core strength but might always struggle as a run defender due to below-average bend. His lack of speed and suddenness could work against him and his ceiling might be as a good backup with rotational potential off the edge.
Strengths
D.J. Wonnum, DE, South Carolina
Depth for line, could make team as special teamer
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
NFL Comparison
Lorenzo Mauldin
Overview
Wonnum has experience playing standing or with a hand down but is best suited as a rush linebacker in a 3-4. He's not a premium pass rusher but possesses desirable length and slippery body turn to create pressure with secondary rush effort or when activated in a twisting front. He carries decent core strength but might always struggle as a run defender due to below-average bend. His lack of speed and suddenness could work against him and his ceiling might be as a good backup with rotational potential off the edge.
Strengths
- Named permanent team captain as a sophomore
- Strides up to rush turn with adequate burst
- Keeps the engine running as secondary rusher
- Quick outside-to-inside transitions with rush counter
- Jump-cuts for expedited charge on twists
- Used as A-gap blitzer and to drop and cover from the same look
- Body turn to slither between interior pass pro while he's on the move
- Shows off some hip swivel to circumvent block
- Additional pass rush waiting to be unlocked with spin counter at the top
- Solid disengage to tackle when setting edge
Weaknesses
- Thin lower half
- Not enough conversion of speed to power at this time
- Unable to get low and bend the edge
- Hand fighting insufficient to deaden the edge
- Stopped dead in his tracks when punched squarely
- Lacks strength to forcefully improve positioning
- Play speed and range is limited
- Will struggle to track runners from backside and leverage to sideline
- Can be widened off his edge by single blocks
With the 188th pick, the Buffalo Bills select Isaiah Coulter, WR, University of Rhode Island. 6-2, 198.
The Bills add more receiving depth.
Per nfl.com:
By Lance Zierlein, NFL Analyst
NFL Comparison-Marquess Wilson
Overview
Raw but talented X receiver with NFL-caliber length, speed and athletic ability. He runs a limited route tree and doesn't show enough attention to detail in his route work, but he's loose and fluid with the ability to get that area corrected. He lets coverage off the hook when he doesn't burst and separate like he's capable of, but he has access to plenty of juice when needed. While improvement should be expected, learning to play with better catch aggression and ball-tracking is not a given. Coulter is an explosive, high-upside talent with functional-starter upside, but a lower floor.
Strengths
The Bills add more receiving depth.
Per nfl.com:
By Lance Zierlein, NFL Analyst
NFL Comparison-Marquess Wilson
Overview
Raw but talented X receiver with NFL-caliber length, speed and athletic ability. He runs a limited route tree and doesn't show enough attention to detail in his route work, but he's loose and fluid with the ability to get that area corrected. He lets coverage off the hook when he doesn't burst and separate like he's capable of, but he has access to plenty of juice when needed. While improvement should be expected, learning to play with better catch aggression and ball-tracking is not a given. Coulter is an explosive, high-upside talent with functional-starter upside, but a lower floor.
Strengths
- Possesses enticing combination of height/speed
- Potential for additional growth and development as a player
- Fluid movements with ability to glide in space
- Sudden feet to slip past press and access early burst into route
- Had 9 catches for 152 yards against Virginia Tech
- Very athletic with mid-air adjustments to frame the catch
- Bounding leaper with high-point talent
- Length and quick hands snare heaters outside his frame
- Foot quickness for expanded route tree in future
- Weaves around traffic to stack YAC onto short catches
- Decided size and athletic advantages over much of his competition
- Routes can be sloppy and rounded
- Allows coverage to stick around despite his burst and athleticism
- Inconsistent operating near his top gear
- Hasn't learned to use leverage and angles well enough yet
- Has tendency to coast rather than burst on deep sideline shots
- Isn't forceful enough on 50/50 balls
- Loses contested-catch battles when he plays too nice
- Slow to read downfield throws and work back to them
With the 189th pick in the 2020 PGSF NFL Mock Draft the Jacksonville Jaguars select
Darius Anderson, RB, TCU
Jags add some depth to the running back corp who can help on special teams
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Overview
Job-share running back with size and speed to create yards for himself on the collegiate level. A hot September created some buzz, but he wasn't able to recapture that magic beyond that month. Anderson benefited from massive running lanes created by stretch plays, but displayed enough burst and contact power to turn an eight-yard gain into 18. He looks for clear points of entry and isn't as instinctive at setting up blocks and anticipating run lanes as he needs to be. The height, weight, speed totals will generate interest but finding an early roster spot could be a challenge.
Strengths
Darius Anderson, RB, TCU
Jags add some depth to the running back corp who can help on special teams
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Overview
Job-share running back with size and speed to create yards for himself on the collegiate level. A hot September created some buzz, but he wasn't able to recapture that magic beyond that month. Anderson benefited from massive running lanes created by stretch plays, but displayed enough burst and contact power to turn an eight-yard gain into 18. He looks for clear points of entry and isn't as instinctive at setting up blocks and anticipating run lanes as he needs to be. The height, weight, speed totals will generate interest but finding an early roster spot could be a challenge.
Strengths
- Desired NFL size with athletic, well-defined frame
- Improved physique and quickness with offseason work
- Possesses adequate playmaking traits
- Leg strength and contact balance to break tackles
- Does some damage with an effective spin move
- Accelerates into contact and keeps leg drive working
- Drops pad level and finishes with force in open field
- Juice to bounce runs wide for chunk plays
- Has some twitch and trigger through the hole
- May offer added roster value as kick returner
Weaknesses
- Too much stutter and skip downhill
- Doesn't get deep press of the line to set up cuts
- Runs with elevated pad level
- Hip-tightness forces him to gather into cuts
- Struggles to gather and elude against cutback tacklers
- Takes on way too many squared up licks by linebackers
- Would benefit from altering speeds and tempo as outside runner
- Lacks vision and creativity to stack interior moves
- Can't be counted on in blitz pickup
With the 190th pick, the Philadelphia Eagles select Josiah Scott, CB, Michigan State University. 5-9, 185.
The Iggles learned the hard way a year ago that a defense can never have too many quality coverage guys. Never again (if I can help it).
Per The Draft Network (Crabbs):
Man Coverage Skills - Like his quickness and mirror ability. He's going to do well in short spaces and is capable of playing off coverage and triggering to get into the hip of receivers on quick game. Ability to influence from the trail is limited by wingspan, however. Will get bullied in press coverage on the boundary.
Zone Coverage Skills - He's sharp. Transitions out of initial drop or buzz well to jump into action — shows good feel for route combinations and ability to pivot quickly and overlap his zone into multiple targets. He'll be of high impact in shallow zones thanks to enthusiasm to buzz the run game.
Feet/COD - He's fluid and quick-footed — he fits the profile of a nickel defender and has the ability to pivot or click and close with quickness. He's got good transitional quickness in both flat footed scenarios and when carrying routes vertically to gear down and work back to the football.
Ball Skills - Has a good nose for undercutting the ball and will jump in front of receivers from time to time to flash and create some splash plays. He's not going to have success in high point scenarios or trying to reach through the body of his man — lacks the wingspan and strength to wrestle for positioning.
Flexibility - Very fluid. Has little issue with swerving his hips at steep angles or speed turning to carry and work back into the body of receivers in man coverage. He's got a pretty dynamic lower half and offers plenty of mobility to plant at steep angles and create suddenness.
Acceleration - Long speed is good. He went stride for stride with some speedy dudes in the B1G, including KJ Hamler. He will have little issue staying sticky and going stride for stride without safety top overhead — although that's in a role from the slot and not when asking him to play press outside.
Defensive Spacing - He'll do well to squeeze and bottleneck throwing windows by working into the hip — that said there are times when hand fighting can work him loose and allow for separation. He's springy in zone and capable of jumping down into the teeth of the throw; capable of baiting quarterbacks.
Competitive Toughness - His effort is A+, I love the way he plays. That said, he plays like he's 210 and he's not — so his ability to finish and assertiveness can be hit or miss depending on who he is trying to bump. Combative and scrappy in coverage, fights to suffocate receivers. Enthusiastic playing the run.
Run Support - He's quick to process and his quick-footed athleticism plays well in the nickel to pivot into action and step down to the boundary. He's effective to force ball carriers to square him up but he can let tackles slip through his fingers and blow contain if he's squaring up dense or physical backs.
Tackling -Tackle radius is pretty small due to his wingspan and frame. He'll do well to position himself for finishes and is effective in cut down tackles — but he's got little margin for error and can be pin balled off of more dense running backs in the flat. Takes good initial angles to close down and square up.
---
Best Trait - Feet/COD
Worst Trait - Tackling
Best Film - Oregon (2018)
Worst Film - Wisconsin (2019)
Red Flags - 2018 meniscus INJ
Summary - Josiah Scott projects as a potential nickel defender at the pro level. Scott shows good combativeness, effective COD skills and a strong enthusiasm to play into contact. Those qualities make sense to put him in the nickel as a D-gap defender, but any team that takes him on will have to be willing with some tackling limitations on account of his lack of wingspan and lean frame. Coverage diverse defender who can bring value to any defense — just limited in boundary upside.
The Iggles learned the hard way a year ago that a defense can never have too many quality coverage guys. Never again (if I can help it).
Per The Draft Network (Crabbs):
Man Coverage Skills - Like his quickness and mirror ability. He's going to do well in short spaces and is capable of playing off coverage and triggering to get into the hip of receivers on quick game. Ability to influence from the trail is limited by wingspan, however. Will get bullied in press coverage on the boundary.
Zone Coverage Skills - He's sharp. Transitions out of initial drop or buzz well to jump into action — shows good feel for route combinations and ability to pivot quickly and overlap his zone into multiple targets. He'll be of high impact in shallow zones thanks to enthusiasm to buzz the run game.
Feet/COD - He's fluid and quick-footed — he fits the profile of a nickel defender and has the ability to pivot or click and close with quickness. He's got good transitional quickness in both flat footed scenarios and when carrying routes vertically to gear down and work back to the football.
Ball Skills - Has a good nose for undercutting the ball and will jump in front of receivers from time to time to flash and create some splash plays. He's not going to have success in high point scenarios or trying to reach through the body of his man — lacks the wingspan and strength to wrestle for positioning.
Flexibility - Very fluid. Has little issue with swerving his hips at steep angles or speed turning to carry and work back into the body of receivers in man coverage. He's got a pretty dynamic lower half and offers plenty of mobility to plant at steep angles and create suddenness.
Acceleration - Long speed is good. He went stride for stride with some speedy dudes in the B1G, including KJ Hamler. He will have little issue staying sticky and going stride for stride without safety top overhead — although that's in a role from the slot and not when asking him to play press outside.
Defensive Spacing - He'll do well to squeeze and bottleneck throwing windows by working into the hip — that said there are times when hand fighting can work him loose and allow for separation. He's springy in zone and capable of jumping down into the teeth of the throw; capable of baiting quarterbacks.
Competitive Toughness - His effort is A+, I love the way he plays. That said, he plays like he's 210 and he's not — so his ability to finish and assertiveness can be hit or miss depending on who he is trying to bump. Combative and scrappy in coverage, fights to suffocate receivers. Enthusiastic playing the run.
Run Support - He's quick to process and his quick-footed athleticism plays well in the nickel to pivot into action and step down to the boundary. He's effective to force ball carriers to square him up but he can let tackles slip through his fingers and blow contain if he's squaring up dense or physical backs.
Tackling -Tackle radius is pretty small due to his wingspan and frame. He'll do well to position himself for finishes and is effective in cut down tackles — but he's got little margin for error and can be pin balled off of more dense running backs in the flat. Takes good initial angles to close down and square up.
---
Best Trait - Feet/COD
Worst Trait - Tackling
Best Film - Oregon (2018)
Worst Film - Wisconsin (2019)
Red Flags - 2018 meniscus INJ
Summary - Josiah Scott projects as a potential nickel defender at the pro level. Scott shows good combativeness, effective COD skills and a strong enthusiasm to play into contact. Those qualities make sense to put him in the nickel as a D-gap defender, but any team that takes him on will have to be willing with some tackling limitations on account of his lack of wingspan and lean frame. Coverage diverse defender who can bring value to any defense — just limited in boundary upside.
@NoleinATL Great pick for Jax! Fournette's still young but already wearing down. You're up.
With the 191st pick in the 2020 PGSF NFL Draft The New York Jets select
Cameron Brown LB Penn State University
Guy has talent, good depth add, could be a better pro with more strength
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Overview
Long-limbed, 4-3 linebacker with moldable play traits and an attacking play demeanor. Needs to add muscle and learn to play under control. Brown has the speed and length to put himself into position to make plays but he overshoots open field tackle opportunities. He is average in zone coverage, but has intriguing rush/blitz potential that might be tantalizing. He might climb the ladder from a backup to something more if he can play stronger and with more discipline.
Strengths
Cameron Brown LB Penn State University
Guy has talent, good depth add, could be a better pro with more strength
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Overview
Long-limbed, 4-3 linebacker with moldable play traits and an attacking play demeanor. Needs to add muscle and learn to play under control. Brown has the speed and length to put himself into position to make plays but he overshoots open field tackle opportunities. He is average in zone coverage, but has intriguing rush/blitz potential that might be tantalizing. He might climb the ladder from a backup to something more if he can play stronger and with more discipline.
Strengths
- Above-average covering ground laterally
- Adequate instincts and angles to the ball against run
- Good chase and squeeze from backside
- Rushes downhill looking for action
- Plays with striker's mentality
- Runs through his target with everything he can bring
- Uses exceptional length to separate from slot blockers
- Good effort in redirecting routes from space
- Capable blitzer up the gut or from slot with bend at the turn
Weaknesses
- Long, gangly frame lacks NFL mass
- Needs to add additional strength to fend off NFL blockers
- Lets feet get away from him in space, causing balance issues at times
- Zone coverage needs better anticipation and route squeeze
- Displays a big stall in change of direction
- Can be conned out of position by screens
- Open field tackling issues are a major concern
- Rarely comes to balance to tackle once he's on the move
With the 192nd pick, the Green Bay Packers select Shyheim Carter, DB, University of Alabama. 6-0, 195.
Trained by the best DB coach in the business, Carter projects as either a safety or nickel corner, providing needed depth for the Packers.
Per SI Giants Country (Patricia Traina):
If there's one thing you can expect from an alumnus of Nick Saban's Crimson Tide program, it's that he'll be as NFL ready as a prospect can be.
Meet defensive back Shyheim Carter, who has lined up at safety and nickel corner for the Crimson Tide.
Carter was a four-star recruit out of Louisiana’s Kentwood High School in 2016, where he played both cornerback and quarterback. Carter has appeared in 50 career games with 23 starts, capping his college career with 100 tackles, three interceptions (2 returned for touchdowns, both coming in 2018), two forced fumbles, and 18 passes defensed.'
According to Pro Football Focus' draft guide, Carter had his best season in 2018 in which he played 445 coverage snaps (out of 751 total), allowing 24 receptions out of 49 pass targets to be completed for 222 yards with two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
He also forced an incompletion on 11 of those 49 pass targets by working himself into the right position to break up the play.
Whatever Carter might lack in athleticism and pure speed, he more than makes up for with his instincts, physical play, and production. He anticipates the development of routes well and turns on the jets to close in and position himself to make a play on the ball.
Carter is a feisty player who fights off blockers and seems to relish the physical aspect of the game. He isn't afraid to hit and is a solid tackler who only missed four tackles on 47 attempts last season.
In addition to being custom-made for the slot, Carter can play safety as well, where he's shown promise in run support.
In two seasons as the slot corner, Haley has allowed 62 of 76 passes to be completed for 708 yards and five touchdowns. He's broken up just two passes and has recorded zero interceptions over that same period and was benched for Ballentine for part of last year.
Although Carter, projected to land somewhere in Round 3 or the top of Round 4, has a limited body of work in actual coverage snaps in the nickel, he's produced.
He doesn't have all-world speed and can be susceptible to vertical routes, but what he does have should allow him to keep pace with his competition.
Your pick @NoleinATL.
Trained by the best DB coach in the business, Carter projects as either a safety or nickel corner, providing needed depth for the Packers.
Per SI Giants Country (Patricia Traina):
If there's one thing you can expect from an alumnus of Nick Saban's Crimson Tide program, it's that he'll be as NFL ready as a prospect can be.
Meet defensive back Shyheim Carter, who has lined up at safety and nickel corner for the Crimson Tide.
Carter was a four-star recruit out of Louisiana’s Kentwood High School in 2016, where he played both cornerback and quarterback. Carter has appeared in 50 career games with 23 starts, capping his college career with 100 tackles, three interceptions (2 returned for touchdowns, both coming in 2018), two forced fumbles, and 18 passes defensed.'
According to Pro Football Focus' draft guide, Carter had his best season in 2018 in which he played 445 coverage snaps (out of 751 total), allowing 24 receptions out of 49 pass targets to be completed for 222 yards with two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown.
He also forced an incompletion on 11 of those 49 pass targets by working himself into the right position to break up the play.
Whatever Carter might lack in athleticism and pure speed, he more than makes up for with his instincts, physical play, and production. He anticipates the development of routes well and turns on the jets to close in and position himself to make a play on the ball.
Carter is a feisty player who fights off blockers and seems to relish the physical aspect of the game. He isn't afraid to hit and is a solid tackler who only missed four tackles on 47 attempts last season.
In addition to being custom-made for the slot, Carter can play safety as well, where he's shown promise in run support.
In two seasons as the slot corner, Haley has allowed 62 of 76 passes to be completed for 708 yards and five touchdowns. He's broken up just two passes and has recorded zero interceptions over that same period and was benched for Ballentine for part of last year.
Although Carter, projected to land somewhere in Round 3 or the top of Round 4, has a limited body of work in actual coverage snaps in the nickel, he's produced.
He doesn't have all-world speed and can be susceptible to vertical routes, but what he does have should allow him to keep pace with his competition.
Your pick @NoleinATL.
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