jeanpierre

K Major

RB Travis Etienne (Jennings, LA) - Clemson

Fast, 2nd level burst and can add another dimension to Sean P offense.

Probably gone Day 1.

ChrisXVI

Ok guys, this is a very long post but very interesting. It comes from a certain subscription site but I found it somewhere and figured I’d share...

Following interviews with seven executives in personnel, here is Part 2 (defensive players) of a look at the 60 players they view as most likely to lead off the NFL Draft next month. Players are listed by position in current order of value. Forty-three of the 60 declared for the draft early as underclassmen.

All interviews were conducted before the start of pro days March 5; the NFL combine in February was canceled because of the coronavirus. Thus, these evaluations can and will change substantially over the next seven weeks as teams obtain 40-yard dash times, testing results, medical information and additional player interviews. Heights are rounded to the nearest half-inch when official measurements were available.

The top prospects on offense was posted Wednesday.

Defensive line (5)

Levi Onwuzurike, Washington (6-foot-3½, 290 pounds): It’s a poor draft for defensive linemen, with no sure-fire candidate for the first round. “Not a very good group,” said one scout. “He’s the guy I’m most excited about. In 2019, he was a maniac. He was all over the place. He’s a movement-oriented guy who plays with his hair on fire.”

Opted out of 2020 after spending four seasons in Seattle. Started in 2019 only and finished career with just seven sacks. “Undersized guy that tries to rely on being an athlete and plays in gaps,” said another scout. “But he’s not that talented to be that kind of guy. He just gets destroyed all the time.” Has nursed a tender Achilles tendon since high school. “But he’s been able to manage through that,” said a third scout. “He’s a 3-technique. He is an attacking-style player. He gets off the ball. He is a leader. He works hard. Got good closing speed. He can pressure the quarterback from all different types of angles. He’s got length. He’s quick. He has a chance for the first (round).”

Christian Barmore, Alabama (6-foot-5, 310 pounds): The Crimson Tide have had seven defensive linemen drafted among the top 56 picks in the last five years. The three first-round choices (Quinnen Williams, Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen) all were better prospects than Barmore, according to several scouts. “Alabama, big, hype,” one scout said. “Someone will take him (in the first round). Just a big, slow-footed guy. Stiff lower body. Nonproductive. Plays in-line and tries to fight you. No pass rush at all. No range. Upright. Just a grunt type guy.”

Third-year sophomore had eight sacks in 2020. “Not a perfect plug-and-play guy,” said a second scout. “He’s talented, but super raw. We really like his upside. He’s got inside pass rush. That’s what he’s really good at. He would be a really good sub rusher. You have to start him out slow because he doesn’t have a ton of experience and there’s a level of rawness to him.” Immaturity is an issue for several teams. Said a third scout: “He’s talented, but I think he’s going to fall. He’s a part-time starter for them because he’s so inconsistent.”


Osa Odighizuwa, UCLA (6-foot-2½, 280 pounds): Had a big week in Mobile, Ala. “They literally couldn’t block the guy at the Senior Bowl,” one scout said. “He doesn’t have a great history of production, but did he look good there. He was more of a power guy than a movement guy, but he could be a 1-technique for some people. He’s not a 330-pound slug, yet he wins with power.”

Three-time state wrestling champion in Oregon. In four seasons for the Bruins, he had 11½ sacks. “He has incredible strength and unbelievable hands as a rusher,” said a second scout. “Runs to the football. He can get skinny. He’s a 3-technique. Just a pain in the *** to block.” Owa, his older brother, was the Giants’ third-round draft choice in 2015 but played in just 18 games without a sack in a brief career.

Alim McNeill, North Carolina State (6-foot-2, 320 pounds): Squatty nose tackle. “He’s a 6-footer, 6-1,” said one scout. “Sawed off. He can hold point. He’s strong. He’ll start in the league, but I never thought first round when I watched him.” Started for 1½ of his three seasons for the Wolfpack, accumulating 10 sacks. “He’s short, but he’s thick and he’s athletic,” said another scout. “Pure nose tackle. Like Javon Hargrave. That’s who he is. Second round.”

Scored 40 TDs as a goal-line running back at Sanderson High School in Raleigh, N.C. Excellent baseball player. “He’s kind of interesting,” a third scout said. “Former running back, and he is athletic. He’s got good feet. Good bender. He shows you he can play hard, but he kind of runs out of gas. Weight and conditioning are issues. Hasn’t always been a fully committed guy. Little bit entitled, but he’s got talent.”

Jaylen Twyman, Pittsburgh (6-foot-2, 300 pounds): Posted 10½ sacks in 2019, becoming the Panthers’ first interior defensive lineman to lead the team in sacks since Aaron Donald had 11 in 2013. Both wore No. 97. “Very productive,” said one scout. “He’s got power, hands, body control. He’s got all the things you want to see from those top DTs. His style is more like Grady Jarrett than anything else. Probably a 3-technique.”

Explained his decision to opt out of 2020 as “meeting my family’s needs, now and in the future,” rather than the coronavirus. Redshirted in 2017, played sparingly in ’18. “He’s an inside rusher — that’s what he does best,” said a second scout. “He’s not a powerful guy. He’s a total movement guy. You just have to make sure he fits because he is not a big man. He doesn’t ever get flat-out blown out, but he’s just not a big guy. I could see somebody reaching on him in the second or third (round). It might be a little bit irresponsible.”

Edge (8)

Joe Tryon, Washington (6-foot-5, 262 pounds): Played left end in the Huskies’ 4-3 defense but has the athleticism to stand up and play outside linebacker in a 3-4. “He’s long, relentless,” one scout said. “He can bend. He can drop into coverage. He doesn’t have any speed-to-power move. He’ll get stalled. But his effort is undeniable. We’ll find out this spring if he can stand up. He’s a very determined football player.”

Redshirted in 2017, started two of 12 games in ’18, started 12 of 13 games in ’19 and opted out of ’20. “He can run and turn a corner,” a second scout said. “He can be a 3-4 outside guy or a right defensive end. Super athletic. He shows he can play hard, but he’s real inconsistent. He’s also inconsistent in terms of violence. He can be a finesse guy sometimes. I don’t want to say he’s not tough, but you just want him a little nastier once in a while.” Had eight sacks in 2019. “Pretty physical. Got some strike and leverage,” a third scout said. “In the pass rush, not super explosive, but he’s got the moves. He knows how to bend and leverage. He’s got power. Good player.”

Kwity Paye, Michigan (6-foot-3½, 272 pounds): Lightly recruited player from Rhode Island. Compared by one scout to Chiefs’ Frank Clark, another former Michigan right defensive end. “He’s got a lot of Clark’s physical traits,” said one scout. “He’s short (for an edge rusher). That’s his biggest deficiency, but his arm length is solid. He’s got top-15 explosiveness and ability. He can turn the corner and play with power. Those are the two most important things for a pass rusher. I think his best attribute is he can really accelerate through contact.”

Was born in a refugee camp in Guinea and came to the U.S. with his Liberian parents at 6 months. “He’ll become a guy in two years,” said another scout. “He’s got a high ceiling. He’s a leader, a front-of-the-line guy that does everything you want him to do. One big body of muscle.” Posted 11½ sacks in four seasons. “’Dude, finish,’” a third scout said he was inclined to tell Paye. “’Mr. Almost’ is what I said about this guy. He’s always almost, and when guys are like that, they really don’t know what they’re doing. You see some violence, you see the jolt and snatch, you see some burst off the edge. I like him, but he should be better than what he is.”

Jaelan Phillips, Miami (6-foot-5, 245 pounds): Highly touted California prep prospect went to UCLA but played just 10 games in first two seasons. He briefly retired from football in mid-December 2018 after suffering two concussions, two high ankle sprains and a wrist injury that involved the surgical removal of three bones. “That will all come into play with him,” one scout said. “As far as a player, he’s legit. Just a playmaker. He’s big, long. The shake, the bend, the spin. Plays hard. At the point of attack, he can use his length really well. He’s a player. He’s top 10-12 if you watch the tape right.”

Transferred to Miami, where he had eight sacks in 10 games in 2020. “Had a really great season,” a second scout said. “Explosive pass rusher with good inside moves and a spin move. Only thing I didn’t like was he needs to be more physical against the run. Amazing thing about him was every game he seemed to improve and get more confident. He is extremely talented.” Had 4½ sacks in two seasons for the Bruins. A fourth scout called him a “major party guy.”

Gregory Rousseau, Miami (6-foot-7, 268 pounds): Started seven of 15 games from 2018 and ’19 before opting out in 2020. “You’d like to have a little bit more to go on,” said one scout. “Normally, you would knock him for it, but you have to adjust to the times. On all these guys, you have to make a determination.” Doubled as a wide receiver in high school, catching nine TD passes in 2016. “Originally recruited as a wide receiver,” said a second scout. “He is athletically very twitchy, but he doesn’t have power. He’s got length and the frame to create (power). Good personality. Somebody will take a shot on him in the first (round), but he doesn’t deserve it. There’s not enough there for me.”

Suffered a broken ankle in Game 2 of his freshman season. “He’d be on the all-overrated team,” a third scout said. “Got a lot of athletic ability, but a complete finesse player. There’s no nasty to him whatsoever. … I saw high bust potential.” Registered 15½ sacks in 2019, second in the FBS behind Chase Young (16½). “Not explosive, but a really good technician,” a fourth scout said. “He knows how to use his hands and how to get off blocks. He really has a feel.” Has gained 30-35 pounds since he last played. “He’s a gangly athlete who struggles to change direction,” said a fifth scout. “Doesn’t have much body control. He is very weak in everything he does. He may flash now and then, but he just doesn’t show much to really say what there is about this guy that everybody’s excited about.”

Ronnie Perkins, Oklahoma (6-foot-2, 250 pounds): Started for 2½ seasons at defensive end. “I like this little Oklahoma guy,” one scout said. “He’s something else now. I don’t know how big he’s going to be, but he is explosive and has jolt. Athletically, he’s got really excellent movement coming forward. For a little guy, he’s powerful in gaps against the run. You don’t see guys play like this anymore. He’s violent. They dropped him (into coverage) every so often, but that’s not his deal.” Finished with 16½ sacks. “He’s the best overall pass rusher I saw this year,” another scout said. “Chase Young was more explosive, but this guy is a much better technician. Uses his hands better, plays the run better. It’ll get down to his size.”

Failed a drug test before the Peach Bowl in December 2019 and was suspended the first month of last season. “There just aren’t many (successful) pass rushers who are as tight in the lower body and have trouble turning the corner,” said a third scout. “Those are his biggest limitations. I think going against a bigger, more athletic tackle in the NFL, he’s really going to struggle. He has stiffness in the hips and knees. When he turns the corner, he just doesn’t bend well like the guys that consistently affect the quarterback.”

Jayson Oweh, Penn State (6-foot-5, 253 pounds): Played off the bench as a true freshman and sophomore, notching seven sacks. Started all seven games in 2020 but had no sacks and just one hurry. “The talent and the production do not match,” one scout said. “Something’s missing. If there’s an overdraft candidate in this group, it’s probably him. Rushers go, and this guy’s really talented. You’re looking at Montez Sweat(-like) workout numbers.”

The Nittany Lions’ pro day is scheduled for March 25. “He’s the biggest anomaly,” said another scout. “If he’s 6-foot-2, 250 pounds, and runs a 4.38 (40-yard dash), he’s going first round. That’s how it goes. It may be pick 32, but he’ll go in the first.” A third scout labeled him as the dreaded “just a guy.” Added a fourth: “I’m totally baffled by him. He’s an absolute non-factor when you watch him. There’s just nothing there. He doesn’t show any quickness. He doesn’t show burst. Zero sacks. But I guess he’s supposed to work out like a phenom. I guess that’s the thing people are holding on to.”

Joseph Ossai, Texas (6-foot-4, 253 pounds): One of the more versatile defensive players in the draft. “He’s probably an outside ‘backer,” one scout said. “He has played inside ‘backer. He played rush ‘backer this year. He can accelerate to the quarterback. He’s determined to get there. He’s got a good motor. But he’s stiff, doesn’t have a plan when he’s rushing and loses his feet too much when he rushes.”

Started 24 of 36 games, finishing with 11½ sacks and 30 tackles for loss. “Good athlete in a straight line, but I don’t think it translates to the field,” said a second scout. “He’s leggy in his movement. His speed isn’t early quickness. I think he’ll struggle facing real tackles every week. He’s going in the third (round).”

Azeez Ojulari, Georgia (6-foot-2, 240 pounds): Led the Southeastern Conference in sacks (8½), tackles for loss (8½) and forced fumbles (four) in 2020. “I think he’ll go high,” said one scout. “He’s an analytics dream. He’s got production in the SEC. He’s going to test really well. He’s got physical traits. Those guys usually end up going high. I didn’t see it.”

Played two games as a true freshman in 2018 before redshirting. “We’re not 100 percent sure what to do with him,” said another scout. “Probably better off in a 3-4 (defense). More of a standup Sam ‘backer (in a 4-3) and coming in as a rush guy on occasion. He’s not super talented. He plays hard. Smart, knows what to do. Good technician.” Started two years at end. “They played him at end and off the ball, and he gets beat up wherever he is,” a third scout said. “You love the way he plays, but he’s a little guy. His pass rush is just effort. That’s really what he’s got. He doesn’t have length, power or moves. He’s not a space athlete by any means. I don’t have a role for him.”

Linebackers (6)

Zaven Collins, Tulsa (6-foot-4, 260 pounds): Generally played inside as a 30-game starter. “It’s like you’re watching a (youth) football game and there’s a kid that shouldn’t be on the field because he’s too big,” one scout said. “He’s a giant. When you get a guy that big, people think he should be ripping everybody in half. He doesn’t do that, but who cares? He gets guys down. You look at the body, you’d think he was an old-school, 1980s, Mike linebacker. Just a big, between-the-tackles plugger. But this guy can run. He’s not a blowback tackler. (Brian) Urlacher probably is a good comparison.”

Extremely productive with 236 tackles, 7½ sacks, five interceptions, three forced fumbles and three recovered fumbles. “He reminds me a lot of (San Francisco’s) Fred Warner,” a second scout said. “Fred wasn’t an explosive, knockback tackler (at Brigham Young), and this guy isn’t, either. But (Collins) can run and has suddenness for a big guy. He’s got a really high ceiling.” Played quarterback as a prep in Hominy, Okla. (population: 3,565). “Small-town kid with a really serious chip on his shoulder to be great,” said a third scout. “He’s 260 and runs 4.5. He makes plays in the run game, in the pass game. I’d put him at Mike, but he could be an outside ‘backer, too, because he’s really good at blitzing. Top 25 probably.”

Pete Werner, Ohio State (6-foot-2½, 240 pounds): Three-year starter in a linebacking corps with three other prospects in the draft. “I wasn’t that high on him coming into the fall,” said one scout. “The more I watched him, I said this is exactly what you want. Smart, active, quick. He can tackle and he can cover. There’s nothing he can’t do. I’ve got him in the second half of the first round.” Never intercepted a pass but broke up 13. “He’s got speed to carry routes, he can match up with tight ends and he’s a good blitzer,” a second scout said. “He’s got really good run fits. Really good kid. Everybody there loves him. One of those guys who will knock the **** out of you.”

Ex-Buckeye MLB James Laurinaitis, a second-round pick in 2009, played almost every snap for St. Louis for seven seasons. “I think Werner is better,” a third scout said. “Laurinaitis was almost like another coach on the field, but was a below-the-line athlete. This kid is a good athlete. He’ll run 4.6. He’s very similar to (Logan) Wilson from last year. This guy’s a little better even.” Said a fourth scout: “He’s limited. Try-hard guy.”

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame (6-foot-1, 215 pounds): “He can pick up people and run all over the field with them, go deep with them, break up passes,” one scout said. “He plays much bigger than his size. You talk about explosive. When he hits people at 215 pounds, they rock. Size and the position he’ll play are the only questions.” Played safety in high school and as a space linebacker for the Fighting Irish. “I got a vibe the Notre Dame people were nervous about making this guy a safety because of his ability to communicate and he freelanced so much,” another scout said. “I saw him as an elite cover ‘backer. Put him at Will and let him run around and hit people and play in coverage. To put this guy inside facing blocks all the time, I don’t know why you’d do that.”

Didn’t compile any statistics in two games as a sophomore but had major production in 2019 and ’20. “I don’t think he has the frame to get any bigger,” a third scout said. “He’s going to get crushed (against) guys in the box. He’s more instinctive and runs to the ball better than Isaiah Simmons. He’s an outside space player who probably will wind up being a nickel or dime linebacker.” A fourth scout, however, compared him to (Atlanta’s) Deion Jones. “All right, if you want a tackle 15 yards down the field, he’s your guy,” a fifth scout said. “He can run around, but do you want this guy out in space in coverage? No. You love the way he plays, but he’s little. He might even be 200 pounds.”

Micah Parsons, Penn State (6-foot-3, 245 pounds): Played extensively off the bench as a true freshman in 2018, started in ’19 and opted out of ’20. “The player he reminds me of is Myles Jack,” said one scout. “They’re rare athletes, but not great linebackers. He’s not (Tampa’s) Devin White. He can be closer to what Fred Warner is. Similar to (Indianapolis’) Darius Leonard. (Buffalo’s) Tremaine Edmunds would have a little higher grade. The consistent point-of-attack play isn’t there. He doesn’t penetrate and make tackles in the backfield, which is kind of what separates linebackers.”

Had 109 tackles, five sacks, five pass breakups and four forced fumbles in 2019. “Lot of hype. I see bust potential,” another scout said. “Zaven Collins (of Tulsa) was a much better player.” Some teams view him fitting better as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 or as a Sam in a 4-3 rather than inside in either defense. “What you have is a space chase ‘backer,” said a third scout. “If everything is straight-line for him and he sees (the play), he’s explosive in-line. His sacks, (Penn State does) games up front and blitz him right through the middle. They scheme him to do that stuff. When he’s in space and if he’s chasing somebody, you can see his speed. Besides that, he is not an exceptional athlete. His effort is OK. He is a complete nonfactor when a blocker is on him. He reminds me of Isaiah Simmons last year. Simmons just had an average year (for the Cardinals).”

Nick Bolton, Missouri (6-foot-0, 232 pounds): “Poor man’s Devin Bush (of the Steelers),” said one scout. “He’s athletic. Can play in coverage. He played Mike (at Missouri), but he might be better served playing on the outside because of his size. Really, really good kid. Really good second-round pick.”

Third-year junior played three seasons, starting two. “He reminds me of Demario Davis,” a second scout said. “Physical like that. He’s got nice, instinctive feel. Makes a ****load of plays. I’d like to see him develop a better feel in the passing game. All in all, he’s a pretty good player. Second round.” A third scout evaluated Bolton as a lesser athlete than Purdue MLB Derrick Barnes. “He’s physical and tough, but he’s stiff in space and has short arms,” he said. “Just a little tight in his movement. I wasn’t enamored by the athlete. Fourth round.”

Jamin Davis, Kentucky (6-foot-4, 232 pounds): Fourth-year junior, one-year starter. “He’s by far my No. 1 pure linebacker,” said one scout. “Plays hard. Can run. Not the greatest take-on guy, but who is nowadays? He’s tough. He can slip and dip. In coverage stuff, they never take him off the field. Just really instinctive in coverage. Against Florida, they were spread out and he was just running all over the place making plays.”

Made 102 tackles and intercepted three passes in 2020. “He wouldn’t have even started this year except another guy (Chris Oats) had a stroke this summer,” another scout said. “He’s big and long, and he can run. He makes plays, but there are times he just freezes. As far as a physical talent, he’s a second-day guy. But there’s something missing.” A third scout said he was the most talented linebacker other than Parsons. “I’m really excited about him,” he said. “Looks like (Houston’s) Zach Cunningham, but he’s more physically gifted and a more physical player. He’s got a really high ceiling. He can really run. A unique athlete.”

Cornerbacks (9)

Patrick Surtain II, Alabama (6-foot-2, 202 pounds): Third-year junior, three-year starter. “I think he’s better than (Baltimore’s) Marlon Humphrey coming out,” one scout said. “He’s technically sound. He’s ready right now. Loves the games. Competes. Same guy every day. They all rave about this guy (at Alabama).” His father, Patrick, had 37 interceptions in an 11-year NFL career and made the Pro Bowl twice. “His dad ran 4.52 for me,” a second scout said. “I estimated the son would run 4.50. I watched nine games this year and a bunch of games last year. I question his top-end speed. They play so much zone, and he’s got help most of the time. Good football player. He’s got a little bit of hip tightness to him. That’s the thing that bothers me about him. He has to gather when he changes direction. Once he comes out of it, he can close.”

Picked off four passes to go with 24 passes defensed for the Crimson Tide. “He’s the best guy,” said a third scout. “Wow athlete for his size, got pedigree, effortless in coverage. He’s not an ***-kicker as a tackler, but he’s big and can run and cover people. He’s a sure thing.”

Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech (6-foot-2, 207 pounds): High-school quarterback who began his collegiate career as a cornerback, spent the spring of 2017 as a wide receiver before moving back to corner that fall. “He’s not a finished product yet,” one scout said. “Huge ceiling. He’ll eventually be a No. 1. He’s got the size to cover big targets and the speed to cover fast guys. Big personality. Is he mentally tough enough? He did have a back injury in 2019 that (teams) must figure out. He’s new to the position, but he has instincts and feel.”

Suffered a torn ACL in August 2017 and redshirted. Started in 2018 and ’19 before opting out of ’20. “I have him bottom of the second round,” said a second scout. “He’s my No. 6 corner. He has length and speed. He’s very linear and not very strong. He will struggle against some physical wide receivers in the NFL. You’ve got to be able to change direction, be strong and be competitive. Those are his three biggest weaknesses. When they run a slant or comeback, or get in his face, I don’t know what he’s going to do. If you’re picking in the top 15, you want a guy who can compete with some of that stuff.” Finished with six picks and 19 passes defensed. “He’s not a top pick,” a third scout said. “He’s big and fast, but he’s a press guy only. When he’s off, he’s rigid and stiff. Run support is average for a guy that big. He’s a Seattle-type guy. I’m just not crazy about his overall talent.”

Jaycee Horn, South Carolina (6-foot-1, 205 pounds): His father, Joe, was a quirky four-time Pro Bowl receiver for the Chiefs, Saints and Falcons from 1996-07. “We’re not holding Joe against him,” one scout said, laughing. “(Jaycee) is the least talented of the top five, but maybe the best football player. He’s not a 4.3 guy. He’s probably high 4.4s. But he’s tough, competitive and super instinctive. Takes the ball away. Physical in coverage. He’s a little bit grabby, and probably will go through some growing pains because he’s so physical in coverage.”

Third-year junior, three-year starter. “He’s a dog,” a second scout said admiringly after ranking Horn No. 1. “Plays the game the right way. He’s a big, physical guy on the outside, which is hard to find these days.” Another scout said Horn was “top 15, definitely.” Said a fourth scout: “I’m not sold on him yet. He kind of scares me. He’s got wonderful size. He can be inside, outside. You can match him up. He’s a physical player. He’s a good athlete, not a great athlete.” Had two career interceptions. “The whole thing with him will get down to speed,” a fifth scout said. “If he can run, he becomes a first-rounder.”



Greg Newsome II, Northwestern (6-foot-0, 192 pounds): First pure three-and-done player in coach Pat Fitzgerald’s 15-year tenure. “He’s an instant starter,” said one scout. “He’s got confidence. Excellent athlete. He has feet, hips, twitch. When he presses, it’s an easy flip and run. The instincts are there. He’s got excellent ball skills. He tackles good enough.”

Played just three games in 2020 due to injury and his decision to declare for the draft before the Citrus Bowl. “Only negative would be durability,” a second scout said. “He has missed 13 games in three years. Very disciplined. He went four games this season and nobody caught a ball on him. He’s better than (Indianapolis’) Rock Ya-Sin coming out. Very confident and self-assured. Money’s not going to change this dude. Very low maintenance. He is obsessed with the game of football. He’s a smooth and easy mover. Never out of position.”

Played three seasons, intercepted one pass. “He’s a perfect nickel,” said a third scout. “Strength is probably his biggest deficiency. The guy gives effort. He probably has to get a little bigger and stronger. Still, he’s athletic enough to tackle guys. He wins the 50-50s more with quickness, savvy and instincts than he does physicality and presence. He’s really good in a lot of things, but no flat-out wow. These guys usually end up in the second round.”

Eric Stokes, Georgia (6-foot-1, 185 pounds): Coach Kirby Smart took a chance on Stokes, who had as much if not more success in high school as a sprinter in track than he did in football. After redshirting in 2017, Stokes moved into the lineup in late 2018 and started from there on. “I’d take him over Farley,” said one scout. “He’s big, too, and he’s smooth. He’s got excellent feel and body control. Just a natural at what he does. Press stuff is easy for him. When he’s off, he’s not instant change of direction. His length kind of saves him. Excellent ball skills.”

All four of his interceptions came in 2020, two of which he returned for touchdowns. “He’s probably the fastest guy of the group,” said another scout. “He’s a better athlete than Horn.” Played well on special teams early in his career. “Late one, early two,” a third scout said. “He’s got great recovery skills. He’s got a knack for the interception. He just stands out. He’s a physical tackler. There’s high upside with this guy.” A fourth scout described him as “highly overrated.” A fifth scout said he wouldn’t draft him in the first two rounds.

Tyson Campbell, Georgia (6-foot-2, 185 pounds): Played at American Heritage (Fla.) under coach Patrick Surtain on a team that included Patrick Surtain II and Auburn receiver Anthony Schwartz. “(Schwartz) ran a 10.19 (in the 100 meters), and this kid ran 10.39,” said one scout. “I’d feel comfortable taking him at the end of the first round.”

Third-year junior made 24 starts over three seasons. “He’s a better athlete than Horn,” said a second scout. “Big, athletic, can cover anybody. He has elite movement, maybe the best of the group. Stokes is skinnier than Campbell, but probably is a click faster.” Minimal ball production: one pick, 10 passes defensed. “Athletically, he is a freak,” said a third scout. “If anything, you’ve got to get into his head and find out who he is. I think he’ll be an outside corner. He’ll tackle good enough. He’s going to run like the wind.”

Ifeatu Melifonwu, Syracuse (6-foot-2½, 212 pounds): Fourth-year junior backed up in 2018 then started 19 combined games in 2019 and ’20. “He’s excellent,” said one scout. “Against Clemson, Trevor Lawrence would not throw to his side. Good tackler, good cover guy. I see nothing wrong with this guy until he runs. He looks special to me.” His brother, Obi, was drafted by the Raiders as a safety from Connecticut in 2017. In January, he signed as a free agent with the 49ers after playing merely seven games in four years. “I actually like him (Ifeatu),” said a second scout. “If he had a different last name, he’d be a first-round pick. But people are so afraid because of his brother. Corners that big with ability don’t last that long. He’s raw, but he’s big, fast, physical. Some of the change-of-direction stuff isn’t great because he’s so big. There’s only so well he’ll move in transition unless you’re Jalen Ramsey, who was a top-5 pick.”

Obi had eight interceptions in four seasons at UConn. Ifeatu had three in three seasons. “You kind of wonder if he’s exactly like his brother, and his brother had no instincts,” said a third scout. “His brother played safety and this guy played outside, and outsides don’t necessarily have to have those kinds of instincts. He’s big, gifted, but he’s a little bit of an underachiever. You want him to be better for his size and skill set. Still, if you’re talking about a guy like this in the third round, for sure.”

Asante Samuel Jr., Florida State (5-foot-10, 184 pounds): Almost every scout referenced his father. A fourth-round draft pick by the Patriots in 2003 from UCF, the elder Samuel intercepted 51 passes in 12 seasons for three teams and made four Pro Bowls. He was 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds, and ran 4.52. “Kind of like his dad, honestly,” said one scout. “I think he goes second round on his good ball production and the name. He’s just small. There aren’t many corners (that small) who are good. It’s hard to last.”

Third-year junior with 23 starts in 32 games. “Plays like his dad,” said a second scout. “Knows how to play. Quick as can be. Attacks the ball. But his size does show up. He can get pushed around, and in run support, he’s more of a drag-you-down type. More second round.” Finished with four interceptions and 29 passes defensed. “Not very big and he can’t run,” said a third scout. Added a fourth scout: “Probably best served in the slot. His feet were really quick. He’s got loose hips. Not very physical. Didn’t like to tackle.”

Rodarius Williams, Oklahoma State (5-foot-11½, 193 pounds): One of the most seasoned top players in the draft. After a redshirt season in 2016, he started every game for four years. “Not a really big guy in terms of mass and doesn’t always play big,” said one scout. “But he’s fast, has cover skills and is pretty instinctive in coverage. Good, solid player with upside. Character is a little bit of an issue, but not enough to scare you away.”

His brother, Greedy, was a second-round draft choice by the Browns in 2019. He started on the outside as a rookie before missing all of last season with a shoulder injury. “Better tackler than his brother,” a second scout said. “You’ve got to find out what this guy is all about, but he’s got talent. He can press and do zone. He can track the vertical ball.” Had 27 passes defensed and two interceptions. Will be 25 in mid-September. “Since the beginning of the year, a lot of people have him as the most improved player in the Southwest,” a third scout said. “Good athlete. I probably wouldn’t take him until the fifth (round). I’ve heard some people say late first, top of the second. I thought he gave up a lot of separation at the top of routes.”

Safeties (2)

Trevon Moehrig, Texas Christian (6-foot-2, 202 pounds): Three-year player, two-year starter. “Not a great group of safeties,” one scout said. “He’s the best guy. He’s the most versatile of all the safeties. Good run defender. Good tackler. He’s fast. Really good cover skills. Second-round guy. Good, solid player. Don’t know if he ever goes to a Pro Bowl.” Voted special-teams MVP by his teammates as a true freshman in 2018. “At first I didn’t like him, but as I watched him more, he kind of grew on me,” a second scout said. “He’s got burst and close. Gets his hands on a lot of balls in man coverage. He is a little late when he has to transition. He’s a really good communicator. He can play dime linebacker for you. He likes to be physical. He’s deceptively better than you think in the passing game, but I don’t think he’s a first-round pick.”

Intercepted seven passes and broke up 21 in his college career. “I thought the guy was just excellent,” a third scout said. “That (Big 12) Conference probably is the best passing conference in football, and he was really good. I don’t have one weakness on the guy. It will get down to what he runs. I estimated at least a 4.5.” A fourth scout remained unimpressed. “I don’t see anything to him,” he said. “You can see he knows how to play. He’s not really fast, he’s not really athletic, he’s not a knock-you-out tackler or anything. He’s just OK.”

Elijah Molden, Washington (5-foot-10½, 192 pounds): Often compared to Pro Bowl safety Budda Baker (5-foot-9½, 193 pounds, 4.50 40), the Cardinals’ second-round pick in 2017 from Washington. “The Washington staff talks about the kid like he’s Baker,” said one scout. “He doesn’t have that kind of movement. Quicker than fast. He’s small, and he isn’t flat-out fast for being that small. He is a scrappy little guy. We see him as a nickel.”

Backed up for two seasons before starting for the final two. “His greatest strength is his instincts,” said another scout. “He’s got twitch and body control. He can play nickel or safety. He’s similar to Taylor Rapp (of the Rams). He’s a special kid. He’ll play on special teams. Second round.” Elijah’s father, Alex, was the Saints’ first-round draft choice in 1996. He played cornerback for three teams in an eight-year career. “He’s a little Honey Badger,” a third scout said in reference to Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu. “He’s like a safety-nickel. I have him top of the third round.”

Had five interceptions and 19 passes defensed. “He’s a good, good player,” said a fourth scout. “He is tough. He runs around and gets to the ball. He’d be a really good cover guy for a safety, not for a corner. If you’re looking for the Budda Baker-type guy and you ignore the size, this is your guy. Somebody might get desperate and go first (round).” Had a history of injuries in high school, including surgery to repair a skull fracture in 2015.

"When you get into one of these groups, there's only a couple of ways you can get out. One, is death; the other, is mental institutions."

jeanpierre

Can see a team like the A-T-L, trading back and getting him in the mid-first round; the Falcons don't have a RB to relieve the pressure off of Matty Ice...

Would really be surprised if he makes it out of the first round, Steelers are built on the run, play-action, No. 24 is an ideal spot; no way past the Bills at 30...

jeanpierre

Boston Saint

Damn Chris! I was about to post the same thing. You beat me to it !! 🤪

jeanpierre

These are about the only ones in that list I'd take with our first round pick...

jeanpierre

ChrisXVI

Replace Eric Stokes with Greg Newsome and I agree with you. However, I’m starting to get the feeling that we’re going to trade up for Horn. I hate the idea of trading up this year with so many holes on the roster that we didn’t fill through free agency, but I do not see us just waiting to see what falls to us at 28.

jeanpierre