Re: Pre- Senior Bowl/ Combine position rankings
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its that time of year where I start building my lists so I have a starting point for mock drafts and more importantly my bigboard. I thought I would share mine this year because there seems to be some interest. Anyhow, if I am missing someone please point it out. And as Flipper and Alyo may notice, I am focusing more on the power 5 conferences and FBS schools in general. I will throw in a FCS kid or 5 since I follow NDSU. I might even reach into a D2 school if I get a heads up on a kid.
As always, any questions are welcome.
2018 Position Rankings - Defense
DT/NT:
1. Vita Vea - Washington - He is a mammoth human being at 350 lbs. But is a freakish athlete that i believe could be a 4-3 DT, a 3-4 NT or a 3-4 DE.
2. Da'Ron Payne - Alabama - I usually shy from Alabama players, but he is the real deal as a 3-4 NT or a 4-3 DT. Another freakish athlete with size and speed and even caught a TD this year.
3. Taven Bryan - Florida - Another quick twitch DT, really quick out of his stance and uses his hands well. Would be perfect as a 3-4 DE.
4. Maurice Hurst - Michigan - i'm not as high on him as others. Cat quick but undersized.
5. Harrison Phillips - Stanford - a run plugger at DT. He piled up the stats this year and IMO is under rated.
6. Derrick Nnadi - Florida State - solid against the run and pass. If he were 2 inches taller he would be a high 2nd round pick this year.
7. R.J. McIntosh - Miami - another disruptive DT that could also work as a 3-4 DE.
8. Trenton Thompson - Georgia - Was a tad off this year from last. But he is a run stuffer with first round potential.
9. Tim Settle - Virginia Tech - A 335 lb. 3-4 NT that is more then a plugger. Disruptive at the point of attack.
10. Andrew Brown - Virginia - a 4-3 DT or a 3-4 DE. Needs to be more consistant but flashes athleticism.
4-3 DE:
1. Bradley Chubb - North Carolina State - A freakish Size/strength/speed athlete with a high end motor. Plays the run as well as the pass. Top 5 potential.
2. Sam Hubbard - Ohio State - Finally started playing up to his potential. Can set an edge against the run and push the pocket.
3. Marcus Davenport - UTSA - built to be DE with a nose for the QB, needs some coaching up, but wow.
4. Duke Ejiofor- Wake Forest - plays the run and the pass. Good technique. Not a "quick twitch" type of DE.
5. Chad Thomas - Miami - flashes 1st round talent as a pass rusher. Needs to be more consistant. ideal size.
6. Tyquan Lewis - Ohio State - a run defender as a base 4-3 end.
7. JoJo Wicker - Arizona St. - A DT and End, fits nicely as a 4-3 base end against the run and could move inside on passing downs and push the pocket.
8. Kylie Fitts - Utah - A pass rusher with a nice set of pass rush moves that could stand to get stronger. injury history.
9. Da'shawn Hand - Alabama - An edge setter that never really lived up to the hype. Maybe the NFL can get it out of him.
10. Mike Love - USF - A pass rusher DE that could stand up or play with his hand in the dirt. Needs to add strength to go with his speed rush.
3-4 DE:
1. Vita Vea - Washington - He is a mammoth human being at 350 lbs. But is a freakish athlete that i believe could be a 4-3 DT, a 3-4 NT or a 3-4 DE.
2. Taven Bryan - Florida - Another quick twitch DT, really quick out of his stance and uses his hands well. Would be perfect as a 3-4 DE.
3. Rasheem Green - USC - Disruptive with an ability to get to the QB. Excellent strength and a quick first step.
4. R.J. McIntosh - Miami - another disruptive DT that could also work as a 3-4 DE.
5. Harrison Phillips - Stanford - a run plugger at DT. He piled up the stats this year and IMO is under rated.
6. Andrew Brown - Virginia - a 4-3 DT or a 3-4 DE. Needs to be more consistant but flashes athleticism.
7. Breeland Speaks - Ole Miss. - Plus athlete that can get to the QB and isn't a liability against the run.
8. Da'shawn Hand - Alabama - An edge setter that never really lived up to the hype. Maybe the NFL can get it out of him.
9. Kentavius Street - NC State - Strong with some speed to get around the edge. Has some scheme versatility to him.
10. Folorunso Fatukasi - UConn - Athletic for his size, but needs to get more consistant. Quicker then you would think by looking at him.
4-3 OLB:
1. Roquan Smith - Georgia - I think he is a ILB, but he can play the run and the pass and is as instinctive as there is in this draft.
2. Rashaan Evans - Alabama - Still not sure if he plays inside or out. Plays downhill with bad intentions.
3. Tremaine Edmunds - Virginia Tech - Instinctive, sideline to sideline, can drop into coverage or rush the passer. He could be a ILB, or a 3-4 edge as well.
4. Jerome Baker - Ohio State - A bit undersized, but plays sideline to sideline and makes plays. IMO the new prototypical 4-3 OLB
5. Malik Jefferson - Texas - A size/speed/ thumper combo that is inconsistant and is surrounded by whispers of a lack of passion for football.
6. Shaquem Griffin - UCF - a playmaker sideline to sideline and brother to Shaq Griffin from Seattle. Missing his left hand due to a birth defect.
7. Tegray Scales - Indiana - underated sideline to sideline backer that can play moving forward or backward, inside or out.
8. Sione Teuhema - Southeast Louisiana - a SAM that transferred along with his brother from LSU. Explosive athlete.
9. Travin Howard - TCU - another one of those undersized new age LBer at 220 lbs. A tackling machine. At his best moving forward.
10. Tre Williams - Auburn - a 4-3 OLB in the NFL. Was steady against the run. Weak pass rush arsenal.
3-4 OLB:
1. Arden Key - LSU - Injured for part of the season. He is the most dangerous pass rusher in the draft from the LBer position and has enough size and strength to hold up in the run game. Apparent off the field red flags.
2. Harold Landry - Boston College - up and down season, but miscast as a 4-3 DE. As a 3-4 OLB he can get after the QB.
3. Tremaine Edmunds - Virginia Tech - Instinctive, sideline to sideline, can drop into coverage or rush the passer. He could be a ILB, or a 3-4 edge as well.
4. Dorance Armstrong Jr. - Kansas - Long, lean with a natural bend and a quick first step to help him get the edge. Will need to get stronger and develop more pass rush moves.
5. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo - Oklahoma - A tad short @ 6'-1", but explosive and makes plays.
6. Lorenzo Carter - Georgia - Another pass rushind demon, needs to get better against the run, but his freak athleticism could push him up the board.
7. Jeff Holland - Auburn - Another tad short edge rusher that is quick and athletic but massively productive at Auburn.
8. Marcell Frazier - Missouri - Bigger then your typical Mizzou edge. He can set an edge against the run, play with his hand in the dirt and uses a nice first step and his strength to get to the QB.
9. Marquis Haynes - Ole Miss - Undersized at 225, but fast and strong. Caught my eye when he put Cam Robinson on his butt last season. Will be a situational pass rusher to start.
10. Uchenna Nwosu - USC - another Jeff Holland sized 6'-2" 240 lb pass rush specialist that could grow into a full time edge backer.
ILB:
1. Roquan Smith - Georgia - I think he is a ILB, but he can play the run and the pass and is as instinctive as there is in this draft.
2. Rashaan Evans - Alabama - Still not sure if he plays inside or out. Plays downhill with bad intentions.
3. Tremaine Edmunds - Virginia Tech - Instinctive, sideline to sideline, can drop into coverage or rush the passer. He could be a ILB, or a 3-4 edge as well.
4. Malik Jefferson - Texas - A size/speed/ thumper combo that is inconsistant and is surrounded by whispers of a lack of passion for football.
5. Leighton Vander Esch - Boise State - He will fill your stat line. FFs, ints, sacks, tackles. He makes plays all over the field and at 6'-4" has inside size QBs hate.
6. Josey Jewell - Iowa - A quicker, smaller ILB that diagnoses quickly and makes plays. Danny Trevathon anyone? Improved his coverage ability, but is strongest against the run.
7.Micah Kiser - Virginia - Your typical in the box run stuffer that racks up tackles. Added pass rushing to his game this season and had 5 sacks.
8. Nick DeLuca - NDSU - A playmaker that has played inside and outside. Can drop into coverage and has a nose for the football.
9. Tegray Scales - Indiana - Indiana - underated sideline to sideline backer that can play moving forward or backward, inside or out.
10. Christian Sam - Arizona State - I;m probably higher on him then others, but came back from a knee injury to have an outstanding year (137 tackles, 87 of them solo) Reminds me of one of my alltime favorite MLBer Denzel Perryman.
CB:
1. Josh Jackson - Iowa - A bigger press corner @ 6'-1". If he runs well he is a top 15 pick.
2. Denzel Ward - Ohio State - The next in a long line of shutdown CBs from OSU. Has everything you want except for height @ 5-10".
3. Jaire Alexander - Louisville - I'm way high on this guy, but its my list. Injuered off and on this year. Smooth cover corner and a serious threat in the return game.
4. Donte Jackson - LSU - fast, athletic CB that could run in the 4.2s. A bit of a gambler and needs to get stronger.
5. Mike Hughes - UCF - Really stood out in the Auburn game. Outstanding ball skills, outstanding i nthe return game. Likes to tackle. needs to clean up some technique things.
6. Carlton Davis - Auburn - A bigger press corner that had some lapses against lesser competition. Speed WRs could give him issues.
7. Isaiah Oliver - Colorado - Another bigger (6-1"
man corner that has good athleticism. Smooth with decent technique for his size.
8. J.C. Jackson - Maryland - Serious red flags (armed robbery and stuff) but played well after transferring and is a 6'-1" playmaker that could have been a 1st rounder. Sound like anyone we know?
9. Tarvarus McFadden - Florida State - A 6'-2" corner that had an up and down season. I had him as a 1st rounder going into the year. Now late 2nd, early 3rd. Has the size and talent the NFL will gamble on. Trouble locating the ball is one of his issues.
10. Kameron Kelly - San Deigo State - 6'-2" press corner with good ball instincts. A big Senior Bowl could move him up.
S:
1. Minkah Fitzpatrick - I think he can line up anywhere in the scondary. Covers well and is a thumper. Team leader and extremely football smart.
2. Derwin James - Florida State - A bigger SS with decent range. could even be a hybrid LB/SS type. Not a ballhawking FS and won't work in the slot thats why Fitzpatrick gets the nod.
3. Justin Reid - Stanford - A jack of all trades, master of none safety. I think he projects nicely as a FS in NFL.
4. Ronnie Harrison - Alabama - A punishing SS for the NFL with some coverage liability. But he is at his best moving forward.
5. Deshon Elliott - Texas - a bigger (6'-2" 210) FS and is a willing tackler. Won't wow you but is a ballhawk.
6. Terrell Edmunds - Virginia Tech - Brother to my new favorite LBer. At 6'-2" 220 lbs, he could play either free or strong (or left or right) Has some decent coverage ability.
7. Jordan Whitehead - Pittsburgh - A tad undersized but can play sideline to sideline and has good instincts. A guy you can trust as a single high.
8. Armani Watts - Texas A&M - I think others like him more then I do. He's a playmaker, but a tad undersized as a SS and a bit too slow to be a man FS. i think he fits best in a cover 2 defense where he can just be a playmaker and not have to match up man to man.
9. Kyzir White - West Virginia - A rangey SS that filled the stat sheet this year including 94 tackles. Senior Bowl invite.
10. Jeremy Reaves - South Alabama - Another stat filler with 90 some tackles this season and a handful of picks. Senior Bowl invite. i like his range, athletic ability and scheme flexability.
Don't waste your time looking back, you're not going that way. - Ragnar Lothbrok
As always, any questions are welcome.
2018 Position Rankings - Defense
DT/NT:
1. Vita Vea - Washington - He is a mammoth human being at 350 lbs. But is a freakish athlete that i believe could be a 4-3 DT, a 3-4 NT or a 3-4 DE.
2. Da'Ron Payne - Alabama - I usually shy from Alabama players, but he is the real deal as a 3-4 NT or a 4-3 DT. Another freakish athlete with size and speed and even caught a TD this year.
3. Taven Bryan - Florida - Another quick twitch DT, really quick out of his stance and uses his hands well. Would be perfect as a 3-4 DE.
4. Maurice Hurst - Michigan - i'm not as high on him as others. Cat quick but undersized.
5. Harrison Phillips - Stanford - a run plugger at DT. He piled up the stats this year and IMO is under rated.
6. Derrick Nnadi - Florida State - solid against the run and pass. If he were 2 inches taller he would be a high 2nd round pick this year.
7. R.J. McIntosh - Miami - another disruptive DT that could also work as a 3-4 DE.
8. Trenton Thompson - Georgia - Was a tad off this year from last. But he is a run stuffer with first round potential.
9. Tim Settle - Virginia Tech - A 335 lb. 3-4 NT that is more then a plugger. Disruptive at the point of attack.
10. Andrew Brown - Virginia - a 4-3 DT or a 3-4 DE. Needs to be more consistant but flashes athleticism.
4-3 DE:
1. Bradley Chubb - North Carolina State - A freakish Size/strength/speed athlete with a high end motor. Plays the run as well as the pass. Top 5 potential.
2. Sam Hubbard - Ohio State - Finally started playing up to his potential. Can set an edge against the run and push the pocket.
3. Marcus Davenport - UTSA - built to be DE with a nose for the QB, needs some coaching up, but wow.
4. Duke Ejiofor- Wake Forest - plays the run and the pass. Good technique. Not a "quick twitch" type of DE.
5. Chad Thomas - Miami - flashes 1st round talent as a pass rusher. Needs to be more consistant. ideal size.
6. Tyquan Lewis - Ohio State - a run defender as a base 4-3 end.
7. JoJo Wicker - Arizona St. - A DT and End, fits nicely as a 4-3 base end against the run and could move inside on passing downs and push the pocket.
8. Kylie Fitts - Utah - A pass rusher with a nice set of pass rush moves that could stand to get stronger. injury history.
9. Da'shawn Hand - Alabama - An edge setter that never really lived up to the hype. Maybe the NFL can get it out of him.
10. Mike Love - USF - A pass rusher DE that could stand up or play with his hand in the dirt. Needs to add strength to go with his speed rush.
3-4 DE:
1. Vita Vea - Washington - He is a mammoth human being at 350 lbs. But is a freakish athlete that i believe could be a 4-3 DT, a 3-4 NT or a 3-4 DE.
2. Taven Bryan - Florida - Another quick twitch DT, really quick out of his stance and uses his hands well. Would be perfect as a 3-4 DE.
3. Rasheem Green - USC - Disruptive with an ability to get to the QB. Excellent strength and a quick first step.
4. R.J. McIntosh - Miami - another disruptive DT that could also work as a 3-4 DE.
5. Harrison Phillips - Stanford - a run plugger at DT. He piled up the stats this year and IMO is under rated.
6. Andrew Brown - Virginia - a 4-3 DT or a 3-4 DE. Needs to be more consistant but flashes athleticism.
7. Breeland Speaks - Ole Miss. - Plus athlete that can get to the QB and isn't a liability against the run.
8. Da'shawn Hand - Alabama - An edge setter that never really lived up to the hype. Maybe the NFL can get it out of him.
9. Kentavius Street - NC State - Strong with some speed to get around the edge. Has some scheme versatility to him.
10. Folorunso Fatukasi - UConn - Athletic for his size, but needs to get more consistant. Quicker then you would think by looking at him.
4-3 OLB:
1. Roquan Smith - Georgia - I think he is a ILB, but he can play the run and the pass and is as instinctive as there is in this draft.
2. Rashaan Evans - Alabama - Still not sure if he plays inside or out. Plays downhill with bad intentions.
3. Tremaine Edmunds - Virginia Tech - Instinctive, sideline to sideline, can drop into coverage or rush the passer. He could be a ILB, or a 3-4 edge as well.
4. Jerome Baker - Ohio State - A bit undersized, but plays sideline to sideline and makes plays. IMO the new prototypical 4-3 OLB
5. Malik Jefferson - Texas - A size/speed/ thumper combo that is inconsistant and is surrounded by whispers of a lack of passion for football.
6. Shaquem Griffin - UCF - a playmaker sideline to sideline and brother to Shaq Griffin from Seattle. Missing his left hand due to a birth defect.
7. Tegray Scales - Indiana - underated sideline to sideline backer that can play moving forward or backward, inside or out.
8. Sione Teuhema - Southeast Louisiana - a SAM that transferred along with his brother from LSU. Explosive athlete.
9. Travin Howard - TCU - another one of those undersized new age LBer at 220 lbs. A tackling machine. At his best moving forward.
10. Tre Williams - Auburn - a 4-3 OLB in the NFL. Was steady against the run. Weak pass rush arsenal.
3-4 OLB:
1. Arden Key - LSU - Injured for part of the season. He is the most dangerous pass rusher in the draft from the LBer position and has enough size and strength to hold up in the run game. Apparent off the field red flags.
2. Harold Landry - Boston College - up and down season, but miscast as a 4-3 DE. As a 3-4 OLB he can get after the QB.
3. Tremaine Edmunds - Virginia Tech - Instinctive, sideline to sideline, can drop into coverage or rush the passer. He could be a ILB, or a 3-4 edge as well.
4. Dorance Armstrong Jr. - Kansas - Long, lean with a natural bend and a quick first step to help him get the edge. Will need to get stronger and develop more pass rush moves.
5. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo - Oklahoma - A tad short @ 6'-1", but explosive and makes plays.
6. Lorenzo Carter - Georgia - Another pass rushind demon, needs to get better against the run, but his freak athleticism could push him up the board.
7. Jeff Holland - Auburn - Another tad short edge rusher that is quick and athletic but massively productive at Auburn.
8. Marcell Frazier - Missouri - Bigger then your typical Mizzou edge. He can set an edge against the run, play with his hand in the dirt and uses a nice first step and his strength to get to the QB.
9. Marquis Haynes - Ole Miss - Undersized at 225, but fast and strong. Caught my eye when he put Cam Robinson on his butt last season. Will be a situational pass rusher to start.
10. Uchenna Nwosu - USC - another Jeff Holland sized 6'-2" 240 lb pass rush specialist that could grow into a full time edge backer.
ILB:
1. Roquan Smith - Georgia - I think he is a ILB, but he can play the run and the pass and is as instinctive as there is in this draft.
2. Rashaan Evans - Alabama - Still not sure if he plays inside or out. Plays downhill with bad intentions.
3. Tremaine Edmunds - Virginia Tech - Instinctive, sideline to sideline, can drop into coverage or rush the passer. He could be a ILB, or a 3-4 edge as well.
4. Malik Jefferson - Texas - A size/speed/ thumper combo that is inconsistant and is surrounded by whispers of a lack of passion for football.
5. Leighton Vander Esch - Boise State - He will fill your stat line. FFs, ints, sacks, tackles. He makes plays all over the field and at 6'-4" has inside size QBs hate.
6. Josey Jewell - Iowa - A quicker, smaller ILB that diagnoses quickly and makes plays. Danny Trevathon anyone? Improved his coverage ability, but is strongest against the run.
7.Micah Kiser - Virginia - Your typical in the box run stuffer that racks up tackles. Added pass rushing to his game this season and had 5 sacks.
8. Nick DeLuca - NDSU - A playmaker that has played inside and outside. Can drop into coverage and has a nose for the football.
9. Tegray Scales - Indiana - Indiana - underated sideline to sideline backer that can play moving forward or backward, inside or out.
10. Christian Sam - Arizona State - I;m probably higher on him then others, but came back from a knee injury to have an outstanding year (137 tackles, 87 of them solo) Reminds me of one of my alltime favorite MLBer Denzel Perryman.
CB:
1. Josh Jackson - Iowa - A bigger press corner @ 6'-1". If he runs well he is a top 15 pick.
2. Denzel Ward - Ohio State - The next in a long line of shutdown CBs from OSU. Has everything you want except for height @ 5-10".
3. Jaire Alexander - Louisville - I'm way high on this guy, but its my list. Injuered off and on this year. Smooth cover corner and a serious threat in the return game.
4. Donte Jackson - LSU - fast, athletic CB that could run in the 4.2s. A bit of a gambler and needs to get stronger.
5. Mike Hughes - UCF - Really stood out in the Auburn game. Outstanding ball skills, outstanding i nthe return game. Likes to tackle. needs to clean up some technique things.
6. Carlton Davis - Auburn - A bigger press corner that had some lapses against lesser competition. Speed WRs could give him issues.
7. Isaiah Oliver - Colorado - Another bigger (6-1"
man corner that has good athleticism. Smooth with decent technique for his size.8. J.C. Jackson - Maryland - Serious red flags (armed robbery and stuff) but played well after transferring and is a 6'-1" playmaker that could have been a 1st rounder. Sound like anyone we know?
9. Tarvarus McFadden - Florida State - A 6'-2" corner that had an up and down season. I had him as a 1st rounder going into the year. Now late 2nd, early 3rd. Has the size and talent the NFL will gamble on. Trouble locating the ball is one of his issues.
10. Kameron Kelly - San Deigo State - 6'-2" press corner with good ball instincts. A big Senior Bowl could move him up.
S:
1. Minkah Fitzpatrick - I think he can line up anywhere in the scondary. Covers well and is a thumper. Team leader and extremely football smart.
2. Derwin James - Florida State - A bigger SS with decent range. could even be a hybrid LB/SS type. Not a ballhawking FS and won't work in the slot thats why Fitzpatrick gets the nod.
3. Justin Reid - Stanford - A jack of all trades, master of none safety. I think he projects nicely as a FS in NFL.
4. Ronnie Harrison - Alabama - A punishing SS for the NFL with some coverage liability. But he is at his best moving forward.
5. Deshon Elliott - Texas - a bigger (6'-2" 210) FS and is a willing tackler. Won't wow you but is a ballhawk.
6. Terrell Edmunds - Virginia Tech - Brother to my new favorite LBer. At 6'-2" 220 lbs, he could play either free or strong (or left or right) Has some decent coverage ability.
7. Jordan Whitehead - Pittsburgh - A tad undersized but can play sideline to sideline and has good instincts. A guy you can trust as a single high.
8. Armani Watts - Texas A&M - I think others like him more then I do. He's a playmaker, but a tad undersized as a SS and a bit too slow to be a man FS. i think he fits best in a cover 2 defense where he can just be a playmaker and not have to match up man to man.
9. Kyzir White - West Virginia - A rangey SS that filled the stat sheet this year including 94 tackles. Senior Bowl invite.
10. Jeremy Reaves - South Alabama - Another stat filler with 90 some tackles this season and a handful of picks. Senior Bowl invite. i like his range, athletic ability and scheme flexability.
Don't waste your time looking back, you're not going that way. - Ragnar Lothbrok
