Post by Funkytown on Apr 25, 2020 13:13:11 GMT -6
Okay, we have individual threads for the guys in the first four rounds, but this could get crazy if I do a thread for everyone, so, I'll keep the late-rounders in one general thread, unless something especially noteworthy happens.
Here they are...
Round 5 - Pick #169
CB - Harrison Hand
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Round 5 - Pick #176
WR - KJ Osborn
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Round 6 - Pick #203
OT - Blake Brandel
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Round 6 - Pick #205
S - Josh Metellus
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Round 7 - Pick #225
DE - Kenny Willekes
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Round 7 - Pick #244
QB - Nate Stanley
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Round 7 - Pick #249
S - Brian Cole II
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Round 7 - Pick #253
G - Kyle Hinton
Here they are...
Round 5 - Pick #169
CB - Harrison Hand
Overview
Outside cornerback with good size, but a player who needs to find the proper coverage fit to help him do his job. Hand has played press, off-man and a variety of zones. His recognition and response from zone is adequate, but he doesn't have the necessary transition quickness and burst to stay close enough with NFL-caliber targets. Hand is fairly competitive and disciplined in coverage, but the skill level appears to be average. He might have a future as a backup for a zone-heavy cover team, but he needs to improve his run support and prove he can handle some special teams duties.
Strengths
Possesses good NFL size and strength as outside cornerback
Mirror and punch offer resistance from press
Adequate feel for zone coverage duties
Digests bunch sets and is clean to find his coverage responsibility
Deciphers quarterback's intent playing low to high on combo routes
Able to face-guard deep balls without racking up penalties
Keeps head up and sees what he is tackling
Shuffles with wide, balanced base for additional control in response
Outside cornerback with good size, but a player who needs to find the proper coverage fit to help him do his job. Hand has played press, off-man and a variety of zones. His recognition and response from zone is adequate, but he doesn't have the necessary transition quickness and burst to stay close enough with NFL-caliber targets. Hand is fairly competitive and disciplined in coverage, but the skill level appears to be average. He might have a future as a backup for a zone-heavy cover team, but he needs to improve his run support and prove he can handle some special teams duties.
Strengths
Possesses good NFL size and strength as outside cornerback
Mirror and punch offer resistance from press
Adequate feel for zone coverage duties
Digests bunch sets and is clean to find his coverage responsibility
Deciphers quarterback's intent playing low to high on combo routes
Able to face-guard deep balls without racking up penalties
Keeps head up and sees what he is tackling
Shuffles with wide, balanced base for additional control in response
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Round 5 - Pick #176
WR - KJ Osborn
From mockmaster
K.J. Osborn, Miami (FL)
mockmaster’s Grade: 2.620 (UDFA)
Missed Which Athletic Cut? Height, 20 Yard Shuttle
Projected Round: UDFA
NFL Play Style Comp: Golden Tate
Pros:
Showed deep threat abilities while at Buffalo and Miami, while also working the middle of the field exceptionally well
His vision as a ball carrier is exceptional and he can have some offense manufactured for him to get him in space via reverses, screens, or even as a kick returner on special teams
Has no fear of contact
Ability to return punts at both Buffalo and Miami adds special teams value as a prospect
Great awareness to find gaps in the defense and take advantage as a receiver
Cons:
Lacks experience against press as he tended to line up in the slot to have a free release
Limited route tree and a lack of polish in his routes
Needs more burst to help generate more separation
Didn’t show any type of “second gear” of speed on tape
Analysis: Osborn is a late-round or UDFA flyer for a receiver that has versatility to his game and could be used as a complementary weapon around the field (almost in a way we used Jarius Wright). He works great in space, meaning screens and reverses could be ways to get him touches there, but he also works the middle of the field well. He may be a solely slot receiver just due to experience at that position, but there’s the chance he could kick outside too if we deem his deep threat skills good enough to do so. He needs a lot more polish in his route running and breaking press, but his vision, hands, and try-to-do-it-all skillset would be beneficial to help add another playmaker as a WR3 or WR4 in this offense.
K.J. Osborn, Miami (FL)
mockmaster’s Grade: 2.620 (UDFA)
Missed Which Athletic Cut? Height, 20 Yard Shuttle
Projected Round: UDFA
NFL Play Style Comp: Golden Tate
Pros:
Showed deep threat abilities while at Buffalo and Miami, while also working the middle of the field exceptionally well
His vision as a ball carrier is exceptional and he can have some offense manufactured for him to get him in space via reverses, screens, or even as a kick returner on special teams
Has no fear of contact
Ability to return punts at both Buffalo and Miami adds special teams value as a prospect
Great awareness to find gaps in the defense and take advantage as a receiver
Cons:
Lacks experience against press as he tended to line up in the slot to have a free release
Limited route tree and a lack of polish in his routes
Needs more burst to help generate more separation
Didn’t show any type of “second gear” of speed on tape
Analysis: Osborn is a late-round or UDFA flyer for a receiver that has versatility to his game and could be used as a complementary weapon around the field (almost in a way we used Jarius Wright). He works great in space, meaning screens and reverses could be ways to get him touches there, but he also works the middle of the field well. He may be a solely slot receiver just due to experience at that position, but there’s the chance he could kick outside too if we deem his deep threat skills good enough to do so. He needs a lot more polish in his route running and breaking press, but his vision, hands, and try-to-do-it-all skillset would be beneficial to help add another playmaker as a WR3 or WR4 in this offense.
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Round 6 - Pick #203
OT - Blake Brandel
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Round 6 - Pick #205
S - Josh Metellus
PROS: He’s a tough, physical player. He tackled Bama RB Najee Harris and met him in the hole more willingly than most SEC linebackers. Love his downhill trigger against the run, even from the deep post. Does a great job playing forward with quick responses. Smart football player that has natural coverage instincts. Isn’t easily fooled by route combinations or move by the backfield. Good short area burst. Aggressive hitter and when breaking on the football. Adequate ball skills but more importantly he is never lost. Has adequate range to play in a Cover 2 shell. He plays with an obvious edge and competitive spirit. Love his urgency.
CONS: From his pedal to when he flips his hips, I wish we were more fluid. Speed is a bit more gradual and it puts stress on his ability to always anticipate. Don’t think he’s a candidate for regular one-high usage. Needs to be more consistent using his hands to play off contact in pursuit.
BEST TRAIT - Physicality
WORST TRAIT - Fluidity
RED FLAGS - None
Michigan safety Josh Metellus enters the NFL after starting for the Wolverines across the last three seasons at safety. While he isn’t immune to getting beat in coverage, Metellus brings a competitive spirit, aggressiveness and physicality to the game that is easy to love. Michigan’s man-heavy defense did him no favors in trusting him to defend significant real estate and he will be best served playing in split zones in the NFL. Metellus is an ordinary athlete but there are some natural instincts present that help him overcome. His length, size and physicality make him a standout tackler. At a minimum, Metellus should provide quality depth and outstanding special teams contributions but he could find himself starting in a zone-heavy defense.
CONS: From his pedal to when he flips his hips, I wish we were more fluid. Speed is a bit more gradual and it puts stress on his ability to always anticipate. Don’t think he’s a candidate for regular one-high usage. Needs to be more consistent using his hands to play off contact in pursuit.
BEST TRAIT - Physicality
WORST TRAIT - Fluidity
RED FLAGS - None
Michigan safety Josh Metellus enters the NFL after starting for the Wolverines across the last three seasons at safety. While he isn’t immune to getting beat in coverage, Metellus brings a competitive spirit, aggressiveness and physicality to the game that is easy to love. Michigan’s man-heavy defense did him no favors in trusting him to defend significant real estate and he will be best served playing in split zones in the NFL. Metellus is an ordinary athlete but there are some natural instincts present that help him overcome. His length, size and physicality make him a standout tackler. At a minimum, Metellus should provide quality depth and outstanding special teams contributions but he could find himself starting in a zone-heavy defense.
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Round 7 - Pick #225
DE - Kenny Willekes
Run Defense - Love the way he competes for his gap, plays with leverage and works to fit his hands so he can unhinge. Lethal when shooting gaps, particularly slanting inside to the b-gap. Ragdolls tight ends but his anchor can be compromised by physical offensive tackles. Takes his responsibility as a contain player seriously.
Pass Rush - Does a great job of working to the edges of blockers to give him a chance to corner, flatten and get to the passer. Rush is predicated around fitting his hands with a one-arm stab so that he can power through rush angles. Excellent footwork -- clean out of his stance, gains depth and keeps his toes pointed at the quarterback. Rush plan can be predictable, timing of hand swipes needs improvement and deploying counters is inconsistent.
Burst - Wouldn’t call him overly explosive but he is fluid out of his stance and he gains good depth with his initial steps. Love his laterally mobility when slanting inside. May not have elite closing speed but he gets to his top speed in a hurry.
Effort - Completely unrelenting. Always works hard in pursuit and competes through the whistle. Hustle plays are found everywhere in his film.
Hand Technique - Does well to fit and place his hands but timing can improve. Often tardy to get to secondary counters and he isn’t a master of stringing moves together. Would like to see him execute moves with better timing.
Flexibility - Has enough flexibility in his lowers to corner. Gets ahead of any tightness with clean footwork and using his hands to soften angles. Love how he keeps feet aligned to complement his rush which is also helpful working through stiffness. Can get caught offering too much surface area to blocker and he struggles to reduce and diminish his uppers/
Processing - Generally speaking he plays fast but his eyes can get caught in the backfield which can get him in trouble at the next level. Has feasted off unblocked scenarios. Vision to read the pocket and attack is adequate.
Play Strength - He’s a physical player but there’s room for him to get stronger. Competes in run support but he can get worked by aggressive drive blockers. Isn’t much of a threat to convert speed to power and truly compromise the width of the pocket with a bull rush if it isn’t of the long-arm variety.
Versatility - Michigan State had him lineup inside on occasion but he doesn’t project favorably to doing so in the NFL. He’s a 4-3 defensive end that I would play on the strong side as often as possible. Not a candidate to play in space with any sort of regularity.
BEST TRAIT - Effort
WORST TRAIT - Play Strength
RED FLAGS - None
NFL COMP - Chris Kelsay
Racking up 47.5 tackles for loss and 22 sacks from 2017-2019, Wilekes has been a highly productive defender for Michigan State. He plays with unmatched urgency and is highly competitive. While he may not have the highest ceiling, Willekes does have a high floor as a 4-3 defensive end. His modest play strength and athleticism will present challenges defeating blocks in the NFL and he’ll need to become more reliant on his technique which has room for growth. At a minimum, Willekes should be a valuable rotational end and his upside is contingent on if he can get stronger and become more nuanced.
Pass Rush - Does a great job of working to the edges of blockers to give him a chance to corner, flatten and get to the passer. Rush is predicated around fitting his hands with a one-arm stab so that he can power through rush angles. Excellent footwork -- clean out of his stance, gains depth and keeps his toes pointed at the quarterback. Rush plan can be predictable, timing of hand swipes needs improvement and deploying counters is inconsistent.
Burst - Wouldn’t call him overly explosive but he is fluid out of his stance and he gains good depth with his initial steps. Love his laterally mobility when slanting inside. May not have elite closing speed but he gets to his top speed in a hurry.
Effort - Completely unrelenting. Always works hard in pursuit and competes through the whistle. Hustle plays are found everywhere in his film.
Hand Technique - Does well to fit and place his hands but timing can improve. Often tardy to get to secondary counters and he isn’t a master of stringing moves together. Would like to see him execute moves with better timing.
Flexibility - Has enough flexibility in his lowers to corner. Gets ahead of any tightness with clean footwork and using his hands to soften angles. Love how he keeps feet aligned to complement his rush which is also helpful working through stiffness. Can get caught offering too much surface area to blocker and he struggles to reduce and diminish his uppers/
Processing - Generally speaking he plays fast but his eyes can get caught in the backfield which can get him in trouble at the next level. Has feasted off unblocked scenarios. Vision to read the pocket and attack is adequate.
Play Strength - He’s a physical player but there’s room for him to get stronger. Competes in run support but he can get worked by aggressive drive blockers. Isn’t much of a threat to convert speed to power and truly compromise the width of the pocket with a bull rush if it isn’t of the long-arm variety.
Versatility - Michigan State had him lineup inside on occasion but he doesn’t project favorably to doing so in the NFL. He’s a 4-3 defensive end that I would play on the strong side as often as possible. Not a candidate to play in space with any sort of regularity.
BEST TRAIT - Effort
WORST TRAIT - Play Strength
RED FLAGS - None
NFL COMP - Chris Kelsay
Racking up 47.5 tackles for loss and 22 sacks from 2017-2019, Wilekes has been a highly productive defender for Michigan State. He plays with unmatched urgency and is highly competitive. While he may not have the highest ceiling, Willekes does have a high floor as a 4-3 defensive end. His modest play strength and athleticism will present challenges defeating blocks in the NFL and he’ll need to become more reliant on his technique which has room for growth. At a minimum, Willekes should be a valuable rotational end and his upside is contingent on if he can get stronger and become more nuanced.
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Round 7 - Pick #244
QB - Nate Stanley
PROS: Plays in a pro style offense, with NFL type protections. Has worked from under center and the gun. He's a traditional pocket passer that appears to have good command of the offense. He will change the protection and audible into a better play. He displays sufficient footwork in the pocket paired with sufficient mobility within the pocket to side step the rush and deliver the football. He displays good overall arm strength for the position. Will deliver the football with good accuracy in the short to intermediate area when he has a clean pocket. He has demonstrated good leadership in moments of adversity. Has been somewhat efficient on 3rd downs and has shown the ability to make good decisions with the football for the most part.
CONS: He has average proactive athleticism for the position. He will not extend plays with his legs. Lacks touch and his accuracy suffers when he is throwing on the move. Has shown instances of staring down his primary read and forcing the ball into coverage. Doesn’t have great ball placement on intermediate to deep throws. Doesn’t have great versatility in terms of the types of offenses that he can be utilized in. Will struggle with RPOs and anything forcing him out to the perimeter. He is not a threat to the defense as a runner.
CONS: He has average proactive athleticism for the position. He will not extend plays with his legs. Lacks touch and his accuracy suffers when he is throwing on the move. Has shown instances of staring down his primary read and forcing the ball into coverage. Doesn’t have great ball placement on intermediate to deep throws. Doesn’t have great versatility in terms of the types of offenses that he can be utilized in. Will struggle with RPOs and anything forcing him out to the perimeter. He is not a threat to the defense as a runner.
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Round 7 - Pick #249
S - Brian Cole II
Coverage Spacing - Very little experience at a the SEC level of working in space, predominantly worked into the shallow spaces as a slot defender and jam up route releases. He lacks the hip mobility and lateral quickness to buzz and jump routes when targets work through his zone and work away from his landmark.
Acceleration - Pretty fair amount of pop when he's driving into the play, most notable in shallow zones versus smoke or bubble throws or when he's designated as a blitzer. His long speed will certainly pass the test but application when he's tasked with getting off the tracks and move and mirror is much more limited.
Tackling - Impressive power through his frame as a finisher. If he's unimpeded to the target, he'll build momentum and deliver some jarring hits. His mirror skills are hindered by tightness in the hips and at times comes too flat on his angles into the play and will work himself behind the actions on his own.
Zone Coverage Skills - Developmental player at best, here. He can work shallow zones but unless he's got a tipped ball or a receiver runs right onto his front door, he's not going to make a lot of plays. Anticipation is underwhelming and he's too reactive to plays, putting him behind the action.
Ball Skills - Ball production is almost non-existent. He's a former WR, so you'd assume his ball tracking skills and hands are good for a defender — but we don't get a lot of reps of him attacking the football in the air. Would not endorse playing him in deep portions and asking him to serve as last line of defense.
Competitive Toughness - He's tough as nails and beats the hell out of WRs set up as the point man to try to block on outside run or quick passes into the flat. He's got imposing hitting power, good effort and long arms at his disposal to press and collapse blocks on the edge. Would be comfortable working him on the second level in the box with development.
Flexibility - Hip mobility is pretty restricted and it hinders him in a number of ways. His transitions are rigid, his hips and pads are high in his pedal — looks a bit labored trying to get depth and take away intermediate targets. He has not illustrated a lot of lean through his attacks to crash into gaps or react to ball carrier cuts.
Feet/COD - Pretty static base, doesn't show a lot of comfort reaching his feet out from underneath his frame. He doesn't turn with a lot of suddenness and you'd like to see him flatten in the box with a little sharper angles to allow him to close space quickly and contest more potential finishes.
Man Coverage Skills - Had some effective reps working in the slot to blow up route releases, but he's probably at best moving forward drawing TEs to compensate for some of his own limitations in mobility, quickness and range. Will have to walk a fine line in his usage between protecting him from isolation reps vs. better athletes.
Versatility - Exclusively a box safety, although there's some reason to believe this could be an effective coverage player on the kick teams. If he can ace his special teams tests, his chances of sticking on a roster increase exponentially versus just a defender role with so much development needed.
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Best Trait - Competitive Toughness
Worst Trait - Coverage Skills
Best Film - Kansas State (2019)
Worst Film - Texas A&M (2019)
Red Flags - 2018 upper body INJ (missed 8 games)
Player Summary - Brian Cole II is a green safety prospect who will need to undergo a dramatic shift in development if he is going to see the field on a regular basis at the pro level. Cole II brings impressive physicality and is one of the most physical safeties in the class — but he's overly limited in coverage and still new to keys and feel for navigating the box in run support. Furthermore, he's fairly linear as an athlete and loses his appeal when put in open space. Developmental player with ST potential.
Acceleration - Pretty fair amount of pop when he's driving into the play, most notable in shallow zones versus smoke or bubble throws or when he's designated as a blitzer. His long speed will certainly pass the test but application when he's tasked with getting off the tracks and move and mirror is much more limited.
Tackling - Impressive power through his frame as a finisher. If he's unimpeded to the target, he'll build momentum and deliver some jarring hits. His mirror skills are hindered by tightness in the hips and at times comes too flat on his angles into the play and will work himself behind the actions on his own.
Zone Coverage Skills - Developmental player at best, here. He can work shallow zones but unless he's got a tipped ball or a receiver runs right onto his front door, he's not going to make a lot of plays. Anticipation is underwhelming and he's too reactive to plays, putting him behind the action.
Ball Skills - Ball production is almost non-existent. He's a former WR, so you'd assume his ball tracking skills and hands are good for a defender — but we don't get a lot of reps of him attacking the football in the air. Would not endorse playing him in deep portions and asking him to serve as last line of defense.
Competitive Toughness - He's tough as nails and beats the hell out of WRs set up as the point man to try to block on outside run or quick passes into the flat. He's got imposing hitting power, good effort and long arms at his disposal to press and collapse blocks on the edge. Would be comfortable working him on the second level in the box with development.
Flexibility - Hip mobility is pretty restricted and it hinders him in a number of ways. His transitions are rigid, his hips and pads are high in his pedal — looks a bit labored trying to get depth and take away intermediate targets. He has not illustrated a lot of lean through his attacks to crash into gaps or react to ball carrier cuts.
Feet/COD - Pretty static base, doesn't show a lot of comfort reaching his feet out from underneath his frame. He doesn't turn with a lot of suddenness and you'd like to see him flatten in the box with a little sharper angles to allow him to close space quickly and contest more potential finishes.
Man Coverage Skills - Had some effective reps working in the slot to blow up route releases, but he's probably at best moving forward drawing TEs to compensate for some of his own limitations in mobility, quickness and range. Will have to walk a fine line in his usage between protecting him from isolation reps vs. better athletes.
Versatility - Exclusively a box safety, although there's some reason to believe this could be an effective coverage player on the kick teams. If he can ace his special teams tests, his chances of sticking on a roster increase exponentially versus just a defender role with so much development needed.
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Best Trait - Competitive Toughness
Worst Trait - Coverage Skills
Best Film - Kansas State (2019)
Worst Film - Texas A&M (2019)
Red Flags - 2018 upper body INJ (missed 8 games)
Player Summary - Brian Cole II is a green safety prospect who will need to undergo a dramatic shift in development if he is going to see the field on a regular basis at the pro level. Cole II brings impressive physicality and is one of the most physical safeties in the class — but he's overly limited in coverage and still new to keys and feel for navigating the box in run support. Furthermore, he's fairly linear as an athlete and loses his appeal when put in open space. Developmental player with ST potential.
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Round 7 - Pick #253
G - Kyle Hinton
... and neither is this Chris guy.