DEFENSIVE ENDS
T.J. Watt, Wisconson, #42
Game Film Evaluated:
Ohio State (2016)
Iowa (2016)
Michigan State (2016)
Summary: Used more in coverage against Ohio State instead of on the pass rush. Even when he rushed he was largely ineffective. Speed, power and technique were not good enough to get past Ohio State lineman. Flashed strong rip move against Iowa and bull rush. He can keep it coming even into the 4th quarter. He flashed his best outside rushes on the final minute as Iowa drove the field. Flashes ability to convert speed to power and turn the corner with balance and speed. T.J. Watt is a potential player, there are a lot of excellent tools in his game but he is not a consistent productive edge rusher. He is a high flash player capable of producing incredible plays on occasion but many other snaps he is easily neutralized. The potential is there as a premier speed edge rusher in either a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme attacking the offense from the blindside. He controls his gaps effectively and brings a good motor in all 4 quarters of the game. The snap to snap consistency is what is lacking at this point which isn’t surprising considering he hasn’t been playing the position long at Wisconsin. I like him best in a 3-4 defense but 4-3 teams will give him a look as a weakside edge rusher. He has the burst, bend and motor to be a first round edge rusher but that player does not show up consistently on film to justify that grade. Overall he is a second round grade but teams will overdraft him hoping the player they see flash becomes the consistent snap to snap production. If it does, this guy could be a real force as a edge rusher.
Carl Lawson, Auburn, #55
Game Film Evaluated:
Alabama (2016)
Clemson (2016)
Georgia (2016)
Summary: Flashes excellent use of hands to get off blocks and plus burst off the snap to turn the corner with speed. Inconsistent motor and he really disappears from games. His conditioning may need to be improved. He locates the ball well in the run game and can set the edge to force the play back inside. He can take on tight ends and defeat them with ease to finish the play in the run game. He can get engulfed by massive tackles in the run game. He can strike and knock the ball out when sacking the QB. Carl Lawson is a plus edge rusher but lacks the elite motor nor athleticism to be a 10 sack guy per season. He needs to be part of a rotation at the next level to make him the most effective, he has got to improve his motor and/or conditioning as he disappears from games. His ability to convert speed to power, use his hands especially arm under and rip moves to get the QB are good. Nothing wrong with a 6 plus sack guy from the edge and that is what I think Carl Lawson is in the NFL. 2nd round grade.
Tarell Basham, Ohio, #93
Game Film Evaluated:
Appalachian State (2015)
Idaho (2016)
Summary: Very good athlete with ideal build for the weakside pass rusher. Good arm length and has good burst. Inconsistent get off on the snap and struggles to get off blocks once engaged. He flashes hard against the run, can set the edge and get off blocks to finish against the back. He can force the ball back inside and controls his gap effectively. He flashed an effective arm over technique but did not show counter moves during the rest of the snaps observed. He has the frame to stay at end in a 4 man front as well as play standing up in a odd man front. Tarell Basham has the tools to be an effective edge rusher with the quickness, length and motor to be a rusher but is not close to the technique he needs at the next level. He is a 4th rounder with good potential similar to Benson Mayowa.
Jordan Willis, Kansas State, #75
Game Film Evaluated:
Stanford (2016)
Texas (2016)
West Virginia (2016)
Summary: Long strider. Playmaker who can knock the ball out to cause fumbles. Excellent use of hands. Lacks top get off and burst to close on the ball. Locates the ball well. Incredibly slow moving laterally. Bigger than his measurables indicate. He has the length and hands of a defensive tackle. There is no wasted motion when he goes upfield however he slows down to a crawl when he tries to change directions. He is able to control his gaps with ease and has good game strength. Able to generate pressure outside mostly but he did flash ability to work underneath on stunts. Jordan Willis is a throwback defensive end, big tall guy who doesn’t weight more than 260 pounds. He has enough speed and get off to still be a productive rusher at the next level but likely not a top sack guy. He played mostly on strongside and that should continue in the pros. He is adequate against the run and has a solid outside move to the QB and he will finish the play when in position. He keeps blockers off his body consistently and that will allow him to make more plays than other more talented rookies in the class. 3rd round grade.
Tyus Bowser, Houston, #81
Game Film Evaluated:
Memphis (2016)
Louisville (2016)
Cincinnati (2016)
Summary: Tremendous athlete who can really run. He has some flexibility to turn and run like a defender much smaller in size. He has the athleticism to be plus in coverage and cover backs or even tight ends at the next level. He is a weapon as a blitzer if used correctly can absolutely blow up any play. He has a relentless motor that doesn’t stop and will go after the ball multiple times on a play if in position. Reads the QB eyes well, gets into passing lanes and will knock the pass away. Tyus Bowser has the look of an ideal outside backer in a 3-4 defense. His athlecism to handle himself in coverage would be wasted in a 4-3 as a end and he is best when he can run to the play. He could be a weakside backer in a 4-3 but his ideal position is without a doubt in a 3-4. A team that uses a lot of zone blitzes will drool over Bowser. He isn’t a polished pass rusher able to take on blockers and whip them with ease. He is most effective on the blitz and at times can take on blockers and disengage from blocks. 2nd round grade but he has to go to the right scheme to use him right, I feel a 4-3 team will waste his tools.
Dawuane Smoot, Illinois, #91
Game Film Evaluated:
Nebraska (2016)
Michigan (2016)
Summary: Excellent athlete who has ideal frame for the end position in a 4 man front. He lined up at strongside end at Illinois but projects to the weakside at the next level. Good burst off the snap but not elite, does an excellent job staying in his gap and playing within the scheme. He flashed elite level burst to shoot gaps and spin moves to get off blocks. He did not show counter moves and pass rush moves consistently on tape. Good motor to chase down plays. He can be pushed off the line on run plays but he wasn’t asked to take on blocks and shed them as much. The scheme asked for the players to run a lot of stunts to stop the run which suits his athleticism. His lack of technique in the pass rush was highlighted against Michigan, he simply could not get off blocks against tackles or tight ends. The tools are there and it will be up to him to work at his craft to his game to the level it can be. He plays like a smart kid playing within the scheme but he is over aggressive vulnerable to bootlegs at times. He needs to add strength, was not a threat on bull rush on tape. There is a lot to like with Dawuane Smoot but the key will be work ethnic to determine whether he becomes a starter in the NFL. Early 3rd round ground.
Keionta Davis, Tennessee-Chattanooga, #93
Game Film Evaluated:
Jacksonville State (2015)
Summary: Bit of a tweener for a defensive end, could lose some weight as he looks a tad heavy on his frame. Average quickness off the snap, he can bend and turn the corner on lower average tackles. He can strike the ball when in position. Shows a natural knack for going for the ball on the pass rush and can finish the play. Inconsistent motor and very poor technique especially in the run game. He does look eager to get involved on run plays or the pass rush if the initial move does not work. Keionta Davis looks like a situational pass rusher at the next level who needs to decide whether to shed weight and stay at end or bulk up a bit to play at under tackle. I project him to add weight and work into a situational pass rusher at tackle. 5th round grade.
Daeshon Hall, Texas A&M, #10
Game Film Evaluated:
South Carolina (2015)
Summary: Very good athlete with plus athleticism. Good burst off the snap and can really shoot the gaps. Questionable balance and lacks the ability to turn the corner with speed, can’t drop the shoulder and bend effectively. He’s got some stiffness to his hips. He has good length to keeps tackles off his body. Lacks the strength to convert speed to power, knock tackles on their heels or explode through blocks. Daeshon Hall has some solid skills to be a rotational pass rusher and possibly an average outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Hall will not be a plus pass rusher since he can’t bend effectively with speed nor beat tackles with change of direction ability or power. He flashed some technique to get off blocks but run defense will never be his strong point. He can make a team as a rotational pass rusher in a 3-4 scheme as a mid to late 5th round pick.
Tanoh Kpassagnon, Villanova, #92
Game Film Evaluated:
South Dakota State (2016)
St. Francis (2016)
Summary: Ideal frame, he can carry even more weight. He does look like a 290 pound lineman, likely he played at 270 pounds instead of the reported 290. However he carries his weight extremely well and moves well. He has good, not elite burst off the snap. He plays to the whistle and has good effort on the field. He has good balance and he can drop the shoulder, bend and turn the corner. It remains to be seen what he can do against top tier tackles at the next level. His technique is poor, hand placement, using his length and able to disengage from blocks is awful at this point. He was not able to dominate more in the pass rush due to the lack of technique which he will have to improve to make it in the pros. Tanoh Kpassagnon has the tools, frame, motor to really make an impact as a sleeper. He has got to take to coaching, put the work in at practice and he will instantly make an impact at the next level if he starts to play with proper technique. He has the frame to play in both schemes which increases his value but is a rare prospect that can play virtually anywhere on the line except for the one technique or nose tackle. He looks like a 4th round pick at this point but his value can really go up if he takes to pro coaching at the senior bowl and translates it to the field can shoot him up into the 3rd round.
Josh Carraway, TCU, #94
Game Film Evaluated:
Arkansas (2016)
Oklahoma (2015)
Summary: Explosive athlete who has an excellent motor. He is able to bend and turn the corner with ease on the pass rush. He has good length to keep blockers off his body. He has no feel for setting up tackles, converting speed to power and getting off blocks. He has a ton of work to do with technique, getting off blocks and using arm over, rip moves to get to the QB. His lateral quickness is elite and can really shoot gaps. He is not overly strong and can be engulfed at the POA on run plays. He does a good job at getting into position to set the edge and force the play back inside. He has elite potential to be a top of the line pass rusher in either a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme as a outside linebacker. He has the fluid athleticism to be a stand up linebacker but he can also be a weakside pass rusher in a 4 man front. However he will be a liability against the run until he learns proper technique and adds some strength to keep tackles at bay. Pass rushing is his game and he can be a real force in that capacity. He has legit first round ability but he is not polished enough. He is a third round grade.
Al-Quadin Muhammad, Hampton, #8
Game Film Evaluated:
Virginia Tech (2015)
Summary: Very good burst off the line, ideal arm length and good feel for using his arms to get off blocks on the pass rush. He is able to convert speed to power and knock lineman on their heels. He has good secondary moves, comfortable crossing lineman face and working inside. He is more quick than fast and able to bend effectively around the corner. He has numerous character red flags during his time at Miami, missed the 2014 season after punching a fellow student after the spring game and suspended for the season for violation of team rules. He was finally dismissed from Miami prior to the 2016 season for their involvement with a luxury car rental agency. He then transferred to Hampton as a result. Al-Quadin Muhammad is a very talented weakside rusher but he brings character baggage. He has all the tools of a plus weakside rusher in a 4-3 scheme and while he could looks as an outside backer, I feel he is best suited to be a down lineman. He can bend and turn the corner with ease and has good use of his hands. He is not the most stout run defender but he is on the field to get after the QB. He has first round ability but needs to show he has grown up and show consistency leading up to the draft to solidify a second round grade. Assuming the character red flags check out and performs well at the combine he is a second round grade at best.
Takkarist McKinley, UCLA, #98
Game Film Evaluated:
Stanford (2016)
Utah (2016)
Arizona State (2016)
Colorado (2016)
Summary: Tremendous burst off the snap, he can shoot the gaps with ease. He plays with excellent motor and gives great effort on every play. He can chase down plays with impressive closing speed. Struggles to get off blocks and doesn’t play with a good strength to knock lineman on their heels nor has the strong hands to covert speed to power. Vs ASU: Impressive arm under technique when attacking the inside shoulder of a tackle and use his burst to work toward the QB. Liability when run at, he can be engulfed and taken completely out of the play if he doesn’t get penetration off the snap with his burst. He dominated the Colorado game due to the awful offensive line play. Takkarist McKinley has elite athlecism and a top notch motor on the field. He is raw and has a ton of work to do to improve his technique and improve his ability to get off blocks. He has no swim, rip or spin moves to get pressure. He has got to improve his strength to hold up in the run game and knock lineman on their heels on the pass rush. He doesn’t play with strong hands to get off block once engaged. The elite burst and ability to bend and turn the corner to close on the ball is impressive. He will get drafted on potential which is legit first round but I wouldn’t touch him until the second round. Too many of his sacks came on poor offensive line play and good coverage.
Ryan Anderson, Alabama, #22
Game Film Evaluated:
USC (2016)
Arkansas (2016)
Washington (2016)
Summary: Very good burst off the snap, he is able to generate a lot of power with his hands and from his lower body. He can convert speed to power. Not an elite speed rusher who can bend and turn the corner with speed. Did not show ability to drop the shoulder to rush outside. Plays with good awareness to find the ball in the run game, he can control his gap and force the play back inside when he has to set the edge. He can knock the hands away from the blockers and straighten out to the QB. Ryan Anderson is an ideal strongside LB in a 3-4 scheme who can rush the passer with speed, ability to convert speed to power and able to get after the QB on stunts. He will not be a plus speed rusher but more than adequate capable of getting 6 sacks a season. Second round grade for a 3-4 scheme, he is not a fit for a 4-3.
Derek Rivers, Youngstown State, #11
Game Film Evaluated:
Northern Iowa (2016)
Illinois State (2016)
North Dakota State (2015)
Summary: Rivers was a solid small school player in 2015 who won with talent and had an effective inside move with arm under technique. However he improved in 2016 showing better technique to go along with his tremendous ability and good motor produced a dominating small school player. He was able to win with burst off the snap and drop the shoulder to bend and turn the corner on lower level tackles. He was able to convert speed to power and knock lineman on their heels and has good ability to get off blocks with those strong hands. He is average against the run but is able to control his gap. The question will be how does he translate to the best level of offensive lineman in the world at the NFL level. The ability is there but its just a shade off the elite level to warrant a first round selection. He played strongside defensive end and I think can play either end position in a 4 man scheme. He will also get a look from 3-4 teams as he even rushed the passer standing up and dropped into coverage on occasion. Derek Rivers is one of the top small school players in the draft but he showed he belonged at the Senior Bowl and that earns him a 2nd round grade. He will have a learning curve as a rookie but if he works hard and continues to improve as competition gets better, he will be an impact player in the NFL.
Derek Barnett, Tennessee, #9
Game Film Evaluated:
Alabama (2016)
Georgia (2016)
Texas A&M (2016)
Summary: Ideal size for a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme, he carries the weight well but looks to be maxed out to add any more without sacrificing speed and quickness. Elite level outside speed rusher. He can drop the shoulder and maintain balance to turn the corner effectively and close on the QB with an impressive burst. Inconsistent motor. Technique is poor. Struggles to locate the ball quickly and will take himself out of plays as a result. Good burst off the snap and can shoot gaps crashing down the line. Struggles to get off blocks once engaged and usually can be neutralized if the outside rush gets taken away. No counter moves and no feel for setting up tackles with spin, swim or rip moves on the rush. Flash player. Derek Barnett has elite level potential but he is not consistent, technique has a lot of room to grow and motor needs run hot more consistently. He will be able to turn the corner against pro tackles but he has got to develop other ways of getting to the QB, a one trick pony will not be a successful NFL rusher. Boom or bust type prospect and serious concerns about trusting a kid to improve his craft with an inconsistent motor. Second round grade but there is no doubt legit first round ability with him.
Tim Williams, Alabama, #56
Game Film Evaluated:
USC (2016)
Texas A&M (2016)
LSU (2016)
Clemson (2015)
Summary: Plays much bigger than his size would indicate. He has length to keep blockers off his body and strong hands to get off blocks. Elite level burst and change of direction ability. Ideal weakside pass rusher and perfect fit as a stand up LB in a 3-4 defense. He can beat tackles to the outside, deadly on stunts and can work inside tackles to work to the QB, a difficult match up. Motor never quits, kid is at 100 mph all the time. Above average technique showing multiple pass rush moves and ability to get off blocks even in the run game controlling his gap. There is definite room to add weight to his frame but do not sacrifice athleticism just to gain weight. Tim Williams was mostly a 3rd down rusher prior to 2016 but he is a super high potential pass rusher with a motor that never quits and good use of technique at such a young age. Best football is ahead of him and think he will be a dominate weakside pass rusher in a 4-3 or 3-4 as a stand up LB. He will never be a solid run stuffer but he will make his money as a pass rushing force. First round grade.
Myles Garrett, Texas A&M, #15
Game Film Evaluated:
UCLA (2016)
Alabama (2016)
LSU (2016)
Auburn (2016)
Summary: Elite athleticism for the defensive end pass rush position in a 4-3 scheme. Good length and elite burst off the snap. He has ability to convert speed to power, adds strong hands to get some blocks on occassion and knock tackles off balance. He brings a good spin move to get off blocks once engaged. He can drop the shoulder and bend with speed to the QB. He can shoot the gaps at an elite level especially when he slides down and matches up on guards. His technique needs a lot of work. His lack of technique was on full display against Alabama, the left tackle got the better on him all game long on the pass rush. The tackle kept Garrett off his body and could not be beaten with strength and only chance was to run around him. He needs to add swim move, rip moves and counter moves to get off blocks at the next level. Myles Garrett has all the ability in the world to be an all pro but he isn’t perfect nor a complete player yet. He misses a few too many tackles to finish a play, his technique must get better to get off blocks when tackles have length and power to stay with him. He needs to use proper extension and control his gap on run plays, he can get driven off the line consistently on run plays if he doesn’t shoot the gap at the snap. However he isn’t on the field to make plays against the run, he needs to rush the passer all game long and he can do if he improves adding technique to the elite level of ability he has. I do not like the idea of making him play standing up as a linebacker in a 3-4, needs to stay in a 3 point stance in a 4-3 scheme and just go get the QB. Top 5 overall grade.
Devonte Fields, Louisville, #92
Game Film Evaluated:
Charlotte (2016)
Florida State (2016)
Clemson (2016)
Summary: Athletic pass rusher. Used as a flexible rusher at Louisville playing mostly standing up as an outside LB but saw time with his hand on the ground and as a spy backer in the middle of the defense. He is comfortable in space. Good burst and effective outside rusher who uses speed to get to the QB. He can drop the shoulder and bend to turn the corner. He has an effective inside move crossing the face of the tackle with good technique. He flashes well but he can disappear from games. He needs to improve his strength at the POA and consistently knock lineman on their heels to make him a consistent pass rushing threat. He is comfortable playing standing up and can get out in space effectively. Devonte Fields has had a wild college career to say the least starting with a great freshman season in 2012 to injuries and off the field problems in 2013, a year in community college and finally to Louisville. He will need to be cleared showing the character issues are behind him but he is a legit pass rushing prospect. He is an average to below average run defender, he needs to improve his technique and strength to improve his ability to keep tackles honest when blocking him. He has the speed to get around tackles but struggles with consistency. He projects best to a 3-4 team as an outside linebacker but he could get a look from 4-3 teams as well but I think he is a good starter in a 3-4 and may be an above average starter in the 4-3. 3rd round grade.
Taco Charlton, Michigan, #33
Game Film Evaluated:
Penn State (2016)
Wisconsin (2016)
Florida State (2016)
Ohio State (2016)
Summary: Vs FSU - Flashed ability to knock lineman on heels, good swim move. Gets pushed out of the gap on run plays. He is capable of using his length and knocking tackles back especially on run plays. His spin move is plus. He has good burst off the snap but he is not a quick change of direction rusher. He struggles to bend and turn the corner with speed. He has good length to keep tackles away from his body. He seems to get injured often, he had to leave multiple times on the games observed. He almost beat Ohio State on his own, made the right tackle look awful but that was the result of poor technique. Taco Charlton is a super productive pass rusher but has some limited potential projecting to the NFL. He has the size and frame to be a defensive end in a 4-3 and even as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. He has good length and adequate burst off the snap but he is not an elite speed rusher with change of direction ability. I think Charlton will have difficulty racking up sacks at the next level the way he did in college. He projects to be a solid end rusher who can rack up 6-8 sacks per year and be an adequate run defender. His spin move is tremendous and will assist him at the next level but he won’t be able to win on speed alone like he did in Ann Arbor. Reminds me of former Tar Heel and Cowboy Greg Ellis. Second round grade.
Charles Harris, Missouri, #91
Game Film Evaluated:
West Virginia (2016)
Vanderbilt (2016)
LSU (2016)
Summary: Excellent motor, very good burst off the snap and can really close on the QB. Tight hips, struggles to change direction with speed, not a quick twitch athlete. Flashed a good spin move to get pressure on inside rush. He has good balance to drop the shoulder and turn the corner. He lacks strength to knock tackles on their heels consistently. He can get pushed out of the play consistently on run plays. He can shoot gaps and keep driving to the ball. Arm under technique and spin move is his preferred move on the pass rush. Charles Harris is a high effort good speed rusher who projects well to a 4-3 scheme as a defensive end. He has the burst to get off the snap, drop the shoulder and turn the corner with speed to the QB. However he needs to improve his hand strength and ability to convert speed to power to beat professional tackles. He has the speed but is not a quick twitch athlete who can change directions quickly. He needs to improve his hand placement and use his hands better to get off blocks in the run game, he gets pushed out of the hole too often. He also needs to recognize run or pass more quickly, he runs himself out of the play more than he should. He is not a franchise elite speed rusher but he is more than capable at getting sacks at the next level but will struggle against the top tackles. Second round grade.
Joe Mathis, Washington, #5
Game Film Evaluated:
Arizona (2016)
Boise State (2015)
Summary: Good length, impressive strength in his hands and keeps tackles off his body. Able to control his gap and get off blocks to make plays against the run. Good motor and he will chase the play outside his area and go downfield. He can dip, drop the shoulder and turn the corner with speed. Very smart player, finds the ball quickly and stays at home on counters and reverses. He played with his hand down in 2015 and had much more difficult time getting off blocks. However in 2016 he played in a 2 point stance and was much more effective especially in the run game. He is able to generate some good pop into the tackle. Joe Mathis has ability and looks as an ideal strongside LB in a 3-4 defense who is maybe 4-5 sacks per season but is a plus run defender. He could be a down defensive end in a 4-3 but he looks best standing up without question. Third round grade who could be a good player in a 3-4 but he can still be effective in a 4-3, just to a lesser extent.
Jimmy Gilbert, Colorado, #98
Game Film Evaluated:
Utah (2016)
Michigan (2016)
Stanford (2016)
UCLA (2016)
Summary: Tall but extremely thin frame. He can add a lot of weight to that body and carry it well. He lacks explosive burst of a undersized pass rusher. He has good length and he can hold his position in the run game against much bigger lineman. He can whip a block effectively and can find the ball quickly. He flashes ability to get off blocks in the pass rush but is not a quick twitch player who can change directions quickly. He lacks the low center of gravity to dip the shoulder and turn the corner with ease. He has some upside but looks best as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Jimmy Gilbert is a interesting prospect who can rush the passer but lacks the tools to project he can continue to get after it at the next level. He has good length and should be an adequate run defender but just a average pass rusher. He has got to add strength to add more ways to get to the ball since he lacks explosive quickness. He needs to go to a 3-4 team and could be a surprising find if put in the right situation. 5th round grade.
Ejuan Price, Pittsburgh, #5
Game Film Evaluated:
North Carolina (2016)
Virginia Tech (2016)
Summary: Extremely undersized. Extremely active. Tremendous technique and relentless worker on the field. He brings 100% effort on every play and makes plays as the most consistent pass rusher on the line. He has plus get off at the snap, able to drop the shoulder, get under pads and drive to the QB. He has the balance to dip and turn the corner with speed. He can convert speed to power on those who are not prepared for him. He has excellent use of his hands, can use a good swim, arm under and spin move to get off blocks. He commands double teams on each snap and can stop a drive if left one on one. His lack of size makes him vulnerable to get engulfed by bigger lineman once they get their hands on him. He was not effective when lined up inside to try and beat guards, their frames and lack of space made it difficult for him to get into the action. He is very quick and can shoot the gaps and find the ball effectively. Ejuan Price is very undersized edge pass rusher and there are questions how his game translates to the next level. Athletic left tackles with the ideal length will neutralize him but those are the best in the game. He will win matchups in the NFL despite all the measurables saying he can’t. Effort, speed and technique are on his side and I have no doubt he will be an effective pass rusher from the outside. Best as a 3-4 OLB but he played with his hand down at school and he could be there in the NFL. He will be poor as a run defender but he will get to the QB. The length and frame will hurt him on draft day but he can play and will make plays in the NFL. 3rd round grade.
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