DEFENSIVE ENDS
Bradley Chubb, North Carolina State
Game Film Evaluated:
Marshall (2017)
Louisville (2017)
South Carolina (2017)
Analysis: Average first step quickness. Excellent length and strong hands. Very good inside move and uses his length to maintain separation and then rip away from the block and finish the play. He can effectively drop the shoulder, dip and turn the corner with balance and get to the QB. Excellent motor and will pursue plays well outside his immediate area. He is relentless in his pursuit. He has good feel for using his hands on the pass rush, flashed good rip and swim move. He is able to beat a tackle multiple ways, beating them to the inside, extending his arms into the tackle’s body on the bull rush and on the outside speed rush. Very tough player who suffered a dislocated finger and returned in the same game. He had a good matchup against a solid prospect in Geron Christian from Louisville. He gets to top speed in an instant and has no wasted motion.
Summary: Bradly Chubb is a highly productive college edge rusher who projects well to the NFL as either a weakside or strongside pass rusher. Although he lacks an elite first step that most top rushers have, he has everything else working at a high level. He plays with good length, feel for using his hands, experience setting up tackles and able to beat them a variety of ways which makes him a difficult match up. He is a complete player who is also strong against the run and finishes the play consistently when in position. I think he is best as a strongside rusher but I have no doubt he can’t be successful at either position. I think he will get looks from 3-4 teams as he had experience dropping into coverage at NC State. He is an elite 1st round grade player who likely goes in the top 5 because he fits both defensive schemes and everyone needs pass rushers.
Harold Landry, Boston College
Game Film Evaluated:
Wake Forest (2017)
Notre Dame (2017)
Virginia Tech (2016)
Analysis: Inconsistent effort and motor. When he wants to, he can explode off the line, drop the shoulder, bend and turn the corner with speed. However that burst isn’t always there during the games. He only has an outside speed move, zero pass rush moves and no counter moves at this point. Poor technique, unable to disengage from blockers once engaged in the pass rush or vs the run. Does not locate the ball quickly in the run game. He is comfortable in space and lined up in a 2 point stance often in college.
Summary: Harold Landry is a frustrating prospect. You see the good when he flashes that burst and explodes around the corner on the pass rush to the QB. However he lacks the technique, experience setting up tackles to beat them multiple ways which he will need at the next level. He is not a complete player as he is easily neutralized in the run game and unable to hold his position. The question will be whether you think his best football is ahead of him or what you see on tape is as good as its going to get. I worry about players with inconsistent motors and poor technique projecting to the next level. Pass rushers are always at a premium and because he has that potential he earns a 2nd round grade. However most pass rushers who can get to the QB consistently earn higher grades than that which calls into question the holes in the rest of his game. 2nd round grade with high risk to go along with high potential.
Marcus Davenport, UT-El Paso
Game Film Evaluated:
Rice (2017)
Marshall (2017)
Texas A&M (2016)
Analysis: Ideal frame for a defensive end and comfortable in a 2 point stance as an OLB. Power player, brings a lot of strength and able to hold his position when teams run at him. Strong hands and able to drive the blocker back into the pocket. Finds the ball quickly, able to get off blocks and make the tackle in the run game. Not able to bend as a top prospect. He is a striker and able to lay the wood on a ballcarrier or QB if given the chance. Impressive burst off the snap and can offer a good speed rush but his power is his preference at this point. He lined up exclusively against the RT at Rice avoiding any snaps against Calvin Anderson who is a solid pass protecting prospect. Raw prospect, does not use pass rush moves to get off blocks and was highlighted when he went against better competition at Texas A&M.
Summary: Marcus Davenport brings good pass rush potential as either a defensive end in a 4-3 or a OLB in a 3-4 scheme. He is solid defending the run and has good speed needed to be a threat as a pass rusher. However he lacks the elite burst or bending ability to turn the corner in tight quarters. He needs to learn how to use his speed and convert to power and use his length from his frame to keep blockers off his body like he does when defending the run. He could turn into a real find once he develops his technique and become one of the more complete defenders against the run and pass. He may never be a top pass rusher but not someone have to worry about teams running against and can get his team around 6-8 sacks per season. Early 2nd round grade.
Kemoko Turay, Rutgers
Game Film Evaluated:
Ohio State (2017)
Michigan (2017)
Penn State (2017)
Analysis: Good LB frame and has the look of a OLB for a 3-4 scheme. Average burst off the line. Plays with good length. Excellent motor. Finds the ball quickly. Comfortable in space and moves well laterally. He is comfortable using his hands and able to turn the corner quickly and get to the QB. He can use a good arm over technique crossing the face of a tackle and beat them to the inside. He flashed strong hands to knock them off balance and finish toward the QB. Misses too many tackles when in position to make an impact play. Plays with excellent awareness and never gives up on a play.
Summary: Kemoko Turay is an intriguing pass rushing prospect who can fill a variety of roles as he projects to the next level. He is comfortable playing in space as an OLB and able to get to the QB in multiple ways. He lacks elite burst and quickness or able to bend with top end speed. He moves well and uses his strong and quick hands to get off blocks. He has a plan when attacking the OT and able to beat them outside, inside and has good counter moves. He has a non stop motor and plays with good awareness on the field. He is not going to be an elite pass rush capable of getting 10 sacks but he will be a more than capable rusher who can get 6 sacks a season. He projects best as an OLB in a 3-4 scheme and could be a defensive end in a 4-3 but he would need to add some weight to help him hold up in the run game since he lacks the elite burst. 2nd round grade.
Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Oklahoma
Game Film Evaluated:
Kanas State (2017)
Ohio State (2017)
Analysis: Moves well and has some burst off the line. He can penetrate and shoot gaps effectively. Flashed good spin move to get off blocks and create pressure. Really struggles to get off blocks if speed doesn’t win off the snap. He can easily neutralized in the run game by even a college TE. Completely different player vs Ohio State. He flashed top burst off the line, elite change of direction ability to beat tackles to the outside and inside. His spin move is his best move. Struggles to knock lineman on their heels converting speed to power.
Summary: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo is an ideal 3-4 OLB who can rush the passer from a 2 point stance. He cannot be counted on to be a defensive end in a 4-3, he will get engulfed at the POA. He is a poor defender against the run, he cannot stand up his man, defeat the block and find the ball. His game is penetration, crashing down the line and beating his man to the gap with speed. He is not a great technique pass rusher especially to the outside but he has a plus inside move. He needs to refine his arm over technique to go along with his inside move to make him a more complete defender. Late 2nd round grade to a 3-4 team.
Arden Key, LSU
Game Film Evaluated:
Alabama (2017)
Mississippi State (2017)
Auburn (2017)
Analysis: Good burst off the line. Undersized for the position and has the look of a LB trying to play DE than the other way around. He flashes good speed move and able to turn the corner with speed. He lacks top balance to drop the shoulder, dip and get to the QB consistently on NFL tackles. He lacks strength to knock lineman back, no bull rush or able to convert speed to power at this point. Below average run defender who can be easily neutralized by even a tight end. He flashes well with the speed rush and at times has a good motor who can get coverage sacks due to his effort. Excellent length to keep separation from the blockers.
Summary: Arden Key is a frustrating player who flashes some elite level traits but it does not show up consistently. He is a 3-4 OLB prospect only, he cannot go to a 4-3 team or ask him to play with his hand on the ground in any sort of base defense. He will get absolutely destroyed in the run game in a 3 point stance. He needs to improve his pass rush technique, learn secondary moves and have a plan to attack tackles to give him the best chance to get to the QB. He is a speed rush exclusive player at this point who has good burst, length and some bending ability to turn the corner. He is not polished by any stretch and his motor runs hot and cold at times. There is high potential with Key but just as much risk. If the kid works on his craft to add counter moves and improve his strength at the POA then this guy will be a force on the pass rush. He can shoot gaps and cross the face of lineman when he wants to but he will disappear too much in games. Late second round grade for a 3-4 team and 4th round grade to a 4-3 team.
Sam Hubbard, Ohio State
Game Film Evaluated:
Penn State (2017)
Michigan (2017)
Analysis: Adequate burst off the snap. Built like a LB more than a DE. Good strong hands. Able to convert speed to power. Excellent motor and doesn’t quit on the pass rush. Locates the ball quickly in the run game. Good spin move and has multiple paths to get to the QB. Not a power player, someone who can generate leverage and knock tackles on their heels. He picks up speed quickly and can close on the ball quickly. Good lateral mobility and effective on stunts. Solid run defender. Controls his gap consistently and keeps containment. Rarely lets a run play get outside on his side.
Summary: Sam Hubbard has the look of a OLB in a 3-4 scheme that needs a solid run defender and adequate pass rusher. He is not going to be a plus pass rushing weapon but his motor, strong hands and counter moves should get him around 4 sacks per season. He is one of the better run defenders playing on the outside in the class. He controls his gap, finds the ball quickly, gets off the block and makes the tackle. He is comfortable dropping into coverage during the games observed. Nothing about his game is elite or top notch but he is a solid defender who can enjoy a long career in the proper role. He will disappoint a team if drafted to solve their pass rushing problem though. He is a complimentary piece to a unit that has a solid foundation. Early 3rd round grade.
Hercules Mata’afa, Washington State
Game Film Evaluated:
Oregon (2017)
USC (2017)
Michigan State (2017)
Analysis: Lined up as a DT playing at the 3 technique and even on the nose despite having the size of a speed rushing defensive end. Impressive game strength, able to hold his position when teams run at him. Excellent burst off the line. No pass rush moves. Did not use swim, rip or spin moves during games observed. He is effective beating a lineman to a spot and getting his arm under the blocker and driving into the backfield. He plays with good lower strength to hold his position but not able to knock lineman back on the rush. Plus lateral mobility, he can side step in close quarters and explode into the backfield. Flashed good swim move vs USC but did not show up during other games.
Summary: Hercules Mata’afa has impressive tools to be looked at as a pass rushing defensive end. He played completely out of position at Washington State as a down defensive tackle playing down the line and slanting across blockers. He rarely was used as a speed rusher lined up wide facing off against the offensive tackle. He plays with tremendous burst, shows impressive lateral mobility to beat lineman both inside and outside. Raw player who needs to refine his technique, develop pass rush moves and convert speed to power to give him multiple paths to beat the blocker. He is a projection player since his role in college is not going to be where he plays in the pros. He has 2nd round potential as an effective weak side pass rusher in a 4-3 scheme. He could get some looks from 3-4 teams as an OLB and think he would do well but is most comfortable rushing the QB and playing in a down position. I would not doubt this kid making an impact in the NFL and earning a starting job by his second season in the NFL. 3rd round grade.
Jalyn Holmes, Ohio State
Game Film Evaluated:
USC (2017)
Penn State (2017)
Michigan (2017)
Analysis: Good size for a 4-3 defensive end. Average burst off the snap. Moves well laterally and has adequate closing speed. Finds the ball well and plus run defender. Able to locate the ball, stack and shed the block to then make the tackle. Quick hands. Able to get under the pads of a blocker and push them back into the pocket. Plus game strength, he can knock them off balance. Not explosive type of edge rusher. Slides inside on passing downs. Flashed good spin move to get off blocks once engaged. He is not explosve or elite quickness but moves well.
Summary: Jalyn Holmes is an adequate with some underrated skills to make it as an average starter in the NFL. Holmes is a solid run defender who has good game strength, able to find the ball but can get off blocks and make the tackle. He has quick hands and adequate athleticism to be an average outside pass rusher. He lacks the elite burst or bending ability to get around pro tackles consistently. He does bring multiple ways to get to the QB with ability to generate leverage, cross their face working to the inside. I project Holmes to be a strongside DE in a 4-3 scheme who can slide inside on passing downs but provide 3-5 sacks per season and be solid in defending the run. 3rd round grade.
Rasheem Green, USC
Game Film Evaluated:
UCLA (2017)
Cal (2017)
Analysis: Good frame for a defensive end in either scheme. Brings long arms and has some athleticism on the rush. Lacks power at the POA and struggles to hold his position when teams run at him. Average get off at the line. Not a penetrator or someone who can blow plays up behind the line. He flashes good swim, rip and spin move to get pressure. He moves well laterally and can close on the ball. Inconsistent technique. He plays with good length and keeps the blockers off him. Locates the ball effectively. Struggles to get off blocks in the run game. Not someone who is comfortable using his length, locate the ball, disengage the block and make the tackle.
Summary: Rasheem Green is a solid defensive end in a 3-4 scheme or 3 technique in the 4-3. He isn’t a perfect fit in either scheme as he lacks the power to control his gap in a 3-4 scheme and might get engulfed in the run game. He lacks the top quickness and power to give guards trouble on the pass rush when lined up 1 on 1 in a 4-3 as a 3 technique. He needs to add core strength and bring a power element to his game. Once he does that, I think a 3-4 defense fits his best as a solid run defender and above average pass rusher as a 5 technique. Late 3rd round grade to the right scheme.
Duke Ejiofor, Wake Forest
Game Film Evaluated:
Boston College (2017)
Florida State (2017)
Temple (2016)
Senior Bowl (2018)
Analysis: Impressive burst off the snap. Quick hands. He is able to get off blockers with his hands and has good technique. Able to find the ball and finish against the run effectively. Relentless in his pursuit to the ball. He is able to get low, drop the shoulder and turn the corner with speed. He has a good lower base and plays low to the ground. Very smart player who breaks off his rush to defend screen passes. Has got to get more powerful and able to convert speed to power to knock lineman off balance.
Summary: Duke Ejiofor is a solid prospect with limited pro potential. He has plus technique, good effort and adequate athleticism on the pass rush. He locates the ball well and makes the play when in position. He struggles to generate power, not able to knock lineman back on their heels. He projects best as a strongside defensive end in a 4-3 scheme who can slide down inside in passing situations. He may never be more than an average starter but has a role as a rotational end who can make plays both in the run and pass game. Although his impact will be limited if he doesn’t improve his game strength to make NFL lineman have more to be prepared for when they face him. Late 3rd round pick.
JaVon Rolland-Jones, Arkansas State
Game Film Evaluated:
Central Florida (2016)
Analysis: Ideal size for a defensive end. Impressive length. He is able to generate leverage using his length and strength, converts speed to power and knocks tackles back on their heels. Good balance and flashed ability to dip and turn the corner. Better on the strongside vs weakside. His best asset at this point is his strength and driving into a tackle’s body on the bull rush. He needs to develop pass rush moves to take advantage of that strength, cross the face of the blocker and improve his hands to beat the better tackles he will face at the next level. He is not an explosive type of speed rusher. He lacks elite quickness off the snap but he moves well and can close on the ball effectively. He is a power rusher more than a speed rusher at this point.
Summary: JaVon Rolland-Jones is a solid sleeper prospect who is a legit pass rushing threat capable of fighting for a job on a 4-3 team. He is not polished nor someone with elite quickness and burst off the snap capable of giving NFL tackles fits on every play. However he does bring excellent game strength and enough athleticism to suggest he can become an adequate rusher at the next level. He needs time to develop his technique, learn how to use his strength effectively and maximize his tools to handle more athletic tackles than he ever faced in college. 4th round grade.
Marquis Haynes, Ole Miss
Game Film Evaluated:
Auburn (2017)
Alabama (2016)
Arkansas (2016)
Analysis: Excellent burst off the snap. Incredibly undersized for a defensive end. Built like a LB and seems destined to play OLB in a 3-4 type scheme. He moves laterally well and able to beat lineman to a gap and penetrate upfield. Below average run defender and struggles to get off blocks once engaged. He is a outside speed rush threat only at this point. Excellent motor and pursues plays outside his area. He will chase down plays way outside his position. Played more of an OLB type role in 2016 dropping into coverage. Needs to develop counter and more pass rush moves to become a more consistent threat.
Summary: Marquis Haynes has excellent athleticism to project to a 3-4 OLB at the next level but needs to develop his pass rushing skills before he can be a starter at the next level. He may never be more than a below average run defender, lacks strength to hold the POA or get off blocks once engaged. He flashes a good arm over move but nothing displays consistently when on the pass rush. Lacks ability to generate any power from his speed nor did he play with any type of inside move. Initially he will be a pass rushing specialist subbing on the field in passing situations but should compete for a starting job by his second season if he works hard developing his craft. 4th round grade.
Dorance Armstrong, Kansas
Game Film Evaluated:
Oklahoma (2016)
Texas Tech (2017)
Analysis: Struggles to hold at the POA, he can get engulfed by tackles in the run game. He can use his athleticism to provide containment and force runs back inside. Impressive athleticism and quickness, able to drop the shoulder, bend and turn the corner with speed to the QB. Lacks strength and not capable of knocking lineman off balance, converting speed to power. Average burst off the snap. Not developed pass rush technique, not able to get off blocks once engaged. He does not attempt to set up tackles with counter moves or multiple paths to get to the QB. He can impressive speed and able to chase down plays from behind. Excellent motor and he will pursue plays outside his area. He flashes good length and able to keep blockers off his body when he uses it.
Summary: Dorance Armstrong has the ideal frame for an OLB in a 3-4 scheme. He brings excellent speed but only average burst off the snap. He needs to improve his strength in games, struggles to convert speed to power or hold the POA when teams run at him. He isn’t able to get his hands into the blocker and drive them back into the pocket. He needs to improve his technique, use his length properly and develop some pass rush moves to get off blocks against better tackles. It was over in college when tackles got their hands on him. He needs to make a position change to be a stand up LB at the next level to give him the best chance. He needs to learn to drop back, get comfortable in space and become adequate in coverage. He has more than enough athleticism to be adequate as an OLB in a 3-4 scheme. He could be a pass rusher in a rotation or subbed in on passing downs early in his career. 4th round grade.
Joe Ostman, Central Michigan
Game Film Evaluated:
Toledo (2017)
Oklahoma State (2016)
Analysis: No burst or explosion off the snap. Lacks length to keep tackles off him. Quick hands and moves well laterally. He can side step blocks effectively. He can move down the line and beat the blocker inside on run plays. Undersized for an edge rusher playing with his hand on the ground. He finds the ball well and can finish the play when in position.
Summary: Joe Ostman is an above average college player who does not project well to the NFL without a position change. He played with his hand on the ground in college but that is not going to work at the next level. He needs to play standing up as an outside LB in a 3-4 scheme to have the best chance to succeed. He may lack the fluid hips needed to play in space and did not do that in college. He has a good motor and can make a few plays in the run game. However he lacks the quickness, balance or strength to give NFL tackles troubles keeping him away from the QB. He is a 6th round grade to a 3-4 team and not a draftable player to a 4-3 team.
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