2017-18 CFB SEASON / '18 NFL DRAFT

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Malik Jefferson - LB - Longhorns

NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter lists Texas LB Malik Jefferson as a potential target for the Eagles in the 2018 NFL Draft.

With the Eagles playing in the Super Bowl on Sunday, we know they'll have either the 31st or 32nd pick in the draft. In either spot, a linebacker like Jefferson could help complement what is already one of the best defenses in the NFC. "Not all NFL scouts are as high on Jefferson as I am, but I think his size/speed combination makes him worthy of a late first-round selection," Rueter writes. "He could replace Nigel Bradham on the strong side if Bradham departs in free agency, or possibly line up inside if Bradham returns."
Source: NFL.com

Feb 3 - 6:41 PM

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Maurice Hurst - DL - Wolverines

Pro Football Focus's Jordan Plocher believes that Michigan DL Maurice Hurst could compare to Tampa Bay DL Gerald McCoy.

Hurst was an analytical superstar over his final year with the Wolverines, ranking near the top of PFF's run-stopping and pass-rushing grades for any player. Plocher writes that he's similar to McCoy not only because of his dominance, but because they were both undersized defenders coming into the next level. "The comparison between the two — McCoy and Hurst — does, in fact, come with merit," Plocher writes. "Hurst’s ability to be disruptive and productive against the run and as a pass-rusher means he should be able to stay on the field in nearly every down-and-distance situation and provide tremendous value for the team that drafts him."
Source: Pro Football Focus

Feb 3 - 5:02 PM

[ChrisPozz]

Maurice Hurst - DL - Wolverines

Pro Football Focus's Jordan Plocher believes that Michigan DL Maurice Hurst could compare to Tampa Bay DL Gerald McCoy.

Hurst was an analytical superstar over his final year with the Wolverines, ranking near the top of PFF's run-stopping and pass-rushing grades for any player. Plocher writes that he's similar to McCoy not only because of his dominance, but because they were both undersized defenders coming into the next level. "The comparison between the two — McCoy and Hurst — does, in fact, come with merit," Plocher writes. "Hurst’s ability to be disruptive and productive against the run and as a pass-rusher means he should be able to stay on the field in nearly every down-and-distance situation and provide tremendous value for the team that drafts him."
Source: Pro Football Focus

Feb 3 - 5:02 PM

This is one of those times speaking as a family with Buckeyes ties where it isn't going to hurt me to say something good about a Michigan guy.

He's a bit of a dude. Son of former NE Patriots corner Maurice Hurst (same name). The two have never had a relationship and his mother raised him. Very bright kid. Already graduated with a degree in sport management from the School of Kinesiology and was pursuing his master's degree from the School of Social Work in Management of Human Services, with a focus on Child and Youth Services.

He's been a favorite in the grading community where for the last 2 years he's received some of the best marks across the board on almost every grading site I trust. Has advanced hand work for his age when it's quick, really good movement skills and range, A+ effort, and does some work against double teams because of those movement skills.

You better know what you're going to do with him and he might be maxed out weight wise. You look at him and he's a little small for an inside guy. He doesn't have a great frame and can get rocked if he's not the quickest to make his move or if he has to deal with lots of length. The intriguing part about that is his techniques top to bottom are already very good so he kind of has an idea how to minimize what the Lord didn't give him (good coaching perhaps?). I don't think you'd want him closer to a true 3-4 because you don't want him getting doubled almost every single play and having to overcome and shed the physical stuff.

He could be a nice player with a lot of the effort/coaching/people person skills working for him if you put him next to a guy that can take some of the attention off him and let him use those movement skills to do his work.

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Maurice Hurst - DL - Wolverines

Pro Football Focus's Jordan Plocher believes that Michigan DL Maurice Hurst could compare to Tampa Bay DL Gerald McCoy.

Hurst was an analytical superstar over his final year with the Wolverines, ranking near the top of PFF's run-stopping and pass-rushing grades for any player. Plocher writes that he's similar to McCoy not only because of his dominance, but because they were both undersized defenders coming into the next level. "The comparison between the two — McCoy and Hurst — does, in fact, come with merit," Plocher writes. "Hurst’s ability to be disruptive and productive against the run and as a pass-rusher means he should be able to stay on the field in nearly every down-and-distance situation and provide tremendous value for the team that drafts him."
Source: Pro Football Focus

Feb 3 - 5:02 PM

This is one of those times speaking as a family with Buckeyes ties where it isn't going to hurt me to say something good about a Michigan guy.

He's a bit of a dude. Son of former NE Patriots corner Maurice Hurst (same name). The two have never had a relationship and his mother raised him. Very bright kid. Already graduated with a degree in sport management from the School of Kinesiology and was pursuing his master's degree from the School of Social Work in Management of Human Services, with a focus on Child and Youth Services.

He's been a favorite in the grading community where for the last 2 years he's received some of the best marks across the board on almost every grading site I trust. Has advanced hand work for his age when it's quick, really good movement skills and range, A+ effort, and does some work against double teams because of those movement skills.

You better know what you're going to do with him and he might be maxed out weight wise. You look at him and he's a little small for an inside guy. He doesn't have a great frame and can get rocked if he's not the quickest to make his move or if he has to deal with lots of length. The intriguing part about that is his techniques top to bottom are already very good so he kind of has an idea how to minimize what the Lord didn't give him (good coaching perhaps?). I don't think you'd want him closer to a true 3-4 because you don't want him getting doubled almost every single play and having to overcome and shed the physical stuff.

He could be a nice player with a lot of the effort/coaching/people person skills working for him if you put him next to a guy that can take some of the attention off him and let him use those movement skills to do his work.

I get it, but do you think the McCoy comparisons is stretching it a bit!? Those are some lofty comparisons to make, IMO. I’m not going to lie though, the only reason/s why I even watched Michigan games this year was to focus on their true freshman wide receivers, and their star D-end Rashaan Gary. When I did watch their games, he (Hurst) was always getting penetration. I still wasn’t giving him enough credit—no real reasons why, but I’m still not 100% convinced that he could be that guy for us. I’d say this, he’s 3 times better as a pass rusher than FSU’s Derrick Nnadi. But Nnadi is much more trustworthy as a run stuffer (he doesn’t offer much in the passing game). Therefore, I’m still in the camp of wanting Vea in this draft than any other DTs in this class. I’m going to leave that up to our scouts and coaches to determine if Hurst is McCoy 2.0, which we can strongly benefit from—and if he’s indeed that good, why not select him in the top ten!!??

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Kentavius Street - DL - Wolfpack

NFL.com Draft analyst Chad Reuter listed NC State edge-rusher Kentavius Street as a potential fit for the Eagles in the 2018 draft.

Street was one of the main standouts of the East West Shrine Game, and has seen his stock rise in the process. He's always been known as a terrific athlete, but he showed that it can translate into games over that week. As Reuter says: "DEs Brandon Graham and Chris Long are due to hit free agency after the 2018 season, so landing the powerful and quick Street in the middle rounds could prove to be a wise move."
Source: NFL.com

Feb 4 - 3:23 PM

[ChrisPozz]

Maurice Hurst - DL - Wolverines

Pro Football Focus's Jordan Plocher believes that Michigan DL Maurice Hurst could compare to Tampa Bay DL Gerald McCoy.

Hurst was an analytical superstar over his final year with the Wolverines, ranking near the top of PFF's run-stopping and pass-rushing grades for any player. Plocher writes that he's similar to McCoy not only because of his dominance, but because they were both undersized defenders coming into the next level. "The comparison between the two — McCoy and Hurst — does, in fact, come with merit," Plocher writes. "Hurst’s ability to be disruptive and productive against the run and as a pass-rusher means he should be able to stay on the field in nearly every down-and-distance situation and provide tremendous value for the team that drafts him."
Source: Pro Football Focus

Feb 3 - 5:02 PM

This is one of those times speaking as a family with Buckeyes ties where it isn't going to hurt me to say something good about a Michigan guy.

He's a bit of a dude. Son of former NE Patriots corner Maurice Hurst (same name). The two have never had a relationship and his mother raised him. Very bright kid. Already graduated with a degree in sport management from the School of Kinesiology and was pursuing his master's degree from the School of Social Work in Management of Human Services, with a focus on Child and Youth Services.

He's been a favorite in the grading community where for the last 2 years he's received some of the best marks across the board on almost every grading site I trust. Has advanced hand work for his age when it's quick, really good movement skills and range, A+ effort, and does some work against double teams because of those movement skills.

You better know what you're going to do with him and he might be maxed out weight wise. You look at him and he's a little small for an inside guy. He doesn't have a great frame and can get rocked if he's not the quickest to make his move or if he has to deal with lots of length. The intriguing part about that is his techniques top to bottom are already very good so he kind of has an idea how to minimize what the Lord didn't give him (good coaching perhaps?). I don't think you'd want him closer to a true 3-4 because you don't want him getting doubled almost every single play and having to overcome and shed the physical stuff.

He could be a nice player with a lot of the effort/coaching/people person skills working for him if you put him next to a guy that can take some of the attention off him and let him use those movement skills to do his work.

I get it, but do you think the McCoy comparisons is stretching it a bit!? Those are some lofty comparisons to make, IMO. I’m not going to lie though, the only reason/s why I even watched Michigan games this year was to focus on their true freshman wide receivers, and their star D-end Rashaan Gary. When I did watch their games, he (Hurst) was always getting penetration. I still wasn’t giving him enough credit—no real reasons why, but I’m still not 100% convinced that he could be that guy for us. I’d say this, he’s 3 times better as a pass rusher than FSU’s Derrick Nnadi. But Nnadi is much more trustworthy as a run stuffer (he doesn’t offer much in the passing game). Therefore, I’m still in the camp of wanting Vea in this draft than any other DTs in this class. I’m going to leave that up to our scouts and coaches to determine if Hurst is McCoy 2.0, which we can strongly benefit from—and if he’s indeed that good, why not select him in the top ten!!??

Stretching it? Yeah, in a way. I'm not even drooling over the guy but I get both sides of it. People ask "who does he remind you of?" and others are always quick to bring up a NAME guy that everyone knows for a best case scenario. I rarely get angry over comps anymore because I get that most people do their comps where they only consider mostly name guys to get their point across in broad appeal.

If you only take name guys, eliminate the rest, there's worse comparisons for him than Gerald McCoy. Maybe it'd be better if one were to say "a Gerald McCoy type." There's some similarities there that I kind of get it. At the same time he would have to hit and maybe go through his ceiling to get to the McCoy level of play and production. I personally would not expect that from him.

[ChrisPozz]

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[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Tremaine Edmunds - LB - Hokies

NFL Media's Lance Zierlin spoke to an NFL scout who claims there is no comparable player for Virginia Tech LB Tremaine Edmunds.

"I don't think there has ever been a linebacker that has had his size and speed," the scout said. Edmunds is listed at 6-foot-5 and 250-pounds, a unique size for the position. We will get his real measurements at the NFL Combine, but the buzz has already begun for Edmunds NFL projection. Some are mentioning an Anthony Barr type role, and if you remember Barr made the transition from edge rusher to off the ball linebacker. Multiple media evaluators have placed Edmunds among the top 10 prospects in the class.
Source: NFL.com

Feb 5 - 9:52 AM

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Quenton Nelson - G - Fighting Irish

One NFC executive believes Notre Dame G Quenton Nelson is one of the best run blockers he's ever evaluated.

That same executive adds Nelson is not a liability in pass protection and will "bring an ass-kicking mindset into your position room." Nelson appears to be the unanimously loved prospect in this draft class, and it would no be a surprise to see him ranked as the No. 1 player in the class by some evaluators. The debate on the importance of interior linemen might pop up, but we are firmly in the camp of prioritizing talent at that position.
Source: NFL.com

Feb 5 - 9:17 AM

[ChrisPozz]

Read on Twitter

[NinerSickness]

Malik Jefferson - LB - Longhorns

NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter lists Texas LB Malik Jefferson as a potential target for the Eagles in the 2018 NFL Draft.

With the Eagles playing in the Super Bowl on Sunday, we know they'll have either the 31st or 32nd pick in the draft. In either spot, a linebacker like Jefferson could help complement what is already one of the best defenses in the NFC. "Not all NFL scouts are as high on Jefferson as I am, but I think his size/speed combination makes him worthy of a late first-round selection," Rueter writes. "He could replace Nigel Bradham on the strong side if Bradham departs in free agency, or possibly line up inside if Bradham returns."
Source: NFL.com

Feb 3 - 6:41 PM

Jefferson's gonna be a Solid MIKE IMO, but I think the Niners want Foster to move to that role. So I'm not really that interested any more.

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Malik Jefferson - LB - Longhorns

NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter lists Texas LB Malik Jefferson as a potential target for the Eagles in the 2018 NFL Draft.

With the Eagles playing in the Super Bowl on Sunday, we know they'll have either the 31st or 32nd pick in the draft. In either spot, a linebacker like Jefferson could help complement what is already one of the best defenses in the NFC. "Not all NFL scouts are as high on Jefferson as I am, but I think his size/speed combination makes him worthy of a late first-round selection," Rueter writes. "He could replace Nigel Bradham on the strong side if Bradham departs in free agency, or possibly line up inside if Bradham returns."
Source: NFL.com

Feb 3 - 6:41 PM

Jefferson's gonna be a Solid MIKE IMO, but I think the Niners want Foster to move to that role. So I'm not really that interested any more.

In his most recent mock (published earlier today) Matt Miller made this statement which I strongly agree with:

Malik Jefferson is a special athlete who will post rare times at the scouting combine, but some teams are struggling to reconcile that with his film that was at times uninspiring. Jefferson, playing middle linebacker, was a step late occasionally but was able to make up for it with speed. You can't do that in the NFL, of course, but with coaching and reps at just one position instead of jumping all over the defense, Jefferson could be a high-level starter.”

[ChrisPozz]

Official Invite List

http://www.nflcombine.net/players/official-invite-list/

Released today. I'm a little different and goofy on this day. This day is rarely about who got invites and who didn't like it is for a lot of people. Generally if you follow the draft close enough you should know before today who is expected to be on the biggest combine snubbed list (Daurice Fountain, Poona Ford, Tony Adams, Marcell Frazier, P.J. Hall, etc.). For me this day is more so about learning some of these guys' real names and not the names they've gone by while in school. Just a fun little exercise to see how many you previously knew.

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Jacob Eason - QB - Huskies

Georgia junior QB Jacob Eason transferred to Washington.

Eason, a Washington native, was reported to be heading to the Huskies when he announced his transfer intentions in mid-January. It's official, now. The 6-foot-5, 235-pounder ranked as Rivals' No. 7 overall prospect coming out of high school as part of the 2016 cycle and went on to throw for 2,430 yards with a 16/8 TD/INT ratio while starting as a true freshman. He began the 2017 campaign as starter, too, but was supplanted by incoming five-star frosh Jake Fromm after he sustained a knee injury in the season-opener against Appalachian State. Fromm would go on to lead the Bulldogs to the national championship game. At Washington, Eason will have to sit out the 2018 season in order to satisfy NCAA transfer regulations. That works out fine for the Huskies, who already have senior Jake Browning atop the quarterbacking depth chart. Once Browning's moved on following the 2018 season, it'll be Eason's show. This is a perfect match for both player and team.
Source: Bruce Feldman on Twitter

Feb 6 - 4:55 PM

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Maurice Hurst - DL - Wolverines

Walter Football's Charlie Campbell spoke with sources at six different NFL teams regarding Michigan DL Maurice Hurst's draft standing, with four saying that the Wolverine would be drafted in Round 2.

Hurst (6'2/282) has been a popular first-round name in mock drafts this winter -- earlier on Tuesday, ESPN's Todd McShay projected him to the Cowboys at pick No. 19 -- but this does not appear to be an opinion held by all. One NFC GM went so far as to tell Campbell, "We graded him in the bottom half of the second [round], and he could go in the third." Campbell has heard some questions about just how well the undersized Hurst might be able to hang against the run at the pro level. It should be noted that this was an area he excelled in during the 2017 campaign -- he was the only defensive tackle to receive a grade of at least 90 against the run by Pro Football Focus metrics. The NFL Scouting Combine figures to be an important setting for him as he tries to convince that he's worth a Day 1 selection.
Source: Walter Football

Feb 6 - 2:20 PM

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Orlando Brown - T - Sooners

An anonymous former OL coach told NFL.com putting Oklahoma T Orlando Brown on the left side without help "would make me nervous."

That's not a positive remark for a potential first round left tackle. A team can't spend that kind of currency on a starting left tackle they have to give help to, play in and play out. You want that player to win in isolation and to not be a concern. Brown is a mammoth of a man, and his evaluations around the NFL might be all over the place.
Source: NFL.com

Feb 6 - 11:17 AM

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Taven Bryan - DL - Gators

Florida DT Traven Bryan "doesn't have enough feel for the game yet," according to one NFC scout who spoke with Lance Zierlein.

Per this evaluator, Bryan currently wins with athleticism and the necessary progression does not happen overnight, meaning he likely ends up as a rotational player early on. If that is the case and the foundation of Bryan's current game is athleticism, then that needs to show itself during workouts. His initial steps off the line are ridiculous.
Source: NFL.com

Feb 6 - 10:33 AM

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Josh Allen - QB - Cowboys

Former NFL personnel executive Greg Gabriel doubts the Browns use the No. 1 overall pick on a QB.

"He’ll take the best football player on Browns board then come back and take a QB at 4 ( if he doesn’t sign one in FA). That’s smart drafting," Gabriel tweeted. It is absolutely a possibility, but we find it very unlikely. From his first day in office, Dorsey said the top priority is to acquire a quarterback. If that does not happen in free agency, it will be with the first pick. Why risk another team liking the same quarterback you do and jumping your team's spot in the line to draft that passer? Teams do not go into the draft loving every top quarterback. They find the one they love and go get him. Expect the Browns to do the same. If a quarterback is worthy of the fourth pick, he is worthy of the first pick.
Source: Greg Gabriel on Twitter

Feb 6 - 9:53 AM

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Baker Mayfield - QB - Sooners

Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot says "word circulated" during the Senior Bowl that former personnel executive Scot McCloughan is "talking up" Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield to Browns GM John Dorsey.

In October, McCloughan called Mayfield the top quarterback in the class, even bringing up comparisons to Brett Favre, a passer McCloughan spent time with in Green Bay. The Browns hold the No. 1 and No. 4 overall picks in the draft and have brought in respected evaluator like Alonzo Highsmith and Eliot Wolf. The odds on the team selecting a quarterback with the first pick are high. It was mentioned that McCloughan is working as a consultant with the Browns, but a follow up noted he is still running his independent group, sharing evaluations for a price.
Source: Cleveland.com

Feb 6 - 9:35 AM

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Ronald Jones II - RB - Trojans

NFL.com spoke with one NFC executive who questioned if USC RB Ronald Jones II can handle more than 12-14 touches each game.

"He may be a little too light to give it to him more than 12-14 times per game though. I worry if he can hold up," the executive questioned. The runner was listed under 200 pounds at USC. Jones already is drawing Jamaal Charles comparisons due to his "juice" as a runner and his explosive style. Yes, Saquon Barkley is widely viewed as the top back, but the question is the gap to the next group.
Source: NFL.com

Feb 6 - 9:18 AM