2017-18 CFB SEASON / '18 NFL DRAFT

[Ray_Dogg]

Roquan Smith - LB - Bulldogs

NFL Media's Lance Zierlein believes the 2018 LB class might be one of the best "we've ever seen."

Zierlein is pretty meh on his evals imo. I’d only pay attention to what he thinks of olinemen. This is the guy that was super high on Nathan Peterman last draft season. Also just compared Edmunds to Brian Urlacher.

[NinerSickness]

Zierlein is pretty meh on his evals imo. I’d only pay attention to what he thinks of olinemen. This is the guy that was super high on Nathan Peterman last draft season. Also just compared Edmunds to Brian Urlacher.

Wow. That's just ridiculous.

The LB class is one of the weaker positions in this overall weak draft.

Good classes: QB, RB, OL & maybe safety.

That's about it. The rest are ok to bad IMO.

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Tremaine Edmunds - LB - Hokies

The MMQB staff ranks Virginia Tech LB Tremaine Edmunds as the No. 5 overall prospect.

This places Edmunds as the top off-ball linebacker on the board, even over Georgia's Roquan Smith. Edmunds biggest selling point per the MMQB? The linebacker "can be molded into just about anything a coaching staff wants him to be," mentioning his athleticism and pass rushing ability if a team wants him to specialize in the latter. Edmunds seems to have the trajectory of a top 15 selection.
Source: Sports Illustrated

Feb 14 - 10:03 AM

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

DaeSean Hamilton - WR - Nittany Lions

Penn State WR DaeSean Hamilton has "one of the best" character makeups in this class, according to one AFC scout.

"...Football is going to be a very small part of what he accomplishes in his life," the scout added. We'll give this evaluator a break after he projected Hamilton to go undrafted, as the quote likely stems from early in the fall. Since then, Hamilton has checked each and every box and could wind up being a third- or fourth-round selection.
Source: NFL.com

Feb 14 - 9:28 AM

[Ray_Dogg]

Tremaine Edmunds - LB - Hokies

The MMQB staff ranks Virginia Tech LB Tremaine Edmunds as the No. 5 overall prospect.

This places Edmunds as the top off-ball linebacker on the board, even over Georgia's Roquan Smith. Edmunds biggest selling point per the MMQB? The linebacker "can be molded into just about anything a coaching staff wants him to be," mentioning his athleticism and pass rushing ability if a team wants him to specialize in the latter. Edmunds seems to have the trajectory of a top 15 selection.
Source: Sports Illustrated

Feb 14 - 10:03 AM

The most overhyped prospect in the draft. Leading candidate for my bust pick.

[ChrisPozz]

Draft will be televised by FOX

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/02/14/draft-will-be-televised-by-fox/

[ChrisPozz]

Shaquem Griffin: “The only thing I need is an opportunity”

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/02/14/shaquem-griffin-the-only-thing-i-need-is-an-opportunity/

Another guy I'd love to work with if I'm doing coach think. He's an utter joy to listen to, too. Rare in the football world.

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Roquan Smith - LB - Bulldogs

Draft Analyst's Tony Pauline passes along that Georgia LB Roquan Smith "could drop a little later in the first round than most anticipate."

"His deficiencies in coverage, especially when manned up against running backs or tight ends, are a concern for teams," Pauline writes. While the analyst tends to agree with this assessment, he does offer a counterweight in noting that the 6-foot, 203-pounder is "terrific" in zone coverage. Even if Smith does end up sliding by degrees, he's a lock for Day 1 come the spring and it's not out of the question that he could come off the board within the first 10 selections.
Source: Draft Analyst

Feb 14 - 4:50 PM

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Leighton Vander Esch - LB - Broncos

When NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah polled five personnel executives regarding which player will generate the most buzz at the NFL Scouting Combine, all five offered up different prospects.

Boise State LB Leighton Vander Esch, Washington DT Vita Vea, LSU CB Donte Jackson, Florida State S Derwin James and NC State DE Kentavius Street each received one vote in the informal poll. We'll let Jeremiah cast the deciding vote here -- he throws his lot in with Vea, whom he believes is more athletic coming out of college than Ravens DT Haloti Ngata was at this point of his development. Ngata was selected in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft.
Source: NFL.com

Feb 14 - 3:42 PM

Vea, and James are given. Goedert should impress as well along with guys like Denzel Ward, Saquon Barkley, Lamar Jackson, etc.

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

The most overhyped prospect in the draft. Leading candidate for my bust pick.

As for me, I was going to mention this guy, but they beat me to it...


Connor Williams - T - Longhorns

Draft Analyst's Tony Pauline passes along that "several teams" believe that Texas T Connor Williams is being overrated.

Per Pauline, the fear here is that Williams might not have what it takes to play left tackle in the pros. The analyst notes that there are some teams currently viewing him as a guard. This is not the consensus opinion regarding the 6-foot-6, 320-pounder, but it's worth monitoring as we head toward the NFL Scouting Combine. Williams is viewed by most as a likely selection for the middle of Day 1, but that's with the assumption that he's able to handle the rigors at tackle -- a far more valued position than guard when it comes to the draft.
Source: Draft Analyst

Feb 14 - 12:32 PM

[wco81]

Roquan Smith - LB - Bulldogs

Draft Analyst's Tony Pauline passes along that Georgia LB Roquan Smith "could drop a little later in the first round than most anticipate."

"His deficiencies in coverage, especially when manned up against running backs or tight ends, are a concern for teams," Pauline writes. While the analyst tends to agree with this assessment, he does offer a counterweight in noting that the 6-foot, 203-pounder is "terrific" in zone coverage. Even if Smith does end up sliding by degrees, he's a lock for Day 1 come the spring and it's not out of the question that he could come off the board within the first 10 selections.
Source: Draft Analyst

Feb 14 - 4:50 PM

He's the size of a DB. Can he be a 3-down player at that size?

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Duke Ejiofor - DL - Demon Deacons

Draft Analyst's Tony Pauline does not believe Wake Forest edge rusher Duke Ejiofor's recent surgery to repair a torn labrum will result in a draft slide.

Ejiofor (6'4/270) underwent surgery in late January, a procedure which forced the Wake Forest product to miss the Senior Bowl. Pauline noted at the time that the torn labrum might have occurred as early as the first week of October. Even with this surgery expected to essentially sideline him from physical work during the evaluating process -- including the NFL Scouting Combine and Wake's pro day -- NFL teams are smitten with Ejiofor's overall level of explosive athleticism. It's not out of the question that he could hear his name called by the end of Day 2 once the draft boots up in Dallas at the end of April.
Source: Draft Analyst

Feb 14 - 6:30 PM

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Roquan Smith - LB - Bulldogs

Draft Analyst's Tony Pauline passes along that Georgia LB Roquan Smith "could drop a little later in the first round than most anticipate."

"His deficiencies in coverage, especially when manned up against running backs or tight ends, are a concern for teams," Pauline writes. While the analyst tends to agree with this assessment, he does offer a counterweight in noting that the 6-foot, 203-pounder is "terrific" in zone coverage. Even if Smith does end up sliding by degrees, he's a lock for Day 1 come the spring and it's not out of the question that he could come off the board within the first 10 selections.
Source: Draft Analyst

Feb 14 - 4:50 PM

He's the size of a DB. Can he be a 3-down player at that size?

His size concerns me quite a bit, however, his film is extremely exciting and gives everyone hope...! Normally a guy that size should be a speed demon (whether it's straight line speed or possess that rare agility/lateral quickness), but honestly I don't think he is anything "special" in that department for a guy that size. Don't quote me on this but if I remember correctly Patrick Willis ran a 4.3 forty at 6'2 240lbs--I don't recall if it was at the combine or during his pro day, Pozz keeps a tracking log for all of our draft players, he can verify that... Hence, that should give us a perspective how great of a prospect Willis was, and how concerning it would be for Smith to run in the 4.6 range for a guy that size. I'm really interested to see his numbers on March 4th.

[ChrisPozz]

Roquan Smith - LB - Bulldogs

Draft Analyst's Tony Pauline passes along that Georgia LB Roquan Smith "could drop a little later in the first round than most anticipate."

"His deficiencies in coverage, especially when manned up against running backs or tight ends, are a concern for teams," Pauline writes. While the analyst tends to agree with this assessment, he does offer a counterweight in noting that the 6-foot, 203-pounder is "terrific" in zone coverage. Even if Smith does end up sliding by degrees, he's a lock for Day 1 come the spring and it's not out of the question that he could come off the board within the first 10 selections.
Source: Draft Analyst

Feb 14 - 4:50 PM

He's the size of a DB. Can he be a 3-down player at that size?

His size concerns me quite a bit, however, his film is extremely exciting and gives everyone hope...! Normally a guy that size should be a speed demon (whether it's straight line speed or possess that rare agility/lateral quickness), but honestly I don't think he is anything "special" in that department for a guy that size. Don't quote me on this but if I remember correctly Patrick Willis ran a 4.3 forty at 6'2 240lbs--I don't recall if it was at the combine or during his pro day, Pozz keeps a tracking log for all of our draft players, he can verify that... Hence, that should give us a perspective how great of a prospect Willis was, and how concerning it would be for Smith to run in the 4.6 range for a guy that size. I'm really interested to see his numbers on March 4th.

Willis was timed as fast as 4.37-4.38, depending on the watch you went by, but that was at his pro day.

He ran 4.51-4.56 at the Combine depending on the watch you went by. NFLN's official time gave him 4.51 which is what most people like to use just because it's the most accessible to most people. At the combine Willis' start was poor by his standards and it got worse as he went on IMO. One could probably come to the conclusion that even if the pro day time was inflated due to different/better conditions that he could have gotten faster than the 4.51 that he got at the combine because it wasn't a great looking run by his standards.

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

He's the size of a DB. Can he be a 3-down player at that size?

His size concerns me quite a bit, however, his film is extremely exciting and gives everyone hope...! Normally a guy that size should be a speed demon (whether it's straight line speed or possess that rare agility/lateral quickness), but honestly I don't think he is anything "special" in that department for a guy that size. Don't quote me on this but if I remember correctly Patrick Willis ran a 4.3 forty at 6'2 240lbs--I don't recall if it was at the combine or during his pro day, Pozz keeps a tracking log for all of our draft players, he can verify that... Hence, that should give us a perspective how great of a prospect Willis was, and how concerning it would be for Smith to run in the 4.6 range for a guy that size. I'm really interested to see his numbers on March 4th.

Willis was timed as fast as 4.37-4.38, depending on the watch you went by, but that was at his pro day.

He ran 4.51-4.56 at the Combine depending on the watch you went by. NFLN's official time gave him 4.51 which is what most people like to use just because it's the most accessible to most people. At the combine Willis' start was poor by his standards and it got worse as he went on IMO. One could probably come to the conclusion that even if the pro day time was inflated due to different/better conditions that he could have gotten faster than the 4.51 that he got at the combine because it wasn't a great looking run by his standards.

...as always, thank you Pozz. Much appreciated!

[CrimsonCrew]

Roquan Smith - LB - Bulldogs

Draft Analyst's Tony Pauline passes along that Georgia LB Roquan Smith "could drop a little later in the first round than most anticipate."

"His deficiencies in coverage, especially when manned up against running backs or tight ends, are a concern for teams," Pauline writes. While the analyst tends to agree with this assessment, he does offer a counterweight in noting that the 6-foot, 203-pounder is "terrific" in zone coverage. Even if Smith does end up sliding by degrees, he's a lock for Day 1 come the spring and it's not out of the question that he could come off the board within the first 10 selections.
Source: Draft Analyst

Feb 14 - 4:50 PM

He's the size of a DB. Can he be a 3-down player at that size?

I assumed the 3 and 0 were transposed. He's got to be 230, no? That's still undersized for an NFL LB, but 203 would be ridiculous.

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Roquan Smith - LB - Bulldogs

Draft Analyst's Tony Pauline passes along that Georgia LB Roquan Smith "could drop a little later in the first round than most anticipate."

"His deficiencies in coverage, especially when manned up against running backs or tight ends, are a concern for teams," Pauline writes. While the analyst tends to agree with this assessment, he does offer a counterweight in noting that the 6-foot, 203-pounder is "terrific" in zone coverage. Even if Smith does end up sliding by degrees, he's a lock for Day 1 come the spring and it's not out of the question that he could come off the board within the first 10 selections.
Source: Draft Analyst

Feb 14 - 4:50 PM

He's the size of a DB. Can he be a 3-down player at that size?

I assumed the 3 and 0 were transposed. He's got to be 230, no? That's still undersized for an NFL LB, but 203 would be ridiculous.

Good catch. I didn’t even noticed when I initially read it, because my brain must have seen it as 230. No way he’s 203.

[Dloading99]

AT this point I just want to Draft Dallas Goedart.

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

That’s why I give him a late second early 3rd round grade:

Hayden Hurst - TE - Gamecocks

One NFC executive believes South Carolina TE Hayden Hurst is maxed out physically since he will be 25 years old prior to his first NFL game.

"Now we have to see how much better he gets as a football player," the personnel member concluded. Factoring age into an evaluation can be a bit of a struggle, but a clear line is to assume dominating college players at age 24 is easier than age 22 or younger if only due to physical and mental maturation.In comparison, Hurst is already four years older than 2017 first round pick David Njoku. The tight end position is also one of the slowest developing positions in the NFL.
Source: NFL.com

Feb 15 - 10:16 AM

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Lamar Jackson - QB - Cardinals

Appearing on the Rotoworld Football Podcast, Matt Waldman believes Louisville QB Lamar Jackson is "Michael Vick with a better understanding of the pocket, of his footwork, of his reads and of his decision making."

Waldman adds Jackson has better accuracy than Vick coming out of school. Yes, that is high praise and honestly we can't talk about Vick as a prospect since that draft class was so long ago, but Waldman certainly can. Vick had a long way to go and progressed quite a bit once reaching the NFL, and Jackson can do the same thing. The highlights show Jackson as a lethal runner, and he is. But Jackson's game always starts in the pocket and displays passing traits that should get everyone excited.
Source: Josh Norris on Twitter

Feb 15 - 9:42 AM