| ED | CB | OT | DT | WR | TE | LB | IOL | SAF | RB | QB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R1 – top | Laiatu Latu Jared Verse | Nate Wiggins Kool-Aid McKinstry | Joe Alt | Marvin Harrison Jr Malik Nabers Rome Odunze Troy Franklin | Brock Bowers | ||||||
| R1 – bottom | Bralen Trice Chris Braswell | Terrion Arnold Kamari Lassiter | Amarius Mims JC Latham | Byron Murphy II Jer’Zhan Newton | Xavier Legette Emeka Egbuka Ladd McConkey | Graham Barton | |||||
| R2 | JT Tuimoloau Chop Robinson | Quinyon Mitchell Denzel Burke TJ Tampa | Tyler Guyton Patrick Paul | T’Vondre Sweat | Keon Coleman Xavier Worthy | Payton Wilson Jeremiah Trotter | Jackson Powers-Johnson Zach Frazier | Cooper DeJean | Jaylen Wright | ||
| R3 | Adisa Isaac | Kamal Hadden Kalen King Mike Sainristil | Brian Thomas Jr Adonai Mitchell | Ja’Tavion Sanders | Sedrick Van Pran Troy Fautanu | Trey Benson Bucky Irving Audric Estime | |||||
| R4 | Gabriel Murphy | Khyree Jackson Cam Hart | Jordan Morgan Kingsley Suamataia Javon Foster | Jermaine Burton | Cade Stover | ||||||
| R5-7 | Chau Smith-Wade | Isaiah Davis | |||||||||
| TBD | Jordan Hancock | Olu Fashanu Blake Fisher | Ja’Lynn Polk Jamari Thrash |
Full draft profiles
EDGE
Laiatu Latu, UCLA – So far I don’t like this EDGE class as much as 2023 but Laiatu is one that really stands out. Can’t question the competition as he consistently pressures every game. Really good lateral speed and good hands, rarely see him get hung up in a block. If you can be critical it is he can play high at times and tackling – too many missed tackles and rarely see him really stop a player, could lead to broken tackles in NFL.
Jared Verse, Florida St – Was one of my favorites last year before he decided to return to school. Powerful, very quick first step. You would want more bend and if I have one issue, it is tackling.
Bralen Trice, Washington – He doesn’t pop on explosiveness or bend, but he always seems to be getting into the backfield and has great effort / pursuit. Will be interesting to see his testing, I am guessing it is decent but not elite. Too many missed tackles. Really like him, liked him more as I watched. *2022 film only
Chop Robinson, PSU – Good athleticism and initial step, lacks counters that need to be added and doesn’t seem to use his long-arm as well as he could- did nothing against OSU in 2022 vs. their two NFL OTs, otherwise generates consistent pressure. Good run defender.
Chris Braswell, Alabama – Rarely see him stalled on a pass rush and will get to the QB if they hold on to the ball – 18% pressure rate . Shows really good hands at times.
JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State – He’s bigger for an EDGE, good power but I don’t see the suddenness.
Adisa Isaac, Penn St – Small and as a pass rusher, wins when he stunts and gets free rushes – didn’t see him win vs. good OTs much. I don’t see anything that says he will win as an EDGE (don’t see elite bend or quickness to get past OTs).
Princely Umanmielen, Florida – Explosive, bend, 28% pass rush win rate. Was in coverage a good amount and wanted him back rushing. Liked him more than several slotted ahead of him. ANNOUNCED HE IS RETURNING TO SCHOOL
Jack Sawyer, Ohio State – Switched from STAR to full-time DE this season and been re-making his bdoy for that. You can see it has been an adjustment and has been getting better through the year. Shows flashes of suddeness and power, but not consistent enough. Doubled a lot in the games I watched. Had a few good reps vs. Olu. Has a nice spin move but really needs to develop more tactics. ANNOUNCED HE IS RETURNING TO SCHOOL
Offensive Tackle
JC Latham, Alabama –
Amarius Mims, UGA – I admit, I love giant tackles and Mims is that. He moves really well and can get out in space. Has not given up a sack at UGA in over 320 snaps at UGA and only a 1.1% pressure rate. We see what Broderick Jones is doing so far in Pittsburgh and I like Mims better. Another I would love to see as Lane Johnson’s heir.
Joe Alt, Notre Dame – Have to say this first so rest isn’t misinterpreted – he is really good, really rare to get this size at OT. But I expected to like him more – while he keeps active feet, he didn’t always cover the space I expected him to especially out wide and saw him get beat with speed outside (example vs. Tonka Hemingway). He will, and should, be taken high, but there are guys I like a bit more.
Javon Foster, Missouri – Definitely things to like – good size, had a good showing vs. UGA in 2022, but the thing I couldn’t get past was his foot speed. Better moving forward or taking a rusher head-on than mirroring a rusher – just doesn’t look light on his feet and often ends up reaching on speed.
Patrick Paul, Houston – Somebody I expected to like more than I did. Big and gives up nothing, but relies on size – he doesn’t have quickness and is a much better pass blocker than run blocker (didn’t see aggressiveness in run blocking). Only played LT. Will be a good fit some some but don’t see it for the Eagles. *2022 film only
Jordan Morgan, Arizona – Another with some concerns on lateral quickness. Against Washington, was beaten to edge a few times and looked overpowered and off balance vs. Bralen Trice when he was pulled off his feet. Stats are a bit misleading, only 3 sacks allowed past 2 seasons but has given up 29 pressures (3.7% pressure rate) *Limited film
Tyler Guyton, Oklahoma – Good feet and length, gets into space but misses his block way too often which was odd to see. Only started last two seasons and would need time to develop. He’s somebody I had to re-watch a couple of times – the foot speed shows up sometimes but is too often stopped, which is the biggest question – is this an athletic limitation or coachable? When he is in position, he is very good.
Kingsley Suamataia, BYU – Another one I just don’t see. Looks good vs. lesser competition, but bends and is off balance too often, doesn’t have lateral quickness. 4.2% pressure rate allowed
DT
Jer’Zhan Newton, Illinois – Falls into the DT group like Calijah Kancey, Osa Odighizuwa, and our own Milton Williams and you have to want a versatile guy that plays across the line and out wide. What you will like his hands and first step. I don’t think he is quite as explosive as these other guys though. I like him, just not as high as others who have him in the top of the 1st. Still only 21, he has room to grow.
Byron Murphy II, Texas – I always have one or two where I have to disclaim that I am not giving a hot take at all, but I rewatched Byron (who I loved) right after I watched Newton. They are different types of DTs so what you want matters, but I think Byron is better. Watch Byron’s Alabama game vs. Jer’Zhan’s PSU (his best) – Byron handled Alabama’s guard Dalcourt who has only given up 8 pressures this year with I think 4 from Byron. First step is very quick for his size, he’s able to handle doubles and can tell his power is there. I can’t wait to see his testing as I think he is going to surprise.
Cornerback
Note on CBs – Corner has the highest bust rate in round 1 of any position (even QB) and that factors into my rankings here, I have several guys lower than what most draft boards will represent. I look for a lot but change of direction and getting hands on the ball are two important pieces,this year I just don’t see the same level of guys coming out as last year – my top guys the past two drafts were Sauce, McDuffie, Gonzalez, and Witherspoon and I just don’t see anybody at their level so far. Wiggins is close though.
Nate Wiggins, Clemson – Boring film in a good way, sticks with his guy. Plays a lot of man and press but really liked his feel for handing off receivers in zone. Gives up nothing after the catch. Fluid hips, best in this class I have watched so far – he may be the guy at the Combine like Gonzalez last year that just looks different and smoother than the rest. Like him a lot, just don’t have him at the same level as Gonzalez and Devon last year (my only two top of the 1st CBs).
Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama – Plays press a ton and has little trouble staying attached to receivers. He’s really good, he and Wiggins are the two in this class that just move differently than the rest. Some knock him knocking getting pass break-ups, but that is a 2023 thing – in 2022 he had a crazy 16 on 80 targets.
Terrion Arnold, Alabama – Really fluid and easy mover. Good film against Texas and LSU receivers. Very good recognizing and closing in on run support.
Kamari Lassiter, UGA – Really like his feel for zone coverage. Rarely gets his hands on the ball at the catch point which is a concern. Good near line and tackling.. Getting intangibles with him that probably maximize his traits.
Kamal Hadden, Tennessee – Aggressive and the mindset you want in a CB. 2023 was his best year but he is constantly on the ball, 18% PBU rate and 3 INTs. Willing tackler. Very good instincts in zone, one of my favorite zone CBs in this class, but in press he stays connected. I know I am going to be higher on him than most.
Denzel Burke, Ohio State – On a re-watch I liked his coverage film in 2023 better than 2022, showed better stickiness in routes. Tackling is an issue at times, he will throw his body instead of making the stop.
TJ Tampa, Iowa State – A converted WR, Tampa has size (6’2″), speed (clocked over 21mph this year), and gets his hands on the ball a lot (17% PBU rate over past 2 seasons) with only a 48% completion rate allowed. End of this season has been rougher than the start, almost like he has an injury. But not tackling well and gave up too much cushion vs the Texas WRs. Stayed right with Adonai Mitchell deep but gave up a big gain to Worthy underneath as he looked like he thought it was a deep route.
Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo – Was difficult to watch as almost every rep was him playing 7-10 yards off (it was Ohio St WRs). Liked him in zone more than man, I don’t see the stickiness and ability to recover that others see. One snap vs. JSN he played off, was slow to close on a break, and then overpursued to miss the tackle (but other players made the tackle). Gave up a goal line TD on quick break outside. Would like more film. Only one game of film (vs OSU)
Kalen King, Penn State – Had a lot of trouble staying with good receivers on breaks, not just giving up separation but seemed to guess more than react as he made the wrong turn or break several times. Rarely gets his hands on the ball and when he does it is usually lesser competition only. I don’t see anything special athletically and guessing he tests ok only. Kept wondering if he would be better in the slot as I don’t see it outside, but not sure he has the short-area reactiveness in the slot.
Jordan Hancock, Ohio State – Assuming he stays another year but putting notes here anyway, could be a really good nickel target, lot of slot reps, good change of direction.
Khyree Jackson, Oregon – He’s got traits, like how he doesn’t bite in press and waits for the receiver to declare, then has the speed to keep up. Plays press a lot and physical. Willingness to tackle is not consistent. Older prospect (I believe 23), limited playing time as he really never saw the field at Alabama before transferring. Was beat by Ja’Lynn Polk on straight deep route so can question deep speed.
Cam Hart, Notre Dame – His 2023 Ohio St game is his signature game and he definitely has some nice plays. His intelligence and anticipation on the field is really good. Much quicker moving forward. But I don’t think that game is as good as the highlights or stats are – was beaten straight vertically several times. Once on Egbuka he showed slow turn transition and was bailed out by SAF over top, second time his WR just wasn’t looked to. Also an older prospect (23 already).
IOL
Graham Barton, Duke – Boring watching him, he can start his rookie season in the NFL. Solid footwork, always in position, never see him over powered. I wonder what his measurements will be at the Combine and if he is below some teams’ thresholds – I don’t see his size being what the Eagles would immediately slot in at OT.
Jackson Powers-Johnson, Oregon – Gives up nothing, does slide off some blocks. but you see him slide off some blocks. Nasty finisher and moves well getting into space.
Zach Frazier, WVU – Powerful, finishes well, and so many reps where he moves off his block to pick up a stunt. He is better at leverage and hands than most in this class. Moves well in space. Has played OG as well.
Sedrick Van Pran, UGA – Good feet and improved hands in 2023, I don’t see the same power and ability to dictate blocks as somebody like Zach Frazier. Saw too many snaps where he was off balance.
Troy Fautanu, Washington – Listed as an OT and supposedly has the length (34+ inch arms), experience at OT and OG which makes him very enticing especially for the Eagles. But watching him, you don’t see him dominating blocks – I really question his strength for the next level. Has good movement, but he’s a guy that if you go back and compare to film for Landon or Cam Jurgens, you notice the difference in power.
WR
Malik Nabers, LSU – I still have to officially watch MHJ which is an important caveat before I say that it is hard to imagine liking a WR more than Malik. Versatile, one of the only route runners that truly reminds you of recent top guys. Very good against press but he is un-guardable against zone, not only finding his spot but generating after the catch – he has a silly 5.02 YRR against zone which only Jaylen Waddle has matched in recent drafts. He’s a very good outside receiver and the best slot receiver in this draft. If there was no MHJ in this class, Nabers would be WR1.
Marvin Harrison Jr, Ohio State – Don’t need to waste much space here, he is as close to a can’t-miss as there is and should / will be the first non-QB taken. His routes look like they are controlled by a joystick and his size is silly.
Rome Odunze, Washington – Not much else you could want in a guy – has route quickness and nuance you won’t see often at 6’2″. He clearly has speed (already recorded a 4.34 40) but would love to see his shuttle.
Troy Franklin, Oregon – Below you will see my notes on Brian Thomas who I am lower on than everybody. After I watched Thomas, I went back and watched Troy Franklin as they are both grouped in that 2nd tier of WRs and came away liking Franklin even more. His quickness is legitimate and he shows nasty snappiness in routes. Pro WRs that perform all need a way to win and that usually shows up in a college WRs ability to win vs. man – Franklin has a silly 3.65 YRR vs man and you see him consistently separating on film.
Xavier Legette, South Carolina – Very easy speed, good ability to stop quickly, don’t see the quick change of direction but he is also 6’2″ 220. Versatile as he played a third of snaps from the slot. Really like his 2023 film but that is his only year of production and will be 23 by the time of the draft which is concerning – he’s a guy that has a wider range of outcomes than others.
Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State – It’s a crazy year when Emeka at 6’1″ looks like one of the smaller prospects. Used all over the field and in motion, but can absolutely release against man coverage. Easy acceleration, sudden ability to separate, drops nothing. He’s going to be a consistent guy, not
Brian Thomas Jr, LSU – Another guy I don’t get compared to consensus. It is really hard to find a route of his vs. man and a decent CB where he creates separation – watching Alabama and Florida St, I saw 1, maybe 2 routes where he created any separation. And the numbers match – he generates 1.93 YRR and a 59.7 grade vs. man (2.90 YRR and 77.8 grade vs zone) – if you look back at past WRs that did well in the NFL, almost all were able to generate vs. man coverage. I value matchups vs. NFL talent and both Kool-Aid and Terrion blanketed Thomas all game. He is supposedly fast but it looks like one speed the entire route.
Keon Coleman, Florida St – He’s got he size, dominates at the catch point, and I love him with the ball in his hands in the open field, but he takes a lot of steps to stop and change direction. Did not look good vs. top CBs (Nate Wiggins in 2023, Witherspoon on 2022). I always prefer separators and there are multiple ways to win in the NFL, I’m just not quite as high on Keon as consensus. Could very well look back and see how wrong I am but I am nowhere near as high on him as most.
Adonai Mitchell, Texas – Last year the receiver class was a lot of small, fast guys and this year there are so many big receivers, Mitchell being another at 6’4″ and just under 200 lbs. The thing that stood out for me was ball tracking, he has decent crispness in routes, not a great blocker.
Xavier Worthy, Texas – Really fast, one of the fastest in this class (hit 21mph in game and supposed 23mph in offseason), but it doesn’t seem that way watching him or not consistently enough. That’s my concern here – his flashes are great – his speed, he shows skill change of direction at times, but none of this is consistently demonstrated enough. I think he will be a guy that has incredible “ups” but then disappear at times and frustrate whichever team drafts him.
TE
Note on tight ends – it is one of the lightest drafted positions and even then, it typically overdrafted in terms of NFL value. Of 73 TEs drafted over the past 5 years, only 2 taken in the first two rounds outperformed expected value (Freiermuth, Kmet) and only three were above 60th percentile players (Pitts, Hockenson, Fant).
Ben Sinnott, Kansas St – Willing blocker but will just miss blocks some times.
Cade Stover, Ohio State – Good blocker that put up good numbers at Ohio State. He catches everything and is really good in contested catch situations. The worry would be lack of suddenness in routes as he looks methodical running.
SAF
Cooper DeJean, Iowa – He’s not an NFL corner – doesn’t have the hip fluidity, change of direction. Very difficult finding man snaps on film (only 15% of snaps) and when you do, he’s usually playing off. He’s a safety and you have to be a team that wants to use him creatively.