MHS831

Combine results from 2019 A 3-4 DE at 280. Stronger vs pass than rush last year.

Film Analysis: Shemar James is a true junior linebacker who has been a key contributor to the Florida defense since his arrival in Gainesville as a freshman in 2022, even earning starts in his debut season. Throughout his time at Florida, James has consistently showcased his instincts as a linebacker, thriving on a high motor and explosiveness to track down ball-carriers. In the 2024 season, James had his most productive year, recording more than 60 tackles, an interception, and two sacks, demonstrating his ability to be an impactful defender in all phases of the game. James’ athleticism, combined with his instincts, grit, and hustle, enables him to make game-changing plays both as a run defender and in pass coverage. As a run defender, James displays high-level linebacker play. From the snap, he does an excellent job reading his keys and working downhill toward the line of scrimmage. James attacks with quickness and effectively maneuvers over or under blocks to penetrate the backfield and make tackles. As a tackler, James exhibits solid power, striking with good pad level and leverage while driving through ball carriers. His sideline-to-sideline speed makes him a strong pursuit player, capable of cutting off plays that stretch to the perimeter. James’ relentless effort is evident in his ability to chase down plays from the backside and pursue ball-carriers 20-plus yards downfield. Overall, as a run defender, James combines football IQ, instincts, and athletic ability to excel against both inside and outside runs. James also stands out in pass coverage, where his athleticism shines. As an inside linebacker in zone coverage, James can drop to significant depths, using his range and athletic ability to eliminate passing windows. While quarterbacks might believe they have a window, James’ burst and acceleration allow him to close the gap quickly, either intercepting the pass or breaking it up. In man-to-man coverage, James’ quickness enables him to plant and redirect effectively, allowing him to cover running backs out of the backfield and tight ends on various routes. He also possesses the foot speed to line up in the slot and carry some slot receivers vertically up the field. James’ athleticism in pass coverage is a significant strength, offering defensive coordinators confidence in both zone and man schemes without creating mismatches. Trust Morgan to see LB talent The primary concern with James as a player is his overall size. He appears slightly undersized to handle the middle linebacker position on a down-to-down basis. At times, James struggles against offensive linemen who can overwhelm him and delay his ability to shed blocks and make tackles. He seems to thrive most when playing in space, making him better suited as a weak-side linebacker in a 4-3 scheme or paired with a complementary downhill "thumper" linebacker in a 3-4 scheme at the inside linebacker position. Overall, James has tremendous upside as a draft prospect. If placed in the right system, he has the potential to become one of the better linebackers in the NFL, flying around the field and making plays both in the run game and in pass coverage. Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Adequate Starter

High character, intelligent. I am in.

When I mock, which we all know it has become the gold standard, I struggle to select an edge in round 1, and that was BEFORE I considered the character red flags concerning Pearce and Green. I think, if what I have seen is true, we cannot afford risk. You have to remove Pearce and Green from the board at the top of the first round. I love Walker the person. I am just not seeing the fit yet, but I do feel that the Panthers are really interested, which means that Evero could be frothing at the mouth for him. If that is the case, I am for it. HOW they use him is more important than his skill set, but man, I see a leader DAWG in him. I am not on the Walker bandwagon like others on here--I envision him as an ILB who can move outside or blitz from the ILB spot. I just don't see the whole picture, just the puzzle pieces. I think they are looking at Edge in the second, and here is why: We have 9 picks and I see us moving up if a guy drops. I see Princely, Sawyer, and a few others as being the "fall back" picks, but I love Ezeiruaku. I could see us trading back and grabbing him late in the first. I would be elated. Then grab a 3/4 DT/DE.

No, It was my mistake--I did not read your intro correctly. thought it was a list of "no offensive guys". my bad.

He might be great, but man, you are drafting the drama, glitter, baggage, Dad, etc. along with the player. One Browns reported described Sanders at the Combine presser: (paraphrasing) "His hat was backwards and sideways, he had two diamond necklaces around his neck..." Cam Ward is almost the exact opposite. Sanders takes credit for turning around Colorado, but his Dad pulled in 23 portal transfers. I dunno. I don't want to sound like a hater, but I just don't get a good vibe with him. Now, the Browns might try to trade back a few spots (let a team like the Raiders, Giants, Jets) move up. Their needs? Edge, even before Garrett wanted a trade. DT (Graham could be on the table) and OT. I could see them taking Carter and then moving up for Dart or sitting still in round 2 for QB Howard.

Was Warren a mistake?

Walter Nolen: A to Z Sports--"The biggest test for Nolen in Indianapolis is to sell himself as a person to teams. There is some worrisome feedback regarding character for Nolen, which goes back to his high school days, and continued both at Texas A&M and with the [Ole Miss] Rebels. There are even a couple of NFL teams who have already taken Nolen off their boards." His work ethic is also questioned, but I could not find specifics.

Pearce: Per another report from Cory Kinnan, Pearce was "seen as undeniably uncoachable" at Tennessee, where he had "one foot out the door" last season. One NFL scout said that Pearce has "the worst character report of any player in this draft class." A TOTALLY UNBIASED report from a Tennessee Vols website relating to a SI report states the following, based on conversations with GMs: "He doesn't fight with his hands very well right now. You see the build, and the traits, his arm length, but you see him winning with those traits alone." Sources went on to express concern about general run game instincts as well. "He has a hard time right now recognizing pullers, shrinking space and defeating blocks in the run game." There have been rumors relating to character concerns as a potential reasoning, one NFL GM quickly extinguished that. "There are no character concerns that we are aware of. He wants to be great," one NFL GM told Vols on SI exclusively.

I need to do more homework. Was not aware of Pearce and Nolen.

I have not looked into him as much as others. If so, he is likely the pick. Since Graham is probably gone, It could be down to picking SEC players from Charlotte or Salisbury.

no need. trust. This time of year we are like seagulls on the beach diving for every scrap of food we can find.

Yes, he disappointed (based on what I hear). I was expecting the opposite. They still think second round. If I needed a QB this year, it would be Ward or build the OL/offense and take a developmental QB later like Ewers, Howard, etc. Has nobody mentioned that Matt Corral was throwing at the combine? I saw him throwing during the WR portion, I think. (That might piss me off if I was Jaxon Dart and trying to evade that comparison)

Pearce is going to be situational pass rusher as a rookie (with Clowney and Wonnum) and the concerns are based on his ability to hold the edge. Green depends on the interviews and background check.

If they use Walker as a weapon by moving him around effectively, I would love it. If they draft him, I will not be excited until I see Evero's scheme. I will say that I LOVED the kid in the interview.

Interesting. I have heard both are not sold on these qbs--but this time of year, you hear everything. They are both taking a QB, but not sure 100% yet that means at #1 or #2. In the video below, the blonde woman on the left provides "back handed" compliments that I see as negatives to Sanders in Cleveland if she represents the masses. I have heard (someone from Ohio and this was at least 2 weeks ago) that they like Will Howard and may trade the pick or take Will Howard in the second round. These Cleveland reporters explain that dynamic at the end of this video:

there is more of a chance that Sanders falls out of the top 8. Let's have some fun. Pick the slot you think Dart will go. I will say 7 to the Jets just for fun--(as I said, it is unlikely, but tell me where the other side of the Grand Canyon is. We will see who is closest if we both don't forget.

bless his heart.

Man I would love to see Dart move up into the top 7. Sounds crazy right now, but there is always a chance.

I need to look into it, but he is injured a lot and he is flagged a lot. I would not pay top dollar.

I was VERY impressed with Walker, and Joe knows they met at the combine. I just do not get how any reporter would get info like this 8 weeks before the draft and have the blessing to publish it. Are they not playing liars dice right now?

Speaking of Gamecocks, there was some fluff piece on my phone that suggested the Panthers could trade Horn-far apart on a contract--Can't find it-==anybody else hear this? If true, this could throw CB into the conversation at 8....

I have stated that he is too risky. my point was this: If you see a guy with his measureables and his "Myles Garrett" qualities he should not be disqualified because he underperformed in college. To play Devil's advocate to your point: Is there proof anyone will be successful as a pass rusher? I get it, and I have stated that I would not eliminate someone based solely on college performance. We have guys who had 18 sacks in college busting and we have (based on my example) guys with 1.5 sacks as a senior in college averaging double digit sacks. My point was do not turn on a guy based on that alone. The higher you draft this guy, the higher the risk--I said morgan cannot afford to make mistakes this year--like when he drafted XL and Brooks last year--one was raw and one was injured. It would be stupid to draft Stewart at 8. However, someone is going to draft him in the top 20, in all likelihood. That team will be taking on less risk than the Panthers at 8, but more than I would take--to your point.

Not being able to find one is not how I define "rare." Say what you mean. I agree with you, but there are more factors than performance in college that indicate professional success, which was my point. LOL

Moving the goal posts are we? You asked for 1 I gave you 1. 2. Odafe Oweh Penn State player who didn't have a sack in his last season, but was drafted by the Ravens in 2022 and had 10 sacks in 2024. I get your point--but I already made a point about the risk and why I would not do it, and then you mention the round which is a statement about risk tolerance.