Prospect Meetings/Interviews

[Untouchable]

Shrine Bowl has started so prospect meetings are starting to trickle in.  You can follow them at the following link:

https://blackbluemaniac.wordpress.com/2020/01/11/2020-draft-prospect-visit-workout-meeting-list/

Measurements matter. You can track them at the following link by clicking on the respective all star game:

http://draftcountdown.com/

SPARQ scores will come more in handy after the combine when athletic testing starts coming in.  The following site has the closest approximation to the value:

https://3sigmaathlete.com/

______________________________________

Shane Zylstra, WR, Minn St-Mankato (6031, 213 lbs, 33.125" arms, 10" hands, 79.75” wing) - I can't confirm this meeting but the last name should give away the connection. Brandon's younger brother had been dominating D2 and was at the College Gridiron Showcase. Weigh-in shows he's got length.

Stanley Thomas-Oliver III, CB, FIU (6002, 183 lbs, 32" arms, 9.5" hands, 74.875" wing) - Converted WR who will test well but needs development

Austin Edwards, DE, Ferris State (6030, 265 lbs, 33.125" arms, 9.75" hands, 82" wing) - D2 All-American.  Tough to find much on him but looks like he was used all over the line.  Traits projection.

Kevin Dotson, OG, Louisiana-Lafayette (6040, 310 lbs, 33" arms, 10.5" hands, 81.75" wing) - Dominant first day of practice according to some reports.  AP All-American as a RG this year who was fantastic in both run and pass blocking and is said to have terrific fundamentals.

Reggie Corbin, RB, Illinois (5081, 199 lbs, 29.375" arms, 8" hands, 71" wing) - Great change of direction ability meaning he could be a strong receiving back though not used there much in college.  Powerful lower body.  McCaffery backup/Bonnafon competition.  Maybe ST/return duties as well.

Keith Washington II, CB, WVU (6003, 175 lbs, 31.875" arms, 9.5" hands, 74.875" wing) - Been a solid corner for WVU but needs weight.  Has 5 picks and 18 PBU in 2 seasons after transferring from Michigan.

Bravvion Roy, NT, Baylor (6011, 332 lbs, 30.125" arms, 9" hands, 75.125" wing) - Obvious connection to Rhule has been tough to stop at the first practice.  Strong two-gapping NT prospect who can eat up blocks and steal a numbers advantage back for the defense.

Jon Runyan, OG/OT, Michigan (6041, 313 lbs, 33" arms, 9" hands, 80.125" wing) - Not sure where he's being looked at, probably guard where he's spending time in practices but there are concerns about his ability to add strength.

Kendall Coleman, EDGE, Syracuse (6024, 255 lbs, 31.625" arms, 9.875" hands, 76.125" wing) - Compact frame who isn't the most explosive but has a strong technique and work ethic.  Dip in production in 2019 after strong 2018 season and an injury riddled 2017.

Matt Womack, OG/OT Alabama (6071, 325 lbs, 32.5" arms, 9.625" hands, 80.875" wing) - Versatile lineman having played at both RT and RG.  Seen more as a road grader who struggles in speedy edge rushers so likely a guard prospect.

Mike Danna, EDGE, Michigan (6020, 257 lbs, 32.5" arms, 10.55" hands, 79.25" wing) -  Central Michigan graduate transfer that had better production and efficiency there then at Michigan.  Not really the most explosive, but seen as a smart and technically sound player.

Shaquille Quarterman, LB, Miami (6004, 242 lbs, 31" arms, 9" hands, 74.75" wing) -  Physical and a good blitzer but not seen as a 3 down LB due to coverage limitations.

Ben Ellefson, TE, North Dakota St (6031, 249 lbs, 32.375" arms, 10.25" hands, 78.25" wing) -  Steady red zone target and blocking presence for NDSU.  Used some at fullback there too.  Joe Brady loves TEs, maybe he's being looked at as Armah/Manhertz competition.

Giovanni Ricci, TE, Western Michigan (6031, 234 lbs, 31.375" arms, 9.125" hands, 75.5" wing) - WR convert who does better than expected when blocking for someone who has only played the position for 2 years.  Solid production for 2 years as a TE now and could help as a receiver early in his career.

Chris Finke, WR, Notre Dame (5094, 186 lbs, 29" arms, 9" hands, 69.625" wing) -  Hunter Renfrow type.  Returned punts at ND too so could be used there though not dynamic (he's sure handed though).  Speed and short area quickness are his plus traits.  Needs to work on route running.  Slot WR only.

Mykal Walker, LB, Fresno St (6030, 231 lbs, 32.5" arms, 10" hands, 80.25" wing) - Was a 34 OLB before moving to MLB this past season.  Has been used at both positions during Shrine practices and some outlets have said he's excelling at both.  Athletic limitations a concern.

Nevelle Clark, CB, UCF (6007, 179 lbs, 32" arms, 9.25" hands, 76.875" wing) -  Instincts, ball skills and versatility.  He has good height and length and is having a good week of practice.

Diondre Overton, WR, Clemson (6032, 210 lbs) - Body control and contested catch ability are highlighted for him.  Probably was the 4th WR on a stacked depth chart at Clemson so the draft process will be important for him.

James Morgan, QB, Florida International (6040, 229 lbs, 33.375" arms, 9.75" hands, 79" wing) - Has size, arm strength and mobility for the NFL so he has the tools.  He has easily been the best QB at the Shrine Game in practices.  Teams will have to figure out what he has between the ears during the draft process.

_____________________________________

Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina (6051, 315 lbs, 34.625" arms, 10.125" hands, 84" wing) - Very good pass rushing 3T prospect. Long and athletic player can one and two gap. Teams will be looking at add him and his pass rushing potential in Round 1.

Harrison Bryant, TE, Florida Atlantic (6046, 243 lbs, 30.625" arms, 9.5" hands, 74" wing) - Athletic and used like a big slot in college. Definition of a receiving TE but will need work with blocking. Length was supposedly one of his strengths but weigh in was not kind.

Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma (6020, 304 lbs, 32.875" arms, 10" hands, 78.25" wing) - Length is not where he wins but he still is a disruptive penetrating 1T. He has production, quickness, power, counters and a motor. Reminds me of Grady Jarrett.

Alton Robinson, EDGE, Syracuse (6030, 259 lbs, 32.125" arms, 9.125" hands, 79.25" wing) - The better of the two 'Cuse rushers because of his explosive first step.  Has lots of tools but needs development and coaching.

Josh Uche, EDGE, Michigan (6013, 241 lbs, 33.25" arms, 9.5" hands, 79.875" wing) - Quick and bendy has been used to describe him.  Like really bendy. Versatile as he has been used as a 34 OLB or 43 DE.  Has surprising length for his size but could use more mass.  Needs work on tackling often coming in too wild.

Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon (6062, 236 lbs, 32.875" arms, 10" hands, 78.875" wing) - Herbert was non-committal about if he met with the team but its safe to assume it's a yes.  Traits are all there to be a special prospect but the tape is inconsistent.  Struggled against the best defenses he faced and the team seemed to want to take the ball out of his hand.  Needs some work between the ears.  Durability a concern as well.

Van Jefferson, WR, Florida (6014, 200 lbs, 32.75" arms, 9.125" hands, 77.125" wing) - Extremely impressive route running. Might be maxed out and won't get much better though. 24 yo rookie.

Rodrigo Blankenship, K, Georgia (6007, 187 lbs, 30.25" arms, 8.5" hands, 75" wing) - Considered the best kicker in the draft. Plenty of long attempts and has the leg for them.

Eno Benjamin, RB, Arizona St. (5090, 195 lbs, 30.75" arms, 8.375" hands, 75" wing) - Strong prospect as a runner and will be used in the NFL early because of it, but athletically limited and provides little help in the pass game (catching or blocking).  

Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor (6027, 207 lbs, 33.875" arms, 9.375" hands, 78.5" wing) - No announced meeting yet but connected to Rhule. Former track star who improved his hands and route running when he returned for his senior year. Physical throughout his routes. Needs to iron out some inconsistencies in his technique but he's a high ceiling prospect.

JaMycal Hasty, RB, Baylor (5080, 203 lbs, 31" arms, 9.25" hands, 73.75" wing) - No announced meeting yet but connected to Rhule. Asset as a receiver.  Scat back type who will struggle with power and blocking.  He's fun to watch.  Could add return value too.

_________________________________________

Kyle Dugger, S, Lenoir-Rhyne (6006, 217 lbs, 32.75" arms, 10.125" hands, 78" wing) - Local D2 prospect who is an elite athlete with excellent size and length.  Will need development with the jump in competition and could be seen as a WLB or a hybrid type player (Deone Bucannon type) but likely a SS at the next level where he could learn and then take over for Eric Reid.  Has return ability as well and should at the very least make it on ST.

[ncfan]

This is going to be interesting 

 

Need the staff to talk to prospects or know what type of prospects they  like

[Panthers8969]

Love the meeting with a Baylor NT. Rhule will know those guys better than anyone. Lets get us a diamond in the rough 

[stirs]

https://gbnreport.com/senior-bowl-weigh-in-notes/

[Untouchable]

I'll start a separate post for the combine. Teams are only allowed 45 formal meeting at the combine this year so these reported meetings hold more weight than in years past.

Cesar Ruiz, C, Michigan (6026, 307 lbs, 33.125" arms, 11" hands, 79.625" wing) - I've been a fan of him for awhile and he's rocketing up draft boards lately. Long and athletic, the 20 yo could be the first center taken and has experience at guard too. 

Yasir Durant, OT, Missouri (6060, 331 lbs, 34.75" arms, 9.5" hands, 82.75" wing) - Long and athletic but viewed as an underachiever due to work ethic and lethargy issues.  Has been consistent for Mizzou but viewed as a RT only or swing tackle candidate by most draft experts. Has experience inside at guard too.

Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama (6010, 193 lbs, 32.125" arms, 9.5" hands, 76" wing) - Arguably the top WR in the draft.  As a freshman he jumped out as the more impressive prospect when studying Calvin Ridley a few years back.  Most impressed by his route running and it's hard to find holes in his game.

Quintez Cephus, WR, Wisconsin (6007, 202 lbs, 32.125" arms, 8.75" hands, 77" wing) - Like his tape, particularly against Ohio State's stud corners.  Natural hands catcher.  Strong at the catch point and good at getting a release, his biggest knock is his long speed.  Combine testing is important for him (EDIT: once talked about as a late day 2 candidate he tested poorly and could tumble out of the draft unless he shows big improvement at his pro day).

Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn (6045, 326 lbs, 34.25" arms, 9" hands, 80.875" wing) - One of the blue chip prospects and a game wrecker from anywhere along the interior.

James Smith-Williams, DE, NC State (6035, 265 lbs, 33.75" arms, 9.25" hands, 81.5" wing) - Laundry list of an injury history making him likely an after draft target.  Long, athletic and muscular, he is said to have an good speed to power but play recognition is lacking.

James Lynch, DE, Baylor (6035, 289 lbs, 31.875" arms, 9.875" hands, 76.875" wing) - He won't meet with the Panthers but that's because the staff already knows everything about him. Good production is but the measurements were not kind.

Justin Strnad, LB, Wake Forest (6033, 238 lbs, 31.75" arms, 9.125" hands, 78" wing) - Important LB traits of range and explosiveness keep coming up for him.  He improved his game in his last season.

Amik Robertson, CB, La Tech (5083, 187 lbs, 30.25" arms, 9" hands, 73.875" wing) - Young, ball hawking nickel prospect with the versatility to play free safety as well (think Tyrann Mathieu type).  Instincts and ball skills described as elite and has the production to back it up as he dominated his competition.

_______________________________________

Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming (6021, 236 lbs ,32.375" arms, 9.5" hands, 76.625" wing) - Older but athletic LB prospect who converted from DB. His mental processing and leadership are both highly praised.  So is his motor and production.  Don't know about his range in the NFL though.

Marcus Keyes, G, OK State (6042, 318 lbs, 33.625" arms, 9.875" hands, 80" wing) - Good mover and looked good in position drills at his pro day.  Violent hand punch, along with his knee bend and leverage were praised there.  Hard to find info on him though.

Jacob Knipp, QB, Northern Colorado (6025, 215 lbs, 31" arms, 9.375" hands, 75.25" wing) - D2 QB with a long injury history that is raw and inexperienced.  There's draftable traits though as he throws a catchable ball and makes plays with his feet in the pocket.  He is most likely a target after the draft.

Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan (6015, 212 lbs, 33.5" arms, 10.125" hands, 79.25" wing) - All the athleticism you could dream of but none of the tape or production.  He is very young though, so you can hope to develop him.

Nigel Kilbey, TE, S. Illinois (6075, 254 lbs, 35.75" arms, 10" hands, 83.875" wing) - the production isn't there but he has a ridiculous catch radius and aced the athletic testing at his pro day. Teams could take a shot on him late as  developmental size/speed prospect.

Chris Williamson, CB, Minnesota (5115, 199lbs, 30.375" arms, 8.75" hands, 74.875" wing) - The versatile secondary prospect had spent time at both safety and corner. Rangy and physical, he could see time as a nickel at the next level as well. Day 3 or UDFA target.

Sewo Olonilua, RB, TCU (6025, 232 lbs, 32.125" arms, 10" hands, 78.125" wing) - Size/speed prospect. A bigger back with experience as both a rusher and passer to target later in the draft or after.

Benny LeMay, RB, Charlotte (5081, 221 lbs, 29.875" arms, 9" hands, 72.5" wing) - Another bigger back with receiving skills to target later in the draft or after.

Cameron Sutton, TE, Fresno St (6045, 240 lbs) - WR convert with great leaping ability.

Levonta Taylor, CB, FSU (5092, 190 lbs, 29.5" arms, 8" hands, 69.875" wing) - Freak athlete going into college but has a serious back injury in 2018 on his record. Nickel/FS prospect.

Darnell Mooney, WR, Tulane (5101, 176 lbs, 30.875" arms, 9.625" hands, 74" wing) - Slot speed demon but needs work on his hands and route running. Been called a discount KJ Hamler.

Matt Hennessy, C, Temple (6037, 307 lbs, 32.25" arms, 10" hands, 79.75" wing) - Not the biggest or strongest but he has very good technique and plus athleticism. Solid Day 2 option at center.

Ben DiNucci, QB, James Madison (6016, 210 lbs) - Smart FCS QB credited with a good arm, strong work ethic and ability to make plays with his feet. End of draft or UDFA target.

Francis Bernard, LB, Utah (6003, 234 lbs, 31.875" arms, 9.875" hands, 77.25" wing) - Poor athletic profile and inconsistent tape.  Former RB with a unique understanding of OL and run game but off the field concerns there as well.  End of draft or UDFA.

Kenny Willekes, EDGE, Michigan State (6034, 264 lbs, 31.25" arms, 9.5" hands, 77.875" wing) - Gumpy like and highly productive edge rusher with a high floor.  Play strength and athleticism will create issues in the pros as will his length so technique will be critical. Likely a Day 3 target as a strongside end.

Jonathan Greenard, EDGE, Florida (6033, 263 lbs, 34.875" arms, 9.25" hands, 81.25" wing) - Stout run defender on the edge who showed out real well in important tests and drills at the combine.  His pass rush is there but lagging behind but he has good counters as a pass rusher and solid production when on the field.  Could come off the board later on Day 2.

Isaiah Rodgers, CB, UMass (5095, 170 lbs) - Very fast likely nickel prospect that showed out at his pro day. Former WR with NFL bloodlines. Not much info on him.

Alex Highsmith, EDGE, Charlotte (6031, 248 lbs, 33.125" arms, 9.125" hands, 76.875" wing) - Explosive and underrated edge rusher. He has good agility and a good motor but needs development on both his technique and strength. Could go as early as Day 2.

Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU (6031, 290 lbs, 32.375" arms, 9.75" hands, 78.75" wing) - Athletic and high upside interior pass rusher. Has a significant injury on his record and needs development processing but there is a lot to like and he should come off the board on Day 2.

Josiah Deguara, TE/FB, Cincy (6023, 242 lbs, 31.625" arms, 9" hands, 75.25" wing) - H-back type who's blocking is a big plus in his game. He is also said to be sure handed but his lack of length and athleticism will garner alot of contested catch situations.

Michael Sam, CB, La Tech (6005, 194 lbs) - Safety convert. Not a lot of info on him as Robertson was far and away the main draw. Could be another FS/Nickel type.

Rodney Smith, RB, Minnesota (5100, 210 lbs) - Decisiveness and balance are praised. Has plenty of reps in pass protection too but explosiveness and burst aren't brought up as positives in his game.

Cameron Clark, OT/G, Charlotte (6044, 308 lbs, 34.125" arms, 11" hands, 82.75" wing) - One of my favorite late round lineman. This guy is nasty and finishes plays. Has great tape against Clemson but inconsistent the rest of the year. Played LT in college but he would likely be a traits based projection to guard in the NFL because of his length, power and mauler mentality.

Jordan Love, QB, Utah State (6036, 224 lbs, 32.625" arms, 10.5" hands, 80" wing) - Great traits but poor tape but then out of nowhere he makes this amazing play that so few can do. Huge arm but can't seem to connect on the deep ball. Reminds me of Trubusky alot but someone is going to think they can turn those spark plays into a fire.

Casey Toohill, EDGE, Stanford (6043, 250 lbs, 33.5" arms, 9.5" hands, 79.625" wing) - Fantastic athleticism but an older prospect. Promising tape as a pass rusher but not as a run defender. Late round or after draft target.

Josiah Scott, CB, Michigan St. (29.375" arms, 8.75" hands, 71.25" wing) - Sticky coverage and ball hawking ability but tackling and matchups with physical WRs will be an issue. Highly rated nickel prospect that could come off the board early day 3.

Darrynton Evans, RB, App State (5101, 203 lbs, 31.625" arms, 9.25" hands, 76.625" wing) - I was hoping he would pop up on the list. He would be a great day 3 option as a RB with 3 down ability. Agile and decisive, he's a one cut and gone home run threat.

Tommy Stevens, QB, Miss State (6044, 237 lbs, 32" arms, 9.5" hands, 76.35" wing) - the Penn State transfer has fantastic athleticism as a dual threat QB. At QB there is alot of inconsistent in his game and he has a injury history. He could play a Joe Webb/Taysom Hill role or just be a TE convert though.

Keith Ismael, C, San Diego St (6027, 309 lbs, 32.25" arms, 10" hands, 78.875" wing) -  A good day 3 target as a backup with starting potential down the road.  His mobility is impressive as is his intelligence but he needs more strength.  He's like Paradis in that he's can use his mobility to work across the defenders face and steer them out of harms way.  Most media outlets see him as zone blocking scheme limited but a potential starter.

AJ Green, CB, Oklahoma St (6014, 202 lbs, 30.875" arms, 9" hands, 74.875" wing) - The combine didn't help his draft stock as his length and speed both below average, but teams generally chose to stay away from him. He's got some good press and man coverage skills but they start lacking when he faces an explosive WR. Could be good in a heavy zone scheme.

Kalija Lipscomb, WR, Vandy (5117, 207 lbs, 32.875" arms, 9.375" hands, 79" wing) - Pretty good as a route runner and he has good length and hands. Not a burner who's going to get alot done deep but there real value to him in the short to intermediate range. Very intelligent player who also has special teams ability. Late draft or priority free agent type.

Koby Quansah, LB, Duke (6002, 227 lbs, 30.375" arms, 8.75" hands, 74.625" wing) - Rough upbringing and the kind of guy you root for. Tough and athletic prospect with sideline to sideline ability but needs work on his block deconstruction and has issues in coverage. Recovery speed lacking despite solid 40 time. Probably an after draft target.

[Untouchable]

So with a about a week left, I'm seeing a lot of CBs and a lot of DL prospects.  My best guess would be the team targeting multiple picks at each.

CBs - Either athletic boundary corners and versatile nickel/free safety types dominate the known meetings.

DL - The obvious prospects on the interior and they all seem to be early in the draft but there are a lot of bigger EDGE rushers as well likely to play opposite Burns on the strongside.  Weakside EDGEs too but they seem to be almost exclusively later in the draft suggesting a depth piece there.

There is also a bunch of Interior OL prospects in for meetings that are projected up and down the draft as well as primarily late round/UDFA prospects at WR, TE, RB, QB and LB.

[45catfan]

Here's the thread I've been looking for!  Bump

[45catfan]

Noticing the QB, RB and TE prospects are most late round/PFA, so unless a gem falls to us, unlikely to spend a draft pick with these positions.  Not shocking.  Seems like we did our due diligence with Jeudy, but otherwise it's mid-round or none until after the draft for WR.  Touched on corners a bit so I'm thinking double dipping at CB.  I don't see any action at safety and am contemplating leaving it out of my final mock completely.

[Untouchable]

Like the prospect lost suggested, the team certainly did go hard after DBs and DL.  These meetings turned into Panthers...

Stanley Thomas-Oliver III, CB, FIU (6002, 183 lbs, 32" arms, 9.5" hands, 74.875" wing) - Converted WR who will test well but needs development

Bravvion Roy, NT, Baylor (6011, 332 lbs, 30.125" arms, 9" hands, 75.125" wing) - Obvious connection to Rhule has been tough to stop at the first practice.  Strong two-gapping NT prospect who can eat up blocks and steal a numbers advantage back for the defense.

Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn (6045, 326 lbs, 34.25" arms, 9" hands, 80.875" wing) - One of the blue chip prospects and a game wrecker from anywhere along the interior.

Cameron Sutton, TE, Fresno St (6045, 240 lbs) - WR convert with great leaping ability.

Rodney Smith, RB, Minnesota (5100, 210 lbs) - Decisiveness and balance are praised. Has plenty of reps in pass protection too but explosiveness and burst aren't brought up as positives in his game.

___________________

Other tidbits found on the remaining draft picks....

YGM reportably ran a 4.52 in 2018 at underclassman pro day. 

Chinn scored as a 99th percentile athlete as an NFL safety all time.

Pride's biggest knocks are tackling and his ball skills but he is seemingly always in position (even if he cant find the ball).

Robinson has tackling issues but he has the potential to be a big time playmaker.  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-xfl-safety-kenny-robinson-jr-projects-as-one-of-the-best-playmakers-in-the-2020-nfl-draft-class

__________________________

This guy could beat out Larsen to stick on the roster. 6024, 304 lbs, 32.125" arms, 10" hands, 78.375" wing. Good pass blocker and easy mover but needs some more strength.  https://lastwordonprofootball.com/2020/04/11/frederick-mauigoa-2020-nfl-draft-profile/

Bowen could sneak on the roster too as a G with RT versatility. 6064, 310 lbs, 33.625" arms, 10.625" hands, 83.125" wing.  https://www.buckeyesports.com/scouting-report-ohio-state-t-branden-bowen/

TreVontae Hights is a ST stud and loves playing it.  TCU loves their fast WRs too so he might have some wheels.

Omar Bayless (6006, 212 lbs, 31.875" arms, 9" hands, 76.875" wing):  This guy has a good baseline to work with as a possession WR.  Footwork needs cleaned up but watch him consistently break through press coverage against Georgia: