Other Positions: QB | RB | WR | TE | DT | Edge | LB | CB | SAF
Leading up to the NFL Combine week, I go through 20-30 minutes of scouting preview work on each prospect set to attend -- I watch a couple game tapes and look over some of their career performance data, etc., and then I give each prospect a pre-event scouting grade for the NFL based on that brief look. For some attendees, I've spent an extended scouting time on them already from preview scouting them and then observing them at the Senior Bowl week.
After we get all the official Combine measurables and times, etc., I will complete a post-Combine grade for all attendees and then start to run our scouting analytics (from statistical grading) on those who did all the workouts at the Combine, for the others we have to wait for their Pro Day data.
The Combine (and Pro Days) are key data points to know which prospects to study deeper and file full scouting reports on pre-and-post Draft. Our computer scouting models will give analytic grades on approx. 100 RB prospects for this draft (and, ultimately, we'll run grades on approx. 600+ overall prospects for this draft).
This pre-and-post Combine preview is a very brief look for me, as a scout, to continue to build my database and scouting notes for the weeks and months ahead, and to then focus in on certain prospects that are jumping at me from the early preview. The Combine previews are a first, sometimes second or third look (for me) at a prospect attending -- but my impressions/grading can and will change as we go through the year-long process of scouting these guys right up through the NFL preseason.
After a January-February preview study, here are my impressions, grades, and ranking of each position going into the 2023 NFL Combine (except O-Line, we'll look at OLs after the Combine).
The Safeties…
SAF Trey Dean III, Florida (pre-Combine grade: A)
2022: 81 tackles, 4 PDs, 4.5 TFLs
6'3"/206
Projected 40-time: 4.4+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.9+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 150
Pre-Combine Comments:
Fantastic safety. Perfect SAF build. Super quick closing speed. Arguably the best tackler, hardest hitter in the 2-23 class (or 2022 class). Can cover well. He's a near perfect safety prospect at first glance.
NFL Comp? = More physical Jeremy Chinn.
Highlights package: https://youtu.be/cb-e9gL1K0g
SAF J.L. Skinner, Boise State (pre-Combine grade: A-)
(Post-SB Grade: A-, Pre-SB Grade: B+)
2022: 36 solo, 29 asst tackles, 0.5 TFLs, 4 INTs, 5 PDs (12 games)
6'4"/211
Projected 40-time: 4.45+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.95 +/-
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 75
Post-SB Comments:
This event helped Skinner rise up/secure a top 100 overall status…if not a top 50 ultimately. Usually the safeties don't/can't shine in an event like this because the drills feature CBs vs. WRs more (while SAF sit that out), but Skinner was participating in the WR v. DB cover drills and holding his own.
Not only did he show cover skills/ability but he also was working some as a 4-3 OLB in some set ups on defense in 11-on-11s. He showed off an array of talents and thus we moved him to our top SAF post-week because of his versatility, on top of obvious skills.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Skinner has a chance to be an 'A' grade safety prospect. Great muscular, sturdy build…like a sleek linebacker but moves like a safety, and hits like a linebacker. Could lay claim to the label of 'hardest hitting safety in the draft'.
Worked on improving cover skills in 2022 after being a menace as a run stopper/tackler in 2021 (92 tackles, 7.0 TFLs, 2 FF). Really liked what I saw here. The NFL Combine will determine if he's a possible 1st-round/2nd-round prospect.
NFL Comp? = Kyle Dugger
Highlight package: https://youtu.be/riBM-t_Lom0
SAF Daniel Scott, California (pre-Combine grade: A-)
(Post-SB Grade: A-, Pre-SB Grade: A)
2022: 57 solo, 28 asst tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 3 INTs, 4 PDs, 2 FF
6'0"/210
Projected 40-time: 4.4+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.7+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 175
Post-SB Comments:
Was kinda quiet during the week, but the practice week in Mobile is not a place for safeties or RBs or LBs to shine, especially in the 1-on-1 drills that excludes many of them from the real/interesting battles. But you could see him doing fine in 11-on-11s, and you could see him start to show his skills a little bit in the live game itself. Scott didn't hurt himself in Mobile but didn't really catch fire/gain attention either.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Wow. The best movement skills I've seen in a while from a SAF prospect. Great footspeed…excellent acceleration/closing speed with fantastic agility/ability to change direction to hunt down tacklers and cover in the passing game. I am looking forward to studying this guy deeper because my intro/preview was a 'wow'…and we're lucky if there is 1-2-3 'wow' prospects I see ahead of the Senior Bowl. Last year, Marcus Jones was an early 'wow' (for me) from the Senior Bowl, as one that comes to mind.
NFL Comp? = A bigger, better Jalen Pitre?
Highlight package: https://youtu.be/gwIw0sXtzBk
SAF Brian Branch, Alabama (pre-Combine grade: B+)
2022: 90 tackles, 7 PDs, 2 INTs (13g)
6'0"/190
Projected 40-time: 4.45+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0 +/-
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 25
Pre-Combine Comments:
Very good-looking athlete/safety prospect. He's an NFL starter. Could be an 'A' grade safety. Quick feet. Tough. Excellent leaping ability. Very solid prospect…could be the best safety in the class.
NFL Comp? = Possibly could be a Budda Baker type NFL asset.
SAF Jason Taylor II, Oklahoma State (pre-Combine grade: B)
2022: 99 tackles, 6 INTs, 7 PDs, 3.5 TFLs
6'0"/215
Projected 40-time: 4.45+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0 +/-
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 200
Pre-Combine Comments:
A very solid safety prospect. I'm surprised he's not got more draft heat. He has 8 picks over the past two seasons, a quality tackler with nice acceleration to close in on the pass or ballcarriers on the run. Perfect safety size.
NFL Comp? = Adrian Phillips
SAF Sydney Brown, Illinois (pre-Combine grade: B-)
(Post-SB Grade: B-, Pre-SB Grade: B-/C+)
2022: 41 solo, 19 asst tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 1.0 sacks, 6 INTs, 1 INT ret. TD, 1 Fumb. ret. TD
6'0"/213
Projected 40-time: 4.45+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 100
Post-SB Comments:
Stood out Senior Bowl week as a hard worker, high effort box safety. Brown always seemed to be around the play/ball. His twin brother was at RB in this event, so both guys/twins has some natural attention on them already as 'a story'. Definitely didn't hurt his draft stock here.
Came in 13 pounds bigger/thicker…that helps his cause.
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Pre-SB Comments:
A very talented athlete as a SAF, sometimes linebacker. Has amazing hands…almost a WR playing safety but built like a muscular satellite RB. He's aggressive, a good tackler, and decent in coverage. He may not be a star in the NFL, but he'll be useful on defense and special teams.
NFL Comp? = Has a little Antoine Winfield in him, possibly…a taller version, but maybe not as fast.
SAF Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M (pre-Combine grade: B-/C+)
2022: 71 tackles, 5 TFLs, 1 PD, 3 FF
6'3"/200
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 50
Pre-Combine Comments:
More of a SAF/LB than pure safety. Good speed, but troublesome initial burst and shaky agility…very gangly trying to get up to speed or change directions. He's a good player but I don't see elite or a 1st-round prospect. I see an issue with short speed/agility that may be his undoing or holds his career down.
NFL Comp? = Ryan Neal
SAF Tyreque Jones, Boise State (pre-Combine grade: C+)
2022: 34 tackles, 3 PDs, 4.5 TFLs (12g)
6'2"/206
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 250
Pre-Combine Comments:
Another nice athlete safety from the CFB ranks…there's so many talented athletes in this class it's hard to distinguish them all. Jones is 'long'…good reach to make tackles that most players could not get to. He's a nice run stopper and decent enough in pass coverage. If he hits nice times at the Combine, he could shoot into the top 150 easily with his length/build.
NFL Comp? = Justin Reid
SAF Jordan Battle, Alabama (pre-Combine grade: C+)
(Post-SB Grade: C+, Pre-SB Grade: C+)
2022: 34 solo, 37 asst tackles, 0.5 TFL, 1 INT, 2 PD (13 games)
6'1"/210
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0 +/-
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 100
Post-SB Comments:
Did not show up/participate.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Battle is a solid NFL prospect safety. The 'Alabama' label gets him to a top 100 ranking. Had he gone to Missouri he'd be a day three safety, potentially. He's fine but is generically a good safety, nothing worth over-drafting.
It looks like Battle took a year off in 2022 (just drifted around deep at safety not really standing out on the field)…like, he knew he had a nice 2021 season and got respect/draft buzz and then mailed it in 2022 season to protect his draft stock. Is he the 2021 playmaker or the 2022 snooze?
He was a B- for me in our 2022 summer Devy series.
NFL Comp? = Terrell Edmonds…maybe could be a Marcus Maye instead.
SAF Gervarrius Owens, Houston (pre-Combine grade: C+)
2022: 74 tackles, 8 PDs, 1 INT (12g)
6'0"/200
Projected 40-time: 4.45+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 250
Pre-Combine Comments:
A very active, promising NFL SAF prospect. High energy/effort, good tackler, solid pass defender. He's a 'football player'. His Combine will tell the tale of just how good/promising for the NFL.
NFL Comp? = Xavier Woods
SAF Chamarri Conner, Virginia Tech (pre-Combine grade: C)
(Post-SB Grade: C, Pre-SB Grade: C)
2022: 38 solo, 29 asst tackles, 2.0 TFLs, 2 PDs (11 games)
6'0"/205
Projected 40-time: 4.45+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0 +/-
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 250
Post-SB Comments:
Conner did fine. Had a moment or two of standing out. I do not have any real positive or negative notes from the week on him.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Some places list him as a CB prospect, but he looks to me like a clear SAF prospect. I watched him playing half SAF/half LB in the tape I had. In 2019, he registered 10.0 TFLs and 5.5 sacks as a more linebacker-ish type DB.
Really good instincts. Quick to the ball/ballcarriers and a very good tackler. I think he'll be a 'riser' after the Senior Bowl week. He can also cover WRs well working as a strict DB. Very useful prospect here.
NFL Comp? = Has some Talanoa Hufanga in him, potentially.
SAF Ji'Ayir Brown, Penn State (pre-Combine grade: C)
(Post-SB Grade: D+, Pre-SB Grade: D+)
2022: 56 solo, 18 asst tackles, 7.0 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, 4 INTs, 3 PDs, 2 FF (13 games)
5'11"/208
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 125
Post-SB Comments:
He accepted his invitation, but he didn't show up. Unsure why.
Watching more tape, he isn't too bad. He's a little smaller than listed, I think…and that could hurt his draft stock.
NFL Comp? = Might be a Nick Scott upside.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Was not grabbed by anything I saw here. He looked OK. Floated around the field a lot with no impact/plays made (on the tape I watched) and is a so-so tackler, maybe too so-so and it gets him undrafted. NFL body, decent movement skills, no real great football prowess revealed.
NFL Comp? = Jeremy Reaves
SAF Christopher Smith, Georgia (pre-Combine grade: C-)
(Post-SB Grade: C-, Pre-SB Grade: C+)
2022: 45 solo, 16 asst tackles, 5.0 TFLs, 3 INTs, 5 PD, 1 FF
5'10"/188
Projected 40-time: 4.45+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 75
Post-SB Comments:
I don't have many notes on him…so, neither good nor bad here. I'm looking for guys to stand out, but Smith did not. Came in an inch and 5 pounds lighter than expected -- which does not help his draft case.
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Pre-SB Comments:
A good-looking safety prospect from the Georgia factory. A 'plus' athlete and a decent tackler with good closing speed but a little smaller than you'd like from an NFL Draft prospect at safety. His size is not a draft-killing thing, just that it's 'not optimal'. Could easily be a 'B' range prospect after the Combine and when we run all the data.
NFL Comp? = Jalen Thompson
SAF Jammie Robinson, Florida State (pre-Combine grade: C-)
(Post-SB Grade: C-, Pre-SB Grade: C)
2022: 46 solo, 53 asst tackles, 5.0 TFLs, 1 INT, 5 PDs
5'11"/194
Projected 40-time: 4.45+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.9+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 150
Post-SB Comments:
A few positive notes, no real negatives. He did fine/held his draft stock here.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Nice movement skills, but not as purposed/controlled as some of the top safety prospects…which makes him a so-so tackler because he can overrun things, and he tries to grab jerseys and arm tackles a little too much. There is raw clay/a good athlete base to work with here. He looks like he's better as a cover safety or possible move to slot corner if he could handle it.
NFL Comp? = Vonn Bell with some Budda Baker-like movement ability, but not the refined skill.
SAF Rashad Torrence II, Florida (pre-Combine grade: C-)
2022: 84 tackles, 1 PD (12g)
6'0"/205
Projected 40-time: 4.45+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 150
Pre-Combine Comments:
Great run defender but suspect against the pass. He plays/cheats the run a little too much. He could be a problem for a defense because he gets/cheats himself up to play the run too much and leaves passing game gaps.
NFL Comp? = More controlled Jonathan Abram
SAF Brandon Hill, Pitt (pre-Combine grade: C-)
2022: 67 tackles, 2 PD (12g)
5'11"/195
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 200
Pre-Combine Comments:
A good college safety, a tough hitter…should be OK at the next level, but no special attributes detected -- but plays hard. Can make it to the pros and he'll have to grind his way into a role with a team.
NFL Comp? = better Rudy Ford
SAF DeMarcco Hellams, Alabama (pre-Combine grade: C-/D+)
(Post-SB Grade: C-, Pre-SB Grade: C)
2022: 67 solo (led SEC), 41 asst tackles, 3.0 TFLs, 1 INT, 1 PD, 1 FF (13 games)
6'1"/213
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0 +/-
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 250
Post-SB Comments:
Weighed in but did not participate in anything on-field that I can recall.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Hellams looked a whole lot better than teammate (SAF) Jordan Battle did in the 2022 season. Hellams looked like he was playing for a future, while Battle played like he was trying to protect his future. It's so hard to tell on these Alabama safeties because they play on all-star team that allow them to do things they won't be able to in the NFL.
Hellams 2022 looks a lot like Battle 2021, for Alabama. Both are legit NFL prospects but they're not off the charts…but they'll be over-drafted because of the 'Alabama' label. They both look good-not-great to me at first glance. The NFL Combine data will help to separate them.
NFL Comp? = lesser Marcus Maye
SAF Anthony Johnson Jr., Iowa State (pre-Combine grade: C-/D+)
2022: 60 tackles, 4 PDs (12g)
5'11"/195
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.95+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 250
Pre-Combine Comments:
Solid safety prospect. Not a standout but just good -- very solid against the run, and solid enough in coverage. Is a little smaller than you'd like to see in a safety prospect in this era, so it will hurt his draft stock.
NFL Comp? =
SAF Brandon Joseph, Notre Dame (pre-Combine grade: D+)
2022: 30 tackles, 1 INT (10g)
6'1"/192
Projected 40-time: 4.55+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 100
Pre-Combine Comments:
Good enough college safety…looks generic, fringe starter hope for the NFL. With all the talent coming out of the college ranks, Joseph doesn't look as good comparatively. He's fine/solid. If he tears up the Combine, I'll re-look at it some more.
NFL Comp? = Deionte Thompson
SAF Ronnie Hickman, Ohio State (pre-Combine grade: D+)
2022: 53 tackles, 7 PDs, 1 INT (13g)
6'1"/200
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 150
Pre-Combine Comments:
A thinner-framed, mediocre safety prospect…good for college, probably going to struggle to start at the pro level. A kinda forgettable safety prospect these days…weaker tackler but gives good effort…so-so/OK enough in pass coverage. Just nothing exciting here.
NFL Comp? = Richard LeCounte
SAF Jordan Howden, Minnesota (pre-Combine grade: D+/D)
2022: 58 tackles, 5 PDs, 2 INT, 3.5 TFL
6'0"/205
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.2
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 350
Pre-Combine Comments:
Solid college player but is way behind, as a talent/athlete, compared to the other safety prospect talent in this draft.
NFL Comp? = Clayton Fejedelem
SAF Jartavius Martin, Illinois (pre-Combine grade: D)
(Post-SB Grade: D, Pre-SB Grade: D)
2022: 51 solo, 13 asst tackles, 3.0 TFLs, 3 INTs, 11 PD, 2 FF
6'0"/195
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 150
Post-SB Comments:
Don't have him on the weigh-in list, nor do I have any notes or memories…so he must have skipped for whatever reason.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Unimpressed with this preview. Played more of a slot CB/SAF hybrid role and didn't standout…got lost in coverage a few times, missed some tackles with poor sense/technique. We'll see if he is better in Mobile.
NFL Comp? = Isaiah Dunn
SAF Kaevon Merriweather, Iowa (pre-Combine grade: D)
(Post-SB Grade: D, Pre-SB Grade: D)
2022: 35 solo, 12 asst tackles, 2.0 TFLs, 3 INTs, 3 PD, 1 FF (12 games)
6'0"/207
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 250
Post-SB Comments:
Had an OK enough week in Mobile. May have solidified himself as a later day three pick. Didn't see anything special but he worked hard and didn't embarrass himself that I saw.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Didn't show me anything exciting on tape. Solid movement skills. Easily gets lost, blocked, or is out of the play in some way shape or form in the games I watched. He has an NFL body, but I didn't see the skills yet for the next level. We may see them in Mobile.
NFL Comp? = Essang Bassey
