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 Linebackers…
ILB Drew Sanders, Arkansas (pre-Combine grade: A)
2022: 103 tackles, 13.5 TFLs, 9.5 sacks 5 PDs (12g)
6’4”/230
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.8+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 40
Pre-Combine Comments:
The hype is real. Best interior linebacker prospect in the draft…hell, he could be the best edge rusher prospect too…if he had focused on that position exclusively. Excellent feet/movement skills do-it-all middle linebacker or 4-3 OLB. Superior speed. Excellent tracking skills. Covers well. Hits like a Mack truck. Excellent 1st-round (has to be) prospect.
NFL Comp? = A version of Luke Kuechly…he may be THAT good.
Highlight package: https://youtu.be/5HKRT7EyU_I
OLB Trenton Simpson, Clemson (pre-Combine grade: B+)
2022: 72 tackles, 4.0 TFLs (12g)
6’3”/225
Projected 40-time: 4.45+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.85+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 30
Pre-Combine Comments:
Good-looking 4-3 OLB prospect…with a chance at becoming a pure middle linebacker. Has great closing speed/acceleration. Hits hard. Covers well in the passing game. Can rush off the edge with effectiveness. Has upside to an ‘A’ grade.
NFL Comp? = Matt Milano
Highlight package: https://youtu.be/LfZQusXgpp4
LB Dee Winters, TCU (pre-Combine grade: B-)
2022: 48 solo/31 asst tackles, 14.5 TFLs, 7.5 sacks (15g)
6’1”/223
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 200
Pre-Combine Comments:
Very fast, very quick reacting LB prospect. He pursues ballcarriers at warp speed and has the game-sense to find holes/avoid blocking to get to the action. Has the speed to drop back into coverage on receivers but shows real promise at tracking and closing in on RB screens and flares. I’m a fan.
NFL Comp? = Smaller Blake Martinez
Highlight package: https://youtu.be/7tNPIp-sG7E
ILB Noah Sewell, Oregon (pre-Combine grade: B-/C+)
2022: 56 tackles, 5.5 TFLs (12g)
6’1”/250
Projected 40-time: 4.75+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.25+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 60
Pre-Combine Comments:
Has the lower body of a defensive tackle…thick from the waist down, which makes him either move slower (than you want) or just looks like he’s moving slow. Hard, rick wall hitter. Seems to move with agility well. The Combine could push him to A/B or drop him to C/D.
NFL Comp? = Zaven Collins with better LB instincts
Highlight package: https://youtu.be/grZM1BoCDS4
ILB Ventrell Miller, Florida (pre-Combine grade: B-/C+)
(Post-SB Grade: B, Pre-SB Grade: B)
2022: 34 solo, 40 asst tackles, 8.5 sacks, 0.0 sacks, 2 FF (11g)
6’1”/226
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 175
Post-SB comments:
Did not attend.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Has high end athleticism for the NFL…he’s very fast, a good athlete but he seems lost/miscast as an ILB (in college)…could be more of a 4-3 OLB or SAF/LB hybrid, and one who can rush the backfield with his speed/quickness. He’s a raw piece of clay talent for the NFL.
NFL Comp? = I’m wondering if he might be a Haason Reddick, smaller (traditionally) pass rush specialist. But he might could bulk to a Roquan Smith-type ILB with his movement skills.
Highlight video: https://youtu.be/3y4--m4IB-k
ILB SirVocea Dennis, Pittsburgh (pre-Combine grade: B-/C+)
(Post-SB Grade: B-/C+, Pre-SB Grade: B)
2022: 42 solo, 52 asst tackles, 12.0 TFLs, 7.0 sacks, 3 PDs, 2 FF
6’0”/218
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 175
Post-SB comments:
I was a fan going in, and he did well all week…I named him the best LB prospect of the week in Mobile, post-practices. However, it wasn’t a great/epic LB group…so, it’s not the greatest reward. He came in 12 pounds lighter from pre-list, and that didn’t help his draft stock per se…not a huge hit, but not helpful.
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Pre-SB Comments:
I really like this LB prospect; I have no idea why he is so lowly ranked to start the process. He really moves around well…side-to-side movements are really good, acceleration towards ballcarriers or the backfield is really good. He has a good nose for reading ball carriers, tracking them, and avoiding blockers and making plays. He’ll shine at Mobile.
NFL Comp? = Eric Wilson
LB DeMarvion Overshown, Texas (pre-Combine grade: B-/C+)
(Post-SB Grade: B-, Pre-SB Grade: B/B-)
2022: 49 solo, 47 asst tackles, 10.0 TFLs, 4.0 sacks, 5 PDs (12g)
6’2”/220
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 125
Post-SB comments:
Did well enough. Didn’t stand out as I had hoped. Came in 2” shorter than pre-list. He didn’t juice his draft stock all that much here.
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Pre-SB Comments:
A lot of upside here. Good prospect to start with…great reach and good movement skills as a middle linebacker in college. His flaw is too thin framed to be a real impact tackler in the trenches in the NFL. But his frame should allow him to add 20+ pounds of muscle and he might be a monster IL or OLB who can disrupt as a pass rusher. Options and upside here.
NFL Comp? = Could bulk up to be a Frankie Luvu…or bigger/thicker to like a Tremaine Edmunds.
Highlight video: https://youtu.be/XW3rUA1QhtY
ILB Jack Campbell, Iowa (pre-Combine grade: C+)
2022: 59 solo/66 asst tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 2 INTs (13g)
6’5”/243
Projected 40-time: 4.8+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.4+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 75
Pre-Combine Comments:
A throw back block of granite middle linebacker. Looks a bit too slow at times, but the you’ll see him flash decent speed in pursuit. Regardless of his Combine times, he is going to be desired as an old school middle linebacker for like the Steelers or Lions, etc. He hits like a ton of bricks and is a smart player -- he’s a ‘football player’ that will be forgiven on athleticism at the Combine.
NFL Comp? = Troy Reeder/Alex Anzalone mix with upside if he runs quicker at the Combine.
LB Ivan Pace Jr., Cincinnati (pre-Combine grade: C+)
(Post-SB Grade: C+, Pre-SB Grade: C+)
2022: 55 solo/81 asst tackles, 20.5 TFLs, 9.0 sacks, 4 PDs, 2 FF (13g)
5’10”/231
Projected 40-time: 4.45+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.9+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 150
Post-SB comments:
Played well…could’ve been my LB of the week. I’m a fan. I was hoping he’d really stand out in the practices, but he was just ‘good’/fine. Did lead all defenders with 10 tackles (9 solo) in the game itself. Could move to ‘B’ grade range after the Combine.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Another smaller, but lightning quick linebacker. Pace is built like a brick house with speed. Excellent instincts and pursuit of ballcarriers. He’s in the backfield in a flash. The NFL will punish him (draft stock) for height. He tries to list himself at 6’0”, but he looks closer to 5’10”…but he is 239 pounds, so he’s a bowling ball…with speed and aggression. There’s a place for him in the NFL, and it might be a shock how good he is.
NFL Comp? = Grant Stuard
Highlight video: https://youtu.be/7x1wIzNm2Kw
LB Dorian Williams, Tulane (pre-Combine grade: C+)
(Post-SB Grade: C+, Pre-SB Grade: C+)
2022: 81 solo/51 asst tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 5.0 sacks, 2 INTs, 7 PDs, 2 FF (14g)
6’1”/228
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 200
Post-SB comments:
Solid practices but didn’t totally stand out as I had hoped. Upside exists…the NFL Combine could push him up a bit higher.
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Pre-SB Comments:
A very nice, very effective college middle linebacker. Good size/thick, pretty nimble, good tackler. But he looks more like a big safety prospect (as a better fit) than a pure LB. He has something to offer the NFL bulking up to a traditional LB or moving to SAF/LB.
NFL Comp? = Slower Kyle Dugger (who was/is a great athlete, hard to hit his Combine numbers for others, so this is not a slam on Williams too hard)
ILB Shaka Heyward, Duke (pre-Combine grade: C/C+)
2022: 93 tackles, 6.0 TFLs, 6 PDs (12g)
6’3”/220
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 6.9+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 225
Pre-Combine Comments:
Has really fluid feet…chases down ballcarriers well and doesn’t get faked out by jukes because he has superior feet to recover/juke with them and stop them…if that makes sense. Need to add bulk for the NFL to be a middle linebacker -- and he needs to be an ILB, that’s his style/gift.
Heyward is a smart 5th+ round developmental defender prospect…he could be an ILB…or move to a 4-3 OLB…he could even slim down and muscle up to be a strong safety.
NFL Comp? = Could develop into a Deion Jones type smaller/quick ILB…maybe.
OLB Daiyan Henley, Washington State (pre-Combine grade: C)
(Post-SB Grade: C+, Pre-SB Grade: C)
2022: 54 solo/52 asst tackles, 12 TFLs, 4.0 sacks (12g)
6’1”/230
Projected 40-time: 4.55+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 100
Post-SB comments:
Had a really good week. Helped himself/didn’t hurt himself, especially coming in 10 pounds thicker than pre-list helped. The analysts love him more than I do, but he’s solid.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Solid linebacker prospect. Can play the run and defend the pass. Good acceleration and aggressiveness. He’s an NFL prospect for sure. Has upside…but could also get lost in the shuffle with all the other unique LB talent in Mobile.
NFL Comp? = Lesser Jayon Brown
OLB Jalen Graham, Purdue (pre-Combine grade: C)
2022: 52 tackles, 5.0 TFLs, 5 PDs (9g)
6’3”/220
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 300
Pre-Combine Comments:
Interesting prospect here. A long/wiry OLB who kinda played a Joker role all over the field, but if he shaved 10+ pounds he might be a potential NFL cornerback. He’s so versatile with quickness and tenacity -- he’s going to be a savvy addition for an NFL team to use in a variety of ways.
NFL Comp? = Lesser Jeremy Chinn
OLB Noah Taylor, North Carolina (pre-Combine grade: C-/D+)
2022: 28 tackles, 6.0 TFLs, 3.5 sacks (8g)
6’4”/225
Projected 40-time: 4.65+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 325
Pre-Combine Comments:
Got some size and NFL movement skills...I think there’s something here that could be developed. Was a college edge rusher, primarily -- but also dropped back in coverage and played the run OK. There’s a raw piece of clay to work with here.
NFL Comp? = Could be a sneak Kaden Elliss type prospect.
ILB Cam Jones, Indiana (pre-Combine grade: C-/D+)
(Post-SB Grade: D+, Pre-SB Grade: C-/D+)
2022: 24 solo, 30 asst tackles, 2.0 TFLs, 1.0 sacks (5g)
6’1”/227
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.2+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 250
Post-SB comments:
Solid/OK week. Didn’t really catch my attention during the week.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Good movement skills. Mans the middle fairly well. Solid tackler, pretty good in coverage. Nothing he did was special, but he looked like a legit NFL hopeful.
NFL Comp? = Ernest Jones
OLB Yasir Abdullah, Louisville (pre-Combine grade: D+)
2022: 63 tackles, 14.5 TFLs, 9.5 sacks, 4 PDs, 2 INTs, 4 FF (13g)
6’1”/235
Projected 40-time: 4.65+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.3+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 300
Pre-Combine Comments:
Was a 4-3 OLB dropping into coverage and working the interior but also worked the edge some. Looks like he has some pro potential as a useful interior and sometimes exterior LB.
NFL Comp? = Devin Lloyd-ish style but not as decorated coming out.
ILB Owen Pappoe, Auburn (pre-Combine grade: D+)
(Post-SB Grade: D, Pre-SB Grade: D)
2022: 51 solo, 40 asst tackles, 3.0 TFLs, 2.0 sacks, 2 FF (12g)
6’1”/226
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.4+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 150
Post-SB comments:
Didn’t attend…smart. The hype might be bigger than the reality.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Slow feet in short space, no real burst or flash to the ball. So-so tackler. Not impressed with what I saw here, and undersized for an ILB for the pros. He supposedly runs in the 4.3s/4.4s…I didn’t see it, but he’s coming off injury so maybe he was slow to get back up to speed.
NFL Comp? = Neville Hewitt
OLB Nick Herbig, Wisconsin (pre-Combine grade: D+)
2022: 47 tackles, 15.5 TFLs, 11.0 sacks (11g)
6’2”/230
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.2+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 100
Pre-Combine Comments:
A sneak attack blitzer of the backfield…and that’s not a compliment or statement, it’s a denigration. Herbig is a good college athlete, and he uses his speed to stunt and sneak attack blitz (what looks like he might drop into coverage instead, a fake) and gets numbers but most of his sacks/TFLs are him untouched/barely touched sneak blitzing the backfield. This is where the output numbers are a head fake. He won't be able to play this style in the NFL…he’s not big or fast enough. He has some talent, but he’s overrated as an edge.
NFL Comp? = Smaller Leonard Floyd
OLB Jose Ramirez, Eastern Michigan (pre-Combine grade: D+)
2022: 66 tackles, 19.5 TFLs, 12 sacks (12g)
6’2”/251
Projected 40-time: 4.7+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.3+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 200
Pre-Combine Comments:
Great output in college. Was an edge rushing LB who looks like a potential move to ILB to see if they can hide his speed concerns for the next level. I didn’t see anything super special here, besides…he had a penchant for making plays. Gave 110% effort.
NFL Comp? =
OLB Micah Baskerville, LSU (pre-Combine grade: D+)
2022: 89 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 1.0 sacks, 8 PDs (14g)
6’1”/231
Projected 40-time: 4.7+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.3+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 325
Pre-Combine Comments:
Try hard, thinner-framed ILB in college...would need to bulk up for the NFL. Not that fluid or explosive on tape…just a decent, average college LB who will have an uphill battle to make it in the NFL.
NFL Comp? = Travin Howard
LB Henry To'o To'o, Alabama (pre-Combine grade: D)
(Post-SB Grade: D, Pre-SB Grade: D)
2022: 45 solo, 49 asst tackles, 8.0 TFLs, 2.5 sacks (13g)
6’2”/225
Projected 40-time: 4.8+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.5+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 100
Post-SB comments:
Did not attend, which is smart on his behalf…he needs to hide and coast on the ‘Alabama’ hype.
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Pre-SB Comments:
One of the slowest, supposed top prospect LBs that I have ever seen…thought that last year during a summer preview, and think it after my 2023 preview. Slow speed, slow reactions, low impact player every time I watch him against top opponents.
NFL Comp? = Whoever the slowest LB you can think of is.
OLB Jeremy Banks, Tennessee (pre-Combine grade: D)
2022: 53 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 4 PDs (11g)
6’1”/220
Projected 40-time: 4.55+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.2+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 275
Pre-Combine Comments:
Kicked off the team in 2019 following an arrest of driving with a suspended license…and then making horrible remarks to the U.T. police officers. He also had an incident caught on camera where he was getting into an altercation in a night club. All of that will likely send him to the undrafted pile.
On the field, he’s quick but undersized for interior LB. Could be an OLB or a big safety or bulk up to the interior, but questions on his character weigh heavily here.
NFL Comp? = Akeem Gaither-Davis
ILB Isaiah Moore, North Carolina State (pre-Combine grade: D)
2022: 82 tackles, 15.0 TFLs, 3 PDs (13g)
6’2”/236
Projected 40-time: 4.7+
Projected 3-Cone:7.3+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 300
Pre-Combine Comments:
Primarily blitzed the backfield from an ILB spot…guessed the holes well but displayed underwhelming movement skills along with weak tackling skills (pulls up before contact too much).
NFL Comp? = Kenny Young
OLB Charlie Thomas, Georgia Tech (pre-Combine grade: D)
2022: 112 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, 2.0 sacks (12g)
6’2”/210
Projected 40-time: 4.7+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.3+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 300
Pre-Combine Comments:
Undersized college linebacker that may get caught between being too small for NFL linebacker work and is too slow for NFL safety work. He displays enough athleticism and effort to get a training camp look to see what they have here.
NFL Comp? = Duke Riley
ILB Anfernee Orji, Vanderbilt (pre-Combine grade: D-)
2022: 106 tackles, 6.5 TFLs (12g)
6’2”/224
Projected 40-time: 4.75+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.3+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 300
Pre-Combine Comments:
Slower reaction time and too easily blocked smaller college ILB. I just don’t see the natural instincts or athleticism to make it big at the next level.
NFL Comp? = Tae Davis
