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 Edge Rushers…
EDGE Myles Murphy, Clemson (pre-Combine grade: A+/A)
2022: 40 tackles, 11.0 TFLs, 6.5 sacks (13g)
6'5”/275
Projected 40-time: 4.55+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 10
Pre-Combine Comments:
I was blown away in my deeper study of Myles Murphy a few weeks ago…full report on FFM. If there's a better pass rusher in this 2023 class, I'll be shocked…and amazed. He's the best looking 'force of nature' pass rusher I've seen in the past few drafts. Waiting to see if the Combine confirms my eyes.
NFL Comp? = Myles Garrett/Reggie White
Highlights package: https://youtu.be/hl-tEJLb0Rs
EDGE Will Anderson Jr., Alabama (pre-Combine grade: B+)
2022: 51 tackles, 17.0 TFLs, 10.0 sacks (13g)
6'4”/235
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0 +/-
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 10
Pre-Combine Comments:
A full scouting report already posted on FFM.
Has the lightning quick traits of a solid+ NFL pass rusher. Questions on his frame/size being a slight issue (a bit smaller than what the NFL likes in edge rushers). He's going to be an NFL starter right away, but whether he is just a nice piece of a defensive unit…or THE piece, is up for debate.
NFL Comp? = Harold Landry
Highlights package: https://youtu.be/hKNldY1VDp0
EDGE B.J. Ojulari, LSU (pre-Combine grade: B+)
2022: 58 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 5.5 sacks (11g)
6'3”/244
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0 +/-
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 40
Pre-Combine Comments:
A 'wow' looking pass rusher…possible 'A' grade. Lightning quick off the snap. Impressive when blocked away for the moment, he can go from flatfooted to chasing/pursuit in a blink and make plays where it looked like he was blocked out. Very impressed.
I thought, when watching him: he looks like edge rusher Azeez Ojulari/NYG's high draft pick a few years ago. It then hit me to check…yes, it is his brother. He's a bit smaller than his brother, but just as fast/faster…and his brother Azeez blew up in muscles/bulk last offseason, I imagine B.J. will do the same.
NFL Comp? = Too simple…Azeez Ojulari
Highlights package: https://youtu.be/CVwEkrTH5SM
EDGE Lukas Van Ness, Iowa (pre-Combine grade: B+/B)
2022: 37 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, 6.0 sacks (13g)
6'5”/270
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.2+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 25
Pre-Combine Comments:
A big, relentless DL that worked the edge and some TD. He could be a quick, small DT…or a 3-4 DE…or a 4-3 DE/edge. He has the size and movement skills that warrant his 1st-round.
NFL Comp? = Carl Nassib/Anthony Nelson
Highlights package: https://youtu.be/_8npJKhVp3w
EDGE Adetomiwa Adebawore, Northwestern (pre-Combine grade: B)
add-E-TOMMY-wah add-E-BAR-eh
(Post-SB Grade: D+, Pre-SB Grade: C+)
2022: 27 solo/11 asst tackles, 9.0 TFLs, 5.0 sacks
6'2”/284
Projected 40-time: 4.7+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 75
Pre-Combine Comments:
Watching more tape of Adebawore…I'm starting to see 'it'…starting to see the light on him. Super quick/agile. I had to watch more game tape and run plays back for 2nd/3rd watches to pick up on his movement skills…for his size, he moves like a player who is 50+ pounds lighter.
He added weight in 2022-23…if he runs well at the Combine and really is 280+ pounds, he is going to be a top 50 prospect, possible 1st-rounder on his movement skills at his size.
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Post-SB comments:
Still looks to me like a project or average pass rusher more than an exciting upside guy. We'll see if the Combine reveals something more. He came in +19 pounds…he may be more of a 3-4 DE or moving to speedy/smaller 4-3 DT.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Solid build/frame for the NFL. Quick feet and good power pushing blockers backwards off the snap. Good tools to work with. But, if he's so good…why such low output numbers? He tries to out-athlete his blockers and gets through some…but he didn't show me high-end pass rush technique/ability -- but he can learn that.
NFL Comp? = Hopeful upside to be a Kwity Paye-like pass rusher.
Highlights package: https://youtu.be/GUrCytLA7Oo
EDGE M.J. Anderson, Iowa State (pre-Combine grade: B)
2022: 37 tackles, 9.0 TFLs, 3.5 sacks (12g)
6'3”/280
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.2+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 200
Pre-Combine Comments:
Worked as a 3-4 DE on the tape that I watched, a difficult spot to put up EDGE/eye popping numbers, but his tape 'popped'. He's really quick and slippery off the edge…a handful to try and block. He 'wins' most of his rush attempts. Really impressed here…not sure why he is rated so low in the mainstream. He could be a 3-4 DE in the NFL…or slim to a 4-3 DE…or bulk up to a super quick 4-3 DT.
NFL Comp? = Trey Hendrickson
Highlights package: https://youtu.be/d2nDtGq3IVc
EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kansas State (pre-Combine grade: B)
2022: 46 tackles, 11.0 TFLs, 8.5 sacks
6'3”/260
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 50
Pre-Combine Comments:
A really good-looking, relentless pass rusher with size/power and speed-agility. He's a legit top 50 prospect and in the debate as best edge prospect of 2023.
NFL Comp? = Demarcus Lawrence
Highlight package: https://youtu.be/30iGvc_k5-4
EDGE Derick Hall, Auburn (pre-Combine grade: B+/B)
(Post-SB Grade: B+/B, Pre-SB Grade: B+)
2022: 41 solo/19 asst tackles, 11.5 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, 2 FF
6'3”/252
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 50
Post-SB comments:
Totally chiseled body. Very nice movement skills, but he wasn't dominating the 1-on-1s and 11-on-11s as much as I hoped. But athletically, the 'look'…is there. I think he left Mobile early/didn't stay for the game. A sign of a guy who thinks he did enough or didn't need to prove anything else.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Could be an 'A' grade after we get his Combine data, and with more study. Great get-off on the snap. Excellent acceleration when he gets a sliver of a path to get to the QB. Changes directions deftly for a man his size. He really looks good as a 4-3 DE prospect…possible is fine as a 3-4 OLB as well.
NFL Comp? = Harold Landry
Video highlights: https://youtu.be/cA2Durc4Fl8
EDGE Keion White, Georgia Tech (pre-Combine grade: B/B-)
(Post-SB Grade: B-, Pre-SB Grade: C)
2022: 29 solo/25 asst tackles, 14.0 TFLs, 7.5 sacks
6'5”/280
Projected 40-time: 4.65+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.2+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 125
Post-SB comments:
Weighed in 13 pounds thicker and an inch taller than list…he was the buzzworthy edge before they even hit the field on his weigh in. Everyone watched White intently, in drills, and he did OK…but no 'domination' detected.
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Pre-SB Comments:
An NFL build and nice NFL-level movement skills. He's a former TE who still looks like he's learning his craft -- he has little moves/techniques but uses strength/size/power to get to the backfield. He's a draft and hope-to-develop type prospect…at a size, athleticism that likely winds him up as a day two pick.
NFL Comp? = Quincy Roche
EDGE Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame (pre-Combine grade: B-)
(Post-SB Grade: B, Pre-SB Grade: B)
2022: 23 solo, 21 asst tackles, 13.5 TFLs, 10.5 sacks, 1 FF
6'5”/262
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.2+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 30
Post-SB comments:
Everybody knew his name. Everyone pre-loved him going in. I just never saw any greatness on display. He's good. He's built right. He's an NFL player for sure, but I didn't see any 'wow' here.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Foskey is good…I didn't see great. He has good acceleration, really good long speed -- he can chase things down really well. He is a solid pass rusher, but he plays the rest of the game (the run, covering) well too. He's promising in all phases, and that's what makes him a solid prospect.
NFL Comp? = Sam Hubbard
Video highlights: https://youtu.be/90tglksH9kE
EDGE YaYa Diaby, Louisville (pre-Combine grade: B-/C+)
2022: 37 tackles, 14.0 TFLs, 9.0 sacks
6'4”/265
Projected 40-time: 4.65+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.2+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 200
Pre-Combine Comments:
Quality pass rush prospect with upside from my initial look, pre-Senior Bowl. A very active, energetic pass rusher who is a fairly quick footed, power/bull rushing force. He was typically 'winning' his one-on-one battles with opposing OLs…he's really tough to stonewall off the snap.
Diaby may also be 270+ pounds with top tier speed…if so, he's going to move into the top 100 overall.
NFL Comp? = A better Zach Allen/ARI.
Highlights package: https://youtu.be/zJUz9QgbKlU
EDGE Tyree Wilson, Texas Tech (pre-Combine grade: B-/C+)
(Post-SB Grade: B-/C+, Pre-SB Grade: B-/C+)
2022: 36 solo/25 asst tackles, 14.0 TFLs, 7.0 sacks (10g)
6'6”/275
Projected 40-time: 4.7+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.25+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 10
Post-SB comments:
Did not attend. He's flying up draft boards so much that he didn't need to attend to disrupt that momentum or get exposed.
All I see is 'size', as the reason for everyone's love. He shouldn't be a top 10 pick…but he probably will be.
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Pre-SB Comments:
I was excited for this preview. Wilson being a consensus top 10 prospect and some saying he could be a sleeper top 1-2-3. So, I watched, ready to love…and then at a certain point I wondered if I had the right tape. This guy is a top 10 prospect?
Good size, obviously. Great reach. No real explosion off the snap or giving better blockers much trouble. For college he is big and strong, a giant mass pushing blockers and a guy who can reach long…but I didn't see any world domination or guy who might take the NFL by storm. I'll see how he does in Mobile, but I'm not that impressed at my first glance. Has a body to work with for the pros, but he cannot be a top guy that I see. Not enough juice in his movement.
NFL Comp? = Jonah Williams
Video highlights: https://youtu.be/ui3p6TBo3aM
EDGE Lonnie Phelps, Kansas (pre-Combine grade: C+)
2022: 57 tackles, 11.5 TFLs, 7.0 sacks (13g)
6'3”/244
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 175
Pre-Combine Comments:
A good-looking, relentless pass rusher and defender in general. Maybe the best 'motor' of any edge rusher in this class. Not as big as you'd like but he's so strong and active, he kinda makes up for it with his style of play. He's a future Detroit Lion as sure as I sit here.
Might be a 'B' grade with/after a nice Combine set of times/reps.
NFL Comp? = A bigger James Houston…and that's a huge compliment.
Highlights package: https://youtu.be/eeohRQDmuOg
EDGE Andre Carter II, Army (pre-Combine grade: C+)
(Post-SB Grade: C+, Pre-SB Grade: C+)
2022: 23 solo, 18 asst tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks
6'6”/252
Projected 40-time: 4.7+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 100
Post-SB comments:
I saw some moments from Carter that really won me over…and others that scared me. Sometimes he is this 6'6” tower that's a fleet-of-foot, hard to keep up with edge rusher…other times he seems like a tall/lanky/thinner-framed, too easy to block edge rusher. There are definitely skills to work with here.
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Pre-SB Comments:
A tall but lanky edge prospect…possibly a little too lanky/thin. Needs some body work. He has pretty fast feet for his tall/lanky body type. Can make moves on the pass rush but also drops back in coverage and is pretty good at it. There's definitely something intriguing here, but we need more data.
NFL Comp? = A quick, thinner version of Tanoh Kpassagnon?
EDGE Nolan Smith, Georgia (pre-Combine grade: C+)
2022: 18 tackles, 7.0 TFLs, 3.0 sacks *g)
6'3”/235
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.2+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 30
Pre-Combine Comments:
Looks like the typical Georgia athlete defender…good looking athlete, limited/'meh' stats/output. Gets a grade/consensus rank bump for being 'from Georgia'. Looks good but is 3G…Georgia-Generic-Good.
Looks more like a traditional OLB prospect than a strict pass rusher.
NFL Comp? = Smaller framed Jonathon Cooper
EDGE Will McDonald IV, Iowa State (pre-Combine grade: C+)
(Post-SB Grade: C, Pre-SB Grade: C)
2022: 23 solo, 13 asst tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 5.0 sacks, 4 PDs
6'3”/241
Projected 40-time: 4.65+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.25+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 75
Post-SB comments:
Showed his good movement skills -- but in 1-on-1 combat, he didn't really stand out or burn his blockers.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Good size, nice acceleration. He looks like an NFL EDGE prospect, but I wasn't as excited about his 2022 work as I was his 2021. He's solid/useful, not sure he's a star potential.
NFL Comp? = DeAngelo Malone
EDGE Byron Young, Tennessee (pre-Combine grade: C+)
(Post-SB Grade: C+, Pre-SB Grade: C+)
2022: 22 solo, 15 asst tackles, 12.0 TFLs, 7.0 sacks (13g)
6'2”/248
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.2+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 125
Post-SB comments:
Boy, he is so quick, so speedy off the snap…is like a Tasmanian Devil off the snap. He wasn't always winning, but his speedy get-off was putting blockers on the defensive right away a lot of the time.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Really muscular, thick framed edge rusher with a great-looking, NFL desired lower body design. He's quick and powerful off the edge. Not filled with technique yet, more just a power rusher…but he can learn moves. A very solid prospect with upside here.
NFL Comp? = Samson Ekubam
EDGE Byron Young, Alabama (pre-Combine grade: C+)
(Post-SB Grade: C+, Pre-SB Grade: B-)
2022: 20 solo, 28 asst tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 4.0 sacks, 2 PDs
6'3”/297
Projected 40-time: 4.9+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.3+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 125
Post-SB comments:
Didn't flash much to me here this week. He's an NFL player, but I was hoping to see more speed/flash but I didn't…or I missed it. We'll see what happens at the NFL Combine.
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Pre-SB comments:
Guys this big shouldn't be able to move that fast…but this new era is spawning such great, big athletes. He has the tools to be a 1st-rounder but depending upon the Combine and questions on his 'motor' he may be a day two guy.
NFL Comp? = Milton Williams
Video highlights: https://youtu.be/nchTHAVg7-8
EDGE Eku Leota, Auburn (pre-Combine grade: C+)
(Post-SB Grade: C, Pre-SB Grade: B-/C+)
2022: 14 solo, 4 asst tackles, 5.0 TFLs, 2.0 sacks (5g) *Cut short with Pec injury
6'3”/255
Projected 40-time: 4.65+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.2+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 200
Post-SB comments:
He still looks like a potential interior linebacker to me. Didn't do anything too attention getting as a pass rusher here.
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Pre-SB Comments:
A really smooth (in movement) 4-3 DE/EDGE rusher for Auburn but I could see some possibility of him transitioning to a middle linebacker position. Intriguing.
NFL Comp? = Jordan Willis...Zaven Collins?
Video highlights: https://youtu.be/pQ-00iUSR-s
EDGE Isaiah McGuire, Missouri (pre-Combine grade: C)
2022: 40 tackles, 14.0 TFLs, 8.5 sacks (12g)
6'4”/266
Projected 40-time: 4.75+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.25+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 150
Pre-Combine Comments:
Good motor, good size/reach. A very solid edge prospect but not a high-end profile/tape…just very solid. May outwork/out-grind his way to becoming a solid NFL starter.
NFL Comp? = Romeo Okwara
EDGE Robert Beal Jr., Georgia (pre-Combine grade: C)
2022: 25 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks (15g)
6'4”/255
Projected 40-time: 4.5+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.0+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 200
Pre-Combine Comments:
Another one of these great-looking Georgia defenders who never has output/stats to go with 'the look'. Could be great…could be forgettable. Looks like every Georgia EDGE rusher you've seen the last three years.
NFL Comp? = Randy Gregory
EDGE Caleb Murphy, Ferris State (pre-Combine grade: C)
2022: 63 tackles, 21.5, 14.5 sacks (14g)
6'3”/254
Projected 40-time: 4.65+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 250
Pre-Combine Comments:
D2 Defensive Player of the Year. NCAA single season sack record (at any level)…25.5 sacks in a season, following his 21.5 sack season prior. He's simply faster than everyone he faced at the D2 level, but we don't really know how that translated to 'SEC speed' (for example). The Combine will tell the next part of the tale.
I like what I see, but at first glance I'm not seeing an unbelievable force of nature in the universe…but he was against D2 blockers. We'll start him with a placeholder 'C' grade and change as needed after we see his Combine.
NFL Comp? = Malcolm Koonce
EDGE K.J. Henry, Clemson (pre-Combine grade: C)
(Post-SB Grade: C+, Pre-SB Grade: C+/C)
2022: 26 solo/25 asst tackles, 9.0 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 6 PDs
6'4”/247
Projected 40-time: 4.75+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.35+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 175
Post-SB comments:
Good movement skills. Good body. Didn't do anything to set the world on fire but didn't hurt himself either.
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Pre-SB Comments:
NFL body. Nice motor. Well-built. Has good quickness. Everything looks solid but a lack of high production in a Clemson D-Line is concerning. He may shine at Mobile…if he doesn't, he's gonna fall to the 5th+ round on consistency concerns.
NFL Comp? = Terrell Lewis
EDGE Tyrus Wheat, Mississippi State (pre-Combine grade: C)
2022: 53 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, 6.0 sacks (12g)
6'2”/255
Projected 40-time: 4.6+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.1+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 300
Pre-Combine Comments:
They call him an edge but the tape I saw he played more of a true 3-4/4-3 OLB dropping into coverage and playing all-around. He's the size of an edge but plays all over.
NFL Comp? = Maybe like a shorter/smaller Justin Hollins? Some places list him 260+ which is a massive 4-3 OLB…he can't be 260+? But if he is and can move and is versatile…it's an interesting prospect.
EDGE Brenton Cox Jr., Florida (pre-Combine grade: C-/D+)
2022: 35 tackles, 8.0 TFLs, 2.0 sacks (8g)
6'4”/253
Projected 40-time: 4.7+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.3+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 200
Pre-Combine Comments:
Hard to get a handle on. His output is as erratic as his tape. 8.0 sacks in 2021…but just 2.0 sacks in 2022. One moment he looks loose and quick on tape and then next he looks like he's playing with a broken hip…real stiff and odd-looking. There's talent here but some concerns as well…just from the tape/output. Has a great spin move to get to the QB…one which might make him a more B/C grade than C/D.
NFL Comp? = D.J. Wonnum
EDGE Nick Hampton, Appalachian State (pre-Combine grade: C-/D+)
(Post-SB Grade: C-/D+, Pre-SB Grade: D)
2022: 19 solo, 20 asst tackles, 9.5 TFLs, 7.0 sacks, 3 FF
6'2”/236
Projected 40-time: 4.65+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.3+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 175
Post-SB comments:
Had, arguably, the fastest feet among the EDGE rushers in Mobile. I'm impressed. There's hope. Size is tweener-ish.
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Pre-SB Comments:
A kinda quick OLB/EDGE. Not overly fast or quick or big or powerful…just solid, in my first glance. Didn't command my attention in the tape I watched.
NFL Comp? = Pick your undersized edge, who can't really translate to pure linebacker.
EDGE Zach Harrison, Ohio State (pre-Combine grade: D+)
(Post-SB Grade: D+, Pre-SB Grade: D+)
2022: 20 solo/14 asst tackles, 8.0 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 4 PDs, 3 FF
6'5”/268
Projected 40-time: 4.8+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.4+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 75
Post-SB comments:
Ultimately, he did not attend. He has a 'big school bump' in his draft rankings, so he smartly stayed away from ruining it. Next stop, the Combine.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Has 'height' (6'6”) and 'Ohio State' in his favor…other than that, I don't see anything too exciting here. He's got an NFL body/reach, but more of a backup, developmental, situational edge player…doesn't look like a 'take the league by storm' DE.
NFL Comp? = Slow Dion Jordan…memba him?
EDGE DJ Johnson, Oregon (pre-Combine grade: D+)
(Post-SB Grade: D+, Pre-SB Grade: C-/D+)
2022: 15 solo, 24 asst tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 6.0 sacks (11g)
6'4”/260
Projected 40-time: 4.7+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.25+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 175
Post-SB comments:
I did not hardly remember any of his work. Watching some back on tape…'meh'.
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Pre-SB Comments:
An athlete learning to be an edge rusher or OLB. He began his Oregon career at DE…then moved to TE for two seasons then to EDGE/OL as a senior/2022. He has some athleticism with NFL size…it's raw and needs to be refined.
Mobile is an opportunity to shine…or he gets exposed as too raw or too miscast as a defender. He's a projection prospect for the NFL.
NFL Comp? = With a lot of work maybe he can be a Joseph Ossai type of athlete EDGE/OLB?
EDGE Andre Jones, Louisiana (pre-Combine grade: D+)
2022: 51 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 7.5 sacks (12g)
6'5”/244
Projected 40-time: 4.7+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.2+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 300
Pre-Combine Comments:
Could run his way (at the Combine) into 'C' grade potential. Good size/reach with decent movement skills.
NFL Comp? = Casey Toohill
EDGE Ali Gaye, LSU (pre-Combine grade: D+)
(Post-SB Grade: D+, Pre-SB Grade: D+)
2022: 17 solo/19 asst tackles, 6.0 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, 2 FF
6'5”/263
Projected 40-time: 4.8+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.2+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 150
Post-SB comments:
Has the look and a long, lean body that can add a bit more bulk…but nothing special occurred with him in Mobile. More of a 'projection' prospect.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Has the absolute size and look of a top NFL edge rusher, but rarely gets to the QB. Looks a little lost. Is too easily gobbled up by his opposing blocker. He's a projection/hope-and-prayer prospect. Mobile could do wonders for him.
NFL Comp? = Kemoko Turay
EDGE Dylan Horton, TCU (pre-Combine grade: D+)
(Post-SB Grade: D+, Pre-SB Grade: D)
2022: 32 solo/19 asst tackles, 15.0 TFLs, 10.5 sacks, 4 PDs
6'4”/265
Projected 40-time: 4.8+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.6+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 150
Post-SB comments:
Wasn't bad at all here. Showed some real spark/get-off in the drills…beating some blockers 1-on-1 with pure speed to the outside. The Combine might really help him. He looked quick and that's with coming in 21 pounds over pre-list. He looked promising.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Maybe I had bad tape, but I saw nothing here. I was watching him against Michigan in the CFB playoffs and just shut off the tape halfway in it was so dull. Then I look and see he had 4.0 sacks in the Michigan game. So, I went and finished the tape in case I missed something…but I didn't finish it, because I shut it off again after a while. The sacks I saw were circumstantial and that this guy is every generic good DE who is too slow to be a real impact DE in the NFL. Maybe I'll see something different at the Senior Bowl.
NFL Comp? = A guy we'll never pay attention to nor will make it in the league, first impression.
EDGE Mike Morris, Michigan (pre-Combine grade: D+)
2022: 23 tackles, 11.0 TFLs, 7.5 sacks (12g)
6'5”/278
Projected 40-time: 4.8+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.5+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 125
Pre-Combine Comments:
Hard to assess…he played the edge for Michigan but has such a thick lower body…he looks more 'DT' than DE but he has height and reach and is strong as an ox bullying opposing tackles to get to the backfield. He might be a very good 3-4 DE prospect. He could be a 'C' grade or better if his Combine is better than our projections -- and I could see that being possible.
NFL Comp? = Tall Kerry Hyder?
EDGE Thomas Incoom, Central Michigan (pre-Combine grade: D+)
(Post-SB Grade: D+, Pre-SB Grade: C-/D+)
2022: 31 solo/26 asst tackles, 19.0 sacks, 11.5 TFLs, 1 FF
6'2”/265
Projected 40-time: 4.75+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.3+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 200
Post-SB comments:
Showed some good get-off the snap but not much else after that. He got blocked pretty easily in most 1-on-1s. There's still some hope, a spark here. Came in 2” shorter than list…doesn't help.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Good size, long arms…shows some flashes of solid edge rush prospect but he had big moments in the MAC…we'll see how he does against the SEC/power division blockers in Mobile.
NFL Comp? = Upside hope to be a Trevis Gipson
EDGE Viliami Fehoko, San Jose State (pre-Combine grade: D+)
2022: 69 tackles, 19.0 TFLs, 9.0 sacks (12g)
6'4”/240
Projected 40-time: 4.8+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.3+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 300
Pre-Combine Comments:
I've seen a few edge prospects that look great on tape but then I see they have no output to show for it…the we have the rare opposite of that here. Great production numbers, but terribly dull tape. An undersized 4-3 DE and too slow 3-4 OLB.
NFL Comp? = Aaron Mosby
EDGE Tavius Robinson, Ole Miss (pre-Combine grade: D)
2022: 43 tackles, 7.0 TFLs, 6.0 sacks (13g)
6'6”/245
Projected 40-time: 4.8+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.4+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 300
Pre-Combine Comments:
Has size and solid effort but is a hair slower on the draw than most of these edge prospects at the Combine. He's likely to be lost, athletically, by comparison at Combine stuff.
NFL Comp? = Darryl Johnson
EDGE Ikenna Enechukwu, Rice (pre-Combine grade: D)
2022: 37 tackles, 9.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks (13g)
6'4”/256
Projected 40-time: 4.8+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.5+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 300
Pre-Combine Comments:
Has size and is an OK-ish athlete (for the NFL), but doesn't look very fluid at times…too many times. Very upright and runs gangly/flapping around, a lot of parts in motion but it isn't moving super-fast. He'll have a hard time standing out among this year's edge athletes at the Combine.
NFL Comp? = Tarell Basham
EDGE Isaiah Land, Florida A&M (pre-Combine grade: D/D-)
(Post-SB Grade: D-, Pre-SB Grade: D+)
2022: 20 solo/asst tackles, 12 TFLs, 8.0 sacks, 2 PD, 1 FF (8g)
6'3”/226
Projected 40-time: 4.7+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.3+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 200
Post-SB comments:
Too small for the edge in the NFL. Gonna need to go to linebacker. He got blocked around with ease in drills.
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Pre-SB Comments:
Hard to fully project playing HBCU competition. Looks good for his level, did have 25.5 TFLs/19.0 sacks in 2021. The tape I saw was OK. Not a big monster sized EDGE…just pretty quick for HBCU. He'll get a better shot to impress in Mobile.
NFL Comp? = Jabril Cox
EDGE Ochaun Mathis, Nebraska (pre-Combine grade: D-)
2022: 48 tackles, 5.0 TFLs, 3.5 sacks (12g)
6'4”/240
Projected 40-time: 4.8+
Projected 3-Cone: 7.4+
Consensus mainstream NFL Draft ranking overall: top 200
Pre-Combine Comments:
Didn't love what I saw on the preview. Has a decent surge off the snap but gets easily blocked away with his lean frame. When he is chasing ball carriers he doesn't look as smooth or urgent as you'd like your edge to.
NFL Comp? = Shaka Toney
