NFL Combine Pt 1: Offense

Draft Nuggets 2016: Entry #9

By Jeff Bowers of www.draftnarrative.com

Twitter: @sportsnarrative

NFL Scouting Combine: Part One Offense

The 2016 NFL Scouting Combine is in the books. By this point in the offseason, most teams have assessed their needs, circled their targets in free agency (which begins March 9^th) and have a pretty good idea of what their draft board will look like. The Combine generally serves as an affirmation of the scouting and game tape they have assembled. However, occasionally a prospect’s performance (or interview/drug test) will send scouts and GMs scrambling to rethink their evaluation, both in a positive or negative way. Here are the players who most helped and hurt themselves at this year’s Combine:

Stock UP

Dak Prescott, QB, Miss State – While Prescott looked mostly as projected in drills, he really impressed in team interviews (by all reports). A solid leader with real football intelligence has many teams overlooking his accuracy concerns and has his stock as high as late 2^nd-early 3^rd and most likely the 5^th QB off the board.

Ezekial Elliot, RB, Ohio State – It’s usually difficult to raise your stock if you are already the #1 prospect at your position, but Elliot absolutely owned the Combine. A 4.47 in the 40 and smooth work in drills has him potentially in the Top 10 of this draft.

Daniel Lasco, RB, California – While probably best served as a 3^rd down/change-of-pace back, Lasco showed really impressive explosiveness (4.46 in the 40, 41.5” vertical and 11’3” broad jump) and strength (23 reps of 225lbs) for a man his size (6’ 209lbs) that should separate him from the pack in rounds 3-5.

Josh Doctson, WR, TCU – Though not as tall as reported in college (6’2” 202lbs), Doctson none the less vaulted easily into the #2 WR on my board and with a late 1^st-early 2^nd round grade. A 4.5 in the 40 and a 41” vertical in addition to smooth hand-catching in drills shows why Doctson was so dominant at TCU.

Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame – A 4.32 in the 40 is bound to get you noticed but Fuller offered even more than that in drills. While not ideal by size (6’0 186lbs and 8.25” hands) Fuller mastered the gauntlet drill and looked like potentially the best deep threat in this WR class.

Ben Braunecker, TE, Harvard – No report on if Braunecker aced the Wunderlic test yet, but his Combine numbers were definitely noticed. At 6’3” and 250lbs, Braunecker ran a 4.73 in the 40 and did 20 reps of 225lbs on the benchpress. A solid sleeper pick at TE.

Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State – Conklin came into the Combine as the #3 or #4 OT on some boards with questions of whether he could play LT or would have to stay at RT. Conklin left the Combine as a potential Top 15 pick with clear LT potential due to terrific footwork in drills and 35” arms.

Le’Raven Clark, OT, Texas Tech – Clark has that magical word attached to prospects with mixed game tape but excellent measurables: POTENTIAL. The longest arms in the OT class (36.125”) and nice mobility could have Clark sniffing the bottom of round 1 in April.

Ryan Kelly, C, Alabama – Kelly looked masterful throughout the Combine and got rave reviews in meetings. It is rare to see a center go in round 1, but Kelly has earned it with his Combine performance.

Christian Westerman, G, Arizona St – Most scouts saw Westerman as a very mobile, zone-blocking scheme guard based on game tape. But 34 reps on the benchpress (the most among OL prospects) think he could be that and more and cemented him in round 2.

Stock DOWN

Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State – After a stellar freshman season, Hackenberg regressed at his time in Happy Valley. Some attributed that to poor OL play or the loss of key weapons. But in drills at the Combine, Hackenberg looked like he did in later years with poor footwork, accuracy and poise. He seems like much more of a project late rounder than a Day 2 guy.

Kenyan Drake, RB, Alabama – After a very impressive Senior Bowl, Drake looked to be putting the injury concerns that plagued him at Alabama behind him. However, with on 10 reps on the bench press (the worst among RBs) Drake has shown his lack of time spent in the weight room conditioning himself for the pro game. Drake seems like a KR specialist more than a complimentary runner.

Rashard Higgins, WR, CSU – “Hollywood” Higgins showed a lack of explosiveness hardly worthy of his nickname. Maybe he plays above his statistics in games but that is probably a gamble worth taking no earlier than Day 3 of the draft.

Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas – Though still the #1 TE on the board, Henry’s weak bench (13 reps) probably ends any thoughts of him being 1^st round talent.

Vadal Alexander, G/T, LSU – Though he played OT at LSU and some at the Senior Bowl, Alexander’s complete lack of mobility in space (illustrated by a 1.92 time in 10-yd split and a 8.04 in 3 cone drill) clearly shows he is purely a guard prospect, though a very good one.

Nila Kasitai, G, Oklahoma – A lineman that only puts up 12 reps on the bench is inexcusable. Kasitai is not even a draftable prospect for me currently.

NFL Combine: A brief history

Published on Feb 25, 2016

Our founder and draft expert Jeff Bowers brings a taste of the Sports Narrative to the history of the NFL Scouting Combine. From a scattered beginning, to a televised phenomenon , Jeff walks your through all the details you need to know, including a few unique records set by some not so famous attendees.

For more check out The Sports Narrative Show www.thesportsnarrative.com

Top 5 Defensive Prospects by Position

Draft Nuggets 2016: Entry #8

By Jeff Bowers of www.draftnarrative.com

Twitter: @sportsnarrative

Prospect Overview Part Two: Defense

With the NFL Scouting Combine just a week away (February 23-29), here is an overview of the Top 5 Prospects at each position along with a positional strength rating and a talent projection. Keep in mind, there is still a long way to go in this process and these evaluations are always subject to change as new information is gathered. In addition, the talent projection is not necessarily indicative of where a player will be drafted but more of their talent level, as it can’t account for the need of a team, the value of the position or the ineptitude of some teams.

Edge Rushers

Positional Strength: 2 of 5

1.       Joey Bosa, Ohio State, 1^st round

2.       Shaq Lawson, Clemson, 1^st round

3.       Leonard Floyd, Georgia, 1-2 round

4.       Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky, 2^nd round

5.       Emmanuel Ogbah, Oklahoma State, 2^nd round

Commentary: This is one of the weakest classes of edge rushers I have seen in a long time. Bosa is a high motor guy, but might top out as a Greg Ellis type. Lawson might end up as the best DE from this class but is still very raw in his technique. Floyd is very slight and will need to add weight to even be a 3-4 OLB but has nice burst. Spence is easily the most talented edge rusher in this class but off-field concerns will make many shy away. Ogbah is a solid rotational DE who might develop into a starter in time.

Defensive Tackles

Positional Strength: 5 of 5

1.       DeForest Buckner, Oregon, Top 10

2.       A’Shawn Robinson, Alabama, 1^st round

3.       Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss, 1^st round

4.       Sheldon Rankins, Louisville, 1^st round

5.       Jarran Reed, Alabama, 1^st-2^nd round

Commentary: While weak on edge rushers, the 2016 draft class of defensive tackles might be the best I have ever seen. Buckner is scheme-versatile with both pass rushing and run stuffing skills. Robinson dominated at Alabama and will likely carry that forward into the pros. Nkemdiche comes with character concerns but might be the best pass-rushing DT in the class. Rankins is an impressive combination of size and speed reminiscent of Dontari Poe in KC. Reed is a solid run stuffer with room to improve in collapsing pockets.

Linebackers

Positional Strength: 4 of 5

1.       Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame, Top 5

2.       Myles Jack, UCLA, Top 10

3.       Reggie Ragland, Alabama, 1^st round

4.       Darron Lee, Ohio State, 1^st round

5.       Kentrell Brothers, Missouri, 2^nd round

Commentary: This is a very impressive year for stand-up linebackers, if not for injuries. Jaylon Smith would be a top 5 pick if not for blowing out his knee in the Fiesta Bowl. Though he will likely have to “redshirt” his rookie year, someone will get a steal in the middle 1^st. Jack is an amazingly athletic run-and-hit linebacker still learning the nuances of the position. A torn meniscus will keep him out of the Scouting Combine next week. Ragland is a big, fierce middle linebacker either in a 3-4 or a 4-3 scheme. Darron Lee can fly all over the field in both pass and run defense; a priceless skill in today’s pass-happy NFL. Brothers is a tough run defender who often arrives with malice.

Cornerbacks

Positional Strength: 3 of 5

1.       Mackensie Alexander, Clemson, 1^st round

2.       Vernon Hargreaves III, Florida, 1^st round

3.       Kendall Fuller, Virginia Tech, 1-2 round

4.       Eli Apple, Ohio State, 2^nd round

5.       Jalen Mills, LSU, 2-3 round

Commentary: The 2016 cornerback draft class features almost no true “shutdown” CBs but does have decent depth in round 2-4. Alexander is physical corner already accustomed to facing #1 WRs but will have to overcome his size and watch the grabbing. Hargreaves III is just a few inches in height away from being seen a lockdown corner but will need to keep his aggressiveness in check. Fuller, the brother of Bears 1^st round corner Kyle Fuller, has all the skills to even surpass his sibling but is recovering from injury. Apple is a tall and stout corner so coveted in the NFL today but will need to show plus speed or perhaps be moved to FS. Mills is another very gifted but very raw cover corner from LSU.

Safeties

Positional Strength: 3 of 5

1.       Jalen Ramsey, Florida State, Top 5

2.       Su’a Cravens, USC, 1-2 round

3.       Vonn Bell, Ohio State, 2^nd round

4.       Darian Thompson, Boise, 2^nd round

5.       Jeremy Cash, Duke, 2^nd round

Commentary: A position that usually is thin, the safety class in 2016 is surprisingly strong and fairly deep. Ramsey is the #1 overall player on many boards despite not playing a “premium” position and could star at either safety, corner or even nickel LB. Cravens was a cover linebacker at USC that will likely move to SS or nickel LB in the pros and use his natural speed in space. Bell uses his brain as much as his body to man the safety spot and could quickly become a team captain. Thompson a very rangy safety with a propensity to create big plays (and occasionally give them up as well). Cash is an in-the-box safety that is great in run support and might even be converted to a linebacker at the next level.

Top 5 Offensive Prospects by Position

Draft Nuggets 2016: Entry #7

By Jeff Bowers of www.draftnarrative.com

Twitter: @sportsnarrative

Prospect Overview Part One: Offense

With the NFL Scouting Combine just a week away (February 23-29), here is an overview of the Top 5 Prospects at each position along with a positional strength rating and a talent projection. Keep in mind, there is still a long way to go in this process and these evaluations are always subject to change as new information is gathered. In addition, the talent projection is not necessarily indicative of where a player will be drafted but more of their talent level, as it can’t account for the need of a team, the value of the position or the ineptitude of some teams.

Quarterbacks

Positional Strength: 3 of 5

1.       Jared Goff, California, Top 5

2.       Carson Wentz, North Dakota State, Top 10

3.       Paxton Lynch, Memphis, 1^st round

4.       Connor Cook, Michigan State, 1-2 round

5.       Cardale Jones, Ohio State, 2^nd round

Commentary: This year’s quarterback class lacks a true “franchise” player, but the depth in rounds 2-4 raises the overall strength. Goff and Wentz have separated themselves from the pack but both come with questions; Goff’s potential but slight frame versus Wentz’s leadership but level of competition. Lynch needs grooming but has all the tools. Cook needs solid workouts and interviews to maintain his already falling status. Jones is my choice of the 3^rd tier guys as he will likely be a better pro than in college.

Running Backs

Positional Strength: 4 of 5

1.       Ezekiel Elliot, Ohio State, 1^st round

2.       Alex Collins, Arkansas, 2^nd round

3.       Derrick Henry, Alabama, 2^nd round

4.       Kenyon Drake, Alabama, 2-3 round

5.       Devontae Booker, Utah, 2-3 round

Commentary: This is an pretty nice year to grab a RB, as the position goes 10 or 11 deep with quality talent. Elliot is clearly a #1 runner and will likely hear his name on Day 1. Collins and Henry are in my second tier, with questions of durability for both. Drake tops my tier 3 of runners due to his kickoff ability and lack of wear and tear (assuming he can stay healthy). Booker is also a #1 type runner only in tier 3 due to injury and fumbling concerns.

Wide Receivers

Positional Strength: 1 of 5

1.       Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss, 1^st round

2.       Michael Thomas, Ohio State, 1-2 round

3.       Josh Doctson, TCU, 2^nd round

4.       Corey Coleman, Baylor, 2^nd round

5.       Will Fuller, Notre Dame, 2-3 round

Commentary: This is one of the worst WR classes I have seen in a long time. Treadwell is a borderline #1 WR if he shows the speed. Thomas is a possession receiver with nice size but who might struggle to separate at the next level. Doctson is likely a quality #2 receiver similar to Jordan Matthews in Philly. Coleman is explosive but the recent history of super fast slot receivers is mixed at best. Fuller is my darkhorse who could just be a guy or turn into the next Antonio Brown.

Tight Ends

Positional Strength: 2 of 5

1.       Hunter Henry, Arkansas, 1-2 round

2.       Tyler Higbee, Western Kentucky, 2-3 round

3.       Austin Hooper, Stanford, 2-3 round

4.       Bryce Williams, East Carolina, 3^rd round

5.       Nick Vannett, Ohio State, 3-4 round

Commentary: The tight end class this year only has 1 standout and a lot of small-school hopefuls. Henry is a legitimate stud and might go in round 1. Higbee is coming off of injury but has the most upside of any player in this class. Hooper is a solid but unspectacular. Williams is a basketball star that has shown a willingness to get his nose dirty too. Vannett was an under-utilized prospect at Ohio State hoping to be a better pro.

Offensive Tackle

Positional Strength: 3 of 5

1.       Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss, Top 5

2.       Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame, Top 10

3.       Jack Conklin, Michigan State, 1^st round

4.       Taylor Decker, Ohio State, 1^st round

5.       Germain Ifedi, Texas A&M, 1-2 round

Commentary: The OT class is good, but not great in 2016. Tunsil might be the #1 overall pick, but still needs to add some strength. Stanley is good, but will likely be overdrafted due to need. Conklin is solid in both run and pass and could be ready to play RT as a rookie. Decker might be better suited to be a RT in the pros. Ifedi could play guard or tackle and excel at either.

Offensive Guard

Positional Strength: 4 of 5

1.       Vadal Alexander, LSU, 1-2 round

2.       Cody Whitehair, Kansas State, 2^nd round

3.       Joshua Garnett, Stanford, 2^nd round

4.       Landon Turner, UNC, 2-3 round

5.       Christian Westerman, Arizona State, 2-3 round

Commentary: This is a great year for interior linemen, which has seen a resurgence of respect in the league. Alexander gets my nod as the best guard due to his flexibility and tenacious run blocking. Whitehair is powerful and could start immediately for most teams. Garnett is smart, loves football and fights. Turner is best suited for a power running system with strength but lack of athleticism and Westerman is best suited as a zone blocking scheme for his mobility.

Center

Positional Strength: 3 of 5

1.       Ryan Kelly, Alabama, 1-2 round

2.       Nick Martin, Notre Dame, 2-3 round

3.       Max Tuerk, USC, 2-3 round

4.       Graham Glasgow, Michigan, 3-4 round

5.       Jack Allen, Michigan State, 3-4 round

Commentary: Though is runs out after only 6-7 draftable prospects, the 2016 class of centers has some real stars. Kelly continues the tradition of quality Bama linemen. Martin, the brother of Cowboys LG Zack, is solid and could start on Day 1. Tuerk is coming back from injury but would be my #1 center if healthy. Glasgow showed at both the Shrine Game and Senior Bowl that he belongs. Allen anchored a solid line at Michigan State and should be a fine pro.

2016 Senior Bowl Montage

The 2016 Senior Bowl by The Draft Narrative Scouting Guide! Buy your copy today!!!

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Draft Nuggets Blog #6 for KTCK 1310AM The Ticket

Draft Nuggets 2016: Entry #6

By Jeff Bowers of www.draftnarrative.com

Twitter: @sportsnarrative

Senior Bowl Recap

The Senior Bowl is truly a unique experience and I highly recommend it for any draftnik to experience in person. Truly the season’s final college football game, the Senior Bowl provides college players a chance to get coached up for a full week by pro coaches in a great atmosphere in Mobile, AL. While the final score is really of no importance (the South won 27-16), the amount of quality access and tape accrued by coaches and scouts is vital as this is the last time many of these players will be seen up close until the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis at the end of February. Here is my list of players who helped and hurt their draft stock:

WINNERS

Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State – Wentz was the story of the Senior Bowl and he did not disappoint. Showing great poise and leadership, Wentz checked a lot of boxes (6’5” 233lbs with good arm strength and solid footwork) and might have earned himself a Top 5 selection. In fact, he might be the most NFL-ready QB in this class and could be off the board before Dallas picks at #4.

Jacoby Brissett, QB, NC State – After Wentz, most of the other QBs in Mobile were of the developmental/backup variety. All showed flashes as well as limitations. But Brissett, at 6’3” 236lbs, was the most natural passer with the potential to develop into a decent starter. Though not on the North Squad coached by the Cowboys staff, Brissett still had a formal interview with the Cowboys this week.

Kenyon Drake, RB, Alabama – While several of the other South Squad RBs put themselves on the radar of scout’s (TCU’s Aaron Green and Texas Tech’s DeAndre Washington), no one had a better week than Drake. Showing impressive vision in the hole, great burst on the edge and (maybe most important) staying off the trainer’s table, Drake will be a 3^rd-4^th round steal who is ideally a complimentary back in a RB committee with kick return ability.

Kenneth Dixon, RB, LA Tech – While the South Team had a number of impressive runners, the North had one lead dog and that was Dixon. With 72 rushing TDs in his college career, Dixon showed he could be a lead back despite his size (5’10” 215lbs). My only concern is his career 15 receptions in 4 years at LT and 8.5” hands which led to a dropped pass in the game.

Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State – The former QB turned athlete, Miller showed his skills returning kicks, at WR and even taking some handoffs at RB in practice. While far from a finished product at wideout, Miller shows lots of promise and is probably somewhere between Percy Harvin and Cordarelle Patterson in his NFL comparison.

Jay Lee, WR, Baylor – Lee was clearly the #1 target for most QBs on the South Team in the game on Saturday. At 6’2” 214lbs, Lee showed nice route running and sure hands. I worry a little about his hands as he doesn’t give a soft landing spot often, Lee could still be a very productive #2 WR opposite a star much like Terrance Williams in Dallas.

Glenn Gronkowski, TE/FB, Kansas State – The younger and smaller Gronk brother, this Gronkowski (6’2” 238lbs) will have to find his place in a variety of rolls from TE, FB or H-back. However, He showed nice point-of-attack blocking and soft hands in space to excel in the right system.

Nick Martin, C, Norte Dame –Another younger brother, this time the Cowboys’ G Zack Martin, Nick played center for the North Team and was very solid all week. This year’s draft is unusually deep at centers and Martin is one of the reasons why.

Vadal Alexander, G/T, LSU – Hitting all the size markers (6’5” 336lbs with 34.25” arms), Alexander played both guard and right tackle and did well all week against some highly touted defensive line prospects. Probably best suited at guard, Alexander had a mean streak and looked like a quality mid-round pick.

Noah Spence, DE/OLB, Eastern Kentucky – After being dismissed from the Big 10 for several failed drug tests, Spence dominating on the field all week and recorded 1 sack and 2 QB hurries in the game. If not for the off-field questions, Spence would be a mid-1^st rounder. Even still, someone will take a chance on him due to the impressive talent of Spence, likely in the 2^nd or 3^rd round.

Sheldon Day, DE/DT, Notre Dame – Day is an interesting study. On tape and in practice, he pops whether using strength or speed at end or tackle. However, at 6’0” 286 lbs, his fit some schemes is a question. Probably best suited as a 3 tech in a 4-3, Day is just a player, no matter the position.

Adolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State – After being suspended at the start of the season for the Buckeyes, Washington came to the Senior Bowl to answer those off-field questions and prove he is worthy of a 1^st round choice. In a stacked DT draft class, Washington did nothing in Mobile to hurt his cause and may have succeeded in securing a 1^st round choice.

DJ Reader, DT, Clemson – Though Sheldon Rankins of Louisville got more of the hype on the D-line for the South Team, Reader really shined and showed more than just a run-stuffing body (6’3” 340lbs). Moving well and getting nice push versus the pass, Reader moved up my board this week.

Kentrell Brothers, LB, Mizzou – Brothers seemed to be at the bottom of every pile for the South Team on Saturday. At 6’0” and 249lbs, Brothers looked instinctive and ready to man the middle in the pros.

Harlan Miller, CB, SE Louisiana – Small school corners that stand out and send scouts scrambling for tape has become an annual event the past few years. Miller is this year’s guy, at 6’0” 182lbs and competing well all week.

Deiondre Hall, CB, Northern Iowa – The football factory that is Northern Iowa has done it again, with a big corner named Deiondre Hall. In a week marked with corners who don’t play the ball, Hall showed nice fundamentals and used his size well in both the pass and run defense.

KJ Dillon, S, West Virginia – Dillon’s week was more about flash than consistency, but when the flash includes bone-jarring hits in the run game and a blocked field goal it can make up for it. Dillon is a natural playmaker who will start as a special teamer and hopefully develop into a starter with some coverage coaching.

James Bradbury, S/CB, Samford – Like his fellow alum from Samford last year, Jaquiski Tartt, Bradbury is a big hybrid safety who is finding a new home in today’s pass happy NFL. Bradbury showed nice ball skills in practice and could earn a 3^rd or 4^th round grade with a solid combine.

LOSERS

Kevin Hogan, QB, Stanford – I really wanted to like Hogan, as he is a smart leader and shows nice touch. But his lack of arm strength and poor footwork except when on the move is too much to overcome. Hogan could be a inexpensive backup in a zone blocking scheme similar to what Mike Shannahan ran with Jake Plummer in Denver, but otherwise is a late rounder at best.

Spencer Drango, G/T, Baylor – Drango had a really tough week, getting abused by the top D-line prospects on both squads, Drango showed he can only be a guard in the NFL and his leverage is questionable.

Shawn Oakman, DE/DT, Baylor – I hate to pick on 2 Baylor Bears in a row, but Oakman just has never lived up to his look. Never has the phrase “looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane” applied more to a player than Oakman. Though I wouldn’t say that to his 6’7” 269 lbs face. Even as the South Player of The Game, I was just not impressed with Oakman as anything more than a rotational 3-4 DE.

Kyler Fackrell, OLB, Utah State- Fackrell just doesn’t seem to have a real position, not showing enough pass rush skills to play 3-4 OLB and not enough speed to play as a 4-3 SLB. Maybe he can develop, but I wouldn’t take him before day 3.

Eric Murray, CB, Minnesota – Murray spent his week grabbing onto receivers and not turning for the ball. That doesn’t fly in the NFL these days.

Cyrus Jones, CB, Alabama – Though he had a nice game in the Senior Bowl, Jones looked small and weak in practice all week. Maybe he just raises his play for gameday but through Friday I thought Jones was a 4^th corner at best.