2021 NFL Draft

[HoosierCat]

11 minutes ago, membengal said:

Why in the world are you upset? "They ultimately wanted to go as high as they could" - means that we were never going to win out over Miami picking at 3 in terms of tradedown partners. 

Yeah, that’s how I read Schefter’s tweet too. I don’t think the Bengals missed out or screwed up here.

[membengal]

1 hour ago, TJJackson said:

as I've said multiple times mem, I am a trade down guy, and the Bengals were according to Schefter in these talks

we blew yet another set of negotiations in a long series of failures for this thus-far failure of an offseason

That's complete horseshit. Go back and read the above again. The 49ers WANTED TO TRADE UP AS HIGH AS POSSIBLE. That's not 5. The highest they could get was 3. They got there. How the fuck are you blaming the bengals for blowing negotiations? 

[TJJackson]

1 hour ago, HoosierCat said:

Yeah, that’s how I read Schefter’s tweet too. I don’t think the Bengals missed out or screwed up here.

The negotiations involved the Bengals because at some point pick 5 was a target

the screwup/failure - not dissimilar to all the failures in FA OL - was not striking while that iron was hot

[membengal]

It was an option until they could get to 3. Then it wasn't.

[TJJackson]

while it was an option, the Bengals could have struck the deal

they didnt

they failed yet again

[COB]

Schefter on Twitter just now:

”Dolphins now have basically turned their former LT Laremy Tunsil who they traded to Houston into four first-round picks and one third-round pick.”  
 

Holy shit how’s that for horse trading?  Who’s running that front office?  

[TJJackson]

I'm gonna go with "Not Mike Brown"

[HoosierCat]

50 minutes ago, COB said:

Dolphins now have basically turned Gasmask McBongface who they traded to Houston into four first-round picks and one third-round pick.”  

Fixed ;)

[HoosierCat]

4 hours ago, TJJackson said:

The negotiations involved the Bengals because at some point pick 5 was a target

Assumes facts not in evidence. We don’t know when they spoke with Cincy, the extent of the talks, or what if anything was ever offered. That they also talked to Atlanta suggests it was a general investigation of their options and once they found 3 could be had for an acceptable price, that was that. If there were any deal to be made it likely wouldn’t have been until day 1 after they saw how the first four picks fell out. As they went ahead and did the trade now, it almost certainly means that they are fine with at least two of the top QBs not named Lawrence, one of whom will be there after the Jets pick.

[TJJackson]

15 hours ago, HoosierCat said:

Assumes facts not in evidence. We don’t know when they spoke with Cincy, the extent of the talks, or what if anything was ever offered. That they also talked to Atlanta suggests it was a general investigation of their options and once they found 3 could be had for an acceptable price, that was that. If there were any deal to be made it likely wouldn’t have been until day 1 after they saw how the first four picks fell out. As they went ahead and did the trade now, it almost certainly means that they are fine with at least two of the top QBs not named Lawrence, one of whom will be there after the Jets pick.

In order for their to be talks at all, there had to be a general concept of "hey, we want pick 5 and maybe just maybe we got something you want"

otherwise, why talk at all?

the fact that the Bengals were involved in the talks at all speaks of pick 5.....and commodities in exchange for pick 5.....being "in evidence"

[Stripes]

20 hours ago, TJJackson said:

while it was an option, the Bengals could have struck the deal

they didnt

they failed yet again

I mean, are they going to kidnap one of John Lynch’s children and use the draft trade as a ransom?

The other team has to agree too. No matter how you might expect the Bengals to sweeten the deal, what the 49ers wanted was to move up into the draft quarterback hotbed. The 3rd pick is objectively superior to the 5th pick.

This is a complaint the Bengals simply can’t win with.

[HoosierCat]

18 hours ago, TJJackson said:

In order for their to be talks at all, there had to be a general concept of "hey, we want pick 5 and maybe just maybe we got something you want"

otherwise, why talk at all?

the fact that the Bengals were involved in the talks at all speaks of pick 5.....and commodities in exchange for pick 5.....being "in evidence"

Teams are involved in trade talks, most of which come to nothing, every year. 

[TJJackson]

Dynami Brown ran a disappointing (for a deep wr) 4.46 today

 

[TJJackson]

Daniel Jeremiah has dropped Darrisaw down to a second round prospect - #36

https://www.nfl.com/news/daniel-jeremiah-s-top-50-2021-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-3-0

no reasons given

Quinn Meinerz went from not on the list to number 44

Caleb Farley dropped 12 spots, 5 to 17, due probably to recent surgery

 

 

[membengal]

The whispers on darrisaw slag the consistency of his effort in finishing plays. I would be thrilled if he fell to second round. Every year, someone surprising falls. 

[Wraith]

15 minutes ago, membengal said:

The whispers on darrisaw slag the consistency of his effort in finishing plays. I would be thrilled if he fell to second round. Every year, someone surprising falls. 

Me as well, he is a perfect RT for us.

[membengal]

Here's Daniel Jeremiah's updated Top 50.
===

Quote

 

Daniel Jeremiah's top 50: 2021 NFL Draft prospect rankings 3.0
Published: Mar 29, 2021 at 11:18 AM

With a number of high-profile pro days and further tape study in the books, NFL Network draft guru and former NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah updates his ranking of the top 50 draft-eligible prospects. The 2021 NFL Draft will take place in Cleveland from April 29-May 1.

Rank
1
Trevor Lawrence
Clemson · QB · Junior
Lawrence is a tall, long and athletic quarterback. He has a long delivery, but he still gets the ball out quickly and it explodes out of his hand. The Clemson offense features a lot of quick screens and quick hitters. He showed excellent touch and placement on those throws. He can really drive the ball down the field when called upon and he also has the ability to layer the ball (over linebackers/under safeties) in the middle of the field. His overall accuracy is excellent at all three levels. He does need to improve his pocket awareness. He doesn't always feel back-side pressure and needs to speed up his clock versus front-side pressure. Outside of his final game with the Tigers (College Football Playoff semifinal loss to Ohio State), I was impressed with his decision-making. He is a dangerous runner because of his build-up speed and toughness. Overall, Lawrence is ready to start right away and he has the tools to ultimately emerge as a top-five player at his position.

Rank
2
Kyle Pitts
Florida · TE · Junior
Pitts is a long, lean tight end prospect with excellent speed, ball skills and production. He has lined up inline, flexed in the slot and split out wide. He runs routes like a wideout. The former Gator has burst off the line, sets up defenders and explodes out of the break point. He beat upper-echelon SEC cornerbacks on a weekly basis. He builds speed to separate down the seam and tracks the ball naturally down the field. Pitts has an enormous catch radius. He uses his speed to pile up yards after the catch. He showed tremendous improvement as a blocker in 2020. He fits up, doing his best to wrestle and stay attached. He will fall off at times, but the effort is there. Overall, Pitts is a unique talent with the ability to take over a game. He is the definition of a mismatch player.

Rank
3
Ja'Marr Chase
LSU · WR · Junior
Chase is a dominant player on tape. He lined up both outside and in the slot at LSU. He defeats press coverage with a combination of foot quickness and upper-body strength. He creates separation off the line of scrimmage and he can also find another gear when the ball is in the air. He is a clean route runner. He won't gear down in traffic and has very strong hands to pluck and play through contact. He attacks 50/50 balls and consistently wins. Chase is at his best after the catch. He routinely breaks tackles and can make defenders miss, too. He did have a couple drops when the ball was on his back hip but I have no concerns about his hands. Overall, I love Chase's attacking style of play and see him as a faster version of three-time Pro Bowl selectee Anquan Boldin.

Rank
4
Zach Wilson
BYU · QB · Junior
Wilson has average height and a lean/narrow frame for the quarterback position. He's an excellent athlete and generates several wow plays in every game I’ve studied. Wilson has a dynamic throwing motion. He carries the ball low but once his hands separate, the ball comes out in a hurry with a high level of RPMs. He's extremely accurate from a variety of platforms and arm angles. He makes some incredible throws while fading away with both feet off the ground, and he can drive the ball to the boundary from the far hash. He also uses his quickness and creativity to buy time to let his targets uncover. He's effective on designed QB runs, but that part of his game will need to be limited at the next level due to his lack of size. My only real concern with Wilson is durability. He's already been through shoulder surgery (after his freshman season) and he doesn't have an ideal frame. If he can stay healthy, his upside is enormous.

Rank
5
Jaylen Waddle
Alabama · WR · Junior
Waddle is a slightly undersized receiver with extraordinary speed and playmaking ability. He has the ability to line up inside or outside. His acceleration in his release is elite. He destroys the cushions he receives from defenders in a hiccup and can find a second and third gear once the ball is in the air. He's at his best on runaway routes, but he flashes the ability to efficiently gear down and work back downhill. I thought his hands were improved this fall (see: crazy catch versus Missouri in the season opener). He's one of the most talented kickoff and punt returners (just watch the tape of his 2019 performance against Auburn) to enter the NFL over the last decade. Overall, Waddle isn't quite as strong as Tyreek Hill, but he's capable of having the same impact in the NFL.

Rank
6
DeVonta Smith
Alabama · WR · Senior
Smith is a rail-thin wideout with long arms, excellent play speed and outstanding hands. He's a silky-smooth route runner who accelerates into and out of the break point, which creates an unusual amount of separation against quality competition. He has complete faith in his hands, allowing him to run through the ball (without gathering his feet) on underneath and intermediate crossers. His leaping ability and length creates some special high-point grabs. He has a second gear after the catch and surprising toughness to break tackles. He competes as a blocker, too. People inside the Alabama program rave about his character, work ethic and professionalism. Smith should emerge as a high-volume weapon as soon as his cleats hit an NFL field.

Rank
7
Trey Lance
North Dakota State · QB · Sophomore (RS)
Lance has a thick/sturdy frame for the quarterback position. He only started 17 games at North Dakota State, but there is plenty to get excited about. He split his time between under center and in the shotgun. He plays with excellent patience and poise, taking what the defense gives him. He rarely puts the ball in jeopardy (he didn't throw an interception until his final collegiate game). He shows the ability to change ball speed and trajectory underneath, while also displaying the velocity to fit the ball into tight windows on intermediate throws. His deep-ball accuracy needs to improve, though. He has a bad habit of sinking his weight before he throws, which impacts his placement. He is very strong in the pocket, routinely shrugging off rushers and creating plays. He is ultra-competitive on designed QB runs, displaying build-up speed and power. Lance is going to need time to develop, but I'm going to bet on his skill set, competitiveness and decision-making.

Rank
8
Justin Fields
Ohio State · QB · Junior
Fields has good size, excellent arm strength and remarkable athleticism for the quarterback position. He has produced monster numbers both passing and rushing in the Buckeyes' spread system. He is at his best when he throws on time and in rhythm. The ball jumps out of his hand and he can deliver it accurately at all three levels. When the defense takes that initial target away, he's had issues quickly aborting that opportunity, which has made him late on throws and also resulted in sacks. He has shown flashes of quickly getting deeper in his progressions (see: 2021 Sugar Bowl vs. Clemson), but that part of his game is still a work in progress. He's dynamic as a runner. His first step is explosive and he pulls away from defenders with ease. He's also incredibly tough, as evidenced by his performance after getting drilled in the semifinal game against the Tigers. Overall, I think Fields has a chance to be special, but it's going to take some time for him to speed up his clock in the passing game.

Rank
9
Rashawn Slater
Northwestern · OT · Senior
Slater is a slightly undersized tackle prospect. He plays with outstanding knee bend, foot quickness and balance. He explodes out of his stance in the passing game and does an excellent job of re-working his hands to maintain inside position. Slater gives a little ground versus power before dropping his weight and anchoring late. His best trait is his ability to recover when he finds himself in a bad position. In the run game, he plays with quickness and urgency when working up to the second level. He takes great angles and is one of the best I've seen when it comes to cutting off linebackers. He doesn't have elite power to knock back defenders over his nose, but he does a good job of running his feet and staying attached. He has excellent awareness. Overall, Slater might lack ideal length, but it doesn't hinder him and I believe he can excel at left tackle. If a team chooses to play him inside, he should quickly develop into a Pro Bowl guard.

Rank
10
Patrick Surtain II
Alabama · CB · Junior
Surtain has an ideal blend of size, speed and ball skills. He's at his best in press coverage. He doesn't consistently re-route receivers, but he avoids false steps and has plenty of speed to stay on top versus the vertical passing game. He will struggle at times versus smaller/quicker pass catchers. Like most big corners, he lacks top-flight short-area quickness. He has good eyes from off coverage, though. He identifies route combinations and makes aggressive plays on the ball. He is tough to fill versus the run and he's a reliable tackler in the open field. Overall, Surtain is a very similar prospect to Marlon Humphrey when he was coming out of Alabama. I envision similar success for Surtain at the next level.

Rank
11
Micah Parsons
Penn State · LB · Junior
Parsons has a big, athletic frame and possesses excellent speed and versatility. He is quick to key/read before attacking the line of scrimmage. He can defeat blocks with his hands or use his quickness to slip past them. He has the speed to make plays sideline to sideline, although there were a few occasions where he overran the football in the games I studied. He also had some issues sniffing out the ball on zone reads. He's very gifted in coverage versus tight ends and running backs. He has timing and burst as a blitzer off the edge. Overall, there aren't many holes in Parsons' game. It's difficult to find linebackers with his size and ability to impact the passing game.

Rank
12
Penei Sewell
Oregon · OT · Junior
Sewell has a huge frame, quick feet and strong hands. He has the foot quickness to kick out and cover up speed rushers in the passing game. His hands can get too wide at times, which allows defenders to get underneath him (see: matchup against then-Auburn DT Derrick Brown in 2019). However, he stays connected and usually wins when he locks on. He has the ability to bend and drop his weight, but he gets too upright on occasion. Sewell does some special things in the run game. He can uproot defenders over his nose and he is explosive as a puller. The more I watched, I did have some concerns about his balance. He lunges at times and ends up on the ground more often than you'd like. Overall, Sewell isn't the most polished blocker in this class, but he does offer the most upside.

Rank
13
Gregory Rousseau
Miami · Edge rusher · Sophomore (RS)
Rousseau is a tall, long and rangy defender. He aligned all over the front in Miami's scheme and was extremely productive in 2019 despite having limited experience on the defensive line (he played safety and wide receiver in high school). He lacks an elite get-off as a pass rusher, but his combination of quick hands, length and instincts leads to sacks and pressures in bunches. He has an effective swipe/rip move and he can close/finish. He didn't show much power early in the '19 season, but he got better every week. By the end of the season, he flashed the ability to convert speed to power (see: Duke game). He is very comfortable and effective rushing inside. In the run game, he uses his length to set the edge, but he does get too high at times. His effort is excellent. Overall, Rousseau is still developing, but he has found a way to post elite production while learning on the job. His best football is ahead of him.

Rank
14
Kwity Paye
Michigan · Edge rusher · Senior
Paye has the ideal frame and explosiveness for an NFL edge rusher. He's at his best playing on the outside, but Michigan had him moving all around their front, including playing head-up over the center. As a pass rusher, he is explosive out of his stance, but it looks different because of his short/choppy steps. I'd like to see him cover more ground, but that is easily correctable. He has violent hands to create a knockback, but he still needs to develop a better plan to consistently escape and finish. I love his effort and determination. Against the run, he crushes tight ends at the point of attack and can close in a hurry from the back side. He does have some stiffness in space, but he's a capable dropper in the flat. Paye is raw, but there could be a huge payoff when he puts it all together.

Rank
15
Alijah Vera-Tucker
USC · OG · Junior (RS)
Vera-Tucker is one of the safest players in this draft class. He played guard at a very high level in 2019 before producing an outstanding campaign at tackle in 2020. He plays with excellent strength, balance and awareness in pass protection. He is quick out of his stance and has a sharp/quick punch. He can bend and does a good job of staying connected. He will underset at times, allowing defenders on his edge, but he is quick to recover and run them around the pocket. He squats down versus power rushers and quickly stops their charge. In the run game, he can latch, control and create movement on down blocks. He takes excellent angles to the second level and has a good feel on combo blocks. He isn't the most dynamic athlete, but he's always under control and rarely in bad position. Overall, I think he has a chance to stick at tackle, but he's ideally suited to play guard. He is ready to start on Day 1.

Rank
16
Jaycee Horn
South Carolina · CB · Junior
Horn is a big, physical cornerback with plenty of speed and instincts. He's physical with his hands to consistently re-route in press coverage. He is fluid when he opens up and can run/stay in phase with vertical routes. His short-area quickness is good for a big cornerback. However, he has some bad habits to break in off coverage. He catches and grabs too much. He will draw a lot of flags at the next level if that doesn't get cleaned up. He does do a good job of locating and playing the ball downfield. He has outstanding hands to finish with the ball. He is more than willing in run support (see: huge hit versus Auburn). Overall, Horn needs to play with more confidence from off coverage (to avoid panicking and grabbing), but he has the skills to excel right away as a press-man cornerback.

Rank
17
Caleb Farley
Virginia Tech · CB · Junior (RS)
Farley has outstanding size, length and speed for the cornerback position. He mixes up his technique and effectively re-routes wideouts with a one- or two-hand jam in press coverage. He's very fluid/loose and stays in phase with his man underneath and down the field. Farley has a quick/smooth pedal in off coverage and his patience helps him handle double moves. He shows exceptional burst when he does drive on the ball. The redshirt junior has plenty of speed to carry vertical routes. He can find and play the ball down the field. He's aggressive to fill versus the run, but he will fall off a few tackles. Overall, Farley has all of the ingredients to be a No. 1 cornerback at the next level.

Rank
18
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
Notre Dame · LB · Junior (RS)
Owusu-Koramoah starred as an athletic hybrid defender for the Fighting Irish. He can play Will linebacker, safety or even cover in the slot. He's very fluid and twitchy to mirror tight ends, backs or slot receivers. He's very aware as a zone dropper and he's an explosive blitzer off the edge. He is quick to key/read before dipping under blocks on the front side against the run. He flashes the ability to use his length to punch off blockers, but he is much more effective beating them to spots. He has big-time speed to chase from the back side. He needs to improve his consistency as a tackler in space, though, as he has too many fly-by misses. He brings outstanding leadership to the defense. Overall, Owusu-Koramoah might lack ideal size/bulk, but he's built for a pass-happy NFL.

Rank
19
Trevon Moehrig
TCU · S · Junior
Moehrig has adequate size, but excellent versatility and instincts. He can play in the deep post or cover in the slot. He is a smooth, fluid mover in man coverage underneath. He also possesses ideal anticipation and range from the back end. He has the ability to consistently match patterns and position himself for plays on the ball. The former TCU star does need to improve his finishing ability, having dropped a couple interceptions in the games I studied. He takes quality angles in run support and is a reliable, low tackler. Overall, Moehrig offers a complete skill set at the position. He will provide his defensive coordinator with options, which is exactly what's desired in 2021.

Rank
20
Travis Etienne
Clemson · RB · Senior
Etienne is a compact, muscled-up running back with outstanding burst and balance. He's at his best as a one-cut runner, putting his foot in the ground and exploding up the field. He isn't overly elusive in the hole, but he hits it at full speed and absorbs contact while keeping his balance. He has plenty of speed to capture the edge on outside runs. He rarely loses a foot race once he gets into the open field. He is very valuable in the passing game, too. He has a great sense of timing and spacing in the screen game. He also possesses the ability to run away from linebackers on seams and angle routes. He has even flashed the ability to split out wide and run double moves. He improved in pass protection in 2020. Etienne doesn't have elite vision or wiggle, but his speed is real and it's spectacular when given a runway.

Rank
21
Najee Harris
Alabama · RB · Senior
Harris is a big, smooth running back who posted outstanding production during his Alabama career. He is very patient to let holes develop before sliding through the line of scrimmage on inside runs. He has tremendous contact balance, routinely absorbing a hit and finishing runs. He doesn't have the juice to really stretch to the boundary on outside runs, preferring to quickly get his shoulders squared and turn upfield. He is sneaky elusive in space, though, and can drop his shoulder to run through tacklers. He's an excellent pass catcher out of the backfield. He runs clean routes and has the ability to high-point the ball down the field. He's aware and dependable in pass protection. Overall, Harris isn't a home run hitter, but he's a very skilled runner with excellent value in the passing game. I see similarities to former Chicago Bears star Matt Forte when he was coming out of college.

Rank
22
Jaelan Phillips
Miami · Edge rusher · Junior (RS)
Phillips is a tall, explosive and bendy edge rusher. He splits his time between playing with his hand on the ground and standing up on the edge. As a pass rusher, he has an excellent get-off and possesses the ankle flexibility to bend and corner smoothly at the top of his rush. He has an explosive inside counter move and he also uses his length to pop/separate to generate sacks and pressures. He needs to be more consistent using his hands to control blockers against the run. He has speed/burst to quickly close from the back side. There is some concern about Phillips' durability based on his injury history during his UCLA career (he transferred to Miami in 2019), but he has as much talent as any pass rusher in this draft class.

23
Kadarius Toney
Florida · WR · Senior
Toney is a versatile, explosive playmaker. He lines up in the slot and does a lot of damage on fly sweeps and seam routes. His combination of play strength, burst and wiggle makes him difficult to get on the ground once the ball is in his hands. He doesn't run a wide variety of routes, but he has the skill set to develop in that area. He's dangerous in the return game because of his athleticism and lack of fear. Overall, Toney isn't quite as big as Deebo Samuel, but I envision him playing the same role at the next level.

Rank
24
Jamin Davis
Kentucky · LB · Junior (RS)
Davis is a tall and lanky off-the-ball linebacker. He has excellent eyes to key, read, fill and finish. He uses his quickness to beat blockers to spots. He is much better working around blocks than taking them on, but he has outstanding lateral range, and his eyes give him a jump-start. He has stopping power as a tackler in the hole, and he really excels against the pass. He has shown the ability to carry TEs down the seam as well as mirror RBs on wheel routes (SEE: Vanderbilt game). He is instinctive as a zone dropper, picking off three passes in 2020, including an 85-yard pick-six versus Tennessee. I wish he was allowed to blitz more often, because he has the traits to excel in that department. Overall, Davis lacks some strength to bang versus blockers, but his speed and playmaking ability jump off the screen. He should be a Day 1, three-down impact player at the next level.

Rank
25
Zaven Collins
Tulsa · LB · Junior (RS)
Collins is an enormous off-ball linebacker. He played outside in Tulsa's 3-3-5 alignment. He has the length and bulk to take on guards and free himself for tackles against the run. He builds speed laterally, displaying tremendous range. He has average short-area quickness, but he is still a dependable tackler in space. He is outstanding in pass coverage, using his instincts to clog throwing lanes. He is more than capable of covering tight ends all over the field. He rushed off the edge on occasion and is good with his hands to defeat tight ends and running backs. You can get a sense of his athleticism if you watch his 96-yard pick-six to defeat Tulane in overtime. Overall, Collins is a unique player because of his size/speed combination and I believe he'll make an immediate impact at the next level.

Rank
26
Javonte Williams
North Carolina · RB · Junior
Williams is a thick, compact running back with outstanding vision, power and quickness. He is quick to find/attack the hole with a bounce in his step on inside runs. He has tremendous lateral quickness to make defenders miss in tight quarters. He runs with a low pad level and accelerates through contact. Williams has the burst to get the edge on outside runs and he's elusive once he gets into the open field. He is effective as a checkdown option in the passing game and flashes some route polish on angle routes in the middle of the field. He has reliable hands, although you will see some double catches. He is aware in pass protection and can squat and absorb blitzers. Overall, Williams is a complete player and could emerge as the best running back in the 2021 class.

Rank
27
Jalen Mayfield
Michigan · OT · Sophomore (RS)
Mayfield played right tackle for the Wolverines. He has a thick, square build and plays with strength and balance. In the passing game, he has average foot quickness in his set, but he does a nice job of staying square and keeping defenders off his edges. He will give a little ground versus power before dropping his weight and anchoring down. His inside hand is powerful to jolt. He stays attached once he latches on. He's very aware versus twists and blitzers in the run game. He plays with leverage, strong hands and a nasty temperament to finish. He lacks suddenness working up to the second level, but he takes excellent angles and is very effective. Overall, Mayfield doesn't have elite foot quickness, but he's very consistent on tape and looks like a Day 1 starting right tackle.

Rank
28
Greg Newsome II
Northwestern · CB · Junior
Newsome is a tall, agile cornerback. He played a lot of off coverage in Northwestern's scheme. He stays crouched in his pedal and is always under control. He's fluid when he opens up to turn and carry vertical routes. He stays in phase and he can locate/play the ball. He doesn't have an explosive plant/drive, but he does have the awareness to anticipate throws. He has excellent instincts versus the run and pass. Against the run, he will hang on blocks too long at times, but he is a solid tackler once he frees himself. I expect Newsome to develop into a reliable starting cornerback very early in his NFL career.

Rank
29
Azeez Ojulari
Georgia · Edge rusher · Sophomore (RS)
Ojulari is a slightly undersized edge rusher. He split time between playing with his hand on the ground and standing up on the edge for the Bulldogs. He takes short/quick steps and has a variety of pass-rush moves. He will push/pull, utilize a jump/slap/swim move or stick his head into the chest of offensive tackles and bull through them. He isn't an elite bender at the top of his rush due to some ankle tightness. His effort is excellent. He can stack and set the edge consistently versus the run. He can turn and chase, showing the ability to quickly close. He saved his best for the Peach Bowl against Cincinnati. He was a destructive force in that contest. Overall, Ojulari has some tightness and lacks ideal size, but he made plays in every game I studied. He is best suited to stand up on the outside for an odd-front team.

Rank
30
Levi Onwuzurike
Washington · DT · Senior (RS)
Onwuzurike is a slightly undersized defensive tackle who was highly destructive in every Washington game I studied. The Huskies moved him around in their scheme, but I believe he's best suited as a 3-technique, on the edge of the guard. He has an explosive first step and very quick hands against the pass. He flashes a twitchy slap/swim move, but there are times when he doesn't have a plan and gets stuck. He can drive interior blockers right back to the quarterback when he comes off the ball with his pads low to the ground. Against the run, he plays much bigger than his size. He can stack single opponents with one arm and refuses to stay blocked. He has lateral range and his effort is phenomenal. Overall, Onwuzurike's pass rush production isn't special, but all of the tools are there to improve the results at the next level.

Rank
31
Jayson Oweh
Penn State · Edge rusher · Sophomore (RS)
Oweh is a long, lean-muscled edge rusher. He is more disruptive than productive on 2020 tape. As a pass rusher, he explodes out of his four-point stance and flashes an effective chop/rip and an occasional up/under move. However, there are too many snaps where he doesn't have much of a plan. He does have the ability to bend at the top of his rush and collected a lot of QB hits on the tape I watched. He didn't have any sacks to show for it in 2020, though. He plays too high against the run, but he uses his length to press out tackles and set the edge. He will get washed by down blocks when aligned inside. Overall, Oweh is an intriguing talent with his best football ahead of him.

Rank
32
Mac Jones
Alabama · QB · Junior (RS)
Jones has average size and athleticism for the quarterback position. He's operated out of the shotgun and pistol, showing incredible accuracy, efficiency and poise. He is a high-effort thrower, with slightly above-average arm strength. He's at his best on touch throws, where he can anticipate and place the ball on the proper shoulder of his target. He shows toughness to hang in versus pressure, although he rarely faced it with an elite offensive line protecting him. He isn't much of a threat as a runner and he lacks the twitch to consistently escape and buy extra time. Jones should become a starting NFL quarterback, but his lack of twitch and athleticism will limit the playbook with the way the game is trending.

Rank
33
Nick Bolton
Missouri · LB · Junior
Bolton is a slightly undersized linebacker with excellent speed and explosiveness. He has the lateral quicks to avoid blocks, fill and chest up running backs. He has stopping power as a tackler. He improved his take-on skills as the 2020 season progressed. He has big-time lateral range because of his burst/speed. He needs to improve as a zone dropper in coverage, though. He is late to anticipate and fill throwing windows. He's much more instinctive in the run game. However, he does have the athleticism to match up and mirror tight ends. He is a dynamic blitzer. Overall, I love Bolton's speed and energy, but he does need to improve in zone coverage. If he polishes that aspect of his game, he could emerge as a top-tier starter at the next level.

Rank
34
Teven Jenkins
Oklahoma State · OT · Senior (RS)
Jenkins is a big, powerful right tackle. He is very quick out of his stance in the passing game and he can cover ground in a hurry. He has no issues kicking out to cover up speed rushers. However, he does have some issues when he has to quickly redirect inside, which leads to some pressures allowed. He has strong, violent hands but he will get too aggressive at times, which affects his balance. He absorbs power rushers pretty easily, though. He's fun to watch in the run game. He can torque and dump linemen over his nose. He collects a lot of knockdowns. He has the quickness to cut off on the back side and he's very efficient climbing to the second level. Overall, Jenkins has some balance issues to correct, but I love his size, quickness and nastiness. I view him as a quality NFL starter at right tackle.

Rank
35
Joe Tryon
Washington · Edge rusher · Junior (RS)
Tryon has an ideal frame/build for an edge rusher. His game is built on his strength and power more than his speed and agility. He has an average get-off as a pass rusher, but he has shock in his hands to jolt offensive tackles, separate and close on the quarterback. He has a nasty push/pull move and can shorten the edge by powering through the outside shoulder. He isn't bendy at the top of his rush due to some ankle tightness. His effort is exceptional. He dominated tight ends at the point of attack against the run and he can reset the line of scrimmage. Overall, Tryon plays with force and effort, which affects both the run and pass game. He can make an impact on all three downs and should get on the field right away for the team that drafts him.

Rank
36
Christian Darrisaw
Virginia Tech · OT · Junior
Darrisaw was a solid, reliable starter at left tackle during his career with the Hokies. He has ideal size, length and balance. In the passing game, he has average foot quickness in his set but can bend his knees and plays with a firm base. He has a sharp two-hand punch and generally keeps defenders away from his chest. He plays with excellent awareness. He uses his upper-body strength to torque and turn defenders in the run game. He takes good angles to the second level, where he's able to position and wall off linebackers. He will have some trouble adjusting in space because of his average change-of-direction skills. I view Darrisaw as a player who'll be starting at right tackle very early in his NFL career.

Rank
37
Terrace Marshall Jr.
LSU · WR · Junior
Marshall is a tall, long and athletic wideout. He's played in the slot and outside. He is at his best as a vertical target on seams, corners and post routes. The former Tiger has a smooth, easy stride and he builds speed down the field. He isn't a crisp route runner, but he does know how to use his body to shield off defenders. He had some drops on the tape I watched, but he makes up for them with big plays. He's very physical and competitive after the catch. He breaks a lot of tackles. Marshall hasn't put it all together yet, but all of the tools are there for him to be a solid No. 2 receiver in the NFL.

Rank
38
Elijah Moore
Mississippi · WR · Junior
Moore is an undersized wideout with outstanding versatility, quickness and toughness. He has experience lining up outside, in the slot and in the backfield. He has excellent quickness in his release and is clean/crisp at the top of routes. He gets a lot of quick hitters and he's very elusive after the catch. He also makes some huge plays over the top, tracking the ball naturally and showing reliable hands. He is effective when used as a runner out of the backfield, too. He hits the hole full-go and can make defenders miss. Overall, Moore lacks size, but he'll be a stud in the slot and can also help in the return game.

Rank
39
Asante Samuel Jr.
Florida State · CB · Junior
Samuel is an undersized cornerback with quick feet, trustworthy eyes and outstanding hands. He's at his best in off coverage. Samuel has a quick, fluid pedal and he is very efficient in his plant/drive on throws in front of him. He has outstanding route awareness and anticipation to position himself for ball production. There are some instances in which he gets outsized on vertical throws, but he is always in position. He isn't a physical run defender, but he is reliable to wrap up and get ball-carriers on the ground. Overall, Samuel has a very high football IQ and the skill set to start outside or in the slot.

Asante Samuel Jr.'s Florida State pro day highlights
Rank
40
Landon Dickerson
Alabama · Interior O-line · Senior (RS)
Dickerson is an enormous interior offensive lineman. The Florida State transfer has experience at center and guard. He has very quick feet in pass protection. He keeps his hands tight and plays with a wide base. He does have some issues when redirecting, but he uses his upper-body strength to wrestle his way back into position. In the run game, he uncoils on defenders over his nose, creating movement at the point of attack. He has enough quickness to reach/cut off. I love his tenacity to finish. The only issue I see is his durability. He suffered an assortment of injuries at FSU and tore his ACL in the SEC Championship Game this past season. Dickerson has first-round ability, but will likely fall to the second round based on injury concerns.

Rank
41
Liam Eichenberg
Notre Dame · OT · Senior (RS)
Eichenberg, the former starting left tackle for the Fighting Irish, has ideal height and awareness. He lacks quickness and ideal knee bend in pass protection, but does a good job of staying square and shooting his hands. He usually stays connected when he lands his punch. However, there are times he gets a little aggressive with his punch, which impacts his balance. He flashes the ability to latch and drive defenders over his nose in the run game. He takes good angles when working up to the second level. Overall, Eichenberg needs to clean up some balance issues, but I view him as a capable starter at right tackle.

Rank
42
Christian Barmore
Alabama · DT · Sophomore (RS)
Barmore is a big, talented defensive tackle. I was disappointed in his play at the beginning of the 2020 season, but the lingering effects of a preseason knee injury might have been a factor. He turned it way up down the stretch. He is a little late off the ball against the pass, but he has good quickness and flashes the power to push the pocket. He is outstanding on games and stunts when he can use his athleticism to wrap around blockers. He has a big burst to close and finish, too. He is very inconsistent versus the run, but he plays too high and gets uprooted too often. He does flash the range to make plays on the perimeter. Watch him close to the outside on a wide receiver screen in the Auburn game to get a better appreciation for his athleticism. Overall, Barmore is young, raw and talented. There is a boom/bust aspect to his evaluation, but he has all the tools.

Rank
43
Ronnie Perkins
Oklahoma · Edge rusher · Junior
Perkins is a powerful edge rusher with active hands and impressive instincts. As an edge rusher, he has a quick first step and he can quickly generate power without much of a runway. He has a wide variety of moves: push/pull, club, up-and-under and speed-to-power. (To see his pure power, watch what he does to Oklahoma State’s Teven Jenkins.) Perkins doesn’t have elite bend at the top of his rush, but he is a good finisher once he arrives at the quarterback. Against the run, he can stack and hold blocks on the front side, and he does a nice job of squeezing down from the back side. Overall, Perkins is a little undersized, but I love his combination of strength, skill and savvy. He should be an impact pass rusher as soon as he steps onto an NFL field.

Rank
44
Quinn Meinerz
Wisconsin-Whitewater · C · Junior (RS)
Meinerz is a unique player evaluation. He didn't play in 2020, as Wisconsin-Whitewater's season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he spent the fall training and showed up looking like a different player at the Reese's Senior Bowl in January. He saw snaps at guard and center at the annual all-star game. He has the prototype frame, length, power and athleticism for an interior lineman. When I studied his 2019 tape, I loved his nastiness and physicality but he had some balance issues in both the run and passing game. He cleaned that up during the week at the Senior Bowl. He has a unique ability to leverage and roll his hips on contact to uproot and dump defenders over his nose in the run game. He can sink his hips and anchor down easily in pass protection. He has the athleticism to slide/mirror, using his length to keep defenders off his chest. Overall, Meinerz comes with some risk due to the jump in competition but he has all of the traits and the right temperament to develop into an elite starter at the next level.

Rank
45
Kelvin Joseph
Kentucky · CB · Sophomore (RS)
Joseph is tall, fluid cornerback with excellent ball skills. His tape is very inconsistent, but it’s easy to get excited about his upside. In press coverage, he flashes a physical jam and is very loose to open up and mirror. He has plenty of juice to carry vertical routes, and he can find and play the ball. In off coverage, he doesn’t waste steps before driving on the ball, taking good pursuit angles. If you want to like him, avoid the Florida game. Kyle Pitts turned him inside-out several times, resulting in big plays. Joseph was much better the rest of the season, however. He is aggressive versus the run, and he’s a reliable wrap/drag tackler. Overall, Joseph is still a work in progress, and teams need to do their homework on why he left LSU. However, he possesses tremendous upside and could eventually develop into an elite player at the next level.

Rank
46
Pat Freiermuth
Penn State · TE · Junior
Freiermuth is a big tight end with toughness and strong/reliable hands. In the passing game, he plays inline, on the wing or flexed out. He is a one-speed route runner, but he has a good feel for setting up defenders and using his big body to wall them off when the ball is in the air. He attacks the ball and flashes the ability to make special one-handed grabs. He is physical and fights for extra yards after the catch. He doesn't offer much top speed or wiggle. He fights to stalemate at the point of attack in the run game, but he will fall off at times. His willingness is apparent. Freiermuth isn't a dynamic athlete, but he has a good feel for the position and should be a steady, reliable starter.

Rank
47
Dillon Radunz
North Dakota State · OT · Senior (RS)
Radunz is a tall, lean left tackle. He has average foot quickness and athleticism. He is dependable in pass protection. He operates out of a wide stance and prefers to catch/absorb rather than punch and control. He has excellent awareness (you can see him pick up two free rushers against Central Arkansas). He flashes the ability to redirect and recover when he's beat early in the down. In the run game, he excels on combo blocks and shows some nasty to finish at the point of attack. Overall, Radunz needs to improve his hand usage and gain some strength, but he should emerge as a starting right tackle.

Rank
48
Rashod Bateman
Minnesota · WR · Junior
Bateman has excellent size, burst and route polish. He has spent time outside and in the slot. He’s a better fit on the perimeter at the next level, though. He is sudden in his release and gains ground quickly versus off coverage. He has had some issues freeing himself versus press coverage, but those are correctable. He is very sharp and crisp at the top of routes. He doesn’t drift and does a nice job working back to the quarterback when necessary. He can adjust on the deep ball and won several 50/50 balls in 2019. However, he did have some concentration drops in 2020. He relies more on his strength than wiggle after the catch. Overall, Bateman has some room to develop, but he has all of the tools to emerge as a quality starter at the next level.

Rank
49
Elijah Molden
Washington · CB · Senior
Molden is a thick, compact cornerback who primarily lined up in the slot for the Huskies. He's a feisty, instinctive player with excellent toughness. Molden is outstanding in underneath zone coverage, using his outstanding vision to anticipate throws and jump routes. He has the quickness and fluidity to mirror in underneath man coverage. His ability to find and play the ball is tremendous. He is an aggressive force defender against the run, flashing the ability to stack and toss blockers before collecting stops. He will also shoot gaps to make tackles for loss. The only concern is his lack of elite top speed. He has all of the tools to be an outstanding nickel back as soon as he arrives in the NFL.

Rank
50
Jabril Cox
LSU · LB · Senior (RS)
Cox is a versatile second-level defender with outstanding range, coverage ability and character. He is at his best when lined up outside the box. He can mirror tight ends in coverage and can chase plays down from the back side. He is a little bit late to key/diagnose through the collection of bodies when he's lined up inside. When his sightlines are clear, he plays fast and physical. He is a very good change-of-direction athlete and has some upside as a rusher off the edge. Everyone at LSU raves about his leadership and character. Overall, Cox grew on me the more I studied him. He can serve as a box safety, outside linebacker or in a multitude of roles via sub packages.

DROPPED OUT: Tutu Atwell, WR, Louisville (Previous rank: No. 36); Daviyon Nixon, DT, Iowa (No. 45); Aaron Robinson, CB, UCF (No. 48).

 

 

[membengal]

Sewell 12th!

[redsbengalsbucks]

On 4/28/2020 at 12:26 PM, ArmyBengal said:

No, this isn't my mock draft for next year, well.... not yet.

Rather, they announced the NFL draft will be in Cleveland next year.
I tried to make reservations, but the rates for the rooms aren't loaded up yet.
ArmyBengal Jr. and myself are definitely going for at least the first round festivities !!!

Be careful, I played softball Tourney in Cleveland and out of 5 cars the team took to the hotel, 3 were stolen.  Cleveland is a total POS town. 

[TJJackson]

I am now at the point where I will not damage appliances if the pick at 5 is Chase or Pitts

I am still a tradedown guy but concede that the Bengals this offseason have not been able to make good deals, so Im going to assume this is off the table by reason of their incompetence

The point where appliances need to be afraid of if pick 5 goes to a WR or TE is pick 38

at that specific pick, if we took a WR or TE at 5, then the pick

MUST

be an offensive lineman. 

I'd prefer an OT here, but I'll be fine with an OG or OG/OC.  The BPA between those two spots, and ONLY those two spots

if its not an OL here under the stated circumstances, appliances beware........

and......one of the next two picks must also be an OL.  IOL if we already took an OT, OT if we already took an IOL

I would love love love to get Creed Humphrey or Quinn Meinerz out of all of this as our eventual starting Center.  

I mean, all these draft profile articles try to take a "here's whats good about this guy, and here's whats not" kind of approach, and some of them just flat out cant find a real issue with Humphrey. this one for example

https://www.profootballnetwork.com/creed-humphrey-nfl-draft-player-profile-oklahoma-center/

so I would not have issue with Creed taken at 38, honestly, as I dont really want to risk no getting him in r3

Meinerz and Humphrey will both be fine playing OG in 2021.

Hell, it might well be that Hopkins at OG and one of those two at OC will be the stronger combo, and I am all for that

Sorry Wraith, I like 99 out of 100 things about Dickerson but his injury history trumps all for me.  I'd take him in no earlier than round 6 for that reason alone. Ok, Ok, maybe I could be talked into round 5.  Maybe.

--------

so that covers 3 of the first 4 picks. 

I'd like the remaining early pick to be a passrushing DL, preferably a DE

Since we dont seem to be signing Bynes, we probably need a linebacker, preferably one with coverage skills

One more DL and another WR (preferably one with ST and return skills)

They should put a high priority on getting a top level punter in the UDCFA class, maybe even use the r7 pick to make sure they get the one they want. 

I love Huber, but Father Time has yet to lose a battle, and Huber is getting waaaaaAAAAYYYY up there in NFL age

[membengal]

Welcome to my island. Yes, 38 must be an o-lineman, if they go Chase or Pitts at 5. MUST. 

[membengal]

 

[HoosierCat]

Kiper’s updated big board:

1. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson

HT: 6-foot-6 | WT: 220 pounds | Previously: 1

Lawrence is going No. 1 to the Jaguars and will get a chance to lead the turnaround of that franchise alongside coach Urban Meyer. He has everything NFL teams want in a starting quarterback, from size to arm talent to the ability to process reads and make the right throw. He finished his Clemson career with 108 total touchdowns (18 rushing) and just 17 interceptions across three seasons. With no combine this year, Lawrence threw for scouts in February, then had surgery on his left (non-throwing) shoulder. He should still be ready for the 2021 season.

2. Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida

HT: 6-6 | WT: 239 | Previously: 5

Pitts is going to be a matchup nightmare at the next level. Don't think of him as just a tight end, though. He'll line up out wide and in the slot, too, and he has the speed to run by defensive backs. He finished the season with 12 touchdown catches in eight games while averaging 17.9 yards per reception. Pitts has a huge frame, of course, but he high-points the football well and has soft hands. A smart offensive coordinator will feed him targets just like a No. 1 receiver. He has a chance to be a top-five pick.

3. DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama

HT: 6-1 | WT: 170 | Previously: 3

The Heisman Trophy winner capped an unbelievable season with three first-half touchdowns in Bama's national title win over Ohio State. He finished 2020 with 1,856 receiving yards and 25 total touchdowns (23 receiving, one rushing, one on a punt return). Smith was the Crimson Tide's best receiver in 2019, too, even over top-15 picks Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III. He's not going to wow with his size, but he just produces. He's a tremendous route runner, and he has great hands. He's going to be a star and a top-10 pick.

4. Ja'Marr Chase, WR, LSU

HT: 6-1 | WT: 200 | Previously: 4

We shouldn't forget how good Chase was in 2019, when he caught 84 passes and led the country with 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns. And after opting out of the 2020 season, he still has a chance to be the top wide receiver picked in April. He's stellar after the catch, breaking tackles and running away from defenders, and he can separate on routes. As I mentioned last summer, Chase consistently beat first-round pick A.J. Terrell in the national title game, catching nine passes for 221 yards and two TDs. He's a legitimate No. 1 wideout. Chase will work out for scouts on Wednesday.

5. Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama

HT: 5-10 | WT: 177 | Previously: 6

Waddle's game is all about speed -- he's one of the fastest prospects in this class. He averaged 18.9 yards per catch over three seasons at Alabama, though he played only five games in 2020 because of an ankle injury. Waddle was overshadowed at times by Smith, Ruggs and Jeudy at Bama, but he's a great player. He's electric with the ball in his hands, as a receiver and as a returner. Teams will want to take a close look at his medical reports when they can, but I expect him to go in the top 10.

6. Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

HT: 6-3 | WT: 228 | Previously: 7

Fields had an up-and-down 2020 season, but I believe in his talent. He looked outstanding in some games and mediocre in others. He lit up a really good Clemson defense in the College Football Playoff semifinal, throwing for six touchdowns and completing 78.6% of his passes. He didn't have a great national title game, but the Alabama defense harassed him all game. Overall, he had 22 touchdown passes and six picks in eight games and ranked second overall in Total QBR (91.6). The Georgia transfer needs to get better at going through his progressions, but that can come in time. He's still young -- he started only 22 college games. Before the season, I said I wanted to see Fields improve as a decision-maker in the pocket and on off-platform throws, and though he has improved there, he needs to take a bigger step forward at the next level.

7. Zach Wilson, QB, BYU

HT: 6-2 | WT: 214 | Previously: 8

How the quarterbacks are ordered after Lawrence will depend on the team. Some will like Fields over Wilson, others will reverse it, and others could like Trey Lance or Mac Jones more. It's a fascinating quarterback class. Wilson has a stellar arm and can climb the pocket to find the open receiver. He was too inconsistent in 2019, bordering on reckless, but he was the opposite last season. He threw 33 touchdown passes (up from 11 in 2019) and only three picks. He also had 10 rushing scores and showed off his athleticism to manipulate the pocket. Wilson shows anticipation on throws. He's the complete package.

8. Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon

HT: 6-6 | WT: 330 | Previously: 2

I wrote in September that Sewell could be a top-five pick even if he never played another snap at Oregon. And I still think that's going to happen. He announced just days after my preseason Big Board was released that he was opting out of the season and entering the 2021 draft. He's the clear top offensive tackle in this class and dominated as Justin Herbert's blindside protector in 2019, winning the Outland Trophy as college football's best lineman. In a class with outstanding quarterback and wide receiver talent, Sewell won't be the sexiest pick, but he'll be an instant starter and upgrade for the team that picks him.

9. Rashawn Slater, G, Northwestern

HT: 6-4 | WT: 308 | Previously: 11

Slater is a veteran who started 37 games at left and right tackle for the Wildcats, though there are a few teams that think he could be an All-Pro guard. He has good feet and is an excellent pass-blocker; he didn't allow a sack in 2019 while playing on the left side. He moves really well for his size. Slater opted out of the 2020 season, but he didn't need to prove much in the Big Ten. His father, Reggie, had a long career in the NBA.

10. Alijah Vera-Tucker, OL, USC

HT: 6-4 | WT: 315 | Previously: 16

Vera-Tucker is a guy I studied more in December, and I love his tape. I put him at No. 14 to the Vikings in my first mock draft and at No. 20 to the Bears in my latest mock. The former guard moved to left tackle in 2020, and he was tremendous. He has the versatility to play either spot in the NFL. He's a stellar run-blocker who has the feet to keep improving as a pass-blocker. This is one of the best top-tier offensive line classes over the past decade.

11. Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

HT: 6-3 | WT: 246 | Previously: 10

Parsons opted out too and has been training for the 2021 draft. He was all over the field in 2018-19, racking up 191 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and 6 forced fumbles. He has rare talent, though he has room to grow into the defense that picks him. He played linebacker for the Nittany Lions, but he was a defensive end in high school and could end up as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense at the next level. It's the versatility that makes him valuable, as he could also play inside linebacker in a 4-3. Parsons had five sacks in 2019, but he has a higher ceiling as a pass-rusher in the NFL. He had a great pro day workout.

12. Mac Jones, QB, Alabama

HT: 6-3 | WT: 214 | Previously: 12

How about Jones' rise in 2020? We weren't even sure he'd be Alabama's starting quarterback last summer. McShay and I had a fun debate about Jonesin November. Read that piece for more thoughts. In short: He just keeps improving. I have been so impressed by his deep-ball accuracy and ability to stand in the pocket and make throws under pressure. I didn't see him as a potential first-round pick last year, when he took over after Tua Tagovailoa's injury, but he made the case in 2020, and he could go as high as No. 3 to San Francisco. Jones ranked first in the FBS in Total QBR (96.1), yards per attempt (11.1), passing first downs (202) and completion percentage (77.4%). And he won a national title. Yes, he had elite playmakers around him, but I'm a believer in his talent. He can make every throw.

13. Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

HT: 6-3 | WT: 224 | Previously: 13

Lance is a huge wild card in this draft. But the more you watch his 2019 tape, the more there is to like about him. He got a one-game showcase in 2020 and was just OK in that game against Central Arkansas, but as I wrote before it was played, I wasn't going to overreact to one game against an FCS opponent. He ended his college career with only 17 starts -- all wins -- and none of those came against FBS opponents. We do know that he's a phenomenal talent, though; he had 42 total touchdowns (28 passing) and zero interceptions in 2019 for the FCS champs. He threw for 2,786 yards and ran for another 1,100. With no combine, there are going to be a lot of eyes on his pro day. The other thing to note: Lance was born in 2000 -- he's going to be 20 when he gets drafted in April. He's not a finished product by any means.

14. Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky

HT: 6-3 | WT: 234 | Previously: NR

I put Davis in my Mock Draft 3.0 because he has been a hot name over the past few weeks. He's rising and could even be the top off-ball linebacker to be picked. Davis has a big frame, and he's a tough player who tackles. He had 89 last season, along with 2 picks, 1 sack and 1 forced fumble. He has some versatility and could play inside or outside. I really like his 2020 tape.

15. Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

HT: 6-2 | WT: 207 | Previously: 9

Farley was the first notable prospect to opt out of the 2020 season. I wrote about him in August, and I moved him up in my cornerback rankings after watching more tape. I would love to have seen another full season of starts, just because 2019 was only his second year playing defensive back -- he played quarterback and wide receiver in high school. And that was after he tore his ACL in fall practice in 2017. But you can see Farley's tools on the Virginia Tech tape, even if he needs some refinement. Farley wasn't able to work out for scouts because of a back procedure, which means he's a bit of a wild card.

16. Kwity Paye, DE, Michigan

HT: 6-3 | WT: 270 | Previously: 20

It's all about projection with Paye, who had just two sacks in four games in 2020 (both in the season opener) and only 11.5 sacks in his four years in Ann Arbor. I don't think he has scratched the surface of his talent. He is a gifted athlete with an impressive frame, and he has some scheme versatility if he keeps growing. Paye is a great athlete -- he put up outstanding testing numbers at his pro day -- who didn't produce a ton at Michigan. If you're a general manager taking him in Round 1, you're betting on his upside.

17. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

HT: 6-2 | WT: 206 | Previously: 15

You probably recognize the name; Surtain's father, Patrick, picked off 37 passes and earned three Pro Bowl trips over 11 NFL seasons. He was a second-round pick by the Dolphins in 1998. Surtain II is a little bit bigger than his dad, but they have similar coverage traits. His frame reminds me a little bit of Marlon Humphrey, another Crimson Tide corner who went in Round 1 (2017). Surtain is a shutdown corner who can break on throws with ease -- he had 23 pass breakups over the past three seasons, along with four total interceptions. He also forced three fumbles in 2019. It's going to be close between Surtain, Farley and the next player on my list for the No. 1 corner in this class.

18. Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

HT: 6-1 | WT: 205 | Previously: 21

Horn is an instinctual corner with good size and speed. He had only two interceptions in three seasons at South Carolina, but his tally of 23 total pass breakups shows that he makes plays on the ball. He should add more picks in the NFL. Horn also has three career sacks, so he could be used as a blitzer. He's another cornerback whose father played in the NFL; his dad is former wide receiver Joe Horn. Horn has a chance to go in the top 12 picks.

19. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, ILB, Notre Dame

HT: 6-2 | WT: 220 | Previously: 14

With a stellar ability to find the ball and react and with the speed to cover tight ends in the passing game, Owusu-Koramoah is a perfect fit for today's NFL. He's a three-down off-ball linebacker with sideline-to-sideline speed. He had 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery and 9 total tackles in the double-overtime win over Clemson in the regular season. He finished 2020 with 55 total tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 1.5 sacks and 1 interception.

20. Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU

HT: 6-2 | WT: 208 | Previously: NR

Moehrig has been my top-ranked safety for months, and I think he could be a top-20 pick. He popped on the 2019 file because he was always around the football. He had 4 interceptions, 11 pass breakups and 76 tackles and forced 2 fumbles. He had two more picks last season, including this one-handed grab. He can be a deep center fielder at free safety, but he's also not afraid to stick his head in and make a tackle.

21. Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern

HT: 6-1 | WT: 190 | Previously: NR

Newsome debuted in my Mock Draft 3.0, which came just after he ran a 4.40 40-yard dash at his pro day. I was going to move him up regardless of that, though, because of his film the past two seasons. He broke up 11 passes in 2019 and added nine more last season, even though he has only one career interception. He locks down receivers, and his interceptions will come in time. If your favorite team needs a starting-caliber cornerback in Round 1, you're in luck because this is a stellar corner class.

22. Jaelan Phillips, DE, Miami

HT: 6-5 | WT: 260 | Previously: 17

I mentioned in November that Phillips was off to a tremendous start in his first season with the Hurricanes, and he wreaked havoc down the stretch. He had 5.5 sacks in his final three games. A former five-star prospect who had some injury issues at UCLA, Phillips landed at Miami and has put all of his talent together. He had only 4.5 sacks over two years with the Bruins. Phillips has a great frame for a 4-3 defensive end, and I really like his all-around game. In a class desperate for pass-rushers, I could see him being the first edge defender off the board. It's just a shame we never got to see him play on the other side of Gregory Rousseau, who opted out of the season.

23. Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

HT: 6-5 | WT: 314 | Previously: 18

The more I watch Darrisaw, the more I like him. He's a road grader in the running game who just erases edge defenders. He has a mean streak and finishes plays. He started as the Hokies' left tackle as a true freshman in 2018, and he just keeps getting better. The junior is still young, but he had a phenomenal 2020 season. He has the frame to stick at left tackle in the NFL.

24. Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

HT: 5-11 | WT: 199 | Previously: 24

Toney had a great season, catching 70 passes for 984 yards and 10 touchdowns, and he was one of the best receivers at the Senior Bowl in January. He's so quick in and out of his breaks that defensive backs have trouble sticking with him. He's just a playmaker, and a smart offensive coordinator will get him at least 10 touches a game in the run and pass games. He also could be one of the NFL's best punt returners as a rookie.

25. Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

HT: 6-2 | WT: 232 | Previously: 22

What I like most about Harris -- and why he's my top-ranked running back -- is his receiving ability. He caught 70 passes over the past two seasons and had 11 receiving touchdowns. He can be a three-down back in the NFL. The downside about him is that he had a whopping 718 touches at Bama, including 460 carries over the past two seasons. He has taken a lot of punishment. He has stayed healthy so far, and he finished the 2020 season with 1,466 rushing yards and 26 rushing scores. He also led the FBS with 47 carries of at least 10 yards. All he does is produce.

[TJJackson]

LSU Pro Day is tommorrow

Big, big day for Cincinnati

[TJJackson]

I didn't realize they were both the same day.....this is unfortunate

so Bengals wont be able to have the same key personnel there to evaluate Pitts/Toney (Florida) and Chase/Marshall (LSU)

really, the Bengals wide receivers coach should be at both.....but thats not possible given they are on the same day