2022 NFL Draft

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I come bearing gifts - Feldman's draft confidential piece:

https://theathletic.com/3263599/2022/04/25/nfl-draft-2022-ickey-ekwonu-travon-walker-nakobe-dean/

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NFL Draft confidential: Debating Ickey Ekwonu, Travon Walker, Nakobe Dean and more

Bruce Feldman
Apr 25, 2022
 
There is nothing quite like the run-up to the NFL Draft for chatter and opinions. Some might chalk a lot of this up to smokescreens, but it’s usually not that. It’s really more a byproduct of how a lifetime of football experiences shape someone’s perspective.

And that brings us to Ickey.

By now, you’ve heard about Ikem Ekwonu, NC State’s unheralded recruit turned All-American O-lineman whom a year ago almost no one knew about aside from ACC coaches. The 6-foot-4, 320-pounder, like many of the guys mocked to be first-rounders, is a polarizing topic in NFL circles. On Tuesday, The Athletic talked to one NFL O-line coach who called Ekwonu “a future All-Pro” and proceeded to rave about him for nearly five minutes, saying there is no offensive line prospect close to him in this draft.

“His game film is ridiculous,” said the coach. “It’s special. You see all the outside and wide zones and him finishing guys at the second level. He’s blocking linebackers 10 yards downfield. He has 34-inch arms, big-ass hands. He’s everything that you’re looking for. His pass protection is still a little raw, but that’s college guys. He still needs some work in pass protection, countering inside moves — shutting down inside moves is his biggest weakness — but he’s just so athletic with great lateral movement skills and is so smart and so tough. His motor was different, and the IQ interview is thorough the roof. … He has all the tools. We have to build his toolbox.

“He’s a generational guy. He’s a Day 1 impact starter. He is, by far, the best lineman.”

The Athletic next called a veteran NFL scout. His take on Ekwonu: “He’s completely overrated. He is talented; has the athleticism, the foot quickness and all that stuff. I worry about his core strength. He plays in a shitty league. I like Evan Neal and (Charles) Cross more.”

Later that night, we talked to another NFL line coach and brought up the big disparity on Ekwonu. The coach, who also is a big believer in the 21-year-old from Charlotte, said he wasn’t surprised.

“I think it’s like this: Coaches love him; the scouts and personnel people don’t because of what he looks like,” he said. “He’s really knock-kneed — he has caved-in knees. He’s thin-legged. Initially, when I first saw him, I thought, how the fuck is this guy possibly the first pick? But then when he starts moving, you see that he’s crazy athletic.

“We evaluated about 60 guys and he was, by far, the best. His demeanor of play is just different. His run blocking is really good. It’s how nasty he plays. His game film is like a highlight tape. A lot of these guys, they ride the roller coaster. It’s like the guy from Ohio State (Nicholas Petit-Frere), they get beat once and then they get beat several times in a row. They weren’t competing the way you’d want him to. Ickey is always competing. He finishes plays. When the whistle blows, he’s either on a second-level player or a third-level player.”

As for the shot at playing in the ACC, the coach was quick to point out that Ekwonu “played great against Florida State,” which had projected first-round defensive end Jermaine Johnson, who didn’t have a single TFL in the game.

“I’m telling you, he’s friggin’ good, man,” the coach said.

Worth noting: None of these three sources’ teams have a pick in the top 15, so it’s doubtful their comments are subterfuge to help jostle Ekwonu or some other O-line prospect their way.

Over the past few weeks, The Athletic has spoken to more than a dozen NFL coaches and personnel people to find out who and what is catching their eye as the 2022 NFL Draft approaches.

Quarterbacks
There has been a lot of talk that this is a very down year for quarterback prospects. How many guys are seen as legit first-round talents?

QB Coach 1: Usually you have the consensus No. 1 guy or some real top-10 picks. With this group there’s a lack of depth, and you may get some of them pushed up into the first round. But I view these guys, the top ones this year, as second-round talents.

QB Coach 2: Our highest-graded quarterback this year is Sam Howell. I’ve got a second-round grade on him. We’ve got a third-round grade on Kenny Pickett, and if you looked at his 2020 film, it’d be a sixth- or seventh-round grade.

What stands out most about Howell?

QB Coach 2: I love his arm and I think he sees the field the best of all these guys even though he’s only 6 feet. He can shape throws; throws with touch, can throw a good deep ball; can anticipate and get zip on the ball to be deadly in the RPO and quick game. He carried a bad team. He’s very accurate at all three levels. He is probably maxed-out physically, which is OK. He’s also really tough.

His big flaw, you don’t really feel him. He’s just kinda there. I think Kenny will be a much better leader. Guys in the locker room will love him.

What gives you the most hesitation about Pickett as a potential first-round pick?

QB Coach 1: I love everything about Pickett’s game, but the hand size (measuring 8 1/2 inches at the combine) is a legit concern. In the history of the league since 2000, there’s only been three quarterbacks taken in the first three rounds with hands that small: Michael Vick, Charlie Frye and Kevin O’Connell. If Pickett’s hands were 9 1/2 inches, it’s a first-round (grade). I think it’s a big difference, especially when you play in cold weather.

QB Coach 2: I do think it is something you have to consider. They are small … however, when I shook it, it wasn’t like, whoa, you have a baby hand. It was strong. You could feel like his thumb felt a little wonky. People say “but he played at Pitt.” Yeah, and he fumbled like 38 times at Pitt. It was a problem. I’ve talked to coaches who have guys with 9-inch hands and they say they have to keep it in mind in-game and talk about cold-weather games where their guy has fumbled twice and just dropped the ball.

Pickett wears gloves, which helps, but as soon as those gloves get wet — oof. You can change to leather gloves and all of that, but it’s not the same as using sticky gloves.

Lots of folks really talk up Malik Willis’ arm but have concerns about the system he played in college. How concerned are you about how his game translates to the NFL and what his transition will be like?

QB Coach 2: You have to commit if you take him and change your offense and go to something like what the Philadelphia Eagles do. He’s more like Jalen Hurts, who is powerful, strong and (like Willis) gives defense problems with his legs.

Malik’s arm is really strong. It’s legit strong, probably a top 8 in the NFL. Jalen Hurts, I think, throws it better right now than Malik. More accurately. Has more throws in his arm where he has some touch and can throw with pace. If you’re taking Malik, you gotta make it the college offense, and not do the drop back, read the coverage, play it out. To me, it’s a square peg, round hole, at least while they’re young and really learning.

Scout 1: I think Malik’s ceiling is so high because of his arm and he’s so athletic. I’ve heard he’s a smart kid. There are those errant throws, but the more plays, the better he’s gonna get.

QB Coach 3: Someone’s gonna fall in love with the arm, but the system he played in worries you. I think with him, you’re gonna have to structure the system, like the Eagles do with Hurts. He’s become more accurate depending on how much you give him to read. There is elite power in the arm (with Willis). The question is the other throws, guys running across the field and when you have to layer the ball and on the comebacks. You can’t be a flat-line passer in this league.

There’s been some skepticism about whether Desmond Ridder is accurate enough to be a good starting quarterback. How concerned are you about his accuracy?

QB Coach 2: It is a concern. He is really intriguing as an athlete. I love the person. He’s super mature. Really smart. It’s almost frustrating because he checks all the boxes that almost every guy in every draft is missing one of, like he has a strong enough arm; he has played in a pro style offense. He’s just not a very natural processor and not a very natural thrower. He’s pretty robotic. He looks like a really good athlete that said, “I want to play quarterback.” He trained hard at it and got good at it in college. but the things that Desmond’s not good at are more talent-based than they are skill-based.

(Private QB coach) Jordan Palmer has Desmond and he’s gonna say, ‘You can improve accuracy. Look at (another Palmer protege) Josh Allen.’ I think that is an oversimplification. Josh is freaky talented, and I still would not say that he’s not pinpoint accurate. That offense had a lot more gimme throws, a lot more bubbles, a lot more quick game and more RPOs, so there’s more easy throws. He also got Stefan Diggs (in 2020), who gets really open, and when teams want to double him, everybody else is one-on-one. I think it’s not a coincidence that Josh Allen was 55 percent (58.8 percent) and they get Diggs and it jumps to 65, 70 percent (69.2 percent). When people say, “Yeah, you can get better at it,” I just don’t think that you really can. It’s like speed. You can tweak it and help yourself out, but you’re either naturally accurate or you’re not.

QB Coach 1: I think (Ridder) could be the best quarterback of this group in a year or two. I do see inconsistencies. He’s a long-levered guy; I think it’s a mechanical thing that he’s gonna have to keep working on.

Scout 1: Man, I like the good, but I hate the bad. He’s a winner; I think he really needs to clean up his mechanics. His pro day was off target, so I went back and watched the film and you see a lot of, Dang, how you gonna miss that one?

Matt Corral is intriguing as a talent but seems to have given some evaluators more concern. What have you noticed with him?

QB Coach 1: His quickness is elite. But at his pro day, it was a lower and tighter release, which was a concern. You have to throw from different arm slots and change the launch point. I love the player, but he’s gotta get that fixed.

QB Coach 2: I watched his pro day. It was bad. He missed on a lot of throws, and I was like, what is he doing? He already has a borderline too quick of a release. It’s like someone told him you need to make it even faster. He was barely bringing the ball back. Typically, most guys turn the ball away from their head and then bring it back forward. Some guys, like Tom (Brady) and Mac Jones, barely turn it at all. Corral literally brings the ball from his carriage, up by his ear and then forward. It’s kind of impressive he can get anything on the ball. Compact is good and quick is good, but now it’s almost so shot-puttish it can lead to a good amount of batted balls. That motion can limit your throw repertoire. It can be inconsistent when you have to layer a throw, like on a comeback with an outside linebacker or a nickel buzzing out and you have to get it over that guy.

I think his biggest issue is the off-the-field. I might be a little overly critical just from guys we’ve had to deal with, but I wouldn’t touch him. With his personality, I have a hard time viewing him as a backup or a third-string because usually those guys are super supportive, super smart. He might be all of those things, but I didn’t get that vibe.

Scout 2: I like Matt; I don’t love him. His pro day was terrible. He started spraying it everywhere. I think he’ll get over-drafted. I don’t worry about the off-field stuff with him. Prior to this year, I did.

Scout 1: My big questions when I saw him at the combine and saw how thin his frame is and how small his joints were: Is he gonna be playing in January? Can he hold up?

Wide receivers

Who do you think is the best receiver in this draft?

WR Coach 1: Jameson Williams. To me, it’s not close. There’s a big drop after him. He’s blazing fast and you can’t replicate that top-end, and his play speed is different  — like Tyreek Hill different — he’s running away from SEC guys. His explosiveness after the catch is rare. His quickness at the line of scrimmage is just different. He’s a hands catcher not a body catcher. I think he’s a good catcher, not a great catcher.

Scout 2: Love Jameson Williams. He’s competitive as hell, not only in games but at practice. I haven’t seen a wide receiver compete at practice like he does since Michael Thomas was at Ohio State. I do worry about his maturity, though.

WR Coach 5: I wasn’t sure what to think of Jameson Williams. I thought he was just gonna be a deep threat, but he’s more than that. He’s got a really good skill set. It’s not just speed, it’s his acceleration, but he can get back to full speed really quick, like very few guys can do. He is a little bit of a smaller guy, but he’s not afraid to do some of the dirty work.

WR Coach 2: Garrett Wilson. He’s just so twitchy. He’s very quick and he’s polished. He’s not as explosive as Williams, but his ball skills are excellent, and I think he can excel both as an inside guy and as an outside guy.

Can Treylon Burks impact a game like Deebo Samuel?

WR Coach 3: He is a freak show, but he is super raw. I think he can do anything you want him to do. He didn’t really run routes at Arkansas. I don’t blame those coaches. He was a really good player in that system. He runs a lot like Deebo, but he’s a lot bigger than Deebo. He’s about two biscuits away from being a flexed-out tight end.

WR Coach 1: I really like him. They used him like Deebo. He has to learn how to run routes. They’d do some go routes, but on film he’s rarely sinking his hips and running curls and comebacks. But there’s stuff there, like the back-to-back catches against Ole Miss over the top of their heads, you’re like, Damn!

QB Coach 2: Liked him a lot. Do you have to manufacture touches for him like the Giants did for Kadarius Toney? I think you’ll have to find ways to get him the ball with option routes, put him back on punt return. Can he do it from a deep cross or a dig? How many specialty plays are we gonna have to put in for this guy?

How do you separate the two Ohio State receivers, Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave?

WR Coach 1: Wilson is more of an inside guy who can play outside. He’s a lot looser. He’s gonna be really good option-route running, and things he does in and out of his breaks really translate to this level. He’s faster than I thought he was.

WR Coach 3: Wilson’s more dynamic; more physical. I’m not sure how physically tough Olave is. A lot of times guys struggle when they’re not that physical at this level. I think he’s a fantastic kid, but he’s not gonna rip your face off out there.

WR Coach 4: Wilson is overall better. He’s better after the catch and a little tougher. Olave’s routes are better than you think. He’s not just a deep guy. I think he’s a well-rounded guy.

WR Coach 5 Olave is more smooth; he’s a really good route runner. Garrett is more athletic and has more burst; mo:re more dynamic. But I don’t see that 4.38 (that he ran at the combine) on tape.

QB Coach 2: Wilson was not good in the interview we did with him. Olave was awesome, but his tape isn’t as good.

WR Coach 1: I think there’s a little bit of edge to Olave, a little chip on his shoulder because people are saying Garrett’s better, and (Jaxon Smith-Njigba) is even better than both of them.

Which WR is the most boom-or-bust guy?

Scout 2: George Pickens. There’s a lot of upside, but he can’t get out of his own way. He’s been enabled his whole life.

WR Coach 3: Pickens. You love his game, but there’s some issues. Do you want to work with him? He’s a top-6 talent-wise, but it’s impossible not to add those other things. He has the size, has really good range. He positions his body on deep throws. He consistently beats press coverage. Has good start-stops with some AI (Allen Iverson) crossover in his game. A lot of the stuff in (Todd Monken’s) system translates to the NFL. But I wouldn’t touch him.

WR Coach 5 on Pickens: On tape, he is probably a top-5 wide receiver but there’s just so many red flags, and they’re big red flags. He’s got a lot of growing up to do. If he goes to the right place with a room full of veterans that help him go the right way, I think he’ll have a chance.”

WR Coach 2: North Dakota State’s Christian Watson. He’s got excellent size and he’s a freak athlete testing-wise, but man, I worry about how well he catches the ball. He drops easy catches. Does he have vision problems? He just doesn’t look natural trying to catch a football.

Which WRs do you think are sleepers and not getting talked about enough?

WR Coach 3: WMU’s Skyy Moore. He raised really high during this offseason, but I loved him already. His combine and pro day were really good. He has great instincts, is tough, durable. Never hurt, ever. He can do a lot; play inside and outside. I think you can line this dude up in the backfield. He’s powerful. He’s wired right. He went there as a corner. I am surprised he didn’t transfer. Tells you a lot about the kid. I like the fact that he stuck around.

Scout 2 on Alabama’s John Metchie: I know people don’t see him as a No.1 receiver. I think he’s gonna excel in the NFL. He’s really quick. Has really good hands and is competitive as fuck. It’s all just really good with him.

How do you view the rest of the WR class?

WR Coach 4 on Penn State’s Jahan Dotson: He’s a better player than the hype he’s getting. He’s faster than you think.

WR Coach 3 on Dotson: He has phenomenal ball skills. He will run right through a football in traffic. He is so talented.

WR Coach 1 on Dotson: He’s got the best ball skills in the draft. He does a great job of attacking the ball, but he’s so slight even compared to those Ohio State guys. I think he’s gonna have to play inside to translate in the NFL.

WR Coach 3 on Purdue’s David Bell: I think he’s gonna struggle. He can’t run away from anybody. He’s heavy-legged. He’ll get pressed. People bring up that Anquan Bolden also didn’t run a good 40-time, but he played fast. You saw explosion out of his break. With Bell, there’s no second gear, no suddenness to him. It’s all the same speed.

WR Coach 1 on USC’s Drake London: He has really good movement skills. He runs well without being blazing fast and has that basketball ability to post people. Inside or out, he finds the ball. He has better ball skills and is more consistent than (former USC teammate Michael Pittman).

WR Coach 5 on London: He’s so young, and his body is still developing. His arrow is up. His speed is concerning, no doubt about it. I think he’s a little more advanced than Mike Evans was at this stage; but Mike was a little faster, but they make the contested catches and they go inside-and-go outstanding. I do see those comparisons.

WR Coach 1 on Utah’s Britain Covey: I think he’s strictly a return guy. He doesn’t flash as a receiver. I think he’d struggle in the slot because he doesn’t have elite quickness and he’s so tiny. He would get pinballed around in there, but he is a dynamic return guy.

WR Coach 1 on Kentucky’s Wan’Dale Robinson: I like him. He’s a hybrid guy. He transferred to Kentucky (from Nebraska) and got to play in a pro-style offense. If he doesn’t go to Kentucky he’s not draftable. He can play in the slot. I see a lot of Randall Cobb in his game. He’s just so good with the ball in his hands; I think he’s more than just a gadget guy.

Offensive line

If Ickey isn’t the top O-lineman, who is?

Scout 2: Evan Neal. He’s my favorite tackle. He’s a massive human being with freakish upside. He’s good but not great. He’s no Trent Williams, and if Tristan Wirfs were in this class, he’d be ahead of Neal.

OL Coach 2 on Neal: You never know what you’re gonna get with him. He has a lot of potential. He absorbs guys in pass protection. At the combine, he looked like he was 250; it was crazy.

OL Coach 1: We liked (BC’s) Zion Johnson. He’s so smart. Good swing player. He has the flexibility to recover; is good in pass pro, explosive in the run game. Does the weight room translate to the field? With him, it does. We were fired up about Neal because of his intensity and play demeanor. He underwhelmed. His run blocking needs to be developed. It’s night and day when it comes to how his motor compares to (Ekwonu). He is an elite pass protector and a good kid, but in the run game he leaves a lot to be desired.

What did you think of the other O-linemen talked about as potential first rounders?

OL Coach 1 on MSU’s Charles Cross: We didn’t really like him. We saw him as much more of a project. The system hurts him. It matters. We didn’t love his interview. He has the tools, but he’s not as thick and powerful. We don’t think he’s a Day 1 guy.

OL Coach 1 on Northern Iowa’s Trevor Penning: We like his physicality. He’s nasty. Has good feet. He’s probably a backup Year 1.

OL Coach 2 on Penning: You don’t know how he’s gonna translate against better competition. He has obvious physical talent; was being a prick at the Senior Bowl. Some people are into that and some don’t like it.

OL Coach No. 1 on CMU’s Bernhard Raimann: We liked him. He had a good interview with us. We graded him as a backup offensive tackle. He’s a good fluid athlete, but he needs to get stronger. He’s more of a finesse blocker, not a thumper.

Intriguing O-line sleepers to keep an eye on?

OL Coach No. 1: Chattanooga’s Cole Strange: He was a good interview. There’s a lot of depth to him. Like him athletically. He can bend; has pop; can climb and finish and is strong at the point of attack and he really understands leverage. He’s an asshole out there; he won’t back down. I think he has the intangibles.

Scout 2 on Strange: He’s grown me on me. Was an excellent interview. He’s got kind of a small-school learning curve. It’ll take some time with him.

OL Coach No. 1: LSU’s Ed Ingram. We loved him. I heard he’s dropping on some team’s board because of his football IQ, but he is very explosive and can move guys off the ball on an iso block, which is really hard to do. He kills guys on pulls. Physically, he’s one of the best guards out there. There’ll be a learning curve, but someone will take a chance and invest in him. Once he gets it, he can be a good starter. Him being around some pros will help him out.

OL Coach No. 2: Washington State’s Abe Lucas. He’s a good athlete. The system he played in will hurt him and people make the obvious comparisons to (former WSU first-rounder Andre Dillard) and that’ll hurt too, but we like him. He was very mature in his interview.

OL Coach No. 1: Nebraska center Cam Jurgens. He’s like a Corvette with no control out there. He is so quick-twitch and is such a high-effort guy. He will climb to the second level but he’ll miss the guy because he’s out of control. 

Defensive line

Aidan Hutchinson is atop a bunch of mock drafts going No. 1 overall to Jacksonville. Does that make sense to you? Do you buy him as a top overall talent?

Defensive coach No. 1: I’m not sure he has quite the ceiling as a few of these guys, but his floor is very high. He’s the safest guy in the draft. Like if they take him, I don’t think anyone’s gonna be like, man, we fucked that pick up. I just don’t think when you watch the film, he doesn’t have that holy crap, how are we gonna block this guy? He just doesn’t have that one rare trait. He’s just a good, talented, high-effort football player.

Defensive coach No. 2: I wouldn’t take him there or even in the top four. He doesn’t have the arm length (32 1/8 inches). I don’t see the twitch. I don’t think he’s got explosiveness where we’d have to take him. There’s nothing special about him athletically to go that high. He does have really good change of direction, and he’s a really good fundamental player, but other than his makeup and his fundamentals, there’s nothing special about him athletically. I don’t see him consistently winning off the edge with his initial move. I don’t see him being a 12-15 sack guy. I think his production in college is because he’s a really good technician. I’d rather take the athlete over the technician because we can teach him the technique. I don’t think he’s gonna get that much better.

Defensive Coach No. 3: I like his twitch and bend. He’s going to transition fast because his makeup is so good.

Defensive Coach No. 4. His arm length is very concerning. He looked like a man among boys out there a lot because he’s really developed and technically advanced. In the NFL, he’s going to be going up against men, and I’m not sure he’s going to stand up. I think he’ll be a really good player but not a great one. Do you take a guy with the first overall pick who may never be a double-digit sack guy?

People love Travon Walker as a talent, but are you concerned about his relative lack of production as a playmaker?

Defensive Coach No. 3: That guy has got it all. He’s the one you’re drooling over.

Scout No. 1: He will play through you. He is such a violent, explosive guy. He will steal your lunch money.

Defensive Coach No. 1: I do like him. There’s no reason to think he can’t do all that you hope he can do. But you’re making a projection and betting on the traits with this guy. Is he an outside guy on first and second down and then kicks inside on third down? You know what you’re getting with Hutchinson and Jermaine Johnson, you see it on the film. With this guy, you’re hoping his best football is ahead of him. I think it is.

Scout No. 2: As a possible first or second overall pick? I don’t love him that high. For sure, top 10. He’s so big, strong and long, but I don’t see a rare talent. He could be 290 easily. He put up ridiculous numbers at the combine, but none of that stuff really translated on tape. Even during their pro day, he was the third-most athletic D-line dude behind Jordan Davis and (Devonte Wyatt), and he didn’t look as freaky as those other dudes.

Defensive Coach No. 5: At Georgia, they played him at a 4i — inside technique off the tackle. When you’re in there, you’re doing a lot of grunt work. Testing-wise, he’s better than Myles Garrett. He’s a freak and he is aggressive. With Myles, we didn’t really know how much he wants to set the edge against the run. His motor was up and down. This guy is an animal. He was playing on such a loaded team, but when the production isn’t really there, it does kind of scare you.

Defensive Coach No. 2: They played him as 3-4 end. That’s not his position. I think he’s a 4-3 edge-setting defensive end. He’ll be 280 soon and can really run.

Which of the top D-linemen do you think is most underrated in the draft chatter you’ve heard?

Defensive Coach No. 2: Jordan Davis. He’s really intriguing. He’s over 340 and runs 4.78? That’s fucking insane. Watch Atlanta take him at 8. He’s been really well-coached there. Trey Scott is an excellent D-line coach. I think he’s more explosive than Vita Vea. He’s not as strong but is much more quick-twitch. I think he can be very disruptive.

Defensive Coach No. 1: (Miami of Ohio DE/OLB) Dominique Robinson. He’s played so little defense in his life, but for a guy who has transitioned over to defense after playing wide receiver, you can see the physicality and the willingness to put his face in there. With offensive guys, you worry about the transition: Do they have that nasty side of him to play defense? I’m watching his film and thinking, holy shit, this guy is really fucking good. It’s the whole package: He’s got the length, athleticism, the change of direction and the explosiveness. Watch him drop into coverage; you see that he recognizes exchanges and routes. I would be shocked if he’s not high on the 3-4 OLBs list. He’s gonna be a starter.

Scout No. 2: (FSU DE) Jermaine Johnson. He’s an elite talent. Can play the run because he is long enough and heavy enough and he plays his balls off. He comes across as super cocky, but the more I’m around him, the more I like him. He’s not too big for anything. Everybody at FSU raves about the guy, talking about how he came back to work with younger guys.

Kayvon Thibodeaux is one of the most polarizing prospects in this draft. How do you see him?

Defensive Coach No. 2: He needs to be in the right system. I am a fan of the pass rusher. He can roll now. His first step is as good as anyone’s. He’s twitchy. He’s a poor run defender. If a 4-3 team takes him, they’re gonna wish he can get bigger. I don’t see it. He’s a smaller-boned dude.

Scout No. 1: I like him. When he turns it on, it’s as good as it comes. Is he gonna turn it on consistently? He’s lean, but he is strong and explosive. I do think he will do enough to be a three-down guy. I don’t think he’s a dumb kid. He knows what he’s doing. I do think he’s gonna make it.

Defensive Coach No. 1: He’s a big personality. If you’re a team that isn’t comfortable with one player pushing himself into the spotlight, he’s probably not for you. The issues to me are gonna come up with the competing focus. Is he too worried about his brand? When we brought him in, I was like, whoa, shit, this guy is a handful.

Linebackers

How do you evaluate Nakobe Dean, and do you think he goes in the top 20?

Scout No. 2: The tape is unbelievable. In a way, the injury helps him out. I didn’t expect him to run fast. He’s really undersized and he’s like a 4.69 (40) guy, but he’s the ultimate football guy. I think he’s a Day 1 starter. His instincts are too good. He’s explosive. The coaches (at Georgia) said he’s the fastest person to ever learn that playbook, and it was as a true freshman. On Day 1 install, he knew like all the checks and everything and was teaching all the freshmen how to get lined up. But I could see him falling out of the first round. He never ran. He’s had some injury issues. I was thinking, uh-oh, when I saw his name on the draft list, because he might be that guy stuck in the green room.

Which linebacker’s stock do you think has really risen?

Scout No. 2: Quay Walker from Georgia. He’s got great length and had one of the most impressive pro days I’ve ever seen in my life. He did a bunch of rare shit there. He’s so big, long and fast. He’s 247 pounds and his ability to drop his weight and change direction and get through the bags was like, holy fuck! He moves so effortlessly, like he’s 215. He was really just trying to figure it out last year when they rotated him and Channing Tindall quite a bit.

Defensive Coach No. 3: Troy Andersen from Montana State. He’s so intriguing. He played a bunch of different sports. Has great measureables, ran 4.42, broad-jumped 10-8 at 243 pounds. He’s very bright. He’s a unique case. He’s played quarterback and sees the game from that view and he plays nickel. He’s very impressive.

Defensive Coach No. 1: DeAngelo Malone from WKU. He really flashed at the Senior Bowl that he can be an NFL player. His film is inconsistent. But he showed that he was quick-triggered and explosive and can be violent off the edge. When he knew it, he really reacted. The question you wonder: Is he gonna be 235 or get to 250 and hold it?

Scout No. 3: JoJo Domann from Nebraska. He doesn’t have good length, but he is a really good player. He reminds me of (former Ohio State second-rounder) Pete Werner, but he’s not as big or long. He runs very well and is physical and just has a knack for making plays.

Defensive backs

Sauce Gardner is being touted as a top-10 pick. Does he really merit that kind of hype?

Defensive Coach No. 7: Yes. Sauce has ascended. He’s a wiry guy who can run and he’s physical. He wows you in the interview; he’s himself. He’s got confidence and he’s very smart.

Defensive Coach No. 3: I think so. He’s got it all, and he’s coachable and a good teammate. You watched him closely in this process, in his pro day, he was so aware of his teammates, so engaged in how they were doing at pro day. You don’t always see that from those guys who are so locked in about what they’re doing. It was more, wow, he’s a guy that got every reason to be a dick, and he’s the exact opposite.

Derek Stingley Jr. was fantastic as a true freshman in 2019 but battled injury and looked like a different player the past two seasons. What do you make of him as a prospect?

Defensive Coach No. 7: I don’t know. You wonder, what are you gonna get? Who is he? In 2019, you saw those big flashes. He is a legit talent. He’s got elite ball skills, really good feet. He can return punts. He’s a better all-around pure athlete than Patrick Surtain. He’s probably a top-5 pick if he could’ve come out after 2019. But now what? You just gotta keep on digging.

Kyle Hamilton has some people talking about him as a top-5 talent, which is rare for a safety. How high would you take him?

Defensive Coach No. 7: Safeties are not a premium. He’s a unicorn, and he is a very good player. He’s really versatile. He doesn’t fit the mold. He’s built like a sam linebacker. His man coverage isn’t great and his short-area quickness isn’t great. He could be on the No. 3 in the 3-by-1 formation or on a slot. You can’t name a lot of safeties who can really cover a slot.

QB Coach No. 2: I don’t get it. It’s like he’s too tall. His FSU game was impressive, but people are talking about him like he’s another Derwin James, and he’s not. When the Chargers practice, Derwin James covers Keenan Allen and covers him well. Keenan Allen would make Kyle Hamilton want to retire.

Who are your DBs you don’t think get talked about enough?

Defensive Coach No. 3: Lewis Cine from Georgia. He’s so bright. His football IQ is extremely high. He jumped out as an ultra student of the game.

Scout No. 2: Decobie Durant from South Carolina State. He was 157 pounds out of high school. He played at an HBCU and didn’t have all the resources to get heavier. He was 170-something his whole career, but he’s gotten up to 183 and was up to 186 the other day, and he’s well on his way to being 195. He’s a really good nickel who had two picks against Clemson and played a hell of a game. I love everything about that kid. He’s tough as shit. He’s got good feet, is competitive and smart.

 

 

[membengal]

No one quote that in response, lol.

[membengal]

Dehner's piece today:

https://theathletic.com/3269829/2022/04/25/bengals-nfl-draft-big-board-projecting-day-1-2-and-3-fits-for-cincinnati/

Quote

 

Bengals NFL Draft big board: Projecting day 1, 2 and 3 fits for Cincinnati

Gauging the priorities and researching the prospects is easy, but now the time has come to pinpoint the potential intersection of the two when it comes to this weekend’s NFL Draft.

The Bengals own eight selections with one in each round and two in the seventh. Moving back out of the 31st pick to add a mid-round selection would be ideal, but there are universes of potential targets that make sense for them on each day of the draft that will be worth tracking.

It starts with 10 potential targets listing my order of how I think the Bengals would rank them — this helps account for a potential trade back to the early second round.

After that, we look at 10 names to watch for each of the final two days of the draft.

The first-round ranges are based on any player outside the top 25 of either Dane Brugler’s big board or Arif Hasan’s consensus mock draft.

That takes the following players off the board (for this exercise): DE Aidan Hutchinson, OL Ikem Ekwonu, OL Evan Neal, DL Travon Walker, CB Sauce Gardner, S Kyle Hamilton, OL Charles Cross, DL Kayvon Thibodeaux, LB Devin Lloyd, WR Garrett Wilson, DL Jermaine Johnson, CB Trent McDuffie, WR Jameson Williams, CB Derek Stingley, WR Drake London, OL Trevor Penning, WR Chris Olave, DL George Karlaftis, OL Tyler Linderbaum, WR Treylon Burks, OL Zion Johnson, DL Jordan Davis.

First round

1. Devonte Wyatt, 3DT, Georgia (6-3, 304). This feels more like a dream scenario, but momentum has built for Wyatt to be hanging around in the late 20s. So, it’s unlikely, but not out of the question. Wyatt would be considering the top three-technique in this draft and a freakish interior disruptor. He would immediately take over the rotational role alongside B.J. Hill, a position that logged more than 500 snaps last year.

2. Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson (6-0, 194). His jack-of-all-trades tape and eye-popping playmaking skills would fit the two tenets of the Bengals defense looking for versatility and turnovers. That’s what puts him over the top in the Bengals’ eyes in comparison to the other corner prospects in this range, from my viewpoint.

3. Logan Hall, DL, Houston (6-6, 283). What a fun piece for the versatility defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo covets. Hall could play up and down the line and his size and explosiveness can wreck games from the interior. Plus, he comes with all the ball-loving intangibles the Bengals are seeking.

4. Kyler Gordon, CB, Washington (6-0, 194). He didn’t run as fast as many expected (4.52), but his tape doesn’t reflect that. Reminds of the last instance of a slower time dropping a quality prospect to the Bengals: Tee Higgins. The Bengals scouts felt comfortable about why that happened and went off the tape. It worked out. This could be the same with Gordon who has been on Bruce Feldman’s freaks list for three years and has tenacity all over his game on the outside.

5. Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida (6-1, 191). Cover corner checking all the physical boxes and did the job at a high level in the SEC. He doesn’t come with the extreme versatility offered by Booth, but Anarumo also is looking for “a mover,” on the corner and Elam certainly can do that.

6. Daxton Hill, DB, Michigan (6-0, 191). Hard to know exactly how Anarumo would use the uber-versatile Hill, but the planning would almost be as fun as watching him make plays. Hill moved all over the field for the Wolverines and could be a safety of the future or slip down in the nickel corner position. As the twists and turns of the season unfold, he’s the exact type of player you want floating around your roster.

7. Arnold Ebiketie, Edge, Penn State (6-2, 250). A draft loaded with edge rushers could push Penn State’s star down to the bottom of the first. The Bengals don’t necessarily need an edge at this point, but he’s about as NFL-ready as they come and would instantly join Joseph Ossai behind Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson to provide serious pass-rushing depth.

8. Lewis Cine, S, Georgia (6-2, 199). His talent justifies being higher on this list, but positional needs for the Bengals bump him down. Picking him would provide the insurance of possibly losing Jessie Bates or Vonn Bell next year, but wouldn’t have the same impact on 2022 as a few of the names at the top of the list.

9. Kenyon Green, OG, Texas A&M (6-4, 323). Doesn’t have the character and culture boxes the Bengals cherish checked in the same way as Zion Johnson but would be a nice prize if the Bengals traded back into the early second.

10. Perrion Winfrey, 3DT, Oklahoma (6-4, 290). A draft thin at defensive tackle could put Winfrey in demand, but there’s a chance he’s even still hanging around late in the second round. Another potential trade-back prize.

Day 2

Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, Nebraska (5-11, 196). A really snug fit for the Bengals’ second-round pick if they go defensive line in the first. An ascending player with traits and competitiveness blanketing his profile from head coach Zac Taylor’s alma mater.

Marcus Jones, CB, Houston (5-8, 174). Special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons stood on the table for Evan McPherson last year and looked like the smartest man in football. He says he’s looking for a returner to “put the fear of God,” into the opponents. Jones would probably make him stand on the table again with nine career return touchdowns.

Tariq Woolen, CB, UTSA (6-4, 205). Traits. Traits. Traits. Woolen needs seasoning and will take time with the competition jump, but he checks all the physical boxes. Exactly the type of corner they would have to target on the second day.

DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M (6-4, 283). He’s a polarizing prospect depending on which popular pundit you follow, but again, in a lean draft class for interior rushers, he would bring juice to the rotation.

Cole Strange, OL, Chattanooga (6-5, 307). A glass-eating competitor right up offensive line coach Frank Pollack’s alley. He’s strong and owns positional versatility inside to play both center and guard. Would be the exact type of offensive lineman they are looking to add in this draft.

Luke Fortner, Kentucky (6-4, 307). More of a center than guard, he’s held up in the SEC and was a team captain last year. He’s a mega-intangibles guy, too, which catapults him up the Bengals’ board. More of a third-round option.

Luke Goedeke, Central Michigan (6-5, 312). Ascending player with only two years of offensive line experience, but he could be a gem with outstanding play strength and athleticism. Would compete with Jackson Carman at guard immediately.

David Bell, WR, Purdue (6-1, 212). Do you think 40 times are overrated? There’s a long list of quality NFL receivers that suggest they are. One of them is Tyler Boyd, a former second-round steal. Bell will be around on Day 2 because of his 4.65 40, but he could be a perfect fit for the Bengals as a do-everything, tough receiver with fantastic instincts and versatility behind the big three.

Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA (6-4, 243). If the Bengals go in early on the tight end market, he feels like the target. They are looking for a pass-catching tight end and he’s among the best. His speed to take it the distance would be an explosive complement to the receivers.

Day 3

Zyon McCollum, CB, Sam Houston State (6-2, 199). One of the freakiest athletes in this draft (10 Relative Athletic Score). He picked off 13 passes and broke up 54 at the FCS level.

Alontae Taylor, DB, Tennessee (6-0, 199). Similar conversation to Daxton Hill early in this draft, Taylor brings a versatile skill set with fits at corner and safety, but his long-term future is likely playing deep.

Matthew Butler, DT, Tennessee (6-4, 297). Not the most dominant three-technique for the Vols, but did damage in the SEC. That warrants a look at this point for a team in need.

Michael Clemons, DL, Texas A&M (6-5, 263). You start talking about mid-to-late round edge rushers and you enter the Bengals’ wheelhouse. The super-long Clemons (34 7/8 arms) could be their latest find up front.

Eric Johnson, DT, Missouri State (6-4, 299). Searching for the backup three-technique at all levels of the draft and there just aren’t many names. Johnson is one of them, though.

Charlie Kolar, TE, Iowa State (6-6, 252). Putting on his tape is fun and he brings the physical profile and receiving skills you could see transitioning to the latest mid-round tight end to vault to success.

Isaiah Likely, TE, Coastal Carolina (6-4, 245). Not as impressive of an athlete as the top of the field, particularly his very slow 40 time, but can make plays on the ball all day.

Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis (5-8, 170). Elite, track-star speed and an exciting gadget weapon behind the big three that brings a different element than any of them do. Plus, all the pop in the return game you could want.

Bo Melton, WR, Rutgers (5-11, 189). Oftentimes you can find hidden gem receivers on teams with dreadful quarterback play during their career (see Jones, Marvin). Let me introduce you to Rutgers football. Melton was often victimized by poor throws but had all the intangibles and savviness at receiver to get himself open. Maybe Joe Burrow turns his talent into production. Plus, he has shown explosiveness as a punt returner.

Khalil Shakir, WR Boise State (6-0, 196). Made in the Boyd mold as a savvy route-runner with terrific production for the Broncos (208 receptions, 2,878 yards). Comes with a reputation as an ideal competitor and selfless team player, and was a captain last year. Can handle punt and kickoff return duties.

Velus Jones Jr., WR, Tennessee. (5-11, 204). Led the SEC in kick return yards in back-to-back years. The year before that he had a 100-yard return for a touchdown at USC. He averaged 15.1 yards per punt return last year. Real “fear of God” stuff.

Zach Tom, OL, Wake Forest (6-4, 304). Fantastic physical profile and a perfect 10 Relative Athletic Score as a center. His lack of power has him around on Day 3, but he could develop while bringing intelligence and durability with him.

 

 

[membengal]

From the group that Dehner didn't list because they are 25 or higher on Brugler's Big Board...

Quote

That takes the following players off the board (for this exercise): DE Aidan Hutchinson, OL Ikem Ekwonu, OL Evan Neal, DL Travon Walker, CB Sauce Gardner, S Kyle Hamilton, OL Charles Cross, DL Kayvon Thibodeaux, LB Devin Lloyd, WR Garrett Wilson, DL Jermaine Johnson, CB Trent McDuffie, WR Jameson Williams, CB Derek Stingley, WR Drake London, OL Trevor Penning, WR Chris Olave, DL George Karlaftis, OL Tyler Linderbaum, WR Treylon Burks, OL Zion Johnson, DL Jordan Davis.

...I am holding out hope for the following fallers in this order:

Karlaftis

Z. Johnson

McDuffie

Linderbaum

I suspect Linderbaum the most obvious potential faller. The others are just faint hopes to fall that I hold in my heart. 

[ArmyBengal]

Thanks for all of that Mem.
Now just a few days off, I typically stop reading all of it, but those were good.

Much appreciated.

[TJJackson]

Linderbaum should be eating protein, working out, and sleeping.  period.  well, and having his weight published on twitter every day.

if he can get to 315, he wont fall to 31

[AMPHAR]

Of all the late mock draft jockeying Winfrey has intrigued me the most 

[HoosierCat]

to me, the most interesting thing as we approach the draft is that the Bengals are “still talking through” picking up Jonah’s fifth-year option, which they have to do (or not) almost immediately after the draft. That suggests that OL is a very real possibility early in this draft. If there is a tackle they like who is slipping I wouldn’t even rule out a trade up. Not predicting it but they are being very cagey about their options.

[ArmyBengal]

Of all years of watching the Bengals draft players, THIS is probably the most wide open I’ve ever seen.

I haven’t bothered to debate much recently simply due to the fact that arguing they have to go this position or another is silly.

Yes they need CB and D-line help, but they have 8 picks and cut downs, along with other options to fill any perceived holes.

These last few days won’t find me arguing for any specific player or position as I think it’s all on the table to consider.

[HoosierCat]

Yeah I have no clue which way they will go.

[membengal]

11 hours ago, HoosierCat said:

to me, the most interesting thing as we approach the draft is that the Bengals are “still talking through” picking up Jonah’s fifth-year option, which they have to do (or not) almost immediately after the draft. That suggests that OL is a very real possibility early in this draft. If there is a tackle they like who is slipping I wouldn’t even rule out a trade up. Not predicting it but they are being very cagey about their options.

I read that as they are working toward an extension. Or...it was not coincidental they already said that D'Ante Smith would work exclusively at T this summer and camp and upcoming season. Perhaps they have Smith in mind for a potential Jonah replacement if they are not extending him. In any event, I considered thinking more about T options in 1 or 2 in my mental mocks and still discarded the idea. 

[HoosierCat]

Oh, it makes no sense to me either. That’s why it’s so interesting to me.

[AMPHAR]

I think there is very little chance they don't pick that option up or enter long term extension talks at some point.    The offensive line has been horrible for a very long time but it has stunted rational thought, IMO. 

What you are looking at on paper already is a massively improved line.  That could mean several things.  

1. Burrow MVP

2. Bengals need to add 20 yards to last year's average to get near top 5 yardage offense.

3. Need to add 4 points a game to be top scoring team

Any Offensive Free Agent/Assistant Coach associated with this offense is gonna find themselves in demand. 

IF the above becomes reality.  The Left Tackle of that unit isn't won't be looking for work very long.    

[HoosierCat]

Matt Miller's 7-rounder at espn.com:

Quote

1. Travis Jones, DT, UConn

The Bengals invested heavily in the offensive line this offseason, bringing in three new starters through free agency. Now they can focus on filling holes across the board, and the front office starts with the defensive tackle position.

Jones was one of the most improved players in the nation after UConn's season was canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic. Once he was back on the field, his pass-rushing moves and quickness were much improved. That has pushed him up the board to Round 1, and the the Bengals would gladly add his services.

2.  Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA

Losing C.J. Uzomah in free agency was a bigger loss than many realize, and replacing him early in the draft is a priority. Dulcich is a seam-buster at tight end who has the soft hands and excellent body control to torch defenses in the red zone and against Cover 2 schemes.

3.  Cole Strange, OG, UT-Chattanooga

A position-versatile interior lineman who can play guard or center, Strange will be given every chance to push journeyman Ted Karras at the center spot in 2022. It might be his by 2023.

4. Tycen Anderson, S, Toledo

5. Derion Kendrick, CB, Georgia

6. Ben Brown, OC, Ole Miss

7. Jashaun Corbin, RB, FSU

https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/draft2022/insider/story/_/id/33779447/seven-round-nfl-mock-draft-2022-matt-miller-predictions-262-picks-making-two-trades-filling-needs-all-32-teams

 

[ArmyBengal]

If the Bengals don't pick up the option on Williams, that's a stupid decision.  Beyond stupid actually.
Making a plan that includes having a late 4th round (comp) pick take over for an entrenched 1st round talent after a rookie season which saw him get 50 snaps and missing 9 games due to injury, is also a stupid decision.  If we are talking about the Marvin Lewis era or earlier Bengals, this would absolutely be the plan.

Don't get me wrong, it's not to say Smith isn't going to be a fine player, but color me skeptical he rises to the level of Williams anytime soon.
Just pick up the option, make effort to resign him and if not, LT becomes your priority for FA or the draft in 2023.
Well, there's still the tag that has to be considered as well.  He's not going anywhere soon.

[ArmyBengal]

54 minutes ago, HoosierCat said:

Matt Miller's 7-rounder at espn.com:

https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/draft2022/insider/story/_/id/33779447/seven-round-nfl-mock-draft-2022-matt-miller-predictions-262-picks-making-two-trades-filling-needs-all-32-teams

Yet another absolutely bag-o-shit mock draft.
 

[AMPHAR]

58 minutes ago, HoosierCat said:

Matt Miller's 7-rounder at espn.com:

https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/draft2022/insider/story/_/id/33779447/seven-round-nfl-mock-draft-2022-matt-miller-predictions-262-picks-making-two-trades-filling-needs-all-32-teams

 

Nothing against the prospects but I would poop on this draft.  

[ArmyBengal]

Yeah, I take issue with Kendrick and want nothing to do with this team drafting problem players again.
What... did Marvin Lewis come back to help with the upcoming draft ??

[Stripes]

Some folks in the Twitterverse seem to love the Travis Jones and Greg Dulcich pair. I... don't. I think those folks are more optimistic than I am about Jones' ability to rush the passer instead of defaulting to nose (and in effect serving no purpose beyond backing up Reader).

[ArmyBengal]

Again, just stupid picks.

[membengal]

I don't share the aversion to Travis Jones that you all apparently do.

 

Re: the Jonah discussion earlier, I expect them to either announce a contract extension or that they have picked up his option as opposed to them passing on picking up his option. Was just running over the possibilities. 

[HoosierCat]

Dave Latham thinks that George Karlaftis is atop the Bengals board at 31. If he’s gone, then it would be Booth and Elam, in that order. Also believes a trade down is quite possible if things don’t fall their way at 31.

https://www.cincyjungle.com/2022/4/26/23043534/2022-bengals-draft-predictions-dave-lapham

[COB]

I’m glad Lap thinks Karloftis is, on every play, “emptying the old effort bucket.”  I love Lap for coming up with an adage I’ve never heard of.  

[HoosierCat]

Beat writers mock over at espn+. Ben Baby's pick for the Bengals:

Quote

Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson

Cincinnati has the luxury of not needing to find an immediate starter in the draft. That leaves them to attack cornerback depth, an area team executive Duke Tobin identified as an issue after last year's Super Bowl loss. Booth has what the Bengals are looking for at outside corner -- good speed, quality length and the ability to play the ball in the air. That last part is incredibly valuable, especially for a Bengals team that won the AFC (and nearly the Super Bowl) because of its defensive turnovers. Booth had three interceptions in his third and final year at Clemson. With Eli Apple and Chidobe Awuzie projected as Week 1 starters, Booth has the luxury of working his way into the rotation and finding his footing in the NFL. -- Ben Baby

Note Karlaftis went a few picks earlier so this is consistent with what we heard from Lap.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2022/story/_/id/33794321/nfl-mock-draft-2022-nfl-nation-reporters-make-first-round-predictions

[ArmyBengal]

I knew Booth had an injury concern and recall TJ mentioning, but had no idea the extent of his injury history.

I'm going to go ahead and pass on Booth at this point.  Too much risk for the a first round pick.