2018 Steelers Draft Prospects Preview - Pt. 4

These prospects were compiled from a select number of mock drafts and official team visits. The summaries are from NFL.com



M.J. Stewart   CB-UNC (5'11", 200lbs)

combine: 4.54s 40, 18reps, 35in vert jump

2017: Honorable All-ACC, 45tckls/2scks

strengths: Success in off-man & press-man. He sinks into the chests of boundary targets. Instinctive & cautious not to bite on double moves. Can counter move TE's with physicality. Maintains contain responsibilities against the run. A strike & wrap tackler.

weaknesses: Caught flat-footed sitting on routes. Hips are average when flipping to run. Lacks long speed. Waits for the throw rather than shade from the zone. Slow to transition from hand-usage to footwork.

projection: Rds. 2-3

comp: Micah Hyde

grade: 5.70 (Chance to become a starter)





Mason Rudolph  QB-Oklahoma St (6'5", 235lbs)

combine: 4.9s 40, 26in vert jump

2017: 2nd All-B12, 4,904yds 65% compl, 37TDs/9INTs

strengths: Stands tall in the pocket. Lets routes develop. Slides in the pocket for clean launch points.  Keeps eyes trained downfield. Puts air under deep throws. Reads safeties & moves to his progressions accordingly. Ran zone reads around the endzone.

weaknesses: Over-strides. Rarely drives his lower body through the throw. Needs to throw with better timing & placement on comebacks & outs. Ball placement & decision making can run askew when he scrambles. Inexperienced as a rollout passer. Has ball security issues.

projection: Rd. 2

comp: Christian Ponder

grade: 5.66 (Chance to become a starter)




Richie James  WR-MTSU (5'9", 178lbs)

   












combine: 4.48s 40, 6reps, 35.5in vert jump

2017: 31rec/290yds 3TDs, 10car/57yds

strengths: Gets out of blocks in a flash off snaps. Rapid-fire foot-quickness. Able to uncover on 1st & 2nd levels. Very shifty at route stem. Talented runner with the ball. Willing to lock up & engage CB's & safeties as a run blocker.

weaknesses: Play strength is below average. Routes lack polish. Lacks focus & consistent catch radius. Durability concerns.

projection: Rds. 5-6

comp: De'Anthony Thomas

grade: 5.38 (Backup/special teams potential)




Dorian O'daniel   OLB-Clemson (6'1", 215lbs)

combine: 4.61s 40, 21reps, 32in vert jump

2017: 2nd All-ACC, 103tckls/5scks

strengths: A madman on special teams. Technically sound as a tackler. Drives upper-body into target. Agility for lateral tackles against cutback runs. Offers versatility. Redirects routes with force. Reads & squeezes from zone.

weaknesses: Average athlete in space. Pursuit speed below par. Gives up separation when matched in man coverage. Plays upright & needs to do better job anticipating routes.

projection: Rds. 5-6

comp: Julian Stanford

grade: 5.50 (Chance to become a starter)




Christian Kirk  WR-Texas A&M (5'10", 200lbs)

combine: 4.47s 40, 20reps, 33.5in vert jump

2017: 2nd All-SEC, 71rec/919yds/10TDs, 1st All-American, 1punt/1kick TD

strengths: Optimal release angles against press. Avoids redirects & contact. Quick in and out of breaks. Able to dip & scoop low throws. Has strong, natural hands as a pass-catcher. Decisive & competitive once he has the ball. Possesses return value.

weaknesses: Doesn't show desired burst into routes. Below average catch radius. Allows defenders to crowd him. Needs to play with better knee bend.

projection: Rds. 2-3

comp: Sterling Shepard

grade: 5.83 (Chance to become a starter)




Justin Reid  S-Stanford (6'1", 204lbs)

combine: 4.40s 40, 16reps, 36.5in vert jump

2017: 2nd All-American, 1st All-P12, 99tckls, 5INTs

strengths: Excellent versatility. Plays with rapid response to motion & formation. Shows ability to excel up top or near the box. Speed & anticipation to challenge the catch over the top. Impressive ball skills. Sink & scoops low throws. Physical challenges to the catch point. Eludes blockers in space. A reliable wrap & drag tackler.

weaknesses: Backpedal is rigid & slow to gain ground. Beat by quicker slot WR's. Grabby at the top of the routes. Gambles with eyes. Play-fakes can bait him early in play.

projection: Rds. 1-2

comp: Michael Griffin

grade: 6.12 (Should become an instant starter)




Marcus Allen  S-PSU (6'2", 202lbs)

combine: 15reps, 37in vert jump

2017: 71tckls/1INT

strengths: Meets blockers with jarring hands. A forceful striker. Flashes into backside lanes. Good mirror when working as a downhill tackler against inside runs. Can match-up with TE's in space.

weaknesses: Lacks instincts & anticipation. Missing footwork & burst. Tight-hipped finisher. Too many false steps in coverage. Lacks fluidity in space.

projection: Rds. 3-4

comp: Clayton Geathers

grade: 5.60 (Chance to become a starter)



Tarvarius Moore  FS-Southern Miss (6'2", 190lbs)

2017: 87tckls, 3INTs

strengths: Asked to line-up over the slot & handle man-cover duties. Operates with smooth backpedal. Closes on targets quickly. Impressive ball production. Catches RB's before they turn the corner. A willing hitter.

weaknesses: Hands appear just average. Allows deep throws near frame. Has tendency to sit & wait. Too much head ducking as a tackler.

projection: Rds. 2-3

comp: Michael Huff

grade: 5.83 (Chance to become a starter)



Derrius Guice  RB-LSU (5'10", 224lbs)

combine: 4.49s 40, 15reps, 21.5in vert jump

2017: 2nd All-SEC, 237car/1,251yds/11TDs, 18rec/124yds/2TDs

strengths: Winning combination of speed, power & balance. Good recognition of early trouble from penetration. Quality vision. Sets up blocks. Exceptional contact balance  carrying power to punish 2nd-level tacklers. Able to push the pile. Possess homerun capabilities in the open field.

weaknesses: Needs to be more decisive through the line of scrimmage. Average burst. Will opt to finish rather than spying additional opportunities. Some hip tightness. Took his fair share of heavy hits. Slow out of his breaks as a receiver.

projection: Rds. 1-2

comp: Marshawn Lynch

grade: 6.14 (Should become an instant starter) 

2018 Steelers Draft Prospects Preview: Pt. 3

These prospects were compiled from a select number of mock drafts and official team visits. The summaries are from NFL.com






Allen Lazard   WR-Iowa St (6'5", 227lbs)

combine: 4.55s 40, 17reps, 38in vert jump


2017: 71rec/941yds/10TDs


strengths: Smart and extremely physical. A hands catcher who can pluck & turn quickly in traffic. Able to dig out low throws. Gets his eyes on the flight of the ball early. Shields defenders from the catch point. Has experience inside & outside.


weaknesses: Lacks explosiveness. Doesn't have the speed to force CB's into early retreat. Has tight hips. Change of direction is labored. A very little threat with the  ball in his hands.


projection: Rds. 4-5


grade: 5.39 (backup/special teams potential)







Taron Johnson  CB-Weber St (5'11", 192lbs)

combine: 4.50s 40, 17reps, 33in vert jump


2017: 1st All-American, 1st All-Big Sky, 49tckls/2scks, 3INTs


strengths: Plays with a good bend in space. Burst to the ball is quick. Natural coverage skills. Quality plant & drive talent from backpedal. Crowds WR's catch space. Looks to squeeze windows. Plays with good physicality.


weaknesses: Gets grabby in coverage. Needs to be careful not to lose downfield positioning. Has long speed concerns. Late getting off perimeter blocks.


projection: Rd. 4


comp: Bryce Callahan


grade: 5.44 (Backup/special teams potential)







Chase Litton  QB-Marshall (6'5", 230lbs)

combine: 4.90s 40, 29.5in vert jump


2017: 60% compl, 3,115yds 25TDs/14INTs


strengths: He doesn't scare easily. Stands tall in the pocket. Has a good release time. Ball comes out smoothly. Feathers ball over the top of trail defenders.


weaknesses: Lacks functional mobility. Labored rollouts. Below average deep ball placements. Problematic decision making. Misses what defenses give him. Air mails drive throws. Eyes lock onto targets.


projection: Rd. 7/PFA


grade: 4.98 (Should be in a training camp)







Martez Carter  RB-Grambling St (5'7", 193lbs)

strengths: Extremely sudden in movements. Explosive lateral jump cut. Has an effective spin. Instant acceleration out of cuts. Dangerous in space. Background as a return man.


weaknesses: Nonchalant on some downhill runs. Too much stutter-stepping. Unable to break tackles. Contact balance below average.

projection: Rd.7/PFA

grade: 4.94 (Should be in a training camp)


Duke Dawson  CB-Florida (5'11", 197lbs)

 










combine: 4.46s 40, 15reps


2017: 1st All-SEC, 34tckls, 4INTs


strengths: Impedes receiver's release. Plays with choppy, fast feet & good acceleration. Digests route combinations. Attacks the high side or trail side to ruin the catch point. Head swivels & eyes dart to search for route traffic from the zone. Gritty & competitive in run support.


weaknesses: A short strider. Issues opening smoothly. Can get grabby. Average long speed. Gives up some separation to burners. Tries to hit rather than wrap up as a tackler.


projection: Rds. 3-4


comp: Brian Poole


grade: 5.75 (Chance to become a starter)





B.J. Hill  DT-NC State (6'4", 315lbs)

combine: 4.99s 40, 35reps, 26.5in vert jump


2017: Honorable All-ACC, 57tckls/3scks


strengths: Has natural movement. Good jump on play direction. Plays with desired anticipation. Above average instincts. Good recognition of pre-snap movement. Good upper body turn. Good tackle production.


weaknesses: Gives ground against initial contact. Rolled out of gap by double teams. Gets bumped out of his track by blocks from the edge. Body control, contact balance are below average. Bull rush isn't there.


projection: Rds. 4-5


comp: Marvin Austin


grade: 5.62 (Chance to become a starter)





Dante Pettis  WR-Washington (6'0", 186lbs)

2017: 63rec/761yds/7TDs


strengths: A fine-tuned route runner. Accelerates off the line. Moves CB's with route savvy & effective fakes. Works back to throws. Stick and steady hands. Plus concentration in traffic. makes necessary deep ball & in-air body adjustments to the catch. An elusive punt return specialist. Eludes the first tackler.

weaknesses: Tends to hint about underneath routes with a lack of vertical push. Physical CB's throw him off his game. He can do better job of stacking CB's once he has them beat.

projection: Rds. 2-3

comp: T.J. Houshmandzadeh

grade: 5.85 (Chance to become a starter)


Fred Warner  OLB-BYU (6'3", 236lbs)

 











combine: 4.64s 40, 21reps, 38.5in vert jump


2017: 87tckls, 1INT


strengths: Fluid hips. Moves like a safety. Change of direction comes fairly easily in space. An active tackler. Plus instincts. Quick to diagnose & trigger downhill. Extremely responsive to QB's eyes in space.

weaknesses: Takes inconsistent angles to the ball. Picks & chooses when to thump. Clicks motor off & coasts at times when on the back side of the play.

projection: Rds. 4-5

comp: Alani Fua

grade: 5.58 (Chance to become a starter)


Jaire Alexander  CB-Louisville (5'11", 192lbs)

 











combine: 4.38s 40, 14reps, 35in vert jump


2017: Honorable All-ACC, 19tckls, 1INT


strengths: Eyes stay on the QB. Aware & instinctive. Spots traffic from the zone & squeezes passing lanes. Quick response time when the QB begins release. A smooth mover, plus acceleration. Crowds & mirrors WR release. Stays connected to routes. Aggressive attacking catch point. Rips arms through potential catches.


weaknesses: Avoided excess contact with blockers. Needs to play with better knee bend. Can get grabby in man coverage. Loses balance during transitions. Inconsistent getting his head around. An inconsistent finisher as a tackler.


projection: Rds. 1-2


comp: Teez Tabor


grade: 5.99 (Chance to become a starter)



Joel Iyiegbuniwe  ILB-Western Kentucky (6'1", 230lbs)

 












combine: 4.60s 40, 19reps, 35in vert jump


2017: 1st All-CUSA, 116tckls, 3FFs


strengths: Has a rangy, athletic frame. Good speed in pursuit. Actively searches to strip the ball. Very smooth in backpedal.


weaknesses: Coasts too much. Slow to balance eyes between blockers & ball-carriers. Gets stuck on blocks when squared up.


projection: Rds. 6-7


grade: 5.19 (Better than average chance to make roster)

SNL Season 43: John Mulaney

Former SNL writer and stand up comedian John Mulaney made his hosting debut. Onto the review

Meet The Parents Cold Open: Once again, SNL does its political coverage best when Trump isn't actually portrayed. We got a couple of guest cameos, Ben Stiller as Michael Cohen and Robert De Niro as Robert Mueller. It went on from there, recreating the lie detector scene in Meet The Parents. I also noticed an interesting dynamic here with Sessions and Pence. We'll see if that continues. (7.6)

Monologue: Time and time again, stand-up monologues always win out, as this week's did. (8.7)

Drag Brunch: (6.9)

National School Walkout: (7.2)

Wild Wild Country (short): Even without seeing wild wild country on netflix, this still was a well done looking parody. We even got snl alumni Nasim Pedrad, but Kenan was the star. (8.0)

Diner Lobster: This was definitely a thing. I'm not sure there are enough words to describe this masterpiece....except Lobster Les Miserables. Seriously, from the set designs, to the choreography and the singing, this was so well done. This sketch had no business working as well as it did. (9.5)

(Jack White): (8.0)

Weekend Update: The first guest saw Kate McKinnon as Laura Ingraham. She did that David Ortiz of made-up sponsors for her show...but the premise still worked.

Then Kenan showed up as Lavar Ball, which is quikcly becoming one of my favorite characters of his. (8.1)

Sitcom Reboot: (6.5)

Horns: (6.9)

(Jack White): (7.5)

The Real Intros Of Reality Hills: (6.0)

And while it was cut (score not included), there was a terrific cut for time sketch. Luke Null really shined in this. The trio of Luke, Cecily and John made it shine.

The material wasn't quite there post-update, but the material that worked really, really worked. I'm sure we'll get John Mulaney hosting again (who has quickly become one of my favorite stand-up comics). (7.58)

Will Ferrell: 8.02
Chance The Rapper: 7.83
Ryan Gosling: 7.63

John Mulaney: 7.58
Sam Rockwell: 7.55
Kumali Nanjiani: 7.48 

Bill Hader: 7.42 
Charles Barkley: 7.41
Chadwick Boseman: 7.34 
Sterling K. Brown: 7.30
James Franco: 7.28
Kevin Hart: 7.20
Saoirse Ronan: 7.16
Tiffany Haddish: 7.15
Larry David: 7.14
Jessica Chastain: 7.11
Gal Gadot: 7.08 
Natalie Portman: 7.03     

2018 Steelers Draft Prospects Preview: Pt. 2

These prospects were compiled from a select number of mock drafts and official team visits. The summaries are from NFL.com



Carlton Davis   CB-Auburn  (6'1", 206lbs)

combine: 4.53s 40, 16reps, 34in vert jump

2017: 1st All-SEC, 36tckls, 1INT

strengths: He uses his wingspan to jam & blanket opponents. Crowds & bulls WR's into the boundary. Tremendously disruptive. Attacks the throw with relentless timing & aggression. Difficult to feather touch throws over him downfield.

weaknesses: Plays uptight in space. Slow to hit the brakes. Off-man can be a struggle. Can stumble & lose balance checking complex routes. Unable to mirror & match from his back-pedal. Grabby at the top of the route. Susceptible to big plays. Takes inconsistent angles as a tackler.

projection: Rds. 1-2

comp: Richard Sherman

grade: 6.0 (Should become an instant starter)


Jerome Baker    LB-Ohio St (6'1", 229lbs)

    











combine: 4.53s 40, 22reps, 36.5in vert jump

2017: Honorable All-B10, 72tckls/3.5scks

strengths: Moves fluidity & fast. Has hip looseness & footwork to flow around the field. Rangy as a tackler. Change of direction comes easily. Takes efficient path to the ball. Talented in space with footwork to match WR's in space & hands to take the ball.

weaknesses: Lacks functional play strength. Must improve hand work. Gets glued to blocks. Lingers on 2nd level. Loses gap leverage. Ducks head into contact. Motor can be inconsistent.

projection: Rds. 2-3

comp: Darron Lee

grade: 5.71 (Chance to become a starter)


Tre'Quan Smith   WR-UCF (6'2", 203lbs)

combine: 4.49s 40, 12reps, 37.5in vert jump

2017: 1st All-AAC, 59rec/1,171yds/13TDs

strengths: A smooth accelerator. Flashes plus ball skills. Consistently wins high-point. Has ability to make necessary in-air adjustments. Effective use of size as a blocker.

weaknesses: Needs to play stronger at the top of routes. Catch radius & consistency is disappointing. Needs to get better at finishing catches outside frame.

projection: Rd. 4

comp: Tajae Sharpe

grade: 5.53 (Chance to become a starter)



Chris Herndon   TE-Miami(FL)   (6'4", 253lbs)

    












combine: 21reps

2017: 40rec/477yds/4TDs

strengths: Plus athletic ability. Good release quickness into routes. Dangerous after the catch. Used as catch and run option on bubble screens. Can make first tackler miss. Blocks with good pad level.

weaknesses: Play strength doesn't match his size. Poor hand placement. Struggles as a block finisher. Lethargic underneath. Needs to do better job of bodying up defenders in space.

projection: Rds. 4-5

comp: Ricky Seals-Jones

grade: 5.57 (Chance to become a starter)



Poona Ford   NT-Texas (5'11", 303lbs)

 2017: 1st All-B12, 34tckls/1.5scks

strengths: Gets into the neutral zone quickly. Able to bend hips & strike at point of attack. Gives effort to make plays outside of his area. Gets enough upper body turn to pry into gaps.

weaknesses: Uses legs rather than hands to try & gain control at the point of attack. Struggles to pry himself off blocks quickly. Pays too much attention to blocker in front rather than play development.

projection: Rd. 7/PFA

grade: 5.12 (Better than average chance of making roster)



Marcus Davenport   DE-UTSA (6'6", 264lbs)

combine: 4.58s 40, 22reps, 33.5in vert jump

2017: 55tckls/8.5scks

strengths: Good quickness in lateral slides. Aggressive demeanor as a hitter. Drives through target. Flashes translatable speed to power potential. Can throw combos with his hands to disorient OT's. Able to set a good edge when gets arm extension.

weaknesses: Plays with elevated pad level. Delayed acceleration. Allows blockers into his frame. Instincts below average. Tight-hipped as a rusher.

projection: Rds. 1-2

comp: Danielle Hunter

grade: 5.89 (Chance to become a starter)


Kyzir White   S-WVU (6'2", 218lbs)

combine: 21reps, 35.5in vert jump

2017: 2nd All-B12, 94tckls/3INTs, 2FFs

strengths: Plays every down with the same level of grit & urgency. Quick to diagnose. Supports run with vigor. A forceful hitter. Very physical with TE's in man coverage. A freight train as a blitzer.

weaknesses: Better playing downhill. Has man coverage limitations. Sluggish to open hips. Lacks fluid change of direction. Needs to get stronger & better with his hands. Lacks explosiveness.

projection: Rds. 2-3

comp: Michael Boley

grade: 5.81 (Chance to become a starter)


Alex Cappa   OT-Humboldt St (6'6", 305lbs)

combine: 5.39s 40, 24reps, 26.5in vert jump

2017: 1st DII All-American

strengths:  Hips are loose and flexible. Has lateral quickness. Footwork to handle combination blocks. Agility to adjust. Power in hips to torque & turn defenders off the spot. Fully functional as a drive/move blocker. Athletic talent to quick set. Hands are violent & strong.

weaknesses: Needs to be more consistent with back-side angles. Pass slides are more segmented than fluid. Punch is a little delayed. Allows rushers to crowd his frame. Defenders with pop can bounce him back.

projection: Rd. 5

comp: Ty Sambrailo

grade: 5.42 (Backup/Special team potential)

SNL Season 43: Chadwick Boseman

SNL returned with Chadwick Boseman and Cardi B. Onto the review

Donald Trump Baltic States Cold Open: Alec Baldwin's Trump is getting lazy and tiresome. Its just the same thing, again and again. (6.3)


Monologue: (7.4)


Nike Women's Ad: Talk about being relateable, this was a terrific commercial parody. I mean, for those who own leggings, who actually regularly wears them while working out? Aidy Bryant and Kate McKinnon really shined in this. (8.5)

Black Jeopardy: I didn't think it would be possible to top the Tom Hank version, but this one is right up there. Chadwick plays Black Panther trying to relate in this iteration of Black Jeopardy. He has so many great moments, but the peak occurs during his back and forth with Kenan while working out an answer. (9.5)
Medical Breakthrough: (7.0)


Aidy B & Cardi B (short): Once again Aidy shines in this short, as she finds her inner Cardi persona, talking back to Chadwick and whatnot. For me, the best moment though was when she's talking to Cardi B, mentioning her "bloody shoes". Just the way she says it as she's walking out just got to me. (8.4)

(Cardi B): (7.5)

Weekend Update: Update felt a little flat this week.

Alex Moffat showed up as Mark Zuckerberg. It was an interesting portrayal to say the least, but his maniacal laugh was great.

Heidi brought back her "boxer's girlfriend" character. It was still good, but didn't quite reach the heights of her first appearance. (7.0)

Magic Mirror: Well, its canon now, R. Kelly is a disney princess (boy, that's a sentence I never thought I'd write). Taking a trip to disney world, Leslie Jones gets R. Kelly (or a Mulan character as the workers say) when trying to determine what disney princess she is. He didn't say a word, but just Chadwick's movements made this work. (7.5)
Warehouse Fire: (3.0)

(Cardi B): (8.5)
Restaurant Complaint: (6.3)

The Game Of Life: DACA edition (short): This was fantastic. SNL gets its political writing done right when it focuses on what the trump admin is doing. It gets across what it can't with Alec's stale trump impression. (9.0)
Wakanda Forever: (6.9)

Chadwick brought a lot of energy to this week's show. The material wasn't always there, but there was enough to make it enjoyable. (7.34)

Will Ferrell: 8.02
Chance The Rapper: 7.83
Ryan Gosling: 7.63
Sam Rockwell: 7.55
Kumali Nanjiani: 7.48 
Bill Hader: 7.42
Charles Barkley: 7.41
Chadwick Boseman: 7.34
Sterling K. Brown: 7.30
James Franco: 7.28
Kevin Hart: 7.20
Saoirse Ronan: 7.16
Tiffany Haddish: 7.15
Larry David: 7.14
Jessica Chastain: 7.11
Gal Gadot: 7.08 
Natalie Portman: 7.03    

2018 Steelers Draft Prospects Preview: Pt. 1

These prospects were compiled from a select number of mock drafts and official team visits. The summaries are from NFL.com


Ronnie Harrison   S - Alabama (6'3", 214lbs)

combine: 34in vert jump

2017: 2nd All-SEC, 74tckls/2.5scks, 3INTs

Strengths: He possesses an outstanding combination of size & speed. Good makeup speed. Capable of quality man coverage in certain matchups. Plays with route anticipation. A physical hitter. Takes rapid downhill approach as a high safety in run support. Quick to punch & discord blockers. Has blitz talent.

Weaknesses: Willing to overreact. Allows talent RBs opportunities to beat him back inside. Complex routes can bait him into jumping an early break. Too many lead shoulder hits as a tackler. Has to become more willing to wrap up as a tackler.

Projection: Rd. 2

Comp: Adrian Wilson

Grade: 6.0 (should become an instant starter)





Ronald Jones   RB - USC (5'11", 205lbs)

 











combine: 4.65s 40, 36.5in vert jump

2017: 3rd All-American, 1st All-P12  261car/1,550yds/19TDs,  14rec/187yds/1TD

Strengths: Runs with desired level of calm in traffic. Plays with light, electric feet. Loose hips able to make sharp cuts. Maintains top play speed. Squares pads at impact for improved contact balance. Careful with the ball.

Weaknesses: Interior vision can be inconsistent. A reactive runner. Needs to balance pace with patience. Can get too far downhill. Takes too many punishing blows.

projection: Rds 1-2

comp: Jamaal Charles

grade: 6.28 (Should become an instant starter)






Lorenzo Carter   LB - Georgia (6'6", 250lbs)

combine: 4.5s 40, 36in vert jump

2017: 2nd All-SEC, 61tckls/4.5scks, 3FFs

Strengths: A long strider. Consistent with punch & separation against blocks. Play quickness in lateral slides. Build-up speed allows to challenge ball carriers & receivers after the catch. Active as a tackler to search for & yank at the ball. Has edge-threatening get off.

Weaknesses: Long tackles can neutralize length. Not ready to handle downhill rushing attack. More of a straight line mover. Slow to activate hands as a pass rusher. Not enough boom for conversion of speed to power.

proj: Rds 2-3

comp: Na'il Diggs

grade: 5.85 (Chance to become an instant starter)






RaShaan Evans   LB - Alabama (6'3", 234lbs)

   











combine: 30in vert jump

2017: 2nd All-SEC, 74tckls/6scks

Strengths: Plus agility, range & explosiveness. Quick to diagnose. Able to pace to the perimeter. Patient against misdirection. Deftly side-steps blocks. Explosive, wrap-up striker. Impressive spin counter.

Weaknesses: Lacks instinct of players with extended history at position. Can get wired to climbing blockers. Needs to improve his punch & separate when taking on blockers. Will wait rather than trigger when downhill shots required. Has durability concerns.

proj: Rd 1

comp: Lawrence Timmons

grade: 6.10 (Should become an instant starter)






Donte Jackson    CB - LSU (5'10", 178lbs)

combine: 4.32s 40, 7reps

2017: 2nd All-SEC, 49tckls/1INT

Strengths: Brings elite athleticism & speed. Loose & fluid with super-twitch. Has a smooth backpedal. Closing burst increases ball production. Closes out separation from breaks quickly. Can bait QBs into picks.

Weaknesses: Thrown off-balance by clever route runners. Instincts below average. Gets lost in coverage. Room to improve angles to throw. Hands are unreliable. Can get trucked if he tackles too high.

proj: Rds 1-2

comp: Leodis McKelvin

grade: 5.79 (Chance to become a starter)






Leighton Vander Esch   LB - Boise St (6'4", 256lbs)

combine: 4.65s 40, 20reps, 39.5in vert jump

2017: Mountain West DPOY, 1st All-MW, 141tckls/4scks, 4FFs

Strengths: Fluid hips & smooth movement around field. Agility & quick-twitch for sudden lateral bursts. Works under climbing blockers to stay clean. Easy sideline to sideline range. Very talented in coverage. An ability to redirect QB's eyes. Real rush talent & instincts as blitzer.

Weaknesses: Play strength has room for improvement. Some struggles taking on blocks. Takes himself out of tackle opportunities by attacking iso-blocks & lead blocks with a shoulder. Will over pursue at times.

proj: Rds 1-2

comp: Karlos Dansby

grade: 6.18 (Should become an instant starter)






Lamar Jackson   QB - Louisville (6'3", 200lbs)

2017: 2nd All-American, ACC OPOY, 1st All-ACC, 59.1 compl%, 3,660pass yds, 27TDs/10INTs, 232car/1,601yds/18TDs

Strengths: Ability to HRs with arms or legs. Arm is lively. Ball comes out with a flick. Has pocket poise. Willing to take a sack over making haphazard throws. Destroys pursuit angles when he runs. Elusiveness as an elite RB. A red-zone juggernaut.

Weaknesses: Must learn to slide. Lackadaisical in setup. Throws with excessively narrow base. Makes targets work too hard. Can sail throws. Low release point. Move accuracy on rollouts & scrambles is poor. Had a high turnover total.

proj: Rds 1-2

comp: Michael Vick

grade: 5.95 (Chance to become a starter)






Malik Jefferson   LB-Texas (6'3", 236lbs)

 











combine: 4.52s 40, 27reps, 36in vert jump

2017: 2nd All-American, 1st All-B12, 110tckls/4scks

Strengths: Explosive with loose hips & good speed. Access to 2nd gear when he commits to pursuit. Reactive quickness. Can be nemesis as an A-gap blitzer or off the edge. Possess man cover talent.

Weaknesses: Lacking in instincts. Pursuit leverage is inconsistent. Needs to play with a better knee bend. Passive taking on blocks. Gets pushed around. Inconsistent coming to balance as open field tackler. Slides off tackles rather than wrapping up.

proj: Rd. 3

comp: Jordan Hicks

grade: 5.55 (Chance to become a starter)