With the Grammy nominations out, its time for my "album of the year" reviews. I score each track on whether it stands out, is merely okay, or is a miss. The final score will be out of a high of 100.
"Hollywood's Bleeding" - Post Malone
(All Rights to Republic Records)
1) "Hollywood's Bleeding"
This deals with the toxicity of the hollywood lifestyle; "Dyin' in our sleep, we're livin' out a dream. We only make it out alone". A nice beat kicks in during the verse.
2) "Saint-Tropez"
Dealing with Malone's lifestyle, this track drags along with nothing else much to say about it.
3) "Enemies" ft/ Dababy
"Enemies" is about how fame impacts relationships/friendships; "money tend to show all they tendencies"
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4) "Allergic"
With an energetic beat, this deals with a toxic relationship; "I took your pills & your drugs just to feel something else, 'Cause I can't feel you no more".
5) "A Thousand Bad Times"
Lamenting past relationships, there's a nice beat to this track...but the writing is quite poor.
6) "Circles"
This deals with maintaining a relationship; "We couldn't turn around 'til we were upside down". There's a nice chill beat to "Circles".
7) "Die For Me" ft/ Future & Halsey
This track fails to get its message across. The only decent verse in this belongs to Halsey.
8) "On the Road" ft/ Meek Mill & Lil'Baby
This is an anthemic track about work ethic that doesn't do a whole lot.
9) "Take What You Want" ft/ Ozzy Osbourne & Travis Scott
Quite a collaboration, the lyrics really hit here; "you bled me dry like the tears you never show". Along with a nice guitar rift, this track blends very well.
10) "I'm Gonna Be"
About letting loose, this track is very repetitive and bland.
11) "Staring At The Sun" ft/ SZA
This deals with reminiscing about the past; "if you keep staring at the sun, you won't see what you have become, this can't be.....everything you thought it was, blinded by the thought of us".
12) "Sunflower" ft/ Swae Lee
This is about the loyalty and persistence of a woman; "then you're left in the dust...you're a sunflower, I think your love would be too much". There's nice imagery here.
13) "internet"
Dealing with the frustrations of social media, this track is very stereotypical.
14) "Goodbyes" ft/ young thug
This is about trying to move on from a relationship; "I want you out of my head...There's no way I could save you, 'cause I need to be saved too".
15) "myself"
Reflecting on Malone's own journey, this track drags along without doing much.
16) "I Know"
Reflecting on the outcomes of a broken relationship, there's a good feel to this, but once more the writing is lacking.
17) "wow."
Focusing on his wealth, etc this track provides a very tired message.
I've come to the conclusion that Post Malone is a good singles producer/radio artist....but as for a whole album, he just doesn't have the skills. With multiple tracks dealing with shallow messages on his journey to fame, there just isn't much to enjoy here. (30)
With the Grammy nominations out, its time for my "album of the year" reviews. I score each track on whether it stands out, is merely okay, or is a miss. The final score will be out of a high of 100.
"Folklore" - Taylor Swift
(All Rights to Republic Records)
1) "the 1"
This track deals with myths and "what could have beens" of relationships; "I hit the Sunday matinee. You know the greatest films of all time we're never made". Taylor is reminiscing on the possibilities that she missed out on; "In my defense, I have none".
2) "Cardigan"
This track sets up a larger story of a love triangle, continued in "august", and "betty". There's a very 'Lana Del Rey' feel to "Cardigan". The imagery is impeccable; "You drew stars around my scars, but now I'm bleeding".
3) "the last great american dynasty"
This track is about Rebekah Harkness. Quicker paced, Taylor tells a life story.
4) "exile" ft/ Bon Iver
Two exes are seeing each other again in this track. Justin Vernon and Taylor are in a bit of a call and response; "you're not my homeland anymore, so what am I defending now? (Vernon)", "you were my crown, now I'm in exile (Swift)". The bridge is exquisite
.
5) "My tears ricochet"
This track is possibly about the betrayal that Talor felt from her publishing group. Its very mournful sounding; "And if I'm on fire, you'll be made of ashes too"...."And if I'm dead to you, why are you at the wake, cursing my name".
6) "mirrorball"
Taylor is reflecting on her different personalities, and the idea that she has to fight to stay relevant; "I'll show you every version of yourself tonight"..."I can change everything about me to fit in". The bridge in particular shows how she feels she has to constantly reinvent herself.
7) "seven"
This deals with childhood innocence. The 2nd verse gets quite personal.
8) "august"
Continuing from the story in "Cardigan", this tells another perspective of the love triangle; "August slipped away like a bottle of wine, 'Cause you were never mine". This other woman is realizing that there wasn't much to this dalliance; "Cause you weren't mine to lose".
9) "this is me trying"
Taylor is reflecting on the faults in herself in regards to past relationships; "I had the shiniest wheels, now they're rusting". She's always been trying to improve on herself, dealing with criticism that she's been self-sabotaging relationships; "they told me all of my cages were mental".
10) "Illicit Affairs"
This gives a wide view on infidelity; "And that's the thing about illicit affairs. And clandestine meetings & longing stares. It's born from just one single glance".
11) "Invisible String"
Taylor sees her past relationships as leading her to her current romance; "all along there was some invisible string tying you to me?"..... "something wrapped all of my past mistakes in barbed wire, Chains around my demons, wool to brave the seasons, one single thread of gold".
12) "mad woman"
This track centers around gaslighting; "what a shame she went mad, no one likes a mad woman, you made her like that".
13) "epiphany"
The central focus here is about finding a semblance of peach amid chaos; "only 20 minutes to sleep, but you dream of some epiphany". There are references to the pandemic; "someone's daughter, someone's mother, holds your hand through plastic now".
14) "betty"
This deals with the aftermath of "august" and wraps up the love triangle story with the perspective of the guy admitting that he cheated. There's a country-feel to this track.
15) "peace"
"Peace" deals with Taylor's maturation with romance. She'll always be hounded by press, etc, but will always be there and try for her partner.
16) "hoax"
This track sounds very melancholic; "my twisted knife, my sleepless night, my winless fight, this has frozen my ground".
"Folklore" sees some of Taylor Swift's best writing to date. She turns inward and gets quite personal, reflecting on her past and what has held her back. In terms of music, 2020 may have been Taylor Swift's year. (100)
With the Grammy nominations out, its time for my "album of the year" reviews. I score each track on whether it stands out, is merely okay, or is a miss. The final score will be out of a high of 100.
"Women In Music Pt. III" - Haim
(All Rights to Colombia Records)
1) "Los Angeles"
With a jazzy-sounding intro, this opening track is about the sisters' hometown of L.A. Through the chorus we see how it causes them at times to lose their faith and vision, and yet it still feels like home to them.
2) "The Steps"
This track deals with repairing a broken relationship as they're drifting apart; "I can't understand why you don't understand me". There's some nice imagery in the 2nd verse of their partner letting "ivy" invade the relationship. With some great guitar rifts, this is a really catchy track.
3) "I Know Alone"
This deals with feeling isolated (something we can all relate to during 'these troubling times'....am I right? anyway...). The writing is just superb here getting across that message; "I know alone, like no one else does".
4) "Up From A Dream"
The chorus feels a little 'wordy', whereas the interlude flows more smoothly with cool instrumentation.
5) "Gasoline"
The chorus gives off a tranquil feel, but the overall song seems somewhat slow & dragging.
6) "3AM"
There's a cool 90s hip-hop feel to this track.
7) "Don't Wanna"
This deals with an early relationship and whether its worth building on; "Left me low with my high heels in the parking lot".
8) "Another Try"
"Another Try" deals with the extremes of a relationship; "Is it destiny, or just chemistry. We're living in such extremes".
9) "Leaning On You"
This track is about accepting flaws and dealing with your own insecurities; "Now I get scared for reasons I don't know. Is it just because I ain't tough enough being alone?".
10) "I've Been Down"
This is about feeling down despite the highs of a relationship; "Would you even pick me out of the crowd, Cause I can't recognize myself now".
11) "Man From The Magazine"
This is a callout track that initially deals with an interviewer, but builds on that, where the sisters feel like they have to prove themselves to men throughout their musical journey.
12) "All That Ever Mattered"
The chorus is just beautifully chaotic, on top of a rad guitar bridge.
13) "FUBT"
This deals with a twisted relationship where they don't want to lose their partner. This track drags quite a lot.
14) "Now I'm In It"
This involves a mental health struggle; "We cannot be friends, cannot pretend it makes sense".
15) "Hallelujah"
"Hallelujah" is about their sisterly bond; "I met two angels, but they were in disguise. Took one to look to realize.. Tell 'em anything and they will sympathize". There are just some powerful verses in this track.
16) "Summer Girl"
This track takes us full circle looping back to Los Angeles; "Your smiles turn into cryin', its the same release".
Some superb writing is on display in "Women In Music Pt. III". There's just something with the pacing and the vocals that really make them pop. Overall this album is just pleasant to listen to. (85)
As we march on through this year of chaos, we've found our way to the beginning of another NFL season. Live crowds may be limited or non-existent for at least the start of it, but at least we're here. With a variety of off-season moves, it'll be interesting to see how things play out.
The biggest change this off-season came from the Patriots, who saw Tom Brady depart to Tampa Bay. They brought in Cam Newton, who has something to prove coming off an injury-filled year. The Pats have also seen a number of key defensive players withdraw for the season due to covid-concerns.
The Bills added a big piece in Stefon Diggs, so the pressure will be on for Josh Allen to rise to the occasion.
While the Jets and Dolphins may be also-rans, we'll see when Tua Tagovailoa starts for Miami.
1) Bills 10-6
2) Patriots 9-7
3) Dolphins 6-10
4) Jets 5-11
We could see a fierce battle among the top two in the North. The Ravens further strengthened their defense adding DE Calais Campbell for only a 5th rd draft pick; and in the draft they bolstered their RB depth with J.K Dobbins.
For the Steelers, anticipation runs high for the return of Ben Roethlisberger, who says he's injury free for the first time in nearly a decade following elbow surgery. The Steelers will be incredibly dangerous if their offense can rise up again along with their defense.
With another head coaching change, eyes will be on whether the Browns can finally do something productive, and the Joe Burrow era begins in Cincinnati.
1) Ravens 13-3
2) Steelers 12-4
3) Browns 8-8
4) Bengals 5-11
The Titans are sticking with Ryan Tannehill, who went on a tear during the back half of last season. While its unlikely he'll continue at that clip, he should still be a top 15 or so QB. They made a late signing that should greatly improve their defensive line with Jadeveon Clowney. Coming off an AFC Championship appearance, anything short of a playoff appearance will be seen as failure.
The Texans made some baffling moves in the off-season, trading DeAndre Hopkins to the Cardinals for RB David Johnson. They did add Brandin Cooks and Randall Cobb to their WR corps, but it'll be hard to make up for Hopkins' production.
Indianapolis made a big QB move adding Philip Rivers. Rivers seems to still have something left in the tank. He'll have some added offensive pieces with rookie WR Michael Pittman Jr and RB Jonathan Taylor. The Colts also swung a big trade, adding DT DeForest Buckner.
As for the Jaguars....they clearly seem to be in tank for Trevor Lawrence mode.
1) Colts 10-6
2) Titans 10-6
3) Texans 9-7
4) Jaguars 3-13
The Chiefs will be looking for a Superbowl repeat, and with the stability they're coming back with that very much could be in the cards. In the draft, they added RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire who appears to be the top man in the RB room.
The Chargers saw a big change with Rivers departing to Indianapolis. They added QB Justin Herbert in the draft, but it'll be Tyrod Taylor getting the start to begin the season.
Eyes are on Derek Carr as the Raiders brought in Marcus Mariota. With Alabama WR Henry Ruggs coming via the draft, the pressure will be on.
Going with Drew Lock, the Broncos gave him some offensive weapons in the draft with WR's Jerry Jeudy and K.J Hamler. On defense however, they saw a big loss recently with Von Miller suffering a season-ending ankle injury.
1) Chiefs 13-3
2) Broncos 8-8
3) Chargers 8-8
4) Raiders 7-9
Playoff Field
1) Chiefs*
2) Ravens
3) Bills
4) Colts
5) Steelers
6) Titans
7) Patriots
Wildcard Round
Patriots v. Ravens
Titans v. Bills
Steelers v. Colts
Divisional Round
Steelers v. Chiefs
Bills v. Ravens
AFC Championship
Ravens v. Chiefs
The pressure will be on the Cowboys as they start the Mike McCarthy era. Along with extending Amari Cooper, they landed Oklahoma WR CeeDee Lamb in the draft. Dak Prescott will also be playing for his future contract.
The Eagles will be hoping for some better health, as they were ravaged last year. Carson Wentz gets a lot of flack, but he didn't have much to work with towards the end of last season. They stacked up their defensive line in the off-season, signing former Steeler Javon Hargrave.
Washington finally ditched their racist team-name, and will go into the year as the "Washington Football Team". Rolls off the tongue doesn't it? They moved on from Adrian Peterson, going with Antonio Gibson more likely than not as the lead back down the line. In some uplifting news, Alex Smith is back from that gruesome leg injury.
The Giants will be seeing what Daniel Jones will look with his first full season as the starter.
1) Cowboys 10-6
2) Eagles 9-7
3) Giants 5-11
4) Washington 4-12
The Vikings traded Diggs and looked to replace at least some of his production with WR Justin Jefferson out of LSU. Will Kirk Cousins be able to reach that next level in the postseason?
The Bears have a mess on their hands at QB, with Mitchell Trubisky and Nick Foles. Neither provides much if any certainty.
The Packers made some head-scratching moves in the draft, selecting QB Jordan Love, and not giving Aaron Rodgers any more offensive weapons.
A lot of analysts out there seem high on the Lions. They saw some unluckiness last year, being without Matthew Stafford for a large portion of the season. They bolstered their RB depth late adding Adrian Peterson.
1) Vikings 11-5
2) Packers 10-6
3) Lions 9-7
4) Bears 4-12
Matt Ryan has been flying under the radar lately. Can the Falcons finally get it all together?
The Saints will be looking to go far this season, as Brees' window seems to be closing. They added WR Emmanuel Sanders, who was effective down the stretch for the 49ers.
There is suddenly a lot of hope in Tampa Bay, as they added Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski. Brady an incredible amount of options offensively, with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Gronkowski to name a few.
The Panthers are definitely in rebuild mode, but they should have capable QB play with Teddy Bridgewater.
1) Saints 13-3
2) Buccaneers 11-5
3) Falcons 8-8
4) Panthers 5-11
The Seahawks were a game away last year from taking the division. They loaded up on defense swinging a big trade with the Jets to land Safety Jamal Adams.
We'll see how Kyler Murray develops entering his sophomore season. Murray will have a new favorite target I predict with Deandre Hopkins. And on defense, Isaiah Simmons will be interesting to see how he's utilized.
How much regression will the 49ers see? Like the Ravens, I don't think the 49ers' running game will continue at that 2019 clip. They gave Jimmy Garoppolo some added protection making a trade for OT Trent Williams.
The Rams moved on from Todd Gurley and drafted Cam Akers. With some hopefully healthy stability at RB, eyes will be on Jared Goff to try and live up to his contract.
1) Seahawks 12-4
2) 49ers 11-5
3) Rams 8-8
4) Cardinals 7-9
Playoff Field
1) Saints*
2) Seahawks
3) Vikings
4) Cowboys
5) Buccaneers
6) 49ers
7) Packers
Wildcard Round
Packers v. Seahawks
49ers v. Vikings
Buccaneers v. Cowboys
Divisional Round
49ers v. Saints
Buccaneers v. Seahawks
NFC Championship
Buccaneers v. Saints
I thought I had this prediction settled....until I realized where the Super Bowl is scheduled to be played......in Tampa Bay. Its a big assumption, but I think there would be a decent number of fans allowed by that time (here's hoping that call proves true). Being a first ever home super bowl.....I'm going with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
strengths: Big & forceful against handsy coverage. Build-up speed can overtake unsuspecting coverage. He presents a sizeable target with an expansive catch radius. Works back to the ball on all 3 levels. Uses size to create late catch space. A nasty demeanor as a run blocker. A premium special teams cover talent.
weaknesses: Pedestrian release to challenge press. Inconsistent balance out of intermediate breaks. Needs to get better at stacking CBs on deep balls. Can be tardy with catch-ready hands. Not a natural technician as a ball-catcher.
grade: 6.32 (Will be a starter within first 2 seasons)
comp: Miles Boykin
RD 3(102) Edge Alex Highsmith (Charlotte) - 6'3" 248lbs
strengths: Throws a variety of rush attacks at tackles. Clever euro-step to slip around block at the top of the rush. Quick spin counter. Instinctive against the run. Charges into the backfield. Deft shoulder turn to slip under pulling blocks. Lateral range in short spaces.
weaknesses: Gets bounced around as an edge-setter. Hands need to become more violent into initial attack. Allows himself to be squared up in the pass punch. Leaves feet when attempting to leap past tackle.
grade: 5.99 (backup/special teamer)
RD 4(124) RB Anthony McFarland (Maryland) - 5'8" 208lbs
2019: 114car/614yds/8TDs, 17rec/126yds/TD
combine: 4.44s 40, 29.5" vert
strengths: Has build-up speed to run away from tacklers. Accelerates into contact behind pads. Agility to sidestep foot traffic. Decisive runner between the tackles. Adjusts to off-target throws out of the backfield. Capable ball tracker on wheel routes.
weaknesses: Slow to gather in cut. Lacks desired feel for run lane development. Unable to slow feet & then reignite quickly. Doesn't have bend to unleash lower-body power. Runs hard but has below-average drive through contact.
grade: 5.98 (backup/special teamer)
RD 4(135) OG Kevin Dotson (Louisiana-Lafayette) 6'4" 310lbs
2019: 1st AP All-American/1st All Sun Belt
strengths: Initial steps are controlled & purposeful as a run blocker. Brute force & leg drive to generate movement. Well-versed in inside & outside zone. Takes smart angles up to 2nd-level targets. Balanced posture in pass sets with punch-ready hands.
weaknesses: Has issues keeping balance when he's cross-faced off snap. Not a natural knee bender. Ducks head into contact attempting to create leverage. Average quickness to expedite combo blocks when needed. Mirror suffers when he loses proper base width.
grade: 6.10 (Good backup who could become a starter)
comp: Jonotthan Harrison
RD 6(198) S Antoine Brooks Jr (Maryland) - 5'11" 220lbs
strengths: Highly instinctive near the line. Pursues with good leverage. Comes to balance as an open-field tackler. Intriguing pre-snap recognition. Smooth pedal moving forward & backward. An explosive leaper. Potential to be a star cover man on special teams.
weaknesses: Freelances at times. Questions about where his best position fit is. Lacks prototypical length to challenge throws. Will have issues covering man in space. Limited lateral agility creates limited tackle radius.
grade: 6.00 (Developmental traits-based prospect)
RD 7(232) DT Carlos Davis (Nebraska) - 6'2" 313lbs
2019: 32tckls (4.5TFLs), 4scks, 3PUs
combine: 4.82s 40, 27reps
strengths: Keeps hands working inside the frame. Quick punch & lift power against plodding guards. Active hands to swat pass attempts when push stalls.
weaknesses: Struggles with short-area athletic movements. Lacks initial snap quickness. Below-average lateral range. Lack of knee bend hinders contact balance & anchor.
As the Draft approaches, its time to bring back my annual preview of prospects with some connection to the Steelers (official visits, mock drafts, etc). The summaries are from NFL.com.
WR Van Jefferson (Florida) - 6'1" 200lbs
2019: 49rec/657yds/6TDs
strengths: Above-average release against the press. Alters speed & angles to keep CBs off-balance. Agility & footwork for complex routes. Attention to detail allows him to separate underneath. He works hard back to the throw. Uses his frame & strong hands to protect the catch point. Gets the ball upfield quickly after the catch.
weaknesses: Doesn't have the same vertical push on comeback routes. Lacks top-end speed to threaten vertically. More shifty than sudden at times. Can improve in creating late space at the catch point.
grade: 6.27 (Good backup who could become a starter)
comp: Adam Humphries
proj: Rds. 3-4
TE Harrison Bryant (FAU) - 6'5" 243lbs
2019: 65rec/1,004yds/7TDs, 1st AP All-American/1st All-CUSA, John Mackey Award
combine: 4,73s 40, 13reps, 32.5" vert
strengths: He offers 2nd & 3rd level catching options. Bursts into routes side-stepping traffic. Alters route tempo. Highly instinctive in space. Tenacious but technically savvy as a run & pass blocker. Shows ability to secure the catch through contact.
weaknesses: Needs a little better knee bend to improve leverage. Average in making body adjustments. Needs to tighten up route turns. Short-area shake after the catch is just average. Occasional peaks inside will cause focus drops.
grade: 6.32 (Will be a starter within first 2 seasons)
strengths: Works with pass-ready footwork/platforms in the pocket. Arm talent to work into challenging windows on all levels. Has an effortless throwing motion. Has deep-ball accuracy. Ability to alter his delivery. Shows ability to get himself protected.
weaknesses: Heavy feet in setup & in rollouts. Needs more consistency in parking safeties with his eyes. Failed to see easy reads & throws. Poor accuracy & production against pressure. Lacks early bounce to elude pocket pressure.
grade: 5.93 (backup/special teamer)
comp: Mason Rudolph
proj: Rds. 4-6
C Cesar Ruiz (Michigan) - 6'3" 307lbs
2019: 2nd All-BIG 10
combine: 5.08s 40, 28reps, 33" vert
strengths: Excellent snap-to-step quickness. Consistent to run his feet through double-teams & down-blocks. Plays with bend & leverage. Has a tenacious demeanor. Early into pass sets with good hand placement. Has a compact, stiff pass-punch with good arm extension. Clear eyes to identify pre & post-snap danger.
weaknesses: Could benefit from better acceleration & thump into the 1st blow. Needs to work at steering blocks into position. Positional blocker with average face-up power. He could struggle to set a shallow anchor.
grade: 6.37 (Will be a starter within first 2 seasons)
comp: James Daniels
proj: Rds. 2-3
WR Marquez Callaway (Tennessee) - 6'1" 205lbs
2019: 30rec/635yds, 1 punt return TD, 2nd All-SEC (returner)
combine: 4.55s 40, 38" vert
strengths: Agility & foot quickness to stem & slide past the press. Above-average ball skills. Hands are sudden & soft. Makes challenging mid-air adjustments to the catch. Long arms & elevation to rise and secure 50/50 throws. A dangerous punt returner.
weaknesses: Needs to play faster & do less coasting. Route-running doesn't manipulate the coverage. Slow to gather & open on comebacks. Rarely beats tight coverage underneath. Too easily crowded against the boundary.
grade: 5.88 (backup/special teamer)
proj: Rds. 5-6
WR Tyler Johnson (Minnesota) - 6'1" 206lbs
2019: 86rec/1,318yds/13TDs, 1st All-BIG 10
strengths: Recognizes acceleration opportunities to play past coverage. Rare ball skills & instincts as a ball-winner. Skillful bodying defenders at the catch-point. Uses tracking & stacking to handle deep catches. Excellent high-point timing & mid-air adjustments. Has top play strength.
weaknesses: Tight hips limit agility to elude the press. Lacks leaping ability & arm length for desired catch radius. Unable to find 2nd gear to run under throws. Below-average foot quickness to cross-up corners at the route stem. Disappointing separation burst out of his break. He's physical after the catch, but not very elusive.
grade: 6.16 (Good backup who could become a starter)
strengths: Highly instinctive. Takes cues from the QB. Recognition of play design puts him in opportunistic positioning. Ball tracking comes naturally. Turns to locate the ball with his back to the QB. Pursuit leverage & angles to the ball are a strength. Strikes with intensity & focus. Looks to punch out fumbles & creates turnovers.
weaknesses: Range over the top is a little bit limited. Hip tightness prevents fluid transitions. Below-average burst to drive on throws. Lack of length shows up as a tackler. Struggles to wrap-up & finish if positioning and footwork aren't on point.
grade: 6.36 (Will be a starter within first 2 seasons)
2019: 255car/1,480yds/18TDs, 21rec/198yds/5TDs, Sun Belt OPOY
combine: 4.41s 40, 20reps, 37" vert
strengths: Runs low & smooth with plus change of direction quickness. Has rare ball security. Hips are fluid & loose. Takes away tackle angles once he's past the 2nd level. A patient runner. Runs quickly after the catch. Proven effective as a kick returner.
weaknesses: Lacking determination as an inside runner. Decelerates & tucks into interior contact. Needs better recognition to find cut-backs. Elusive but not a strong tackle breaker. Needs to speed up process as a route runner.
grade: 6.18 (Good backup who could become a starter)
comp: Ronald Jones
proj: Rds. 4-5
WR Michael Pittman Jr (USC) - 6'4" 223lbs
2019: 101rec/1,275yds/11TDs, 2nd AP All-American/1st All-PAC12, Bilentikoff Award Finalist
combine: 4.52s 40, 13reps, 36.5" vert
strengths: Clears tight coverage underneath with hands & physicality. Makes contested catches on all 3 levels. Strong hands attack throws away from his frame. Can run a full route tree. Build-up speed to sneak & stack CBs vertically. Excellent work-back talent to own back-shoulder throws. Will get after it as a run blocker. Talented on special-teams with gunner value.
weaknesses: Big press corners can delay departure. Lacks suddenness to elude & burst past early punch. Takes time to present as a target on intermediate crossing routes. Will always be working with smaller catch windows.
grade: 6.38 (Will be a starter within first 2 seasons)
strengths: Shows good recognition skills. He locks out blockers. Gains backfield depth to aid in contain & make tackles for loss. Strikes to finish driving through targets. Shows some power at the top of his rush. Long euro-step to gain separation with inside counter. Swats passes down at an unusual clip.
weaknesses: Unable to sink & slither around the edge. Pops up too tall on inside counters. Can become straight-legged at the point of attack. Inconsistent hustle from backside. Below-average lateral agility. Pursuit speed is limited when the play extends.
grade: 6.20 (Good backup who could become a starter)
comp: Kyle Van Noy
proj: Rds. 3-4
DT Rashard Lawrence (LSU) - 6'2" 308lbs
2019: 28tckls (6TFLs), 2.5scks, 3PUs, 2nd All-SEC
combine: 5.07s 40, 22reps
strengths: A team player willing to eat up blocks. Good snap quickness & quick hands. Power to punch & lift the blocker. Spins out of blocks. Excellent hustle down the field to chase.
weaknesses: Plays too straight-kneed at the point of attack. Below-average body control. Upright with limited lateral quickness to work the edges. Needs better footwork to provide contact balance. Frenetic playing style leads to missed tackles.
grade: 5.92 (backup/special teamer)
comp: Carlos Watkins
proj: Rds. 4-5
ILB Shaun Bradley (Temple) - 6'1" 235lbs
2019: 87tckls (8TFLs), 3PUs, 2nd All-AAC
combine: 4.51s 40, 14reps, 32.5" vert
strengths: Patient sifting through misdirection before attacking. Effective radar as a gap-shooter to disrupt near the goal-line. Quick slide-step to slip the blocker. Core special teams experience with a history of production.
weaknesses: Struggles to stack & shed climbing blocks. Average play recognition & instincts. Average play speed & pursuit quickness. Loses gap integrity when avoiding blocks. Lacks twitch & short-area quickness to stay with cover man duties.
grade: 5.59 (Chance to make end of roster or practice squad)
proj: Rd. 6
S Grant Delpit (LSU) - 6'2" 213lbs
2019: 65tckls (4.5TFLs), 2scks, 2INTs, 7PUs, 2nd AP All-American/1st All-SEC, Jim Thorpe Award
strengths: Gets downhill into the fit before blocks get acclimated. Rushes into the backfield to set edges when needed. Offers physical detour for TEs when pressing. Covers with solid anticipation. Size & length to challenge and win contested catches. Able to jar throws free.
weaknesses: Hips lack flip-and-go fluidity in coverage. Range as a high safety is very average. Inconsistent angles in run support. Wiry frame could be a durability as a tackler. Misses an inordinate amount of tackles in a variety of ways. Frequently fails in coming to balance to strike.
grade: 6.25 (Good backup who could become a starter)
comp: Kenny Vaccaro
proj: Rds. 1-2
CB Damon Arnette (Ohio St) - 6' 195lbs
2019: 35tckls (1TFL), 1INT, 8PUs, 2nd All-BIG10
combine: 4.56s 40
strengths: Experience as an inside & outside CB. Stiff jab in press alters the release. Able to stay with WRs using strength & pressure. Bounces his eye between the route & passer. Has upper body strength to toss WRs aside & defeat blocks.
weaknesses: Quick declaration of hips makes him vulnerable. Needs to hitch riders to keep up with vertical speed. Downhill trigger stalls at the top of his drop. Some inconsistencies with angles in run support.
grade: 6.10 (Good backup who could become a starter)
strengths: A rare combination of size, speed & explosiveness. Plays with an instant twitch to pursue tackles or break on throws. Bodies up to contest downfield throws. A clear understanding of leverage in pursuit. Range for high safety & toughness to play in the box. Speed & angles to run the alley and derail or contain outside runs.
weaknesses: Idle motor from back-side at times. Inconsistent rush to fill downhill. More reactive than instinctive. Needs to improve footwork fundamentals. Eyes get hung up on WRs over diagnosing QB's intentions.
grade: 6.34 (Will be a starter within first 2 seasons)
comp: Gerald Sensabaugh
proj: Rd. 2
DT Davon Hamilton (Ohio St) - 6'4" 320lbs
2019: 28tckls (10.5TFLs), 6scks, 3rd All-BIG10
combine: 5.14s 40, 33reps, 29.5" vert
strengths: Above-average athleticism as an interior lineman. Quick to see & react to blocker's movements. Upfield quickness to penetrate into the backfield. Solid take-on technique to occupy double teams. Big closing burst down the line. Bend & leg-drive to move through redirect blocks as a rusher.
weaknesses: Loses body control & balance when play gets too frenetic. Upper body twitch to shed is just average. Rush approach is unimaginative. More of a pocket pusher than a pass rusher. Needs more skilled hands & quality counters to attack the pocket.
