RD 2(49) WR Chase Claypool (Notre Dame) - 6'4" 238lbs
2019: 66rec/1,037yds/13TDs
combine: 4.42s 40, 19reps, 40.5" vert
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
2019: 75tckls (21.5TFLs), 14scks, 3rd All-American/1st All-CUSA
combine: 4.70s 40, 33"vert
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
2019: 87tckls (8.5TFLs), 1INT, 5PUs, 2nd All-BIG10
combine: 4.64s 40, 18reps, 34.5" vert
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.
grade: 5.40 (Priority Free Agent)
