Tuesday, December 28, 2021

2022 Grammy's Album of The Year Review: "We Are" - Jon Batiste

 



For this year's reviews of the album of the year nominees, I simplified my grading. I grade each song (not any interludes or preludes) out of 10, coming up with a final score out of 100. 


"We Are" - Jon Batiste



(All Rights To Verve Records)

1) "We Are" ft/ Autumn Rowe, Braedon Gautier, Brennan Gautier, Craig Adams, David Gauthier, Gospel Soul Children Choir & Saint Augustine High School Marching 100

This deals with the ability to make change; "The ghetto is full of stars, bless them, shine from afar.....The country is full of stars, but they're in the dark". There's a very energized outro.


2) "Tell The Truth"

This track is about being honest; "Whether looking for love? Are you looking for fame? Before you go off, better know the game". 


3) "Cry"

A bluesy track, this deals with social unrest. There's a smooth guitar break.


4) "I Need You"

Upbeat, Jon is seeking to spread joy amid unrest; "I love the way you're livin', 'Cause you so genuine".


5) "Whatchutalkinbout"

With a unique feel, Jon deals with challenges he's faced along his journey.


6) "Boy Hood" ft/ PJ Morton, Trombone Shorty

Starting a trilogy, this deals with what it felt like growing up in New Orleans.


7) "Movement 11' "

Continuing the theme of coming of age, this instrumental track builds on top of itself.


8) "Adulthood" ft/ Hot 8 Brass Band

This deals with suddenly arriving to a sense of maturity.


9) "Mavis"

This short snippet is the inspiration that Jon found with Mavis Staples.


10) "Freedom"

"Freedom" is about the beacons of freedom and expressing yourself; "When I move my body just like this, I don't know why but I feel like freedom".


11) "Show Me The Way" ft/ Zadie Smith

This is an homage to inspiration.


12) "Sing" 

This track deals with singing when feeling overwhelmed with emotion; "On the verge of cryin', I don't feel like tryin', But instead I'll sing.....When I'm done with worries, And no one's around me, Don't you know, I'll sing".


13) "Until"

This is both a moment of celebration, but with the instrumental background pondering what's next.



Just a fantastic album. Unlike some of the others I've reviewed thus far, I was left wanting any more at the close of "We Are". Jon Batiste has a way about his vocals that are incredibly expressive. I foresee many more grammy nominations in his future. (95)


Billie Eilish "Happier Than Ever" - 97

Jon Batiste "We Are" - 95

Lil Nas X "Montero" - 85

H.E.R "Back Of My Mind" - 78

Kanye West "Donda" - 61





Tuesday, December 21, 2021

2022 Grammy's Album Of The Year Review: "Back Of My Mind" - H.E.R

 

For this year's reviews of the album of the year nominees, I simplified my grading. I grade each song (not any interludes or preludes) out of 10, coming up with a final score out of 100. 


"Back Of My Mind" - H.E.R

 


 (All Rights To RCA Records)

 

1) "We Made It"

With a tranquil groove, this is about how she finally reached her dreams; "Running red lights, and following the signs, it's been a long ride". 

 

2) "Back Of My Mind" ft/ Ty Dolla $ign

This is about a bond with a past romance; "I'm still the greatest of all time, in the back of your mind". Ty doesn't bring much of anything to the track.


3) "Trauma" ft/ Cordae

This deals with perception & public image.


4) "Damage"

Sampling "Making Love In The Rain", H.E.R doesn't want to be taken for granted. She uses her full range, and there's a nice piano outro.


5) "Find A Way" ft/ Lil Baby

Dealing with the journey to fame, there's some clunky writing.


6) "Bloody Waters"

There's passion behind the central message to this track; "speculate caution signs, Incriminate people's minds, war and love don't combine".


7) "Closer To Me"

This track is a bit bland.


8) "Come Through" ft/ Chris Brown

This is a duet about the urge to see each other. Overall, this track is just sort of there.


9) "My Own"

She's trying to be independent from her partner.


10) "Lucky"

This describes a romance.


11) "Cheat Code"

This deals with the frustration and tension of a romance.


12) "Mean It"

She's becoming skeptical of her partner's intentions; "Maybe I should be more like her, Just forget about what's right, just forget about my worth".


13) "Paradise" ft/ Yung Bleu

 

14) "Process"

 

15) "Hold On"

She's trying to move on; "How do you get somewhere comfortable, then leave?". There's a nice closing guitar rift.


16) "Don't"

This track opens with a nice guitar intro.


17) "Exhausted"

There isn't much behind this track.


18) "Hard To Love"

She's struggling after a break-up; "I can't expect you to fix all my issues".


19) "For Anyone"

There's some particularly good writing; "I look for peace of mind in someone else's eyes".


20) "I Can Have It All" ft/ DJ Khaled & Bryson Tiller

Dealing with the rise to fame, this track is somewhat redundant.


21) "Slide" w/ YG

This deals with her new perspective on love & relationships; "I don't care if we on the run, Nothin' matters when we one on one".



"Back Of My Mind" is a mixed bag of an album. There are genuinely some strong and passionate tracks, but a lot of filler as well in this bloated album. Sometimes less can be more, as some tracks get lost in the shuffle with twenty-one of them.  (78)

 


Billie Eilish "Happier Than Ever" - 97

Lil Nas X "Montero" - 85

H.E.R "Back Of My Mind" - 78

Kanye West "Donda" - 61

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

2022 Grammy's Album of The Year Review: "Happier Than Ever" - Billie Eilish

 


For this year's reviews of the album of the year nominees, I simplified my grading. I grade each song (not any interludes or preludes) out of 10, coming up with a final score out of 100. 


"Happier Than Ever" - Billie Eilish



(All Rights To Darkroom/Interscope Records)


1) "Getting Older"

This is a vulnerable intro with a synth beat; "Last week, I realized I crave pity, when I retell a story I make everything sound worse......Just bad at healing". She's ultimately striving to be better.


2) "I Didn't Change My Number"

This track details how she separated from a past relationship; "I didn't change my number, I only changed who I believe in".


3) "Billie Bossa Nova"

A more sensual tone with a nice beat.


4) "My Future"

She's reflecting on her past and what's yet to come, with a melancholic leading to an optimistic feel.


5) "Oxytocin"

This has an uptempo/club beat; "You know I need you for the oxytocin". The back-half feels a bit redundant.


6) "GOLDWING"

This is about a woman who's gone through trauma, with an angelic sounding intro; "Gonna claim you like a souvenir just to sell you in a year".


7) "Lost Cause"

There's a nice groove to this track; "I used to wish you were mine, but that was way before I realized someone like you would always be so easy to find".


8) "Halley's Comet"

This track starts off with a nice piano intro; "I've been loved before but right now in this moment I feel more and more like I was made for you".


9) "Not My Responsibility"

A spoken word track, this deals with body image & objectification; "Would you like me to be smaller, weaker, softer, taller?.....Is my value based only on your perception". Really sending a powerful message.


10) "Over Heated" 

A follow up to "Not My Responsibility", this also addresses objectification; "I was only built like everybody else now, But I didn't get a surgery to help out, 'Cause I'm not about to redesign myself now, am I?"


11) "Everybody Dies"

A reminiscence on death; "I sure have a knack for seeing life more like a child". 


12) "Your Power"

This deals with an abusive relationship; "She said 'you were a hero, you played the part', 'But you ruined her in a year, don't act like it was hard' ". 


13) "NDA"

This deals with romance amid fame; "30 under 30 for another year, I can barely go outside, I think I hate it here".


14) "Therefore I Am"

This is about those who use her for clout; "Get my pretty name outta your mouth, We are not the same with or without".


15) "Happier Than Ever"

A therapeutic reflection on a past relationship, there's a tonal shift midway through that's laid out perfectly.


16) "Male Fantasy"

A ballad on heartbreak and what's real versus fake. She doesn't know if she's just pretending to get over them.


I wasn't sure how Billie Eilish was going to follow up her incredible debut album, but she found a way. She takes it to another level with "Happier Than Ever" that just has you wondering what could be next. Unlike "Donda", this album seemed to fly by.  (97)


Billie Eilish "Happier Than Ever" - 97

Lil Nas X "Montero" - 85

Kanye West "Donda" - 61 


Thursday, December 9, 2021

2022 Grammy's Album of The Year Review: "Donda" - Kanye West

 




For this year's reviews of the album of the year nominees, I simplified my grading. I grade each song (not any interludes or preludes) out of 10, coming up with a final score out of 100. 



"Donda" - Kanye West



(All Rights To GOOD & Dej Jam Records)


1) "Donda Chant" ft/ Syleena Johnson

This acts as a meditative opening track.


2) "Jail" ft/ Jay-Z

Jail depicts Kanye amidst crisis in regards to his public image and marriage. Overall this track is rather repetitive, and not very creative in dealing with that reflection. 


3) "God Breathed" ft/ Vory

He's imploring the listener to trust God. The writing is just awful, I mean; "God, the father like Maury". Vory's verses on their own would make for a better song.


4) "Off The Grid" ft/ Flvio Foreign & Playboy Carti

There are mixed messages among the verses.


5) "Hurricane" by Kanye West & The Weeknd ft/ Lil Baby

There's a nice flow from The Weeknd; "Father hold me close, don't let me drown". Kanye gets really personal.


6) "Praise God" ft/ Baby Keem & Travis Scott

This track deals with raising awareness.


7) "Jonah" ft/ Lil Durk & Vory

This is a tribute to Jonah Ware; "I hope you're here when I need the demons to be gone".


8) "Ok Ok" ft/ Lil Yachty & Rooga

'Ok Ok' is a reflection on betrayal and demonization in the public eye, but the track is yawn-inducing.


9) "Junya" ft/ Playboi Carti

This is a tribute to designer Junya Watanabe. The writing doesn't provide much.


10) "Believe What I Say" 

This is another track on reflection; "people say tweeting gonna make you die early".


11) "24" 

'24' is a dedication to Kobe Bryant and about the fragility of life.


12) "Remote Control" ft/ Young Thug

Another reflection on faith, Kanye is saying that God has a plan laid out.


13) "Moon" ft/ Don Toliver & Kid Cudi

A very tranquil track; "Angels, they say I'm not ever weak".


14) "Heaven & Hell" 

Opening with a distorted sounding intro, it follows with a staccato flow.


15) "Donda" ft/ Stalone & The World Famous Tony Williams

The title track acts as a sort of interlude, featuring Kanye's late mother.


16) "Keep My Spirit Alive" ft/ Conway the Machine & Westside Gunn

Dealing with past reflections, the first verse isn't very pleasing to listen to. 


17) "Jesus Lord" ft/ Jay Electronica

This track lays out a story, saying those on tough times need to listen to their faith.


18) "New Again" 

This track is about a spiritual rebirth, but has a cluttered intro.


19) "Tell The Vision" ft/ Pop Smoke

This acts as a tribute to Pop Smoke.


20) "Lord I Need You" 

Kanye reflects on his relationship to Kim K.


21) "Pure Souls" ft/ Roddy Ricch & Sheneseea

'Pure Souls' reflects on challenges, and rising up without selling one's soul. 


22) "Come To Life" 

Kanye desires for another life, wishing he had listened more.


23) "No Child Left Behind" ft/ Vory

This references the children of God.


24) "Jail Pt. 2" ft/ DaBaby & Marilyn Manson

A controversial track due to this collaboration, especially Manson and the sexual assault allegations levied against him.


25) "Ok Ok pt 2" ft/ Rooga & Shenseea"


26) "Junya Pt. 2" ft/ Playboi Carti & Ty Dolla $ign


27) "Jesus Lord Pt. 2" ft/ Jay Electronica & the Lox



I'll be honest, "Donda' was a sludge to get through. There are some good things there (mainly in the back-half and the solo tracks), but this album is so muddled. If the track list had been halved, then maybe 'Donda' would be worthy of the grammy nomination, but as it is, it felt like a chore to listen to. (61)


Lil Nas X "Montero" - 85

Kanye West "Donda" - 61

  


Tuesday, November 30, 2021

2022 Grammy's Album of the Year Review: "Montero" - Lil Nas X

 



For this year's reviews of the album of the year nominees, I simplified my grading. I grade each song (not any interludes or preludes) out of 10, coming up with a final score out of 100. 


Lil Nas X - "Montero"



All Rights to Columbia Records

1) "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)"

Nas wants to make it feel real with his partner. There are some biblical references, along with wanting the ones that he envies.


2) "Dead Right Now"

This deals with fake interactions amidst his rise to stardom; "you know you never used to call, keep it that way now". This track is very bibliographical.


3) "Industry Baby" ft/ Jack Harlow

He's reflecting on fame & success. He also calls out his critics from early on in his career; "funny how you said it was the end". Overall, Harlow's parts feel predictable.


4) "That's What I Want"

This is an upbeat track on his desire for love; "Cause it don't feel right when it's late at night and it's just me in my dreams". A very catchy track overall.


5) "The Art Of Realization"

A short track about his various doubts.


6) "Scoop" ft/ Doja Cat

This deals with Nas's quest to be trending; "Understand, I'm just tryna be the daily". Doja gives her perspective on her make-over and rise to the top.


7) "One Of Me" ft/ Elton John

Nas deals with his rise past "Old Town Road"; "Just stick to what your best at".


8) "Lost In The Citadel"

This is about a one-sided relationship; "I need time to get up & get off the floor...we no longer sing the same notes". 


9) "Dolla Sign Slime" ft/ Megan Thee Stallion

This is an anthemic take on success; "Now I'm with the hits like I'm Babe Ruth". 


10) "Tales Of Dominica"

This pertains to his family relationships; "In this broken home, everyone becomes predictable...out on my own, I'm floating in an ocean-less sea". 


11) "Sun Goes Down"

He's portraying a younger version of himself; "Don't wanna lie, I don't want a life". He also deals with his earlier thoughts pertaining to homosexuality; "These gay thoughts would always haunt me, I prayed God would take it from me". 


12) "Void"

This acts as a letter to his past self; "Lately I been feelin' small as the salt in the sea". A terrific use of imagery.


13) "Don't Want It"

This track plays with "Hush, little baby".


14) "Life After Salem"

With a slow rock intro, Nas is reflecting on a past love; "Get yourself an adderall, and throw me up against the wall, I love it when you show no love at all". 


15) "Am I Dreaming" ft/ Miley Cyrus

This track deals with the realities of growing up LGBTQ, with a melancholy feel. Just a perfect collaboration to close out the album.



Lil Nas X shows real growth with this first full album. With reflections on his life, moving past "Old Town Road" and coming to terms with himself, there is a lot to like about "Montero". He is definitely here to stay. (85)

Lil Nas X "Montero" - 85








Thursday, September 9, 2021

2021 NFL Season Preview

 




Next to the NFC West, the AFC North could be the most competitive division this season. Right out of the gate, the Ravens are seeing a rash of injuries hit their team, with now both running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards looking doubtful this season, along with CB Marcus Peters. They'll be tested early to see if they can respond.

The Browns finally made a run of it following seasons of "winning on paper". Now with hopefully a healthy Odell Beckham, can they repeat and made a deep run?

The Steelers biggest question mark will be the offensive line, and how does Ben Roethlisberger hold up throughout the year? Hopefully with rookie RB Najee Harris, the running game can finally reach where its expected to be in Pittsburgh.

As for the Bengals, can Joe Burrow rebound from his knee injury last year and survive behind that offensive line?


1) Browns 11-6

2) Steelers 9-8

3) Ravens 9-8

4) Bengals 4-13





Its a new era in New England, as Mac Jones takes over at QB. The Patriots will be looking to return to the playoffs with the number of defensive players returning after sitting out last season.

The Bills are coming in hot, with Josh Allen having a breakout season. He'll have even more weapons this time around, with Emmanuel Sanders joining the Bills' receiver corp. Their biggest question will be the consistency of the running game.

The Dolphins opted to stick with Tua at QB, now can he put any first-year hiccups behind him?

The Jets will start yet another era with Zach Wilson at QB. Can the Jets finally get out of the basement?

1) Bills 13-4
2) Patriots 10-7
3) Dolphins 7-10
4) Jets 6-11


It'll be interesting to see how the Jaguars look with Urban Meyer and QB Trevor Lawrence taking over. It feels like a long road for Jacksonville to get back to where they were a few years ago.

The biggest question for the Colts regards the health of new QB Carson Wentz.

The Titans feel like the most consistent team in this division, with the offensive trio of Ryan Tannehill, A.J Brown and Derrick Henry.

The Texans are just a mess, no other way to put it.

1)Titans 12-5
2) Colts 8-9
3) Jaguars 5-12
4) Texans 3-14


The Broncos will be rolling yet another new QB with Teddy Bridgewater winning the job over Drew Lock. Can he provide Denver with some stability?

The Chiefs found out in last year's super bowl just how dire their offensive line situation was with a few injuries. They looked to address that, bringing in veteran guards Kyle Long and Joe Thuney.

The Chargers enter year 2 with Justin Herbert, who statistically had a very impressive year. Can things finally come together now for the Chargers?

Is Gruden on the hot seat with the Raiders? We'll see.

1) Chiefs 15-2
2) Chargers 11-6
3) Raiders 9-8
4) Broncos 7-10


Playoff Field:
1) Chiefs
-------------
2) Bills
3) Titans
4) Browns
-------------
5) Chargers
6) Patriots
7) Steelers

Wildcard Round:
Steelers v. Bills

Patriots v. Titans

Chargers v. Browns

Division Round:
Chargers v. Chiefs

Titans v. Bills

AFC Championship:
Bills v. Chiefs






Is the Kirk Cousins era in Minnesota starting to wear out? It might if the Vikings continue merely treading water.

Just how long until the Bears turn to Justin Fields at QB?

Being that this seems to be Aaron Rodgers' last year in Green Bay, will his tenure end with a title?

The Lions are in total rebuild mode.

1) Packers 13-4
2) Vikings 8-9
3) Bears 6-11
4) Lions 3-14


How will Jalen Hurts to with a full year to start in Philadelphia? The Eagles could be an x-factor in this division.

With Dak Prescott, just how high are the expectations in Dallas?

Washington is rolling with Ryan Fitzpatrick, can he keep Washington in contention?

As for the Giants, can they expect a full year from RB Saquon Barkley?

1) Cowboys 9-8
2) Eagles 8-9
3) Washington 7-10
4) Giants 6-11




Can Sam Darnold work it out in Carolina?

The Buccaneers really started to click towards the back half of last season resulting in their blowout Super Bowl win. Returning all of their starters, can the Bucs and Tom Brady keep it rolling?

The Falcons seem to be in-between rebuilding and contending. Is this Matt Ryan's last year in Atlanta?

The Saints are moving on from Drew Brees, and are going with Jameis Winston as their week 1 starter. Can he improve on his turnover problems from his Tampa Bay days?

1) Buccaneers 14-3
2) Saints 10-7
3) Falcons 7-10
4) Panthers 5-12



As I mentioned up top, the NFC West looks to be the most competitive division this season. That starts with the Rams, who are moving forward with QB Matthew Stafford. 

The 49ers have a choice before them with QBs Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance.

Entering year 3 with Kyler Murray, the Cardinals are hoping to be contenders.

Like with the Packers, the Seahawks found themselves in some offseason drama with Russell Wilson. Can they move forwards?

1) Seahawks 12-5
2) Rams 11-6
3) Cardinals 10-7
4) 49ers 9-8

Playoff Field:
1) Buccaneers
------------------
2) Packers
3) Seahawks
4) Cowboys 
-------------------
5) Rams
6) Saints
7) Cardinals

Wildcard Round:
Cardinals v. Packers

Saints  v. Seahawks

Rams v. Cowboys

Divisional Round:
Saints v. Buccaneers
Rams v. Packers

NFC Championship:
Rams v. Buccaneers




 


A possible matchup from last year, what a sight it would be to see the Bills face their longtime foe and divisional roadblock Tom Brady. These two teams would seem to match-up well against each other. Being how difficult its been lately for team to repeat, I think the Buffalo Bills get that long awaited championship. 







 

 
 







 




Saturday, May 15, 2021

Buffalo Bills 2021 Draft Review





All Draft Summaries Come From NFL.COM



                                      

RD 1 (30) EDGE Greg Rousseau - Miami (FL)  6'7"  266lbs



Strengths: Unusual feel for hand-to-hand battles as a recent convert from receiver. Keeps eyes steadied into the backfield throughout rep. Ability to escape blocks to re-establish positioning. Can spill & chase effectively against the run. Two-hand swipe is concise and accurate. Athleticism & agility for smooth change of direction in secondary rush. Above-average when shadowing scrambling QBs. Leg-strider with close-out burst that expands his sack radius.

Weaknesses: Not overly twitchy or fleet in attacking the corner with upfield charge. Conversion of speed to power is below-average. Needs heavier hands at the point of attack. Absorbs more than he doles out in initial contact. Balance through contact is erratic. 

Grade: 6.30 (Will Be a Starter Within First 2 Seasons)



RD 2 (61) DE Carlos "Boogie" Basham Jr - Wake Forest  6'3"  274lbs



2020: 3rd All-ACC, 28tckls/5.5TFLs, 5scks

Strengths: Efficient hand fighter who's able to play past initial blocks in edge alignment. Ability to use tackle's forward momentum against him. Punch into full-arm extension is instant. Rush hands are extremely active & sufficiently violent. Drives under & through redirect blocks at the turn. Instinctive rush approach with ability to reset mode of attack. Moves quickly for a big and hits with heavy thuds. Lays into QBs, causing fumbles during sacks.

Weaknesses: Rush is devoid of desired suddenness off the edge. Lacks lateral quickness & agility for effective twist attacks. Occasionally freelances himself out of position in the run game. Blocks stay connected to him once they find his frame. Tightness hinders change-of-direction movements.

Comp: Marlon Davidson

Grade: 6.29 (Good Backup, Could Become a Starter)




RD 3 (93)  OT Spencer Brown - Northern Iowa  6'9"  314lbs



Strengths: A natural bender with impressive athletic ability. Foot agility & explosiveness to make all the move blocks. Accelerates into the block & immediately runs feet with vigor. Good recognition of late add-ons looking to blitz. Flashes talent to throw a variety of protection looks at pass rushers. 

Weaknesses: Opponents often get under his pads due to high center of gravity. Missed blocks usually due to footwork issues. Second level climbs can lack control at times. Needs to eliminate forward lean into punch. Doesn't stay square for as long as he needs to in pass sets.

Comp: Jared Veldheer

Grade: 6.25 (Good Backup, Could Become a Starter)




RD 5 (161)  OT Tommy Doyle-  Miami (OH)  6'6"  320lbs



2020: 1st All-MAC

Strengths: Multiple kick-slide depths available to him depending on the ground to gain. Flips hips around opponent to wall off & secure base blocks. Unlocks hips to turn & redirect rusher past the pocket. Instinctive hands reset & find their way as a run & pass blocker. Dips & lifts into down blocks. Footwork after first contact is above-average. 

Weaknesses: Needs to eliminate some of his waist-bending & forward lean. Excessive wasted motion getting out of his stance & into pull blocks. Lacks fluidity working from block to block. Defenders work away from his attempts to sustain the block. Hands need to be thrown quicker & further inside. Below-average body control in pass sets.

Grade: 5.93 (Backup/Special Teamer)




RD 6 (203)  WR Marquez Stevenson - Houston  5'10"  182lbs



2020: 20rec/307yds/4TDs, 1 Kick Return TD

Strengths: Instant acceleration propels him past would-be tacklers. Has explosive catch-and-run ability. Above-average feel for exploiting opportunities in the open-field. Instinctive kick return talent with 3 TDs over the last 2 years. 

Weaknesses: Has an injury history. False steps into routes off the snap. Doesn't always play to his real speed when getting into patterns. Struggles to track & stack effectively downfield. Below-average upper-body & hand strength to win 50-50 balls. Needs to become much more physical & competitive. 

Grade: 5.92 (Backup/Special Teamer)




RD 6 (212)  S Damar Hamlin - Pittsburgh  6'1"  200lbs



2020: 2nd All-ACC, 67tckls/3.5TFLs, 2INTs, 7PUs

Strengths: Keys QB & early play design for clues. Good balance between dual receiver threats from zone. Overlaps his coverage to make a play underneath. Above-average ball skills when challenged at the catch point. Feel for angles to make contact at the catch. Has ability to fit-up & wrap-up near the line of scrimmage. 

Weaknesses: Has an injury history. Vertical speed will rush by him. Modest burst to chase the route. Gets turned around tracking deep routes. Will default to risky leg drives at off-angles. Indecisive with sticky-feet as an open-field tackler.

Grade: 5.80 (Backup/Special Teamer)




RD 6 (213)  CB Rachad Wildgoose - Wisconsin  5'10"  191lbs



2020: 6tckls/2TFLs, 1 PU

Strengths: Feet for early mirror of release. Quick to close distance on receiver early in route. Extremely physical & flusters the catch space. Reads eyes & times his scrapes.

Weaknesses: Often too early in declaring & opening hips. Doesn't trust technique & positioning. Weight is too far forward when transitioning with the stem. Below-average burst to stay connected at break points. Needs to finish plays.

Grade: 5.46 (Priority Free Agent)




RD 7 (236)  OG Jack Anderson - Texas Tech  6'5"  314lbs



2020: 1st All-BIG 12

Strengths: Plays with good overall foot quickness. Churns feet & drives through down blocks. Can handle short & long-pull duties. Patient & athletic when climbing up to LBs. Punch is fairly compact with inside hands. Quick-trigger mirror steps to catch inside moves. Looks for additional work in pass pro when uncovered.

Weaknesses: Play can get wild & out of control. Run-blocking footwork is random at times. Hard charging on the move & needs better body control. Has tendency to lunge into his punch. Lack of core power leaves him fighting to hang on.

Comp: Dru Samia

Grade: 5.85 (Backup/Special Teamer)