strengths: Mismatches LBs at the point of attack. Pure power to torque & displace the defender. Creates considerable advantage near the goal-line. Able to adjust to off-target throws & catch in congestion.
weaknesses: Footwork into block fits needs work. Waist-bender and head-ducker at the point of attack. Stiff-kneed, limiting speed to attack the seam. Unable to sink and break off routes underneath.
grade: 6.38 (Eventually will be a plus starter) Next Gen: 85 (Good)
comp: Darren Fells
WR - Tank Dell, Houston 5'8" 165
'22: 3rd All-American/1st All-AAC, 109rec/1,398yds/17TDs, punt return TD
combine: 4.49 40, 10'1"broad jump
strengths: Keeps distance from coverage to stay unencumbered in the route. Uses jab & crossover to defeat coverage leverage. Very sudden and explosive out of his breaks. Talented to track & adjust paths to make the catch. Very nice with his feet near the sideline. Catch-&-go punt returner with game-changing ability.
weaknesses: Wasted motion getting into press release. Has drop issues. Has struggled to secure throws through contact. Below average catch radius.
grade: 6.30 (Eventually will be a plus starter) Next Gen: 83 (Good)
strengths: Able to stay square to the line & mind his gap. Upper-body twitch for sudden block sheds. Slides through gaps with upper-body turn. Easy transition from bull rush to swim as a rusher.
weaknesses: Slow getting off the ball. Lacks explosive 1st contact as a bull rusher. Allows run blockers to take the action to him. Struggles getting to his punch separation in a timely manner. Content to play under stretch blocks rather than fighting for positioning.
grade: 6.00 (Traits/talent to be an above-average backup) Next Gen: 70 (Good)
DT - Jaquelin Roy, LSU 6'3" 305
'22: 49tckls/3.5TFLs
combine: 30reps
strengths: 1st step & 1st hands are quick. Keeps eyes peeled into the backfield for the ball. Slide quickness to slap & slip around the block. Has relentless effort. Charges the outside edge to set up an inside rush counter. Clubs aside single blockers as a power rusher.
weaknesses: Below average lower body bend. Will give ground to drive blockers with leverage. Needs to play with inside hands to protect his frame. Way too upright with his swim counters.
grade: 6.27 (Eventually will be an average starter) Next Gen: 69 (Average)
strengths: Latches in with strong hands & a wide base. Inside hands to promote a strong core. Hands are patient in pass sets. Keeps head on a swivel looking for danger.
weaknesses: Below average snap-to-step quickness. Very average lateral quickness to seal the nose tackle. Unable to flip his hips for recovery blocks. Needs to find quicker hand resets in pass protection.
grade: 6.00 (Traits/Talent to be an above-average backup) Next Gen: 61 (Average)
strengths: Good explosiveness in upper and lower body. Rapid punch & release move to slip past blockers. Uses leverage and hip strength to press through redirect blocks.
weaknesses: Too caught up in playing the block rather than discarding it. Below average awareness & instincts. Too many missed tackles. Tight hips restrict ability to slide wide & improve pass-rush angles. OTs with length and strong hands derail his rush plans quickly.
grade:6.12 (Good backup with potential to develop as a starter) Next Gen: 67 (Average)
strengths: Can jab & maintain contact through press release. Digests route combination cleanly from zone. Able to partition off catch space on deep sideline throws. Explosive leaps to win the high-point battle. Aggressive attacker as a run supporter. Springs form his hips to wrap-up the ball-carrier.
weaknesses: Can be juked out of position matching press release. Will lose ground once the route becomes a foot race. Loses track of the wideout when zone focus lingers on the QB. Play-making mindset can be exploited by misdirection. Feet stalls instead of running through the tackle.
comp: Trumaine Johnson
grade: 6.28 (Will eventually be an average starter) Next Gen: 78 (Good)
strengths: Plays with the same motor throughout the game. Versatility as a nickel corner or safety. Triggers downhill into the catch point. Good closing burst in coverage, as a blitzer & as a tackler. Determined and physical as a run supporter.
weaknesses: Can be frenetic and inefficient with his movement. Moved out of position by QB's misdirection. Inconsistent matching route breaks effectively. Must play with better downhill control and positioning as a tackler.
grade: 6.25 (Will eventually be an average starter) Next Gen: 79 (Good)
strengths: Appears to have both quickness and long speed. Separation burst gains space through turns/cuts. Uses athleticism to elude defenders. Leaps & adjusts to pick throws off defender's head. Surprising catch toughness for his size.
weaknesses: Can be slowed by a physical press corner. Needs to be more disciplined in route running. Struggled with focus drops at times during his career. Unable to make a difference as a run blocker.
grade: 6.46 (Will be a good starter within 2 years) Next Gen: 86 (Good)
comp: Kadarius Toney
TE - Michael Mayer, Notre Dame 6'4 1/2" 249
'22: 1st All-American, John Mackey Award Finalist, 67rec/809yds/9TDs
combine: 4.70 40, 32.5"vert, 9'10"broad jump
strengths: Makes effort to strain & win his run blocks. Meets the defender with foot slide to gain positioning. Maintains his stride speed through route turns. Rarely distracted by route or catch conflict. Sinks suddenly into zone void and presents numbers to his QB. Plays big when it's time to win he contested catch.
weaknesses: Needs to get into blocks with quicker hands. Sluggish release and acceleration off the line. Won't generate much separation at stems & turns. Upper body looks a little tight when reaching outside the frame to catch. Below average run-after-catch talent.
grade: 6.44 (Will be a good starter within 2 years) Next Gen: 80 (Good)
strengths: Explosive vertical leaper to challenge jump balls. Communicates effectively when passing routes off from zone. Well-positioned when defending high/low route concepts. Well-built and hits more like a safety than a CB in run support. Has experience and talent for a variety of jobs on Special Teams.
weaknesses: Unable to find sudden burst to make up ground. Can be late to turn & find the ball downfield. Gets lost on multi-breaking routes. Needs to elevate his entry point as a tackler in run support. Has injury history.
grade: 6.12 (Good backup with the potential to develop as a starter) Next Gen: 77 (Good)
comp: Ross Cockrell
TE - Luke Schoonmaker, Michigan 6'5" 251
'22: 3rd All-BIG 10, 35rec/418yds/3TDs
combine: 4.63 40, 33.5"vert, 10'7"broad jump
strengths: Fluid feet to get in and out of route breaks. Able to drop & dig out the low throws. Displays the fortitude necessary for NFL run blocking. Generates lift from hip explosion into contact. Impressive feel for hand resets as a base blocker.
weaknesses: Waits on the throw rather than reaching to attack it. Low rate of success when catching in a crowd. Below average radar & adjustments as a lead blocker. Needs to add additional play strength.
grade: 6.36 (Eventually will be a plus starter) Next Gen: 76 (Good)
strengths: Starting experience at inside & outside LB spots. Good read and response to his keys. Blazing speed to track down ball-carriers in all directions. Ideal traits for use as a spy on mobile QBs. Quick to squeeze routes underneath. Explosive charge forward when activated as a blitzer.
weaknesses: Gets bumped & bounced by climbing blocks. Below-average feel for attacking blocks with timing. Pursuit angles to the sideline can run too steep. Inconsistent to break down and center his tackle tries.
grade: 6.24 (Eventually will be an average starter) Next Gen: 81 (Good)
strengths: Experienced with more complicated route asks. Creates early separation with long strides. Runs with good toughness after the catch. Eager & effective as a run blocker. Above-average talent & traits for role as a gunner on Special Teams.
weaknesses: Held up too easily by press coverage. Excessive wasted motion into the top of the route. Lacks natural ball skills down the field. Needs to carve out a cleaner catch space underneath.
grade: 6.00 (Traits/Talent to be an above-average backup) Next Gen: 71 (Good)
comp: Mack Hollins
EDGE - Byron Young, Tennessee 6'2" 250
'22: 1st All-SEC, 37tckls/12TFLs, 7scks
combine: 4.43 40, 38"vert, 11' broad jump, 22reps
strengths: Plays with a great motor & determination. Twitchy athlete with sudden change of direction. Elite 1st-step quickness for gap disruption. Hustle & burst to collect sacks with a secondary rush. Slashing quickness for successful tackle/end twists.
weaknesses: Contact balance is average at the point of attack. Below average technique to stack & shed the block. Rush requires development of moves and counters. Not a natural bend-&-corner rusher. Hands are flailing & unfocused at the top of the rush.
grade: 6.20 (Eventually will be an average starter) Next Gen: 69 (Average)
strengths: Runs with instant acceleration & gliding strides. Light, quick feet for sudden, lateral cuts. Opens the corner by altering tempo and stride to stall pursuit. Mismatch weapon in the passing game. Hands are natural, soft & sure. Above average potential as a kick returner.
weaknesses: Flashes of indecisiveness processing inside runs. Below average feel for blocking development. Missing contact power to get tough yards. Looks for cuts when the track lacks traffic.
grade: 6.37 (Eventually will be a plus starter) Next Gen: 84 (Good)
strengths: Offer nickel-back & safety versatility. Nimble feet to stay in phase with the route. Burst to close includes soft hands and plus ball skills. Has the range to play over the top as a safety. Punches & separates to free himself in run support.
weaknesses: Inconsistent chase speed when beaten deep. Gets knocked off-balance in his tight man coverage. Undercut angles on the throw runs a little shallow. Needs to take leveraged angles to the ball-carrier.
grade: 6.22 (Eventually will be an average starter) Next Gen: 74 (Good)
strengths: Steps to the line are measured & controlled. Able to make easy changes of direction in the box. Runs with adequate vision and maintains space from defenders. Surprising agility & balance for being tight-hipped. Leg strength to carry tacklers for additional yardage.
weaknesses: Runs with upright and with a noticeable hip tightness. Needs to lower pads and run behind them. Struggles to make crisp cuts as an outside runner. Doesn't show enough trust in block development. Doesn't search for much work in pass protection.
grade: 5.97 (Average backup/Special Teamer) Next Gen: 80 (Good)
strengths: Patient waiting for blocks to develop inside the scheme. Surprising build-up speed as an outside runner. Can slip one tackler and run through the next one. Above average ball security. Runs a variety of routes with a plus catch radius. Will throw heavy hits at blitzers.
weaknesses: Hip tightness forces a more upright gait. Below average instincts on inside runs. Lacks gather quickness for quick cuts. Struggles to hit the gas when his feet are forced to slow.
grade: 6.23 (Eventually will be an average starter) Next Gen: 82 (Good)
strengths: Runs with good bend & smooth change of direction. Can make sharp cuts on the 2nd level. Runs defenders into his blockers. Makes cuts off the hip of blockers with good timing.
weaknesses: Average recognition & imagination as a runner. Doesn't have much run-through power in his legs. Hands are slippery & unsure as a pass-catcher. Has significant knee injury history.
grade: 6.22 (Will eventually be an average starter) Next Gen: 82 (Good)
S - Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M 6'2" 198
'22: 1st All-SEC, 71tckls/5TFLs, 3FFs, 1PU
combine: 4.52 40, 31"vert, 9'10"broad jump, 8reps
strengths: Level of run urgency should bolster any run defense. Attacks blockers and dislodges quickly. Can play box safety or big nickel. Able to lineup over bigger targets in the slot. Transition acceleration keeps him close in man coverage. Charges through the pass-catcher to jar catches loose.
weaknesses: Not as consistent a tackler when playing deep. Backpedal is upright & lacking bend. Allows too much cushion from off-man looks. Cover talent diminishes the deeper he gets.
grade: 6.34 (Will eventually be a plus starter) Next Gen: 79 (Good)
strengths: Uses independent hands for added balance in pass protection. Quick to read twists & search for adjusted assignments. Penalty-free throughout '22. Size helps to generate movement as a drive blocker. Above average strain to sustain his blocks.
weaknesses: Struggles to effectively mirror athletic rushers. Over-extension in pass sets opens him to counters. Heavy-legged lunger on the 2nd level. Very average production on double-team blocks.
grade: 6.38 (Will eventually be a plus starter) Next Gen: 80 (Good)
comp: Tyre Phillips
WR - Cedric Tillman, Tennessee 6'3" 213
'22: 6games - 37rec/417yds/3TDs
combine: 4.54 40, 37"vert, 10'8"broad jump
strengths: Plays the game with desired physicality. Unfazed catching in traffic. Wide catch radius paired with strong hands. Adjusts his pacing & positioning for optimal catch success. Drags corners for extra yardage after the catch.
weaknesses: Lacks sudden takeoff to consistently elude physical corners. Needs to fight off coverage at the top of the route. Doesn't possess a clear 2nd gear to run under deep throws. Doesn't always snap off breaks with a decisive burst.
grade: 6.38 (Will eventually be a plus starter) Next Gen: 77 (Good)
strengths: Owns a variety of footwork tools to alter pace, direction & power. Feet are fast & fully connected with his vision for optimal results. Runs low to the ground and possesses rare contact balance. Pinballs off of angle strikes and can rip through leg tackles. Finishes runs with authority. Has soft hands and is a nightmare to deal with on wheel routes.
weaknesses: Occasionally looks towards better deal run lanes when he should be finishing. Needs to run with a more decisive plant-&-go mentality. Needs more consistent urgency in pass protection duties.
strengths: Length & power for instant press & separation at impact. Quality burst in pursuit. Explosive hips jar tackles and creates an early pocket push. Freight train to the QB once inside the pocket. Ready to void his rush and scramble with the QB.
weaknesses: Effort level as a run defender is disappointing at times. Can be robotic and inconsistent reading play development. Hip tightness prevents tight turns at the arc. Exploitable if asked to drop into coverage.
grade: 6.37 (Will eventually be a plus starter) Next Gen: 80 (Good)
comp: Carl Lawson
OT - Darnell Wright, Tennessee 6'5" 333
'22: 1st All-SEC
combine: 5.01s 40, 29"vert, 9'6" broad jump
strengths: Bulldozer vibes when working double teams and combo blocks. Able to stand his ground through one-on-one power swaps. Jolts LBs out of positioning with push. Uses length for forceful redirection in protection. Stops speed-to-power attempts consistently.
weaknesses: Gets very little bend in his 2-point stance. Below average hand resets and finish as a run blocker. More of a catcher than a puncher. Shows confusion against twist.
grade: 6.38 (Will eventually be a plus starter) Next Gen: 84 (Good)
comp: D.J. Fluker
WR - Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee 6' 176
'22: 1st All-American, 67rec/1,267yds/15TDs
combine: 4.40 40, 40"vert, 11'3" broad jump
strengths: Top-end speed creates tension for defensive coordinators. Tears into cushions & rockets past off-man coverage. Maintains spacing from physical coverage getting into the route. Glides into acceleration mode at route stems to separate. Gets pitch-and-catch opportunities underneath against off-man. Willing & effective as a perimeter blocker.
weaknesses: Route tree is somewhat limited. Knocked off course when press punch finds him. Lacks deception in his short & intermediate routes. Unsuccessful holding ground when the catch is contested.
grade: 6.50 (Boom-or-bust potential) Next Gen: 89 (Good)
comp: DeSean Jackson
WR - Rashee Rice, SMU 6'1" 204
'22: 1st All-AAC, 96rec/1,355yds/10TDs
combine: 4.51 40, 41"vert, 10'8"broad jump
strengths: His 2nd gear allows for decent vertical separation. Effective ball-tracking with talent to alter trip to the ball. Impressive leap-&-lean on jump-ball challenges. Play strength to separate late and snatch with extended hands. Scrambles with the QB and works hard back on throws.
weaknesses: Lacks commitment to detail as a route runner. Inconsistent use of frame to shield the defender. Frequent free-releaser who needs to prove he can beat press.
grade: 6.00 (Traits/talent to be an above-average backup) Next Gen: 83 (Good)
RB - Roschon Johnson, Texas 6' 219
'22: 93c/554yds/5TDs, 14rec/128yds/1TD
combine: 4.58 40, 31.5"vert, 10'2"broad jump
strengths: Running style is highly determined & very physical. Creates yardage with broken tackles. Willing and capable in pass protection. Has four phase Special Teams experience.
weaknesses: Lacks juice to widen the field & find chunk runs. Trouble re-accelerating when his feet are forced to slow. Missing creativity between the tackles. Slow getting through his jump-cuts.
grade: 5.92 (Average backup/Special Teamer) Next Gen: 67 (Average)
strengths: Ready to rush into the alley and slow the outside run. Able to alter track to mirror runner's movement in pursuit. Finds angles to play the ball in tight spaces. Jarred a high number of throws loose from wideouts.
weaknesses: Slows feet & catches the collision in the open field. Needs to play with better eye balance from off-man. Average chase burst at the top of the route. Very average feel when perched as a high safety.
grade: 5.95 (Average backup/Special Teamer) Next Gen: 73 (Good)
EDGE - Nolan Smith, Georgia 6'2" 238
'22: 8 games - 18tckls/7TFLs, 3scks
combine: 4.39 40, 41.5"vert, 10'8"broad jump
strengths: Attacks pulling blocks. Rare point of attack leverage strength for his size. Cuts a tight, efficient track to the ball in pursuit. Agility for more creative edge-to-edge attacks in the future.
weaknesses: Unable to generate speed-to-power conversion. Rush plan can be monotonous & lacking counters. Unable to control blocks & shed quickly. Very average pursuit speed for a smaller player.
grade: 6.33 (Will eventually be a plus starter) Next Gen: 80 (Good)
strengths: Enticing agility & short-space athleticism for his size. Plays with bend and has the ability to elude or challenge blockers. Displays ability to rush with a plan in place. Powerful hips help drive through redirect blocks.
weaknesses: Rush becomes a little too straight-legged. Below average closing quickness to the QB. Unable to build momentum when initial movement is neutralized. Freestyles & loses his run fits.
grade: 6.38 (Will eventually be a plus starter) Next Gen: 71 (Good)
comp: George Karlaftis
WR - Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio St 6'1" 196
'22: 3 games: 5rec/43yds
combine: 35"vert, 10'5"broad jump
strengths: Elevates his catch focus when contested. Leverages his intermediate break points. Tracks deep throws with poise & accuracy. Athletic and smooth catching on the move. Plays to his top speed throughout the route.
weaknesses: Rolls into his breaks with top-heavy momentum. Lacks suddenness for separation in & out of breaks. Below average top-end speed to win vertically. Likely to be viewed as a slot-only option. Lacks burst to elude after the catch.
grade: 6.41 (Will become a good starter within 2 years) Next Gen: 84 (Good)
strengths: Has range & instincts to play single-high safety. Pedals and transitions with smooth, agile feet. Able to mirror & match patterns from off-man. Uses ball-hawking angles and explosive burst to undercut the pass. Attacks blockers of all sizes with consistent tenacity. Diagnoses run & pursues runner with proper leverage and angles.
weaknesses: Could use tighter route squeeze relative to down & distance. Becomes a drag-down tackler when coming in too high. Occasionally outflanked as a run defender from the start.
grade: 6.49 (Will become a good starter within 2 years) Next Gen: 87 (Good)
comp: Minkah Fitzpatrick
WR - Jayden Reed, Michigan St 5'11" 187
'22: 2nd All-BIG 10, 55rec/636yds/5TDs
combine: 4.45 40, 33.5"vert, 10'1"broad jump
strengths: Accelerates to his top speed in a hurry. Good ball skills to track & time the deep throw. Makes winning plays on back shoulder throws. Can be elusive when needed after the catch. Has 3 career punt return TDs.
weaknesses: Quicker than fast with average deep separation. Hip tightness limits in-&-out quickness at route breaks. Doesn't always finish his routes. Loses catch focus working into the middle of the field.
grade: 5.98 (Average backup/Special Teamer) Next Gen: 71 (Good)
strengths: Attacks seams & crevices as a run defender near the line. Stalks the route with anticipatory movement. Drives through his targets to disrupt the catch. Rushes in for attack versus quick game. Versatility to align as a FS or nickel-back.
weaknesses: Takes sloppy angles as a downhill run supporter. Will overstep positioning and lose his leverage. Receivers can challenge him above the rim. Fails to make up ground in a foot race.
grade: 6.11 (Good backup with the potential to develop as a starter) Next Gen: 76 (Good)
comp: Damarious Randall
WR - Jordan Addison, USC 5'11" 173
'22: 1st All-PAC 12, 59rec/875yds/8TDs
combine: 4.49s 40, 34"vert, 10'2" broad jump
strengths: Possesses athleticism & speed to work anywhere on the field. Smart use of footwork defeats coverage leverage. Good sink & foot agility getting in and out of breaks. Can be a slippery runner after the catch. Has punt return experience.
weaknesses: Route timing can be disrupted by handsy corners. Limited catch radius for off-target throws. Needs better timing in working back to throws. Unable to create catch space downfield against size.
comp: Tyler Lockett
grade: 6.36 (Will eventually be a plus starter) Next Gen: 84 (Good)
WR - Zay Flowers, Boston College 5'9" 182
'22: 1st All-ACC, 78rec/1,077yds/12TDs
combine: 4.42 40, 35.5"vert, 10'7"broad jump
strengths: Sudden feet to slip the press & race ahead of coverage. Routes are fast and maintain their momentum through turns. Lower body flexion to corner tightly at break points. Tracks & catches deep balls with above average poise. Works back to the throw when needed. Very slippery as an open-field runner.
weaknesses: In too much of a hurry at times. Routes need better salesmanship and attention to detail. Needs to do a better job of finding optimal holes in zone coverage. Teams might have to live with more drops than they would like to see.
grade: 6.46 (Good starter within 2 years) Next Gen: 82 (Good)
