On The Clock: 2019 RCF NFL Mock Draft

[Randolphkeys]

Washington takes Blake Cashman, linebacker, Minnesota. Hopefully they circle back and write up details on why they wanted the coverage linebacker.

@blommen is on the clock.

 

[blommen]

With the 77th pick in 2019 NFL Draft the Oakland Raiders select...

Miles Sanders, RB, Penn State

Why Sanders:
Sanders answers a large need at the Running Back position, even if he isn't a finished product yet. He only started one year in College after Barkley lit the Football world on fire in 2017. While there are still issues mentally and the game is still too fast for him, but there are dozens of examples on his amazing upside. This is very much a pick for the future and Sanders shouldn't be ready to be a truly high level RB coming into his rookie year, but the upside and potential is too good to pass up.

The Numbers:
Height: 5'11''
Weight: 211 lbs
40 yard: 4.49

Vision - At his best when reading power concepts and working with pullers, or in other slow-developing man-blocking concepts like Iso and Duo. Has some solid flashes when working inside zone, especially when he's able to quickly hit a backside cut upfield. Outside zone reads are really rough: ends up in his blocker's backs, pushing to create space where there is none, and working into the hands of the defense. Second-level vision to string moves together and anticipate angles is impressive.

Burst - Springy young fellow. Takes big, powerful, urgent strides when looking to build up steam -- doesn't have that immediate boost, but 5-yard acceleration is generally solid. At his best when sticking his foot in the ground and exploding out of a cut, but that trait doesn't marry well with his poor outside zone vision. Tends to play not at full speed, which allows him to use sudden bursts in second and third level to manipulate defenders.

Change of Direction - A joy to watch in this are. Can drop his hips low and jump cut to anywhere the eye can see. Works unorthodox footwork and angles into surprising redirections that catch defenders out of position. Has super silky hips that allow him to weave and slice when working with clean runways to the second level, which he didn't get often behind a poor offensive line. Sets up his second move with his first move. Illustrates a hesitation/stutter step that can be devastating against flow.

Power - Leaves a bit to be desired. Can lower his pads, duck his head, and careen into contact blindly, but doesn't bring the sort of leg churn and tackle-breaking ability you'd like to see from a back his size. Can be dragged down around the waist. Doesn't generate much forward displacement when working through a pile. There's no aversion to contact or lacking body mass, he just doesn't have a great power running profile.

2nd Level Speed - A bit of a question mark given play style: is a patient, pick-at-you runner who likes to vary speeds at all three levels. At times seemingly running at full speed when working to get to the boundary, but still seems to be running with a sense of timing and control. Athletic testing and flashes seem to indicate a great speed profile, but breakaway runs are limited on tape.

Contact Balance - Above average. Has a wide base as a runner and ability to sink hips low serves him well in this regard. Stays tethered to the ground through the first level with quick and explosive cuts, and has the ability to pinball off of contact as he works his way through tight gaps. Can get over-interested in his own footwork and accordingly leave himself susceptible to backside pursuit tackles.

Decision-making - Lacking in great instinct, which can be partially excused because of his role as a first-time starter. Does not yet understand how to fully maximize his explosiveness and cutting ability by working backside/into space on zone flow. Ability to read and manipulate second level defenders seems inconsistent: will get locked into sunlight at times and burrow his way into a modest gain, and at other times look to bounce outside when he's clearly contained.

Pass Catching - Was heavily involved in the passing game and regularly lined up in the slot. Ran a full gamut of routes for a college running back with a good degree of success. Cuts are a bit lazy and underdeveloped, but then again, he isn't really a slot receiver, is he? Effort on passing patterns can be a question mark at times. Shows the ability to hands catch away from his frame and create after the catch.

Pass Protection - Very willing and involved, though technically he's a bit of a wild stallion. Better picking up edge blitzes as compared to interior ones. Does well to pick a half-man and steer a blitzer beyond the peak of the pocket, instead of trying to win square. Gets low and delivers a strike with his hands; will reset his feet occasionally, but more consistency would be nice. Tries to stonewall interior rushers with launching body shots that regularly miss and relinquish pressure.

 

[dark2332]

@smalls1129 and Miami back at the table.

 

[smalls1129]

With the 78th Pick the Miami Dolphins Select- Jamel Dean CB Auburn

JAMEL DEAN
40- 4.3
Bench- 16
Vertical- 41.0
Broad Jump- 130

Overview
Dean's combination of height, weight and speed will get the conversation started off in the right direction for NFL evaluators, but there is no way around the fact that multiple knee surgeries will be a cause for concern in those same circles. His length and ability to disrupt catch space is a big plus in his favor and he has the athletic ability to play in a variety of coverages. However, he needs more consistent competitiveness and better technique for the next level.
Strengths

• Above-average size/speed combination
• Carries a proportional frame with very long arms
• Has lateral quickness to stay in position from press
• Physical in crowding receivers against the boundary
• Accelerates quickly to top speed and carries it with him deep
• Consistently harasses and crowds catch space
• Sinks and stutters feet for short-area change of direction
• Allowed less than 40 percent completion rate in 2018
• Long arms to punch and separate from blocking receivers
• Speedy to cut of angle in run support
• Has special teams experience as a gunner

Weaknesses

• Just one season as a starter at Auburn
• Potential medical red flags
• Has had three major knee surgeries dating back to high school
• High-cut with movements that can be leggy
• Plays too upright in space
• Flat-footed and grabby at the stem from off-man coverage
• Average competitiveness when he's challenged
• Too much slap-fighting with man across from him
• Inactive from backside in pursuit
• Hangs back in run support and doesn't scramble the edge

Sources Tell Us

"He's one of the guys I like because he's big and can run and can challenge the jump balls. I hate small cornerbacks." -- AFC defensive backs coach
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jamel-dean?id=32194445-4111-4360-a36f-715884a085df





Atlanta - @King Stannis is on the clock

 

[Randolphkeys]

Stannis asked me to make the pick, so I'm giving the Atlanta Falcons one of my sleepers:

Sean Bunting, CB, Central Michigan
6'0
195 pounds
40 time: 4.42
Vertical: 41.5

From Draft Network:

• Man Cover Skills –Overaggressive at the line of scrimmage in press coverage, hands play loose and can be guilty of grabbing in pivot to turn and run. Loose hips and quick feet, fully capable of improving transitions. Needs to feel the hip of receivers to gear down and stay sticky on breaks.
  
  Zone Cover Skills –Heady player when able to play with eyes in the backfield. Can improve opportunities to overlap coverage and anticipate changes to sink on deeper routes and undercut the ball. Anticipation to key on arm of passer is terrific, especially in bail technique.
  
  Feet/Change of Direction – Loose hips and quick feet. Has ample upside and physical ability but is too sloppy his footwork. Needs to work on cutting down extra steps to increase his mobility and effectiveness in mirroring receivers both at the line of scrimmage and as a leveraged defender.
  
  Ball Skills –Can be late to identify the football in turn and run situations but otherwise has excellent influence of the football. Long arms. Great sense of high pointing the football. Quick reaction times allow for a late flash of the hands and batting at the ball.
  
  Flexibility –Free moving defender who has ability to hinge and flip hips with suddenness. Turn and run skills are supplemented as a result, as are ball skills when needing to play with vertical speed and flip his hands and eyes back to find the football.
  
  Acceleration –Has a fair level of recovery burst and possesses the deep speed to play on an island. Does show some burst from flat footed reads but predominant strength is in long speed and acceleration as compared to short area explosiveness.
  
  Zone Spacing –Effective deep third range to stay leveraged over top of routes. Long arms enhance area of influence and enable for aggressive address of the football when undercutting throws. Carries in breaking patterns when isolated in a deep third if not held by another receiver.
  
  Competitive Toughness –Disappointing streaks of poor effort, will be too complacent to spectate against inside runs instead of pressing to get down and ensure a gap seal. Will get punched in the mouth at the line of scrimmage by physical receivers. Shows combative hand fighting down the field.
  
  Run Support –Can be hesitant in reps left unoccupied. Gets stuck on blocks by receivers and needs to be more assertive to shuck blocks and get prepared to step up onto the edge. Physical tackler when able to step into his challenges.
  
  Tackling –Inconsistent but when quick to make his decision to step down and fill will offer some pop. Can be hasty with tackle challenges as a chase defender and doesn't bring the same pop when tackling laterally vs. in head up situations.
  
  
  
  BEST TRAIT – Zone Cover Skills
  
  WORST TRAIT – Run Support
  
  BEST FILM – Akron (2018)
  
  WORST FILM – Kentucky (2018)
  
  RED FLAGS – None
  
  Sean Bunting projects as a high ceiling prospect, but one who will require a fair amount of development to reach his ceiling as a prospect. Bunting has great physical gifts and the needed length to be a terror from the hip, but he can be too loose at the LOS and can be late to find the football in turn and run coverage. Bunting is currently best in bail technique, so a Cover-3 system would get the most out of Bunting in the immediate future. Potential long term starter at CB.

America's team - The Cleveland Browns are on the clock!

 

[Ohio]

With the 80th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select...

Oshane Ximines, DE, Old Dominion

​

With this pick, the Browns were looking to simply take the BPA at a position of need. With Ogbah on the trading block, DE is a definite need. By selecting Oshane, the Browns believe their DL depth is now set. Oshane is a dynamic pass rusher that was arguably the best player on the field in most games he played in, dating back to his first season in College. More importantly, he improved every single year he was in College. By his Junior and Senior year, he was a man amongst boys. The Browns are excited about his trajectory and expect him to continue to get better.

Player Bio

Ximines (pronounced zim-ah-nes) has been a force on the field for the Monarchs since his redshirt freshman season, leading the team in tackles for loss and sacks in each season. The North Carolina native started all 12 games in 2015 (32 tackles, 7.5 for loss, five sacks, four pass breakups). Ximines started 12 of 13 games in 2016, but only because he took a backseat to a senior on Senior Day. He had 42 stops, 11.5 for loss, 7.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles that year. C-USA coaches finally recognized his play in 2017, voting him first-team all-conference after he racked up 44 tackles, 14 for loss, and a school-record 8.5 sacks. He forced four fumbles as a junior, which tied for second-most in the FBS. He ranked in the top 10 nationally in that category again in 2018, forcing four additional fumbles, while also finishing among the top players in the FBS with 18.5 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. The first-team all-conference selection started all 12 games as a senior.

Overview

Edge defender who needs to prove himself as run defender, but he could earn early reps as a nickel rush option. Ximines played as an even front end, but 3-4 teams could still have him on their radar depending on his athletic testing. His fully furnished repertoire of rush tactics could get him a look on Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) and give him a good chance to become an eventual starter in either a 4-3 or 3-4.

Strengths

• Takes to coaching and is a student of the game

• Has keen sense of timing in his operation

• Feet and hands in constant state of harmony

• Hands both proactive and reactive playing run or pass

• Advanced rush approach too much for his level of competition

• Logs sacks game after game and doesn't pad stats in just one or two games

• Gets off snap quickly to leverage his rush

• Potent two-hand swipe to soften the edge

• Disguises inside counter without slowing

• Wicked spin counter could become signature move

• Surprising pop in his punch to jolt and separate

• Strong, sudden hands to discard blocking tight ends

Weaknesses

• Might need to prove he can handle 3-4 edge duties

• Feasted on lesser competition at tackle across from him

• Below-average balance with too many slips in space

• Needs to do better job of standing ground against powerful run blockers

• Can be engulfed in the chaos if he's not outside the tackle

• Closing burst and pursuit speed to contain are modest

• Short-area quickness becomes average long speed

• Missed tackles result from suspect approach angles

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/oshane-ximines?id=32195849-4d30-8281-ff5a-2f0f08abb7f2

@BimboColesHair and the Vikings are on the clock!

 

[BimboColesHair]

With the 81st in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select:

David Montgomery, RB, Iowa State


Why: The Vikings lost Latavius Murray in free agency, and Dalvin Cook has a history of injury issues. Montgomery can replace some of what the Vikings lost with Murray, utilize him in the pass game, and allow Cook to have his workload managed in order to keep him healthier.

Strengths: Good balance, decent leg drive, and exploits small creases while running to daylight. Gets to full speed in two steps, has quick bouncy feet, and moves well side to side. Has nice body control and effective pad level getting low with loose hips. Near the goal line and short yardage situations, he busts through the line of scrimmage like a wiry corkscrew burrowing his way to the other side. Uses spin moves or stiff-arms to create space between himself and his would be tacklers. Has soft hands, catches the ball in stride, and can adjust to poorly thrown passes while running crisp routes.

Weaknesses: Sophomore and junior years got a lot of touches behind an abysmal offensive line. Tries to go to the corner store too often, breaking plays outside when he should kick them back into the teeth of the defense. Lacks an explosive second gear. Shows effort on pass blocking, but limited competency.

NFL Comparison: Kareem Hunt

@thedarkness2332 and the Tennessee Titans are on the clock!

 

[dark2332]

Tennessee Titans, back at it again.

Going to keep posting pictures of our new franchise quarterback until it's all you can think about at night. Get used to it, ladies.

OK, on with the pick....

With the 82nd pick in the 2019 RCF NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans select:

Dru Samia, Right Guard, Oklahoma University




Senior Bowl Week -




Why for the Titans? Well, we know that the offensive line on this team has been a strength for the past several seasons. That said, they had some issues on the interior in 2018 and Josh Kline and Quinton Spain are now out of the picture. Cleveland-native Rodger Saffold was brought in to lock down the LG position. However, Kevin Pamphile is currently projected as the starter at right guard and he's a replacement level player. He'd be better served as a backup.

Enter Dru Samia. This is a big, nasty man. He'll finish blocks. He'll let you know about it. He'll protect our new quarterback. He's ready to roll. If you don’t believe me, the mean streak he displayed at Senior Bowl week has me believing he could play a Batman villain. And I like my offensive linemen like I like my women, a little mean and not afraid to ride you to the ground.

This guy is a steal right here in the middle of the 3rd round. Frankly, he should've come off the board in round 2. He's an extremely skilled athlete at the guard position, and weighing in at 305 lbs at the combine put to bed a lot of concerns over his playing weight.

As a player, you're getting a guy who started 48 games in college. He's played right tackle successfully as a true freshman at Oklahoma. As talented as those teams were, this dude stepped right in and started from Day 1. He kicked into right guard as a sophomore and the rest is history. He proceeded to be a three-time all-Big 12 selection. He was a 2nd team All American as a senior, where he didn't give up a single sack. He was also Big 12 offensive lineman of the year as a senior. Think about the talented players who have come through Oklahoma the past several years--specifically on the offensive line--and remember that this guy has been starting the last 4 years. FROM THE JUMP.

It's also important to think about the size of the quarterbacks he's been protecting. Baker Mayfield, a shade under 6'1. Kyler Murray, a shade over 5'10. What do shorter quarterbacks hate? Ask Drew Brees. It's pressure up the middle. It's the pressure that comes in their face. Part of the reason Baker Mayfield was so great as a rookie for the Browns was the protection afforded to him up the middle from Bitonio, Tretter, and Zeitler. Well, Baker won the Heisman at Oklahoma and broke seemingly every NCAA passing efficiency record. Guess who was locking down the interior for him there? The same guy protecting Kyler Murray during his Heisman campaign and allowing ZERO sacks. Dru Freaking Samia. This game is still won in the trenches, brethren.

So, sure, he could stand to continue to put a little more junk in his trunk, but right now, his athleticism is extremely beneficial as a move guard. He's strong from a technical stand point, showing good footwork and the ability to bend his knees and consistently stay the low-man in his matchups despite being 6'5. He's going to fit in seamlessly at right guard in Tennessee. FROM THE JUMP.

This fills a huge area of need for Tennessee and guarantees that the strength of this team stays the strength of this team.

Summary from NFL.com -- Oklahoma signed Samia (pronounced suh-MEE-uh) as a top 15 offensive tackle recruit nationally out of Sacramento. He started 9 of 12 games at right tackle his true freshman year. In 2016, however, after a start at right tackle in the opener, he was moved to right guard for the final 12 games to earn honorable mention All-Big 12 accolades. Samia stayed at right guard as a junior, starting 12 of 13 games played to land second-team all-conference honors. He was ejected in the Sooners' hotly-contested game against West Virginia for throwing a punch. Samia started all 14 games on the Joe Moore Award-winning Oklahoma offensive line in 2018, garnering second-team All-American notice from the Associated Press and a first-team All-Big 12 nod from league coaches.

Expert Take from Jon Ledyard -

Pass Protection - NFL teams may have some issue with his stance at times, but it seems to work for him so well I'm not sure I would mess with it. If power rushes are the way to beat him as a smaller offensive lineman, I haven't seen it work. Anchors with a strong based and terrific core strength. Able to mirror counters with terrific movement skills and good hand placement. How many quality pass rushers did he face this year? Not many, probably even less 1v1. Pass rushers with quick, violent hands were the only ones who seemed to get around him.

POA Run Blocking - Oklahoma runs a lot of zone or counters/pin-pull concepts, so Samia is not asked to be a true vertical blocker very often. Not a mauler at the point of attack, but savvy with his technique and hand placement to gain ideal position and seal off lanes. Big 12 level of defensive line talent needs to be taken into consideration here.

Functional Strength - Not the biggest or strongest offensive lineman, and there are instances of power players moving him a bit on the interior. Despite his impressive functional strength due to technique and ability to find leverage points, I do worry about what happens against some of the big, long defensive linemen in NFL. Matchup with Raekwon Davis should tell us a lot.

Pass Pro Footwork - Quick setups to establish half-man as needed. Often uncovered, so will have to quickly move laterally to pick up twisters, showing excellent fluidity and balance. Base is strong, almost never on the ground or thrown off his base. Couple times I noticed him stop his feet and get beat by a secondary move, which may be more of an awareness issue than anything else.

Strike Timing/Placement - Attention to detail to find leverage points and displace opponents ever so savvily, without disarming power, is impressive. Under control and times his strikes well in pass protection. Despite lack of size, haven't seen him overpowered much by opposing bull rushes. Lack of size and length are concerning for landing meaningful strikes against long-levered defenders in NFL. Quick with his hands to counter and swat down his opponent's punch with a trap move.

Leverage - Plays with excellent knee bend and leveraged hands. Consistently the low man in 1v1 exchanges, allowing him to create movement that his smaller frame otherwise wouldn't be able to. Digs low on double teams to uproot his opponent, maximizing his traits by attacking leverage points.

Space Blocking - One of the best pulling offensive linemen in the country. Consistently explosive out of his stance and under control when reaching his target. Reacts beautifully to his opponent's technique, countering with ideal hand placement and body positioning to seal off rush lanes. Good balance and agility to adjust angle on the move. Rare movement skills to chase upfield-bursting edge defenders past the play when pulling. Able to work down to the second level and reach defenders, but can get a little hung up on first level contact, delaying his arrival downfield. An asset in space on the screen game.

Competitive Toughness - No issues here. Not a big-time finisher, but plays with an edge and embraces the physicality of the game. Works hard to create extra movement.

Mental Processing - Active eyes to find late blitzers or pick up twists. Consistently looked for help when uncovered. Adjusted fluidly to his target when on the move as a blocker, especially pulling. Had no issues executing his assignments, even against late shifts of the defensive front.

Athleticism/Size - Elite athlete for an offensive lineman, but his weigh-in will be a concern. If he hits 300 pounds, that's a huge win, but I'm not sure I see that in the cards for him. (Note: He weighed in at 305 lbs at the NFL combine)


BEST TRAIT - Space Blocking

WORST TRAIT - Size/Length

RED FLAGS - None

A four-year starter at Oklahoma who locked down the right tackle spot as a true freshman before moving to guard for his final three seasons, Samia is one of the smallest guards in the class, but his size is rarely an issue on tape. Highly athletic and extremely technical, Samia uses rare explosiveness and the ability to find leverage points to surprise his opponents, maneuvering them out of gaps in the run game with ease.

Of course, the NFL will provide a different level of defensive line talent than he faced in the Big 12, especially as pass rushers. Where Samia was often uncovered at the snap or had to deal primarily with bull rushes or defenders twisting inside off of a game, in the NFL he'll face more complicated rush plans and superior athletes. How he fares against Alabama in the playoffs and at the Senior Bowl will be huge, but right now Samia looks like a lock to come off the board early in day two.


Film -


Vrabel's jacked up about the pick.

AND, OF COURSE, THE LADIES REJOICE...

Tennessee's Draft Haul:
1st Rd (#19) - Traded for Matthew Stafford, QB
2nd Rd (#51) - Drafted Irv Smith Jr, TE, Alabama
3rd Rd (#82) - Drafted Dru Samia, RG, Oklahoma


@sportscoach and the Titsburgh Feelers are now on the clock. Personally, I hope I took who he wanted.

 

[sportscoach]

@thedarkness2332 You haven't yet picked anyone on my board btw, so I like your choices so far! lol

With the 83rd pick in the NFL draft the Pittsburgh Steelers select...

Alex Barnes, RB Kansas State University!

Prospect Info
COLLEGE: Kansas St.

HOMETOWN: Pittsburg, KS
CLASS: r-Junior

HEIGHT: 6' 0"
WEIGHT: 226 lbs
ARMS: 31”
HANDS: 10”

40 Yard Dash: 4.59 SECONDS
Bench Press: 34 REPS
Vertical Jump: 38.5 INCHES
Broad Jump: 126.0 INCHES
3 Cone Drill: 6.95 SECONDS
20 Yd Shuttle: 4.1 SECONDS
60 Yd Shuttle: 11.72 SECONDS

Overview
Barnes is a productive early draft entrant with good play strength but average ability to elude and create. He appears to lack downhill burst and explosive speed to the corner and is more of a "get what's blocked" back than a dynamic presence with the ball in his hands. His outstanding combine and ability to handle third-down duties should add some value to his draft profile, but his ceiling could be limited.


Strengths

• Above-average NFL size with tapered waist and proportional frame
• Impressive production jumps match additional workload last two seasons
• Adequate vision to find run-lane development
• Maneuvers along the interior with subtle change of direction
• Unaffected by punishing lead shoulders and requires a wrap-up attempt
• Big dip and drive power as run-finisher
• Used as effective lead-blocking option for quarterback power
• More than a "leak out" pass-catching option in that offense
• Shows ability to shake first tackler after the catch
• Stands in as able and willing blitz pick-up option

Weaknesses

• Too upright through line of scrimmage
• Run base is so narrow that knees almost touch
• Passive burst with restricted stride level when attacking downhill
• Runs to second level like he's looking for sudden tacklers
• Feet are heavy in change of direction in tight quarters
• Will struggle to get back to speed when forced to slow feet early in run
• Inconsistent securing throws that are outside his frame
• Can improve his hands on take-on blocks vs
• blitz

Now my take on him: As highlighted in blue earlier, he put up 34 reps on bench at 226 lbs. He actually did better than most lineman in this draft class. This kids SPARQ is actually off the charts. Number 2 in this draft in the 3 cone drill, 1st in the 20 yard shuttle in this draft class for RBs. Towards the top in this draft class for RBs at the combine in about every category, while being one of the bigger RBs as well.

Reason why I stretched and got him: Steelers need a back to go with Conner, and I thought he would be the perfect 1-2 guy to go with him since he is an underrated player in the passing game and also is a willing blocker.

@King Stannis is now on the clock!

 

[The Human Q-Tip]

@sportscoach and the Titsburgh Feelers are now on the clock. Personally, I hope I took who he wanted.

Well, if he's that upset about it, maybe you can just give away another future draft pick, like you did in your pre-draft trade, just to appease him.















I'm such an asshole.

 

[dark2332]

Well, if he's that upset about it, maybe you can just give away another future draft pick, like you did in your pre-draft trade, just to appease him.















I'm such an asshole.

Sure. Why not. After all, I’m giving out picks like candy to school children.

Next year’s Titans RCF GM is going to be so pissed...

I’m Sashi Browning this. Part Two: Draft Day Boogaloo. Except—plot twist—he’s going to die for my sins this time. New Sashi has the pedal to medal and is going for broke.

But.... if you read to the bottom, don’t pretend like you didn’t just learn something about my man, Dru Samia.

 

[Sebastian]

With the 84th Pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks select Jaquan Johnson, S, Miami. No, not that Miami. Yes, the other Miami.

We've just sent him a case of Seattle's Best coffee, instructions on how to be passive-aggressive and a crossword puzzle for when he's stuck on I-5 during rush hour.

Earl Thomas was long a cornerstone of the Legion of Boom. His departure to the wretched city of Baltimore has left a void in the resurgent Seattle defense. The selection of Jaquan Johnson goes a long way to filling that void.

First and foremost, Johnson is a leader of men and will bring a lot to the locker room. Passionate and fiery, with a love for the game and killer instinct, Johnson will undoubtedly rub-off on his teammates.

Johnson is the prototypical underdog player that makes up for his lack of sheer athletic talent with hard work and determination. Johnson makes up for his size, with passion and high football IQ. He hits hard and has good down-field speed. He has a talent for causing fumbles with his punishing hits. Johnson is rarely out of position and specializes in open-field tackles.

He will have to gain mass for the NFL and needs to be coached on his ball-hawking abilities as he has not demonstrated a natural skill for it. But with proper coaching he should be a very good player in the coming years. Johnson has all the intangibles it takes to overcome a middling athletic ability.


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqWcQht5iis

Overview
Interchangeable safety with aggressiveness and leadership qualities teams covet. Teams also covet big and fast which could push him into the third day of the draft. Teams might pick at his measurables, but he’s reliable in coverage and extremely consistent as a downhill, open-field tackler with a taste for striking. He has good short-area quickness and soft hands, but he lacks ball-hawking instincts, which limits his production. Johnson's play demeanor and urgency need equal consideration or a team could lose out on solid player.

Strengths

• Team captain with high-end intangibles
• Passionate halftime speech sparked team against Florida State
• Undersized but not lacking in physicality
• Delivers punishing blow when he gets his shots
• Plays with urgency in his actions
• Restricts cutback angles with consistent downhill pursuit
• Limber, open-field tackler with good finishing rate
• Talented in forcing fumbles
• Rarely out of position in coverage
• Willing to overlap from zone
• Quick to pick up coverage duties after play-fake
• Put two spectacular interception on his 2017 tape
• Appetite to chase and corral on punt-cover teams

Weaknesses

• Smallish frame that might not get much bigger
• Quicker than fast
• Average range speed over the top
• Lack of size and speed showed up at Senior Bowl
• Matchup on pro tight ends will be challenging
• Average recognition and anticipation limit ball production
• Responds quickly but instincts are average
• Not enough squeeze in man coverage
• Often a step behind in making the play
• Could find trouble in jump-ball spots downfield

@Rookie, you're up.

 

[Rookie]

With the 85th pick in 2019 NFL Draft the Baltimore Ravens select:

Germaine Pratt - LB - N.C. State

Per NFL.com

Overview
Free safety-turned-linebacker with good cover skills who has filled out his frame and checks the size and speed boxes, but Pratt is still in the process of learning to man his position. He plays upright in space and is unorthodox and inconsistent in taking on blocks and finding his run fits. However, he plays with good lateral athleticism and burst and found his way to the football enough to fill out the stat sheet in his lone year as a starter. He will continue to improve with time and could become an eventual starter at either SAM or WILL.

Strengths

• Has experience at inside and outside linebacker
• Posted production in all the statistical columns in 2018
• Controlled stepper in scrape to pursue
• Plays with adequate short-area stop-and-go movement
• Backside lateral burst to find playside tackles
• Play speed to range and chase
• Above-average reactive twitch to get in on tackles from tough angles
• Takes pride as a striker and tackle finisher
• Runs feet and wraps up through contact
• Times up blitzes and lays into quarterbacks
• Former safety with fluid, fast drops in space
• Has ability to cover tight ends

Weaknesses

• Only one year of starting experience
• Needs plenty of work with take-on technique, including hand-usage
• Plays with tight ankles and below-average bend
• Awkward and upright into contact
• Not a natural gap-filler
• Skills to process are underdeveloped
• Lacks some feel for blocking schemes and play development
• No awareness for when he's stepping into trap blocks
• Run fits can feel random at times
• High pad level limits change-of-direction quickness

@Amherstcavsfan is on the clock

 

[Sebastian]

Tennessee Titans, back at it again.

Going to keep posting pictures of our new franchise quarterback until it's all you can think about at night. Get used to it, ladies.

OK, on with the pick....

With the 82nd pick in the 2019 RCF NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans select:

Dru Samia, Right Guard, Oklahoma University

View attachment 1982


Senior Bowl Week -




Why for the Titans? Well, we know that the offensive line on this team has been a strength for the past several seasons. That said, they had some issues on the interior in 2018 and Josh Kline and Quinton Spain are now out of the picture. Cleveland-native Rodger Saffold was brought in to lock down the LG position. However, Kevin Pamphile is currently projected as the starter at right guard and he's a replacement level player. He'd be better served as a backup.

Enter Dru Samia. This is a big, nasty man. He'll finish blocks. He'll let you know about it. He'll protect our new quarterback. He's ready to roll. If you don’t believe me, the mean streak he displayed at Senior Bowl week has me believing he could play a Batman villain. And I like my offensive linemen like I like my women, a little mean and not afraid to ride you to the ground.

This guy is a steal right here in the middle of the 3rd round. Frankly, he should've come off the board in round 2. He's an extremely skilled athlete at the guard position, and weighing in at 305 lbs at the combine put to bed a lot of concerns over his playing weight.

As a player, you're getting a guy who started 48 games in college. He's played right tackle successfully as a true freshman at Oklahoma. As talented as those teams were, this dude stepped right in and started from Day 1. He kicked into right guard as a sophomore and the rest is history. He proceeded to be a three-time all-Big 12 selection. He was a 2nd team All American as a senior, where he didn't give up a single sack. He was also Big 12 offensive lineman of the year as a senior. Think about the talented players who have come through Oklahoma the past several years--specifically on the offensive line--and remember that this guy has been starting the last 4 years. FROM THE JUMP.

It's also important to think about the size of the quarterbacks he's been protecting. Baker Mayfield, a shade under 6'1. Kyler Murray, a shade over 5'10. What do shorter quarterbacks hate? Ask Drew Brees. It's pressure up the middle. It's the pressure that comes in their face. Part of the reason Baker Mayfield was so great as a rookie for the Browns was the protection afforded to him up the middle from Bitonio, Tretter, and Zeitler. Well, Baker won the Heisman at Oklahoma and broke seemingly every NCAA passing efficiency record. Guess who was locking down the interior for him there? The same guy protecting Kyler Murray during his Heisman campaign and allowing ZERO sacks. Dru Freaking Samia. This game is still won in the trenches, brethren.

So, sure, he could stand to continue to put a little more junk in his trunk, but right now, his athleticism is extremely beneficial as a move guard. He's strong from a technical stand point, showing good footwork and the ability to bend his knees and consistently stay the low-man in his matchups despite being 6'5. He's going to fit in seamlessly at right guard in Tennessee. FROM THE JUMP.

This fills a huge area of need for Tennessee and guarantees that the strength of this team stays the strength of this team.





Expert Take from Jon Ledyard -

Pass Protection - NFL teams may have some issue with his stance at times, but it seems to work for him so well I'm not sure I would mess with it. If power rushes are the way to beat him as a smaller offensive lineman, I haven't seen it work. Anchors with a strong based and terrific core strength. Able to mirror counters with terrific movement skills and good hand placement. How many quality pass rushers did he face this year? Not many, probably even less 1v1. Pass rushers with quick, violent hands were the only ones who seemed to get around him.

POA Run Blocking - Oklahoma runs a lot of zone or counters/pin-pull concepts, so Samia is not asked to be a true vertical blocker very often. Not a mauler at the point of attack, but savvy with his technique and hand placement to gain ideal position and seal off lanes. Big 12 level of defensive line talent needs to be taken into consideration here.

Functional Strength - Not the biggest or strongest offensive lineman, and there are instances of power players moving him a bit on the interior. Despite his impressive functional strength due to technique and ability to find leverage points, I do worry about what happens against some of the big, long defensive linemen in NFL. Matchup with Raekwon Davis should tell us a lot.

Pass Pro Footwork - Quick setups to establish half-man as needed. Often uncovered, so will have to quickly move laterally to pick up twisters, showing excellent fluidity and balance. Base is strong, almost never on the ground or thrown off his base. Couple times I noticed him stop his feet and get beat by a secondary move, which may be more of an awareness issue than anything else.

Strike Timing/Placement - Attention to detail to find leverage points and displace opponents ever so savvily, without disarming power, is impressive. Under control and times his strikes well in pass protection. Despite lack of size, haven't seen him overpowered much by opposing bull rushes. Lack of size and length are concerning for landing meaningful strikes against long-levered defenders in NFL. Quick with his hands to counter and swat down his opponent's punch with a trap move.

Leverage - Plays with excellent knee bend and leveraged hands. Consistently the low man in 1v1 exchanges, allowing him to create movement that his smaller frame otherwise wouldn't be able to. Digs low on double teams to uproot his opponent, maximizing his traits by attacking leverage points.

Space Blocking - One of the best pulling offensive linemen in the country. Consistently explosive out of his stance and under control when reaching his target. Reacts beautifully to his opponent's technique, countering with ideal hand placement and body positioning to seal off rush lanes. Good balance and agility to adjust angle on the move. Rare movement skills to chase upfield-bursting edge defenders past the play when pulling. Able to work down to the second level and reach defenders, but can get a little hung up on first level contact, delaying his arrival downfield. An asset in space on the screen game.

Competitive Toughness - No issues here. Not a big-time finisher, but plays with an edge and embraces the physicality of the game. Works hard to create extra movement.

Mental Processing - Active eyes to find late blitzers or pick up twists. Consistently looked for help when uncovered. Adjusted fluidly to his target when on the move as a blocker, especially pulling. Had no issues executing his assignments, even against late shifts of the defensive front.

Athleticism/Size - Elite athlete for an offensive lineman, but his weigh-in will be a concern. If he hits 300 pounds, that's a huge win, but I'm not sure I see that in the cards for him. (Note: He weighed in at 305 lbs at the NFL combine)


BEST TRAIT - Space Blocking

WORST TRAIT - Size/Length

RED FLAGS - None

A four-year starter at Oklahoma who locked down the right tackle spot as a true freshman before moving to guard for his final three seasons, Samia is one of the smallest guards in the class, but his size is rarely an issue on tape. Highly athletic and extremely technical, Samia uses rare explosiveness and the ability to find leverage points to surprise his opponents, maneuvering them out of gaps in the run game with ease.

Of course, the NFL will provide a different level of defensive line talent than he faced in the Big 12, especially as pass rushers. Where Samia was often uncovered at the snap or had to deal primarily with bull rushes or defenders twisting inside off of a game, in the NFL he'll face more complicated rush plans and superior athletes. How he fares against Alabama in the playoffs and at the Senior Bowl will be huge, but right now Samia looks like a lock to come off the board early in day two.


Film -


Vrabel's jacked up about the pick.

AND, OF COURSE, THE LADIES REJOICE...

Tennessee's Draft Haul:
1st Rd (#19) - Traded for Matthew Stafford, QB
2nd Rd (#51) - Drafted Irv Smith Jr, TE, Alabama
3rd Rd (#82) - Drafted Dru Samia, RG, Oklahoma


@sportscoach and the Titsburgh Feelers are now on the clock. Personally, I hope I took who he wanted.

Is it me or does Stafford look like a fat, scruffy Elon Musk?

 

[dark2332]

Is it me or does Stafford look like a fat, scruffy Elon Musk?

Welp, can’t unsee that now.