Senior Bowl 2021 Game Day

    Draft Insiders’ Staff

The 2021 Senior Bowl game is here with an interesting roster of pro prospects who completed the week of practices, physicals and interviews. The All-star classic worked through the global Pandemic with a slightly condensed schedule that started on Tuesday with the weigh=in and practices that continued thru Thursday. Director Jim Nagy assembled a quality larger roster of 135+ athletes in the event of any opt outs of the invited. The week went well setting the stage for the game Saturday at 2:30 pm Est on the NFL Network.

         Draft Insiders’ 2021 January Newsletter is available now

The February Newsletter will have extensive coverage of the Senior Bowl and the entire All-star postseason. It will be available by Feb. 7th.    Order Today

Senior Bowl Game Day

Look for QBs, Jamie Newman and Ian Book will get extensive playing time especially after Mac Jones sustained a foot injury. Jones had an outstanding week of practices, but probably sits out the game.

Runners Larry Roundtree, Michael Carter and Rhondae Stevenson may not be household names, but should be featured here and given a chance to display their natural talent and capable of being impact playmakers Saturday. Carter is a well rounded back who can be a difference maker here.

Wideouts Frank Darby, Shi Smith, Josh Palmer and D’Wayne Eskridge are expected to be featured in the passing game. Darby and Eskridge were impressive over the practices and can be impact performers here. TEs Hunter Long, John Bates and Tre’ McKitty had strong practice sessions and could be featured in the passing game. They elevated their stock this week.

The NFL Draft 2021 could provide many defensive front seven prospects and this game features several impact pass rushers. DE Jonathan Cooper, Quincy Roche, Patrick Jones and Daelin Hayes showed a burst off the edge in practices and look to continue in a game with features no blitzing backers. Cooper is primed for a huge effort and created continuous havoc in matchups. Look for edge rushers, Jones and Roche to provide impact as outside rushers and possible difference makers in this game.

Linebackers, Chazz Surratt, Jordan Smith and Baron Browning made big plays in the practices. Surrant  showed speed, instincts and playmaking ability this week. Look to them to be in the action throughout the contest to be the stars on their units. Corners Aaron Robinson, DJ Daniel, Ambry Thomas and Thomas  Graham, displayed well developed coverage skills in the practices.  They hope to prove NFL ready with a strong game performance that should elevate their stock. Safeties Richie Grant and Divine Deablo had strong weeks. Grant showed excellent range and versatility while Deablo displayed strong tackling.

This will be the final real football action in these prospects for the year with the offseason workout portion of the NFL Draft process hitting problems with both the NFL Combine and school Pro Days significantly curtailed if not completely closed out due to the Pandemic.

Senior Bowl Players to Watch

Offensive Players

7 Newman, Jamie                      QB       Wake Forest     6027     235
12 Book, Ian                               QB       Notre Dame      6000     210
10 Jones, Mac                            QB       Alabama           6025     217
7 Carter, Michael                       RB        North Carolina   5077     202
34 Rountree, Larry                    RB        Missouri            5106     216
29 Stevenson, Rhamondre       RB        Oklahoma         5115     227
84 Darby, Frank                        WR       Arizona State    6001     194
1 * Toney, Kadarius                   WR       Florida             5111     189
3 Rodgers, Amari                      WR       Clemson           5094     211
13 Smith, Shi                             WR       South Carolina 5100     186
85 Palmer, Josh                        WR       Tennessee        6012     210
1 Eskridge, D’Wayne                 WR       Western Michigan 5091 188
4 Collins, Nico                           WR       Michigan           6042     215
10 Felton, Demetric                   WR       UCLA               5085     189
16 Surratt, Sage                        WR       Wake Forest     6025     215
83 Granson, Kylen                     TE        SMU                 6021     242
87 McKitty, Tré                          TE        Georgia            6041     247
80 Long, Hunter                        TE        Boston College 6051     254
87 Bates, John                            TE        Boise State       6055     259
55 Hudson, James                     OL        Cincinnati          6043     302
71 Meinerz, Quinn                     OL        Wisconsin-White  6032 320
56 Anderson, Jack                     OL        Texas Tech       6046     309
73 Banks, Aaron                        OL        Notre Dame      6053     338
75 Radunz, Dillon                      OL        North Dakota St    6055 304

Defensive Players

9 Basham, Carlos                      DL        Wake Forest     6033     281
90 Jones, Patrick                       DL        Pittsburgh         6044     264
55 Roche, Quincy                      DL        Miami               6027     243
56 Hubert, Wyatt                       DL        Kansas State    6026     265
0 Cooper, Jonathan                   DL        Ohio State        6026     254
9 Hayes, Daelin                          DL        Notre Dame      6036     261
49 Graham, Ta’Quon                 DL        Texas               6030     290
50 Surratt, Chazz                       LB        North Carolina   6014     227
22 Smith, Jordan                       LB        UAB                 6061     255
55 Browning, Baron                   LB        Ohio State        6031     241
31 Robinson, Aaron                   CB        Central Florida 5114     190
14 Daniel, DJ                              CB        Georgia            5115     183
23 Rochell, Robert                     CB        Central Arkansas  5117 195
1 Thomas, Ambry                      CB        Michigan           5117     189
4 Graham, Thomas                   CB        Oregon             5104     193
25 Nasirildeen, Hamsah           SAF      Florida State     6031     213
26 Webb, Mark                          SAF      Georgia            6013     210
27 Grant, Richie                        SAF      Central Florida 5115     200
27 Deablo, Divine                      SAF      Virginia Tech     6033     226

NFL Draft 2021 First Round Mock Draft    –

        The Jaguars are ‘On the Clock’!

Jets, Dolphins, Falcons and Bengals Complete Top 5 Selections
          Jaguars, Jets and Dolphins Hold Two #1 Draft Choices

The Jacksonville Jaguars are ‘On the Clock’ with the first overall selection for the NFL Draft 2021. They earned the top overall draft choice off the horrible 1-15 record. New rookie NFL head coach Urban Meyer inherited a roster that has been dissipated of talented veterans especially on defense over recent years. Their recent overall draft decisions have been weak with poor personnel decisions at the executive level. Meyer has the luxury of possessing the #1 overall selection in a year when a generational prospect, Trevor Lawrence is available. The Jaguars are one of three teams that hold two #1 picks with the others the Jets and Dolphins.

NY Jets earned the 2nd overall selection off a poor 2-14 record with both wins coming in the season. The Dolphins hold the Texans #1 pick which landed them the 3rd overall selection. The Texans will rotate with the Falcons in the 3rd and 4th positions in each round while the Bengals and Eagles will do the same with the 5th and 6th overall selections.

A teams’ opponent’s W-L record will determine all tie situations. Teams that are still tied will flip though none necessary this year. Playoff teams will shuffle according to their postseason results to determine the final top 32 selections. NFL teams look to both the veteran Free Agency period and the NFL Draft 2021 to improve their rosters. The salary cap will go down for the first time in years with a $170 million cap range per team expected. It will dictate the movement of many veteran players this offseason and have an impact among the premier draft selections.

NFL Draft 2021 – First Round Mock Draft – January, 2021

* Underclassmen – Selection order prior to Super Bowl game
        All underclassmen had until Jan. 18th to declare for the NFL Draft 2021. Players have three days to rescind their decision and return to school and still retain their college eligibility.

       Pre-Senior Bowl Game

1st Round
# Team      W/L        Player              Pos Ht/Wt School

1 Jacksonville 1-15 * Trevor Lawrence – QB 6-6, 225 Clemson
2 NY Jets 2-14 * Justin Fields – QB 6-3, 225 Ohio St
3 Miami (Houston) 4-12 * Ja’Marr Chase – WR 6-0, 210 LSU
4 Atlanta 4-12 * Zach Wilson – QB 6-3, 210 Brigham Young
5 Cincinnati 4-11-1 * Penei Sewell – OT 6-6, 330 Oregon
6 Philadelphia 4-11-1 * Patrick Surtain – CB 6-2, 205 Alabama
7 Detroit 5-11 * Gregory Rousseau – DE 6-7, 265 Miami
8 Carolina 5-11 DeVonta Smith – WR 6-1, 175 Alabama
9 Denver 5-11 * Christian Barmore – DT 6-5, 315 Alabama
10 Dallas 6-10 * Caleb Farley – CB 6-2, 205 Virginia Tech
11 NY Giants 6-10 * Jaelan Phillips – DE 6-5, 265 Miami
12 San Francisco 6-10 Rashawn Slater – OG 6-4, 315 Northwestern
13 LA Chargers 7-9 * Jalen Mayfield – OT 6-5, 325 Michigan
14 Minnesota 7-9 * Daviyon Nixon – DT 6-3, 305 Iowa
15 New England 7-9 * Kyle Pitts – TE 6-6, 245 Florida
16 Arizona 8-8 * Micah Parsons – LB 6-3, 245 Penn State
17 Las Vegas 8-8 * Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah – LB 6-2, 215 Notre Dame
18 Miami 10-6 * Christian Darrisaw – OT 6-5, 315 Virginia Tech
19 Washington 7-9 * Mac Jones – QB 6-3, 215 Alabama
20 Chicago 8-8 * Jaylen Waddle – WR 5-10, 185 Alabama
21 Indianapolis 11-5 * Samuel Cosmi – OT 6-7, 310 Texas
22 Tennessee 11-5 Alex Leatherwood – OL 6-6, 315 Alabama
23 NY Jets (Seattle) 12-4 * Wyatt Davis – OG 6-4, 315 Ohio St
24 Pittsburgh 12-4 Travis Etienne – RB 5-10, 205 Clemson
25 Jacksonville (Rams) 10-6 Kwity Paye – DE 6-4, 270 Michigan
26 Cleveland 11-5 * Azeez Ojulari – LB 6-3, 240 Georgia
27 Baltimore 11-5 * Jaycee Horn – CB 6-1, 205 South Carolina
28 New Orleans 12-4 * Trey Lance – QB 6-4, 225 North Dakota St
29 Buffalo 13-3 * Pat Freiermuth – TE 6-5, 255 Penn St
30 Green Bay 13-3 Kadarius Toney WR – 5-11, 190 Florida
31 Tampa Bay 11-5 * Eric Stokes – CB 6-1, 185 Georgia
32 Kansas City 14-2 * Zaven Collins – LB 6-4, 260 Tulsa

 Declared Underclassmen for the NFL Draft 2021

      NFL List of Official Underclassmen by Year

The list of 98 players granted special eligibility for entry to the 2021 NFL Draft was released by the NFL. Each of the players granted special eligibility has met the league’s three-year eligibility rule and has submitted to a written application in which he renounced his remaining college football eligibility. The deadline for receiving applications was Jan. 18.

 The 98 players granted special eligibility for the 2021 NFL Draft:

    Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford
    Calvin Ashley, OT, Florida A&M
    Tutu Atwell, WR, Louisville
    Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama
    Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
    Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
    Larry Borom, OT, Missouri
    Bobby Brown, DT, Texas A&M
    Dyami Brown, WR, North Carolina
    Shakur Brown, CB, Michigan State
    Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia
    Jackson Carman, OT, Clemson
    Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU
    Brady Christensen, OT, BYU
    Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse
    Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa
    Aashari Crosswell, S, Arizona State
    Drew Dalman, C, Stanford
    Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
    Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky
    Wyatt Davis, OG, Ohio State
    Brendan DeVera, LB, ASA JC
    Brennan Eagles, WR, Texas
    Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
    Simi Fehoko, WR, Stanford
    Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
    Paris Ford, S, Pittsburgh
    Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State
    Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Memphis
    Kendrick Green, OG, Illinois
    Olaijah Griffin, CB, USC
    Javian Hawkins, RB, Louisville
    Darius Hodge, edge rusher, Marshall
    Jevon Holland, S, Oregon
    Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina
    Chuba Hubbard, RB, Oklahoma State
    Talanoa Hufanga, S, USC
    Jermar Jefferson, RB, Oregon State
    Jamar Johnson, S, Indiana
    Ernest Jones, LB, South Carolina
    Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami
    Kelvin Joseph, CB, Kentucky
    Brenden Knox, RB, Marshall
    Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
    Terrace Marshall, WR, LSU
    Jalen Mayfield, OT, Michigan
    Cameron McGrone, LB, Michigan
    Isaiah McKoy, WR, Kent State
    Alim McNeill, DT, N.C. State
    Evan McPherson, K, Florida
    Davis Mills, QB, Stanford
    Dax Milne, WR, BYU
    Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU
    Elijah Moore, WR, Mississippi
    Israel Mukuamu, CB, South Carolina
    Marcus Murphy, S, Mississippi State
    Greg Newsome, CB, Northwestern
    Daviyon Nixon, DT, Iowa
    Azeez Ojulari, edge rusher, Georgia
    Joseph Ossai, edge rusher, Texas
    Jayson Oweh, edge rusher, Penn State
    Jaret Patterson, RB, Buffalo
    Ronnie Perkins, DE, Oklahoma
    Jaelan Phillips, edge rusher, Miami
    Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida
    Gregory Rousseau, edge rusher, Miami
    Asante Samuel, CB, Florida State
    Anthony Schwartz, WR, Auburn
    Stevie Scott III, RB, Indiana
    Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
    Tyler Shelvin, DT, LSU
    William Sherman, OT, Colorado
    Jamien Sherwood, S, Auburn
    Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, USC
    Caden Sterns, S, Texas
    Eric Stokes, CB, Georgia
    Patrick Surtain, CB, Alabama
    Tamorrion Terry, WR, Florida State
    Bryce Thompson, CB, Tennessee
    Tommy Togiai, DT, Ohio State
    Tommy Tremble, TE, Notre Dame
    Joe Tryon, edge rusher, Washington
    Jay Tufele, DT, USC
    Christian Tutt, DB, Auburn
    Jaylen Twyman, DT, Pittsburgh
    Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG, USC
    Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama
    Ar’Darius Washington, S, TCU
    Rachad Wildgoose, CB, Wisconsin
    Adam Williams, P, Memphis
    Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina
    Milton Williams, DT, Louisiana Tech
    Pooka Williams Jr., RB, Kansas
    Seth Williams, WR, Auburn
    Trill Williams, S, Syracuse
    Marco Wilson, CB, Florida
    Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
    Nahshon Wright, CB, Oregon State
 
The following 30 players have in timely fashion under NFL rules officially notified the league office that they have fulfilled their degree requirements. They are eligible for selection:

    Jack Anderson, OG, Texas Tech
    Aaron Banks, OG, Notre Dame
    Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
    Adrian Ealy, OT, Oklahoma
    Darren Hall, CB, San Diego State
    Trey Hill, C Georgia
    Anthony Hines, LB, Texas A&M
    Wyatt Hubert, DE, Kansas State
    James Hudson, OT, Cincinnati
    Creed Humphrey, C, Oklahoma
    Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
    Joshua Kaindoh, DE, Florida State
    Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
    Hunter Long, TE, Boston College
    Isaiah McDuffie, LB, Boston College
    Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse
    Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
    Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama
    Josh Myers, C, Ohio State
    Tre Norwood, CB, Oklahoma
    Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
    Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
    Blake Proehl, WR, East Carolina
    Chris Rumph, DE, Duke
    Benjamin St-Juste, CB, Minnesota
    Sage Surratt, WR, Wake Forest
    Marlon Tuipulotu, DT, USC
    Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State
    Connor Wedington, WR, Stanford
    Pro Wells, TE, TCU
 
The following players inquired about their draft status and are eligible for selection without the need for special eligibility:

    Walker Little, OT, Stanford
    Foster Sarell, OT, Stanford
    Jordan Smith, LB, UAB
 

Year/ Players – Granted Special Eligibility
2021 – 98         2015 – 74  
2020 – 99         2014 – 98
2019 – 103        2013 – 73
2018 – 106        2012 – 65
2017 – 95          2011 – 56
2016 – 96         2010 – 53

NFL Draft 2020 – Jeudy, Lamb and Ruggs Top Bumper Crop Wide Receiver Class

Frank Coyle/ Publisher

Wide Receivers – Grade: A

  NFL Teams in need:
1. Jets             5. Redskins
2. Eagles        6. Raiders  
3. Vikings      7. Texans
4. Bengals     8. Panthers

Positional Overview: This year’s group of receivers is a high-quality class which may rival the great class of 1996 as impact pro playmakers. This is a both a top heavy and very deep class with many blue and red chip prospects. It does surpass recent groups over the past decade with the talent and depth at the position to be the bumper crop class in recent memory. This position will provide many NFL starters and playmakers with as many as seven first round draft choices. The addition of numerous underclassmen enhances this class significantly with many of the top 15 players being selected in the top 100 overall picks. This class should produce solid starters into the 3rd day of the NFL Draft. Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb are blue chip prospects who probably come off the board in the top ten thru the middle of the 1st round. They should begin a run of at least 12 prospects chosen in the top 100 overall choices. Henry Ruggs and Justin Jefferson could hear his name called from the middle of the 1st round. Laviska Shenault and Tee Higgins had some late injury and workout concerns which may affect their final grades, though definitely first round talents. Brandon Aiyuk, Chase Claypool and Denzel Mims are rising players who could land at the end of the first round. Jalen Reagor, Michael Pittman and K.J. Hamler are developed playmakers with early grades. Possession receivers, Antonio Gandy-Golden, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Van Jefferson and Collin Johnson are potential NFL starters with average type speed, though developed skills. Possibly 25 receivers could go in the top 200 overall picks. The underclassmen will once again play a huge factor here. There are a few fast-rising prospects like Ruggs, Claypool and Mims who are moving up quickly off impressive postseasons. Highly regarded playmakers like Gabriel Davis and K.J. Hamler will probably go early, though could slide in this incredible class. There will probably be at least 35-40 chosen over the event with many rookie free agents carrying make it grades in camp.

Frank Coyle – Publisher Draft Insiders’ Digest for 29 years –
              NFL Draft Yearbook 2020 & NFL Team Report (40 pgs ) – Available now –
                                www.draftinsiders.com – Publication and Web Site

Wide Receiver Rankings

  NFL Premier Player
        Julio Jones

Blue Chip – Jerry Jeudy
Blue Chip – CeeDee Lamb
Blue Chip – Henry Ruggs
Rising – Justin Jefferson
Falling – Collin Johnson
Underrated – Gabriel Davis
Overrated – Donovan Peoples-Jones
Sleeper – Van Jefferson
Boom/Bust – K.J. Hamler
Long term Gem – Antonio Gandy-Golden

Positional Traits
Best Athlete – Henry Ruggs
Best Hands – Tee Higgins
Fastest – Henry Ruggs
Quickest – Jalen Reagor
Run After Catch – Henry Ruggs
Route Runner – Jerry Jeudy
Deep Threat – Henry Ruggs
Catch In Traffic – Chase Claypool
Blocker – Laviska Shenault
Adjustments /Routes – Justin Jefferson
Hidden Gem – Joe Reed
 
      Wide Receiver Rankings

1 * Jerry Jeudy – Alabama
2 * CeeDee Lamb – Oklahoma
3 * Henry Ruggs – Alabama
4 * Justin Jefferson – LSU
5 * Laviska Shenault – Colorado
6 * Tee Higgins – Clemson
7 Brandon Aiyuk – Arizona State
8 Chase Claypool – Notre Dame
9 * Jalen Reagor – TCU
10 * K.J. Hamler – Penn State
11 Denzel Mims – Baylor
12 Michael Pittman – Southern California
13 * Gabriel Davis – Central Florida
14 * Donovan Peoples-Jones – Michigan
15 Van Jefferson – Florida
16 Antonio Gandy-Golden – Liberty
17 James Proche – Southern Methodist
18 Devin Duvernay – Texas
19 Collin Johnson – Texas
20 John Hightower – Boise State

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a long-time member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Biletnikoff, Thorpe, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi etc for the past 25 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites./

NFL Draft 2020 – D’Andre Swift & J.K. Dobbins Top Solid Running Back Class

Running Backs – Grade: B
    Positional Overview:
This year’s running back position is an above average group after an ordinary class last April. Underclassmen will once again dominate from among the top prospects with most having early NFL starting grades. This class could supply up to as many as 2-3 #1 picks with Swift, Dobbins and Taylor good candidates. There should be possibly 5-6 prospects in the top 100 picks. Dobbins is a tough runner in the mold of short power feature backs. Swift is an emerging back with a nice combination of quickness and power. Cam Akers is a quick power back with well-rounded skills to be ready for NFL starting duty. Clyde Edwards-Helaire is an honest back with NFL starting talent to surprise. Zack Moss, Eno Benjamin, Lamical Perine, AJ Dillon and Anthony McFarland all figure in the middle rounds. Moss and Dillon give their clubs physical runners who can move the chains. Benjamin is a burner who can change a game. McFarland is a playmaker who figures to fill a few roles as a 1A type. Antonio Gibson can provide impact as receiver after time as a wideout. Mike Warren is an emerging highly-underrated talent to be a three-down workhorse and one of the surprises of this class. This class should produce as many as 7-10 quality feature backs with a few at the top of the class capable of becoming early pro starters. Another hidden gem is Pete Guerriero who we scouted extensively and he has the skills to be a quality role weapon with the athleticism to be a good pro. He is our highest rated small college prospect. This class could provide 15-20 selected in the seven rounds. This position will also provide many return specialists and 3rd down backs.

Frank Coyle – Publisher Draft Insiders’ Digest for 29 years – NFL Draft Yearbook 2020 & NFL Team Report (40 pgs ) – Available now – www.draftinsiders.com –   Publication and Web Site

NFL Teams in need:
1. Chiefs           5. Chargers
2. Steelers       6. Rams
3. Bengals       7. Falcons
4. 49ers           8. Raiders

NFL Premier Player
     Derrick Henry
Blue Chip – D’Andre Swift
Blue Chip – J.K. Dobbins
Red Chip – Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Rising – Cam Akers
Falling – Jonathan Taylor
Underrated – AJ Dillon
Overrated – Eno Benjamin
Sleeper – Anthony McFarland
Hidden Gem – Zack Moss
Boom/Bust – Cam Akers
Longterm Surprise – Lamical Perine

Positional Traits
Best Athlete – D’Andre Swift
Inside Runner – AJ Dillon
Outside Run – D’Andre Swift
Goal line Runner – AJ Dillon
Best All-purpose – D’Andre Swift
Best Hands – D’Andre Swift
Best After Catch – Antonio Gibson
Best Blocker – Cam Akers
Most Durable – Jonathan Taylor
Best Instincts – J.K. Dobbins
Best Intangibles – Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Top Running Backs Prospects
1 * D’Andre Swift – Georgia
2 * J.K. Dobbins – Ohio State
3 * Jonathan Taylor – Wisconsin
4 * Clyde Edwards-Helaire – LSU
5 * Cam Akers – Florida State
6 Zack Moss – Utah
7 * Eno Benjamin – Arizona State
8 Lamical Perine – Florida
9 * AJ Dillon – Boston College
10 * Anthony McFarland – Maryland
11 Joshua Kelley – UCLA
12 Antonio Gibson – Memphis
13 Ke’Shawn Vaughn – Vanderbilt
14 Darrynton Evans – Appalachian State
15 * Michael Warren – Cincinnati
16 Deshawn McClease – Virginia Tech
17 * Salvon Ahmed – Washington
18 Scottie Phillips – Mississippi
19 * Pete Guerriero – Monmouth University
20 * DeeJay Dallas – Miami

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a long-time member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Biletnikoff, Thorpe, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi etc for the past 25 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites.

NFL Draft 2020 – Jeff Okudah Tops Strong Cornerback Class

NFL Draft 2020 – Cornerbacks – Grade: B+

Positional Overview:
This year’s cornerback class is a high-quality group which is both deep and top heavy. There are a few blue chips expected to go in the 1st round, with many through the top 50-100 overall selections. Four juniors head our top six rankings, though the senior group is a very solid with nice development. Jeffrey Okudah of Ohio State and CJ Henderson of Florida head the top of the class. Those two prospects will probably be selected in the top 5-15 overall picks. Okudah has the skill set and versatility to start early and probable top 5 selection. He is another in a long line of Buckeye corners to enter the NFL recently with a few highly successful early in their careers. Henderson is a well-developed cover man with an early starting grade. He will probably be selected in the top 10-15 choices. Trevon Diggs and Kristian Fulton are well developed after being tested in the SEC and are NFL ready for any scheme. Juniors, A.J. Terrell and Jaylon Johnson are coming off strong final performances and should go in the top or early 2nd round. Jeff Gladney and Damon Arnette are highly regarded corners who have risen as fast as any defensive players in this class. Gladney is a probable mid-2nd day pick. This is a deep group that will supply many NFL starters well into the 3rd day of the process. There could be at least 10 prospects selected in the top 100 choices. There will probably be 15 prospects selected in the top 150 picks. There should be a run on corners from the mid-1st round through the early 3rd day. This class has very good depth and will provide a number of middle round steals like Darnay Holmes, Harrison Hand and Troy Pride. This position has annually provided the most overall selections and could rank high once again. This group could supply as many as 35 total prospects and another 40 high priority FA. Two unheralded defenders, Amik Robertson and Kindle Vildor are highly regarded and coming off strong final performances and each carries a potential starting grade. This deep crop of corners will supply a huge group of big corners with some versatility to also slide to safety in the nickel and dime sub packages.

Frank Coyle has published Draft Insiders’ Digest for 29 years –NFL Draft Yearbook 2020 – Available now – www.draftinsiders.com Publication and Web Site

NFL Teams in need:
1. Vikings            5. Falcons
2. Ravens            6. Dolphins
3. Lions               7. Chiefs
4. Jets                 8. Steelers

       NFL Premier Player
Patrick Peterson/Stephon Gilmore

Blue Chip – Jeffrey Okudah
Blue Chip – CJ Henderson
Red Chip – Trevon Diggs
Rising – A.J. Terrell
Falling – Bryce Hall
Underrated – Darnay Holmes
Overrated – Michael Ojemudia
Sleeper – Kindle Vildor
Boom/Bust – Cameron Dantzler
Biggest Upside -Trevon Diggs
Hidden Gem – Harrison Hand
Long Term Gem – Troy Pride
Over drafted – Damon Arnette

Positional Traits
Best Athlete – Jeffrey Okudah
Best Man Cover – CJ Henderson
Best Zone Cover – Jeffrey Okudah
Best Run support – Trevon Diggs
Best Tackler – Jaylon Johnson
Best Nickel – Amik Robertson
Hands – Darnay Holmes
Best Intangibles – Troy Pride
Ball Instincts – Jeff Gladney

    Top Cornerbacks  
1 * Jeffrey Okudah – Ohio State
2 * CJ Henderson – Florida
3 Trevon Diggs – Alabama
4 * Jaylon Johnson – Utah
5 Kristian Fulton – LSU
6 * A.J. Terrell – Clemson
7 Jeff Gladney – TCU
8 Bryce Hall – Virginia
9 Damon Arnette – Ohio State
10 * Darnay Holmes – UCLA
11 Harrison Hand – Temple
12 Cameron Dantzler – Mississippi State
13 Troy Pride – Notre Dame
14 * Amik Robertson – Louisiana Tech
15 Kindle Vildor – Georgia Southern
16 Michael Ojemudia – Iowa
17 Reggie Robinson – Tulsa
18 * Noah Igbinoghene – Auburn
19 * Josiah Scott – Michigan State
20 Lavert Hill – Michigan

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a long-time member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Biletnikoff, Thorpe, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi etc for the past 25 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites.

NFL Draft 2020 – Offensive Tackles

This year’s offensive tackle class is one of the strongest groups in the past decade for the NFL Draft 2020. Tristan Wirfs and Mekhi Becton head the group that ranks just behind the deep talented class of wide receivers in blue chip prospects and overall depth.

Offensive Tackles: Grade: A

 NFL Teams in need:
1 Patriots             4. Cardinals
2 Jets                   5. Giants
3 Seahawks         6. Jaguars

Frank Coyle has published Draft Insiders’ Digest for 29 years –NFL Draft Yearbook 2020 – available now
                             www.draftinsiders.com   Publication and Web Site  

     Positional Overview:
            This year’s tackle class is a very strong overall group with the top four prospects expected to be chosen within the mid first round selections. Tristan Wirfs, Mekhi Becton, Jedrick Wills and Andrew Thomas carry developed tackle skills and should all be off the board in the top 12-15 selections. There could possibly be seven tackles chosen in the first round with as many as 12 prospects selected in the top 100 choices. Many of these prospects have the physical skills and versatility to also play guard. Austin Jackson, Josh Jones and Ezra Cleveland all could be a 1st round picks. Jackson, jones and Cleveland are very fast-rising prospects with very good athleticism to play the outside and probably move to left tackle within a short time. Isaiah Wilson, Lucas Nuang and Matthew Peart are premier right tackles and carries 2nd day grades and pro starting talent within a short time. Peart is one of the most underrated prospects in this deep class. Other probable early round prospects, Prince Tega Wanogho and Saahdig Charles have tackle skills, though probably line up at right tackle or guard early in their careers. Charles is a tough versatile lineman may project inside, though a solid NFL starter. Trey Adams is a very underrated tackle who struggled through injuries over his career that probably pushes him to the 3^rd day of the draft where he would be excellent value. Ben Bartch and Alex Taylor have NFL skill sets and our highest rated small college prospects. As many as 20-25 tackles could be chosen over the 7 rounds and probably at least 12-15 prospects in the top 150 picks. This class has good depth with the strength from the early 1st round thru the top 125 prospects. This class may furnish many starting left tackles in time with most 2nd tier prospects strictly right side. This class may provide 15-20 potential starters.

    NFL Premier Players

LT Joe Staley/ RT Lane Johnson 
Blue Chip – Tristan Wirfs
Blue Chip – Mekhi Becton
Rising – Ezra Cleveland
Falling – Trey Adams
Underrated – Matthew Peart
Overrated – Terence Steele
Small College – Ben Bartch
Sleeper – Ben Bartch
Boom/Bust – Lucas Niang

    Positional Traits

Best Athlete – Mekhi Becton
Best Run – Tristan Wirfs
Best Pass – Mekhi Becton
Best Pulling – Tristan Wirfs
Toughest – Jedrick Wills
Adjusts Best – Andrew Thomas
Strongest – Jedrick Wills
Most Developed – Tristan Wirfs
Long term Gem – Matthew Peart

      Top Offensive Tackles 

1 * Tristan Wirfs – Iowa
2 * Mekhi Becton – Louisville
3 * Jedrick Wills – Alabama
4 * Andrew Thomas – Georgia
5 * Austin Jackson – USC
6 * Josh Jones – Houston
7 * Ezra Cleveland – Boise State
8 * Isaiah Wilson – Georgia
9 Lucas Niang – TCU
10 Matthew Peart – UConn
11 Prince Tega Wanogho – Auburn
12 Saahdiq Charles – LSU
13 Trey Adams – Washington
14 Charlie Heck – North Carolina
15 Ben Bartch – St John (Mn)

Frank Coyle has published Draft Insiders’ Digest for 29 years

                       www.draftinsiders.com   Publication and Web Site  

NFL Draft 2020 – First Round Mock Draft – March, 2020

* Underclassmen –   Post-NFL Combine 2020 –     

 Here is our post NFL Combine Mock Draft adjusting to all postseason All-Star games and workout. The Pro Day schedule for every school has been established and will be one of the final parts of the scouting process. We will have extensive NFL Combine scouting info in our Draft Insiders’ Yearbook and Update with special emails and tweets to our customers. Sign up today.

 All underclassmen had until Jan. 20^th to declare for the NFL Draft 2020. Players had three days to rescind their decision and return to school and still retain their college eligibility. No underclassmen rescinded their decision.

Frank Coyle/ Head Scout

1st Round

#          Team              W/L       Player                  Pos       Ht/Wt         School
1          Cincinnati        2-14     Joe Burrow                 QB       6-4, 220           LSU
2          Washington     3-13     * Jeffrey Okudah        CB       6-1, 200           Ohio State
3          Detroit            3-12-1  * Chase Young           DE       6-5, 265             Ohio State
4          NY Giants        4-12     * Isaiah Simmons       OLB     6-4, 238           Clemson
5          Miami              5-11     * Tua Tagovailoa         QB       6-1, 215            Alabama
6          LA Chargers    5-11     Justin Herbert             QB       6-6, 230           Oregon
7          Carolina           5-11     * Jerry Jeudy              WR      6-1, 195            Alabama
8          Arizona            5-10-1  * Tristan Wirfs             OT       6-5, 320          Iowa
9          Jacksonville    6-10     Derrick Brown             DT       6-5, 320          Auburn
10        Cleveland        6-10     * Andrew Thomas       OT       6-5, 315           Georgia
11        NY Jets           7-9       * Jedrick Wills              OT       6-4, 315            Alabama
12        Las Vegas       7-9       * CeeDee Lamb            WR      6-2, 190            Oklahoma
13         Indianapolis      7-9    Javon Kinlaw               DT        6-6, 310            South Carolina
14         Tampa Bay       7-9        * Mekhi Becton           OT        6-7, 350            Louisville
15         Denver              7-9        * C.J. Henderson         CB        6-1, 205            Florida
16         Atlanta              7-9        * K’Lavon Chaisson    OLB      6-3, 255            LSU
17         Dallas               8-8        * Cole Kmet                   TE        6-6, 265            Notre Dame
18         Miami (Pittsburgh) 8-8    * Henry Ruggs        WR       5-11, 190          Alabama
19        Las Vegas (Chicago) 8-8 * A.J. Epenesa           DE       6-6, 280           Iowa
20        Jacksonville (Rams) 9-7  * Justin Jefferson   WR      6-1, 200           LSU
21        Philadelphia     9-7       * A.J. Terrell                  CB       6-1, 195           Clemson
22        Buffalo             10-6     * Xavier McKinney        S          6-1, 205           Alabama
23        New England   12-4     Marlon Davidson         DE       6-3, 300           Auburn
24        New Orleans   13-3     Kristian Fulton              CB       6-0, 195           LSU
25        Minnesota       10-6     * Tee Higgins                 WR      6-4, 215           Clemson
26        Miami (Houston) 10-6 * Yetur Gross-Matos      DE       6-4, 265          Penn State
27        Seattle             11-5     * Patrick Queen              LB        6-0, 230           LSU
28        Baltimore         14-2     * Kenneth Murray       ILB       6-2, 240           Oklahoma
29        Tennessee      9-7       * Jordan Love                QB       6-4, 225           Utah State
30        Green Bay      13-3     * Laviska Shenault        WR      6-1, 225           Colorado
31       San Francisco 13-3     * Grant Delpit                S          6-2, 215           LSU
32        Kansas City    12-4     * J.K. Dobbins              RB       5-10, 220         Ohio State

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a long-time member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Biletnikoff, Thorpe, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi etc for the past 25 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites.

NFL 2020 Scouting Combine Info and Schedule

    The NFL Scouting Combine will be held February 23 – March 2, 2020

The best college football players are invited to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana. This year 337 players are scheduled for extensive testing over a week as a critical part of the scouting progress for the NFL Draft. Top NFL Executives, coaching staffs, Player Personnel departments and medical personnel from all 32 NFL teams will be on hand to evaluate the nation’s top college football players eligible for the upcoming NFL Draft. This intense, four-day job interview is an exciting time for the athletes and a vital step in achieving their dreams of playing in the NFL.

The NFL Scouting Combine will shift to prime time this year in Indianapolis during the week.

2020 NFL Scouting Combine On-Field Workout Schedule

QB Tua Tagovailo Commits only to medical and interview processes

   Thursday, Feb 27 – Running Backs, Offensive Linemen, Placekicker and Special Teamers
   Friday, Feb 28 – Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers, Tight Ends
   Saturday, Feb 29 – Defensive Linemen, Linebackers
   Sunday, March 1 – Defensive Backs

 With increasing interest in the NFL draft, the scouting combine has grown in scope and significance, allowing personnel directors to evaluate upcoming prospects in a standardized setting. Its origins have evolved from the National, BLESTO and Quadra Scouting organizations in 1977 to the media event it has become today.

The NFL Combine 2020 features the national champion LSU with 16 players followed by Michigan and Ohio St (11) and Georgia and Alabama with 10 players each invited. Teams with 9 players invited are Notre Dame, Utah and Auburn.

On average, there are approximately 100+ NFL Combine players who will go undrafted while on average, 35+ non-invited NFL Combine players are drafted each April.

NFL Combine Invitations – Leading Schools

LSU (16)
Joe Burrow, QB, LSU
K’Lavon Chaisson, LB, LSU
Saahdiq Charles, OL, LSU
Lloyd Cushenberry, OL, LSU
Grant Delpit, DB, LSU
Michael Divinity, LB, LSU
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU
Blake Ferguson, LS, LSU
Kristian Fulton, DB, LSU
Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
Rashard Lawrence II, DL, LSU
Damien Lewis, OL, LSU
Thaddeus Moss, TE, LSU
Jacob Phillips, LB, LSU
Patrick Queen, LB, LSU
Stephen Sullivan, TE, LS

Michigan (11)
Ben Bredeson, OL, Michigan
Lavert Hill, DB, Michigan
Khaleke Hudson, LB, Michigan
Sean McKeon, TE, Michigan
Josh Metellus, DB, Michigan
Mike Onwenu, OL, Michigan
Shea Patterson, QB, Michigan
Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan
Cesar Ruiz, OL, Michigan
Jon Runyan, OL, Michigan
Josh Uche, LB, Michigan
 
Ohio State (11)
Damon Arnette, DB, Ohio State
J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State
Jordan Fuller, DB, Ohio State
DaVon Hamilton, DL, Ohio State
Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State
K.J. Hill, WR, Ohio State
Jonah Jackson OL, Ohio State
Austin Mack, WR, Ohio State
Jeff Okudah, DB, Ohio State
Ben Victor, WR, Ohio State
Chase Young, DL, Ohio State
 
Alabama (10)
Shyheim Carter, DB, Alabama
Raekwon Davis, DL, Alabama
Trevon Diggs, DB, Alabama
Anfernee Jennings, LB, Alabama
Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Terrell Lewis, LB, Alabama
Xavier McKinney, DB, Alabama
Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama
Jedrick Wills, OL, Alabama
 
Georgia (10)
Rodrigo Blankenship, K, Georgia
Lawrence Cager, WR, Georgia
Jake Fromm, QB, Georgia
Brian Herrien, RB, Georgia
Solomon Kindley, OL, Georgia
J.R. Reed, DB, Georgia
D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia
Andrew Thomas, OL, Georgia
Isaiah Wilson, OL, Georgia
Charlie Woerner, TE, Georgia
 
Athletes attend by invitation only. An athlete’s performance during the NFL Combine can affect their draft status and salary, and their career. The NFL Draft has popularized the term “workout warrior”, whereby an athlete’s ‘draft stock’ is increased based on superior measurable qualities such as size, speed, and strength, despite having an average or sub-par college career.

               * Select players from any Group may arrive one day prior to their scheduled date listed above in order to assist with medical scheduling. This will be based on flight schedules and medical tests only and no players arriving early will have advanced contact with teams.

Rookie Wide Receiver Deebo Samuel Provides Impact in Big Games
Draft Insiders’ Yearbook Scouting Report – NFL Draft 2019

Rookie receiver Deebo Samuel has been a major difference maker for the 49ers after being taken in Round Two last April, #36 overall.  Frank Coyle of Draft Insiders’ ranked him as the receiver with the best hands and one of premier playmakers in the NFL Draft 2019 class. Samuel was arguably one of the best values in the entire draft class.

Draft Insiders’ Review 2019 – June 2019
49ers Report

With their 2nd round pick, they added WR/RS Deebo Samuel, a quick versatile playmaker with fine production. He was a fine addition and brings skills as both a receiver and returner. He runs fine routes and shows very good run after the catch skills with impact ability especially in the slot with versatility as a returner.

Wide Receiver Class
Draft Insiders’ 2019 Yearbook Scouting Report – March 2019

Deebo Samuel #1 5-11 215 South Carolina – Sp. 4.45
     Player Comparison: Percy Harvin
Fast compact senior wideout/returner has been one of the most dangerous playmakers in the nation over recent seasons. Athletically gifted with deceptively strong frame and good quickness and speed to make plays consistently as a receiver, runner and returner. He got reps as a wideout, slot receiver, third down back and return specialist. When he lines up in the backfield, he ranks as one of the better 3rd down backs in this class. His return skills are amazing and can be an immediate difference maker both on punts and kickoffs. Used in a number of roles where he performs at an elite level. Very instinctive and intelligent receiver and developing quickly in running the entire route tree. Footwork is crisp and allows him to run precise routes and retain his speed well at the break point. Displays a fine burst out of his cuts to create consistent separation. Well-rounded complete athlete who is gaining a nice understanding of multiple positions to provide a very unique weapon for the pro game. Shows the instincts and feel for finding the soft spots in zone coverage and presenting a good target for the passer. Knows when he needs to come back to the throw on digs and hook routes. Always looking to run after the catch with the burst to create immediate space from defenders. Used in a number of ways, including jet sweeps, bubble screens and third down back situations. Very natural and reliable hands to extend and pluck the ball consistently. Knows how to track over the shoulder passes and displays good sideline awareness. He is both quick and fast with the suddenness in small areas to create space. As a receiver, he is a deep threat who can blow the top off a defense. Short strides allow him to cut on a dime and get behind safeties to make big plays. He handles bigger, stronger press corners and rarely is pushed off his routes. Reads coverage well and knows how to find soft spots. Needs to prove he can hold up physically working over the middle when taking a big hit. Good effort as a blocker. Dangerous as a punt returner where his short area suddenness, long speed, elusiveness and strength allow him to be dangerous every time he touches the ball. Natural runner and good at setting up blocks with the vision and awareness of a scatback to cut back against the grain. Can eat up the corner’s cushion quickly and come out of his breaks with sharp cuts and retain his top end speed to separate. Good cutting skills to change directions and maintain speed. As a runner, he has the ability to take the simple slip screen for huge gains, combining acceleration with the separation speed to run away. Athlete with highly-developed overall skill set and should be capable of contributing as rookie and playing key roles at a high level.
The Numbers: As a senior, he started each game and totaled 62 receptions for 882 yards, a 14.2 yard average and 11 TDs. Earned first team SEC honors. As a junior, he missed the season after a knee injury in the third game. Started 3 games and caught 15 passes for 250 yards, a 16.7 yard average and 3 TDs. Over his career, he had 148 receptions for 2076 yards, 16 TDs and an average of 14 yards per catch. Rushed for 154 yards on 25 carries and 7 TDs. Excellent returner and ranks with best prospects as a specialist. At the NFL Combine, he checked in at 5’11” and 214 lbs. and did 15 reps. Ran a good 4.48 time with a 39” VL and a 10’2” BJ. Added a 4.14 shuttle and 7.03 three cone. Fine positional and agility drills. Similar to NFL playmakers Percy Harvin and Randall Cobb in size, speed, running style and versatility.
The Skinny: Talented versatile playmaker with impact ability in a few roles. Developed receiving skills and best suited for the slot or 3rd down role in backfield. Top return skills and a difference maker for field position. Playmaking ability should earn him early slot time. Well-rounded athlete with speed and natural running skills with game changing ability. Game changer and marginal top 40 athlete with the talent to give an offense a boost and difference maker early.
Draft Projection: 2nd Round

Frank Coyle is a longtime member of the FWAA and a voter for the Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy, Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 25 years. He was a 20 year Scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl.