FWAA Announces 2019 Outland Trophy Watch List

83 Players Listed for Nation’s Top Interior Lineman

The Football Writers Association of America has announced the preseason watch list for the 2019 Outland Trophy presented by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. This season’s list presents a rare wide-open field following the departure of all eight Outland Trophy semifinalists from a year ago and the return of only one FWAA All-American, offensive tackle Calvin Throckmorton of Oregon. The Ducks, along with Michigan, top the list with four selections among the 83 standout interior linemen representing all 10 Division I FBS conferences and independents.

Throckmorton, a senior from Bellevue, Wash., was a second-team FWAA All-American and is the lone member of the 2018 FWAA All-America Team on either interior line to return this season. He is joined by three teammates, center Jake Hanson, guard Shane Lemieux and defensive tackle Jordon Scott. Michigan has four members of its offensive front on the list – center Cesar Ruiz, guards Michael Onwenu and Ben Bredeson, and tackle Jon Runyan. Georgia has three players and 15 other schools have two representatives on the list of standouts.

University of Pittsburgh All-American Mark May, the 1980 Outland Trophy winner, will serve as the Outland Trophy #FightFlu ambassador for the upcoming season. May will make media appearances on behalf of the #FightFlu public awareness campaign to remind people to get their annual flu shots.

The recipient of the 74th Outland Trophy will be announced during ESPN’s The Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 12, live from the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. The official presentation to the winner will be made at the NFID Outland Trophy Awards Dinner sponsored by Werner Enterprises and produced by the Greater Omaha Sports Committee on Jan. 15, 2020. Up to eight semifinalists will be named on Nov. 20 in Omaha and three finalists for the award will be announced on Nov. 25.

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He has published draftinsiders.com for 29 years including a 250 page Yearbook with 300 in-depth scouting reports. Long-time scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game and member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 27 years.

Candidates may be added or removed during the season. The distribution of watch list candidates is spread well among the conferences, with the Big Ten and SEC leading the way with 13 each. The Big 12 and Pac-12 are just behind with 12 apiece, followed by the ACC with 10 as well as the American Athletic (6), Independents and Mountain West (4 each), and Conference USA, Mid-American and Sun Belt (3 each). The list includes 32 offensive tackles, 19 defensive tackles, 18 guards and 14 centers.

2019 Outland Trophy Preseason Watch List (83)

OT Trey Adams, Washington                             OG Shane Lemieux, Oregon
OT Hakeem Adeniji, Kansas                              DT Ray Lima, Iowa State
OL Tremayne Anchrum, Clemson                    OT Walker Little, Stanford
OG Jack Anderson, Texas Tech                        OT Abraham Lucas, Washington State
OT Mekhi Becton, Louisville                             DL James Lynch, Baylor
C Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin                                DT Justin Madubuike, Texas A&M
DT Ross Blacklock, TCU                                     DT Garrett Marino, UAB
DT Quinton Bohanna, Kentucky                       OT Colton McKivitz, West Virginia
OG Parker Braun, Texas                                     OG John Molchon, Boise State
OG Ben Bredeson, Michigan                             C Jimmy Morrissey, Pitt
DT Derrick Brown, Auburn                               OT Thayer Munford, Ohio State
OL Jake Brown, UCF                                          DT Larrell Murchison, N.C. State
C Levi Brown, Marshall                                      DT Lorenzo Neal, Purdue
C Cohl Cabral, Arizona State                             OT Jake Nelson, Nevada
OT Brady Christensen, BYU                              OT Lucas Niang, TCU
OT Ezra Cleveland, Boise State                         OT Marcus Norman, USF
DT Doug Costin, Miami                                      OG Michael Onwenu, Michigan
OT Coy Cronk, Indiana                                       OT Miles Pate, WKU
OG Navaughn Donaldson, Miami                     DT John Penisini, Utah
OT Liam Eichenberg, Notre Dame                   OT Benjamin Petrula, Boston College
OG Jovahn Fair, Temple                                     C Cesar Ruiz, Michigan
DT Leki Fotu, Utah                                              OT Jon Runyan, Michigan
DT Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma                      DT Jordon Scott, Oregon
C Jake Hanson, Oregon                                       C Zach Shackelford, Texas
C Bryce Harris, Toledo                                         OL Josh Sills, West Virginia
C Nick Harris, Washington                                 OG John Simpson, Clemson
OT Charlie Heck, North Carolina                      OT Rashawn Slater, Northwestern
OT Justin Herron, Wake Forest                         OG Logan Stenberg, Kentucky
C Creed Humphrey, Oklahoma                          OT Prince Tega Wanogho, Auburn
OT Robert Hunt, Louisiana                                OT Andrew Thomas, Georgia
OL Keith Ismael, San Diego State                     OT Calvin Throckmorton, Oregon
OT Alaric Jackson, Iowa                                     DT Khyiris Tonga, BYU
C Jordan Johnson, UCF                                     OG Tre’Vour Wallace-Sims, Missouri
OT Victor Johnson, Appalachian State           C Darryl Williams, Mississippi State
OT Josh Jones, Houston                                    DT Raequan Williams, Michigan State
OG Luke Juriga, Western Michigan                OT Jedrick Wills Jr., Alabama
OG Kirk  Kelley, Troy                                         OL Isaiah Wilson, Georgia
OL Solomon Kindley, Georgia                          DT Marvin Wilson, Florida State
DT Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina                   DT Robert Windsor, Penn State
OG Tommy Kraemer, Notre Dame                 OT Tristan Wirfs, Iowa
OG Gus Lavaka, Oregon State                         C Dustin Woodard, Memphis
OG Alex Leatherwood, Alabama

By conference: Big Ten 13, SEC 13, Big 12 12, Pac-12 12, ACC 10, American Athletic 6, Independents 4, Mountain West 4, Conference USA 3, Mid-American 3, Sun Belt 3.

By position: Offensive Tackles 32, Defensive Tackles 19, Offensive Guards 18, Centers 14.

Tackles, guards and centers are eligible for consideration Candidates may be added or removed during the season

The Outland Trophy winner is chosen from three finalists who are a part of the annual FWAA All-America Team. The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the entire membership, selects a 26-man first team and eventually the three Outland finalists. Committee members, then by individual ballot, select the winner. Only interior linemen on offense or defense are eligible for the award; ends are not eligible.

The Outland Trophy is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA and its 25 awards now boast over 800 recipients, dating to 1935. Visit ncfaa.org to learn more about the NCFAA.

The Outland Trophy, now in its 74th year, is the third-oldest major college football award. Created in 1946 when Dr. John Outland presented the FWAA with a financial contribution to initiate the award, the Outland Trophy has been given to the best interior lineman in college football ever since. Dr. Outland, an All-American at the University of Pennsylvania in the late 1890s, eventually took up practice in Kansas City, Mo. An avid outdoorsman, Dr. Outland believed linemen did not get the credit they deserved and wanted an award to recognize them.

About the Football Writers Association of America
Founded in 1941, the non-profit Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) consists of more than 1,300 members, including journalists, broadcasters, publicists and key executives in all areas of college football. Led by current President Matt Fortuna of The Athletic, longtime Executive Director Steve Richardson, and a board of veteran journalists, the association continues to grow and work to help college football prosper at all levels. Visit footballwriters.com for more information about the FWAA and its award programs.

NFL Draft 2019 – Draft Insiders’ – Scouting Report
  Linebacker Chase Winovich – Michigan

   Frank Coyle/ Head scout

Here is Draft Insiders’ Yearbook scouting report on one of the fastest rising defensive prospects in this class, defensive end/ linebacker Chase Winovich of Michigan.  He is a prospect we have scouted since early in his career when he flashed impact in a few roles for the tough Wolverine defense. He is a three down defender who has the flexibility to play both with his hand in the dirt and up off the edge. He became a core defender on the highly ranked Michigan defense which will probably see four defensive prospects selected in the top 100 with three hearing their names in the top 40-50 selections. Winovich performed very well vs top Big Ten talent which supplies many offensive linemen annually to the NFL. He had an outstanding postseason concluding with a very impressive showing at his Pro Day and the NFL Combine.  He performed despite coming off ankle surgery during the early postseason prior to the NFL Combine and undergoing wrist surgery following his March 15th Pro Day. He performed outstanding at both events and was impressive at interviews.  He is ranked our #4 Outside Linebacker and a top 40-50 prospect.

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Draft Insiders’ – 2019 Yearbook Scouting Report

Outside Linebacker
 Chase Winovich #15               6-3        255       Michigan – Sp. 4.60
    Player Comparison: Rob Ninkovich                      Rating 86
High motor versatile senior defender had a fine career, earning Big Ten honors over his final two seasons. Earned first team honors in 2018 with his big play ability off the edge. Strong frame with good weight room strength that translates well to the field. Good height and arm length with a solid base to be a three-down defender at both the weak side end position in 4-3 set or up in the 3-4 scheme. Good burst off the edge and transfers to power with fine technique to win vs bigger athletes. Sound instincts with the versatility and toughness to play either outside spot in basic fronts. Skill set to be effective in run support and a quality pass rusher. After an impressive sophomore effort, he established himself as a developing prospect with good instincts, functional strength and speed. Displays strong quick hands to keep blockers off his body and separate to gain penetration. Shows strength and leverage to hold the point with the speed and flexibility to chase in pursuit and break down well in space. As an edge rusher, he has deceptive quickness and speed to rush the passer with the functional strength to win late on the down. Holds the point with sound leverage and hand usage, though struggles when facing combo blocks. Fluid flexible athlete who can stack vs big blockers when technically sound. Shows the quickness to move laterally and make plays with hand technique to disengage from blockers. Combines good functional strength with speed on the snap to also counter back inside. Shows a burst to the ball once he frees himself from blockers with the agility and flexibility to redirect and chase from the backside. Utilizes his hand punch to strike an opponent and separate to pursue the ball. As a pass rusher, he relies too much on his initial power move and needs more development on his swim maneuver to win. Average acceleration at the top of his arc. Good short area burst along the line in pursuit. Shows ability to counter and redirect to the inside when his initial move is contained. As a senior, he started 13 games and totaled 69 tackles with 17 TFL, 1 PBU and 5 sacks, earning 2nd team Big Ten. As a junior, he made 79 tackles with 18.5 TFL and 8 sacks starting 13 games, earning first team Big Ten. At the NFL Combine, he came in at just under 6’3” and 256 lbs. and did 18 reps with a wrist that required surgery soon after the event. He ran a 4.59 time with a 30.5” VL and 9’8” BJ with a 4.11 shuttle and a 6.94 three cone to complete a very good overall effort. Athlete with versatility to start at a few positions and both sets. Two postseason surgeries, an ankle injury early in postseason and a March wrist surgery after performing well at his Pro day. Probable early starter if he settles into the right scheme and learns the finer points of technique. Top 50 prospect with upside to start. Similar to Rob Ninkovich in many ways, including intangibles, power and schematic versatility. Savvy instinctive defender and capable of 40 snaps weekly. Good 2nd day value and gritty NFL starter.
                                                                          Draft Projection: 2nd Round

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 Yearbook 2019 – Scouting Report
Safety Darnell Savage – Maryland

   Frank Coyle/ Head scout

   Here is our scouting report on one of the fastest rising defensive prospects in this class, safety Darnell Savage of Maryland.  He is a prospect we have scouted since his sophomore season when he flashed impact in a few roles in the Terps’ secondary. He is a three down defender who has the ability to play the slot or centerfield positions. He performed well vs top ACC talent and had an outstanding postseason concluding with a very impressive showing at the NFL Combine.  He is ranked as our #3 safety and a top 50 prospect. No other publication or web site ranked him in the top 10 safeties entering April.

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Draft Insiders’ – Yearbook Scouting Report

Darnell Savage #4                    5-11      195       Maryland – Sp. 4.45     
   Player Comparison: Tyrann Mathieu                  Rating 88
Hard-hitting dynamo safety has been the leader of the Terps’ secondary for the past three seasons. Rangy versatile defender developed into a ball hawk, lining up at free safety and also dropping into the nickel defender where he also excelled. Earned first team Big Ten honors along with 2nd team All-American by DraftInsiders.com in 2018. Stepped in as a full-time starter in 2016 as a true sophomore after time as a nickel corner during his true freshman season. Strong compact athlete combines excellent speed, quickness and fluid athleticism with keen instincts to be a three-down defender. Displays the versatility to lineup at a few spots in the sub packages. At times, he seeks to deliver big stops, but is not a violent hitter and his marginal size is a concern related to holding up to the physicality of the game. More a drag down tackler, though reliable especially in the open field where he breaks down well in space. Displays an awesome closing burst, arriving with good pad level to maintain leverage and breakup passes. He has outstanding read-react ability and attacks with an aggressive manner with a motor that knows only one speed. Drives through his target upon contact and able to finish. Lined up in a variety of ways, usually the high safety and slot corner in different alignments. Very effective single-high safety with excellent range to make up ground and get to the ball. Often lined up over a slot receiver, and shows the quick footwork to mirror off the line well with the closing speed to break up passes. Highly versatile with the range and instincts to play free in the deep middle and at times the toughness and run stopping ability to be the eighth man in the box. He has fine instincts for man-coverage with dependable hands to hang on to his interception opportunities. Keeps his head on a swivel in coverage and reacts to the ball quickly. Attacks the throw at the catch point as if he was the receiver. Average height and excellent leaping ability allow him to win jump-ball throws. Plays all facets of the game with a strong sense of urgency. He does however, lack ideal size, especially for a heavy diet of playing in the box. In 2018, started 12 games and had 52 tackles, 5.5 TFL, no sacks, 4 picks and 2 PBU. Earned first team Big Ten honors. In 2017, started 12 games and made 59 tackles, 3 picks and 8 PBU. For his career, totaled 182 tackles with 9 TFL, 8 picks and 14 PBU. Best suited for playing single high scheme. Fine athleticism to be a three-down defender. At the NFL Combine, he came in just under 5’11” and 198 lbs. with 31” arms. He ran a 4.45 time, 11 reps, a 39.5” VL and a 10’6“ BJ with 4.14 shuttle and 7.03 three cone. Excellent positional drills to complete a well-rounded workout. Similar to safety Tyrann Mathieu in natural talent and versatility. Also, for the old draftniks, he is similar to safety Bob Sanders, one of the best defenders in the league during his time with the Colts. He has the speed, quickness and ball skills to be an early starter and compares to Mathieu in size, AA and versatility. Shows flexible hips and quick footwork with the instincts to continue to improve in coverage. Talent to be a difference maker if coupled with a good box safety. High quality athlete and football player with experience to compete for time in different packages and an excellent addition. Probable early starting ability and in addition he could win the nickel role in camp. Valuable versatility with fast developing talent and a three-down defender. Rising marginal top 40 selection with impact talent. Teams like the Giants, Redskins, Cowboys and Chiefs have him on their short list in the early 2nd round.
Draft Projection: 2nd Round

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 Yearbook 2019 – Scouting Report
Defensive Tackle Khalen Saunders – Western Illinois

   Frank Coyle/ Head scout

   Here is our scouting report on our highest rated small college prospect, DT Khalen Saunders of Western Illinois. He is a prospect we have scouted since his sophomore season when he flashed impact from the inside. He is a three down defender who has the burst to rush the passer and can win with both speed and power. At the Senior Bowl in January, he performed well vs the top talent once again assembled at the premier All-Star event. He followed the Senior Bowl fine performance with another impressive showing at the NFL Combine.  

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Scouting Report – Defensive Tackle

Khalen Saunders #99   6-1        325       Western Illinois – Sp. 5.0         
    Player Comparison: Brandon Mebane                    Rating 82
Explosive mobile interior senior has been a disruptive force at the FCS level over his three starting seasons. Three-time MVFC honors with his final season as the DPY honors. His talent did not go unnoticed and earned invitations to both the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. A prospect that I have scouted extensively since early in his junior season. Dominant tackle in the MVFC which has produced many NFL players. Excellent athlete with natural power and fine short area quickness.  Quick penetrator excelled despite double team blocks regularly. Thick low based defender brings a well-rounded skill set and NFL ability to the table. Legitimate NFL starter in a zero or one-technique role with development. Despite his short arms, he has strong quick hands to explode through gaps and get into the backfield consistently. Finishes with strong tackling, including on the perimeter. Uses his lack of ideal height to his advantage with natural leverage to get under blockers, penetrate and separate. Shows very good initial quickness to threaten gaps and use his powerful punch to jolt blockers. Able to use his strong hands to counter and push off big blockers with his initial thrust. As a pass rusher, he wins on his initial charge and totaled 18 career sacks with 14 over his final two seasons. At times, gets wired to blockers when his initial burst is contained and he can struggle to get sacks late in the down. Displays fine flexibility and the ability to stay low, use leverage and strike and move an opponent off the line. Understands hand usage and capable of controlling an opponent when he uses sound inside placement. Very light on his feet and is able to adjust and redirect to finish. At the Senior Bowl, he performed very well including doing back flips a la JPP. Sure wrap up tackler and capable of exploding to the ball with the range to make plays outside the box. After extensive playing time and facing much double blocking, he has developed sound instincts and awareness for draws, misdirection and screens. Good sense of timing to peel off blockers to get to the ball. Relies on his initial quickness and natural leverage to defeat blocks. Works hard to rush the passer, but needs additional moves. Best suited to play nose tackle in the zero or one-technique role. As a senior, he started 11 games and had 72 tackles with 13 TFL, 1 FF, 1 FR, 5 QB hurries and 6.5 sacks. Earned 1st team FCS All-American honors. As a junior, he started 12 games and registered 57 tackles along with 12 TFL, 7.5 sacks, 3 FF and 1 FR, earning first team MVFC honors. Over his career, he totaled 204 tackles, 34.5 TFLs, 4 FF, 3 FR and 18 sacks. Rare production for a nose tackle. At the NFL Combine, he came in under 6’1”, 324 lbs. with 32 1/4” arms and 9 1/8” hands. He ran a 5.01 time and did 27 reps. Added a 30.5” VL, 8’5” BJ, 4.62 shuttle and 7.57 three cone. Similar to Brandon Mebane in size, AA and quickness to also play tackle in a 4-3 scheme. Contributes early in a line rotation and can a key factor as a situational tackle. Early rotational tackle presents a fine change of pace for starters. Good early 3rd day selection with upside to surprise and be a quality starter in time. Top 100 prospect here and may be drafted in the 3rd round. One of the emerging defenders in this entire draft with a huge ceiling to start and provide an athletic anchor in the middle.
Draft Projection: 3rd-4th Round

NFL Combine 2019 – Workout Warriors
Defensive Prospects

Edge Defenders
Sweat, Montez                OLB      Mississippi St.
Winovich, Chase            OLB      Michigan
Allen, Josh                      OLB      Kentucky
Banogu, Ben                   OLB      TCU
Brailford, Jordan           OLB      Oklahoma St.
Burns, Brian                   OLB      Florida St.
Davis, Jamal                   OLB      Akron
Hollins, Justin               OLB      Oregon
Miller, Christian            OLB      Alabama

Defensive Linemen
Bosa, Nick                      DL        Ohio St.
Gary, Rashan                 DL        Michigan
Williams, Quinnen       DL        Alabama
Hill, Trysten                  DL        Central Florida
Collier, L.J.                    DL        TCU
Cominsky, John           DL        Charleston

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Linebackers
White, Devin                 LB        LSU
Bush, Devin                   LB        Michigan
Cashman, Blake            LB        Minnesota
Johnson, Gary               LB        Texas
Summers, Ty                 LB        TCU
Takitaki, Sione              LB        BYU
Tranquill, Drue              LB        Notre Dame

Corners
Dean, Jamel                  CB        Auburn
Fields, Mark                  CB        Clemson
Johnson, Isaiah            CB        Houston
Layne, Justin                CB        Michigan St.
Bunting, Sean               CB        Central Michigan
Webster, Ken                CB        Mississippi
Long, David                   CB        Michigan
Thomas, Derrek            CB        Baylor

Safeties
Woods, Zedrick                             S          Mississippi
Gardner-Johnson, Chauncey     S          Florida
Abram, Johnathan                       S          Mississippi St.
Hooker, Amani                             S          Iowa
Savage, Darnell                             S          Maryland
Blair, Marquise                             S          Utah
West, Darius                                  S          Kentucky

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He has published draftinsiders.com for 28 years including a 250 page Yearbook with 300 in-depth scouting reports. Long-time scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game and member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 25+ years.

NFL Free Agency 2019 – Franchised Players – Designated Salary by Position

NFL announced that the 2019 salary cap has been set at $188,200,000 per club, up from the 2018 ceiling of $177,200,000. The NFL announced the numbers for teams to designate franchise or transition players closed. This year, six players were designated as non-exclusive franchise players. No transition tags were used this year by any club.

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The new salary cap number represents an $11 million increase over the 2018 number which was $12 million over the 2017 salary cap. Since 2012, the cap has increased by nearly $70 million per team. The salary cap figure has ballooned in recent years as the effects of new bulging television deals are being figured into the amount. The total has jumped over $45 million each of the past four seasons. Though this is the 6th straight year the salary cap has increased by at least $10 million.

Under the collective bargaining agreement, teams are required to spend an average of 89 percent of the salary cap from 2013 to 2019. League-wide, teams must spend an average of 95 percent of the salary cap over the four-year period.

This new money boosts many clubs into a higher bracket that could produce a buying frenzy in the opening weeks starting March 13th. The salary cap per team below is a fluctuating total according to ongoing roster moves – re-signing, releases and restructuring of current players. The new totals should guarantee a heavily active Free Agent market thru the spring.

NFL 2017 Salary Cap – Franchise/ Transitional Tags 

The NFL salary cap figures list Franchise non-exclusive and transition tags. Non-exclusive players must be tendered a one-year deal no less than the listed amount for their position, which is determined by the average of the top five salaries at their position. With the non-exclusive tag, the current team has the right to match any offer or get two 1st round choices in return. An exclusive Franchise tag ties him to his current team at a higher but undetermined price for one season. Both sides can continue to negotiate on a longer deal even after a franchise tag has been applied.

NFL teams had until March 5th to designate either franchise or transitional tags. The transition tag is created by averaging the top 10 salaries at one position.

Free Agency Labels

Exclusive Franchise Players – None

Franchise Non-exclusive Players (6)

DeMarcus Lawrence             DE            Cowboys
Dee Ford                                 DE/LB      Chiefs
Jadeveon Clowney                DE/LB      Texans
Frank Clark                            DE             Seahawks
Grady Jarrett                         DT             Falcons
Robbie Gould                        PK              49ers

Official Franchise Tags – Salary cap 2019 – $188.2M
Franchise Tag Salary Numbers for each position

  2019 Franchise Tag Values

Offense
     Position                  Tender Amount
Quarterback                  $24,865,000
Running Back               $11,214,000
Wide Receiver               $16,787,000
Tight End                      $10,387,000
Offensive Lineman      $14,067,000
 
Defense
Defensive End              $17,128,000
Defensive Tackle           $15,209,000
Linebacker                    $15,443,000
Cornerback                   $16,022,000
Safety                              $11,150,000
Kicker/Punter                $4,971,000

NFL Combine 2019 – Workout Warriors

  Offensive Prospects
Pro Days Begin on School Campuses

NFL Combine Defensive Prospects – This week

Offensive Prospects

Quarterbacks – Pro Days will determine final QB Rankings
Jackson, Tyree              QB       Buffalo
Jones, Daniel                QB       Duke
Lock, Drew                    QB       Missouri

Running Backs – Middle Tier Prospects Shrine at Workouts
Williams, Trayveon        RB        Texas A&M
Hill, Justice                   RB        Oklahoma St.
Sanders, Miles              RB        Penn St.
Scarlett, Jordan             RB        Florida
Henderson, Darrell        RB        Memphis
Armstead, Ryquell         RB        Temple
Barnes, Alex                 RB        Kansas St.

Wide Receivers – Deep Class with Limited Blue Chip Prospects
Metcalf, D.K.                 WR       Mississippi
McLaurin, Terry             WR       Ohio St.
Campbell, Parris            WR       Ohio St.
Isabella, Andy               WR       Massachusetts
Jennings, Gary              WR       West Virginia
Hardman, Mecole          WR       Georgia
Boykin, Miles                WR       Notre Dame
Brown, A.J.                   WR       Mississippi
Dulin, Ashton                WR       Malone Univ. (Oh)
Ferguson, Jazz              WR       Northwestern St. (La)
Hall, Emanuel                WR       Missouri

Tight Ends – Deep Class Continues to Emerge
Fant, Noah                    TE        Iowa
Hockenson, T.J.            TE        Iowa
Smith, Irv                      TE        Alabama
Oliver, Josh                  TE        San Jose St.
Mack, Alize                   TE        Notre Dame
Moreau, Foster             TE        LSU
Wilson, Caleb                TE        UCLA
 
Offensive Linemen – Limited Blue Chip Hogs
Dillard, Andre                OL        Washington St.
Bradbury, Garrett           OL        N.C. State
Lindstrom, Chris            OL        Boston College
McCoy, Erik                  OL        Texas A&M
Ford, Cody                   OL        Oklahoma
Howard, Tytus               OL        Alabama St.
McGary, Kaleb              OL        Washington
Bates, Ryan                  OL        Penn St.
Benzschawel, Beau       OL        Wisconsin
Davis, Nate                   OL        North Carolina – Charlotte
Deiter, Michael              OL        Wisconsin
Pipkins, Trey                 OL        Sioux Falls

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He has published draftinsiders.com for 28 years including a 250 page Yearbook with 300 in-depth scouting reports. Long-time scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game and member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 25+ years.

NFL Draft 2019

NFL Draft and Free Agency Interview with scout Frank Coyle of DraftInsiders.com for GreenRewind.com

  Analyzing the NY Jets strategy for NFL Free Agency and NFL Draft 2019
by Frank Coyle of draftinsiders.com

#1 Knowing the Jets have $99+ million in cap space and their weaknesses, where and on who would you spend the money on?

Jets have many needs going forward. GM Mike Maccagnan did a good job cutting cap problems in recent years to put them in the current situation. Their top priorities are edge pass rushers, a true feature back and #1 receiver, offensive tackle, defensive linemen and cornerbacks. They need to add a few top starters prior to the NFL Draft 2019. Most FA additions will probably come on the offensive side of the ball with selected defensive additions. With tags starting being used this week, edge defenders like DeMarcus Lawrence, Jadeveon Clowney, Preston Smith, Dante Fowler, Dee Ford, Trey Flowers and Shane Ray could come off the FA board soon. All these edge rushers are just entering their prime. Lawrence, Clowney, Smith, Flowers, Fowler and Ford will be expensive, but they bring the hot commodity the Jets need – edge pass pressure. Smith may not get the publicity of the others, but is an emerging impact edge defender that can make a difference. Flowers would be a coup to wrestle away from the Patriots. Always around the ball and makes plays. Jets will have to compete for the top FA prospects here or use a high draft selection. With no #2 pick currently, they may have their choice of any edge prospect other than Bosa. Josh Allen of Kentucky is a stud and the most complete edge defender in this draft class. The Jets will entertain moving back in top ten for a #2 selection. I love DE/LB Montez Sweat from Mississippi State. He strikes and brings explosiveness and power and has impact talent. He figures off the board by the middle of the first round. With $99 million in free agency available and the #3 overall selection, the Jets could address this area with two edge rushers and elevate this unit significantly with premier defenders like DL Leonard Williams and safety Jamal Adams inline already.

I also like free agent OTs, JaWuan James, Cedric Ogbuehi, Jake Fisher or Donovan Smith. Tackle pickings are generally thin after a few prospects with several teams have already resigned before the FA period even starts. There could be a few released veterans, but that is usually limited at best. That might put the burden on the NFL Draft 2019 where LT Jonah Williams, Greg Little and Andre Dillard are expected to be off the board probably by middle of first round. Quality offensive linemen get gobbled up quickly with 6 prospects in each of the first two rounds last April, including 10 of the first 39 selections. In the top 100 selections in the NFL Draft 2018, twenty draft choices were used on offensive linemen.

Jet corners Morris Claiborne (29) and Buster Skrine (30) are up as free agents. At $7 million for Claiborne and $6+ for Skrine, both would be costly to resign especially with veteran Tremaine Johnson (29) signed for a $12 million cap charge with an $8 million cash layout. Jets might want to resign one of the veterans with Skrine more versatile. Johnson signed a $72 million dollar contract thru 2023 with $34 million guaranteed. Veteran corners Jimmie Ward, Darqueze Dennard, Ronald Darby and Bradley Roby are second contract defenders will NFL starting skills to couple with Johnson and form a top tandem. Ward is a high-quality starter and though an expensive fit, capable of being a key missing piece almost immediately. Jets might also look to couple their starters with a developed rookie addition with starting talent.

#2 The talk here in NY is that the Jets may pursue Le’Veon Bell in free agency. Is this a good move?

Bell would be a good addition but only on certain terms and conditions. Does he sign for anything near his $14 million former contract that he refused to sign through the fall of 2018. The Steelers will not tag him with Franchise or Transitional labels. He is a complete back who is only 27 years old and coming off sitting out the entire 2018 season. He should be primed for a big 2019 performance and an excellent compliment to young Sam Darnold. His presence takes pressure off Darnold and could convert the Green offense a 60-40 run to pass. Bell makes Darnold and the Jets defense 20% better just by his annual average production. I think he probably costs at least a 3 year deal for in the $50 million area.

#3 Is this year a strong NFL Draft?

This NFL Draft class is very strong on defense especially the line and top edge defenders. GM Maccagnan faces a key question at the 3^rd overall pick. Select premier defenders, LB Josh Allen, DL Quinnen Williams or Rashan Gary or corner Greedy Williams. Moving back in the first round may allow them to address two positions with the addition of a #2 draft choice. Maccagnan wisely retained the #1 pick this year by refusing to part with it in the move up last April in the first round. Jets moved from the 6^th overall pick to the 3^rd overall selection for three #2 selections, a month before the NFL Draft 2018. The trade closed the Bills, Dolphins and Cardinals out of the top three selections. Maccagnan put them in position for the 2^nd QB and they were pleasantly surprised to land Sam Darnold with the selection. Darnold can be the franchise QB missing for the Green for decades.

For the Best Coverage of the New York Jets go to Marty Schupak’s – www.GreenRewind.com

#4 The Jets have tons of holes to fill especially at: offensive line, edge pass rusher, wide receiver and cornerback. How do these positions rank as far as strength in this year’s draft?

There is high quality and depth along defensive line while cornerback and offensive tackles will be positions where top talent will fall quickly. OT begins to slide after the top 4-5 prospects especially on the leftside. FA is also weak at LT. Edge rushers is always a critical but dicey position and a top priority for the Jets. The top edge rushers may be tagged in FA. Prospects, Josh Allen, Montez Sweat, Jachai Polite and Brian Burns will probably fall in that order after Nick Bosa goes before the Jets 1^st round selection. I love both Allen and Sweat and think they are great fits for the Jets and rookie starters.

Wide receiver is a deep group with a few top prospects considered true #1 receivers. I like N’Keal Harry best with AJ Brown and DK Metcalf next, though none belong before the mid first round or later. Cornerback is a quality group with Greedy Williams and Deandre Baker the top two prospects who are expected to come off the board in the top selections. Corner will be a high priority for Jets especially if two FAs leave in the offseason. Greedy Williams would be an excellent fit and probably comes off the board in the top 5 picks. The corner class is deep and should see many future starters come from the middle round.

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#5 Things may change but right now, give Jets fans 3 players in each round that the Jets should consider knowing where they pick?

1st round (#3 overall) – LB Josh Allen, DT Quinnen Williams, DL Rashan Gary, CB Greedy Williams

2nd round (no pick)

3rd round (two picks, own & New Orleans)
OLB DeAndre Walker, CB Rock Ya-Sin, WR Riley Ridley, LB Germaine Pratt, CB Kendall Sheffield, RT Kaleb McGary,  OL Elgton Jenkins and RB Benny Snell.

4th round
LB Ben Banogu, OT Max Scharping, WR Emanuel Hall or DT Dontavius Russell,

5th round
DT Daylon Mack, CB Alijah Holder, DE Jonathan Ledbetter or CB David Long

6th round (no pick)

7th round
CB Sean Bunting, WR Preston Williams, OT Derwin Gray or RB Wes Hills

#6 Everyone is looking for the next Brady situation getting a steal in the late rounds. What players are teams overlooking who are slated as late round picks or un-drafted free agents?

RB Rodney Anderson of Oklahoma and OLB Porter Gustin of Southern California were rated higher but have fallen off injury concerns. If they check out medically, late steals with definite upside potential. Linemen, OT Derwin Gray of Maryland and OG Lanard Bonner of Arkansas St are falling through the cracks and both carry starting NFL grades in time. Gray is very intriguing for the outside. Wideouts DaMarkus Lodge of Mississippi and Emmanuel Butler of Northern Arizona have talent to compete for the possession receiver role. Both have size and starting talent, though need to settle into a system. Definite late steals with real upside.

#7 I am hoping that the Jets trade back with one of the teams looking for a quarterback. What do you see the chances of that happening and how do you rate this year’s QB class?

Trading back in top half of first round keeps Jets in range of top defensive players and probably earns a #2 pick. It would be a wise move. This years’ QB class is not equal to last year. Two high prospects Dwayne Haskins and Kyler Murray are only one year starters. Teams like the Jaguars, Bengals, Giants, Redskins and Dolphins are interested in moving up. Broncos appear out after the trade for Joe Flacco. Redskins hold the 15^th overall pick in first round and want to land a top QB. Jets would certainly have to get a #2 pick plus future high picks to move to middle of the round.

Raiders could be a Wild card here with three #1 picks including #4 overall plus two late #1 picks. Moving back to the Jaguars would be ironic moving from the 3^rd overall to the 6^th overall choice after doing the opposite last year to move up with the Colts to land Darnold. Maybe Jaguars Tom Coughlin is willing to part with three #2 picks like the Jets did last year. Great dream for Jet fans.

#8 Are there any division 2 or 3 players the Jets should look at?

CB Corey Ballantine of Washburn (Ks) and RB Wes Hills of Slippery Rock (Pa) are two D2 prospects I like. Both showed well at the All-star weeks and helped their cause. They both need to follow up with strong NFL Combine workouts.

#9 Do you see any players especially QBs that might have a chance at another position in the NFL?

Murray is definite wild card – QB, running back and wideout like Tyreek Hill. Limited other QBs, but maybe Eric Dungey of Syracuse could apply his athleticism to a deluxe role weapon.

#10 When do you think Kyler Murray will be picked? Round and what # pick?

Murray is a wild card. The game has changed and several teams will value him high, probable top ten pick. His size leaves a lot of questions for taking 60+ snaps a game at QB. I would have real difficulty taking him in the first round without a super plan in an offense. He came in today at over 5’10” and 207 lbs. Game is changing and he probably goes early like top 10 selections maybe higher.

Optional:Add any thoughts on the NY Jet situation and how they should proceed?

With the 3^rd overall pick, a few hot prospects will emerge and give the Jets a few options moving back in the first round. Jacksonville with 6^th overall pick is a natural landing spot, just a question of the price Maccagnan can extract from the Jaguars. That would be the best situation for Jets. At 6^th pick, they still get a blue-chip defender and probably their pick of any offensive linemen or skilled position players. Teams build on top 100 draft choices and adding a few this year could be vital to any turnaround, especially if their FA strategy lands 3 to 4 prime additions.

#11 Additional for you Frank:
What are your thoughts on the coaches that Adam Gase hired?

I really like the signing of HC Adam Gase. It wouldn’t be the first coach who failed in his first assignment. He is an excellent fit for young QB Sam Darnold and I would expect his career to take off with strong coaching from Gase. New offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains reunites with Gase after time in both Chicago and Miami. Loggains is a fine addition to staff. It is important in a few key areas, experience together and success in many respects. It’s important also that Gase does not have to coach the coaches on offense. That helps Darnold immensely.
New defensive coordinator Gregg Williams will bring his aggressive approach to the game and will give this unit a definite boost. He has made impact at several stops and can give the Jets defense new life. He does need some edge rushers and good cover man to implement his system.  He brings a tough mentality that was slipping recently despite some highly regarded prospects.

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He has published draftinsiders.com for 28 years including a 250-page NFL Draft Yearbook with over 250 in-depth scouting reports. Long-time scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game and member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 25+ years. 

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