NFL Scouting Combine 2020 –

The 2020 NFL Scouting Combine is here with the event scheduled to begin Feb. 23-March 2nd. The NFL committee invited 337 draft-eligible players to the annual event in Indianapolis, where they will go through the gauntlet of team and media interviews, physical and medical testing, and more.

The NFL Network channel will televise the NFL Combine 2020 event again for several days will workouts starting Thursday, Feb. 27th

On the NFL Combine list are all of the top prospects in the draft, as well as many players who will inevitably go undrafted. There will be additional players who are selected despite not being invited to Indy. Several top prospects were not invited to this year’s NFL Combine including offensive players, QB Tyler Huntley of Utah, RB Deshawn McClease of Virginia Tech, WR Diondre Overton of Clemson, OG Kevin Dotson of Louisiana-Laf, OG Tre’Vour Wallace-Simms of Missouri, Center Zach Shackleford of Texas. Defenders omitted from NFL Combine lister include OLB Oluwole Betiku of Illinois, DEs Jashon Cornell of Ohio St, Joe Gaziano of Northwestern, and Christian Rector of Southern Cal. Also defenders OLBs Marcel Spears of Iowa State and Jordan Glasgow of Michigan along with safeties Myles Dorn of UNC, Luther Kirk of Illinois St and David Dowell of Michigan St.

They will prep for the next stage of the scouting process at their pro days where they get probably with last chance to impress NFL personnel men.

             NFL Combine Player:     http://www.nfl.com/combine/participants

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.

Senior Bowl 2020 Game Day

Frank Coyle – Head scout Draft Insiders’

The 2020 Senior Bowl game is here with an interesting roster of pro prospects who completed the week of practices, physicals and interviews.

        The Draft Insiders’ February Newsletter and 2020 Yearbook will have extensive coverage of the Senior Bowl and the entire All-star postseason.

Look for QBs Justin Hebert, Jordan Love and Jalen Hurts to get extensive playing time while wideouts Michael Pittman, Chase Claypool and James Proche are expected to be featured in the passing game. TEs Brycen Hopkins and Adam Tautman had impressive practice sessions and could be featured in the passing game.

Runners, Lamical Perine, Antonio Gibson and Ke’Shawn Vaughn 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. Perine is a well rounded back who can be a difference maker here.

The NFL Draft 2020 is a class dominated by defensive front seven prospects and this game features several impact pass rushers. DT Javon Kinlaw of South Carolina had a dominant performance thru mid week, but will sit out the game due to a minor injury.  Marlon Davidson is primed for a huge effort and created continuous havoc in matchups. Look for edge rushers, Jason Strowbridge and Kenny Willekes to provide impact as outside rushers and possible difference makers in this game.

Linebackers, Malik Harrison, Evan Weaver and Anfernee Jennings showed speed, instincts and playmaking ability this week after fine careers. Look to them to be in the action throughout the contest to be the stars on their units. 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 full stride next week both with the NFL Combine and school Pro Days.

Senior Bowl Players to Watch

Offensive Players

Justin    Herbert                 QB          Oregon                 6061       227
Jalen      Hurts                     QB          Oklahoma           6010       218
Jordan  Love                      QB          Utah St.                 6035       223

Lamical Perine                 RB        Florida              5106     211
Antonio Gibson               RB        Memphis           6004     223
Ke’Shawn Vaughn           RB        Vanderbilt         5094     205

Michael Pittman, Jr.        WR         USC                        6037       219
Chase    Claypool               WR         Notre Dame       6043       229
Collin     Johnson              WR         Texas                    6056       221
James   Proche                  WR         SMU                      5105       196
Van        Jefferson             WR         Florida                  6014       197
Jauan    Jennings              WR         Tennessee          6030       206
Denzel  Mims                     WR         Baylor                   6026       206

Brycen  Hopkins               TE           Purdue                 6036       241
Adam    Trautman            TE           Dayton                 6050       251

Josh       Jones                      OL           Houston               6051       311
Lloyd     Cushenberry III    OL           LSU                        6032       312

Defensive Players

Javon Kinlaw                    DL           South Carolina   605        315    Injured
Marlon Davidson             DL           Auburn                 6032       297
Neville  Gallimore            DL           Oklahoma           6020       304
Jason     Strowbridge       DL           North Carolina   6042       267
Kenny   Willekes               DL           Michigan St.       6036       252

Malik     Harrison               LB           Ohio St.                 6025       246
Evan      Weaver                 LB           California             6021       234
Anfernee Jennings          LB           Alabama                 6017       252
Logan    Wilson                  LB           Utah                      6021       241
Terrell   Lewis                     LB           Alabama              6052       258

Darnay  Holmes                 CB           UCLA                     5101       192
Tony      Pride, Jr.               CB           Notre Dame       5113       193

Jeremy Chinn                    S              Southern Illinois 6031     219
Kyle Dugger                        S              Lenoir Rhyme      511       217

Tyler      Bass                       K             Georgia Southern 5100  183
Joseph  Charlton               P             South Carolina   6042       194

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.

NFL Office Announces 99 Players Granted Special Eligibility For NFL Draft 2020

16 additional players who graduated and eligible

The National Football League announced the names of 99 players who have been granted special eligibility for the 2020 NFL Draft and 16 players who have fulfilled their degree requirements with college football eligibility remaining and are also eligible for selection in the April 23-25 draft in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Draft Insiders’ will have extensive Underclassmen reports in both upcoming Newsletters and the 2020 NFL Draft Yearbook.

The following 16 players have in timely fashion under NFL rules officially notified the league office that they have fulfilled their degree requirements.  Consequently, they are eligible for selection:

Player /Position/ College
1 Benjamin, Eno RB Arizona State
2 Betiku, Oluwole DE Illinois
3 Cushenberry, Lloyd C Louisiana State
4 Davis, Quartney WR Texas A&M
5 Gilman, Alohi DB Notre Dame
6 Hennessy, Matt C Temple
7 Holmes, Darnay DB UCLA
8 Ismael, Keith C San Diego State
9 Johnson, Jaylon DB Utah
10 Jones, Tony RB Notre Dame
11 Lewis, Terrell LB Alabama
12 Love, Jordan QB Utah State
13 Lumor, Elorm DE Rutgers
14 Miller, Houston DE Texas Tech
15 Murray, Kenneth LB Oklahoma
16 Simmons, Isaiah  LB Clemson

Each of the 99 players listed below have met the league’s three-year eligibility rule and have renounced their college football eligibility by submitting written notification to the league office on or before the January 17 deadline.  Consequently, they are eligible for selection:

The players granted special eligibility for the 2020 NFL Draft:

Player /Position /College
1 Ahmed, Salvon RB Washington
2 Akers, Cam RB Florida State
3 Arnold, Grayland DB Baylor
4 Asiasi, Devin TE UCLA
5 Bandy, Trajan DB Miami (Fla.)
6 Becton, Mekhi T Louisville
7 Biadasz, Tyler C Wisconsin
8 Blacklock, Ross DT Texas Christian
9 Bowden, Lynn WR Kentucky
10 Brown, Marcus DE Missouri Western
11 Bryant, Hunter TE Washington
12 Cephus, Quintez WR Wisconsin
13 Chaisson, K’Lavon LB Louisiana State
14 Charles, Saahdiq T Louisiana State
15 Cleveland, Ezra T Boise State
16 Coe, Nick DE Auburn
17 Colon-Castillo, Trystan C Missouri
18 Coulter, Isaiah WR Rhode Island
19 Curl, Kamren DB Arkansas
20 Dallas, DeeJay RB  Miami (Fla.)
21 Dantzler, Cameron DB Mississippi State
22 Davis, Gabriel WR Central Florida
23 Davis, Kyle WR Florida Atlantic
24 Delpit, Grant DB Louisiana State
25 Dillon, AJ RB Boston College
26 Dobbins, J.K. RB Ohio State
27 Eason, Jacob QB Washington
28 Edwards-Helaire, Clyde RB Louisiana State
29 Elliott, Jordan DT Missouri
30 Epenesa, A.J. DE Iowa
31 Evans, Darrynton RB Appalachian State
32 Fromm, Jake QB Georgia
33 Garvin, Jonathan DE Miami (Fla.)
34 Gay, Willie LB Mississippi State
35 Gross-Matos, Yetur DE Penn State
36 Guerriero, Pete RB Monmouth, N.J.
37 Guidry, Javelin DB Utah
38 Hamler, K.J. WR Penn State
39 Hand, Harrison DB Temple
40 Henderson, C.J. DB Florida
41 Higgins, Tee WR Clemson
42 Hodgins, Isaiah WR Oregon State
43 Igbinoghene, Noah DB Auburn
44 Jackson, Austin T  Southern California
45 Jackson, Trishton WR  Syracuse
46 Jefferson, Justin WR Louisiana State
47 Jeudy, Jerry WR Alabama
48 Keene, Dalton TE Virginia Tech
49 Kindley, Solomon G Georgia
50 Kmet, Cole TE Notre Dame
51 Lamb, CeeDee WR Oklahoma
52 Leake, Javon RB Maryland
53 Lynch, James DT  Baylor
54 Madubuike, Justin DT  Texas A&M
55 McDonald, Cole QB Hawaii
56 McFarland, Anthony RB Maryland
57 McKinney, Xavier DB Alabama
58 Moss, Thaddeus TE Louisiana State
59 Muti, Netane T Fresno State
60 Newman, Tomas DB Virginia-Lynchburg
61 Okudah, Jeff DB Ohio State
62 Okwuegbunam, Albert TE Missouri
63 Parkinson, Colby TE Stanford
64 Peoples-Jones, Donovan WR Michigan
65 Phillips, Jacob LB Louisiana State
66 Pierre, James DB Florida Atlantic
67 Queen, Patrick LB Louisiana State
68 Reagor, Jalen WR Texas Christian
69 Renfro, Debione DB Texas A&M
70 Robertson, Amik DB Louisiana Tech
71 Robinson, Kenny DB West Virginia
72 Rogers, Kendrick WR Texas A&M
73 Ruggs, Henry WR Alabama
74 Ruiz, Cesar C Michigan
75 Salomon, Darnell WR South Florida
76 Samuels, Stanford DB Florida State
77 Scott, Josiah DB Michigan State
78 Shenault, Laviska WR Colorado
79 Siposs, Arryn P Auburn
80 Stone, Geno DB Iowa
81 Swift, D’Andre RB Georgia
82 Tagovailoa, Tua QB Alabama
83 Taylor, Jonathan RB Wisconsin
84 Taylor, Tabyus RB Virginia Union
85 Terrell, A.J. DB Clemson
86 Thomas, Andrew T Georgia
87 Thomas, Jeff WR Miami (Fla.)
88 Turk, Michael P Arizona State
89 Warren, Michael RB Cincinnati
90 Watkins, Quez WR Southern Mississippi
91 Weaver, Curtis DE Boise State
92 White, Cody WRMichigan State
93 Wills, Jedrick T Alabama
94 Wilson, Isaiah T Georgia
95 Winfield, Antoine DB Minnesota
96 Wirfs, Tristan T Iowa
97 Woodward, David LB Utah State
98 Young, Chase DE Ohio State
99 Young, Toren RB Iowa

The following players inquired about their draft status and are eligible for selection without the need for special eligibility:
Player /Position /School
1 McClease, Deshawn RB Virginia Tech
2 Strickland, Carlos WR Texas-San Antonio
3 Taylor, J.J. RB Arizona
4 Williams, Ty’Son  RB Brigham Young
5 Uche, Josh LB Michigan

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The Reese’s Senior Bowl Week 2020

Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit Lions Coaching Staffs Head 2020 Senior Bowl

The Reese’s Senior Bowl week 2020 is here. The Senior Bowl is the nation’s most prestigious college all-star game because it is the only one coached by entire staffs from two National Football League clubs.  The participating teams are prioritized based on the NFL draft order with the main caveat being that teams must have a full staff in place, which generally precludes teams with coaching turnover to participate. The Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit Lions coaching staffs will participate this season. The coaching staffs get a hands on view of 50 players per team on a regimented practice schedule and personal coaching providing valuable insight to a player’s athleticism, aptitude and readiness for the NFL game.

For Updated Senior Bowl 2020 rosters
https://www.seniorbowl.com/the-game/accepted-invites/

 2020 Senior Bowl Practice Schedule

 Monday
Weigh-in – 10 am – all players

Tuesday
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm (SOUTH)
3:00 pm – 4:300 pm (NORTH)
 
Wednesday
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm (NORTH)
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm (SOUTH)

Thursday
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm (NORTH)
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm (SOUTH)

 * All Practices Open to Public at Ladd-Peebles Stadium

Senior Bowl Game 2020

Ladd-Peebles Stadium
DATE: Saturday, January 25, 2020
TIME: 1:30pm CT
WHERE: Mobile, Alabama
STADIUM: Ladd-Peebles Stadium (38,888)
TELEVISION: NFL Network
TICKETS: $30, $20, $10
NFL All-Rookie Team
 
 Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff 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 CBS, ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to NFL and 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

Senior Bowl 2020 Accepted Player Invitations

https://www.seniorbowl.com/the-game/accepted-invites/

 Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit Lions Named Coaching Staffs Head 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl

 The Reese’s Senior Bowl is less than two weeks away and the rosters are filling quickly.

They announced earlier that the NFL League Office has assigned the Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit Lions as the coaching staffs for the 71st annual Reese’s Senior Bowl to be played on January 25, 2020 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama.  The Bengals and Lions own the Nos. 1 and 3 picks respectively in the 2020 NFL Draft.

 For the Complete All-star Game Schedule go to NFL 2020 Calendar and Dates under NFL News

 The Reese’s Senior Bowl is the nation’s most prestigious college all-star game because it is the only one coached by entire staffs from two National Football League clubs.  The participating teams are prioritized based on the NFL draft order with the main caveat being that teams must have a full staff in place, which generally precludes teams with coaching turnover to participate, as was the case this year with the Washington Redskins, who own the No. 2

The last time the Bengals coached the Reese’s Senior Bowl was 2011 under Marvin Lewis and the Lions last participated in 2013 when Jim Schwartz was the head coach.

Coaching in the Reese’s Senior Bowl gives each staff a unique behind-the-scenes look at the players, not only on the field but also in the meeting rooms. This access is invaluable in the evaluation process and it has helped shape many draft classes over the years.  The most recent example is this year’s Oakland Raiders, who had eight Reese’s Senior Bowl alums on the active roster or practice squad this season.

 Last year, the Reese’s Senior Bowl produced 93 total draft picks, including 40 in the first three rounds and 10 first-round selections.  That roster included rookie standouts QB Daniel Jones (Giants), QB Drew Lock (Broncos), QB Gardner Minshew (Jaguars), WR Terry McLaurin (Redskins), WR Deebo Samuel (49ers), OL Elgton Jenkins (Packers), OL Erik McCoy (Saints), DL Montez Sweat (Redskins), DB Darnell Savage (Packers).

 Draft Insiders’ will have extensive scouting evaluation from the Senior Bowl and in the early February Newsletter and Yearbook.

 Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff 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 CBS, ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to NFL and 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

Rookie Wide Receiver DK Metcalf Shines in Big Games
Draft Insiders’ Yearbook Scouting Report – NFL Draft 2019

Rookie receiver DK Metcalf has been a major difference maker for the Seahawks after being taken as the last player chosen in Round Two last April, #64 overall. Frank Coyle of Draft Insiders’ ranked him the #1 receiver in the NFL Draft 2019 class. Incredibly, Metcalf was the 9^th receiver taken off the NFL Draft 2019 board and arguably the best value in the entire draft class. He faces the Packers in Green Bay Sunday in the NFC Divisional round.

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

 1 * DK Metcalf #14           6-3        225  –  Mississippi  – Sp. 4.35
Player Comparison: David Boston                        Rating 90

Smooth sure handed redshirt sophomore has shown elite receiving skills during his abbreviated career at Ole Miss. Blue chip prospect and a specimen that defines the position. He has rare physical talent in the mold of Calvin Johnson, Terrell Owens or Julio Jones. Unfortunately, he struggled through a few major injuries during his time in the SEC and though he was productive, did not live up to his unique athleticism. Consensus Freshman 1st-Team All-American. Deceptively fast on deeper routes and has the fluidity as a route-runner to separate from coverage at the route stem. Long arms with good lean muscle development and fine functional strength. Big play presence which backs up his workout warrior numbers. On the field, he looks like a chiseled strong forward and plays up to his all-around wide receiver talent. His field speed is even more impressive than his track speed where his long stride is deceiving. He runs crisp and precise routes and is outstanding at creating separation coming out of his breaks. He does extremely well at using nuanced body language, as well as ability to change speed, to set up defensive backs. His hands are soft, strong, and natural. He can seamlessly pluck the ball at full extension, whether using one or two hands. He makes the acrobatic or contested catch with regularity, but also the routine ones to move the chains. In the clutch situations on 3rd down or in the red zone, he rarely drops passes.  Shows explosiveness and elusiveness after the catch with quick footwork to create space. With the ball, he is tough after the catch with the speed to run away from or the power to overrun defenders. Outstanding hand-eye coordination and able to elevate and high point the ball. Reads zone coverage well and knows how to find and settle in the soft spots. Able to maintain concentration on making the catch and tapping his toes in bounds at the sidelines. Very alert to work his way back to the passer. High character individual who is well respected and liked. Committed to the program and willing to sacrifice for the team. Honest effort as a blocker both in the run game and in the secondary for his fellow receivers.

The Numbers:  As a sophomore, he caught just 26 passes for 569 yards for a 21.9 average and 5 TDs while starting 7 games. As a freshman, he started 12 games and had 39 catches for 646 yards with a 16.8 yard average and 7 TDs. For his career, he totaled 67 catches for 1228 yards and 14 scores. At the NFL Combine, he came in at over 6’3” and 228 lbs. with 34 7/8” arms and 9 7/8” hands. He did 27 reps and ran 4.33 time and had a 40.5” VL and 11’2” BJ with a 4.50 short shuttle and 7.38 three cone. It was an excellent workout. Similar to former #1 pick David Boston in physique, athleticism and limited production. Also similar to wideout Julio Jones in size, speed, body type and AA. Son of former NFL guard Terrace Metcalf and grandson of for Pro Bowl runner Terry Metcalf.

The Skinny:  Highly developed young receiver with rare playmaking ability to be a weapon both outside and inside. Tough athlete will go over the middle. Top 20 prospect and could go earlier in the round with the demand at the position. Huge ceiling as an NFL wideout, but also a low floor and more a chiseled athlete then a refined receiver. Injury prone blue-chip prospect will have to prove durable in the pro game. Prior neck and foot injuries. Talent to start as a rookie in the right situation. Big playmaker with the skills to bring it all together and have a Pro Bowl career, if committed to the rigors of NFL life and the finer points of the position.

Draft Projection: 1st Round

Draft Insiders’ & Coaches Top 25 Teams

Draft Insiders’ and Coaches Top 25 Teams – Dec. 2nd
LSU & Georgia Square Up in SEC Championship
Ohio St Dominates Michigan to Win Key Conference Matchup

Players of Week
Offense – Joe Burrow – LSU
Defense – DE A.J. Epenesa – Iowa

Team of the Week – Ohio St beats Michigan, 56-27
Upset of the Week – Auburn beats Alabama, 48-45

Game of Week – Dec. 7th
LSU (12-0) vs Georgia (11-1) at Atlanta for SEC title

Top 25 Teams
Draft Insiders’ – Frank Coyle

Rank/ Team/ Record
1 LSU – 12-0
2 Ohio St – 12-0
3 Clemson – 12-0
4 Georgia – 11-1
5 Oklahoma – 11-1
6 Utah – 11-1
7 Oregon – 10-2
8 Baylor – 11-1
9 Florida – 10-2
10 Alabama – 10-2
11 Notre Dame – 10-2
12 Wisconsin – 10-2
13 Penn State – 10-2
14 Auburn – 9-3
15 Boise State – 11-1
16 Memphis – 11-1
17 Minnesota – 10-3
18 Michigan – 9-3
19 Cincinnati – 10-2
20 Iowa – 9-3
21 Appalachian State – 11-1
22 Virginia – 9-3
23 Navy – 9-2
24 USC – 8-4
25 Air Force – 10-2

Coaches Top 25 Poll

Rank/ Team / Record / Points
1          LSU (43)           12-0      1577
2          Ohio State (17)  12-0      1548
3          Clemson (4)      12-0      1482
4          Georgia 11-1      1394
5          Utah     11-1      1326
6          Oklahoma         11-1      1294
7          Florida  10-2      1135
8          Baylor   11-1      1117
9          Alabama           10-2      1068
10         Wisconsin         10-2      952
11         Penn State        10-2      946
12         Auburn  9-3        897
13         Oregon 10-2      878
14         Notre Dame      10-2      776
15         Minnesota         10-2      688
16         Memphis           11-1      630
17         Boise State       11-1      558
18         Michigan           9-3        542
19         Iowa     9-3        502
20         Appalachian State         11-1      331
21         Cincinnati          10-2      283
22         Virginia 9-3        192
23         Navy     9-2        188
24         USC     8-4        171
25         Air Force           10-2      129

Dropped from rankings: Oklahoma State 21, Virginia Tech 23

Others receiving votes: SMU 65, Oklahoma State 40, Kansas State 24, Louisiana 21, Indiana 14, Hawai’i 7, UCF 7, Arizona State 6, San Diego State 3, Iowa State 3, Tennessee 3, Virginia Tech 2, Temple 1

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.

Draft Insiders’ & Coaches Top 25 Teams

– Nov. 26th

Ohio St Wind Key Big Ten Conference Matchup
Minnesota & Baylor Rebound with Wins

Players of Week
Offense – RB J.K. Dobbins – Ohio St
Defense – DE Chase Young – Ohio St.

Team of the Week – Ohio St beats Penn St, 28-17
Upset of the Week – Arizona St beats Oregon, 31-28

Game of Week – Nov. 3oth
Ohio St (11-0) at Michigan (9-2)  Big Ten East title at stake in Classic rivalry

Top 25 Teams
Draft Insiders’ – Frank Coyle

Rank/ Team/ Record
1 LSU – 11-0
2 Ohio St – 11-0
3 Clemson – 11-0
4 Georgia – 10-1
5 Alabama – 10-1
6 Oklahoma – 10-1
7 Utah – 10-1
8 Oregon – 9-2
9 Penn State – 9-2
10 Minnesota – 10-1
11 Baylor – 10-1
12 Florida – 9-2
13 Notre Dame – 9-2
14 Wisconsin – 9-2
15 Michigan – 9-2
16 Auburn – 8-3
17 Cincinnati – 10-1
18 Memphis – 10-1
19 Iowa – 8-3
20 Boise State – 10-1
21 Oklahoma State – 8-3
22 Appalachian State – 10-1
23 SMU – 9-2
24 Virginia Tech – 8-3
25 Navy – 8-2

Coaches Top 25 Poll
Rank/  Team  / Record  /  Points
1          LSU (52)           11-0      1561
2          Ohio State (7)    11-0      1510
3          Clemson (4)      11-0      1464
4          Georgia             10-1      1351
5          Alabama           10-1      1325
6          Utah                 10-1      1252
7          Oklahoma         10-1      1223
8          Florida              9-2        1074
9          Minnesota         10-1      1014
10         Baylor               10-1      924
11         Michigan           9-2        893
12         Penn State        9-2        857
13         Oregon             9-2        816
14         Wisconsin         9-2        799
15         Notre Dame      9-2        737
16         Auburn              8-3        652
17         Cincinnati          10-1      535
18         Memphis           10-1      528
19         Boise State       10-1      493
20         Iowa                 8-3        434
21         Oklahoma St     8-3        256
22         Appalachian St  10-1      232
23         Virginia Tech     8-3        123
24         Navy                 8-2        110
25         USC                 8-4        75

Dropped from rankings: SMU 21, Texas A&M 24, San Diego State 25

Others receiving votes: Air Force 74, Iowa State 55, Virginia 32, Texas A&M 26, SMU 18, Louisiana 18, Wake Forest 5, San Diego State 4, Hawai’i 2, Indiana 2, Temple 1

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.

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.