2018 Outland Trophy Watch List

The 2018 Outland Trophy presented by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases will be one of college football’s most anticipated award races this season, as University of Houston junior defensive tackle Ed Oliver attempts to join former University of Nebraska center Dave Rimington (1981, 1982) as the only two-time winners of the award. Oliver is the only sophomore to have ever won the award.

The preseason 2018 Outland Trophy Watch List, featuring standout interior linemen on offense and defense from all 10 Division I Football Bowl Subdivision conferences and independents, will be announced tomorrow, July 24. The three finalists will be featured on ESPN’s The Home Depot College Football Awards and the winner will be announced in early December. The Outland Trophy Banquet follows in early January in Omaha, Nebraska.

“The FWAA is delighted to partner with NFID in this Outland Trophy sponsorship. NFID is an influential thought leader promoting important public health messages around disease prevention and treatment. Using one of college football’s oldest and most revered awards to help promote flu prevention is a winning play on any field as far as the FWAA is concerned,” said Richardson.

The Outland Trophy, now in its 73rd 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, Missouri. An avid outdoorsman, Dr. Outland believed linemen did not get the credit they deserved and wanted an award to recognize them.

2017 Outland winner Ed Oliver of Houston returns in 2018  for his junior season

Frank Coyle is a voter in Heisman Trophy, Outland Trophy,  Bronko Nagurski, Jim Thorpe, Fred Biletnikoff  and Eddie Robinson awards annually for 25 years.

2018 Outland Trophy Watch List

OL Paul Adams, Missouri
OL Trey Adams, Washington
OL Hakeem Adeniji, Kansas
C Ryan Anderson, Wake Forest
OL Alex Bars, Notre Dame
OL Ryan Bates, Penn State
DT Terry Beckner, Missouri
DT Ryan Bee, Marshall
G David Beedle, Michigan State
OL Beau Benzschawel, Wisconsin
C Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin
OL Lanard Bonner, Arkansas State
G Tyler Bowling, Tulsa
C Garrett Bradbury, N.C. State
OL Parker Braun, Georgia Tech
OL Ben Bredeson, Michigan
DT Derrick Brown, Auburn
C Jesse Burkett, Stanford
OL Yodny Cajuste, West Virginia
DT Marquise Copeland, Cincinnati
C Deontae Crumitie, Troy
OL Michael Deiter, Wisconsin
OL Tommy Doles, Northwestern
OL O’Shea Dugas, Louisiana Tech
C Alec Eberle, Florida State
OL David Edwards, Wisconsin
OL Bobby Evans, Oklahoma
C Justin Falcinelli, Clemson
C Lo Falemaka, Utah
OL Hjalte Froholdt, Arkansas
C Lamont Gaillard, Georgia
DT Greg Gaines, Washington
C Tyler Gauthier, Miami
DT Youhanna Ghaifan, Wyoming
C Jake Hanson, Oregon
OL Phil Haynes, Wake Forest
G Nate Herbig, Stanford
DT Trysten Hill, UCF
OT Mitch Hyatt, Clemson
OL Martez Ivey, Florida
C Jordan Johnson, UCF
DT Dre’Mont Jones, Ohio State
OL Michael Jordan, Ohio State
OL Luke Juriga, Western Michigan
C John Keenoy, Western Michigan
OL Marcus Keyes, Oklahoma State
C Sean Krepsz, Nevada
DT Dexter Lawrence, Clemson
G Jimmy Leatiota, Eastern Michigan
DT Ira Lewis, Baylor
DT Ray Lima, Iowa State
OL Chris Lindstrom, Boston College
OL Greg Little, Ole Miss
C Toa Lobendahn, USC
OL Joe Lowery, Ohio
OL Kaleb McGary, Washington
C Connor McGovern, Penn State
OL Patrick Mekari, California
C Chandler Miller, Tulsa
DT David Moa, Boise State
C Sam Mustipher, Notre Dame
C Will Noble, Houston
OT Marcus Norman, USF
DT Ed Oliver, Houston
C Ross Pierschbacher, Alabama
OL Ben Powers, Oklahoma
OL Isaiah Prince, Ohio State
OL Dalton Risner, Kansas State
NT Olive Sagapolu, Wisconsin
OL Dru Samia, Oklahoma
OT Max Scharping, NIU
DT Jordon Scott, Oregon
DT Jeffery Simmons, Mississippi State
OL Trey Smith, Tennessee
OL Trevon Tate, Memphis
OL Calvin Throckmorton, Oregon
DT Jerry Tillery, Notre Dame
OL Patrick Vahe, Texas
DT Ricky Walker, Virginia Tech
DT Christian Wilkins, Clemson
OL Jonah Williams, Alabama
DT Daniel Wise, Kansas

2018 Draft Insiders’ Preseason All-America Teams
Frank Coyle/ Publisher – Head Scout

First Team

Offense
QB Will Grier – West Virginia, Senior
RB Bryce Love – Stanford, Senior
RB Jonathan Taylor – Wisconsin, Sophomore
WR A.J. Brown – Ole Miss, Junior
WR David Sills V – West Virginia, Senior
TE Noah Fant – Iowa, Junior
C Ross Pierschbacher – Alabama, Senior
OL David Edwards – Wisconsin, Redshirt junior
OL Jonah Williams – Alabama, Junior
OL Mitch Hyatt – Clemson, Senior
OL Trey Adams – Washington, Senior

Defense
DE Nick Bosa – Ohio State, Junior
DE Clelin Ferrell – Clemson, Junior
DT Ed Oliver – Houston, Junior
DT Christian Wilkins – Clemson, Senior
LB Devin White – LSU, Junior
LB Cameron Smith – USC, Senior
LB Devin Bush – Michigan, Junior
CB Greedy Williams – LSU, Sophomore
CB Byron Murphy – Washington, Sophomore
S Taylor Rapp – Washington, Junior
S D’Cota Dixon – Wisconsin, Senior

Special Teams
PK Matt Gay- Utah, Senior
P Mitch Wishnowsky – Utah, Senior
KR Tony Pollard – Memphis, Redshirt junior
PR KaVonte Turpin -TCU, Senior
All-Purpose – Deebo Samuel – South Carolina, Redshirt senior

Preseason All-America Second Team
Offense
QB Khalil Tate – Arizona, Junior
RB Rodney Anderson – Oklahoma, Junior
RB Damien Harris – Alabama, Senior
WR N’Keal Harry – Arizona State, Junior
WR Anthony Johnson – Buffalo, Redshirt senior
TE Albert Okwuegbunam – Missouri, Redshirt sophomore
C Toa Lobendahn – USC, Redshirt senior
OL Greg Little – Ole Miss, Junior
OL Dalton Risner – Kansas State, Redshirt senior
OL Beau Benzschawel – Wisconsin, Redshirt senior
OL Martez Ivey – Florida, Senior

Defense
DL Rashan Gary – Michigan, Junior
DL Dexter Lawrence – Clemson, Junior
DL Jeffery Simmons – Mississippi State, Junior
DL Raekwon Davis – Alabama, Junior
LB Porter Gustin – USC, Senior
LB T.J. Edwards – Wisconsin, Redshirt senior
LB Josh Allen – Kentucky, Senior
CB Deandre Baker – Georgia, Senior
B Iman Marshall – USC, Senior
S Lukas Denis – Boston College, Senior
S Jaquan Johnson – Miami, Senior

Special Teams
K Rodrigo Blankenship – Georgia, Redshirt junior
P Corey Fatony – Missouri, Senior
KR Deebo Samuel – South Carolina, Redshirt senior
PR Richaud Floyd – Missouri, Redshirt junior
AP Diontae Johnson – Toledo, Redshirt junior

NFL Supplemental 2018 Draft
Frank Coyle/Head Scout – DraftInsiders.com

The NFL held the annual NFL Supplemental 2018 Draft Wednesday with two players selected, the most since 2010.

The NY Giants selected cornerback Sam Beal of Western Michigan in the 3rd round while the Washington Redskins added cornerback Adonis Alexander of Virginia Tech in the 6th round.

Draft Insiders’ NFL Supplemental Draft 2018 Report available July 10, 2018 –
Free for Subscribers

Three other players were eligible for the supplemental draft, but were not selected. Safety Brandon Bryant of Mississippi St, RB Martayveus Carter of Grand Valley St and LB Bright Ugwoegbu of Oregon St went undrafted and are now free agents who are eligible to sign with any NFL team.

The two drafted cornerbacks address pressing issues on both the Giants and Redskins. Both prospects are big agile defenders from the D1 level. The Giants have little depth behind starters Eli Apple and Janoris Jenkins and both players had issues last season including short suspensions.

Beal is a big agile cover man with quickness and ball instincts. Displays nifty footwork and above-average twitch to plant and drive out of his backpedal. Inconsistent at reading the QB to anticipate when to jump routes. Displays good recovery speed when he reads routes properly. Capable of playing in multiple sets once he settles into the Giants scheme. He matches up well with big receivers and wins many jump ball situations. He will press for time in the nickel and dime packages this season and carries a starting corner grade with a high level of development to be a quality early starter.

Alexander is a huge corner who started as a true freshman and finished with 14 career starts, though only two in 2017. Great length with adequate hip flexibility and closing speed. Better zone defender than man coverage. Possible conversion to safety in time. Looks to settle into the package coverage units and better on the outside vs possession receivers. He will have to impress on special teams coverage units and he has the makeup to compete for a gunner role in training camp.

NFL Supplemental Draft 2018 Set for July 11th

The NFL has confirmed that the 2018 summer supplemental draft will be held on Wednesday, July 11th. Currently three players have declared for the draft class including cornerbacks Adonis Alexander of Virginia Tech and Sam Beal of Western Michigan and safety Brandon Bryant of Mississippi State. Alexander will hold a pro day on June 20th, while Beal will work out on June 28^th and Bryant will work out the following day, June 29^th.

Draft Insiders’  2018 NFL Supplemental Draft Report will be available July 10, 2018 – Free for Subscribers

Bryant is probably the best player and athlete of the three prospects. He’s been timed in the 4.30 range in the 40-yard dash and can deadlift 600 pounds. He gets a chance to prove that in late June at his pro day. At 5-foot-11, 200 pounds, he made 32 tackles last year for the Bulldogs, including a season-high 11 at Auburn. He was withheld from MSU’s spring practices for academic reasons and announced he was leaving the school in April. In three years at Mississippi State, he played 37 games, totaling 157 total tackles, five interceptions and one TD.

If a player is selected in the supplemental draft, the team must forfeit a draft pick of the same round the player was picked in the NFL Draft 2019. Since 2012, only two players have been picked in the supplemental draft. The Browns took receiver Josh Gordon in 2012 in the 2^nd round while the Rams took Isaiah Battle in 2015 in the fifth round. Only 43 players in total have been taken in the supplemental draft since its inception in 1977.

Bryant, alongside Virginia Tech’s Adonis Alexander and Western Michigan’s Sam Beal, is one of three major prospects entered in the supplemental draft who will hold pro days at their respective schools.

Beal (6-1, 185) broke up a team-high 10 passes for WMU in 2017 along with two interceptions. One of those interceptions came against New York Jets first-round pick Sam Darnold in a season-opening loss to USC. Beal was a second-team All-MAC selection.

Former Virginia Tech CB Adonis Alexander also intends to enter the supplemental draft.

NFL supplemental drafts often pass without any players being chosen, but Alexander, Bryant and Beal figure to be attractive options for NFL clubs with needs in the secondary.

Workout dates for top 3 supplemental draft prospects:
CB Adonis Alexander: 6/20 at Va Tech
CB Sam Beal: 6/28 at WMU
S Brandon Bryant: 6/29 at MSU

Reese’s Senior Bowl and Director Phil Savage Part Ways

The Senior Bowl made a surprising announcement related to their leadership last week. The premier college All-Start week announced they are mutually parting ways with director Phil Savage. In 1951, Mobile was blessed with the vision and leadership of Mr. Finley McRae, CEO of Merchants National Bank, who brought The Senior Bowl to Mobile, Ala. Mr. Finley employed Mr. Rea Schuessler as the first General Manager, tasked with developing the premier college football post-season bowl honoring and showcasing the talents of the best college senior football players in the nation. Since that time, there have been many dedicated stewards of the Senior Bowl, both volunteers and full-time professional employees. I worked with Steve Hale for many years helping annually to develop the roster of the top All-Star week in the country. None of the leaders have been more capable than director Phil Savage. Since Phil joined the Senior Bowl staff in 2012 as the Executive Director, the event continued to grow in popularity, and expanded a year-around schedule of engaging activities that have been enjoyed by and benefit many in our local community.

The national exposure and reputation of the Reese’s Senior Bowl has greatly benefited from Phil’s energy, creativity and leadership. After six years together, it is with regret that they announced last week that Phil and the organization will be mutually parting ways as of May 15, 2018. Phil deserves a great deal of credit for being a loyal caretaker of Mobile’s signature football event, and he will be missed by the Reese’s Senior Bowl staff and Mobilians everywhere. We wish Phil the best and success in all of his future opportunities and pursuits. As Mobile Arts and Sports Association Chairman Angus Cooper put it, “We appreciate Phil’s efforts here, his knowledge and enthusiasm for the game, and I am confident that he will continue to have a successful career in football.” A search committee will be formed by the Mobile Arts and Sports Association to identify potential candidates for this all-important position. Wishing Phil all the best in his endeavors.

Top 100 Pro Prospects for the NFL Draft 2018

Running back Saquon Barkley is our #1 prospect for the NFL Draft this year. He has ranked #1 from September 2017 and there has been no reason to move him. He had a terrific 2017 performance and concluded with a special NFL Combine that earned him the elite status. He is NFL ready and a prospect who is expected to go in the top five and possibly as high as the #2 overall selection currently held by the New York Giants.

April, 2018 – Final Update Edition
NFL Draft Rankings    * Declared Underclassmen

      Pro Prospect        /   Position  /      School
1 * Saquon Barkley                   RB                  Penn St
2 * Sam Darnold                       QB                  USC
3 Bradley Chubb                       DE                  NC St
4 * Quenton Nelson                 OG                   Notre Dame
5 * Minkah Fitzpatrick              S                    Alabama
6 * Josh Rosen                         QB                    UCLA
7 Baker Mayfield                      QB                   Oklahoma
8 * Denzel Ward                       CB                    Ohio St
9 * Roquan Smith                    LB                    Georgia
10 * Josh Allen                          QB                   Wyoming
11 * Derwin James                    S                      Florida St
12 * Tremaine Edmunds         LB                    Virginia Tech
13 Mike McGlinchey                 OT                  Notre Dame
14 * Calvin Ridley                     WR                  Alabama
15 Marcus Davenport               DE                   UTSA
16 Vita Vea                                DT                  Washington
17 * Connor Williams                 OT                  Texas
18 * Leighton Vander Esch        LB                   Boise St
19 Rashaan Evans                      LB                   Alabama
20 * Taven Bryan                       DT                   Florida
21 * Jaire Alexander                  CB                   Louisville
22 * D.J. Moore                         WR                  Maryland
23 * Da’Ron Payne                    DT                   Alabama
24 * Kolton Miller                      OT                   UCLA
25 * Mike Hughes                      CB                   Central Florida
26 Christian Kirk                       WR                  Texas A&M
27 * Joshua Jackson                 CB                    Iowa
28 Isaiah Wynn                         OG                   Georgia
29 * Courtland Sutton              WR                   SMU
30 * Sam Hubbard                    DE                   Ohio State
31 Maurice Hurst                      DT                    Michigan
32 Billy Price                              C                      Ohio St
33 Will Hernandez                    OG                   Texas-El Paso
34 * Derrius Guice                    RB                    LSU
35 Dallas Goedert                     TE                    South Dakota St
36 Frank Ragnow                      C                      Arkansas
37 Lorenzo Carter                     LB                    Georgia
38 * Ronnie Harrison               S                      Alabama
39 Sony Michel                         RB                    Georgia
40 D.J Chark                             WR                   LSU
41 * Carlton Davis                     CB                    Auburn
42 Harold Landry                     DE/LB              Boston College
43 * Harrison Phillips              DT                    Stanford
44 * James Daniels                   OL                    Iowa
45 * Arden Key                          DE/LB              LSU
46 * Lamar Jackson                  QB                   Louisville
47 * Isaiah Oliver                      CB                    Colorado
48 Mason Rudolph                   QB                   Oklahoma St
49 Tyrell Crosby                       OT                    Oregon
50 * Justin Reid                         S                      Stanford
51 Austin Corbett                      OL                    Nevada
52 * Hayden Hurst                     TE                    South Carolina
53 Uchenna Nwosu                  LB                    USC
54 * Rasheem Green                DL                    Southern Cal
55 Mike Gesicki                         TE                    Penn St
56 * Brian O’Neill                      OT                    Pittsburgh
57 * Tim Settle                           DT                    Virginia Tech
58 * Ronald Jones II                 RB                    Southern Cal
59 James Washington              WR                   Oklahoma St
60 * Mark Andrews                   TE                    Oklahoma
61 B.J. Hill                                DT                    N.C. St
62 * Donte Jackson                   CB                    LSU
63 Ogbonnia Okoronkwo           LB                    Oklahoma
64 Anthony Miller                      WR                   Memphis
65 Braden Smith                      OG                   Auburn
66 Rashaad Penny                    RB                    San Diego St
67 Kemoko Turay                      DE                    Rutgers
68 Nathan Shepherd                 DT                    Fort Hays St
69 * Jessie Bates                      S                      Wake Forest
70 * Kerryon Johnson               RB                    Auburn
71 Martinas Rankin                    OT                    Mississippi St
72 Da’Shawn Hand                    DE                   Alabama
73 * Deon Cain                          WR                   Clemson
74 Nick Chubb                          RB                    Georgia
75 Anthony Averett                    CB                    Alabama
76 * Nyheim Hines                     RB                    North Carolina St
77 * Orlando Brown                   OT                    Oklahoma
78 * Malik Jefferson                  LB                    Texas
79 Dante Pettis                         WR                   Washington
80 Jaylen Samuels                    TE                    NC St
81 Duke Ejiofor                         DE                   Wake Forest
82 DaeSean Hamilton                WR                   Penn St
83 * Josh Sweat                        DE                   Florida St
84 Darius Leonard                     LB                    South Carolina St
85 * Equanimeous St. Brown      WR                   Notre Dame
86 * R.J. McIntosh                     DT                    Miami
87 Oren Burks                           LB                    Vanderbilt
88 * Trent Thompson                 DT                    Georgia
89 Michael Gallup                      WR                   Colorado St
90 * Kevin Toliver                      CB                    LSU
91 * Jerome Baker                     LB                    Ohio St
92 Chukwuma Okorafor            OT                    Western Michigan
93 Duke Dawson                       CB                    Florida
94 Fred Warner                         LB                    Brigham Young
95 * Breeland Speaks                DE                   Ole Miss
96 * Rashaan Gaulden              S                      Tennessee
97 * Tre’Quan Smith                  WR                   Central Florida
98 Kyzir White                           S                      West Virginia
99 * Tarvarus McFadden            CB                    Florida St
100 * Terrell Edmunds              S                      Virginia Tech

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TE Dallas Goedert of South Dakota St. – Heads Small College ‘Dirty Dozen’ –

   Dallas Goedert 2018 Yearbook Draft Insiders’ Scouting Report below

Goedert is our #1 prospect and has a top 40 ranking. He could be a surprise late first round selection and is an emerging blue chip player. He is our highest rated prospect from the lower level in over ten years. He has impact ability with the skill set to be a complete player. Clubs like the Patriots, Colts, Dolphins and Raiders interested.

Top Small College Rankings 
   The ‘Dirty Dozen’
 – Top 12 Overall Prospects

             Prospect  /    Position / School                 
  1 Dallas Goedert            TE     South Dakota St     
2 Nathan Shepherd  DT    Fort Hays St (Ks)          
  3 Darius Leonard                 LB        South Carolina St       
  4 P.J. Hall                               DT        Sam Houston St         
  5 Kyle Lauletta                      QB       Richmond
  6 Andrew Ankrah                 LB        James Madison                       
  7 Siran Neal                            S          Jacksonville St           
  8 Davontae Harris               CB        Illinois St                    
  9 Bilal Nichols                        DT        Delaware                     
10 John Franklin-Myers      DE        Stephen F. Austin       
11 Brandon Parker                 OL        North Carolina A&T     
12 Alex Cappa                          OL        Humboldt St (Ca.)       

Draft Insiders’ 2018 Yearbook – Over 300 In-depth Scouting Reports

1 Dallas Goedert #86 – South Dakota St           6-5       255       – Sp. 4.80 
                 Hindu Theory: Jason Witten                                        Rating 87
Long athletic physical specimen was a vital part of the SD St offense while starting during his final three seasons. Earned FCS All-American honors his last two campaigns. Big angular athlete with natural soft hands and fine agility to be a big factor in the passing game. Incredible production at the FCS level and defied double coverage in many key situations. The best average yards per reception for any tight end in the draft and indicative of his ability to stretch the middle of the field and make plays after the reception. Huge frame and long arms (34”) with natural hands and deceptive speed due to his long smooth strides. His height and long length plus his leaping ability allow him to extend for high passes and make him a tough physical mismatch for any defender. Played a variety of ways including inline, split wide or flexed out and H-back. Most diverse TE prospect in this talented group. Knows how to use his size well, whether it is blocking for the running game or using his wide wingspan as a receiver. Attacks the defender with his long strides, can explode out of his breaks and create separation and runs precise routes. Uses his big frame to shield defenders and snatch the ball in the air, relying on his large naturally soft hands. Lacks power as a drive blocker, but shows above average technique to effectively wall off a defender, sustain, and keep him out of the play. Slender athlete and would benefit from strength work and additional muscle to compete in the physical NFL game.
The Numbers:  As a senior, he started all 14 games and caught 72 passes for 1111 yards, 15.4 yard average and 7 TDs while earning 1st team All-American honors. As a junior, he started all 13 games and made 92 catches for 1293 yards for a 14.1 average and 11 TDs. Over his career, he totaled 198 catches for 2988 yards for an impressive 15.1 yard average and 21 TDs. He has the potential to be a nice NFL playmaker. At the NFL Combine, he checked in at 256 lbs. and 6’5” with 34” arms and 10” hands. He did 23 reps, but did not workout due to a hamstring pull. Similar to Jason Witten in size, mobility and overall skill set.
The Skinny: Talented fluid well-rounded prospect with huge upside as a pro. Long receiver with the speed to stretch the seam in the vertical game and capable of surprising and becoming an early starter. Dangerous red zone receiver with impact ability. Developed prospect with the talent to become a major weapon. Rising top 60-75 prospect with developed receiving skills to give a team a different dimension. Nice upside as a blocker. Probable 2nd round pick with a high ceiling for today’s game.
Draft Projection: 2nd Round

FRANK 42318NFL Draft 2018 – Radio Show with Frank Coyle and host Andy Gresh
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Draft Insiders’ 2018 Yearbook – Available Now –
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NFL Team Report 2018 (36 pages) – available now – Every NFL Team broken down to Roster, Team Needs & Free Agency additions. In-depth Evaluation of All Team Needs and Draft Projection

NFL Draft Update Report – available Wed April 25th
Complete 7 Round Mock Draft – Final Top 300 Value Board – Top Small College Prospects

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

Defensive Tackles – Grade: A

The Defensive Tackle class is one of the premier groups in recent years and one of the strongest positions this year and probably the best along with the cornerback from the defensive side of the ball.

Draft Insiders’ 2018 Yearbook – over 300 In-depth Scouting Reports – Available now – Order Online

Defensive tackle class has 25 in depth scouting reports at a position which will dominate the first two days of the NFL Draft 2018

 Positional Overview:
This year’s tackle class is a very strong group after an average draft class last spring. It is especially deep overall through the top 100-125 prospects, though not an especially top-heavy position. Vita Vea and Da’Ron Payne are two highly rated prospects who figure to go in the top 15 selections. Both are NFL ready and should press for rookie starting roles. Taven Bryan, Maurice Hurst, Harrison Phillips and Tim Settle are first round bubble prospects. Phillips and Bryan are tweener linemen and scheme diverse to play inside and outside. Hurst worked out well on his pro day after some medical heart issues arose at the NFL Combine. He is a high level three technique tackle with an early starting grade. Settle is a huge lineman who fits the zero and one technique to become an anchor in the middle. He is expected to be selected in the top 40 overall choices. They could see 8 to 10 chosen from the middle of the first round through the top 100 picks. The highest rated prospects are all graded from the mid-1st through the 3rd round area. Juniors head this class with seven of the top ten prospects underclassmen. B.J. Hill and Nathan Shepherd are fast rising defenders with some scheme flexibility and well-rounded talent who figure in the 2nd day. Shepherd is an impressive small college prospect with an excellent skill set to play inside and outside. He is the highest rated small college defender in this class and ranks in the top 100 prospects. Hill is a fast rising prospect who had an impressive final performance which has him rising in the early rounds. Juniors R.J. McIntosh, Trenton Thompson and Kendrick Norton have NFL starting talent and are fine middle round additions. Small college prospects, Bilal Nichols and P.J. Hall were impressive vs top competition and performed well in workouts. They have moved into the middle rounds in this deep class. This tackle group should provide many 3rd day selections who can become good value choices – like Justin Jones and Greg Gilmore. All carry starting grades and expected to be available in the 3rd day. As many as 15 prospects chosen in the top 150 overall picks. Expect as many as 25 DTs chosen over the 7 rounds.

  NFL Teams in need:

1. 1. Cowboys       5. Browns
   2. Patriots         6. Jets
   3. Colts               7. Bengals
   4. Dolphins       8. Broncos

 NFL Premier Player
   Aaron Donald
Blue Chip – Vita Vea
Blue Chip – Da’Ron Payne
Red Chip – Taven Bryan
Rising – Nathan Shepherd
Falling – Derrick Nnadi
Underrated – Justin Jones
Overrated – Folorunso Fatukasi
Sleeper –  P.J. Hall
Boom/Bust – Trenton Thompson
Ready to Play – Da’Ron Payne
Hidden Gem – Nathan Shepherd
Over drafted – Tim Settle

Positional Traits
Best Athlete – Vita Vea
Best Pass Rusher – Maurice Hurst
Best Run Stuffer – Vita Vea
Pursuit – Taven Bryan
Shed Blocks – Da’Ron Payne
Recognition – Maurice Hurst
Best Intangibles –  Harrison Phillips
Ball Instincts – Taven Bryan
Strongest – Da’Ron Payne
Toughest – Harrison Phillips
Most Developed – Vita Vea

Top Defensive Tackle Prospects
1 * Vita Vea – Washington
2 * Da’Ron Payne – Alabama
3 * Taven Bryan – Florida
4 Maurice Hurst – Michigan
5 * Harrison Phillips – Stanford
6 * Tim Settle – Virginia Tech
7 B.J. Hill – North Carolina St
8 Nathan Shepherd – Fort Hays St. (Ks)
9 * R.J. McIntosh – Miami
10 * Trenton Thompson – Georgia
11 Deadrin Senat – South Florida
12 Justin Jones – North Carolina St
13 Derrick Nnadi – Florida St
14 * Kendrick Norton – Miami
15 P.J. Hall – Sam Houston St.
16 Lowell Lotulelei – Utah
17 Bilal Nichols – Delaware
18 Folorunso Fatukasi – UConn

Outside Linebackers – Grade B

Positional Overview: This year’s class of outside linebackers is a very good group that should provide many starters for both pro schemes. With half the clubs playing the 3-4 scheme, this position may supply as many as 20+ defenders for that set. The top two, Tremaine Edmunds and Lorenzo Carter are late developing prospects who had outstanding final performances that continued through the postseason. Both checked off all the boxes which probably earns them mid to late 1st round selections. Edmunds impressed at every event and fits both pro schemes. Carter had an equally impressive final season that elevated him to the top of the class. He could also hear his name at the end of the first round. Seniors, Harold Landry and Uchenna Nwosu are highly regarded defenders coming strong final performances. Both carry solid late first early/second day consideration. Malik Jefferson and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo were playmakers and look to be selected on the 2nd day of the NFL Draft process. Rising prospects Shaquem Griffin, Jerome Baker and Fred Warner have drawn strong attention from pro scouts off strong finishes to their careers. They figure as top 100 bubble prospects. Griffin is the best story of any draft class, overcoming a hand deformity and subsequent amputation to excel as D1 defender who earned Conference Player of the Year honors. His NFL Combine performance will be the standard for outside linebackers for years to come. Hercules Mata’afa and Marquis Haynes fit the 3-4 clubs well. They are slipping through the cracks and have starting ability as 3-4 backers. Darius Leonard and Andrew Ankrah are small college defenders who completed excellent careers. Leonard finished with an excellent Senior Bowl. Ankrah has fallen through the cracks, but carries a starting grade for the outside in a 3-4 set. They have the makeup of premier special teams’ performers and figure in the 3rd day. This position will probably provide 8-10 prospects in the top 100 selections. Expect approximately 15 chosen in the top 150 picks with this group providing many defenders rated with starting grades. There should be as many as 20+ players chosen over the 7 rounds. This class also includes many ‘tweener types who specialize in rushing the QB and good fits for the 3-4 set, though a highly risky position. Oren Burks and Leon Jacobs are two fast underrated gems and projects to the pro 4-3 scheme and early special teams’ demons.

NFL Teams in need:

1. 1. Steelers      5. Cowboys
   2. Lions           6. Bills
   3. Ravens        7. Raiders
   4. Packers       8. Vikings

Draft Insiders’ – 2018 NFL Draft Yearbook – over 300 In-depth Scouting Reports –                    Order Today Online

      Positional Traits
Best Athlete – Lorenzo Carter
Best Run – Uchenna Nwosu
Best Pass Cover – Shaquem Griffin
Best Tackler – Tremaine Edmunds
Best Pass Rush – Harold Landry
Best Pursuit – Darius Leonard
Best Intangibles – Shaquem Griffin
Ball Instincts – Tremaine Edmunds

  NFL Premier Player
         Von Miller
Blue Chip – Tremaine Edmunds
Blue Chip – Lorenzo Carter
Red Chip – Harold Landry
Rising – Uchenna Nwosu
Falling – Ogbonnia Okoronkwo
Underrated – Fred Warner
Overrated – Jerome Baker
Sleeper – Darius Leonard
Boom/Bust – Malik Jefferson
Ready to Play – Harold Landry
Long Term Gem – Lorenzo Carter
Hidden Gem – Andrew Ankrah
Over drafted – Harold Landry

        Top Outside Linebackers 

1 * Tremaine Edmunds – Virginia Tech
2 Lorenzo Carter – Georgia
3 Harold Landry – Boston College
4 Uchenna Nwosu – USC
5 * Malik Jefferson – Texas
6 Ogbonnia Okoronkwo – Oklahoma
7 Darius Leonard – South Carolina St
8 * Jerome Baker – Ohio St
9 Fred Warner – Brigham Young
10 Oren Burks – Vanderbilt
11 Shaquem Griffin – Central Florida
12 * Hercules Mata’afa – Washington St
13 Marquis Haynes – Mississippi
14 Leon Jacobs – Wisconsin
15 Andrew Ankrah – James Madison