Rookie Dameon Pierce Looks to Top the 1000 yard Mark

Dameon Pierce – Draft Insiders’ Yearbook Scouting Report – March 2022

Three Rookie Runners Push for 1000-yard Campaigns in 2022 Season Finale

Three rookie running backs this season, Dameon Pierce, Kenneth Walker and Tyler Allgeier all have a chance to earn the 1000 yard                         USA Today Photo
rushing mark this season with a strong closing game.

Pierce has had an outstanding rookie campaign with 220 carries for 939 yards, a 4.27 yard average and 4TDs. He also adds 30 receptions for 165 yards and 1 TD entering his final game at Indianapolis. It is even more amazing that he has accomplished this with the team with the worst record in the league at this point of the season. He was one of the few shining performers for the Texans who once again with select in the top five draft choices and possibly the first overall selection with a loss at Indianapolis this Sunday.

Pierce’s scouting report from March 2022 is below and listed as one of our most underrated offensive players in the draft class.

Walker has been instrumental in the Seahawks run for the playoffs this season, becoming their feature back with game breaking speed to change games. He enters his final contest with 936 yards on 199 carries for a 4.7 yard average and 7 TDs. He faces the Rams this week at home, hoping to pass the 1000 yard. Allgeier has 900 yards on 186 carries for a 4.8 yard average and 3 TDs. He faces the Bucs at home this week and it will take a 100 yard performance to hit the coveted mark.

The last time three rookie running backs topped the 1000-yard rushing mark was the NFL 2008 season. That year runners, Matt Forte, Chris Johnson and Steve Slaton all topped the 1200-yard rushing mark.

Dameon Pierce – Draft Insiders’ Scouting Report – March 2022

Dameon Pierce #27 – 5-9, 220                Florida – Sp. 4.60
NFL Comparison: Mark Ingram                     Rating 72

Short compact two-year starter has been a consistent performer in the Gators’ pro-style offense. Low based back with good initial quickness, the speed to hit a hole and get outside. Fine vision and knows how to read and follow his blocks with sound decision making. Quickness to jump cut and string a few moves together. Good lower body power to break tackles with the speed through the hole to make plays and move the pile. Rarely goes down at first contact. Finishes with good body lean to make extra yardage. Displays reliable hands as a receiver and improved throughout his career. Runs the route tree with good patterns and initial coverage reads. Effective on screen passes and moves decisively up field after securing the catch. Needs to find soft spots in zones better and become a primary outlet receiver. Maxed out frame and probably at a good weight to run inside. Adept at seeing even a small crease and slipping through it quickly. Capable of handling a lot of touches. Size may be a liability when it comes to pass protection in the NFL, though definitely tough enough to make the step up and face a backer. At the NFL Combine, he came in at under 5’10” and 218 lbs. Ran a 4.59 time and did 21 reps. Added a 34.5” VL and a 9’11” BJ. Marginal career production. Shows adequate top end speed with the quick acceleration to get to the 2nd level with the creativity to hit openings and running lanes. As a receiver, shows developing skills to press in time for 3rd down role. Tough blocker with makeup to face up with backers after further technique work. Probably top 150–200 prospect and capable of being a quality starter, 1A or 3rd down back. Obscure well rounded prospect with the talent to fill a key, though limited role early in an offense. Talent to become solid surprise. Honest runner whose best football is ahead of him and a bargain on the 3rd day of the process.

Seahawks’ Rookie Tariq Woolen

Cornerback Tariq Woolen – NFL Draft 2022 Yearbook – Scouting Report
  Frank Coyle / Head scout – March, 2022

     Photo – Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images

 Here is our Scouting Report of defender Tariq Woolen from last spring when we ranked him as the #7 cornerback in the class and projected him to be a 2nd-3rd round pick on talent and value. Incredibly, he fell to the Seattle in the 5th round, the 153rd overall selection. He has been one of the premier defenders in this rookie class which has featured several outstanding first year starters like Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner and Derek Stingley.

 After 14 games this season, Woolen has registered 51 tackles with 39 of them solo stops along with 6 interceptions and 13 pass breakups with one returned for a TD. He fits the Seahawks tradition and mold for long athletic cover men and has been arguably the best value of the entire NFL Draft 2022. He has started since training camp and has established himself as a fixture in the Seahawks secondary.

         Tariq Woolen – NFL Draft 2022 Yearbook – Scouting Report – March, 2022

 Tariq Woolen #20 – 6-4, 205 Texas-San Antonio – Sp. 4.25                          
             NFL Comparison: Greedy Williams                 Rating 85

Long athlete made a successful conversion to cornerback after starting his career as a wide receiver. Made incredible progress especially over his final season, showing natural skills and the tough demeanor to be a top flight pro. Freakish prototypical skill set for the position and really responded to coaching on the basics of the corner spot.  Strong athletic frame with very good movement skills for the position. Over his short career, he gained experience in several techniques especially man situations and has made quick improvement raising his LOD. Rare combination of length, speed, fluidity and physicality to be a top pro corner with further development. Shows outstanding length and leaping skills combined with blazing speed gives him the traits of a top flight shutdown cover man. Currently he is still developing on basics and needs work on his pedal which can be too high, in addition to a hesitation in his reads which allows separation early on the route. Reliable open-field tackling ability with sound technique and hand use to get off blockers. Good at the line when coming up to take on blockers and finish. Willing to stick his nose in the middle of the action and fights off blocks to aggressively make tackles. Able to effectively handle press coverage and adept at bump-and-run using his strong hands to deliver a powerful punch. Uses his length and strength to reroute receivers off the jam. Opens his hips smoothly with the ability to retain fine speed and tight coverage. Shows the ability to turn, run and blanket his man while maintaining good speed down the field. Displays the good vision, balance, timing and ball skills to break up passes. Finished with 2 career interceptions and 9 PBUs. Developing instincts and awareness to adjust to plays outside his zone. Needs to be more decisive in his initial reads and learn to trust his eyes. At times, he gets too physical and can grab receivers and needs to be more disciplined. Usually stays on top of deep routes, though can give up too much separation at times vs top route runners through the intermediate zones. Most effective when asked to play man coverage, though grades out high in zones. Needs work on route recognition to be NFL ready. Faced average talent and graded out highly, but must prove ready for NFL air attacks. Displays a short memory and the tough mentality the position demands. In 2021, he started 9 games and made 25 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 pick and 5 PBU, earning first team CUSA honors. Over his two seasons at corner, he started 20 games and made 60 tackles, 2 picks, 2 sacks and 9 PBUs. At the NFL Combine, he came in at over 6’4” and 205 lbs. with 33 5/8” arms and 9 1/8” hands. Ran a blazing 4.26 time and added a 42” vertical leap. Performed fairly well in big game situations, though struggled early in 2021 when he was beat for a few TDs when looking into the backfield. With more technique development and consistency, has the talent to be among the class’s best corners. Though still raw in basics, he is a talented prospect who is making real strides at the position. At the Senior Bowl, made progress in his pedal and reads, areas which must improve to get reps in the NFL. Similar to Greedy Williams/Jimmy Smith in natural skills, AA, development and hitting power. Similar not only in size but raw skill set, which needs time and refinement. Fast riser off a quick learning curve, though still raw and a work in progress on finer points of coverage. Hitter with ability to intimidate receivers and durable at a demanding position. Top 60 pick with incredible ceiling.
Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round

Giants’ Rookie Kayvon Thibodeaux Dominates Sunday Night Game 

Rookie Defensive Player of the Week – 12/19/22

NFL Draft 2022 Yearbook Scouting Report
Kayvon Thibodeaux Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Giants’ rookie edge defender put on a dominant performance vs the Commanders on Sunday night earning defensive rookie of the week for the 3^rd time this season. Thibodeaux is a well- developed defender with big play ability off the edge plus good run support talent to hold the edge and pursue down the line.

In a strong rookie defensive group, he has the skill set to be one of the special players in this draft class. He took over the game Sunday night vs the Commanders and changed the outcome in the balance. He has filled the much needed impact edge defender the Giants have sought in recent years.

NFL Draft 2022 Yearbook Scouting Report

March 2022
NFL Draft Yearbook 2022 – 250 In-depth Scouting Reports – Top 300+ Rankings

Defensive End – Positional Overview:

This year’s defensive end class is a very strong group which could produce as many as six #1 picks. There are several blue-chip prospects at the top and probably 5 should go in the top 15 selections. There could be as many as 10-12 in the top three rounds with as many as 15 thru the middle rounds. Aidan Hutchinson is the best defender in this draft class and could be a top two overall pick. He is NFL ready and a three-down starter. Kayvon Thibodeaux is an explosive edge defender and among the best of this special class of edge defenders. He figures in the top few selections.

Kayvon Thibodeaux – Scouting Report

* Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 – 6-4, 255                Oregon – Sp. 4.60                        
                NFL Comparison: Demarcus Ware               Rating 93

Physically gifted true junior declared for the NFL Draft after an injury marred 2021 season limited by an ankle injury. Freakish athlete with rare combination of length, agility, speed and power to play in both NFL fronts. Long angular frame with long arms (33 1/8”) and quick feet to play both outside positions in either pro scheme. Shows explosiveness off the snap to be an impact speed pass rusher with the size, length and natural strength to also win as a power rusher. The ideal defender as a weak side end in a 4-3 scheme, as well as the agility and foot quickness to play outside in a 3-4 front. His versatility and upside potential make him attractive to all defenses and should land among the top overall selections. Despite facing double team blocking, he continued to make impact plays along the talented Ducks’ front. Rare physical traits for the position with the agility of a linebacker and power of a lineman. Chiseled physique and well distributed with the room to add muscle to fit the prototypical measurables for an elite pro edge rusher. Shows fine functional strength to stack and shed blockers, though can be engulfed at the point at times. Uses his good height to his advantage and uses his long arm to get blockers off his body and follow with technique to separate and burst to the ball. Very good movement skills and footwork for his size and when called upon to drop into coverage on zone blitzes, showed good agility and coordination. Displays a very good spin move to disengage blockers with a great closing burst. Special quick-twitch athleticism and comes off the snap quickly and shows rare flexibility to bend the edge. Consistent with his knee bend and use of leverage. Currently his pass rush is a nice combination of speed and power, though he needs to refine and add new moves to become a premier pro edge defender. Shows the speed to be very effective in pursuit to the opposite sidelines or downfield. Fine length to effectively disrupt passing lanes and be a factor deflecting passes. Shows a strong jarring hand punch, though needs further development to gain a consistent early advantage. Shows deceptive strength to hold the POA and win most individual battles, though his narrow frame makes him vulnerable at the point. Relies mainly on his initial burst and swim move to beat blockers and needs to develop moves like a rip and using his long arm better especially facing the double team. Must play with good pad level to maintain leverage. Sound awareness with agility and balance to move down the LOS to finish. Fine short area burst to win early on the down and penetrate the backfield. Over the 2021 season, he started 11 games and finished with 50 tackles, 12 TFL, 8 QB hurries, 1 PBU, 2 FF and 7 sacks and earned 1st team Pac-12 honors. His production slipped late in the season when he received special attention weekly with double team blocking. Over his three-year career, he played in 31 games with 123 tackles, 35.5 TFL, 3 FF, 7 PBU and 19 sacks. In three Pac-12 championship games, he combined for 21 QB hurries, 13 tackles, 5.5 TFL and 4.5 sacks. At the NFL Combine, he came in at 6’4” and 254 lbs. with 33 1/8” arms and 9 3/4” hands. Ran a 4.58 time with a 1.59 ten-yard split. Added 27 reps in the lifting. Excellent fit for weakside end in a 4-3 set or the attack backer role in a 3-4 scheme. Talented defender with the complete skill set, though must dispel the somewhat hot and cold label. Blue chip #1 prospect with the skills similar to Demarcus Ware in AA, body type and Pro Bowl potential. Must adapt to facing double teams to be an elite NFL defender. Dedication to football has been questioned, though his production disputes that. Top 5 pick with incredible upside and scheme diversity to become a difference maker. Special elite edge rusher.
Draft Projection: 1st Round – Top 5 Selection

NFL Draft Yearbook Scouting Report
 Jameson Williams – Alabama

                   Photo from Alabama Athletics     

 NFL Team Report – 35 Pages – Available Now
 Newsletters available now / Special Deluxe Package

NFL Draft Yearbook 2022 -250 In-depth Scouting Reports
Top 300+ Rankings, 7 Round Mock Draft / Player Comparison

NFL Draft Yearbook Scouting Report
         Wideout Jameson Williams – Alabama

Jameson Williams #1 – 6-2, 180                                    Alabama – Sp. 4.45
         NFL Comparison: DeAndre Hopkins                   Rating 91            

Smooth athletic true junior finished his career with an ACL knee injury which terminated an outstanding breakout performance in the potent Bama attack. Earned first team SEC honors in 2021 as one of the nation’s premier playmakers. Lanky well-built physique with length and solid muscle development. Fluid mover with very good agility, hands and athleticism to rank among the best in this class. Combination of deceptive speed and overall AA with the skills necessary to become an impact starter. Burst to get open and the leaping skills to go up for the ball and make plays. Displays soft reliable hands with the ability to extend outside the frame. Makes the difficult catch in traffic, earning him the go-to receiver role. Long strider with the ability to run away from defenders and the length to create problems for smaller cover men on 50/50 balls. Gets off the line well with quickness into his routes and the ability to sink his hips and separate coming out of his breaks. He has developed a full route tree and the ability to win vs the double team. Highly polished skill set to be a fine #1 receiver. His route running and defensive recognition are very advanced. Fights through the bump and run and stays on his routes well, though needs definite strength development and improved hand technique. Dangerous runner after the catch with elusiveness, sudden quickness and deceptive speed to run away from tacklers to break plays.

The Numbers: In 2020, he was buried in the deep Ohio St receiving corps which features multiple pro prospects. He totaled only 9 catches for 154 yards for a 17.1-yard average and 2 TDs. Took advantage of the transfer rule and landed at Alabama where he became an instant star on another deep unit. Only 10 kickoff returns in 2021 with 2 TDs. At the NFL Combine, he came in just under 6’2” and 179 lbs. He did not workout due to rehabbing from his ACL surgery. Also sat out the Bama pro day.

The Skinny: Provides a nice target with strong wiry frame and deceptive quickness to create space. Fast developing prospect really came on late in his career with continuous strong performances. Developed athlete with fine route running and defensive recognition skills to be an immediate factor. Reads coverage quickly and knows where the openings are to settle into zones and makes sound adjustments. Reminiscent of NFL playmaker DeAndre Hopkins in size, speed, running style and versatility. Well-rounded skill set to give his club a plug and play weapon. Top 20 prospect with definite upside if he improves his reads and route tree. Tough smart athlete made fast adjustments after transferring from Ohio St before the 2021 season Legitimate dangerous deep threat. If healthy, he is at a high level to come in and play immediately. NFL ready and possible first overall receiver in this deep class. Best efforts in big games where he made a difference. Playmaker with Pro bowl talent. Cards, Jets, Chiefs and Packers very interested.
Draft Projection: 1st Round

NFL Draft Yearbook Scouting Report
  Kayvon Thibodeaux – Oregon  

             Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images       

NFL Draft Yearbook 2022 – 250 In-depth Scouting Reports – Top 300+ Rankings, 7 Round Mock Draft / NFL Player Comparison

Defensive End – Positional Overview:
This year’s defensive end class is a very strong group which could produce as many as six #1 picks. There are several blue-chip prospects at the top and probably 5 should go in the top 15 selections. There could be as many as 10-12 in the top three rounds with as many as 15 thru the middle rounds. Aidan Hutchinson is the best defender in this draft class and could be a top two overall pick. He is NFL ready and a three-down starter. Kayvon Thibodeaux is an explosive edge defender and among the best of this special class of edge defenders. He figures in the top few selections.

Kayvon Thibodeaux – Scouting Report

* Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 – 6-4, 255                Oregon – Sp. 4.60                         
                NFL Comparison: Demarcus Ware               Rating 93
Physically gifted true junior declared for the NFL Draft after an injury marred 2021 season limited by an ankle injury. Freakish athlete with rare combination of length, agility, speed and power to play in both NFL fronts. Long angular frame with long arms (33 1/8”) and quick feet to play both outside positions in either pro scheme. Shows explosiveness off the snap to be an impact speed pass rusher with the size, length and natural strength to also win as a power rusher. The ideal defender as a weak side end in a 4-3 scheme, as well as the agility and foot quickness to play outside in a 3-4 front. His versatility and upside potential make him attractive to all defenses and should land among the top overall selections. Despite facing double team blocking, he continued to make impact plays along the talented Ducks’ front. Rare physical traits for the position with the agility of a linebacker and power of a lineman. Chiseled physique and well distributed with the room to add muscle to fit the prototypical measurables for an elite pro edge rusher. Shows fine functional strength to stack and shed blockers, though can be engulfed at the point at times. Uses his good height to his advantage and uses his long arm to get blockers off his body and follow with technique to separate and burst to the ball. Very good movement skills and footwork for his size and when called upon to drop into coverage on zone blitzes, showed good agility and coordination. Displays a very good spin move to disengage blockers with a great closing burst. Special quick-twitch athleticism and comes off the snap quickly and shows rare flexibility to bend the edge. Consistent with his knee bend and use of leverage. Currently his pass rush is a nice combination of speed and power, though he needs to refine and add new moves to become a premier pro edge defender. Shows the speed to be very effective in pursuit to the opposite sidelines or downfield. Fine length to effectively disrupt passing lanes and be a factor deflecting passes. Shows a strong jarring hand punch, though needs further development to gain a consistent early advantage. Shows deceptive strength to hold the POA and win most individual battles, though his narrow frame makes him vulnerable at the point. Relies mainly on his initial burst and swim move to beat blockers and needs to develop moves like a rip and using his long arm better especially facing the double team. Must play with good pad level to maintain leverage. Sound awareness with agility and balance to move down the LOS to finish. Fine short area burst to win early on the down and penetrate the backfield. Over the 2021 season, he started 11 games and finished with 50 tackles, 12 TFL, 8 QB hurries, 1 PBU, 2 FF and 7 sacks and earned 1st team Pac-12 honors. His production slipped late in the season when he received special attention weekly with double team blocking. Over his three-year career, he played in 31 games with 123 tackles, 35.5 TFL, 3 FF, 7 PBU and 19 sacks. In three Pac-12 championship games, he combined for 21 QB hurries, 13 tackles, 5.5 TFL and 4.5 sacks. At the NFL Combine, he came in at 6’4” and 254 lbs. with 33 1/8” arms and 9 3/4” hands. Ran a 4.58 time with a 1.59 ten-yard split. Added 27 reps in the lifting. Excellent fit for weakside end in a 4-3 set or the attack backer role in a 3-4 scheme. Talented defender with the complete skill set, though must dispel the somewhat hot and cold label. Blue chip #1 prospect with the skills similar to Demarcus Ware in AA, body type and Pro Bowl potential. Must adapt to facing double teams to be an elite NFL defender. Dedication to football has been questioned, though his production disputes that. Top 5 pick with incredible upside and scheme diversity to become a difference maker. Special elite edge rusher.
Draft Projection: 1st Round – Top 5 Selection

NFL Draft Yearbook 2022 Scouting Report
 Trevor Penning – Northern Iowa

NFL Draft Yearbook 2022 – 250 In-depth Scouting Reports
Top 300+ Rankings, 7 Round Mock Draft / NFL Player Comparisons

    Trevor Penning Scouting Report

Trevor Penning #70 – 6-7, 325 –  Northern Iowa – Sp. 4.90
NFL Comparison: Kolton Miller –  Rating 90                                        Northern Iowa Athletics
Tall physical senior has been one of the best left tackles in college, starting all four years at that position with MVC honors his final three seasons. Long athletic frame with long arms and the footwork to develop into a pro left tackle after 33 starts. Earned an invite to the Senior Bowl where he held up very well on the outside, displaying developed skills to handle top edge rushers. Massive agile athlete displays excellent setup in pass pro with natural movement skills to slide and adjust easily to counter moves. His current level of development may allow him to start immediately at tackle. Showed the tenacity in his game to face NFL edge talent. As a pass blocker, displays very good initial quickness, balance, flexibility and patience. Uses his long reach and strong punch to contain early and sustain through the play. He allows the rusher to come to him and rarely over-commits and under control coming out of his stance. Smooth in his kick-slide and lateral agility. He has the ideal physical package for left tackle in the NFL. Trim physique and carries no excess weight. Displays a quick hand punch, but needs to show the ability to recoil. Improved his punch power with experience, though must improve his ability to handle counter moves. When he locks on to edge rushers, he consistently wins. As a drive blocker, he has the ability to move defenders on power plays. Able to make the reach blocks and angle blocks on inside and outside zones. When asked to pull, he shows fairly good quickness and get good fits on the 2nd level. Bends his knees well with leverage to anchor and stop the bull rush, though needs to refine that due to his great length. At times, plays with a thin base and gives ground when his technique falters and rushers can give him trouble when he plays high. Shows flexibility in his kick slide. Very tough blocker with the tenacity to sustain and dominate throughout. Frame, arm length and the footwork to mirror rushers cam earn him an early starting tackle grade. At the Senior Bowl, he performed very well when taking a big step up in competition. At the NFL Combine, he came in at 6’7” and 325 lbs. with 34 1/4” arms and 10 1/8” hands. Ran a 4.89 time with a 1.70 ten-yard split. Did not lift. Added a 28” VL, a 9’3” BJ, a 4.62 shuttle and 7.25 three cone. Very good positional drills with a solid overall performance. Similar to tackles like Kolton Miller with the prototypical skill set for the demanding leftside spot. Older fans will remember former Giants’ Jumbo Elliott as very similar physically and demeanor. Developed left tackle with huge upside potential. Probable mid-1st round pick with starting grade, though needs further strength, conditioning and technique work. Needs to be consistently sound technically to earn a starting position. Complete physical talent to improve further. Top 15 prospect with high ceiling and probable Pro Bowler in time. Nasty NFL ready mauler.
Draft Projection: 1st Round

NFL Draft 2022 Yearbook Scouting Report –

LB Chad Muma – Wyoming

     www.draftinsiders.com

NFL Draft 2022 Yearbook
250 In-depth Scouting Reports
Top 300+ Prospects Ranked 7 Round Mock Draft – Special Deluxe Package – 12 Issues with NFL Draft 2022 Yearbook

Linebacker Prospect

Chad Muma #48 – 6-3, 240 – Wyoming –  Sp. 4.60
           NFL Comparison: Logan Wilson                    Rating 82
Physical dependable senior excelled both downhill and between the hash marks in his two-starting seasons for the Cowboys. Back-to-back 1st team MWC performer with over 200 tackles during that period. Aggressive and passionate and plays hard till the whistle. Good teammate and hard worker. Above average quickness and playing speed and displays a burst to consistently close. Good range sideline-to-sideline with sound angles and the ability to get through traffic and scrape. Top athleticism downhill and laterally with the agility and COD to play in space. Developing core strength at his 240 lbs. which he is beginning to use effectively as a huge hitter. Plays behind his pads and rarely on the ground. Strong active hands and has learned to use them in all facets. Potential to develop into a 3-down backer with improvement in coverage ability. Former safety is a quick study in coverage and capable of being an early three down starter. Reliable run-plugger does a plus job of stopping runs before they can turn into positive yardage. Displays good peripheral vision and decisive in his read/react ability. Goes where his eyes tell him. Takes few false steps and trusts his vision and instincts. Shows awareness and technique to slips blocks well. Maintains good balance with the instincts to react which allows him to play fast. Squares himself up to ball carriers to create an impact and make the tackle. Plays within himself and has been a consistent tackler vs a high level of competition and big games. Capable blitzer with the burst to close, though relies more on power than technique. Consistently slips/sheds blockers in space with a combination of technique and power. Sifts well through trash and tough to get off his feet. Struggles vs big interior blockers and prefers to slip with strong hands and quick feet. Able to disengage and stay on his feet. Though not a quick twitch athlete, he will be a starter in time. In pass coverage, he is proficient in zone and short area currently, though needs development in the deeper zones. Potential to cover faster TE’s up the seam, though not ready now. Good lateral range, though can be exploited by fast backs in space when asked to cover too much ground. Also, shows the versatility to play Sam in the 4-3 set. As a senior, he totaled 142 tackles, 9 TFL, 1 PBU, 3 picks and 2 sacks, starting all 13 games. Earned DPOY and 1st team MWC honors. At the NFL Combine, he weighed in at 239 lbs. and 6’3” with 31 5/8” arms and 10” hands. Ran a 4.63 time with 27 reps and had a 40” VL, 10’9” BJ and did a 4.28 shuttle and 7.06 three cone. It was a very good workout. Top AA and play recognition ability and he is able to contribute early and possibly start. Intelligent and heady and understands assignment football while able to carry them out well. Rising savvy backer and top 50-75 prospect with fast development and the intangibles to make an impact as both a starter and special teams’ performer.
                               Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round

NFL Draft Yearbook Scouting Report
Christian Watson – North Dakota State

www.draftinsiders.com
NFL Draft 2022 Yearbook
250 In-depth Scouting Reports
Top 300+ Prospects Ranked 7 Round Mock Draft – Special Deluxe Package – 12 Issues with NFL Draft 2022 Yearbook

Wide Receiver Prospect

Christian Watson #1 – 6-4, 210 – North Dakota State – Sp. 4.35
            NFL Comparison: CeeDee Lamb                          Rating 88
Fast sure handed senior was the go-to guy for the Bisons over his career. Earned first team honors in 2019. Good lean athletic frame with speed and the running skills to be an impact weapon in the NFL. Speed to get deep regularly on the nine route and developing the nuances as a route-runner to separate from coverage and run the full route tree. Good lean muscle development and adequate functional strength, but could benefit from adding more muscle to his frame. Smooth runner moves in a gliding style, yet showed good elusiveness as a runner after the catch with efficient footwork to create space and break the play. Outstanding hand-eye coordination and able to elevate and high point the ball. Strong hands and usually able to maintain control while taking hits. Natural athlete and polished in many critical aspects of play. With experience, he has learned to run better routes with quicker cuts. Able to maintain concentration on making the catch and separate from defenders. Alert and works his way back to pass. Reading zone coverage better and learning how to find and settle in the soft spots. Adequate as a blocker, but needs hand technique work to improve and sustain.
The Numbers: In 2021, he played in 12 games and had 43 receptions for 801 yards for 18.6 yard average and 7 TDs. At the Senior Bowl, he had a good performance, especially running routes with quick adjustments on the ball. During his career, he caught 105 passes for 2140 yards for a 20.4 average and 14 TDs. At the NFL Combine, he came in just over 6’4” and 208 lbs. Ran a 4.36 time with an exceptional 1.46 ten-yard split time. Added a 38.5”VL and an 11”4”BJ. It was an excellent workout. Similar to CeeDee Lamb in size, speed, body type, AA and development.
The Skinny: Fast athlete with speed to take the lid off a defense. Developing receiver with definite playmaking ability to be a weapon in a few roles both outside and in the slot. Impact in three wideout sets early. Playmaker needs to prove he will go over the middle consistently and must learn the full route tree to be a complete receiver. Fast rising top 50 prospect on my board after the NFL Combine. Probably goes in the early rounds with the strong demand at the position for playmakers. Emerging talent with the tools to continue to improve and be a huge factor in the right situation. Versatile playmaker can provide impact in time and be a difference maker. Incredible ceiling to become an NFL star.
Draft Projection: 1st-2nd Round

NFL Draft Yearbook Scouting Report

Trey McBride – Colorado State
www.draftinsiders.com

NFL Draft 2022 Yearbook
250 In-depth Scouting Reports
 Top 300+ Prospects Ranked   7 Round Mock Draft –  Special Deluxe Package – 12 Issues with NFL Draft 2022 Yearbook

Tight End Prospect

 1 * Trey McBride #85 – 6-3, 245             Colorado State – Sp. 4.55
NFL Comparison: Dallas Clark                     Rating 88

Athletic mobile junior flashed big play talent over his MWC career, earning first team honors in 2021. Two-time MWC honoree and John Mackey 2021 winner. Lined up as both an inline and flex performer over his four starting seasons. Fluid athlete with top athleticism to press the middle of the field and naturally run the seam. Agile and flexible to change directions or go up for the ball. Natural hands catcher with run after the catch ability that is just being tapped into in a number of formations. Fast developing receiver with huge upside as a vertical threat. Solid specimen and easy mover with some growth potential. He has improved significantly as a blocker. Quick athlete with the explosiveness off the line to get into a defender or his routes with the footwork and agility to be a very effective movement blocker with further technique work. Greatest asset is his developed playmaking ability. Early contribution as flex receiver and H-back with the receiving skills to become a difference maker. High grades for top overall development and receiving skills. Savvy route runner with very good instincts to read and adjust to coverage and sit in holes. Able to catch outside the frame with a nice receiving radius and huge hands (10 1/8”). Settles in the soft spots in zones to move the chains. Very dangerous on crossing routes with fine run after the catch ability and speed to break plays. Quick getting off the line and beats the jam to get a clean release. At the breakpoint, he separates well in coverage and creates a consistently reliable target. Tough in the shorter zones on crossing routes, hooks and underneath routes with good hands and the ability to adjust. Runs well and snatches the ball in a crowd. Difficult matchup in single coverage with a developed route tree. As blocker, he is quick on the snap with stocky athletic frame and good hand usage to get a surge at the point of attack. Needs development blocking, including a stronger punch with improved lower body power and footwork. In limited time inline, he graded out high as a blocker, relying more on toughness and athleticism than sound technique and functional strength. As a move blocker, gets into an opponent on 2nd level and shows quickness to sustain. On the move, shows the talent to seal and neutralize with the agility to reach backers, though needs technique and strength work.

The Numbers:   In 2021, he started 12 games and caught 90 passes for 1121 yards and 1 TD. Earned first team MWC and All-American honors. In 2020, he started every game and caught 22 passes for 330 yards, a 15-yard average and 4 TDs, earning 2nd team MWC honors. At the NFL Combine, he checked in at 246 lbs. and just under 6’4” with 32 1/2” arms and 10 1/8” hands. Did not run and did 18 reps in the lifting. Added a 33” VJ and a 9’9” BJ. Looked very good in the positional drills with the agility to adjust to the pass. Similar to former Colts’ Pro Bowler, Dallas Clark in size, play making ability, AA and developed receiving talent. Also, similar to George Kittle in many respects.

The Skinny:  Mobile sure handed prospect with very good athleticism to play in base and multiple sets with highly developed skills and LOD as a receiver. Quality addition with the athletic talent to give an offense an early playmaker. As a receiver, he has upside with soft hands, fine movement skills and good speed to stretch the seam. Versatile and marginal top 40 and rising prospect with the talent to surprise in the right offense. Emerging playmaker with skill set to be ideal for today’s pro-offenses.
Draft Projection: 1st-2nd Round

NFL Draft Yearbook Sample Scouting Report – TJ Watt

Written in March annually prior to the NFL Draft

Draft Insiders’ 2022 Yearbook – available this spring
Order Today – Special Deluxe Package available

NFL Draft Yearbook Scouting Report – 2017

* T.J. Watt #42 – 6-4, 255, Wisconsin – Sp. 4.65
NFL Comparison: Ryan Kerrigan                     Rating 90

Explosive dynamic redshirt junior completed his career with an amazing breakout performance after a limited earlier stay in Madison. Brother of NFL defender JJ Watt. Like JJ, he also converted to defense from tight end entering college. Earned 1st team Big Ten and 2nd team All-American by DraftInsiders.com in 2016. Excellent combination of size, speed, athleticism and tenacity. Took his game up a few levels in 2016 where the game slowed down and he instinctively picked up schemes, blocking angles and the ball to respond naturally and quickly. Big athletic frame and the movement skills to attack the line or move laterally or in reverse. Finally, healthy from the prior knee injury, he flashed dominant skills in both run and pass defense. Tough physical defender who strikes with a powerful punch to get blockers off balance and use his good speed to make his move. Though not a refined quick twitch edge athlete, he can win with speed and will likely play more up as a linebacker in the pros. Emerged as one of the rising prospects in this draft class after an excellent final season. Shows perhaps the best technique development in this class, working out with his Pro Bowl brother JJ.  Quick burst off the ball often gets tackles off-balance and allows him to cross their face. Displays flexibility to avoid their reach and turn the corner with very good closing speed. Possesses a balanced spin move to counter inside and a better than expected bull rush. More effective playing up where he projects best to the backer role in the pro 3-4 scheme. Powerful edge defender with broad shoulders and impressive upper body development. Shows he can get hands under the tackle’s reach and walk much bigger pass-blockers back. Good pursuit speed, with the instincts and determination to chase down ball-carriers from behind. Explosive tackler and just learning to dislodge the ball on impact. Shows good ball awareness, often ripping and tugging when he gets the chance. At the point vs the run, he can anchor well vs big tackles and picks up the ball with the ability to separate and chase. At times, he takes on blockers too high and gets washed out of the play. Sets the edge very well vs the run with the girth to hold his ground and functional strength to neutralize tackles or tight ends even in combo blocks. Projects as an OLB in either front best, though could be a 4-3 weak side end in some schemes. Among the very best pure edge rushers in this draft, though could be even better with more experience and diversity in his rush moves. As a junior, he started all 14 games and had 71 tackles, a team-high 15.5 TFL, a team-high 11.5 sacks, 13 QB hurries, 2 FF, 1 pick and 4 PBU. In 2015, played in 13 games with no starts and made 8 tackles, 1.5 TFL, no sacks, 4 QB hurries and 3 PBU. First two years comprised redshirt and injury seasons in 2013 and 2014. A knee injury forced him to miss 2014. At the NFL Combine, he came in over 6’4”, 252 lbs. with long 33 1/8” arms and huge 11” hands. He ran a 4.69 time with a 1.61 ten-yard split and did 21 reps. He added a 37” VL, a 10’8” BJ and looked very sharp in the positional drills and had excellent times of a 6.79 three cone and a 4.13 in the short shuttle. Best suited for the attack backer role in a 3-4 defense where his playmaking ability off the edge shows a fast-developing elite skill set. He flashed many of the same skills as. Fast rising prospect jumped into the early rounds off a big postseason following a breakout 2016 effort. Power and fine burst with positional versatility. Similar to Ryan Kerrigan coming out of Purdue in body type, scheme versatility, pass rushing skills and overall demeanor. Rising hard-nosed defender with the intangibles to get the most out of his fast-developing skill set. Flying up the board and a top 25 pick off his impact ability. Steelers, Seahawks, Browns and Packers interested. First round bubble prospect.

Draft Projection: 1st Round