Draft Insiders’ – Rookie Spotlight – QB Baker Mayfield – Browns

  by Frank Coyle

Each week Draft Insiders’ will do a Rookie spotlight and post their Scouting Report from our NFL Draft 2018 Yearbook. Scouting Reports are written from the fall into March annually.

Week 3 showcased two top QB picks, in the Browns’ Baker Mayfield and Jets’ Sam Darnold. Mayfield has sat through the first two weeks of his rookie NFL season. He came off the bench with starter Tyrod Taylor suffering a late first half concussion. Mayfield brought new energy and life to a lackluster and mistake prone offense. He had a dramatic and impressive pro debut which was instrumental in the Browns first victory since Dec. 24, 2016.

Mayfield has uncanny instincts with quick decision making and footwork that allows him to move and create situations and extend plays. He displayed rare composure in a pressure packed situation Thursday night with the desperate yet loyal Brown faithful screaming from the moment he entered the game. He directed an amazing second half comeback vs a tough Jet defense, throwing for 17 completions on 23 passes for 201 yards. He also caught a 2-point conversion similar to a few he performed at Oklahoma during his brilliant college career. He once again displayed the terrific accuracy that was his signature during his Sooner career along with his leadership to make other players better.    
He was the #1 QB selected from a very deep class that saw four prospects chosen in the top ten and five in the first round overall. He was a rare Heisman Trophy winner and #1 overall selection in the same year. He has Browns fans buzzing after years of frustration especially at the QB leadership position. We compared him to Russell Wilson in talent, mobility and leadership which emerged dramatically over his Sooner career and postseason prior to the NFL Draft 2018.

     Draft Insiders’ 2018 Yearbook – March/April 2018

      Quarterbacks
Baker Mayfield #6  –     Oklahoma – 6-1 , 215  – Sp. 4.80          Rating 92
       Player Comparison: Russell Wilson

Slick senior gunslinger put up record setting numbers in the Sooners prolific passing attack which earned him the 2017 Heisman Trophy award. Transferred from Texas Tech in a class with QBs Patrick Mahomes and Davis Webb as an underclassman. Strong athletic frame with a god arm and quick release. Very good feet to setup, move in the pocket, slide to create new lanes or scramble to throw on the move or for a first down. Savvy athlete with a great sense of field presence and situations. Combines keen instincts with good athleticism to be both a leader and playmaker. Stepped up in big situations with big performances in the national playoffs as well as winning at Ohio St. Few clubs go into Columbus, Ohio and come away with a victory. Baker was instrumental in the Sooners’ win that marked them a national contender. Tight quick release with a natural throwing motion with the ability to release the ball from several positions with fine velocity and quickness. Played in the spread Sooner passing game putting up amazing numbers annually while showing the ability to throw the complete route tree. Shows the ability to drive the ball down the field and consistently fit into tight windows. Progresses very well as a pocket passer, though mainly operates in an offense with quick simple reads geared for the primary receiver. Gunslinger mentality with a cocky attitude that at times takes too much risk on plays. Savvy thrower can re-cock his arm quickly and deliver fast into new windows. Learning to be patient and look for other receivers and go through his progressions. Limited work from under center and faces a learning curve and needs to sit and adjust to the game. Needs to refine his setup and footwork under center and learn to go through his reads and adjustments to make the proper calls. Shows fine touch and accuracy on intermediate and vertical routes, though needs some refinement. Able to consistently place the ball with nice trajectory over the shoulder of his receivers to catch in full stride with nice accuracy to lead his receivers. Within the pocket, displays a crisp natural throwing motion to get the ball out fast. Able to really drive the ball when required and the ball can explode from his hand with good velocity on the outs and tight seam routes. Deceptive mobility to be effective on the move without losing his accuracy. Shows the toughness to sit in the pocket and take a hit to complete the pass.

The Numbers:  Over the 2017 season, he started 14 games and completed 285 passes of 404 attempts for a 71% rate for 4267 yards with 43 TDs and 6 picks. Won Heisman Trophy, in addition to three time Big 12 Player of the Year honors, Manning award, O’Brien award and Maxwell award in 2017. Over his junior season, he threw for 3965 yards while completing 71% with 40 TDs and 8 picks in 13 starts. Over his career, he posted a 39-9 record including several bowl victories and impressive road wins at Ohio St. Threw for 12292 yards with 119 TDs and 21 interceptions and a 69.8% completion rate. Similar to NFL starter, Russell Wilson in size, AA, arm strength and LOD. At the NFL Combine, he came in at over 6’ and 218 lbs. with 30 1/4” arms and 9 1/4 hands. He ran a 4.84 time and added a 29” VL and a 9’4” BJ with a 4.28 shuttle and 7.00 three cone.

The Skinny:  Highly productive QB with strong frame and rare arm to become a high-quality starter with some development. Needs improvement in his footwork to step up to play in a pro-style offense. He can throw the deep ball with accuracy, drive the ball down the field and make the tough intermediate throws and can fit the ball into tight windows when given time. Probable high 1st round and top pick. Top QB prospect with the skill set to win a starting job within a few seasons after learning a system. Needs further work on reading defenses and going through his progressions. Must prove up to the call of leadership to be successful in the NFL. Off the field problems must be addressed, though not criminal offenses. Rising top prospect.
                             Draft Projection: 1st Round

NFL Power Poll – Rams and Jaguars Head Conferences
Chiefs and Vikings Hot Early Starts

Team of the Week – Jaguars
Upset of the Week – Bucs

Players of the Week
Offense – QB Ryan Fitzpatrick – Bucs,  QB Patrick Mahomes – Chiefs
Defense – LB Khalil Mack – Bears

Rookie of Week
Offense – RB Phillip Lindsay – Broncos

Game of Week #3 – LA Chargers (1-1) at LA Rams (2-0)
Battle of Los Angeles with city bragging rights on the line

Support Hurricane Florence Relief Fund
     Go to   www.RedCross.org  to donate money or time
DraftInsiders.com supports all Emergency Relief efforts worldwide along with Breast Cancer  Awareness for over 25 years.
 

NFL Ranking /Record /Team

#1 – 2-0 Rams
Rams’ defense coming off a shutout of the Cardinals.

#2 – 2-0 Jaguars
Jaguars’ offense behind QB Blake Bortles smoked Patriots with 31 points.

#3 – 2-0 Vikings
Vikings loading the cannon for a run at the title in a competitive NFC.

#4 – 2-0 Chiefs
Chiefs riding hot hand of second year QB Patrick Mahomes.

#5- 1-1 Eagles
Eagles looking to start QB Carson Wentz to return after their loss to the Jaguars.

#6 – 1-1 Patriots
Pats host the Dolphins looking to gain AFC East leadership.

#7 – 1-1 Falcons
Falcons jumped on the Panthers at home and host the Saints this week in another key South matchup.

#8 – 2-0 Bengals
Bengals jumped on the Ravens in their best performance in two years in their Thursday night matchup.

#9 – 1-0-1 Packers
The Packers allowed the Vikings back in a key game and finished with a disturbing tie.

#10 – 2-0 Broncos
Broncos travel to Baltimore in a tough AFC matchup.

#11 – 1-1 Chargers
Chargers face the Rams in the Los Angeles hometown matchup of two strong playoff contenders.

#12 – 1-1 Panthers
Panthers defense was exposed by the Falcons. Host the hot Bengals this week.

#13 – 2-0 Bucs
Bucs’ wacked the Eagles behind the hot hand of vet starting QB, Ryan Fitzpatrick.

#14 – 1-1 Ravens
Ravens were toasted by the Bengals. Host the Broncos in an important AFC matchup.

#15 – 1-1 Cowboys
The Cowboys beat the Giants with tough defense and few mistakes.

#16 – 2-0 Dolphins
Dolphins host the Raiders in a matchup that may test them to the fullest.

#17 – 1-1 Bears
The Bears may be the sleeper team of the year. Go to Arizona this week.

#18 – 1-1 49ers
The 49ers edged the struggling Lions. Travel to Kansas City in a tough matchup.

#19 – 1-1 Saints
Saints’ beat the luckless Browns. Face the Falcons on the road in vital NFC South contest.

#20 – 0-1-1 Steelers
Steelers’ are cracking at the seams. Wideout Antonio Brown unhappy along with runner Le’Veon Bell.

#21 – 0-2 Seahawks
Seahawks host the Cowboys in almost a must early season game for any playoff aspirations.

#22 – 1-1 Redskins
Redskins looked lousy vs the Colts. Host the Packers Sunday in a key NFC matchup.

#23 – 1-1 Titans
Titans beat the Texans in an important South opener. Go to Jacksonville for an early season acid test.

#24 – 1-1 Colts
Colts will perform well behind Andrew Luck. This defense gets tested in their road matchup in Philly.

#25 – 0-2 Texans
Texans host the struggling Giants in a vital early game for any postseason visions.

#26 – 1-1 Jets
Jets’ travel to Cleveland in a tough matchup with the desperate Browns.

#27 – 0-2 Giants
Giants have to find a way in Houston if they want to show any improvement this season.

#28 – 0-2 Lions
Lions host the Patriots Sunday night. Too many breakdowns in the early action that may continue this week.

#29 – 0-2 Raiders
Raiders travel to Miami in a critical matchup to avoid falling deep into the AFC West basement.

#30 – 0-2 Cardinals
Cardinals were bashed by the Rams. Host the improved Bears this Sunday in an effort to turn it around.

#31 – 0-1-1 Browns
Browns host the Jets Thursday night. They have at won since Christmas eve 2016.

#32 – 0-2 Bills
Bills travel to Minnesota and Green Bay the next two weeks. Looking ugly from here.

Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a long time member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 20 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 Watch List 2018-2019

       By Frank Coyle – Head Scout Draft Insiders’

Senior Bowl – January 26, 2019 in Mobile, Al

Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy and staff have assembled another outstanding group of college players and Pro Prospects for the All-star classic this January. The Senior Bowl has been the premier All-star event of the college postseason and critical part of the evaluation process for the NFL Draft for decades. This event has showcased many future top NFL stars who made their debut nationally on the Senior Bowl stage.

This list will add prospects through the fall and be updated periodically. Draft Insiders’ will provide continuous Senior Bowl lists, changes and news through the January classic.

Support Hurricane Florence Relief Fund
Go to   www.RedCross.org  to donate money or time
DraftInsiders.com supports all Emergency Relief efforts worldwide along with Breast Cancer for over 25 years.

 Full Senior Bowl Watch List 2018
Go to – https://www.seniorbowl.com/watch-list

Senior Bowl Watch List 2018-2019

Tight Ends and Offensive Linemen

Tight Ends

Andrew Beck – Texas
6-3,  255 Big 12

Ian Bunting – California
6-7,  255 Pac-12

Evan Butts – Virginia
6-4,  250 ACC

C.J. Conrad – Kentucky
6-5,  252 SEC

Micky Crum – Louisville
6-4,  255 ACC

Ceejhay French-Love – Arizona State
6-4,  245 Pac-12

Brandon Fritts – North Carolina
6-4,  240 ACC

Seth Hebert – Central Missouri
6-4,  225 Division II

Hale Hentges – Alabama
6-5,  249 SEC

Cole Herdman – Purdue
6-4,  245 Big Ten

C’yontai Lewis – Florida
6-4,  233 SEC

Alizé Mack – Notre Dame
6-5, 247 IND

Foster Moreau – LSU
6-6,  256 SEC

Josh Oliver – San Jose State
6-5, 250 MW

Tyler Petite – USC
6-4, 250 Pac-12

Isaiah Searight – Fordham
6-4, 250 FCS

Sam Seonbuchner – Iowa State
6-3, 244 Big 12

Matt Sokol – Michigan State
6-6, 255 Big Ten

Tommy Sweeney – Boston College
6-5, 260 ACC

Jerome Washington – Rutgers
6-4, 256 Big Ten

Offensive Linemen
Tackles

Paul Adams – Missouri
6-6, 315 SEC

Trey Adams – Washington
6-8, 316 Pac-12

Calvin Anderson – Texas
6-5, 300 Big 12

Jackson Barton – Utah
6-7, 312 Pac-12

Juwann Bushell-Beatty – Michigan
6-6, 315 Big Ten

Yodny Cajuste – West Virginia
6-5, 321 Big 12

Tariq Cole – Rutgers
6-6, 317 Big Ten

Daniel Cooney – University of San Diego
6-8, 315 FCS

Dennis Daley – South Carolina
6-6, 324 SEC

Andre Dillard – Washington State
6-5, 306 Pac-12

Derwin Gray – Maryland
6-5, 330 Big Ten

Ethan Greenidge – Villanova
6-4, 335 FCS

Justin Herron – Wake Forest
6-5, 290 ACC

Tytus Howard – Alabama State
6-6, 280 FCS

Mitch Hyatt – Clemson
6-5, 305 ACC

Martez Ivey – Florida
6-5, 306 SEC

Devon Johnson – Ferris State
6-7, 315 Division II

Tyler Jones – North Carolina State
6-3, 306 ACC

Chris Lindstrom – Boston College
6-4, 310 ACC

Kaleb McGary – Washington
6-8, 324 Pac-12

Garrett McGhin – East Carolina
6-6, 302 AAC

Yosuah Nijman – Virginia Tech
6-7, 314 ACC

Trey Pipkins – Sioux Falls (SD)
6-6, 300 Division II

Damian Prince – Maryland
6-3, 320 Big Ten

Isaiah Prince – Ohio State
6-7, 310 Big Ten

Dalton Risner – Kansas State
6-5, 308 Big 12

Max Scharping – Northern Illinois
6-6, 320 MAC

Tyree St. Louis – Miami
6-5, 315 ACC

Oli Udoh – Elon
6-6, 356 FCS

Brian Wallace – Arkansas
6-6, 320 SEC

Guards

Nick Allegretti – Illinois
6-4, 320 Big Ten

B.J. Autry – Jacksonville St.
6-5, 340 FCS

Zack Bailey – South Carolina
6-6, 314 SEC

Kendall Baker – Georgia
6-6, 305 SEC

Alex Bars – Notre Dame
6-6, 318 IND

Beau Benzschawel – Wisconsin
6-6, 315 Big Ten

Garrett Brumfield – LSU
6-4, 303 SEC

Deion Calhoun – Mississippi State
6-3, 320 SEC

Lester Cotton – Alabama
6-4, 324 SEC

Michael Deiter – Wisconsin
6-6, 310 Big Ten

Brandon Fanaika – Stanford
6-3, 315 Pac-12

Hjalte Froholdt – Arkansas
6-5, 315 SEC

Johnny Gibson Jr. – Arkansas
6-4, 319 SEC

Phil Haynes – Wake Forest
6-4, 310 ACC

Wes Martin – Indiana
6-3, 316 Big Ten

Nick Natour – SMU
6-4, 288 AAC

Javon Patterson – Ole Miss
6-3, 314 SEC

Kevin Pendleton – Missouri
6-4, 330 SEC

Ben Powers – Oklahoma
6-4, 313 Big 12

Patrick Vahe – Texas
6-3, 325 Big 12

Centers

Jon Baker – Boston College
6-3, 290 ACC

Garrett Bradbury – North Carolina State
6-3, 300 ACC

Jesse Burkett – Stanford
6-4, 300 Pac-12

Alec Eberle – Florida State
6-4, 299 ACC

Lamont Gaillard – Georgia
6-2, 308 SEC

Elgton Jenkins – Mississippi State
6-4, 310 SEC

Drew Kyser – Memphis
6-5, 300 AAC

Nick Linder – Indiana
6-3, 307 Big Ten

Toa Lobendahn – USC
6-3, 295 Pac-12

Brendan Moore – Maryland
6-3, 302 Big Ten

Sam Mustipher – Notre Dame
6-3, 306 IND

Ross Pierschbacher – Alabama
6-4, 309 SEC

Sean Rawlings – Ole Miss
6-5, 294 SEC

Full Senior Bowl Watch List 2018
Go to – https://www.seniorbowl.com/watch-list

Senior Bowl Watch List 2018-2019

By Frank Coyle – Head Scout

Senior Bowl – January 26, 2019 in Mobile, Al

Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy and staff have assembled another outstanding group of college players and future Pro Prospects for the All-star classic this January. The Senior Bowl has been the premier All-star event of the postseason and critical part of the evaluation process for decades. This event has showcased many future top NFL stars who made their debut nationally on the Senior Bowl stage.

This list will add prospects through the fall and be updated periodically.

Full Senior Bowl Watch List 2018
Go to – https://www.seniorbowl.com/watch-list

Senior Bowl Watch List 2018-2019
Quarterbacks, Running Backs and Wide Receivers

Quarterbacks – 31 Prospects
Drew Anderson – Murray St.
6-5, 230 FCS
Jonathan Banks – Tulane
6-2, 225 AAC
Jake Browning – Washington
6-2, 210 Pac-12
Kelly Bryant – Clemson
6-4, 220 ACC
Taryn Christion – South Dakota St.
6-2, 225 FCS
Keller Chryst – Tennessee
6-5, 239 SEC
Eric Dungey – Syracuse
6-4, 226 ACC
A.J. Ederly – UAB
6-4, 220 C-USA
Ryan Finley – North Carolina St
6-4, 212 ACC
Nick Fitzgerald – Mississippi St
6-5, 230 SEC
Andrew Ford – UMASS
6-3, 210 IND
Ty Gangi – Nevada
6-2, 210 MW
Will Grier – West Virginia
6-2, 223 Big 12
Justice Hansen – Arkansas St
6-4, 224 Sun Belt
Devlin Hodges – Samford
6-1, 210 FCS
Kyle Kempt – Iowa St
6-5, 224 Big 12
Drew Lock – Missouri
6-4, 225 SEC
Tanner Mangum – Brigham Young
6-3, 205 IND
Marcus McMaryion – Fresno St
6-2, 195 MW
Trace McSorley – Penn St
6-0, 203 Big Ten
Hayden Moore – Cincinnati
6-3, 215 AAC
Frank Nutile – Temple
6-4, 220 AAC
Malik Rosier – Miami
6-1, 212 ACC
Brett Rypien – Boise St
6-2, 202 MW
Kyle Shurmur – Vanderbilt
6-4, 225 SEC
Wilton Speight – UCLA
6-6, 232 Pac-12
Easton Stick – North Dakota St
6-2, 221 FCS
Brent Stockstill – Middle Tennessee
6-0, 215 C-USA
Jordan Ta’amu – Ole Miss
6-2, 212 SEC
Clayton Thorson – Northwestern
6-4, 226 Big Ten
Manny Wilkins – Arizona St
6-3, 200 Pac-12

Running Backs – 19 Prospects
Ryquell Armstead – Temple
5-11, 215 AAC
Tony Brooks-James – Oregon
5-9, 190 Pac-12
Squally Canada – Brigham Young
5-11, 210 IND
Myles Gaskin – Washington
5-10, 193 Pac-12
Damien Harris – Alabama
5-11, 215 SEC
Karan Higdon – Michigan
5-10, 202 Big Ten
Soso Jamabo – UCLA
6-2, 212 Pac-12
Ty Johnson – Maryland
5-10, 212 Big Ten
Marcus Jones – Gannon
5-11, 225 Division II
Patrick Laird – California
6-0, 205 Pac-12
Bryce Love – Stanford
5-10, 202 Pac-12
Jalin Moore – Appalachian State
5-11, 205 Sun Belt
Jacques Patrick – Florida State
6-3, 234 ACC
LJ Scott – Michigan State
6-1, 226 Big Ten
Rodney Smith – Minnesota
5-11, 210 Big Ten
Tre Watson – Texas
5-11, 195 Big 12
Aeris Williams – Mississippi State
6-1, 215 SEC
Darnell Woolfolk – Army
5-9, 235 AAC
Marquis Young – UMASS
6-1, 215 IND

Wide Receivers – 40 Prospects
JJ Arcega-Whiteside – Stanford
6-3, 225 Pac-12
Jaelan Austin – TCU
6-2, 198 Big 12
Tyre Brady – Marshall
6-3, 206 C-USA
Nate Brown – Missouri
6-3, 210 SEC
Shun Brown – Arizona
5-10, 188 Pac-12
Ventell Bryant – Temple
6-3, 200 AAC
John Burt – Texas
6-3, 195 Big 12
Emmanuel Butler – Northern Arizona
6-4, 220 FCS
Parris Campbell – Ohio State
6-1, 208 Big Ten
Ryan Davis – Auburn
5-9, 185 SEC
Felton Davis III – Michigan State
6-4, 195 Big Ten
Keelan Doss – UC Davis
6-3, 206 FCS
Mike Dudek – Illinois
5-11, 195 Big Ten
Jonathan Duhart – Old Dominion
6-3, 220 C-USA
James Gardner – Miami (Ohio)
6-4, 217 MAC
Terry Godwin – Georgia
5-11, 185 SEC
Emanuel Hall – Missouri
6-3, 200 SEC
Will Hastings – Auburn
5-10, 166 SEC
Tabari Hines – Oregon
5-10, 175 Pac-12
Jesper Horsted – Princeton
6-4, 220 FCS
Jalen Hurd – Baylor
6-4, 229 Big 12
Andy Isabella – UMASS
5-10, 195 IND
Gary Jennings – West Virginia
6-2, 215 Big 12
Anthony Johnson – Buffalo
6-2, 210 MAC
KeeSean Johnson – Fresno State
6-2, 202 MW
Olabisi Johnson – Colorado State
6-0, 203 MW
Darrell Langham – Miami
6-4, 235 ACC
DaMarkus Lodge – Ole Miss
6-2, 199 SEC
Jay MacIntyre – Colorado
5-10, 185 Pac-12
Tyre McCants – South Florida
5-11, 225 AAC
Terry McLaurin – Ohio State
6-1, 205 Big Ten
Stanley Morgan Jr. – Nebraska
6-1, 200 Big Ten
Nyqwan Murray – Florida State
5-11, 192 ACC
Shawn Poindexter – Arizona
6-5, 218 Pac-12
Hunter Renfrow – Clemson
5-10, 180 ACC
Deebo Samuel – South Carolina
6-0, 210 SEC
David Sills V – West Virginia
6-4, 210 Big 12
Steven Sims Jr. – Kansas
5-10, 176 Big 12
Jaylen Smith – Louisville
6-4, 223 ACC
Kwadarrius Smith – Akron
5-9, 170 MAC
DeAndre Thompkins – Penn State
5-11, 188 Big Ten
Cody Thompson – Toledo
6-2, 205 MAC
KaVontae Turpin – TCU
5-9, 157 Big 12
Jamarius Way – South Alabama
6-4, 215 Sun Belt
Vic Wharton III – California
5-11, 190 Pac-12
Reggie White Jr. – Monmouth University (N.J.)
6-3, 210 FCS

Senior Bowl Watch List 2018
Go to – https://www.seniorbowl.com/watch-list

Draft Insiders’ Rookie Spotlight – QB Sam Darnold – Jets

   by Frank Coyle

Each week Draft Insiders’ will do a Rookie spotlight and post their Scouting Report from our NFL Draft 2018 Yearbook. It was written thru the fall into March annually.

Week 1 in the NFL showcased two New York top picks, Jets’ QB Sam Darnold and Giants’ running back Saquon Barkley. Both had impressive pro debuts and are key components on these revamped offenses.   

    Barkley overcame an alarming pick six on his very first NFL play to lead the Jets to a surprising blowout of the hometown Lions. (Brett Farve also threw a pick six on his very first NFL play). Darnald displayed rare composure that allowed him to stay focus and direct a comeback that has Jet fans buzzing after years of frustration especially at the QB leadership position

    Darnold was our #1 QB from August 2017 through April 2018 in the strongest group since the 2004 draft class. He was the 2nd QB drafted with the 3rd overall selection by the Jets. Five QBs were selected in the first round of the NFL Draft 2018 with four chosen in the top ten picks.

 Draft Insiders’ 2018 Yearbook – March/April 2018

 Quarterbacks

1 * Sam Darnold #14 –  Southern California –   6-3, 220    – Sp. 4.75                  Rating 93
Gritty talented redshirt sophomore led the Trojans to postseason appearances during his two seasons. Strong agile athlete with very good arm and quick footwork plus the intangibles to become a top-flight NFL starter. Despite a short resume and some erratic performances, he developed quickly and shows a well-rounded skill set to make the jump to the NFL. Natural physical traits coveted in an elite NFL passer, though not completely developed currently. He has fine intangibles with a blue-collar mentality. Despite his age, he shows excellent poise, anticipation, toughness, vision, leadership and competitive desire. Displays the complete physical and mental package with excellent production at a very high-level vs Pac-12 talent. Shows a tight compact delivery and capable of firing strikes from the pocket or on the move. Very good footwork to move in the pocket and create passing lanes and keep plays alive. Developing the experience to go through his check downs faster and finding secondary receivers. Attempted to do too much early in the 2017 season with an average supporting cast. Needs to learn to throw the ball away to live to play another down than forcing the ball into heavy coverage. Slides well in the pocket and can evade pressure well, reset his feet and plant to make a big throw. Maintains his vision down field very well looking for receivers to make their second move. Operated under center, but also spent time from the gun and needs work on his drop back and setting his feet while reading coverage. Shows the smarts and discipline to be a quick study, though must learn to make sound decisions with the ball. Displays the ability to deliver very accurate short and intermediate passes, as well as tossing strikes down the alleys. Possesses fine touch on deep passes as well as inside the red zone. Impressive to improvise and make adjustments to situations. Makes clutch throws with the game on the line. Shows a quick release and possesses very good arm strength. At times, he can stare down his primary target and telegraph his throws.  When under pressure, he will make off-balance throws which has led to turnovers. He shows good ball handling with the ability to fake and draw defenders into false reads.

The Numbers:  As a sophomore, he started all 14 games, leading USC to a 11-3 record. Completed 304 of 480 passes for 4143 yards with 26 TDs and 13 interceptions while earning 1st team Pac-12 honors. As a freshman, he played in 13 games and completed 246 of 366 passes for 3086 yards for 31 TDs and 9 interceptions. Over his career, he started only 22 games and threw for 7229 yards with 57 TD passes and 22 interceptions. He rushed for 7 TDs. His career finale in their loss to Ohio St in the Cotton Bowl he threw a pick six and had two fumbles. At the NFL Combine, he came in over 6’3” and 221 lbs. with 9 3/8” hands and 31” arms. He ran a 4.67 time with a 26.5” VJ and an 8’9” BJ and added a 4.40 shuttle and 6.96 three cone. Did not participate in the passing drills. At his pro day, he displayed good velocity, timing and accuracy. He helped his cause with a strong performance. Very similar to Lions’ Matt Stafford in body size, arm strength, delivery and overall temperament and AA.

The Skinny:  Gifted sophomore makes all the throws. Fast improving talent with only two seasons starting experience vs NFL caliber defenders. Competitor takes command and displays very good football IQ and capable of making a difference in crunch time. Athletic strong frame and size to hold up to the physical demands of the game. Shows the toughness and defense recognition to continue to develop as a winning starter. Needs to sit and settle into a system for a little time especially recognizing coverage and going through his progressions. One of the QB gems in recent years and intriguing raw prospect with huge upside potential to develop into a Pro Bowl performer. Talented blue-chip prospect with the Browns looking to land in the top selection.
Draft Projection: 1st Round – Top overall pick

NFL Power Poll – Week 2

      Frank Coyle/ Head Scout

NFL Power Poll – Eagles and Patriots Head Conferences
Vikings, Rams, Chiefs and Jaguars Strong Openers

Team of the Week – Packers (Photo – Aaron Rodgers)
Upset of the Week – Jets over Lions

Players of the Week

  Offense – QB Aaron Rodgers – Packers
  Defense -LBers Von Miller – Broncos / Khalil Mack – Bears / Myles Garrett – Browns
  Special Teams – KR Tyreek Hill – Chiefs

Rookies of Week

  Offense – RB Saquan Barkley – Giants
  Defense – CB Denzel Ward – Browns

Game of Week #2 – Minnesota Vikings (1-0) at Green Bay Packers (1-0)
NFC North matchup with early Divisional leadership on the line

NFL Ranking /Record /Team

#1- 1-0 Eagles
Eagles beat Falcons with great defense and an average performance by QB Nick Foles.

#2 – 1-0 Patriots
Pats keep marching along in the pathetic AFC East division.

#3 – 1-0 Rams
Rams’ wacked the Raiders with big plays on both sides of the ball.

#4 – 1-0 Vikings
Vikings jumped the 49ers and get ready to travel to the Packers Sunday.

#5 – 1-0 Panthers
Panthers whipped the Cowboys in their opener. Travel to Atlanta in contest that will decide NFC South early leadership.

#6 – 1-0 Chiefs
Chiefs pounced on the Chargers early to begin the reign of second year QB Patrick Mahomes.

#7 – 0-1 Falcons
Falcons failed vs the Eagles especially in the Red zone. Host the Panthers this week in a key South matchup.

#8 – 1-0 Jaguars
Jaguars’ gutted it out vs the Giants with defense and toughness from QB Blake Bortles.

#9 – 0-0-1 Steelers
Steelers need runner Le’Veon Bell to return to rank here this season.

#10 – 1-0 Ravens
Ravens took the Bills to the woodshed in the opener.

#11 – 1-0 Packers
Aaron Rodgers is simply incredible and gives the Packers a chance in any game.

#12 – 1-0 Broncos
Broncos beat the Seahawks on a tremendous performance by backer Von Miller.

#13 – 0-1 Seahawks
Seahawks rely too much on Russell Wilson to compensate for their faltering defense.

#14 – 0-1 Chargers
Chargers are off to another slow start that has costed them dearly in recent seasons.

#15 – 1-0 Bengals
Bengals won their opener and prep to host Ravens for key Thursday night matchup.

#16 – 1-0 Jets
Jets’ shocked the Lions behind gritty rookie QB Sam Darnell who did not blink in his debut on the road.

#17 – 0-1 Giants
Giants gave the Jaguars all they wanted. Rookie runner Barkley can be the catalyst of an improved season.

#18 – 0-1 Lions
Lions were toasted by the Jets rookie QB Sam Darnold at home. QB Matt Stafford surprisingly struggled.

#19 – 1-0 Redskins
Redskins rode new veteran QB Alex Smith to an opening victory. Host Colts Sunday.

#20 – 0-1 Texans
Texans were unable to beat the Patriots despite a strong effort. Travel to Tennessee Sunday.

#21 – 1-0 Bucs
Bucs wacked the Saints behind the hot hand of vet QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. Host the Eagles Sunday.

#22 – 0-1 Cowboys
The one-dimensional overrated Cowboys host the Giants in a key NFC East matchup for both clubs.

#23 – 1-0 Dolphins
Dolphins won their opener and begin an important AFC schedule now.

#24 – 0-1 Bears
The Bears must learn to win after living in the North basement since 2013.

#25 – 0-1 Raiders
Raiders made too many mistakes in HC Jon Gruden debut vs Rams. Travel to Mile High for important West matchup.

#26 – 0-1 49ers
The 49ers were drilled by the Vikings. They may be the most overrated team in the league.

#27 – 0-1 Saints
Saints’ defense looks like a replay of their pathetic 2015 and 2016 units after their bashing by the Bucs.

#28 – 0-1 Titans
Titans lost a marathon game vs the Dolphins. Host Texans in an important South opener.

#29 – 0-1 Colts
Colts came up short vs the Bengals, but should be improved with a healthy Andrew Luck directing the show.

#30 – 0-1 Cardinals
Cardinals may have more problems than they think. Travel to LA to face the Rams Sunday.

#31 – 0-0-1 Browns
Browns fought the Steelers to a tough tie Sunday. After a 1-31 two-year record, that’s a major improvement.

#32 – 0-1 Bills
Bills were blown out by the Ravens and are now forced to start rookie QB Josh Allen who may be ready to play especially behind this pathetic front line.
Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a long time member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 20 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 Watch List 2018

Senior Bowl – January 26, 2019 in Mobile, Al
2018-19 Watch List

The college football season has just kicked off and fans can watch the games with an eye to the future as the Reese’s Senior Bowl releases its annual ‘Watch List’ of players for its upcoming 2019 game – the starting point for the NFL Draft process. The Senior Bowl is the premier all-star event of the postseason and has become a classic with major implications for the NFL Draft annually.

“The release of our watch list signifies the opening kickoff for the Reese’s Senior Bowl,” said Reese’s Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy. “We are looking forward to evaluating these prospects over the next several months and trying to find the best 110 players in America.

The initial watch list includes 374 players from 14 different conferences including independents, FCS, Division II and NAIA schools from around the nation. DraftInsiders.com will have Watch List positional rankings starting this week with scouting reports available throughout the fall.

Senior Bowl Watch List 2018
Go to – https://www.seniorbowl.com/watch-list

Reese’s Senior Bowl scouts will be all over the country in the next few months, evaluating a senior class that features some intriguing prospects at every position on the field.

The SEC, which has consistently produced the most NFL draft picks over the last several years, features the most prospects on the list with 79. It is followed by the Pac-12 (51), Big Ten (50), ACC (45) and Big 12 (43).

Texas (13) has the most players on the list, followed by Mississippi St (9), while Clemson, Georgia, Miami, Stanford, USC and Washington each have eight players.

There are 30 QBs on the list, including Missouri’s Drew Lock, West Virginia’s Will Grier, NC State’s Ryan Finley and Northwestern’s Clayton Thorson.

Other top players on the list: Alabama RB Damien Harris and OLB Christian Miller, Auburn DT Dontavius Russell, Stanford RB Bryce Love, Ohio State WR Parris Campbell, South Carolina WR Deebo Samuel, Arkansas OG Hjalte Froholdt, Washington OT Trey Adams, Clemson DE Christian Wilkins, Mississippi State DE/OLB Montez Sweat, Michigan DE/OLB Chase Winovich, Georgia CB Deandre Baker and Miami (FL) Safety Jaquan Johnson.

The list does not include any potential fourth-year junior graduates. Those players must graduate in December and declare for the 2019 NFL Draft before the Reese’s Senior Bowl considers them as candidates for the 2019 game.

The 70th annual Reese’s Senior Bowl is January 26, 2019 in Mobile, Ala., at 1:30pmCT. A long NFL tradition, more than 1,000 representatives from the 32 NFL clubs gather in Mobile starting on the Monday of game week (Jan. 21 in 2019) to interview players, attend the National Scouting Weigh-in and watch three practices for the North and South teams.

By Conference
American Athletic – 20
ACC – 45
Big Ten – 50
Big 12 – 43
C-USA – 12
Division II – 6
FCS – 24
Independents – 14
MAC – 11
Mountain West – 12
NAIA – 1
Pac-12 – 51
SEC – 79
Sun Belt – 6

By Position
Cornerbacks – 39
Safeties – 36
Defensive Ends – 27
Defensive Tackles – 23
Inside Backers – 36
Outside Backers – 25
Centers – 13
Guards – 19
Tackles – 30
Quarterbacks – 31
Running Backs – 19
Fullbacks – 2
Tight Ends – 20
Receivers – 46
Kickers/Punters – 10

Senior Bowl Watch List 2018
Go to – https://www.seniorbowl.com/watch-list

NFL Traded Draft Selections

   March 3, 2020

 NFL 2020 Trade  Period Starts March 18, 2020 at 4 pm est

NFL Draft 2020

First Round
Oakland from Chicago (OLB Khalil Mack)
Miami from Houston (OT Laremy Tunsil)
Miami from Pittsburgh (DB Minkah Fitzpatrick)
Jacksonville from LA Rams (DB Jalen Ramsey)

Second Round
Chicago from Oakland (OLB Khalil Mack)
Seattle from Kansas City (DE Frank Clark)
Kansas City from San Francisco (DE Dee Ford)
Indianapolis from Washington (2019 draft trade)
Miami from New Orleans (2019 draft day trade)
Atlanta from New England (WR Mohamed Sanu)

Third Round
Oakland from Chicago (OLB Khalil Mack)
Denver from Pittsburgh (2019 draft day trade)
Houston from Seattle (DE Jadeveon Clowney)
Oakland from Houston (CB Gareon Conley)
Denver from San Francisco (WR Emmanuel Sanders)
Jets from Giants (DL Leonard Williams)
Cleveland – from Seattle thru Houston (RB Duke Johnson)

Fourth Round
Miami from Tennessee (QB Ryan Tannehill)
New England from Chicago (2019 draft day trade)
Houston from Miami (OT Laremy Tunsil)
Pittsburgh from Miami (DB Minkah Fitzpatrick)
Denver from San Francisco (WR Emmanuel Sanders)

Fifth Round
Chicago from Oakland (OLB Khalil Mack)
Jacksonville from LA Rams (DE Dante Fowler)
Arizona from Miami (QB Josh Rosen)
Arizona has forfeited a 5th round pick (SS Jalen Thompson/supp draft)
Baltimore from Minnesota (PK Kaare Vedvik)
Buffalo from Cleveland (OG Wyatt Teller)
Pittsburgh from Jacksonville (QB Josh Dobbs)
Miami from Pittsburgh (DB Minkah Fitzpatrick)
LA Rams from Baltimore (CB Marcus Peters)
San Francisco from Denver (WR Emmanuel Sanders)
Detroit from Seattle (DB Quandre Diggs)
Miami from Arizona (RB Kenyon Drake)

Sixth Round
Washington from Denver (DB Su’a Cravens)
Cleveland from Arizona (CB Jamal Taylor)
Denver from Washington (QB Case Keenum)
Miami from Dallas (DE Robert Quinn)
Jacksonville from Seattle (2019 draft day trade)
Chicago from Philadelphia (RB Jordan Howard – can escalate to a #5 pick on production)
NY Jets from Kansas City (LB Darron Lee)
Arizona from New England (OT Korey Cunningham)
Indianapolis from NY Jets (CB Nate Hairston)
Buffalo from Cleveland (OG Wyatt Teller)
Buffalo from New England (C Russell Bodine)
New England from Denver (CB Duke Dawson)
New England from Houston (CB Keion Crossen)
Miami from Pittsburgh (DB Minkah Fitzpatrick)
Green Bay from Oakland (WR Trevor Davis)

Seventh Round
Cleveland from Buffalo (WR Corey Coleman)
New England from Atlanta (S Jordan Richards)
Detroit from Carolina (OT Corey Robinson)
NY Giants from New Orleans (CB Eli Apple)
Green Bay from Baltimore (RB/WR Ty Montgomery)
Washington from Denver (QB Case Keenum)
Philadelphia from Tampa Bay (WR DeSean Jackson)
Baltimore from the NY Jets (OG Alex Lewis)
Green Bay from Tennessee (OLB Reggie Gilbert)
Denver from New England (CB Duke Dawson)
Minnesota from Miami (OG Danny Isidora)
Cleveland from Tennessee (WR Taywan Taylor)
Miami from Kansas City (S Jordan Lucas)
Pittsburgh from Miami (DB Minkah Fitzpatrick)
New England from Dallas (DL Michael Bennett)

2021 NFL Draft Conditional Pick
Bills get #7 pick from Carolina for OT Marshall Newhouse
Undisclosed/conditional
Baltimore undisclosed pick from New England (OG Jermaine Eluemunor)
Indianapolis undisclosed conditional pick from Miami (OG Evan Brohm)
Miami undisclosed conditional pick from Indianapolis (OG Evan Brohm)
Cleveland and Green Bay exchange undisclosed picks (OG Justin McCray)
Miami undisclosed pick from Indianapolis (OG Even Brohm)
NY Giants and Green Bay could swap 7th round picks (ILB BJ Goodson/Giants get higher of their own or Baltimore’s pick)
Cleveland undisclosed pick from LA Rams (C/G Austin Corbett)

2021

First round
Miami has a #1 from Houston (OT Laremy Tunsil)
Jacksonville has a #1 from LA Rams (DB Jalen Ramsey)

Second round
Miami has a #2 from Houston (OT Laremy Tunsil)

Fourth round
Jacksonville has a #4 from LA Rams (DB Jalen Ramsey)

Fifth round
Buffalo has a #5 from Oakland (WR Zay Jones)
Cleveland has a #5 from LA Rams (C/G Austin Corbett)

Sixth round
Pittsburgh has a #6 from Tampa Bay (OT Jerald Hawkins)
New England has a #6 from NY Jets (WR Demaryius Thomas)

Seventh round
Cleveland has a #7 from Buffalo (OG Wyatt Teller)
Buffalo has a conditional #7 from Carolina (OT Marshall Newhouse)
Kansas City has a conditional #7 from Minnesota (CB Mark Fields)
Tampa Bay has a #7 from Pittsburgh (OT Jerald Hawkins)
NY Jets have a #7 from Seattle (CB Parry Nickerson)

2022
Seventh round
Detroit gets higher of Lions-Cleveland 7th round picks (QB David Blough)

2018 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List

The Football Writers Association of America released its 2018 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, selecting 97 defensive standouts from 61 schools in all 10 Division I FBS conferences on a roster that includes three returning players from last season’s FWAA All-America team.

Bronko Nagurski Trophy Ed Oliver, a junior tackle from the University of Houston and a Bronko Nagurski Trophy finalist a year ago, joins senior Clemson end Austin Bryant and junior end Sutton Smith of Northern Illinois as returning selections from the 2017 FWAA All-America first team.

Oliver, the 2017 Outland Trophy winner as the nation’s best interior lineman, is a two-time FWAA All-American after earning second-team mention in 2016. This year’s watch list for the nation’s top defensive player also includes LSU linebacker Devin White and Clemson end Clelin Ferrell, both second-team FWAA All-America selections a year ago, as well as Clemson tackle Christian Wilkins, a 2016 FWAA All-America first team member.

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.

Players may be added or removed from the watch list during the course of the season. As in previous years, the FWAA will announce a National Defensive Player of the Week each Tuesday this season. If not already on the watch list, each week’s honored player will be added at that time. The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce five finalists for the 2018 Bronko Nagurski Trophy on Nov. 14.

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner will be chosen from those five finalists. The FWAA All-America Committee, after voting input from the association’s full membership, selects a 26-man All-America Team and eventually the Nagurski Trophy finalists. Committee members, by individual ballot, select the winner they regard as the best defensive player in college football.

This year’s watch list includes at least four players from each of the 10 FBS conferences. The SEC (16) leads the 97-member list with the Big Ten (15) right behind. The ACC (13) and Pac-12 (12) also have double-digit representation, followed by the Big 12 (9), American Athletic and Mountain West (7), Conference USA and Independents (5), and the Mid-American and Sun Belt (4).

The list includes 27 backs, 26 linebackers, 24 ends and 20 tackles.

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 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Preseason Watch List (97)

LB Dakota Allen, Texas Tech
DB Tyler Horton, Boise State
DE Zach Allen, Boston College
LB Khaleke Hudson, Michigan
LB Azeez Al-Shaair, Florida Atlantic
DB Michael Jackson, Miami
DB Dravon Askew-Henry, West Virginia
DE Cece Jefferson, Florida
LB Joe Bachie, Michigan State
DE Jalen Jelks, Oregon
DE Ben Banogu, TCU
DB Jaquan Johnson, Miami
DT Terry Beckner Jr., Missouri
DT Dre’Mont Jones, Ohio State
DT Ryan Bee, Marshall
DE Corbin Kaufusi, BYU
DB Julian Blackmon, Utah
LB Jordan Kunaszyk, California
DE Nick Bosa, Ohio State
DT Dexter Lawrence, Clemson
DB Kris Boyd, Texas
DE Jonathan Ledbetter, Georgia
DT Derrick Brown, Auburn
DT Ira Lewis, Baylor
DB Blace Brown, Troy
DB Shelton Lewis, Florida Atlantic
DE Austin Bryant, Clemson
DT Ray Lima, Iowa State
LB Ben Burr-Kirven, Washington
LB David Long Jr., West Virginia
LB Devin Bush, Michigan
DB Julian Love, Notre Dame
DB T.J. Carter, Memphis
DB Chase Lucas, Arizona State
DB Justin Clifton, Arkansas State
DT David Moa, Boise State
LB Te’von Coney, Notre Dame
LB James Nachtigal, Army West Point
DT Marquise Copeland, Cincinnati
DE Anthony Nelson, Iowa
DE Maxx Crosby, Eastern Michigan
DT Ed Oliver, Houston
DE Marlon Davidson, Auburn
DB Amani Oruwariye, Penn State
DE Raekwon Davis, Alabama
LB Shaquille Quarterman, Miami
DB Lukas Denis, Boston College
DB Delvon Randall, Temple
DB D’Cota Dixon, Wisconsin
DB Taylor Rapp, Washington
LB Tyrel Dodson, Texas A&M
DE Christian Rector, USC
DE Landis Durham, Texas A&M
LB Malik Reed, Nevada
LB Troy Dye, Oregon
LB David Reese, Florida
LB Cooper Edmiston, Tulsa
DE Hunter Reese, Troy
DB Mike Edwards, Kentucky
DT Olive Sagapolu, Wisconsin
LB T.J. Edwards, Wisconsin
DT Jordon Scott, Oregon
DE Jaylon Ferguson, Louisiana Tech
DB Duke Shelley, Kansas State
DE Clelin Ferrell, Clemson
DT Jeffery Simmons, Mississippi State
LB Paddy Fisher, Northwestern
LB Cameron Smith, USC
DT Greg Gaines, Washington
DE Sutton Smith, NIU
DE Rashan Gary, Michigan
DE Montez Sweat, Mississippi State
DE Joe Gaziano, Northwestern
LB Jahlani Tavai, Hawaii
DT Youhanna Ghaifan, Wyoming
DB Marvell Tell III, USC
DB Kyle Gibson, UCF
DB Juan Thornhill, Virginia
DB Mark Gilbert, Duke
DT Jerry Tillery, Notre Dame
LB Ulysees Gilbert III, Akron
DT Ricky Walker, Virginia Tech
LB Joe Giles-Harris, Duke
LB Devin White, LSU
DE Carl Granderson, Wyoming
DT Christian Wilkins, Clemson
LB Terez Hall, Missouri
DB Greedy Williams, LSU
LB De’Jon Harris, Arkansas
DB Andrew Wingard, Wyoming
DB Tae Hayes, Appalachian State
DE Chase Winovich, Michigan
DB Lavert Hill, Michigan
DT Daniel Wise, Kansas
DT Trysten Hill, UCF
DE Oshane Ximines, Old Dominion
LB Khalil Hodge, Buffalo

By conference: SEC 16, Big Ten 15, ACC 13, Pac-12 12, Big 12 9, American Athletic 7, Mountain West 7, Conference USA 5, Independents 5, Mid-American 4, Sun Belt 4.

By position: Backs 27, Linebackers 26, Ends 24, Tackles 20.

Players may be added or removed from the list before or during the season

The annual Bronko Nagurski Trophy Banquet, presented by ACN, will be held on Dec. 3 at the Charlotte Convention Center. In addition to the 2018 Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner’s announcement, the banquet will also celebrate the recipient of the Bronko Nagurski Legends Award. Ohio State linebacker Tom Cousineau, a member of the FWAA’s 1977 All-America team and a College Football Hall of Famer, will be honored. Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh will be the keynote speaker at the banquet.

The FWAA has chosen a National Defensive Player of the Year since 1993. In 1995, the FWAA named the award in honor of the legendary two-way player from the University of Minnesota. Nagurski dominated college football, then became a star for professional football’s Chicago Bears in the 1930s. Bronislaw “Bronko” Nagurski is a charter member of both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.

The Bronko Nagurski 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 24 awards now boast over 800 recipients, dating to 1935. Visit ncfaa.org to learn more about the NCFAA.

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