2018 Newsletter – November
Draft Insiders’ Digest – 27th Season
www.draftinsiders.com
“The NFL Draft Publication Pro Scouts Buy”
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November 2017
* Underclassmen – True Juniors, 4th year Juniors & 3rd year Sophomores
Index
Important Dates pgs. 1-2 Pro Prospects from 2017 season pgs. 4-8
NFL Selection Order pgs. 2-3 Top 100 Pro Prospects pgs. 8-10
Two Round Mock Draft pgs. 3-4 Top 20 Redshirt Sophomore Prospects pgs. 10-11
January All-Star Games 2018 Postseason Schedule
Jan. 14 – Tropical Bowl – FBS All-star Game – Daytona Beach, Florida
http://www.tropicalbowl.com/
Jan. 20 – NFLPA Collegiate Game – Los Angeles, Ca.- FS1
Jan. 20 – East-West Shrine – St. Petersburg, Florida – 3 pm est – NFL Network
*** Senior Bowl Game – Jan 27, 2018 Mobile, Alabama – 1:30 pm CT- NFL Network ***
Weigh-in- Practices – Monday Jan 22nd thru Thursday Jan 25th
Important NFL 2018 Dates
NFL Postseason
December 13 – League Meeting, Irving, Texas.
December 31 – Final NFL week 17 regular season
2018 Postseason
January 1 – Earliest permissible date for clubs to renegotiate or extend the rookie contract of a drafted rookie who was selected in any round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Any permissible renegotiated or extended player contract will not be considered a rookie contract, and will not be subject to the rules that limit rookie contracts.
January 1 – Option exercise period begins for Fifth-Year Option for First- Round Selections from the 2015 NFL Draft. To exercise the option, the club must give written notice to the player on or after January 1, 2018, but prior to May 3, 2018.
January 6-7 – Wild Card Playoffs.
January 7 – Assistant coaches under contract to playoff clubs that have byes in the Wild Card weekend may be interviewed for head coaching positions through the conclusion of the Wild Card games.
January 13-14 – Divisional Playoffs.
January 14 – Assistant coaches under contract to playoff clubs that won their Wild Card games may be interviewed for head coaching positions through the conclusion of Divisional Playoff games.
January 15 – Deadline for college players that are underclassmen to apply for special eligibility. A list of players who are accepted into the NFL Draft will be sent to clubs on January 19.
January 20 – East-West Shrine Game, Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida.
Jan 20 – NFLPA All-Star Game, Los Angeles, Ca.
January 21 – AFC and NFC Championship Games.
January 27 – Senior Bowl, Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile, Alabama.
January 28 – NFL Pro Bowl, Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida.
January 28 – An assistant coach, whose team is participating in the Super Bowl, who has previously interviewed for another club’s head coaching job may have a second interview with such club no later than the Sunday preceding the Super Bowl.
Feb 5 – **** Super Bowl LII **** U.S. Bank Stadium, Minnesota.
Feb 20 – First day for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.
Feb 27-March 5 – NFL Combine Timing and Testing, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, In.
March 6 – Prior to 4:00 p.m., NY time, deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.
March 12-14 – During the period beginning at 12 noon, New York time, on March 12th and ending at 3:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 14th, clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with, the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2017 player contracts at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 14. However, a contract cannot be executed with a new club until 4:00 p.m., New York time, on March 14.
During the above two-day negotiating period, no direct contact is permitted between a prospective unrestricted free agent and any employee or representative of a club, other than the player’s current club.
March 14 – The 2018 League Year and Free Agency period begin at 4:00 p.m., New York time.
The first day of the 2018 League Year will end at 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 14. Clubs will receive a personnel notice that will include all transactions submitted to the League office during the period between 4:00 p.m., New York time, and 11:59:59 p.m., New York time, on March 14.
March 14 – Trading period for 2018 begins at 4:00 p.m. est time, after expiration of all 2017 contracts.
March 25-28 – Annual League Meeting, Orlando, Florida.
April 2 – Clubs that hired a new head coach after the end of the 2017 regular season may begin offseason workout programs.
April 16 – Clubs with returning head coaches may begin offseason workout programs.
April 20 – Deadline for Restricted Free Agents to sign Offer Sheets.
April 25 – Deadline for prior club to exercise Right of First Refusal to Restricted Free Agents.
**** NFL Draft 2018 – April 26-28 ****
Thursday through Saturday – Dallas will host draft at ATT Stadium in Arlington Texas
NFL Draft 2018 Selection Order – The Browns are ‘On the Clock’! (Who else)
* Playoffs – Conference & Super Bowl games determine final positions
# Team / W-L / Opp W-L %
1 Cleveland 0-11 .528
2 San Francisco 1-10 .534
3 NY Giants 2-9 .511
4 Denver 3-8 .483
5 Indianapolis 3-8 .489
6 Chicago 3-8 .557
7 Cleveland (Houston) 4-7 .511
8 NY Jets 4-7 .517
9 * Miami 4-7 .551
10 * Tampa Bay 4-7 .551
11 L.A. Chargers 5-6 .455
12 Cincinnati 5-6 .472
13 Arizona 5-6 .483
14 * Dallas 5-6 .489
15 * Oakland 5-6 .489
16 Washington 5-6 .517
17 Green Bay 5-6 .540
18 * Detroit 6-5 .500
19 * Buffalo 6-5 .500
20 Seattle 7-4 .472
21 Baltimore 6-5 .460
22 Buffalo (Kansas City) 6-5 .477
23 Jacksonville 7-4 .443
24 Tennessee 7-4 .443
25 Atlanta 7-4 .557
26 L.A. Rams 8-3 .489
27 Carolina 8-3 .540
28 New Orleans 8-3 .551
29 Pittsburgh 9-2 .460
30 Minnesota 9-2 .500
31 New England 9-2 .494
32 Philadelphia 10-1 .426
Team tie-breaking procedure for the NFL Draft
If two or more clubs are tied in the selection order, the strength-of-schedule tie breaker is applied, subject to the following exceptions for playoff clubs: The Super Bowl winner is last and the Super Bowl loser next-to-last. Any non-Super Bowl playoff club involved in a tie shall be assigned priority within its segment below that of non-playoff clubs and in the order that the playoff clubs exited from the playoffs. Within a tied segment a playoff club that loses in the Wild-Card game will have priority over a playoff club that loses in the Divisional playoff game that in turn will have priority over a club that loses in the Conference Championship game. If two tied clubs exited the playoffs in the same round, the tie is broken by strength of schedule. If any ties cannot be broken by strength of schedule, the divisional or conference tie breakers, when applicable, are applied. Any ties that still exist are broken by a coin flip.
NFL Draft 2018 – Two Round Mock Draft – November, 2017
* Underclassmen expected to declare for the NFL Draft 2018
Exact draft order to be determined at close of season and postseason
1st Round
1 Cleveland 0-12 – * Josh Rosen QB UCLA 6-4 220
2 NY Giants 2-10 – * Sam Darnold QB Southern Cal 6-4 225
3 San Francisco 2-10 – * Saquon Barkley RB Penn State 5-11 225
4 Denver 3-9 – * Orlando Brown OT Oklahoma 6-8 360
5 Indianapolis 3-9 – * Arden Key DE LSU 6-6 240
6 Chicago 3-9 – Bradley Chubb DE NC State 6-4 275
7 Cleveland (Houston) 4-8 – * Carlton Davis CB Auburn 6-1 205
8 * Tampa Bay 4-8 – * Derwin James S Florida State 6-3 210
9 NY Jets 5-7 – * Josh Allen QB Wyoming 6-5 235
10 * Miami 5-7 – * Minkah Fitzpatrick S Alabama 6-1 205
11 L.A. Chargers 6-6 – Mike McGlinchey OT Notre Dame 6-8 315
12 Cincinnati 5-6 – * Lamar Jackson QB Louisville 6-3 200
13 Arizona 5-7 – * Equanimeous St. Brown WR Notre Dame 6-5 205
14 Washington 5-7 – Christian Wilkins DT Clemson 6-4 310
15 * Dallas 6-6 – * Courtland Sutton WR SMU 6-4 215
16 * Oakland 6-6 – * Connor Williams OT Texas 6-6 320
17 Green Bay 6-6 – Quenton Nelson OG Notre Dame 6-5 330
18 * Detroit 6-6 – * Derrius Guice RB LSU 5-11 215
19 * Buffalo 6-6 – James Washington WR Oklahoma St 6-0 205
20 Buffalo (Kan City) 6-6 – * Joshua Jackson CB Iowa 6-1 195
21 Baltimore 7-5 – * Calvin Ridley WR Alabama 6-1 190
22 Atlanta 7-5 – * Clelin Ferrell DE Clemson 6-5 265
23 Seattle 8-4 – * Denzel Ward CB Ohio State 5-10 190
24 Jacksonville 8-4 – * Mark Andrews TE Oklahoma 6-5 255
25 Tennessee 8-4 – Anthony Miller WR Memphis 5-11 190
26 Carolina 8-4 – Martinas Rankin OT Mississippi St 6-5 305
27 L.A. Rams 9-3 -* Kolton Miller OT UCLA 6-8 310
28 New Orleans 9-3 -* Roquan Smith LB Georgia 6-1 225
29 Pittsburgh 9-2 – Christian Kirk WR Texas A&M 5-11 200
30 Minnesota 10-2 – * Bryce Love RB Stanford 5-10 190
31 New England 10-2 – Vita Vea DT Washington 6-5 345
32 Philadelphia 10-2 – Chukwuma Okorafor OT Western Michigan 6-6 330
2nd Round
33 Cleveland – Maurice Hurst DT Michigan 6-2 285
34 San Francisco – * Tremaine Edmunds LB Virginia Tech 6-5 240
35 NY Giants – * Isaiah Oliver CB Colorado 6-1 190
36 Denver – Mason Rudolph QB Oklahoma St 6-5 230
37 Indianapolis – Harold Landry LB Boston College 6-3 250
38 Chicago – Ogbonnia Okoronkwo LB Oklahoma 6-1 240
39 Houston – * Ronald Jones II RB Southern Cal 6-1 195
40 * Tampa Bay – * Taven Bryan DT Florida 6-5 295
41 NY Jets – * Jaire Alexander CB Louisville 5-11 190
42 * Miami – * DeShon Elliott S Texas 6-2 205
43 L.A. Chargers – * Kevin Toliver CB LSU 6-3 205
44 Cincinnati – Harrison Phillips DT Stanford 6-4 285
45 Arizona – * Da’Ron Payne DT Alabama 6-2 310
46 Washington – Baker Mayfield QB Oklahoma 6-0 215
47 * Dallas – * Parris Campbell WR Ohio State 6-1 205
48 * Oakland – * Jeff Holland DE Auburn 6-2 250
49 Green Bay – Uchenna Nwosu LB USC 6-2 240
50 * Detroit – * Mitch Hyatt OT Clemson 6-5 295
51 * Buffalo – * Malik Jefferson LB Texas 6-3 240
52 Kansas City – Billy Price C Ohio State 6-4 310
53 Baltimore – Braden Smith OG Auburn 6-6 305
54 Jacksonville – Dorian O’Daniel LB Clemson 6-1 215
55 Tennessee – * Deon Cain WR Clemson 6-1 210
56 Atlanta – Derrick Nnadi DT Florida State 6-1 315
57 Seattle – Royce Freeman RB Oregon Sr 5-11 235
58 L.A. Rams – Will Hernandez OG Texas-El Paso 6-3 330
59 Carolina – Michael Gallup WR Colorado St 6-1 195
60 New Orleans – * Tarvarus McFadden CB Florida State 6-2 195
61 Pittsburgh – * T.J. Edwards LB Wisconsin 6-1 245
62 Minnesota – Tyrell Crosby OT Oregon 6-5 320
63 New England – Josey Jewell LB Iowa 6-2 235
64 Philadelphia – Kameron Kelly CB San Diego St 6-2 195
NFL Draft 2018 Scouting – Regular 2017 Season Report:
Offensive Players
All underclassmen have until Jan. 15th to declare f or the NFL Draft 2018. Players then have three days to rescind their decision and return to school and retain their college eligibility. Most of the junior passers will probably declare after the 2017 college season. Most will be tempted to declare once given a very high draft projection this winter. The rookie salary cap changed significantly with the collective bargaining agreement. That should be a huge influence on borderline underclassmen declaring for the NFL with another record number of prospects opting to enter the NFL Draft 2018.
QB Josh Rosen, 6-4, 220 of UCLA is a highly regarded junior passer who excelled over his late career yet struggled at times over his final season. He has a tendency to be too aggressive too often and throw into heavy coverage. He has the fire scouts love, but needs to develop the discretion to make better decisions. He still remains our top ranked QB player overall. He needs a big postseason to sustain that ranking. QB Sam Darnold 6-3, 225 of USC struggled early in the season with a new supporting cast. He played more within himself over the 2nd half of the season and lead the Trojans to a few huge victories. With the expected entrance of a few high-quality underclassmen QBs, Darnold has the talent to be the best in this class, though needs to impress in workouts thru April to retain a high ranking.
QB Mason Rudolph, 6-5, 230 of Oklahoma St displays a strong arm and the accuracy to make deep throws. His postseason workouts will be critical to his final grade, but he has the tools that will warrant a long look by an NFL staff. QB Baker Mayfield, 6-0, 215 of Oklahoma played very well in his two seasons with the Sooners after transferring from Texas Tech. He has responded vs top competition with the ability to make all the throws. He has a strong arm and frame with good mobility. He shows the development to read coverage quickly and picking up secondary receivers. QB Josh Allen, 6-4, 220 of Wyoming made significant strides over his junior season. He shows fine pocket presence and touch on his passes. He has learned to go through his progressions better and let routes develop. He is nursing a shoulder injury currently.
QB Luke Falk, 6-3, 215 of Washington St is a fast rising highly regarded passer with a high grade currently and possible top round selection if he declares in January. He needs to show well at the NFL Combine and his pro day. He has a live arm with good accuracy and the physical and mental skill set to star in the NFL. QB Riley Ferguson of Memphis made tremendous strides this season that included finding secondary receivers and reading coverage. He is a kid with the physical tools to start in the NFL with some development on his throwing motion and further work on reading coverage. QB Logan Whiteside, 6-2, 205 of Toledo has drawn much interest off some nice late career improvement. He is a savvy accurate passer with good leadership skills. He has above average arm strength and find touch that allows him to make all the throws. He needs to add muscle to hold up to the physicality of the game. He will be heavily evaluated during the postseason.
RB Saquon Barkley, 5-11, 225 of Penn St is having a great 2017 season. He is a huge talent with size, speed and power to be one of the premier backs in the game. He has proven durable over the past two seasons and has the skill set to be a three down performer from day one. RB Bo Scarbrough, 6-1, 230 of Alabama is a big power runner who has been highly successful in the Tides’ balanced offense. He is a tough runner between the tackles with the package to be a workhorse feature back. He is an adequate receiver with average long speed. RB Akrum Wadley, 5-11, 225 of Iowa was a dominant runner in the Big Ten. He has a burst to the hole to use his strong frame to make the tough yardage with above average speed to break the play. He is a reliable pass catcher, though needs work as both a receiver and blocker. RB Ronald Jones III, 5-11, 190 of USC has been one of this season’s most exciting and productive runners that rank him as one of fasting rising prospects on our board. He displayed toughness for his size with the talent to be a key difference maker. He combines a nice skill set of natural instincts, quickness, compact size with speed and surprising power. RB Nick Chubb, 5-10, 225 of Georgia was one of the best backs in the country this fall and gives a club a strong inside runner with a nose for the end zone. He should be one of the top backs off the board with natural running skills and the ability to consistently break tackles. He has the deceptive speed to break long gainers with the size to run inside and make the tough yardage. RB Justin Jackson, 5-11, 195 of Northwestern is a tough back who has progressed nicely in his career with multiple 1000 yard+ rushing seasons. He has a nice level of development to be ready for the pro game as a feature back. Fast developing receiving skills.
RB Royce Freeman, 6-0, 235 of Oregon played through nagging injuries as an underclassman. He proved durable in 2017 and this season put up high production in many games. His natural playmaking ability as a runner and receiver makes him one of the most exciting prospects and one who can impact a club in several roles. RB Myles Gaskin, 5-10, 190 of Washington is a pounder who can play that role player. He carries a good grade as a 1A type back. He needs work as both a blocker and receiver and was a productive back in the talented Pac-12. RB Derrius Guice, 6-0, 215 of LSU had a strong 2017 performance in his most extensive career playing time. He has the speed that allows him to hit the home run with the quickness and vision to be one of the more honest runners in the nation. He hopes to impress at the NFL Combine and is deciding to turn pro. RB Bryce Love, 5-10, 190 of Stanford is having an outstanding 2017 performance where he showed the ability to run inside, in addition to making the big play. He runs with an explosive burst with the quickness and long speed to be one of the best playmakers in this class. His game-to-game durability has impressive this season.
WR James Washington, 6-2, 205 of Oklahoma St is having an amazing 2017 season and benefitted from staying for his final season. He has shown impact ability consistently over his last few seasons despite double coverage often. He can be a difference maker as a pro, combining speed, quickness, power and running skills. He has intriguing skills for the NFL with big play ability as a #1 receiver. WR Anthony Miller, 5-11, 190 of Memphis has been an impact weapon and one of the nation’s premier performers during the 2017 season. He has the big-time separation speed to be a top-flight pro with a high level of development in the passing attack. He ranks as the top senior receiver in this draft class entering the critical postseason. WR Allen Lazard, 6-5, 225 of Iowa St is having a good year performance that has been instrumental in the Cyclones fine season. He has very good size with fine hands and the speed to get deep. He is a tough intermediate playmaker who takes a hit and makes the difficult catch. WR Michael Gallup, 6-0, 210 of Colorado St has been a difference maker in the Rams’ offense over his long career, with high production despite average QB play. He has good speed with natural hands and running skills to be dangerous after the catch. He is dangerous in the red zone where his skills make him a tough matchup. He is expected to attend the Senior Bowl in January. WR Dante Pettis, 6-1, 190 of Washington has been one of the hottest receivers in the nation this season with high production. He runs precise routes, shows sure hands and is a tough runner after the catch. He is a deep threat receiver plus a game changing return specialist. WR Calvin Ridley, 6-2, 210 of Alabama is an intriguing prospect. He has blue chip athleticism and measureables that will rank him among the top seniors. He has a high level of development as a route runner with keen adjustments to coverage. He is a big fast tough receiver who creates a huge matchup problem for most cover men and a fine threat in the red zone. WR Courtland Sutton, 6-4, 215 of SMU is a blue-chip underclassman with fine skills. He has imposing size with fine hands and leaping skills to win most matchups. He carries a high grade if he decides to declare in January. He is currently undecided about turning pro. WR Simmie Cobbs, 6-5, 215 of Indiana has been one of the dominant performers from the Big Ten. He had a strong 2017season after missing time last fall. He looks to impress at the Senior Bowl next month. With a strong week at the Senior Bowl, his stock could rise significantly with a nice showing. WR Parris Campbell, 6-0, 200 of Ohio St shows his big play ability as both a receiver and returner. He is both fast and quick and has fine openfield running skills to impress NFL scouts. He has the package to be a fine Wild Cat weapon in a pro offense and is a rising prospect. WR D.J. Chark, 6-3, 200 of LSU has impressive measurables with limited production. He is a big fast playmaker with impact ability. WR Christian Kirk, 6-0, 195 of Texas A&M is a polished receiver who developed nicely in a spread offense. He has fine size and top speed to change games. He is a refined route runner who reads coverage well.
TE Mike Gesicki, 6-5, 255 of Penn St. is a tough well-rounded prospect who gets to show what he can do with NFL caliber passers at the Senior Bowl week. He has fine hands and body control with adequate speed. His inline blocking is good and he has the frame to fill out further. TE Troy Fumagalli, 6-5, 245 of Wisconsin has had an excellent final season, showing improved blocking along with his developed receiving skills. He can move up further with an impressive Senior Bowl performance where he hopes to display his well-rounded skill set. TE Mark Andrews, 6-5, 255 of Oklahoma has blue chip athleticism and he has shown nice production working with QB Baker Mayfield. He is a first round talent who will have to impress in workouts to earn that selection. TE Ian Thomas, 6-5, 255 of Indiana is a raw blue-chip athlete. He has intriguing upside potential as a pro especially as a receiver in the deep game. He is a tough drive blocker who has the talent to be a complete NFL starter. TE Adam Breneman, 6-4, 250 of Massachusetts has been one of the most productive receivers at this position with the deep speed and natural talent to be a factor in a pro offense early in his career. He moves very well, catches everything and can run after the catch. He ranks among the nation’s top receiving tight end prospects and hopes to improve his draft status in the postseason. TE Dallas Goedert, 6-4, 255 of South Dakota is a huge receiver who is a natural receiver with big play ability. He needs work as a blocker. He gets a chance to shine at the Senior Bowl week. TE Hayden Hurst, 6-5, 250 of South Carolina had a fine 2017 senior season. He is well rounded and showed nice awareness in the passing game. He looks to impress this offseason after declaring in January. TE Chris Herndon, 6-4, 255 of Miami was a big factor in the Hurricanes’ early season success. He is a good receiver with sound blocking talent at the point of attack and on the move. He is developed and very versatile to give an offense a unique weapon for many sets.
OT Orlando Brown, 6-7, 340 of Oklahoma has excelled in the tough Big 12, manning the left side in pass protection. He could be one of the premier tackles in this class if he declares after his bowl game. He must have a strong week at the NFL Combine to earn a high first round grade. He has good feet and shows very good technique, overall strength and powerful hands to win most matchups. OT Martinas Rankin, 6-5, 310 of Mississippi State will be watched closely over the postseason especially at the Senior Bowl. He has the physical skills and experience to start early as pros at the left tackle spot. He projects first to left tackle where his fine technique and agility has graded out high vs top competition. OT Mike McClinchey, 6-8, 315 of Notre Dame moves well and delivers a wallop with his quick hands. He has the physical package to be a strong blocker and has the package scouts seek in a tackle prospect and is well suited for both sides. OT Connor Williams, 6-6, 310 of Texas is expected to declare for the NFL Draft 2018. He combines size, reach, power and agility and could be one of the better left tackles available from this class in time with further experience. He has the skill set to be an NFL starter, though his ability to handle NFL caliber speed will be tested. OT Tyrell Crosby, 6-5, 320 of Oregon is a long agile tackle who has performed well in a pro offense. He needs a big Senior Bowl week to move into early rounds. OT Jamarco Jones, 6-5, 310 of Ohio St is a quick senior tackle with improving technique and power to finish. He looks to impress in the All-star action to elevate his stock.
OT Brandon Parker, 6-7, 310 of North Carolina A&T is a fast rising prospect off a strong senior season. He moves well with left tackle agility and the power to fit either outside role. His performance at the Senior will determine his level of play vs top competition. OT Kolton Miller, 6-8, 310 of UCLA is a massive tackle with long reach and surprising agility to trap or get to the second level. He protected QB Josh Rosen’s blindside nicely over his short career. OG Quenton Nelson, 6-5, 330 of Notre Dame is a physical blocker who is well developed to plug in as a rookie. He is a relentless blocker who moves well to adjust to counter moves with the power to anchor. OG Braden Smith, 6-6, 310 of Auburn is a quality prospect who dominated over his final few seasons. He has been a top interior lineman at guard and recommended for the Senior Bowl. With a strong week in Mobile, Al, he could guarantee himself an early round grade. OL Cody O’Connell, 6-8, 360 of Washington St is a huge lineman who displays great power and projects best on the interior. He looks to impress at the Senior Bowl to earn an early round selection. OC Billy Price, 6-4, 310 of Ohio State had a fine season in the pivot. He can play all three interior spots and is a sound technician with an early NFL starting grade. OL Frank Ragnow, 6-5, 315 of Arkansas was injured at midseason. He hopes to perform in an All-star game in January to showcase his NFL starting talent.
Defensive Players
DE Sam Hubbard, 6-5, 265 of Ohio St faces a big decision after the 2017 season. He is an imposing athlete with very good triangle numbers and the skill set to be a powerful and quick pass rusher who can bend the corner and bull rush to make key sacks. He shows the ability to stack at the point of attack and capable of playing both up and down. DE Bradley Chubb, 6-4, 275 of N.C. St is a huge versatile defender with the physical and mental talent to play a few positions in both a 4-3 and 3-4 set. He has played in both fronts up and down which will help his stock. He had an impressive 2017 season where he faced double team blocking consistently. He needs to impress at the NFL Combine and his pro day. DE Arden Key, 6-6, 265 of LSU has been a strong edge rusher over his SEC career and has been a force at times. His play at times is outstanding while showing prototypical athletic skills and smarts. He shows an elite burst off the edge with the ability to bend the edge consistently, but must show durable for the NFL game. DE Harold Landry, 6-3, 25o of Boston College is a tweener defender with intriguing upside potential. He needs his pro position defined but has the burst off the edge to change games. His positional versatility probably puts him on every clubs’ radar and probable early round defender. DE Duke Ejiofor, 6-4, 275 of Wake Forest is a blue-chip athlete who can change a game as a pass rusher. He shows explosiveness off the edge and wins with both power and speed. He needs a big Senior Bowl performance to warrant an early round selection. DE Marcus Davenport, 6-7, 255 of UTSA has come on strong over his senior season. He displays great length and further growth potential. He has the burst off the edge to harass the passer and all pro defensive teams covet his rushing talent. He could guarantee a high draft selection with a big week at the Senior Bowl.
DT Christian Wilkins, 6-4, 310 of Clemson is an explosive athlete who saw special attention at times over his late career. He has played well vs top linemen and performed well over his long career. He is a highly-regarded prospect with well-developed pass rushing technique. His ability to stack vs the top competition may earn him a rookie starting grade. DT Da’Ron Payne, 6-2, 310 of Alabama had a strong 2017 performance that has him flying up charts. He stacks well with the speed to pursue down the line. He can win as both a speed and power rusher and is a rising underclassmen prospect. DT Maurice Hurst, 6-2, 285 of Michigan is an explosive defender who recognizes plays well and has the quickness and power to get to the ball and finish to make tackles and sacks. He holds up well in the physical part of the game after seeing double team blocking often as an underclassman. DT Derrick Nnadi, 6-1, 310 of Florida St can be a force from the inside and projects to the three-technique role for the NFL game. He will be a prospect that is highly coveted especially from 4-3 defensive clubs. He could solidify an early selection with a strong All-star week performance at the Senior Bowl. DT Deadrin Senat, 6-1, 305 of South Florida has shown fine run stuffing ability despite facing double team blocking often on the inside. He projects to the 4-3 pro front and is a rising defender on NFL boards off an impressive senior season. His quickness and power make him a disruptive force early on the down with nice pass rushing skills.
LB Tremaine Edmunds, 6-5, 250 of Virginia Tech is a tweener defender with upside potential. He needs his pro position defined with the burst off the edge to make big plays. His positional versatility probably puts him high on the 3-4 clubs list of edge rushers as a game changer. LB Malik Jefferson, 6-3, 240 of Texas is a well-developed prospect who runs well with keen instincts and finishes with strong tackling that should earn him a top selection and probable early round selection if he declares. LB Fred Warner, 6-4, 230 of BYU has been a leader and core defender for the tough Cougar defense. He is a tweener defender with the prototypical numbers NFL scouts love in an attack linebacker. He has been very productive in a number of roles and has the versatility to play in either pro scheme, but better suited for playing up off the edge. LB Christian Miller, 6-4, 240 of Alabama is a physical Bama defender. He plays both up and down and fits the outside backer role best. He stacks the run well and shows the ability to push the pocket. LB Uchenna Nwosu, 6-2, 240 of USC shows developed talent and his final season probably pushes him into the top rounds. He combines quickness, power, speed and ball instincts and was considered a blue-chip talent for the 4-3 scheme. LB Josey Jewell, 6-2, 235 of Iowa has been a force this season with clutch plays weekly. He is a good Mike defender who fills very well inside in either scheme. He has the speed to get to the flanks, though he needs development in coverage. LB Lorenzo Carter, 6-5, 245 of Georgia finished strong as a senior and elevated his stock nicely. He is very instinctive and finishes with sure tackling that gives him the versatility to play a few positions especially as an edge rusher. He plays both up and down and will be scrutinized by the 3-4 clubs extensively.
LB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, 6-1, 235 of Oklahoma is a developed outside backer who plays best in space to run free to the ball. He has been a leader and highly productive over his late career. He flashes striking ability and the technique to get off blockers and finish. Look for him at the Senior Bowl.
CB Jaire Alexander, 5-11, 190 of Louisville is a savvy cover man who graded out high vs ACC talent. He has developed quickly in his three seasons and is leaning towards declaring after the Tigers bowl game. CB Duke Dawson, 5-11, 200 of Florida is a fast developing cover man who can start early in his pro career. He is physical and a sure tackler and capable of playing both outside and in the slot. CB Kevin Tolliver, 6-3, 205 of LSU is a big agile cover man with fine athleticism. He needs some work on reading routes, but has the raw talent to be a shutdown cover man. CB Anthony Averett, 6-0, 185 of Alabama is a nice prospect with the athleticism and the experience to be an NFL cover man. He looks to impress in Mobile, Al Senior Bowl. CB Isaiah Oliver, 6-1, 195 of Colorado is a highly-regarded underclassman who impressed over the 2017 season. His strong performance as both a cover man with impact ability. His current level of development will warrant early playing time with the skill set to be a top-flight NFL corner. CB Jordan Thomas, 6-0, 190 of Oklahoma is an interesting prospect with developed skills vs NFL talent in big game situations. He has responded well over the past two seasons with fast development in most schemes. He can earn an early round grade with a strong performance over the week’s practices in Mobile, Al. CB Joshua Jackson, 6-1, 195 of Iowa has been a chief contributor to the Hawkeyes’ season. He has very good ball skills and the hands to make the key interception. He is very tough and will come up and support the run and make tackles with the size to matchup well in man situations. He is leaning towards declaring after the bowl game. S Derwin James, 6-3, 210 of Florida St is one of the best players in the country. He played a few roles and may fit best at free safety after time as a corner and safety. He can be an impact performer and is expected to declare. S Minkah Fitzpatrick, 6-1, 205 of Alabama is a savvy versatile defender with experience at both corner and safety. He is a smart hard tackling defender who is well developed after starting the past three seasons. He can matchup with wideouts and break on the ball to make plays. S Marcus Allen, 6-2, 210 of Penn St is has had a very impressive 2017 season. He is capable of big plays in run support or coverage. Though he needs work on his ability to recognize routes and make quick adjustments in the transition, he has the athleticism, range and instincts to matchup with receivers. He is a well-rounded prospect with the skill set to be an every down pro defender. S Armani Watts, 5-11, 205 of Texas A&M has been consistent over his Aggie career. His week at the Senior Bowl will have to answer questions about his man coverage skills. He can a force in run support, but must prove he can cover in man situations and reads routes quickly.
Top 100 Pro Prospects for the NFL Draft 2018
November, 2017 – * underclassmen eligible to declare until Jan 15, 2018
Pro Prospect Pos School Ht/ Wt
1 * Saquon Barkley RB Penn State 5-11 225
2 * Josh Rosen QB UCLA 6-4 220
3 * Sam Darnold QB Southern Cal 6-4 225
4 Bradley Chubb DE NC State 6-4 275
5 * Derwin James S Florida State 6-3 210
6 * Orlando Brown OT Oklahoma 6-8 360
7 * Arden Key DE LSU 6-6 240
8 * Josh Allen QB Wyoming 6-5 235
9 * Minkah Fitzpatrick S Alabama 6-1 205
10 Mike McGlinchey OT Notre Dame 6-8 315
11 * Lamar Jackson QB Louisville 6-3 200
12 * Carlton Davis CB Auburn 6-1 205
13 Quenton Nelson OG Notre Dame 6-5 330
14 * Courtland Sutton WR SMU 6-4 215
15 * Derrius Guice RB LSU 5-11 215
16 James Washington WR Oklahoma St 6-0 205
17 * Kolton Miller OT UCLA 6-8 310
18 * Equanimeous St. Brown WR Notre Dame 6-5 205
19 * Denzel Ward CB Ohio State 5-10 190
20 Martinas Rankin OT Mississippi St 6-5 305
21 Christian Kirk WR Texas A&M 5-11 200
22 * Bryce Love RB Stanford 5-10 190
23 * Connor Williams OT Texas 6-6 320
24 * Roquan Smith LB Georgia 6-1 225
25 Maurice Hurst DT Michigan 6-2 285
26 * Mark Andrews TE Oklahoma 6-5 255
27 Christian Wilkins DT Clemson 6-4 310
28 * Joshua Jackson CB Iowa 6-1 195
29 Ogbonnia Okoronkwo LB Oklahoma 6-1 240
30 * Calvin Ridley WR Alabama 6-1 190
31 Vita Vea DT Washington 6-5 345
32 Chukwuma Okorafor OT Western Michigan 6-6 330
33 * Taven Bryan DT Florida 6-5 295
34 Mason Rudolph QB Oklahoma St 6-5 230
35 Anthony Miller WR Memphis 5-11 190
36 * Ronald Jones II RB Southern Cal 6-1 195
37 * Isaiah Oliver CB Colorado 6-1 190
38 * DeShon Elliott S Texas 6-2 205
39 * Clelin Ferrell DE Clemson 6-5 265
40 * Mitch Hyatt OT Clemson 6-5 295
41 * Tremaine Edmunds LB Virginia Tech 6-5 240
42 * Deontay Burnett WR Southern Cal 6-0 170
43 * Jeff Holland DE Auburn 6-2 250
44 Baker Mayfield QB Oklahoma 6-0 215
45 * Jaire Alexander CB Louisville 5-11 190
46 Dorian O’Daniel LB Clemson 6-1 215
47 Harold Landry LB Boston College 6-3 250
48 Billy Price C Ohio State 6-4 310
49 Uchenna Nwosu LB USC 6-2 240
50 Michael Gallup WR Colorado St 6-1 195
51 * Da’Ron Payne DT Alabama 6-2 310
52 Braden Smith OG Auburn 6-6 305
53 * Parris Campbell WR Ohio State 6-1 205
54 Derrick Nnadi DT Florida State 6-1 315
55 Kameron Kelly CB San Diego St 6-2 195
56 Will Hernandez OG Texas-El Paso 6-3 330
57 * Kerryon Johnson RB Auburn 6-0 215
58 Harrison Phillips DT Stanford 6-4 285
59 Josey Jewell LB Iowa 6-2 235
60 * Tarvarus McFadden CB Florida State 6-2 195
61 * Kendall Joseph LB Clemson 6-0 230
62 Royce Freeman RB Oregon Sr 5-11 235
63 Marcus Davenport DE UTSA Sr 6-7 255
64 Nick Chubb RB Georgia Sr 5-10 225
65 * Ronnie Harrison S Alabama 6-3 215
66 * Malik Jefferson LB Texas 6-3 240
67 Mike Gesicki TE Penn State 6-6 255
68 Tyrell Crosby OT Oregon 6-5 320
69 Jaylen Samuels TE NC State 5-11 225
70 Royce Freeman RB Oregon 6-0 235
71 Lorenzo Carter LB Georgia Sr 6-6 245
72 * Dre’Mont Jones DT Ohio State 6-3 295
73 Rashaan Evans LB Alabama 6-3 235
74 Duke Ejiofor DE Wake Forest 6-4 270
75 Ian Thomas TE Indiana 6-5 250
76 Mason Cole OL Michigan 6-5 305
77 * Quenton Meeks CB Stanford 6-2 205
78 * Deon Cain WR Clemson 6-1 210
79 * Kevin Toliver CB LSU 6-3 205
80 * T.J. Edwards LB Wisconsin 6-1 245
81 Marcell Ateman WR Oklahoma St 6-4 220
82 * Austin Bryant DE Clemson 6-4 265
83 * Cameron Smith LB Southern Cal 6-2 245
84 * Sam Hubbard DE Ohio State 6-5 265
85 Marcus Allen S Penn State 6-2 205
86 * Bo Scarbrough RB Alabama 6-2 235
87 * Hayden Hurst TE South Carolina 6-5 250
88 * Damien Harris RB Alabama 5-11 220
89 Kolton Miller OT UCLA 6-8 310
90 Dallas Goedert TE South Dakota St 6-4 260
91 * Simmie Cobbs Jr. WR Indiana 6-4 220
92 * Martez Ivey OT Florida 6-5 315
93 * Hercules Mata’afa DE Washington St 6-2 255
94 Armani Watts S Texas A&M 5-11 205
95 Dante Pettis WR Washington 6-1 195
96 Micah Kiser LB Virginia 6-2 240
97 Lowell Lotulelei DT Utah 6-2 320
98 * Josh Sweat DE Florida State 6-5 250
99 Troy Fumagalli TE Wisconsin 6-6 250
100 * Dorance Armstrong DE Kansas 6-4 245
Top 20 Redshirt Sophomores
Players must be 3 years removed from high school to be eligible for the NFL Draft.
They have until mid January 2018 to choose to declare for early entry.
Position /Prospect / Ht. Wt / School
1 – QB Sam Darnold – 6-4, 220 – USC
2 – QB Jarrett Stidham – 6-3, 214 – Auburn
3 – S Derwin James – 6-3, 211 – Florida State
4 – DE Clelin Ferrell – 6-5, 265 – Clemson
5 – DT Dre’Mont Jones – 6-3, 295 – Ohio State
6 – OT Isaiah Prince – 6-7, 310 – Ohio State
7 – DE Dylan Jackson – 6-6, 266 – Stanford
8 – RB Mike Weber – 5-10, 214 – Ohio State
9 – DT Carlos Davis – 6-2, 295 – Nebraska
10 – QB Steven Montez – 6-5, 225 – Colorado
11- DT Raequan Williams – 6-4, 300 – Michigan State
12 – CB Damon Arnette – 6-0, 195 – Ohio State
13 – S Tanner Muse – 6-2, 220 – Clemson
14 – OT Drew Richmond – 6-5, 309 – Tennessee
15 – LB Leo Lewis – 6-2, 235 – Mississippi State
16 – RB James Williams – 5-11, 195 – Washington State
17 – WR Van Jefferson – (6-2, 195 – Mississippi
18 – S Jessie Bates – 6-2, 195 – Wake Forest
19 – WR Jonathan Giles – 6-0, 193 – LSU
20 – LB Joe Giles-Harris – 6-2, 230 – Duke
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