2018 Newsletter January

Draft Insiders’ Digest – 27th Season                                    www.draftinsiders.com

Published by Frank Coyle –                                              “The NFL Draft Publication Pro Scouts Buy”
January 2018 Newsletter          Free Email Service                                         Copyrighted – Jan. 2018

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 Index
Important Dates                                 pgs. 1-2                           Underclassmen for NFL Draft      pgs. 5-7
NFL Selection Order                          pgs. 2-3                          Underclassmen Report                  pgs. 7-18
Two Round Mock Draft                    pgs. 4-5                           Top 100 Pro Prospects                  pgs. 18-20

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
     For Complete East-West Shrine All-star Game info including updated Roster acceptances
Go to http://www.shrinegame.com/

 
*** Senior Bowl Game – Jan 27, 2018 Mobile, Alabama – 1:30 pm CT- NFL Network ***
                    Weigh-in- Practices – Monday Jan 22nd thru Thursday Jan 25th
For Complete Senior Bowl info including updated Roster acceptances
Go to https://www.seniorbowl.com/

 

Important NFL 2018 Postseason Dates

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.
 
February 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 at ATT Stadium in Arlington Texas
 
NFL Draft 2018 Selection Order – The Browns are ‘On the Clock’!
Cleveland Holds Two #1 Choices in the Top Four Overall Selections
 Once again, the Cleveland Browns are ‘On the Clock’ with the first overall selection for the NFL Draft 2018. On the last Sunday, they tied the Detroit Lions (2008) as the only teams to go 0-16 during the regular season with a loss to the Steelers. It marks the second consecutive year the Browns earned the top overall draft choice. The last team to accomplish this was the… Cleveland Browns in 1999 and 2000 during their early expansion years. Not much has changed in almost 20 years. The Browns are just the 5th team to earn this back to back year accomplishment. They have been one of the worst teams in recent memory in all major sports with ongoing poor results despite or because of a constant turnover in their front office and coaching staffs. Their draft decisions have been atrocious with several trades out of the top early selections, especially passing on a chance of either QBs, Carson Wentz or Jared Goff just two years ago. Head coach Hue Jackson completed his second season this weekend after going 1-15 last season. His 1-31 two-year record stands by itself as one of the worst in NFL history. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has stated Jackson will return for 2018 season. “I don’t think Hue has lost his magic.”

The Browns are in position to make major strides this April. In addition to the top overall pick, they also hold the Houston Texans #1 choice, the 4th overall selection. Rarely does a club hold two #1 picks let alone two in the top four overall choices. The Browns also hold three #2 picks, one #3 and two #4 selections, a boatload of top 100 draft choices to address several major need areas. New GM John Dorsey came aboard midseason 2017 and has had a few months to evaluate the current roster, in addition to their salary cap. He is in position to bolster a decent roster that has some young players in place, though needs players in key positions and leadership roles on both sides of the ball. The Browns upcoming decisions in both veteran Free Agency and the NFL Draft 2018 will dictate the movement of many players this offseason especially among the premier selections. The top 5-10 draft selections have been highly coveted with premier players especially QBs available and this year is as strong as any in recent memory. Clubs at the top will entertain a few huge offers to move up with the top three QBs, Josh Rosen, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen and Baker Mayfield, all considered franchise caliber NFL starters and probable top ten selections.

     Playoffs – Conference & Super Bowl games determine final 12 positions
                      x – division winner         y – playoff berth
#     Team                    W-L  / Opp W-L %                     
1 Cleveland                   0-16      .520
2 NY Giants                  3-13      .531
3 Indianapolis                4-12      .480
4 Cleveland (Houston)   4-12      .516
5 Denver                       5-11      .492
6 NY Jets                      5-11      .520
7 Tampa Bay                5-11      .555
8 Chicago                     5-11      .559
9 San Francisco            6-10      .512
10 Oakland                   6-10      .512
11 Miami                       6-10      .543
12 Cincinnati                 7-9        .465
13 Washington              7-9        .539
14 Green Bay                7-9        .539
15 Arizona                    8-8        .488
16 Baltimore                 9-7        .441
17 LA Chargers             9-7        .457
18 Seattle                     9-7        .492
19 Dallas                      9-7        .496
20 Detroit                     9-7        .496
21 y Buffalo                  9-7        .492
22 Buffalo (x Kansas City) 10-6  .492
23 x LA Rams               11-5      .504
24 y Carolina                 11-5      .539
25 y Tennessee             9-7        .434
26 y Atlanta                   10-6      .543
27 x New Orleans          11-5      .535
28 x Pittsburgh              13-3      .453
29 x Jacksonville           10-6      .434
30 x Minnesota              13-3      .492
31 x Philadelphia           13-3      .461
32 x New England         13-3      .484
 
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 – January, 2018
* Underclassmen –   Selection order prior to Championship games
Pre East-West Shrine and Senior Bowl Games
x – Division winner     y – Wild card team   / coin flip at NFL Combine to determine order
 
1st Round   
  1 Cleveland – 0-16 – * Saquon Barkley             RB   Penn State        5-11      225
  2 NY Giants – 3-13 –  * Sam Darnold                  QB                  Southern Cal     6-4        225
  3 Indianapolis – 4-12 –  Bradley Chubb               DE                  NC State           6-4        275
  4 Cleveland (Houston)- 4-12 – * Josh Rosen     QB                  UCLA                6-4        220
  5 Denver – 5-11 –* Minkah Fitzpatrick                     S                    Alabama           6-1        205
  6 NY Jets – 5-11 –  * Josh Allen                               QB                  Wyoming          6-5        235
  7 Tampa Bay – 5-11 – * Arden Key                     DE                  LSU                  6-6        240
  8 Chicago – 5-11 – * Orlando Brown                   OT                  Oklahoma         6-8        360
  9 z – San Francisco – 6-10 – * Roquan Smith      LB                  Georgia            6-1        225
10 z – Oakland – 6-10 – * Connor Williams             OT                  Texas               6-6        320
11 Miami – 6-9 –  * Derwin James                         S                    Florida State     6-3        210
12 Cincinnati – 7-9 – Quenton Nelson                   OG                 Notre Dame      6-5        330
13 Washington – 7-9 – * Lamar Jackson               QB                  Louisville          6-3        200
14 Green Bay – 7-9 – Mike McGlinchey                 OT                  Notre Dame      6-8        315
15 Arizona – 8-8 – Baker Mayfield                        QB                  Oklahoma         6-0        215
16 Baltimore – 9-7 –  * Courtland Sutton               WR                 SMU                 6-4        215
17 LA Chargers – 9-7 –  * Tremaine Edmunds       LB                Virginia Tech     6-5        240
18 Seattle – 9-7 – * Joshua Jackson                      CB                    Iowa                 6-1        195
19 Dallas – 9-7 – * Calvin Ridley                           WR                   Alabama           6-1        190
20 Detroit – 9-7 – * Derrius Guice                          RB                  LSU                  5-11      215
21 y Buffalo – 9-7 – * Ronnie Harrison                 S                     Alabama           6-3        215
22 Buffalo (x Kan City) -10-6 – * Da’Ron Payne   DT             Alabama           6-2        310
23 x LA Rams – 11-5 – * Denzel Ward                  CB                   Ohio State        5-10      190
24 y Carolina – 11-5 – * Isaiah Oliver                    CB                  Colorado          6-1        190
25 y Tennessee – 9-7 – * Mark Andrews               TE                  Oklahoma         6-5        255
26 y Atlanta – 10-6 – Vita Vea                             DT                    Washington       6-5        345
27 x New Orleans – 11-5 – Mason Rudolph          QB                  Oklahoma St     6-5        230
28 x Pittsburgh- 13-3 –* Equanimeous St. Brown WR                 Notre Dame      6-5        205
29 x Jacksonville – 10-6 – Martinas Rankin           OT                  Mississippi St    6-5       305
30 x Philadelphia – 13-3 – * Carlton Davis            CB                  Auburn              6-1        205
31 x New England – 13-3 – * Taven Bryan           DT                  Florida              6-5        295
32 x Minnesota – 13-3 – * Audon Tate             WR   Florida State     6-5        220

2nd Round   
33 Cleveland – * DeShon Elliott                         S                      Texas               6-2        205
34 NY Giants – * Kolton Miller                           OT                    UCLA                6-8        310
35 Indianapolis – Chukwuma Okorafor             OT                    Western Michigan 6-6    330
36 Cleveland (Houston) – James Washington    WR                   Oklahoma St     6-0        205
37 NY Jets – * Michael Jackson                         CB                    Miami(Fl)           6-1        190
38 Tampa Bay – Royce Freeman                        RB                    Oregon             6-0        235      
39 Chicago – * Christian Kirk                             WR                   Texas A&M       5-11      200
40 Denver – Harold Landry                               LB                    Boston College 6-3        250
41 Oakland – Marcus Davenport                            DE                   UTSA                6-7        255
42 Miami – Tyrell Crosby                                  OT                    Oregon             6-5        320
43 New England (San Fran) Rashaan Evans     LB                    Alabama           6-3        235
44 Washington – Maurice Hurst                        DT                    Michigan           6-2        285
45 Green Bay – * Malik Jefferson                       LB                    Texas               6-3        240
46 Cincinnati – Braden Smith                            OG                   Auburn              6-6        305
47 Arizona – Billy Price                                      C                      Ohio State        6-4        310
48 LA Chargers – Derrick Nnadi                         DT                    Florida State     6-1        315
49 NY Jets (Seattle) – Uchenna Nwosu              LB                    USC                 6-2        240
50 Dallas – * Leighton Vander Esch                    LB                    Boise St            6-4        240
51 Detroit – Anthony Miller                                 WR                   Memphis           5-11      190
52 Baltimore – * Harrison Phillips                      DL                    Stanford           6-4        295      
53 Tennessee – Lorenzo Carter                          LB                    Georgia            6-6        245
54 Buffalo – * Dorance Armstrong                      DE                   Kansas             6-4        245
55 Kansas City – * Justin Reid                           S                      Stanford           6-1        205
56 Atlanta – Will Hernandez                               OG                   Texas-El Paso  6-3        330
57 Jacksonville – Mike Gesicki                          TE                    Penn State        6-6        255
58 Carolina – Duke Ejiofor                                DE                   Wake Forest     6-4        270
59 San Fran (New Orleans) – * Kevin Toliver      CB                    LSU                  6-3        205
60 Buffalo (LA Rams) – * Ronald Jones II          RB                   Southern Cal     6-1        195
61 Pittsburgh – Ogbonnia Okoronkwo                LB                    Oklahoma         6-1        240
62 Cleveland (Phil) – * Kerryon Johnson            RB                    Auburn              6-0        215
63 New England – Dallas Goedert                     TE                    South Dakota St 6-4      260
64 Minnesota – * Jaire Alexander                      CB                    Louisville          5-11      190

Underclassmen – NFL Draft 2018

The declaration date for underclassmen for the NFL Draft 2018 came at 4 pm Jan. 15th – Players have an additional three days to decide to either declare or change their minds with the Jan. 18th date final. No player rescinded their decision last year. The usual high number of quality running backs, tight ends and wide receivers declared for this class and will have a strong impact on the early rounds. The defensive secondary will have a big impact from the underclassmen group with four potential first round prospects. The line will also provide a high number of top selections with several blue-chip prospects at important positions. With the rookie salary cap changing significantly to the downside and being reduced for the upcoming seasons, this class surpassed every group of third year players entering the pro ranks.

There were a record 106 players granted special early eligibility in 2018. The previous record for early entrants was 98 in the 2014 draft. Each of the players granted special eligibility has met the league’s three-year eligibility rule and each has submitted a written application in which he renounced his remaining college football eligibility.

The following 13 players have in timely fashion under NFL rules officially notified the league office that they have fulfilled their degree requirements. Consequently, they are eligible for selection:
Jordan Akins, TE, Central Florida
Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming
Kyle Allen, QB, Houston
Will Clapp, C, LSU
Terrell Edmunds, DB, Virginia Tech
Taylor Hearn, G, Clemson
Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State
Sam Jones, G, Arizona State
Quenton Nelson, G, Notre Dame
Brian O’Neill, T, Pittsburgh
Christian Sam, LB, Arizona State
Tre’Quan Smith, WR, UCF
Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU

The following players inquired about their draft status and are eligible for selection without the need for special eligibility:
Juante Baldwin, DB, Pittsburg State
Tanner Lee, QB, Nebraska
Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford
Byron Pringle, WR, Kansas State

NFL Draft 2018 – Underclassmen Pro Prospects  

LB Roquan Smith Declares for the NFL Draft – RB Bryce Love Returns to Stanford
      Ranked alphabetically by position       

Offensive Players

Quarterbacks
Josh Allen                     Wyoming
Kyle Allen                     Houston
Sam Darnold                 Southern Cal
Lamar Jackson             Louisville
Tanner Lee                   Nebraska
Chase Litton                 Marshall
Josh Rosen                   UCLA

Running Backs
Josh Adams                  Notre Dame
Ryquell Armstead          Temple
Saquon Barkley             PSU
Derrius Guice                LSU
Nyheim Hines                North Carolina State
Kerryon Johnson           Auburn
Ronald Jones II             Southern Cal
John Kelly                     Tennessee
Ryan Nall                      Oregon St
Kamryn Pettway            Auburn
Mark Walton                  Miami(Fl)

Wide Receivers
Deon Cain                     Clemson
Antonio Callaway           Florida
Simmie Cobbs Jr           Indiana
Keke Coutee                 Texas Tech
Matt Fleming                 Benedictine
Quadree Henderson      Pittsburgh
Richie James                Middle Tennessee St
Jon’Vea Johnson           Toledo
Christian Kirk                Texas A&M
Jordan Lasley                UCLA
Tavares Martin              Washington State
Ray-Ray McCloud         Clemson
DJ Moore                      Maryland
Byron Pringle                KSU
Trey Quinn                    SMU
Calvin Ridley                 Alabama
Korey Robertson           Southern Mississippi
Tre’Quan Smith             Central Florida
Jaylen Smith                 Louisville
Equanimeous St. Brown Notre Dame
Courtland Sutton           SMU
Audon Tate                   Florida State

Tight Ends
Jordan Akins                 Central Florida
Mark Andrews               Oklahoma
Hayden Hurst                South Carolina
Ryan Izzo                      FSU
Austin Roberts              UCLA
Dalton Schultz               Stanford

Offensive Linemen
Orlando Brown              Oklahoma
Geron Christian             Louisville
Will Clapp                     LSU
James Daniels              Iowa
Nick Gates                    Nebraska
Taylor Hearn                 Clemson
Sam Jones                  ASU
Kolton Miller                  UCLA
Brian O’Neill                  Pittsburgh
Maea Teuhema              Southeastern Louisiana
Will Richardson             North Carolina State
Toby Weathserby          LSU
Connor Williams            Texas

Defensive Players – Linemen
Olasunkanmi Adeniyi     Toledo
Dorance Armstrong       Kansas
Taven Bryan                 Florida
Rasheen Green             Southern Cal
Jeff Holland                  Auburn
Sam Hubbard                Ohio St
Courtel Jenkins             Miami
DuVonta Lampkin          Oklahoma
R.J. McIntosh                Miami
Kahlil McKenzie             Tennessee
Kendrick Norton            Miami
Harrison Phillips            Stanford
Tim Settle                     Virginia Tech
Breeland Speaks           Ole Miss
Josh Sweat                   FSU
Larry Tharpe                 Arizona
Trent Thompson            Georgia
Vita Vea                        Washington
JoJo Wicker                  Arizona St
Jalen Wilkerson             Florida St.
Eddy Wilson                  Purdue

Linebackers
Jack Cichy                    Wisconsin
Tremaine Edmunds       Virginia Tech
Frank Ginda                  San Jose St
Joel Iyiegbuniwe Western Kentucky
Malik Jefferson              Texas
Hercules Mata’afa         Washington St
Kahlil McKenzie             Tennessee
Christian Sam               ASU
Roquan Smith              Georgia
Andre Smith                 UNC
Leighton Vander Esch   Boise St

Cornerbacks
Jaire Alexander             Louisville
Vosean Crumbie           Nevada
J.J. Dallas                     Louisiana-Monroe
Carlton Davis                Auburn
Rashaan Gaulden          Tennessee
Holton Hill                     Texas
Mike Hughes                 Central Florida
Joshua Jackson             Iowa
Michael Jackson           Miami (Fl)
JC Jackson                   Maryland
Donte Jackson              LSU
Tarvarus McFadden      FSU
Nick Nelson                  Wisconsin
Isaiah Oliver                  Colorado
DJ Reed                       Kansas St
Denzel Ward                 Ohio St.

Safeties
Jessie Bates                 Wake Forest
DeShon Elliott               Texas
Ronnie Harrison            Alabama
Derwin James               FSU
Justin Reid                    Stanford
Van Smith                     Clemson
Jordan Whitehead          Pittsburgh

Kickers
Michael Dickson           P          Texas
Eddy Pineiro                 PK        Florida

Key Players Returning to School in 2018:
Jake Browning             QB       Washington
Ryan Finley                   QB       North Carolina St
Will Grier                      QB       WVU
Drew Lock                    QB       Missouri
Jarrett Stidham              QB       Auburn
Clayton Thorson            QB       Northwestern
Myles Gaskin                RB        Washington
Bryce Love                   RB        Stanford
LJ Scott                        RB        Michigan St
Parris Campbell             WR       Ohio State
David Sills V                 WR       WVU
Jaylen Smith                 WR       Louisville
Ben Benzschawel          OG       Wisconsin
Ross Pierschbacher      OG       Alabama
Yodny Cajuste               OT        WVU
Mitch Hyatt                   OT        Clemson
Martez Ivey                   OT        Florida
Zach Allen                     DE        Boston College
Austin Bryant               DE       Clemson
Isaiah Buggs                 DE       Alabama
Clelin Ferrell                  DE       Clemson
Montez Sweat               DE        Mississippi St.
Terry Beckner Jr.           DT        Missouri
Jalen Jelks                   DT        Oregon
Dre’Mont Jones            DT        Ohio State
Christian Wilkins            DT        Clemson
Kendall Joseph             LB        Clemson
Cameron Smith             LB        Southern Cal
Drue Tranquill                LB        Notre Dame
T.J. Edwards                 LB        Wisconsin
Mark Fields                   CB        Clemson

Quarterbacks

Josh Rosen                 UCLA  
Talented junior QB has been one of the premier passers in the Pac-12 over his short career. He has the complete skill set to become a top pro starter with some critical development in his footwork and defensive recognition. He is a special passer who has a very good arm and quick compact delivery that deliver the ball nicely with accuracy and timing. He will most likely go in the top few selections and possibly #1 overall. He will have to prove he can operate under center to be ready to play as a rookie. Blue chip prospect with huge upside.

 Sam Darnold                Southern Cal   
Strong armed redshirt sophomore QB has been one of the premier passers in the Pac-12 over his short career. He has the physical package to become a top-flight NFL starter, but needs critical development all areas of play. He has operated both in the spread offense and under center. He needs more development under center and dropping back and setting up and throwing with accuracy. He needs the right pro setting to develop further as a passer. He will most likely go in the top selections, but needs to sit to learn a new system and the finer points of the position. He may not be ready to compete for the starting job as a rookie that his playing time will depend on the pro situation he gets into. He needs to settle into a system that allows him time to refine key areas of setup and reading defenses. Big time talent with development.

Lamar Jackson            Louisville
Mobile junior QB has flashed blue chip talent vs top competition over his short career. He has the physical package to become a top-flight NFL starter, but needs critical development playing under center. He has mainly operated in the spread offense with limited development under center dropping back. He needs the right pro setting to develop further as a passer. He will most likely go in the top picks of the first round off potential, but his readiness to compete for the starting job is suspect. His early playing time will depend on the pro situation he gets into, though he would benefit to sit and settle into a system that allows him time to refine key areas of setup and reading defenses. Excellent intangibles to make a difference.

Josh Allen                   Wyoming        
Mobile tough QB has been one of the premier passers in the nation over the past few seasons. He has the physical package to become a high quality NFL starter, though he needs critical development playing under center. He has mainly operated in the spread offense with limited development under center dropping back. He needs the right pro setting to develop further as a passer. He will most likely go in the top to mid first round off potential and a huge performance in their bowl victory. He is ready to compete for the starting job and is very accurate passer with a big arm and top mobility. He would benefit to sit and settle into a system that allows him time to refine key areas of setup and reading defenses. Excellent intangibles to make a difference in a short time.

Chase Litton                Marshall
Strong armed senior QB was a three year starter over his C-USA career. He has the physical package to become an NFL starter with development. He needs critical development in all areas of play. He has mainly operated in the spread offense with little development under center and dropping back. He needs the right pro setting to develop further as a passer. He will most likely go on the third day off potential, but is not ready to compete for the starting job. He needs to sit early and learn a pro system and go through a long learning curve. He has to win a #3 job in camp and go through the vital learning curve to take the next step. Definite upside potential.

Tanner Lee                   Nebraska
Talented true junior QB has been a one year Nebraska starter after a season at Tulane directing the offense. He has a good skill set to become a pro starter with some critical development in his strength and defensive recognition. He has a good arm and quick compact delivery that delivers the ball nicely, though his accuracy and timing has been erratic. He will most likely go in the late rounds with several clubs in pressing need for a starting passer. He will have to prove he can operate under center to be ready to win the #3 role. His postseason will determine how early he goes in the process, though a possible late round selection.

Running Backs

Saquon Barkley                       Penn St           
Stocky blue chip feature back has the complete package to be a top pro feature back. He decided to enter this draft class after another outstanding season. He has the ability to be an immediate impact runner in the NFL in the right setting. He has the nice combination of size, speed, quickness, power, running instincts and big play ability to change games instantly. He can pound inside weekly with the speed to break big plays that ranks him the premier back in this strong class. He has proven very durable, but must improve his ability to block and pick up the blitz effectively to earn a pro starting job. Currently, he is a very good receiver and has the makeup of an impact rookie three down back.

Derrius Guice                          LSU
Stocky tailback had a fine season in the SEC that lead to early entry to the NFL. He is a compact back/receiver who has a strong frame, speed, quickness and natural running skills to be a NFL playmaker. He needs work as a blocker to be a complete prospect. He has the compact size and power to run inside with the deceptive strength and pad level to get the most out of his physical talent. He has very good change of direction skills and top speed to break plays. He is a great player in space who displays sure hands and the natural running ability to follow blockers with breakaway speed. He should shine at a workout.

Kerryon Johnson                     Auburn
Tough shifty back displays quick slashing natural running skills and a high level of development. He received a high grade from the NFL Advisory committee and he could land in the early rounds with a strong postseason. He is a shifty tailback who displays good power and quickness to be a tough inside runner with the lateral quickness and the long speed to get to the 2nd level and make big yardage after contact. He impressed scouts with his consistent after contact yardage in big SEC games. He hopes to impress at the critical NFL Combine. Improving receiving and blocking skills help his cause. Workhorse runner with best efforts in big situations.

Ronald Jones II                       Southern Cal
Shifty talented tailback had an impressive 2017 season that lead to early entry to the NFL. He has potential starting feature back talent in the NFL and carries a very early round grade at this point of the evaluation process. He has the speed and running skills to break plays with developed receiving skills for the complete game. He has enough size to run inside with sharp change of directions to cut in the hole and the burst to break plays. He is a slashing inside and good goal line runner and a receiver who displays sure hands and playmaking ability on the perimeter to follows his blockers. He shows the skill set of a complete back and should earn a high selection in April.

Josh Adams                            Notre Dame
Big slashing junior feature back made a major breakout performance in 2017 that was instrumental in the Irish turn around. He has the physical package to be a pro feature back with a powerful frame with the combination of size and speed with the quickness and running instincts to be an effective feature back. He can pound inside and runs with good pad level. He has good speed to break plays and is one of the emerging backs in this class. He needs to improve his blocking and receiving to earn a pro starting role. He can fill a critical 1A type back role with critical development. Fine goal line runner. His postseason will determine if he moves into the top rounds.

Kamryn Pettway                       Auburn
Big powerfully built junior back has the package for the position, combining fine vision, cutting skills and strong tackle breaking ability. He has the talent to be a fine starting pro feature back with the physical skill set of power, quickness, speed and hands to be a workhorse starter. He has a big strong frame with the combination of quickness, body lean and power to run inside and the speed to get outside and hit the home run. He needs work on his receiving, though he shows reliable hands and the ability to make things happen after the catch. He must improve his blocking to earn an early starting job. Durability concerns after an injury riddled 2017 season.

Mark Walton                             Miami(Fl)
Stocky tailback had a fine season in the ACC that lead to early entry to the NFL. He is a strong short back who has the compact size, quickness and running skills to be a tough inside runner. He needs work as a receiver and blocker to be a complete prospect. He has the compact size and leg strength to run inside with the power and pad level to get the most out of his physical talent. He has good change of direction skills and good speed to break the play. He is a strong goal line runner and a reliable receiver who displays sure hands and the running ability to follow blockers.

John Kelly                               Tennessee       
Strong slashing type tailback has impressive athletic talent that lead to early entry to the NFL. He is a tough feature back and carries an NFL starting or 1A grade. He has the compact size, power and running skills to break plays with natural running skills for the complete game. He has the size to run inside with the change of directions to cut in the hole and enough speed to get into the 2nd level. He is a tough goal line runner and an improving receiver who displays dependable hands and the ability to make yardage after the reception. He must prove durable as a pro to be a feature pro back. Must refine his overall game especially as a receiver and blocker.

Nyheim Hines                          North Carolina St
Multi-talented tailback had an impressive 2017 season and career, displaying impact ability in a few roles. He has potential starting feature back talent for the NFL and carries a middle round grade at this point of the evaluation process. He has the speed and running skills to break plays with highly developed receiving skills for the complete game. He has the size to run inside with sharp change of directions to cut in the hole and the burst to break plays. He is a tough inside runner and good goal line runner who displays sure hands as a receiver. He shows the skill set of a complete back and should move up the charts through the postseason. Excellent return specialist and one of the most versatile prospects in this class.

Ryquell Armstead                    Temple
Ryan Nall                                 Oregon St
Chris Warren                            Texas

Wide Receivers

Courtland Sutton                     SMU
Smooth athletic junior playmaker had nice production in the high powered Pony attack. He has fine triangle numbers that will warrant a very high draft selection. He is a blue-chip prospect with an early 1st round grade if he tests out well this postseason. He has very good size with the speed, athleticism and playmaking ability to rank as the #1 receiver in this class. He developed his fine AA in the talented SMU offense where he has been featured over the past two seasons. He has the ability to become a special pro and should impress further in a postseason NFL Combine workout where he should guarantee a top selection. Polished receiver with a rookie starting grade to give an offense an immediate impact weapon.

Equanimeous St. Brown          Notre Dame
Big third year sophomore declared for the NFL Draft 2018 after a short Irish career. He displays developing receiving skills with good speed to get into the middle deep seam. He needs route development and defensive recognition to be ready for playing time. He has shown developed receiving skills over his short career playing wideout and slot type Flex roles in this talented offense. He has a big athletic frame with natural pass catching ability and the speed to create difficult matchups as a factor especially in the red zone. He needs extensive technique and route development to be an NFL starter, though has intriguing upside over time.

Audon Tate                              Florida State   
Huge athletic junior receiver had a quality ACC career while facing top flight cover men weekly. He displays very good hands and shows the run after the catch ability to make yardage. He shows explosiveness in and out of his breaks with the hands to make the toughest catch. He has good playing speed and is an emerging playmaker. He has a burst to be dangerous from anywhere especially the red zone, showing the hands and the speed to separate deep and make plays. He needs to put up a strong workout this offseason to earn an early round draft grade. One of the more intriguing prospect in this class with incredible upside potential.

Calvin Ridley                           Alabama
Athletic junior receiver combines good size, with the speed and the running ability to break any reception. He shows very strong hands with big play ability and the open field running skills to be a legitimate playmaker. He has good speed and along with his big play ability and size creates a matchup problem for cover men. With a strong workout, he could be one of the fast rising prospects in this class and probable top 20 prospect. He has produced in many big situations that suggests early adjustment to the NFL game.

Deon Cain                                Clemson         
Fast athletic receiver/returner declared for the NFL Draft after another impressive performance that earned him ACC honors. He has developing talent with good size and the top athleticism that should allow him to compete for NFL rookie playing time. He has fine speed, leaping ability and AA talent, combining all the necessary skills to become a quality pro receiver. He creates a difficult matchup for cornerbacks and gives his offense a strong weapon in a few roles. Shows the ability to beat NFL corners consistently and take the top off the defense. Emerging playmaker with big upside and impact.

Antonio Callaway                     Florida
Athletic junior receiver was a difference maker in the Gators’ offense with impact ability at times over his late career. He operated in a pro style passing offense and displayed reliable hands and good route running with the quickness in his routes to separate. He shows the run after the catch ability to be a factor to break plays and go the distance. He has good playing speed with a burst to make a play after the catch. He needs to impress at a workout this offseason and at the NFL Combine to earn a high draft grade. His return skills enhance his value and could push him up the charts further. Versatile playmaker with impact ability both in the slot and on the outside.

Christian Kirk                          Texas A&M
Fast athletic receiver/returner declared for the NFL Draft after another impressive performance that earned him SEC honors. He has developing talent with good size and the top athleticism that should allow him to compete for NFL rookie playing time. He has fine hands, leaping ability, size and AA talent, combining all the necessary ingredients to become a quality pro receiver. He creates a difficult matchup for cornerbacks and gives his offense a strong weapon in a few roles. Shows the ability to beat NFL corners consistently despite average production in Aggie offense. Kid with big upside and a difference maker as a return specialist.

Simmie Cobbs Jr                     Indiana
Big smooth junior receiver developed nicely over his Hoosiers career despite working with a few average QBs and playing in a run oriented attack. He has intriguing skills and is a highly-regarded prospect with definite upside as a pro. He has good speed for the position and shows the separation to get open. He displays excellent body control to make a play on the ball and will make the tough catch in a crowd, displaying soft hands and leaping ability. He needs a big performance at the NFL Combine to rank with the upper tier of receivers. His route development and improved muscle will determine his NFL readiness. Blocking is an asset.

DJ Moore                                 Maryland         
Fast junior wideout/returner can be a difference maker every time he touches the ball. He is one of the better playmakers in this class with an early round grade. He is a quick receiver who gets open consistently, displaying sharp cutting skills that allow him to separate in coverage and provide his passer a fine target. He has the burst off the line to get into his routes with fine hands and the separation speed to break plays. He has a compact shorter frame that may be a concern, though he is an athlete who is also a fine returner. He can get deep and hit the home run with his top speed and run after the catch ability to be a difference maker. Fine slot receiver.

Tre’Quan Smith                       Central Florida
Athletic junior wideout has fine speed that could warrant a high round draft selection after nice overall production. He is a developed prospect who combines fine athleticism and playmaking ability with good size and strength. He has developed nicely as a route runner that will probably earn him early pro playing time in multiple sets. He has developed quickly using his fine AA and has begun to learn to use his speed and talents better. He hopes to impress further in a postseason at the NFL Combine workout where he could guarantee a fairly high selection. His 2017 later season suspension must be addressed.

Jordan Lasley                          UCLA
Athletic junior receiver had a productive career in the potent Bruin offense working with QB Josh Rosen. He displays good hands and fine speed with developed route running and defense recognition skills. He shows good run after the catch ability to make plays with the playing speed and burst to stretch the field. He needs to impress at workouts this offseason to warrant a high draft selection, though has nice upside as a pro weapon. Improving weapon with the skill set to be a good pro receiver, though must get stronger.

Byron Pringle                          KSU    
Tall athletic junior receiver was impressive over his short Big 12 career while facing NFL caliber corners weekly. He performed well for three seasons despite continuous changes at the QB position over his career. He has been an impact weapon and figures in the middle round area currently. He has developed talent with fine size and athleticism that should allow him to compete for playing time as a rookie. He has fine hands, good speed, leaping ability, size and AA talent, combining all the necessary ingredients to become a starting pro receiver. He will have to test out well during the postseason and show improvement as a route runner. Good kickoff returner.

Richie James                           Middle Tennessee St
Fast athletic junior declared after a fine 2017 season. He will challenge for a middle round selection with a big workout this postseason especially with a good sprint speed number at the NFL Combine. He shows explosiveness after he gets his hands on the ball with running skills. He possesses reliable hands with the speed to get deep and hit the home run. He has good running skills after the catch on the shorter routes that pressures a defense and gives an offense a big play performer. He makes big plays despite facing heavy coverage vs top competition. He must show in can holdup vs physical cover men and get off the line consistently. Good slot receiver.

Quadree Henderson                 Pittsburgh       
Fast junior wideout/returner can be a difference maker every time he touches the ball. Good playmaker with a later round grade. Quickness to get open consistently, displaying sharp cutting skills that allow him to separate in coverage and provide a fine target. He is quick off the line to get into his routes with fine hands and top speed to break plays. He has a compact smaller frame that may be a concern, though he is an athlete who is also a fine returner. He can get deep and make the big play with after the catch ability to be a difference maker. Starting dual returner.

Keke Coutee                Texas Tech
Matt Fleming                Benedictine
Jon’Vea Johnson         Toledo
Tavares Martin             Washington State
Ray-Ray McCloud        Clemson
Trey Quinn                   SMU
Korey Robertson          Southern Mississippi

Tight Ends

Mark Andrews              Oklahoma       
Big mobile underclassman displays fine receiving skills with the speed to get deep in the middle seam. He needs some development as a blocker, though brings the physical skills to be a complete prospect. He has shown developing receiving skills with natural pass catching ability and the size and speed to create difficult matchups in the intermediate game. He displays strong inline blocking ability and is also effective on the move as an H-back. He needs further development to become a complete NFL performer, but has the talent to be a reliable two way player. Good red zone threat.

Dalton Schultz             Stanford
Mobile four year junior entered the NFL Draft after a good 2017 season.  He has an interesting athletic package to entice a club to use a high round selection to add his playmaking abilities and potential. He has developed into a solid receiving threat in the intermediate and short zones. He has the physical package to develop into a reliable blocker with technique and strength development. Despite limited playing time, he has shown well developed receiving skills with the size and speed to be a factor to outmuscle defenders. He displays good blocking ability on the 2nd level, though marginal movement at the POA. His receiving talent will probably warrant a middle round selection.

Ryan Izzo                     FSU     
Mobile junior entered the NFL Draft after a fine 2018 season. He has fine athletic skills that are well rounded. He needs improvement as a blocker, learning to use his frame and long reach to get better movement at the POA. He can be an effective pro blocker only with some further technique and strength development. He has shown developed receiving skills with the size and speed to be a factor in the passing game. He displays sure hands and the power to break tackles and be a factor after the catch. He is a huge factor in the intermediate and red zones that will entice an NFL club in multiple sets. Developed receiver with immediate impact in that role either inline or the H-back role where he consistently gets open.

Hayden Hurst               South Carolina
Big mobile underclassman displays fine receiving skills with the speed to get deep in the middle seam. He needs much development as a blocker, though brings the physical skills to be a pro prospect. He has shown natural receiving skills with soft hands and nice size and speed to create difficult matchups. As a former basketball performer, he displays fine athleticism and body control to make plays on the ball. He is subpar as an inline blocking, though adequate on the move as an H-back. He needs further development to become an NFL performer, but has the talent to be a good weapon in the passing game with further work.

Jordan Akins               Central Florida
Austin Roberts             UCLA
 
Offensive Linemen

Orlando Brown                        Oklahoma       
Physical mobile left tackle has been a strong performer over his Sooner career and an instrumental part of their balanced high powered offense. He is ready to move on to the NFL. He has a wide frame with very long arms, bulk and agile footwork that allows him to grade out high whether as a pass protector or drive blocker. He has graded out high vs top competition and is ready to step in as a pro at either tackle spot. He will be one of the premier linemen selected and a probable early to mid-first round pick and eventually a starting left tackle. He may need to lineup at right tackle initially.

Kolton Miller                            UCLA  
Big physical tackle has been a strong performer over his Pac-12 career, protecting the blindside of QB Josh Rosen. He is ready to move on to the NFL and has a huge frame with long arms and fine footwork and balance that allows him to move effortlessly whether as a pass protector or pulling to the outside. He has graded out high at the left tackle spot vs Pac-12 talent and is ready to start as a pro at either tackle spot. He has been tested in pass protection by speed rushers and has graded out high with the complete skill set for the position and the ability to adjust quickly. He should be one of the premier linemen chosen this spring and a probable top selection who could easily go higher. One of the few left tackles prospects in this class.

Connor Williams                      Texas  
Athletic left tackle has been a strong performer over his short Longhorn career where he graded out consistently high on a weekly as a blocker. He has a wide frame with long arms and top balance and footwork that allows him to move well as a pass protector. He missed early time in 2017 due to a knee injury, but returned late and is ready for a postseason to shine in workouts. He grades out well as a drive blocker where he locks on well, bends his knees, and sustains consistently, though needs strength work to finish better. He is ready to step in and could be one of the top overall tackles chosen and a probable high first round pick. Early NFL starter with Pro Bowl talent, though limited time vs high competition.

Brian O’Neill                            Pittsburgh
Huge agile lineman has been a fine performer for the Panthers where he graded out high on a weekly basis. He has a very long frame with agility, good balance and footwork that allows him to move well as a pass protector. He has graded out fairly well as a drive blocker where he locks early and sustains, though needs to finish better with power. He is ready to step in as a pro lineman where he projects to right tackle or guard early and possible starting left tackle in time. He needs further hand technique work to be ready to face pro speed rushers.

Toby Weathserby                     LSU
Massive athletic junior tackle has been an improving performer over his short SEC career where he graded out high weekly this past season. He has a huge thick frame with very long arms and the balance and footwork that allows him to move well in pass protection. He has graded out only average as a drive blocker and needs additional technique and strength development. He is a quality prospect on the rise and could be drafted more on upside potential than production over his short stay with the Tigers. Raw prospect with big upside, but a project for early playing time.

Quenton Nelson                       Notre Dame
Massive wide body guard has been a dominant performer over his Irish career where he graded out high weekly the past few seasons. He has a huge thick frame with long arms, strong base with the balance and footwork that allows him to move well in pass protection. He has graded out very high as a drive blocker with developed technique and top functional strength. He is a quality prospect on the rise and could be drafted in the top half of the first round. Highly developed plug and play guard prospect with big upside who projects for early starting time.

James Daniels                         Iowa
Agile mobile lineman has been a strong performer over his short Hawkeye career, starting at center and guard, earning Big Ten honors the past two seasons. He has a strong frame with long arms and fine footwork that allows him to slide fairly easy as a pass protector. He has graded out high against good Big Ten interior pass rushers and is ready to step in as a pro lineman. He is a sound technician and NFL ready in many respects. He could be one of the rising linemen selected this spring with early NFL starting talent.

Geron Christian                       Louisville
Nick Gates                               Nebraska
Taylor Hearn                            Clemson
Sam Jones                              ASU
Dwayne Orso-Bacchus            Oklahoma
Maea Teuhema                         Southeastern Louisiana

Defensive Players

Ends

Dorance Armstrong     Kansas
Explosive versatile athlete end has been an impact defender on the Jayhawks defense over the past few seasons. He is one of the blue-chip prospects in this class and could be one of the premier selections from this underclassmen class. He had an excellent performance last season, showing the elite quickness off the edge to pressure the QB and make big plays. He has very good triangle numbers that pro scouts seek in an end for the 4-3 or attack backer in the 3-4 sets. He has the ability to hold the POA and shows the versatility to play up and down in passing situations. He can produce a strong workout to warrant a high early round selection and possible #1 selection. This kid has definite impact potential as a pro defender in either set.

Jeff Holland                 Auburn
Quick junior defender has shown playmaking ability for the Tigers’ defense over recent seasons. He flashes playmaking ability that will warrant interest by NFL clubs. He has a fine combination of speed, quickness and power that gives him a fast advantage vs. blockers. He can explode off the edge and counter well with the flexibility to bend the edge. He gets fast penetration into the backfield and has developed overall technique especially hand use to separate quickly. He shows sound initial reads and overall instincts to play up to his athletic ability. Possible attack linebacker in right setting, though better suited for the weakside end spot in the 4-3 set.

 Josh Sweat                  FSU     
Quick junior defender has shown playmaking ability that earned some ACC honors. He flashes playmaking ability that will warrant interest by NFL 4-3 clubs. He has a combination of speed and quickness to gain a fast advantage vs blockers. He can come off the edge with the ability to counter inside to get penetration into the backfield. He needs work on overall technique especially his hand use to separate quicker to be ready for the pro game. He needs to improve his initial reads and overall instincts to play up to his athletic ability. Must prove stout at the point to grade out higher vs the run. Potential edge rusher must win early vs the top blockers to win.

 Sam Hubbard               Ohio St
Explosive mobile defender has been a force in the Buckeyes front over the past few seasons. He is one of the gems from the underclassmen group and has flashed dominant talent especially late in his career. He shows the quick burst off the edge to rush the passer to make big plays. He shows fine strength and technique to anchor vs the run with the good triangle numbers NFL scouts want in a prospect for the outside role in either front. He has the burst of speed to the ball to make game changing plays, in addition to also winning with his top power. He could turn out to be one of the most complete prospects at this critical position. Rising high selection.

 Olasunkanmi Adeniyi   Toledo
Short compact defender has been a strong starter in the MAC over the past few seasons. He was a surprise addition and could be one of the sleepers from this underclassmen class. He had a top performance last season, showing the quickness off the edge to harass the QB. He completed his career with a fine bowl game that influenced his decision. He has good triangle numbers that pro scouts seek in an end for the 4-3 pro set with the ability to create mismatches. He needs a strong workout to finalize an early middle round selection. This kid has definite upside potential and probable NFL starter with continual improvement and maybe soon in his career.

 Breeland Speaks         Ole Miss
Strong mobile defender has played a key role on the Ole Miss front seven, showing both quickness and power. He has the burst to make plays from the outside. He flashes a good first step as a pass rusher that allowed him to be a consistent pass rusher. With further development of his hand and arm technique, he can become a pro situational defender. He has the ability to separate from blockers and play the run with the speed to pursue down the line. He can fill a few roles in either scheme with possible end in the 3-4 scheme.

 JoJo Wicker                 Arizona St
Short rangy tweener entered the NFL Draft after a short career in the Pac-12. He is a mobile defender with good athletic tools and the speed to make plays from the outside. He is suspect as a run defender with shorter frame and average base to hold the point. Shows the athletic ability and instincts to be an NFL defender and has a chance to be a situational defender with further development. He is a good fit for the 4-3 scheme and needs to find a niche in that set to earn a roster spot.

Tackles
Taven Bryan                 Florida
Athletic defender had a strong 2017 season as one of the nation’s best interior defenders. He was a major force for the Gators front four and a clear difference maker. He can stack the POA with the burst of speed to make plays in the backfield. He has a wide base and fine functional strength to hold the point of attack well. He has a fine combination of power and quickness that gives him a fast advantage vs. blockers. He has a burst through an opening to be very disruptive and projects best in the middle of the 4-3 scheme. He can be a tough three technique defender and three down linemen in that pro front. His combination of power and quickness defeats blockers consistently with the skill set to make impact plays, though needs further technique development.

 Vita Vea                       Washington
Massive interior defender combines the power to stack and the quickness to be a threat as a tackle in either pro front line. He has great power and the burst to make plays to play nose tackle. He is a powerful pass rusher who uses his strength and quickness to push the pocket and collapse the front. He has the powerful first step to gain an advantage off the snap with the fine hand and arm technique that includes powerful quick counter moves inside. His postseason performance will determine his readiness for the pro game. Fast rising prospect and part of a deep talented group of defensive tackles.

Harrison Phillips          Stanford 
Quick mobile junior tackle had a good 2017 season where he was a force for the Cardinal’ defense. He shows a fine combination of power and quickness that gives him an advantage vs. blockers. He can explode through an opening and get penetration into the backfield. He needs work on overall technique to be ready for NFL starting time. He needs to improve his initial reads and overall instincts to play up to his athletic ability. Best suited for the three technique role in 4-3 front line and an interesting prospect who can be a quality interior defender and an early rotational tackle.

R.J. McIntosh               Miami
Athletic young tackle has been an anchor on the inside for the Canes defense over the past few seasons. He holds the point of attack well even vs the double team. His fine combination of power and quickness gives him the makeup of a pro tackle. He gets penetration into the backfield and commands double teaming often, though he needs definite work on overall technique to separate better. He is best suited for tackle in the 4-3 scheme where his quickness and length can be effective, though he needs to develop further as a pass rusher. He must get stronger to stack inside better especially vs the combo block.

Trent Thompson          Georgia
Long tough defender combines the power to stack and the quickness to be a threat as a tackle/end in either pro front line. He has power and the burst of speed to make big plays with versatility to play in either scheme including lining up outside. He flashes power as a pass rusher with the strength and quickness to push the pocket. He displays big play ability as a pass rusher with further development on his hand and counter techniques. He needs to prove more physical to warrant rookie starting time. He carries a high round grade, though definite level of development concerns and consistency issues. May be best for the five technique role.

Tim Settle                    Virginia Tech
Huge strong tackle has been a force on the inside for the Hokies’ defense over the past few seasons. He flashes definite playmaking ability that will warrant interest by NFL clubs. He has a fine combination of bulk, power and quickness that gives him an advantage vs. blockers. He gets penetration into the backfield and commands double teaming often on the inside. He needs work on overall technique to be ready for the pro game and is best suited for tackle in the 4-3 scheme as a quality three technique defender where he carries a starting grade in time with development. Also shows nose tackle potential.

Kahlil McKenzie           Tennessee
Talented versatile defender combines the power to stack and the quickness to be a threat as a tackle/end in either pro front line. He has power and the burst of speed to make big plays with positional versatility to play in either scheme. He flashes power as a pass rusher with the strength and quickness to push the pocket. He displays big play ability as a pass rusher, though needs further hand and counter technique development. He needs to prove more physical to warrant early starting time. He carries a middle round grade, though definite level of development concerns and consistency issues. Very polarizing prospect in this class currently.

Rasheen Green            Southern Cal
Athletic explosive defender had a strong 2017 season as one of the nation’s better defenders. He was a force for the Trojans lining up at a few spots in their flexible front. He can stack the POA with the burst of speed to make big plays in the backfield. He has a wide base that allows him to hold the point of attack well despite a long frame. He has a fine combination of power and quickness that gives him a fast advantage vs. blockers. He has a burst through an opening to be very disruptive and projects best in the middle of the 4-3 scheme. His combination of power and quickness defeats blocking patterns with the skill set to develop further. Fast improving prospect with upside and versatility.

Kendrick Norton          Miami
Strong tackle has been a force on the inside for the Canes defense over the past few seasons. He flashes definite playmaking ability that will warrant interest by NFL clubs. He has a fine combination of bulk, power and quickness that gives him an advantage vs. blockers. He gets penetration into the backfield and commands double teaming often on the inside. He needs work on overall technique to be ready for the pro game and is best suited for tackle in the 4-3 scheme as a quality three technique defender where he carries a starting grade in time with development.

Courtel Jenkins             Miami
DuVonta Lampkin          Oklahoma
Larry Tharpe                 Arizona
Travonte Valentine        LSU
Jalen Wilkerson             Florida St.
Eddy Wilson                  Purdue

Linebackers
Roquan Smith                         Georgia
Athletic mobile junior backer has been a force in the SEC over the past two seasons playing a few positions in this defense. He is a fast developing defender who has been instrumental in the Bulldog’s nationally ranked defense. He has lined up at a few backer spots and displays outstanding speed, quickness and hitting power to react instinctively and finish with sure tackling. His fine instincts and toughness should allow him to compete for an early starting job and he is a prospect who can fill any role in a 4-3 set and inside in the 3-4 scheme.

Tremaine Edmunds                 Virginia Tech              
Mobile junior backer has been a very productive force in the ACC over the past two seasons playing on the outside. He is a developing defender who has the skill set for the pro attack position. He displays very good speed, quickness and hitting power to react to plays fast and finish with sure tackling. His fine instincts and toughness should allow him to compete for an early role in the package defenses. He is a prospect who can also fill the attack spot best where his burst off the edge provides major playmaking ability. Top edge rusher to make a difference.

Hercules Mata’afa                     Washington St
Rugged defender has been an impact defender in the Cougars’ physical defense playing both up and down on the outside. He is one of the fast rising prospects in this class and could be one of the premier selections from this underclassmen class. He had an excellent performance last season, showing the quickness off the edge to pressure the QB. He has good triangle numbers that pro scouts seek in a weakside end for the 4-3 set or the attack backer role in the 3-4 set. He shows the versatility to play a few positions and both schemes that will appeal for all 32 clubs. He needs a strong workout to warrant an early round selection. This kid has definite impact potential as a pro defender in either set and a starting grade.

Leighton Vander Esch             Boise St
Talented rangy junior backer has shown consistent playmaking skills over his short career. He has a fine combination of speed and power with the overall athleticism to be a complete defender. He is well developed and should compete for a starting job early, after displaying good instincts and the speed and quickness to react to both the run and pass. He finishes with strong tackling technique and is an every down defender with developing coverage skills. He is in the mold of mobile backers with the speed, instincts and toughness to be a three-down defender and capable of competing for a rookie starting job in the right setting. Marginal top 50 selection prior to postseason.

Malik Jefferson                        Texas
Savvy versatile junior backer has flashed big play ability in the Big 2 over the past three seasons playing a few positions on this unit. He is a fast developing rangy defender who has been instrumental in their improved defense. He projects to both schemes at the outside spots. He displays good speed, quickness and hitting power to react to plays and finish with sure tackling. His fine instincts and toughness should allow him to compete for a starting job and he is a prospect who can fill a few spots where his sideline to sideline speed and athleticism provides nice production.

Jack Cichy                               Wisconsin
Mobile junior backer missed the entire 2017 season with a knee injury and did not apply for another year of eligibility on a medical redshirt. He combines a fine combination of quickness and instincts with the overall athleticism and toughness to be a pro defender. He has developed instincts with extensive playing time in the savvy Badger defense. He has the speed and quickness to react to both the run and pass. He finishes with strong tackling technique and is rarely out of position. He will impress on special teams with his powerful tackling. He has the talent to become a quality pro and will compete for a starting job probably at the Sam or inside spot immediately. Quality special teams defender.

Andre Smith                           UNC    
Fast junior backer combines a fine skill set including speed and quickness with the overall athleticism and toughness to be a pro defender. He has developed instincts with the ability to play the Will role where his speed and quickness to react to both the run and pass fits best. He finishes with sure tackling technique and is rarely out of position. He is dangerous in space where he runs to the ball and can matchup with backs and tight ends. He can be an impact defender on special teams as a rookie.

Frank Ginda                 San Jose St
Christian Sam              ASU

Defensive Backs

Joshua Jackson                       Iowa                
Fast instinctive cover man was a strong performer for the Iowa defense over recent seasons and one of the best defenders in the Big Ten. He is a big tough savvy kid with quick feet and reactions that allows him to anticipate moves and jump routes. He has good recovery speed to cover receivers deep and will not shy away from bigger receivers in matchups. His postseason workouts will determine where he goes among the top prospects at this position where underclassmen will constitute most of the early selections.

Carlton Davis                           Auburn
Big physical junior defender with extensive experience at corner over his Tiger career. He has a physical gambling style with big play ability in coverage. He is one of the premier junior corners headed for the NFL with the package with development to become a top-flight cover man. He combines size with good speed, quickness and instincts to become a starting corner. He has the agility and change of direction skills necessary to match up in man coverage with the ball instincts to make interceptions. He needs to improve initial reads and when to gamble on the ball. He looks to raise his stock with a strong postseason and a big workout at the NFL Combine.

Michael Jackson                      Miami(Fl)         
Tall agile junior cover man had a strong 2017 season and shows an excellent skill set and developing talent to be a starting pro corner. He has experience in big games to play early in the NFL with a fine combination of size, speed, toughness and quickness along with the ball instincts and agility to match up in man coverage. He has good speed that allows him to recover in the deep game. He can play a number of schemes with some technique development in man situations. He ranks among the top cover men entering the critical postseason.

Tarvarus McFadden                 FSU     
Fast third year cover man came on strong over his late career on a club that continues to produce top flight defenders. He has developed reading routes well and top ball instincts to utilize his fine athleticism. He improved his ball instincts and use his fine recovery speed with experience last fall. He can blanket receivers deep in coverage with the burst to the ball to make up for lost ground. He has the size and toughness to battle receivers for the ball, in addition to tackling. He needs a big postseason to move into the early selections.

Jaire Alexander                        Louisville
Fast tough cover man had a good 2017 season that led to him to declare for the NFL Draft. He can compete for time immediately as a starter and in package defenses. He runs well with quick feet and reactions to anticipate routes and the recovery speed to ride a receivers’ hip in coverage with the burst to the ball to make up for lost ground. He shows the toughness to battle bigger receivers where his length matches up well. He is a tough tackler who will come up to support the run and make hits in the secondary. Must improve his initial reads.

 Isaiah Oliver                            Colorado         
Tall agile junior cover man had a strong 2017 season and shows an excellent skill set and developing talent to be a starting pro corner. He has experience in big games to play early in the NFL with a fine combination of size, speed, toughness and quickness along with the ball instincts and agility to match up in man coverage. He has good speed that allows him to recover in the deep game where his length, height and leaping ability gives him a huge advantage. He can play a number of schemes with some technique development in man situations. He ranks among the top cover men entering the critical postseason with the skill set to move into the top selections.

Denzel Ward                            Ohio St.
Fast quick cover/return man came has been one of the premier playmakers in the nation over recent seasons. He runs very well with exceptionally quick feet and reactions to anticipate routes with the ability to jump and make the big play. His very good recovery speed to open his hips that allow him to cover receivers deep with the burst to the ball to make up for lost ground. He shows the toughness to battle receivers and breakup up passes. He needs to refine his game especially tackling in the openfield and his ability to match up vs big receivers. Gambling playmaker with instinct and natural skills.

Donta Jackson                         LSU
Rangy agile junior cover man had a strong 2017 season and shows an excellent skill set and developing talent to be a starting pro corner. He has experience in big games to play early in the NFL with a fine combination of size, speed, toughness and quickness along with the ball instincts and agility to match up in man coverage. He has good speed that allows him to recover in the deep game. He can play a number of schemes with some technique development in man situations. He breaks quickly on the ball and ranks among the top cover men entering the postseason.

Holton Hill                               Texas  
Tall athletic true junior cover man had a strong final season and has fast developing talent to be a starting pro corner. He has the experience vs top flight receivers starting three seasons in the Big 12. He combines good size, speed, toughness and quickness with developing ball instincts and agility to match up. He has good speed that allows him to recover in the deep game and can play a number of schemes with some technique development in zone situations. He could be among the second tier of cover man with a strong postseason to move into the 2nd day of the NFL Draft.

Nick Nelson                             Wisconsin
Strong compact cover man has come on strong over the past season and declared for the NFL Draft after an impressive effort. He reads routes well and shows the ball instincts and quick feet to react and make fast adjustments. He has good recovery speed to make up for lost ground with the toughness to battle bigger receivers. He has been a strong reliable tackler both at the line and in the open field. His workout will determine if he moves into the earlier rounds.

DJ Reed                       Kansas St
Rashaan Gaulden          Tennessee
JC Jackson                   Maryland

 Safeties
Minkah Fitzpatrick                   Alabama
Physical true junior safety finished his career with a dominant performance in the SEC. He has the athleticism and development to become an early NFL starter. He is a quick defender with good size and the speed, range and tackling skills to develop into a top flight pro. He has the package to be a fine free safety where he shows developing ball instincts along with strong sure tackling in run support. He played multiple positions in college but best for the safety role. He can line up over a slot receiver or cover the deep zone. He hopes to impress further with a big workout that warrants an early 1st round selection.

Derwin James                          FSU
Tough rangy safety has the athleticism, skill set and development to start early in the NFL. He is a tough defender who completed a fine career that earned him ACC honors his final two seasons. He is a fluid defender with good size, speed and tackling skills to go sideline to sideline. He has the package to develop further in coverage with the length and speed to matchup with fast wideouts and tight ends. He shows playmaking ability in all key areas of coverage and run support. Makeup of a top special teams’ defender. Impact defender with Pro Bowl skill set.

DeShon Elliott                         Texas
Rangy talented defender has the athleticism and development to warrant a high selection. He is a ball hawking safety who completed a solid career that earned him 2017 Big 12 honors. That convinced him to turn pro despite only two seasons as a starter. He is a fluid defender with fine length, speed and range. He shows sure tackling skills and good angles to be a complete pro defender. He has the package to become an NFL free safety, showing playmaking ability in coverage, though he needs development man situations and reading routes.

Justin Reid                              Stanford          
Physical junior safety surprisingly declared for this draft class after his second season as a starter. He has the skill set to develop further with good size, speed and quickness and strong tackling and keen instincts that allows him to make plays weekly. He has the package to develop further into a fine NFL starter and shows playmaking ability in both coverage and run support. He has the makeup of a top-flight defender once he settles into a system and develops in the base defense. Moves easily to the ball with sound angles and strong tackling to finish.

Jessie Bates                             Wake Forest   
Long physical safety finished his career with a dominant performance in the ACC. He has the athleticism and development to become an early NFL starter. He is a quick defender with good size and the speed, range and tackling skills to develop into a quality starting pro. He has the package to be a fine safety where he shows developed ball instincts along with strong sure tackling in run support. He played multiple roles in college, but best for the free safety role. Moves well to the ball with the ability to get off blockers and finish consistently.

Jordan Whitehead                    Pittsburgh       
Lean talented defender has performed well as a starter showing the athleticism and development to start in the NFL. He is a physical safety despite a thin frame. He completed a fine career showing good speed, range and ball skills to be a pro defender. He has the package to become a free safety with further development in man coverage and improvement in his initial reads. He is a good open field tackler that should earn time in package defenses initially. Good long term prospect needs strength development and route coverage work.

Top 100 Pro Prospects for the NFL Draft 2018

* underclassmen January, 2018 – Pre East-West and Senior Bowl All-star Games
Pro Prospect         Position                 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 * Minkah Fitzpatrick       S                             Alabama                 6-1          205
6 * Josh Allen                     QB                          Wyoming               6-5          235
7 * Orlando Brown             OT                           Oklahoma             6-8          360
8 * Roquan Smith              LB                          Georgia                 6-1          225
9 * Quenton Nelson           OG                          Notre Dame          6-5          330
10   * Arden Key                   DE                          LSU                        6-6          240
11 Baker Mayfield               QB                          Oklahoma             6-0          215
12 * Derwin James              S                             Florida State         6-3          210
13 * Courtland Sutton         WR                          SMU                       6-4          215
14 * Connor Williams          OT                           Texas                     6-6          320
15 * Lamar Jackson            QB                          Louisville               6-3          200
16 * Joshua Jackson           CB                          Iowa                       6-1          195
17 Mike McGlinchey            OT                           Notre Dame          6-8          315
18 * Denzel Ward                 CB                          Ohio State             5-10        190
19 * Calvin Ridley                WR                          Alabama                 6-1          190
20 * Da’Ron Payne              DT                           Alabama                 6-2          310
21 * Carlton Davis               CB                          Auburn                   6-1          205
22 Martinas Rankin             OT                           Mississippi St       6-5          305
23 * Derrius Guice               RB                           LSU                        5-11        215
24 * Equanimeous St. Brown  WR                    Notre Dame          6-5          205
25 Vita Vea                           DT                          Washington          6-5          345
26 * Audon Tate                   WR                          Florida State         6-5          220
27 * Ronnie Harrison          S                            Alabama                 6-3          215
28 * Tremaine Edmunds    LB                          Virginia Tech        6-5          240
29 * Taven Bryan                DT                           Florida                   6-5          295
30 Christian Kirk                  WR                          Texas A&M           5-11        200
31 * Isaiah Oliver                CB                          Colorado               6-1          190
32 Marcus Davenport         DE                          UTSA                     6-7          255
33 * Michael Jackson          CB                          Miami(Fl)               6-1          190
34 Chukwuma Okorafor     OT                           Western Michigan 6-6         330
35 * Mark Andrews              TE                           Oklahoma             6-5          255
36 James Washington        WR                          Oklahoma St         6-0          205
37 Mason Rudolph              QB                          Oklahoma St         6-5          230
38 Anthony Miller                WR                          Memphis               5-11        190
39 Maurice Hurst                DT                           Michigan               6-2          285
40 * DeShon Elliott              S                             Texas                     6-2          205
41 * Kolton Miller                OT                           UCLA                     6-8          310
42 * Dorance Armstrong     DE                          Kansas                  6-4          245
43 Rashaan Evans              LB                           Alabama                 6-3          235
44 * Ronald Jones II            RB                           Southern Cal        6-1          195
45 Tyrell Crosby                  OT                           Oregon                  6-5          320
46 Harold Landry                LB                           Boston College    6-3          250
47 Billy Price                         C                             Ohio State             6-4          310
48 Uchenna Nwosu            LB                           USC                       6-2          240
49 * Harrison Phillips          DT                           Stanford                 6-4          285
50 Ogbonnia Okoronkwo   LB                           Oklahoma             6-1          240
51 Braden Smith                 OG                          Auburn                   6-6          305
52 * Malik Jefferson            LB                           Texas                     6-3          240
53 Derrick Nnadi                 DT                           Florida State         6-1          315
54 * Rasheem Green          DL                           Southern Cal        6-5          280
55 Will Hernandez               OG                          Texas-El Paso      6-3          330
56 * Leighton Vander Esch  LB                         Boise St                 6-4          240
57 * Tarvarus McFadden    CB                          Florida State         6-2          195
58 * Jeff Holland                 DE                          Auburn                   6-2          250
59 * Kerryon Johnson         RB                           Auburn                   6-0          215
60 Duke Ejiofor                    DE                          Wake Forest         6-4          270
61 * Brian O’Neill                 OT                          Pittsburgh              6-7          310
62 Mike Gesicki                    TE                           Penn State            6-6          255
63 Royce Freeman             RB                           Oregon                  6-0          235
64 Lorenzo Carter               LB                           Georgia                 6-6          245
65 Dallas Goedert               TE                           South Dakota St   6-4          260
66 * Justin Reid                    S                             Stanford                 6-1          205
67 * Sam Hubbard              DE                          Ohio State             6-5          265
68 Michael Gallup               WR                          Colorado St           6-1          195
69 Ian Thomas                     TE                           Indiana                  6-5          250
70 * D.J. Moore                    WR                          Maryland               5-11        210
71 Mason Cole                     OL                           Michigan                6-5          305
72 Da’Shawn Hand             DE                          Alabama                 6-4          280
73 * James Daniels             OL                           Iowa                       6-4          300
74 Jaleel Scott                      WR                         New Mexico St.    6-6          215
75 * R.J. McIntosh               DT                           Miami                     6-4          290
76 Dorian O’Daniel              LB                           Clemson                 6-1          215
77 Marcus Allen                   S                             Penn State            6-2          205
78 * Kevin Toliver                 CB                          LSU                        6-2          205
79 * Josh Sweat                   DE                          Florida State         6-5          250
80 Lowell Lotulelei              DT                           Utah                       6-2          320
81 * Deon Cain                    WR                          Clemson                 6-1          210
82 Nick Chubb                     RB                           Georgia                 5-10        225
83 * Jerome Baker              LB                           Ohio State             6-1          225
84 * Josh Adams                  RB                           Notre Dame          6-2          225
85 * Jaire Alexander           CB                          Louisville               5-11        190
86 Jaylen Samuels             TE                           NC State                5-11        225
87 Marcell Ateman              WR                          Oklahoma St         6-4          220
88 Armani Watts                  S                             Texas A&M           5-11        205
89 M.J. Stewart                    CB                          North Carolina     6-0          200
90 Dante Pettis                     WR                          Washington          6-1          195
91 Luke Falk                        QB                          Washington St      6-4          220
92 Sony Michel                     RB                           Georgia                 5-11        215
93 Micah Kiser                    LB                           Virginia                  6-2          240
94 Isaiah Wynn                    OG                          Georgia                 6-2          302
95 * Hayden Hurst               TE                           South Carolina     6-5          250
96 * Jessie Bates                 S                             Wake Forest         6-2          195
97 * Hercules Mata’afa       DE                          Washington St      6-2          255
98 * Tim Settle                      DT                           Virginia Tech        6-4          325
99 Rashaad Penny              RB                           San Diego St        5-11        220
100 * Simmie Cobbs Jr.      WR                          Indiana                  6-4          220

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