2020 NFL Draft
April 23-25 on-line at home
Twitter: @sandlotshrink
* Underclassman
Round 1
1. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals, LSU, QB – Burrow (6’4, 220, 4.76) rose fast this past year culminating in big games against big opponents and the Heisman Trophy. He went 29-of-39 for 493 yards with seven touchdowns and zero interceptions (with one rushing TD) in the 63-28 win against Oklahoma in the Semifinal Peach Bowl. Then he went 31-of-49 for 463 yards with five touchdowns and zero interceptions (another rushing TD) in a 42-25 win against Clemson in the College Football Playoff National Championship. He has a decent (not strong) arm but scouts love his smarts, athleticism, creativity, toughness, accuracy, pocket awareness and ability to read coverages. He is familiar with the system they run but the team is rebuilding so it will be a learning season for all.
5. *Tuo Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins, Alabama, QB – Tagovailoa (6’1, 218, 4.67), a lefty, got off to a great start last year but suffered a serious hip injury in November. The actual injury was a right hip dislocation and posterior wall fracture. He has also gone through two ankle surgeries so there are questions about durability. He has excellent downfield accuracy and gets through his progressions like a pro with instincts beyond his years. He has everything you want on a franchise QB. He just needs to play a little more under control. He will challenge for the starting job if healthy. They got him some help on the o-line in the draft as well.
6. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers, Oregon, QB – Herbert (6’6, 237, 4.68) has a rocket arm with big-time size, elite athleticism and decent mobility. He adds a rushing element to his game, similar to what Josh Allen did last year. But he has been inconsistent in the face of a pass rush although his decision-making has shown improvement at times. Should be starting sooner rather than later and has franchise capabilities if he can develop more leadership, pocket awareness and decision-making. He will battle Tyrod Taylor for the starting job in camp.
12. *Henry Ruggs, Las Vegas Raiders, Alabama, WR – Ruggs (6’0, 190, 4.27) has outstanding speed, explosion and athleticism. He runs sharp routes with sure hands and is very dangerous after the catch. He needs to improve versus press coverage and to show he can get off the line in the pros. Unfortunately, the team’s QB’s are not consistent downfield throwers so he will have more value in real life than for fantasy teams, at least for now. His deep speed will help open up the underneath stuff for Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow and the line of scrimmage for Josh Jacobs. He should put up 60-850-5 numbers in his rookie year with a few big games here and there.
15. *Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos, Alabama, WR – Jeudy (6’1, 192, 4.45) has excellent athleticism, hands, sharp routes and speed and can play outside or in the slot. He needs to get stronger against physical coverage and in traffic but is elusive in the open field and should at least develop into a consistent deep threat in the NFL. In some ways, Lamb and Jeudy are equals in going over the top and after the ball. Both are also dangerous in the open field with similar builds and speed. Jeudy runs better short and intermediate routes while Lamb's hands are a bit better. Jeudy lands in a great situation with strong-armed Drew Lock and a thin receiver corps. Rookie wide receivers are always tough to project, especially with an unproven quarterback, but Jeudy has a lot of upside as a mid-round selection. He’s already penciled in as a starter and should at least put up 65-875-6 numbers in his rookie year.
17. *CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys, Oklahoma, WR – Lamb (6’2, 195, 4.50) doesn’t have elite speed or size but can consistently get open in the intermediate range and makes the tough catches. He is quick and smooth with excellent hand and body control and is extremely dangerous after the catch. He can also be used at any wideout position on the field and will open the season as the #3 guy unless a trade is made. He gives Dak Prescott another dangerous target that will also open things up more for Ezekiel Elliott. Most pundits expected him to go much higher than this.
21. *Jalen Reagor,
Philadelphia Eagles, TCU, WR – Reagor (5’11, 206,
4.47) has excellent speed and athleticism and can line up all over the field,
equally dangerous on screens as well as intermediate and deep routes. With DeSean Jackson so injury-prone, they
needed another deep threat. "You see it, that it really fits our
quarterback skillset. Our quarterback likes to throw the ball down the field
and make vertical throws," GM Howie Roseman
said. "When you look at this draft -- about guys who can just separate as
an outside vertical receiver, there are not a lot of those guys.” Reagor creates separation (one of the best in this class)
with crisp route running and runs very well after the catch. He can struggle
with press coverage at times and has had some drops, perhaps due to lack of
focus, but he has made some great catches. He will battle for the #3 spot in
camp.
22. *Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings, LSU, WR – Jefferson (6’2, 202, 4.43) has strong hands, speed, explosion and athleticism. And he converted 12-of-13 contested-catches last season. He moved to the slot and finished tied for the most receptions in the nation with 111 as Joe Burrow’s favorite target. Because he’s not elite at any one thing, he projects more as a #2 receiver in the NFL. They hope he can step in for Stefon Diggs opposite Adam Thielan but he could struggle for targets in a run-first offense. He should be able to put up 55-800-5 numbers in his rookie year though. His role should increase as he becomes more comfortable in the scheme and learns to create separation against pro cornerbacks.
25. Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers, ASU, WR – Aiyuk (6’0, 201, 4.50) has big hands, playmaking ability, athleticism and separation skills. He is dangerous in the open field as well as a deep-ball threat but still needs work on his routes and getting off the line. They will use him all over the field so he might have more real value than fantasy value, even if he eventually wins a starting job. George Kittle, Deebo Samuel and Kendrick Bourne along with the running backs figure to be the top targets this year. He had core muscle surgery over the winter.
26. *Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers, Utah State, QB – Love (6’4, 225, 4.74) has a strong arm but had a down year playing on a team short on playmakers with a new coaching staff. Scouts love his raw skill set: good size, strong arm, mobility (similar to Mahomes) but he has had some ball security issues (17 interceptions last year) while playing against lesser competition. He tends to lock onto his primary receiver telegraphing his throws. This one surprised us this early. He will hold the clipboard for a couple of years working on his development.
32. *Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs, LSU, RB – Edwards-Helaire (5’9, 212, 4.60) is short but is very powerful with
excellent lateral agility, balance and tackle-breaking talent but does not have
burner speed. He is also an excellent pass receiver with potential in pass pro
but wasn’t asked to do much of that in college. He’ll provide an excellent
change-of-pace in this dynamic offense and is worth considering in PPR formats
but won’t have a ton of fantasy value right off the bat. But he should have a
significant role as the season progresses, provided he keeps producing. The
Chiefs like to use their running backs in space and that is the best part of
his game. He runs different
routes where he can create separation like a wide receiver. Damien
Williams is a capable back but has not been consistent enough to be an every
down player. Now the two can share the load. Both are excellent receivers but
Edwards-Helaire brings much more physicality to the
table than Williams. You’re probably looking at a neighborhood of at least
50-60 catches and 1100+ total yards with 5-7 TDs in his rookie season but does not have the size to be an every down starter. Lots of
targets on this team but he has some decent sleeper upside. "His interior
running ability, the vision and the instincts are rare and unique," GM
Brett Veach said. "He has the ability to make
something out of nothing. That's the one thing you look at with a running
back."
Round 2
33. *Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals, Clemson, WR – Higgins (6’4, 216, 4.56) didn't participate at the combine, but there's a lot of terrific tape of him making great plays against all defenses. He has the size, speed and pass-catching ability and makes plays in traffic. But he needs work on routes and separation skills as he doesn't have elite speed. He could also have trouble getting off the line if he doesn't improve upper body strength. But they like his contested catch success as a mismatch for undersized corners though. Not a lot of fantasy value initially.
34. Michael Pittman, Indianapolis Colts, USC, WR – Pittman (6’4, 223, 4.52) is a big-bodied receiver with speed, athleticism and agility. He can get deep and is also effective underneath with sure hands. He is a decent route-runner but needs a little improvement in the nuances of the position. His initial role could be as a possession receiver in the pros. His father played in the NFL. He could compete for a starting job opposite T.Y. Hilton.
35. *D’Andre Swift, Detroit Lions, Georgia, RB – Swift (5-9, 215, 4.48) is powerful, quick and athletic and has three-down potential having played in a pro-style running offense in college. Scouts love his receiving ability as he was often used out of a wide receiver alignment. Needs a little more work in pass protection and decision-making. Runs hard and physical so durability could be a concern in the pros. He could share the load with Kerryon Johnson initially until he becomes acclimated with the offense – which could come quickly. He adds an element of speed to an offense in dire need. Looks like a mid-round pick unless he wins the job outright. The Lions reportedly are not enthralled with Johnson.
41. *Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts, Wisconsin, RB – Taylor (5’11, 225, 4.39) has excellent speed, breaks tackles and gains lot of yards after contact. He was used in the passing game but had his share of drops and fumbles and needs work in pass pro. Still, he looks like an eventual every-down back for the pros. He was a standout at the Combine, becoming (with Saquon Barkley) as the only two running backs to weigh at least 225 pounds and run a sub-4.45 in the last six years. He may not be as fluid as others, but his top-end speed and vision puts him at the top of his class. He will battle Marlon Mack, who will be a free agent, for the starting job. He’ll be running behind a top o-line here just like he did in college. Looks like a mid-round pick at best unless he wins the job outright, given he can protect the ball better. At worst he’ll be starting by 2021.
42. *Laviska Shenault, Jacksonville Jaguars, Colorado, WR – Shenault (6’2, 227, 4.58) is big and strong but suffered a groin injury at the Combine and has also had core problems and turf toe. He had core muscle surgery over the winter. So there are injury concerns. But when healthy he is top-10 talent with explosion after the catch. He has the size, body control, strong hands, quick release off the line to beat the press and versatility to play outside and in the slot. Needs work on route-running and release. He will challenge for a starting job but might not have much fantasy value initially.
43. *Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears, Notre Dame, TE – Kmet (6’6, 262, 4.70) is a big-bodied sure-handed receiver who is quick off the line, runs good routes for his size and can line up inside or outside. He isn’t very elusive, doesn’t break a lot of tackles and doesn’t make many contested catches. He’s a willing blocker but needs a ton of work on his technique for the pros. He will likely begin as a complementary piece until he refines his skills. Not a lot of fantasy value here.
46. *K.J. Hamler, Denver Broncos, Penn State, WR – Hamler (5’9, 178, 4.36) is undersized but with outstanding speed and explosiveness. He lines up outside and in the slot but is not big enough to be a full-time player. He is dangerous on slants, crossers and vertical routes and is not afraid of traffic. He also runs well after the catch but drops a few. Not a lot of fantasy value here.
49. Chase Claypool, Pittsburgh Steelers, Notre Dame, WR – Claypool (6-4, 238, 4.42) has good speed, explosion, strength and athleticism. Claypool and former Lions star Calvin Johnson have been the only two wide receivers to run that fast at that size. He had only five drops in his college career and is versatile enough to line up at tight end. He will battle for a starting job in camp and will be a matchup nightmare for defensive backs.
52. *Cam Akers, Los Angeles Rams, Florida State, RB – Akers (5’11, 215, 4.47) has impressive physical tools, power and athleticism for sure, but lacked in the production department last year, albeit behind a below average o-line. He also lacked vision through the hole but was pretty good at making yards after contact as a result. He was used as a receiver but had his share of drops and needs more experience in pass pro. This year he profiles as a productive starter on first and second downs (complimenting Darrell Henderson), probably from Week 1, excelling as a one-cut runner in the Rams zone scheme.
53. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles, Oklahoma, QB – Hurts (6-2, 222, 4.59), who lost to Burrow in the Peach Bowl and was the Heisman runner-up, has an above-average arm and elite athleticism, and loves to run with the ball, but played in a QB-friendly offense in college. He is a supreme competitor but there are questions about his consistency and accuracy. Think Taysom Hill with a much better arm and starting potential down the road.
55. *J.K. Dobbins, Baltimore Ravens, Ohio State, RB – Dobbins (5’10, 214, 4.39) has arguably the best vision in this class of running backs as well as being decisive in his cuts. And he has the skills to be a three-down starter eventually, and the speed to be a big-play threat. Catches passes but needs a lot of work in pass protection, concentration and routes. He will battle Mark Ingram, Gus Edwards and Justice Hill for carries in camp. He could be starting next year at the latest if he improves in the passing game.
57. Van Jefferson, Los Angeles Rams, Florida, WR – Jefferson (6’2, 197, 4.57) is an excellent route runner and knows how to catch the ball out of the slot. He’s not a burner but has quick feet and cuts well in the open field but is not overly elusive. He needs to add strength to get off the line against physical corners. Lots of targets to go around in this offense so his fantasy value will be taxed. His father played in the NFL.
59. Denzell Mims, New York Jets. Baylor, WR – Mims (6’3, 215, 4.38) has outstanding speed, quickness and athleticism – and size. The explosion and catch radius have scouts drooling but he has trouble with routes, contested catches and breaking tackles with 19 drops the last two years. He played all last season with a broken hand that could explain some of the drops. He could start opposite Breshad Perriman with Jamison Crowder in the slot but might be a couple of years away from becoming a finished product. He can score from anywhere on the field.
62. *A.J. Dillon, Green Bay Packers, Boston College, RB – Dillon (6’0, 245, 4.53) is big and powerful so his niche could be in short-yardage situations. He’s mostly a downhill runner and tough to bring down. Doesn’t offer much in the passing game but he has a lot of potential in pass pro. Could have a future as an early down starter.
Round 3
66. Antonio Gibson, Washington Redskins, Memphis, RB/WR – Gibson (6’2, 221, 4.39) displays power, speed and balance as a tackle-breaker with explosive cuts and is also an excellent receiver with a decent route tree. He split time between running back and the slot last year but has no experience in pass pro. Still raw as a runner but could have value in this offense as a speed threat lining up all over the field. Some scouts view him as a running back in the pros but he worked out as a WR at the Combine. He's a physical runner with speed and will be used in the Skins new four-man committee. But one of them is old (Adrian Peterson) and the other two are coming off injuries (Derrius Guice and Bryce Love) so they need Gibson’s playmaking skills. They will find ways to use him.
76. Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Vanderbilt, RB – Vaughn (5’10, 210, 4.51) doesn’t have prototypical size, but scouts love his running style. He is very decisive and quick to the hole, gaining additional yards after contact. And he was productive in college despite playing behind a below average o-line. He can catch the ball but needs more experience in pass protection. He will compete with Ronald Jones for touches in camp but they could wind up in a committee.
80. *Lynn Bowden, Las Vegas Raiders, Kentucky, QB/RB/WR – Bowden (5’10, 199, 4.48) is more of a runner and receiver than passer with good hands, elusiveness and a willingness to run between the tackles. He can also line up in the slot and play special teams. He has good speed and after-the-catch ability but needs a lot of work on his routes. He’ll be used on gadget plays initially until he develops as a slot receiver. He is exciting in the open field with play making ability. Not much fantasy value as a gadget player.
81. Bryan Edwards, Las
Vegas Raiders, South Carolina, WR – Edwards
(6’3, 215,
4.52) is a physical player, possibly out of the slot where he
ran in college. He runs well in the open field with enough moves and speed but
needs work on drops and routes. He also has an injury history (meniscus tear
and foot injury in 2019, concussion and sports hernia surgery in 2017). Not a
lot of fantasy value but there are openings at the position.
86. Zack Moss, Buffalo Bills, Utah, RB – Moss (5’10, 215, 4.65) runs hard and is one of the best one-cut runners and tackle-breakers in the draft. He is also a fine pass-catcher out of the backfield and blocker. He has every-down running back potential a knack for finding the holes in the line but really disappointed with his 40-time at the Combine. He has had injuries the last three years as well. He could share time with Devin Singletary this year depending on his health. He’s more powerful than Singletary so he could be used as a two-down starter.
91. *Devin Asiasi,
New England Patriots, UCLA, TE – Asiasi (6’3,
257, 4.73) is strong with soft hands and decent speed. He can get off the line
and runs with power after the catch. He needs work on blocking, routes and
contested catches as his athleticism is just average. He will likely begin as a
complementary piece until he refines his skills but there is opportunity here.
92. Devin Duvernay, Baltimore Ravens, Texas, WR – Duvernay (5’11, 200, 4.39) is known for his soft hands, crisp routes and pass-catching chops along with burner speed. An athletic skill set allows him to play outside and in the slot but he needs to expand his route tree and prove he can get off the line in the pros. He will compete for targets in a weak WR room.
93. Darrynton Evans, Tennessee Titans, Appalachian State, RB – Evans (5’11, 190, 4.41) ran the second-fastest 40-yard time at the Combine and showed excellent athleticism as well. He runs with vision, quickness, balance and patience and can catch the ball with sure hands but needs a lot of work in pass protection. Not a power runner so his short yardage skills are average at best. He will be used as a change-of-pace back so not much fantasy value.
94. Josiah Deguara, Green Bay Packers,
Cincinnati, TE – Deguara (6’3, 240),
a possible H-back prospect, is a sure-handed receiver who has shown that he can
get open in his routes. He blocks well but a lack of size and top-end speed
could make it hard for him to gain separation in the pros. This pick is a real head-scratcher.
101. *Dalton Keene, New England Patriots, Virginia Tech, TE – Keene (6’4, 253, 4.71) has played some H-back, slot receiver and fullback and is a good blocker but needs to improve his strength for blocking against bigger linemen. He wasn’t used much as a receiver in college so he has a limited route tree but has decent hands and runs well after the catch.
105. Adam Trautman, New Orleans Saints, Dayton, TE – Trautman (6’5, 250, 4.80) is very quick off the line with agility, soft hands and can line up inside or outside. He is a sharp route-runner needs to improve his route tree which he should be able to do as he was able to get open on a regular basis in college. Smart player. He’s a willing blocker but needs to work on technique for the pros coming from a small college. They will run him out there in some two-TE sets and maybe he’ll be starting by 2021.
Round 4
112. Joshua Kelley, Los Angeles Chargers, UCLA, RB – Kelley (5’11, 210, 4.49) is a tough power runner with decent balance and a burst to the hole. He has the speed and elusiveness to get downfield but he’s not a burner. He needs to develop more patience with his blockers but is decent in pass protection. Not used much in passing game but he can catch the ball. He will take some of the load off Austin Ekeler and provides insurance for the oft-injured Justin Jackson. He adds needed depth and will be given a chance to move into the running back rotation.
116. Harrison Bryant, Cleveland Browns, Florida Atlantic, TE – Bryant (6’5, 240, 4.73) is very quick off the line, has soft hands, runs good routes and can line up inside or outside. But he’s a bit undersized and comes from a smaller school. He struggled in the agility events at the Combine as well. He’s a good blocker but is going to have to add strength in the pros.
118. *Albert Okwuegbunam,
Denver Broncos, Missouri, TE – Okwuegbunam (6’5,
255, 4.49), a former wideout, is big and fast, with
soft hands, long arms and down-the-seam speed. But he is a straight-line runner
with a limited route-tree, no blocking skills and doesn’t pick up many yards
after the catch. He also drops too many. He will likely begin as a
complementary piece but has potential down the road with the proper coaching.
120. Lamical
Perrine, New York Jets, Florida, RB – Perine
(5’11, 227, 4.62) is physical and tough as an inside runner and has three-down
starting potential. He is quick to the hole and breaks tackles downfield but is
not very elusive or speedy. He is adequate catching the ball and is a willing
blocker but needs more reps in pass pro. He will be used as a change-of-pace for
Le’Veon Bell as well as a third down back and
goal-line option initially. Perine could replace Bell
in 2021 (if Bell is cut) but neither is a sure thing.
122. Jacob Eason, Indianapolis Colts,
Washington, QB – Eason (6’6, 231, 4.89)
is big and strong with a rocket arm but his lack of speed, agility and
quickness in the pocket are concerns. He was injured in the 2017 opener, came
back as the backup, and sat out all of 2018 after a transfer. He was
inconsistent last year, mostly in the face of the pass rush, so he hopefully
just needs more game experience. Players with limited tape on them are tough to
evaluate but scouts like his raw skills. He will hold the clipboard for a
couple of years. He’s a top talent who dropped due to work ethic and other
issues.
124. Anthony McFarland, Pittsburgh Steelers, Maryland, RB – McFarland (5’9 198, 4.44) has good speed and elusiveness, especially in the open field with an extra gear down the sidelines who can score from any part of the field. Size and experience limit him to a complimentary role as a change-of-pace back. He also needs a lot of work in pass protection.
125. James Morgan, New York Jets, Florida International, QB – Morgan (6’4, 229, 4.89) has excellent arm strength, size and leadership skills. He is also poised in the pocket, makes his progressions and has decent accuracy. He needs to work on accuracy, decision-making (too many sacks) and is not much of a threat to run. Interesting developmental prospect.
128. *Gabriel Davis, Buffalo Bills, Central Florida, WR – Davis (6’3, 212, 4.54) can get downfield and tracks the ball as well as anybody but he has some work to do. He needs work on routes and separation skills and has inconsistent hands. He is a quality athlete with size and speed, but will be a special-teamer with the potential to develop into a more substantial role in a couple of years.
133. *Colby Parkinson, Seattle Seahawks, Stanford, TE – Parkinson’s (6’7, 252, 4.77) height, length and downfield skills translate very well to the pros. He has soft hands, a large catch radius and can beat defenders down the seam as well as and being a dangerous red zone threat. He’s not very powerful for a big man, going down easy and not separating well. He doesn’t block well either. He will likely begin as a complementary piece.
136. Brycen Hopkins, Los Angeles Rams, Purdue, TE – Hopkins (6’4, 245, 4.66) has good speed gets downfield quickly mixing in athleticism in his routes to regularly get open. But he is not a good blocker and drops way too many. He is stuck in a crowded TE room right now.
142. Antonio Gandy-Golden, Washington Redskins, Liberty, WR – Gandy-Golden’s (6’4, 223, 4.60) 40-time was disappointing at the Combine but he led the nation in deep-ball targets last year and is a dangerous runner after the catch. He had deceptive long speed and tracks the ball well with a wide catch radius and size. He cut way down on his drops last year so we’re hoping that’s a trend. He needs work on his routes and separation skills as he worked against smaller, slower cornerbacks from smaller schools in college. He lands in a good spot for the WR-needy Skins so there could be some appeal here.
144. *DeeJay Dallas, Seattle Seahawks, Miami, RB – Dallas (5’10, 214, 4.58) runs hard between the tackles and can make defenders miss. He can catch the ball but needs more experience there but is pretty good in pass pro. His speed is ok but he can be caught from behind in the open field. He has soft hands, after-catch ability and is a willing blocker so his niche could be as a third-down back. He could see more action in camp with Chris Carson (hip) and Rashaad Penny (ACL) nursing injuries. Both are expected back for the regular season though.
Round 5
151. Joe Reed, Los Angeles Chargers, Virginia, WR
– Reed (6’1, 215, 4.47) is big and strong,
can play most positions and runs very well after the catch. He is still raw in
certain areas and needs work on his routes. His value will likely be in the
return game, covering kicks and running in space. He is an effective kick
returner and a reliable receiver and runner with speed. The team lacks receiver
depth so he lands in a good place.
159. Justin Rohrwasser, New England Patriots, PK – Rohrwasser made 33-of-42 field goals in college and was drafted to replace Stephen Gostkowski unless others are brought in.
161. Tyler Johnson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Minnesota, WR – Johnson (6’2, 220, 4.52) excelled on contested targets last year but there are questions about his deep speed. Scouts like his physicality and route-running ability. He could struggle separating against pro corners in man coverage though. He did not attend the Combine.
165. Collin Johnson, Jacksonville Jaguars, Texas, WR – Johnson (6’6, 220, 4.58) is a physical player with size and strength and knows how to use it as a dangerous red zone target with big frame and soft hands. Route-running needs some polish, lacks separation skills and is not elusive after the catch. Some grade him as a good backup who could become starter. He missed six games with a hamstring injury last season and did not attend the Combine due to hip flexor injury.
166. *Quintez Cephus,
Detroit Lions, Wisconsin, WR – Cephus 6’1, 207, 4.73)
is
a very strong player with route-running ability and athleticism but little
speed. Not very elusive in space.
167. *Jake Fromm, Buffalo Bills,
Georgia, QB – Fromm (6’2, 220, 5.01)
has a decent arm but relies more on accuracy, intelligence and
competitiveness. His weaknesses are a lack of deep ball accuracy, slow 40-time
and small hands that caused his stock to drop at the Combine. He could develop
into a decent backup.
168. John Hightower, Philadelphia Eagles, Boise State, WR –
Hightower (6’2,
184, 4.43) has good speed but needs to add strength and drops
too many. In a vertical offense he should be able to create separation. The
Eagles have prioritized speed over the summer adding Jalen Reagor,
Marquise Goodwin and now Hightower.
171. *Isaiah Coulter, Houston Texans, Rhode Island, WR – Coulter (6’2, 200, 4.45) has good hands, size, speed and body control but a lack of separation and strength could hurt him in the pros. He’s quick but not a burner. Developmental prospect could only be a couple of years away.
172. Jason Huntley, Detroit Lions, NM State, RB – Huntley (5’9, 182, 4.40) was not invited to the Combine, but he was exciting running and catching the ball in college with elite speed. Scouts view him as a potential situational playmaker in space and will be used initially returning kicks in the pros. He wasn’t invited to the Combine but did have a Pro Day before the restrictions took effect.
173. Darnell Mooney, Chicago Bears,
Tulane, WR – Mooney (5’10, 176, 4.38) is slight but with excellent speed.
He obviously needs to add play strength but is a threat every time he touched
the ball. Needs better ball security and he drops too many.
176. K.J. Osborne, Minnesota Vikings,
Miami, WR – Osborn (5'11, 203, 4.48) dropped after a disappointing showing
at the Combine despite the timed speed. He doesn’t break tackles and is not a
big after-the-catch guy. He'll compete for a special teams
job initially.
Round 6
187. Donovan Peoples-Jones, Cleveland Browns, Michigan, WR – Peoples-Jones (6’2, 212, 4.48) had a disappointing college career, partly due to poor QB play, but showed well at the Combine. Scouts love his size, hands, speed and athleticism but he disappears at times. Route running and short-area quickness need work. Good blocker and could have upside down the road, possibly as the #3 guy later this year.
188. Tyler Bass, Buffalo Bills, PK – Bass has a very strong leg. He had a big season as a junior (90%) and made 2-of-3 from 50+ yards. But as a senior, he only made 20-of-28 (71.4%) and missed 5-of-13 kicks beyond 40 yards. He will compete with Stephen Hauschka and others for the kicking job.
189. Jake Luton,
Jacksonville Jaguars, QB – Luton (6'6, 224) has a
tall frame with big hands and surprising mobility outside the pocket while
playing in a pro-style offense as a game manager. He suffered a thoracic spine fracture in
2017. He projects as a backup at best.
190. Charlie Woerner, San Francisco 49ers, Georgia, TE– Woerner (6’4, 244, 4.78) has adequate speed and athleticism but is undersized as a blocking tight end and did not do much as a pass-catcher in college. He might be better suited to fullback and special teams in the pros.
200. *Quez Watkins, Philadelphia Eagles,
SMU,
WR– Watkins (6’0, 185, 4.35) is undersized but has elite speed.
201. James Proche, Baltimore Ravens, SMU, WR – Proche (5’11, 201, 4.52) is strong with soft hands, athleticism, quickness and an expanded route tree. He is also known for making contested catches and one-handed grabs, one of the most reliable receivers in this year’s group. Speed, size and play strength are negatives and he needs to prove he can get off the line in the pros. He would be best served as a slot receiver in the pros.
206. Tyler Davis, Jacksonville Jaguars, Georgia Tech, TE – Hodgins (6’4, 243, 4.61) is a decent route runner with good hands and size. But he disappointed at the Combine.
207. *Isaiah Hodgins, Buffalo Bills, Oregon State, WR – Hodgins (6’4, 209, 4.61) is a strong big-bodied receiver who is tough in a crowd, perfect for red zone throws with his long arms. He’s not a burner but runs surprisingly well after the catch. Looks like he might be able to gain separation off the line if he improves against press coverage. Needs work on route-running as well.
212. Dezmon Patmon, Indianapolis Colts, Washington St., WR – Patmon (6’4, 225, 4.48) has good size and speed with big hands and runs well after the catch. Drops a few and seems intimidated in traffic, especially for a player his size. Needs to expand his route tree as well.
214. Freddie Swain, Seattle Seahawks, Florida, WR – Swain (6’0, 197, 4.46) is very athletic and runs well after the catch but was not very productive in college.
Round 7
217. Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee, WR – Jennings (6’3, 204, 4.72) is a possession receiver with good size and has proven to be a clutch performer out of the slot. He's not a burner, but fights for the ball in a crowd and for yardage after he gets it. He has been used as an inside and outside receiver. Needs work on his routes.
220. K.J. Hill, Los Angeles Chargers, Ohio State, WR – Hill (6’0, 195, 4.60) is a smart player who can adjust to the throw and runs well after the catch. He’s quick but not a burner and size is a hindrance getting off the line. He is best served as a possession type out of the slot.
222. *Eno
Benjamin, Arizona Cardinals, Arizona State, RB – Benjamin (5’10, 201, 4.57) is elusive with a lot of athleticism
and can get some tough yardage but would probably work better in a committee
situation. He can catch the ball very well out of the backfield but needs work
in pass protection. More quick than fast and fumbles a
bit. He could have a third down role if he improves his blocking.
224. *Cole McDonald, Tennessee Titans, Hawaii, QB – McDonald (6’3, 215, 4.58) has the speed and athleticism to make plays outside the pocket which is his top skill. He also has decent accuracy and touch on his throws. Unfortunately, other parts of his game need a lot of refinement, especially ball security. He should be able to make it as a quality backup.
228. Sterling Hofrichter, Atlanta Falcons, K-P – Mostly used as a strong-legged punter in college, the falcons draft him as competition for Younghoe Koo. He hit on 3-of-4 field goals with a long of 52-yards in his career.
231. Ben Dinucci,
Dallas Cowboys, James Madison, QB – Dinucci (6’2,
211) has accuracy, pocket awareness and can make plays with his legs.
240. Tommy Stevens, New Orleans Saints, Mississippi State, QB – Stevens (6’5, 235) has a strong arm and athleticism who is an effective runner but has been inconsistent throughout his career.
244. Nate Stanley, Minnesota Vikings, Iowa, QB – Stanley (6-4, 245, 4.81) is a pocket passer with a strong arm but accuracy and decision-making are concerns. He struggles under pressure and disappointed last year with too many picks. Sometimes he looks the part as making his reads but then uncorks a throw into traffic. He has a chance to develop into a backup eventually.
245. Raymond Calais,
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Louisiana, RB – Calais (5’8, 188, 4.42) has good
speed with a quick burst and is a dangerous kick returner. He needs experience
in the passing game to find his niche as a third down back.
246. Malcom Perry, Miami Dolphins, Navy, QB/WR – Perry (5’9, 186, 4.63) has lots of athleticism with quick cutting moves in the open field. He is raw as a receiver but could also be used as a gadget player or maybe a third down back.
248. Sam Sloman, Los Angeles Rams, PK – Sloman made 26-of-30 field goals in his senior year. He will compete with Lirim Hajrullahu and other for the kicking job in camp.
251. Stephen Sullivan, Seattle Seahawks, LSU, TE/WR – Sullivan (6’5, 248, 4.66) was moved from wide receiver last year but Denver will reportedly move him back in camp. He is not a good enough blocker (needs to add strength) to start at tight end nor athletic enough to play out wide. But surprisingly he's an above-average blocker downfield, on screens and outside runs with long arms to pull in off-target throws. He basically needs experience and to work on ball security.
252. Tyrie Cleveland, Denver Broncos, Florida, WR – Cleveland (6’2, 209, 4.46) is a deep threat who can stretch the field vertically. He needs to expand his route tree but the ones he does run are very good. He is also a decent blocker. Deep speed is good but a lack of short-area quickness hinders his ability to consistently separate.
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