Dexter Williams - RB - Fighting Irish
Notre Dame RB Dexter Williams was named the Reese's Senior Bowl running back of the Week.
Williams (5'11/215) is joined by QB Jarrett Stidham, WR Deebo Samuel, TE Foster Moreau, and OL Garrett Bradbury as offensive position players awarded as players of the week. The Notre Dame alum continues to increase his draft stock since his early-season four-game suspension. During his breakout season, Williams averaged 6.3 yards on his 158 carries and showed explosion on his seven 20+ yard touchdowns. Given a sixth-round grade earlier, Williams appears to be making his way towards the Day 2/3 borderline.
Source: Jim Nagy on Twitter
Jan 25 - 10:55 PM
Nothing that happens between a week ago and the draft is going to leave me feeling any better about Lock, Grier, and Haskins. They all have potentially fatal flaws that they aren't going to get a chance to prove themselves past until games play. And I'm amazed McSorely is in the same conversation as any of them.Sounds like the big QB’s (Lock, Grier and Jones) and McSorely have been bad this week. Probably pretty good news for Murray and Haskins. The game could still change some outlooks but it’s always been long told that scouts hit the road before the game is even played.
He’s not really... I just added him in because they said he was brutally bad and should not be drafted at all. Grier went from possible day two pick to him and Finley being talked about as day three picks. Just a horrible week all around for the Senior Bowl QB’s.Nothing that happens between a week ago and the draft is going to leave me feeling any better about Lock, Grier, and Haskins. They all have potentially fatal flaws that they aren't going to get a chance to prove themselves past until games play. And I'm amazed McSorely is in the same conversation as any of them.
I doubt this week had that much impact on Grier. If it really was that bad then he has some things to work on, but he will have opportunities to improve too. If the poor performance develops into a trend it's one thing, but we aren't there yet.He’s not really... I just added him in because they said he was brutally bad and should not be drafted at all. Grier went from possible day two pick to him and Finley being talked about as day three picks. Just a horrible week all around for the Senior Bowl QB’s.
Arrest in 2016 for possession of marijuana and possessing a handgun with no license. Suspended four games for an unspecified violation of team rules to open the 2018 season.Quote
Dexter Williams - RB - Fighting Irish
Notre Dame RB Dexter Williams was named the Reese's Senior Bowl running back of the Week.
Williams (5'11/215) is joined by QB Jarrett Stidham, WR Deebo Samuel, TE Foster Moreau, and OL Garrett Bradbury as offensive position players awarded as players of the week. The Notre Dame alum continues to increase his draft stock since his early-season four-game suspension. During his breakout season, Williams averaged 6.3 yards on his 158 carries and showed explosion on his seven 20+ yard touchdowns. Given a sixth-round grade earlier, Williams appears to be making his way towards the Day 2/3 borderline.
Source: Jim Nagy on Twitter
Jan 25 - 10:55 PM
Penny Hart - WR - Panthers
ESPN's Todd McShay lists Georgia State WR Penny Hart as one of the players who saw his stock rise after his performance in the Reese's Senior Bowl.
Hart (5'8/180) was praised universally throughout the week, and it's no surprise that McShay believes Hart saw his stock rise in Mobile. He calls the former Georgia State star "lightning quick" and creates separation because of his explosive first step. That's going to be important at the next level, because Hart is not going to win often with strength, or at all. McShay also said Hart looked natural fielding punts, which is obviously something that can help his stock. This is one of our favorite stories from Mobile, and like McShay says at the end of his report, it shouldn't shock anyone if Hart was a Day 2 pick.
Source: ESPN
Jan 26 - 12:47 PM
Drew Lock - QB - Tigers
Benjamin Allbright reports that the NFL views Missouri QB Drew Lock as a top-10 pick.
Lock (6'4/233) drew mixed reviews during the Reese's Senior Bowl practices, but everyone agrees that he has a very strong arm and possesses some of the "uncoachable traits." Many of the other quarterbacks at Senior Bowl practices underwhelmed, which certainly makes Lock more desirable in the early to mid first-round. Most analysts still rank Ohio State QB Dwayne Haskins ahead of Lock, but it's certainly possible that both go top-10. We also can't forget about Oakland A's CF Kyler Murray, who happened to win a Heisman Trophy this season.
Source: Benjamin Allbright on Twitter
Jan 25 - 9:30 PM
Ryan Finley - QB - Wolfpack
Benjamin Allbright reports that the NFL views NC State QB Ryan Finley as a Day 3 pick.
Finley didn't stand out at the Reese's Senior Bowl practices, and analysts believed he needed to have a big week to get back into the Day 2 mix. Once considered a first-round pick, Finley is now being viewed as an NFL backup. Allbright continues to report that Will Grier, Jarrett Stidham, Tyree Jackson, Gardner Minshew, and Trace McSorley are also Day 3 candidates.
Source: Benjamin Allbright on Twitter
Jan 25 - 9:23 PM
The Reese's Senior Bowl's Jim Nagy said Ohio State WR Terry McLaurin "could be a CEO some day."
Nagy calls McLaurin (6'0/205) a "very good and underrated receiver", but Nagy points to his maturity and professionalism as what makes McLaurin stick out over other prospects. Most analysts believe McLaurin's draft stock is on the rise after an impressive week of Senior Bowl practices, but it's odd that McLaurin wasn't receiving much hype earlier in the draft process since he led the FBS in yards per target (min. 40 targets). Perhaps on the fringe of being undrafted, McLaurin has helped his case and is now being compared to Nate Burleson, who had seven 450-yard seasons in the NFL.
Source: Jim Nagy on Twitter
Jan 27 - 9:18 PM
The Athletic's Dane Brugler gives Washington RB Myles Gaskin a fifth-round grade.
Brugler calls Gaskin (5'10/193) more of a finesse running back, and one that requires a certain NFL role. That's something most NFL teams won't give to him unless he has an excellent NFL Combine. As a senior at Washington, Gaskin averaged 4.9 yards on his 259 carries (1,268 rushing yards) and scored 12 rushing touchdowns. One of those "certain roles" would need to be as a receiver, but Gaskin only managed 77 yards on 19 receptions in 2018. As of now, Gaskin is just a Day 3 prospect.
Source: Dane Brugler on Twitter
Jan 27 - 3:24 PM
Per Pro Football Focus, Washington State QB Gardner Minshew led the FBS in adjusted completion percentage at 80.9 percent.
This is a sign of light for Minshew after a poor showing at the senior bowl. Adjusted completion percentage removes dropped, batted, or passes thrown away into account making it a useful metric to know how accurate a quarterback actually is. NFL teams will need to look past his performance at the Senior Bowl and focus on his game tape to convince themselves that Minshew is worthy of a late-round pick.
Source: Pro Football Focus on Twitter
Jan 27 - 11:35 AM
Made me recall skimming this yesterday:Nagy points to his maturity and professionalism as what makes McLaurin stick out over other prospects
The Athletic's Dane Brugler said North Dakota State RB Bruce Anderson struggled in pass protection during the Reese's Senior Bowl practices.
Brugler posted video of his practice reps in pass protection, and we'd agree that Anderson (5'11/209) did in fact struggle. Pass protection is one aspect that many running backs struggle with transitioning to the NFL, and can often prevent them from seeing playing time. Since Anderson is already coming from a DII program, he needed to have a great week of practice and it doesn't look like that happened. Anderson will need to rebound with impressive testing.
Source: Dane Brugler on Twitter
Jan 27 - 10:18 PM
I think you're confusing terms. It's certainly not a top-heavy draft class, pretty much everyone admits there's not a sure-fire stud at the top. But others are saying that it's an exceedingly deep class of WR and TE.Well I’ve litetally just joined my first dynasty league and possess the 2nd overall pick.
is it fair to say that this is a particularly weak offensive draft class ? Nobody seems to being talked about as a top level stud right now.
Yes sorry I should have caveated that by meaning that there is no obvious stud for the 2nd picktangfoot said:I think you're confusing terms. It's certainly not a top-heavy draft class, pretty much everyone admits there's not a sure-fire stud at the top. But others are saying that it's an exceedingly deep class of WR and TE.
So the class as a whole may be strong, it's not buoyed by that one Gurley/Zeke/Barkley that everyone covets.
the biggest think I think if you own an early pick is patience this year especially...Yes sorry I should have caveated that by meaning that there is no obvious stud for the 2nd pick
I’ve been pretty vocal about this class already, but just about the WR’s. I see at least 3 long term top20 WRs potentially. But WRs don’t carry the value that RBs usually do coming into the league. That’s where the disconnect seems to be from this class compared to othersTartanLion said:Well I’ve litetally just joined my first dynasty league and possess the 2nd overall pick.
is it fair to say that this is a particularly weak offensive draft class ? Nobody seems to being talked about as a top level stud right now.
No easy picks. However, the top landing spots are INDY WR, Jets WR, possibly HOU RB and KC RB. IF Jets don't grab Bell, then NYJ RB. Also, ARI WR will be a starter next season after Fitz gives up. SF WR may be something. Worst spot and the #1 spot to ignore is BALT WR. Doesn't matter who goes there, they are doomed.TartanLion said:Well I’ve litetally just joined my first dynasty league and possess the 2nd overall pick.
is it fair to say that this is a particularly weak offensive draft class ? Nobody seems to being talked about as a top level stud right now.
NBC Sports' Peter King writes Missouri QB Drew Lock "helped himself the most among quarterbacks" at the Senior Bowl.
According to King, Lock showed well enough in practice and meetings "to likely earn a first-round look." A big-armed quarterback with good size and an aggressive style, Lock certainly has the look of a first-round signal caller even if his accuracy and decision making leaves something to be desired. In a weak class, Lock is a good bet to come off the board on Day 1.
Source: Football Morning in America
Jan 28 - 8:57 AM
According to the Denver Post's Mark Kiszla, the "worst kept secret at the Senior Bowl" was that Broncos GM John Elway is "smitten" with Missouri QB Drew Lock.
The Broncos pick at No. 10 overall, behind the also-quarterback-needy Giants (No. 6) and Jaguars (No. 7). Per the Denver Post's Ryan O'Halloran, Elway "barely left the quarterback group" during his three-day stay in Mobile. Lock is highly thought of from an upside standpoint, but he completed under 57 percent of his college throws and struggled against top competition. Incumbent Broncos starter Case Keenum lost a supporter when the team let Gary Kubiak out the door.
Related: Broncos
Source: Denver Post
Jan 28 - 5:27 PM
As others have mentioned landing spot is all important.Yes sorry I should have caveated that by meaning that there is no obvious stud for the 2nd pick
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein argues that Colorado State WR Preston Williams "might be the most talented wideout in the entire draft" but it's "highly unlikely" that Williams is a Round 1 selection.
Williams has off-the-field problems, and they are large enough issues for Brugler to report that he's completely off the board for some NFL teams. After transferring from Tennessee, Williams broke out in 2018 for a huge 96-1,345-14 receiving line for the CSU Rams, but it's uncertain if he'll get an opportunity at seeing the field in the NFL. If he is able to, Williams could make an impact, but he's going to have a short leash if more problems emerge.
Source: Lance Zierlein on Twitter
Jan 28 - 10:17 PM
The Draft Network's Jon Ledyard doesn't think Texas A&M TE Jace Sternberger is in the top-4 tight end conversation but believes "he's good."
Sternberger (6'4/25) was an explosive receiver for the Aggies, averaging 17.3 yards on his 48 receptions (832 receiving yards), but this tight end class is pretty good, so Sternberger very well could be outside the top five at the 2019 NFL Draft. It will likely come down to his testing. The tight ends competing for Round 1 and Round 2 selections are T.J. Hockenson, Noah Fant, Irv Smith, Isaac Nauta, Jace Sternberger, Kaden Smith, and potential a few NFL Combine risers.
Source: Jon Ledyard on Twitter
Jan 28 - 10:49 PM
The Draft Network's Jon Ledyard writes that Iowa WR Nick Easley "consistently caught [his] eye" while watching Hawkeyes film.
Ledyard's film focus was on tight ends T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant, but Easley's foot quickness was evident even on a glance. The 5-foot-11, 204-pounder was clocked at 3.77 seconds in the short shuttle while at Iowa, a program record. Easley posted respectable -- if not mindblowing -- statistics in his two years with the Hawkeyes after transferring over to the JUCO ranks, logging a 51-530-4 receiving line in 2017 and a 52-494-5 receiving line in 2018. An invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine probably won't be in the cards, here, but Easley will have a chance to make his late Day 3 case during program pro day testing later in the spring.
Source: The Draft Network
Jan 29 - 12:29 PM
Texas A&M TE Jace Sternberger accepted an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine.
Not a big surprise. Or a surprise, at all. Sternberger (6'4/250) caught 48 passes for 832 yards, and he also scored 10 touchdowns for the Aggies. Testing is going to be very important for Sternberger, as the biggest question mark is whether or not he's going to be able to get open against NFL defenses the way he did playing against the SEC. He's a Day 2 player right now, but because of the depth of this class, there's a chance he could fall below that.
Source: Jace Sternberger on Twitter
Jan 29 - 6:39 PM
ESPN's Todd McShay lists Iowa TE T.J. Hockenson 16th on his updated top 32 prospects for the 2019 NFL Draft.
That makes Hockenson the highest rated tight end in McShay's board. It's also a big rise, as the 6-foot-5, 250-pounder was unranked in his previous edition. There are two other players at the position in McShay's 32: Irv Smith of Alabama at 24, and Hockenson's teammate, Noah Fant, at 28. He notes that Hockenson's "talent and toughness are obvious," and also that he can play both the F and Y position. Right now, all of the momentum seems to state that Hockenson will be the first tight end drafted. The combine, pro day, and team needs can change a lot, though.
Source: ESPN
Jan 29 - 9:46 PM
Nice!Google doc spreadsheet to keep tabs of all draft prospects with links to vids.
Everything in one place. Clear, compact, and concise.
LINK:
2019 Draft Database updated 1-10-19
They are throwing wet toilet tissue to the ceiling!Lance Zierlein 2019 NFL mock draft 1.0: Kyler Murray to Raiders
Skill players
4 QB Kyler Murray
6 QB Daniel Jones
7 QB Dwaynes Haskins
9 WR DK Metcalf
10 QB Drew Lock
19 WR Marquise Brown
22 RB Josh Jacobs
27 TE TJ Hockenson
Man these rankers are all over the place on these players.
Only 2 WR and one RB for the first round from LZ
Obviously a slow news day. Some if these mocks are so bad they are almost insulting..Lance Zierlein 2019 NFL mock draft 1.0: Kyler Murray to Raiders
Skill players
4 QB Kyler Murray
6 QB Daniel Jones
7 QB Dwaynes Haskins
9 WR DK Metcalf
10 QB Drew Lock
19 WR Marquise Brown
22 RB Josh Jacobs
27 TE TJ Hockenson
Man these rankers are all over the place on these players.
Only 2 WR and one RB for the first round from LZ
LZ is usually one of the best in the business, but yeah I am seeing mockers putting different players all over the place. There is very little consensus.They are throwing wet toilet tissue to the ceiling!
Tex
Hakeem Butler - WR - Cyclones
Iowa State WR Hakeem Butler received an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine.
This will be Butler's first big test of the evaluating season. His measurement will be interesting to see -- he's listed at 6-foot-6, 225 pounds -- but even more important for the Cyclones wideout will be the speed on his 40-yard dash etc. If he can offer proof of concept with his athleticism, it would go a ways toward cementing his stock as a Day 2 prospect. We already know that Butler is an ace at making difficult, contested catches with his Inspector Gadget-esque arms and frame.
Source: Des Moines Register
Jan 30 - 10:44 AM