Rookie Defensive Scouting Profiles and NFL Comps (1 Viewer)

[Jene Bramel]

A couple of quick disclaimers:

Unlike many of my FBG scouting brethren, my pre-draft routine doesn’t involve game tape. The following quick looks are based on a reading of various trusted scouting services, focusing on a few pertinent aspects of each position. The players are listed in rough order from the sources I’m using this year.

I like to list one or two current NFL players as potential comps. The comps are based on playing style and body shape and are loose comparisons only. It’s just another way for me to project a quick gestalt to my screen for easier reference.

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DEFENSIVE END PROSPECTSDERRICK MORGAN (GA TECH) – 6’3”, 266LB

Morgan has the scouting report of a perennially productive two-way 4-3 defensive end, where he could likely handle either the strong or weak side of the line. He plays with leverage, disengages from blocks consistently and is strong at the point of attack. Most scouts praise his quick explosion off the ball and pass rush effort, but reports are mixed on his edge and closing speed. He has a good array of pass rush moves. He’s definitely an effort player. May get consideration as a 3-4 OLB, but would be better suited as a rush LB in the 3-4 as his above-average agility and athleticism from a three point stance may not consistently translate to a standup role.

NFL comps: Aaron Kampman, Andre Carter

JASON PIERRE-PAUL (SO FLA) – 6’5”, 270LB

Pierre-Paul should be considered the biggest boom-bust pick in the draft. He is long, fluid and strikingly athletic. He is extremely sudden at the snap and has well above-average speed off the edge and a strong closing burst to the quarterback. In all other areas, he’s limited by his brief experience and lack of football instincts. Though he can get low coming off the edge, he rarely plays with leverage in run support and is easily pushed around at the point of attack. He has few workable pass rush moves and struggles to disengage when locked on by an offensive lineman. He could play weak side end in a 4-3 front in an attacking scheme that highlights his edge rush skill and pursuit ability or potentially fit as a situational standup weak side pass rusher in a 3-4 front.

NFL comps: May get drafted as if he has Mario Williams/Julius Peppers potential, but he’s closer to an extremely raw Mathias Kiwanuka or Ikaika Alama-Francis

BRANDON GRAHAM (MICH) – 6’1”, 268LB

Graham has excellent functional strength and can be explosive out of a three point stance. He has an excellent motor and has been productive at the point of attack and in pass rush in both 3-4 and 4-3 fronts in college. He may not be fluid enough to handle coverage responsibilities as a 3-4 OLB and his less than ideal height and wingspan may make it more difficult to disengage from bigger and more athletic NFL offensive tackles.

NFL comps: Lamarr Woodley, a stronger Larry English

COREY WOOTTON (NW, 6-6, 270) should be a dependable, though not spectacular all-around end. He’s strong at the point of attack and a good tackler and has an effective array of pass rush moves. He may never be a double digit sacker due to a lack of pure edge speed and he’s likely to be on the radar of many 3-4 teams. He has the look of a young Aaron Smith or Tyler Brayton. CARLOS DUNLAP (FLA, 6-6, 277) is this year’s all-around talent with big upside but serious work ethic, on-field intensity and off-field concerns holding his draft stock in check. He could potentially be a more athletic Darnell Dockett who can play any position on the line in either front (other than NT) if he hits. EVERSON GRIFFEN (USC, 6-3, 273) has the size scouts like and shows flashes of Adalius Thomas like versatility. Inconsistency is the major recurring theme in his reports, however, as is his inability to play to his size and measurables (poor playing strength, unimpressive edge speed). ALEX CARRINGTON (ARK ST, 6-5, 285) is this year’s small school upside darling. He’s stout against the run and flashes a strong bull rush, but doesn’t threaten the edge or play with leverage consistently. It’s probably a long shot to project his small school numbers to the NFL and he may land with a 3-4 team, but he’s worth watching as a mid-late round prospect. GREG HARDY (MISS, 6-4, 281) has scouting reports that start out swimmingly. He has great size and a one-two punch of edge speed and bull rush skill that allow him to get to quarterbacks easily. Unfortunately, he doesn’t play well at the point of attack, takes plays off and has been limited with foot problems for two seasons that may have cost him some of his edge rushing upside.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE PROSPECTS

DT NDAMUKONG SUH (NEB) – 6’3”, 307LB

Suh has a rare combination of exceptional raw strength and an explosive first step. He moves well inside the tackle box and sheds blocks well. He’ll sometimes lose leverage and isn’t a creative pass rusher, making it unlikely that his collegiate sack numbers will translate to the NFL. Could probably play either tackle position in a 4-3 front and any spot on the line in a 3-4.

NFL comps: a consistently motivated Albert Haynesworth

DT GERALD MCCOY (OKLA) – 6’4”, 295LB

McCoy has outstanding first step quickness and plays with a non-stop motor. Shows good functional strength and leverage, but sometimes struggles to hold up against double teams. Has a good array of pass rush moves for a tackle prospect and the closing speed to finish in the pocket and in pursuit. He projects as more of a penetrator than run-stuffer and probably fits best as a 3-technique than a 3-4 end or nose tackle.

NFL comps: a stronger Tommie Harris, a less polished Kevin Williams

GENO ATKINS (GA, 6-1, 293) and D’ANTHONY SMITH (LA TECH, 6-2, 298) are three-technique tackle prospects who may not have the size or upside to ever be more than situational players, but could have fantasy value in the right system. JARED ODRICK (PENN ST, 6-5, 304) is listed at DT by many services, but is getting long looks as a potential defensive end by many of the league’s 3-4 teams. He’s worth watching if he goes to a team where he’ll be used in an upfield role. BRIAN PRICE (UCLA, 6-1, 303) could be box score productive if he can improve his consistency as an inside pass rusher. DAN WILLIAMS (TENN, 6-2, 327), TERRANCE CODY (ALA, 6-4, 349) are man-mountains without much pass rush ability that could get early round looks as 3-4 nose tackles or 4-3 tackles that will play over center.

Questions, discussions, additional flavor and disagreements are always welcome additions to these threads. I’ll profile some of the more impressive 'tweener prospects early next week.

 

[Jene Bramel]

‘TWEENER PROSPECTS

These five guys are interesting and will all be drafted on their snap anticipation and upfield pass rush ability, but none are clear all-around talents. All are probably best slotted at ROLB long term. Many may start out as situational players and follow the same growth curve as some of their still-needing-polish defensive end counterparts.

SERGIO KINDLE (TEX) – 6’3”, 250LB

Kindle is quick and very athletic. His instincts and athleticism are strong enough to make up for his size concerns and ability to shed blocks. His main strength is his explosiveness off the edge, but he’ll be more consistent if he can add more to his current array of pass rush moves. Scouts seem conflicted with his ability to set the edge in run support, but none see it as a glaring issue. Could probably cover some tight ends down the seam. Best fit would clearly be as a 3-4 OLB, though one could argue that there’s a little Robert Mathis in his scouting report. Have also seen him projected as a 4-3 Sam backer.

NFL comps: Julian Peterson

JERRY HUGHES (TCU) – 6’2”, 255LB

Hughes gets knocked by most scouts for his suspect size on a maxed-out frame, but he has a very productive college resume and the work ethic and motor needed to overcome those issues. He is quick off the edge, anticipates well, has excellent run-pass instincts and knows how to force big plays in the pocket. He needs work in run support – from either a two- or three-point stance. May be a situational rusher early, then blossom into an all-around threat late. Could fit as a weak side 4-3 end in the right system or as a 3-4 rush OLB.

NFL comps: Robert Mathis, a more dynamic Parys Haralson

JASON WORILDS (VA TECH) – 6’1”, 254LB

Worilds was a very productive pass rush when healthy. He has a strong burst, a good variety of pass rush moves and makes plays in the pocket. He doesn’t play to his strength measurables consistently and struggles to shed blocks, but is serviceable against the run. Shoulder injuries make him a durability risk. He’ll likely be considered too short to play end by most 4-3 teams and should land with a 3-4 team.

NFL comps: James Harrison years before the light went on, maybe a little Kroy Biermann-esque

RICKY SAPP (CLEM) – 6’4”, 252LB

Sapp scores off the charts as an athlete. He anticipates the snap well, bursts off the line and knows how to get low to gain the edge. However, he’s a one-dimensional edge rusher right now and struggles to shed blockers when reached and cannot set the edge in run support. He could project to a 4-3 RDE role, but he’ll be a liability against the run and may struggle to get to the quarterback against athletic offensive linemen. Probably fits best as a situational rusher or 3-4 OLB who’s not given many other responsibilities.

NFL comps: a more instinctive Aaron Maybin

THADDEUS GIBSON (OHIO ST) – 6’2”, 243LB

Gibson is another athlete with the ability to get upfield in pass rush. Though he may learn to play in space, most scouts are concerned about his change-of-direction skills and instincts out of a two-point stance. He has a nice motor and the measurable to earn time to grow, most likely as a situational rusher of some sort in either front.

NFL comps: ??? Looks like a tweener among tweeners to me without a clear upside comp.

Other players whose scouting reports look like those of the five above include KOA MISI (Utah), ANTONIO COLEMAN (Auburn), BRANDON LANG (Troy) and JERMAINE CUNNINGHAM (Fla). Dynasty leaguers in big play systems should take note of which team takes injured and undersized prospect O’BRIEN SCHOFIELD (Wisc). If a “good” front office “reaches” to get him a little earlier than expected, he’ll be worth putting on your watch list for a couple of seasons from now.

 

[Pick]

 

[Raymell McKigney]

awesome stuff as always Jene, especially liked your mention of O'Brien Schofield, he is someone who I've had my eye on for a while and was interested to hear another take on him.

 

[Jene Bramel]

LINEBACKER PROSPECTS

ILB ROLANDO MCCLAIN (ALA) – 6’3”, 254LB

McClain is the best all-around linebacker prospect in the draft. His 40 time doesn’t rate with the best straight line speed guys, but his playing speed and range don’t suffer much due to his very strong instincts. Scouts are a little mixed about his ability to shed and tackle consistently, but those arguing the downside seem to be a little nitpicky with their choice of words as all praise his combination of immediately reading run-pass correctly and coming downhill to make plays. McClain’s instincts extend to his ability to cover zones and he’ll be able to run with most tight ends down the field when asked. He could fit inside in either the 4-3 or 3-4 front.

NFL comps: Less athletic Brian Urlacher, a much bigger Lofa Tatupu, maybe a little Ray Lewis

OLB SEAN WEATHERSPOON (MISS) – 6’1”, 239LB

Weatherspoon rubbed some observers the wrong way with his over-the-top rah-rah attitude at the Combine, but there’s no denying his combination of athletic measurables and college production. He’s an all-around linebacker prospect with sideline-to-sideline range, a great motor, the ability to hold his own in coverage and as a pass rusher and consistent fundamental tackling skills. The reports aren’t entirely rosy, however. His speed and questionable instincts will have him over-pursue some plays and slow to react on others. He also struggles to consistently shed blocks, preferring to run around them, which probably makes his best fit as a 4-3 WLB. He’s not a lock to play every down, but should be able to do so in the right scheme.

NFL comps: D.J. Williams, Channing Crowder before the knee issues

ILB BRANDON SPIKES (FLA) – 6’3”, 249LB

Some players shoot up draft boards on the strength of their measurable athleticism. Scouts knew that Spikes didn’t have ideal foot speed, but the 5.07 40 time may send them back to the tape to nitpick. His instincts and playing speed will make him an interesting test case, however, as his run-pass reads, anticipation and understanding of angles strongly suggest that he can succeed despite the straight line speed issue. He’s also a sound tackler with a little pass rushing upside, which could keep him around on passing downs even if his instincts can’t overcome the speed issue in coverage.

NFL comps: PFW comparison to Bryan Cox is appealing, but there’s room for a rangier guy like James Laurinaitis, whose straight line speed disappointed some last year, or Bradie James

ILB DONALD BUTLER (WASH) – 6’1”, 245LB

Butler blossomed late in his college career and there’s plenty of disagreement in his scouting reports. Picking and choosing the best from each, Butler sounds like a stud. Most reports praise his instincts and coverage ability, deeming him a likely every-down prospect. There are disagreements about whether or not he belongs inside or outside, as he may not shed blocks consistently at the next level and may need to be protected to flow to the ball. Most expect him to be a middle round pick, projecting him equally often as an ILB as an OLB.

NFL comps: Keith Brooking, Nick Barnett

OLB DARYL WASHINGTON (TCU) – 6’2”, 230LB

Washington doesn’t have a lengthy college pedigree, but his athleticism, speed and coverage skills have earned him lots of attention over the past few months. He has flashed enough understanding of all-around linebacker play to expect that he’ll improve upon his already good instincts and he has the cover skills to play every down. Most feel he has the frame to bulk up enough to handle an every-down role, mostly like as a 4-3 WLB.

NFL comps: Michael Boley, younger Will Witherspoon

ILB SEAN LEE (PENN ST) – 6’2”, 239LB

Lee has tremendous instincts and sheds well at times, but may still struggle to overcome his lack of elite speed and size. He is more limited in coverage, particularly man coverage, than others in this class and has had significant durability issues. His work ethic and character are unquestioned. Could probably fit at ILB or OLB in a 4-3 and at ILB in a 3-4 if protected well in a mostly 1-gap, slanting scheme.

NFL comps: Dan Connor with less straight line speed

OLB NAVORRO BOWMAN (PENN ST) – 6’0”, 237LB

Bowman has very good speed and sideline-to-sideline range. He is fluid in coverage and was successful covering the slot in college. He shows strong instincts, but is still inconsistent on the field with run fits at times. He needs size and technique work to improve at the point of attack. There are off-field discipline and durability issues that may hold his draft stock down for some. He’ll have a chance to be an every-down OLB, likely a 4-3 Will, in the right scheme.

NFL comps: Ernie Sims, better all-around Jamie Winborn

Lots of the usual intriguing, but limited in one way or another prospects that will warrant our attention depending on where and when they’re drafted, including ERIC NORWOOD (SO CAR), RODERICK MUCKELROY (TEX), DARRYL SHARPTON (MIA), PAT ANGERER (IOWA), PERRY RILEY (LSU), JAMAR CHANEY (MISS ST), RENNIE CURRAN (GEOR), DEKODA WATSON (FLA ST) and a few others.