As I work through this group, it is becoming more and more evident that I really, really like this class. I have also noticed that my rankings tend to reflect how comfortable and confident I am with a prospect, as you can see from lesser valued positions being ranked highly.
The goal was to keep this simple, so rather than giving a full reports for each prospect, I offered descriptions on where and how they win. This is the most important part of the evaluation process, since it is much easier to list prospects’ deficiencies. Few players can do it all, so finding where prospects fit and where they win helps project their role in the NFL.
You will also notice the lack of quarterbacks. I will not be listing that position on big boards, since they are a breed of their own. It is just too hard to place them in this context. They will have their own list at a later date. Finally, you will also notice prospects with medical questions are still ranked highly. I cannot judge something I do not understand or know, rather I feel that listing what has been reported without judgment is the best approach.
1. G Chance Warmack, Alabama
Where he wins: Everywhere. Crushing blocker with an attitude to finish. Fluid mover for his size and gets in correct body position to seal off lanes. Technically sound player that could likely play either guard spot.
2. T Eric Fisher, Central Michigan
Where he wins: Long left tackle that finds contact through his hands with quick extension. Flashes nastiness as a drive blocker or when finishing off blocks in pass protection. Still filling out frame, but doesn't have to.
3. DT Star Lotulelei, Utah
Where he wins: Pegged as a pure nose tackle, but that would be a disservice to his versatility. Can play along the front and shows agile feet for someone his size. Can be dominant for a stretch of plays and rarely took a seat on the bench at Utah.
4. T Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M
Where he wins: Technically sound player with good knee bend and athletic footwork to mirror or halt his opposition’s momentum. Punch and arm extension helps absorb power and should be a quality left tackle for a long time.
5. DT Sharrif Floyd, Florida
Where he wins: Experience inside at defensive tackle or on the edge in multiple fronts. Strong at the point of attack to put his opposition on skates but displays enough foot quickness to win off the snap as well. Flashes violent hands to disengage.
6. LB Dion Jordan, Oregon
Where he wins: A personal favorite. Extremely fluid and agile from his linebacker spot. Could see him thriving as a strong side linebacker who moves into a pass rushing role when called upon. Strong hands and flashes persistence around the corner.
7. DT Sheldon Richardson, Missouri
Where he wins: Great at splitting blocks, winning off the snap, or beating reach blocks. Very quick for his size and can really make his presence felt in the backfield as a three technique tackle or five technique end. Has been asked to drop back into short zones.
8. LB Arthur Brown, Kansas State
Where he wins: Instinctive, quick, and physical for his size. Believe he could play inside in any scheme but could thrive on the weakside. Doesn’t shy away from contact but also has the speed to beat ball carriers to the edge or stick with his assignment in coverage.
9. T Lane Johnson, Oklahoma
Where he wins: Athleticism to mirror is excellent. Despite lean frame, can handle physical play on first contact and resets well with footwork. Lands multiple punches if he can’t gain the inside latch.
10. DE Ezekiel Ansah, BYU
Where he wins: After generating separation or finding himself in space, his closing speed is the best in this draft. Plenty of motor to chase. Already a solid run defender and saw snaps at rush linebacker, end in a three man or four man, and inside at tackle. Strong on first contact.
11. DE Cornelius Carradine, FSU
Where he wins: Explosive off the snap and follows it up with strong hand use to keep separation or disengage. Plays with leverage to drive opposition back if need be or keep his position to set the edge as a run defender.
12. CB Dee Milliner, Alabama
Where he wins: Sticks to receivers from the snap all the way downfield with physical play and speed to stay in hip pocket. Well-built for the position and it shows when attacking ball carriers. Uses hands to disengage or keep the edge.
13. DE/OLB Barkevious Mingo, LSU
Where he wins: Tall, long, and explosive off the edge. Puts the opposition behind with his first step and although lean, shows a good amount of strength when engaging. Works down the line well in the running game.
14. WR Tavon Austin, West Virginia
Where he wins: An absolute joystick in the open field with the ball in his hands. Made plays beyond receiving role, as a ball carrier and as a returner. Cuts to make defenders miss with acceleration to keep angles changing are outstanding.
15. CB Xavier Rhodes, FSU
Where he wins: Press man coverage to slow receivers’ routes off the line and stick with them downfield. Remains balanced with his punch and shows that same physicality when wanting to attack the run on the edge.
16. S Kenny Vaccaro, Texas
Where he wins: Combo safety that fits where many schemes in NFL are moving. Interchangeable in the back half and showed plenty of comfort and aggression while covering slot receivers. Change of direction is there.
17. G Jonathan Cooper, UNC
Where he wins: Outstanding pulling or trapping guard. Moves so well in space and an extremely comfortable athlete. Shows good hand strength when getting inside punch. Would excel in an offense that requires mobile guards.
18. WR Cordarrelle Patterson, Tennessee
Where he wins: Smoothness, fluidity, and natural skill as an outside receiver. Body catches after aggressive steps on inside slant and adjusts to back shoulder throws along the sideline. Incredible ability to make people miss when the ball is in his hands. Big play threat as a returner.
19. S Johnathan Cyprien, FIU
Where he wins: An aggressive, physical player with enough mobility, awareness, and range to play the safety spots interchangeably. Sure tackler with aggression to make a play on ball carriers or when blitzing. Experience in the slot.
20. DE Bjoern Werner, FSU
Where he wins: Speed and burst off the edge with hand use to keep separation. Shows natural bend to work his way away from offensive tackles. Snap anticipation is very good. Athleticism to make tackles in space.
21. WR DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson
Where he wins: Sets up defenders with technical routes and refuses to lose body position battle at the catch point. Consistently leaves his feet to go up and get targets with strong hands rather than waiting on them. Strong runner with underrated straight-line speed after the catch.
22. DL Datone Jones, UCLA
Where he wins: Shows disruption from defensive end or tackle. Outside, his initial strength on contact puts offensive linemen on skates. Inside, has burst and quickness to win off the snap. Length and pad level (when asked to pass rush) helps.
23. G Larry Warford, Kentucky
Where he wins: A punishing, powerful blocker with a strong grip to control his opponent. Flashes proper posture but can win with brute strength and athleticism for his size when things break down. Projects to a power running team.
24. DE Damontre Moore, Texas A&M
Where he wins: Experience as a rush linebacker and as an end in a four man front. Motor to continue his pass rushing line while flashing separation or to chase down plays from the back side. Generates production when asked to loop inside.
25. OLB Jarvis Jones, Georgia
Where he wins: Undeniable speed and edge pressure to run around offensive tackles that cannot stop his momentum. Shows a motor to finish plays in the backfield. Flashes heavy hands to generate leverage.
As I work through this group, it is becoming more and more evident that I really, really like this class. I have also noticed that my rankings tend to reflect how comfortable and confident I am with a prospect, as you can see from lesser valued positions being ranked highly.
The goal was to keep this simple, so rather than giving a full reports for each prospect, I offered descriptions on where and how they win. This is the most important part of the evaluation process, since it is much easier to list prospects’ deficiencies. Few players can do it all, so finding where prospects fit and where they win helps project their role in the NFL.
You will also notice the lack of quarterbacks. I will not be listing that position on big boards, since they are a breed of their own. It is just too hard to place them in this context. They will have their own list at a later date. Finally, you will also notice prospects with medical questions are still ranked highly. I cannot judge something I do not understand or know, rather I feel that listing what has been reported without judgment is the best approach.
1. G Chance Warmack, Alabama
Where he wins: Everywhere. Crushing blocker with an attitude to finish. Fluid mover for his size and gets in correct body position to seal off lanes. Technically sound player that could likely play either guard spot.
2. T Eric Fisher, Central Michigan
Where he wins: Long left tackle that finds contact through his hands with quick extension. Flashes nastiness as a drive blocker or when finishing off blocks in pass protection. Still filling out frame, but doesn't have to.
3. DT Star Lotulelei, Utah
Where he wins: Pegged as a pure nose tackle, but that would be a disservice to his versatility. Can play along the front and shows agile feet for someone his size. Can be dominant for a stretch of plays and rarely took a seat on the bench at Utah.
4. T Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M
Where he wins: Technically sound player with good knee bend and athletic footwork to mirror or halt his opposition’s momentum. Punch and arm extension helps absorb power and should be a quality left tackle for a long time.
5. DT Sharrif Floyd, Florida
Where he wins: Experience inside at defensive tackle or on the edge in multiple fronts. Strong at the point of attack to put his opposition on skates but displays enough foot quickness to win off the snap as well. Flashes violent hands to disengage.
6. LB Dion Jordan, Oregon
Where he wins: A personal favorite. Extremely fluid and agile from his linebacker spot. Could see him thriving as a strong side linebacker who moves into a pass rushing role when called upon. Strong hands and flashes persistence around the corner.
7. DT Sheldon Richardson, Missouri
Where he wins: Great at splitting blocks, winning off the snap, or beating reach blocks. Very quick for his size and can really make his presence felt in the backfield as a three technique tackle or five technique end. Has been asked to drop back into short zones.
8. LB Arthur Brown, Kansas State
Where he wins: Instinctive, quick, and physical for his size. Believe he could play inside in any scheme but could thrive on the weakside. Doesn’t shy away from contact but also has the speed to beat ball carriers to the edge or stick with his assignment in coverage.
9. T Lane Johnson, Oklahoma
Where he wins: Athleticism to mirror is excellent. Despite lean frame, can handle physical play on first contact and resets well with footwork. Lands multiple punches if he can’t gain the inside latch.
10. DE Ezekiel Ansah, BYU
Where he wins: After generating separation or finding himself in space, his closing speed is the best in this draft. Plenty of motor to chase. Already a solid run defender and saw snaps at rush linebacker, end in a three man or four man, and inside at tackle. Strong on first contact.
11. DE Cornelius Carradine, FSU
Where he wins: Explosive off the snap and follows it up with strong hand use to keep separation or disengage. Plays with leverage to drive opposition back if need be or keep his position to set the edge as a run defender.
12. CB Dee Milliner, Alabama
Where he wins: Sticks to receivers from the snap all the way downfield with physical play and speed to stay in hip pocket. Well-built for the position and it shows when attacking ball carriers. Uses hands to disengage or keep the edge.
13. DE/OLB Barkevious Mingo, LSU
Where he wins: Tall, long, and explosive off the edge. Puts the opposition behind with his first step and although lean, shows a good amount of strength when engaging. Works down the line well in the running game.
14. WR Tavon Austin, West Virginia
Where he wins: An absolute joystick in the open field with the ball in his hands. Made plays beyond receiving role, as a ball carrier and as a returner. Cuts to make defenders miss with acceleration to keep angles changing are outstanding.
15. CB Xavier Rhodes, FSU
Where he wins: Press man coverage to slow receivers’ routes off the line and stick with them downfield. Remains balanced with his punch and shows that same physicality when wanting to attack the run on the edge.
16. S Kenny Vaccaro, Texas
Where he wins: Combo safety that fits where many schemes in NFL are moving. Interchangeable in the back half and showed plenty of comfort and aggression while covering slot receivers. Change of direction is there.
17. G Jonathan Cooper, UNC
Where he wins: Outstanding pulling or trapping guard. Moves so well in space and an extremely comfortable athlete. Shows good hand strength when getting inside punch. Would excel in an offense that requires mobile guards.
18. WR Cordarrelle Patterson, Tennessee
Where he wins: Smoothness, fluidity, and natural skill as an outside receiver. Body catches after aggressive steps on inside slant and adjusts to back shoulder throws along the sideline. Incredible ability to make people miss when the ball is in his hands. Big play threat as a returner.
19. S Johnathan Cyprien, FIU
Where he wins: An aggressive, physical player with enough mobility, awareness, and range to play the safety spots interchangeably. Sure tackler with aggression to make a play on ball carriers or when blitzing. Experience in the slot.
20. DE Bjoern Werner, FSU
Where he wins: Speed and burst off the edge with hand use to keep separation. Shows natural bend to work his way away from offensive tackles. Snap anticipation is very good. Athleticism to make tackles in space.
21. WR DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson
Where he wins: Sets up defenders with technical routes and refuses to lose body position battle at the catch point. Consistently leaves his feet to go up and get targets with strong hands rather than waiting on them. Strong runner with underrated straight-line speed after the catch.
22. DL Datone Jones, UCLA
Where he wins: Shows disruption from defensive end or tackle. Outside, his initial strength on contact puts offensive linemen on skates. Inside, has burst and quickness to win off the snap. Length and pad level (when asked to pass rush) helps.
23. G Larry Warford, Kentucky
Where he wins: A punishing, powerful blocker with a strong grip to control his opponent. Flashes proper posture but can win with brute strength and athleticism for his size when things break down. Projects to a power running team.
24. DE Damontre Moore, Texas A&M
Where he wins: Experience as a rush linebacker and as an end in a four man front. Motor to continue his pass rushing line while flashing separation or to chase down plays from the back side. Generates production when asked to loop inside.
25. OLB Jarvis Jones, Georgia
Where he wins: Undeniable speed and edge pressure to run around offensive tackles that cannot stop his momentum. Shows a motor to finish plays in the backfield. Flashes heavy hands to generate leverage.
26. WR Keenan Allen, Cal
Where he wins: Reliability in his ability to create separation and hands at the catch point. Breaks and cuts are crisp and exaggerated, consistently opening up space. Can make an impact at every level of the field.
27. CB Jamar Taylor, Boise State
Where he wins: Adept in press of off coverages. Very good at getting physical at the catch point to disrupt the receiver. Fluid hips and smooth turns with footwork to stick with vertical or breaking receivers. Comes up to set the edge, forcing running back inside.
28. WR Quinton Patton, Louisiana Tech
Where he wins: Extremely fluid and smooth in his routes. Sets up opposing cornerback with head fakes and cuts. Reliable hands and adjusts body positioning after tracking to come down with difficult catches. Burns opposition vertically when speed isn’t respected.
29. DT Jesse Williams, Alabama
Where he wins: Experience at nose tackle and as a five technique end. Strong upper body to absorb and hold an anchor. Shows power in hands to shed or extend and press the pocket from the interior at times.
30. LB Alec Ogletree, Georgia
Where he wins: Former safety has excellent speed in a free lane from the back side. Closes quickly and ferociously, especially on the edge. Can stick with any receiver in coverage and attacks the football when tackling.
31. WR Markus Wheaton, Oregon State
Where he wins: Consistently took the top off coverages with excellent straight-line playing speed. Don’t overlook his ability to break off rights and his acceleration to take a short route to the house. Does very well to sustain the separation he created off the line or in routes, but frequently underthrown.
32. CB Johnthan Banks, Mississippi State
Where he wins: Played a lot of cover 3 and not afraid to cut off his line and take a chance on underneath targets. His risks tend to pay off. Height and willingness to go up and get it allows him to win at the catch point. Not shy against contact.
33. ILB Kevin Minter, LSU
Where he wins: Hammer between the tackles. Uses strong hands to jolt second level blockers and stop momentum. Consistently sheds after stacking to make tackles. Tight lines and ability to work through trash helps him reach edge plays.
34. WR Robert Woods, USC
Where he wins: Dynamic slot player who is very adept on short to intermediate patterns. Quick feet in an out of breaks with good body control to adjust to targets. Plays with low pad level in his routes to minimize target area for contact at the line.
35. CB Desmond Trufant, Washington
Where he wins: Quick feet to stay in close range of receivers in their breaks. Keeps a safe distance from his assignment which will help to not draw downfield contact penalties in the NFL.
36. DT Johnathan Hankins, Ohio State
Where he wins: Flashes winning in a variety of ways, specifically with strength to shed, power to drive, or quickness to shoot gaps. Runs the line well for his size and could see snaps all along the defensive line.
37. RB Eddie Lacy, Alabama
Where he wins: Strong lower body runner who always falls forward on contact. Allows blocks to develop but tough to slow down once up to full speed. Underrated passing down back, willing pass protector and adequate receiver.
38. S D.J. Swearinger, South Carolina
Where he wins: Big hitter that can set the tone for a defense. Interchangeable safety in the back half. Showed well at cornerback when asked to play the position, but natural fit at safety. Feisty, downhill player.
39. T Terron Armstead, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Where he wins: Extremely fluid mover when asked to work in space, lead block, and hit second level targets. Athletic feet to mirror laterally, bend at the knee, anchor and redirect. Showed same kind of skill against top competition as he did versus FCS.
40. TE Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame
Where he wins: Few prospects go up and get it like him. Strong at the catch point with stick’em hands. Can be split out from a variety of spots but improved run blocking could allow for inline play.
41. T D.J. Fluker, Alabama
Where he wins: Powerful, mauling run blocking right tackle. When his hands get on you in proper positioning, it is over. Long arms and solid build help engulf the opposition. Athletic forward mover for his size.
42. DE Alex Okafor, Texas
Where he wins: Uncommon kind of pass rusher in that he does his best work with hand use, extension, and shedding ability. Lines up in two and three point stances. Not afraid to plant off of his outside foot and work inside, or keep his opposition on skates. Reaches to make a play on the QB in the pocket.
43. ILB Manti Te’o, Notre Dame
Where he wins: Inside thumper when able to get a few steps behind him. Improved in coverage. Vocal leader on the field. Best when attacking runs downhill with correct shoulder.
44. DE Corey Lemonier, Auburn
Where he wins: Low pad level off the line of scrimmage with a nice pop on first contact. Carries that same low pad level on initial engagement and can eat up a good amount of ground with long strides. Frequently lines up in a wide alignment.
45. CB Robert Alford, SE Louisiana
Where he wins: Competitive player at the line and throughout routes. Fluid hips and movement skills allow him to stick close to his assignment. Aware zone defender as well, with quick change of direction with even faster close.
46. NT Brandon Williams, Missouri Southern State
Where he wins: Leverage to get under opposition’s pads and drive legs to keep them on skates. Strong first contact to create some instant penetration. At best when lining up at 0 or 1 tech, fire hydrant in the middle of the line versus the running game.
47. T/G Dallas Thomas, Tennessee
Where he wins: Has experience and high level play at both left tackle and left guard. Great knee bend and posture to stay balanced. Strong grip to sustain his block against pass rushers that fire gaps. Consistently uses hands to punch on first contact.
48. TE Travis Kelce, Cincinnati
Where he wins: Projects well as an inline tight end due to skillful blocking and size but has experience as an H-back and slot option. Shields the ball from closing defenders and flashes nice agility for his size, especially when asked to get downfield.
49. TE Vance McDonald, Rice
Where he wins: Slot receiver with excellent blocking in space. Good anticipation, hits second level targets, sustains and drive blocks the opposition. Solid movement skills for size and long arms to make catches away from his body.
50. G Kyle Long, Oregon
Where he wins: Shows natural aggression from left tackle or guard. Obviously and athletic player for his size, moves laterally quite well. Uses opposition’s momentum against them, rides shoulder to drive out of play in running game.
51. DE Cornelius Washington, Georgia
Where he wins: In wide 7 or 9 technique. Excellent get off with low pad level, gains leverage with strong first contact. Leg drive to keep opposition on skates. Has more athleticism than was shown at 5 technique in 2012.
52. CB Jordan Poyer, Oregon State
Where he wins: Adept in off man, press man, and zone coverages. Physical player on the edge, attacks WR blocks and fights off to make a play. Has a good feel for timing with decisive footwork. Has experience in the slot.
53. WR Stedman Bailey, WVU
Where he wins: Effortlessly adjusts to throws, either in the open field or in the end zone, with good body control. Hands catcher who doesn’t lose speed on his turns. Nice vision after the catch to cut off blocks and find the open field.
54. TE Zach Ertz, Stanford
Where he wins: Downfield agility and movement skills to create separation. Sneaky athleticism to generate space against bigger defenders and uses size to beat athletic defensive backs. Shows toughness after the catch.
55. DT Sylvester Williams, UNC
Where he wins: Consistently generates some backfield penetration, one or two steps. Nice hand use to beat the first man, shoulder dip or immediate gap shooting. Best attribute is his disruption from the 3 technique spot.
56. CB Blidi Wreh Wilson, UConn
Where he wins: Turns to locate the football after mirroring on breaks from off coverage. Experience in press coverage from the slot. Closes quickly, either off of back pedal plant or on the edge against the run to force things inside.
57. RB Gio Bernard, UNC
Where he wins: Short, choppy footwork allows for upfield cuts between the tackle or in the open field. Made big plays as a returner. Comfortable as a receiver on angle routes, swings, or screens. Has enough speed to create big runs if given the sideline.
58. LB Sio Moore, UConn
Where he wins: Used from a variety of linebacker spots, including inside, weak side, strong side, and as a down pass rusher. Shows positive play at each due to strength, short hops to work through trash, and a willingness to get physical. Great athleticism only helps.
59. RB Andre Ellington, Clemson
Where he wins: Lean runner who sticks close to his blocks with great acceleration after cutting off their backsides. Despite his narrow base he has some nice balance and isn’t afraid of contact as a runner or in pass protection. Decisive cutter, likely in a zone scheme.
60. LB DeVonte Holloman, South Carolina
Where he wins: Prototypical strong side linebacker. Gets up field against the run but remains under control. Extends arms to create separation in order to shed on ball carrier. Plays low and former safety skills show when asked to play in short to intermediate game.
61. RB Johnathan Franklin, UCLA
Where he wins: One cut, decisive runner with great vision to find backside lanes. Doesn’t shy from contact as a pass protector and can make a big play happen if given a seam due to excellent straight-line speed. Upfield cuts make defenders miss at the second level.
62. S Matt Elam, Florida
Where he wins: Makes splash plays when his number is called. Closes on edge runs with force, brings a lot on contact on downhill tackles when the target is lined up. Does his best work near the line of scrimmage, especially on receiver screens.
63. WR Justin Hunter, Tennessee
Where he wins: Lanky, string bean type frame with long arms to pluck the ball in traffic. Fluid mover with some quick twitch ability. Has vertical skills along with crossers over the middle of the field.
64. T Menelik Watson, FSU
Where he wins: Athletic mover when asked to pull out front, chases down someone to block. Obviously has strong hands, which help him recover in case waist bending or lost balance takes place. Consistently looks to extend his arms and gain hand control.
65. CB Darius Slay, Mississippi State (tie)
Where he wins: Disrupts well at the catch point. Undercuts from cover 3, goes for receivers’ hands and forces drops. Doesn’t shy from contact, wraps up low against ball carriers after fighting over the top of blockers. Special teams contributor.
65. T Reid Fragel, Ohio State (tie)
Where he wins: Played right tackle despite a left tackle frame and was not overpowered. Shows nice posture and length to extend, with necessary footwork to make an impact at the second level. Hand placement always seems to be inside to control.
66. S JJ Wilcox, Georgia Southern
Where he wins: Aggressively closes on pass catchers in front of him with strong hits. Same goes for run defending, not afraid to sacrifice himself to take out lead blockers from a strong safety role. Still learning the position.
67. DT Kawann Short, Purdue
Where he wins: Three technique defensive tackle with quick feet to win on counter moves or create penetration off the snap. Flashes determination to win after first contact. Also has experience at end in some fronts, which will help evaluators project him into different schemes.
68. TE Jordan Reed, Florida
Where he wins: Very comfortable mover in space with the ball in his hands. Joker alignment with quick moves to create separation and has the awareness to sit in soft areas. Willing blocker, even inline.
69. CB Leon McFadden, San Diego State
Where he wins: Aggressively closes on the edge on screens or against the run. Hip turn and shuffle with backfield vision. Makes good contact within five yards. Looks comfortable in zone coverage.
70. DB Tyrann Mathieu, LSU
Where he wins: Creates turnovers by attacking the football at the catch point and tries to rip it away from ball carriers. Used from a variety of alignments, including slot corner, safety, and linebacker. Excellent special teams player.
71. WR Marquise Goodwin, Texas
Where he wins: Vertical speed is outstanding. Was able to show more skill at the Senior Bowl due to expanded route tree. Created separation with quick movements in and out of his breaks. Jet sweeps are effective.
72. S Bacarri Rambo, Georgia
Where he wins: Center field type safety who tracks the ball well with angles to disrupt the catch point. Shows enough tackling ability to be a reliable last line of defense. Great ball skills and shows a physical side closing downhill versus receivers.
73. CB Sanders Commings, Georgia
Where he wins: A true press corner, sticks in the hip pocket and slows his opposition downfield. Sheds to put himself in position to make a play in the running game and doesn’t mind tackling.
74. OL Justin Pugh, Syracuse
Where he wins: Plays well in tight spaces, with pass rusher close to his frame, which matches up with lack of length. Has a nice tall stance but bends well at the knee to absorb. Flashes moving and blocking in space, so guard projection is possible.
75. LB Zaviar Gooden, Missouri
Where he wins: Downhill tackler from the weakside with good closing speed. Not afraid to engage with his hands on edge run and attempt to shed and make the tackle. Gets good depth on his drops in coverage.
76. DE Quanterus Smith, Western Kentucky
Where he wins: Eats up a lot of ground getting upfield off the snap, shows a nice dip to turn the corner against right tackles and free his path towards QBs. Not a one trick pony, shows willingness to plant outside and work in.
77. S Phillip Thomas, Fresno State
Where he wins: Has excellent ball skills as a center fielder with enough skill to take downfield receivers in man coverage. Good angles with some aggression in the running game, even if he doesn’t finish the tackle.
78. TE Gavin Escobar, San Diego State
Where he wins: Catches everything away from his body. Fluid mover once in stride, carries momentum and doesn’t slow for catches either on crosses or vertical patterns. Used in an H-back or split receiver role.
79. S Eric Reid, LSU
Where he wins: Outstanding athlete who makes splash plays as a tackle or at the catch point with deflections and interceptions. Shows some real aggression when his number is called and ball carriers are lined up, especially on the edge.
80. WR Da’Rick Rogers, Tenn Tech
Where he wins: Gets physical in his routes by creating separation, slightly pushes off. Tracks vertical passes well and a determined runner after the catch. Makes grabs in traffic with corners attempting to undercut pattern.
81. CB BW Webb, William & Mary
Where he wins: Plenty of off man coverage in college with nice back pedal, strafe, and hip turn to stick with receivers. Attacks the catch point to disrupt. Does well to keep everything in front of him.
82. WR Ryan Swope, Texas A&M
Where he wins: Primarily a slot receiver in college with quick feet to create separation in breaks. Thrives on the broken play due to vertical speed that wasn’t regularly used. Improved hands from 2011 to 2012.
83. OL Brian Winters, Kent State
Where he wins: Rugged, tough blocker that plays with an attitude from the left tackle position. Guard projection is likely in his future. Active hands to gain control with a strong latch. Moves fairly well at the second level, sets up cut block.
84. OLB Khaseem Greene, Rutgers
Where he wins: Obviously comfortable in space, runs the seam with tight ends or receivers and shows closing speed in every aspect of his game. Shows more aggression when working downhill can ball carrier is lined up or on the edge. Weakside linebacker.
85. LB Chase Thomas, Stanford
Where he wins: A very technical pass rusher in terms of hand use, extension, and shedding ability. Not going to wow with athleticism but understands leverage and lines to keep his opponent off balance. See him as a pass rushing linebacker.
86. S Shamarko Thomas, Syracuse
Where he wins: A very aggressive, confident hitter in the open field and when closing on the edge. See him blowing up the middle on inside runs as well. Sniffs out misdirection. Strong safety that lays the hammer on short to intermediate patterns.
87. CB D.J. Hayden, Houston
Where he wins: Quick player who always seems to play on his toes. Fluid in backpedal and hand fights to generate some separation against the run. Very comfortable in zone coverages, rides receiver until he leaves zone, quickly picks up the next with good vision. Also showed admirably in press man coverage, especially when turning to locate the football.
88. LB Ty Powell, Harding
Where he wins: Strong side linebacker in a four man front with some rush capabilities. Strong and determined player on the edge, closes well in space and finishes. Eats up ground but has a strong base to hold the edge.
89. CB Adrian Bushell, Louisville
Where he wins: Lots of press man and mirrors early in routes with good burst to cut in front of receivers. Tight angles off the edge when sent on a blitz, cleans up on hits when downhill. Frequently used as a gunner on the punt team.
90. LB Jamie Collins, Southern Miss
Where he wins: Used as a defensive end and pass rushing linebacker, and his outstanding athleticism is immediately evident. Has nice natural length and flashes using it with a combination of inside and outside moves. Flashes of dominance.
91. DE Malliciah Goodman, Clemson
Where he wins: Freakish length and can generate consistent separation when it is used. Shows a variety of techniques when rushing from the 5 spot, including push and pull or slap with dip to turn the corner. Strong side defensive end.
92. LB Jon Bostic, Florida
Where he wins: Attacks blockers between the tackles with correct shoulder to force runner inside. Good punch on second level blockers to create some space, most of his time spent at the inside linebacker position. Tested with more athleticism than expected.
94. DE LaVar Edwards, LSU
Where he wins: Lines up at end and tackle with good snap anticipation. Wins with strength on counter moves, switches gaps and drives legs. Works back inside with low pad level and has been used as a two point rusher too.
95. G Travis Frederick, Wisconsin
Where he wins: Lined up at center in 2012 and did his best work as a power blocker to occupy or force interior defensive linemen off their spot. Happy to hand fight and gain control in close quarters.
96. DT Akeem Spence, Illinois
Where he wins: Thick lower body with a good base. Combines it with extension to push pull or rip into gaps. Hand fights to keep his anchor, adjust, and hold ground to shed and make the tackle near the line of scrimmage.
97. CB Will Davis, Utah State
Where he wins: Best in press man coverage. Sticks in hip pocket after the jam. Fights upfield to force ball carriers back inside.
98. NT John Jenkins, Georgia
Where he wins: Runs the line well for someone of his stature. Seen snaps at nose tackle and end in a three man front.
99. DE Margus Hunt, SMU
Where he wins: Excellent special teams player, specifically when blocking kicks. Likely a five technique and has athleticism to chase from the backside. Natural athlete.
100. DE Sam Montgomery, LSU
Where he wins: Shows strength in his hands to create space and run the line. Rolls into contact through hips in the hopes of gaining leverage and putting opposition on skates. Has some burst to split gaps.