2016 NFL Draft Prospects (After Combine)

2016 NFL Draft Prospects  (After Combine)

Members of the Devils’ Advocate sports staff analyzes the 2016 draft prospects after the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine, held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis this February.  Sports writers Joshua Bevan, Robert Colombaro, and Nate Rodriguez offer their insights and projections.

The Standouts: Darron Lee, Deforest Buckner, Carson Wentz, Josh Doctson, and Jalen Rasmey

Darron Lee

Bevan:

  • He’s quick to diagnose and flow to the ball. Has unusual ability to find the most efficient routes to the ball. Has athleticism and flexibility to contort his body and succeed through difficult tackle angles. Plays with loose hips, quick feet and desired agility of an NFL weak-side linebacker. Former high school quarterback with the change of direction and speed to be a rangy playmaker. Comfortable in space and excels there. Has plus man cover talent. Willing to stand in and take on blockers with a leveraged strike if his gap is being threatened. Capable gap blitzer with ability to get skinny through the holes.
  • Projections: Seattle Seahawks it sounds like the Seahawks will be losing Bruce Irvin this offseason. They’ll obviously need someone new to fill in if he departs, and Darron Lee seems like a natural replacement. Lee, who had a tremendous Combine, has the elite athleticism Seattle is always looking for.

Colombaro:

  • Darren Lee without a doubt had one of the best combines for a outside linebacker. He really showed his athletic abilities by running the fastest 40 yard dash in the combine for any linebacker. explosive off the line and speed to convert to the NFL style of play i wouldn’t be shocked to see an immediate impact in the NFL and a jump up on all teams draft boards.
  • Projected Draft Pick: Seattle Seahawks – it’s really starting to look like the Seahawks and the Bruce Irvin are going to be parting ways with each other in this next week so i see the Seahawks taking a very dominated outside linebacker to fill the gap in their front 7.

Rodriguez:

  • He had an outstanding combine raising his draft stock up to a first round pick. He is real explosive linebacker running a 4.47 40 yard dash, 35.5 vertical Jump, and a 133 in broad jump all being the best at his position I feel that he can play both in the 4-3 and the 3-4.
  • Projected Draft Pick: Chicago Bears #11 pick- With the bears in need of a MLB ever since Brian Urlacher left this would be a perfect spot for the linebacker.

Deforest Buckner

Bevan:

  • Impressive NFL-­ready physique. Has natural strength and power in his hands and improved their effectiveness this year. Not a content player, Buckner plays with effort and will continue working hands and feet to improve his positioning. Light went on as pass rusher in 2015. Generated top-­end production by combining his power and dynamic athletic traits. Improved his pad level as rusher creating dominating pocket push that he was able to convert into sacks and knockdowns. Rare tackle production for defensive lineman with 163 over last two seasons. Long arms and good play speed allow him maximum field coverage to tackle. Flexible upper body. Can flip shoulders, then hips around the edge of blockers allowing him to play on the other side of the line. Has size and athleticism for scheme versatility. Quick off the snap and difficult to cut­ off in run game.
  • Projected Draft Pick:The Ravens are in a good spot. There appear to be six consensus top prospects in this underwhelming class: Laremy Tunsil, Carson Wentz, Jalen Ramsey, Joey Bosa, Myles Jack and DeForest Buckner. Baltimore will be able to take whichever of the six falls to them, and all but one fill a need. The lone exception is Wentz, and he, along with Tunsil won’t drop to this spot.

Colombaro:

  • With sheer raw size measuring at 6’7 tall and weighing at 291 pounds Becker seems to be a force to be wrecking with. Athletic talent that is rare with an explosive 116.0 in board jump shows why he was a dominating pass rusher. With excellent tackling abilities for a defensive end I see him as a perfect 4-3 end. Finishing his collegiate career with 83 tackles, 17 for loss, Pac-12 leading 10.5 sacks his stock continues to rise and surpass pass rusher such as Ohio State’s Joey Bosa.
  • Projected Draft Pick: Baltimore Ravens with the 6th overall pick with a good linebacking Corp and great pass rushing from Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs who is coming off an Achilles injury this could be the best landing spot for Buckner.

Rodriguez:

  • With a solid combine Deforest Buckner is a solid top 10 pick and showed he is a freak. Standing at 6’7” and weighing 291 lbs He is fast for his size. I see him playing a 3-4 Defensive lineman after finishing last season with 83 tackles, 17 for loss, Pac-12 leading 10.5 sacks.
  • Projected Draft Pick: San Diego Chargers #4 pick- The Chargers have to get better against the run, and Buckner was incredibly productive in that area at Oregon. Despite seeing multiple blockers. Buckner will be fine working inside if the Chargers use four-man fronts on defense.

Carson Wentz

Bevan:

  • Tall with an athletic, proportional build that is made for the NFL position. Played in a pro-­style attack with plenty of snaps under center. Asked to make NFL throws and showed he could do it. Stands tall in the pocket and delivers with a relatively high release point. Keeps ball high and tight in the pocket and can uncork it quickly with tight, sharp release and little wasted motion. Throws catchable ball with tight spiral. Naturally accurate passer. Sees lurking linebackers underneath and throws receivers open to safest spot in the passing window. Able to change arm slots and still throw a strike. Has plus deep ball accuracy and touch. Calm in pocket and has no problems sitting in and taking a hit to complete a pass. Excelled in structured passing attack that required him to read the entire field. Has athleticism to escape pressure and hurt defenses with his legs. Already able to feel pressure on the edges and slide around in pocket without dropping his eyes. Adept in play-­action game at selling fakes and quickly finding safeties to help determine where to go with the ball. Intelligent with long list of academic achievements. Should be able to process and handle an NFL playbook quickly. Can play pitch and catch all day long against zone coverage.
  • Projected Draft Pick: Toward the end of the season, I thought the Browns would draft Joey Bosa. Things change quickly, however, and as we all learned, Johnny Manziel is having major personal issues, pretending to be someone named Billy in Vegas while drinking his life away. The Browns have realized that they can’t go forward with a self-destructive alcoholic, and they’ve stated that he will be released come March. New regimes mean new quarterbacks, anyhow, so Cleveland’s front office will want to obtain it’s own guy.

Colombaro:

  • With a rocket arm and being able to make NFL type throws in the pocket in Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine. There should be no issue to select Wentz in the first top 5 picks. A NFL type built standing at 6’5 and coming into the Combine at 237 pounds. The only question to ask is why would you pass up a chance for a franchise QB?
  • Projected Draft Pick: Cleveland Browns there hasn’t been much luck for the Browns selecting Quarterbacks. With unproductive quarterbacks through the past 20 years and being known as the worst ran sports franchise in the world Wentz maybe able to change that.

Rodriguez:

  • Carson Wentz has the arm and the accuracy to play in the NFL but did not play talent in FCS to prove he can play against the big boys in the NFL. I think he does he is Tall with an athletic proportional build that is made for the NFL position. He Played in a pro-­style attack with plenty of snaps under center. He was also Asked to make NFL throws and showed he could do it.
  • Projected Draft Pick: Cleveland Browns #2 pick- The Browns need a QB to help lead them to future with a new head coach he is the right guy.

Josh Doctson

Bevan:

  • Targeted 36.5 percent of the time and has the mentality of a lead receiver. Silky vertical routes with ability to make subtle shifts to get past corners waiting to put hands on him. Consistent in his play speed. Good accelerator off stutter­-step release. Able to create late separation down the field with body lean and quiet hand usage. Touchdown maker who has rung up 25 receiving touchdowns over last two years despite missing three games this season. Climbs to snare jump balls and has body control to adjust in mid­air. Hands are very strong helping him secure catches through contact. Has ability to make defenses pay after the catch. Isn?t overwhelmed by physical cornerbacks trying to force him into the boundary and can play through it to make winning catches downfield.
  • Projected Draft Pick: The Vikings, on the other hand, would love a possession receiver, so Laquon Treadwell fits more what they are looking for. Treadwell isn’t available here, but Josh Doctson is. Doctson had a terrific Combine and should now be chosen in the first round. Doctson fits exactly what the Vikings are looking for, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s the pick at this juncture.

Colombaro:

  • Able to just run past defensive backs and runs great vertical routes he will a valued wide out in this draft. Every team is looking for a wide out who can take the top off defenses,  but this isn’t the only thing he’s able to do. Being targeted 36.5 times at TCU he shows why he could a reliable target in the NFL. He has the intelligence and the ability to go up and catch a ball to excel in the NFL.
  • Projected Draft Pick: Cleveland Browns in my opinion being the Browns will be picking a quarterback with the 3rd overall pick there going to have to give their new quarterback a weapon and who better?

Rodriguez:

  • Extends with magnet hands to pluck away from his body, displaying usually terrific focus and tracking ability. Uses his body well to box out and shield defenders from the ball. Immediately looks to turn catches upfield with deceiving run toughness and a strong stiff arm. Creates spacing in his routes and finds open zones to give his quarterback a clear target.
  • Projected Draft Pick: Cleveland Browns – 2 round pick

Jalen Ramsey

Bevan:

  • Dominant athlete. Sprinter and champion long jumper for Seminoles track team and hit a 40-inch vertical leap in high school. Prototype frame for a big, press­ cover corner. From press, lands accurate blows with extended arms into the shoulders of receivers. Can redirect and, in some cases, completely road­block a route with his disruptive press strength and tactics. Has experience at safety and as slot corner. Boundary corner in 2015 and quick to crowd outside releases against sideline. Shines in trail coverage. Has athletic ability to slam on brakes from full sprint and shadow comeback routes. Length and closing speed make it difficult to beat him over the top. Elite leaper who can challenge jump balls against anyone. Uses aggressive ripping and raking against catch attempts. Aware and instinctive from zone and off coverage. Diagnoses quickly and will stick a foot in the ground and drive hard towards the throw. Balanced, wrap-up tackler in space. Allowed a completion rate of just 38.5 percent.
  • Projected Draft Pick: I listed DeForest Buckner here last week, but I noted that I was waffling between him and Jalen Ramsey. After more consideration, I’ve decided to mock the Florida State defensive back to the Chargers. Both players fill a huge need, but Ramsey is the better player overall. He also enjoyed the superior Combine, shining in the field work, timed drills and most importantly, the interviews. Multiple teams told us that Ramsey came off as a great guy who could be a terrific leader on the field and in the locker room. The Chargers need someone like that on the defensive side of the ball, especially with Eric Weddle gone.

Colombaro:

  • With the body and athletic ability to surpass anyone’s expectations. This former sprinter and champion long jumper for the Florida State Seminoles the sky’s the limit. I see him moving down and getting his hands on receivers as he plays cornerback at the next level. He could really cause issues with a 6’1 and 201 pound frame and speed to lock any receiver.
  • Projected Draft Pick: San Diego Chargers with the news of Eric Weddle testing free agency and not getting along with the front office of the Chargers this is no shock. The secondary of the Chargers will need help with the exit of a Pro Bowler.

Rodriguez:

  • One  of the top DB coming into the draft this year Jalen Ramsey has the lockdown coverage to be one of the best DB in this league. He is a press cover corner and every team in the NFL is looking for one who can take out the opposing team’s best receiver.
  • Projected Draft Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars #5 pick- If he drops this Far Gus Bradley would love to have him on his defense. He would remind him of the type of CB’s he worked with when he was D-Coordinator in Seattle.

The Steals

Keith Marshall

Bevan:

  • Combines size and raw speed. Before knee injuries possessed blazing, third-level speed. Had 12 percent of his runs in 2012 go for 15-plus yards. Has the burst gear and bend to squeeze through constricted run lanes. Tight, efficient footwork for quick lateral cuts before getting run back on track downhill. Makes early tackle attempts miss. Intelligent player who can learn quickly. Limited production in passing game, but able pass catcher.
  • Projected Draft Pick: Major concern for his knees in the league. Needs to be able to stay healthy and I believe he could be the 3rd or 4th running back drafted. Could go as high as 4th round.

Colombaro:

  • The Georgia Bulldog came into the draft as a speed back with great ability to make a cut and turn on the afterburner. The Combine’s 40 yard dash solidified his speed back reputation. With a absolute blazing 4.31 second 40 yard dash, and a great overall workout don’t be surprised to see him shot up on the draft boards.
  • Projected Draft Pick: San Francisco 49ers – We all know that Chip Kelly loves speed and ability to catch the ball out the back field and this is the exact player Kelly may need don’t be shock to see his in San Francisco and making plays on Sundays.

Rodriguez:

  • Marshall has speed like olympic runner speed and that can help him out in the long run. He was a great player coming out of college and had a nice freshman year behind Todd Gurley but an ACL tear in the beginning of sophomore year derailed him 2 years and never recovered right. But with a nice combine he has made himself draft worthy.
  • Projected Draft Pick: Indianapolis Colts #113 pick- With the Colts in need of runningback help they should look to grab Marshall in the 4th round

Tyler Boyd

Bevan:

  • Ultra-competitive. Known for powerful hands that clamp instantly onto ball and finish heavily contested catches. Has over-­the­-middle toughness. Plays with outstanding body control and has ability to gyrate and contort in mid­air in order to make acrobatic catches look easy. Brimming with confidence. Targeted 124 times or more in each of his three seasons. Able to create window through route polish. Sinks into breaks and comes out low with good turn radius when needed. Sits in space and slows routes when necessary to prevent safety from crowding him in deep middle. Has handled some kick return and punt return duties during his time at Pitt.
  • Projected Draft Pick: Entering the 2015 season, Boyd looks like a first-rounder if he can stay out of trouble and continue to build on his first two seasons for Pittsburgh.

Colombaro:

  • In my opinion Tyler Boyd is the best receiver coming out of the draft this year. When at the University of Pittsburgh with an unproven quarterback Boyd still excelled. With Hands and body control that can catch any ball thrown to him. Boyd was one are the most dependent receivers in the NCAA these past 3 years being targeted 124 times or more! Braking almost all  Larry Fitzgerald records at Pitt don’t be shocked to see Boyds 6’1 197 pounds Frame brake his way to a starting spot or playing slot receiver next year.
  • Projected Draft Pick: Baltimore Ravens – I feel like the Ravens will select Boyd early in the second round. With Steve Smith Sr. Not getting any younger also coming off a Achilles injury and Breshad Perriman not even playing a snap last year. Baltimore needs depth for Joe Flacco.

Rodriguez:

  • He was one of the best receivers in college football. He can run good routes and has some of the best hands in this draft. He can really grab the ball out of the air and reminds me of Keenan Allen.
  • Projected Draft Pick: Baltimore Ravens #36 pick- The Ravens are in desperate need of a receiver especially after Steve Smith Sr. ACL injury after last year.

Sterling Shepard

Bevan:

  • Silky smooth with terrific route quickness. Plays with consistent play speed into and out of his breaks and can hit the gas out of his breaks to create instant separation for anticipatory throws. Runs variety of routes from the slot. Almost impossible to stay with his “whip” route. Clean with his double moves and if cornerbacks bite, is able to get over the top to track throws and run under them for the big play. Will adjust routes to ball placement. Not afraid over the middle. Born to catch a football. Just eight drops with 253 catches and is able to adjust to high, low or behind him for difficult catches. Loves to compete. Willing to jump into a cornerback and get after him as a blocker from slot. Takes pride in his work ethic and scouts say his personal and football character is extremely high. Was a talented basketball player and long-jumper in high school.
  • Projected Draft Pick: I believe he is a top 5 receiver in draft and will go in the third round.

Colombaro:

  • Another receiver that I have high expectations for. Shepards great route running and abilities to adjust to catching the ball wherever it’s thrown it shocks me he’s not higher on draft boards. With a absolute great Combine not dropping a ball in the gauntlet and showing his great route running. Shepard will be a great slot option for whatever quarterback has him.
  • Projected Draft Pick: Cincinnati Bengals- With slot receiver Marvin Jones heading to free agency , Shepard is a great fit the Bangles will be coming into the draft looking to find a new number two receiver.

Rodriguez:

  • After a great year with the Oklahoma Sooners Sterling Shepard raised his draft stock a lot. He runs great routes inside and should be a slot receiver in the NFL. he had  86-1,288-11 his senior year big improvement from his 51 catches, 970 yards, five touchdowns his junior year.
  • Projected Draft Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers #74 pick- The Bucs could use a nice inside guy to go along with receivers Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans.

Travis Feeney

Bevan:

  • Production and consistency improved across the board. More confident, accurate tackler dropping his missed tackles from 11 (2014) to three this year. Rangy former safety who can cover ground in pursuit. Adequate lateral movement and uses hands to create separation from blockers. Uses arm­-over as his go-­to rush move. Competitive with an aggressive demeanor. Willing to mix it up. Able to stretch plays and push them towards sideline. 2015 team captain. Consistently productive over four years on coverage teams.

Colombaro:

  • A former safety that isn’t scared to drop back into coverage and come up to make the tackle this outside linebacker could be a huge steal for many teams in NFL with such a pass heavy league. With long arms for great passing abilities Feeney could be a nightmare for opposing teams. The speed that’s perfect for a outside linebacker he can cause havoc on the edge and rushing game.
  • Projected Draft Pick: Chicago Bears – With a weak linebacking corp i wouldn’t be shocked to see Feeney go underrated but be very Productive on a NFL team.

Rodriguez:

  • Feeney had a great combine showing his explosiveness with a 4.50 40, 40in vertical, 130in broad jump all at the top of his linebacker position. He might not be the name everybody knows but can very well make a name for himself.
  • Projected Draft Pick: New York Giants #148 pick- The giants need someone to takeover the MLB position so Feeney can sit a couple of years to develop the takeover.

Derrick Henry

Bevan:

  • One of the biggest running backs you will ever see. Can be a violent runner without even trying. Pummels tacklers with forward lean and dynamite behind his pads. Gives run-­support cornerbacks bad dreams. Rare top­-end speed for a runner his size. Long strides from second to third level cut into reaction time for safeties and often leave them a step short and grasping for air. Effective in zone, gap and power schemes. Rarely fatigues and wears down defenses as game goes on. Had 29.6 percent of his explosive carries come in the fourth quarter. Makes consistent, initial reads as a zone runner. Against Mississippi State, took outside zone run and cut it all the way back across formation out­racing defense for 65-yard touchdown. Led nation in missed tackles forced with 60. Uses subtle change of direction on the second level while keeping runs north/south. Used as a possession bully in short yardage spots and when Alabama wanted to impose their will.
  • Projected Draft Pick: Teams that draft quarterbacks in the first round usually double up on offense. I’ve had the Browns taking a receiver at this spot for quite some time. Now, I’m making the switch to Derrick Henry for a couple of reasons. First, the top three wideouts are off the board, and Henry is better than the other players at the position. Second, the Browns have talked about having higher-character players on the roster, so they may not want the lethargic Isaiah Crowell hanging around much longer.

 

Colombaro:

  • The Heisman Trophy winner is without a doubt in my mind the best running back entering the draft. His violent running style will be a perfect fit for many NFL teams , with every carry he could give you 3 or 4 yards. With a very rare top end speed for a man of his size running a 4.54 with a 6’3 247 pound body he could be a man amongst boys. That is what he was in the Combine and at Alabama with a insane 130in broad jump shows his true explosiveness. An impressive 2,219 running yards and a staggering 28 rushing touchdowns at Alabama he may be a force to be wrecking with in the NFL.
  • Projected Draft Pick: Tennessee Titans – With Tennessee not being able to find a number one back last year with their rotation at running back last year. With all the disappointment at running back I think Derrick Henry is at perfect fit to be at 3 down back that can carry a workload.

Rodriguez:

  • Raw size a speed Derrick Henry is arguably one of the best running backs in this draft and can help out a team immediately. The Heisman Trophy winner ran for 2,219 rushing yards and 28 rushing touchdowns and is a physical freak. He has the ability to become an every down back in the NFL.
  • Dallas Cowboys #34 pick- This would be a perfect fit in eyes for the Cowboys. Derrick Henry can run wild behind that Dallas Cowboys offensive line and give help to Tony Romo coming off an injury.

 

 

 

Under Profromers / Possible Bust

 

Joey Bosa

Josh Bevan – Too contact-­oriented in his rush and needs to learn to leverage himself around the edge. Forward lean can cause him to go flying when defenders give him a shove. Tape shows surprising lack of play strength when he?s attacked on his edge. Struggles to fight back when being washed down by down blocks. Will end up on the ground more times than expected during game. Instincts a work in progress. Can be slow to process what he sees and can be frozen by zone-­read looks. Not much bang behind his pads as a tackler. Big runners squeeze out additional yards after contact against him. Will vacate his run fit with constant attempts to get over the top of block rather than reading and reacting to both gaps. Not as twitchy and sudden as expected. Feet are a little heavy and it takes just a second to accelerate up to speed after quick direction changes. More attention by offenses brought much fewer sacks. Flagged for offsides 10 times over last two years and 14 penalties total.

 

Projection- I could see Joey Bosa slide to the Dolphins or Buccaneers because of his character concerns, but Dallas is a strong possibility as well. Jerry Jones has shown that he’s not afraid to take a chance on a talented player with some off-the-field questions. With Greg Hardy on his way out, and Randy Gregory now one strike away from a year-long suspension, Bosa makes a ton of sense for the Cowboys.

 

 

Robert Colombaro : When playing Ohio State there was one rule. Do not run near Joey Bosa ,but in my opinion that’s not going to be the chase in the NFL. Joey Bosa was an absolute freak in college terrifying offensive lines every Saturday. Leading the Big Ten Conference with 21 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks this season. With a NFL type body and comparisons to JJ Watt expectations may be to high. JJ Watt Combine was way more impressive that Bosa with Watt being 20 pounds heavier than Bosa and still staying close to him in all workouts at the Combine. I don’t buy the expectations of Bosa.

 

Projection : Tampa Bay Buccaneers – With a disappointing workout at the Combine I don’t see Bosa being picked anywhere in the first 5 picks and dropping down board slowly. Unless he has an impressive Pro Day don’t be shocked if he continues to fall.

 

Nate Rodriguez : Not as quick as some of the NFL’s elite edge rushers. Not a quick-twitch rusher and doesn’t play with consistent explosion. Needs to improve his inside shoulder dip to leverage his body into blockers around the edge.
Room to improve his gap integrity and pre-snap anticipation. Will misread plays at times and crash down, leading him to be too reactionary on plays following a mistake, cautious of making another one.

 

Projections- Dallas Cowboys – With Greg Hardy not in the team’s future plans and 2015 second-round pick Randy Gregory facing a suspension, the Cowboys may have little choice but to address defensive end early in the draft. Bosa is ideally built for the 4-3 and he has the pro-ready game that defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli will appreciate, showing awareness and strength to handle run-stuffing duties as well as the burst and refined hand play to attack the quarterback.

 

 

Robert Nkemdiche

 

Josh Bevan – For all the talent and athletic traits, his production was disappointing. Produced low tackle totals and just 6.5 sacks over three years. Never forced or recovered a fumble. Ducks head into initial off snap losing track of the ball. Tightly ­wound, straight-line athlete who needs play to stay inside his optimal area of movement. Inconsistent effort after his initial pass rush move is thwarted. Needs to develop a counter rush move. Was suspended for Sugar Bowl after being arrested and charged with marijuana a possession. Scouting community has serious concerns about his personal character and work ethic.

 

Projection- I think this is the most natural spot for Robert Nkemdiche. Even before his latest off-the-field issues, the teams we spoke to believed that he was overrated. Both Charlie and I had him in the early teens before his recent incident, but I thought he could fall to around 20 or so.

 

Robert Colombaro : His expectations were extremely high walking into the 2016 NCAA Football season , and Ole Miss Defensive Tackle didn’t meet them. Nkemdiche was suspended for the Sugar Bowl after falling out of a fourth floor window of a hotel and being charged with multiple charges of  possession of marijuana. Many NFL team question his character and his work ethic. His on the field play wasn’t jaw dropping also with only 6.5 sacks over three years and a low amount of tackles his Draft stock was once a high first round pick, but I see him as a really late first round pick to a high second round guy.

 

Projection : Buffalo Bills – I see Rex Ryan jumping on this opportunity right away to have a big defensive tackle that could be developed into a force. With a aging Kyle Williams I would be shocked to see Ryan develop him for a few years or even moving him to end after the departure of Mario Williams.

 

Nate Rodriguez : A player who will likely receive comparisons to 2015 first round pick Leonard Williams, Nkemdiche has above average athleticism for his size, using movement skills and lower body fluidity to skirt blockers and easily change directions. He can push the pocket with power and offers the versatility to make an impact vs. the run and penetrate the pocket to make plays in the backfield.

 

Projections- Buffalo Bills – The Bills probably should be looking for help on offense with this pick but as long as Rex Ryan has a say, the defensive line will get plenty of attention. Powerful and used to double-teams, Nkemdiche has the size and strength to be the defensive end Ryan had hoped Mario Williams would be. He’s also quite athletic, boasting perhaps the most exciting raw talent as any defensive lineman in this draft. Ryan has never been one to shy from talent, even if it comes with red flags, as Nkemdiche does.

 

Noah Spence

Josh Bevan – Not as long or tall as teams like at defensive end. Needs to develop more strength at point of attack. Can be bumped of his grass and widened out against run. Average hand usage against the run. Doesn’t play with violent punch and control at point of attack. Didn’t vary pass rush approach much and just average with speed ­to ­power. Ability to win on high side will be countered by NFL tackles. Will have to develop a counter underneath. Good athlete, but not great twitch for sudden change of direction. At times is too easy to find for blockers. Treated for drug addiction and banned for life from Big Ten after failed drug tests in 2013 and 2014. Arrested in May of 2015 for alcohol intoxication and second­-degree disorderly conduct, but incident was expunged from record after community service.

 

Projections- The Rams have no issues taking chances on players with character issues. Perhaps they’ll do so with Noah Spence, whose disappointing Combine could knock him out of Round 1 entirely. Los Angeles could use Spence to replace Chris Long.

 

 

Robert Colombaro : Being kicked out of Ohio State you would think Noah Spence collegiate career  would be in shambles. He found his way to be as productive as possible and be invited to the NFL Combine. Spence was kicked out after being treated for drug addiction due to failing drug test in 2013 and 2014. Also arrested in May for alcohol intoxication and second­-degree disorderly conduct. Another player who is suffering from a dropping stock because of character issues and a blow par workout. Not as violent off the edge as many would want to see he could of dropped out of the first round.

 

Projection- Los Angeles Rams- With the departure of Chris Long the Rams will have to find someone to replace him. Rams have no issue taking a risk on players with character issues. Spence has the ability to be a valued player on the team with time and gameplay to develop he could be a valuable asset to the team.

 

 

Nate Rodriguez : Needs to improve his snap discipline and anticipation. Needs to show heavier hands to jolt blockers at the point of attack, struggling to consistently convert speed to power. He has a light anchor and can be moved by blockers and his lack of height hinders his backfield vision at times.

 

Projections – Arizona Cardinals-   While youngsters Markus Golden and Alex Okafor have shown flashes, the Cardinals were led in sacks last season by Dwight Freeney, who is contemplating retirement rather than returning for his 15th NFL season. General manager Steve Keim has shown a willingness to gamble on character concerns before and could see Spence as simply too gifted to pass up.

 

 

Shawn Oakman

Josh Bevan – Body type of a praying mantis with well-built upper and skinny legs. Will always struggle with his high center of gravity. Must create more knee bend as part of his muscle memory reflex to improve his balance. His pass rush consists of bull rushing or bull rushing. Occasionally windmills hands to try and swat away punch to turn the corner but mostly ­bull rushing. Menacing power only evident in straight line. Doesn’t have leverage or lower body power to translate play strength throughout his movements. Upper body and lower body don’t seem coordinated.

 

Projections- Ah, Shawn Oakman. He wrecked any chance he had of being drafted in the first two days with a poor Combine. He is now relegated to the late rounds, where a team like the Cardinals could draft him and perhaps teach him how to play football.

 

Robert Colombaro : Oh is there a lot you can say about Oakman. Like how with a body to be dominating in any level could he be so unproductive. Oakman popularity surfaced after a photo of him surface store in 2014 Goodyear Cotton Bowl against Michigan State. With his stature he has potential to be the next best thing, but his 6’8 287 pound body he will struggle on the NFL level. He lacks with pass rushing moves that in his case only consist on bull rushing. He will struggle to bend and make himself small around the edge in the NFL and his greatest assisted maybe his biggest nightmare,  his size.

 

Projection: Arizona Cardinals- Oakman needs a coaching staff that will be patient and his development. I feel like Bruce Arians will be with the Cardinals looking for pass rushing so bad they had to sign Dwight Freeney off the streets maybe drafting a developmental player isn’t the worst thing to do.

 

Nate Rodriguez : Has steadily progressed the last few seasons with added reps, but isn’t yet the sum of his parts. His pad level will always be an issue due to his height and his pass rush arsenal is rudimentary. Tends to slow and be a non factor once his initial moves stall, struggling to shorten his path to the pocket. He doesn’t consistently generate power from his lower half or convert his quick first step to power.

 

Projections – Los Angeles Rams – with the departure of Chris Long the Rams will need to find a pass rusher to get to the Quarterback and Shawn seems to be able to devolve.

 

 

Lenard Floyd

Josh Bevan – All thin everything. Gangly frame produces marginal play strength. Built like a wide receiver and needs to live in a team cafeteria and weight room. Not an edge-­setter. Gets long arms into defender effectively, but struggles to gain extension. Loses fight for neutral zone at point of attack. Issues shedding blocks forces him into downfield tackler rather than backfield playmaker. Drag-­down tackler with little pop behind pads as a hitter. Must work to keep pad level lower on inside rush move.

 

Projections-Gerald McCoy and Jacquies Smith were considered the Buccaneers’ top two pass-rushers last season. McCoy is great, but Smith? It’s quite apparent that Tampa needs someone better to get to the quarterback. Fortunately for the front office, this class is loaded with talented edge rushers. The Buccaneers have been linked to Leonard Floyd, as Charlie Campbell mentioned on our podcast. Floyd would definitely help Tampa’s efforts of generating heavy pressure on Cam Newton, Drew Brees and Matt Ryan.

 

Robert Colombaro : When you first look at Floyd you think he has the built of a wide out and not so much an outside linebacker. I feel like Floyd will struggle in the pass rushing  aspect of his game and may get beat often because if his issue to shed blocks from line men. He would have to be put in the right system that will use his long lanky body to his advantage. Will have to keep pads low which he struggled with in college due to his size.

 

Projection- Indianapolis Colts – I like Leonard Floyd as a colt with veteran pass rusher Robert Mathis to put him under his wing for a few years and help him he could meet expectations and more. I would like to see the Colts stack the front 7 due to their terrible run defense and inability to rush the passer.

 

 

Nate Rodriguez : While sporting a relatively lanky frame, Floyd shows surprising power in his hands and complements it with burst off the edge, agility to avoid blockers and a relentless motor. With an injury-free 2015 season and the expected growth after another offseason in the weight room, Floyd looks like a solid bet to once again rank among the SEC’s elite edge rushers and establish himself as a highly regarded NFL prospect.

 

Projections- New York Jets –  With explosive edge rushers Miller and Demarcus Ware mitigating Tom Brady’s quick passes in the AFC Championship Game, the Broncos provided the rest of the NFL a manual on how to beat the New England Patriots. Adding a speed rusher like Floyd to complement an already stout defensive line could be exactly what the Jets need to end the Patriots’ supremacy in the AFC East.