Hard Knocks Life Vol. 3-Will the Defense be up to Par(sons)- ‘21 Cowboys Season Thread
- Thread starter BlueHeffner
- Start date
You another Jalen Hurts stan that said Dak was trash?
Th3G3ntleman
Superstar
Nah just a Charger fan dying at folks before and after reaction to the Herbert experience. Saw it with Washington...gonna see it with yall.
A Charger fan and Sixer fan? Interesting. Keep that same energy Sunday
1. *Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU (6-1, 195)
A long, smooth athlete, Stingley can mirror and stay in phase against all different types of route runners. There will be an occasional focus lapse here and there, but the Baton Rouge native shows a natural feel for cutting off routes and disrupting the catch window. With his natural instincts and fluid athleticism, Stingley is an outstanding man-coverage NFL prospect with Pro Bowl-level talent.
2. *Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon (6-4, 255)
Thibodeaux arrived in Eugene with massive expectations and he has yet to disappoint. He is a springy athlete with length and power and although he is still learning how to string together his moves, most blockers have a tough time dealing with his natural tools. I don’t quite put him on that Chase Young-level yet as an NFL prospect, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he is there by season’s end.
3. *Kyle Hamilton, DS, Notre Dame (6-3, 218)
With his athleticism, length and diagnose skills, Hamilton has a unique blend of traits that draw obvious parallels to former top-10 pick Isaiah Simmons. The Notre Dame star casts a wide net as a tackler with a knack for squaring and striking through his target with thump. You want to see more big plays from him in coverage this season, but Hamilton has the cover skills to blanket pass-catchers and force quarterbacks to look elsewhere.
4. *Evan Neal, OT, Alabama (6-7, 357)
There are not many humans on this planet with Neal’s mix of size, strength and movement skills. He carries his 360-ish pounds well from head to toe with the natural body coordination and lock-down power to shine in the run game and pass protection. He is also further along mentally than most blockers his age and has displayed his versatility, starting at left guard as a freshman, right tackle as a sophomore and soon to be left tackle as a junior.
5. *DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M (6-4, 290)
While watching Leal’s tape, I had immediate flashbacks of Jonathan Allen at Alabama — athletic footwork, strong hands and the versatility to be productive inside or outside and against the run and the pass. He isn’t as advanced technically as Allen coming out of college, but he plays with impressive bend, body control and power with sky-high potential.
6. *Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina (6-1, 225)
From his size to his arm to his movements, the similarities between Howell and Baker Mayfield are undeniable. While he needs to clean up a few bad habits, the Tar Heels quarterback is rarely rattled and plays with an impressive sense of composure. There are quarterbacks in this class with higher ceilings, but Howell has the confidence and feel to be a winning NFL quarterback.
7. *Kenyon Green, OT/G, Texas A&M (6-4, 325)
With Green moving outside as a junior, time will tell if teams view him as a legitimate left tackle prospect. But they know what he offers at guard, which is enough to warrant early first-round consideration. Green explodes out of his stance with outstanding body control and heavy hands at contact to control the point of attack.
8. *Spencer Rattler, QB, Oklahoma (6-0, 209)
Based on natural ability, Rattler is a prime candidate to jump up this list over the next few months. He has impressive arm talent with his ability to deliver accurately from any platform. He will occasionally get reckless with the football and needs to be more consistent working through things, but Rattler has impressive field instincts for a rising redshirt sophomore with only 11 career starts.
9. *Drake Jackson, Edge, USC (6-4, 255)
A long, loose-jointed pass rusher, Jackson has the ankle flexion to run the hoop and the lateral suddenness to win in small areas. His get-off is average and he is still raw in areas, but his ability to vary his rush speed, including a finishing burst to the quarterback, translates to pocket disruption. Jackson also showed his versatility as a stand-up linebacker last season, spot-dropping and showing off his range.
10. *Christian Harris, LB, Alabama (6-2, 232)
The best all-around linebacker in the class, Harris can make plays in coverage, against the run and as a blitzer. He has the range and fluidity to stay attached down the seam while also displaying the toughness and hand work to scrape and shut down runs at the line of scrimmage. Along with Tennessee transfer Henry To’o To’o, Alabama has the best linebacker duo in college football.
11. *George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue (6-4, 275)
Last season did not go as planned for Karlaftis due to injuries and the pandemic. However, his freshman season (17 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks) showed a charged-up, powerful rusher with straight-line explosion and violent hands. With opponents like Notre Dame, Minnesota, Iowa and Ohio State on the Purdue schedule, Karlaftis will have plenty of opportunities to show why he belongs in the top half of round one.
12. Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State (6-1, 182)
The top-ranked senior on this preseason board, Olave was considered a potential first-round pick if he entered last year’s draft because of his combination of speed and refinement. A dangerous deep threat, he understands how to leverage coverage and win at the catch point, even if he doesn’t have desired size or strength for the position. Although he might not be a true No. 1 pass-catcher in an NFL offense, Olave projects as a productive “Z” receiver and arguably the top player at his position in the class.
13. Aidan Hutchinson, DL, Michigan (6-6, 260)
A Buckeye is the top senior prospect on offense and a Wolverine is the top senior defender. With his mix of physical talent and competitive drive, Hutchinson is a football coach’s dream. He has logged snaps at every defensive line position while at Michigan, flashing the upper body physicality to be a battering ram, but also the agile, flexible lower body to stay balanced on his feet. He was on a first-round trajectory last season before a fractured leg prematurely ended his 2020 campaign.
14. *Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State (6-0, 186)
The second Ohio State receiver in the top 15, Wilson has only average size (like Olave), but he is an easy prospect to like because he is a three-level threat with the route sophistication and gear-changing speed to create separation. And despite the occasional focus drop, he has athletic ball skills and a quarterback-friendly catch radius to make wow catches.
15. *Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas (6-3, 232)
A receiver with the size of a linebacker, Burks is a bully of an athlete who thrives on physicality to dominate the catch point in contested situations. A hybrid slot receiver for the Razorbacks, he is clearly raw with many of the details of the position, but he thrives through contact and his competitive toughness (before and after the catch) is something you feel on tape.
16. *Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson (6-0, 193)
A rotational player over his first two seasons at Clemson, Booth has flashed in a big way for the Tigers. He has plus ball skills and timing with the ball in the air, using his length to obstruct passing windows. Although he must show a level of consistency as a starter, Booth has first-round traits with his athleticism, length and ability to find the football and make plays.
17. *Jalen Catalon, DS, Arkansas (5-10, 200)
Four programs have multiple prospects in the top-20 of this list: Alabama, Ohio State and Texas A&M are expected, but Arkansas is a pleasant surprise. Catalon has only one season of starting experience, but he was everywhere on the Razorbacks’ 2020 film. While undersized, there are explosive elements to his game and his instincts and compete skills make up for his lack of inches – somewhat similar to Antoine Winfield when he was coming out of Minnesota.
18. *Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss (6-2, 198)
The third quarterback on this list, Corral is a creative competitor and plays the position like a shortstop – quick eyes, agile feet and a rapid release. He plays with distinguishable smoothness, and mobility is a key part of his skill set. He makes stubborn decisions and lacks ideal size, but his exciting talent has been showcased in Lane Kiffin’s offense and year two of that partnership (with a full offseason) should be a lot of fun.
19. *Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington (5-11, 195)
McDuffie put his name on the NFL radar as a true freshman starter two years ago and the game has never appeared too big for him over two years of tape. He walks the fine line of playing patient but fast, and his balanced footwork allows him to stay attached to routes. I wish he were bigger and had more plays on the ball (only four passes defended in two years), but he is tough in run support and has the cover skills to suffocate targets.
20. *Tyler Linderbaum, OC, Iowa (6-3, 292)
A defensive tackle when he arrived in Iowa City, Linderbaum has thrived in his transition to center, which has showcased his initial quickness, fluid lower body and tight hands. Aside from his athleticism, he is smart, tough and competes with a never-lose attitude that helps make up for his lack of elite size and length.
21. *Zach Harrison, Edge, Ohio State (6-6, 265)
Both on paper and on the film, Harrison’s raw traits are extraordinary. According to one NFL scout, Harrison has an 86-inch wingspan, 10 1/4-inch hands and arms that measure “just shy” of 36 inches. The scout also said he expects the Buckeyes pass rusher to run in the low 4.5s in the 40-yard dash at 265 pounds. His length and speed alone are too much for some blockers to handle, but his development will determine if he ends up as a top 20 pick.
22. *Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State (6-5, 305)
It feels premature to have him ranked this high, but Cross has the athletic tools and length that NFL teams covet. Although his mechanics are a work in progress, he is explosive laterally with the body control to adjust on the fly and cover up edge speed. Only a redshirt sophomore, Cross has only one season of starting experience under his belt, but his tape flashes a little bit of everything with his athleticism, length, awareness, violence and competitive toughness.
23. *Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson (6-4, 209)
Without any medical concerns, Ross would be WR1 and much higher on this list. He didn’t play last season due to a congenital fusion in his spine, but he was medically cleared to play and should be one of the ACC’s top receiving threats. However, his NFL projection remains in limbo because while he has early first-round talent, the long-term medical prognosis by NFL teams at the combine will determine where he is drafted.
24. *Nik Bonitto, Edge, Oklahoma (6-3, 238)
A stand-up edge rusher for the Sooners, Bonitto has an electric first step and takes sharp pass rush angles to the pocket. He needs to be more controlled and calculated in his attack, but he has the forward lean, physical hands and contact balance to shed blocks and pursue the football. Bonitto has some tweener traits, but his disruptive nature has the attention of NFL teams.
25. *Sean Rhyan, OT/G, UCLA (6-5, 320)
A college left tackle, Rhyan has excellent coordination, countering skills and core power, including the grip strength to sustain the point of attack. He lacks elite length and his skill set might be maximized inside at guard – as one NFL scout put it, Rhyan is “85 percent version of AVT,” referring to Alijah Vera-Tucker who held his own at tackle last season at USC, but was drafted at No. 14 by the Jets to play guard
cont'd on next post
Source: Top 50 NFL Draft prospects for 2022: Derek Stingley Jr. and Kayvon Thibodeaux top Dane Brugler's preseason rankings
A long, smooth athlete, Stingley can mirror and stay in phase against all different types of route runners. There will be an occasional focus lapse here and there, but the Baton Rouge native shows a natural feel for cutting off routes and disrupting the catch window. With his natural instincts and fluid athleticism, Stingley is an outstanding man-coverage NFL prospect with Pro Bowl-level talent.
2. *Kayvon Thibodeaux, Edge, Oregon (6-4, 255)
Thibodeaux arrived in Eugene with massive expectations and he has yet to disappoint. He is a springy athlete with length and power and although he is still learning how to string together his moves, most blockers have a tough time dealing with his natural tools. I don’t quite put him on that Chase Young-level yet as an NFL prospect, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he is there by season’s end.
3. *Kyle Hamilton, DS, Notre Dame (6-3, 218)
With his athleticism, length and diagnose skills, Hamilton has a unique blend of traits that draw obvious parallels to former top-10 pick Isaiah Simmons. The Notre Dame star casts a wide net as a tackler with a knack for squaring and striking through his target with thump. You want to see more big plays from him in coverage this season, but Hamilton has the cover skills to blanket pass-catchers and force quarterbacks to look elsewhere.
4. *Evan Neal, OT, Alabama (6-7, 357)
There are not many humans on this planet with Neal’s mix of size, strength and movement skills. He carries his 360-ish pounds well from head to toe with the natural body coordination and lock-down power to shine in the run game and pass protection. He is also further along mentally than most blockers his age and has displayed his versatility, starting at left guard as a freshman, right tackle as a sophomore and soon to be left tackle as a junior.
5. *DeMarvin Leal, DL, Texas A&M (6-4, 290)
While watching Leal’s tape, I had immediate flashbacks of Jonathan Allen at Alabama — athletic footwork, strong hands and the versatility to be productive inside or outside and against the run and the pass. He isn’t as advanced technically as Allen coming out of college, but he plays with impressive bend, body control and power with sky-high potential.
6. *Sam Howell, QB, North Carolina (6-1, 225)
From his size to his arm to his movements, the similarities between Howell and Baker Mayfield are undeniable. While he needs to clean up a few bad habits, the Tar Heels quarterback is rarely rattled and plays with an impressive sense of composure. There are quarterbacks in this class with higher ceilings, but Howell has the confidence and feel to be a winning NFL quarterback.
7. *Kenyon Green, OT/G, Texas A&M (6-4, 325)
With Green moving outside as a junior, time will tell if teams view him as a legitimate left tackle prospect. But they know what he offers at guard, which is enough to warrant early first-round consideration. Green explodes out of his stance with outstanding body control and heavy hands at contact to control the point of attack.
8. *Spencer Rattler, QB, Oklahoma (6-0, 209)
Based on natural ability, Rattler is a prime candidate to jump up this list over the next few months. He has impressive arm talent with his ability to deliver accurately from any platform. He will occasionally get reckless with the football and needs to be more consistent working through things, but Rattler has impressive field instincts for a rising redshirt sophomore with only 11 career starts.
9. *Drake Jackson, Edge, USC (6-4, 255)
A long, loose-jointed pass rusher, Jackson has the ankle flexion to run the hoop and the lateral suddenness to win in small areas. His get-off is average and he is still raw in areas, but his ability to vary his rush speed, including a finishing burst to the quarterback, translates to pocket disruption. Jackson also showed his versatility as a stand-up linebacker last season, spot-dropping and showing off his range.
10. *Christian Harris, LB, Alabama (6-2, 232)
The best all-around linebacker in the class, Harris can make plays in coverage, against the run and as a blitzer. He has the range and fluidity to stay attached down the seam while also displaying the toughness and hand work to scrape and shut down runs at the line of scrimmage. Along with Tennessee transfer Henry To’o To’o, Alabama has the best linebacker duo in college football.
11. *George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue (6-4, 275)
Last season did not go as planned for Karlaftis due to injuries and the pandemic. However, his freshman season (17 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks) showed a charged-up, powerful rusher with straight-line explosion and violent hands. With opponents like Notre Dame, Minnesota, Iowa and Ohio State on the Purdue schedule, Karlaftis will have plenty of opportunities to show why he belongs in the top half of round one.
12. Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State (6-1, 182)
The top-ranked senior on this preseason board, Olave was considered a potential first-round pick if he entered last year’s draft because of his combination of speed and refinement. A dangerous deep threat, he understands how to leverage coverage and win at the catch point, even if he doesn’t have desired size or strength for the position. Although he might not be a true No. 1 pass-catcher in an NFL offense, Olave projects as a productive “Z” receiver and arguably the top player at his position in the class.
13. Aidan Hutchinson, DL, Michigan (6-6, 260)
A Buckeye is the top senior prospect on offense and a Wolverine is the top senior defender. With his mix of physical talent and competitive drive, Hutchinson is a football coach’s dream. He has logged snaps at every defensive line position while at Michigan, flashing the upper body physicality to be a battering ram, but also the agile, flexible lower body to stay balanced on his feet. He was on a first-round trajectory last season before a fractured leg prematurely ended his 2020 campaign.
14. *Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State (6-0, 186)
The second Ohio State receiver in the top 15, Wilson has only average size (like Olave), but he is an easy prospect to like because he is a three-level threat with the route sophistication and gear-changing speed to create separation. And despite the occasional focus drop, he has athletic ball skills and a quarterback-friendly catch radius to make wow catches.
15. *Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas (6-3, 232)
A receiver with the size of a linebacker, Burks is a bully of an athlete who thrives on physicality to dominate the catch point in contested situations. A hybrid slot receiver for the Razorbacks, he is clearly raw with many of the details of the position, but he thrives through contact and his competitive toughness (before and after the catch) is something you feel on tape.
16. *Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson (6-0, 193)
A rotational player over his first two seasons at Clemson, Booth has flashed in a big way for the Tigers. He has plus ball skills and timing with the ball in the air, using his length to obstruct passing windows. Although he must show a level of consistency as a starter, Booth has first-round traits with his athleticism, length and ability to find the football and make plays.
17. *Jalen Catalon, DS, Arkansas (5-10, 200)
Four programs have multiple prospects in the top-20 of this list: Alabama, Ohio State and Texas A&M are expected, but Arkansas is a pleasant surprise. Catalon has only one season of starting experience, but he was everywhere on the Razorbacks’ 2020 film. While undersized, there are explosive elements to his game and his instincts and compete skills make up for his lack of inches – somewhat similar to Antoine Winfield when he was coming out of Minnesota.
18. *Matt Corral, QB, Ole Miss (6-2, 198)
The third quarterback on this list, Corral is a creative competitor and plays the position like a shortstop – quick eyes, agile feet and a rapid release. He plays with distinguishable smoothness, and mobility is a key part of his skill set. He makes stubborn decisions and lacks ideal size, but his exciting talent has been showcased in Lane Kiffin’s offense and year two of that partnership (with a full offseason) should be a lot of fun.
19. *Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington (5-11, 195)
McDuffie put his name on the NFL radar as a true freshman starter two years ago and the game has never appeared too big for him over two years of tape. He walks the fine line of playing patient but fast, and his balanced footwork allows him to stay attached to routes. I wish he were bigger and had more plays on the ball (only four passes defended in two years), but he is tough in run support and has the cover skills to suffocate targets.
20. *Tyler Linderbaum, OC, Iowa (6-3, 292)
A defensive tackle when he arrived in Iowa City, Linderbaum has thrived in his transition to center, which has showcased his initial quickness, fluid lower body and tight hands. Aside from his athleticism, he is smart, tough and competes with a never-lose attitude that helps make up for his lack of elite size and length.
21. *Zach Harrison, Edge, Ohio State (6-6, 265)
Both on paper and on the film, Harrison’s raw traits are extraordinary. According to one NFL scout, Harrison has an 86-inch wingspan, 10 1/4-inch hands and arms that measure “just shy” of 36 inches. The scout also said he expects the Buckeyes pass rusher to run in the low 4.5s in the 40-yard dash at 265 pounds. His length and speed alone are too much for some blockers to handle, but his development will determine if he ends up as a top 20 pick.
22. *Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State (6-5, 305)
It feels premature to have him ranked this high, but Cross has the athletic tools and length that NFL teams covet. Although his mechanics are a work in progress, he is explosive laterally with the body control to adjust on the fly and cover up edge speed. Only a redshirt sophomore, Cross has only one season of starting experience under his belt, but his tape flashes a little bit of everything with his athleticism, length, awareness, violence and competitive toughness.
23. *Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson (6-4, 209)
Without any medical concerns, Ross would be WR1 and much higher on this list. He didn’t play last season due to a congenital fusion in his spine, but he was medically cleared to play and should be one of the ACC’s top receiving threats. However, his NFL projection remains in limbo because while he has early first-round talent, the long-term medical prognosis by NFL teams at the combine will determine where he is drafted.
24. *Nik Bonitto, Edge, Oklahoma (6-3, 238)
A stand-up edge rusher for the Sooners, Bonitto has an electric first step and takes sharp pass rush angles to the pocket. He needs to be more controlled and calculated in his attack, but he has the forward lean, physical hands and contact balance to shed blocks and pursue the football. Bonitto has some tweener traits, but his disruptive nature has the attention of NFL teams.
25. *Sean Rhyan, OT/G, UCLA (6-5, 320)
A college left tackle, Rhyan has excellent coordination, countering skills and core power, including the grip strength to sustain the point of attack. He lacks elite length and his skill set might be maximized inside at guard – as one NFL scout put it, Rhyan is “85 percent version of AVT,” referring to Alijah Vera-Tucker who held his own at tackle last season at USC, but was drafted at No. 14 by the Jets to play guard
cont'd on next post
Source: Top 50 NFL Draft prospects for 2022: Derek Stingley Jr. and Kayvon Thibodeaux top Dane Brugler's preseason rankings
26. *Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida (6-2, 200)
A toolsy prospect, Elam will give up more separation than you want to see on film. However, he is a good-sized athlete with the length and physical appetite that NFL teams will view as the foundation for a future starter. With improvements in a few areas this season, Elam will have the opportunity to shoot up this list.
27. *Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State (6-5, 304)
A former five-star recruit, Petit-Frere has worked hard to add weight (arrived in Columbus at 275 pounds) and develop his body, but he is still a work in progress in several areas, including his sustain strength and lower body flexibility. Nonetheless, he has been steady in pass protection due to his quick feet and long arms, which have NFL scouts optimistic for his development.
28. Adam Anderson, Edge, Georgia (6-4, 226)
A prospect ready to break out, Anderson averaged only 10 defensive snaps per game last season, but his talent always jumped off the screen when he was on the field. He has above-average get-off speed, length and flexibility, which helps him capture the corner and flatten to the quarterback. As his workload increases, so should his development and production.
29. *Drake London, WR, USC (6-5, 212)
With his rangy, athletic frame and play strength, London stylistically looks like Mike Evans, specifically due to his rebounding skills at the catch point and the yards-after-the-catch skills to create big plays. Lining up only in the slot at USC, he has feasted on one-cut routes (hitches, slants, posts, etc.), but is expected to see outside work this season and scouts want to see more nuanced tempo with his route-running.
30. *Jordan Battle, DS, Alabama (6-1, 210)
Entering his third season as a starter, Battle checks boxes with his solidly-built frame, play speed and field awareness. He has the read-react skills to stay ahead of blockers and the tackling form to get his man on the ground. Battle will give up separation in man coverage, but is asked to do a little bit of everything in Nick Saban’s scheme. He projects best as an NFL starting strong safety.
31. Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa (6-7, 329)
The only FCS-level prospect to make my initial top 50, Penning is a massive blocker with the attitude to match. The Iowa native looks comfortable on an island and uses his 35-inch arms to steer defenders clear of the pocket. His former teammate Spencer Brown was a third-round pick in the 2021 draft class, but scouts think Penning could go higher.
32. *Ikem Ekwonu, OG, NC State (6-4, 322)
It is not hyperbolic to call Ekwonu the most powerful run blocker in college football. With his natural flexibility and length to quickly uncoil at contact, he creates explosive thump that overwhelms his target. Ekwonu has first-round ability, but his development, specifically in pass protection, will ultimately determine if he moves up or down this list.
33. *John Metchie III, WR, Alabama (5-11, 196)
Over Saban’s 14 seasons at Alabama, only twice (2007, 2011) has the Tide’s leading receiver not ended up as a first-round pick. And even with Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith now in the NFL, that impressive streak could continue in next year’s draft with Metchie ascending to WR1 on the Alabama depth chart. He creates flashbacks of Calvin Ridley with his ability to vary speeds as a route-runner to separate from coverage.
34. Darian Kinnard, OT/G, Kentucky (6-5, 342)
Viewed as a right tackle prospect by some scouts and a guard by others, Kinnard has the talent to be considered in the first round. In the run game, he flashes power in his hips and upper body to torque defenders from his path, using his grip strength to lock out and move defenders with his hands. His wide, powerful base also shows in pass protection, not allowing rushers to go through him.
35. *Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati (6-2, 190)
A tall, long cover man, Gardner displays both the sense and ball skills to make plays on the football in the air (20 passes defended, six interceptions over his two season with the Bearcats). Some of his transitions are clunky and you want to see him get stronger, but Gardner has the traits of a future NFL starter.
36. Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota (6-8, 379)
An Australian native, Faalele is a rare player due to his gargantuan size, brute strength and balanced movements. He has only three seasons of football experience and it shows on tape. But he has coordinated footwork and movements for a player with his imposing size and strength. If his technique and awareness continue to improve, he will start for a long time in the NFL.
37. *Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma (6-1, 230)
Oklahoma is better known for its offensive firepower, but each year they have a few impressive prospects on defense. Asamoah had a breakout season in 2020 as a first-year starter, leading the team in tackles and grabbing the attention of NFL scouts. He is a balanced zone dropper in coverage and does a great job mirroring and coming to balance as a tackler.
38. *Brandon Smith, LB, Penn State (6-3, 240)
Penn State has a track record of producing explosive NFL prospects on defense and Smith is next in the pipeline. A former five-star recruit, Smith is long and fast and creates immediate stopping power as a tackler. If he can become more reliable as a coverage player, Smith has the talent to push for top 32 consideration.
39. *Isaiah Foskey, DL, Notre Dame (6-5, 257)
The Irish had three front-seven defenders drafted in April, but when watching Notre Dame’s defensive tape from 2020, Foskey’s No. 7 jersey was what caught my eye. Coming off the bench last season, the California native is quick off the ball with the length and closing speed to stress blockers. With continued strength and technical development, Foskey will be a disruptive NFL edge player.
40. *Daxton Hill, DS, Michigan (6-0, 192)
As disappointing as the Michigan defense was last season, it would be easy to overlook Hill. But the free safety has been one of the few bright spots for the Wolverines on that side of the ball. Scouts want to see him play ahead of schedule with his reads, but he is a fluid athlete with the footwork and speed to take away passing lanes.
41. *Jahleel Billingsley, TE, Alabama (6-4, 233)
The top tight end on this list, Billingsley is unproven with only 20 career catches at Alabama, but 15 of those receptions have gone for a first down or touchdown and he is ready for a breakout season as a junior. With his athletic pass-catching traits, Billingsley has a chance to be the third Alabama tight end drafted in the top 50 since 2017. It would not be surprising if he is drafted closer to O.J. Howard’s range (No. 19 overall) rather than Irv Smith’s (No. 50).
42. *Carson Strong, QB, Nevada (6-4, 212)
Strong is a good-sized passer with top-shelf arm strength to deliver strikes down the field. Not only does he have the velocity on his passes, but he also shows the confidence needed to drive the football into tight windows. He needs to clean up some mechanical issues and the long-term durability of his knee is a question mark, but Strong has intriguing traits and Nevada should have one of the most explosive passing offenses in college football this season.
43. *Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M (6-5, 255)
The Aggies’ leading pass-catcher last season, Wydermyer has the size, athleticism and versatility to be a three-level receiving threat and capable blocker. I expected more explosive plays on his tape, but he was terrific in traffic with his ability to finish contested catches. Wydermyer might not have the ceiling that makes him a lock first-rounder, but he will push for starting reps early in his NFL career.
44. Malik Willis, QB, Liberty (6-0, 218)
With his poised athleticism and strong arm, Willis is an exciting talent who can make plays most quarterbacks cannot. Coach Hugh Freeze tailored Liberty’s run-oriented zone read offense to fit Willis’ dual-threat skills, creating passing windows while also taking advantage of his athleticism and arm strength. The coaches speak highly of his maturation in the program and with improved anticipation and ball placement, Willis will have a chance to turn himself into a first-round prospect.
45. *Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State (6-1, 220)
The only running back on this list, Hall is above average in arguably the two most important traits at the position: vision and balance. While he isn’t the most explosive back in college football, his instinctive run qualities and unique ability to stay afloat through contact are why he should be leading an NFL backfield a year from now.
46. *Lewis Cine, DS, Georgia (6-1, 200)
A springy athlete, Cine is a long-striding free safety with outstanding range, covering a lot of grass in the blink of an eye. He can be more consistent as an open-field tackler, but he is a physical presence over the middle with thumping qualities at contact. With his explosive athleticism, Cine is ready for a big jump.
47. Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State (5-11, 175)
The Ohio State tape from last season is all the evidence needed why Dotson belongs on this list. His smallish frame isn’t ideal and you want to see him get stronger to battle NFL corners, but his speed, body control and ball skills are all above average. Penn State’s inconsistent quarterback play might ding his production, but Dotson has top 50 talent.
48. *Mykael Wright, CB, Oregon (5-11, 173)
What he lacks in size and bulk, Wright makes up with explosive speed and twitchy footwork. He also shows terrific timing and body control when attacking the ball in the air, finishing last season with a Pac-12-best nine pass break-ups. Wright, who is also an impact kick returner, projects as an immediate man-to-man starter at the next level.
49. *Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia (6-0, 225)
The third Georgia defensive prospect on this list, Dean is undersized by NFL standards, but his athleticism, toughness and instincts are why he deserves a spot. He is quick to key, read and flow with excellent speed in pursuit and the redirection skills to make up for a false step. Dean can be a productive three-down starter in the NFL.
50. Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn (6-0, 187)
The sixth cornerback to make the cut, McCreary edged out Oklahoma’s Perrion Winfrey, Miami’s Zion Nelson and several others for this final spot. The Auburn corner is a quick-twitch, instinctive player who should run in the low 4.4s in the 40-yard dash. The Tigers will move to more of an off-man scheme this season, which will test McCreary’s football IQ and trigger.
Source: Top 50 NFL Draft prospects for 2022: Derek Stingley Jr. and Kayvon Thibodeaux top Dane Brugler's preseason rankings
A toolsy prospect, Elam will give up more separation than you want to see on film. However, he is a good-sized athlete with the length and physical appetite that NFL teams will view as the foundation for a future starter. With improvements in a few areas this season, Elam will have the opportunity to shoot up this list.
27. *Nicholas Petit-Frere, OT, Ohio State (6-5, 304)
A former five-star recruit, Petit-Frere has worked hard to add weight (arrived in Columbus at 275 pounds) and develop his body, but he is still a work in progress in several areas, including his sustain strength and lower body flexibility. Nonetheless, he has been steady in pass protection due to his quick feet and long arms, which have NFL scouts optimistic for his development.
28. Adam Anderson, Edge, Georgia (6-4, 226)
A prospect ready to break out, Anderson averaged only 10 defensive snaps per game last season, but his talent always jumped off the screen when he was on the field. He has above-average get-off speed, length and flexibility, which helps him capture the corner and flatten to the quarterback. As his workload increases, so should his development and production.
29. *Drake London, WR, USC (6-5, 212)
With his rangy, athletic frame and play strength, London stylistically looks like Mike Evans, specifically due to his rebounding skills at the catch point and the yards-after-the-catch skills to create big plays. Lining up only in the slot at USC, he has feasted on one-cut routes (hitches, slants, posts, etc.), but is expected to see outside work this season and scouts want to see more nuanced tempo with his route-running.
30. *Jordan Battle, DS, Alabama (6-1, 210)
Entering his third season as a starter, Battle checks boxes with his solidly-built frame, play speed and field awareness. He has the read-react skills to stay ahead of blockers and the tackling form to get his man on the ground. Battle will give up separation in man coverage, but is asked to do a little bit of everything in Nick Saban’s scheme. He projects best as an NFL starting strong safety.
31. Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa (6-7, 329)
The only FCS-level prospect to make my initial top 50, Penning is a massive blocker with the attitude to match. The Iowa native looks comfortable on an island and uses his 35-inch arms to steer defenders clear of the pocket. His former teammate Spencer Brown was a third-round pick in the 2021 draft class, but scouts think Penning could go higher.
32. *Ikem Ekwonu, OG, NC State (6-4, 322)
It is not hyperbolic to call Ekwonu the most powerful run blocker in college football. With his natural flexibility and length to quickly uncoil at contact, he creates explosive thump that overwhelms his target. Ekwonu has first-round ability, but his development, specifically in pass protection, will ultimately determine if he moves up or down this list.
33. *John Metchie III, WR, Alabama (5-11, 196)
Over Saban’s 14 seasons at Alabama, only twice (2007, 2011) has the Tide’s leading receiver not ended up as a first-round pick. And even with Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith now in the NFL, that impressive streak could continue in next year’s draft with Metchie ascending to WR1 on the Alabama depth chart. He creates flashbacks of Calvin Ridley with his ability to vary speeds as a route-runner to separate from coverage.
34. Darian Kinnard, OT/G, Kentucky (6-5, 342)
Viewed as a right tackle prospect by some scouts and a guard by others, Kinnard has the talent to be considered in the first round. In the run game, he flashes power in his hips and upper body to torque defenders from his path, using his grip strength to lock out and move defenders with his hands. His wide, powerful base also shows in pass protection, not allowing rushers to go through him.
35. *Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati (6-2, 190)
A tall, long cover man, Gardner displays both the sense and ball skills to make plays on the football in the air (20 passes defended, six interceptions over his two season with the Bearcats). Some of his transitions are clunky and you want to see him get stronger, but Gardner has the traits of a future NFL starter.
36. Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota (6-8, 379)
An Australian native, Faalele is a rare player due to his gargantuan size, brute strength and balanced movements. He has only three seasons of football experience and it shows on tape. But he has coordinated footwork and movements for a player with his imposing size and strength. If his technique and awareness continue to improve, he will start for a long time in the NFL.
37. *Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma (6-1, 230)
Oklahoma is better known for its offensive firepower, but each year they have a few impressive prospects on defense. Asamoah had a breakout season in 2020 as a first-year starter, leading the team in tackles and grabbing the attention of NFL scouts. He is a balanced zone dropper in coverage and does a great job mirroring and coming to balance as a tackler.
38. *Brandon Smith, LB, Penn State (6-3, 240)
Penn State has a track record of producing explosive NFL prospects on defense and Smith is next in the pipeline. A former five-star recruit, Smith is long and fast and creates immediate stopping power as a tackler. If he can become more reliable as a coverage player, Smith has the talent to push for top 32 consideration.
39. *Isaiah Foskey, DL, Notre Dame (6-5, 257)
The Irish had three front-seven defenders drafted in April, but when watching Notre Dame’s defensive tape from 2020, Foskey’s No. 7 jersey was what caught my eye. Coming off the bench last season, the California native is quick off the ball with the length and closing speed to stress blockers. With continued strength and technical development, Foskey will be a disruptive NFL edge player.
40. *Daxton Hill, DS, Michigan (6-0, 192)
As disappointing as the Michigan defense was last season, it would be easy to overlook Hill. But the free safety has been one of the few bright spots for the Wolverines on that side of the ball. Scouts want to see him play ahead of schedule with his reads, but he is a fluid athlete with the footwork and speed to take away passing lanes.
41. *Jahleel Billingsley, TE, Alabama (6-4, 233)
The top tight end on this list, Billingsley is unproven with only 20 career catches at Alabama, but 15 of those receptions have gone for a first down or touchdown and he is ready for a breakout season as a junior. With his athletic pass-catching traits, Billingsley has a chance to be the third Alabama tight end drafted in the top 50 since 2017. It would not be surprising if he is drafted closer to O.J. Howard’s range (No. 19 overall) rather than Irv Smith’s (No. 50).
42. *Carson Strong, QB, Nevada (6-4, 212)
Strong is a good-sized passer with top-shelf arm strength to deliver strikes down the field. Not only does he have the velocity on his passes, but he also shows the confidence needed to drive the football into tight windows. He needs to clean up some mechanical issues and the long-term durability of his knee is a question mark, but Strong has intriguing traits and Nevada should have one of the most explosive passing offenses in college football this season.
43. *Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M (6-5, 255)
The Aggies’ leading pass-catcher last season, Wydermyer has the size, athleticism and versatility to be a three-level receiving threat and capable blocker. I expected more explosive plays on his tape, but he was terrific in traffic with his ability to finish contested catches. Wydermyer might not have the ceiling that makes him a lock first-rounder, but he will push for starting reps early in his NFL career.
44. Malik Willis, QB, Liberty (6-0, 218)
With his poised athleticism and strong arm, Willis is an exciting talent who can make plays most quarterbacks cannot. Coach Hugh Freeze tailored Liberty’s run-oriented zone read offense to fit Willis’ dual-threat skills, creating passing windows while also taking advantage of his athleticism and arm strength. The coaches speak highly of his maturation in the program and with improved anticipation and ball placement, Willis will have a chance to turn himself into a first-round prospect.
45. *Breece Hall, RB, Iowa State (6-1, 220)
The only running back on this list, Hall is above average in arguably the two most important traits at the position: vision and balance. While he isn’t the most explosive back in college football, his instinctive run qualities and unique ability to stay afloat through contact are why he should be leading an NFL backfield a year from now.
46. *Lewis Cine, DS, Georgia (6-1, 200)
A springy athlete, Cine is a long-striding free safety with outstanding range, covering a lot of grass in the blink of an eye. He can be more consistent as an open-field tackler, but he is a physical presence over the middle with thumping qualities at contact. With his explosive athleticism, Cine is ready for a big jump.
47. Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State (5-11, 175)
The Ohio State tape from last season is all the evidence needed why Dotson belongs on this list. His smallish frame isn’t ideal and you want to see him get stronger to battle NFL corners, but his speed, body control and ball skills are all above average. Penn State’s inconsistent quarterback play might ding his production, but Dotson has top 50 talent.
48. *Mykael Wright, CB, Oregon (5-11, 173)
What he lacks in size and bulk, Wright makes up with explosive speed and twitchy footwork. He also shows terrific timing and body control when attacking the ball in the air, finishing last season with a Pac-12-best nine pass break-ups. Wright, who is also an impact kick returner, projects as an immediate man-to-man starter at the next level.
49. *Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia (6-0, 225)
The third Georgia defensive prospect on this list, Dean is undersized by NFL standards, but his athleticism, toughness and instincts are why he deserves a spot. He is quick to key, read and flow with excellent speed in pursuit and the redirection skills to make up for a false step. Dean can be a productive three-down starter in the NFL.
50. Roger McCreary, CB, Auburn (6-0, 187)
The sixth cornerback to make the cut, McCreary edged out Oklahoma’s Perrion Winfrey, Miami’s Zion Nelson and several others for this final spot. The Auburn corner is a quick-twitch, instinctive player who should run in the low 4.4s in the 40-yard dash. The Tigers will move to more of an off-man scheme this season, which will test McCreary’s football IQ and trigger.
Source: Top 50 NFL Draft prospects for 2022: Derek Stingley Jr. and Kayvon Thibodeaux top Dane Brugler's preseason rankings
I'm down. He a local kid and went to my high school.
You can't make this ish up...
We NEVER get it easy...EVER! It's always something going on with us.
Lose not one, but possibly TWO DEs in one week and not in a game...
Along with our 2nd/3rd WR and one of our better OL.
Injuries happen, I get it, but sheesh man. Let's GO COWBOYS!!
That's all I got...I'm just mad frustrated right now...
BigE214
Future GOAT
Zeke 10 for 42
If only we drated TJ Watt in 2017 over Taco the bust
BlueHeffner
Veteran
Dak goin for another 400
duckbutta
eienaar van mans
Th3G3ntleman
Superstar
Dak goin for another 400
Staley gives guys Wednesday off most of the time. Wouldn't read too much into it. Most of those guys will be practicing today and tomorrow.
