Post Combine/Free Agency mock draft 2/3
Pick 136 Hollin Pierce - LT/RT Rutgers
Strengths
Possesses rare physical dimensions that simply can't be taught – a 6'8" frame with 342 pounds of mass and go-go-gadget arms that give edge rushers nightmares trying to navigate around his massive radius. Displays uncanny discipline for a player his size, committing just four penalties over 3,172 snaps while maintaining consistent leverage despite his height disadvantage against most defensive ends. Unleashes devastating raw power on down blocks, creating comical displacement when matched up against smaller defensive linemen – I've seen him drive defenders five yards downfield like they're on skates. Shows exceptional versatility having started 25 games at right tackle before successfully transitioning to left tackle for his final 25 starts without missing a beat. Executes an effective trap technique with his outside hand that funnels rushers wider than intended, essentially serving as a human toll booth that charges a steep price for passage. Demonstrates surprising awareness against stunts and blitzes, rarely looking confused by defensive movement despite his limited athletic profile. Maintains a remarkably consistent base in pass protection, rarely crossing his feet and maintaining width that forces defenders to take circuitous routes to the quarterback. Brings a brawler's mentality to the run game, finishing blocks with nastiness and showing a genuine desire to bury defenders into the turf when given the opportunity.
Weaknesses
Shows athletic limitations with a bottom-tier 40-time, making him vulnerable against speed rushers who can threaten the edge with burst and bend.
Displays concerning tightness through his hips and trunk, struggling to redirect against inside counters once committed outside – watch the Michigan game where this was repeatedly exploited. Lacks recovery quickness when beaten initially, leaving him vulnerable to counter moves as he lacks the agility to reset his position against savvy pass rushers. Tends to bail out of his pass set prematurely against speed rushers, flipping his hips too early and creating inside rush lanes that more technically sound defenders will happily exploit. Shows troubling tendency to hinge at the waist rather than bend at the knees when fatigued, creating leverage issues that negate his size advantage and leave him vulnerable to bull rushes.
Pick 176 Nohl Williams - CB California
Strengths
Elite ball production with 14 career interceptions and exceptional playmaking instincts that consistently put him in position to create turnovers. Physical presence in press coverage who uses well-timed jams and hand placement to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage. Excellent route recognition from zone coverage, showing patience and discipline while maintaining vision on both receiver and quarterback. Natural ball skills reminiscent of a receiver when playing the ball in the air, demonstrating soft hands and body control at the catch point. Competitive toughness at the boundary, pins receivers to the sideline effectively and understands how to use the boundary as an extra defender. Versatile defensive back who excelled at multiple coverage techniques and has experience on special teams as both a coverage man and returner. Playmaking instinct is off the charts, demonstrated by scoring touchdowns in three different ways during his senior season at Cal. Showed consistent improvement each season, raising his game when competition level increased after transferring from UNLV to Cal.
Weaknesses
Movement skills can be labored, particularly when transitioning from his backpedal or flipping his hips to run vertically. Bouncy feet in his press technique lead to delayed reactions against quick inside releases and savvy route runners. Tends to open his hips too early, telegraphing his intentions and creating vulnerability against double moves. Lacks elite recovery speed when beaten, forcing him to rely on physicality that could draw flags at the next level.
Inconsistent tackler who can be overaggressive, leading to missed tackles (19.4% missed tackle rate in 2023) and poor angles in run support.
Pick 178 Oronde Gadsden II - TE Syracuse
Strengths
Natural hands catcher who snatches the ball with authority and confidence, showing remarkable consistency in traffic situations. Explosive straight-line speed for his size translates to immediate vertical threat capabilities, especially against linebackers in coverage. Displays advanced route-running nuance on intermediate patterns, creating separation through precise footwork and sudden breaks. Excels in contested catch situations with strong hands and impressive body control, showing some real dog in those battles. Medium and deep receiving skills show up on tape consistently, particularly when working the seams and outside breaking routes. Brings receiver-caliber ball tracking abilities, adjusting to throws with fluid body control whether working back to the ball or extending. Shows willingness to absorb contact after the catch, running through arm tackles and maximizing yards after contact. Positional flexibility allows him to align across the formation, creating favorable matchups against various defenders.
Weaknesses
Blocking technique remains underdeveloped with inconsistent hand placement and pad level against edge defenders. Lacks ideal play strength when asked to anchor against defensive ends or linebackers in traditional inline assignments. Change-of-direction limitations make him more of a build-up runner than a sharp, elusive athlete after the catch. Medical evaluation requires thorough investigation after missing nearly an entire season with a Lisfranc injury. Lower-body strength needs development to improve blocking and enhance his ability to break tackles consistently.
Pick 185 Ollie Gordon II - RB Oklahoma St.
Strengths
Imposing physical specimen with prototypical NFL frame who initiates contact with tacklers rather than absorbing hits passively – carries a punishing running style that wears down defenses over four quarters. Demonstrates natural vision on zone concepts, patiently allowing blocking to develop before decisively attacking cutback lanes with purposeful footwork and quick mental processing. Transforms into a thundering force when hitting top gear in the open field, challenging defensive backs' tackling courage while offering deceptive straight-line speed that surprises when he finds daylight. Exhibits reliable hands out of the backfield with zero drops in 2024 and natural receiving skills that make him a legitimate three-down offensive weapon rather than just a checkdown option. Showcases excellent contact balance through traffic, maintaining equilibrium through arm tackles and glancing blows while keeping his legs churning for additional yardage. Finishes runs with authority and competitive fire, particularly near the goal line where his nose for the end zone becomes pronounced – gets nasty when he smells the paint. Legitimate workhorse who proved capable of handling heavy volume (285 carries in 2023) without significant performance drop-off or durability concerns. Seamlessly adjusts his running profile to squeeze through tight creases, manipulating his shoulders and frame to maximize space availability in congested areas.
Weaknesses
Too often catches himself dancing in the backfield when immediate holes aren't available, wasting valuable momentum and turning potential 4-yard gains into minimal yardage or losses. Runs with inconsistent pad level that varies dramatically from play to play – can get too upright through contact, limiting his natural power and exposing his frame to unnecessary punishment. Pass protection technique remains underdeveloped despite his size advantage, often resorting to diving at defenders' ankles rather than engaging with proper technique and leverage. Lacks the elite lateral agility and explosive change-of-direction ability that separates special NFL backs – won't make defenders miss in phone booth situations. Ball security warrants monitoring with six career fumbles (four lost) – carries the ball somewhat loosely away from his frame in traffic and doesn't consistently secure through contact.
