2020 NFL Draft: Trevon Diggs scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Alabama cornerback Trevon Diggs

Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama

Height | 6-2

Weight | 207

Strengths

If the name Diggs sounds familiar then you have seen Trevon’s older brother Stefon play in the NFL. Trevon can lean on his brother as he looks to make the jump from Alabama cornerback to NFL cornerback.

In the NFL, it is all the craze these days with long athletic cornerbacks and with Diggs, he fits that to a “t”. Diggs show the ability to use his length at the line of scrimmage in hopes of throwing off timing and re-routing the wide receiver. He uses his length to his advantage to contest catches with good back to the ball technique. Very good corner when playing in trail technique and has speed to close.

When looking at Diggs production, you wouldn’t think he has big time ball skills but his play proves it. Diggs finished his career with 17 passes defended and four interceptions including a pick six. He can attack the ball in the air and uses his length to do so.

Diggs is able to keep up with quicker wide receivers due to his footwork. You rarely see a false step with Trevon and that allows him to be in prime position to make a play on the ball. That will be a huge reason why Diggs is coveted by corner needy teams.

Weaknesses

If there is any one aspect of Diggs’ game that is concerning would be his tackling. He is a very inconsistent tackler and that can make him a liability in run game. Diggs needs to work with coaching on getting him up to speed with tackling technique, given his size being physical shouldn’t be a problem.

There will be some re-checking on Diggs’ medicals during the NFL Combine this year. He missed time in 2018 due to a broken ankle that required the team to move Xavier McKinney to corner from his safety spot.

Bottom Line

Diggs is one of the top cornerbacks in the upcoming class. The former wide receiver has the tools to help a team immediately. When he attacks the ball in the air, you aren’t sure if that is Trevon on Stefon.

Projection: Top 20

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2020 NFL draft: Jalen Hurts scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts

Jalen Hurts | QB | Oklahoma

Height | 6-2

Weight | 219

College Bio Page

Career Stats

Strengths

Hurts’ transformation from a barely draftable prospect to one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2020 class has been fun to watch this season.

The NFL is a copycat league, and with the success of Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray this year, some team is bound to try and replicate that success with Hurts under center. He is a dynamic athlete with very good lateral agility both in the pocket and in the open field, and while not quite as fast as the aforementioned two, he still has great breakaway speed for the quarterback position.

Hurts was always a good athlete at Alabama, but his improvement as a passer since transferring to Oklahoma is what has teams impressed. His sense of timing and anticipation has gotten a lot better, as he has shown flashes of great placement on the deep ball. He has good velocity behind his throws and can fit his passes into tight windows. Throwing on the run is another asset in his game, as his athleticism and accuracy make him a tough quarterback to defend when he rolls out or scrambles.

Weaknesses

Though Hurts has gotten better as a passer, he still has quite a bit of work to be done.

His throwing motion is elongated and his release is too slow. That, combined with his tendency to lob deep balls, could make him an easy target for NFL defensive backs to read and pick off more easily than Big 12 defenders. He is also, for the most part, a one-read quarterback who locks into his targets too often and forces throws.

Hurts also tends to struggle under pressure. He has the athleticism to maneuver around defenders and extend the play, but he does so at the expense of reading the field, as he often keeps his head down and focuses more on running around in a backyard style of quarterbacking than he does scanning the field and finding the open man. He can be more consistent in terms of identifying the checkdown option and going through his progressions.

Bottom Line

Hurts is a dual-threat quarterback with ample athleticism who has shown improvements as a passer. He’s still a work in progress, but there will be a team willing to take a gamble on him fairly early in the draft.

Projection: Round 2

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2020 NFL draft: Travis Etienne scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Clemson running back Travis Etienne

Travis Etienne | RB | Clemson

Height | 5-10

Weight | 210

College Bio Page

Career Stats

Strengths

If you’re looking for speed and explosiveness at the running back position, Etienne is your guy.

His acceleration once he hits a running lane is nothing short of impressive, and he has the long speed to outrun defenders in the open field. He runs with determination and a high motor, fighting hard for extra yardage and churning his legs to try and run through would-be tacklers. Etienne also has very good contact balance for a speedster, as he can roll over the opposition and keep himself upright when he gets hit.

Etienne’s production at the collegiate level has been fantastic, too. Through three seasons, the Clemson back has 3,924 rushing yards, 54 touchdowns and an astounding 8.0 yards per carry. His proven ability to make big plays should attract NFL teams looking for a running back early in the draft.

Weaknesses

While Etienne possesses top-notch physical attributes, he could still improve his ball-carrier vision. He’s inconsistent in terms of showing patience and identifying the hole and can be too aggressive when shooting up the middle. He goes all-out on almost every play, but that speed should be adjusted when waiting behind blocks for a lane to emerge.

Though he has shown some improvement in the role in 2019, Etienne is still a bit raw and unproven as a receiver. Prior to this past year, he only had 17 catches in his first two seasons. He is raw running routes out of the backfield and doesn’t have very smooth hands. That inexperience could prevent him from being a three-down back early in his career.

Bottom Line

A speed demon with a high motor and a tough running style, Etienne has a very high upside with some more room to develop. If he irons out some wrinkles in his game, the sky’s the limit for him.

Projection: Round 1-2

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2020 NFL draft: A.J. Epenesa scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Iowa edge defender A.J. Epenesa

AJ Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa

Height | 6-6

Weight | 280

Class | Junior

College Bio Page

Career Stats

Strengths

Excellent hand usage and strength at the point of attack
Powerful hands that overwhelms offensive tackles
Plays with great leverage at the point of attack
Very developed pass rusher with wide array of moves
Showcases ability to use club, push-pull, bull rush, and other pass rush moves
Tireless motor and energy on every play
Excellent closing speed in pursuit of the ball carrier
Great timing off the snap
Excellent leadership on and off the field for the Hawkeyes

Weaknesses

Good bend, but not great around the edge
Not very explosive off the line, wins mostly with technique
Overall speed and athleticism are a bit of a concern as he isn’t elite in these areas
Needs to work on his counters after his initial rush move is stopped

Bottom Line

One of the top players in the country, Epenesa looks to be a top pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. His strength, technique, and leadership should make him one of the safer picks in this draft class as he does everything that a coach could want from a defensive end.

He had a fairly quiet start to the 2019 season, but all the traits from a technique standpoint are there on film. The only concern is if teams will be willing to overlook some athletic limitations in his game that may limit his upside. He should be a very good NFL player for a long time regardless.

Current Projection: Top 15

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2020 NFL draft: Antoine Winfield, Jr. scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Minnesota safety Antoine Winfield, Jr.

Antoine Winfield, Jr. | S | Minnesota

Height | 5-10

Weight | 205

College Bio

College Stats

Right now, all my focus is on Auburn, just for the bowl game. So, any decision that I will make will probably be after the bowl game.” -Winfield, Jr. to Twin Cities Pioneer Press on turning pro

Strengths

If the name Antoine Winfield sounds familiar to you, it should. Winfield, Jr. is the son of former Buffalo Bill and Minnesota Viking Antoine Winfield. It wasn’t that long ago that he was roaming the secondary on NFL fields. The son of the former Jim Thorpe Award winner however isn’t living off the legacy of his dad, he is quite the ballhawk himself.

The redshirt sophomore may be undersized in terms of what current front offices want but don’t let his stature confuse you, there is a lot of fight in Winfield. With his smaller compact frame, Winfield isn’t afraid to lay the wood on ball carriers where he can deliver ball separating hits. Very sound tackler at the collegiate level with over 80 combined tackles this season.

Ball skills. Ball skills. Ball skills. When you watch him roam the secondary there is no question that Winfield has all the traits you want at safety. He did secure a few balls on tip drills for interceptions but it was his ball tracking that really stands out. Uses his tracking skills to get in prime position to bring down the ball or force an incompletion. Even against taller receivers, Winfield will climb the ladder to make the play. Even when you don’t think he is anywhere near position to make a play he flies to the ball. His ability to click and close can’t be understated.

Weaknesses

There are really only two knocks to his game that I believe will hurt his draft stock. Winfield being a bit undersized might be a deterrent for some defensive coaches and schemes. With some teams deploying big slots (tight ends), he could struggle with the size and power.

Also the fact that he has been injured for two of his four seasons at Minnesota. That could be a red flag for some teams but the interview process will be key.

The other is the fact that Winfield really only has one season of big time production. This season he has been huge and teams should focus on the traits and less so about his production at the college level.

Bottom Line

Winfield could very well return to Minnesota in 2020 with two years of eligibility left due to being granted medical redshirts. Should he declare, he is the type of player that can make an impact.

Projection: Late Day 2

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2020 NFL draft: CeeDee Lamb scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Oklahoma wide receiver CeeDee Lamb

CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma

Height | 6-2

Weight | 191

College Bio

College Stats

Strengths

There may not be a more dynamic offensive weapon in this year’s NFL Draft who could very well come back for his senior season with not much left to prove. He followed up a monster sophomore campaign with an even better junior season. He has the tools to be a mismatch at the next level.

First and foremost, Lamb has to be a top the list in terms of his explosiveness. In space he is an absolute nightmare for any defender to take down in space. He uses his balance and vision to set up defenders down the field allowing him to put pressure on defenses. His footwork and balance makes him a handful to deal with.

Aside from having the athleticism to make the great plays after the catch, his hands are his best weapon. Lamb is able to use his quick hands to fight off defenders at the line to get a clean break and handles press coverages. He is an elite player when tracking the ball in the air and will go up for the ball. He isn’t a player who waits for the ball as he attacks it in the air. He is a quarterback’s best friend because he is as reliable as they come.

Weaknesses

Truth be told there aren’t a lot of weaknesses in his game. He will need to work on his route running at the next level and that is where he will get even better. Lamb will need to expand his route tree, at Oklahoma it left a lot to be desired.

While being explosive, he doesn’t have top end speed like a Tyreek Hill but Lamb wins with technique and football IQ. That is how he is able to create separation for his quarterback. Once Lamb is able to get going though, look out because he will build up speed down the field.

Bottom Line

Lamb is dynamic and at the next level there is no doubt that he can be a difference maker. Plenty of teams in the NFL could use a talent such as CeeDee. Lamb has balance, hands, physicality and a monster after the catch.

Projection: Top 10

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2020 NFL Draft: Xavier McKinney Scouting Report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Alabama safety Xavier McKinney

Xavier McKinney | Safety | Alabama

Height | 6-1

Weight | 200

College Bio

Career Stats

Strengths

Big shocker of the day, the Alabama Crimson Tide have yet another safety that could be a top draft prospect in this year’s class.

McKinney is another safety that is often spoken of in the same breath as Grant Delpit. Both safeties will be highly coveted in this year’s class. McKinney is more of the cover safety, in fact he spent some time in the nickel corner role last season due to injury. He excels in coverage with two interceptions during his sophomore year and 10 passes defended. This year back in his more natural role, McKinney added three more picks, five passes defended and four forced fumbles.

McKinney has good reactions when playing in coverage. He can close quickly when coming downhill. He will be a solid tackler at the next level because he rarely whiffs on tackle attempts. He is very much a swiss army knife in that he does a little bit of everything. He can play coverage, blitz off the edge with success or be an extra body in the box in run defense. Well rounded and seems to do everything well.

Weaknesses

While Xavier McKinney does a lot of things well he isn’t a player you want to leave one on one in coverage too often. He can get burned by his over aggressiveness in coverage. Doesn’t have elite athleticism to play center fielder as a single high safety but does enough to get the job done.

There aren’t many things that McKinney needs to improve upon. He does need to be more refined in his tackling technique as he can come in too high at times.

Bottom Line

Xavier McKinney is a top two safety in this class with his ability to play all over the defense. Some have referred to him as a poor man’s Minkah Fitzpatrick. Maybe it is the crimson jersey that he wears on Saturdays, but definitely see that in his game.

Projection: Top 40

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2020 NFL draft: Grant Delpit scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about LSU safety Grant Delpit

Grant Delpit | S| LSU

Height | 6-3

Weight | 203

College Bio Page

Career Stats

Strengths

Delpit wins getting off the bus. He has the size you want at safety with the ability to make an immediate impact.

With most defensive backs in the NFL being sub 6’1″, Delpit stands above that. He has the physical profile to make an impact at safety in the NFL. With some physical runners and pass catchers he won’t be a player who backs down in the defensive backfield.

To be a safety at the next level, you need to come downhill quickly. Delpit shows the ability to click and close from a variety of spots on the field. His quick reaction doesn’t allowing ball carriers the ability to make many explosive plays when he is patrolling the middle of the field. Range isn’t a question for Delpit.

He can rush the passer with great success on blitzes around the edge. He flies to the quarterback, as Delpit showed in the SEC Championship game against the Georgia Bulldogs. Despite the lower numbers than a season ago, Delpit can create turnovers with his ball skills.

Weaknesses

Delpit is one of the best all-around safeties in this class, but if there is one area above others that he needs to improve it is as a tackler. Delpit can get caught up trying to be an arm tackler instead of sizing up a ball carrier and exploding through him. He has the physical profile and needs to use that size and frame as an advantage.

Technique is where Delpit needs to focus at the next level. Not only with tackling but in coverage. He won’t have trouble picking up the ball in zone coverage but when trying to locate the ball in turn and run coverage, he at times can get beat.

He will need to work on disengaging from blocks as well at the next level. To be one of the top safeties at the next level, Delpit will need to get off his blocks at a more consistent rate.

Bottom Line

Grant Delpit will most likely be the first safety off the board come April. He didn’t have the best year following up his 2018 campaign that put him on the map. Hampered by injuries, his 2019 season alone shouldn’t be a reason to lower him on many draft boards.

Projection: Top 20

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2020 NFL draft: Justin Herbert scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert

Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon

Height | 6-6

Weight | 237

College Bio Page

Career Stats

Strengths

If you sculpted the prototypical quarterback prospect, odds are it would look a lot like Herbert.

Tall and well-built, Herbert has an impressive frame that teams love at the quarterback position. He possesses a very strong arm, as his throws carry great velocity and can travel a long distance. He has the natural arm strength to deliver rockets regardless of his footing or body positioning. The force behind his throws allows him to fit passes into tight windows on a pretty regular basis.

Herbert is a good athlete who can evade defenders in the pocket and pick up yards with his feet if necessary. He delivers the ball with a quick release and sound upper-body mechanics. His throws are executed with a solid sense of anticipation, and he has flashed deadly touch on the deep ball at times. Jump-ball situations are a specialty of Herbert’s, as he does a very good job of placing his throws right where the receiver can grab them.

Herbert has a reliable resume, having being a starter at Oregon for four years. The senior has a lot of quality tape to his name, and that will certainly entice teams during the draft process. Herbert is also a biology major who finished with a 4.01 GPA and is known for excelling in the classroom, as well as on the field.

Weaknesses

Though Herbert has had plenty of reps at the collegiate level, he still has some fine-tuning to do to his game.

His footwork has the tendency to fall apart in a collapsing pocket, thus hurting his ability to deliver an accurate ball. He drops back with a bit of a wide base and could stand to narrow his approach ever so slightly. Oregon’s offense doesn’t require him to look past his first read very often, and he has shown struggles with forcing throws and being unable to consistently read the field.

The touch on Herbert’s throws can be perfect at times, but he still needs some more consistency in that regard. He can overthrow his targets on deep balls from time to time and can get better at timing his vertical throws. He is also prone to firing rockets on short passes in situations that don’t require them, which can make it tougher for his targets — running backs, in particular — to make the catch.

Bottom Line

A productive, proven starter at the collegiate level with physical tools aplenty, Herbert has the potential to become a franchise quarterback at the next level. With Tua Tagovailoa’s injury likely dropping his stock, expect Herbert to be the second quarterback selected in the 2020 draft.

Projection: Top 10

2020 NFL draft: Henry Ruggs III scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III

Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama

Height | 6-0

Weight | 190

College Bio Page

Career Stats

Strengths

To paraphrase Lightning McQueen, Henry Ruggs III is speed.

There may be no player in the 2020 draft class as fast as Ruggs, who ran an absurd 4.25 40-yard dash at his junior Pro Day in March. He accelerates off the ball with impressive quickness, he has insane acceleration out of his breaks and has the deep speed to outrun practically every defender in the nation on a vertical route.

The wide out is a genuine threat to beat John Ross’ 4.22 time at the Combine. His athleticism translates well after the catch, as he has good lateral quickness and the ability to make defenders miss in the open field. With a 17.6 career yards-per-reception average and 24 touchdowns in three seasons as of this writing, he is a proven deep threat with big-play potential.

Ruggs is far from just a speed receiver, though. He has shown flashes of nuance in his route tree through sinking his hips into his cuts and showing off body control when flipping his hips or making tough adjustments to the ball. He has natural ball skills and can track down balls at a high level. Ruggs is also a tough runner after the catch, showing off impressive contact balance and determination for a receiver with his frame.

Weaknesses

Though he’ll beat defenders with speed, don’t expect Ruggs to physically overwhelm anybody at the next level.

Listed at 190 pounds, Ruggs has a pretty skinny frame and doesn’t possess top-end length. He has yet to prove that he can separate from press-man coverage very well, and he is far from the most physical receiver in jump-ball situations. He could benefit from bulking up a bit and working on his hand techniques to sharpen up his releases. Though he has shown some potential in stemming his routes, he could stand to be a bit more consistent in that regard, as well.

Ruggs’ lack of top-end production isn’t a major concern, considering he’s had to fight for touches with teammates Jerry Jeudy, Devonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle and Calvin Ridley at wide receiver. Still, Ruggs never topped 1,000 yards in a single season and has never finished higher than third on his team in receiving yards. There could be a tiny bit of concern attached to selecting him as a No. 1 target in the pros.

Bottom Line

Speed kills in today’s NFL, and Ruggs has that in spades.

The dynamic playmaker is an athletic mismatch for just about any cornerback, and he has shown he has more tools in his skill set than the average speedy receiver. Even in a stacked receiver class like this one, Ruggs belongs firmly in first-round conversation.