41. Trevon Diggs – CB, Alabama – Diggs is best suited in zone coverage due to his outstanding recognition skills and ability to jump routes. He’s physical at the LOS and plays well in trail technique with safety help.
Diggs’ ball skills are elite for the position and he will create turnovers when the opportunities present themselves. He trusts his feet and hips, and doesn’t get overly jumpy. He could certainly end up in round 1, but he’s a starter early on, with room to grow.
42. Zack Baun – LB/EDGE, Wisconsin – I’m not sure if he’s a better fit as a 3-4 EDGE or as a 4-3 SAM. Either way, Baun has been productive. On productivity alone, he should be a first-round pick. He uses proper technique in his rushes, and does have adequate pass rush chops, but he reads the game so well and can certainly make plays in space.
43. Julian Okwara – EDGE, Notre Dame – The physical traits are ever-present. The athletic gifts are there and are why he is being considered as a potential Day 1/early Day 2 selection.
However, the production doesn’t match. Okwara must get stronger to hold the edge in the run game, which will also help him disengage when rushing the passer. He should be a third-down rush specialist early, with the room to become an every-down player early in his career.
44. Justin Madubuike – DT, Texas A&M – Madubuike is a versatile interior presence that could fit a number of roles relatively well. I like him inside as a 3-technique or kicking out as a 5-technique in a 3-4 base.
Madubuike has an explosive first step for a player of his size and strength, which should allow him to be a disruptor early on. The technique when holding up blockers leaves a lot to be desired, but there is no denying his skill set as translating well to the next level. He is an immediate starter in the right situation.
45. Clyde Edwards-Helaire – RB, LSU – An all-around back, CEH doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses. I don’t think he’s necessarily great in any aspect, but he’s above average across the board. A good receiver with short-area quickness, he will make a big impact in the pass game.
Edwards-Helaire runs with excellent pad level and gets under potential tacklers, often delivering the blow rather than being on the receiving end of the big shot. Fast enough to create chunk gains, though nobody will confuse him with a true burner.
In the right situation, “CEH” can become a workhorse back that doesn’t need to come off the field.
46. Antoine Winfield Jr – S, Minnesota – Winfield is not the best athlete on the field. Far from it. But there is no denying his football instincts, his toughness, and his ability to create big plays. He’s undersized for a safety, but he’s always around the ball, seeming to always be 2-3 steps ahead of anyone else around him.
Winfield Jr. uses his knowledge to jump routes, and uses his excellent ball skills to create turnovers. His pedigree is there, with his father being former NFL Pro Bowler himself. Winfield won’t wow anyone at the combine, but this is an example where the tape will tell a much better story than his test numbers would indicate.
47. Austin Jackson – OT, USC – Jackson passes the eye test in terms of his measurables and his athleticism. He could stand to get stronger in his sets, but some proper coaching could really enhance this skill. He may struggle early on with speed off the edge, but his football instincts are there to become a high-level starter.
Jackson fits best as a right tackle in a zone scheme, but will be able to adapt. A good prospect that may be over-drafted at the tail end of Day 1.
48. Lucas Niang – OT, TCU – Niang dealt with a hip injury in 2019, limiting his mobility. If he can recover from that, he could be a very good starter on the blindside, and very early in his career. He anchors very well against bull rushers, and handles speed pretty well, also.
Niang is not as nasty as you’d want and doesn’t finish blocks as often as you’d expect. He extends well, creating first contact with a solid punch, which allows him to gain control in his sets. He is a very good prospect that could make an immediate impact.
49. Curtis Weaver – EDGE, Boise St – Weaver will not check off every box for every scout. If you like him, you probably really like him. If not, well, the exact opposite. I project him best as a 3-4 DE due to his power and relatively quick burst. I don’t see him as a true 4-3 rusher due to his lack of bend and agility.
Weaver holds up very well setting the edge in the run game due to his long arms and ability to keep his outside shoulder free. He is a good player with a limited ceiling.
50. Noah Igbinoghene – CB, Auburn – When talking about boom/bust prospects, Igbinoghene tops the list when it comes to defensive backs. He is extremely raw at the position but is an absolute freak athlete. He is smart, so it shouldn’t take him too long to pick up the nuances of the position, but he, at this point, relies too much on his natural athleticism.
Igbinoghene doesn’t yet trust himself to get into position to fight for the ball, often face guarding throughout the catch point. If he develops more confidence, more interceptions should follow.
Outside of Okudah, Igbinoghene may have the highest upside of any DB in this draft. However, the floor is also quite low. Proper coaching is key here.
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