Tag: 2020 nfl combine

Strengths

The Hawaii native is technically savvy with his hands. Often he attacks quickly with the first punch. He is one of the more advanced technicians among this edge class that gets pretty weak after Chase Young at the top. Anae can use a plethora of moves that he has in his tool box. He uses his length to his advantage, his push-pull technique is probably his best move.

Despite not having top end speed, Anae shows a good first step. He uses that to get the offensive tackle off balance and goes on the attack. He is a lunchpail, blue collar player. His motor and high energy is on full display when he is on the field. Doesn’t give up on plays as Anae continues to pursue.

Weaknesses

The biggest question mark that surrounds Anae will be attacking in the run game. While his play is solid on the edge, he can get washed out on blocks with more physical tackles. Needs to work on strength in his upper body to work on shedding blockers at the point of attack.

Anae has to win with technique given the fact that he isn’t one who can win with speed around the edge. Doesn’t have the bend that some of the other weakside defensive ends have at the NFL level. So working on his spin that is rather ineffective and inside pass rush will be key in his development.

Projection: Day 2

[vertical-gallery id=614705]

Lions had formal meeting with Florida EDGE Jonathan Greenard

Greenard was also at the Senior Bowl

We now know the identity of another one of the prospects who formally interviewed with the Detroit Lions at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last month. Florida EDGE Jonathan Greenard acknowledged to Draft Wire’s Justin Melo that he met with the Lions.

Greenard is an interesting potential fit with the Lions. At 6-3 and 263 pounds and blessed with long arms and big, strong hands, he definitely has the physical traits the Lions covet at the EDGE or JACK position. He showed some outside pass rush moves and off-ball awareness in his one season with the Gators after transferring from Louisville.

The Lions had some familiarity with Greenard from the Senior Bowl. He played on the South roster while the Lions staff coached the North. During his one year in Gainesville, Greenard racked up 9.5 sacks and 15.5 TFLs while earning first-ream All-SEC honors.

He does carry some legit knocks. Greenard suffered a major wrist injury in 2018 and did not look confident in using his right hand in 2019. He does have some twitch but is more of a power-to-speed rusher, and his long legs do leave him vulnerable to tackles with good base leverage.

Greenard is generally regarded as a third-to-fifth-round pick. He will work out at Florida’s pro day in late March.

2020 NFL draft: Laviska Shenault, Jr. scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Colorado wide receiver prospect Laviska Shenault, Jr.

Laviska Shenault, Jr. | WR | Colorado

Elevator Pitch

Shenault is a big-play wide receiver from the state of Texas. Played his high school ball at the football factory in DeSoto, Texas. While there are concerns with his durability, Shenault is a bully running down the field and can make a house call at a moment’s notice.

Vitals

Height | 6-1

Weight | 227

Class | Junior

Strengths

Laviska Shenault Jr possesses good hands and can snag the ball away from his frame. He is no stranger to climbing the latter to high point the ball. What separates him from other wide receivers is his ability to have good body control when off the ground.

His balance with the ball in his hands is very reminiscent to a running back. He can maintain that balance through contact with good a strong core. In high school he played some H-back and it shows up in his film, the way he can bully defensive backs down the field. Will lower his shoulder to deliver the boom.

If you gear up for the big hit from Shenault he can throw a change up and run right by you. He has speed to challenge you deep with great ball tracking skills. Shows great burst coming out of his breaks and can get away from coverage in a hurry.

Weaknesses

The biggest worry for teams will be his durability. Prior to the season, Shenault underwent surgery on his labrum prior to the 2019 season. This offseason, he will once again undergo surgery to repair a core muscle. His medicals will be a key part of his evaluation and could cause him to slide.

Despite everything that Shenault can do on the field, he needs work on his route running to be a complete receiver. He is very raw in terms of technique at running routes and dealing with physical corners in press coverage. Once he is up to speed, look for Shenault to be a big play wideout at the next level.

Projection: 1st Round

[vertical-gallery id=613832]

UGAWire’s three-round NFL mock draft

Here is UGA Football Live’s three-round NFL mock draft

[jwplayer MtVV3ZUx]

You have seen the pretenders….now UGA Football Live and UGAWire’s 3-round mock NFL draft is here.

With the recent conclusion of the NFL Combine and next month’s NFL Draft fast approaching, teams are looking to fill glaring needs and build for the future.

As usual, quarterbacks, offensive tackles, cornerbacks and edge rushers are on the wish list for nearly every team. You’ve seen the talking heads’ mock drafts — now take a look at an unbiased projection from UGA Football Live.

With good depth at offensive tackle, wide receiver and running back, the draft should be heavy on the offensive side this year. You can see the real 2020 NFL Draft on April 23-25 from Las Vegas on the ESPN and the NFL Network.

Here we go with the first three rounds:

Round 1:

Cincinnati: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU — The Ohio native is the Bengals’ franchise QB.
Washington: Chase Young, Edge, Ohio State — Better than the Bosa brothers.
Detroit: Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State — Lions desperate for defense and this dude is the nation’s best corner.
NY Giants: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson — A pure freak.
Miami: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama — Will be Marino-like legendary in south Florida.
LA Chargers: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville — Swiss cheese O-line needs help.
Carolina: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn — Explosive and violent.
Arizona: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia — Will retire in 2035 as the Cardinals’ greatest lineman.
Jacksonville: Tristan Wirfs, OL, Iowa — Dominnat left or right tackle.
Cleveland: Jedrick Willis, OT, Alabama — Browns get a beast.
NY Jets: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama — 28th ranked offense in ’19 needs help.
Las Vegas: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon — Has all the tools and Raiders need to make a splash in their new home.
Indianapolis: Jordan Love, QB, Utah State — Colts aren’t sold on Jacoby Brissett.
Tampa Bay: Josh Jones, OT, Houston — Bucs ranked in lower third in pass protection and rushing.
Denver: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Baylor — Broncos hungry for speed.
Atlanta: Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina — Athletic, physical and powerful.
Dallas: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama — Secondary help on the way.
Miami: K’Lavon Chaisson, LB, LSU — Dangerous, will cause havoc.
Las Vegas: Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma — Sideline to sideline speed.
Jacksonville: Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama — Can’t teach speed.
Philadelphia: Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU — Monster in the slot with speed.
Buffalo: Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson — A weapon from anywhere on the field.
New England: Zack Baun, Edge, Wisconsin — Motor knows only one speed.
New Orleans: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU — Lock down corner.
Minnesota: CJ Henderson, CB, Florida — Long and physical and pass defense help needed.
Miami: D’Andre Swift, RB, Georgia — Fins need a playmaker and Swift is the first RB off the board.
Seattle: Austin Jackson, OT, USC — Pete Carroll goes back to Troy.
Baltimore: AJ Terrel, CB, Clemson — Strong career and stellar combine.
Tennessee: Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State — 9.5 sacks in ’19.
Green Bay: Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor — Terrific career and killed it in the combine.
San Francisco: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State — Home run threat.
Kansas City: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU — Full motor and dynamic blitzer.

Next: Round 2

Pages: 123

2020 NFL draft: Tee Higgins scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Clemson wide receiver prospect Tee Higgins

Tee Higgins | WR | Clemson

Elevator Pitch

Higgins was a highly productive receiver for the Clemson Tigers over the last two seasons. Catching 59 passes in each year for a total of 2,103 yards and 26 total touchdowns. Higgins will look to be a big play receiver at the next level with his ability to win contested catches.

Vitals

Height | 6-4

Weight | 216

Class | Junior

Strengths

One of the biggest strengths for Higgins is his ability to win the contested throws. He has soft hands that allows him to bring in almost any throw and catches outside of his frame pose no problems for Higgins. Uses his height and length well when going up for the ball, high points it well. Most contested catches are 50/50 but for him its more like 80/20. Great body control when in flight.

He provides position flexibility in that he can play from all three wide receiver spots on the field. His long speed can cause fits for defenders when he gets behind the defense. Really does well in tracking the ball on deep throws.

Higgins shows the ability to be a good yards after the catch runner if he is hit in stride. Doesn’t have great short area quickness that allows him to start and stop but he is known to make a house call on deep throws. Uses his long strides well to pick up speed and challenge defenders in open space.

Weaknesses

His frame allows him to add bulk to the upper body and that will be key for him in the NFL. Needs to get stronger to deal with more physical corners who can knock him off his route. Also will help with blocking, he does use his length well but bigger defenders will give him fits when blocking on the perimeter.

His route tree is fairly limited, just based on what he was asked to run at Clemson. Will need work on being more crisp in that aspect. Has the ability to be a better route runner, it will all be based on his new team working on the technique and being more physical at the top of his routes.

Projection: Top 40

[vertical-gallery id=613832]

2020 NFL draft: Cam Akers scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans should know about Florida State running back prospect Cam Akers

Cam Akers | RB | Florida State

Elevator Pitch

Akers was a highly touted prospect out of Mississippi when he signed with the Florida State Seminoles. Despite the inconsistency at the offensive line, Akers has been able to showcase his abilities and is now one of the top running backs in the upcoming draft class.

Vitals

Height | 5-10

Weight | 217

Class | Junior

Strengths

Akers shows good burst to fly through the hole when he gets the ball in his hands. He shows good vision for finding open holes behind the line. When the defense penetrates the line, shows the ability to cut back come out the other side. His footwork allows him to make split decisions which turn negative plays into positive ones.

Runs from a good base, with a powerful lower half. Uses his leg power to bounce off would be tackles with great contact balance. Can use his jump cut well for a quick change of direction with little to no loss in momentum. Rare to find a defender take down Akers on the first tackle attempt.

He is more than capable as a receiver, so with Akers you get a dual-threat runner and receiver. Much like when he carries the ball, he will be a threat to take it the distance when he gets into the open field. Scored seven touchdowns as a receiver for the Seminoles. Not just a back to get a dump off in the flats, can excel when asked to run the wheel.

Weaknesses

One of the reasons that will cause teams to be lower on Akers is that he has issues with protecting the football. While his fumble rate isn’t terribly high, Akers averages one fumble every 65.5 touches. His 10 fumbles in three seasons will be cause for concern about him protecting the football.

In terms of being an every down back at the NFL level, Akers needs to work on his pass protection. He will be a liability in protection until he works on his technique and understanding who he is responsible for. Given his size and frame, he definitely has the tools to be a consistent blocker. Being coached up will be key for him.

Projection: Day 2

[vertical-gallery id=613832]

2020 NFL draft: Jacob Eason scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Washington quarterback prospect Jacob Eason

Jacob Eason | QB | Washington

Elevator Pitch

Eason is your prototypical pocket passer. Before the likes of Lamar Jackson or Patrick Mahomes, Eason would be the type of quarterback that would be the first quarterback taken in the NFL Draft. Big arm and will stand in the pocket to make the throws. Very reminiscent of Josh Allen of Buffalo. Likely will find himself in the first round as quarterback is consistently over-drafted.

Vitals

Height | 6-6

Weight | 231

Class | Redshirt Junior

Strengths

Big-time arm, Eason has a howitzer for an arm. He can stand in the pocket and rip it down the field with ease. He really excels on deep shots coming off of play action. Scouts will salivate at his ability to make deep breaking routes to all areas of the field. He has plus velocity that allows him to get the ball into tight spaces despite coverages.

Eason will stand in the pocket like a statue. Despite pass rushers making a beat on him, the Huskies’ quarterback will stand his ground and chuck it down the field. His strong hands also allows him to hold onto the ball even with edge rushers ripping at the ball to create a turnover.

Despite his size, Eason does a good job of moving around in the pocket if need be. He can create big plays on the move due to his arm strength and the ability to rip it at a moment’s notice. The former Georgia quarterback isn’t a high risk quarterback as he will make sound decisions even under duress.

Weaknesses

One of the big aspects of his game that Eason needs the most work on is within the pocket. His footwork can be very sloppy at times. Eason can be a bit elongated in his dropbacks. On quicker throws, needs to hurry up his process. Often times can be flat footed, while he has the arm strength to get away with it, NFL defenders will be able to take advantage of the poor mechanics. He doesn’t handle pressure well either.

When it comes to throwing the football, Eason has one pitch. Everything that comes out of his hand is a fastball. He needs to work on having more touch on the short and intermediate throws. The other part being that he needs to see the field better, at times he goes with his presnap reads and doesn’t go through his progressions.

Projection: 1st Round

[vertical-gallery id=613832]

Could A.J. Epenesa fall to the Lions in the 2nd round?

After a less than ideal NFL combine for Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa, the Detroit Lions could possibly land him in the second round

The NFL combine is an excellent place for a prospect to shine among NFL scouts, but on the flip side, if you flounder, it is magnified, and that is the case for Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa.

Before the combine, it was hard not to find Epenesa landing nearly in the top half of the draft, and thinking the only way the Lions could land the Iowa standout was trading down in the draft. However, with a showing that left many scratching their heads, his draft stock is taking a significant blow.

Epenesa was being garnered as one of the best edge prospects in this draft who has strength for days, and not only brings intense pressure against the quarterback, but has sound gap techniques leading to his sheer presence in the run game.

If Patricia could build a player in a lab, Epenesa would be the finished product who has drawn comparisons to Lions’ own Trey Flowers, which isn’t far off the mark, but the tipping point would be the weight between the two which accounts for the difference in athleticism.

A.J. Epenesa vs. Trey Flowers: pic.twitter.com/ZEheDL8bh4

— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) March 1, 2020

The problem that people are running into with Espenesa is the lack of athleticism he showcased at the combine bringing into the question how effective he could be as an edge defender, but if anyone has watched Espenesa that is not his calling card. He wins with brute strength and technical ability, unlike a traditional edge rusher who makes their money with speed and straight athleticism like former Lion Ziggy Ansah.

Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to how the Lions view players and Epenesa falls in line with other Lions defensive linemen. They often look for players who can fill multiple roles and are not tied to a singular position like a pure edge rusher. Pulling numbers from current Lions Trey Flowers, Da’Shawn Hand, and Romeo Okwara, Epenesa falls right in line with what the Lions look for — potentially filling a role similar to Flowers with some Hand-like responsibilities sprinkled in.


PLAYER	10-YD SPLIT	VERTICAL JUMP	BROAD JUMP	3-CONE DRILL	SHORT SHUTTLE
A.J. EPENESA	1.78	32.5	9’9″	7.34	4.46
TREY FLOWERS	1.63	36.5	10’1″	7.34	4.40
DA’SHAWN HAND	1.70	31.5	9’3″	7.98	4.62
ROMEO OKWARA	1.73	33	10′	7.38	4.53

Kent Lee Platte wrote an article for Pro Football Network that highlights that maybe not is all is lost for Epenesa. He compares Epenesa to the likes of ZaDarius Smith and Arik Armstead, who have gone on to have successful careers playing a similar approach as Epenesa.

#CombineNotes:

8. #Iowa DL A.J. Epenesa will be the ultimate test of “trusting the tape” because of his combine performance. Opinions are a bit all over the place on him right now because of not really knowing his position and being a player that doesn’t rely on athleticism.

— Jordan Reid (@JReidNFL) March 1, 2020

Epenesa is one of those prospects where you have to trust the tape versus judging him only from his combine showing. If you watch the tape, you have a player who wins on multiple levels showcasing his superior strength and technical refinement instead of his athleticism. Some of his combine numbers were a little less than ideal, but he is a player who is impactful at multiple spots on the defensive line and shouldn’t be treated as exclusively an edge rusher.

Even though the potential of landing Chase Young is looking more feasible, the Lions need all the help they can get on the defensive line. With the potential losses of A’Shawn Robinson and Mike Daniels to free agency, the release of Damon Harrison, along with Da’Shawn Hand healing for an injury-riddled season, they need resources on the line. We saw how much the defensive line was affected by injuries and poor play, and Epenesa would fit perfectly in the versatile multiple schemed defense the Lions love doing.

The combine was not friendly to Epenesa’s draft stock. Because he is not a pure edge rusher, teams may be hesitant to take him high in the draft leading a potential draft-day tumble to a point the Lions could snag him in the second round, which would be a dream scenario for the Lions. If he is still there come the Lions’ second-round pick, they need to run that ticket to the podium and not give a second thought.

2020 NFL draft: Jeremy Chinn scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Southern Illinois safety prospect Jeremy Chinn

Jeremy Chinn | S | Southern Illinois

Elevator Pitch

Chinn is a small-school prospect that has been a fast riser ever since Senior Bowl week down in Mobile, Alabama. His performance in Mobile and the NFL Combine has given a buzz around Chinn. A highly productive player at SIU with 243 tackles, 13 interceptions, 31 passes defended and six forced fumbles.

Vitals

Height | 6-3

Weight | 221

Class | Senior

Strengths

Chinn shows really good ball skills. His 13 career interceptions shows that he had a nose for the ball. Some of them were heads up plays on tip drills and others playing underneath coverage and using every bit of his 41″ vertical to climb the ladder. His catch radius very reminiscent to a big wide receiver. He uses his length well.

When it comes to tackling, Chinn brings physicality. It is rare that when he gets his arms on a ball carrier that they can break free. Shows good form when wrapping up. When unloading on a ball carrier, has the power to separate ball carrier from the ball.

His speed is on full display, can get through gaps with ease. Chinn also has speed to get upfield quickly, great on click and close. His relentless motor shows up in backside pursuit. Playing from deep, can get to sideline when attacking the ball in the air.

Weaknesses

Chinn is a bit behind in his mental processing, much better with reaction than with instincts. Working on film review and coaching will definitely be needed in terms of getting him up to speed. His focus should be on better understanding his keys.

He will need work on his technique in man coverage, although he showed flashes against Ole Miss’ A.J. Brown in 2018. Often times uses his athletic ability to make up for technique. With the rise in competition, Chinn won’t be able to rely on it and will need to focus on becoming a better man coverage piece at the next level.

Projection: 3rd-4th Round

[vertical-gallery id=613832]

2020 NFL draft: Kyle Dugger scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans should know about Lenoir-Rhyne safety prospect Kyle Dugger

Kyle Dugger | S | Lenoir-Rhyne

Elevator Pitch

The Cliff Harris Award winner, which is given to the best defensive player in Division II. Dugger has size, athleticism and length to be an impactful. defender at the next level. The small school safety has been a riser since the Senior Bowl. He could find his way into the conversation for day two.

Vitals

Height | 6-1

Weight | 217

Class | Senior