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Let’s take a look at some of Roy’s college tape to get to know his game better.
The Panthers added another interior defensive lineman to their rotation by taking Baylor defensive tackle Bravvion Roy at No. 184 overall. Roy obviously has a connection with head coach Matt Rhule and he fills a big need on the depth chart after the team lost so many DTs to free agency.
Let’s take a look at some of Roy’s college tape to get to know his game better.
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The Panthers have selected Baylor defensive tackle Bravvion Roy with the No. 184 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft.
At long last, Matt Rhule finally got to draft one of his guys.
The Panthers have selected Baylor defensive tackle Bravvion Roy with the No. 184 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft.
Roy (6-foot-1, 333 pound) is in the space-eater mold for defensive tackles. He did show some potential as a pass rusher last season though, totaling 5.5 sacks. He also posted 13 tackles for a loss in 2019.
Roy will offer some much-needed interior depth behind starters Kawann Short and Derrick Brown, the team’s first-round pick.
Unless they make a trade, the Panthers have only one pick left this year in the seventh round.
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Then vote at the end for which mock you like best.
Self-quarantining may be a bummer, but some of the online content that’s emerged as a result has been pure gold. Perhaps the most notable comes courtesy of the music industry’s biggest names, who have taken to Instagram Live to go head-to-head in some heated beat battles. We’ve seen Timbaland vs. Swizz Beatz, Lil’ Jon vs. T-Pain and Scott Storch vs. Mannie Fresh, to name a few.
For our latest 2020 mock draft, we decided to follow their example and put out a mock draft battle between two of our Panthers Wire contributors: five-year veteran Anthony Rizzuti and the up-and-coming rookie Erik Williams.
Read on to take a look at their mock picks, conducted via the PFF Draft Simulator, to see how they ran their respective drafts for the Panthers. Then vote at the end for which mock you like best.
Carolina’s new head coach Matt Rhule places a premium on athleticism and versatility and there’s no player in this draft on either side of the ball who has a better combination of both.
Simmons’ blend of tools – particularly his physical abilities and natural feel for the game – have earned him a variety of reps as a linebacker, edge, both safety spots, outsite corner and even some slot corner. He’d make for an ideal fit for the positionless prototype being brought in by Rhule and defensive coordinator Phil Snow.
Whether you see him as Luke Kuechly’s heir apparent or as a Derwin James-like playmaker, it doesn’t really matter seeing as the team has needs at practically every single position on defense. Simmons offers depth at most of them.
This has been a popular mock pick this year, but Brown is simply too good to pass on, here. The Panthers get the best player available in one of their greatest areas of need: the interior of the defensive line.
Brown’s draft stock has taken a bit of a hit following his sub-par combine performance, but he is still considered by most to be the best defensive tackle in this class, if not a close No. 2 behind South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw.
Brown plays with unbelievable strength and explosiveness, tremendous gap penetration ability, and a motor that never stops. He is exactly the kind of prototype player Rhule wants to work with, and he can start right away.
As the 2020 NFL Draft approaches, it’s becoming more obvious that experts anticipate Tristan Wirfs going to the New York Giants.
The New York Giants hold the No. 4 overall selection in this month’s NFL Draft and one player is being linked to them more and more as the mock drafts keep rolling in.
Iowa offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs is not only our internal favorite, but that of our sister site Draft Wire. They have the Giants taking the 6-foot-5, 320-pound athletic left tackle prospect at No. 4 and not looking back.
In his weekly Monday column, veteran football reporter Peter King also agreed that offensive tackle will the Giants’ top choice in this draft.
Hard to see Dave Gettleman go anywhere but tackle in this urgent draft for the G-men. Gettleman shocked the world with Daniel Jones at six last year, but the meat-and-potatoes GM is likely to go meat-and-potatoes this year with a tackle. Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs or Alabama’s Jedrick Wills are 1-2 or 2-1 on many draft boards.
The latest Draft Wire mock, compiled by Luke Easterling, goes the full seven rounds. After the Giants take Wirfs in Round 1, here’s how he sees the rest of the draft playing out:
Day 2
Some have Baun as a late first-rounder, but it’s possible he slides the Giants here in the second. If he’s on the board, they’ll almost have to take him. He’s a very productive, full-service linebacker that can get to the passer. By passing on Isaiah Simmons, they can make up for it here by taking Baun.
Hightower is a bit of reach here for me. He’s more of late rounder, not only in my eyes but many others. He’s got 4.43 speed, but that’s not enough to warrant taking him on Day 2. He can, however, return kicks so if the Giants are thinking multi-prong usage with him then it makes the selection more palatable.
Day 3
Hennessy is a nice fourth round pick up. Chances are, though, he’ll be gone by then. The rest of these picks address the Giants’ needs across the board. I’m not sure if these particular players would have been my choices, but at least they will be bringing in new blood at some positions that sorely need it.
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Chargers Wire lists four potential replacement for Brandon Mebane in the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Chargers released Brandon Mebane on Friday, which means that there will be another hole to fill this offseason. While they could go with finding one in free agency, they could elect to go with addressing the position in the draft.
With that being said, we have listed four defensive tackles that Los Angeles could be giving a hard look, primarily in the mid to late rounds in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Elliott played two seasons at Missouri after transferring from Texas following the 2016 season. In his final season with the Tigers, Elliott posted 31 solo tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. The 6-foot-3 and 303 pounder primarily lined up as a three-technique in Missouri’s defense, but he has the versatility to line up across from the center. Elliott has the play strength, hand usage and quickness to make his presence known. He needs to develop a better game-plan as a pass-rusher, but how impressive he is against the run should garner the Chargers attention.
Jordan Elliott beats his block and crushes the run pic.twitter.com/8Jj9OYlpmZ
— Represent Mizzou (@RepresentMizzou) October 12, 2019
Used primarily at the one-technique, Fotu played in 45 career games for the Utes. For his efforts, he earned first team All-Pac-12 honors in 2018 and 2019. He finished his collegiate career with 82 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, four sacks and three passes defensed. Fotu, the 6-foot-5 and 330 pounder has wide hips, meaty thighs and proportionate body thickness. For someone of his size, he has rare movement skills is rangy. He is at his best taking up space by taking on double teams and holding the line of scrimmage. Fotu wins with sheer upper body strength strength and hand usage to make his presence in his backfield. Even though his pass-rushing skills are a work in progress, he is capable of being a solid run defender in Year 1.
I'm in love.
Leki Fotu moves so smoothly for almost 340lbs, he's a dog too, check him after the play. pic.twitter.com/kG5sagygB7
— Connor Livesay (@ConnorNFLDraft) January 7, 2020
After three years as a rotational piece, Hamilton emerged as a starter for the Buckeyes as a senior in 2019, managing 28 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. His six sacks were second only to top draft selection, defensive end Chase Young. The 6-foot-4 and 310 pound Hamilton excels at his job and that’s to take on double teams to allow other members from the front seven to roam freely. Along with the strength and balance against double teams, he has the first-step explosion and hands to disrupt the backfield.
Clemson never could get a traditional run game established with Etienne. Watch DaVon Hamilton blow up the pullers on this play and create a mess in the backfield. Similar to what OSU did in the second half of B10 title game against Wisconsin to slow down Taylor. pic.twitter.com/hbgCDGcyte
— Bill Landis (@BillLandis25) December 31, 2019
Roy played in 48 games, starting 29 for the Bears. In four seasons, he amassed 133 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. At 6-foot-1 and 327 pounds, Roy is a massive human with heavy hands, upper body strength and eyebrow-raising quickness to wear down blockers. He was moved all up and down the line for the Bears, but he would be the ideal candidate to serve as a nose tackle for the Chargers to help aide with clogging up the middle with his point-of-attack power.
Hello Bravvion Roy! He’s way quicker than I gave him credit for. pic.twitter.com/Agk4xxs3pv
— Dante Collinelli (@DanteCollinelli) March 14, 2020
Identifying 10 players from the 2020 draft class that were not invited to the NFL Combine but should still be on the Detroit Lions radar.
The NFL has released the 2020 NFL Combine participants list, and despite it containing 337 players, there were a few notable names not invited to Indianapolis for the event.
Just because a player didn’t receive an invite doesn’t mean the NFL isn’t still paying attention to them. Last year, players such as David Blough, Kevin Strong, and C.J. Moore were not invited to the 2019 NFL Combine, yet still earned a spot on the Detroit Lions active roster and contributed in significant ways throughout the year.
Here are 10 players who were snubbed from the 2020 NFL Combine that should still be on the Lions radar.
After a 2018 season that saw him average an astounding 8.5 yards per rush and eclipse 1,000-yards rushing, Corbin saw his production drop in 2019, which likely let to him being left off the invitation list.
Corbin’s (est. 5-8, 201) speed, ability to set up defenders, and natural lateral movement skills are all easily at an NFL level, which makes him a perfect candidate for a team that uses a running back by committee approach. If the Lions don’t retain J.D. McKissic, Corbin could be a potential replacement.
.@IlliniFootball's Reggie Corbin is freaky elusive and possesses legit top-end speed.
Reggie ranks top-five in forced missed tackles per attempt and yards after contact per attempt over the past two seasons, per @PFF_College.
The former rugby standout is starring in the B1G. pic.twitter.com/wBzzW6uwSG
— Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle) August 12, 2019
Feaster (est. 5-11, 222) played three years at Clemson before transferring to South Carolina ahead of the 2019 season. With solid straight-line speed — especially for a back his size — and the ability to catch passes out of the backfield, there should be some appeal from NFL teams who are looking for a bigger third-down back.
Dotson (est. 6-4, 324) will likely be the first player drafted who wasn’t invited to the NFL Combine, potentially even in the third or fourth round. Dotson is a powerful interior offensive lineman who is a force in both the run and pass game, earning a spot as an AP first-team All-American and grading out as Pro Football Focus’ top interior offensive lineman.
The Lions are familiar with the Ragin’ Cajuns’ program — they drafted Tracy Walker from there in the third round of the 2018 draft — and met with Dotson at the East-West Shrine game last month. He’s firmly on their radar.
Georgia’s scheme gives Clark (est. 6-3, 289) the needed 2-gapping experience — nose tackle John Atkins came from the same program — and his body-type, ability to shed defenders and get into the backfield makes him a candidate for the Lions’ big defensive end role. That spot is currently occupied by Da’Shawn Hand and the aforementioned Kevin Strong, but the Lions will be on the lookout for more depth on the defensive line.
Speaking of defensive line depth, Roy has nose tackle size but is more of a pass rusher than anchor at the 0-technique. He brings a different style of play than what the Lions have in Damon Harrison and Atkins, but there’s some appeal to having a player like him in the rotation.
A favorite of PFF from his time at Central Michigan, Danna (est. 6-2, 257) earned a 27-percent pass-rushing rate with the Chippewas, but he saw his play drop off a bit in 2019 playing in the Big Ten and in a rotational role along the Wolverines’ deep defensive line. In the NFL, Danna will likely begin his career as a pass-rushing specialist with upside and special teamer.
Brunson (6-1, 219) was one of only two players to participate in the Senior Bowl, yet not receive an invite to the Combine. He is undersized for the Lions scheme, but his aggressiveness and ability to be physical against the run could earn him a role on special teams. If the Lions decide to move on from Miles Killebrew, Brunson could be a player who could compete to fill the vacancy.
Taylor (est. 5-10, 186), a former 5-star recruit, was a big get for the Seminoles out of high school, but injuries and inability to stay at one position have impeded his draft stock. In the NFL, Taylor won’t fit every scheme, but for the Lions, he would fill a developmental nickel corner/safety role.
Mayden (6-0, 201), the other Senior Bowler not invited to Indianapolis, is a reliable tackler capable of playing on defense as a corner/safety option in the slot but his path to the NFL is likely on special teams where he shined in college.
Dorn (est. 6-1, 198) is a rangy defender who can play deep as well as in the box. His game is drenched in aggressiveness, instincts, high energy, and is a reliable tackler which will make him a natural special teams player in the NFL.
The Jags have had a heavy presence at the East-West Shrine Bowl and here are six players they could be interested in on the West team.
Earlier we took a look at some players on the East team for Jacksonville Jaguars fans to watch in Saturday’s Shrine Bowl and now it’s time to look at the West team. Here are six standouts from the game’s practice sessions that could fill some holes on the Jags’ roster:
Like receiver, quarterback isn’t a pressing need for the Jags but it’s a position worth looking at for them. Even if they name Gardner Minshew II the starter, it isn’t as if his play was perfect in 2019. Sure, he flashed a great deal of ability but when he was forced to play within the confines of the pocket, it wasn’t pretty.
All of that said, I forgot to mention a quarterback in the East breakdown so I’ll do so here by listing Kelly Bryant. Again, the Jags love Southeastern Conference players and Bryant is someone who has played against elite defenses (see Alabama). At 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, Bryant has good size and a live arm. He progressed well throughout the three practice sessions this week and especially impressed in team drills. Needless to say, that means all eyes will be on him during the game as he could be a late-round option at quarterback for the Jags to develop over time.
According to Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network, Calvin Thockmorton stood out in Day’s 1-2. He looked his best at guard and center as opposed to tackle, so Jags fans who tune in to the Shrine Game should watch his work there as opposed to the interior because that’s where the team needs help at the most. Nonetheless, versatility is always a plus and the fact that he played every position but left guard while at Oregon is pretty impressive.
Many praised the speed of Nick Westbrook this week as it seems he may have been the best deep threat in St. Petersburg. He also showcased a great deal of athleticism while making highlight grabs.
@IndianaFootball WR Nick Westbrook (@nick_west15) was always gonna cook him off the line
🔊🔊🔊 pic.twitter.com/6Gmhgvk51K
— The Draft Network (@DraftNetworkLLC) January 15, 2020
At 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, he’s exactly the type of receiver the Jags like, which is tall fast and flashy. With a high probability that they will part ways with Marqise Lee this offseason, Westbrook could be an option for the Jags during Day 3 of the draft.
Bravvion Roy was arguably the most mentioned player of the three practices in St. Petersburg and he’s clearly made himself some money when it comes to April’s draft.
According to Pauline, Roy collapsed the pocket and could not be stopped all week for the most part. At 6-foot-1, 333 pounds, Roy could be a candidate to play nose tackle with the Jags, who may be parting ways with Marcell Dareus who would free up over $20 million if released.
Like Roy, Khalil Davis was a name mentioned all week. He doesn’t quite have the size that Roy has at 6-foot-0, 300 pounds, but he’s quick at the snap. He also showed the ability to bend this week.
Khalil Davis @HuskerFBNation Quickest D Lineman at practice he last two days. @ShrineBowl pic.twitter.com/1c0n9Tm8Sk
— Gerry DiNardo (@gerrydinardo) January 14, 2020
@HuskerFBNation DT Khalil Davis (@khalildaish95) showing the BEND for a big fella! pic.twitter.com/Ba81F5XmDF
— The Draft Network (@DraftNetworkLLC) January 13, 2020
As mentioned in the article about the players to watch on the East team, the Jags need more of a space-eater and run-stuffer in the interior, but if Davis is still available outside of the top-100 selections, he’s certainly worth a look. With the front office understanding that a team can never have enough pass-rushers, they likely will keep a close eye on Davis during the game.
Mykal Walker is a player that has played as a 3-4 outside linebacker and a 4-3 inside linebacker while at Fresno State. Of course, with the Jags they may look at him at MIKE linebacker or maybe weak-side linebacker as it appears Todd Wash will remain the team’s defensive coordinator.
At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, Pauline praised Walker’s instincts and ability to play in space. He also said Walker could be underdrafted, which may present the Jags with a chance to land a late-round gem if they like him.
