Tag: Calvin Austin

Lions full mock draft v5.0: Post-combine edition

With the scouting combine now done it’s time for an updated set of Detroit Lions draft projections

Now that the preeminent event of NFL draft season is in the books, it’s time to update the Detroit Lions 2022 mock draft. The scouting combine in Indianapolis shook things up a bit with workouts both good and bad, official player measurements, interviews and medicals, as well as the chance for those of us in attendance to get direct access to NFL decision-makers and pick their brains a bit.

This is the fifth edition of the 2022 NFL draft projections for the Lions in each round.

Lions mock draft v4.0: Pre-combine edition

Full 7-round Lions mock draft v3.0: Kicking off 2022 NFL draft season

Lions full mock draft v2.0: Post-Week 14 edition

Lions 7-round mock draft for the bye week

A couple of ground rules here. First, this mock ignores free agency and potential signings and releases of veterans. We explore those more comprehensive offseason projections and ideas in the mock offseason series, which will update later this week.

Secondly, no trades. It’s incredibly difficult to accurately predict what players will be available for the Lions at each pick, let alone trying to forecast what other teams will try and do to move up or down. Projected compensatory draft picks are included. Those should be made official any day now.

Winners, Losers from WR, TE workouts at 2022 scouting combine

Day 1 of the combine allowed the Cowboys to get their eyes on TE and WR prospects. Tyler Browning (@DiabeticTyler) looks at who exceeded or failed to live up to expectations.

Every year NFL Draft prospects and teams gather in Indianapolis, Indiana for the NFL combine. The combine is a crucial part of the evaluating process in which teams get to interview players who weren’t at any of the all-star games, and get to see various players perform in on-the-field workouts. On the first day of on-the-field workouts, quarterbacks, tight ends, and wide receivers performed as well as all other positions getting their official measurements.

This is an integral part of the process, as colleges routinely fudge the weights and heights of their players in order to make them seem more intimidating. So who saw their stock rise after weigh-ins? Who out of the quarterbacks, tight ends, and wide receivers performed well enough to be the talk of Indianapolis after Day 1? Let’s talk about that.

Winners from Day 1 of 2022 NFL Scouting Combine

Highlighting the quarterbacks, receivers and tight ends who made themselves money at the NFL Scouting Combine.

The 2022 NFL Scouting Combine began in primetime at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis with tight ends, quarterbacks, and wide receivers taking the field.

Here are a handful of prospects who helped their draft stock during Thursday’s testing and on-field workouts.

Chargers Wire’s winners, risers from 2022 Senior Bowl: Offense

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez and Cole Topham break down the 2022 NFL draft prospects that made themselves money at the Senior Bowl.

Now that the 2022 Senior Bowl is over, it is time to reflect back on the meaning of the week.

Which NFL draft prospects helped themselves the most throughout their time in Mobile? Let’s dive in with our winners and risers.

Quarterback

Our winner(s): Kenny Pickett (Pitt) and Malik Willis (Liberty)

Pickett refused to have his hands measured at the Senior Bowl, citing an issue with his double-jointed finger. No matter how much stock you place in the hand size of quarterbacks, Pickett was accurate and put together quality performances across all three days of practice. He was accurate, progressed through his reads quickly, and got the ball out in a timely fashion.

Throughout the week, Willis was an interesting study. His lower body fundamentals can be a mess at times in the pocket and Willis will need a strong coaching staff to develop that area at the next level. However, his ability to extend plays, find receivers on the run, and throw off-platform are traits to salivate over. The ball zips out his hand and I did not see a pass wilt on him all week. 

Our biggest riser: Carson Strong (Nevada)

Like Willis, Strong entered Senior Bowl week as a wild card of sorts. By the event’s conclusion, Strong had done enough to disassociate himself from that label. For starters, he clarified the medicals around his knee and did not wear a brace after sporting one all through the 2021 season at Nevada. This resulted in increased mobility and comfortableness exiting the pocket and operating on bootlegs. Strong was fearless throwing the deep ball in practice, showing off his cannon and throw power. Sometimes, the ball would have too much arc, which increased the hang time, and often the receiver would have to sit on the end of the rope to make the catch. Nevertheless, Strong proved he has the intangibles to play quarterback in the NFL.

Running Back

Our winner(s): Abram Smith (Baylor) and Brian Robinson (Alabama)

A compact rusher at 5’10” and 220 pounds, Smith was the best all-around running back in Mobile. A former linebacker, Smith showcased that physicality by punching through the line with vigor and running through tacklers with his frame. His deceiving burst allowed him to quickly dip in and out of the box.

Robinson performed well in every facet of the position but gained the respect of defenders for his work in pass protection. When practice was moved indoors on Thursday, Robinson put together his best showing. He bowled over Georgia linebacker Channing Tindall in a National Championship blitz pickup rematch. It was one of the more memorable moments at the Senior Bowl this year.

Our biggest riser: Rachaad White (Arizona State)

White introduced himself to those on the East Coast who fell asleep before he fueled the Sun Devil offense this season. White brought all the traits to the Senior Bowl that made him a star in ASU’s backfield. His jump-cut ability, soft hands out of the backfield, and methodical approach behind the trenches to allow the offensive line to root themselves in their blocks are all translatable to today’s NFL playstyle.

Wide Receiver

Our winner(s): Christian Watson (NDSU) and Calvin Austin III (Memphis)

Hulking 6’4” size and a spiderweb-like catch radius. Fluid hips and freakish speed that defy the physics of his frame. Strong hands and tracking skills to reel in the football through traffic. Watson dominated in pretty much every aspect of the wide receiver position at the Senior Bowl and quickly garnered the “unguardable” tag from the media in attendance. 

Austin III was expected to be one of the Senior Bowl’s high-profile wideouts but surprised on Monday by measuring in two inches shorter than expected. The 5’7” speedster evaporated concerns over his height by becoming untouchable off the line and separating consistently on every level of his route. Austin’s electric route running and dauntless mentality was thrilling to watch and won the respect of a talented American defensive back group.

Our biggest riser: Bo Melton (Arizona State)

A legacy product out of Rutgers, Melton showed off one of the more advanced release packages at the Senior Bowl. Melton displayed exceptional short-area quickness and overall smoothness as a route runner. He ran a technical route tree, incorporated rocker steps as well as hesitation at the top of his stems, and was used heavily as a gadget player for the National offense in 11-on-11.

Tight end

Our winner(s): Trey McBride (Colorado State) and Jeremy Ruckert (Ohio State)

McBride, the John Mackey Award winner, reaffirmed that he is this year’s No. 1 tight. Not only did he flash by catching nearly everything thrown his way during practices, but McBride showed athleticism in his routes to create separation, ran through arm tackles to pick up yards after the catch and finished plays with aggression. Further, McBride displayed the chops as a blocker. He capped off his impressive Senior Bowl week with a touchdown in the game.

Ruckert’s production was limited because of the offense he played in at Ohio State. Throughout the week, not only was he adept as a blocker but he showed why he is going to be far more reliable in the passing game as a pro. Ruckert looked smooth with his routes and his ball skills stood out, as he made grabs away from his body.

Our biggest riser: Greg Dulcich (UCLA)

McBride reassured that he remains the top tight end in this class, but Dulcich made a statement as one of the guys right behind him. At his best catching the football, Dulcich displayed fluid downfield strides and an understanding of route depth, with vacuum-like hands to reel in everything thrown his way. For a team like Chargers in need of someone to fill the “F” role, Dulcich is worth considering.

Offensive line

Our winner(s): Zion Johnson (Boston College) and Trevor Penning (Northern Iowa)

Johnson was our top guard coming into the week and he only helped maintain that spot with his showing throughout the week. While it took some time for him to adjust to center after spending his time in college at tackle and guard, Johnson quickly found his groove. With a combination of play strength, lateral quickness, leverage and proper hand placement, defenders struggled to get by him. He also provided a surge in the running game.

After facing and dominating small-school pass rushers, this was a big test for the presumed first-rounder. While it wasn’t always pretty for him as he struggled with leveraging and keeping his balance against power at times, Penning improved each day, with his mauler’s mentality and nasty temperament when finishing plays being the highlight of the week.

Our biggest riser: Cole Strange (Chattanooga)

After Quinn Meinerz put together a dominant week coming out of a Division III program, everyone was wondering if there would be another small-school stud to follow in his footsteps, and it was Strange. When isolated in pass protection in one-on-one drills, Strange stymied his opponents with a great anchor, base, and power absorption and the footwork to mirror. Further, he created consistent movement in the run game. Strange made his case to be a Day 2 selection.

Chargers 4-round mock draft: Post-Senior Bowl edition

The Chargers upgrade the defensive line, wide receiver and cornerback position in the latest projections following the 2022 Senior Bowl.

The 2022 Senior Bowl is officially in the books.

With one of the most important legs of the evaluation process a thing of the past, the Chargers draft board continues to take shape.

With that being said, it’s time to take a look at what Los Angeles might do with its first four selections in April’s draft.

Round 1, No. 17, EDGE Travon Walker, Georgia

As it stands, the Chargers edge defender group is rather thin, with Joey Bosa and Chris Rumph being the only ones under contract, with the future of Uchenna Nwosu up in the air. I believe that Nwosu is worthy of a contract extension, but even if he is brought back, the team simply needs more juice at the position that’s capable of getting into the backfield on a consistent basis.

With Walker, Los Angeles would be getting a 6-foot-5 and 275-pounder who wreaks havoc with rare get-off to get around the corner or through gaps and the length and strength to bench press blockers. In addition, Walker is strong against the run, where he flashes anchor to hold his ground at the point of attack and open-field tackling ability.

Further, Walker’s versatility is one of his strong suits as he can play off the edge or along the interior, something that Brandon Staley utilizes with Bosa to create mismatches up front.

Walker is a former five-star recruit that stayed home to play for the Bulldogs, where he shined in his first season as a Freshman All-SEC Team member. Defenses paid attention to him more as a sophomore, which led to a down year, but 2021 saw him ascend, resulting in 32 tackles (5.5 for loss), five sacks, and 25 quarterback hurries.

Round 2, No. 48, CB Kyler Gordon, Washington

Asante Samuel Jr. proved to be the Chargers’ best cornerback in just his first season, but suffering two concussions in his first season is concerning. Michael Davis played well, but nothing to warrant the money he was paid last offseason. Chris Harris Jr. will be a free agent after this season.

Therefore, Los Angeles will be in the market for someone at the position that’s capable of making an impact early on.

At 6-foot and 200 pounds, Gordon boasts impressive size which he couples with impressive agility and quickness to help him stay in phase with receivers in man coverage. In off coverage, he uses his outstanding instincts to see things develop and close in on the football. One of the best-tackling corners, Gordon is good at limiting extra yardage and playing the run.

Beyond that, he has the size to survive along the boundary and the short-area quickness and toughness to play inside the football.

In his Husky career, Gordon intercepted two passes, forced two fumbles and recovered a safety as he also saw limited action against the pass as opponents avoided him. Last season, Gordon was Pro Football Focus’ highest-grading cornerback in man coverage as he notched a 90.9 grade.

Round 3, No. 79, WR Calvin Austin, Memphis

The Chargers are set for the foreseeable future with their No. 1 wideout in Keenan Allen. However, behind him, the room draws some questions. Will Mike Williams be re-signed, franchise-tagged, or let go of altogether? Is Josh Palmer ready to take the leap as the No. 2 guy if Williams walks?

Regardless, one thing is certain: Los Angeles needs a speed/yards-after-the-catch weapon.

Shifty and bursting with energy, Austin is an explosive product that has proved size isn’t everything when playing wide receiver. With track speed, ravishing route running, and a dangerous threat with the ball in his hands, Austin is exactly the play-maker the Bolts would benefit from.

Austin finished his collegiate career with 2,541 yards and 22 touchdowns on 156 catches. He also left Memphis tied for second in touchdown receptions and fourth in receiving yards.

Round 4, No. 120, NT Neil Farrell Jr., LSU

The Chargers could address this position as early as the first round or they might have some flexibility to do so later on if they’re aggressive in free agency. In this case, they do and snag Farrell, who provides excellent value here in the fourth round.

Overshadowed by other SEC interior defensive linemen, Farrell did not get as much buzz throughout the season. However, his efforts were always noticed. Farrell finished with the fifth-most run stops (24) and the second-highest run-stop percentage (11.4), per Pro Football Focus.

He reaffirmed himself as one of the nation’s top nose tackles at the Senior Bowl, winning the American Team Defensive Lineman of the Week.

At 6-foot-3 and 338 pounds, Farrell shows the ability to control the point of attack to allow second-level defenders to roam freely or get in the backfield with the quickness through gaps, proper leverage, brute strength & powerful limbs to push blockers back, and heavy hands to swat jab attempts.

Report: Colts showing ‘legitimate interest’ in Calvin Austin III

Former Memphis WR Calvin Austin III had the Colts’ attention at the Senior Bowl.

Over the next few months, the Indianapolis Colts will be showing interest in just about every prospect that has entered the 2022 NFL draft pool but it seems former Memphis wide receiver Calvin Austin III had their attention in Mobile.

Since general manager Chris Ballard took over, we know how much weight the Senior Bowl holds for the scouting department. Ballard loves his seniors and Austin was one of the most electric players throughout the week.

As stated above, the Colts have interest in hundreds of prospects but when it comes to Austin III, Indy was reportedly among the teams showing the most interest, per Frank Bonner II of the Daily Memphian.

The Colts certainly have a need at the wide receiver position so Austin III is likely to be on their radar.

The electric wideout is undersized, having measured in at 5-foot-7 and 173 pounds in Mobile. That’s a concern. What’s not a concern is Austin III’s game. He plays bigger than his size and is extremely shifty.

The Colts had a nice breakout with Michael Pittman Jr. but didn’t get anything else from the rest of the receiving corps in 2021. Not one other Colts player recorded more than 385 receiving yards.

Given his size, Austin III won’t go higher than a Day 2 pick. If the Colts want him, they are likely going to have to use one of their selections in the second or third round.

Regardless of his size, though, it’s hard to ignore the sheer electricity Austin III brings to the field.

Like Colts Wire on Facebook
Follow Colts Wire on Twitter
Follow Kevin on Twitter (@KevinHickey11)

[lawrence-related id=69282,69265,69188]

[listicle id=69349]

Biggest winners from 2022 Senior Bowl week

Highlighting the NFL draft prospects who made themselves money at the 2022 Senior Bowl.

Another Senior Bowl is officially in the books, and just like every other installment, this year’s week of festivities saw a handful of NFL draft prospects send their stock in the right direction with impressive performances.

Here are my picks for the biggest winners from the 2022 Senior Bowl:

12 Senior Bowl players who stood out as potential Lions draft picks during the week of practices

12 Senior Bowl players who stood out during practices as potential Detroit Lions draft picks in the 2022 NFL draft

The week of Senior Bowl practices wrapped on Thursday, capping off three days of hard-fought competition on the campus of the University of South Alabama. The Detroit Lions had their entire staff in Mobile to check out 130 prospects who are trying to prove they belong in the NFL.

Who were the biggest standouts from a wet week of practices? Which players here look like good fits for the Lions? Here are 12 who stood out from a Detroit eye.

Not all of the players came from the American roster, which the Lions are coaching here. A few are from the National team, which is being coached by the New York Jets.

Tenn-Chatanooga OL Cole Strange wins Day 3 of Senior Bowl practices, full list of week’s standouts

Tyler Browning ( @DiabeticTyler ) dives into day 3 of Senior Bowl practice and gives weekly stock up performers.

Another day of spirited Senior Bowl practices is in the books, allowing for another subset of competition to evaluate a large part of the 2022 NFL draft class. The good news for Dallas Cowboys fans, Day 3 of Senior Bowl practice saw a dramatic increase in the quality of QB play. This matters as any boost to the stock of the position group means better players available to Dallas in the first and second rounds.

The bad news, practice was moved indoors, so that still doesn’t answer a lot of questions about how the throwers can perform in the elements. Also bad news, from a enjoy-the-show element, was that Jermaine Johnson and Devonte Wyatt both sat out Day 3; making it much harder to find some winners. Those players have elevated their stock so much over the first few days. Without the biggest risers, here’s a look at a few others who had a chance to emerge from their shadows.

6 potential draft targets for the Dolphins at the 2022 Senior Bowl

We may see these guys in Dolphins uniforms.

The 2021 NFL season is almost finished with just two teams waiting to match up in the Super Bowl. This weekend, not only will fans be treated with the NFL’s Pro Bowl, but they’ll also get to see Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama where some of this year’s top prospects will compete.

While the Miami Dolphins don’t have a head coach yet, their front office has been paying close attention to the practices this week and will surely be watching the game closely.

These six participants could end up being Dolphins by the time the draft rolls around in April.