Tag: draft profile

Prospect for the Pack: Texas OT Samuel Cosmi

The draft profile of Texas OT Samuel Cosmi, a potential pick for the Packers in the 2021 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers will enter the 2021 NFL draft hoping to find a few more valuable pieces to add to an otherwise talented roster after winning 26 regular-season games and making the NFC Championship Game in back-to-back seasons under coach Matt LaFleur.

Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect capable of landing in Green Bay later this month.

Up next is Texas offensive tackle Samuel Cosmi:

What he can do

– Elite level athlete for offensive tackle position. Easy mover at 6-5, 314. Short shuttle time under 4.4

– Allowed just six sacks on over 1,500 pass-blocking snaps over final three seasons, per Pro Football Focus

– Played both left and right tackle at Texas. First 13 starts came on the right side; final 21 on the left

– When he gets everything right in pass pro, it’s pretty. The combination of feet, hands and body positioning can eliminate rushers in a lot of different ways. And he took a ton of traditional NFL pass set reps in the Texas offense

– Not a punishing point-of-attack blocker but can handle down blocks and get to the second level and create alleyways, potentially making him a strong fit in the zone blocking scheme

– Wide zone runs are a specialty. Looks great pulling out in front of run plays or screen plays. You see the short shuttle time in action here

– Caught a touchdown pass on a throwback screen vs. West Virginia in 2019. Very smooth athlete

– Far from fully developed, both physically and technically. All the ingredients of a very good starting offensive tackle are present; needs the right coach and situation to put all the pieces together

– Durable, playing in 34 straight games

– Wasn’t highly recruited but started right away as a redshirt freshman. His ascension as a player is easy to track. Suggests strong development path entering NFL

How he fits

The Packers’ short- and long-term needs are well-established at offensive tackle. Cosmi, with experience on both sides of the line and elite-level athleticism, presents an opportunity to find both a rookie swing tackle and future starter. Ideally, Cosmi would get a chance to develop without being thrown into a starting role in Year 1, but he’s talented enough right now to play as a rookie, especially if he can get in the same room as All-Pro David Bakhtiari and rising young offensive line coach Adam Stenavich. Some assembly required, but the talent and upside are undeniable. In the right hands, Cosmi could be a star.

NFL comp

Ezra Cleveland, although recency bias is in play here. The size and athleticism comparison is hard to ignore, and it’s easy to see how many of their strengths and weaknesses align entering the NFL. Both are top athletes who need development in many areas but also fit the Shanahan zone scheme. The Vikings started Cleveland at guard as a rookie last year.

Where Packers could get him

Cosmi could be a first-round player, but projections are scattered. He is a top-20 pick for some, and a borderline top-50 pick for others. Like Cosmi, Cleveland’s stock rose rapidly during the draft process, but he still ended up as the 58th overall pick last year. Cosmi’s range of outcomes looks similar. It wouldn’t be shocking if a team in the 20s picked him, and it wouldn’t be shocking if he fell into the second round. The Packers could maneuver around the board – up or down, really – if Cosmi is the target.

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Saints draft profiles: CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley is a high-risk, high-reward 2021 NFL draft prospect who should interest the New Orleans Saints.

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With the 2021 NFL draft imminently approaching, the New Orleans Saints are expected to prioritize positions of need with their first-round selection: cornerback and linebacker. Accordingly, this series will focus on the top prospects at these positions who are likely to be available at No. 28 overall. Of the two positional needs, cornerback is currently paramount.

Understandably, many mock drafts and much of the recent analysis focuses on cornerback as a draft-day priority for New Orleans. A potential first-round pick that would be a steal at No. 28 is Virginia Tech’s Caleb Farley.

Measurables and Pro Day Results:

  • Height: 6-foot-2
  • Weight: 197 pounds
  • Arm length: 33 3/8 inches
  • Hands: 8 3/4 inches

Via Dane Brugler’s draft guide

Analysis:

Per Pro Football Focus, Farley allowed a passer rating of just 26.8 on throws into his coverage, and yielded nine first downs on 50 targets for a 90.5 coverage grade. He recorded 20 tackles, 16 pass deflections, and four interceptions in 2019 but sat out the final two games after exacerbating a back injury. His stock plummeted when he underwent surgery in March and subsequently missed Virginia Tech’s pro day. Crucial to his evaluation by draft scouts, his absence at workouts in front of NFL scouts compounded his decision to opt out of the 2020 season.

Farley is an inevitable gamble; teams limited in medical evaluations without the combine are hindered by sparse tape with just 24 games at the position. His decision to undergo back surgery in lieu of his pro day augments the risk. We have to take his coach’s word for it, but he clocked the 40 yard dash in 4.28 seconds at a workout pre-surgery. Unofficially, Farley has 4.3 speed.

How he fits the Saints:

It’s no secret the Saints need a starting-caliber corner. The Saints salary cap compliance efforts included the release of Janoris Jenkins, who later signed with the Tennessee Titans; that left Marshon Lattimore as their remaining starter, a former first-round selection whose legal status is uncertain. The depth at corner leaves much to be desired between P.J. Williams and Patrick Robinson — barring an upset by Grant Haley or Keith Washington Jr.

Barring a late free agency signing like Richard Sherman, all signs indicate targeting a prospect in the draft. Should Farley tumble to No. 28, it’s a risk New Orleans plainly should take. It would be unsurprising to see a trade up to the early 20s if the team sees one of their top prospects falling – one with starting potential.

While Farley’s press man coverage is lacking, often leaving him flat-footed, it’s mainly by inexperience with just 58 career snaps. His tackling needs refining with 21 missed attempts; technique is much easier to teach than instinct, speed and wingspan, all of which Farley possesses. An athletic prospect with a unique blend of intangible traits and skilled coverage is a rarity, nor typically available outside the top 15 picks.

The Saints have a tumultuous history with injury-riddled players, but New Orleans is known to covet cerebral players, and place high value on leaders. Farley fits the prototype and possesses strong football instincts. If he is on the board at 28, he should be the team’s top target.

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Prospect for the Pack: Purdue WR Rondale Moore

The draft profile for Purdue WR Rondale Moore, a potential pick for the Packers in the 2021 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers will enter the 2021 NFL draft hoping to find a few more valuable pieces to add to an otherwise talented roster after winning 26 regular-season games and making the NFC Championship Game in back-to-back seasons under coach Matt LaFleur.

Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect capable of landing in Green Bay later this month.

Up next is Purdue receiver Rondale Moore:

What he can do

– Absolutely electrifying with the ball in his hands. Has tremendous run-after-catch ability due to combination of blistering speed (4.29 40 at pro day), elite short-area quickness, great open-field vision and instincts, tackle-breaking strength, and superb elusiveness

– Excellent separation quickness out of his route breaks

– Smaller receiver, but he’s very strong for his size. Squatted 600 lbs. as a freshman! Plays bigger than his listed measurables

– Hands are solid, but he’s a bit of a body catcher. He’ll drop or double catch a pass here and there. Can go up and high-point the ball. Not afraid of contact

– Wasn’t asked to run many deep routes in college, but he has significant potential as a vertical receiving threat in the NFL

– Has some ability as a kickoff and punt returner

– Didn’t see a lot of press coverage in college because of how he was deployed and the defensive approach of most of the teams he faced. In a small sample size, however, he flashed an ability to beat it

– Probably a primary slot receiver, but his suddenness and strength give him a chance to win on the outside

– Had an outstanding breakout freshman season in 2018, but injuries have slowed his development and he’s only played in seven games since then

– Posted a ridiculous 42.5″ vertical leap at Purdue’s Pro Day, but measured in at just 5-7, 180 lbs.

– Appears to be a pretty average route runner and may have a limited route tree going into the NFL. Purdue used him a lot on fly sweeps and screens and didn’t have him running many deep or intermediate routes, so it could take some time for him to become a well-rounded route runner

How he fits

Moore would be a terrific fit for head coach Matt LaFleur’s offense, and his skill set would mesh nicely with the current receiver group. Immediately, he would fill the Packers’ need for a true slot receiver. He could be a major weapon on screens and jet sweeps, as well as a great decoy on jet motion. He could provide a much-needed boost in the return game as well. His vertical receiving potential could make him a valuable asset. He would also be the best run-after-catch threat on the team by far.

NFL comp

As a pure receiver, Moore reminds me a little bit of the Carolina Panthers version of Steve Smith. Moore is a little smaller, but he plays bigger than his listed size (like Smith) and has similar explosiveness. His deployment as a gadget player and usefulness in the return game also brings Percy Harvin to mind.

Where Packers could get him

I think Moore will most likely be available when the Packers pick at No. 29. I’m not sold they’d pull the trigger that high, however. Although he would be a great fit in Green Bay, the injury history and questions about his route tree and size will probably knock him down the board. Ultimately, I think he will be a second-round selection. Could the Packers trade back from 29 and target him, or possibly trade up from 62? I think those scenarios are more plausible.

The receiver class is deep this year, so the Packers might want to prioritize another premium position like cornerback or offensive tackle in the first round and then see which pass-catchers drop in the second. Conversely, if another talented receiver like Rashod Bateman, Terrace Marshall Jr., Kadarius Toney or Elijah Moore is available to them, they could opt for one of those (probably safer) players instead.

Highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nv8FZtsYdjY

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Prospect for the Pack: Minnesota WR Rashod Bateman

The Packers draft profile for Minnesota WR Rashod Bateman, a potential pick for Green Bay in the 2021 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers will enter the 2021 NFL draft hoping to find a few more valuable pieces to add to an otherwise talented roster after winning 26 regular-season games and making the NFC Championship Game in back-to-back seasons under coach Matt LaFleur.

Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect capable of landing in Green Bay later this month.

Up next is Minnesota receiver Rashod Bateman:

What he can do

– Hands catcher. Every time. Quarterbacks love receivers that pluck the ball with their hands and don’t let it get into their body. Increases confidence level and aiming window

– Incredible body control and hand-eye coordination when in the air and adjusting to the football. Tape is filled with spinning catches all over the field

– High concentration level on middle-of-field targets

– Cooks corners on slants from any spot on the field, particularly off of run-pass option concepts

– Well-refined route-runner overall. Can see the nuance and detail that goes into each route. And won’t be limited to a few routes early on, experienced in many pro-level concepts

– Made multiple one-handed, circus-like catches in traffic

– Can sell double moves and create big plays

– The great ones always have an innate feel for where they are on the field in relation to where the open pockets of space are or will be. He has this feel

– Displayed explosiveness and elusiveness after the catch, especially in slip screen opportunities. No wasted movement. Get it and go. Good at creating separation on underneath routes and then making the first man miss to create chunk plays

– Played all over Minnesota’s offense. Can operate outside or in the slot

– Hugely underrated vertical speed. Was always finding ways to get behind the coverage

– Produced dominant reps as a true freshman. Will only be 21 as a rookie

– Didn’t miss a game due to injury over three seasons. Team captain as a true sophomore

How he fits

It’s actually incredibly easy to envision Bateman in the Packers offense. The NFL’s best receiver – Davante Adams – has already created the blueprint for him. This isn’t necessarily comparing Bateman directly to Adams, although the similarities are there, but using the Golden Gopher star in the same ways the Packers already feature Adams could maximize his potential and production at the next level. Bateman is comfortable winning off the line from the perimeter, he’ll spin a slot defender in circles with a clean release from the inside, and he can make something happen after the catch on quick, safe underneath routes. Adding Bateman to this receiver group could give the Packers even more flexibility with Adams, who can win from anywhere but is especially deadly from the slot. And with the Packers in need of stability at receiver long-term, Bateman could be the ideal late first-round option for protecting against losing Adams after the 2021 season and ensuring the offense has a high-level and versatile “X” receiver well into the future.

NFL comp

A mix between Allen Robinson and Chris Godwin. Like with Robinson and Godwin, you get the nuanced route-running, positional versatility, underrated vertical speed, special body control, and the willingness to go make plays in the middle of the field from Bateman. It’s all there. His ceiling is high, especially with the right offense and quarterback.

Where Packers could get him

In the first round, either by trading up to select him or making him the pick at No. 29 overall. The odds of Bateman falling deep into the second round (the Packers hold the 62nd pick) look unlikely. It’s possible the Packers could get aggressive in moving up the board to get Bateman if he is Green Bay’s primary target in the first round.

Highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYcV6NjAzqQ

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Saints draft profiles: Northwestern CB Greg Newsome II

The Saints may consider Northwestern CB Greg Newsome in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft as a potential partner for Marshon Lattimore.

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For the first time in years, the New Orleans Saints lack the luxury to draft the best players available rather than fill high-priority positions of need. While the team won’t deviate too far from their near-perfected draft approach introduced by assistant general manager Jeff Ireland, New Orleans is vulnerable at several spots heading into the draft. Salary cap cuts and free agent losses have hurt them.

This year’s approach will likely follow the assertive — and prudent — selection of players to fill key roles that require immediate starters, like center Erik McCoy in the 2018 draft. Accordingly, this series will profile the top prospects at these positions of need, starting with cornerback. A potential first-round pick that would fill a hole in the secondary is Northwestern’s Greg Newsome Jr.

Measurables and Pro Day Results:

  • Height: 6-foot-0
  • Weight: 192 pounds
  • Arm length: 31 1/8 inches
  • Hands: 8 7/8 inches
  • 40-yard dash: 4.38 seconds
  • Bench press: 18 reps
  • Broad jump: 123 inches
  • 3-cone drill: 6.90 seconds
  • 20-yard shuttle: 4.26 seconds

Via Dane Brugler’s draft guide

Analysis:

Opinions on Newsome focus on the enticing, yet intangible, quality of potential; driven by instinct, his ball skills and competitiveness at the line of scrimmage have impressed scouts. Newsome’s combination of size and athleticism should translate into high play at the NFL level, but there are valid concerns of durability. In his 2020 season with the Wildcats, Newsome started just six games. He’s appeared in just 21 games at the college level in his career.

Newsome made the most of his 387 snaps last season; per Pro Football Focus, he allowed just 12 catches on 34 targets and fewer than 100 yards all season. His raw talent will propel his value as a prospect when surveying an injury-riddled history that never allowed him to play a full collegiate season.

His intelligence stands out as a quality New Orleans looks at keenly. Newsome matches his mental game with natural fluidity and intuitive reads opponents’ routes; his instincts are showcased through split-second decisions in coverage. Despite playing predominately zone defense at Northwestern — a role he excelled in — he’s shown lockdown coverage traits to compete in multiple schemes. As it stands, his value can only be diminished by valid durability concerns.

How he fits the Saints:

The Saints don’t often find themselves drafting for need. With the loss of Janoris Jenkins to the Tennessee Titans, though, the team needs an immediate starter opposite Marshon Lattimore. Their current backups shouldn’t be asked to take on such a big role.

After years of liable secondary coverage that often looked lost in zone, the Saints found a lockdown tandem in Jenkins and Lattimore that secured the strength of the 2020 defense. Lattimore frequently flashed his potential when not weighed down by an inferior counterpart; the Saints will look to continue Lattimore’s upward trajectory and find an optimal replacement for Jenkins.

Newsome has shown the ability to excel in both press man coverage and zone-heavy schemes, and his physicality is enticing. The downside to his aggressive nature is that it’s often flagged for penalties; technique is much easier to teach, and Newsome’s mentality will make up for lack of experience. His physical upside stands out in a year where player evaluation is largely tumultuous; prototype-wise, he fits the mold. As long as the team feels confident in his durability, Newsome is a player the Saints can immediately contend with in Week 1.

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2021 NFL draft profile: Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger

Longhorns Wire will create a draft profile for each former Texas player transitioning to the NFL.

Longhorns Wire will create a draft profile for each former Texas player transitioning to the NFL in 2021.

Each profile will be updated according to where the player is eventually selected in the 2021 NFL draft and/or where they choose to sign as undrafted free agents. Texas’ beloved quarterback Sam Ehlinger is up next.

Class: Senior

Height: 6-2

Weight: 220

Pros

He’s clearly a very strong runner. Not the fastest player, but he plays with power and elusiveness that’s made him an open field threat — both on designed runs and while escaping pressure.

Good arm strength. When he does push the ball down field, it has a good arch and distance on it.

Accurate on short, underneath routes. His bread and butter for moving the chains has been the under 10 yard passes which have been pinpoint on the spot.

Good game awareness. He is able to avoid pressure and keep the flow of the game alive. Doesn’t take sacks late in the game and gets rid of the ball when the play is busted.

Cons

Not a very accurate deep passer. Despite his ability to throw it deep, he doesn’t consistently get the ball to his receivers down the field. These passes are often overthrown or thrown too close to contention from the secondary.

Takes too many hits as a runner. When running upfield (not on QB power), instead of sliding, he’ll try and for extra yards by taking on contact.

Stares down his receivers way too often. Against Big 12 defenses, staring down the person you’re going to throw to will have almost no effect, but will get you kicked out at the next level. Instead of masking reads, he’s made his decision from when the team lines up.

Analysis

His leadership, athleticism and will to win is what people mention most about Ehlinger. His intangibles make him an attractive prospect for teams looking for a developmental player.

He needs to work on his deep ball accuracy, protecting himself and his decision making. He can’t settle for short routes and needs to work on not giving away where he’s going with the ball to opposing defenses.

Still, with a 30-16 career record and traits that a lot of teams can work with (deep ball, mobility), he’s going to get a chance in the league. It won’t come any higher than the fourth round, but his name will get called.

Projection

Fourth round to seventh round

2021 NFL draft profile: Texas receiver Brennan Eagles

Longhorns Wire will create a draft profile for each former Texas player transitioning to the NFL.

Longhorns Wire will create a draft profile for each former Texas player transitioning to the NFL in 2021.

Each profile will be updated according to where the player is eventually selected in the 2021 NFL draft and/or where they choose to sign as undrafted free agents. Wide receiver Brennan Eagles, who surprised many with his decision to head to the NFL, is up next.

Class: Junior

Height: 6-4

Weight: 230

Pros

Possesses very strong hands and is able to secure passes quickly. Rarely drops the ball or lets it free. Uses that same strength to overpower defenders as a ball carrier.

His size has made him a mismatch which has given him opportunities in one-on-one situations, even if he’s not the open receiver.

Cons

Not a very sharp route runner. He doesn’t make sharp plants on his turns and rounds them off too often.

He doesn’t create separation in his routes and is given targets primarily when he’s locked up with a mismatch. Not much speed downfield either, the player who’s locked with him his always on him in coverage.

Doesn’t sell the run well as a blocker. Gives up on his route too early allowing defenses to sniff out the running play. Despite good initial contact on his blocks, defenders are able to break them early.

Analysis

He’s very raw as a pure receiver. He’s got the size and ball skills that teams covet, but he would have benefited from another season in college to develop himself — especially in Steve Sarkisian’s system.

Truthfully, it wouldn’t surprise me to see if he goes the way of Ricky Seales-Jones and a team takes a flyer on him to develop him as a tight end.

If he’s drafted, it won’t be until late on day three, but being an undrafted free agent is probably more likely.

Projection

Sixth round to undrafted free agent

2021 NFL draft profile: Texas safety Chris Brown

Longhorns Wire will create a draft profile for each former Texas player transitioning to the NFL.

Longhorns Wire will create a draft profile for each former Texas player transitioning to the NFL in 2021.

Each profile will be updated according to where the player is eventually selected in the 2021 NFL draft and/or where they choose to sign as undrafted free agents. Former Texas safety Chris Brown is up next.

Class: Redshirt Senior

Height: 5-11

Weight: 210

Pros

Strong tackler. He’s able to wrap up defenders upon contact and doesn’t get his tackles broken up. Takes good angles to the point of attack, determining where the play ends up.

Very good at blitzing. Brown is able to take angles and either create pressure or make a play on the ball carrier.

Sticky in coverage on the receiver when forced to either pick up a player crossing his zone, or when flexed out in man coverage. Makes the play harder for the receiver.

Cons

Lets up on plays too soon rather than playing until the whistle. Doesn’t play full speed on every play and often gets caught doing so.

He’s shown reliable coverage ability, but not the skills to consistently make a play on the ball.

Brown has ‘ankle tackling’ tendencies in situations when he could wrap the player up, instead tries to take them down low and is not near as effective in bringing down players that way.

Analysis

There’s a bit of upside to Brown’s game. While he’s likely not an immediate starter, he’s a good tackler and plays with such strength and speed that he he’ll get plenty of chances to prove himself on special teams.

He needs to better develop his skills in playing the ball, otherwise he’ll be a player quarterbacks target religiously on deep passes.

He’s a developmental player who can come in on rotation and be helpful in the running game first, but will need to work on play-making skills to be able to become a full-time starter.

Projection

Fifth round to sixth round

2021 NFL draft profile: Texas wide receiver Tarik Black

Longhorns Wire will create a draft profile for each former Texas player transitioning to the NFL.

Longhorns Wire will create a draft profile for each former Texas player transitioning to the NFL in 2021.

Each profile will be updated according to where the player is eventually selected in the 2021 NFL draft and/or where they choose to sign as undrafted free agents. Wide receiver Tarik Black is up next.

Class: Senior

Height: 6-3

Weight: 220

Date Of Birth: Feb. 10, 1998

Pros

Strong, physical receiver. Shows plenty of body control even in contested passes. Long arms and legs combined with his athletic gifts often make him a mismatch for smaller corners on the outside.

Has strong and powerful hands. Once he completes the catch, he uses those same hands to power his way through secondaries for yards after the catch.

Cons

Not the fastest receiver. Doesn’t create separation at the line of scrimmage and is often forcing himself into tight, one-on-one situations.

By not creating separation, he depends on defenses to play off the line of scrimmage to give him starting separation, but hasn’t shown the ability to do it himself.

His routes need work. Instead of planting his foot to change direction, he’ll often round out his routes, only making things harder on himself.

Analysis

Tarik Black is an interesting prospect. He’s got all the talent and physical gifts that you could ask for in a receiver, but misses some key essentials such as speed off the line of scrimmage and route running.

Beginning his collegiate career at Michigan before transferring to Texas didn’t help his development. He never had a consistent enough passing game to allow him to develop into a better pass catcher with limited opportunities. When he had opportunities, he couldn’t stay healthy long enough to fully develop.

His injury history coupled with going into a deep draft loaded with receivers will make it a challenge for him. He’s likely not going to get drafted until day three, if at all. He hasn’t progressed enough as a receiver for a team to use a higher pick and make him a day one contributor.

Projection

Fifth round to undrafted free agent

2021 NFL draft profile: Texas defensive tackle Ta’Quon Graham

Longhorns Wire will create a draft profile for each former Texas player transitioning to the NFL in 2021.

Longhorns Wire will create a draft profile for each former Texas player transitioning to the NFL in 2021.

Each profile will be updated according to where the player is eventually selected in the 2021 NFL draft and/or where they choose to sign as undrafted free agents. Defensive tackle Ta’Quon Graham, a Senior Bowl standout, is next.

Class: Senior

Height: 6-4

Weight: 290

Pros

Very strong and physical up front whether it’s at the 3-technique or rotating at the nose. He’s also shown position flexibility to play on the edge. His ability to play around the defensive line increases his value for different defensives schemes.

He uses his power and quickness at the point of attack against oncoming offensive linemen and able to keep his frame. Whether it’s in the run game or pass rush, he shows the ability to be quick off the snap and give whoever’s blocking him plenty of problems.

Graham’s length is impressive for an interior defensive linemen. At the Senior Bowl, his wingspan measured 85 1/8″ and his arm length was 34 7/8″ with 10 5/8″ hands. All of which are above average measurements for defensive tackle prospects.

Cons

His strength and quickness are better served inside. While he’s shown the ability to play on the edge, he doesn’t show the same kind of quickness off the edge that he displays inside.

While he typically has a longer reach than the guards or centers he’s gone against, the offensive tackle’s that he matches up with show better reach and burst off the snap, which affects him in the run game getting pushed back, as well as in the passing game by not getting any push himself.

Analysis

As mentioned prior, his position flexibility makes him more valuable in a draft without very many standout defensive tackle prospects. However, he’s much more ready to be an interior defensive linemen as opposed to an edge or a 5-technique.

His best fit is a 4-3 defensive scheme where he primarily plays at the 3-technique and can rotate at the nose in obvious passing situations.

Projection

Third to fourth round