Tag: Edefuan Ulofoshio

2024 NFL Draft: Instant Analysis of Bills Day 3 Draft Picks

Instant analysis of the Buffalo Bills 2024 draft picks for rounds 4-7.

The Buffalo Bills are scheduled to make seven draft picks on the third day of the 2024 NFL Draft. Entering Saturday, the Bills have one fourth-round pick, four fifth-round picks, one sixth-round pick, and one seventh-round pick.

While day three is a day for taking chances and finding depth in the roster, the Bills have done a great job at finding starting value late in the draft. During the Sean McDermott regime, Buffalo selected Matt Milano, Dane Jackson, Christian Benford, Siran Neal, Khalil Shakir, and Gabriel Davis on the third day of the draft.

Here is The Bills Wire’s analysis of Buffalo’s day three draft picks. Be certain to check for updates as the Draft progresses.

*Update: The Bills traded the No. 144 overall selection to the Chicago Bears for a 2025 fourth-round pick.

The Bills traded pick 163 to the Green Bay Packers for selections 168 and 218.

Davis is a bowling ball of a running back, bringing massive power in a small frame. At 5-8, 211 pounds, Davis has little problem lowering his pads and making contact, as he uses his lower center of gravity to battle through defenders. Simply, Davis is a tough back for defenders to handle. He has good change-of-direction maneuverability as well. Davis is an above-average receiver back. He caught at least one pass in every game he played over the past two seasons (25 games). He led FBS running backs with seven receiving touchdowns last year. The knock on Davis is that he lacks top-end speed. Davis is a bit impatient waiting for lanes to open up, as he doesn’t always set up his blocks. However, his traits will fit with the Bills as a rotational back.

Grade: B. Davis’ pass-catching ability puts him on the edge of Buffalo’s roster.

Van Pran-Granger was a three-year starter for Georgia. He was a two-time captain for the Bulldogs. As a junior, Van Pran-Granger earned Second Team All-SEC honors. Last year, he earned Second Team All-American and First Team All-SEC accolades. He started 44 games at center during his collegiate career. The Georgia product has earned high marks for his game IQ. Physically, he’s not the most agile in space. The only other knock is that there were occasions where he struggled against bull rushes. Van Pran-Granger does not have the position versatility that the Bills normally look for with deep draft picks.

Grade: A-. Van Pran-Granger is an intriguing pick. He has played a ton of snaps at center over the past three seasons. A good camp should propel him up the Bills depth chart at center.

Ulofoshio earned First Team All-PAC 12 honors last season after recording 94 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and an interception. Ulofoshio was a captain for the Washington Huskies last year. He was named the recipient of the Guy Flaherty Award, which is a player-voted award for the most infulential player on the team. He is a sideline-to-sideline player with great instincts who makes it his mission to find the ball. Ulofoshio gets downhill against running backs and loves to hit. He also plays well in zone coverage. However, Ulofoshio will be challenged with his adequate speed and size at the next level. In addition, he did not receive high grades for man coverage. Ulofoshio suffered two massive injuries in a short time: torn biceps (October 2021) and torn Achilles (January 2022).

Grade: B-. Ulofoshio has only one speed, which fits the Bills defense well. While the intangibles are high, his average athelticsim may limit how much time he will have on the field. Olofoshio adds depth to the linebacker room. His major contributions might be on special teams in the short term.

The Bills were looking for a pass rush specialist, and they found one in Solomon. Solomon recorded 16 sacks last season for Troy. He was named a First Team All-Sun Belt Conference player twice in his career. Solomon is a bit smaller at 6-0 and 246 pounds, but he uses his leverage and bend well to get around the edge of offensive linemen. His quickness is very good. He has very good instincts and tracks ball carrier nicely. He will need to diversify his pass-rush repetoire at the next level. He may need a little time to develop while facing the superior competition of the NFL. He’s going to deal with some massive tackles in the NFL who may be able to neutralize his speed. Solomon will be a passing-down specialist for the short term.

Grade: B+: All of the traits are there for him to be productive for Buffalo. Now, the Bills must work with him to get him to the next step in his development. There is going to be a bit of a learning curve going from what Solomon saw in college to his new oppoents in the NFL. Solomon has some work to do against the run as well.

Grable earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention status last year at UCF. He started 43 games at offensive tackle during his six years of collegiate eligibility. Grable transition from tight end to tackle during the 2019 season. He has good agility, adapted from his time as a tight end. He still has a bit of work to do with respect to his technique. His development in such a short period of time is admirable. As Grable has played tackle for only a few seasons, he still needs to iron out some issues with hand positioning and body position against power rushes. Grable played exclusively at tackle in college. However, he did practice at center, which puts him on the radar for the Bills.

Grade: C. It seems like a lot to put on Grable at this point. He is a developmental prospect. Grable’s physical attributes are intriguing. There’s always the hope that the Bills have found another Jason Peters. Nevertheless, he’s new to the offensive line, and any inkling that he could adapt to center is concerning.

Hardy is a speedy corner with return experience. He ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at the Combine. Hardy can close down on receivers with his speed. Hardy does well enough to diagnose plays. He worked out of the slot for Penn State. At 5-9, he rises up to the phsyicality of receivers. He was guilty of only one coverage penatly in his collegiate career. Hardy was Penn State’s main punt returner last year. While he did well to battle physical receivers in college, Hardy will face a completely new challenge in the NFL. His missed tackle rate increased in 2023. Contested chatches will be an issue moving forward. Hardy will be a slot-only receiver at the next level.

Grade: C+: The Bills need some depth at cornerback. However, Hardy offers only slot coverage. His ability to return punts is helpful. However, there’s a big jump that needs to happen in Hardy’s game if Hardy is to see defensive snaps.

Welp, the Bills looked long and hard for their final pick, settling on Travis Clayton from England. The former rugby player has a massive wingspan (84 inches) and the size of an offensive lineman. At 6-7, 301 pounds, Clayton could be a mauler in the NFL. The athleticism can translate to the NFL. He ran a 4.81-second 40-yard dash. However, it’s going to take some time for him to acclimate to the league. Clayton needs time to learn the position in greater depth. There’s a great deal of growth that needs to happen for Clayton to be a functional player in the NFL. He is a part of the International Player Pathway, so the Bills will have a couple of years to work with Clayton.

Grade: C+. It’s a seventh-round pick. Why not? Clayton’s upside is quite intriguing.

Packers mock draft 6.0: Final predictions for 2024 draft

Final mock draft predictions for the Packers entering the 2024 NFL draft in this seven-rounder.

We made it! The 2024 NFL Draft has arrived. The Green Bay Packers will start the three-day affair with 11 picks at their disposal. It’s time for my final mock draft of the cycle. In my final mock draft last year, I “correctly” mocked Lukas Van Ness, Jayden Reed and Anders Carlson to the Packers. We won’t talk about the rest of the mock picks.

Let’s take a look at who the Packers landed in my final mock draft of the cycle.

1.25: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa

Surprise, surprise. DeJean would give Green Bay’s secondary a much-needed playmaker and he’d bring juice to the special teams unit. DeJean is an outstanding athlete. He has natural ball skills. He’s versatile and he’s an asset in run support.

2.41: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

The Alabama product is everything you want in a cornerback. He’s long, plays under control and never gives up the big play. According to Pro Football Focus, McKinstry only gave up two receptions of 30-plus yards over the past two seasons.

2.58: Dominick Puni, OL, Kansas

Puni offers five-position versatility. During his two seasons at Kansas, Puni started 13 games at left guard and 12 games at left tackle. During those two seasons, he gave up zero sacks and 16 pressures.

3. 88: Trevin Wallace, LB, Kentucky

A former track athlete, Wallace is an outstanding athlete with sideline-to-sideline range. He’s light on his feet and has the movement skills to hold up in coverage. At only 21 years old, Wallace has all the tools to develop into a four-down force.

3. 91: Ray Davis, RB, Kentucky

The Temple and Vanderbilt transfer finished his lone season as a Wildcat with 1,129 yards and 14 touchdowns. He runs with good patience and has the contact balance to bounce off defenders. Davis is a well-rounded running back, who could be the long-term running mate for Josh Jacobs.

4. 126: Edefuan Ulofoshio, LB, Washington

Even after adding Wallace, the Packers still need bodies in the linebacker room. The Washington linebacker logged 431 snaps on special teams during his time as a Husky and could be a Day 1 contributor for Rich Bisaccia. He’s a good athlete with the competitive makeup to challenge for snaps on defense.

5. 169: Frank Crum, OT, Wyoming

Crum has experience playing both tackle positions. He finished his career at Wyoming with 36 starts at right tackle and 13 at left tackle. The former two-star recruit is a good-sized athlete with the lateral mobility to shut down the corner and the mobility to get out in space to move people in the ground game.

6. 202: AJ Barner, TE, Michigan

Barner could the ideal No. 3 tight end behind Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft. The Indiana transfer gets after it as a blocker and he’s a good athlete with upside as a pass catcher. Barner has 555 snaps on special teams to his name and could be a hired gun.

6. 219: Tyler Owens, S, Texas Tech

Roll the dice on the Texas Tech defensive back’s athletic profile. The Texas transfer may never develop into an impact player on defense, but give his athletic profile and experience on special teams (546 snaps and 10 tackles) Owens could carve out a long career as a core special teamer.

7. 245: Matt Lee, C, Miami

A UCF transfer, Lee finished his collegiate career with 48 career starts at center under his belt. Lee started 12 games during his lone season at Miami and gave up zero sacks and four pressures.

7. 255: Miles Battle, CB, Utah

Battle started his career at Ole Miss and made the transition from wide receiver to cornerback during the 2020 season. Battle started two games during his lone season at Utah and recorded one interception and four pass deflections. Battle is an outstanding athlete with good size (6-3 and 196 pounds). With his athleticism, Battle is worth the gamble and could make an immediate impact on special teams. The Ole Miss transfer logged 454 snaps on special teams and recorded nine tackles.

Quick look at 2024 NFL draft landscape at linebacker for Packers

The Packers need linebackers. The best avenue for adding at this point? The 2024 draft.

Brian Gutekunst went to the market to sign a veteran linebacker to pair with Quay Walker and Isaiah McDuffie. Unfortunately, Green Bay’s general manager discovered that the linebacker aisle was picked over, like the toy aisle the day before Christmas. 

With the linebacker market barren, the Packers will likely need to trade for a veteran or use the draft to bolster the linebacker room at 1265 Lombardi Avenue. Let’s take a look at some linebackers that the Packers could target in the 2024 NFL draft.

Potential Target at 25

Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M

Cooper is an explosive mover and a true difference-maker. He can impact the game as a run defender, as a blitzer, or in coverage. If Cooper were to land in Green Bay he’d be the best linebacker on the roster, and no that’s not a shot at Walker. It’s a credit to Cooper. 

Cooper may be viewed as a bit of a reach in the first round, but the same thing can be said about Eric Stokes, Quay Walker, etc. Cooper would be a home run pick at 41, but Gutekunst may see the value in taking the impactful linebacker with the 25th overall pick. 

Day 2 Targets

Cedric Gray, UNC

Gray was all over the field this past season for the Tar Heels. He recorded 121 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and five sacks. The UNC linebacker works his way through the trash against the run and has the movement skills to hold up in coverage.

Junior Colson, Michigan

Mr. Always in the Right Place at the Right Time, Colson would be a steady presence in the middle of Green Bay’s defense. Colson is comfortable dropping in space and does a good job of reading the quarterback’s eyes. He has the range as a run defender to shut-down outside runs and is a reliable tackler. He is quick to diagnose and beats blockers to the spot. 

Payton Wilson, NC State

Every team could use a Payton Wilson. If he had a clean bill of health (two leg injuries), he’d be in the Potential Target at 25 tier with Cooper. The NC State product is the complete package at linebacker. He’s a physical, downhill defender against the run and he has the movement skills to hold up in coverage.

Day 3 Targets

Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington

From walk-on to captain, Ulofoshio had quite the journey during his time at Washington. The Alaska native is all heart and his motor is always running. He trusts his eyes and is quick to react to meet ball carriers in the hole. The Husky linebacker shows good instincts in coverage.

Jordan Magee, Temple

Magee isn’t a hulking linebacker, but he has the functional strength to destroy blocks and disrupt the action. He’s a smart player that is quick to read and react. The Temple linebacker gets good depth on his drops and looks comfortable moving laterally. Magee logged 307 snaps on special teams during his collegiate career and could carve out a role in that regard immediately as a rookie. 

Marist Liufau, Notre Dame

Liufau plays like his hair is on fire and is relentless in his pursuit of the ball carrier. He has the sideline-to-sideline quickness and is comfortable dropping into space.

Trevin Wallace, Kentucky

Wallace is an outstanding athlete with the sideline-to-sideline range to chase down ball carriers. A former track athlete, Wallace is the type of prospect that Gutekunst has a history of targeting. If his instincts ever catch up to his athletic traits, Wallace could develop into quite the difference-maker at the next level.

Curtis Jacobs, Penn State

A team will roll the dice on the Penn State linebacker’s athletic traits. With his quickness and his experience on special teams, it’s a safe bet that he could develop into a core player on special teams. Jacobs is a twitched-up athlete with the movement skills to hold up on coverage. 

JD Bertrand, Notre Dame

Bertrand is a cerebral player who trusts his eyes and is quick to read the action. He’s a downhill player, who does a good job of sifting through the trash to locate the ball carrier. With his instincts, relentless motor and special teams experience, Bertrand would be a solid addition to Green Bay’s linebacker room. 

Vikings 2024 7 round mock draft 5.0: Drafting to win in 2024

What would a Minnesota Vikings 2024 NFL mock draft look like if they wanted to win next year? Tyler Forness takes an in-depth look.

The Minnesota Vikings have a lot of different ways they can go in the NFL draft. There will be some discussion on what needs are most important but the Vikings can address most of them through both free agency and the NFL draft.

Each week throughout the leadup to the NFL draft, I will be doing different seven-round mock drafts for the Vikings as a way to explore different scenarios. You never know who might fall to you and how that could cause a ripple effect and being ready for those situations is paramount come draft weekend.

In the second rendition of our seven-round mock draft series, what could a draft look like that has the Vikings drafted to win in 2024?

Mock Draft 1.0
Mock Draft 2.0
Mock Draft 3.0
Mock Draft 4.0

Vikings 2024 NFL mock draft: The Real Forno Show

On the latest episode of The Real Forno Show, host Tyler Forness does a 7 round mock draft for the Minnesota Vikings and breaks it down.

The Minnesota Vikings continue to be at a crossroads for their future. It’s something that has been discussed far too often over the last few weeks and will continue to be talked about until both free agency and the NFL draft pass.

  • What will the Vikings do at quarterback?
  • Will they re-sign Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter?
  • Is defense going to be the priority in free agency, the draft or both?

We start the process of answering those questions with our first mock draft simulation of the 2024 NFL draft cycle. The purpose of these simulations is to explore different ideas. There is no specific path that is necessarily better than another but we will use these simulations to explore them all.

List of linebackers and edges at 2024 Senior Bowl

List of linebackers and edges at 2024 Senior Bowl

With the NFL as pass-happy as it is, pass-rushers are extremely valuable. Having a good week in Mobile can also help such players. Just ask the Jets. They have selected an edge that was at the Senior Bowl in the first round in each of the last two drafts — Jermaine Johnson, 2022; Will McDonald, 2023.

Could the Jets add another this year? Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will get a close eye on some of these players as the American team head coach. Not just Ulbrich, but linebackers coach Nathaniel Willingham as well, as he will be on the coaching staff. Joining Willingham is Imarjaye Albury of the Vikings, Rob Leonard of the Raiders and Cato June of the Colts. [anyclip-media thumbnail=”undefined” playlistId=”undefined” content=”dW5kZWZpbmVk”][/anyclip-media]Here’s who’s in Mobile this week at the edge and linebacker positions.

10 players to watch on Reese’s Senior Bowl National team’s defense

From Penn State CB Kalen King to UCLA OLB Laiatu Latu, these 10 players from the National team at the Senior Bowl are ones to keep an eye on

One of the most important events on the National Football League calendar is the Senior Bowl. Held the week after the conference championship games, it is the true beginning of the NFL draft cycle.

Not only do scouts and analysts like us get to see over 100 draft prospects in one place competing against each other, but it’s also an opportunity for analysts and personnel alike to get together and have discussions about a number of topics.

As we look forward to this year’s Senior Bowl, managing editor Tyler Forness will be there in person to break everything down.

During the week, these 10 players on the National Team’s defense are worth keeping your eye on.

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 98, Washington LB Edefuan Ulofoshio

Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series: Washington LB Edefuan Ulofoshio.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.

From walk-on to captain, Edefuan Ulofoshio’s story during his time at the University of Washington is one of perseverance. After missing 14 straight games and playing just 84 snaps last season, Ulofoshio has put together a stellar season patrolling the middle of the field for the Huskies this season. The former walk-on enters the National Championship Game on Monday against Michigan with 90 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks and one pick-six.

After redshirting in 2018, Ulofoshio started in three games during the 2019 season and finished his second year at UW with 47 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Huskies played just four games and Ulofoshio recorded 47 tackles and one sack. 

Ulofoshio’s 2021 season came to an early end after six games due to a biceps injury. Before suffering that season-ending injury, he racked up 51 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. The Washington linebacker suffered another setback when he suffered a leg injury which forced him to miss the first eight games of the 2022 season. 

Now, he has one game left in a Husky uniform and his impact on the Husky program over the years goes beyond his performance on the field.

“Not only is he a fantastic football player with a lot of snaps under his belt, but Eddie is also an extremely hard worker and fantastic leader,” Roman Tomashoff, a UW writer for SI.com, said. “He’s left a mark on each and every member of Washington’s defense and even if he just ends up as a rotational player in the NFL, his mentality and personality will shine through in a locker room.”

Ulofoshio is all heart and his motor is always running. He trusts his eyes and is quick to react to meet ball carriers in the hole. Ulofoshio has outstanding closing burst and shows good range as a run defender. He has a high football IQ and takes the quickest route to the ball carrier. It’s rare to see him out of position.  

There may be questions about his functional strength and he’d benefit from playing behind the likes of Kenny Clark. During his first 743 snaps, Ulofoshio had just seven missed tackles. This past season he had 11 missed tackles. By no means is he a bad tackler, it’s just a potential red flag that could keep him off team’s boards. 

“He’s a sure, physical tackler who rarely lets ball carriers out of his grasp,” Tomashoff said. “He’s also a very good pass rusher when asked to blitz and does a great job identifying holes in the offensive line. His IQ helps him identify the play very quickly and he shoots gaps with ease.”

Ulofoshio shows good instincts in coverage and looks comfortable carrying running backs and tight ends in coverage. He’s quick to react and explodes downhill to limit yards after the catch. 

“I think he’ll be solid in pass coverage at the NFL level,” Tomashoff said. “He’s not going to be a guy that will ever be asked to play man coverage, but he’s smart enough to know how to cover his zone effectively and rally to the ball.”

Fit with the Packers

De’Vondre Campell may or may not be back with the Green Bay Packers this offseason. The veteran linebacker has battled injuries this season and has struggled to rediscover his 2021 form.

If the Packers opt to move on from the veteran linebacker they may wait until day three to find a future running mate for Quay Walker. Enter Ulofoshio. 

The Washington linebacker is a prospect that’s going to impress during the interview process and have teams pounding the table for him when day three of the draft rolls around. 

With his competitive makeup, football IQ and special teams experience (431 career snaps), Ulofoshio could be the ideal pick as the Packers look to add depth to the linebacker room or he could be viewed as the potential starting linebacker alongside Walker if the Packers decide to part ways with Campbell.

10 prospects to watch for Packers fans in CFB National Championship game

Here are 10 names for Green Bay Packers fans to watch tonight.

The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft is 108 days away and the National Championship matchup between the University of Washington and Michigan features five prospects that have a real shot of hearing their name called on April 25th. 

Rome Odunze, Washington’s No. 1 wide receiver could be the third wide receiver off the board and he’ll likely go in the Top 15. 

Teams in search of a quarterback that miss out on Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels will likely turn to Washington’s Michael Penix Jr or Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy.

In the trenches, Washington’s left tackle Troy Fautanu has a realistic shot of being a first-round pick. Bralen Trice, one of Washington’s talented edge rushers also has first-round aspirations.

Those five are the headliners in a National Championship game that features plenty of talented NFL Draft prospects. Here are 10 names for Green Bay Packers fans to watch tonight.

Dominique Hampton, DB, Washington

Hampton is a versatile safety that can line up in the slot, in the box or deep. He has outstanding size and length for the position. Hampton enters the matchup tonight with 99 tackles, two interceptions and six pass deflections. 

Dillon Johnson, RB, Washington

Johnson is hard-nosed and slippery. He keeps his legs driving through contact and always seems to fall forward. According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson picked up 673 yards after contact this season.

Rod Moore, S, Michigan

Will he stay or will he go? The Michigan safety missed the beginning of the season and started off slow. The rust started to wear off and he’s recorded 15 tackles and one interception over the past three games. With a strong showing against Washington’s aerial attack, Moore could vault for the NFL and be a day-three target for the Packers.

LaDarius Henderson, OL, Michigan

Henderson has tackle-guard versatility. Michigan’s starting left tackle and the Arizona State transfer has taken snaps at every position along the offensive line except for center. With his length and versatility, Henderson could be the next day three offensive lineman the Packers target.

Donovan Edwards, RB, Michigan

Edwards is an explosive runner and a weapon in the passing game. He enters the game with 68 career receptions and three receiving touchdowns. While a dynamic threat, Edwards is averaging just 3.5 yards per carry this season and could opt to return to school. If he declares, Edwards could be a versatile and dynamic weapon for the Packers.

Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington

Like Henderson, Fautanu offers tackle-guard versatility. Unlike Henderson though, Fautanu is a Top 50 prospect and could be a potential target for the Packers with the New York Jets’ second-round pick. The Washington left tackle has quick feet and the lateral quickness to stick at left tackle on Sundays.

Kris Jenkins, DL, Michigan

The man nicknamed The Mutant and the nephew of Cullen Jenkins, is a powerful defensive lineman. To go along with all that raw power, Jenkins is quick out of his stance, showcasing explosive movements to get upfield quickly and disrupt the action in the backfield.

Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Edge, Washington

The Washington edge rusher’s calling card is his power. He has adequate initial quickness and converts speed to power. ZTF projects as a late-day three selection and would provide quality depth behind Rashan Gary, Preston Smith and Lukas Van Ness.

Trevor Keegan, G, Michigan

The Michigan starter at left guard, Keegan has been a brick wall in pass protection this season. According to PFF, Keegan has given up zero sacks this season and yielded just 11 pressures. A year after drafting zero offensive linemen, Brian Gutekunst could target Keegan to add depth along the interior of the offensive line.

Edefuan Ulofoshio, LB, Washington

From walk-on to captain, Ulofoshio plays with the relentless play style that Green Bay’s defense occasionally lacks. With his competitive spirit, football IQ and leadership, Ulofoshio could be a day-three target for the Packers as they look to improve on special teams and potentially replace De’Vondre Campbell.