Tag: Jordan Smith

Poll: What grade would you give the Jags’ 2021 draft class?

The Jags have completed the 2021 NFL Draft and now it’s time for fans to grade the group.

After grabbing two Atlantic Coast Conference stars in Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne on Day 1, the Jacksonville Jaguars went into Day 2 hoping to add more impact players with the pair. Looking at their selections, it seemed that Urban Meyer, Trent Baalke, and co. emphasize athleticism and traits. Their selections on Friday, when it was all said and done, included Georgia cornerback Tyson Campbell, Stanford tackle Walker Little, and Illinois safety Andre Cisco.

Then came Day 3 on Saturday. The front office added some depth players with starter potential in Southern California defensive tackle Jay Tufele, Alabama Birmingham edge rusher Jordan Smith, Ohio State tight end Luke Farrell, and Georgia Tech receiver Jalen Camp.

It was quite an interesting haul, to say the least, as it appears Meyer is confident in his staff’s ability to help these players with strong athletic traits translate. If they are successful, they will have a strong contending team on their hands and one that will easily surpass last season’s 1-15 record.

However, we’d like to hear from you all on the topic. How would you grade the Jags’ 2021 draft class overall?

POLL:

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Colts’ 4-round mock draft mid-free agency

A mock draft midway through free agency.

The Indianapolis Colts are in the middle of free agency but their actions have made it clear they are focusing on the 2021 NFL draft to make significant moves.

We’ve known this even if the lack of moves has been somewhat surprising. It was thought that the Colts would be making a run at some bigger named players on the market but they’ve stood pat. They re-signed two of their players and brought in defensive end Isaac Rochell on a one-year deal.

As we mid-way through free agency, here’s a quick four-round mock draft via The Draft Network’s Mock Draft Machine:

Colts’ 7-round mock draft: Pre free agency

A pre free agency mock draft.

The Indianapolis Colts are set to hit free agency with plenty of salary-cap space. Those moves will have an impact on their path in the 2021 NFL draft.

With several needs to address in free agency, the Colts could be somewhat active but they shouldn’t be expected to splurge like some are predicting. They will plug holes and find value as they have in recent seasons.

With all that said, there could be plenty of changes coming to the roster during free agency.

Here’s a seven-round mock draft ahead of free agency:

Chargers trade back, stack deck in latest four-round mock draft

The Los Angeles Chargers trade back and still make of the most of their selections in Gavino Borquez’ latest four-round mock draft.

The Chargers have the No. 13 overall selection in this year’s draft, but there’s the possibility of the thought of moving back and acquiring more picks via trade with a quarterback-needy team could intrigue.

In this case, the Bears, who have a quarterback controversy, choose to move up seven spots to get their signal-caller of the future. In return, Los Angeles gets their first, third and fifth-round picks.

Let’s take a look at how the Bolts’ draft shakes up after trading back in my latest four-round projection.

Round 1, No. 20 (via CHI), Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

Sam Tevi is a pending free agent and Trey Pipkins hasn’t done enough to warrant starter status. Therefore, the Chargers are in need of a reliable, long-term left tackle. Darrisaw has been commonly mocked to Los Angeles at No. 13, but he still falls in their laps here seven picks later.

Starting in all 35 games for the Hokies, Darrisaw earned second-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-ACC accolades for his play last season. In 2020, he only allowed six total pressures on 267 snaps in pass protection.

The 6-foot-5 and 314 pounder is smooth in pass pro, showing anchor ability and body control. In the run game, he flashes strength to move defenders. He shows solid ability to reach and has the athletic traits and movement skills when getting to the second level to pave the way.

Overall, Darrisaw projects as a strong NFL starter at left tackle with All-Pro upside.

Round 2, No. 47, Josh Myers, IOL, Ohio State

Mike Pouncey retired and Dan Feeney is currently a pending free agent. Even if Feeney is re-signed, the Chargers need to add someone with high upside to offer competition because while he’s managed stay healthy, his play has been inconsistent.

Anchoring an offensive line that helped the Buckeyes average 266.8 rushing yards per game last season, Myers is a seasoned run blocker who possesses very good intelligence, athletic traits, and effort to block in space very effectively, while possessing good strength to anchor down vs bigger rushers.

Overall, Myers would be an immediate starter at center for the Chargers. Their scheme would allow him to maximize his athleticism, short area quickness, lateral movement to move defenders and pre-snap mental processing.

Round 3, No. 77, Jordan Smith, EDGE, UAB

Melvin Ingram’s stint with the Bolts could be coming to an end since his contract is up. Therefore, L.A. could be looking for someone to compliment Uchenna Nwosu who fits the mold well as a rotational edge rusher/outside linebacker in Brandon Staley’s 3-4 scheme.

In his first season at UAB, Smith finished with 53 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, four forced fumbles, and one pass deflection. This past season in eight games, Smith amassed 22 tackles, nine for loss, 4.5 sacks, one pass deflection, and an interception.

Smith has the explosiveness, length and high motor to win around the edge at the next level and has the ability to hold his own the run game, but needs to improve his hand usage and add some counter moves to be a more well-rounded player.

Round 3, No. 83 (via CHI), Trill Williams, CB, Syracuse

The cornerback room needs some refinement this offseason. Michael Davis’ future with the team remains to be seen because he’s scheduled to be a free agent and both Casey Hayward and Chris Harris Jr. aren’t getting any younger.

The Chargers recently met with Williams, showing that they have interest in the 6-foot-2 and 198 pounder. During his career with the Orange, Williams amassed 92 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, four interceptions and five pass breakups.

Williams is long, rangy, athletic, physical, and aggressive, thriving in both man and zone coverage. He also offers appeal as a special teamer as he had three return touchdowns in his three seasons. Staley covets position versatility and Williams can play cornerback, safety, or cover the slot.

Round 3, No. 97, Anthony Schwartz, WR, Auburn

The goal is to build around QB Justin Herbert, which is why the Chargers go receiver here.

Schwartz, the 6-foot and 179 pound wideout, amassed 54 catches, 636 yards and three touchdowns this past season. He had 117 catches for 1,433 yards and six touchdowns in three seasons at Auburn.

The former track star who ran a 10.15-second 100 meter, is an excellent athlete who has very good speed to create constant separation and pull away from pursuing defenders. He also has the physical tools, tracking ability and soft hands.

Given how much Herbert likes to air it out, Schwartz could quickly become a consistent target and he could be a reliable return man for a struggling special teams.

Round 4, No. 118, Kendrick Green, IOL, Illinois

Forrest Lamp is slated to be a free agent and his injury history and inconsistent play when healthy may be enough to warrant him not being re-signed by the Chargers.

Green was recruited as a defensive tackle but switched to the offensive line as a redshirt freshman. Green started 33 games for the Illini, with 29 games at left guard and four at center. This past season, he was named USA TODAY second team All-America and All-Big Ten first team.

At 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, Green has good movement skills, is as durable as it gets (33 straight starts) and plays with a nasty disposition. While his pass protection is still a work in progress, he has the foot quickness and explosiveness up front to be impactful.

Green projects to be a strong contributor inside either at guard or case — in this case at left guard. It may take him a year to carve up a starting role, but given his reactive athleticism and run blocking prowess, he profiles well to the next level.

5 potential replacements for Chargers’ Melvin Ingram in 2021 NFL draft

The Los Angeles Chargers should be looking for more help off the edge this offseason.

Melvin Ingram will be one of the most sought out options this offseason. While Ingram has been a key piece of the defense and locker room for years now, his time in the blue and gold is up in the air.

If the Chargers choose to not re-sign Ingram, the team will be thin at edge rusher. There’s Joey Bosa and Uchenna Nwosu but not much else behind them.

With that being said, here are five prospects that Los Angeles should consider as replacements for Ingram in this year’s draft.

Quincy Roche, Miami

Roche eclipsed 11 quarterback pressures in three games for the Hurricanes in 2020. In total, he posted 27 pressures and 3.5 sacks. The year before that, he amassed 68 quarterback pressures, 19 tackles for loss and 13 sacks for Temple in 2019.

Roche, the 6-foot-2 and 243 pounder, is a slippery rusher with the initial burst, functional strength, and length to threaten the pocket on a regular basis and defend the run, projecting as a promising outside linebacker at the next level.

Jordan Smith, UAB

In his first season at UAB, Smith finished with 53 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, four forced fumbles, and one pass deflection. This past season in eight games, Smith amassed 22 tackles, nine for loss, 4.5 sacks, one pass deflection, and an interception.

Smith has the explosiveness, length and great agility to win around the edge and the ability to hold his own the run game. He needs to add some counter moves to be a more well-rounded player but with refinement, he could be a steal.

Hamilcar Rashed, Oregon State

Earning first-team All-American honors in 2019, Rashed burst onto the scene in 2019. That season he amassed 62 total tackles, 14.0 sacks, and 22.5 tackles for loss. Despite a lack of production in his senior season, his tools still translate to the next level.

His pass-rush arsenal lacks variety, and his production is based more on effort and athleticism than technique. However, Rashed is only scratching the surface of his ability and shows the athleticism, competitive toughness and physical traits to be a productive NFL pass rusher.

Ronnie Perkins, Oklahoma

Perkins had at least five sacks in every season and had a career-high 13.5 tackles for loss in 2019. He followed that up with arguably his best season in 2020.

In only six games, Perkins had 5.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for losses en route to being named Pro Football Focus’ second-best edge defender.

Perkins is a naturally gifted pass rusher, with an excellent first step, a very good ability to get up the arc and out-leverage tackles and closing burst, while showing great competitive toughness and physicality.

He doesn’t have the ideal length and he must improve his use of hands at the next level, but he is a guy who could be posting double-digit sacks in the NFL.

Shaka Toney, Penn State

Toney led the Nittany Lions this past season with five sacks and his 7.5 tackles for loss were second. In his 47-game Penn State career, Toney finished with 20.5 sacks, which was eighth on the program’s all-time list, and had five games with two or more sacks.

Overall, Toney is a twitchy & athletic pass rusher, who has the ideal profile to play in space as a 3-4 OLB. His ability to string pass rushing moves together, while utilizing his excellent quickness, cornering/flexibility at the top of the arc and speed in space is invaluable.

Colts’ 7-round mock draft following Carson Wentz trade

Updated mock draft after the Carson Wentz trade.

The Indianapolis Colts made a major move on Thursday when they agreed to trade two draft picks to the Philadelphia Eagles for quarterback Carson Wentz.

Now that they have their quarterback of the immediate future, it’s time to figure out how the Colts might go about the draft. Of course with free agency yet to arrive, it isn’t all that clear how the team will go about using their selections.

But with Wentz as the quarterback now, the draft could go a bit differently as they focus on other positions. Using The Draft Network’s mock draft machine, here’s an updated mock draft following the Wentz trade:

Colts’ 7-round mock draft: Trading up for a QB

A full mock with a trade up.

The Indianapolis Colts are still a few months away from the 2021 NFL draft, which is currently scheduled to take place at the end of April. Until then, the mock drafts will be seen early and often.

While free agency—an aspect that will change draft plans—has yet to arrive, we can still take a look at what avenues the Colts can take. In our last mock draft, we did the traditional simulation without any trades. That isn’t the case here.

In this mock draft, using The Draft Network’s mock draft machine, we traded up from the No. 21 pick to the No. 7 pick with the Detroit Lions. This is a popular choice for the Colts so it was interesting to see what the rest of the draft looked like when moving up to get a potential franchise quarterback.

Without further ado, here is our latest seven-round mock draft for the Colts:

Full 4-round Chargers mock draft, Post-Super Bowl edition

The Chargers take three offensive linemen in the first four rounds.

The 2020 NFL season has officially come to an end after the Buccaneers defeated the Chiefs in Super Bowl LV on Sunday.

With this past season behind us, now all attention has turned to 2021, specifically the roster-building process that will be vital if the Chargers wish to be in next year’s Super Bowl, which will be held at SoFi Stadium.

With that being said, let’s take a look at what Los Angeles could do in the draft to aide in dethroning Kansas City and make a run to the Lombardi Trophy in my latest four-round projections.

6 potential Chargers prospects who stood out from Day 1 of Senior Bowl

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez updates you on the prospects he believes will receive attention from Los Angeles.

Day 1 of practices at the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl have officially come to an end.

On this gloomy and rainy day in Mobile, AL, there were a handful of NFL draft prospects who shined on the first day.

Here are six players that stood out who could be on the Chargers’ radar:

OT Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State

The Chargers could be in need of a blindside blocker, especially if the team lets Sam Tevi walk. Radunz, the 6-foot-5 and 304 pound tackle, came into this week known primarily for his run-blocking prowess. He showed that he was not only capable of clearing the way in the run game, but defending the edge in pass protection. Radunz currently projects as a second or third-round selection. If Los Angeles elects to pass up on a tackle in the first-round, Radunz could be available on Day 2.

OT D’Ante Smith, East Carolina

If the Chargers want a toolsy tackle with starter upside, Smith could be that guy. Coming in with with the longest arms at 35 2/8”, Smith did not let many bodies around him. He was very explosive off the snap, showing outstanding feet and a square base in pass protection. When he landed his hands on defenders, the rep was over.

OG Aaron Banks, Notre Dame

Forrest Lamp’s future remains to be seen, which means that the team could be looking to fill the left guard position. In my eyes, Banks was seen as a second-round pick, but he helped his case today at practice. A wall in pass protection and a mover in the run game, Banks was getting the job done up front with sheer power. He should start his professional career at guard, but he has previous experience at left tackle.

EDGE Quincy Roche, Miami

Regardless if Melvin Ingram is back next season or not, the Chargers need more juice in the pass-rush department. Day 2 in the draft is a sweet spot to address the need and someone like Roche would be the perfect player to play the outside linebacker role. Reminiscent of Buccaneers’ Shaq Barrett, Roche was consistently in the backfield, showing speed, flexibility and quick hands. He had a great rep against potential first-round tackle Alex Leatherwood.

EDGE Jordan Smith, UAB

If the Chargers miss out on Roche, Smith would be an excellent consolation prize. The 6-foot-5 and 255 pounder was fantastic off the edge, showing power in his hands, utilization of his long arms, explosion off the line of scrimmage and great agility when turning the corner. Like Roche, Smith had a standout rep against Leatherwood. Arguably one of the biggest risers in this year’s class, Smith has the chance to go before the end of the second day in the draft.

CB Thomas Graham, Oregon

Even if Michael Davis is re-signed, the Chargers need more talent in the cornerback room, especially since this will be the last year under contract for Casey Hayward and Chris Harris Jr. Prior to coming to Mobile, Graham led the nation in passes defensed. Graham was strong carrying receivers vertically and in man coverage. He displayed quick feet & hips and physicality at the line of scrimmage. He currently projects as a Day 3 selection, but he could be a steal when all is said and done.

Colts’ 2021 NFL mock draft after Week 14

A mock draft after Week 14.

As the offseason draws near, we continue to look at potential prospects for the Indianapolis Colts in the 2021 NFL draft.

The Colts are still well in the playoff picture so the focus around the team isn’t on the draft or the upcoming moves in the offseason. It’s seeing how far they can go if they make the playoffs.

Holding the No. 23 pick after Week 14, here’s a look at a mock draft for the Colts with three games remaining in the regular season: