Ravens mock draft: Triple-dipping at OLB in our latest 4-round mock draft

In our latest four-round mock draft, we have the Baltimore Ravens grabbing three OLB and the best safety in the 2020 NFL Draft

As the Baltimore Ravens’ needs continue to change with every move in the offseason, we’ve been keeping a keen eye on the 2020 NFL Draft. A free-agent signing or a roster cut will alter what the Ravens do come April and the draft. With the latest round of moves that included cutting safety Tony Jefferson, I took another stab at a comprehensive mock draft for Baltimore.

I used the Draft Network’s mock draft simulator with their predictive big board. In this mock draft, I simply followed my own draft board and picked the best player still available, as long as it makes any real sense. That ultimately meant picking prospects that didn’t necessarily fill an immediate need but also not reaching for a prospect that would have either. It’s the mentality we often see the Ravens utilize come draft day, so it’s hopefully a little more accurate than solely going after needs with each pick.

We kick things off with a surprise in the first round.

AP Photo/Sam Craft

1st round (No. 28) – S Xavier McKinney, Alabama

I got the best safety in this draft class. While not an immediate need thanks to Baltimore having both Earl Thomas and Chuck Clark under contract, it’s the type of move we’ve seen the Ravens make before when drafting players like cornerback Marlon Humphrey.

McKinney is a great all-around safety. He’s an absolute thumper when coming down to make the tackle but with textbook technique so guys don’t typically get out of his grasp. McKinney also has a decent amount of range and can play a more typical centerfield, free-safety type role.

Most other mock drafts have McKinney going in the top-20 picks pretty easily with some having him as a top-10 option. I think McKinney would start on a good number of teams in the NFL from Week 1 of his rookie season but letting him sit and learn behind Clark and Thomas would be a huge win for both him and the Ravens. It’s a move that could really pay off in 2021, allowing Baltimore to part ways with Thomas and gain $6 million on the salary cap, according to Over The Cap.

It might not be the dominant pass rusher Ravens fans were hoping for here but without either trading up or reaching for a player with a second-round grade, the board just didn’t fall that way.

No. 28 / No. 60 / No. 92 / No. 119 / No. 124

Meet Kenny Willekes, Michigan State’s relentless pass-rushing prospect

Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Michigan State edge defender Kenny Willekes

During the predraft process, NFL teams are always looking for tough prospects who never take a play off, and play with a nonstop motor from snap to whistle.

If your favorite team is looking for a pass rusher who brings that kind of mentality to the table, their search should focus on Michigan State’s Kenny Willekes.

A physical edge defender with an incredible work ethic, Willekes recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his experience at the Senior Bowl, which offensive tackles impressed him the most in college, and what he’s looking forward to about the NFL Scouting Combine.

JM: What was your experience like at the Senior Bowl?

KW: That was a great experience. I had the opportunity to work with the Detroit Lions coaching staff. I got to be around a bunch of excellent players. There were so many great players out there. My position group was especially fun to work with and be around. I played against a lot of those guys in college and it was great to learn from one other. It was such a great experience. I got to meet so many cool people.

JM: Do you feel like you achieved what you set out to accomplish out there?

KW: I’m a perfectionist, so there’s always going to be things I can improve on. For the most part, I felt like I did a pretty good job out there. I feel like I did exactly what I went out there to do. I wanted to show that I could play out of a two-point stance which I did throughout the week of practice. I also wanted to show that I could win with a variety of pass rushing moves and I believe that I proved that as well.

Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

JM: Speaking of, how would you describe your pass rush arsenal?

KW: I would say that I have a lot of tools on my tool belt. I have a lot of moves that I can consider my go-to at any given moment. I like to keep things simple. I love setting everything up with my speed-to-power move. I implement the bull rush into my plan quite a bit as well. Once I start bull rushing, I’m able to counter back inside or peel around the edge with a double sweep. Those are probably my main moves. I can swim inside or win with a double sweep around the edge. I love that speed-to-power move. If I need to counter, my swim inside usually pays off. I could use a spin move to counter as well.

JM: Playing at Michigan State afforded you the opportunity to play against some of the best competition college football has to offer. Who are some offensive tackles that stood out to you?

KW: Rashawn Slater from Northwestern immediately comes to mind. He wears No. 70 for them. He’s somebody that always gave me a good battle year in year out. He’s an excellent player. Penei Sewell from Oregon was a great match-up in our bowl game. He was just a freshmen then but he had all the athletic tools. I knew he was going to be a great player. I also thought that No. 75 on Ohio State, Thayler Munford, improved a lot from last year to this year. I noticed a significant difference with him.

JM: How much of being a successful pass rusher is accomplished pre-snap?

KW: I’d say a lot of it is accomplished post-snap to be honest. I think the get-off is the most important thing when it comes to rushing the passer. Knowing or recognizing a pre-snap indicator that it’s gonna be a pass and being able to jump that snap count plays a large role but how you react after the snap is the biggest thing. At times, pass rushing is simply reacting to how they set on you. You gotta get off the ball with a plan but you also have to react to how they set on you.

Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

JM: Is there a scheme that fits you best at the next level?

KW: I think playing in a 4-3 makes the most sense for me. As I said earlier, I went down there to the Senior Bowl to prove that I could play out of a two-point stance, but I prefer to play in a 4-3 with my hand in the dirt.

JM: You’ve played for so many great coaches throughout your time at Michigan State. What’s the biggest lesson any coach ever taught you?

KW: That’s a tough question. I learned a lot throughout my time at Michigan State. Defensive ends coach [Chuck] Bullough is always preaching hard work. I really appreciate him for that. It never mattered to him how far you’ve come or what you have or haven’t done. Whether you had a good day or bad day, maybe you’re feeling sore or whatever, he preached that we continue to come in every day and really apply ourselves. We worked harder because of him. It was all about doing the little things to make sure you’re as well prepared as can be on a weekly basis.

JM: Is there one NFL quarterback that you’d love to sack?

KW: I would probably say Lamar Jackson. He’s always breaking people’s ankles out there. You see how elusive he is and how difficult he is to bring down. Being able to bring him down would be pretty cool. He was the MVP for a reason.

JM: The NFL Scouting Combine will be here before we know it. Are you looking forward to any drills in particular? Any goals you care to share with us?

KW: A lot of my goals are still personal and they’re constantly changing as I continue to train and improve. I just wanna show that I’m athletic enough to play in the NFL. I know that there are some big question marks surrounding my athleticism. I’ve proven that I can produce at a high level so now I wanna go out there and show that I am an athletic player. Hopefully I’ll put those questions to bed throughout some of the drills.

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Seven Michigan State players invited to NFL Scouting Combine

The seven invites ties a record for most MSU players invited under Dantonio

Mark Dantonio’s last season as Michigan State head coach could be his most prolific in terms of players sent to the NFL.

Seven former Michigan State Spartans have been invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, which is tied for the most under Dantonio with the 2016 group. The players invited are quarterback Brian Lewerke, linebacker Joe Bachie, wide receivers Cody White and Darrell Stewart Jr., cornerback Josiah Scott, and defensive linemen Kenny Willekes and Raequan Williams.

The NFL Scouting combine is the premier job interview for NFL hopefuls and a large majority of players in attendance will get drafted. In 2016 five of the seven Spartans at the combine heard their names called during the NFL Draft. The 2012 NFL Draft saw seven Spartans taken, highlighted by Kirk Cousins and Jerel Worthy.

The Scouting Combine begins Sunday, February 23. Kenny Willekes will be raising money for the Helen Devos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids during his bench press test at the event.

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Dueling 4-round Buffalo Bills 2020 mock drafts

Two four-round mock drafts for the Buffalo Bills at the 2020 NFL Draft.

The NFL offseason has been underway for the Buffalo Bills for some time now. The league year does not officially end under March, but Super Bowl LIV between the Chiefs and 49ers is one day away.

Once the final whistle blows and the confetti hits the turf in Miami on Sunday, that’s the unofficial start of the NFL offseason for everyone.

To celebrate, Bills Wire’s Kyle Silagyi and Nick Wojton pushed Bills Mafia into the offseason with two dueling four-round mock drafts for Buffalo.

Take your pick between both below:

Kyle’s pick:

22. RB Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin

Wisconsin Badgers running back Jonathan Taylor. Credit: Richard Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY Sports

Though unlikely, there is a scenario where the top four-or-five wide receivers are off the board when Buffalo goes on the clock at pick No. 22.

Should this situation occur, the team should take a long look at Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor.

Though his stock has fallen in recent weeks, Taylor is still widely looked at as a top-three ballcarrier in this year’s class. A well-rounded back with elite vision, Taylor rushed for 6,174 yards and 50 touchdowns throughout his three years at Wisconsin, winning the Doak Walker Award as college football’s best running back in 2018 and 2019.

Taylor was a high-usage player in Madison; there was nothing creative about the way the Badgers got the ball into his hands. The majority of his runs went up the middle or off-tackle, and this suited the 21-year-old, as he was often able to identify holes with his first-class vision and make the most of them with his strong footwork.

Taylor has solid speed and power, and he projects to be an impactful running back at the next level straight away. He would immediately make Buffalo’s backfield one of the league’s brightest, as his downhill-style of running would effectively complement the open-field shiftiness of Devin Singletary.

Though wide receiver is undoubtedly a bigger need for the Bills, selecting Taylor would perhaps unintentionally help address that positional deficiency. With Taylor and Singletary manning the backfield, Buffalo would become a ground-oriented team, relying on the two backs to consistently move the ball. This would open up opportunities in the play-action passing game, creating more chances for wide receivers to get open on called passes through a commitment to the ground game.

Nick’s pick:

22. WR Tee Higgins, Clemson

Clemson Tigers wide receiver Tee Higgins. Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The writing on the wall just seems too apparent ahead of April’s draft. The Bills needing a wide receiver isn’t anything new. The last time the Bills had a premium No. 1 wideout was back in Sammy Watkins’ days with the team.

While John Brown and Cole Beasley had profitable seasons with the Bills in 2019, Buffalo needs a top, young prospect in that group. Tee Higgins would be exactly that.

That writing has been there because for about a season or two, many draft pundits predicted the 2020 draft will be one of the deepest classes for the position, The Bills knew that too, so they’re going to take their swing and that’s why they didn’t last season.

In Higgins, Buffalo would get exactly what they need. That big-bodied target that quarterback Josh Allen has lacked. While the Bills would be smart to not just pin-point a guy that’s tall, realistically, Higgins’ pre-draft selection in mock drafts has been right around where the Bills pick. It wouldn’t be a reach and early outlooks appear the Bills choosing between Higgins and Colorado’s Laviska Shenault here, both talented receivers the Bills could use.

2020 Senior Bowl: Bills meet with pass rusher Kenny Willekes

Buffalo Bills meet with Michigan State EDGE Kenny Willekes.

Wide receiver and pass rusher are among the Buffalo Bills’ top needs heading into this weekend’s Senior Bowl. Michigan State’s Kenny Willekes stood out in Saturday’s game with two sacks.

Prior to doing that for the North team in their 34-17 win, he met with the Bills during the week’s practices, according to a source.

In around 30 snaps played, Willekes also recorded four tackles in the game and drew a holding penalty.

Along with potentially losing Shaq Lawson as he’s a pending free agent this offseason, the Bills could just use more sacks and production from their pass rushers. Jordan Phillips, also a free agent, led the Bills with sacks from the middle of their defensive line with 9.5 in 2019.

Willekes was a fifth-year senior for Michigan State and a team captain. He had 78 tackles, including 16 for a loss, 10.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 2019. He’s the Spartans all-time leader in tackles for loss with 51 in his college career.

Willekes told MLive.com that his draft-stock evaluations from NFL teams this week were all over the place.

“I’ve heard everything from first round, second round, third round, fourth round, fifth round. I mean, I’ve heard it all. So I’m not putting too much stock in the evaluation and just trying to come out here each and every day trying to get better, and show I have the ability to go in the high rounds,” he said.

Out of high school, Willekes only had an offer to play for Weber State, but instead opted to attempt to walk-on at Michigan State, which he did successfully. Perhaps another aspect of his mentality the Bills front office will like.

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2020 Senior Bowl: 7 prospects to watch on defense

The Bears have several needs they need to address this offseason. Here are 7 prospects on defense they should be watching this week.

The road to the 2020 NFL Draft starts in Mobile with the Senior Bowl, where Bears scouts will have the chance to get to know some of the top prospects in this draft class.

More than 100 of the top collegiate seniors from schools all over the country will participate in this year’s Senior Bowl, which will take place on Jan. 25.

But prior to then, practices during the week leading up to the game give front offices a chance to evaluate players on the field and meet with them off the field.

The Bears have several needs they need to address this offseason. Let’s take a look at seven prospects on defense they should be watching closely this week.

1. CB Lamar Jackson, Nebraska

Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears could be facing changes in the secondary this offseason, especially with cornerback Prince Amukamara a likely cap casualty. If that’s the case, the Bears will be in the market for a new starting cornerback opposite Kyle Fuller.

Maybe that cornerback is Nebraska’s Lamar Jackson, who had a breakout senior season that has shown that he could be a solid and dependable cornerback in the NFL. Jackson had 40 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and 12 pass breakups in 2019.

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13 potential Bills prospects to watch at the 2020 Senior Bowl

Buffalo Bills prospects to watch at the 2020 Senior Bowl.

The Senior Bowl is upon us, which means the beginning of the draft season. Plenty of first and second day draft picks end up taking part in the festivities.

Josh Allen, anyone?

In 2019, 10 first-round picks took part in the game and since his tenure as Buffalo’s head coach, Sean McDermott has taken a liking to seniors due to their extra year of maturity and experience. There’s a good chance the Bills dip back into the Senior Bowl pool in 2020 with nine total draft picks currently slated to them at the upcoming draft.

With that, here are 13 Senior Bowl prospects to monitor for the Bills at the event as practices begin on Tuesday ahead of Saturday’s game:

Clemson Tigers offensive lineman John Simpson (74). Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

OL John Simpson, Clemson

The Bills might have an opening for starting spot on their offensive line via Quinton Spain. He’s a free agent and where he struggled according to Pro Football Focus’ metrics were as a run blocker. Clemson’s John Simpson is described as a powerful blocker who could improve a bit as a pass blocker at the next level.

Simpson is currently projected as a mid-round pick that could use a big week at the Senior Bowl. Playing at a powerhouse school and using football to pull himself out of a tough upbringing. That could attract the Bills to him. Simpson can play both guard position, but only lined up at left guard in 2019.

MSU Football routes Rutgers: Three Key Takeaways

Michigan State football handled Rutgers in a 27-0 victory yesterday. Here are three key takeaways from this game for the Spartans.

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Michigan State Football took care of business against Rutgers yesterday in a 27-0 victory. On paper, this score may offer up some positive sentiments. Upon further review, I’m not quite sure I feel all that great about this victory.

Here are three key takeaways from this game:

Summary Of The Season

Michigan State put up 395 yards total in this game against Rutgers. Again, this seems impressive on the surface, but they only scored 27 points on that 395 yard total. That is not good. The Spartans strung together long drives that often ended with punts or field goal attempts.

The Spartans defense showed up to play, per usual. One sequence, in particular, was a perfect representation of this MSU football season. Sophomore Xavier Henderson snagged a nice interception and set up the offense with a rather favorable field position. Unfortunately, the Spartan’s offense could not score. Instead, Matt Coghlin came out and missed a field goal.

This sequence represents MSU’s consistent defensive success and offensive woes. I’m still on the Mark Dantonio coaching train, he should not go anywhere. His staff, on the other hand, must go. There should be significant turnover within the coaching staff before the start of next season.

Cody White Looked Like A Pro

Cody White had two touchdown catches coming into this game. He tallied three touchdown receptions against Rutgers for five on the year and 11 in his career. White was walking human highlight reel. He made catch after catch, ending the game with 11 receptions and 136 yards.

White went above and beyond against Rutgers. A few catches were made on really bad passes from QB Brian Lewerke. MSU WR Darrell Stewart is out with injury. So, the Spartans really needed Cody White to step.

Here are all three of his touchdown receptions:

Hope For The Future?

Freshman RB Elijah Collins had a solid game against Rutgers. Granted, he has suffered from offensive line injuries. Nonetheless, Collins makes the most of every play. He is certainly the RB option of the future for Michigan State and that is a positive takeaway from this season.

Freshman Tre Mosley, sophomore Jalen Nailor, and Julian Barnett are incredibly intriguing for Michigan State’s future. Mosley has looked great so far when given chances. Barnett is rather impressive as a WR and has 10 receptions on the year. Lastly, Nailor returned from injury against Rutgers and played well. Nailor ended the game with 5 receptions and 27 yards.

Why bring them up? They are Michigan State’s future WR core. It is possible that MSU loses both Darrell Stewart and Cody White next year to the draft. This leaves MSU with the aforementioned players and WR C.J. Hayes. I think Dantonio should give all the younger receivers some snaps as the season winds down.

Michigan State Football is back in action next weekend on Nov. 30. The game kicks off at 3:30 P.M. and you can catch all the action on FS1.

Stay locked on SpartansWire for coverage of this game and all things MSU Football.

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5 Players to Watch Against Michigan State

Michigan football takes on Michigan State this week in the battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy, who are the key players to watch for it?

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The biggest week for the state of Michigan when it comes to football is here. Michigan vs Michigan State. The Wolverines are coming off a bye week and with the extra week off they should be extra prepared for this game. The Spartans are coming off a 37-34 loss to Illinois, a game where they were up 28-3 and lost the lead.

The Spartans will be coming into this game upset and angry with themselves with the loss last week, and a win over Michigan would be the perfect cure for it. Michigan will be looking to keep its possible New Year’s Six Bowl hopes alive as they continue their recent hot streak after losing to Penn State.

Before you watch the game on Saturday, check out these five players you should watch when the action unfolds.

1. QB Shea Patterson – MICHIGAN

Last season against Michigan State, Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson went 14/25 for 212 yards for two touchdowns. This year he’d like a similar, if not better performance in front of the home crowd against his in-state rival. It won’t be easy though as this is Michigan State’s biggest game of the year. It doesn’t help that the Spartans are 4-5 either, as a loss will put them to the brink of being bowl ineligible.

MSU doesn’t want to avoid a bowl game, so winning this game will be even more important as a loss would mean they need to finish the game on a two-game winning streak to play in a bowl game in December. Patterson and the offense is going up against the 24th ranked defense and with desperation and grit in the Spartans mindset, their effort will be turned up to 11 for this game.

For Michigan State’s offense, their quarterback could be dangerous with his arms and legs…

MSU vs. Michigan: Three Things To Watch

Michigan State faces off against interstate rival the Michigan Wolverines this weekend. Here are three things to watch in this game.

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The most intense week in the Michigan State football season is here. The Spartan Dawgs face off against interstate rival, the Michigan Wolverines at the Big House on Saturday, Nov. 16. Michigan is playing its best football so far and Michigan State is at an all-time low in the Mark Dantonio era.

Here are three things to watch in this game:

Gridiron Warfare

This game is going to be gritty and grimy. Both teams absolutely loathe one another. Mark Dantonio referred to Jim Harbaugh as “intense” earlier this week. Michigan DB Ambry Thomas said this game decides who is the big brother and who is the little sister. Personally, I’m not a fan of his rhetoric, but, it points to the intensity of this rivalry game.

Both the players and fans are heavily invested in this game’s outcome. Both teams are going to lay it all on the line. What else does MSU have to play for this year? The Michigan rivalry game is the last chance for the Spartans to salvage any positive sentiments for this season. On the other hand, the Wolverines want to make a statement against Michigan State.

The QB Battle

Shea Patterson and Brian Lewerke are the Spiderman meme in which two Spidermen point at one another. They are one in the same. Both are athletic QB’s that put their heads down and run while also having a pretty strong throwing arm. Note, both QB’s suffer from the same issue: inaccuracy.

Through nine games, Lewerke has thrown for 2,102 yards and 12 touchdowns with a 55.7 completion percentage. On the other hand, Patterson has thrown for 1,773 yards and 12 touchdowns with a 57.2 completion percentage. What’s the difference? Lewerke has thrown three more interceptions than Patterson. The QB matchup is pretty even. Whoever plays better will lead their team to victory.

Michigan State’s Receiver Core

Mark Dantonio recently revealed that TE Matt Dotson is out for the remainder of the season with a torn Achilles. Michigan State is still without WR Darrell Stewart as well. These are two huge holes in their receiver core. So far, Stewart has tallied up 694 yards on only 47 receptions along with four touchdowns to boot. He has been a quintessential part of the Spartan’s offense.

Note, Michigan State sees the return of sophomore WR CJ Hayes. Hayes is back after an injury kept him out for a few weeks. Luckily, I think Hayes can easily replace Stewart. All the while, Cody White has stepped up big time in the past few games. Look for both White & Hayes to have a big game if MSU has a chance to win.

Tune in at 12 P.M. this Saturday on Fox to catch this game. Cheer on the Spartans, they certainly need it.

Stay locked on SpartansWire for more coverage to come.

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