Tag: Kyle Dugger

2020 NFL Draft: What positions should Bears target in 2nd round?

If the Bears decide to stay put with picks 43 and 50, there are some opportunities for them to address some important roster needs.

The Chicago Bears were without a first-round selection for the second straight year — a result of the Khalil Mack trade with the Las Vegas Raiders — but there will be plenty of first-round talent available for them when the second round kicks off.

Chicago has no shortage of roster needs heading into this draft — and not a whole lot of draft capital to work with. The Bears have just two picks in the first four rounds, so it’s possible that they try to trade back to accumulate additional picks. And given the talent still left on the board, there figures to be some teams willing to move up.

But if the Bears decide to stay put with picks 43 and 50 — especially given the crop of prospects still available — there are some opportunities for them to address some important roster needs.

Let’s take a look at five positions that the Bears should consider addressing with their pair of second rounders:

1. Offensive line

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

One of the biggest issues with the Bears’ abysmal offense a season ago was the offensive line, who returned five starters off a solid 2018 season. While most of the offensive line will remain intact in 2020 — with left tackle Charles Leno Jr., left guard James Daniels, center Cody Whitehair and right tackle Bobby Massie — the Bears have a starting right guard spot up for grabs following Kyle Long’s retirement.

Heading into Round 2, there has been only one interior offensive lineman taken — Michigan’s Cesar Ruiz. Which leaves players like Louisiana-Lafayette’s Robert Hunt, LSU’s Damien Lewis and Ohio State’s Jonah Jackson for the taking for Chicago on Day 2. While six offensive tackles were taken in the first round, Boise State’s Ezra Cleveland and Houston’s Josh Jones highlight some first-round prospects that have fallen to Day 2.

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2020 NFL Draft: 5 safeties available for Bears on Day 2

Here are five safeties that are still on the board heading into Day 2 that Chicago should target, if they fall to them at pick 43.

The first round of the 2020 NFL Draft couldn’t have gone better for the Chicago Bears, who heading into Day 2 armed with a pair of second-rounders has plenty of first-round talent still on the board.

Heading into Round 2, there are a wealth of safety prospects — including some first-round talent — available. And considering the Bears are looking for safety Eddie Jackson’s running mate at strong safety, Chicago would do well to consider these players.

Here are five safeties that are still on the board heading into Day 2 that Chicago should target, if they fall to them at pick 43.

1. Xavier McKinney, Alabama

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

It’s hard to believe that, after Round 1, arguably the best safety prospect is still on the board heading into Day 2. While the Bears should lock him up in an instant, there’s a good chance he doesn’t fall 10 spots to Chicago at No. 43. But on the off chance he does, Xavier McKinney would bring athleticism, instincts and versatility to the safety position opposite Eddie Jackson.

According to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, McKinney is an “ascending safety prospect offering a combination of plus athleticism, field awareness and versatility. McKinney split time equally at slot, free safety and in the box and is accomplished in each. His coverage instincts, athleticism and quick-twitch burst are more cornerback than safety, which is why he’s likely to be a coveted toy for teams looking to upgrade and diversify their sub-packages. He can sit in center field all day if needed, and he’s an adequate open-field tackler but has room for improvement in that area. McKinney represents the new breed of versatile, matchup safety with high upside as an early starter.”

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4 don’ts for the Chicago Bears in 2020 NFL Draft

Let’s take a look at four things Bears GM Ryan Pace should not do in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Draft week is upon us, and we’re just days away from meeting the Bears’ 2020 draft class. Unlike last season, when it was best player available mentality, Chicago has several needs both on offense and defense that they need to tackle.

While no one can ever gauge what general manager Ryan Pace will do come draft time — which is exactly how he likes it — I have some suggestions for Pace and co. ahead of this 2020 NFL Draft.

Let’s take a look at four things Pace and the Bears should not do in the 2020 NFL Draft.

1. DON’T: Trade up

Tim Boyle/Chicago Sun-Times via AP

Pace has a reputation for seeing his guy and doing whatever it takes to get him. For better or for worse. Although, typically, for worse. For every Khalil Mack there’s a Mitchell Trubisky. For every Eddie Jackson, there’s a Leonard Floyd.

Pace has traded up each of the last four drafts, including twice in 2016 and 2017. In 2016, he traded up to select Floyd and linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski. In 2017, Pace traded up to grab Trubisky and Jackson. Then in 2018, he traded up to draft receiver Anthony Miller, and most recently in 2019, to select running back David Montgomery. Pace isn’t shy about trading up to select guys high on his board, but there’s a belief that changes this year.

Considering the Bears are already thin with the draft capital they currently have — they have just two selections in the first four founds — Chicago can’t afford to be relinquishing picks. Now, trading down on the other hand, that would serve to benefit the Bears and perhaps lock up a third or fourth-round selection.

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4 do’s for the Chicago Bears in 2020 NFL Draft

Let’s take a look at four things GM Ryan Pace and the Bears should do in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Draft week is upon us, and we’re just days away from meeting the Bears’ 2020 draft class. Unlike last season, when it was best player available mentality, Chicago has several needs both on offense and defense that they need to tackle.

While no one can ever gauge what general manager Ryan Pace will do come draft time — which is exactly how he likes it — I have some suggestions for how Pace should address this 2020 NFL Draft.

Let’s take a look at four things Pace and the Bears need to do in the 2020 NFL Draft.

1. DO: Trade down

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

The one thing Bears fans certainly don’t want to hear is that Pace is trading draft capital to move up and draft someone in the first round. Something that he’s been known for in the past — with mixed results.

The Bears have just two selections in the first four rounds, which doesn’t leave them a lot to work with amid several roster concerns. While Pace has been prone to trading up to get his guy, we could see a change in the guard when it comes to trading draft capital.

Pace should try to trade one of those second-round picks to acquire additional picks — perhaps an extra selection in the third or fourth round that would allow them to nab a prospect that winds up falling in the draft — before their five selections in rounds 5-7. While Pace has had mixed results in the first round, Pace has found some gems in the later rounds.

That certainly sounds like it could be the case, as Brad Biggs reported Chicago is expected to try and trade back at least one — maybe both — of their second-round picks in order to gather additional picks.

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8 small-school prospects for the Eagles to consider in the 2020 NFL Draft

8 small-school prospects that could interest the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020 NFL Draft

The Philadelphia Eagles are no strangers to targeting small school players in the NFL draft and the results have been positive recently.

The Eagles used the 2016 Senior Bowl to analyze Carson Wentz and the results have been fairly positive since Howie Roseman used the No. 2 pick on the former North Dakota State star.

There have been plenty of small-school gems drafted over the years and with the Eagles in need of some retooling, here are 8 sleeper prospects who could interest the Birds.

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1.Antonio Gandy-Golden, WR, Liberty

The 6-4, 215-pound stud put on a show in Mobile at the Senior Bowl and firmly put himself on the map as a player in the NFL draft.

Gandy-Golden has all the tools and 4.5 40-yard times that could catapult him up, draft boards.
Last season, Gandy-Golden racked up 79 catches for 1,396 yards and 10 touchdowns.

He excels at boxing out defenders and catching the ball at its highest point.

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5 safeties the Bears should target in 2020 NFL Draft

In a weak safety class, the Bears need to strike early to nab a quality starting strong safety. Here are five prospects that fit the bill.

With the departure of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, the Chicago Bears have a starting safety spot up for grabs opposite Pro Bowler Eddie Jackson.

Right now, Deon Bush, Jordan Lucas and DeAndre Houston-Carson figure to battle it out for the starting strong safety spot, presumably alongside a rookie.

Many draft analysts have the Bears targeting a safety with one of their two second-round picks, and in a weak safety class, Chicago needs to strike early to nab a quality starting strong safety.

Let’s take a look at five safeties the Bears could target in the NFL Draft:

1. Jeremy Chinn, Southern Illinois

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Chinn’s athleticism, size and speed make him an intriguing prospect, and he proved to a defensive playmaker for Southern Illinois. Chinn’s stock has been on the rise since his impressive outing at the Senior Bowl, and he’s now projected to be a Day 2 pick. Chinn has made it clear that he’d love to play for the Bears, and they appear to feel the same, as they’ve met with him twice during the pre-draft process.

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Bills draft prospect scouting reports: S Kyle Dugger

Draft profile & scouting reports on potential Buffalo Bills 2020 NFL Draft prospect, safety Kyle Dugger.

As things stand at the 2020 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills will first select at the No. 54 overall pick in the second round and the team has seven picks, in total. If things hold there, the Bills could have plenty of options to consider when turning in their selection cards.

During the run to up to the draft which starts on April 23, Bills Wire will compile information on prospects the Bills could have interest in. Specifically, what scouting reports say about their game.

Next up in our prospect previews is safety Kyle Dugger. Here’s a rundown of the what the experts are saying about his game:

S Kyle Dugger | Lenoir-Rhyne | Senior

Vitals

Height | 6-1

Weight | 217

Pros

  • Flexibility to play safety, nickel cornerback/ linebacker if size is added. Also returns kicks.
  • Solid size also comes with speed: ran fifth-fastest 40 time among safeties (4.49 seconds), also had best vertical jump (42 inches).
  • Strong run defender.
  • Excellent range in pass defense.

Cons

  • Played at the DII level.
  • Natural instincts have to improve at pro level.
  • Fundamental footwork & hip movement for DB could improve at NFL level as well.

2019 PFF grades:

  • N/A (PFF does not grade DII).

2019 Stats (7 GP):

  • 31 tackles | 1 tackle for loss | 6 passes defended | 2 intereceptions

Career stats (42 GP):

  • 237 tackles | 6.5 tackles for loss | 36 passes defended | 10 interceptions | 6 forced fumbles

Consensus rank: Day 2 pick

For more on Dugger, visit:

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2020 NFL Draft rankings: Safeties

Not the best year to need a safety but some of these guys could thrive in the right situation

The Cleveland Browns are going to be extremely focused on adding a new offensive tackle to protect Baker Mayfield, but they will also be looking at the safety position long and hard. They currently only have one-year rentals roaming at the back end of the defense. This safety class is one of the worst we have seen in recent years at the top, but there is still some talent that can provide help.

I grade players extremely generous and like to think with an open mind. Most writers only rank 20-25 first round grades and that is probably more indicative of their talent rather than where they are selected. I rank prospects based on the highest I could possibly see them be snagged.

1st Round

1. Grant Delpit, LSU, 6-2, 213 pounds

Delpit possess the ideal instincts for a starting-caliber safety and has the athletic ability and ball skills to capitalize on said instincts. The major concern with Delpit is that his play appeared to plateau in 2019 and the 2018 version was better. Comparing his stats from the past two years is just one piece of evidence to his obvious dip in play.

2. Xavier McKinney, Alabama, 6-0, 201 pounds

McKinney is an extremely versatile defender. He has the necessary range to be effective in coverage and the instincts to be in the right place at the right time as a run defender. The biggest flaw with McKinney’s game is his lack of elite athleticism, which may hurt his abilities as a single-high safety.

2nd Round

3. Ashtyn Davis, California, 6-1, 202 pounds

Davis is the opposite of McKinney, as he is a freak athlete with track star speed that can allow him to thrive in single-high. Davis would have a first-round grade, but he is built thin. He is close to the same size as McKinney, but Davis does not have the same frame and might be maxed out already.

4. Kyle Dugger, Lenoir-Rhyne, 6-1, 217 pounds

Dugger was an absolute stud during Senior Bowl week where he washed away nearly all doubt that he can hang with the big boys after coming from such a small school. He has shown that his athleticism is rare no matter the level of competition. With all that said, Senior Bowl week was just one week and playing in the Division II ranks is still going to raise some questions.

5. Antoine Winfield Jr., Minnesota, 5-9, 203 pounds

Winfield can be a starting-caliber free safety in the NFL and like his dad, Antoine Winfield Sr., has elite instincts that allow him to overcome his small stature and play larger than his listed size. With that said, you can’t just ignore his less than ideal size and lengthy injury history. That is the reason he is this far down the list.

6. Terrell Burgess, Utah, 5-11, 202 pounds

Burgess has fantastic athleticism to go with impressive instincts. Those make him the total package at safety able to work wonders in a zone-heavy scheme. He can also stick to receivers in man like few safeties can. Like Winfield, Burgess lacks the ideal size you want starting on the back-end and his frame appears tapped out.

7. Brandon Jones, Texas, 5-11, 198 pounds

Jones is a former High School All-American and lived up to that hype with 30 career starts and despite his listed size, has the body to play strong safety in the NFL with an impressive physique. Jones has a ton of tackles to his name, but he is not the most fearsome tackler and rarely gets a solid hit on anybody with the ball instead electing to bring them down by the ankles.

3rd Round

8. Jeremy Chinn, Southern Illinois, 6-3, 221 pounds

Like Jones, Chinn is a perfect fit for the strong safety role in the NFL. Despite coming from an FCS program, Chinn showcased his ability to hang with the big boys during Senior Bowl week. He has the type of attitude and personality to win over a front office. The biggest obstacle in Chinn’s way is still the fact that he played against lower competition in college.

9. Julian Blackmon, Utah, 6-0, 187 pounds

Blackmon has some great film, especially when he is tasked with covering the running back. He can be a versatile weapon for any defense as he can play nickel CB at a high level in addition to safety. Blackmon did have an injury during the PAC-12 Championship that warrants deeper investigation and he doesn’t always have flawless footwork in coverage.

10. K’Von Wallace, Clemson, 5-11, 206 pounds

Wallace is a prototypical free safety, but is versatile enough to lineup wherever asked, just like he demonstrated at Clemson. He was truly the unsung hero of that defense with a resume that includes 36 career starts and a school-record 59 career games played. Wallace does lack ideal size though and his frame appears to be maxed out.

11. J.R. Reed, Georgia, 6-1, 202 pounds

Like Wallace, Reed checks many of the boxes you want in a starting free safety, but he also plays with a unique aggressiveness and can impact the game from the box. He maybe the best safety in this class against the run. Despite being a better fit at free, Reed is not the smoothest in coverage and really struggles when tasked with man assignments.

4th Round

12. Geno Stone, Iowa, 5-10, 207 pounds: Has good instincts in coverage, but needs to clean up tackling.

13. Brian Cole II, Miss. St., 6-2, 213 pounds: Intriguing upside as a strong with limited experience as he transferred from Michigan as a wide receiver to East Mississippi Community College then Miss. St.

14. Jordan Fuller, Ohio St., 6-2, 203 pounds: Has solid range, has to play free as he struggles in the box.

15. Josh Metellus, Michigan, 5-11, 209 pounds: Moves where he wants to with great speed, but sometimes goes to wrong spot.

16. Jeremiah Dinson, Auburn, 5-11, 191 pounds: Instincts make him arguably the best in the class in zone, but his lengthy injury history hurts his stock.

5th Round

17. Antoine Brooks Jr., Maryland, 5-11, 220 pounds: Former linebacker still plays like it and is best when moving towards the line of scrimmage, most obvious fit at strong.

18. Jalen Elliott, Notre Dame, 6-0, 205 pounds: Ideal fit with zone reliant team, but is not the smoothest tackler.

19. Alohi Gilman Notre Dame, 5-10, 201 pounds: Former Navy transfer, fairly versatile with athletic limitations. Best game was against Clemson in 2018 and his best fit is at free.

20. Kamren Curl, Arkansas, 6-1, 206 pounds: Starter since freshman season, provides some versatility, but better fit at strong. Fairly low ceiling but decently high floor.

21. Shyheim Carter, Alabama, 5-11, 194 pounds: Versatile with the ability to play nickel, but lacks ideal athleticism.

6th Round

22. David Dowell, Michigan St., 6-0, 199 pounds: 36 consecutive starts and eight career interceptions isn’t too shabby. Solid free fit.

7th Round

23. Myles Dorn, North Carolina, 6-2, 205 pounds: Solid athlete but too often gets lost, best fit is at free.

24. Jared Mayden, Alabama, 6-0, 205 pounds: Didn’t start until senior season. Fairly versatile, best fit is at strong.

25. Levonta Taylor, Florida St. 5-10, 190 pounds: Great athlete with the versatility and experience to play free safety or corner, but has lengthy injury history.

26. Kenny Robinson, St. Louis (XFL), 6-1, 202 pounds: Decided to go the XFL route after West Virginia, best fit is at strong.

27. Jaquarius Landrews, Mississippi St., 6-0, 200 pounds: Had okay week at NFLPA Bowl, could play strong.

28. Khaleke Hudson, Michigan, 5-11, 224 pounds: Great blitzer, too small to play linebacker and too slow to play safety.

29. Reggie Floyd, Virginia Tech, 6-0, 222 pounds: Like Hudson, stuck as a tweener linebacker/safety, obvious fit at strong.

Priority Free Agent:

30. Jaylinn Hawkins, California, 6-1, 208 pounds

31. Douglas Coleman II, Texas Tech, 6-0, 173 pounds

32. Luther Kirk, Illinois St., 6-4, 194 pounds

33. Jalen Julius, Ole Miss, 5-10, 192 pounds

34. D.Q. Thomas, Southern Miss, 5-10, 220 pounds

35. Daniel Thomas, Auburn, 5-10, 215 pounds

36. Xavier Lewis, Southeastern Louisiana, 5-11, 200 pounds

37. Alijah Halliburton, Wyoming, 6-0, 197 pounds

38. Patrick Nelson, SMU, 6-1, 215 pounds

39. Marc-Antoine Dequoy, Montreal, 6-3, 198 pounds

40. Nigel Warrior, Tennessee, 6-0, 192 pounds

 

 

10 Players the Philadelphia Eagles could target in round-2 of 2020 NFL Draft

10 players the Philadelphia Eagles could target in round-2 of the 2020 NFL Draft

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The NFL draft is now just under two weeks away and although the intrigue has been about what the Eagles will do with their first-round pick, there’s plenty of drama surrounding the second-round as well.

The Eagles will again have pick No. 53 and if Howie Roseman chooses to stand pat, there are a number of intriguing options, including a bevy of talented wide receivers.

The Eagles could choose to go cornerback, safety or linebacker with the pick as well.

We’ve provided a list of ten players the Birds could target in round two of the 2020 NFL Draft.

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Chase Claypool — Notre DameMandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

1. Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame

Considered a second- or third-round pick before the 2020 NFL Combine, Claypool brought back visions of Calvin Johnson with his movements.

At 6-4, 240-pounds with the ability to line up as a tight end, Claypool may have given coaches pause about a position change after he ran a 4.42, making him the first receiver over 230 pounds to run sub-4.45 since Calvin Johnson in 2007.

Claypool is strong, can jump out the gym and could be an option for the Eagles if they move on from Alshon Jeffery.

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2020 NFL Draft: 5 safeties for Bills to consider in second round

Here are five safeties who could be on the board when Buffalo picks on the second day of the draft at No. 54.

The Buffalo Bills first scheduled draft selection won’t occur until Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft, as the team picks at No. 54 overall.

Luckily, the Bills do not have a glaring need on their roster, making this year’s draft quite intriguing. Buffalo’s front office, led by general manager Brandon Beane, can go in a multitude of directions with the pick, leaving quite a bit of interest and uncertainty with whom the Bills could select.

This installment of our position-by-position series looks at the safety prospects and which players could still be on the board when the Bills make their first selection at the upcoming draft:

Buffalo Bills safety Micah Hyde. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Current roster

The Bills aren’t in desperate need for a safety. In fact, they’re really not in need of a safety at all. Jordan Poyer signed a two-year extension that keeps him in Buffalo through 2022. Micah Hyde’s contract, which he signed prior to the 2017 campaign, will expire after the 2021 season. The duo has combined to be one of the most productive safety combinations since their pairing in 2017. 

Dean Marlowe, Siran Neal, and Jaquan Johnson are currently signed as depth players. Neal spent some time playing as the “big” nickel cornerback when called upon. 

Hyde and Poyer are cemented on top of the depth chart. Buffalo could draft a player later in the draft, possibly Day 3, and see if this player can battle for a depth spot. However, they could also look for a player who could play in multiple roles, similar to how Neal is used against certain matchups. 

When the Bills pick in the second round, they have to make the choice of selecting the best player available, who could be a safety, or looking to a position of where greater depth is needed. They might also look for a player who could be the heir apparent to either Hyde or Poyer, since the team lacks any glaring needs on the roster. A safety could be a luxury at this point, giving head coach Sean McDermott another tool to use on defense. 

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