Tag: Leki Fotu

2020 NFL Draft: 4 defensive tackles Chargers should consider

Chargers Wire lists four potential replacement for Brandon Mebane in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Chargers released Brandon Mebane on Friday, which means that there will be another hole to fill this offseason. While they could go with finding one in free agency, they could elect to go with addressing the position in the draft.

With that being said, we have listed four defensive tackles that Los Angeles could be giving a hard look, primarily in the mid to late rounds in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Jordan Elliott, Missouri

Elliott played two seasons at Missouri after transferring from Texas following the 2016 season. In his final season with the Tigers, Elliott posted 31 solo tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. The 6-foot-3 and 303 pounder primarily lined up as a three-technique in Missouri’s defense, but he has the versatility to line up across from the center.  Elliott has the play strength, hand usage and quickness to make his presence known. He needs to develop a better game-plan as a pass-rusher, but how impressive he is against the run should garner the Chargers attention.

Leki Fotu, Utah

Used primarily at the one-technique, Fotu played in 45 career games for the Utes. For his efforts, he earned first team All-Pac-12 honors in 2018 and 2019. He finished his collegiate career with 82 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, four sacks and three passes defensed. Fotu, the 6-foot-5 and 330 pounder has wide hips, meaty thighs and proportionate body thickness. For someone of his size, he has rare movement skills is rangy. He is at his best taking up space by taking on double teams and holding the line of scrimmage. Fotu wins with sheer upper body strength strength and hand usage to make his presence in his backfield. Even though his pass-rushing skills are a work in progress, he is capable of being a solid run defender in Year 1.

Davon Hamilton, Ohio State

After three years as a rotational piece, Hamilton emerged as a starter for the Buckeyes as a senior in 2019, managing 28 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. His six sacks were second only to top draft selection, defensive end Chase Young. The 6-foot-4 and 310 pound Hamilton excels at his job and that’s to take on double teams to allow other members from the front seven to roam freely. Along with the strength and balance against double teams, he has the first-step explosion and hands to disrupt the backfield.

Bravvion Roy, Baylor

Roy played in 48 games, starting 29 for the Bears. In four seasons, he amassed 133 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. At 6-foot-1 and 327 pounds, Roy is a massive human with heavy hands, upper body strength and eyebrow-raising quickness to wear down blockers. He was moved all up and down the line for the Bears, but he would be the ideal candidate to serve as a nose tackle for the Chargers to help aide with clogging up the middle with his point-of-attack power.

2020 NFL draft: Leki Fotu scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Utah defensive line prospect Leki Fotu

Leki Fotu | DL | Utah

Elevator Pitch

Fotu is a mountain of a man that can clog the interior of a defense. Don’t let his size fool you, despite being 330 pounds, Fotu has a bit of quickness to his game. He likely falls into the latter part of day two but he can make strides to be a focal point inside for man teams looking for a nose or one-technique defensive tackle. A penetrating defensive tackle who needs to develop more as a pass rusher.

Vitals

Height | 6-5

Weight | 330

Class | Senior

College Stats

College Bio

Combine Profile

Strengths

The first thing you notice is the size of Fotu. He uses that size and strength well at the point of attack. He can also use his length against offensive lineman when engaging. One on One blocking against Fotu seems very ineffective, teams will need to use double teams against him more often than not.

Uses his hands well in fighting with interior lineman. Uses that quickness off the line to his advantage. When engaged, uses lower body power well to drive blockers into the pocket. Despite his size, shows off motor in pursuit. Given his abilities up front, Fotu is a perfect player in a two-gap defense.

Weaknesses

Leki Fotu is a work in progress in terms of pass rush. He is fairly limited in giving anything on passing downs so he will likely be a two-down tackle early on in his career. He really struggles with leverage due to playing with a narrow base. Lineman are able to get under his pad level to control him in passing situations.

If he doesn’t beat the lineman off the snap, he can be swallowed up by blocking. His inability to counter is another reason that Fotu is in the latter portions of day two conversations. Late in games he seems. to get gassed so conditioning will play a factor.

Projection: Day 3

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Giants trade back, select Mekhi Becton in latest NFL.com mock draft

The New York Giants trade back and select OT Mekhi Becton in latest NFL.com three-round mock draft.

In the latest NFL.com mock draft, analyst Chad Reuter has New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman doing something very uncharacteristic — trading back in the first round.

In Gettleman’s seven trips to the NFL Draft table, he’s never traded back. This year, with his pick — No. 4 overall — a hot ticket, he’ll be getting some offers to move back, and he’s going to have break precedent and pull the trigger.

In Reuter’s three-round mock, Gettleman flips picks in the first round with No. 5 Miami, picking up a second-round pick this year and a mid-rounder next year.

With the fifth pick, Reuter projects Gettleman will select massive Louisville offensive tackle Mekhi Becton after Miami takes Oregon quarterback at No. 4. The first three players Reuter sees being selected are LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals), Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa (Washington Redskins) and Ohio State edge rusher Chase Young (Detroit Lions).

Becton over Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons? Why not? He’s a surer bet. Simmons might be the sexier pick here, but Becton fills a more pressing need and he’s do big and athletic he’ll be hard to pass up. Personally, I would have held out for one of Miami’s other two first-round picks (No. 18 or 26) instead of a second rounder.

In Round 2 at No. 36, the Giants snatch up Wisconsin edge rusher Zack Baun and Utah defensive tackle Leki Fotu at No. 56.

Defense, defense, defense. They need defense. Can’t really argue with this. Baun comes from a long list of solid Badger defenders and Fotu is a 6-foot-5, 335-pound specimen who ran a 5.15 40 at the Combine.

In Round 3, the Giants don’t have their pick (No. 68) having foolishly forked it over the Jets in the Leonard Williams deal, but Reuter has Big Blue grabbing Louisiana Tech cornerback Amik Robertson with the 101st pick, which is scheduled to be awarded to them when the league announces the compensatory draft picks.

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Full Browns post-combine mock draft

A 7-round mock draft for the Cleveland Browns following the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine

Now that the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine is over, it’s time to freshen up the Cleveland Browns mock draft choices.

These projections represent the choices I would make, with a nod to what I expect the Browns would consider realistic options as well. Without further ado…

First round, No. 10 overall

The pick: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

Wirfs is the second OT off the board in this mock, following Mekhi Becton to the Giants at No. 4. He played right tackle for the Hawkeyes and thrived as both a run blocker and pass protector. His outstanding athletic performance at the combine proves he can move to the left side if desired. Considering the Browns need major upgrades at both tackle spots, he’s an easy choice here.

Second round, No. 41 overall

The pick: Antoine Winfield Jr., safety, Minnesota

A natural playmaker with NFL bloodlines and local ties, Winfield is too obvious of a choice to ignore. The Browns don’t currently have anyone at safety who can come close to the productivity Winfield showed in 2019. Injury issues are indeed real, but so is the Pro Bowl potential.

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Third round, No. 74 and No. 90

The picks: Matt Peart, OT, UConn and Leki Fotu, DT, Utah

Building up the lines on both sides of the ball here. Peart is a smooth-moving left tackle who excelled at the Senior Bowl. He can handle the zone scheme the Browns expect to run under Kevin Stefanski. Fotu is the immovable object in the middle of the defensive line, though he does have some ability to disrupt in the backfield too.

Fourth round

The pick: Amik Robertson, CB, Louisiana Tech

A playmaking gnat of slot cornerback, Robertson stands just 5-8. That didn’t stop him in college from picking off 14 passes and consistently undercutting routes with his quickness and fast eyes. His size limits him to playing inside, but the Browns don’t have anyone on the roster who can do that right now.

The Browns do not currently have a fifth-round selection

Sixth round

The pick: Dustin Woodward, OL, Memphis

A four-year starter with experience at both center and guard, Woodward was an All-AAC performer the last two seasons. He’s undersized, playing in the 285 range, but he moves incredibly well. With agility and technique more important than bulk in the new Browns offense, he’s a good late-round fit.

Seventh round

The pick: Easop Winston, WR, Washington State

Winston was a wildly productive wideout in college in an offense familiar to what Baker Mayfield operated. He’s got some length and incredibly sticky hands, and Winston understands how to work back to the QB when things go off-schedule.

Who and what to watch at the 2020 NFL Combine: Interior defensive line

The Lions Wire staff has identified which interior defensive linemen Detroit Lions fans should be watching at the 2020 NFL Combine.

The 2020 NFL Combine on-field workouts begin Thursday, February 27th in Indianapolis but the interior defensive linemen won’t take the field until Saturday, February 29th.

This is the latest in a series of articles leading up to this year’s NFL Combine, where the Lions Wire team has identified players they will be tracking in order to determine potential fits within the organization.

If you missed the previous articles in this series, be sure to check out our quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, and offensive linemen previews.

Interior defensive line traits to evaluate

There are several on-field drills that emphasize a player’s abilities and the main areas Lions’ scouts will likely be focusing for the defensive line are:

  • Balance starts at the knees.
  • Quick feet and lateral mobility.
  • Reaction time.
  • Power in their punch.
  • Head up. See the target, hit the target.

Derrick Brown, Auburn

Suggested by: Erik Schlitt and Ty Finch

A legit option for the Lions at pick No. 3 overall. If he’s their target and they trade back, they need to make sure they don’t go back too far as he is likely to go very early.

Brown is a rare complete defender, capable of being an every-down nose tackle or 3-technique, and can even spend time on the edges at the 5-technique. He is perfectly suited for the Lions scheme because he can 2-gap, reset the line-of-scrimmage with power, as well as use his athleticism to penetrate and get to the ball. At 6-5, 325 pounds, he is an instant upgrade for the Lions at either nose tackle (Damon Harrison’s role) or the 3/5-technique (A’Shawn Robinson’s role).

Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina

Suggested by: Max Gerber, Scott Warheit, and Bryce Rossler

Kinlaw absolutely destroyed South practices at the Senior Bowl, illustrating why he many believe he will hear his name called in the top half of Round 1, and likely in the Top-10.

At 6-5, 315, Kinlaw is close in size to Brown, but they are very different players. Kinlaw is an ideal penetrating 3-technique, who has the strength to also contribute at the 5-technique. With elite length and power, he will appeal to the Lions, but he can get too upright at times which could potentially hurt him when trying to hold his gap — a staple in the Lions scheme. For a team that values interior penetration from their defensive linemen, Kinlaw could be ranked ahead of Brown on some draft boards.

Ross Blacklock, TCU

Suggested by: Zack Moran

If the Lions pass on a defensive tackle in the first round, Blacklock could be an option at No. 35 — if he lasts that long.

Projected to check in at 6-4, 331 pounds, Blacklock has positional range similar to Brown, but his skills are not as refined. Blacklock’s length, first-step quickness, and athleticism make him better suited for the Lions 3/5T role rather than the anchor spot in the middle. If he improves his ability to hold his gaps he has the potential to be an impactful player in the Lions scheme.

Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma

Suggested by: Jeff Risdon

Gallimore was a nose tackle in Oklahoma’s three-man front, but he earned that role, not because of his size (6-2, 304), but because of his ability to win with tenacity and violence. Very athletic for his size, Gallimore was a gap penetrator in college but he has the skill set to be a potential 2-gapper at the next level.

Marlon Davidson, Auburn

Suggested by: Derek Okrie

Davidson played an edge role at Auburn, similar to the down defensive end role on the Lions, but at the next level, he would likely fit in as a “big defensive end”, the role Da’Shawn Hand plays in Detroit. At nearly 300-pounds and the ability to play from the 3- to the 7-technique, he has the potential to have a Hand-like impact at the next level in the right system with improved power.

Raekwon Davis, Alabama

Suggested by: Sonja Greenfield

Since Matt Patricia took over as coach of the Lions, one rule for evaluating prospects has always held true — if a prospect played defense at Alabama, they’ll fit the Lions scheme. Davis’ game begins with his power and his ability to control offensive lineman, which is paramount in the Lions scheme. His run defense is top-notch but offers very little in the way of a pass rush or burst to the ball.

Leki Fotu, Utah

Suggested by: Scott Bischoff

Checking in at 6-5.5, 337 pounds at the Senior Bowl, Fotu is a mountain of a man who is strong enough to live at the 0- and 1-technique roles. Fotu’s game is drenched in power and his ability to 2-gap and anchor the middle of the defensive line makes him a natural replacement for Damon Harrison. He doesn’t offer much in the way of pass-rushing but he’s more athletic than what you’d expect at first glance and has yet to reach his developmental ceiling.

Darrion Daniels, Nebraska

Suggested by: Matt Urben

Daniels is a try-hard nose tackle, who needs to add more functional power in order to be capable of contributing from the middle of a defensive line. He has good foot quickness but the lack of strength allows him to lose his contact balance and thus give up gaps. Daniels’ high character and energy level will endure him to coaches, but he may need time on the practice squad to develop.

8 prospects for Broncos fans to keep tabs on in Senior Bowl

Fans of the Denver Broncos should be watching these eight players during the 2020 Senior Bowl.

The 2020 Senior Bowl takes place this Saturday and while college All-Star games are far from the most interesting things, for a football junkie, it gives some insight into which players might be great at the professional level.

For fans of the Denver Broncos, a team with multiple needs in order to improve the team, this game will be chock-full of players to keep an eye on.

Who knows, one or more of these guys could be wearing blue and orange in the near future.

1. Leki Fotu, defensive tackle, Utah (North team)

(Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports)

Fotu stands 6-5 and comes in at over 320 pounds, making him an imposing force in the middle of any defensive line. He is stout against the run but is likely only a two-down defender.

If the Broncos were to lose a player like Shelby Harris to free agency, a guy like Fotu would be an option in the draft to help add depth to a defensive line that is going to need some work this offseason.

2. Malik Harrison, linebacker, Ohio State (North team)

(Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports)

The Broncos could shoot to upgrade the inside linebacker position this offseason and Harrison would do that.

The linebacker from Ohio State should be a starter at the next level as he is a thumper when making tackles and a hammer against the run. With some coaching, he can acquire better skills to defend the pass to be a true three-down player.

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PFF identifies perfect early/late-round fits for Chargers in 2020 NFL draft

Pro Football Focus identifies the perfect early/late-round fits for Chargers in the 2020 NFL draft.

With the 2019 season in the rearview, all attention has shifted to what the Los Angeles Chargers can do to their roster this offseason to ensure that an underwhelming campaign doesn’t repeat itself in 2020.

The 2020 NFL draft is one of the biggest events where the Chargers can pull out a slew of young talent.

Pro Football Focus recently identified the perfect fits for every non-playoff team in the early and late-round.

Sitting with the No. 6 overall selection, Los Angeles will have plenty of the top prospects available when they’re on the clock. Given the huge need to address the offensive line, PFF has former Georgia offensive tackle Andrew Thomas as the perfect fit for the early-round.

[Insert offensive tackle here] The name really doesn’t matter here, as it’s a very deep tackle class at the top. What matters is that they take advantage of it.

Thomas, the 6-foot-5 and 318 pounder has the athleticism and skill set to keep edge rushers at bay in pass protection. He has experience at both left and right tackle, possessing the talent to be a plug-and-play offensive tackle on either side for the Chargers.

Thomas will be a highly coveted prospect throughout the pre-draft process. If the Chargers wish to draft their quarterback of the future in the first-round, they will still have a great chance of landing an offensive tackle with starting upside in Round 2.

The perfect late-round fit for the Chargers that PFF identified is former Utah defensive tackle Leki Fotu.

Brandon Mebane has been a placeholder at the nose for a couple of years now. The 335-pound Fotu has the chance to be a real playmaker at the position after earning an 83.8 run-defense grade this past season.

Fotu, the 6-foot-5 and 325 pound defensive tackle has the speed, power, length, body control and mismatch ability to cause fits for NFL interior offensive linemen, where he would aid in the pass rush and run defense department.

Fotu would be a solid addition to a defensive line that still needs a boost, especially if they elect to move on from Mebane.

Perfect offseason gift for Chargers at each position of need

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez has the perfect offseason gift for the Los Angeles Chargers at each position of need.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

In the spirit of the holiday season and the offseason coming up, we decided to gift the Los Angeles with the most ideal acquisition at each position of need, using the 2020 NFL draft and free agency as our outlets.

Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images

Quarterback — Tua Tagavailoa

Some fans are going to view this as a gift, while others will consider it coal because of the durability concerns with Tua. With teams in front of them like the Dolphins that will be in the market for the quarterback, it’s not guaranteed that he will be there when they are picking. But if he is, it should almost be a no-brainer.

Tagavailoa is a perfect fit for the Bolts as they start a new journey in SoFi Stadium. With the desire to bring fans to the stadium, Tua would do just that since he has been one of the most polarizing players in college football. Since he probably won’t be able to play much in his rookie campaign, he would be able to sit in Year 1, whether that be behind Philip Rivers or Tyrod Taylor and then take the reins in his second season.

Offensive tackle — Jack Conklin

The Chargers will be looking to add a long-term option at the right tackle position to replace Sam Tevi. Tom Telesco has a track record of finding gems along offensive line via free agency, and this would be an absolute home run.

Conklin, who is in the prime of his career, has allowed just 9.5 sacks in his four-year stint since being selected in the first-round of the 2016 NFL draft. In 2019, he’s allowed two sacks, but is currently on a streak of 11-straight games without one allowed.

Cornerback — James Bradberry

The Chargers could shore up their secondary by adding a stud opposite of CB Casey Hayward. Hayward was acquired via free agency and Telesco could make another splash by looking in the pool to find one of the league’s most underrated corners.

At the age of 26, Bradberry is entering his prime. He has defended nine passes along with a career-high three interceptions this season. His best season came in 2018 when he defended 15 passes, posted two interceptions, forced a fumble and recorded a sack.

Wide receiver — Brandon Aiyuk

Let’s say the Chargers are able to cross off the offensive tackle and cornerback position with those two acquisitions, they would then be able to find a talented wideout in the draft as early as Round 2. Insert the yards after the catch king.

Aiyuk, the 6-foot and 203 pounder is a speedster who is able to create when the ball is in his hands. He possesses the breakaway skills and balance to zip right past defenders that are in pursuit, which is exactly the type of player Los Angeles would love to add to an already talented wide receiver corps.

Defensive tackle — Leki Fotu

Nose tackle Brandon Mebane is close to calling it quits, which means that they will have to find his successor. Fotu would be a solid addition in the mid-rounds to add to an interior defensive line that’s still a work in progress.

Fotu, the 6-foot-5 and 325 pound defensive tackle has the speed, power, length, body control and mismatch ability to cause fits for NFL interior offensive linemen, where he would aid in the run defense department.

Interior offensive line — Calvin Throckmorton

The Chargers love to find athletic offensive linemen that have the ability to play both inside and outside. Throckmorton, the 6-foot-5 and 318 pounder, would be the perfect mid-round addition to an offensive line that will be under construction.

Throckmorton, who has played every single position except left guard for the Ducks, is a powerful player who has solid pass protection technique, an anchor and the toughness to be a consistent starter in the league by Year 2.

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Jags address needs at CB, WR and in the trenches in Draft Wire mock

The Jags addressed several needs in Draft Wire’s latest mock ranging from cornerback, to wide receiver, to help in the trenches.

There was once excitement surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars and what they could do in the regular season, but that has died down. This month the team played themselves out of playoff contention, so now it’s on to the draft in the minds of fans.

With the way things have gone, fans are also hoping for sweeping changes in the front, and if that happens, they will at least have the excitement of a new regime making the picks. However, we’ll have to get to the end of December to see what Shad Khan decides to truly do.

Regardless of the Jags pending situations, the mock drafts haven’t stopped coming in and our comrade at Draft Wire, Luke Easterling, compiled another one this week. In it, he had the Jags addressing pressing needs throughout Rounds 1-4, starting with an attempt to replace their best player (formerly) in cornerback Jalen Ramsey with the selection of Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah, then taking a weapon on offense in Clemson receiver Tee Higgins.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State

After trading one of the NFL’s best corners, the Jags need to replace Jalen Ramsey with one of their multiple first-round picks in this draft. They luck out here, as this year’s top cover man falls to them at this pick. Okudah is a complete player who can make an immediate impact at a premium position of need.

Okudah would be a solid pick within the top-10 selections, especially when considering the fact that there has been a drop-off at cornerback since Ramsey left. Scouts seem to think Okudah can be a great man-to-man defender, though he’s no slouch in zone coverage. They also like his athleticism and hip fluidity.

Here’s what Easterling had to say about Higgins:

20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR)

Tee Higgins | WR | Clemson

After getting a defensive playmaker in the top 10, the Jags need to use their additional first-rounder in this draft to give their offensive a true No. 1 receiver for whoever ends up throwing passes next season. Higgins has a rare combination of size, length, athleticism and body control.

The Jags could certainly use a No. 2 to pair with DJ Chark Jr., who is having a breakout season. Chris Conley has struggled with drops and hasn’t been overly impressive as a free-agent signing, while it’s hard to tell if Dede Westbrook will be what he was at college because the Jags aren’t utilizing him right. With that being the case, a new staff could want another threat on the outside with the mindset to possibly move Westbrook into the slot.

Afterward, Easterling had the Jags selecting two picks in the trenches in Rounds 2-3

40. Jacksonville Jaguars | Calvin Throckmorton | OL | Oregon

71. Jacksonville Jaguars | Leki Fotu | DL | Utah

Calvin Throckmorton is a player who would give the Jags versatility on the offensive line, which is a unit a lot of fans are the most concerned with. At 6-foot-6, 310-pounds, some shockingly like him at guard better, which would be fine for the Jags as Andrew Norwell and A.J. Cann aren’t consistently playing at a high level.

Leki Fotu is a player who has played a key role in leading one of college football’s most underrated defensive lines at Utah. At 6-foot-6, 335-pounds, Fotu has unreal strength and could anchor the Jags interior defensive line that is ranked next to last in rushing defense. He’ll need to work on coming out of his stance lower and developing pass rush moves when he’s in the league, but could be coached up to flourish with the right teachers on the staff.