Tag: Quinn Meinerz

Rams, OL coach Kevin Carberry meet with C Quinn Meinerz again

The Rams are showing plenty of interest in Quinn Meinerz, a Division III center prospect.

The Rams can’t hide their interest in adding a center in the draft, especially with Austin Blythe set to hit free agency. One prospect has emerged as a particularly intriguing target for the Rams, too.

Quinn Meinerz of Wisconsin-Whitewater met with the Rams for a second time recently, according to Justin Melo of The Draft Network, and this time the videoconference included offensive line coach Kevin Carberry.

That’s an important factor to note because it shows the Rams are gaining interest and gathering information on the Division III prospect, who could be a target in the second or third round for the Rams.

Center will be a major position of need unless Blythe re-signs with the Rams, and Meinerz is one of the most intriguing prospects available. He played well at the Senior Bowl, which the Rams always put a lot of stock in.

Meinerz can also play guard, too, which would give the Rams some added flexibility on the offensive line in case of injury.

Lions check out Senior Bowl star Quinn Meinerz at his pro day

The Lions sent collegiate scouting director Ron Miles to the pro day

Quinn Meinerz made a name for himself with a strong showing during January’s Senior Bowl practices. The bruising guard from Wisconsin-Whitewater more than held his own against the major conference players despite hailing from the D-III wilderness.

The likely Day 2 prospect held his pro day on Tuesday, and the Detroit Lions were in attendance — as was most of the league. The Lions sent collegiate scouting director Ron Miles to Whitewater to personally oversee the workout. In all, 29 teams attended the pro day, an astonishing number for a D-III program.

The testing numbers help explain the allure. At 320 pounds, Meinerz ran very well and posted impressive numbers in the explosive metrics like vertical and broad jumps. It reinforced his impressive turn in Mobile, where he also looked comfortable playing center as well as guard.

The Lions aren’t necessarily in the market for an offensive lineman early in the draft, but Meinerz sure fit the bill of the kind of kneecap-biting player head coach Dan Campbell desires.

2021 NFL draft pro day watch: March 10th

2021 NFL draft pro day watch: March 10th includes Wisconsin and Arkansas

The collegiate pro day workout circuit hits a few intriguing prospects on Wednesday, March 10th.

Wisconsin Badgers

The Wisconsin program lacks the top-flight talent of recent years, but there are still a couple of interesting players who will work out for scouts in Madison. Offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen is a Day 3 tackle prospect with some potential to outplay that draft position. Cornerback Rachad Wildgoose plays with physicality and alacrity, though he’s been a penalty machine with his holding. If his technique cleans up, Wildgoose has the traits to be an NFL starter.

Arkansas Razorbacks

There will be a lot of prospects who have worn multiple uniforms at the Arkansas pro day. Most prominent is QB Feleipe Franks, a live-armed transfer from Florida who has a lot of raw talent. Former Clemson DT Xavier Kelly and RB Rakeem Boyd, famous from his appearance on Last Chance U., will also try and convince an NFL team to take a chance on them in April.

Northern Illinois, Maryland and Marshall will also hold their pro days on Wedensday.

4-round 2021 mock draft focuses on Bills’ O-line

NFL.com four-round 2021 NFL Draft mock for the Buffalo Bills including Jalen Mayfield, Jabril Cox.

NFL.com recently took on a big undertaking. Analyst Chad Reuter released a massive four-round mock ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft.

For the Bills, the task was a bit easier though.

Thanks to Buffalo’s trade for Stefon Diggs a year ago, the Bills don’t have a fourth-round pick. That went to the Minnesota Vikings in the deal, so Buffalo only has picks in the first three rounds. With those, NFL.com’s use two of those selections on the Bills’ offensive line.

Here’s a full breakdown of the Bills’ picks in the new four-round mock draft via NFL.com:

Report: Colts recently met with OL prospect Quinn Meinerz

Colts keeping an eye on the Division-III prospect.

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The Indianapolis Colts reportedly met recently and virtually with Wisconsin-Whitewater offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz ahead of the 2021 NFL draft, per Justin Melo of The Draft Network.

A standout from the Senior Bowl, Meinerz comes from the Division-III world of football and most are projecting him as a guard at the next level, most likely due to his size (6-foot-3, 320 pounds) and arm length (33 inches).

Here’s what Matthew Valdovinos of Pro Football Network had to say about Meinerz:

Meinerz projects as a quality guard in the NFL. He has the strength, motor, and experience to start as a rookie on the interior offensive line. Any team with a need at the guard or even possible center spots should consider him. His athletic ability and level of competition will likely prevent teams from taking him on Day 2, but the start of Day 3 is where he should start drawing consideration.

The Colts will be looking to add offensive line depth this offseason. They have to find their replacement for Anthony Castonzo at left tackle and while Quenton Nelson could move to that spot, the Colts still need to bring in more depth.

Because of the lack of competition and tape at the Division-III level, Meinerz is likely coming off the board during Day 3 of the draft with the chance he could develop into a starter.

The draft is still roughly two months away but the Colts continue to do their homework on every prospect.

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Report: Dolphins fond of small school draft prospect from Senior Bowl

Report: Dolphins fond of small school draft prospect from Senior Bowl

With the 2021 offseason featuring some abnormal conditions surrounding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it can be expected that the Miami Dolphins, one of the two teams to coach players at the 2021 Senior Bowl, find themselves fond of several talents that they got to work with hand in hand for several days at the end of January. This year’s Senior Bowl will be the single biggest draft event of the cycle and Miami’s exposure to a full roster of talent will boost the confidence Miami has that they’re getting the right kinds of players for their program.

And now we have our first report of a Senior Bowl talent to catch the eye of the Dolphins’ team. No, we aren’t talking about receiver Devonta Smith or running back Najee Harris, either — but rather small-school interior offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz. The report, which comes from Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, indicates that Meinerz grabbed the Dolphins’ attention during the week despite not playing any football in 2020.

“We hear the Dolphins really like Wisconsin Whitewater center/guard Quinn Meinerz, who played for the Dolphins coaching staff’s team in the Senior Bowl.” – Barry Jackson, Miami Herald

Of course they do. Remember, presumed co-offensive coordinator Eric Studesville is also an alumni of Wisconsin Whitewater — so there’s a natural tie in for Miami’s coaching staff. But Miami also likes big offensive lineman, which is another box that Meinerz checks. And, of course, this is a Dolphins program that is not afraid to take on players with more developmental projections than many other teams across the league. The Dolphins can operate with a certain level of comfort and stability thanks to their upward trajectory, the team success with outperforming expectations in two consecutive seasons and the commitment the team has from team owner Stephen Ross.

General managers and coaches on less stable teams from a job security perspective will be more prone to shy away from developing a Division III lineman, as they don’t have the time to see that kind of investment through if they don’t win games. The pressure lies in winning now.

For the Dolphins, they’ve proven they can do both. And so of course they would have a soft spot for Meinerz, who took extremely well to their coaching for a week in January. The question is how high the team will be willing to target him in April if they want to secure his services.

6 Chargers offensive free agent, draft ‘crushes’

With Valentine’s Day here, Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez shares his 2021 NFL draft and free agent crushes for Los Angeles.

‘Tis the season for finding or celebrating your perfect match, and the Chargers will be searching for their own when the 2021 offseason begins.

With the hopes of making a run next season, Los Angeles should push really hard to land six of these offensive players to compliment Offensive Rookie of the Year Justin Herbert.

Let’s take a look at which players the Bolts should love:

OT Trent Williams, 49ers

While Sam Tevi had a decent 2020 season, he will be a free agent this offseason. Williams was one the best offensive players for the 49ers in a injury-ravaged season. The 32-year old, who sat our all of 2019 due to a dispute with The Football Team, regained his All-Pro form with San Francisco. Williams earned a 91.9-grade this past season, the highest of any tackle in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus. Even though he’s getting up there in age, he’s still proven to play the position at a high level, and he would serve well as a stop-gap option.

OL Brandon Scherff, Redskins

Scherff, the four-time Pro Bowler, allowed only one sack and was flagged for just one penalty in 13 games in 2020. A wall in pass protection, Scherff graded as the seventh-best guard in the league this year, per Pro Football Focus. The 29-year old was voted All-Pro in 2020, marking the first of his career. The former Iowa product has battled through some injuries, but he has overcame them and has managed to continue to still play at a high level. With Forrest Lamp and Trai Turner’s future up in the air, Scherff would be an immediate upgrade.

OL Rashawn Slater, Northwestern

The Chargers should use their first-round pick on an offensive lineman and if Slater’s available at No. 13 overall, it should be a no-brainer. Slater’s production in his final season at Northwestern was eyebrow-raising as he only gave up five pressures in 787 total snaps. Slater opted out of the 2020 season to prepare for the draft, but the year before that he stymied Chase Young, No. 2 overall selection of the 2020 NFL draft en route to receiving a 90.1 grade, per PFF. Slater doesn’t possess ideal height or length and could be moved inside, but his athletic skill set and overall technique project well as a premiere blind-side protector.

OT Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State

Radunz only played in one game this past season, but he made 32 consecutive starts at left tackle to close out his collegiate career and the Bison went 32-0 in those games. While he needs to get better at finishing blocks, Radunz has the athleticism, range, foot quickness and run-blocking temperament needed for the NFL. With Los Angeles, Radunz is capable of playing either tackle or guard. While he develops more mass and add bulk to his frame, his skillset suggests a high ceiling. If he’s available when Los Angeles is on the clock in the second-round, it would be a home run selection.

OL Quinn Meinerz, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Projected as a sixth/seventh-round pick coming into the Senior Bowl, the Division III product made his case to be selected within the top-100 picks. Against the nation’s top defensive linemen, Meinerz was a wall in pass protection and a road-grader in the run game, putting defenders on the turf. On film, Meinerz is a strong, mauling linemen who shows the awareness and power to deliver a blow to defenders. He projects as a center at the next level, but he has the versatility to fill in at every spot along the interior part of the offensive line.

WR Cornell Powell, Clemson

The Chargers could afford to add another target for Herbert this offseason and a player like Powell could a long way. Powell, the 6-foot and 210 pounder, is coming off the best season of his career in 2020 as a redshirt senior. In 12 games, Powell recorded 53 receptions for 882 yards and seven touchdowns. Powell is a well-built receiver who has the route savvy and suddenness in his breaks to separate along with the good body control, awareness and solid hands along the sidelines.

Meet Quinn Meinerz, the small-school stud Chargers should consider drafting

Get familiar with the small-school stud who turned heads at the Senior Bowl.

I spent this last week down in Mobile, AL for the Reese’s Senior Bowl, a prestigious college football all-star game, where over a hundred of the top senior prospects showcase themselves in front of a crop of NFL personnel.

I was fortunate enough to sit down and talk to former University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz to pick his brain and get an inside look at his mindset going into this year’s draft.

Vitals

Height | 6-3

Weight | 320

College Bio Page

Chargers Fit

Quinn Meinerz should be a inside contributor inside at the next level, despite the jump in competition. Meinerz is a strong, mauling linemen who shows the awareness and power to deliver a blow to defenders. He projects as a center, but he has the versatility to fill in at every spot along the interior part of the offensive line, primarily in a power scheme.

Round Projection: 3rd-4th

Highlights

Describe your time at the Senior Bowl.

My time at the Senior Bowl was awesome. Coming from someone who didn’t have a football season, it felt great to put the pads back on and go practice against some of the best players in the country. It was cool to play with some of the other players that had their season affected by COVID-19, like North Dakota State’s Dillon Radunz and Northern Iowa’s Spencer Brown. My favorite part about the Senior Bowl was learning a new position. There were a lot of things against me, but I took advantage of the opportunity I had.

With you not having a season, what did you do to keep your body in shape?

For the most part, a lot of my work was with Brad Arnette, owner of NX Level Sports. He took me in as a super raw athlete and started molding me into becoming a professional. I was able to take advantage of my tools going virtual after a certain point in November. I spent three weeks with Duke Manyweather. Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater and myself were able to be workout partners, and I learned a lot from Duke. I’ve never been in a two-point stance in my entire life. It was different, but he helped me perfect my stance and how to perform like a professional offensive lineman.

What do you enjoy the most about playing on the offensive line?

My favorite is how physical it is in the trenches. For me, I like when the offensive line is together and feel the groove that we are in, especially when we are running the ball really well or passing off twists.

All of your experience comes at guard, but you played center in Mobile. What position do you think you’ll play at the next level?

Before the Senior Bowl I would say that I’m a guard only. But after last week, I feel extremely comfortable snapping the ball and being in that stance at the point of attack. To answer your question, I feel comfortable at all three spots along the interior.

Is there a scheme that you prefer to play in at the next level?

I really enjoy playing in a power scheme. Let’s get double teams, move defensive linemen and go up to the linebackers. I think it’s good that you have a really good power football team and a team that can also get to the edge and that’s where I can use my athleticism and my speed to get to the edge. So while I’m efficient at the point of attack at the center position, I can also be good when needed to pull.

Do you have a preferred pass set?

Yes, I’d say I’m more of an aggressive pass-setter. I don’t like to kick back and wait for a defensive lineman. I like to attack and force them to make their move early. If not, jump set, grab them and enter the fight early. With me being a smaller interior offensive lineman, I am going to have to figure out different ways to win and closing that gap quickly, especially against defensive linemen with length, should be the most optimal way for me.

What’s your favorite way to demoralize your opponent?

I think it’s consistent aggression throughout the entire game and my unwillingness to quit and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make my opponent quit, whether that’s constantly pancaking him to the ground or pushing him to the end of the whistle, or if it’s a long run, then making sure I’m out-running him.

How do you react if someone delivers a late hit on your quarterback?

That’s unacceptable and I will do whatever he does but worse.

What quarterback would you like to block for in the NFL?

A big, physical quarterback.

How are some offensive linemen that you model your game after?

When I was playing guard in college, I would watch a lot of Colts’ Quenton Nelson. A lot of things I did and the style of play are very similar, both very physical and a mauler type of blocking. As I recently played more center, I have been watching a lot Buccaneers’ Ryan Jensen. Jensen is a big, mean and always looking for contact.

What kind of impact is Quinn Meinerz going to make at the next level?

I’m going to come in and constantly have a chip on my shoulder and try to be as physical as possible all the time. I’m a huge believer in the way you practice is how you are going to play. I bring a positive mental attitude all of the time in the locker room. I think there’s not a lot of positive energy in today’s world and I’m one who can set the mood.

6 potential Chargers prospects who stood out from Day 2 of Senior Bowl

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez updates you on the prospects he believes received attention from Los Angeles on Day 2 of the Senior Bowl.

Day 2 of practices at the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl have officially come to an end.

After experiencing some rain, the weather held up a lot better in Mobile, AL.

There were a handful of prospects that stood out today, some of which capitalized on yesterday’s performance and a few that made their first cases.

With that being said, here are six players that shined who could be on the Chargers’ radar:

IOL Quinn Meinerz, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

The Senior Bowl is notorious for bringing in small-school prospects who show that the competition is not too big for them. This year, it’s Meinerz. The former Division III has lined up both at center and guard, where he’s been a wall in pass protection and a road-graded in the run game, putting defenders on the turf. Projected as a sixth/seventh-round pick coming into the event, Meinerz is making his case to be selected within the top-100 picks. Given the Chargers’ need up front, the team could benefit from Meinerz’s services.

OT James Hudson, Cincinnati

After not allowing a single sack and only giving up six total pressures this past season, Hudson has still gone under the radar. However, he’s making his case to be a solid mid-round selection come April. In the one-on-one drills, the former defensive lineman is showing off lower body athleticism, a wide base, aggressive hands and competitive temperament to stay square to rushers. Hudson’s technique is still a work in progress, but he has potential to be a high upside starter at tackle.

EDGE Elerson Smith, UNI

While Hudson and Meinerz shined, there were a few defensive linemen that got the most out of the guys up front, including Smith. Smith has all the necessary traits at the position; length, flexibility and athleticism. Today, he showed great usage to work inside of offensive linemen’s frames and the burst off the line of scrimmage. In 2019, Smith had 14 sacks, 22 tackles for loss and five forced fumbles. The 6-foot-7 and 255 pounder is a guy that’s likely going to go on Day 3, but will exceed expectations early on.

DL Cameron Sample, Tulane

If the Chargers want someone who can affect the quarterback from multiple alignments, Sample is the guy. Lining up outside and inside, Sample was in the backfield on a consistent basis. He came in at 6-foot-2 and 274 pounds, Sample was moving like a guy 30 pounds lighter. Sample showed great change of direction, explosiveness and quickness off the line of scrimmage and quick hands to clear his frame. Sample is a player who could rise into the top-100 picks.

CB Keith Taylor, Washington

I’ve mentioned before, head coach Brandon Staley covets good defensive back play in his system. Taylor, the 6-foot-3 and 195 corner is someone who could intrigue. At his best in zone coverage, Taylor has also shown a great understanding of technique and understanding of routes in man coverage, sticking to some of the top wideouts down the field. Taylor didn’t produce any interceptions in college, but while Taylor has inconsistent ball skills to create turnovers, he displays the athleticism, competitiveness and length to stay attached to receivers.

CB Aaron Robinson, UCF

Robinson was another defensive back who made some eyebrow-raising plays. Coming in at at 6-foot-1 and 193 pounds, Robinson locked up receivers in one-on-ones, playing tough and physical at the line of scrimmage to affect the release and timing of routes. He also showed the speed and hip fluidity to turn and run with receivers after the initial press. Overall, he was super sticky all day. Robinson has shown the versatility to play outside corner, nickel corner, strong safety and outside linebacker.