Tag: scouting report

Chiefs scouting report: UCLA Bruins LB Carson Schwesinger

The Kansas City #Chiefs could look to target a player like UCLA #Bruins linebacker Carson Schwesinger in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs need to channel their free agent spending toward fixing their offensive line, secondary, and receiving corps.

That reality may leave star linebacker Nick Bolton, who is set to be a free agent at the end of the season, on the chopping block and may open the door for Chiefs general manager Brett Veach to select the veteran’s replacement in the 2025 NFL draft.

At 6’2″, 225 lbs., UCLA Bruins linebacker Carson Schwesinger struggles to stack and shed blocks. However, he’s a fantastic athlete with excellent closing burst, range, speed, and fluidity in the open field. His acceleration, loose hips, and arm length should make him a riser throughout the pre-draft non-contact evaluation process at his pro day and the NFL Combine.

Schwesinger’s vision and instincts as a run defender help him find unimpeded paths to the football. He patiently sits at the second level, waiting for a lane to the ball carrier to open. Schwesinger locks in on running backs and mirrors their movements to meet them in the hole.

Offensive linemen drive Schwesinger out of plays with little difficulty, but the redshirt junior uses his speed to beat linemen to their landmarks. He also dodges or slips blocks with his agility. Schwesinger’s pursuit speed and impressive motor make him a threat to run down ball carriers at all areas of the field.

Schwesinger’s awareness and instincts in coverage need to continue developing, but his athletic tools make him a promising coverage linebacker. He brackets slot receivers down the seam with good inside leverage and takes away running backs or tight ends working at the short to intermediate levels.

Schwesinger must play with more discipline. He bites on misdirection and falls for eye candy in the backfield, which causes him to abandon his assignments in coverage. Even with these flaws, Schwesinger projects as a top 100 selection.

Chiefs scouting report: Toledo Rockets DT Darius Alexander

The Kansas City #Chiefs should consider selecting Toledo Rockets defensive tackle Darius Alexander in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs struggle to generate pressure from the interior of their defensive line when Chris Jones isn’t on the field. The team should select a defensive tackle in the 2025 NFL draft to add depth and pass rush potential.

Toledo Rockets standout Darius Alexander might be Texas defensive tackle Alfred Collins in disguise. The two possess similar elite physical traits and rare movement skills for their size. Collins is a little taller and longer than Alexander, but the Toledo product still stands out as a freak athlete among this year’s defensive tackles.

Alexander is a tall, thick 6’4″, 310 lb. defensive tackle with long arms. He gets off the line and exchanges gaps quickly for a large lineman. This gives him value shooting gaps and penetrating the backfield with his athletic traits.

Alexander’s pass rush plan includes club-swims, long-arms, push-pulls, spins and swims. His hands display flashes of pop that displace offensive linemen. Alexander uses his length to pry up the guard’s pad level and gradually walk him back into the pocket. His hands are hyperactive but often lack a refined purpose, and he doesn’t have instant-win pass rush moves.

Alexander doesn’t anchor against the run at an elite level. He resets the line of scrimmage by knocking offensive linemen backward but times his anchor poorly. He fails to maximize his length, which leads to missed opportunities to shed blocks. Double teams easily displace Alexander because of his high pad level.

Alexander posts some dominant one-on-one wins in run defense but needs to become more consistent in that area of his game.

Toledo qualified for a bowl game. Even if Alexander opts out to prepare for the draft, there’s still another chance for fans to see him in uniform. He committed to attending the Senior Bowl alongside teammate Maxen Hook. The Senior Bowl is the nation’s premier all-star event, drawing top prospects from across the country.

Chiefs scouting report: LSU Tigers CB Zy Alexander

LSU #Tigers cornerback Zy Alexander should be on the Kansas City #Chiefs’ radar in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs made the right decision when they traded L’Jarius Sneed to Tennessee, but the team still needs to find a stable starting option to play across from Trent McDuffie. Several mid-round prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft offer the developmental upside to fill that role eventually.

LSU Tigers standout Zy Alexander is a tall, long-limbed corner unofficially listed at 6’2″, 194 lbs. The accuracy of his punches in press needs to improve, but he posts some impressive reps jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage. His length advantage also shows up at the catch point. Alexander tracks the ball well for interceptions and rakes the receiver’s hands to strip potential receptions.

Alexander quickly transitions from his backpedal to forward drive in off-man coverage. He lacks ideal long speed but shows impressive closing burst when attacking downhill or jumping short routes. He’s a willing run defender who rolls downhill to set the edge and prevent running backs from building momentum. His eagerness to fit the run isn’t consistent.

Alexander reads the quarterback’s eyes in zone coverage to cheat on routes and set up potential interceptions. His vision and instincts help him seamlessly transition between threats and gain the necessary depth to eliminate routes in the deeper portion of the field.

Alexander allows separation during the middle portion of fade routes in man coverage but showcases the recovery speed to reconnect with the receiver and make a play on the ball. This speed vulnerability is his greatest limiting factor as a prospect.

LSU’s regular season ended with its 37-17 win against Oklahoma. The Tigers qualified for a bowl game, but many draft prospects forgo those competitions and start preparing for the draft. Alexander is one of four Tigers who committed to participating in the East-West Shrine Bowl, one of the top two all-star events in the country.

Chiefs scouting report: Toledo Rockets DB Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

Toledo Rockets safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren would be a nice addition for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl LVIII thanks in large part to their elite defense outdueling a talented San Francisco 49ers offense. Kansas City’s defense still features plenty of talent, but the unit took a step back this season. The Chiefs should add new defensive rotational pieces and depth through the 2025 NFL Draft.

Toledo Rockets safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is a tall, 6’2″, 202 lb. safety with good arm length. He played everywhere for the Rockets, including lining up in off-man coverage over the slot option and playing press-man against Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin Jr. McNeil-Warren also saw snaps in the box and single-high and two-high coverage shells.

McNeil-Warren won’t offer value in the NFL in single-high and press-man assignments because he lacks the elite range and speed to fulfill those roles against higher-level competition. He anticipates throws and reads and baits quarterbacks into throwing interceptions, which makes him a good fit for Cover 2.

McNeil-Warren mirrors routes well from off-man and quickly closes to limit yards after the catch. He flies downhill with nice burst but takes poor angles to the football. McNeil-Warren is a master of punching and ripping the ball out. Last season, he forced four fumbles. He only received credit for forcing one fumble this season but arguably made two other strips.

McNeil-Warren is an eager run defender and a good wrap-up tackler. He weaves through traffic in the box to reach the running back and stays square when striking his intended target.

McNeil-Warren projects as a fourth-round selection who could get bumped up if he tests well.

Toledo’s regular season is over, but the team’s 7-5 record qualifies them for a bowl game. Recent trends point toward top prospects like McNeil-Warren not participating in those games, but there’s a chance he’ll suit up one last time.

Chiefs scouting report: LSU Tigers DT Paris Shand

The Kansas City #Chiefs could take a swing on LSU #Tigers defensive tackle Paris Shand late in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs need to add depth and developmental young talent to their defensive interior through the 2025 NFL Draft. Shand is one of several late-round options with the physical tools to catch Kansas City’s attention during the pre-draft process.

Betting on athletic and physical traits is the best way to land a gem late in the draft. Listed at 6’4″, 275 lbs., LSU Tigers defensive lineman Paris Shand is a ball of clay still waiting for the right opportunity to be molded into a complete player. He bounced between playing defensive end and defensive tackle at LSU. Deciding on his permanent position is the first step in his long-term development.

Shand engages his long arms early in plays to access the offensive lineman’s chest and pry up their pad level. He drives good power through his hands but lacks the counters to put the finishing touch on his bull rushes. Shand primarily uses chops, long-arms, swipe-rips, swims, and two-handed swipes in his pass-rush plan.

Shand lacks the bend to flatten his rush path to the quarterback. His lack of fluidity impacts his balance and leads to too many reps on the ground. He’s a stiff, linear athlete who projects best in a rotational role at the next level.

Shand’s play strength lets him stack and shed single blockers in run defense, but he lacks the mass to hold the point of attack against double teams. He sometimes stacks blocks with a long-arm before using a swim counter to work past the offensive lineman. Shand’s raw power lets him torque linemen out of the gaps, which creates open lanes to the ball carrier.

There’s one last chance for Shand to don the LSU uniform in his college career. The 8-4 Tigers qualified for a bowl game. Many draft-eligible players skip bowl games, but Shand’s current draft stock might incentivize him to get as many reps on tape as possible.

Chiefs scouting report: Toledo Rockets S Maxen Hook

The Kansas City #Chiefs may look to target a player like Toledo #Rockets safety Maxen Hook in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs built one of the youngest secondaries in the NFL, but injuries and expiring contracts in 2025 and 2026 raise concerns. The Chiefs should continue acquiring and developing new talent in their secondary. One of Toledo’s safeties might catch the team’s attention in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Toledo Rockets defensive back Maxen Hook is a fifth-year college veteran and two-time team captain. He lacks elite size but is a respectable 6’1/2″, 207 lbs. with 32 1/8-inch arms. Those are verified measurements from Senior Bowl Director Jim Nagy. Hook projects as a fourth-round selection who could bump up a round if he aces the combine testing and interview portions of the pre-draft process.

According to Nagy, Hook ran the 40-yard dash in the mid-4.4s in the spring of 2023, which puts him on par with top 100 2024 NFL Draft prospects Cole Bishop, Javon Bullard, and Tykee Smith. Hook’s speed and range in coverage pop on tape, especially when Toledo asked him to play single-high safety.

Hook is a fluid athlete who excels working in space. He reads the quarterback’s eyes to step down and cut off intermediate throwing lanes. After so many years of high-level play, Hook has mastered fulfilling his assignments in coverage and taking proper angles to the football.

Hook’s athleticism and speed help him carry slot receivers vertically in off-man coverage. He’s more comfortable in zone assignments but has the speed and physicality to battle in close quarters.

Hook is a willing run defender with burst that helps him quickly close on the running back. His sideline-to-sideline range and terrific motor make him a threat to run down the ball carrier from anywhere on the field. He occasionally overruns plays in pursuit. Hook lacks the size and power to separate from blocks at a consistent level.

Hook committed to attending the Senior Bowl in early 2025. The event features three days of practice and concludes with a game between two teams comprised of the draft’s top prospects. Former Toledo star cornerback and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate Quinyon Mitchell attended the event last winter.

Chiefs scouting report: LSU Tigers DE Sai’vion Jones

The Kansas City #Chiefs could target LSU #Tigers defensive end Sai’vion Jones in the 2025 NFL draft.

An injury to Charles Omenihu revealed the Kansas City Chiefs’ lack of depth at defensive end. The team needs to bring in several potential contributors along the line to help boost the defense’s production, especially considering the offense’s recent struggles. The 2025 NFL Draft should give the Chiefs a chance to reload.

LSU Tigers defensive lineman Sai’vion Jones primarily aligns as a 4-tech in a three-point stance or a 5-tech in a two-point stance for the Tigers. His muscular frame and long arms stick out on tape. According to Senior Bowl Director Jim Nagy, Jones’s verified height and weight are 6’4 3/4″, 280 lbs., making him one of the few defenders in the class capable of playing defensive end or outside linebacker.

Jones’ pass rush plan is a work in progress. He lacks the bend to win around the corner consistently and doesn’t deploy hand counters to revive his rush once the offensive tackle gets into his frame. However, his foundation makes him a valuable Day 3 developmental option.

Jones uses club-swims, long-arms, pull-swims, rips, spins and two-handed swipes to pressure the quarterback. He counters into the B-gap when offensive tackles overset and is starting to develop secondary rush moves to keep himself alive late in plays.

Jones’ arm length helps him stack and shed blocks as a run defender. He pries up the offensive lineman’s pad level to win the leverage battle and hold the point of attack. Jones sets a nice edge to prevent outside runs and separates from blockers with good timing to pursue the ball.

The Tigers finished their season 8-4 and qualified for a bowl game. Whether or not Jones plans to play in that game is unknown. Jones and LSU teammates Zy Alexander, Greg Penn III, and Bradyn Swinson have committed to attending the East-West Shrine Bowl, an all-star event for top draft-eligible prospects in late January.

Chiefs scouting report: Cincinnati Bearcats LB Jake Golday

Cincinnati #Bearcats linebacker Jake Golday is a developmental prospect the Kansas City #Chiefs could select in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs need to add linebacker depth in the 2025 NFL draft to replace upcoming free agent Nick Bolton. The team’s current linebacker room can fill Bolton’s role in the short-term, but the Chiefs should look for some developmental options.

Cincinnati Bearcats standout Jake Golday is a tall 6’4″, 240 lb. linebacker with room on his frame to add weight. The Bearcats primarily line him up in the slot as a nickel or overhang defender. He plays mostly zone coverage from this alignment and occasionally blitzes. The Chiefs don’t need an overhang defender but can mold Golday’s physical tools to play him as a stacked linebacker.

Golday’s burst and straight-line speed stand out on tape. He triggers downhill quickly to attack short routes or make plays in the run game. His speed and high motor make him an effective pursuit-style linebacker. Golday delivers powerful hits as a tackler and finishes plays with good intensity.

Golday’s limited play strength impacts his ability to stack and shed blocks. He plays with the right demeanor in run defense but often finds himself stuck on blocks or displaced downfield.

Golday plays a limited coverage role in Cincinnati’s defense. He will take on a larger coverage menu at the NFL level, relying on his speed and range until his instincts catch up.

The Bearcats close their regular season at home with a game against the TCU Horned Frogs on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. CST. Cincinnati needs to win to become eligible for a bowl game.

Chiefs scouting report: Cincinnati Bearcats NT Dontay Corleone

The Kansas City #Chiefs should consider selecting Cincinnati #Bearcats nose tackle Dontay Corleone in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs need to add depth along their defensive line as several contributors prepare to enter free agency after the 2024 season. Selecting a run-stuffing nose tackle in the 2025 NFL draft would free up Chris Jones to focus on rushing the passer and fill a position of need.

Cincinnati Bearcats lineman Dontay Corleone is one of the shortest nose tackles in the 2025 class, but he’s a ball of muscle and power. According to The Athletics’ Bruce Feldman, Corleone benches 485 lbs., squats 605 lbs., and deadlifts 700 lbs. He projects as a two-down lineman who focuses on anchoring at the point of attack to clog run lanes.

Corleone’s naturally low pad level, thick frame, and wide base make him difficult to displace. Single blockers can’t shake his foundation. Double teams occasionally move Corleone off the line, but he wins his share of those battles.

Corleone dominates when isolated against centers. He drives excellent power through his precise hands to uproot linemen and reset the line of scrimmage. Corleone stuns centers with his powerful punches and arm extensions. Despite lacking ideal arm length, Corleone possesses the strength to discard blockers at will in the run game.

Corleone moves with surprising burst for his size but looks a little slower in 2024 compared to previous years. This might be due to an issue with blood clots shortening his offseason prep period. His agility and speed will improve if he shaves some bad weight off his frame.

Corleone primarily serves as a run-stopping force on the interior, but he disrupts the passing game by driving centers into the pocket and forcing the quarterback to roll out.

The Bearcats host the TCU Horned Frogs in their final game of the season on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. CST.

Chiefs scouting report: Arizona Wildcats CB Tacario Davis

Arizona #Wildcats cornerback Tacario Davis could be a target for the Kansas City #Chiefs in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs suffered several injuries in their cornerback room this season that exposed a lack of depth. Expect general manager Brett Veach to target reinforcements in the 2025 NFL draft.

Arizona Wildcats standout Tacario Davis is a young, tall cornerback prospect with excellent arm length that helps him jam and re-route wide receivers. He uses patient footwork in off-man and zone assignments to mirror smaller, more agile receivers. Davis’ long legs and tall frame lead to some natural stiffness, but he flips his hips well for a cornerback with his build.

Davis absorbs routes at the top of the stem in off-man coverage and uses his arm length advantage to deter throws. He drives receivers toward the sideline on vertical routes, which narrows the throwing window. Davis lacks elite speed but offers sufficient juice to stay in phase and carry most receivers vertically.

Davis’ tools suggest he fits the mold of a press corner, but some of the limitations created by his size make him a better fit for zone assignments early in his career. He will play more press coverage once he perfects his technique and drives more power through his jams.

Davis is still developing his instincts in zone coverage, but his flashes of recognizing and attempting to jump routes suggest he’s headed in the right direction. He makes the most of his length at the catch point. Davis plays the ball from unique angles and blots out the sun in jump ball situations. He rakes the receiver’s hands to strip potential receptions.

Arizona hosts the No. 16 Arizona Sun Devils in the 98th edition of the Territorial Cup on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CST.