Tag: scouting report

Za’Darius Smith: What the Lions are getting in their new EDGE

Breaking down new Detroit Lions EDGE Za’Darius Smith and what the Lions are getting in the veteran pass rusher

The Detroit Lions traded to bring in veteran EDGE Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns. Adding Smith helps stabilize a Detroit defensive line that has lost both starting EDGEs for the season and also other key reserves at times in recent weeks, leaving the Lions pass rush anemically thin.

Smith is probably a familiar name to Lions fans after he spent the 2019-2021 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, and then also played the 2022 season in Minnesota. He hit double-digit sacks in all three seasons where he played, missing all but one game of the 2021 campaign with a back injury.

Smith openly chastised the Packers organization for how they handled his injury, going so far as to sign with the Vikings specifically to play against Green Bay twice a year. That’s a good peek at the mindset Smith brings into Detroit.

What the Lions are getting in Za’Darius Smith

Smith is an ideal athletic fit for what the Lions covet in an EDGE. The 32-year-old is 6-foot-4 and 275 pounds and can play either standing up or with a hand in the dirt on either side of the formation. In Cleveland the last two seasons, with Jim Schwartz as his defensive coordinator, Smith has primarily played standing up on the side opposite Myles Garrett.

Smith can still “crush the can” as a pass rusher, blasting off the line into the tackle and driving into the backfield. His powerful arms allow him to push off the tackle and make a secondary move to either side. Similar to now-injured Lions starter Marcus Davenport, Smith has enough lateral quickness to help lure a blocker off-balance with a step or a shoulder feign and then the strength to capitalize off it.

He’s probably lost a half-step of quickness and closing burst in the last couple of seasons. That could be more of an issue in Detroit than it was in playing with Myles Garrett, because the Lions lack the finisher to terminate a pressure Smith creates but can’t finish on his own. This play from Week 8 is a good example; Smith (No. 99 at LDE) creates the sack for a teammate:

 

Still, Smith has five sacks on the season, including one of Chargers QB Justin Herbert on Sunday. If he gets a paw on the QB (or RB in the backfield), the play typically ends. It is worth noting that his missed tackle rate has spiked up in the last two seasons; per PFF it’s currently above 21 percent in 2024.

He’s been lauded for his leadership at every stop along the way, going back to his time with the Baltimore Ravens. Smith began his career in Baltimore as a fourth-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Like current Lions EDGE Josh Paschal, Smith played collegiately at Kentucky.

Expect Smith to start right away and play full-time reps as the new primary EDGE pass rusher in Detroit. As a side benefit, that means players like Paschal and Al-Quadin Muhammad are going to be relied upon for less.

 

Chiefs scouting report: Iowa Hawkeyes LB Jay Higgins

The Kansas City #Chiefs could target Iowa #Hawkeyes linebacker Jay Higgins on the final day of the 2025 NFL draft.

Linebacker is the weakest and thinnest position on Kansas City’s defense. Nick Bolton hitting free agency after this season won’t help the situation. The Chiefs need to take stock of the top linebackers in the 2025 NFL draft and invest in some depth pieces.

Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Jay Higgins projects as a mid-round selection who could slide to the late fifth or mid-sixth round of the draft. He led all FBS defenders with 171 combined tackles last season, serving as the fixer of Iowa’s talented defense. He totaled more than 500 career special teams snaps across five different units in college, which paved the way for him to see action early in his NFL career.

Higgins lacks elite physical traits. His open-field speed, agility, arm length and frame don’t turn heads, but he plays with an elite motor. Higgins races with urgency to get outside the numbers and make plays along the sidelines. He shows off some burst to close ground and help his defensive backs make plays in space.

Higgins operates in shallow zone drops and prefers to keep receiving targets in front of him. He occasionally matches up with tight ends in off-man coverage over the slot. Higgins quickly closes on pass catchers to limit opportunities after the catch. He arrives with nice power and is an efficient wrap-up tackler.

Higgins’ athletic concerns show up in man coverage. His footwork appears heavy in coverage, and he lacks the straight-line speed and twitch to match NFL-caliber pass-catchers in space. He projects best as a high-motor prospect who rotates into the formation on run downs.

The Hawkeyes face Wisconsin at home on Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. The Badgers dropped their last game against Penn State last weekend, while Iowa defeated Northwestern.

Chiefs scouting report: Iowa Hawkeyes CB Jermari Harris

The Kansas City #Chiefs should have Iowa #Hawkeyes cornerback Jermari Harris on their radar for the 2025 NFL draft.

After dealing with the consequences of starter Jaylen Watson landing on injured reserve, the Kansas City Chiefs could add more cornerback depth in the 2025 NFL draft. The team’s third and fourth-round selections put it in a strong position to add complementary pieces to its defense this coming spring.

Iowa Hawkeyes cornerback Jermari Harris’ arms meet the league’s thresholds and help him deploy one-armed stabs in press coverage to re-route receivers. His quick and smooth feet help him patiently mirror wide receiver releases. He makes sharp and sometimes twitchy cuts to stay attached to advanced releases.

Harris accelerates quickly to carry receivers vertically but lacks the elite top speed to match burners. His recovery burst helps him get back into the second half of routes when he loses off the line. Harris is a smooth mover with limited tightness in his hips, but he allows some separation as he attempts to decelerate on intermediate comeback routes.

Harris anticipates routes well in both man and zone coverage. He excels at closing on short to intermediate routes to contest throwing lanes. Harris’ impressive ball production reflects how well he tracks and plays the football at the catch point.

Harris’ physical profile makes him a viable option in man coverage, and his processing helps him succeed in zone concepts. He seamlessly transitions between threats in zone and uses his understanding of route concepts to bait quarterbacks into bad throws.

Iowa welcomes Wisconsin to Kinnick Stadium for a 6:30 p.m. night game on Saturday, Nov. 2. The Badgers are on their second quarterback after starter Tyler Van Dyke went down with a season-ending knee injury earlier this year.

Chiefs scouting report: Georgia Bulldogs OL Dylan Fairchild

Georgia #Bulldogs guard Dylan Fairchild could be on the Kansas City #Chiefs radar in the 2025 NFL draft.

The best offensive lines in the NFL stay on top by churning through talent in the draft and landing quality depth pieces in the late rounds. The Kansas City Chiefs selected three offensive linemen last year and should add more trench players through the 2025 NFL draft.

Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Dylan Fairchild will enter the draft with experience at both guard spots. He is a barrel-chested former high school state champion wrestler who thrives grappling with defensive linemen in the trenches. Fairchild gains good width and depth in his pass set. He waits patiently for defensive linemen to enter his range before engaging with powerful extensions and punches.

Fairchild re-anchors against power rushers with his wide base and strong core. His down-to-down consistency suffers from breakdowns in his hand usage and footwork, but he makes highlight reel takedowns in pass protection.

Fairchild looks for work when a defensive lineman doesn’t line up across from him. He swivels to help his center and left tackle by taking rib shots on nose tackles and edge rushers. This aggressiveness translates to the run game. Fairchild works to the defense’s second level and takes smaller defenders for rides on long, forceful blocks.

Fairchild’s lack of arm length and average agility cause some issues in pass protection. Long-limbed defenders gain easy access to his frame, and twitchy rushers weave around his pass set.

Fairchild projects as a fifth or early sixth-round selection on the last day of the draft, but he might go a little earlier because of Georgia’s offensive line pedigree.

After a big win against Texas two weeks ago, the Bulldogs welcome Florida to Athens, Ga. for the first of four remaining home games on their schedule. The game kicks off at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Chiefs scouting report: Florida State Seminoles CB Azareye’h Thomas

Florida State #Seminoles cornerback Azareye’h Thomas could be an early target for the Kansas City #Chiefs in the 2025 NFL draft.

Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and his unit continue battering opposing offenses, but an injury to cornerback Jaylen Watson pushed former seventh-round pick Nazeeh Johnson into the starting lineup. Kansas City’s secondary performs at a high level, but the Chiefs should look into adding more cornerback talent and depth through the draft.

Florida State Seminoles cornerback Azareye’h Thomas is a physical marvel with a tall 6’2″, 198 lb. frame and long arms that should surpass the league’s thresholds. He is a high-end version of the height, weight, and speed combination the Chiefs pursued at cornerback in past drafts.

Thomas uses poised footwork and fluid hips to mirror wide receivers at the line of scrimmage. He uses his long arms and sturdy punches to re-route receivers and drive them toward the sideline. He lacks elite downfield speed but is fast enough to carry most receivers vertically out of press coverage.

Thomas’ pattern matching and anticipation of routes set him apart from other cornerbacks in the class. He accelerates and decelerates at rare rates for a cornerback with his frame, which allows him to stick with shiftier receivers.

Thomas uses his anticipation and closing burst to undercut slants and crossing routes for pass breakups or interceptions. He plays tight to the receiver and allows limited separation going through sharp breaks. Thomas times his contact at the catch point well and rakes the receiver’s hands to pry the ball out.

Thomas is one of the youngest defensive back prospects in the class and is in his first season as a full-time starter for Florida State. His upside might elevate him out of Kansas City’s reach in the draft.

Florida State hosts North Carolina on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 2:30 p.m. The Tar Heels are 1-4 in their last five games, making this Florida State’s best chance to earn its second win of the season.

Chiefs scouting report: Central Arkansas Bears LB David Walker

The Kansas City #Chiefs could target Central Arkansas Bears outside linebacker David Walker in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs recently traded for Joshua Uche from the New England Patriots. Uche adds depth and some extra juice to Kansas City’s pass rush, but he hits free agency after the 2024 season.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach could search for more long-term pass rush production by adding new talent through the 2025 NFL draft.

Central Arkansas Bears linebacker David Walker, who recently earned Reese’s Senior Bowl Defensive Player of the Week honors, is an intriguing prospect capable of generating production early in his career.

Walker wins the natural leverage battle at 6’2″, 260 lbs. He explodes off the line of scrimmage to push offensive tackles vertically or exchange gaps quickly. Walker generates pop on contact to knock linemen backward and create space for rushes through the B-gap. He showcases some twitch to elude blockers and leave offensive linemen grasping at air.

Walker’s pass rush plan includes two-handed swipes, rips, ghosts, swims and speed to power. He attacks and deconstructs pass blocks with ferocious and hyperactive hands. Walker wins on the outside track with his initial burst and by sinking his hips at the top of the stem to bend around the corner.

Walker plays with a high motor in run defense. He starts on the backside of run plays and tears across the back of the offensive line to make tackles on the play’s frontside. Walker rips at the ball to strip the carrier during the tackle. He forced three fumbles against North Alabama earlier this year.

Walker’s arm length and competition level limit his ceiling as a prospect. He faces nothing close to NFL-caliber players at Central Arkansas, and his arms measure below 32 inches. Many teams won’t draft offensive or defensive linemen in the top 100 unless their arms are 33 inches or longer.

Central Arkansas goes on the road to face Utah Tech on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 3:00 p.m.

Chiefs scouting report: Purdue Boilermakers OT Marcus Mbow

The Kansas City #Chiefs should consider selecting Purdue #Boilermakers offensive tackle Marcus Mbow in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs found a gem when they selected Trey Smith in the sixth round in 2021. Smith is one of the league’s best run-blocking guards, but he will enter free agency in 2025. His next contract’s average annual salary could price him out of Kansas City’s range and send the Chiefs back to the draft.

Purdue offensive lineman Marcus Mbow plays right tackle for the Boilermakers but projects best as a guard at the next level because he lacks the length and weight of a traditional offensive tackle. He suffered a significant season-ending leg injury in 2023 but is performing at a high level this year.

Mbow is an explosive athlete who quickly gets out of the blocks at the snap. His range in pass protection allows him to drive rushers up and around the pocket. Mbow possesses a surprisingly sturdy anchor for his build. He wears down power rushers gradually until the defender’s leg drive stalls.

Mbow posted elite tape against Oregon earlier this season. He attacked the Ducks with his polished, combative hands. Few offensive linemen in the 2025 class use as many counters and snatch-traps as Mbow. Even Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon ended up on the turf when facing Mbow.

Mbow’s movement skills and ferocity translate to the run game. He is one of the quickest linemen in space in the past few draft cycles. Mbow hunts down linebackers and introduces them to his mauler mentality.  He plays through the whistle with elite effort.

The Boilermakers play their next game at home against Northwestern on November 2 at 11 a.m CST. Wildcats star pass rusher Anto Saka is a notorious big game hunter who embarrassed eventual 2024 NFL draft picks Graham Barton and Caedan Wallace last season. The matchup between Mbow and Saka will be must-see TV.

Chiefs scouting report: LSU Tigers G Miles Frazier

The Kansas City #Chiefs could target LSU #Tigers starter Miles Frazier to add depth to their offensive line in the 2025 NFL draft.

Star Kansas City Chiefs right guard Trey Smith becomes an unrestricted free agent after the 2024 season. Spotrac puts Smith’s calculated market value at $17.9 million per season, which would rank eighth among annual salaries for guards. That’s a hefty price tag Kansas City might bypass in favor of adding new talent through the draft.

LSU guard Miles Frazier primarily plays right guard for the Tigers but started at left guard and left tackle in past seasons. If he stays healthy, he’ll enter the NFL with more than 3,000 offensive snaps in college, making him one of the most experienced prospects in the class.

Frazier’s frame sticks out on tape. His thick, powerful build makes him a brick wall in pass protection. Even when defenders get into his frame, they struggle to bull rush and break his anchor. Frazier needs to clean up his hand usage, but he deploys a sudden clamp that defenders struggle to escape.

Frazier explodes out of his stance and uses his vision to diagnose stunts and blitzes quickly. He plays through the whistle and looks for ways to support his teammates.

Frazier is a fourth or fifth-round-caliber prospect who primarily offers value in pass protection. His size and leg drive help him create some big plays in the run game, but he creates limited vertical displacement for running backs. Frazier needs to play to his size and show better balance as a run blocker.

The Tigers travel to College Station to face Texas A&M at 6:30 p.m. CST on October 26. LSU (3-0) and Texas A&M (4-0) are the only SEC teams without a loss to a conference opponent. The Aggies feature several NFL prospects along their defensive line, including defensive tackle Shemar Turner.

Chiefs scouting report: LSU Tigers WR Kyren Lacy

LSU #Tigers wide receiver Kyren Lacy could develop into a star with the Kansas City #Chiefs if they select him in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs recently traded for veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to patch up their wide receiver room. The Chiefs have five wide receivers, including Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown, Mecole Hardman, Hopkins, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Justin Watson, who become unrestricted free agents at the end of the season.

The age and injury risk factors Brown, Hopkins, and Smith-Schuster carry suggest Kansas City will bypass re-signing their veteran wide receivers in favor of adding fresh faces in the NFL draft.

LSU Tigers wideout Kyren Lacy sports an impressive frame with good height, density, and arm length. He played in the slot and out wide at LSU and should see snaps in both roles at the next level. Lacy fires off the line and accelerates to his top speed quickly. He lacks elite vertical speed but stretches defenses downfield and creates some one-on-one opportunities on go routes.

Lacy creates problems for cornerbacks on post routes against two-high coverage shells. He stems his route outside and sells the defender on a corner route before breaking across their face into the open middle of the field. Lacy finds most of his success working the vertical elements of his route tree.

Lacy projects as a mid-Day 3 selection. He rounds his routes that require more complex cuts and generates average separation on curls and digs. He lacks the dynamic athleticism to elude defenders and create significant yardage after the catch.

LSU faces a tough challenge this week. The Tigers go on the road to play Texas A&M at College Station at 6:30 p.m. CST on October 26. Both programs are 6-0 after losing their season openers. Aggies cornerback Will Lee III is a potential top-100 selection. Matching up with Lee will be one of Lacy’s toughest tests this season.

Chiefs scouting report: Bowling Green Falcons TE Harold Fannin Jr.

The Kansas City #Chiefs should consider selecting Bowling Green #Falcons tight end Harold Fannin Jr. in the 2025 NFL draft.

Andy Reid is one of the NFL’s most creative play callers, but his offense hasn’t found its rhythm through the air this season. Age and injuries are hounding Kansas City’s pass catchers. It’s time for the Chiefs to land some significant contributors in the NFL draft to keep their championship window open.

Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin Jr. isn’t a typical prospect at his position. He lacks the mass to provide consistent help as an in-line blocker in the NFL but takes snaps for the Falcons in-line, in the slot, out wide, at H-back and in the gun for wildcat plays. Fannin is a mismatch creator. Linebackers can’t match his acceleration and speed, and defensive backs struggle to bring him down in space.

Fannin flies past linebackers in zone and finds the soft spot between the defense’s second and third levels. He’s an impressive route runner with quick feet and bend to sink his hips at the top of the stem and make sharp cuts. That lower body fluidity and agility help him elude defenders in space and generate yards after the catch.

Fannin’s explosiveness and dynamic athleticism take over after the catch. He uses euro steps, dead legs and jump cuts to avoid would-be tacklers and drives his legs through contact for extra yardage. Bowling Green gives Fannin a mix of schemed touches and traditional routes.

Fannin enters Week 9 of the college season with 60 receptions for 873 yards and five touchdowns. He’s third among all FBS players in both receptions and receiving yards. For context, only seven players have more than 700 receiving yards this season. Penn State’s Tyler Warren and Ball State’s Tanner Koziol are the only other tight ends with more than 500 receiving yards this year.

Bowling Green plays on the road against Toledo at 2:30 p.m. CST on Oct. 26. The Rockets’ defense features several NFL prospects, including safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.