Tag: Tee Higgins

ESPN’s Todd McShay changes Bills’ selection in post-combine mock draft

ESPN NFL Draft expert Todd McShay has Buffalo Bills select Clemson WR Tee Higgins in post-scouting combine mock draft.

Following the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, ESPN NFL Draft guru Todd McShay has changed his mind on the Buffalo Bills, sort of.

During the combine, he said the Bills should address their offense.

“They’ve got to get more consistent now in the passing game. I think they’ve got to get some depth and future, if you will, in the running back position, wide receiver, and playmakers on the offensive side, to go along with Josh Allen and that big arm,” McShay said.

Prior to the workouts, he pegged a running back to the Bills, Georgia’s D’Andre Swift at pick No. 22. In McShay’s post-combine mock draft, the Bills stay on offense, but this time the pick is Clemson wide receiver Tee Higgins.

Here’s how McShay explains it:

Let’s find Josh Allen a receiver to pair with John Brown. I thought about Brandon Aiyuk (Arizona State), but his game is very similar to Brown’s. What the Bills want instead is a big, strong receiver who can make tough contested catches and create matchup problems in the red zone. Enter Higgins, with his 6-4, 216-pound frame. He will come down with any ball thrown his way and then make defenders miss with his strength. The Bills also will be looking for offensive linemen, but the value isn’t right at No. 22. And while they could also use a running back to pair with Devin Singletary, that’s a position that can be addressed on Day 2.

At the combine, Higgins interviewed with reporters but decided not to partake in workouts. That’s not surprising as many top prospects decided to do that in an effort to not hurt their draft stock. Higgins is likely a mid-to-late first-round pick at the 2020 draft, which is right in the Bills’ wheelhouse. Higgins cited his extended season with Clemson playing for the national title as a reason why he sat out, too.

Amongst Bills observers, Higgins’ size is exactly what makes him an intriguing prospect. Although he didn’t run the 40-yard dash at the combine, he said his goal was to run a 4.4-second time in it. He might do so at Clemson’s pro day.

In McShay’s mock draft, Higgins is the fifth wideout selected in the draft. Among those who are selected before him is LSU’s Justin Jefferson. Jefferson is another bigger receiver prospect and the Eagles select him at pick No. 21, right before Buffalo’s selection. Unlike Higgins, Jefferson did opt to take part in some of the combine’s event and his stock soared after he posted a 4.43 40-yard time.

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Broncos hope to get better at WR through the NFL draft

“There’s a deep class at wide receiver this year so we’ll continue to hopefully get better there,” Broncos GM John Elway said last week.

There are 24 wide receivers on Draft Wire’s big board of the top 150 prospects entering the 2020 NFL draft. This year’s draft is a deep wide receiver class and the Broncos are likely to take advantage of that.

“Obviously there’s a bunch of receivers as everybody’s alluded to,” Denver coach Vic Fangio said at the combine on Tuesday. Fangio went on to note that many pundits often dub certain positions as “deep classes” even when they aren’t.

“Whereas — it seems to me that wide receiver [actually] is a deep group because there’s people that you kind of have a liking for that might be there in most of the rounds,” Fangio said.

The Broncos already have one Pro Bowl wide receiver in Courtland Sutton but general manager John Elway wants to give quarterback Drew Lock a few more weapons.

“We’re always going to try and surround the quarterback with people that he can be successful with and also protect him,” Elway said Tuesday. “There’s a deep class at wide receiver this year so we’ll continue to hopefully get better there too.”

Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs, Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb, Colorado’s Laviska Shenault, TCU’s Jalen Reagor, Clemson’s Tee Higgins and LSU’s Justin Jefferson are among the top WRs in this year’s class.

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Winners and losers from Day 1 of the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine

The Baltimore Ravens are paying close attention to the results of the 2020 NFL Combine to see which players might rise or fall to them.

The first day of drills happened at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine yesterday. The quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends ran through the gauntlet in front of scouts and general managers in an effort to help their stock in the 2020 NFL Draft.

For some, they exceeded expectations and might have put themselves in a better position come draft day. For others, they failed to impress and could have pushed themselves down teams’ draft boards. So let’s see which players the Ravens could be interested in won and lost on the first day of the 2020 NFL Combine.

Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Winner: WR Chase Claypool, Notre Dame

As a big-bodied wide receiver with decent hands and good route running, Claypool was a prime target for Baltimore in the second or third round. But Claypool was the winner of the 2020 NFL Combine thanks to outstanding measurements.

At 6-foot-4 and 238 pounds, Claypool’s 4.42-second 40-yard dash was blisteringly fast considering his size. His 40.5-inch high jump ranked fourth among wide receivers and shows how explosive he can be in the lower half. Basically, Claypool proved he’s the big, physical receiver he showed on film but also proved he’s got deceptive speed as well.

The fact Claypool’s combine performance is being compared favorably to Clavin Johnson is probably all you actually need to hear.

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Winners and losers from Thursday’s scouting combine drills

Here’s who showed out — and who should have stayed home — during Thursday’s scouting combine drills.

The scouting combine is but one element of the evaluation process for any draft prospect, though it’s an incredibly important one. If you blow it in team interviews or on the field for drills, it can absolutely affect your stock. And we all have our favorite combine performers whose feats put them in a different stratosphere in the eyes of NFL teams.

With that in mind, here’s who showed out — and perhaps who should have stayed home — during the Thursday combine drills that featured quarterbacks, tight ends, and receivers.

Winners

Jalen Hurts, QB, Alabama/Oklahoma

(Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports)

Hurts transferred from Alabama to Oklahoma following Tua Tagovailoa’s ascent with the Crimson Tide, and put up a career yards per attempt average of 9.1, and 80 touchdowns to 20 interceptions in two of the most schematically rigorous NCAA offenses. Still, concerns about his defensive recognition and hesitation when his first read is covered will linger.

Hurts did as much as he could to eliminate those issues in Indianapolis, running a 4.59 40-yard dash — the second-fastest time for any quarterback behind Hawaii’s Cole McDonald — and showing off-season work in the passing drills.

Hurts looked good on the short and intermediate throws that required timing and anticipation, but I was especially impressed by his ability to throw deep balls with touch, arc, timing, and accuracy. There are those who will tell you that Hurts could succeed in a dual role like a Taysom Hill. I think Hurts has developed beyond that. He may not be an immediate starter, but Hurts has the potential to put it all together in more than a gimmicky future.

Chase Claypool. WR/TE, Notre Dame

(Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports)

On Monday, Claypool measured at 6-foot-4 and 238 pounds, with a 9 7/8″ hand size, 32 4/8″ arm length, and an 80-inch wingspan. Claypool’s body type has a lot of NFL people thinking of moving him to a “Y” tight end, removed from the formation in a Travis Kelce style.

“I really haven’t put a lot of thought into that because I’ve been a receiver this whole time,” Claypool said this week. “But it’s something that I think could add versatility to my game. Right now, I’m just focused on being the best receiver I can be.”

Well, it worked out on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium, as Claypool ran a 4.42 40-yard dash and put together a 40.5-inch vertical jump and a 126-inch broad jump. This particular statistic puts Claypool’s evening in perspective.

If you’re in Megatron’s class, that’s a good landmark going forward.

Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan

(Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports)

The combine worked out very well for Peoples-Jones, who caught 103 passes for 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns over three years for the Wolverines in a limited passing offense. While he struggled to gain separation on the field, Peoples-Jones set himself apart with his measurements on this field.

This won’t eliminate the questions about his game tape, but it’ll have people talking more about him as more than a career backup.

Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU

(Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports)

Before he ran his drills on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium, Justin Jefferson got a little moral support from his quarterback — a guy whose name may be familiar.

Yeah, well, it worked. Jefferson, who exploded in 2019 with 111 catches for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns in LSU’s national championship campaign last season, continued that momentum with a 4.43 40-yard dash at 6-foot-1 and 202 pounds. He also posted a 37.5-inch vertical jump and a 126-inch broad jump.

Moreover, Jefferson was aggressive and definitive when making his catches, especially in the gauntlet drill. Jefferson came into this environment with an obvious confidence that permeated his performance, and he likely made himself some money tonight, because everything you saw in the drills transfers to the tape.

Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor

(Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

At 6-foot-3 and 207 pounds, Mims established himself through four years at Baylor as one of the most aggressive deep threats and blocking receivers in the nation. He caught 186 passes for 2,925 yards and 28 touchdowns, and though the drop rate spoke to some focus issues through his collegiate career, there was no questioning his focus during the combine drills. Mims had a 38.5-inch vertical leap and a 10’11” broad jump, and both of his 40 times were in the 4.4 radius. Mims will have to develop his route tree beyond slants and go routes at the NFL level, but he did a lot to establish his athletic potential here in Indianapolis — especially after his strong Senior Bowl week.

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Tee Higgins provides surprising remark on combine meeting with Patriots

“I like those guys.”

INDIANAPOLIS — The New England Patriots scouts and staffers have made news during the 2020 NFL combine with challenging interviews, whether they’re asking tough questions about quarterback Tom Brady or presenting a generally intimidating air or pointing out a prospect’s losing attitude.

But there are generally exceptions to the rule. Clemson receiver Tee Higgins’ informal interview with New England was … painless?

“I like those guys (the Patriots), they’re real cool and relaxing, they make me feel comfortable,” Higgins told reporters in Indianapolis during a press conference on Tuesday. “Some coaches can be all intimidating and get you on the books right away, but they just talked to me and got me comfortable.”

Comfortable? That’s not exactly what we’ve been hearing about the meetings with New England. But perhaps Higgins caught a Patriots’ staffer on a good day. Interestingly, he admitted the rest of the week hasn’t been as much of a breeze.

“It’s a lot being thrown at us but it’s a once in a lifetime thing, so you got to enjoy it … it’s just a lot of sitting and waiting, you got to be patient. It’s just testing your patience,” he said, adding later, “A lot of teams want to know my background, but a lot of teams want to know what I’m gonna bring to the team, my strengths and my weaknesses, stuff like that.”

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5 offensive prospects for Jaguars fans to watch at the NFL Scouting Combine

The Jags need help on the offensive side and Tee Higgins will be just one of many players at the combine for fans to watch Thursday.

The offensive prospects will take the field Thursday and Friday for the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine. That’s a side of the ball where the Jacksonville Jaguars need a lot of help, so needless to say, fans will be glued to their television sets.

All of that said, here are four prospects with first round grades to watch on the offensive end who could end up being drafted by the Jags come draft day:

Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

Simply put, despite Dave Caldwell’s comments about liking the Jags’ offensive line, the bottom line is they need upgrades there. It remains to be seen if they will move Cam Robinson from left tackle, but at the least, they need to add a new starter at guard.

Tristan Wirfs has mostly started at right tackle, however, the Jags are unlikely to stop the development of Jawaan Taylor at that spot as he settled down late in the season and flashed. Instead, drafting Wirfs to play right guard might be an option as A.J. Cann hasn’t really developed like most had hoped.

Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

Again, it’s unknown if whether the Jags will move Robinson this year, but I’ll give you one reason they should: Andrew Thomas.

Thomas is a massive player at 6-foot-5, 320 pounds, and is a strong run blocker and a mountain to get around in pass protection. Draft pundits have concerns about his technique, however, the Jags have an offensive line coach as their head coach in Doug Marrone, who can help Thomas develop over time.

Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

This year’s receivers class is one many feel is the strongest and deepest we’ve seen in some time, which is good for the Jags who need help beside DJ Chark Jr. The second-year receiver exploded in 2020 and became a Pro Bowler but it was clear he needed another receiver to take the pressure off him down the stretch.

Henry Ruggs is a player with speed for days and some believe he’ll run a 4.2 in the 40-yard dash. He’s also a player who would set the league on fire if paired with Chark. With Caldwell being great at drafting receivers, Ruggs definitely could be an option in the first round as the Jags look to build around Gardner Minshew II.

Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson

Tee Higgins is another baller from this 2020 receivers class and has great size. At 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, he’d bring that Allen Robinson-like presence the Jags have missed since the young receiver departed via free agency. He can go up and pluck the ball and is very smooth as a route runner. Those a traits that could take Minshew to the next level.

Higgins said that his goal for the 40-yard dash will be to run in the 4.4s, and if he does, the Jags need to heavily consider him for the No. 20 pick or perhaps making a trade to get him sooner.

Solomon Kindley, OG, Georgia

Jags fans should be well aware of this young man as he is a Jacksonville native. Solomon Kindley was dominant in the trenches for the Bulldogs over the span of the last three years, especially as a run blocker. When looking at his physical style, he reflects what the Jags want in a lineman and he would be just what the doctor ordered for Leonard Fournette between the tackles.

He was one of the players who revealed he’s met with the Jags this week, and clearly their interest should be genuine. It will be interesting to see what he does in the strength related drills because the power is clearly there on tape.

Broncos spoke with WR Tee Higgins at NFL combine

Clemson wide receiver Tee Higgins had an informal meeting with the Broncos at the NFL combine.

The Denver Broncos had an informal meeting with Clemson wide receiver Tee Higgins at the NFL combine this week, according to a report from The Athletic‘s Nicki Jhabvala. NFL teams are allowed to have 18-minute “formal” interviews with 45 players at the combine — the conversation with Higgins was not one of those meetings.

Higgins (6-4, 215 pounds) caught 118 passes for 2,103 yards and 25 touchdowns during his final two seasons with the Tigers. He also had one rush for 36 yards and another score.

Higgins is the 36th-best player and sixth-best wide receiver in this year’s class, according to Luke Easterling’s 2020 NFL draft big board for Draft Wire. Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy (No. 8) and Henry Ruggs III (No. 12), Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb (No. 9), Colorado’s Laviska Shenault (No. 25) and TCU’s Jalen Reagor (No. 33) are the only WRs ranked higher than Higgins on Draft Wire’s big board.

Higgins is projected to be selected sometime between the first and second rounds of the draft, according to Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com.

Denver is clearly interested in WRs this offseason. Broncos general manager John Elway noted earlier this week that he wants to build the roster around young QB Drew Lock. Giving him a weapon like Higgins to pair up with Pro Bowler Courtland Sutton would be a wise move by Elway.

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Clemson wide-receiver Tee Higgins believes Ohio State DB Jeff Okudah is a top five pick

Clemson wide receiver Tee Higgins got to see Ohio State DB Jeff Okudah close up in the Fiesta Bowl. He agrees Okudah is a top-five pick.

It’s time for all the sound bites, workouts, and fast-men running really fast down a runway in tights. It’s the annual NFL Scouting Combine, and as usual, Ohio State has no shortage of participants.

One of the guys hoping to put up a strong showing and become an early first round pick at the 2020 NFL Draft is defensive back Jeff Okudah. Most draft experts have him going as a top-five pick and there’s good reason for it. Okudah is fast, long and has elite ball skills.

If you don’t believe the expert draft analysts, then how about one of the best wide receivers in the country that went toe-to-toe with him?

Clemson receiver Tee Higgins was asked about Okudah in front of the media today and had some glowing things to say about him. Higgins and Okudah met in the Fiesta Bowl, often with Okudah having the responsibility of checking the Tigers’ best wide receiver.

“Man, that guy is really good,” said Higgins. They say he’s a top-five guy, and I can see why.”

Although Higgins missed a lot of time in the Fiesta Bowl because of an apparent injury, he was still in the game long enough to understand and get a feel for what Okudah can do close up.

Everyone seems to agree; Jeff Okudah is going early on draft day and will be an elite player for somebody’s secondary.

Eagles could make waves in NFL Draft by trading up in 1st-round for a player they covet

Eagles could trade up in the 2020 NFL Draft for a player they covet

The Philadelphia Eagles are looking to “retool” and get much younger during this 2020 free agent and NFL Draft season.

While addressing the media at the Combine on Tuesday, Howie Roseman made it clear that his team wasn’t preparing for a rebuild, but more of a retool of sorts.

The Birds could make a huge move or two in free agency by targeting Byron Jones or Amari Cooper.

The biggest waves could be made in the NFL Draft, where according to Jeff McLane of The Inquirer, the Birds could channel their 2016 energy, using picks to move up and select the player they covet such as Jerry Jeudy or Henry Ruggs III.

With 10 picks in this year’s draft, the Eagles can stockpile talent, or because they don’t have many open roster spots, they could utilize the ammunition to trade up in the draft and grab a player they covet in the first or second round.

“As we sit here, we would love to say that we’re going to be having 10 picks, but there were moments in the last two drafts, when there were guys within [trading up] reach, that we would want to move up [for], and we just didn’t have the ammunition to do it,” Roseman said. “So if there is a guy still that we thought was an incredibly high value, and we could go up and go get him, we couldn’t take that off the table.”

The Eagles will be aggressive in free agency and the draft, adding even more intrigue to an already exciting offseason.

Giants’ Dexter Lawrence helped Tee Higgins prepare for NFL Combine

Clemson WR Tee Higgins said his former teammate, New York Giants DT Dexter Lawrence, helped advise him on the 2020 NFL Combine.

The New York Giants are interested in bringing in one more home run-hitting offensive threat in this draft to join their already impressive arsenal of wide receivers Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton, Golden Tate, tight end Evan Engram and running back Saquon Barkley.

One player they are interested in is Clemson wide receiver Tee Higgins, a 6-foot-4 monster who could add an ungovernable dimension to their passing attack.

Higgins is about to raise his draft stock a bit by displaying his enormous physical ability at the NFL Combine. Eyes will be opened and, combined with his tape, will jettison him up a lot of teams’ draft boards. Some scouts are comparing him to Julio Jones and A.J. Green. The Giants could use a player like that, no?

Higgins, who caught a pass in every college game he started for the Tigers, met the media on Tuesday in Indianapolis and cited former Clemson teammate Dexter Lawrence — now a New York Giant — as a player he confides in.

More ammunition for the “trade back” strategy with the No. 4 overall pick. There’s a ton of talent in this draft, so why not get a few extra high picks and capitalize? Oh, that’s right. Dave Gettleman is the general manager. He doesn’t do such things.

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